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OF

QUEENS COUNTY

(LONG ISLAND)
NEW YORK

Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent
and Representative Gitizens of the Gounty.

Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents
of theF United States,

NEW YORK AND CHICAGO:
CHAPMAN PUBLISHING C0.<
1896.

PREFACE

"HE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the
present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its
people." In conformity with this idea, the Portrait and Biographical Record of this
county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical
matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men
and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none
among those comprising this great and noble state, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public.
In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming
generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have
accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have
become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of
the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and
whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to
succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the#world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,"
content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — ' 'They have
done what they could. ' ' It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left
the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession,
and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the
Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every
woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the
fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would
otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and every
opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and
the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence.
In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this
the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give
the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some
member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of
the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though
repeated calls were made at their residences or places of business.
Chapman Publishing Co.
June, 1896-

Portraits and Biographies

OF THE

PRESIDENTS

OF THE

UNITED STATES

CliOKCIi WASHINGTON

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

HE Father of our Country was born in West
moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732.
His parents were. Augustine and Mary (Ball)
Washington. The family to which' he belonged
has not been satisfactorily traced in England.
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence
and John. The former married Mildred Warner,
and had three children, John, Augustine and*
Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children,
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his second mar
riage, George was the eldest, the others being
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and
Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George,
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property.
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt.
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi
dence. George received only such education as
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a
short time after he left school, when he received
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are
told of his great physical strength and develop
ment at an early age.' He was an acknowledged
deader among his companions, and was early
aoted for that nobleness of character, fairness and
veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was fourteen years old he had a
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant
was secured for him, but through the opposition
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two

, years later he was appointed surveyor to the im
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business
he spent three years in a rough frontier life,
gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being
trained for active service against the French and
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there
to restore his health. They soon returned, and
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not
long survive him. On her demise the estate of
Mt. Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia
was reorganized, and the province divided into
four military districts, of which the northern was
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General.
Shortly after this a very perilous mission, which
others had refused, was assigned him and ac
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The distance to be traversed was about six hun
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey
was to be made without military escort, through
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his
life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and
put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj.
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo
nel. Active war was then begun against the
French and Indians, in which Washington took

20

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

a most important part. In the memorable event
of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat,"
Washington was almost the only officer of dis
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor.
Having been for five years in the military serv
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the
royal army, he took advantage ofthe fall of Ft. Du-
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the
valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon
after he entered the Legislature, where, although
not a leader, he took an active and important
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha
(Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John
Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the
provinces, ' ' The cause of Boston is the cause of
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5,
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten
tions of England were plainly apparent. The
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought,
and among the first acts of this congress was the
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial
forces. This high and responsible office was con
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but
upon the express condition that he receive no sal
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex
penses, and expect congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this
country were so long confided. The war was
conducted by him under every possible disadvan
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses,
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth.
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the

Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning
all connection with public life.
In February, 1789, Washington was unani
mously elected President, and at the expiration
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected.
At the end of this term many were anxious that he
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration
of his second term as President, he returned to his
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining
years free from the annoyances of public life.
Later in the year, however, his repose seemed
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the army, but he chose his sub
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command, he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain,
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the
14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred
in- the family vault at Mt. Vernqn.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and
admiration. The more we see of the operations
of our government, and the more deeply we feel
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common
Interest, the more highly we must estimate the
force of his talent and character, which have been
able to challenge the reverence of all parties.
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as
extended as the limits of the globe, and which we
cannot but believe will be as lasting as the exist
ence of man.
In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect
and well proportioned, and his muscular strength
was great. His features were of a beausiful sym
metry. He commanded respect without any ap
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious
without being dull.

JOHN ADAMS.

JOHN ADAMS.

(lOHN ADAMS, the second President and the
I first Vice-President of the United States, was
Q) born in Braintree (now Quincy) Mass. , and
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735.
His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated
from England about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of
John were John and Susannah (Boylston)
Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited
means, also engaged in the business of shoe-
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical
education at Harvard College. John graduated
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school
of affliction, ' ' from which he endeavored to gain
relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself*
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town.
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by
what he termed ' ' the frightful engines of ecclesi
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin
istic good nature, ' ' of the operations of which he
had been a witness in his native town. He was
well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary
taxation turned him from law to politics. He
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting,
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be
came very popular throughout the province, and
were adopted word for word by over forty differ
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and
became one of the most courageous and promi
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was
chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg
islature) in 1770.
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele

gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis
tinguished himself by his capacity for business
and for debate, and advocated the movement for
independence against the majority of the mem
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res
olution in Congress that the Colonies should
assume the duties of self-government. He was a
prominent member of the committee of five ap
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson,
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it
through Congress in a three-days debate.
On the day after the Declaration of Independ
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy.
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question
was decided that ever was debated in America;
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de
cided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in
dependent states.' The day is passed. The
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be
commemorated as the day of deliverance by
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games,
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from
this time forward forever. You will think me
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration
and support and defend these States; yet, through
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and
glory. I can see that the end is worth more than
all the means, and that posterity will triumph,

24

JOHN ADAMS.

although you and I may rue, which I hope we
shall not."
In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in
arms and money from the French government.
This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it
separated him from his home, compelled him to
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who
were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the
British cabinet might be found willing to listen
to such proposals. He sailed for France in No
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where
he negotiated important loans and formed im
portant commercial treaties.
Finally, a treaty of peace with England was
signed, January 21, 1783. The re-action from the
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr.
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After
suffering from a continued fever and becoming
feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in
England, still drooping and desponding, he re
ceived dispatches from his own government urg
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health
was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he
made the trip.
February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr.
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here
he met face to face the King of England, who
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he
was accomplishing but little, he sought permis
sion to return to his own country, where he ar
rived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President,
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal
services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice-

President. Again, at the second election of Wash
ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice-
President. In 1796, Washington retired from
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,
though not without much opposition. Serving
in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr.
Jefferson, his opponent in politics.
While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the
great French Revolution shook the continent of
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy
with the French people in their struggle, for he
had no confidence in their power of self-govern
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence
originated the alienation between these distin-
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of
the one whose sympathies were with England,
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with
France. The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the
half-century since the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, arrived, and there were but
three of the signers of that immortal instrument
left upon the earth to hail its morning light.
And, as it is well known, on that day two of
these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On
being requested to name a toast for the cus
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed
"Independence forever!" When the day was
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend
ants if he knew what dajr it was? He replied,
"O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God
bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of
the day he said, "It is a great and glorious
clay." The last words he uttered were, " Jeffe.,-
son survives." But he had, at one o'clock,
resigned his spirit into the hands of his God.

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

'HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2,
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va.
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran
dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in London. To them were
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his
father died. He received a most liberal educa
tion, having been kept diligently at school from
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he
entered William and Mary College. Williams
burg was then the seat ofthe Colonial court, and
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and
going much into gay society; yet he was ear
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in
his morals. In the second year of his college
course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study.
He thus attained very high intellectual culture,
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan
guages. Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly,
and distinguished himself by his energy and
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for
greater action. The policy of England had awak
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had
ever entertained soon led him into active politi
cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar

ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful,
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow.
In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important com
mittees, and was chairman of. the one appointed
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson,
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper.
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal
changes before it was submitted to Congress. On
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4,
1776. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor.
Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his
mansion was in possession of the British troops.
His wife's health, never very good, was much
injured by this excitement, and in the summer
of 1782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1785.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni
potentiary to France. Returning to the United
States in September, 1789, he became Secretary
of State in Washington's cabinet. This position
he resigned January 1, 1794. In 1797, he was
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron

28

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re
elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin
ton being elected Vice-President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad
ministration was disturbed by an event which
threatened the tranquillity and peace ofthe Union;
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor
dinary man formed the plan of a military ex
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This was generally supposed
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has
not been generally known what his real plans
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far
more dangerous character.
In 1809, at the expiration of the second term
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de
termined to retire from political life. For a period
of nearly forty years he had been continually be
fore the public, and all that time had been em
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of
his life to the service of his country, he now felt
desirous of that rest which his declining years re
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for-
wer to public life and retired to Monticello, his
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon,
was the most distinguished residence in the land.
The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde
pendence, great preparations were made in every
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to
the solemnity ofthe occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer
son, as the framer and one of the few surviving
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their
festivities. But an illness, which had been of
several weeks' duration and had been continually
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita
tion. On the 2d of July the disease under which he
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants entertained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was

perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand.
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked
of those around him the day of the month, and
on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver
sary. His prayer was heard — that day whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our
land burst upon his eyes, and then they were
closed forever. And what a noble consummation
of a noble life! To die on that day— the birth
day of a nation — the day which his own name
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that
was wanting to fill up the record of his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham
pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they
had cheered and animated their desponding coun
trymen; for half a century they had labored to
gether for the good of the country, and now hand
in hand they departed. In their lives they had
been united in the same great cause of liberty,
and in their deaths they were not divided.
In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair,
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and
his command of temper was such that his oldest
and most intimate friends never recollected to
have seen him in a passion. His manners, though
dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his
hospitality was so unbounded that all found at
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his
language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ
ings is discernible the care with which he formed
his style upon the best models of antiquity.

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¦y~Z3A

JAMES MADISON.

JAMES MADISON.

(FAMES MADISON, "Father of the Consti-
1 tution," and fourth President of the United
(2/ States, was born March 16, 1757, and died
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The
name of James Madison is inseparably connected
with most of the important events in that heroic
period of our country during which the founda
tions of this great republic were laid. He was
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the
United States to be called to his eternal reward.
The Madison family were among the early emi
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle
ment of Jamestown . The father of James Madison
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va.
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustri
ous men from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was con
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to
study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of
constitution . He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency
to his subsequent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study
of law and a course of extensive and systematic
reading. This educational course, the spirit of
the times in which he lived, and the society with
which he associated, all combined to inspire him
with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for
his life-work as a statesman.
In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of

age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con
vention to frame the constitution of the State . The
next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen
eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lov
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but
those who had witnessed the talent, energy and
public spirit of the modest young man enlisted
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to
the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence.
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately
assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions
among them . For three years he con tinued in Con
gress, one of its most active and influential mem
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member ofthe Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no
national government, and no power to form trea
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law.
There was not any State more prominent than
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na
tional government must be formed. In January,
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject.
Five States only were represented. The conven
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the
place of the Confederate League. The delegates
met at the time appointed. Every State but
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing-

32

JAMES MADISON.

ton was chosen president ofthe convention, and the
present Constitution of the United States was then
and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind
and no pen more active in framing this immortal
document than the mind and the pen of James
Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was
%lt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a
:onglomeration of independent States, with but
little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr.
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up
an address to the people ofthe United States, ex
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and
urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all,
and went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs.
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas
cination, whom he married. She was in person
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the
very peculiar society which has constituted our
republican court as did Mis. Madison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach
ments of England had brought us to the verge of
war. British orders in council destroyed our com
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult.
Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no
charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to
think of an American ship brought to upon the
ocean by the guns of an. English cruiser. A
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great non
chalance he selects any number whom he may
please to designate as British subjects, orders them
down the ship's side into his boat, and places them
an the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by
compulsion, the battles of England. This right

of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re
linquish. On the 1 8th of June, 1812, President Madison
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the
bitter hostility ofthe Federal party to the war, the
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison,
on the 4th of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a
large majority, and entered upon his second term
of office. This is not the place to describe the
various adventures of this war on the land and on
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found
ations of its renown in grappling with the most
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance
of a British fleet, early in February, 18 13, in
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast
ofthe United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as
mediator. America accepted; England refused.
A British force of five thousand men landed on the
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of
Bladensburg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the
streets of the metropolis. The whole population
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs.
Madison in the White House, with her carriage
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return,
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war.
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not
go back without danger of being captured. But
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion,
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash
ington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and
on February 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his
second term of office expired, and he resigned the
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe.
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and
there passed the remainder of his days. On June
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell
asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849.

JAMES MONROE.

JAMES MONROE.

3AMIJS MONROE, the fifth President of the
United States, was born in Westmoreland
County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an
cestors had for many years resided in the province
in which he was born. When he was seventeen
years old, and in process of completing his educa
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great
Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies,
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence.
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this
time he left school and enlisted among the pa
triots. He joined the army when everything looked
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters
increased from day to day. The invading armies
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored
the cause ofthe mother country, but disheartened
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified
at the prospect of contending with an enemy
whom they had been taught to deem invincible.
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went
right onward undismayed through difficulty and
danger, the United States owe their political
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks
and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die in her
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey.
In four months after the Declaration of Inde
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy
he received a wound in the left shoulder.

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was
promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army.
He, however, receded from the line of promotion
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778,
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be
coming desirous to regain his position in the
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued with consid
erable ardor the study of common law. He did
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy
served as a volunteer during the two years of his
legal pursuits.
In 1782 he was elected from King George
County a member of the Legislature of Virginia,
and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the
Executive Council. He was thus honored with
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty-
three years of age, and having at this early period
displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi
legislation which were afterward employed with
unremitting energy for the public good, he was
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the
Congress of the United States.
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of
the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the
Republican party, that it gave too much power to
the Central Government, and not enough to the
individual States. Still he retained the esteem
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the
United States Senate, which office he held for

36

JAMES MONROE.

four years. Every month the line of distinction
between the two great parties which divided the
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was
growing more distinct. The differences which
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub
lican party was in sympathy with France, and
also in favor of such a strict construction of the
Constitution as to give the Central Government as
little power, and the State Governments as much
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while
the Federalists sympathized with England, and
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could pos
sibly authorize.
Washington was then President. England had
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of
neutrality between these contending powers.
France had helped us in the struggles for our
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now
combined to prevent the French from escaping
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener
ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol
icy of the Government, as the minister of that
Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem
onstration. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr.
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and
held the office for three years. He was again
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known
as the province of Louisiana, which France had
but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their
united efforts were successful. For the compara
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the

entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui
siana were added to the United States. This was
probably the largest transfer of real estate which
was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to
obtain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against
those odious impressments of our seamen. But
England was unrelenting. He again returned to
England on the same mission, but could receive
no redress. He returned to his home and was
again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon
resigned to accept the position of Secretary of
State under Madison. While in this office war
with England was declared, the Secretary of War
resigned, and during these trying times the
duties ofthe War Department were also put upon
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President
Madison, and the most efficient business man in
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re
signed the Department of War, but continued in
the office of Secretary of State until the expira
tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe
himself had been chosen President with but little
opposition, and upon March 4, 181 7, he was in
augurated. Four years later he was elected for
a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presi
dency were the cession of Florida to the United
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous
"Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: ' ' That
we should consider any attempt on the part of
European powers to extend their system to any
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety," and that " we could not view
any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or
controlling American governments or provinces
in any other light than as a manifestation by
European powers of an unfriendly disposition
toward the United States. ' '
At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un
til 1830, when he went to New York to live with
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th
of July, 1831.

JOHN OUINCY ADAMS.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

QOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President
I of the United States, was born in the rural
C_t/ home of his honored father, John Adams, in
Quincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over
his childhood during the almost constant ab
sence of his father. When but eight years of
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence,
listening to the booming of the great battle on
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers.
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half
in Paris, where his father was associated with
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary.
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis
tinguished men, and he received from them flat
tering marks of attention.
John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad.
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil
igence for six months, and then accompanied his
father to Holland, where he entered first a school
in Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden-
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus
sian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark,
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth
year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the
most distinguished men on the continent, examin

ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he
again became associated with the most illustrious
men of all lands in the contemplation of the
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the
human mind. After a short visit to England he
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to
America to finish his education.
Upon leaving Harvard College at the age oi
twenty, he studied law for three years. In Jnne,
1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age,
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in
July, he reached London in October, where he
was immediately admitted to the deliberations o(
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain.
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he
proceeded to The Hague.
In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but
requesting him to remain in London until he
should receive his instructions. While waiting
he was married to an American lady, to whom he
had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson,
American Consul in London, and a lady en
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797,
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so
licited his recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen
to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston , and
then was elected Senator of the United States for
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep
utation, his ability and his experience placed

40

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

him immediately among the most prominent and
influential members of that body.
In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh.
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense
student. He devoted his attention to the lan
guage and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade;
to the European system of weights, measures and
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa
tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all Ihe
universities of Europe, a more accomplished
scholar could scarcely be found. All through
life the Bible constituted an important part of his
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters
every day.
On the 4th of March, 181 7, Mr. Monroe took
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of
his numerous friends in public and private life in
Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United
States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the
eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr.
Adams continued Secretary of State.
Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's
second term of office, new candidates began to be
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr.
Adams brought forward his name. It was an
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral
votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people,
the question went to the House of Representa
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to
Mr. Adams, and he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates
now combined in a venomous and persistent as
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more
disgraceful in the past history of our country than
the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa

triotic man. There never was an administration
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de
voted to the best interests of the country, than
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps,
was there an administration more unscrupulously
and outrageously assailed.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected
Vice-President. The slavery question now be
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death,
he occupied the post as Representative, towering
above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the
House, he announced that he should hold him
self bound to no party. Probably there never
was a member more devoted to his duties. He
was usually the first in his place in the morning,
and the last to leave his seat in the evening.
Not a measure could be brought forward and es
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery
party in the Government was sublime in its
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery,
he was threatened with indictment by the grand
jury, with expulsion from the House, with assas
sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and
his final triumph was complete.
On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the.
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to
address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again
stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms
of those around him. For a time he was sense
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened
his eyes, looked calmly around and said "This
is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause
he added, "lam content. ' ' These were the last
words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."

ANDREW JACKSON.

ANDREW JACKSON.

GlNDREW JACKSON, the seventh President
LI of the United States, was born in Waxhaw
/ | settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few
days after his father's death. His parents were
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived
in deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called,
grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there
was but very little in his character made visible
which was attractive.
When only thirteen years old he joined the
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion.
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv
ant," was the reply ofthe dauntless boy.
Andrew supported himself in various ways, such
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school,
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when
he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He,
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse
ments ofthe times than to his studies. In 1788,
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then
a part. This involved many long journeys amid
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re
peat a skirmish with "Sharp Knife."
In 1 79 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman
who supposed herself divorced from her former
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties,
two years later, to find that the conditions of the
divorce had just been definitely settled by the
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per
formed a second time, but the occurrence was
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson
into disfavor.

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson
was one of the delegates. The new State was
entitled to but one member in the National House
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses-
. sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash
ington, whose second term of office was then
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress.
A committee drew up a complimentary address in
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the
address, and was one of the twelve who voted
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen.
Washington's administration had been "wise,
firm and patriotic. ' '
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the
Supreme Court of his State, which position he
held for six years.
When the War of 18 12 with Great Britain com
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack
son, who would do credit to a commission if one
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen.
Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted,
and the troops were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil
kinson was in command, he was ordered to de-

44

ANDREW JACKSON.

scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez,
and after a delay of several weeks there without
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin
ions, and he became the most popular man in the
State. It was in this expedition that his tough
ness gave him the nickname of ' 'Old Hickory. ' '
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking part as second in a duel
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds.
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering,
news came that the Indians, who had combined
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex
terminate the white settlers, were committing the
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone
just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and
unable to mount his horse without assistance,
gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala.
The Creek Indians had established a strong
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River,
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand
men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their
fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th
of March, 18 14. The bend of the river enclosed
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with
an ample supply of arms, were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter.
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly
every one of the nine hundred warriors was

killed. A few, probably, in the night swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war.
This closing of the Creek War enabled us to
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who
were the allies of the Indians. No man of less
resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major-
General. Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola,
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the
little fort, and from both ship and shore com
menced a furious assault. The battle was long
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was
blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name.
Here his troops, which numbered about four
thousand men, won a signal victory over the
British army of about nine thousand. His loss
was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was
twenty-six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be
mentioned in connection with the Presidency,
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams.
He was, however, successful in the election of
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins
of government, he met with the most terrible
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom
he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps
never been surpassed. From the shock of her
death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most mem
orable in the annals of our country — applauded
by one party, condemned by the other. No man
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired
to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de
voted Christian man.

MARTIN VAN. BUREN.

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

WJARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi-
Y I dent of the United States, was born at Kin-
(fl| derhook, N. Y. , December 5, 1782. He
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body
rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a
simple inscription about half-way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded
by shrub or flower.
There is but little in the life of Martin Van
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles,
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life
was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts,
and he gained many signal victories, his days
passed uneventful in those incidents which give
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel
ligence and exemplary piety.
He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic
studies in his native, village, and commenced the
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re
quired of him before he could be admitted to the
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with
indefatigable industry. After spending six years
in an office in his native village, he went to the city
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the
seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty '-one years

of age, commenced the practice of law in his na
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal
and Republican parties was then at its height.
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while
listening to the many discussions which had been
carried on in his father' s hotel. He was in cordial
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy
both in his town and State.
His success and increasing reputation led him
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson,
the county seat of his county. Here he spent
seven years, constantly gaining strength by con
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men
who have adorned the Bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, a victim of con
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr.
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in
items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty
years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate,
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's
administration. In 181 5, he was appointed At
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al
bany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that ' 'universal suffrage' ' which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right

48

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

of governing the State. In true consistency with
his democratic principles, he contended that, while
the path leading to the privilege of voting should
be open to every man without distinction, no one
should be invested with that sacred prerogative
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in
the welfare of the State.
In 1821 he was elected a member ofthe United
States Senate, and in the same year he took a
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of
his native State. His course in this convention
secured the approval of men of all parties. No
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to
promote the interests of all classes in the com
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active
and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt
ing the ' 'State Rights' ' view in opposition to what
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor
ofthe State of New York, and accordingly resigned
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the
United States contributed so much towards eject
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair,
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize
a political army which would secretly and stealth
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr.
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which
tew then thought could be accomplished.
When Andrew Jackson was elected President
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State.
This position he resigned in 1831, and was im
mediately appointed Minister to England, where
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however,

when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson,
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he
took his place at the head of that Senate which had
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr.
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United
States. He was elected by a handsome majority,
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving
New York out ofthe canvass," says Mr. Parton,
' 'the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power
to appoint a successor. ' '
His administration was filled with exciting
events. The insurrection in Canada, which
threatened to involve this country in war with
England, the agitation of the slavery question,
and finally the great commercial panic which
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis
dom. The financial distress was attributed to
the management of the Democratic party, and
brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March,
1 841, he retired from the presidency.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had
now fortunately a competence for his declining
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he
still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
ofthe country. From this time until his death,
on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a
healthy old age probably far more happiness than
he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes
of his active life.

WILLIAM H. HARRISON.

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

QGjlLLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth
\A/ Piesidentof the United States, was born
V V at Berkeley, Va. , February 9, 1773. His
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti
mate friend of George Washington, was early
elected a member of the Continental Congress,
and was conspicueus among the patriots of Vir
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both
candidates for the office of Speaker.
Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His
son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav
ing received a thorough common-school educa
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where
he graduated with honor soon after the death of
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to
study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec
laration of Independence.
Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends,
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign
from President Washington. He was then but
nineteen years old. From that time he passed
gradually upward in rank until he became aide
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned
his commission. He was then appointed Secre
tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri
tory was then entitled tq but one member in Con

gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position.
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri
tory was divided by Congress into two portions.
The eastern portion, comprising the region now
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The
Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western
portion, which included what is now called Indi
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi
ana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then
twenty -seven years of age, was appointed by John
,A.dams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe.
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over
the then rapidly increasing white population . The
ability and fidelity with which he discharged
these responsible duties may be inferred from the
fact that he was four times appointed to this
office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison.
When he began his administration there were
but three white settlements in that almost bound
less region, now crowded with cities and resound
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic.
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians.
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men,
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among
them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or
"the Crouching Panther;" the other Olliwa-
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was not
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac-

¦S2

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse
verance in any enterprise in which he might en
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator,
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In
dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great
slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its
march. When near the Prophet's town, three
Indians of rank made their appearance and in
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the
next day to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted
with the Indian character to be deceived by such
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his
night's encampment, he took every precaution
against surprise. His troops were posted in a
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting
in conversation with his aides by the embers
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning,
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then,
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera
tion which superstition and passion most highly
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply pro
vided with guns and ammunition by the English,
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a
shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and
Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as
the rocks around them until day dawned, when
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo
net and swept everything before them, completely
routing the foe.
Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British, descending from the

Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable
force, but with their savage allies rushing like
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into
a state of consternation which even the most vivid
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at
Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances,
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity
and courage, but he was found equal to the
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet
all the responsibilities.
In 18 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member
of the National House of Representatives, to rep
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was
with a force of reason and power of eloquence
which arrested the attention of all the members.
In 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry
Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni
ted States Senate. In 1 836 his friends brought
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the
close of Mr. Van Buren' s term, he was re-nom
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was
signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web
ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of
the most brilliant with which any President had
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes
of the country more sanguine. In the midst of
these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April,
just one month after his inauguration as President
of the United States.

JOHN TYLER

JOHN TYLER.

(JOHN TYLER, the tenth President of the
I United States, and was born in Charles
G) City County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was
the favored child of affluence and high social po
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered
William and Mary College, and graduated with
much honor when but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi
duity to the study of law, partly with his father
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, he commenced the
practice of law. His success was rapid and as
tonishing. It is said that three months had not
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the
docket of the court in which he was not retained.
When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis
lature. He connected himself with the Demo
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving
nearly the unanimous vote of his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos
ing a national bank, internal improvements by
the General Government, and a protective tariff;
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu
tion and the most careful vigilance over State
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous
that before the close of his second term he found
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in
Charles City County to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in
the State Legislature, where his influence was
powerful in promoting public works of great
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in
creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad
ministration was a signally successful one, and his
popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of
the United States. A portion of the Democratic
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as
his opponent, considering him the only man in
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr.
Tyler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon tak
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke
against and voted against the bank as unconsti
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im
provements by the General Government, and
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson,
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned
the principles of the Democratic party. Such
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in
perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show
ered compliments upon him. He had now at
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been
very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to
public business, his private affairs had fallen into
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation.
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for
the better education of his children, and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the southern Whigs he was sent to the
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom
inate a President. The majority of votes were
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much
to the disappointment of the South, which wished

56

JOHN TYLER

for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President.
It was well known that he was not in sympathy
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice-
President has very little power in the Govern
ment, his main and almost only duty being to
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it
happened that a Whig President and, in reality,
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen.
In 1 841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice-
President of the United States. In one short
month from that time, President Harrison died,
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of
April he was inaugurated to the high and re
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long
Jife he had been opposed to the main principles of
the party which had brought him into power.
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them,
and thus surround himself with counselors whose
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the
other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in
harmony with himself, and which would oppose
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats,
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer,
that God would guide and bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of ;he United
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however,
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed
without alteration, and he sent it back with his
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas

ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se
verely touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the
President into their arms. The party which
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster,
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued
an address to the people of the United States,
proclaiming that all political alliance between the
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs
and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he
brought himself into sympathy with his old
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his
term he gave his whole influence to the support
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his
successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak
able relief. The remainder of his days were
passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County,
Va. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died
in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844,
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and
intellectual accomplishments.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C.
Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler re
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the
Government over which he had once presided, he
was taken sick and soon died.

JAMES K. POLK.

JAMES K. POLK.

3 AMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of
the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh
County, N. C, November 2, 1795. His
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and
soon after followed by most of the members of the
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently
called Maury County, they erected their log huts
and established their homes. In the hard toil of
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk
spent the early years of his childhood and youth.
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth,
until he became one of the leading men of the
region. His mother was a superior woman, of
strong common sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life James developed a taste for
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob
tain a liberal education. His mother's training
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught
him punctuality and industry, and had inspired
him with lofty principles of morality. His health
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for
commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when,
at his earnest solicitation, his fanner removed
him and made arrangements for him to pros
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could
scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his

studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in
the autumn of 18 15, entered the sophomore class
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow
ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a
religious service.
Mr. Polk graduated in 18 18, with the highest
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class,
both in mathematics and the classics. He was
then twenty -three years of age. His health was
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville,
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta
tion, the "Hermitage," but a few miles from
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac
quainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican
and James K. adhered to the same political faith.
He was a popular public speaker, and was con
stantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the
stump. He was a man of unblemished morals,
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823,
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee,
and gave his strong influence toward the election
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of
the United States.
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His
bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred

6o

JAMES K. POLK.

from the fact, that for fourteen successive years,
or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent
and a popular speaker. He was always in his
seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke
it was always to the point, without any ambitious
rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he
performed his arduous duties to a very general
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on
the 4th of March, 1839.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk,
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State.
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville.
In 1 841 his term of office expired, and he was
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but
was defeated.
On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in
augurated President of the United States. The
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress,
and the last act of the administration of President
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union.
As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im
mediately demanded his passports and left the
country, declaring the act ofthe annexation to be
an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be
received into the Union on the same footing with
the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the
country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex
as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected
batteries which commanded the Mexican city of
Matamoras, which was situated on the western

banks. The anticipated collision soon took place,
and war was declared against Mexico by President
Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor,
whose army was first called one of ' ' observation, ' '
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered.
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was
brought on.
' ' To the victors belong the spoils. ' ' Mexico
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our
hands. We now consented to peace upon the
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of
Upper and Lower California. This new demand
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred
thousand square miles. This was an extent oi
territory equal to nine States of the size of New
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma
jestic States to be added to the Union. There
were some Americans who thought it all right;
there were others who thought it all wrong. In
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired
from office, having served one term. The next
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his
health was good. With an ample fortune, a
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be
fore him. But the cholera— that fearful scourge
—was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his
age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

{jTACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of
J. the United States, was born on the 24th of
/^) November, 1784, in Orange County, Va.
His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of
nott:, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant,
his father, with his wife and two children, emi
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In
this frontier home, away from civilization and all
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but
few social and educational advantages. When
six years of age he attended a common school,
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's
large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United
States army, and he joined the troops which were
stationed at New Orlean_ under Gen. Wilkinson.
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith,
a young lady from one of the first families of
Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then
been promoted to that rank) was put in command
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri
son consisted of a broken company of infantry,
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians,
stealthily, and in large nnmbers, moved upon the

fort. Their approach was first indicated by thfe
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade.
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their
chief would come to have a talk with him. It
was evident that their object was merely to ascer
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages,
kept them at a distance.
The sun went down; the savages disappeared;
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his
post. Every man knew that defeat was not
merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired.
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro
moted to the rank of Major by brevet.
Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was
placed in such situations that he saw but little
more of active service. He was sent far away
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to
wear away the tedious hours as one best could.
There were no books, no society, no intellectual
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re-

64

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain,
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and
efficient, part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom
ised they should do. The services rendered here
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government, and as a reward he was ele
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap
pointed to the chief command of the United
States troops in Florida.
After two years of wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of
command, and was stationed over the Department
ofthe Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he
removed his family to a plantation which he pur
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world,
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed
upon him.
In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which
was then claimed by the United States. Soon
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories
over forces much larger than he commanded.
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena
Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on
every one's lips. The Whig party decided to

take advantage of this wonderful popularity ,in
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency.
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de
claring that he was not at all qualified for such
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote.
It was not without chagrin that several distin
guished statesmen, who had been long years in
the public service, found their claims set aside in
behalf of one whose name had never been heard
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It
is a nomination not fit to be made. ' '
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a
fine writer. His friends took possession of him,
and prepared such few communications as it was
needful should be presented to the public. The
popularity of the successful warrior swept the
land. He was triumphantly elected over two
opposing candidates,— Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi
dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf
ferings were very severe, and probably tended to
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California
was pleading for admission to the Union, while
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen.
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington
to be far more trying to the nerves than battles
with Mexicans or Indians.
In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the
9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have' endeav
ored to do my duty." He died universally re
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la
mented his death.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

^ A ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President
Y of the United States, was born at Summer
(_i Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 7th of
January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities.
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished promise, though she
was not permitted to witness the high dignity
which he finally attained.
In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender
advantages for education in his early years. The
common schools, which he occasionally attended,
were very imperfect institutions, and books were
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then
in his character to indicate the brilliant career
upon which he was about to enter. He was a
plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking,
kind-hearted. The sacred iufluences of home
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid
the foundations of an upright character. When
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small village, where
some enterprising man had commenced the col
lection of a village library. This proved an in
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections
which he made were continually more elevating
and instructive. He read history, biography,
oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled

in his heart a desire to be something more than a
mere worker with his hands.
The young clothier had now attained the age
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev
olence,- — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so
much impressed with his ability and attainments
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de
mote himself to the study of the law. The young
man replied that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu
cation had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood
had so much confidence in him that he kindly
offered to take him into his own office, and to
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate
fully the generous offer was accepted.
There is in many minds a strange delusion
about a collegiate education. A young man is
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi
ters through university halls and then enters _
law office is by no means as well prepared to
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at
the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to
intense mental culture.
In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas.
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com
menced the practice of law. In this secluded,
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited,
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married 3.
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of

68

MILLARD FILLMORE.

adorning any station she might be called to fill, —
Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member
ofthe Bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of
Assembly ofthe State of New York, as a Repre
sentative from Erie County. Though he had
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The
State was then Democratic, and he found himself
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy,
ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de
gree, the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a
seat in the United States Congress. He entered
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours
of our national history, when the great conflict
respecting the national bank and the removal of
the deposits was raging.
His term of two years closed, and he returned
to his profession, which he pursued with increas
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two
years he again became a candidate for Congress;
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His
past experience as a Representative gave him
strength and confidence. The first term of service
in Congress to any man can be but little more
than an introduction. He was now prepared for
active duty. All his energies were brought to
bear upon the public good. Every measure re
ceived his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute,
and his popularity filled the State. In the year
1847, when he had attained the age of forty-
seven years, he was elected Comptroller ofthe
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande,
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought

one or two successful battles with the Mexicans,
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for
the presidency. But it was necessary to associate
with him on the same ticket some man of repu
tation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore
became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their
candidates for President and Vice-President. The
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President,
ofthe United States.
On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor,
about one year and four months after his inaugura
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be
came President. He appointed a very able cabi
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was
Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all
measures of transient conciliation. The popula
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable
that the power of the Government should soon
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa
mous compromise measures were adopted under
Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March,
1853, he, having served one term, retired.
In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that' Mr.
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It
was generally supposed that his sympathies were
rather with those who were endeavoring to over
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age
and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

r~RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi-
JM dent of the United States, was born in Hills-
I borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His
father was a Revolutionary soldier, who with his
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman.
Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children,
was a remarkably bright and handsome boy,
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won
alike the love of old and young. The boys on
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved
him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman,
always speaking kind words, and doing kind
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which
taught him what was agreeable. Without de
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in
body and mind a finely developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820,
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me.
He was one of die most popular young men in
the college. The purity of his moral character,
the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a
universal favorite. There was something pe
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi
dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous
and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office
of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished

lawyers of the State, and a man of great private
worth. The eminent social qualities of the young
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man,
and the brilliant political career into which Judge
Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr.
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi
dency. He commenced the practice of law in
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent
tire town in the State Legislature. Here he
served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen Speaker of the House by a very large
vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being
then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren
commenced his administration. He was the
youngest member in the Senate. In the year
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one
admirably fitted to adorn every station with which
her husband was honored. Of the three sons who
were born to them, all now sleep with their par
ents in the grave.
In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up
his residence in Concord, the capital of New
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General
of the United States; but the offer was declined
in consequence of numerous professional engage
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs.
Pierce's health. He also, about the same time,
declined the nomination for Governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called

72

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a
portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol
dier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the
advocates ofthe Mexican War, and coldly by his
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro
fession, very frequently taking an active part in
political questions, giving his cordial support to
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party.
The compromise measures met cordially with his
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law,
which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the
North. He thus became distinguished as a
' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The
strong partisans of slavery in the South conse
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate
for the Presidency. For four days they contin
ued in session, and in thirty -five ballotings no one
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the
Virginia delegation brought forward his name.
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.
His administration proved one of the most
stormy our country had ever experienced. The
controversy between slavery and freedom was
then approaching its culminating point. It be
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible
conflict between them, and that this nation
could not long exist ' ' half slave and half free. ' '

President Pierce, during the whole of his admin
istration, did everything he could to conciliate the
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso
lution of the Union were borne to the North on
every Southern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when Presi
dent Pierce approached the close of his four-
years term of office. The North had become
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas
ures of Government which they approved, and
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta
bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav
ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon
came, and he was left alone in the world without
wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which
divided our country into two parties, and two
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave
his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with
which he had ever been allied. He declined to
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen
the hand of the National Government. He con
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was
one ofthe most genial and social of men, an hon
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia
tion of suffering and want, and many of his
towns-people were often gladdened by his material
bounty.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

(TAMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President
I of the United States, was born in a small
V_/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge
of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop
erty save his own strong arms. Five years after
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride,
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim,
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure
part in the drama of life. When James was eight
years of age, his father removed to the village of
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school,
and commenced a course of study in English,
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars
in the institution.
In the year 1809, he graduated with the high
est honors of his class. He was then eighteen
years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health,
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits.
He immediately commenced the study of law in
the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the
Bar in 18 12, when he was but twenty-one years
of age.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower
House. During the vacations of Congress, he

occasionally tried some important case. In 1831
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes
sion, having acquired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus
sia. The duties of his mission he performed
with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties.
Upon his return, in 1833, ne was elected to a seat
in the United States Senate. He there met as
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by
President Jackson, of making reprisals against
France to enforce the payment of our claims
against that country, and defended the course of
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the
supporters of his administration. Upon this
question he was brought into direct collision with
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of
anti-slavery documents by the United States
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery,
he advocated that they should be respectfully re
ceived, and that the reply should be returned
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the
subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for
eign government as in any of the States where it
now exists. ' '
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency,
Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as
such took his share of the responsibility in the

76

JAMES BUCHANAN.

conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed
that crossing the Nueces by the American
troops into the disputed territory was not wrong,
but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid
man can read with pleasure the account of the
course our Government pursued in that movement.
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and
extension of slavery, and brought all the energies
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso.
He gave his cordial approval to the compromise
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis
sion to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi
dency. The political conflict was one of the most
severe in which our country has ever engaged.
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the
enemies of slavery, received one hundred and
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected.
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont,
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857,
the latter was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score
years and ten. His own friends, those with
whom he had been allied in political principles
and action for years, were seeking the destruc
tion of the Government, that they might rear
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation
whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed
principles, consistently oppose the State Rights
party in their assumptions. As President of the
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to
administer the laws, he could not, without per
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there
fore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra

tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass.
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were
elected and the control of the Government were
thus taken from their hands, they would secede
from the Union, taking with them as they retired
the National Capitol at Washington and the
lion's share of the territory of the United States.
As the storm increased in violence, the slave
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr.
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress
had no power to enforce its laws in any State
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: ' 'The Union
must and shall be preserved!"
South Carolina seceded in December, i860,
nearly three months before the inauguration of
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts,
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots
of military stores were plundered, and our cus
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by
the rebels.
The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow
weeks to glide away and close the administration,
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long-
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter.
The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled
its billows of flame and blood over our whole
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his
wish that our country's banner should triumph
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his
Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

61 BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi-
Ll dent of the United States, was born in Hardin
/ | County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About
the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, and while still a young man,
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the
youngest of the boys, and the father of President
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his
father's death.
When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia.
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be,"
exclaimed the grateful son, " I owe to my angel-
mother." When he was eight years ot age, his
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died.
As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly
family was the usual lot of humanity. There
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals.
Abraham' s sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly
attached, was married when a child of but four
teen years of age, and soon died. The family
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln
sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi
grated to Macon County, 111.
Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite
diligently at this until he saw the family com
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to

his father his intention to leave home, and to gc
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un-
contaminated by a single vice.
Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to
Springfield, where he was employed in building
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine,
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his
employers. In this adventure the latter were
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed
a store and mill under his care.
In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a
company. He returned to Sangamon County,
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated.
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again
became a candidate for the Legislature and was
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him
to study law. He walked from New Salem to
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load oi
books, carried them back, and began his legal
studies. When the Legislature assembled, he
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839
he removed to Springfield and began the practice
of law. His success with the jury was so great

8o

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

that he was soon engaged in almost every noted
case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques
tion. In the organization of the Republican party
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at
once became one of the leaders in that party.
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the
Senate, form a most notable part of his history.
The issue was on the slavery question, and he
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr.
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a
far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chi
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to
twenty-five thousand. An immense building
called ' ' The Wigwam, ' ' was reared to accommo
date the convention. There were eleven candi
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H.
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It
was generally supposed he would be the nomi
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the
nomination on the third ballot.
Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con
stitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this
good and merciful man, especially by the slave
holders, was greater than upon any other man
ever elected to this high position. In February,
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop
ping in all the large cities on his way, making
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with
much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassi
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to
"get up a row," and in the confusion to make
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret
and special train was provided to take him from
Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected

hour of the night. The tram started at half-past
ten, and to prevent any possible communication
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr.
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by
all loyal people.
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to
other prominent opponents before the convention
he gave important positions; but during no other
administration had the duties devolving upon the
President been so manifold, and the responsibilities
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with,
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans,
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of
himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had
been made for his assassination, and he at last
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he,
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a
disappointment if he should fail them, very re
luctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes
Booth entered the box where the President and
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his
brain. He died the next morning at seven
o'clock. Never before in the history of the world was
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death
of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which
will fitly become a model. His name as the
Savior of his country will live with that of Wash
ington's, its Father.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

Gl NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President
LA of the United States. The early life of An-
f | drew Johnson contains but the record of pov
erty , destitution and friendlessness . He was born
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites"
of the South, were in such circumstances that they
could not confer even the slightest advantages of
education upon their child. When Andrew was
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living
with her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one
day, and being unable either to read or write, was
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at
work there. He often read from the speeches of
distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary
ability, became much interested in these speeches;
his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with
a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet,
and with the assistance of some of his fellow-
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches.
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul
ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de
vote such time as he could to reading.
He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at

Greenville, where he married a young lady who
possessed some education. Under her instructions
he learned to write and cipher. He became
prominent in the village debating society, and a
favorite with the students of Greenville College.
In 1828, he organized a working man's party,
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected
him Mayor, which position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in
political affairs, identifying himself with the work
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he
was elected a member of the House of Represent
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- .
seven years of age. He became a very active
member of the Legislature, gave his support to
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen.
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843,
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc
cessive elections held that important post for ten
years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these
responsible positions, he discharged his duties
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the
warm friend of the working classes . In 1 8 5 7 , Mr .
Johnson was elected United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would
probably prove "to be the gateway out of which
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage
to freedom, and become merged in a population
congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup
ported the compromise measures, the two essen-

84

ANDREW JOHNSON.

tial features of which wer,e, that the white people
of the Territories should be permitted to decide
for themselves whether they would enslave the
colored people or not, and that the free States of
the North should return to the South persons who
attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic;
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son
of a carpenter. ' '
In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860,
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held
that "slavery must be held subordinate to the
Union at whatever cost. ' ' He returned to Tenn
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln,
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov
ernor of the State, and he established the most
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was
elected Vice-President of the United States, and
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865,
became President. In a speech two days later he
said, "The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime
and must be punished; that the Government will
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong
not only to protect, but to punish. * * The
people must understand that it (treason) is the
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished. ' '
Yet his whole administration, the history of which
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with,
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi
ples laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of

"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of
impeachment were preferred against him, and the
trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was
at length submitted to the court for its action. It
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar
ticle so would it vote upon all . Thirty-four voices
pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great
majority against him. The change of one vote
from the not guilty side would have sustained the
impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term,
was but little regarded. He continued, though
impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own
party did not think it expedient to renominate
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash
ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin
introduced him to the President's chair. Not
withstanding this, never was there presented to a
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name,
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville,
Tenn. , taking no very active part in politics until
1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle,
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess,
and took his seat in that body, at the special ses
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous
health, but on reaching the residence of his child
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis,
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 a. m.,
July 3 1 , aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with
every demonstration of respect.

U. S. GRANT.

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi
dent of the United States, was born on the
29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-
school education. At the age of seventeen, in
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid,
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy,
honest character. He took respectable rank as a
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of
Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the
Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second
battle. At the battle of Monterey , his third en
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal
service of daring and skillful horsemanship.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant
returned with his regiment to New York, and
was again sent to one of the military posts on the
frontier. The discovery of gold in California
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec
tion ofthe interests of the immigrants. But life
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned
his commission and returned to the States. Hav
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little

skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering
into the leather business, with a younger brother
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me
for the army; though I have served him through
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and
see Uncle Sam through this war too. ' '
He went into the streets, raised a company of
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf
ofthe Government. On the 15th of June, 1861,
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of
Brigadier- General, and was placed in command at
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu-
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River.
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un
furled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determina
tion and immediately began active duty. This
was the beginning, and until the surrender of
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy

88

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont,
a few days later, he surprised and routed the
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory.
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson.
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately
made a Major- General, and the military district
of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well
how to secure the results of victory. He imme
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen.
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of
the city with over thirty thousand men and one
hundred and seventy-two cannon. The fall of
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from
which he was laid up for months. He then
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of
strategic and technical measures put the Union
army in fighting condition. Then followed the
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun
tain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of
February, 1864, Congress revived the grade of
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties
of his new office.
Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed
National troops for an attack upon Richmond,
the nominal capital ofthe rebellion, and endeavor
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble
under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened

with closely -packed thousands. His plans were
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam
paigns, which were executed with remarkable
energy and ability, and were consummated at the
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.
The war was ended. The Union was saved.
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in
strument in its salvation. The eminent services
he had thus rendered the country brought him
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi
date for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated
for the Presidency, and at the autumn election
received a majority of the popular vote, and two
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and
ninety-four electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for
a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect
oral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term, Gen.
Grant started upon his famous trip around the
world. He visited almost every country of the
civilized world, and was everywhere received
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect
and honor, private as well as public and official,
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen
of the United States.
He was the most prominent candidate before
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for
a renomination for President. He went to New
York and embarked in the brokerage business
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune,
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary!
The General was attacked with cancer in the
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never
complaining. He was re-instated as General of
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885,
the nation went in mourning over the death oi
the illustrious General.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth
President of the United States, was born in
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost
three months after the death of his father, Ruther
ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and
maternal sides was of the most honorable char
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter,
married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn.
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn.
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born.
He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington,. Vt., whose ancestors
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having
been among the wealthiest and best families of
Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industri
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a

mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow,
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that
he chose to undertake. He was a member ofthe
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris
tian principles. After the close of the War of
1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he
resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in
spection was first made, occupying four months.
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22,
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three
months before the birth of the son of whom we
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement,
found the support she so much needed in her
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had
adopted some time before as an act of charity.
Rutherford was seven years old before he went
to school. His education, however, was not neg
lected. He probably learned as much from his
mother and sister as he would have done at
school. His sports were almost wholly within
doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del
icate consideration for the feelings of others which
were marked traits of his character.
His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest
interest in his education; and as the boy's health
had improved, and he was making good progress
in his studies, he proposed to send him to college.
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home;

92

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown,
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head
of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow,
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge,
Mass., where he remained two years.
In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and
shortly afterward went into practice as an at-
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious
of distinction in his profession.
In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am
bition found a new stimulus. For several years,
however, his progress was slow. Two events
occurring at this period had a powerful influence
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club,
a body embracing among its members such men
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others
hardfy less distinguished in after life. The mar
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of
our Presidents was more universally admired,
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon
American womanhood. The Literary Club brought
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young
men of high character and noble aims, and lured
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his
bashfulness and modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City
Council elected him for the unexpired term.
In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at

the Bar was among the first. But the news of
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to
take up arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright and illustrious.
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers.
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of
his old regiment At the battle of South Moun
tain he received a wound, and while faint and
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that
won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment,
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General,
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha
division, and for gallant and meritorious services
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General.
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant
and distinguished services during the campaigns
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his
arduous services, four horses were shot from un
der him, and he was wounded four times.
In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress
from the Second Ohio District, which had long
been Democratic. He was not present during the
campaign, and after the election was importuned
to resign his commission in the army ; but he fi
nally declared, ' ' I shall never come to Washing
ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He
was re-elected in 1866.
In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the
third term in 1875.
In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re
publican party in the Presidential contest, and
after a hard, long contest was chosen President,
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877.
He served his full term, not, however, with satis
faction to his party, but his administration was an
average one. The remaining years of his life
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he
passed away January 17, 1893.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

(TAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President
I ofthe United States, was born November 19,
Q) 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga
County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and
Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England
ancestry, and from families well known in the
early history of that section of our country, but
who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio,
early in its settlement.
The house in which James A. was born was
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs,
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay.
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted,
and a log barn built. The household comprised
the father and mother and their four children,
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May,
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time
James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps,
can tell how much James was indebted to his
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty
years succeeding his father's death. He now
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon,
Ohio, near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Gar
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the
most of them. He labored at farm work for
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and
manhood; neither did they ever forget him.
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of

want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple,
plain, modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious
to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly
opposed. She finally consented to his going to
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that
he should try to obtain some other kind of em
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland.
This was his first visit to the city. After making
many applications for work, and trying to get
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal.
He remained at this work but a short time, when
he went home, and attended the seminary at
Chester for about three years. He then entered
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other
work. This school was started by the Disciples
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in
order to help pay his way. He then became both
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram , "
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854
he entered Williams College, from which he grad
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col
lege as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places
where he happened to be.
Mr. Garfield was united in mamage, Novem
ber 11, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom
all the world loved. To them were born sever.
children, five of whom are still living, four boys
and one girl.

96

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and
three years later he began to speak at county
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker
wherever he was. During this year he was
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission
as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He
was immediately put into active service, and be
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was
placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the able
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky.
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished,
although against great odds, and President Lin
coln commissioned him Brigadier- General, Janu
ary 10, 1862; and "as he had bee.i the youngest
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now
he was the youngest GeneraLin the army." He
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its
operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of
the general court martial for the trial of Gen.
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the
" Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen.
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick -
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General.
Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest
member in that body. There he remained by
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator
Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot
think of a question which has been debated in

Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the
American people, in regard to which you will not
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on
one side stated, in almost every instance better
than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings
by Mr. Garfield."
Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of
June, of the same year, was nominated as the
candidate of his party for President at the great
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol
lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever
opened its existence under brighter auspices than
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew
in favor with the people. By the 1st of July
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi
nary work of his administration, and was prepar
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will
iams College. While on his way and at the
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired
directly at his back. The President tottered and
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has
been very truthfully said that this was ' ' the shot
that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before
in the history of the nation had anything occur
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment as this awful deed. He was
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For
eighty days, all during the hot months of July
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and
by his magnificent bearing taugtrt the country
and the world one of the noblest of human les
sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great
in death. He passed serenely away September
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely
ever had done on the death of any other great
and noble man.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi
dent of the United States, was born in Frank
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October,
1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr.
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi
grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc
cessful ministry.
Young Arthur was educated at Union College,
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies.
After his graduation he taught school in Ver
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he
formed a partnership with his intimate friend' and
room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten
tion of practicing in the West, and for three
months they roamed about in the Western States
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re
turned to New York, where they hung out their
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog
nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr.
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav
ing two children.
Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in

1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed.
The Judge decided that they could not be held by
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of
that State to assist in an appeal. William M.
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to
represent the people, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long
step was taken toward the emancipation of the
black race.
Another great service was rendered by Gen.
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf,
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next
day the company issued an order to admit colored
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car
companies quickly followed their example. Be
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines
refused to let them ride at all.
Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of
the Second Brigade of the State of New York,
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was
made Inspector- General, and soon afterward be
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these
offices he rendered great service to the Govern-

IOO

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor
gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York,
was added to the firm. The legal practice of this
well-known firm was very large and lucrative,
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa
tion, if sot, indeed, one of national extent.
Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of
the Port of New York by President Grant, No
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy,
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the
famous National Republican Convention held at
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the
greatest political convention that ever assembled
on the continent. It was composed of the lead
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously
and with signal tenacity for his respective can
didate that was before the convention for the
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for
Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the his
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his
election. Finally the election came, and the country's
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-
President. A few months only had passed ere
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the
assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of
suffering — those moments of anxious suspense,
when the hearts of all civilized nations were
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of
the noble, the good President. The remarkable
patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible
suffering man has ever been called upon to en
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was

certainly godlike. During all this period of
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every
action displayed only an earnest desire that the
suffering Garfield might recover to serve the re
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in
deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as
never before in its history over the death of any
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious
to know what he would do, what policy he would
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers.
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected
during the President's long illness, and many im
portant measures were to be immediately decided
by him; and to still further embarass him he did
not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many
on this point. Under these trying circumstances,
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized
his administration. He served the nation well
and faithfully until the close of his administra
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate
before his party for a second term. His name
was ably presented before the convention at Chi
cago, and was received with great favor, and
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one
of the opposing candidates, he would have been
selected as the standard-bearer of his party for
another campaign. He retired to private life, car
rying with him the best wishes of the American
people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac
tory to them and with credit to himself. One
year later he was called to his final rest.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

jTEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the
twenty -second President of the United States,
was born in 1837, in the obscure town of
Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still
standing to characteristically mark the humble
birthplace of one of America's great men, in
striking contrast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in origin and
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject
of this sketch was three years of age, his father,
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N.
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles
from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour
was born.
At the last-mentioned place young Grover com
menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned
way, and presumably distinguished himself after
the manner of all village boys — in doing the
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the
village school, and expressed a most emphatic de
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville
seemed to be a position in a country store, where
his father and the large family on his hands had

considerable influence. Grover was to be paid
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second
year. Here the lad commenced his career as
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length
of time.
But instead of remaining with this firm in
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity
of attending a High School. Here he industri
ously pursued his studies until the family re
moved with him to a point on Black River known
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y.
At this place his father died, after preaching but
three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City 1 3 accept,
at a small salary, the position of under- teacher
in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully
for two years, and although he obtained a good
reputation in this .capacity, he concluded that
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some
charm in that name for him; but before proceed
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock
breeder of that place. The latter did not speak
enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked
the old gentleman; " do you, indeed ? Whatever

104

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

put that into your head ? How much money
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I
haven't got any."
After a long consultation, his uncle offered him
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at
$50 a year, while he could look around. One
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and
told them what he wanted. A number of young
men were already engaged in the office, but Gro
ver' s persistency won, and he was finally per
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his
board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and
regular. On the first day of his service there, his
senior employer threw down a copy of Black
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and
students, as they thought that was enough to
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due
time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather
than for chasing principles through all their
metaphysical possibilities. "Let us quit talking
and go and do it, ' ' was practically his motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County,
N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring
ing about certain reforms in the administration
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance
of duty has generally been considered fair, with
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted
out and magnified during his Presidential cam
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an

iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a
time for plain speech, and my objection to your
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the
people and to worse than squander the people's
money." The New York Sun afterward very
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom
mended him for Governor of the Empire State.
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and
his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made,
if any, were made very public throughout the na
tion after he was nominated for President of the
United States. For this high office he was
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell F.
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F.
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was
elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long- tried Re
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United
States, in which capacity his term commenced at
noon on the 4th of March, 1885.
The silver question precipitated a controversy
between those who were in favor of the continu
ance of silver coinage and those who were op
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter,
even before his inauguration.
On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve
land was renominated by his party, but the
Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison,
was victorious. In the nomination, of 1892
these two candidates for the highest position in
the gift of the people were again pitted against
each other, and in the ensuing election President
Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming
majority.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

gENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third
President, is the descendant of one of the
historical families of this country. The first
known head ofthe family was Maj . -Gen. Harrison,
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell' s power it be
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subsequently
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13,
1660. His descendants came to America, and
the next of the family that appears in history is
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa
ther ofthe subject of this sketch, and after whom
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem
ber of the Continental Congress during the years
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one ofthe original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a
successful career as a soldier during the War of
18 12, and with a clean record as Governor ofthe
Northwestern Territory, was elected President of
the United States in 1840. His career was cut
short by death within one month after his in
auguration. President Harrison was born at North Bend,

Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His
lif^e up to the time of his graduation from Miami
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful
one of a country lad of a family of small means.
His father was able to give him a good education,
and nothing more. He became engaged while at
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he
determined to enter upon the study of law. He
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two
years. At the expiration of that time young Har
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to
get married at once, take this money and go to
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law.
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket,
he started out with his young wife to fight for a
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian
apolis, which was even at that time a town of
promise. He met with slight encouragement at
first, making scarcely anything the first year.
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to
his calling, built up an extensive practice and
took a leading rank in the legal profession.
In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-

yo8

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his
time at first in mastering military tactics and drill
ing his men, and when he came to move toward
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of
the best drilled and organized in the army. At
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and
fbr his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made
a Brigadier- General, Gen. Hooker speaking of
him in the most complimentary terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another
person was elected to the position. From the
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence,
but having been nominated that year for the same
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the
State, and was elected for another term. He then
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most
trying attack made his way to the front in time to
participate in the closing incidents of the war. .
In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for
him a national reputation, and he was much sought
after, especially in the East, to make speeches.
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the
campaign, and was elected to the United States
Senate. Here he served for six years, and was
known as one ofthe ablest men, best lawyers and
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the
practice of his profession, becoming the head of
one of the strongest firms in the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country.
The convention which assembled in Chicago in
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief st. tnd-
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in
every particular, and on t_is account, and the at

titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a
deep interest in the campaign throughout the
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his
home. This movement became popular, and from
all sections of the country societies, clubs and
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re
spects to the distinguished statesman.
Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations,
and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore
most rank of American orators and statesmen.
¦Elected by a handsome majority, he served his
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a
change and he was defeated by his predecessor
in office, Grover Cleveland.
On account of his eloquence as a speaker and
his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called
upon at an early age to take part in the dis
cussion of the great questions that then began to
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade
desired to be pitted with him again. With all
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora
torical effect, but his words always went like bul
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the
most distinguished impromptu speakers in the
nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great
weight, and many of his terse statements have
already become aphorisms. Original in thought,
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day.
During the last days of his administration Presi
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har
rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir
tues. They were the parents of two children.

QUKKNS COUNTY
(LONG ISLAND)
NEW YORK

INTRODUCTORY

"HE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to perpetuate the
names of their pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and relate the story of
their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and the duty that
men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a
record of their lives and deeds should be made. In biographical history is found a power to instruct
man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe
vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime
entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves.
The number remaining who can relate the incidents of the first days of settlement is becoming small
indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of events without delay,
before all the early settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time,
To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten
soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to preserve the
memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory
have been in proportion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt were
built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhumations made by the
archaeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate* a desire of those people to perpetuate the
memory of their achievements. The erection of the great obelisks was for the same purpose.
Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and
monuments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the
ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but
this idea— to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them
costly in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the lives and character of those whose memory they
were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The
great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums,
monuments and statues are crumbling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of
perpetuating a full history— immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent and perpetual in its
action; and this is through the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are indebted for the introduction of the admirable
system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world
calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which
his children or friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass
away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be
forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits; for the same reason
we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only
truth of them to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone; to do this we
are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public
record.

REV. J. CARPENTER SMITH, S. T. D.

BIOGRAPHICAL

REV. J. CARPENTER SMITH, S. T. D.
During the long period in which Dr. Smith
has officiated as rector of St. George's
Episcopal Church at Flushing, he has gained the
love of the members of his congregation, the ad
miration of his co-laborers in the clergy and the
respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
Though now in the twilight of his life, age has
dealt kindly with him, and both health in body
and vigor in mind abide with him. Time, which
has taken somewhat from the elas'ticity of his step,
has not been able to diminish in any degree h'S
deep interest in the spiritual welfare of his parish
ioners, nor rob his heart of its active sympathy
for his fellow-men.
St. George's Church has an interesting history.
With two exceptions, it. is the oldest congregation
of this denomination in Queens County, and Dr.
Smith has in his possession the old church char
ter of 1760, as well as a photograph of the orig
inal house of worship, erected in 1743. The sec
ond edifice was built in 1821 and enlarged in 1840,
while the present commodious stone structure was
erected in 1850-51 and later enlarged and re
modeled in the interior. The seating capacity is
large and the building, notwithstanding its age,
still substantial and imposing. The congrega
tion is the strongest in Flushing, and to assist the
rector in the work he has an associate, Rev. H.
D. Waller. At this writing Dr. Smith is en
gaged in the compilation of a history of the parish
of St. George's, and for this purpose he has se
cured, from various sources, a most interesting
collection of historical data, including every fact
of interest in connection with the church. For
many years, during the eighteenth century, one
of the most active workers in the congregation
was Francis Lewis, a man of national reputation
and one of the signers of the Declaration of In
dependence. In Bethpage, town of Oyster Bay, October 28,

181 6, the subject of this record was born. The
family was first represented in this country by two
brothers from England, one of whom settled in
Hempstead South on property bought from the
Indians. Our subject is a lineal descendant of a
distinct race of Smiths known as the "Smith
Rock" family, who were originally members of
the Church of England, but during the time of
Fox allied themselves with the Quakers, and
afterward returned to their first faith. Dr.
Smith's grandfather, Benjamin, who was of the
Quaker belief, was born on the ancestral home
stead, in the town of Hempstead, but later went
to Brooklyn, where he died when about fifty-five
years old.
The father of our subject, John Smith, was born
in the town of Hempstead, Queens County, in
1776, and at the age of eighteen went to Canada,
where he helped to survey and lay out Little York,
near Toronto. For some time he sojourned in
Spain and visited other parts of Europe. On his
return to the United States he settled in Beth-
page, where he engaged in farming many years,
then sold his farm and moved to Brooklyn, where
his death occurred when nearly seventy. He was
a lifelong member of the Society of Friends. To
the advantages derived from a splendid education,
he added the versatility and knowledge gained
through close observation of peoples and customs
in different countries, and was one of the most
cultured men of the community in which he lived.
Dr. Smith's mother bore the maiden name of
Martha Carpenter Gedney and was born in Rye,
Westchester County. Much of her life was spent
on Long Island and her death occurred in Brook
lyn when she was almost eighty years of age. Her
mother was a member of the Carpenter family, of
French Huguenot origin, but later members of
the Church of England. The lineage is traced back
through many generations to one of that name
who was architect for Henry of Navarre, and who

n8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

escaped the fate that fell to many Huguenots at
the time the Edict of Nantes was revoked. His
sons sought a refuge in America, settling, one on
the Hudson, in Westchester County, another in
South Carolina.
The youngest and only survivor of four chil
dren, Dr. Smith spent his childhood years in Beth-
page, where he attended a private school. The
boys and girls of this generation, were they
obliged to gain their schooling in a primitive, illy-
constructed building, such as he attended, would
consider themselves most unfortunate indeed, but
children of the early part of the century, being
less accustomed to luxuries, never dreamed of ut
tering a protest concerning the slab benches and
other inconveniences of the school rooms of those
days. While the quality of the instruction was
inferior, yet our subject made rapid strides in his
books and was considered one of the most prom
ising boys in the school. At the age of ten he ac
companied the family to Brooklyn and afterward
had the best advantages that city afforded. In
1833 he went to Ohio with the family of Bishop
Mcllvane and soon afterward entered Kenyon
College, at Gambier, Ohio, where he received his
diploma and the degree of A. B., though ill health
prevented him from completing his senior year.
After a short time he entered the General Theo
logical Seminary of New York City, from which
he graduated in 1842, being ordained to the min
istry July 2 of the same year.
The first charge of the young minister was at
Wooster, Ohio, where he was rector of St. James'
Church for eighteen months. In 1844 he accept
ed the pastorate of Trinity Church at Rockaway,
N. Y., and in November, 1847, accepted a call to
St. George's Church at Flushing, where he has
since remained. In 1869 he was granted the de
gree of S. T. D. from Columbia College, being
the third rector to whom that degree has been
given by the college. He is a member of the
standing committee and also of the board of trus
tees of the property of the diocese. Fraternally
he is identified with Cornucopia Lodge No. 653,
F. & A. M., and has taken the Royal Arch degree.
In early years he was a Whig, but upon the dis
integration of that party he identified himself with
the newly-organized Republican party, to which
he has since adhered with unswerving loyalty.
His life has been a most active and useful one.
It has been his labor to uplift and elevate others
and promote their spiritual welfare. His heart
has been the consecrated temple of the true and

the good, and his daily life has been the living
exemplification of that worship. The friend of
the friendless, the helper of the helpless, it has
been his privilege to lift up the fallen, encourage
the weak and relieve the needy. In his charac
ter he combines those qualities of mind and heart
that endear him to all and that will render his
memory sacred after he shall have gone hence.

R'

ICHARD ARMSTRONG. In the follow
ing sketch is strikingly illustrated the
force of well directed energy, steadfast
purpose and never-ceasing effort for the accom
plishment of noble ends and the successful over
throw of those obstacles which beset the prog
ress of every young man who starts out to com
bat with life's stern realities. As a business man
Mr. Armstrong is prompt, energetic and strictly
upright, and eminently qualified for the position
of superintendent of the Edward Smith & Co.
Varnish Works, and Color and Coach Paint
Manufacturing tompany of Long Island City.
Richard Armstrong, Sr., the father of our sub
ject, is a native of the Emerald Isle, where the
grandfather, John Robert Armstrong, was a far
mer, and passed his entire life. The members of
this family were Episcopalians in their religious
views. The father came to America when nine
teen years old and first worked on a farm in Con
necticut. During the Civil War he volunteered,
but was not in the service. He was sent as ship
ping clerk to a station at Long Island City, but
later embarked in the manufacture of varnish
for Edward Smith & Co., thus learning that busi
ness. For three years, or until his death, he
remained with that company as superintendent.
His death occurred September 15, 1890, when
only forty-eight years old. There are few men
of the present day who are more worthy of hon
orable mention or whose history affords a better
example of what may be accomplished by per
severance and strict integrity than this worthy
man. Were his good deeds recorded they them
selves would furnish material for a volume.
For a time the father was police commis
sioner under Mayor De Bevan, but he resigned,
and in 1886 ran for the office of mayor on the
regular Democratic ticket, but was defeated. He
married Miss Eliza M. Lawrence, a native of New
York City, and daughter of George Lawrence
of England. She died in the year 1876. Of the
five children born to them our subject was sec-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

119

ond in order of birth and is now the only one
living. He was born in Long Island City, in
the oldest brick building there outside of Brook
lyn, October 29, 1869, and received his educa
tion in the First Ward School and later in the
grammar school.
When fifteen years old young Armstrong be
gan learning the varnish-making business under
his father, and after the latter's death was made
superintendent of the works of Edward Smith
& Co., a position he holds at the present time.
This is the largest manufacturing establishment
of colors and varnish in the country and was estab
lished in 1827, the first varnish being made in a
kettle under a tree in New York City, at the corner
of Fifth Avenue and Fourteenth Street. A plant
was subsequently built in Astoria, Long Island
City, but was not allowed to go on with the
business on account of the odor. In 1840 it was
moved to Hunter's Point, Long Island City,
where it has since remained.
Mr. Armstrong resides at No. 103 Jackson
Avenue, a house his father built, and was here
married to Miss Ellen Mahoney, a native of
Brooklyn. They have one child, Robert J. Mr.
Armstrong is a member of Long Island City
Lodge F. & A. M., and is a Royal Arch Mason.
In national politics he is Democratic.

JOHN ANDREWS, a contractor, painter and
decorator, is one of the most popular busi
ness men of Long Island City, and his repu
tation has extended far and wide. He was born
in New York City, October 28, 1859, and comes
of an old and prominent family. In that city
he received a thorough education, standing at
the head of his class, and the third year he took
the O. Gorman medal. When fifteen years old
he was obliged to leave school and was appren
ticed to learn painting under Mr. Wilson, at No.
67 West Twenty-first street, New York City, and
was with him several years. During this time
young Andrews was not resting contented with
the education he had already received, but at
tended evening high school. He took the first
prize in the bookkeeping class and received a di
ploma. In 1879 Mr. Andrews went South to Jackson
ville, Fla., where he continued for a time en
gaged in business with Jones & Verril, painters
and decorators. He then returned to Long
Island City, where he advised and assisted his

father in conducting the present business, and
has been here ever since. The business is con
ducted under the firm name of L. Andrews, but
our subject is the sole proprietor. His father,
L. Andrews, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1826,
and comes of old Scotch stock. His ancestors
rebelled against the British crown and his great-
great-grandfather, James Andrews, was promi
nent in defending the uprising in Ireland for lib
erty and republicanism. The grandfather, Will
iam Andrews, was a prominent man in Ireland
and a civil engineer in Dublin.
When thirteen and a half years old the father
learned the painter's trade in Dublin, Ireland,
under his brother-in-law, and in 1848, for political
reasons, came to America, where he followe'd his
trade, becoming foreman of a shop, and holding
that position until 1875. He then started his
present business in Long Island City and has
been a resident and a prominent citizen of that
place ever since. He has been interested in edu
cational and religious matters all his life, and also
takes a deep interest in the temperance move
ment. He is a trustee in St. Mary's Catholic
Church. His wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth
O'Donnell, was born in Ireland and is a niece of
the late Very Rev. John McKeon, D. D., V. G, a
linguist of remarkable ability, at one time Pro
fessor of Philosophy in the College of Salamanca,
Spain, later Dean of the Diocese of Ardagh and
Papal Legate for Ireland; also of Miles and Peter
McKeon, who were respectively a Major and
Captain in the British army prior to the War of
1812, but then resigned their commissions and,
coming to America, fought nobly in defense of
their adopted country. Mrs. Andrews died Oc
tober 31, 1889. Our subject, who was the only
child of her marriage, has many relics of the fam
ily, which he prizes highly.
Since 1876 Mr. Andrews has resided in Long
Island City, where he owns considerable real es
tate. Here he married Miss Mary Moran, daugh
ter of Daniel Moran, who was employed by the
Hartford & New Hampshire Railroad for over
forty-four years. Mrs. Andrews was born,
reared and educated in this city. Their only child
is a daughter named Mary. In politics our sub
ject is an adherent of Republican principles, and
has been delegate to county conventions, served
as commissioner and is clerk of the Board of
Plumbers. For three years he was president of
the Athletic Club of Long Island City, of which
he is still a member and in which he has held va-

120

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

rious offices for fifteen years. He is a charter
member of the Lincoln Club of Long Island City,
of the Order of American Firemen and several
other societies. He has also been instrumental
in securing free lectures for the people and a free
library, and is now agitating the introduction of
a free recreation ground for athletic exercises in
Long Island City. He is a successful and pop
ular business man, and has had men in his em
ploy since 1875.

CHARLES A. WILLEY. Youth is the
great stimulator, the feeder, the tonic of
the mighty system and network of com
mercial and financial enterprise; whilst age fur
nishes the trunk of the tree, youth is the verdure
that causes the leaves to burst forth and instill
the industrial paths with new vim and energy.
This is especially felt in the manufacturing world,
where one of the youngest and most active work
ers is C. A. Willey, color grinder and manufac
turer of specialties in carriage and car paints,
colors, etc., at No. 91 West Avenue, Hunter's
Point, Long Island City. Mr. Willey under
stands every feature of his business and this is
no doubt the secret of his success. A native of
Vermont, born at Cabot, Washington County, in
1859, hdl of the keen, pulsing spirit of the East,
Mr. Willey has been identified with his business
for many years and has distinguished himself as
a master of his calling.
The father of our subject, Curtis A. Willey, was
born in the province of Quebec, Canada, but the
grandfather, Jerrod Willey, was a native of Ver
mont and came of a prominent old family of that
state. The latter married a Miss Lindsey, of Ver
mont, whose brothers, three in number, were in
the Revolutionary War and fought at Bunker
Hill. The Willey family is of English-Welsh
origin, and the first member to leave that country
for this, took passage at Leeds, England, and
settled at Ryegate, Vt. Grandfather Willey, who
located in Quebec, Canada, at an early date, was
engaged in the millwright business for some time
and established mills in every direction. Curtis A.
learned the trade of his father and soon after his
marriage to Miss Caroline Williamson, a native
of Canada and daughter of Eben Williamson, who
was a farmer of Quebec, he returned to Vermont,
where he actively engaged in milling. This he
followed for many years, but now, at the age of
sixty-five, is retired from the active duties of life.

Both he and his wife are worthy members of the
Congregational Church.
Our subject, the third in order of birth of six
children, three of whom are now living, spent his
boyhood days in Vermont, where he received a
good practical education. When fourteen years
old he was apprenticed as a coach painter in his
native village and was thus occupied for four
years, or until 1877, when he went to Merrimac,
Mass., and was master ^coach painter there for
three years. In 1880 he came to New York City
and traveled one year as salesman for John W.
Masury & Son, color grinders of Brooklyn. From
there he went to Boston, Mass., where he was
painter for a firm for about three years and then
became traveling salesman for another firm,
going West as far as the Missouri River.
Two years later Mr. Willey came to New York
City as master coach painter for R. M. Stivers of
that city, and remained with him for about three
years. In November, 1890, he started in business
for himself and located in Long Island City.
Later he put in the machinery for color grinding
and has made a decided success of his enterprise.
He has secured the trade from the best sources
and is an expert in his particular line. His ma
chinery is run by steam and he has an engine of
twenty-five horse-power and a boiler of fifty horse
power. Mr. Willey manufactures and makes a
specialty of the finest goods, hundreds of differ
ent kinds, and operates eight grinding machines.
In Fitchburg, Mass., Mr. Willey was married
to Miss Julia A. Perkins, a native of Royalston,
that state. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason,
a member of Merrimac Blue Lodge and of Bos
ton Commandery, and politically he is a Repub
lican.

F'

IREDERICK C. TROWBRIDGE, a real
estate dealer of Astoria, Long Island City,
has been established in this business for a
number of years and is recognized as one of her
best posted and most enterprising business men.
He is a native of this place and was born Novem
ber 14, 1859, to Henry and Anna E. (Blackwell)
Trowbridge, the former a native of New York
City and the latter of Astoria.
The grandfather, Henry Trowbridge, was also
a native of the metropolis and was a woolen mer
chant in that city for many years. Later he re
moved to Astoria and here passed the remainder
of his days. His son Henry, father of our sub-

HON. MORRIS FOSDICK.

LEWIS L. FOSDICK.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

12 =

ject, succeeded him in the woolen merchandising
business and continued this until about 1885, when
he retired from that and turned his attention
to the real estate business, which he has con
ducted very successfully since. He now has
charge of the Chesebrough estate and is a promi
nent and progressive citizen. He married Miss
Anna E. Blackwell, a native of Astoria, and the
daughter of Robert M. Blackwell, who was also
born in Astoria. The great-great-grandfather and
the great-great-great-grandfather were large
property owners, and the latter owned a large
place, "Ravenswood," and was the original owner
of Blackwell's Island. This is one of the oldest
and most prominent families of Long Island.
(See sketch of the Blackwell family.) To the par
ents of our subject were born six children, four of
whom survive at the present time: Robert, B., of
Astoria; Frederick C, our subject; Alice B., at
home, and Adell, now Mrs. Harris, of Astoria.
Frederick C. Trowbridge was reared and edu
cated in Astoria, and graduated from Columbia
Grammar School in 1876. After that he was with
the Celluloid Brush Company, in New York, for
ten years, from 1877 to 1887, being head clerk
from the start. In the month of January, 1890,
he became a partner in the firm of Trowbridge &
Stevens, real estate dealers and insurance agents.
Mr. Trowbridge served as one of three commis
sioners to appraise property on Vernon Avenue
and Boulevard and is prominently identified with
every movement of importance in the city. In
politics he is a stanch advocate of Republican
principles, and in religion he is a Primitive Meth
odist. Mr. Trowbridge is a charter member of
Astoria Athletic Club and has been a member of
the governing committee several times.

HON. MORRIS FOSDICK. On the 26th
of June, 1892, there died at his home in
Jamaica a man whose career was marked
by enterprise, honesty and industry — one of whom
it could be said with the greatest fitness that
"He bore without abuse
The grand old name of gentleman."
He was a man of great strength of character
and wielded an influence in public affairs that is
still felt throughout the community. The son of
poor parents, and starting in life without the pres
tige of fortune or influential friends, he yet
achieved a success that was noteworthy and
gained a name that was the synonym of personal
and judicial integrity.

Born in Springfield, town of Jamaica, Queens
County, November 7, 1814, our subject Was a son
of Morris Fosdick, Sr., who at the time of his
birth was a teacher in the Springfield school. The
family was first represented in America by Steph
en Fosdick, who settled in Charlestown, Mass., in
1635, coming, it is believed, from Lincolnshire,
England. One of his descendants was Samuel
Fosdick, who was born in New London in 1710,
and about 1730 removed to Oyster Bay, where
he made his permanent home. He was a soldier
of the Revolution.
Morris, son of Samuel, and father of our sub
ject, was born November 21, 1770. At the early
age of eighteen he commenced to teach school,
being thus engaged first on the Hudson River,
then in Oyster Bay until 1792, later in Far Rock-
away for sixteen years, and from there in 1808
went to Springfield, where he engaged in teaching
for twenty-five years, being thus occupied until
his death in 1833. He was also a land surveyor.
While living at Far Rockaway he married Jane
Doughty, a Quakeress, descended from Rev.
Francis Doughty, an early settler on Long Island.
Of their children John D. lived in New York City
and Charles in Jamaica; Seaman was a resident
of Springfield and held local offices, includ
ing those of justice of the peace and town trus
tee; his son Stephen was in the Union Army in
the Civil War and died from wounds received in
the service; Solomon made his home in New
York City. Alexander, a son of the last-named,
was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth
New York Regiment (Zouaves), holding the rank
of Sergeant; he was wounded in an attack on
Port Hudson and, with other wounded soldiers,
was sent to New Orleans, and thence to New
York. He arrived in Brooklyn July 31, 1863, and
died a few hours afterward.
Judge Fosdick was the youngest of his father's
large family, and at the time of the latter's death
he was a youth of nineteen. He succeeded his
father as teacher of the Springfield school, and for
seventeen years continued to teach in that school,
making forty-two years that it was under the
charge of his father and himself. During this time
he also followed his profession of land surveyor
and conveyancer. He resigned his school upon
his election to the office of county judge in 1849.
Previous to this he had held many local offices.
In 1838 he was appointed commissioner of deeds,
three years later was elected justice of the peace,
to which office he was re-elected in 1845 and 1849.

126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He was appointed judge of the court of common
pleas in 1846 by Governor Wright, and three
years later became county judge and surrogate.
So satisfactory were his services that he was re
elected in 1853 and again in 1857, and when the
offices of judge and surrogate were separated he
was elected to the latter office, which he held
until 1866. In 1856 he became a member of the
Board of Education, and in 1863 was made a trus
tee of Union Hall Academy. He was one of the
founders of the Jamaica Savings Bank, of which
he was treasurer from the time of its organization
until his decease.
Under all circumstances Judge Fosdick was
recognized as one of those public-spirited citizens
who could be relied upon to' aid in every worthy
enterprise, and although he was quiet and unos
tentatious in dispensing charity, he did so in that
practical way that experience taught him accom
plished the best results. His knowledge of men
was of a broad character, and he was always lib
eral and charitable in his views. The confidence
reposed in him by the people — a confidence that
showed itself in the fact that thousands of dollars
were placed in his care — was never betrayed, and
throughout his long life he retained the esteem of
all with whom he had business or social relations.
His legal knowledge, accompanied by broad ex
perience, was large and comprehensive, and his
rulings on the bench were invariably just and ac
cording to the law.
In 1836 Judge Fosdick married Miss Catherine
J. Baylis, daughter of John and Mary Baylis, and
a lineal descendant of Elias Baylis, who was chair
man of the Jamaica committee acting in conjunc
tion with the Continental Congress during the
Revolutionary War. Mrs. Fosdick, who was
born November 4, 1817, still resides at the old
homestead, which was the residence of herself and
husband for forty-two years and which is said to
be the oldest house now standing in Jamaica.
Their children are: Lewis L., Fannie C, Caroline
B. and John B. The older daughter, born in
1843, became the wife of George L. Peck of Ja
maica, and died in 1875. Caroline B. married
Frank W. Gale, son of the late Hon. M. D. Gale
of New York, and they make their home in Ja
maica. Lewis L., the judge's oldest child, was born July
21, 1837. He prepared for college at Union Hall
Academy, and graduated from the University of
New York City in 1858. His legal readings were
carried on in the office of Judge Armstrong, and

after his admission to the bar he became a member
of the law firm of Armstrong & Fosdick. Since
the death of Judge Armstrong, in 1886, Mr. Fos
dick has practiced alone. From 1871 to 1873 he
was a member of the board of village trustees.
He was secretary of the Jamaica Savings Bank
from 1874 until 1892, then succeeded his father as
treasurer, but resigned in October of that year,
to give his attention to his legal practice.
In politics he is a Democrat. In 1861 he married
Julia Emma Bennett, who died in 1873, leaving
two children: Morris M., born November 25,
1862, now a searcher of records and conveyancer,
having his office with his father; and Ella L., wife
of William H. Mills. In 1878 Mr. Fosdick mar
ried M. Eloise Terry, of Sag Harbor. They are
members of the Presbyterian Church in Jamaica,
of which he has been an officer since 1864.
The younger son, John B., was born November
11, 1855. He married Leonora G., daughter of
Isaac B. Remsen, of Jamaica, and their children
are: Carrie Estelle, John Sheldon, Lewis R.,
Leonora R. and M. Le Roy. He is a surveyor
and conveyancer, is a Democrat, and has held the
offices of trustee of the village and of the town.
He is now a trustee of the Jamaica Savings Bank.
Possessing a love for sports of all kinds, he is
especially interested in yachting and owns a fine
yacht, in which he takes much pleasure. He owns
a cottage on the bay, and there he and his wife
entertain their hosts of personal friends.

JOHN FOLEY is one of the most worthy
Irish-American citizens of Long Island
City, having been engaged in business here
since 1878. He is a gentleman of more than
usual financial ability, and during the years in
which he has been engaged as a grocer here has
built up a wide reputation for superior goods and
excellent business methods. He has a good loca
tion in Hunter's Point, by whose residents he is
held in the highest esteem.
Mr. Foley was born in County Clare, Ireland,
in 1 85 1. His father, John Foley, Sr., was also a
native of that portion of the Emerald Isle, there
spending his entire life. He married Bridget Kiers,
who still makes her home in County Clare, and
who became the mother of three children, of
whom two are residing in America.
The subject of this sketch, who was the sec
ond born, remained in his native land until at
taining his majority, in the meantime acquiring

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

127

a good education in the public schools of his na
tive town. In 1872 he determined to come to
America, and, bidding relatives and friends good
bye, set sail in the old steamer "City of New
York," and in due time was landed on the shores
of the New World.
At first Mr. Foley made his home in Brooklyn,
where he obtained employment, but a short time
thereafter we find him conducting a grocery of
his own in Williamsburg. In 1878 he sold out
his stock of goods, and, coming to Hunter's
Point, embarked in the same line of business here,
putting in a new supply of staple and fancy gro
ceries. He has been remarkably successful and
owns considerable property in the city, including
two residences on Fourth Street.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Cath
erine O'Laughlin occurred in Long Island City
in 1874. Mrs. Foley was also born in County
Clare, Ireland, and has become the mother of a
son, John. Both our subject and his wife be
long to St. Mary's Catholic Church. In 1893
Mr. Foley returned to his old home in Ireland,
spending two months in visiting relatives and
friends, whom he found to be greatly delighted at
the success which has been his since coming to
America. In politics he always casts a ballot in
favor of Democratic candidates.

WILLIAM POST AMBERMAN. Of
the various enterprises that have made
Queens County one of the commercial
centers, of the state, the oyster business has always
held an important place, employing large cap
ital in its management, and giving to cognate in
dustries a decided impetus by the energy and
ability displayed in its development. In every
department the enterprise characteristic of its
leading exponents has been abundantly shown
and their success amply demonstrates their judg
ment, vigor and prudence. Among those who
have gained prosperity in this occupation, men
tion belongs to William P. Amberman, of Spring
field, who is regarded as one of the prosperous
oyster planters and prominent men of the county.
A native of the place where he still resides,
the subject of this notice was born July 21, 1857,
being a son of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Valen
tine) Amberman, of whom further mention is
made in the biographical sketch of his brother,
Charles B., presented on another page. His boy
hood years were uneventfully passed in the ac

quirement of a practical education that would
fit him for the successful conduct of business af
fairs. For a time he was a pupil in the Spring
field schools, and later was a student at Jamaica.
At the age of about twenty years he started out
for himself as an oyster planter, choosing the
calling to which he has since adhered and in which
he has met with success.
The marriage of William P. Amberman and
Miss Hannah S., daughter of John G. H. Bedell
of Springfield, occurred November 12, 1884, and
four children bless their union, namely: John B.,
Hattie R., George H. and Mary Alice. Since
1894 Mr. Amberman has been a member of the
School Board in the capacity of collector, was
one of the prime movers in the erection of the
new school building, one of the most substantial
structures of the kind in the county, and which
was erected at a cost of $15,000. Not alone in
educational affairs, but in all matters pertaining
to the welfare of the people, he takes an active
interest, supporting local enterprises by his con
tributions and sympathetic co-operation. His
©pinions in political matters are as decided as in
other things ; he has always voted the Republican
ticket and adhered with loyalty to the principles
of that party. Socially he is connected with the
Royal Arcanum and is the present secretary of
the Good Templar's Lodge. He is one of the
leading members of the Methodist Church, to
which he belongs, and in which he has held the
office of recording steward. The various societies
connected with the church receive his cordial sup
port, especially the Sunday-school, in which he
is serving as superintendent, and the Epworth
League, of which he is president. He has an
intelligent conception of the duties of citizenship
and has held various local offices with credit, in
cluding the position of inspector of elections, in
which capacity he has served for years.

OTTO ANDERSON, proprietor of the
largest fish market in Long Island City,
has met with success in almost all of his
ventures since starting in life for himself. He
is a native of Norway, and was born in Stavan
ger, January 7, 1863. His father, Andreas An
derson, was likewise a native of that place, and
was a carpenter and builder in Stavanger until
his death, which occurred in 1894. Mrs. Marian
(Jacobson) Anderson, the mother of our subject,
is still living and makes her home in Long Is-

128

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

land City. Her father was a shipbuilder and
architect. The parental family included three
sons and two daughters, all of them residents of
this city.
Otto Anderson, who was the eldest member
of the family, attended the public schools in Nor
way until a lad of thirteen years, when he was
apprenticed to a brick mason in Stavanger in
order that he might learn the trade. He worked
thus for four years, and in 1880 decided to come
to America. After landing in New York City he
worked at his trade, but only remained there a
short time, when he changed his place of resi
dence to Hunter's Point. Four years after com
ing to the United States young Anderson made
his way across the western continent to San
Francisco, Cal., and for one year worked at his
trade. On his return to New York he stopped
for a time in Baltimore, Md., and for one season
ran an oyster boat. Later he again went to the
metropolis and was made foreman in the docks
of the Anchor Steamship Line, holding this" po
sition for one year. His health being greatly
impaired at this time, he was obliged to resign
his position and for twelve months was not en
gaged in active work of any kind.
In 1888 Mr. Anderson made permanent loca
tion in Long Island City, establishing the fish
and oyster market of which he is now the pro
prietor at No. 109 Fulton Avenue. He has for
sale in their season every variety of fish and
oyster, and it is but his just due to say that he
transacts a larger business than all the other mar
kets of this kind put together. The first venture
of Mr. Anderson in this line was in catching lob
sters at Hell Gate. These he tried to dispose of
to the markets in Long Island City, but as he
was not able to do this he opened an establish
ment of his own and has been remarkably suc
cessful in its management ever since. As soon
as his business was large enough so that it re
quired all his time and attention he abandoned
fishing and devoted his energies to his market.
His trade is such that it requires three wagons
to deliver goods.
The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Sarah
Gun was solemnized in New York City in 1889.
This estimable and well-educated lady is of Irish
descent. She has become the mother of three
children, Alfred, Otto, Jr., and Edward. Mr.
Anderson is one of the most enthusiastic and
influential Republicans in Long Island City, and
is the present candidate on that ticket for the po

sition of overseer of the poor. He belongs to
the Union League, a Republican club of Astoria,
and is active as a member of the General Repub
lican Committee, serving on the executive com
mittee in the latter. He is a man whose entire
course in life has been in every respect honora
ble and upright and he is justly entitled to the
respect of his associates and the esteem of all
who know him.

WILLIAM ' AHRENS, of Blissville, is
chief engineer of the Eastern Distill
ing Company. He was born near
Reading, Pa., January 28, 1832, the son of Jacob
Ahrens, also a native of that place, while the
grandfather, Henry Ahrens, was born in Bremen,
Germany. The latter on emigrating to America
made his home in the Keystone State, where he
passed the remaining years of his life. In re
ligious matters he was a member of the Lutheran
Church. The father of our subject was a farmer by oc
cupation, and in addition to cultivating the soil,
was engaged for some time as a carpenter and
builder near Reading. At the time of his death
he was seventy-nine years and eight months old.
He married Miss Barbara, daughter of Abram
Koenig, a farmer. The latter, with his wife, was
one of the old settlers of Pennsylvania and was
of the Ornish faith. Mrs. Ahrens lived to be
seventy-eight years of age.
The parental family included nine children, of
whom William, of this history, was the fifth in
order of birth. When he could be spared from
farm work he attended the schools of his district
and in this manner gained a fair education. In
1857 he left home, and, going to Alleghany Coun
ty, Va., found employment on a railroad. In
1 86 1, however, at the outbreak of the Civil War,
he was obliged to leave, and, going to Indiana,
he took up millwrighting at Vincennes. His stay
in that city was of short duration, as he contracted
ague. Later he visited Cincinnati and was given
a position in the machine and millwrighting es
tablishment of I. & E. Greenwalt. remaining in
their employ for a period of twelve years. His
duties were to erect machines for the customers,
and in this way he traveled through the states
of Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee,
Mississippi, Virginia and Ohio.
In 1870 Mr. Ahrens became connected with the
Eastern Distilling Company, erecting their

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

129

works in Cincinnati. One year later he was
transferred to their Long Island City branch, but
only remained here at that time about a year,
when he returned to the Queen City. In 1873,
however, he again came East, and has been lo
cated in this city most of the time since. Up to
1884 he had charge of the machine and building
department, but since that time has been chief
engineer. Since he entered the employ of this
company all their old buildings have given place
to larger ones, the only familiar object left to
Mr. Ahrens being the old brick chimney. The
works have eighteen engines in all, the largest
being one hundred and forty horse-power.
The lady to whom our subject was married
near Reading, Pa., in 1854, was Miss Kate, daugh
ter of John Pottieger, who at one time was sher
iff of Berks County. Their union resulted in Ihe
birth of nine children, seven of whom are living
at the present time. James, a millwright and
carpenter, is in the employ of the Eastern Dis
tilling Company; George is a mechanical engi
neer in the Queens County Oil Works; Sarah
is now Mrs. Kester of Blissville; Monroe is a
wheelwright, also in the employ of the Eastern
Distilling Company; Barbara is a stenographer
in New York, and Jacob is a machinist doing
business in Greenpoint; William died in 1892,
when twenty-eight years of age; Eliza is de
ceased, as is also an infant unnamed. Die fam
ily are members of the Lutheran Church. In poli
tics our subject is an ardent Republican and on
this account was driven out of the South during
the late war.

PROF. W. J. BALLARD, principal of the
Jamaica schools, was born in the County of
Kent, England, February 26, 1846. The
family of which he is a member has resided in
England as far back as the genealogy can be
traced. His father, John, who was a shoemaker
by trade, came to America in 1852 and settled
near Cooperstown, Otsego County, N. Y., mak
ing his home on a farm until his death in 1881.
Some years prior to leaving England he married
Miss Mary Ottaway, a. native of Kent County,
and an estimable woman, to whose affectionate
ministrations he owed much of his comfort and
happiness. She is still living (1896), and though
eighty years of age, is as bright and active, both
mentally and physically, as many women twenty
or thirty years her junior. She makes her home
with a daughter in Otsego County, N. Y.

Eight children were born to John and Mary
Ballard, of whom seven are living, all in com
fortable circumstances in life. The subject of
this sketch was reared to manhood on a farm,
where, by outdoor work, he gained a robust
physique, and at the same time, by attendance at
the public schools, laid the foundation of the
broad knowledge he afterward acquired. For a
short time his studies were conducted in a pri
vate school, but his advantages were few, com
pared with those now extended to boys and girls.
However, diligent application brought favorable
results, and at the age of seventeen he began to
teach school, and while instructing others, his
own mind was broadened and his intellect rip
ened. Teaching in the winter and working on
a farm in the summer, the years passed by, hap
pily, busily and usefully.
In 1868, feeling the need of higher educational
advantages and having saved from his earnings
a sufficient amount to render such an undertak
ing possible, Professor Ballard entered the State
Normal School at Albany. There he continued
for two years, though his funds running short,
he was obliged to incur an indebtedness of $600.
After graduating in 1870, he went to New Ham
burg, Dutchess County, where for four years he
filled the position of principal of the schools,
demonstrating in that responsible position the
fact that he was fitted for the calling he had
chosen. While at that place he was largely in
strumental in securing the erection of a school-
house, which cost $7,000. From that place he
came to Jamaica, where for five years he served
as principal. Through his efforts the school was
reorganized and its usefulness largely enhanced,
but some contention arose in the board of educa
tion regarding his salary and the expediency of
continuing him in the position, it being the opin
ion of some that a less expensive man could con
duct the schools to their satisfaction ; and it was
so decided.
For a year Professor Ballard devoted his time
to travel, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, the Isle of Wight, France and Switzer
land. His travels were made largely on foot,
which gave him a better chance to see the coun
try and acquaint himself with the customs of the
people. After his return to America he again
taught two years in New Hamburg and in other
places. In 1880, to his surprise, and without
solicitation on his part, the Jamaica board of edu
cation tendered him the position they had asked

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

130
him to vacate three years before. He accepted
the call and has since remained at the head of
the schools, having held the position for twenty
years altogether.
During his incumbency of this place Professor
Ballard has brought the schools to a high degree
of efficiency and has been instrumental in secur
ing the erection of several new school-houses,
including the high school building now being
erected, and which, when completed, will be one
of the finest in the state. As an educator and in
structor he is patient, thorough, interested in the
advancement of his pupils, and devoted to their
welfare. A man of broad and liberal views, he
has been a promoter of public enterprises, ever
ready to do his full share in matters pertaining
to the welfare of the people.
Socially Professor Ballard is prominent among
the Masons and Odd Fellows, to which orders
he belongs. He is also connected with the
School Masters' Club of New York City. In 1891
he married Miss Julia Deming Wickes, daugh
ter of William E. Wickes of New Hamburg, N.
Y., and one of his pupils while he was principal of
the schools at that place. They are the parents of
one child, Wilfred.

LOUIS BRESLOFF has become widely
known as a maker of choice cigars, his
place of business being located at No. 13
Borden Avenue, Hunter's Point, Long Island
City. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia,
December 24, 1843, to Elias and Mary (Savolof)
Bresloff, also natives of the land of the Czar, the
former being a quartermaster in the Russian ar
my. He came of a prominent old family, well
known even in the time of Peter the Great, and
as far back as known they have been members of
the Greek Catholic Church. The mother is still
living in the land of her birth. The home of
Louis Bresloff continued to be in St. Petersburg
until he was nine years of age, when he was sent
to Hamburg, Germany, and there apprenticed to
a cigarmaker until he had reached the age of thir
teen. America had for some time been the goal
of his ambition and thither he came in 1856, and
for one year thereafter lived in Boston. He then
came to New York City, where he worked at his
trade until the opening of the Civil War, when he
volunteered in Major Cline's regiment of militia
for three months. In August of that year he vol
unteered in a company made up mostly of Rus

sians, called the First United States Lancers, and
was stationed at Staten Island, but at the end of
three months he volunteered in the Fourth New
York Cavalry, Company I, with which he served
the country of his adoption for three years. He
was a participant in all the battles of the Army
of the Potomac up to September, 1863, and while
his command was located at a ford on the Rapidan
and he was serving on picket duty, he received
a severe cut on the back of the head by a sabre,
was knocked senseless and taken prisoner. He
was sent to Libby Prison and there endured all
the horrors of Southern prison life for six weeks,
although his wound was dressed by the prison
surgeon. He was finally sent to Annapolis, Md.,
on parole, and there remained until-his wound was
well and he was exchanged. He rejoined his
regiment in Virginia and took part in the en
gagement at Winchester, when the Union forces
were rallied by the resolution and courage of
General Sheridan. Mr. Bresloff was mustered
out of the service November 25, 1864, but on
the 2d of January, 1865, his patriotic spirit led
him to again enlist in the Union service, and he
became a member of Company I, Sixth New
York Cavalry, and was with the Army of the
Potomac in its numerous raids, his commander
being General Sheridan. He was in front of
Petersburg and was at Appomattox Court House
when Lee surrendered. Soon after the war closed
he was sent to Louisville, Ky., as a member of the
Second New York Provisioned Cavalry, to quell
the election riots there, remaining some two
weeks, after which he returned home and for
eighteen months worked at his trade.
Our subject first engaged in the manufacture
of cigars at No. 180 Essex Street, New York City,
later at No. 194 Avenue A, in 1888 at No. 151
Avenue A and in January, 1892, he took up his
residence in Long Island City, at No. 13 Borden
Avenue, where he still holds forth. He has been
a very successful cigar manufacturer and his best
brands are the "Park View," the "Clear Valleys"
and the "Cupido." In connection with this es
tablishment he has a confectionery and ice cream
parlor, which is patronized by the best people of
the city. He is a very prominent Mason and is a
member of the Veteran Association of the Fourth
New York Cavalry.
Mr. Bresloff was married in New York City to
Miss Margaretta Dall, a native of Bavaria, Ger
many, and daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Dall,
who came with their family to the United States

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

131

when Mrs. Bresloff was but two years old. Here
the father died six months later and his widow
reared her family in New York. Mr. and Mrs.
Bresloff have eight children: John Louis, who
is in the cigar business with his father; Mary,
Mrs. Goepfert of Lebanon, Ohio ; Philip, who is a
confectioner of New York City; Charles, who is
successfully engaged in the insurance business;
August H., who is a druggist of Astoria; Carrie,
Georgie and Josie.

GEORGE J. TURNER, a member of the
firm of Turner Brothers, is a gentleman
whose sound judgment and progressive
methods have contributed much towards the suc
cess of the firm. Although for many years he
has been a worthy resident of the United States,
he was born in London, England, December 6,
1855. On the 9th of July, 1869, he came to this
country and has here made his home up to the
present time, being now a most loyal citizen of
the states. While in London young Turner at
tended the private schools, but after coming here
he turned his attention to making a living. He
was first employed as clerk by his cousin, Mr.
Dalmore, who owned a large grocery in Long
Island City, but a short time afterwards he en
tered the employ of others and for a year was
in the sash and blind factory here. In 1872 he
? began working for George Petry in the manufac
ture of assorted tin work, and was with that gen
tleman for about a year.
Later Mr. Turner began clerking in a grocery
for Joseph New, remaining with him about three
years, and then returned to the employ of George
Petry, who was then in the hardware business,
and who was also engaged in the manufacture of
varnish cans. For eighteen months Mr. Turner
was in the manufacturing department, and after
that was on the Long Island Railroad for about
three years as a tinsmith. Returning to the em
ploy of Mr. Petry, he continued with him for
some time and then was with William Brodie for
five years. In November, 1891, he and his broth
er, Richard T., formed the partnership of Turner
Brothers, which has continued up to the present
time. He and his brother are both geniuses in
their calling; they are upright and conscientious
in business matters and merit the success to which
they have attained.
On the 29th of March, 1888, Mr. Turner was
married in Hoboken, N. J., to Miss Clara Godden,

a native of that place, and daughter of Henry
Godden. Three children have blessed this un
ion, Clara G., Grace H. and Beatrice. In spite
of his many business enterprises Mr. Turner has
not lost sight of his duties as a citizen and has
held numerous offices in the city. He is secretary
of the Fifth District Republican Association in
the first ward, has been a delegate to city conven
tions, and in politics adheres firmly to the princi
ples of the Republican party. He is a member of
Long Island City Council No. 17, Order of
American Firemen, of which he is a charter mem
ber. For one year he was also foreman of the
Franklin Engine Company and assistant foreman
for the same length of time. Mr. Turner is a
Mason, a member of Island City Lodge, in which
he is past junior deacon. Since 1881 he has been
a charter member of Charles W. Havemeyer
Lodge No. 321, A. O. U. W., at Brooklyn, and
was its master one year, financier for four years
and is now recorder, serving his third term. For
five years in succession he was a delegate to the
Grand Lodge of the above-mentioned order. He
•is one of the city's most reliable citizens and rep
resentative business men.

ISAAC B. STRANG is one of the oldest living
residents and native-born citizens of Astoria,
and it is a pleasure to chronicle here the
events that mark his life as one of usefulness.
Material wealth should not exclude the riches of
character in recounting the life work of any man,
and he who has by his intelligence and eminence
in the higher walks of life, assisted in raising the
standard of morality and thought in the com
munity in which he lives, is a benefactor to man
kind. No one has probably done more in this
line than Isaac B. Strang, whose long residence
in Queens County has been marked by a love of
his fellow-man and a desire to be in every way
a model citizen. He was born in Astoria, L. I.,
in the house now owned by P. Bartlett, January
17, 1820, to Garrett S. and Susan (Bragaw)
Strang, natives of Astoria also. The paternal
grandfather, Solomon Strang, was a native
American, of French extraction, his parents hav
ing come to this country from France a number
of years prior to his birth. He became a loyal
American citizen, and when the great struggle
with the mother country came up in 1775 he
joined the American forces and fought bravely
for the freedom of his native land. In after years

132

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he became an honest tiller of the soil, and by the
sweat of his brow accumulated a competency.
He became the owner of the old Brill farm, which
he later sold and afterwards purchased a farm in
Astoria, where he closed his eyes in death. This
farm was subsequently purchased by his son.
Garrett S. Strang followed in the footsteps of
his worthy father and became a tiller of the soil,
his farm lying in what is now the heart of As
toria. This land he sold in 1835 for $6,000, after
which he bought land four miles from Newtown
and there made his home until his death, at the
age of seventy-eight years. For many years he
had been a Jacksonian Democrat. His wife was
the daughter of Isaac Bragaw, who owned a
farm of eighty acres between what is now Broad
way and Jamaica Avenue, Astoria. He was of
Holland-Dutch descent and passed from life on
this farm. The earthly career of Mrs. Strang
was closed in 1825, after she had become the
mother of three sons, all of whom reached hon
orable manhood : Solomon, a blacksmith and car
riage manufacturer, died in Jamaica; Isaac B. is
our subject, and Charles, who became a con
tractor and builder, died on the old home place.
After the death of their mother the father married
again, and to his second union four children were
given, two daughters and one son of whom
reached maturity, but all are now passed to that
bourne whence no traveler returns.
In the town where he first saw the light of day
Isaac B. Strang was reared and educated, his
schooling being acquired in the subscription
schools in vogue at that time. Up to the age of
fifteen years he was made familiar with farm labor
on the old home place, and then was apprenticed
to learn the carpenter's trade under a Mr. Daboll
in Astoria. After some years thus spent, he be
gan work on his own account. He continued
contracting and building until about 1861, when
he turned his business over to his brother Charles
and for some time devoted his attention to the
manufacture of packing boxes for the Govern
ment. Subsequently he invested his savings in
a farm in the vicinity of Jamaica, and after tilling
the land for eight years returned to Astoria, al
though he still owns the farm of eighty acres,
which he rents.
While Mr. Strang was engaged in contracting
and building he put up many residences in Long
Island City, among which were those of R. M.
Blackwell, Mr. Freeman and General Hopkins.
He also built his own residence, a beautiful and

stately one, prior to coming here. In Brooklyn,
November 26, 1846, he was first married to Miss
Ann Bragaw, a daughter of John Bragaw, who
was a farmer in the vicinity of Long Island City.
She died December 3, 1885, leaving one child,
Charles G., who was educated here and in the
City of New York. He is farming near Chat
ham, N. J., is married and has a family of three
children. Mr. Strang's second marriage occurred in
Lockwood Street, Astoria, November 15, 1887,
uniting him with Mrs. Mary J. (Rowland) New
ton, who was born in New York City, a daugh
ter of William Rowland, a native of Huntington,
L. I. Her grandfather, John Rowland, was a
native of Connecticut, and at Middle Island, L.
I., was a carpenter, blacksmith and farmer. He
was in the American navy during the War of 1812.
William Rowland was an attorney-at-law and
died in Brooklyn at the age of seventy-two years,
a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Politically he was an enthusiastic old-
line Whig. His wife, Mary Worsham, was born
in New York City, a daughter of John Worsham,
who was born in England, and who became an
engraver in New York City. He was prominent
in Masonic circles. Mary (Worsham) Rowland
died in Brooklyn at the age of sixty-seven years,
having become the mother of eight children, four
sons and four daughters, seven of whom reached
maturity. Two sons and two daughters are still
living, the former of whom, Sidney L. and John,
reside in Brooklyn.
Mrs. Strang was educated in Patchogue, L. I.,
and at the early age of fifteen years began teach
ing school, following this occupation at Ball
Hills, Corham and New York City, where she
first taught three years and was then principal of
a primary school four years. For eleven years
thereafter she was principal of the primary de
partment of the Astoria schools, after which she
lived in Brooklyn five years and then returned to
Astoria. She was first married in New York in
1850 to William Newton, a native of England,
who came with his mother to New York when a
boy and became a salesman in different stores.
He died in Astoria February 16, 1884, leaving
a widow and three children, one of the latter sur
viving, Anna A., wife of William A. Peel. She
was educated here and in Brooklyn and is the
mother of seven children. In 1880 Mrs. Strang
was elected a member of the board of school trus
tees from the fourth ward on the Republican tick-

REV. EDMUND D. COOPER, D. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

135

et, and she has been re-elected every three years
since that time, the last time being elected on the
Democratic ticket. She has taken a prominent
part in educational matters and was the first and
only woman ever elected to an office in Long
Island City. She is remarkably well informed
and has done much to raise the standard of the
city schools. She has been secretary of the
fourth ward board all this time and has also kept
the minutes of the meeting. During her term of
office there have been erected the new first ward,
second ward, fourth ward and fifth ward school
houses and the high school building, the latter of
which she was very active in building up.
Mr. Strang is a charter member of the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Astoria, also
belongs to the Sons of Temperance and has long
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which he has been trustee, steward and
class-leader, besides superintendent of the Sun
day-school. He is a Republican politically. Mrs.
Strang is a member of the Presbyterian Church
of Astoria, has been treasurer of the Ladies' So
ciety for twenty-three years and also of the Mis
sionary Society. Mr. Strang is the oldest living
settler of Astoria and can remember many inter
esting events connected with its early history.
He has always been a useful citizen, and now in
the autumn of his life is surrounded by a host
of warm friends.

REV. EDMUND DRURY COOPER, D.D.,
the able and distinguished rector of the
Church of the Redeemer as Astoria, and
archdeacon of Queens County, is one of the most
prominent pastors of Long Island City. He is
well educated, possesses a fine and original mind,
and is a fluent and eloquent speaker. As a pastor
he keeps in close touch with his people, and has
ever sought to develop the highest type of social
life of the church. Pie was born near Hastings,
England, about the year 1834, and is a son of
Edmund and grandson of Edmund Cooper, Sr.,
who came of an old and prominent English fam
ily. Both the father and grandfather were iron
mongers by trade.
From his native place, near Hastings, England,
our subject's father came to America about 1840,
accompanied by his family, and settled in Albany,
N. Y., where he carried on business until his death.
His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa D'rury,
was born at Cranbrook, Kent, England, and

passed away in that country. The only child of
this union, except a babe that died soon after
birth, was, the subject of this article, who as a
young lad came to America with his father. He
was reared in Albany and began his education in
the schools there. Early in life he evinced a
strong desire to enter the ministry and took a
preparatory course for college in a private insti
tution in Albany. In 1847 he went to a church
school in Wisconsin and there prepared himself
for the General Theological Seminary, New York,
which he entered in the fall of 1851, graduating
three years later. In July, 1854, he was ordained
in Trinity Church, New York, by Rt. Rev. Dr.
Wainwright, Bishop of New York, Bishop Mun-
tain, of Quebec, preaching the ordination sermon.
Soon after his ordination Rev. Mr. Cooper be
came rector of St. John's Church, Essex, N. Y.,
and after two years there was induced to go to
California as rector of Trinity Church, Nevada
City. He remained there and at Marysville for
three years, after which he returned to the East.
In 1859 he became rector of Trinity Church,
Sharon Springs, N. Y., and three years later re
signed that pastorate to return to his first charge
at Essex. In 1865 he resigned, having decided
to spend a year abroad on account of throat trou
ble. The most of the year he spent in France and
Italy, and after returning to this country was
called to Astoria, in 1866, as the first rector of
the Church of the Redeemer, which had just been
organized by some of the prominent men of the
city. They worshiped first in Mr. Umschlag's
store, but soon afterward the present church was
built, to which additions have been made as
deemed necessary. This is a fine building, of
dark granite, and is one of the best in the city.
From a charter membership of about seventeen
it has increased to about three hundred and fifty,
with a Sunday-school of seven hundred scholars.
The church has a fine organ and a chime of ten
bells, the latter being a bequest from the late
Cornelius Rapelye Trafford, whose remains lie
interred in the church yard.
"His earth-day work is over, he takes his evening rest.
Light lie the turf that covereth his true and kindly
breast,
His memory cannot perish; it must pass to> future
times,
And who can tell what souls in heaven will bless the
Trafford chimes."
Dr. Cooper devotes his entire time to his
church and congregation and is rich in the love

136

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of his people. He has an excellent vested choir
of thirty members under the directorship of
Charles Seibert, of New York, the organist. For
eighteen months this choir received instruction
from that master of his profession, Professor
Stubbs, of St. Agnes Chapel, New York City. For
twenty-six years Dr. Cooper has been assistant
secretary of the convention of the diocese, and at
the convention of 1895 the following resolutions
were passed:
Whereas, The Rev. Edmund Drury Cooper, D.
D., has served this convention as its assistant sec
retary for twenty-six successive years, or from the
date of our diocesan organization, and has done
so with conspicuous faithfulness and unvarying
courtesy to all; therefore,
Resolved, That this convention hereby grate
fully recognize Dr. Cooper's official and valuable
services, and beg to assure him of its best wishes
for his health and happiness during many years
to come.
Resolved, That the unanimous expression of the
gratitude and affection of the convention towards
Dr. Cooper be suitably engrossed and presented
to him, duly signed by our president and secre
tary. On motion these resolutions were unanimously
adopted by a rising vote.
Dr. Cooper is chairman of the diocesan church
building fund commission, trustee of the general
church building fund of the Episcopal Church of
the United States, trustee of the General Theo
logical Seminary, member of the ecclesiastical
court of the diocese, and one of the managers
of the Church Charity Foundation of Brooklyn.
In 1882 he received the degree of D. D. from the
University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn. His
genial disposition make's him a general favorite
and he is one of the most charitable and kind-
hearted of men, sincere in his friendships and de
votedly attached to the church with which he is
connected. He never forgets a kindness and never
stoops to resent an injury.
In St. John's Church, Essex, N. Y., June 20,
1861, Dr. Cooper married Miss Susanna McLean
Ross, a native of Salem, N. Y., but who was reared
in Essex, that state. She was a daughter of Judge
McLean, of Salem, and an adopted daughter of
Gen. Henry H. Ross, of Essex. She died May
14, 1893. In 1894 Dr. Cooper made his second
trip to Europe and was absent about four months,
visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, France,
Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium and
other countries. October 23, 1895, his brethren,

both of the clergy and laity, conferred upon him
the distinguished honor of nominating him to the
bishop as archdeacon of Queens County, which
nomination was immediately confirmed by the
bishop, and he is now the incumbent of that of
fice. He is active in all good work, and of him
it may truly be said, "Well done, thou good and
faithful servant."

PAUL C. BRENNAN is superintendent of
machinery and head of the drafting de
partment of the Barber Asphalt Paving
Company of Long Island City. He is one of the
best posted engineers of the country and a man
who stands in the front rank among his associ
ates in the business world, being noted for his
ability, both technical and practical. He was
born in Greenport, Suffolk County, April 5, 1865,
to the marriage of Paul and Mary (Magee) Bren-
nan, both natives of Ireland. At one time the
father was in the employ of the Long Island Rail
road as track foreman, afterwards was with the
Erie Railroad in the same capacity, and for some
time was on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad
as assistant roadmaster. After returning to Long
Island he purchased a brick yard at Pipes Cove,
in the town of Southold, where he remained until
1878. He then bought a farm at Pipes Cove
and made his home there until 1881, when he
gave up agricultural pursuits and became fore
man in the park department of New York City,
and held that position in four or five different
parks. Later he became night watchman for the
Long Island Railroad Company, and is now with
the Barber Asphalt Paving Company.
To the marriage of Paul and Mary (Magee)
Brennan were born ten children, seven of whom
survive at the present time. The sons are : John,
a business man of this county; Paul C, our sub
ject; James, an engineer on the Long Island Rail
road; Joseph, an engineer in the paving depart
ment of this company at Newark, and Frank, a
graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, who is
located in Long Island City. The daughters are :
Sarah, at home, and Frances, now Mrs. Philips
of Brooklyn. Our subject remained in Green-
port, L. I., until 1881, and attended the public
schools and Southold Academy, graduating from
the latter institution. Later he came to New
York as foreman on a steam yacht and was thus
occupied until 1884, when he was licensed as an
engineer and subsequently served in that capacity

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

137

on the "Fra Diavolo." He passed his examina
tion as constructing engineer in Bridgeport and
afterwards was assistant instructor in the Nation
al Institute of Steam Engineers in New York
City, where he remained for one year.
In the spring of 1886 Mr. Brennan came to
Long Island City to construct the plant for the
Barber Asphalt Paving Company, being chief en
gineer of construction, and continued in that ca
pacity until 1 89 1. In April of that year he was
made superintendent of the works. This is the
largest plant of the kind in the United States,
giving employment to from one hundred and for
ty-three to one hundred and fifty men, and is
ably superintended by Mr. Brennan, who is a
genius and the inventor of numerous appliances.
He is frequently called on to inspect and adjust
engines and valves and to perform other neces
sary and difficult undertakings.
Mr. Brennan was married to Miss Alice T.
Wright, a native of Suffolk County, L. I., and
daughter of Robert Wright, a general railroad
contractor residing in Long Island City. One
child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan,
Paula. Mr. Brennan is a member of the Na
tional Association of Engineers, and in politics
is a Democrat.

HF. QUINN & SONS. In Long Island
City one cannot help noting that it has
• proved a fruitful field for the exercise
of the highest order of talent in the line of mod
ern architecture, for the evidences of that skill,
talent and energy that have reared premanent
monuments of constructive effort are to be seen.
In reviewing the progress of architecture in this
vicinity the firm of H. F. Quinn & Sons will at
once suggest itself to hundreds of citizens. The
members of this firm are known as prominent
men in the field, and in a city that is progressing
as. rapidly and growing as fast as Long Island
City the business of building and contracting oc
cupies a leading place. This firm, consisting of
H F. Quinn and his two sons, James W. and
Joseph, has met with unusual success and is one
of the leading ones of the city.
H F. Quinn was born in County Longford,
Ireland, and there learned the carpenter's trade.
While still single he came to the United States,
settled in New York City and there worked at
his trade for some time. Later he engaged in
contracting and remained there until 1871, when

he located in Long Island City, which has since
been his home. However, he carried on business
in New York City until 1885, when he joined his
sons in contracting and building in Long Island
City, under the firm name of H. F. Quinn & Sons.
Though now sixty years old, Mr. Quinn is active
and hearty. He married Miss Mary Biglin, a
native of Queens County, L. I., who died about
1883. She was related to Burnett Biglin, the
New York Republican politician, as is also Mr.
Quinn. Of their seven children three are now
living: James W., the eldest, and Joseph H,
the second in order of birth, are partners in the
above mentioned firm, and Mary E. is a resident
of Long Island City.
James W. Quinn was born in New York City,
September 25,. i860, and graduated from the
Christian Brothers School when sixteen years
old. After that he began learning the carpen
ter's trade under his father and was connected
with him in business until he was twenty years
old. In 1 88 1 he started out as contractor for
himself and continued alone until 1885, when he
•and his brother and father joined together under
the above-mentioned title. They have erected
some of the most prominent residences in the city,
viz. : St. Mary's Church, the First and Third Ward
school buildings, Kelly's Block, Hettner's resi
dence, Michael Kane's residence, Daniel McCar-
ty's residence, and many others too numerous to
mention. From thirty to forty hands are em
ployed during the busy season. They manufac
ture their own finishing material in their shops
and are doing an excellent business. James W.
was president of the Tammany Society of Long
Island City during its existence, and in politics
has always been a Democrat. Religiously he is
identified with St. Mary's Church.

WILLIAM MUTHER. In presenting a
biographical sketch of this gentleman
it is but fair to say that he is one of
the representative men of the county and that he
is a man of sound judgment and unimpeachable
honesty. His life has had many thrilling experi
ences, and during his seafaring days he visited
almost every port in the world, where, being a
man of quick and close observation, he gained an
insight into the customs of the people. While
his education was limited, he has in the school
of experience gained a knowledge broader and
deeper than that possessed by many a college-

138

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bred man. Since leaving the sea he has given
his attention to the occupation of a contractor
and builder, in which he has met with deserved
success. The Muthers are an old Prussian family.
David, the grandfather of William, was a hunter
and for the most of his life was employed as
gamekeeper for Prince Putbus. Ludwig and
Dorothea (Haes) Miither, parents of our subject,
were natives of the province of Pommern, Prus
sia, and there both died, the former at the age
of fifty-six and the latter when ninety-one. In
religious views they were devoted Lutherans.
They were the parents of four children, all sons,
of whom the two survivors are in America, Wil
liam and Julius, the latter being a resident of
Mississippi. October 23, 1836, was the date, and Pommern,
Prussia, the land, of our subject's birth. At the
age of fourteen he was confirmed, and soon after
ward went to sea on a sailing vessel, devoting his
summers to that occupation, while in the winter
he was employed as a ship carpenter. His voy
ages took him to almost every port in Europe,
America and Africa, his first visit to America
being in 1852, when he landed at Brooklyn. Four
times he saw the midnight sun around North
Cape, and on one occasion his ship was lodged
in the ice for six weeks. Twice the vessel was
wrecked in the North Sea off the coast of Scot
land, and at one time he narrowly escaped with
his life. From a very humble position he worked
his way up until he became second mate, his pro
motion being the result of his faithful service for
many years.
In 1 87 1 Mr. Miither retired from a seafaring life
and came to America, determined to make this
his home. He settled at Hunter's Point, Long Is
land City, and built up a trade as carpenter in
that vicinity. Two years after he came his pros
pects seemed so flattering that he brought his
family, and they continued to live on the Point
until 1884, when he built and located at No. 15
Prospect Street, Dutch Kills. For a time he
worked in the employ of Hugh Thomas, after
which he was for ten years carpenter for the
Standard Oil Company, and was then with Mr.
Smith one year. In 1887 he began contracting,
and has since built many residences for others,
also five for himself on Prospect Street, of which
he still owns three.
While still in Prussia Mr. Miither married Miss
Wilhelmina Handt, daughter of Joachim Handt,

and a native of that country. She was a woman
of industrious, kindly disposition, devoted to her
husband and children, and her death, January 12,
1891, at the age of fifty years, was a heavy be
reavement to the family. Of her seven children,
only three attained years of maturity. They are
Emma, wife of Harry V. Ackerman, and mother
of three children; William, who resides on Free
man Avenue, and is interested in carpentering
with his father; Alexander, also a carpenter with
his father.
In regard to politics our subject is independ
ent, giving his ballot to the best man for any given
office. Socially he is connected with Long Island
City Lodge No. 395, I. O. O. F., and is also a
member of the Dutch Kills Maennerchor. He
follows the faith of his forefathers religiously, and
is a member of the Lutheran Church. By his
upright and honorable business career he has
won the respect of his fellow citizens and he is
esteemed as an honest man and an accommodat
ing friend.

CHARLES B. AMBERMAN. It would
be difficult to find among the farming
population of the town of Jamaica, a man
who has greater personal popularity or who wields
a more potent influence than the gentleman whose
name introduces this sketch. His life is being
spent in the peaceful pursuits of his calling as a
farmer and in a share of the local affairs. He is
known not only as a first-class farmer, but he
also has a high raputation as a man of upright
character, earnest and public spirited, and cordial
in his associations with his fellow-men.
The farm which Mr. Amberman operates is
situated on the Rockaway road — about two and
one-half miles from Jamaica. Our subject is a
native of Springfield, L. I., and was born July
29, 1861, being one of seven children (all of whom
survive), comprising the family of Cornelius and
Mary (Valentine) Amberman. His father, also
a native of Springfield, was born about 1824 and
grew to manhood in his native place. Selecting
as his calling the occupation of a farmer, he con
tinued thus engaged until his death, which oc
curred in 1893. Interested in educational mat
ters, he served with efficiency as a member of
the Board of School Trustees. He was the son
of Nicholas Amberman, also a native of Spring
field, and for many years a general merchant, but
later an agriculturist.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

139

After having spent a number of years in attend
ance upon the common schools, our subject at
the age of sixteen engaged on a coasting vessel
plying between Freeport and New York. A few
months of that life was, however, sufficient to
gratify any craving he may have had for the sea,
and he returned to land, content to live the quiet
existence of a farmer. ' He found employment,
after a short period devoted to farm work, in the
hardware factory of Grosjean, at Woodhaven,
where he worked for five months. The confine
ment of factory work proved detrimental to his
health, so he resigned his position and resumed
agricultural work, which he has since followed.
November 18, 1885, Mr. Amberman married
Miss Ida M. Martin, and unto them were born
five children, Phoebe, Edna and William, Mabel
and Charlie, the two latter deceased. Well in
formed on political questions, Mr. Amberman
is a firm Republican in principle, but has not
taken an active part in elections and has never
been an office-seeker, preferring to give his at
tention to his personal affairs.

JOHN F. NESBETT. The names of those
who, during the dark days of the Rebellion,
offered their services and imperiled their
lives that the unity of the states might be pre
served, deserve, to be placed upon the nation's
deathless roll of honor. Among the many thou
sand heroes who fought valiantly through the
long and weary struggle may be mentioned the
name of John F. Nesbett, who, though a mere
youth at the time of the opening of the war, gave
up his business aspirations and the society of
loved ones and friends, to assist in a glorious
cause. He has lived to see peace reigning
throughout the land, the nation reunited and free
dom established forever.
A record of the life of this war veteran will be
of interest to our readers. He was' born in the
village of Old Town, Penobscot County, Me., Au
gust 30, 1844, being a son of John F. and Eliza
beth (Symonds) Nesbett. The family originated
in Scotland, whence a number went to Ireland
during the religious persecutions in that country
and later emigrated to America. Grandfather
Nesbett owned a farm near Woodstock, Me., on
the line between Maine and the British provinces.
Our subject's father lived on a farm, which he
assisted in cultivating, and in addition he was a
mechanic, having a shop on his farm, and also

followed the occupation of a millwright. Later
he moved to Biddeford, where he became inter
ested in the manufacture of carriages. During
the Civil War he enlisted in the Union service and
held the rank of lieutenant. Captured by the Con
federates, he perished in a Rebel prison and was
buried in New Orleans.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent
principally in Biddeford, where he attended the
public schools. April 21, 1861, when little more
than sixteen, he enlisted in Company B, Fifth
Maine Infantry, for three years, and was pro
moted from the ranks to be Corporal. Among
his first engagements were those at Bull Run,
West Point, Yorktown, the Peninsular campaign,
the second battle of Bull Run, and Gaines Mill,
where he was slightly wounded in the left leg. At
Rappahannock Station he was injured in the
right leg by a bayonet thrust. After having
served for three years, he re-enlisted at Brandy
Station under a call for veteran volunteers, and
was Sergeant in Company B, First Maine Veter
an Volunteers. With his regiment he took part
in all the battles of the Wilderness, also the en
gagements at Fredericksburg, Meyer's Heights,
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Shenan
doah Valley, Stephen's Fort (just outside of
Washington), Gettysburg, Berryville, Winches
ter, Fisher's Hill, Leesburg, going from there
through the valley to Harrisonburg, returning
and going into quarters at Cedar Creek, where
the enemy was held in check until General Sheri
dan made his famous ride.
The regiment to which our subject belonged
formed the extreme left wing of the Union army
and was stationed on the turnpike; it was to their
efforts that the enemy was held in check and the
day won. After devastating the valley they re
turned to Petersburg, where they witnessed the
surrender of the Confederate troops, our subject
being only about two hundred yards from the
principal participants in the surrender. The last
battle in which he took part was that at Sailors'
Creek, after which he was sent to Danville and
put in charge of the patrol of a portion of the
city. Not being able to reach Washington in
time for the grand review, his regiment was re
viewed later, after which he was sent home and
mustered out of the service. He had enlisted
from Biddeford, Me., and was mustered out at
Portland, having served throughout the entire
war. After a short visit at home Mr. Nesbett went

140

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Boston, where he worked in a pork packing
establishment for two years, after which he came
to New- York and engaged in the same line of
business. In 1881 he entered business for him
self, and continued thus engaged until failing
health induced him to turn the management of
his affairs over to his son. August 1, 1871, he
married Miss Lizzie E. Doyle, who was born on
Prince Edward Island, but at the time of her mar
riage was living in New York. They have three
children, Mabel C, John F, and Addie B., all
born in New York, but now living in Corona, to
which village the family came in 1891. Mrs.
Nesbett and the children are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Nesbett was
elected Assessor for the town of Newtown and has
held other local offices. Socially he is a mem
ber of Americus Lodge No. 535, F. & A. M., New
York City. As would be expected, he is a Grand
Army man. He organized the A. S. Williams
Post No. 394, G. A. R., in which he served as
senior vice-commander and was also commander
for two terms. His membership has since been
transferred to a post in Newtown. For five years,
while in New York City, he served as marshal,
and was also a staff officer of the national and
department staff.

DANIEL MURRAY. Among the many
productive and extensive farms in Queens
County, the one of which Daniel Mur
ray is the owner is one of the most valuable, and
under his intelligent care its broad acres yield
abundant harvests. Mr. Murray was born in
Springfield, Queens County, on the anniversary
of George Washington's birthday, February 22,
1835, and has spent his entire life in this vicinity.
An energetic farmer, his career has been both
honorable and upright. He is a son of Daniel
Murray (see sketch of Isaac Murray), and re
mained under the parental roof until his mar
riage, which occurred in the year 1861, to Miss
Caroline Foster, of Springfield.
After this union Daniel purchased a farm of
his father, the place where he now lives, and en
tered actively upon his career as an agriculturist.
His marriage resulted in the birth of four chil
dren, three of whom survive at the present time :
Robert, who is married and has two children, is
farming with his father; Eugenia became the
wife of E. H. Thompson, and Nettie became the

wife of William A. White, who is employed by
the wholesale grocery house of Austin Nichols &
Co. They have one child.
Mr. Murray is an ardent supporter of Repub
lican principles and has ever been active in his
support of that party. In religion he is a Metho
dist and is one of the trustees of the church. For
some time he has been a member of the Royal
Arcanum Lodge and is one of the well known
and highly esteemed men of the county. He
takes a deep interest in all the affairs of the
county that are of moment, and is stirring and
progressive.

ALT GUST MAASS is well known in musical
circles, as he has been for some time presi
dent of the Harmonic Singing Society of
Steinway, Long Island City, and he is also a prom
inent and successful business man, being engaged
in the wholesale tea and coffee business in New
York City. He was born in Germany in 1855,
and his father, Anton, was also a native of that
country. The latter was a musician of note and
was director of the military band of the Ninety-
first Regiment, German army, until his death,
which occurred when he was fifty-six years old.
He was a soldier for thirty years and was in the
Revolutions of 1848 and '66. In religion he was
of the Lutheran belief. His wife, formerly Miss
Wilhelmina Maass, is now a resident of New York
City. Of their six children all are living and three
make their homes in America.
The youthful days of August Maass were
passed in the land of his birth, and until fourteen
years of age he attended the public schools. Soon
after he took passage in the ship "Columbus"
and went to Italy, where he remained some time,
and then made several trips to America, being
on the ocean about three years. At the age of
seventeen he entered the German army, being
in the same- regiment with his father, and served
his country faithfully from 1874 to 1881. He
was Sergeant of the Tenth Company, but resigned
to come to America in the last named year.
After reaching New York City our subject was
employed as salesman for a large wholesale gro
cery house for one year and afterwards was with
a distilling company as salesman for about ten
years. After this he resigned and engaged in the
wholesale coffee and tea business, but in the mean
time, in May, 1885, he located at Steinway, Long
Island City, where he has made his home since.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

141

He is a farseeing, wide awake business man and
has met with excellent success.
In the year 1884 Mr. Maass was married to
Miss Fredreka Petre, a native of Hanover, Ger
many, and daughter of Frederick Petre, who was
a prominent mason and builder. Mrs. Maass'
mother, Margaret Petre, died in the old coun
try. Mr. and Mrs. Petre were the parents
of five children, three of whom are living and
all in America. Mrs. Maass was the oldest of
these children and came to America in 1883.
Four children have been born to our subject and
wife, as follows: William, Freddie, Freda and
Henry. Since the year 1893 Mr. Maass has been presi
dent of the Harmonic Singing Society, and, being
a fine baritone singer, often leads the society.
He is also identified with Hermann Lodge No.
341, A. O. U. W., and Bowery Bay Benefit
Society, besides numerous other organizations.

JULIUS BLECKWENN is busily and profit
ably engaged in the real estate business in
Astoria. His father, Frederick W. Bleck-
wenn, is one of the most influential and promi
nent residents of Long Island City, which he rep
resented as treasurer and receiver of taxes
from October, 1882, until January, 1895, being-
elected to this office on the Democratic ticket.
¦ The father of our subject was born in Hanover,
Germany, in 1839. In 1858, when about nine
teen years of age, he determined to try his for
tune in the New World and accordingly took
passage on a vessel bound for America. On ar
riving in New York City he found employment
with William Radde & Son, publishers, and dur
ing the twenty-two years he remained with them
worked his way up from the lowliest position in
the office to a responsible post, where he com
manded good wages. In the spring of 1866, how
ever, he came to Long Island City and made his
home in Astoria, although retaining his position
with Radde & Son until some time in 1880. He
was then employed by Keuffel & Esser, also of
New York, and it was while in their employ, in
1882, that he was appointed city treasurer to
fill a vacancy. Election occurring that same fall,
he was retained in office and' elected three times
thereafter, serving in all a period of twelve years
as city treasurer. He was exceedingly popular
with the people and on one occasion had no oppo
nent in the field.

Julius Bleckwenn was born in Long Island City
July 1, 1868. He first attended the third ward
school here, and was graduated from the school
in the fourth ward in June, 1883. Being anxious
to begin life for himself he entered the employ of
a grocer at Hunter's Point, remaining with him
as clerk for four or five years. About this time
he became an employe in the city treasurer's
department, acting as his father's clerk from 1889
to 1894. At the expiration of his twelfth year of
office holding the elder Mr. Bleckwenn retired
and with our subject engaged in the real estate
and insurance business, which they are carrying
on in a successful manner under the firm name
of F. W. Bleckwenn & Son. They handle prop
erty in Long Island City, and those who have
property to sell or wish to purchase never fail to
call at their office in Astoria before deciding.
They are agents for the German-American and
Lancashire Fire Insurance Companies, giving
considerable time and attention to building up
this department of their business.
Julius Bleckwenn was married in Long Island
City in 1891, to Miss Mamie E. Korfman, the
sister of Henry C. Korfman, the present super
visor of the city, and whose sketch will appear in
detail on another page in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. Bleckwenn reside at No. 198 Lockwood
Street. Our subject is a member of the Arion
Singing Society of this city, and in religious
affairs belongs to the German Second Reformed
Church. He is a Jeffersonian Democrat in poli
tics and takes an active part in the meetings of
the Jefferson Club of this city.

JOHN REDLEFSEN. By a most thorough
knowledge of his trade, gained step by step
under one of the most reliable of workmen,
and through his own experience, John Redlefsen
has made one of the widest reputations and has a
patronage of very satisfactory proportions. He
is one of the most successful contractors and
builders of Long Island City, where he has re
sided many years, and where he has seen the re
markable growth that has taken place in the last
quarter of a century. Like many of the represen
tative men of this city he is a native of Germany,
born August 8, 1839; a son of Professor Redlefsen,
who was a well-known educator in the old coun
try for many years, but who subsequently retired
to a farm. His mother, whose maiden name was
Catherine Souksen, was born in Germany, and

142

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

both parents were members of the Lutheran
Church. Of their five children, three sons and
two daughters, two sons and two daughters are
living at the present time, and the two sons are
in America.
Of these children John Redlefsen was third
in order of birth. He received his education under
the tuition of his father until sixteen years old,
after which he was apprenticed to learn the car
penter's trade, and was thus occupied for four
years. When twenty-one years old he entered
the army and participated in the war between
Germany and Denmark, serving in all about three
years. After this he spent two years at home, and
in 1867 came to America and began working at
his trade in New York City. In the year 1873 he
located in Astoria, the flourishing suburb of Long
Island City, and has erected some of the finest
residences here. He has also built many fine
houses in New York City and has an established
reputation. Mr. Redlefsen was married in New York City
to Miss Ida Noack, a native of Dresden, Saxony,
and daughter of August Noack, a successful lum
ber merchant, who came of an old and prominent
German family. Mr. Redlefsen's mother, Mary
Simmgen, was a native of Saxony, and died there.
Both parents were members of the Lutheran
Church. Of their five children, two daughters
are living in America. To Mr. and Mrs. Red
lefsen were born four children: Richard, an en
gineer and machinist in New York City, makes
his home in Long Island City; Jennie is at home;
Martha became the wife of G. T. Raabe, who is in
the United States mail service; and George is a
machinist of New York City but a resident here.
In politics Mr. Redlefsen is a Republican, but he
attends strictly to business and does not care to
hold office. He was one of the first to buy land
and locate where he now resides. Socially he is
a member of Astoria Lodge, K. of P., and also
belongs to Arion Singing Society.

EDWARD STEINER, of Hunter's Point,
is the capable and efficient superintendent
of the Emil Caiman Varnish Works, a po
sition which has been gained by personal worth
and unquestioned integrity. He is a native of
Germany, born in the eastern part of Prussia in
1830, but his ancestors came from Austria, being
driven out of that country on account of their

religious views, and settling in Germany. They
were Protestants.
Michael Steiner, father of Edward, and his
ancestors were prominent people in Germany,
and Michael was an agriculturist by vocation.
Our subject, next to the youngest of seven chil
dren born to his parents, is the only one of the
family in America. He was reared and educated
in his native country and when fifteen years old
was apprenticed in a wholesale -grocery in Welou.
In the year 1853 he decided that he could better
his condition in the New World, and, taking pas
sage on the sailing vessel "Robert Kelley," he
reached New York City after a five-months' trip.
During this trip the ship was wrecked off the coast
of Ireland and the crew was taken off in fishing-
smacks and sent to Liverpool, England. Later
Mr. Steiner took passage on the "John Wright"
and reached New York in safety.
For two years following this he was engaged
in various business enterprises in that city, and in
1855 entered the employ of Fred Vanderpool,
manufacturer of varnish, and soon became a prac
tical varnish maker. Subsequently for thirteen
years he was in the same business with the Min-
ette Company, in New Jersey, as varnish maker,
and for three years after this was with Parker &
Gellispie, New York. In 1874 he came to Long
Island City as foreman, and has served in that
capacity and as superintendent for twenty-one
years. He is a worthy example of the self-made
American citizen and a grand exemplification of
the progress that ambitious foreigners can make
in this country of unbounded opportunities.
Mr. Steiner's fine residence at No. 67 Fifth
Street is presided over by his excellent wife, for
merly Miss Rosanna Berry, a native of Utica,
N. Y. Seven children have blessed this union.
Louisa married George Dryden and resides in
Jersey City; Alice is now Mrs. Stehl of Long Is
land City; George is a varnish maker of Chicago;
Edward, Jr., and Henry, also varnish makers,
are in their father's employ; Mary is Mrs. Mornsy
of Long Island City, and Nellie completes the
list. Socially Mr. Steiner is a Mason and has been
Treasurer of Long Island City Lodge for nine
years. He is a member of Hermit Lodge I. O. O.
F. of New York, of which he is Past Noble Grand,
and is a charter member and Past Master of the
Red Men, organized in 1878. For seventeen
years he has been Treasurer of Pocahontas Lodge
F. O. R. M., and Past Grand Sachem of the

JUDGE WILLIAM HANDY ONDERDONK.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

United States Grand Lodge for two years. He
is also Past Sachem of the Grand Lodge of the
State of New York, and for ten years has been
Grand Treasurer of the same. During the Civil
War, in 1865, he was a volunteer in the United
States navy, and is a member of Ring-old Post
G. A. R.

JUDGE WILLIAM HANDY ONDER
DONK. To become distinguished at the
bar requires not only capacity, but also
sound judgment and persevering industry. These
qualifications were combined in no gentleman at
the Queens County bar to a greater extent than Queens County have heard with feelings of pro-
m William H. Onderdonk. A careful adviser and found sorrow the announcement of the death of

145
fession and was honored and respected by all the
members of the same. He was noted for always
winning the friendship of opposing parties before
he would take a case. As a citizen no man stood
higher in the estimation of the people. For manv
years he was a member of Christ Episcopal
Church at Manhasset and for some time was ves
tryman of the same. In his death, which occurred
December 11, 1882, the county lost a most worthy
citizen and the bar one of its brightest lights. The
following testimonials of respect were tendered
Mrs. Onderdonk:
The members of the Bar Association of

an earnest and conscientious advocate, his suc
cess at the bar was achieved by the improvement
•of opportunities, untiring diligence and by close
study and correct judgment of men and motives.
He was born probably in New York City, March
5, 1820, and his boyhood days were spent there
and on Long Island. He attended Trinity School,
and after preparing for college, entered the law
•office of Joseph Blunt in New York City when but
.sixteen years old. In due time he was admitted
to the bar, and afterwards remained in Mr. Blunt's
-office and in the city until his marriage June 7,
1843, to Miss Harriet S- Mott, of North Hemp
stead, who was born at Lloyd's Neck, L. I. About
1846 he moved tO' the old residence now occupied
by his widow, which commands one of the most
beautiful views on the sound and bay. He iden
tified himself with the interests of Queens County,
and served as district attorney a number of
terms. Later he was elected as surrogate, serving
one term in that capacity. To him and his wife
were born two children, Harriet Cogswell and
Robert Mott, the latter of whom died when eleven
years old. After the daughter had become old
¦enough to attend school, Mr. Onderdonk and fam
ily spent their winters in New York City, but al
ways considered Long Island their home.
The daughter, Harriet, married Samuel Vernon
Mann, of Flushing, and became the mother of
three children, Edith, Alice (deceased), and S.
Vernon. Edith married Francis M. Simmonds
and resides in Flushing. She has two children,
Eleanor Hearn and Francis May. S. Vernon
resides in Flushing. Judge Onderdonk was a
member of the old Whig party and in war times
was a firm believer in and supporter of the Un
ion. In politics he was independent.
Judge Onderdonk had a great love for his pro-

the Honorable William H. Onderdonk, one of
its members, and one of the oldest and most re
spected practitioners at the bar of this county.
With bowed heads and sad hearts the members of
this association accept the decree of that Provi
dence which has stricken down from among us
one who was devoted to his chosen profession,
faithful to the interests of his clients, safe and wise
m council, and loyal always to the obligations of
duty. "Sadly recognizing the great loss the whole
people of this county have sustained in the death
of an eminent citizen who discharged faithfully
and fully large and important public trusts, we re
alize with a nearer and deeper grief the more per
sonal loss to be sustained by this association in
the removal from it of one of its best loved mem
bers, whose unaffected frankness, deep sincerity
and abiding gentleness had bound him warmly
and closely to the hearts of his professional as
sociates. "Our circle has again been invaded, and the
place is vacant now of one who- was not only a
wise and conscientious advocate, but who was
also a faithful friend and an honorable, genial
gentleman. Our late associate was very tolerant
and considerate of the feelings and opinions of
others. He was not unduly moved by his many
and well deserved professional successes. He
fought the greater battle of life manfully and
bravely, while all its lesser duties had from him
full and patient performance.
"Such was William H. Onderdonk, who, in his
life, was respected for his manly qualities and
loved for his gentle virtues, and whose death the
Bar Association of Queens County most sincerely
and most deeply deplores. The members of this
association send to the broken family circle of

146

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

our late associate — to those who loved him best
of all — the expression of our deepest sympathy,
in this, the season of their supremest sorrow.
Gently as we may, we desire to remind them, as
we are ourselves reminded, that the great mystery
of death, and the deeper and sometimes sadder
mystery of life, are alike in the keeping of that
God, who, while He wounds at times most griev
ously, yet always His mercy wounds to. heal. Re
solved, that the Court of Sessions and the ap
proaching Circuit Court be requested to cause this
memorial to be placed upon their minutes and that
the president and secretary cause the same to be
engrossed and transmitted to the family of our
late associate. "John Fleming, President."
"Robert Townsend, Secretary."
"Mrs. H. S. Onderdonk:
"Madam — I herewith send you the resolutions
of the Bar Association upon the death of your
husband. They extol his learning and his worth,
but in no degree beyond what the members of
the bar sincerely felt were due to> him who ranked
us all. "Believe me, very respectfully, "John Fleming."
Mrs. Onderdonk answered as follows:
"John Fleming, Esq.
"My Dear Sir — The gratitude and sad pleasure
with which I receive the gift of your association
are only equaled by my own sense of what I have
lost, and of all the modest virtues and noble traits
possessed by your friend and my husband. He
did strict and impartial justice, loved mercy with
his whole nature, and ever walked humbly with his
God. Permit me to say that your generous
tribute to him reflects honor upon yourselves.
"Very respectfully,
"Harriet S. Onderdonk."

FRANCIS H. VAN VECHTEN. No citizen
of Jamaica is better known throughout
Queens County than the subject of this
article, who, in addition to a large legal practice
here, also has an office at No. 108 Fulton Street,
New York City. With but limited means when
a young man, and with no influence to assist him,
he nevertheless, by indefatigable energy and tire
less determination, has gained a position of prom
inence among the professional men of the local

ity and occupies an influential place in the legal
fraternity of the county.
Before presenting in detail the events that have
given character to the life of Mr. Van Vechten,
some mention of his ancestors may be appropri
ately made. The family has been identified with
the history of America for a number of genera
tions, the first representative here having come
from Holland in 1631, and its members have in
variably been patriotic and honest men. In the
court of appeals in Albany hangs a life-size por
trait of one ancestor, Abraham Van Vechten, who
was known as the "father"' of the Albany bar; he
was district attorney of Albany County, served
as State Senator and as Attorney-General of the
state two terms, and was a Regent of the State
University. For generations the ancestors have
adopted the legal profession, the only exception
being in the case of our subject's father, who chose
a business career.
Jacob Ten Broeck, a son of Abraham Van
Vechten, was a native of Albany County, where
he was a prominent attorney; at the time of his
death, which occurred in 1837, he was Grand Mas
ter for the state of New York in the Masonic
order. His son, Junius Roorbach Van Vechten,
was born at Albany, N. Y., and was engaged in
commercial pursuits during the greater part of
his life, being for many years connected with the
New York Custom House. He married Helen
C. Roorbach, daughter of Orville A. and Ann E.
Roorbach, and a native of New York City.
The subject of this sketch was born in Brooklyn
July 26, 1856, and received his education in the
public schools and Brooklyn Polytechnic. He
fitted for college, but the financial reverses of his
father rendered it necessary that he should be
come self-supporting. Entering a law office in
New York as office boy, he worked his way up
ward until he became managing clerk, and
through the exercise of strict economy was en
abled to attend the law department of Columbia
College, his legal studies being carried on at night.
In 1878 he passed the general term examination
in New York City and was admitted to the bar,
his high standing being evidenced by the fact
that, of a class of seventeen, he was one of five
who successfully passed the examination. Re
maining in New York he became a reporter and
for nearly seven years was engaged in the news
paper business, holding various positions from
police court reporter to managing editor. At the
age of twenty-three he was managing editor of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

147

the "New York Truth," and had forty men under
his direction. On leaving the newspaper work
he returned to the practice of law and has since
built up a large clientage.
In 1886 Mr. Van Vechten came to Queens
County, where he has since resided. For three
years he was attorney for the Queens County
Board of Supervisors, retiring in the spring of
1895. During that time the county had some of
the most important cases in its history, aggre
gating more than $200,000, and it is a noteworthy
fact that he never lost but one case during the
entire period of his service. He is attorney for
Mayor Patrick J. Gieason, of Long Island, in all
his important cases. For three years he was
associated in practice with Supreme Court Justice
Roger A. Pryor, but with that exception was
alone until recently, when he became senior mem
ber of the firm of Van Vechten, Youngs & Dela-
van. Mr. Van Vechten was one of the incorporators
of the Holland Society of the State of New York
and takes a great interest in its welfare. He is
a member of the Masonic order and the Royal
Arcanum. His home in Hollis is one of the
finest residences in the village. May 25, 1880, he
married Miss Jennie H. Murray, member of an
old Long Island family ; they have four children,
Elva, Howard, Eunice and Roger A. Pryor.

M.':

REIDY. The success which Mr.
Reidy has achieved as a contractor
and builder is the logical sequence of
talent rightly used, together with energy and in
dustry never misapplied. He is one who im
presses even those who meet him in a casual way
as thoroughly understanding his business and
who is thoroughly at home in the position which
he occupies. Mr. Reidy was born in Astoria,
Long Island City, in 1857, and no doubt has the
push and energy of his Irish ancestors in his
blood. His father, Maurice Reidy, was born on
the Emerald Isle, and after crossing the Atlantic
to America, settled in Canada, where he followed
his trade as contractor and builder. About the
year 1840 he came to Astoria, Long Island City,
and continued his trade until his death, in 1888,
when seventy-four years old. He was married in
his native country to Miss Mary Donnelly, also
a native of Ireland, and she is now a resident
and an old settler of Astoria. Their six children
are now living and of these, M. J. was third in

order of birth. One son, Peter, is on the police
force, and another son, Maurice, is in the post-
office department of Long Island City.
During his youth, spent in his native city, our
subject attended the Fourth Ward School until
the age of sixteen and then entered the govern
ment employ at Hell Gate during the blasting out
of Hallett's Point, and was employed for about
three years as drill boy, measurer and machine
hand. Later he gave this up and engaged as car
penter in the employ of various contractors until
1891, when he started in business for himself in
partnership with William Couch, the firm being
known as Couch & Reidy, general contractors
and builders. They erected a new two-story shop
on Main and Woolsey Streets and have since had
all the work they could manage. They built the
Marks & Kaleski building, Jacob Baab building
on Boulevard and Fulton Street, private resi
dences for Fred Hallett, William Smith and Ed
Foster; also four residences for Mrs. Emily Men-
singer, and the carpenter work on the new Fourth
Ward School building.
Mr. Reidy was married in New York City to
Miss Helen Burke, a native of that city, and to
them were born five children, viz. : Thomas, Lucy,
Adelaide, Helen and Anna. The family resides
at No. 76 Hoyt Avenue, in a modern residence
erected by Mr. Reidy. For eight years he served
on the Jackson, or Old Hickory Engine Com
pany No. 1, and was foreman for one and secre
tary for three years. Mr. Reidy was one of the
organizers of the Veteran Firemen's Association
and was a member of the first board of trustees.
At present he is chairman of the board and has
also held the position of secretary. He is a char
ter member of the American Firemen, Long
Island City Council No. 17, and is a worthy mem
ber of the Catholic Church. He is Democratic
in national politics, but is not radical.

CHARLES E. TWOMBLY. Many a man
who is now prosperous and successful be
gan life as did the subject of our sketch,
without capital, and with no endowments except
those of his own personality. In boyhood Mr.
Twombly was the possessor of sturdy health, in
domitable energy, pluck and perseverance; and
with these characteristics he has achieved a suc
cess which is an honor to himself. He is one of
the well-known residents of Jamaica and at pres
ent holds the position of president of the board

14-8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of village trustees, in which capacity he has been
instrumental in advancing the welfare of his fel
low citizens.
A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Twombly was
born in Durham, August 15, 1848. His educa
tion was such as could be obtained in the village
schools of his home town, but while his knowledge
of text books was limited, he gained a broad
knowledge through experience and observation.
At the age of fifteen he started out in life for him
self, and going to Maine, secured work on a farm.
The tilling of the soil, however, was an occupa
tion not entirely congenial to him, and he used
it but as a stepping stone to other lines of work.
From Maine Mr. Twombly went to Massachu
setts, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In
1869 he became connected with the Long Island
Railroad as foreman, which position he held for
about four years. Having gained a thorough
knowledge of every detail of the trade and having
saved a sufficient amount of money to render
such a project feasible, he embarked in business
for himself, and has since made a specialty of con
tracting for the construction of public roads. The
macadamized roads which lend so much to the
convenience of the people and the value of prop
erty are largely his work. During the past few
years Queens County has expended $400,000 in
the building of these roads, and the results are a
source of pride to every citizen. Since 1891 Mr.
Twombly has been in partnership with John H.
Eldert, and in addition to their large business on
Long Island they have extensive stone quarries
in Pennsylvania which they are operating.
It might be supposed that with such important
business matters in hand Mr. Twombly would
take little interest in public matters, but not so;
no citizen is more interested than he in all mat
ters pertaining to the welfare of the village of
Jamaica. In local politics he is a leader and a
stanch adherent of Republican principles. For
some years he has served on the board of trustees
and in the spring of 1895 he was unanimously
chosen president of that body. He assisted in
the organization of the Chub Club of Jamaica,
of which he is still a leading member. Socially he
is identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and has filled all the chairs in the lodge
at Jamaica.
The home of Mr. Twombly, pleasantly located
in the western part of the village, and surrounded
by grounds covering an entire block, forms an
agreeable center of social life. It is presided over

by his wife, formerly Miss Susan A. Smith, and a
native of the town of Hempstead. The family con
sists of nine children, of whom Sarah is the wife
of W. A. Shipley, chief of the Jamaica fire depart
ment.

BERGEN R. CARMAN. Many of the most
influential citizens of Long Island are
members of families early established here
and long identified with the history of this section.
Such is the case with the subject of this sketch,
whose forefathers for successive generations were
honorably and intimately associated with the de
velopment and prosperity of the island. From
them he inherited the qualities of energy, thrift
and perseverance that characterized his entire bus
iness career. Now retired from active labors, he
still, however, retains his interest in public events
and gives his sympathetic co-operation to meas
ures projected for the benefit of the people. His
home is in Hempstead, where he is surrounded by
the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances
and by the comforts which enhance the pleasures
of life.
A native of Long Island, Mr. Carman was born
at Freeport, August 14, 1846. His father, Samuel
S., was born in the same place as himself and there
he spent his active life, engaged in business pur
suits. He was a prominent citizen of the place
and his death in 1891 was regarded as a public
loss. The wife and mother was Eliza (Raynor)
Carman, who was born in Freeport, and still
makes that village her home. There were only
three children in the family, a son and two daugh
ters. The former, who forms the subject of this
notice, was given good educational advantages in
the public schools and at Union Hall Academy,
Jamaica, acquiring a broad fund of information
through diligent use of his opportunities.
The ability of Mr. Carman as a financier is
abundantly proved by his long and successful
connection with the old Atlantic Bank in Brook
lyn. Finally, having accumulated an ample for
tune, he closed out his business interests and has
since given his attention to the oversight of his
personal investments. While he has never dis
played any partisan spirit, yet he is firm in his
allegiance to the Republican party, and always
votes that ticket. At one time he held the posi
tion of village trustee and is now a member of the
Board of Education. He aided in the organiza
tion of the Building and Loan Association of
Hempstead and is serving as one of its directors.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

149

In St. George's, Church, of which he is an active
member, he holds the office of treasurer.
The marriage of Mr. Carman took place Sep
tember 19, 1870, and united him with Miss Jean-
nette Davis, daughter of B. W. and L. A. (Philip)
Davis, of Brooklyn. They are the parents of one
son, Charles W., a graduate of St. Paul's, at Gar
den City. He also spent two years at Cornell
University and is now at home. Mr. Carman and
his family occupy a cc mmodious residence on Ful
ton Street, surrounded by beautiful and well-kept
grounds, and containing within evidences of the
refined tastes and culture of the inmates.

George McAllister gosman. The
Gosman family is very well known in
Queens County, as ancestors of the pres
ent generation settled here prior to the Revolu
tionary War, when, besides a few white settlers,
Indians were the inhabitants of Long Island.
From that time until the present they have been
actively engaged in the upbuilding and progress
of their county. The subject of this narrative
owns and occupies a fine place which is located
near Blissville, Long Island City.
Mr. Gosman was born in Long Island City, in
Skillman Avenue, while his father, William Gos
man, was born at No. 2 Cortlandt Street, New
York. Grandfather George Gosman was a na
tive of Glasgow, Scotland, whence he emigrated
to America in 1760, locating in the metropolis.
He was a mason by trade, working at this from
the time he came to America until Revolutionary
times, when he abandoned his trade and entered
the service, fighting bravely and well until the
establishment of peace. He made his home in
New York until his death, which occurred when
he was three score years and ten. Religiously he
was of the Presbyterian faith and left his native
land on account of religious persecution.
William Gosman was married in Long Island
City in 1822, after which; he located upon a tract
of land in the town of Newtown, this county. Later,
however, he purchased a tract of land formerly
owned by Andrew Bragaw, and from 1849 until
1872, the year of his death, lived on that place.
The wife of William Gosman was Margaret,
daughter of Richard Bragaw, both of whom were
born in Skillman Avenue, Long Island City.
While driving cattle on the plains of Hempstead
during the Revolutionary War, the father of Mrs.
Gosman was captured by the Hessians and im

prisoned on the ship "Jersey," where he was near
ly starved to death. Through the assistance of
a Tory friend he effected his escape, and, making
his way to New Jersey, found the American army,
which he joined and served until the close of the
war. His eldest son, brother of Mrs. Gosman,
later served in the War of 181 2 with the rank of
Major. Die latter lived to the advanced age of
ninety years. The Bragaws are French Hugue
nots and the first settlers came to America in 1675.
They made their home for a time at Bushwick,
L. I., and later, in 1688, settled at Dutch Kills.
The mother of our subject departed this life in
1850, at the age of sixty-one years. She reared
a family of eight children, of whom Elizabeth A.
resides in Long Island City; Janet D. is Mrs.
Richard Bragaw, and makes her home in Brook
lyn; Richard died in May, 1892, at Dutch Kills,
where he was engaged in farming; Johanna M.
is now Mrs. Van Alst of Newtown; Hester B. mar
ried J. M. De Bevoise of Queens County; Maria
L. became the wife of A. Vanderveer of Brook
lyn ; Henrietta B. is Mrs. Schoonmacker of Flat-
bush, L. I., and George McA. is the subject of
this sketch.
The youngest member of the above family was
reared in Long Island City and first attended
school at Cook's Academy in Newtown. Later he
carried on his studies in what is now the Fourth
Ward school-house in Astoria under Professor
Mason. He remained at home until the out
break of the late war and in August, 1862, vol
unteered and was mustered in as a member of
Company B, Fifteenth New York Engineers.
With his company he was ordered South, and
formed a part of the Army of the Potomac during
his entire period of enlistment. Among the im
portant battles in which he participated were
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and
the siege of Richmond. Our subject was offered
a commission, but refused to accept such honors,
as he very much preferred fighting with the boys.
During the last years of his service, however, he
was made Dispatch Orderly under the Adjutant-
General at brigade headquarters. In discharging
the duties of this position he was obliged to work
very hard, and was also placed in many danger
ous positions in order to convey messages to and
from his superior. On the close of the war he
was warmly congratulated for his brave conduct,
and after participating in the grand review at
Washington, was honorably discharged and re
turned home. In the year 1894, when the old vet-

15°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

erans all over the country returned to the capital
and took part in the second grand review, Mr.
Gosman formed one of the eighty thousand in
line. After his return to the peaceful pursuits of farm
life, our subject continued to reside on the farm
of his father until 1879, when he purchased
the property which forms his present es
tate. It was known in former years as
the old De Bevoise farm, and comprised six
teen lots on Hill Street and Anable Avenue,
Mr. Gosman has made many improvements in the
place, which is one of the oldest on the island,
and is therefore very valuable. In addition to
this property he owns a portion of the old Bragaw
homestead and is the owner of considerable prop
erty in Skillman Avenue. In the year 1879 Mr.
Gosman completed arrangements with a real es
tate firm in New York City whereby he was to
look after their interests in this section, and al
though his own affairs occupy a great deal of his
time and attention, he has transacted business for
this firm ever since.
The marriage of Mr. Gosman with Miss Jennie
E. De Bevoise occurred in Long Island City.
Mrs. Gosman was born here and is the daughter of
Andrew De Bevoise, deceased, formerly a well-to-
do farmer of this locality. Grandfather John De
Bevoise was also a substantial farmer of this part
of Queens County for many years. The De Be
voise family is of Holland extraction and the first
representative who came to America very many
years ago located in Bushwick and later moved
to Long Island City.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gosman were born three sons,
George D. and Andrew D., who died in infancy,
and Richard H, a wide-awake young man, who
completed his studies in the Polytechnic School
of Brooklyn. Richard H. is a member of Com
pany D, Twenty-third Regiment, National Guard.
He was called out with his regiment during the
recent strike in Brooklyn and manifested that
true patriotism which has appeared in every gen
eration from his great-grandfather to the present
time. George McA. Gosman served as- collector of
school taxes for the town of Newtown for one year
and when his friends wished him to accept the sec
ond nomination he refused to do so. In the year
1893 he was appointed a member of the Water and
Fire Commission, but in 1895 resigned his posi
tion and has since that time given his undivided
attention to his private affairs. He is a member

of the Exempt Fireman's Association and takes
great interest in the meetings of Sheridan Post
No. 628, G. A. R, department of New York. He
is past commander of this body and for two terms
was president of the Memorial and Executive
Committee of Queens County. In 1894 he at
tended the National Encampment at Washington.
In politics he is a stanch and enthusiastic Repub
lican, having voted that ticket ever since 1864,
when he cast his ballot for Lincoln.

DIEDERICH THIELBAHR, who has
been engaged in the grocery business at
Steinway, Long Island City, since 1888,
is a native of Germany, born in Hanover in 1858.
He is the youngest of four children, whose par
ents, Diederich and Annie (Lampke) Thielbahr,
were natives of Hanover and members of old
German families. The father, who was a mer
chant in Ritterhude, died there at the age of forty-
six, and the mother, who was a farmer's daughter,
still makes her home in that place.
Until fourteen years of age the subject of this
sketch attended the schools of his native place, and
then, in 1872, he took passage on the steamer
"Lloyd" at Bremerhaven and landed in xMew
York after an uneventful voyage. Without trou
ble he secured employment in a grocery as errand
boy, beginning at the bottom and working his
way up. I.n 1874 he went to California and for
seven years was clerk in a bakery in San Francisco,
meantime making several trips into the mountain
regions. On his return to New York City in 1881
he started in business, opening a grocery on
Wooster Street, which he conducted for a num
ber of years.
Selling out his New York store in 1888, Mr.
Thielbahr came to Steinway and bought a grocery
business, which he has since carried on, enlarging
the store and increasing the trade. To accom
modate his patrons, he runs two delivery wagons.
He has a neat and commodious store, situated on
Theodore Street and Old Bowery Bay road, and
in his establishment he carries a full line of every
thing pertaining to the trade. Besides his private
patronage, he supplies the majority of the large
hotels on North Beach.
In New York City Mr. Thielbahr married Miss
Annie Wittschen, a native of Oldenburg, Ger
many, and they have two children, Annie and
Harry. During 1894 Mr. Thielbahr spent three
months in Europe visiting his old home and re-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

151

newing the associations of childhood, also spend
ing a short time in other places of historic interest
and importance. Socially he is connected with
the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He takes a
warm interest in religious work and is a deacon
in the German Reformed Church of Long Island
City, to the support of which he is a regular con
tributor.

HON. ABRAM D. DITMARS. It is the
men of broad and comprehensive views
who give life to communities — men who
have foresight and energy, pluck and push to
forward their enterprises and still retain an untar
nished reputation through it all. Such a man
is Abram D. Ditmars, ex-mayor of Long Island
City, and now an eminent legal practitioner of
New York City, with office at No. 61 William
Street, his residence being in the city of Brook
lyn. He was born in Newtown, February 14,
1822. The Ditmars came from Holland, but are sup
posed to have been of Scandinavian lineage.
The paternal grandfather, Abram Ditmars, was
born in Jamaica, and here his son Dow (or
Douwe), father of the subject of this sketch,
was. also born, June 20, 1771. The latter was
reared in the town that gave him birth, but
was principally educated in the schools of Hack-
ensack, N. J., and finally graduated from the
well-known Princeton College. After teaching
school for a time he began the study of medi
cine under Dr. Ledyard, after which he went to
Demerara and there practiced his profession
from 1804 to 1816, when he returned to Long
Island and located at Hell Gate, where the re
mainder of his life was devoted to farming. He
died in i860, at the advanced age of ninety years.
Religiously he was a worthy member of the Dutch
Reformed Church at Newtown, of which place
his wife was a native and of which church she
was also a member. She was known before her
marriage as Anna E. Riker, and was a daughter
of Samuel Riker, who was successfully engaged
in tilling the soil at Newtown. He was a soldier
of the Revolutionary war, as were several of his
sons. Mrs. Ditmars was born May 16, 1785, and
passed from life in August, i860. Of a family of
four children born to this worthy couple, only one
is now living and he is the last one of his gen
eration. Abram D. Ditmars was reared in Newtown, in
the public schools of which place he received a

practical education. In early manhood he began
the study of law under John L. Riker, and was
admitted to the New York bar in 1844, since
which time he has been a successful practitioner
m that city. Learned in the principles of the law
he never appeals to men's passions, but always
o their intellect and reason, and whether in at
tack or defense, has proved himself a ready de
bater, full of resources. In connection with his
practice he is a real estate dealer and in this has
also been successful. Up to 1876 he lived on the
Shore Road, then removed to Brooklyn, where he
has smce made his home. In 1870 he was elect
ed the first mayor of Long Island City, a posi
tion he held successfully for three years, and "
i»75 he was again elected to

this

in
- office, but
esigned in the fall of the same year. He was an
able and honest supporter of justice and right
did all m his power to prevent boodling and other
evils and his administration stands out promi
nently as one of the very best in the history of
Long Island City. In 1871 be was very active in
securing the amendment of the charter of Long
inland City and since that time it has had one of
the best charters in the state of New York
In Newtown, in 1876, Mr. Ditmars married
Miss Lavima Riker. She was born in that vil
lage and is a daughter of John L. Riker, under
whom her husband first studied law, and who was
a brother of Richard Riker. Mrs. Ditmars died
in Brooklyn in November, 1886, having become
the mother of four children. John R. resides in
Orange, N. J.; Anna M. makes her home with
her father; Edward W., who is
a well-known educational
York, also graduated from the Columbia ,
School m 1884 with the degree of LL.B and
now practicing law in the Morse Building No"
140 Nassau Street, New York. He is a member
of the Holland Society, the Sons of the Revolu
tion and the Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn
Samuel R. is a ranchman of Colorado Their
father, A. D. Ditmars, belongs to the Holland
Society, and politically has always supported the
men and measures of the Democratic party

a graduate of
institution of New
1 a Law is

S1

MITH N. DECKER. Of recent years
there has been a great development in the
ice business throughout Long Island, and
those who have taken up this industry have al
most invariably gained a fair measure of success
in its prosecution. The first impetus to this oc-

152

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cupation was probably given by Isaac Remsen,
but there have not been wanting others to follow
in its successful management, among whom
stands the name of Smith N. Decker, of Far Rock-
away. May i, 1888, he succeeded Isaac Remsen
in the business at this point, and in favorable sea
sons has put up as high as seven hundred thou
sand tons of Remsen Lake ice. He is now identi
fied with the Queens County Ice Company as
president and manager.
Mention is made of the Decker family in the
sketch of our subject's brother, which is present
ed on another page of this volume. Smith N.
was born in Springfield, L. I., October 25, i860,
and received a good education in the public
schools of that village and Jamaica, supplemented
by a course in a business college. After working
in his father's employ for a time, he commenced for
himself, at the age of nineteen, being first em
ployed in the sewing machine business, and after
ward for seven years in a wholesale grocery, since
which time he has been dealing in the Remsen
Lake ice.
By his marriage to J. Estelle, daughter of Isaac
B. Remsen, Mr. Decker has three children, name
ly: Smith Irving, Isaac B. Remsen and James
Howard. Socially he is identified with Olympia
Lodge of Masonry, while in politics he votes the
Democratic ticket in national issues, but pre
serves an independence of thought and action in
local matters. He is a member of the Presby
terian Church, which he is now serving as an
elder and trustee. Local improvements receive
his interested assistance, and he is now one of
the directors in the electric light company. In
addition to his ice business, he buys and sells
horses, handling about one hundred each season.

HENRY A. FRANCE, M. D. The medical
profession in this county is ably repre
sented by the subject of our sketch, who
came to Far, Rockaway from Herkimer County in
1886 and has since conducted a general practice
in the village and surrounding country. In edu
cational matters, too, he has been deeply inter
ested and has contributed not a little to promoting
the standard of education in the village school.
The France family is of German origin and
preceding generations, of former centuries,
spelled the name Franz. Our subject's father,
Jacob, was born in Schoharie County, but re
moved thence to Herkimer County, where he en

gaged in farming until his death, at seventy-six
years. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy
Robinson, was born of English extraction in
Schoharie County, and died at the age of fifty-six
years. Their family consisted of four sons and
one daughter, namely: Theodore W., who lives in
San Francisco; Spencer S., deceased; Henry A. ;
Mary Elizabeth, wife of Albert Gay, of Far Rock-
away, and Luther G., a resident of Napa, Cal.
In Herkimer County, where he was born De
cember 24, 1834, the subject of this notice passed
his boyhood years upon a farm and early in life
became familiar with the work incident to that
occupation. Plis preliminary education was ob
tained in the district schools and under his father's
instruction; his practical education was obtained
by teaching, which was his work for eight years.
During that time he also took a course in Fairfield
Academy. He had a natural inclination for the
study of medicine, and his work was directed
with that end in view. After reading medicine
with Dr. S. R. Milling, he attended a course of
lectures, but his plans were disarranged by the
outbreak of the rebellion.
With the enthusiasm of a patriot, our subject
in 1862 enlisted in the Union army, becoming a
member of Company B, First Regiment, Berdan's
Sharpshooters, and serving for seven months.
When near Fredericksburg, and while he was suf
fering with typhoid fever, during extreme cold
weather, he was obliged to sleep three nights on
the ground, the consequence being that he froze
his feet. His illness, with its subsequent under
mining of the constitution, rendered him unfit
for duty, and he was honorably discharged on ac
count of disability. For a time he was hospital
steward and assistant surgeon.
Returning to Herkimer County, as soon as re
cuperated our subject resumed the study of medi
cine, and in 1864 graduated from the Albany Med
ical College. The following year he commenced
active practice in his native county, where he
was alone for five years and in partnership with
his former preceptor for three years, after which
he was again alone until he removed from the
county. His practice extended over a large ter
ritory. The work was hard and severe, the trips
long and frequent, and these reasons caused him
to establish his office in Far Rockaway, where the
settlements are more compact.
By his marriage to Betsy D. Gilbert, of Massa
chusetts, Dr. France had one child, Lydia Alice,
now the wife of S. S. Prentice, of Vernon, Oneida

JACOB HUNTER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

155

County. His second marriage united him with
Ella Munn, of Herkimer County, and resulted in
the birth of one child, Henry J., now in Far Rock
away. His present wife bore the maiden name of
Jennie C. Evans and is a lady of amiable disposi
tion and hospitable manners. Politically a Re
publican, the Doctor cast his first vote for John
C. Fremont. He is a charter member of Olympia
Lodge No. 808, F. & A. M., and belongs to Sea
side Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Order of Foresters,
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In
former years he was a Methodist, but there being
no church of that denomination in Far Rockaway,
he identified himself with the Presbyterian
Church. For twenty years he was school trustee.
He was elected president of the board at a .time
when the increase of the population demanded
additional school facilities, and to his labors, to
gether with those of other public-spirited men,
is due the erection of the commodious and well-
constructed school building. Wishing to get all
the information possible, he investigated the
school buildings elsewhere and eventually recom
mended the plan that was, with slight alterations,
adopted. Having accomplished this result, and
seeing that the school was on a good footing, he
refused to further serve in that capacity, and a
worthy successor was chosen in the person of
Archibald Mutch. However, he still maintains
his interest in educational work, as in every good
cause for the benefit of the people.

JACOB HUNTER. The scythe of time cuts
down all; nothing of the physical man is
left. The monument which his children or
friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery
will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life,
his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which would otherwise be forgotten, is perpet
uated by a record of this kind. A man who has
fulfilled his destiny and is now no more was Jacob
Hunter, one of Queens County's most honored
and respected citizens. He was the last represen
tative of the original family line associated with
Hunter's Point, Long Island City, and was a quiet,
unassuming, but genial man, who possessed ex
cellent business acumen and a soundness of judg
ment which were the foundations of his prosper
ous career. In personal appearance he was fine
looking and his dignity of manner proclaimed him
a gentleman of the old school. He was singu
larly fortunate in all his undertakings and at the
3

time of his death, which occurred September 30,
1875, he was the possessor of a large amount of
real estate in the city of New York. Honorable
and benevolent in his intercourse with mankind,
his popularity was often shown by the earnest
ness with which his friends sought to place him in
positions of trust and honor. Diese positions he
always declined, not because he did not appreciate
the high esteem in which he was held, but from
native modesty peculiar to his nature, he deem
ing the official mantle better suited for other
shoulders than his own. The only office he was
ever induced to accept was a position in the
Eleventh Regiment, New York State Artillery, of
which he became commander at an early period
of his life. He seems thus to have been the only
one of his family who inherited the peculiarities of
his ancestor, Capt. Peter Praa.
Mr. Hunter was born in 1791 and when scarcely
out of his boyhood was a soldier in the War of
1812. After the war closed he continued to be
long to the military corps, serving in an official
capacity with such men in his rank as Prosper M.
Welmore, Thomas M. Adriance and Joseph Hop
kins, who continued together until the close of Mr.
Hunter's life. The latter became Commander-
General of all the forces of New York City. In
1821 the requirements of his business obliged him
to resign his position as Captain in the Eleventh
Regiment of Artillery, which was later merged
into Company D, Seventh New York. His sin
cere regret at leaving it was expressed in a letter
which has been carefully preserved, viz.: "Cir
cumstances over which I have no control oblige
me to take this step, while inclination strongly
pleads to detain me in the ranks. But rest as
sured that while absent from my accustomed post
I shall still watch with interest from the distance,
and should any emergencies occur I can only add
that when my country calls it will ever find me
ready to follow." That pressingTiour of need came
not again until the War of the Rebellion, when
Mr. Hunter was seventy years old, and conse
quently too far advanced in life to take any ac
tive part in the contest. Thus the antique sword
rusted in its scabbard, watched over and cared for
as a family relic, until recently, when it was placed
in the relic room of the New York Seventh Regi
ment, at Sixty-seventh Street and Fourth Avenue.
In 1 81 5 Mr. Hunter married Miss Charlotte
Lahy, of an ancient and noble family, her father
being the nephew and adopted son of General
Gwynne, who was aide-de-camp in the courtly

156

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

retinue of King George III. Outliving his wife
ten years, Mr. Hunter passed away at the ad
vanced age of eighty-four years, leaving four chil
dren. Of these Miss Louise O. Hunter resides at
No. 47 West Ninety-fourth Street, New York
City, and is a lady of unusual literary ability. Mr.
Hunter was the son of Capt. George Hunter,
who was born in England and married Miss
Annie Bennett, a daughter of Jacob Bennett, who
was the son of Mrs. Annettie (Praa) Bennett.
The latter was the daughter of the celebrated
Capt. Peter Praa, who purchased the Hunter's
Point farm, then known as "Dominie's Hook."
This farm became the property of Mrs. Annie
Hunter, the wife of Capt. George Hunter. The
former was bom on the farm and died there March
10, 1833. For a number of years they had made
their home in New York City, where Captain
Hunter breathed his last in 1825. They left a fam
ily of eight children ; and three sons, Jacob, John
B. and Richard B., were appointed by Mrs. Hunt
er's will executors of her estate. The old home had
long been known as LIunter's Point, and it was
finally sold through Gen. J. Johnson to Dr. Eli-
phalet Nott, president of Union College, Schenec
tady. Captain Hunter was a man much loved
and admired. After his marriage he gave up the
sea and became a shipping merchant in New
York, and no name stood higher than his among
the mercantile interests of the community.

EDGAR DUBS SHIMER, A. M., Ph.D.,
Professor of Psychology in the University
of New York. .It being generally con
ceded that heredity has much to do with the form
ation of character and that our lives are influenced
by our progenitors, an account of the ancestors
of Professor Shimer may serve as an index to the
impulses that mark his character and that have
won for him his place in the world of thought and
action. The founder of the family in America was Jacob
Scheimer, whose name appears first in a Low-
Dutch manuscript memorandum found among
the "Rittenhouse Papers," dated 1722, in Ger
mantown, Pa., and later appears in a list of sub
scribers to Ax's Lutheran burying ground at
Germantown in 1724. According to the Colo
nial Records, he was naturalized in 1730 and,
prior to 1734, paid quit rent to the English gov
ernment on one hundred acres "situate in the
township of Germantown, Pa.," and conveyed

to "John Ashmeed, blacksmith, of Philadel
phia, on the fifth day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
twenty-eight." As no records of immigrants was
kept until 1727, the date of his arrival is not
known, nor whence he came; but as his auto
graph signature to his will is in German, and as
many or nearly all the early German settlers of
Germantown came from the Rhine Province, the
latter was most likely his native place.
The first wife of Jacob Scheimer was Margaret,
the fourth daughter of Heivert Papen and Eliza
beth Rittenhouse, only daughter of William Rut-
tinghuysen. The exact date of their marriage is
not known. He was an ardent adherent of the
Augsburg Confession of Faith, as his subsequent
religious history shows. Rev. Dr. Mann, of the
Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia,
in a historical discourse, says: "Two hundred
years ago the first German emigrants came to our
beautiful Pennsylvania; they were few in
number. * * * They came as Christians
* * * and, being unprovided with churches,
they united with the Quakers and Mennonites,
and worshipped with them; but all historians
agree that the Mennonites kept no church books
from 1710 to 1770, or they were lost." Prior to
1 735-40 no Lutheran denomination had been or
ganized except the Zion Lutheran Church of Phil
adelphia, and the record of that church does not
contain the names of Jacob Scheimer and Mar
garet Rittenhouse Papen in its marriage list; but
other documents prove that they were married
between the years 1720 and 1722. Mar
garet's signature appears on the deed above
referred to, dated March 5, 1728, show
ing that she was alive at that date; but
she died between that year and 1732. The
exact date of her death and the place of inter
ment cannot be determined. They had six
children, namely: Abraham, who was married
March 3, 1749, to Lena Westbroeck, daughter of
a large landed proprietor of Northern New Jer
sey; Anthony; Mrs. Elizabeth Vickeson, Mrs.
Mary Shoemaker, Mrs. Catharine Young and
Sarah. His wife, Margaret, having died, Jacob Schei
mer married again, and his second wife's Chris
tian name, Elizabeth, only is known. Their oldest
child, Jacob, was born in Skippack, Pa., June
4, 1734- In 1740 he removed to a planta
tion which he had purchased, situated on the
northern slope of the Lehigh hills, bordering on

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

157

the southern banks of the Lehigh River, below
Bethlehem, Pa., where he died September 17,
x757> aged seventy-eight years. His will, pro
bated October 15, 1757, is on file in the regis
ter's office, Philadelphia, Pa. He was twenty years
the senior of his first wife and thirty years older
than his second wife, and was seventy years old
when his youngest son was born.
Willem Riittinghuysen, grandfather of Jacob
Scheimer's first wife, came from Broig, Holland,
and settled in Germantown, Pa., in 1689. He
was the first American Mennonite bishop and
the great-grandfather of the celebrated astron
omer, David Rittenhouse. His name became fa
mous on account of his having established, on the
Wissahickon, the first paper mill in America. He
owned over three hundred acres of land on the
west side of Main Street, Germantown. Heivert
Papen, father-in-law of Jacob Scheimer, came
from Papenburg, on the bank of the river Ems,
which flows into the North Sea. He settled in
Germantown in 1685, and married Elizabeth, only
daughter of Willem Riittinghuysen. By religious
profession he was a Quaker. He owned over
three hundred acres of land on the east side of
Main Street, Germantown, adjoining his father-
in-law's tract. (Recorder of deed's office, Phil
adelphia, Germantown Book, p. 219, I. 4, p. 30.)
In 1689 he built a house which was demolished
only about 1884. In Westcott's History of Phil
adelphia appears the following notice of it: "A
mansion built by Heivert Papen, on the north
east corner of Main and Johnson Streets, in 1689,
drawn expressly to illustrate Westcott's History
of Philadelphia." Heivert Papen died in 1708,
leaving five daughters, but no sons; hence his
name became extinct.
The names of "Jacob Scheimer and his wife
Elizabeth" appear frequently in the old Lutheran
Church book of that denomination in Lower
Saucon Township, as communicants and as spon
sors at the baptism of infants of well-known fam
ilies. Their place of burial has not been discov
ered. They had issue: Jacob, born June 4,
1734, died June 6, 1764; Conrad, died in De
cember, 1760; Samuel; Edward, born February
28, 1741, died February 16, 181 5; Peter, died
prior to 1764; Isaac, born August 6, 1749, died
April 10, 1838; and John, died prior to 1764.
Edward Shimer, the fourth son of Jacob
Scheimer, married in 1765 Rosina Seip, widow of '
his brother Jacob. They had three sons and one
daughter: Jacob, born January 1, 1767, died

October 5, 1845; Isaac, born May 6, 1769, died
January 1, 1838; a son that died in infancy; and
Susanna, born February 22, 1776, died August
16, 1863. Rosina Seip was born in Odenwald,
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, January 1, 1739. In
the spring of 1751 her eldest brother, Melchior,
emigrated and landed in Philadelphia Septem
ber 14, 1751, settling in the eastern part of what
is now Weissenberg Township, Lehigh County,
Pa. John Seip, grandson of Melchior, founded
Seipstown, the principal village of Weissenberg,
in 1820.
Soon after Melchior Seip's emigration, his
father died and the widow with her adult son
Peter, her thirteen-year-old daughter Rosina and
eleven-year-old son Jacob, followed her son Mel
chior to America, the ship landing in Philadelphia
September 22, 1752. She, however, was taken
ill while crossing the ocean, died and was buried
at sea, when within six weeks of their place of
destination. Peter Seip, with his sister Rosina
and brother Jacob, settled where subsequently
Seipsville, in Northampton County, Pa., was
•founded. Jacob Seip was the first American
ancestor of Dr. Amos Seip of Easton, Pa., and
Rev. T. L. Seip, D. D., president of Muhlen
berg College, Allentown, Pa. Peter Seip was cor
oner of Northampton County in 1770.
Edward Shimer acquired a part of the original
ancestral estate by inheritance and purchase, and
here he and his wife died and were buried in a
private burying plot. The eldest son, Jacob,
married, in April, 1791, Elizabeth Beyl, born Sep
tember 15, 1772, died January 31, 1857. They
had seven sons and one daughter: John, born
June 7, 1792, died July 29, 1878; Joseph, born
May 2, 1795, died August 13, 1878; Edward, born
June 27, 1797, died October 10, 1869; Isaac,
born August 25, 1799, died December 17, 1863;
Jacob, born October 10, 1802, died in October,
1871; Elizabeth, born April 21, 1805; Samuel,
born September, 21, 1807; and Abraham, born
March 12, 1809, died January 1, 1881.
Elizabeth Beyl was a daughter of Balthazer
Beyl, a Palatinate, who landed in Philadelphia
September 26, 1737. Between the years 1742 and
1754 warrants were issued and patents granted
to him for four different tracts of land, amounting
to about two hundred and fifty acres, in Upper
Saucon Township, Northampton County, Pa.
He was an elder and vestryman of the Evan
gelical or Lutheran congregation of Upper Sau
con, for the use of which congregation he had

158

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

donated part of the land. His will is dated July
12, 1791, executors John Beyl and his wife Anna
Maria. Elizabeth Beyl's sister, Susanna, married
Jacob Seip Shimer's brother, Isaac, 1796, who is
the maternal ancestor of the Boyer family of War
ren County, N. J. Another sister, Catharine,
first married Solomon Owen, and later became
the wife of Paul Heller. Of Paul's children,
Abraham married Mary B. Egner and is the
father of Hon. Frank B. Heller of Hellertown,
Pa. Her brother, John Beyl, owned in 1780
taxable property assessed at sixteen hundred
and forty pounds in Lower Saucon; at the
same time his brother Henry was the owner of
property, the assessed value of which was nine
hundred and forty-two pounds, situated in Forks
Township. William Beyl's name appears in the
tax list of Upper Saucon in 1781. John Beyl was
one of the most prominent citizens of Northamp
ton County and held the office of justice under the
commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1784.
At a meeting of a number of citizens in the
stone church near Ironville, Lower Saucon,
Northampton County, February 11, 1806, in order
to consult how best to promote Christian virtue
and put an end to the immoralities oi the neigh
borhood, it was decided to form an Association
for the Encouragement of Christian Virtue and
the Advancement of Civil Order. John Beyl was
elected president, and also acted as chairman of
a committee appointed to draft a constitution.
Edward Shimer and John Beyl were members of
the Committee of Safety of Northampton County,
Pa., during the War of the Revolution. About
the close of the eighteenth century the name of
Beyl disappears from the list of assessments in
Upper Saucon; whither they went is not known.
Jacob Seip Shimer was a progressive farmer
and was often consulted by his neighbors on agri-
fultural matters. In June, 1809, for $10,666.66,
lawful money of the United States, William Cur-
rie of Plymouth Township, in the county of Lu
zerne, yeoman, deeded to Jacob Shimer the his
toric tract of one hundred and eighty acres and
mill. A new mill was built in 1812 and around
it, as a nucleus, the village of Shimersville, at the
mouth of the Saucon Creek, gradually grew.
Jacob Seip Shimer!s only sister, Susanna, was
married, first, "to one of the Binghams'' of Phil
adelphia, two brothers who owned a tract of a
thousand acres on the south bank of the Lehigh
River, which they kept as a hunting ground.
Susanna's husband died early, without issue, and

his surviving brother returned to England, his
native place, and Lord Ashburton was one of his
descendants. The second husband of Susanna
was Dr. Von Steuben of Bethlehem, a near rela
tive of Baron Von Steuben and General Von
Steuben of military fame.
John Beyl Shimer, grandfather of the subject
of this sketch and eldest son of Jacob Seip Shimer,
married April 7, 1816, Mary (Polly) Schweitzer,
born February 19, 1797, died January 11, 1873.
Their children were Elizabeth, wife of John Rie-
gel, a paper mill manufacturer; William, born
June 5, 1820; George and Samuel (twins), March
5, 1823; James Oliver (father of our subject),
July 31, 1826; Jacob Theodore, November 28,
1834; Robert Anthony, October 3, 1836; Mary
Ann, September 22, 1828; and Sarah, March 3,
1832. Mary Schweitzer was a daughter of John
Schweitzer, third son of John Schweitzer, who
was the first American ancestor of the Schweitzer
family in Northampton County. He lived in
Bethlehem Township. John Schweitzer, Jr., also
resided in Bethlehem Township and the assessed
value of his real estate in 1780 was twelve hun
dred and twenty pounds. His will is dated 1839
and is on record in the office of the register of
deeds at Easton, Pa. He had eight children:
John, Isaac, Susanna, Catharine, Elizabeth, Mary,
Rebecca and Sarah. The third child, Susanna,
was married to John Lerch Shimer.
James Oliver Shimer, father of the subject of
this article, was a prominent woolen manufac
turer and died in October, 1891, at the age of
sixty-three years. In religious belief a Lutheran,
he was especially interested in Sunday school
work and for thirty years held the office of super
intendent. One of his sisters, Elizabeth, married
John Riegel, the well-known paper manufacturer
of Riegelville, Pa.; his brother William and his
sons are skillful iron founders at the old home
stead; George is a woolen manufacturer in Phila
delphia; Robert is a successful dry-goods mer
chant in New Jersey; and Jacob' is especially
known through his inventive ability.
May 2, 1850, James Oliver Shimer married
Elmira Dorinda Sophia Dubs, who was born De
cember 14, 1829, daughter of Rev. Joseph S.
Dubs, D. D., an eminent minister of the Re
formed Church, and sister of Rev. A. J. G. Dubs,
D. D., pastor of a church in Allentown, Pa. (the
largest outside of Philadelphia), and Rev. Joseph
Henry Dubs, D. D„ professor of history and arch
aeology in Franklin and Marshall College, Lan-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

159

caster, Pa. The older brother is widely known
for his matchless oratory and great executive abil
ity; the younger for his historical and poetical
writings, the former constituting him a recog
nized authority in his special field. Of the chil
dren of James Oliver Shimer the eldest, Alice,
is the wife of Henry J. Pretz, a banker in Al-
lentown, Pa.; Edgar Dubs is second in order
of birth, and was born at Shimersville, near
Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pa., Febru
ary 25, 1853; Louise E. is the wife of John L.
Hogan, a commission merchant in Philadel
phia, and a writer of acknowledged authority on
dietetics ; her book on "How to Feed Infants" is
published by Lippincotts of Philadelphia; Carrie
E., who lives in Jamaica, is a teacher of music, and
is also author of "Preparatory Touch and Tech
nics" Anna died when quite young; William H,
the youngest of the family, was trained under Dr.
Pancoast and is a practicing physician at Meyers-
ville, Tex.
From the "Pennsylvania Magazine" of Octo
ber, 1894, volume 18, page 367, the following
facts are gleaned concerning the origin and his
tory of the Dubs family in America: Among
the one hundred and eighty-five passengers on
the ship "Dragow" that crossed the Atlantic in
1732 was a young Swiss gunsmith, Jacob Dubs,
who was born August 31, 1710, in hamlet Aesch,
parish of Birmensdorf, canton of Zurich, Switzer
land. His parents, Jacob Dubs and Anna
Glattli of Bachstetten, were married in Birmens
dorf, March 24, 1705, and had three sons, Hans
and Ulrich, who died in infancy, and Jacob. For
many generations the family had resided in Bir
mensdorf and the neighboring village of Affol-
tern, and the earliest records show they were ar
morers. According to tradition the original
stock was Bohemian. The name is the Czech
word "dub," an oak. It is held to be derived
from the name of a town near Prague, called
"Duba" (The Oaks), or in German Eichen or
Aycha, a name also well known in Bohemia and
often written Dubsky. According to Merian the
families Von Eichen and Berka were originally
named Dubs, the first a translation, the second
derived from an estate.
A branch of the family became Hussites in the
fifteenth century and during the wars fled to the
Austrian province Styria, where we find them
settled in 1446. The head of the family entered
military service and distinguished himself in ex
peditions against the Swiss. He was. knighted on

the field by Emperor Maximilian I., who also
gave him the privilege of occupying a clearing
in the imperial forest. The arms granted are
carefully preserved and were recognized and ap
proved by Frederick I., king of Prussia, in 1701.
They appear in "Europaische Wappensamm-
lung," published by John Rudolph Helmers, Nu
remberg, 1705, and represent a silver lance with
pennon on a blue field, surmounted, as a crest,
by three ostrich feathers, two silver and center
blue. Prof. Joseph Henry Dubs, D. D., has in
his possession an ancient engraved seal with these
bearings. About the beginning of the Protestant Reform
ation a younger son or grandson of the Styrian
knight removed to Switzerland. The motives for
his removal are supposed to have been the influ
ence of Hussite family traditions. He became
an earnest Protestant, but the family in Styria
has remained Catholic to this day. He settled
six or eight miles from Zurich and there engaged
in the manufacture of weapons. In 1531 Zurich
was invaded by an army from the Catholic can-
fons and he became a soldier, losing his life with
Zwingli, the reformer, in the battle of Cappel,
October 11, 153 1. In an ancient chronicle of the
church at Affoltern, it is recorded that the armor
er Dubs of Birmensdorf was slain at Cappel in
defence of his faith. The same fact is also stated
by Henry Bullinger, the successor of Zwingli,
in his "Reformation Geschichte," but the name
there is twisted into Jacob Dupps. The descend
ants continued as gunsmiths and were quiet, hon
est and unpretentious.
Jacob Dubs was fairly well educated and ex
celled in penmanship. His mother died in his
early boyhood and his father married again.
When he became of age he followed several of
his cousins, who had already crossed the ocean.
Arriving in Pennsylvania, he sought his country
men in Great Swamp, Bucks County, where Rev.
John Henry Goetschins of Zurich had recently
founded a congregation. On the oldest extant list
of members appears his name. A short distance
away, in Lower Milford, Lehigh County, he set
tled on one hundred and fifty acres, which was
surveyed in 1734. Water power was provided
by a branch of the Perkiomen. Here he erected
a small forge, made arms and iron implements,
and it was said of him that he could make any
thing from a plough to a darning needle. He
made a harpsichord, long in possession of his de
scendants. Through his efforts was laid the

i6o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

foundation of the business enterprises afterward
carried on by his sons and grandsons. In 1734
he became a naturalized citizen of America. He
married Veronica Welker, a native of the Upper
Palatinate, and a woman of culture, who gath
ered the neighboring children in her kitchen and
taught them to read. Their sons and daughters
were Felix, born February 28, 1738; Barbara,
April 5, 1744; Margaretha, 1746; Daniel, Octo
ber 5, 1748; and Elizabeth, October 16, 1750.
The experiences of Jacob Dubs were those in
cident to life in a frontier settlement. Not only
were his privations great and hardships many,
but he was exposed to perils from savage foes
and wild beasts that lurked in neighboring woods.
Wolves were especially troublesome, and Daniel,
his son, when a little boy often amused himself
by imitating their barking; once a wolf rushed
on him, but he escaped into the kitchen through
an open window, by the aid of his mother.
Though a man of peace, when the Indians in
vaded the Lehigh Valley, Jacob Dubs joined a
company that followed them beyond the Blue
Mountains. Deeply interested in the welfare of
the church, he was efficient in his service as
ruling elder, an office held in the same congrega
tion by three generations of descendants.
In 1759 Felix Dubs, still unmarried, started for
Philadelphia with a load of farm produce. He
spent the night at North Wales with Matthias
Schwenk, whose daughter, Elizabeth, afterward
married Daniel, a brother of Felix. Rising early
in the morning while yet it was dark, he fell into
a well not properly covered and was drowned.
Barbara, daughter of Jacob Dubs, married Jacob
Boyer, who during the Revolution sold his farm,
receiving payment in depreciated Continental
money. He became financially involved and re
moved to Tennessee, whence his descendants
later came back to Pennsylvania and paid all his
debts with accrued interest. Margaretha became
the second wife of Jacob Dillinger and has nu
merous descendants. Elizabeth married Jacob
Haak, a wealthy man and a prominent Freema
son. Daniel, in 1772, purchased his father's busi
ness for three hundred and fifty pounds, and the
father lived retired until his death three years
later. Daniel erected the first brick house in Le
high County, a building that still stands, in excel
lent condition. He married Elizabeth Schwenk
and their children were Anna Maria, born June
27> T-777", Jacob, June 21, 1779; Henry; Daniel,
born April 7, 1786; John, September 5, 1788;

Solomon, October 10, 1794; and Joseph S., Octo
ber 16, 1796, the last-named being our subject's
grandfather. He was licensed to preach the gos
pel in 1822. It was usual with him to preach three
times on Sunday. He also found time to con
tribute to the periodicals of his church. In many
collections of hymns may be found "Wie Som-
mers schoen die Blumen blueh'n," written by him
about 1840, and often sung at the burial of in
fants. The common people knew him as Father
Dubs. All his sermons were charming for their
clearness, force and fervor, and for unequaled
beauty of delivery. He officiated at the corner
stone laying, or consecration, of sixtynfive
churches. In 1866, Franklin and Marshall Col
lege, in recognition of his fame and faithful serv
ice conferred upon him the honorary degree of
Doctor of Divinity. He died April 14, 1877, after
having been for thirty years pastor of Zion's Re
formed Church at Allentown, in which the his
toric bells of Philadelphia were concealed during
the Revolution.
Referring to the personal history of the subject
of this biography, it may be said that Professor
Shimer spent his early life in attendance at the
schools of his native place, while during his leisure
hours he assisted his father in the mill. At an
early age he developed a fondness for machinery
and devoted much of his time to its study, becom
ing an expert in its manipulation. At the age of
twelve he was so far advanced in his studies that
the country school at Shimersville taught nothing
of which he was not the master. He then en
tered a private school of high grade at Bethle
hem. It was his father's ambition that he should
be educated for the Lutheran ministry, he having
been reared in that faith, although his mother's
family were members of the Reformed Church.
At the age of fifteen he received a license to teach
a public school, and the following year his par
ents removed to Allentown in order to afford him
better educational advantages. At once he en
tered Muhlenberg College, of which Rev. Francis
Augustus Muhlenberg, D. D., was president, and
it was his influence that directed the youthful
student toward philosophical studies. In 1874
he graduated from the art department of the col
lege, carrying off the highest honors of his class.
Soon afterward he went to New York City to
study Greek, Latin, German and Hebrew, still
with the view of becoming a minister. He be
came a member of the family of Dr. Edward F.
Moldehnke, whose son Charles, now a well-known

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

161

Egyptologist, by his intense thirst for archaelogi-
cal and mythological lore, aroused in our subject
the teacher's instinct and caused him to decide
that his energies should be devoted to teaching
instead of preaching. In 1875 he became a teach
er in Grammar School No. 42 in the city of New
York, and with his customary thoroughness at
once began the systematic 'study of pedagogy in
all its aspects. He studied it closely, not only in
books, but in the school room, thus investigating
in his own way the great and fundamental laws
of education. He also became a teacher in the
foreign departments of the public evening schools,
and later a teacher of rhetoric and elocution in
one of the evening high schools.
The devotion evinced by Professor Shimer to
the cause of education, the new ideas which, when
put into practice, worked out the same as in
theory, attracted attention, and in 1886 he was
invited to lecture on psychology in the University
of the City of New York. Two years later he
was made adjunct professor of pedagogy in that
institution of learning. In 1877 he received the
degree of A. M. from Muhlenberg College and in
regular course the degree of Ph.D. in 1887, his
thesis being a plea for the founding of chairs of
pedagogy. In 1891 he was made a full professor
in the University of New York, being called to
the chair of psychology, which he now occupies.
When the university extension movement was
first organized in New York, he was employed by
the management to deliver three courses of lec-
turse on psychology, two of them in Brooklyn
and the other in the College of the City of New
York. These lectures attracted a great deal of
attention, and his writings, public addresses and
translations have been widely commented upon
by the press throughout the country, until now his
name is well known in all educational circles.
One of his specialties, in which he has been most
successful, is the working out of theories and
then putting them in practice in the school room.
Few educators have the gift of word painting
which he possesses, enabling the hearer to see the
thing he is talking of as plainly as though it were
before his face. He believes that education is
more than merely committing to memory certain
portions of text books; that it means culture, the
development and disciplining of all the faculties
of the human body and mind. With this high
ideal of his profession and with the thorough
preparation he has made for his life work, success
has naturally followed. Dr. Henry M. Field,

editor of the "New York Evangelist," writes of
him thus: "I was invited by Mr. Charles Butler
to pay a visit to the School of Pedagogy in the
New York University and had the opportunity
of seeing a class that was under the care of Pro
fessor Shimer. I had never seen him before, but
my attention was at once arrested by his perfect
mastery of the subject, by the clearness with
which he explained it so as to make all under
stand it, and the remarkable power he had of
gaining the attention of his pupils and making
them interested and enthusiastic students. I
should think he would be a great acquisition to
any institution. Indeed, if I were in the neighbor
hood I should often drop in for the pleasure of
listening to one who has in a remarkable degree
the gift — I may almost say the genius — of teach-
ing." In 1876 Professor Shimer married Miss Mary
C. Hannum of Allentown, Pa., and they have
two daughters, Mabel H. and Maude C. In
1878 he came to Jamaica, where he has since
made his home, and where he has taken an active
«part in local affairs. There being no Lutheran
Church here, he united with the Presbyterian
Church, and for many years has been superin
tendent of the Sabbath school, and deacon in the
church.

JAMES K. DAVIS, postmaster at Roslyn,
and a builder and contractor by occupation,
was born in Wheatly, town of Oyster Bay, in
November, 1844, being a son of Samuel J. and
Mary (Seaman) Davis. His father, who was a
native of Jericho, L. I., settled at Wheatly in early
manhood and engaged at his trade of stone ma
son and plasterer until his death, which occurred
at the family residence in 1893; his wife had
passed away one year prior to his demise. In
their family were the following-named children:
Juchge Edgar Davis, of Hicksville ; John, who
lives at Wheatly; Lydia A., wife of Joseph Lay-
ton, of Jericho ; James K. ; Lavinia ; Phoebe, wife
of David Layton, of Wheatly; George W., of
East Williston, and Thorn, of Wheatly.
When about sixteen years of age our subject
entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's
trade, having spent two years previous in the
store of William Valentine, of Roslyn. At the
expiration of his term of service, at the age of
twenty-one, he began to work at his trade, which
he has since followed with the exception of a

1 62

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

short period. October 24, 1876, he was united
in marriage with Eliza, daughter of John Charlick,
a hotelkeeper at Roslyn, where she was born. Her
father's brother, Oliver Charlick, was at one time
president of the Long Island Railroad Company-
After his marriage Mr. Davis came to Roslyn
as a permanent citizen, beginning work as a build
er and contractor. In 1877 he became interested
in the meat business in Roslyn, being thus en
gaged for five years, when poor health induced
him to retire from business. In 1892, on the
Democratic ticket, he was elected collector of
taxes for the town of Hempstead and was re
elected the following term. Since 1879 he has
been a member of the Board of Education, of
which he was secretary for some time, and has
been president since 1893. In 1893, under Presi
dent Cleveland, he was appointed postmaster at
Roslyn, in which capacity he has served efficiently.
Socially he is connected with Glencove Lodge No.
580, F. & A. M., and Melchizadek Chapter No.
73. He is also a member of the Roslyn Benevo
lent Society. In his family there are six chil
dren: Frederick C, assistant postmaster; Eu
genia, Nellie, Bruce, Margery and Lois.

of thirty-two houses in New York. In 1871 he
invested in real estate in Queens County, near
Hicksville, and has retained large interests here
since.

BERNARD EARLE. The subject of the
following sketch can look back upon a
busy life and feel that his labors have not
been in vain. When success crowns any victor,
reward is his due, and Mr. Earle feels that he
receives his reward in the peace and plenty which
surround his declining years and the rest he can
now take after the weary and long struggle upon
the battlefield of human activities. He was born
in County Louth, Ireland, in 1820, and received
a good education in his native place. At the age
of sixteen he began an apprenticeship to the car
penter's trade at Castle Ballingham, and for sev
eral years thereafter his attention was closely
devoted to his chosen work.
Having resolved to seek a home in the United
States, Mr. Earle, in 1843, took passage on the
"City of Oxford," and after an uneventful voyage
landed in New York, where he at once began to
follow his trade. In 1846 he took up contract
work, and, meeting with success in that line, he
followed it for twenty years. With the money he
earned he made investments in real estate, watch
ing the market closely and taking advantage of
special bargains in property. So successful was
he that at the close of the war he was the owner

In 1888 Mr. Earle donated the grounds and
buildings now occupied by St. John's Asylum,
which is under the auspices of the Catholic Church
and is a branch of the Catholic Asylum of Brook
lyn. At this writing there are about one hun
dred and fifty inmates of the institution. In 1895
he also donated ninety-two' acres to the Papist
fathers, and on this property, which is located
at Mannetto Hill, arrangements have been made
to erect buildings and found a home. He has
long been a member of the Catholic Church, and
takes a great interest in its welfare. Among the
leaders of the church he is very popular, his kindT
ness of heart and the munificence of his gifts con
ducing to increase the high position which his up
right life has created. His realty includes a num
ber of houses in Hicksville, Brooklyn and other
places, and while he has ostensibly retired from
business, yet it requires a considerable portion
of his time to direct and superintend the manage
ment of his property.

JOHN D. CROSBY, postmaster at Inwood,
took a prominent part in securing the es
tablishment of a postoffice at this place, and
in 1888 was chosen the first postmaster, which
position he has since held. He came to the vil
lage in 1884 and for two years had charge of a
drug store for Dr. Schmuck, after which he
bought the business and has since been the pro
prietor, carrying on his drug trade in connection
with his official duties.
Anton T. Crosby, a farmer of Deerfield, Oneida
County, married Margaret Holmes, of North
Gage, this state, and five children were born of
their union, namely: John D„ the subject of this
article; Lottie, wife of John Cook, a resident of
Voss, Walsh County, N. Dak.; Mary, Mrs.
Charles Greene, of Torrington, Conn.; Emma, who
married James Fuller, of North Gage, and Edith,
a teacher, residing with her parents in Oneida
County. Our subject was born on his father's
farm at Deerfield, N. Y., May 23, 1858, and grew
to manhood on the homestead, meantime attend
ing the common schools and Whitestown Semin
ary. At the age of twenty-four he left home, and,
going to Utica, was employed in a drug store for
three years, after which he came to Inwood, his

JOHN KELLUM.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

165

present home. He is a licensed druggist, familiar
with every department of his chosen work, and
has built up a large trade in this locality.
November 20, 1889, Mr. Crosby married Miss
May V. Croft, a lady of intelligence and refine
ment, who soon after their marriage began the
study of pharmacy and graduated from the New
York College, receiving a druggist's license. Both
are sincere Christians and hold membership in the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Lawrence. Po
litically our subject has identified himself with the
Democratic party, and uniformly votes that tick
et. In fraternal relations he belongs to the Royal
Arcanum, the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows, Masonic Order and Court Westville No.
93, Order of Foresters.

JOHN KELLUM. Of the many master
minds whom the village of Hempstead has
given to the world, few equalled and prob
ably none surpassed, in depth of discernment and
keenness of intellect, the gentleman whose name
introduces this sketch and who was for many
years, one of the most prominent men of Queens
County. The son of poor parents, receiving in
youth but a limited education and having none of
the advantages now considered indispensable in
the training of youth, he nevertheless achieved
marvelous success and at his death left a large
fortune, accumulated by his own achievements.
Born at Hempstead, August 27, 1809, the sub
ject of this notice spent his early years upon a
farm, but in youth learned the carpenter's trade.
Going to Brooklyn, he became connected with a
prominent builder, and step by step he mastered
•every branch of the business, through his own
exertions becoming one of the most expert archi
tects in the country. The firm of King & Kellum,
of Brooklyn, had the contract for many of the
leading business blocks and churches in that city.
However, it was mainly through his connection
with the merchant prince, A. T. Stewart, that Mr.
Kellum gained his greatest fame and the bulk of
his fortune. He had the entire charge of building
Mr. Stewart's mansion on Thirty-fourth Street,
now the property of the Manhattan Club, and
also built his wholesale store and his mammoth
retail establishment on Broadway and Tenth
Street. In fact, Mr. Stewart gave him charge of
all buildings erected by him. When he desired
a new building or an addition to an old building
he simply laid his plans before Mr. Kellum and

gave him absolute control of the work. It is
doubtful if even Judge Hilton had the confidence
of Stewart that Mr. Kellum enjoyed, and to Mr.
Kellum's credit be it said that while the oppor
tunities to take advantage of this confidence were
unlimited, it was never betrayed.
In later years Mr. Kellum had his summer resi
dence in Hempstead, the place of his birth. It
was through him that Stewart became interested
in Long Island property, and on his advice the
merchant purchased large tracts of land in the
vicinity of Hempstead. Under Mr. Kellum's per
sonal direction the now famous village of Garden
City was platted and laid out, but just as the work
of constructing the many buildings under contem
plation was begun and unlimited means placed at
his disposal, the mind that designed these great
improvements, the man to whom Mr. Stewart
looked for the consummation of his plans, was
stricken by death, and passed from earth July
24, 1871.
The death of Mr. Kellum was a serious blow
to Garden City, for the hand that had planned the
gYeat undertaking was not there to direct its con
struction, and the death of Mr. Stewart soon after
ward further retarded the development of the
scheme. When Judge Hilton succeeded to the
management of the estate it seemed as though
it was his intention to still further cripple the
project; but when Mr. Kellum made the plans
he must have considered the possibility of his
own and Mr. Stewart's death before the work was
completed. To him the place is largely indebted
for the two colleges, St. Paul's and St. Mary's,
and the beautiful cathedral, which, while not large,
is one of the most elegant churches in the country,
the organ alone costing $75,000. While it was
Mr. Kellum's connection with Stewart that made
him famous, yet he gained an enviable reputation
as the builder of many of the most substantial
structures on Broadway, including the great store
of Tiffany and others of equal prominence.
May 28, 1831, Mr. Kellum married Hannah
Raynor, who was born in Hempstead and died
here June 10, 1877. They were the parents of
five children, namely: Benjamin, who was con
nected in business with his father, but died in early
manhood; Hiram, who is married, has one daugh
ter and lives in Brooklyn; Annie E., who died in
young womanhood; John, who at his death left
a widow and two children, and Hannah, the
youngest of the family, who in 1878 became the
wife of Dr. Gerrit D. Van Vranken.

i66

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dr. Van Vranken was born July 2, 1841, in
Saratoga County, N. Y., not far from Saratoga
Springs. The old homestead upon which he and
his father John were born has been in the family
since 1640 and is now owned by William H., the
Doctor's only brother. The family is of Dutch ex
traction. Dr. Van Vranken was educated in Un
ion College, Schenectady, N. Y., graduating in
1863. Four years later he graduated from the
medical department of the University of Philadel
phia, and at once commenced practice in Sara
toga County, where, for several years, he was on
the staff of Dr. Strong's Sanitarium. He then
married and located in Hempstead, where, giving
up the practice of medicine, he turned his atten
tion to business pursuits and became proprietor
of a large lumber yard in this village. He has
since retained his connection with this yard, is
also interested in the Hempstead Bank and va
rious other enterprises.
In their religious views Dr. and Mrs. Van
Vranken are identified with the Methodist Epis
copal Church, in which he is a trustee and steward
and has for fifteen years been superintendent of
the Sunday-school. With his wife and two chil
dren, John Kellum and Anna K, he occupies the
stately mansion which was the home of Mr. Kel
lum from the time he came to Hempstead until
his death, and which, with its beautiful grounds
and attractive surroundings, is one of the most
charming homes near the village.

AUGUST FLEISCHBEIN, proprietor of
the Grand Central Hotel at Hicksville. was
born in Bavaria, on the Rhine, May 23,
1838, being a son of Jacob and Julia T. Fleisch-
bein. The family of which he is a member resided
in that locality as far back as the genealogical
record can be traced, and his grandfather, Jacob,
was a man of influence, and for years tax collector
of a town on the Rhine. At the age of fifteen, in
J853, August, in company with an older sister,
Mary, started for America on a sailing vessel, and
after an uneventful voyage landed in New York,
where he secured employment in the butcher bus
iness. This trade he followed for nineteen years,
being in the employ of various parties. In 1870
he embarked in business for himself, and for ten
years was proprietor of a meat market, after which
he carried on a liquor business for eighteen years,
discontinuing in 1889.
Always firm in his allegiance to the Republican

party, Mr. Fleischbein in 1880 was nominated, on
that ticket, for alderman of New York City, but
in the election was counted out. In 1881 he was
again nominated and this time was elected
by a large majority. In 1882 he was again
chosen to occupy the position, and con
tinued in the office until 1884, when he retired'
from politics. In 1861, at the first call for troops,
he volunteered in the Eighth Light Artillery and
served for one year, meantime taking part in the
engagements at Fairfax Courthouse and German-
town; also the first battle of Bull Run. At the
expiration of his term of service he was mustered
out and returned home.
In 1885 Mr. Fleischbein took a trip to Europe
and visited the principal points of interest on the
continent. His principal object in crossing the
ocean was to see his mother, then an aged woman,
and whom he had not seen since he left home, a
boy of fifteen years. In visiting the old home and
renewing the associations of youth, he spent sev
eral happy weeks. It was the last time he ever saw
his mother, as she died soon afterward. Dispos
ing of his business in New York City in 1889, he
bought his present property and has since been
proprietor of the Grand Central. Besides this, he
invested in town property, buying a house and
lot on Main Street, and in 1894 erecting a resi
dence, and another in 1895. In 1894 he was
chosen fire commissioner, which office he now
holds. August 26, 1862, Mr. Fleischbein married Miss
Mary Staude, who was born in Bavaria, in a local
ity near where the Fleischbein family lived, but
the two did not meet until after coming to Amer
ica. Of their nine children, five are living : Nich
olas, Frederick and August died at an early age ;
Lena is the wife of Charles Fauspender, who is
engaged in business in Brooklyn, and is also
connected with the Hicksville Bottling Company;
Frank follows the butcher's trade in Brooklyn;
Mary, deceased, was the wife of William Staude,
a member of the Hicksville Bottling Company;
Katharine, Julia and Matilda are with their par
ents. The Grand Central Hotel is well known
throughout the island and is a favorite resort for
tourists, summer boarders and pleasure seekers,
who, having once visited the place, are always
enthusiastic in its praise.. The rooms of the hotel
are commodious, and in addition to the reception,
sleeping and dining apartments, there are bowl
ing alleys, a ball room and summer garden. To

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

167

accommodate hunters dogs are kept on hand, and
no pains are spared to secure the comfort and
pleasure of guests.
Socially Mr. Fleischbein is connected with
Primrose Lodge No. 569, I. O. O. F., Knights of
Honor, in New York City; Gramercy Lodge
No. 309, A. O. U. W., New York City, of which
he is a charter member; Hicksville Council No.
1 1 59, Royal Arcanum; Post No. 62, G. A. R.,
New York City, and the First Ward Beneficiary
Department, Nos. 1 and 2.

LAWRENCE FAY. A large proportion of
the population of the New World is either
of foreign birth or parentage, almost every
country of the world being represented among
our naturalized citizens. While there are com
paratively few residents of Long Island who were
born in other parts of the world, yet a number
may be found, and among them mention belongs
to Mr. Fay, of Port Washington, an industrious
farmer, who owns and occupies a tract of twelve
and one-half acres of valuable land.
The subject of this record was born in Trim,
the county seat of County Meath, Ireland, the date
of his birth being July 15, 1831. He is a son of
John and Eliza (McDonald) Fay, and a brother
of Thomas Fay, whose sketch will be found on
another page of this volume. In boyhood he
walked three miles each morning to a subscrip
tion school, where he studied diligently, and in
that way he gained a fair education. He well
remembers the great famine in Ireland, when
thousands were destitute, and from all parts of
the isle went up the pitiful cry for bread. His
father, fortunately, not only bad enough for his
family, but was able to give relief to many poor
people. When about thirty-two years of age our sub
ject determined to leave his father's farm and
seek a home in America, where he believed he
might achieve success. Accordingly, in April,
1863, he took passage on a sailing vessel for the
New World, and after a voyage of twenty-nine
days, landed in New York City May 17, 1863.
He secured work in the employ of Augustus
Taber, No. 713 Water Street, New York City,
being an employe in his marble works for five
years and also having charge of his private home
a part of the time. In 1876 he came to Port
Washington and built a house, where he made

his home for a time, but in 1886 bought his pres
ent place.
While in the employ of Mr. Taber our subject
married Miss Mary Quinn, who was born in
County Limerick, Ireland, and was a daughter
of John Quinn. Two daughters bless the union,
both of whom are educated, refined, and popular
in the best circles of society. Louisa is a dress
maker here, while Frances A., who graduated
from the high school of Flushing in 1890, has
for five years taught in the Port Washington pub
lic school, and is considered an able and efficient
instructor. The family belong to the Catholic
Church at Manhasset, Mr. Fay having been con- '
firmed in the church at the age of fourteen. Polit
ically he is a Democrat, and since casting his first
presidential vote for Horace Greeley, in 1872,
he has always upheld the principles and candi
dates of that party.

M;

STUART CALDWELL, M. D., a resi
dent physician of Far Rockaway, was
born in Canada, September 8, 1848, and
is a son of Matthew and Mary (Shields) Caldwell.
His father, who was a farmer by occupation, con
tinued to reside in Canada until his death, at the
age of forty-six; the widowed mother is now liv
ing in Detroit, Mich. Five children comprised
their family, as follows: John, who lives in On
tario, Cal. ; Robert, deceased; M. Stuart; Lucy,
whose home is in Detroit, Mich., and James, re
siding in Tonawanda, N. Y.
During boyhood the subject of this sketch at
tended the schools of his locality. At the age of
fourteen he thoroughly understood the work of
the farm and was able also to run the engine in
his father's sawmill. Early in life he was attract
ed by the study of anatomy, physiology and kin
dred sciences, and following out his natural incli
nations, he took up the study of medicine. For
two years he read with Dr. Denton and attended
medical lectures, after which he entered the med
ical department of the University of New York,
remaining there until his graduation in 1879. His
thorough theoretical knowledge was supplement
ed by two years of hospital work, where much of
his superior practical knowledge was gained.
Opening an office in Brooklyn, the young doc
tor soon built up a good practice, but as he did
not desire to make that city his permanent home,
he removed to Far Rockaway in 1885 and from
the first was successful in general practice. It has

i68

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been his desire to gradually retire from active
practice, but as yet he has not succeeded in mak
ing much headway in that direction. At the or
ganization of the village he was tendered the posi
tion of Health Officer, and this he has since re
tained, with the exception of a supposed interval
of nine months. By his marriage to Emma
Frances Twibille, of New York, he has two sons,
Harold and Kenneth. In politics, as in all im
portant matters, he has firm and pronounced opin
ions of his own. While adhering to the original
principles of the Democratic party, he has not
coincided with the views of the leaders of the par
ty nor has he been pleased with its management.
His ideas in regard to political economy are ad
vanced and he has no patience with legislation
enacted solely for political effect. Socially he is
identified with the Masons and Foresters, in re
ligious belief belongs to the Presbyterian Church,
and by the people in general is respected as a
genial, whole-souled and upright man.

INGNATZ AUGUST HAUSER. Among
those of foreign birth who are associated with
the business interests of this county, we should
not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr.
Hauser, for he has fully borne out the reputation
of that class of industrious, energetic and thrifty
men of German nativity who have risen to prom
inence in different portions of this country. He
is the owner and proprietor of the Hicksville
Hotel, and as "mine host" has a large number
of friends among the traveling public.
In the city of Cologne, Prussia, our subject was
born September i, 1848, to Theodore August and
Josephine Hauser, the former of whom was a
wealthy broker of Cologne. There were ten chil
dren in the family, five sons and five daughters,
and of these Ingnatz A. was the fifth in order of
birth. Reared in his native city, he attended the
public schools, and at the age of fourteen became
a student in a college, where he remained for two
years. When sixteen, he was apprenticed to the
watchmaker's trade in Cologne, and after a ser
vice of four years entered a school in Switzerland
to complete the trade. This he finished in
eighteen months, but afterward remained in the
same city (Neufchatel) for three and one-half
years, engaged as a journeyman.
From Neufchatel Mr. Hauser went to Brussels,
Belgium, where he spent a year, then to Paris,
where he followed his trade for two years, and

later spent three months in Switzerland. In 1876
he came to America for the purpose of visiting
the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, but
not with any intention of remaining, his plan
being to go on to the West Indies. However,
he was persuaded to remain in the United States,
and for a time followed his trade in New Jersey.
When the factory in which he was employed dis
continued business he went to Jersey City, where
he spent several years working at his trade.
March 6, 1878, Mr. Hauser married Mrs. Mar
garet Batchelor, widow of Charles Batchelor, and
daughter of Henry Fried. She was born in, Ba
varia and came to America in girlhood, remain
ing here until her death, November 1, 1889. Four
children were born of the union: Emma, Lulu,
George and August. While in Jersey City Mr.
Hauser established a business of his own, which
he continued for a time. On removing to New
York City he followed his trade on Seventh Ave
nue, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets.
In 1881 he came to Hicksville, where he was sim
ilarly engaged, with success. In 1888 he built
the Hicksville Hotel, and this he has since con
ducted in addition to his business. August 3,
1891, he married Miss Ida, daughter of Herman
Bishop, an old and influential citizen of Hicks
ville, where she was born. They are the parents
of one child, Henry.
In religious belief Mr. Hauser is a Roman
Catholic. Politically he is liberal, not binding
himself to either party, but maintaining independ
ence in his ballot. Since 1890 he has served as
school trustee and has been interestefl actively
in educational matters. At present, he is assistant
chief of the fire department. He was instrumental
in the organization of the Royal Arcanum, which
was founded here July 3, 1889, and was one
of its charter members. In the local lodge he has
filled all the chairs, and has been delegate to state
and general conventions. Besides this he has
held all the important offices in Primrose Lodge
No. 569, I. O. O. F., and was formerly identified
with the Knights of Pythias, but of recent years
has not maintained his active connection with
this organization.

THOMAS FAY, of Port Washington, is
superintendent of the Supply Company of
Messrs. Murray & Reed, No. 39 South
Street, New York City. Of foreign birth, he is
intensely American in sentiment, an ardent pat-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

169

riot, and though still cherishing an affectionate
remembrance of his native land, feels that it was
a fortunate day for him when he bade it fare
well and sought a home in the New World.
The son of John and Eliza (McDonald) Fay,
the subject of this record was born in County
Meath, Ireland, September 1, 1827, and grew to
manhood in his native place, receiving a fair com
mon-school education. At the age of about fif
teen he secured a position as waiter at a table in
a gentleman's residence, where he remained for
three years. At the expiration of that time he
had about $15, all he had been able to save from
his small wages. Next he secured employment
on the government works, being thus engaged at
the beginning of the famine. In 1848 he left Ire
land for America, and after a voyage of five weeks
arrived in New York City, whence he soon made
his way to Port Washington with a friend. For
four years he was employed on a farm here, dur
ing, which time he saved $200, and this amount
he invested so it would draw interest. After a
few months in New York City he shipped as an
ordinary seaman on the packet "St. Nicholas,"
and took a trip to Havre, France, spending three
months on the water. This concluded his experi
ence on the high seas. His next position was on
a small packet from New York City to Port
Washington, where he was employed for one
year. Later he was with another party in the
coast trade and up the Hudson, being engaged
in that way until 1854.
August 24, 1854, Mr. Fay was united in mar
riage with Miss Catherine Callahan, who was
born in County Meath, Ireland, but at the time
of her marriage resided in Port Washington.
Having saved a little more than $400, Mr. Fay
bought his present home, and for two years was
employed near here, after which he began to
work at the clam and oyster business in Port
Washington. Each year he laid aside a small
sum of money, until finally he was able to begin
to plant oysters, and starting in that occupation,
he continued it with success for twenty-five years.
In 1882 he accepted his present position, in addi
tion to which he has acted as agent for parties
owning property in the vicinity but living in other
places. The investments which he has made
have in the main been successful, and he is now
financially well-to-do.
Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Fay we
note the following: Eliza, wife of Patrick O'Con
nor, has five children and lives in this village;

Thomas, also a resident of Port Washington, is
married and has four children ; John Henry, who
is married and has three children, is a dealer in
fruit in New York City; Joseph, who has one
child, is a carpenter, living in Newark, N. J.;
Christopher lives in Port Washington, and Jen
nie, the youngest, is with her parents.
Politically a Democrat, Mr. Fay voted for
Buchanan in 1856 and has supported each suc
ceeding Democratic candidate. In 1869 he was
elected inspector of weights and measures and
served for one term. In 1870 he was elected con
stable, which position he filled for five terms.
His parents being Catholics, he was reared in
that faith and was confirmed at the age of eight
years. At this time he holds membership with
the church at Manhasset, of which he is a trustee.

SAMUEL S. CARMAN. Among those who
fought the battle of life bravely and has been
called from the strife and turmoil of this
life is Samuel S. Carman, who was born near
Freeport, L. I., September 25, 1821, a son of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Smith) Carman, the for
mer of whom was an energetic and successful tiller
of the soil during the greater part of his career,
or until his removal to Brooklyn, N. Y. He after
wards returned to Freeport, where he died. At
the time of the removal of the family to Brooklyn,
Samuel S. Carman was but a* lad, and therefore
nearly all the educational advantages which he re
ceived were acquired in that city. His father had
engaged in the mercantile business upon locating
there, and in this establishment young Samuel
began clerking when quite young. At the age of
eighteen years he accompanied his parents to
Freeport, and as his father again returned to
farming, Samuel assisted him for a number of
years. He then decided to turn his attention to
other pursuits and soon after opened a lumber
yard here, to the success of which he devoted his
time, thought and energy, until his career was
closed by death in the spring of 1891. As a busi
ness man he showed himself to be prudent, far
seeing and practical, and all his operations were
conducted on the soundest business principles,
the result being that an extended and lucrative
patronage was built up, and a reputation for hon
esty and integrity acquired which was by no means
local. A useful career closed with his death, and
his loss was deeply felt by the community, as well
as by his own immediate family.

170

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Eliza
Raynor was celebrated in 1842, she being a daugh
ter of Daniel and Mary Ann (Bedell) Raynor, na
tives and life-long residents of Long Island. Dan
iel Raynor was a prominent business man and a
progressive and useful citizen, who commanded
universal respect. The union of Mr. and Mrs.
Carman resulted in the birth of three children,
Bergen R., Mary Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Denton,
of Freeport, and Edna V., wife of George V.
Bushnell, of Richmond Hill. Mrs. Carman lives
in her comfortable and pretty home in Freeport,
in the enjoyment of an ample income and fair
health. She is not a member of any church, but
is very charitably inclined, is sympathetic and
kind-hearted and is an attendant of the First
Presbyterian Church. Her friends are many and
true, and unbounded respect is bestowed upon
her.

EDWARD L. KELSEY, who is engaged in
the general mercantile business at West-
bury Station, was born here January 2,
1857, to Jesse P. and Catherine A. (Lewis) Kelsey.
His father, a native of Huntington, Suffolk Coun
ty, born in 1821, came to this locality in boyhood
and became a clerk for Elias Lewis, Jr., at Old
Westbury. Afterward he bought the business,
which he conducted up to the time of his death,
January 31, 1896. He was prominent in public
affairs, for many years acted as notary public, and
was an honored and respected citizen. After the
establishment of the postoffice he held the posi
tion of postmaster. He was also active in church
and Sunday-school work In his family there are
two children, Edward L. and William P., the
latter now being proprietor of the store formerly
owned by his father. The widowed mother still
resides at the old home.
The education of our subject was completed in
the military academy at White Plains, N. Y. In
1877 he came to Westbury Station and took
charge of the store which had been established
as a branch of his father's business. Here he has
since remained, having become prominent in busi
ness and public affairs. In 1882 he was appointed
the first postmaster here and held the position
two terms. It was largely through his efforts that
the postoffice was established, and he was also
instrumental in securing other needed improve
ments. In 1883 he was elected collector of taxes
for the town of Hempstead, serving two terms.

In his political views he adheres to the policy
adopted by the Republican party and uniformly
votes that ticket. Socially he is a Mason and
holds membership in Morton Lodge No. 63, at
Hempstead. His marriage, May 25, 1881, united
him with Sarah, daughter of Jotham Post, of
Westbury, and unto their union was born one
daughter, who died in infancy.

WILLIAM E. HAWXHURST, of West
bury, was born here in 1838, and is a
son of Ephraim C. and Charity (Titus)
Hawxhurst. He traces his ancestry back to Chris
topher Hawxhurst, a native of England, who
crossed the ocean in 1665 and settled in what is
now Locust Valley, Queens County,L. I., becom
ing one of the first settlers of the town of Oyster
Bay, and in time one of its largest land owners.
His children were William, Mary and Sampson.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
Timothy and Margaret (Titus) Titus, both de
scendants of Edmund Titus, the first of that name
who settled in Queens County. The family home
stead, where our subject was born, became in
1832 the property of his father, who continued
to reside there until his death, in 1859.
The boyhood days of the subject of this notice
were passed on the home farm, in the cultivation
of which he assisted. For a time he attended a
private school in his neighborhood. When but
a boy he took up the study of civil engineering
and in it he was especially interested. Under his
father, who was a civil engineer, he continued his
studies until he had acquired a thorough knowl
edge of the work. At the death of his father the
home place came into his possession, and after
ward he engaged in its cultivation for a number
of years, but finally abandoned agriculture in
order that he might give his entire attention to
surveying. However, he continued to reside on
the farm, which was cultivated under his super
vision. For the past twenty-five years Mr. Hawxhurst
has devoted almost his entire time to surveying.
For ten years past he has also dealt quite exten
sively in real estate, conducting the sale of land
purchased by wealthy residents who have re
cently located here. He has completed a fine
map of Westbury, showing the original purchases
and subsequent owners. His surveying has been
principally in the towns of Oyster Bay, Hemp
stead and North Hempstead. He has laid out

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

171

over one thousand acres in town lots and has
opened roads and fixed boundary lines. In poli
tics he is a Republican, and cast his first ballot
for Abraham Lincoln. In 1885 he was appointed
notary public and served five successive terms.
He is a member of the Society of Friends.
In September, 1869, Mr. Hawxhurst married
Miss Marianna Hicks, daughter of Isaac and
Mary F. Hicks. To< them have been given six
children, namely: Mary W., wife of Edward C.
Tyson; Caroline, wife of Prof. Frederick Sharp-
less; Wallace, who is engaged in business with
his father; Florence, Harold E. and Bertha. Mr.
Hawxhurst has given his children good educa
tional advantages. In 1895 he sold a portion of
the home farm, on which was situated the old
family dwelling, but this he moved to its present
location and had it completely remodeled, put
ting in steam heating apparatus and other mod
ern improvements that have made of it a commo
dious and comfortable residence.

CHARLES W. KESPERT. For eighteen
months after coming to Rockaway Beach,
his present place of residence, Mr. Kespert
worked in the employ of others, after which, in
1892, he opened a grocery store, and this he has
since conducted with increasing success. In his
business transactions he is methodical, energetic,
industrious and honorable, and these qualities
have brought him a high degree of popularity
among the people of Oceanus and the neighbor
ing community.
Prior to coming to Oceanus the subject of this
notice resided in New York City, where his father,
Charles, a native of Germany, followed the occu
pation of a carpenter and builder until his death,
at the age of sixty years. The wife and mother,
who bore the maiden name of Margaret Brady,
was born in Ireland and died in New York
at the age of fifty-three. Of her four children,
three are now living, namely: Frances, who re
sides in New York; Joseph, and Charles W.
The last named was born in New York Sep
tember 17, 1863, and there attended the public
schools. When a mere child he commenced,
under his father's instruction, to learn the car
penter's trade, but that occupation not being en
tirely congenial, he sought other employment.
For two years he was employed in a broker's
office, after which he worked for some of the best
firms in the city in the grocery business. His

adaptability for that line of work soon became
apparent and he was regarded as one of the best
grocerymen in the state, understanding the busi
ness thoroughly in all its details.
Accumulating some money, Mr. Kespert nat
urally desired to engage in business for himself,
and succeeded in establishing in Rockaway Beach
a good business with his father-in-law. Later
that partnership was dissolved and he built the
store in which at present he conducts business.
In addition to this he has a branch store, well
equipped, at Arverne, and has many men and
wagons employed in soliciting and delivering
orders along the Beach.
In 1889 Mr. Kespert married Miss Isadora,
daughter of William Holland of Rockaway Beach.
They are the parents of three children, namely.
Charles, Edna and Isabel. Socially our subject
is connected with the American Legion of Honor
at Brooklyn. A Republican in his political be
lief, he is active in local work, firm in his principles
and enthusiastic in his support of the candidates
of the Republican party. He served as delegate
to the county convention of 1895, and to the town
convention in 1896, and is now president of the
Local Republican Association. He has done good
service for his party and has never failed in his
defense of its platform and principles.

HENRY KLAPPER, proprietor of the
Waverley House at Rockaway Beach,
Oceanus P. O, is also engaged in the bot
tling business, the two enterprises securing for
him the receipt of a steady and substantial in
come. For nine years (since 1887) he has been
engaged in his present business, prior to which
he was with Jamieson & Bond in the ice business
for three years. Before coming to this place he
made his home in New York City, where he was
born January 2, 1867.
The parents of our subject, both of whom are
deceased, were William and Josephine (Kuestner)
Klapper, natives of Germany. In their family
there are four children, named as follows : Susan,
who now lives in Brooklyn; William, a resident
of Hempstead ; Henry, of this sketch, and Charles,
whose home is in Rockaway Beach. Our subject,
who was next to the youngest among the chil
dren, was reared to manhood in New York City,
where he received an excellent education in the
public schools. His first position was that of
cash boy at Lord & Taylor's, for which he re-

1/2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ceived a salary of $1.50 per week. He was an
ambitious boy, anxious and determined to suc
ceed, and whatever his work was endeavored to
discharge his duties in a satisfactory manner.
After leaving the firm of Lord & Taylor Mr.
Klapper took a position with a jewelry case manu
facturing company, and later he was assistant
delivery clerk in a flouring mill. By that time he
had gained considerable knowledge of business
affairs so that his services were of value to his
employers. On coming to Rockaway Beach in
1885 he first secured work in the employ of Jam-
ieson & Bond, after which he established the busi
ness in which he is now engaged. He is married,
his wife having been Miss Emma Coggins of
Brooklyn. Politically he advocates Republican
principles and supports the candidates of that
party. In his fraternal relations he is a member
of Star of Hope Lodge No. 430, F. & A. M. He
is a member of the Volunteer Hose Company and
takes a lively interest in local affairs and enter
prises of the vicinity.

CAPT. GEORGE MACKEY, of Port
Washington, was born in Glencove, L. I.,
October 29, 1824, being a son of James
and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mackey. The first repre
sentative of the family in America was his grand
father, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to
this country during the Revolutionary War and
settled at Glencove, where his son, James, was
born. The latter was a cooper by trade, and
about 1835 came to Port Washington (then
known as Cow Neck), where he followed his oc
cupation, making barrels for the mill. He died
in this village about 1852, aged seventy-five. By
his marriage he had twelve children, and he lived
to see ten of the number married; only four are
now living, one of the others, John, being repre
sented elsewhere in this volume.
George, who was next to the youngest of the
family, grew to manhood in Port Washington, tc
which place he accompanied his father when
eleven years old. His education which was lim
ited, was obtained in a pay school here. At
the age of seventeen he began to learn the coop
er's trade under the instruction of his father, but
after completing the trade he began to work at the
oyster business, being one of the pioneers in this
industry. About the time he was twenty-one, and
shortly before he was to have been married, he
was seriously injured by an accident while hunt

ing. The wound was of such a nature as to neces
sitate the amputation of the right arm at the
shoulder and it was thought by everyone that he
would not recover; however, a young physician,
Dr. Treadwell, refused to give him up, but worked
with him until the crisis was passed and his life
saved. Upon recovering sufficiently to go to work
again, Mr. Mackey drove a wagon through vari
ous parts of Long Island, selling tobacco. For
three years he was not connected with the oyster
business, but afterward resumed that work, in
which he has since engaged. In connection with
it he became interested in freighting and also
started the business of making oil from the men
haden fish, which enterprise he continued for a
few years. His freighting was principally from
New York City to Port Washington, along Long
Island Sound. When it became too much of a
tax upon his energy, he put a man in charge of
his schooner of sixty tons capacity, and the busi
ness is still carried on in that way. His oyster
farming started on a small scale, but now he has
an extensive business, in charge of his sons. They
used to catch their own seed to plant but now
buy of those who make a business of raising it.
At the time of coming to Port Washington
there were but few houses here, and Mr. Mackey
has seen the place grow from an insignificant
hamlet to its present proportions. He and his
brother built the first house on the street where
they now live, it having formerly been called
Steamboat Road, but now known as Flower Hill
Avenue. His first ballot was cast for James K.
Polk in 1844. He still supports Democratic prin
ciples, though not so active in politics as he was
formerly. For two years he served as collector
of taxes for the town of North Hempstead. Other
offices have been offered him but he has stead
fastly refused to allow his name to be presented
for any position, and now, in his declining years,
cannot identify himself as thoroughly with local
affairs or assist as much in the development of the
village interests as he did when in the prime of
life. His marriage, which Mr. Mackey's unfortu
nate accident postponed, took place February 5,
1845, the bride being Sarah A., daughter of
Stephen and Catherine (Wilson) Henrickson, and
a native of Glencove, but residing in Port Wash
ington at the time of her marriage. Of their
eight children, five are living, namely: Isabel;
George, Jr., who married Miss Addie Seaman of

I**""--

*\

HON. A. T. PAYNE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

175

Sand's Point, and has one daughter, Grace S.;
Elizabeth (one of a pair of twins), Mrs. Aaron
Thatcher, of Port Washington, and the mother
of two sons, Fred and Christopher; Clarice, who
married Elias Velsor, of this village, and has one
child, Sarah Belle; and Charles K, who is un
married and resides with his parents.

HON. ALVAN THOMAS PAYNE is the
leading attorney and one of the most
progressive citizens of Long Island City,
who for years has been identified with its develop
ment and prosperity. In political affairs, partic
ularly, he has been very active in serving the pub
lic, and in 1875 was elected to the New York As
sembly from the second district on the Democrat
ic ticket and served during the session of the
Centennial year, 1876. While a member of that
body he was instrumental in securing the pas
sage of only such bills as best served the people,
and was aggressive in preventing much bad legis
lation. He is now engaged in law practice in this
city, having as partner his son, A. T., Jr. He
bears the reputation not only of being the most
prominent attorney, but one of the city's oldest
professional men.
The town of Southold, Suffolk County, where
Mr. Payne was born, February 16, 1840, was also
the birthplace of his father, Thomas, and grand
father, Capt. Benjamin Payne. The latter was
a well-to-do farmer in that locality and followed
his peaceful calling until the outbreak of the Rev
olutionary War, when he volunteered his services
in defense of the colonies. From the ranks he
rose to the position of captain of his company,
and was present at many hard-fought engage
ments, taking a very prominent part in the battle
of Long Island. The great-grandfather of our
subject was Rev. Thomas Payne, M. D., who was
born in Columbia County, N. Y., and completed
his literary studies in Yale College, where he
gained a fine education. In addition to engag
ing in the practice of medicine, he also held the
pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in the
town of Southold, thus ministering to the wants
of the soul as well as those of the body. Rev.
Thomas Payne was a son of Abraham Payne, a
native of eastern Massachusetts and a son of
Abraham Payne, Sr. In early manhood he re
moved from the place of his birth to Columbia
County, N. Y., where he married an Indian
maiden. The family was numbered among the
4

earliest settlers of New England and was conspic
uous for patriotism and ability.
The early years of Thomas Payne, father of our
subject, were passed on the old home farm, but
upon attaining manliood he went to New York
City, where for several years he conducted one of
the finest livery stables of the metropolis. Later,
however, he returned home, and after giving his
attention for some time to the cultivation of farm
lands, he opened a general mercantile establish
ment. All these years he had been a great lover
of horses, and at different times owned many fine
animals. Handling horses and knowing their
needs led him to devise a certain shoe which he
manufactured and sold in large numbers. The
later years of his life were passed in Riverhead,
where he died in 1879, at the age of seventy-eight
years. Personally he bore an excellent reputation
for strict veracity, upright conduct and general
good qualities, which endeared him to> all with
whom he came in contact.
The mother of our subject, who bore the maid
en name of Martha Maria Haynes, was born in the
town of Southold and was a daughter of Rev.
Mr. Haynes, a Presbyterian clergyman, and a
native of Columbia County, N. Y. One of her
uncles, Dr. Haynes, was a distinguished physician
of Chatham, this state. Mrs. Martha M. Payne
died at the age of fifty-eight, having become the
mother of four sons and one daughter. The eld
est son, Oliver N., was for many years a promi
nent lawyer of New York City, but is now de
ceased. The subject of this sketch was the youngest
son and fourth child in the family. He passed the
first twelve years of his life in the town of South-
old, after which he was sent to Brainerd Academy,
at Old Haddam, Conn., and later became a pupil
in the private academy kept by Miss Elizabeth
Mapes, considered at that time the best instructor
on Long Island, and of whom it was said that
no lady of that period surpassed her in mental
acumen. It was the ambition of himself and the
earnest wish of his parents that he should enter
Yale College, but about the time he should have
entered, his father met with reverses and he was.
compelled to abandon all hope of taking a college:
course. At the age of sixteen Mr. Payne began the study
of law under George B. Bradley, now Judge of
the Supreme Court at Corning, N. Y. After the
prescribed course of reading he was admitted to
the bar in 1862, and the following year opened

i76

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an office and began the practice of his profession
at Addison, in connection with Henry Sherwood,
then Assemblyman. In 1864 they removed to
Corning, N. Y., and continued practice there for
some time under the firm name of Sherwood &
Payne. During this time Mr. Payne was ap
pointed a United States Commissioner for the
Northern District of New York by the United
States Circuit Court, the duties of which position
he transacted in connection with his law practice.
On the retirement of Mr. Sherwood from the
business Mr. Payne continued alone until 1867,
when he removed to New York City and formed a
partnership with his brother Oliver, who at that
time had an office in Pine Street. Later they
changed their location to Warren Street. Having
his residence in Long Island City, Mr. Payne in
1873 opened an office here and his practice soon
increased to such proportions that he was obliged
to give up his New York business and devote
his attention to the work here. After the part
nership with his brother was formally dissolved
in 1870, he continued alone until his son, A. T.,
Jr., was admitted into the firm.
The success of Mr. Payne as a lawyer has been
gradual and he is regarded as a strong, able, all-
around attorney. He has been retained as coun
selor in many noted cases, among them being
the famous Hoffman lunacy and will case and the
Almquist poisoning and divorce cases, in which
he was successful. Pie was also counsel in the
quo warranto case against Mayor De Bevoise
upon the ground of fraud in his election. The
action was a noted case and an extraordinary
circuit was appointed by Governor Dix. Judge
Rumsey, father of the present judge of Steuben
County, was appointed to hold this court. After
% two weeks' trial, Mr. Payne was unsuccessful, but
subsequently, upon a re-election, Mr. De Bevoise
was ousted in an action brought by Mr. Payne,
by consent of the Attorney-General, on behalf
of George Petry, the contestant.
In Steuben County, N. Y., in i860, Mr. Payne
was united in marriage with Miss Martha Brown,
a direct descendant of the patriot, Arnold, who
with his seven sons served in the Revolutionary
War. Mr. and Mrs. Payne are the parents of
eight children, of whom George E. is engaged in
the real estate and insurance business in Long
Island City. Nettie is the wife of S. H. Cornell,
of New York City, who has been connected with
the importing house of P. W. Engs for nearly
twenty years past. Helen married James C.

Fincke, manager of the John Williams Architec
tural Iron Works in New York City. Mary be
came the wife of Franklin W. Scutt and they re
side in Queens, L. I., Mr. Scutt, however, being
engaged in the real estate business in Long Island
City. A. T., Jr., is in partnership with his father in
the law business. John is a medical student in
New York City. Alice and Benjamin are stu
dents in an institution at Chautauqua.
For several years Mr. Payne was corporation
counsel for Long Island City, and at present is
attorney for the Queens County Bank of this city.
lie is a trustee of the Long Island City Savings
Bank, for which institution he was the first and
has been the only counsellor. He has the dis
tinction of being the oldest practitioner in Long
Island City and the third oldest in the county.
In social affairs he is a member of Island City
Lodge No. 586, F. & A. M., and religiously is
identified with St. John's Episcopal Church. The
Suffolk County Historical Society numbers him
among its members. In politics he is an inde
pendent Democrat. He is an able financier, a
public-spirited citizen, and in all circles in which
he moves has many true and sincere friends.

WILLIAM RAYNOR, who, though
passed to his final reward, still lives in
the gracious influence which emanated
from him while on earth. We find no one more
worthy of mention or whose long life of useful
ness is more worthy to be chronicled than this
gentleman, whose honesty and integrity were pro
verbial in the community. He was born in Free-
port, April 13, 1826, and for many years was one
of the foremost business men in that thriving
village. His parents,. Daniel and Mary Ann
(Bedell) Raynor, spent their entire lives on the
island, where they were well respected. Our sub
ject received only the advantages of the common
schools during his youth, but, being possessed of
an active brain and unlimited perseverance he
became a well informed man of his section.
Reared near Hempstead Bay, L. I., Mr. Ray
nor worked at any honest employment he could
find there. When about twenty years old he went
to the city of Brooklyn and accepted a clerkship
in the grocery establishment of Valentine & Ber
gen, and remained there a number of years. Later
he came to Freeport, where he was engaged in
the lumber business with Mr. Carmen for about
fifteen years, when he withdrew, afterwards living

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

177

in retirement for several years. He then em
barked in the shoe business and was following
this most successfully at the time of his death,
in 1886.
In the year 1854 Mr. Raynor married Miss
Catherine G. Smith, daughter of Willet and
Phoebe Smith, natives of the island. Mr. Smith
was prominently identified with the agricultural
pursuits of his section and was also a popular
business man, having followed merchandising
many years of his life. He and Mrs. Smith passed
their entire lives on the island. Mrs. Raynor is
the only surviving member of the family, which
consisted of one son and four daughters. She
has no children and resides in her comfortable
home in Preeport, highly esteemed by the many
who are favored by her acquaintance.

JOHN M. SMITH, who is now living retired
from active business, has been remarkably
successful in his various undertakings, and
is very justly numbered among the leading citi
zens of the county. In 1894, after having secured
ample means for his remaining years, he left his
business career and has since passed his time in
his beautiful home in the town of Hempstead.
Mr. Smith was born at Rockville Center, L. I.,
in 1844. His parents were Hewlett and Ann
Eliza (Meeks) Smith, also natives of this com
munity, where they were content tO' pass their
•entire lives. The father was a shrewd business
man, and during the active years of his life was
prominently engaged in mercantile pursuits in
Rockville Center. His pleasant and genial way of
dealing with his customers and all others who
came in contact with him was the means of his
securing many warm friends. He departed this
life in 1877. His good wife survived him many
years, closing her eyes in death in 1891.
When first starting to school John carried on
his studies in the district, but was later sent to
Jamaica, where he received private instruction.
At the early age of fifteen, however, he left school,
and, going to Brooklyn, obtained the position of
timekeeper in the office of Public Works. He was
thus engaged at the outbreak of the late war, and,
resigning his position in order that he might en
ter the service, he became a member of the Fourth
New York Heavy Artillery as sutler. He held
this post until peace was established, when he
made arrangements to remain in Georgetown, D.

C, and for the following two years was "mine
host" of a hotel there.
At the expiration of the above time Mr. Smith
returned to New York and was immediately given
a position in the Brooklyn Water Works, re
maining in the employ of the city for over a quar
ter of a century, and during eight years of this
time he was superintendent of the Brooklyn City
Storage Reservoir. Desirous of living a more
quiet and independent life, he handed in his resig
nation to the board, and coming to Hempstead,
purchased his beautiful home. On it is located
a residence of modern build, a substantial barn,
and everything about the place is kept in a first-
class condition, making of it one of the most at
tractive spots in the town.
In the year 1867 Mr. Smith was united in mar
riage with Miss Joanna, daughter of Michael
Croley, a native of the Emerald Isle. Mrs. Smith
was, however, born in New York City and there
received her education. One son survives of the
union of our subject and his wife, Harry Kings-
ley Smith, at the present time head bookkeeper in
th*e United States Internal Revenue Collector's
office at Brooklyn.
As we have shown, Mr. Smith is entirely self-
made, having been equipped for the battle of life
with only an ordinary common school education,
but he carried into the struggle what no amount
of academic training could supply, of indomitable
pluck, tireless energy and a determination to suc
ceed. In politics he supports the Democratic can
didates and takes great interest in the success of
his party, although he could never be prevailed
upon to accept office.

M1

ENZO W. HERRIMAN, M. D., visiting
physician to St. John's Hospital, ex-po
lice surgeon of Long Island City and a
general practitioner with office at No. 330 Stein
way Avenue, is one of the most influential and
prominent physicians and surgeons of the county.
He was born in the city of Syracuse, this state,
in 1857, being a son of Richard and Alvira (Hart-
son) Herriman, natives respectively of New Jer
sey and Schuyler Lake, Otsego County, N. Y.
The maternal grandfather, Horace Hartson,
was a farmer and mill owner. The maternal
great-grandmother was a granddaughter of Gen
eral Ethan Allen. The paternal grandfather,
Trustum P. Herriman, was born in Rockaway,
N. J., but removed to Onondaga County, N. Y.,

178

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

where he died at the age of ninety-six. Dur
ing the War of 1812 he went to the front and
assisted in defending our country against the
encroachments of the British. His father, John
Herriman, was a lieutenant in Washington's army
at Valley Forge, and crossed the Delaware with
Washington. In the manufacture of brick and tile, as well
as in his various real estate transactions, Richard
Herriman met with noteworthy success, and at
the time of his death was quite wealthy. His
religious views were in accord with the doctrines
of the Episcopal Church, of which he was an
earnest member. He passed away in 1892, when
eighty-five years of age. His widow is still liv
ing, and is now about sixty-eight years old.
Four children comprised their family, of whom
M. W. is the eldest and the only one of the num
ber who entered a profession.
Attending school for a number of years, our
subject was, in 1877, graduated from the Syra
cuse High School, which, in its curriculum, ranks
with the colleges of the state. The year after
graduation he entered the medical department
of the University of Syracuse, and remained there
. until 1881, when he was given the degree of M.
D. He began the practice of his profession in
his native city, but after about eight months re
ceived an offer from a relative, Dr. J. A. Lidell,
to come to New York City, which he did. In
1885 he was appointed surgeon for the United
States & Brazil Mail Steamship Company, which
position he held for four years, meantime making
nine or ten trips each year between New York
and Rio Janeiro. On one occasion he was
wrecked in a storm, and for three days the ship
was unable to proceed on its course; at another
time, on Christmas Day, the vessel was wrecked
when en route from St. Thomas, but was finally
steered in safety within the New York harbor.
While in the service of this company he was
surgeon on the steamship "Merrimack" and the
"Advance," and later was chief surgeon of the
steamship "Colorado." Having frequent inter
course with the Brazilians, he became familiar
with the Portuguese language and was able to
converse with the natives.
Resigning in 1889, the Doctor again began
practice in New York City, but after six months,
in September of that year, he came to Long
Island City and opened an office where he has
since conducted a general practice. While he
has been very successful in every line, his spe

cialty is the treatment of diseases of children, in
which his skill is universally recognized. While
in Syracuse, he was physician in the dispensary
connected with the university at that place.
Since 1890 he. has been connected with St. John's
Hospital, and from 1892 to 1896 he held the
position of police surgeon. In the Long Island
City Medical Society he is a charter member,
and is also a member of the Queens County Med
ical Society.
The commodious residence occupied by the
Doctor and his family was erected by him in 1891,
and here he and his wife with their son Rudolph
are surrounded by all the comforts of life. Mrs.
Herriman was born in Austria and accompanied
her parents to America in girlhood, settling in
New York, where she continued to reside until
she changed the name of Josephine Hirsch for
that by which she is now known. Socially, the
Doctor is connected with Island City Lodge No.
586, F. & A. M., at Hunter's Point; Herrmann
Lodge, A. O. U. W., at Astoria; Enterprise
Lodge, K. P.; Order of Chosen Friends and
Knights and Ladies of Honor, of all of which he is
medical examiner. In religion he is connected
with the Church of the Redeemer. A Democrat
in state politics, he has served on county and city
committees, and as delegate to the conventions of
the party.
CHARLES WESLEY SPRAGUE stands
well among the leading farmers and prom
inent men of the town of Hempstead, and
has won his standing by patient and unremitting
hard work. His position has not been reached
by virtue of any favoring circumstances, but sim
ply because he marked out a course of conduct
early in life that, faithfully followed out, has
brought him to his present position of respect and
comfort. Mr. Sprague was born in this town in 1852,
and is the son of Elijah and Jane Ann (Snedeker)
Sprague, both natives of Hempstead, where they
spent their entire lives. The father was promi
nently identified in agricultural pursuits during
his life and was the owner of a snug little farm.
He was widely and favorably known as an hon
est, straightforward citizen and his decease, which
occurred in 1888, was greatly lamented. His ex
cellent wife preceded him to the land beyond by
several years, dying in 1874.
The subject of this sketch was given the op
portunity for gaining a common school educa-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

179

tion, and when ready to embark in life for himself
chose the occupation of a farmer, to which call
ing he had been reared. He gives the greater
portion of his time and attention to truck farm
ing, finding a good market for his products in
the surrounding cities. His estate is small when
compared with the hundreds of acres which are
bound up in western farms, but large when its
nearness to the great metropolis is considered.
The residence and outbuildings are of modern
construction and the estate as a whole is one of
the best in the county.
The lady to whom Mr. Sprague was married in
1874 bore the name of Anna Hegeman, daughter
of John and Elizabeth Hegeman, also natives of
the island. The father of Mrs. Sprague was for
many years a well-to-do merchant of New York,
and was the owner of considerable property on the
island, among his possessions being a good farm
near Milburn.
To our subject and his estimable wife there has
been born a son, W. Edward, a bright and capa
ble young man who is still under the parental
roof. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are members
in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The former takes a very prominent part
in church work and is at present chairman of the
board of trustees and is also steward of his con
gregation. His father, who was likewise a Metho
dist, held these positions during his lifetime. ¦
In politics our subject has been identified with
the Republican party since attaining his majority.
He gives strict attention to the business in which
he is engaged', and, being a man of unswerving
honesty, whose word is considered as good as his
bond, he has the confidence and good will of the
entire community. The Sprague family, of which
he is a worthy representative, is one of the oldest
and most prominent on the island.

CAPT. JOHN KREUSCHER, who has
made his home in Oceanus since 1874, and
is one of the best known men of Rocka
way Beach, was born in Prussia, Germany, July
21, 1829. When a lad of ten years he crossed the
Atlantic, and reaching New York City at once
began to work at any honest employment that he
could obtain. For a few years he held a position
in the employ of a railroad company, after which
he engaged in the grocery business in Brooklyn
for twenty-five years, building up a large trade
and gaining the reputation of an honest, industri

ous man. After establishing his home in Rocka
way Beach he became identified with the progress
of this section of the county and by his contribu
tions of time and means aided in enlarging the
interests of the place. Believing that investments
here would prove profitable, he erected a number
of houses and bought a hotel, which he enlarged
and improved. In 1891, after an active and suc
cessful business career, he retired from work,
though he still maintains an oversight of his prop
erty interests.
Captain Kreuscher chose as his wife Miss Chris
tina Worth, who was born in Europe, but has
lived in the United States since a child of three
years. They became the parents of seven chil
dren, named as follows : Lesa, John, Philip (de
ceased), Louis, Mamie, Robert and Emma. The
title by which our subject is usually known was
gained through his military service in his younger
years, when he was connected with the state mil
itia. For eighteen years he has been a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
has taken an active part in the various enterprises
originated by that society. While he has never
sought public office nor identified himself closely
with politics, yet he is a stanch Republican and is
always pleased when his party scores a success.

REV. J. HOWARD HOBBS, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of Jamaica, was born
April 2, 1858, at Lenox, in the Choctaw
Nation, Indian Territory, where his father, Dr.
S. L. Hobbs, was then missionary to the Indians.
From the earliest identification of the family with
the history of America they have been noted
for unswerving loyalty to the government and a
fervent, patriotic spirit. During the wars of the
Revolution and 1812 they furnished brave men
who fought valiantly in defense of American free
dom and assisted in gaining independence from
the yoke of British tyranny. In the Civil War,
too, they took an active part in securing the
maintenance of the Union. Mary, a sister of Dr.
Hobbs, married T. C. Leavitt, and three of their
sons enlisted in the Union army, Dr. Lyman
Leavitt being an army surgeon, Horace serving
in the cavalry, while Payson, who was in the
hospital service, lost his life during the conflict.
When the Hobbs family first settled on American
soil is not definitely known, but it is an estab
lished fact that they were among the first settlers
of New Hampshire.
The life of Dr. S. L. Hobbs was one of sacrifice

i8o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to principle and of devotion to the cause of re
ligion. He was born in Candia, N. H., April
24, 1 81 3, and received his literary education in
Dartmouth College: In 1852 he graduated from
the Berkshire Medical College of Pittsfield,
Mass., and the same year went to the Indian
Territory as a medical missionary. His sympa
thies had from boyhood been aroused on behalf
of the rapidly vanishing race that once ruled this
land. Feeling a deep longing to alleviate their
sufferings and improve their condition, he offered
himself for the work of a medical missionary, in
which he was very successful.
The outbreak of the Civil War, however, caused
a complete revolution of affairs. The Northern
sentiments of Dr. Hobbs were generally known,
and when the conflict burst upon the country, he
was given twenty-four hours in which to leave the
Indian Territory. He was the leader of a band
of about thirty missionaries and teachers, who
were among the last to leave the territory; they
encountered many hardships, but, in spite of per
ils, reached the North in safety. Dr. Hobbs then
offered his services to the Union, but as he had
been permitted to leave the Indian Territory on
parole, he could not be accepted as a soldier.
He continued in his chosen work until his death,
which occurred September 1, 1883, when he fell
a victim to yellow fever.
The mother of our subject was born August
22, 1828, and bore the maiden name of Mary
Cornelia Sears. Her birthplace was the old
Sears homestead at Lenox, Berkshire County,
Mass., that had been in the family for more
than one hundred and fifty years. On that
same place occurred the birth of her father,
Chauncey Sears, a soldier in the War of 1812.
The family traces its lineage back to the four
teenth century in the famous county of Kent,
England. At that time the name was spelled
Sayers. One of the prominent representatives of
the family was John Sayers, who died in 1509,
and a memorial brass now stands in his honor
in St. Peter's Church. His grandson, Richard
Sayers, espoused the cause of the Protestants in
the reign of Henry VIII. and was obliged to
flee from his native land, taking refuge in Am
sterdam. His only son, John B. Sayers, died in
Holland, and a son of the latter married Maria
L. Van Egmont, of the family of Count Philip
Lamoral Van Egmont. With his wife he re
turned to England, where he died in 1629.
Next in line of descent was Richard Sears,

who was born in 1590 and emigrated to America
in 1630 on the last trip made by the historic
"Mayflower." In 1643 he removed with his fam
ily to the site of the present village of East Den
nis, Mass., where he died in 1676, leaving three
sons, Knyvet, Paul and Silas. Daniel, son of
the first named, settled in Boston and one of
his descendants is now the wealthiest man in that
city. Isaac Sears, son of Paul, was known
as "King" Sears, from the fact that he seized the
British stamps in the port of New York.
Silas Sears was born about 1639 and died in
1697. His son, who was his namesake, married
Sarah Crosby, daughter of Rev. Thomas Crosby
of Eastham, Mass. The next in lineal de
scent was James, who lived at Windham, Conn.,
and whose son, David, was born at Yarmouth,
Mass., August 25, 1731, in early life went to
Lenox and settled on what is now known as
the Sears homestead. The property is now
owned by Chauncey Sears, a great-grandson
of the original purchaser, and a brother of our
subject's mother. Both Chauncey Sears and
his brother, Horatio, have represented their dis
trict in the state legislature. Another brother,
Henry C, is a prominent business man in Boston.
Our subject's mother died of yellow fever in the
Indian Territory, just two weeks before her hus
band's death from the same disease.
The advantages enjoyed by the subject of this
notice in his boyhood years were few and meager.
Living on the frontier, after the close of the Civil
War, surrounded by all the demoralizing influ
ences of such a life, the fact that he was not
injured by his environments proves that he pos
sessed from youth sturdy and rugged moral qual
ities. His pursuits were those common to the
country. For a time he was a cowboy, and it is
said he could throw a lariat with the most expert
and could also handle his Winchester with skill.
In 1876, while on the range, he determined to
devote his life and energies to the elevation of his
fellowmen, and with this object in view he set
about securing an education. After a short
course in the State University at Fayetteville,
Ark., he entered a preparatory school at Am
herst, Mass., and in 1878 became a student
in Amherst College, from which he graduated
with honors in 1882. He at once entered the
theological school at Hartford, Conn., and the
following summer he accepted a special com
mission to preach among the Indians. Re
turning to the Indian Territory, he spent a few

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

181

months in the Christian work, buried his parents
after their sudden demise from yellow fever, and
settled up their affairs, after which he resumed
his theological studies.
Shortly before his graduation in 1885, Mr.
Hobbs was called to the pastorate of the Presby
terian Church at Greenwich, Conn., and became
its first pastor; during his service there of four
and one-half years, he secured the erection of
a new stone edifice. Resigning that charge, he
accepted the more important pastorate of the
Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, where he has
been since 1889. He is greatly admired for
his scholastic attainments and has shown him
self to be a profound thinker and close Bible
student. The value of his thoughts is enhanced
by the ease and grace of his delivery. To an
unusual degree he possesses that marvelous gift
of word painting, a quality that enables him to
adapt his sermons not only to the scholarly and
learned, but also to the undeveloped mind of a
child. When especially impressed with the im
portance of his theme, he rises to lofty heights of
oratory and holds his audiences spellbound by his
eloquence. As he is now in the prime of life and
manly vigor, it may be predicted that the coming
years will undoubtedly bring him added honors
and successes in his profession.
In 1886 Rev. Mr. Hobbs was united in mar
riage with Miss Clara M., daughter of the late
Rev. H. H. Macfarland and sister of Dr. R. L.
Macfarland. They are the parents of two chil
dren, Harold Wade and Helen Louise.

JRUFUS TERRY, who is a well-known
contractor and builder residing in Long
• Island City, was born in Watts Street,
New York City, in 185 1, being a son of J. Rufus
and Eleanor (Gardner) Terry, natives respective
ly of Riverhead, and New York City. His pa
ternal grandfather, Van Rensselaer Terry, was
born in Riverhead and was of English descent;
entering upon an active business career, he be
came a ship joiner, and from his yards in New
York and Hoboken came some of the largest
ships of his day.
The business in which his father had so suc
cessfully engaged became also the chosen occu
pation of J. Rufus Terry, Sr., and the firm of V.
R. Terry & Son was one of the most prominent in
New York in their line. "After the death of the
senior member, the yards were carried on by his

son, who continued the judicious management
that had characterized the founder of the house.
During the Civil War he dropped personal inter
ests in order to serve his country and enlisted in
a New York regiment, with which he marched to
the front and took part in a number of engage
ments. At the close of the Rebellion, he estab
lished his home in Jersey City. However, he
still continued in business in New York, where
he was a commission merchant. His death oc
curred in New Jersey.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name
was Eleanor Gardner, was born in New York and
now resides in Westchester County. Her father,
William Gardner, a native of Long Island, was
a merchant tailor of New York, but made his
home first in Newtown and later in Hoboken, his
death occurring in Jersey City. The parental
family consisted of three children, of whom the
subject of this notice was next to the eldest. His
childhood years were passed in Long Island City
and Jersey City, and his education was obtained
principally in the New York City grammar
schools. About 1865 he came to Long Island
City, where he grew to manhood and has since
made his home. For about five years he was
with D. E. Culver, under whose supervision he
gained a thorough knowledge of civil engineer
ing. He aided in the survey and construction of
the old Midland Railroad between Walton and
Jersey City, and also assisted in a number of other
important contracts.
Turning his attention from civil engineering to
a mercantile life, Mr. Terry accepted a position
as salesman in a hat, leather and trimmings
store in New York City, where he remained
for ten years. From that he drifted into the
real estate business and building. About 1883
he began to take contracts for building and
since that time he has built twenty-four resi
dences on Webster Avenue and in that vicinity.
These buildings are supplied with water from
two artesian wells, the power being furnished by
a hot air engine with a capacity of twelve hundred
gallons per hour. The supply is practically in
exhaustible, as the houses require only four thou
sand gallons per day. While Mr. Terry has dis
posed of many of these dwellings, he still owns
eight houses and many lots suitable for building.
Not only does he take the contract for building,
but he also designs the houses and is a skillful
and practical architect, and excellent draughts
man. Among his real estate sales are some of the

1 82

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

largest that have been made either here or in New
York, and he has been especially active in hand
ling sales in additions.
In this city Mr. Terry married Miss Mary E.
Gardner, who was born in Webster Avenue.
Her grandfather, Charles Gardner, owned a farm
extending from Jackson Avenue to Ravenswood
and including over one hundred acres. A por
tion of this property was inherited by her father,
Thomas, a native of Long Island City, a farmer by
occupation. Seeing the probable future value of
the place, he platted it into lots, which Mr. Terry-
is now developing and selling. Mrs. Terry is a
member of the Baptist Church, the services of
which he attends and to the support of which he
contributes. For a time he had an office in New
York City, but the work became too heavy for
him, so he discontinued it, and has since given
his attention wholly to his interests in this city.

WILLIAM A. SKIDMORE. The life of
this gentleman has been one of unusual
activity, and now, while in the strength
of vigorous manhood, his work is crowned with
most gratifying success. He is a native of the
town of North Hempstead, and was born on a
farm near Manhasset, his present home, March
4, 1834. His parents were William and Martha
(Burtis) Skidmore, well known to the residents
of this vicinity, as the Skidmore family is one of
the oldest on Long Island, the first settlement
being made here in 1642. Grandfather Samuel
Skidmore was born at Wading River, Suffolk
County, which was also the birthplace of his son
William. The latter was only three years of age
when he was taken by his parents on their re
moval to Cow Xeck. They made location on a
tract of land which is now included in the Lu
Quere farm, near Plandome Mills, and there lived
for many years. The grandfather was advanced
in years at the time of his death, and William
Skidmore was eighty-eight years old when he
departed this life.
The subject of this sketch was given a good
cornmon-school education. When only fifteen
years of age he left home and, going to New
York City, obtained a position as clerk in a whole
sale dry goods establishment where his work gave
such satisfaction that he was retained for many
years. January 28, 1857, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Edeliza R. Seaman, of Man
hasset. Her birth, however, occurred at Lake-

ville, L. I., where her parents, Leonard A. and
Mary A. (Allen) Seaman, lived for many years,
and were among the highly esteemed and sub
stantial residents of the place.
Mr. Skidmore, of this sketch, continued to
make his home in the metropolis until about 1885,
when he came to "his present location. He is now
living retired. Personally he is a man possessed
of many estimable qualities. Warm-hearted and
generous to a fault, high-minded, conscientious
and genial, he is the center of a large circle of
close friends and acquaintances. In political af
fairs he is independent, although he cast his first
vote for Fremont and afterward supported Lin
coln and Grant. In 1889 he was elected trustee
of the Jones Institute, and for five years was one
of the active members of the board. In 1896 he
was re-elected for a term of two years. He has
also been school trustee in his district and in every
local position to which he has been elected he
has discharged the duties falling upon him in an
efficient and able manner. Mrs. Skidmore is a
member of the Dutch Reformed Church, which
her husband also attends.

G

EORGE M. RANDALL. The calling of
the farmer is as old as the world, and
the majority of the men who have fol
lowed it have led upright and blameless lives, and
the career of George M;. Randall is no exception
to this rule. He was born in the town of Brook
haven, Suffolk County, in 1848, his parents being
Jehial and Maryetta (Morehouse) Randall, who
were respectively citizens of Suffolk County and
Fairfield, Conn. George Al. was reared on his
father's farm and while growing up became famil
iar with hard work, but his vigorous outdoor life
strengthened and improved a constitution sound
from his birth. During this time he was given
such advantages for acquiring an education as
the schools of his day afforded, and although they
were of an inferior kind he acquired a practical
education. It was but natural, perhaps, that when starting
out to fight life's battle for himself that he should
engage in that occupation to which he had been
reared and for which he had a liking. He con
tinued to till the soil on the old home farm for
forty-two years, but in 1890 came to Freeport
and here he has been superintendent of Randall
& Miller's business ever since, caring for their
lands, buildings and general business interests.

REV. EUGENE J. DONNELLY, A. B., A. M.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

185

Mr. Randall is a director in the Freeport bank,
and is also a stockholder in the land company of
this village. All in all, Mr. Randall is a broad-
gauged man of highly cultivated tastes and of
superior intelligence and public spirit. He has
long been connected with the worthy order of
Odd Fellows, and in his political views has al
ways been Democratic. During his long resi
dence in Suffolk County he held several official
positions. The 25th of December, 1869, witnessed the cel
ebration of Mr. Randall's marriage with Miss
Rowena Burnett, daughter of Stephen and Sophia
(Bishop) Burnett, both natives of Southampton,
Suffolk County. Three children were given to
this union and were named as follows: Evelyn,
George Howard and Florence, all of whom are
intelligent and accomplished, worthy scions of
a worthy father and mother. Mr. and Mrs.- Ran
dall are communicants of the Presbyterian
Church, of which Mr. Randall is one of the trus
tees. The Randall home is well known for the
hospitality which is extended to all and the family
is considered an acquisition to the social circles
of the village of Freeport.

FATHER EUGENE J. DONNELLY, A. B.,
A. M. It is with pleasure that we recount
the experiences of this worthy gentleman,
who is one of the most popular ministers in the
city of Flushing, his frank, pleasing countenance
and personal magnetism drawing people to him.
As a pastor he gets very near to his people, and
has ever sought to develop the highest type of
social life of the church. He was born in Brook
lyn, October 26, 1852, to the marriage of Owen
and Ann (O'Brien) Donnelly. About the year
1835 the father located in Brooklyn and resided
there until his death, when seventy-two years old.
He was one of the fourteenth ward leaders and
was an influential Democratic politician. The
mother now resides in Brooklyn. Of the six chil
dren born to this estimable couple, four are liv
ing at the present time, three sons and one daugh
ter: Bernard, foreman of the fire department in
Brooklyn; Mary, now Mrs. Crawford, and John
P., an attorney, both of whom also reside in
Brooklyn. Father Donnelly attended public school No.
17, then under Mr. Woodworth, the first principal
of the school. When thirteen years old he com

pleted the entire course there, and in September,
1866, entered St. Francis Xavier College in New
York City. From this college he graduated with
high honors in 1872, when, wishing to become a
priest, he repaired to Rome and entered the
American College, where he remained five years.
While in Rome he attended the lectures of the
celebrated Propaganda College, having as class
mates representatives of all the nations of the
world. Having completed the theological course,
he passed a brilliant examination and was or
dained in the Church of St. John Lateran, May
26, 1877. Previous to his return home, for four
months he traveled extensively through Italy,
France, Belgium, Wales, England and Ireland.
On his arrival in his native land he was sent to
Flushing. Father Donnelly is a fine linguist and is pro
fessor of Latin in St. Joseph's Academy for young
ladies in Flushing. Latin, Greek, Hebrew,
French, Spanish and Italian are languages with
which he is familiar, while Spanish and Italian he
speaks as fluently as a native. The church in
Flushing, which is of gothic design, was repaired
and handsomely and artistically decorated under
his direction and immediate supervision. The
architectural work was. by Lyons, of Brooklyn.
Father Donnelly is passionately fond of music
and is always present when it can be enjoyed in
Flushing. He is himself a musician and possesses
a sweet tenor voice of great compass. Through
his efforts the church has a fine new organ
worth $3,000, and has been noted for its music
since he took charge. He is at the head of
the St. Michael's Parochial School, although
he does not teach there. That he is charitable and
good, many a poor family in Flushing can attest,
and he never turns a deaf ear to those in want.
The congregation is now very large, numbering
about three thousand, and there are three masses
on Sunday. .The societies of the church are as
follows: Holy Rosary, Altar, St. Vincent De
Paul, Sacred Heart and the Catholic Benevolent
Legion. Father Donnelly is a member of the
alumni of St. Francis Xavier College and the
alumni of the American College of Rome. A few
years ago he visited Cuba for his health and in
1895 took a trip to Europe, visiting Italy, Austria,
Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Scot
land and Ireland. He has a select library of over
two thousand volumes and has a valuable cabinet
of relics gathered from all parts of the earth. With
a pleasing address, a fine presence, a rich and

1 86

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

musical voice, a clear head and generous heart,
he has succeeded in his calling and has reached a
prominent position in his church.

ELBERT J. SCHENCK, a carriage manu
facturer of Great Neck, was born at Cold-
spring Harbor, L. I., February i, 1849, a
son of Simeon and Mary A. (Darling) Schenck,
the former of whom was born and reared at
Syosset. The paternal grandfather was a farmer
by occupation, and although he was of German
descent, it is thought that his birth occurred in
America. For many years he cultivated a small
tract of land at what was known as Wallabout
market, but this place he later traded for a larger
farm at Syosset, where the remaining years of his
life were spent, he departing this life when in his
eighty-fifth year. His wife outlived him a num
ber of years, dying at a good old age. Grand
father Schenck served as a soldier in the War of
181 2, and after his decease his wife was given a
pension by the government. He was a stanch
Democrat in politics, but was in no way ambitious
to hold office, as his entire time was given in cul
tivating his farm.
Simeon Schenck worked as an apprentice at
carriage-making in Jericho and Port Washington,
and about the time he was ready to work for
wages married and located in Oyster Bay. Later
he took up his abode at Coldspring Harbor, where
the family made their home until Elbert J., of this
history, was a lad of ten years. They then became
identified with the interests of Huntington, but
not liking this location as well as Coldspring Har
bor, returned to the latter place. Mr. Schenck
also found a greater demand for his work in this
place and as an inducement to return he was
offered the rent of his shop free for a year, and
when he accepted had his household goods and
family moved back without any expense. Our
subject was at this time fifteen years of age and
had already begun to work in his father's shop.
After four years spent at Coldspring Harbor, the
senior Mr. Schenck moved to Port Washington,
where he departed this life in 1880. He, too, was
a supporter of the Democratic principles in poli
tics. For many years he had been a member in
excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, which denomination he had joined in
early life, but he afterward became identified with
the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon.
The parental family included thirteen children,

eight of whom grew to mature years. Adaline
married William Nichols, a carpenter by trade,
and they are living at Port Washington; Joseph,
who also follows that business, is living at Brook
lyn; Martha became the wife of John Mackey,
who is also a resident of that city; our subject
was the next in order of birth ; Moses, his younger
brother, is engaged in the carriage business with
him ; Emma is now the wife of William G. Smith
and makes her home in Great Neck; George is a
resident of East Williston; and Agnes, the wife
of Rev. William G. Wedemeyer, is living in New
Jersey, her husband being pastor of a church at
Lakewood. The subject of this sketch obtained a fair edu
cation by attending school during the winter
months and working in the summer season.
When a lad of fourteen years he was put to work
at the bench, and a year later was pronounced a
good workman. After working for his father
until attaining his majority he was taken into
partnership, but a few years later sold his inter
est in the business to his brother and, purchasing
another shop, carried on a thriving business as
carriage manufacturer for two years. At the end
of that time he moved to Brooklyn and after a
residence there of three years came to Great
Neck. This was in 1882, and that year he formed
a partnership with his brother, Moses R., and
they are now in command of a splendid business.
From the first the venture met with success, and
they are classed among the shrewd, progressive
business men of the place. They have made ad
ditions to their shop and both are owners of the
comfortable dwellings in which they live.
In 1872 Mr. Schenck and Miss Thela Jones, of
Port Washington, were united in marriage. This
lady was born on Staten Island, and by her union
with our subject has become the mother of a
daughter, Annie, who is now the wife of Jacob
Henry Lahr, and they make their home in Great
Neck. Their household includes three children,
Elbert J., Annie E. and Jacob H. Mrs. Schenck
died in 1875 and one year later our subject was
married to Miss Henrietta Bunce, a daughter of
Washington and Emily Bunce. At the time of
her marriage Mrs. Schenck was a resident of Port
Washington, although her birth occurred in New
York City.
In politics Mr. Schenck is a Democrat, casting
his first vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. At
various times he has been a delegate to county
conventions and has always taken an active part

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

187

in politics. In 1887 he was the successful candi
date for the office of coroner of the county, serv
ing the people acceptably for three terms. Mr.
Schenck conducted the case at the time Frederick
Baker of New York was found drowned, soon
after the robbing of the Shoe and Leather Bank
of New York, in which the insurance com
panies were interested. The manner in which he
handled the case was spoken of in a highly com
mendable manner in the New York papers at the
time. Socially he is a member of Cornucopia
Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., with which he has
been connected since 1887. He also belongs to
the Roslyn Benevolent Society.

KERBY STEVENS. In tracing the gen
ealogy of the Stevens family we find that
the subject of this sketch comes of a fine
old family of Revolutionary fame. His great
grandfather, Ebenezer Stevens, rose to the rank
of general in the struggle of this country for in
dependence, and was second in command of the
colonial forces at the battle of Saratoga, N. Y.,
his superior officer being the famous General
Gates. General Stevens was a native of Massa
chusetts, was very jealous of the rights of the
Colonists and was one of those who masqueraded
as an Indian at the historical "Boston tea party."
In the last struggle with the British, during the
War of 1812, he built Ft. Stevens, at Hell Gate,
on Hallett's Point, which he commanded during
that war. Previous to this, however, in 1797, he
had taken up his summer residence at Astoria,
his permanent home being in the city of New
York. He became an importer of and wholesale
dealer in wines, and after a long and prosperous
business career he died in New York City. His
son, Byam Kerby Stevens, was born in that city
and was there eventually married to the only
daughter of Albert Gallatin, an American citizen
born in Geneva, Switzerland, and descended from
one of the oldest families of Europe. He was a
man of brilliant attainments and rose to eminence
in this country and filled with distinction the of
fices of Minister to England, Minister to France,
Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State.
Many cities and towns throughout the United
States were named for him, and John Quincy
Adams wrote his life. He died in Astoria after a
life of honor and distinction at the home of his
son-in-law, Byam Kerby Stevens.
Rev. Mr. Stevens, the founder of the Stevens

family in this country, came here from England
between 1600 and 1630, settling at Salem, Mass.
He was a minister of the Congregational Church
and preached the gospel in the vicinity of Boston.
Gen. Ebenezer Stevens was his grandson. A
daughter of the General married a Mr. Schemmer-
horn; another daughter became Mrs. Rhinland-
er; a son, Dr. Alexander H, was the first presi
dent of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of New York City and became one of the most
eminent surgeons of his day. Another son, Sam
uel, was one of the aldermen whose name is on
the Forty-second Street aqueduct; he became a
very successful business man and the owner of
large interests in Astoria, while another son, Aus
tin, was president of the Chamber of Commerce
and of the Bank of Commerce, and was a man of
fine business capacity and intellect. Byam Kerby
Stevens, still another son, and the grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, followed in his fath
er's footsteps and became an importer of wines,
his residence in New York being at No. 31 Lafay
ette Place, old Colonade Row, the most aristo
cratic part of the city at that time. He died at
his summer residence in Astoria in 1870, at the
age of seventy years. He was a director in the
Gallatin Bank, which was organized by Albert
Gallatin at No. 36 Wall Street, and is one of the
most solid banking institutions of that section to
day. He was a member of the Episcopal Church.
His son, Frederick W. Stevens, is a lawyer and
formerly practiced in New York; he is probably
the largest property owner of the Stevens family.
Albert Gallatin Stevens, son of Byam Kerby
Stevens, first saw the light of day in New York
City, in which city he practiced law during his
early manhood. Later in life he spent five years
in Europe, and while at Cadiz had one son born,
and a daughter in France. Upon his return to his
native land he did not resume the practice of law,
but took up his residence in Astoria and became
one of the incorporators of Long Island City.
He finally returned to New York City and has a
comfortable home at No. 33 West Thirty-fifth
Street. He is a Democrat politically. He was
united in marriage with Miss Amelia L. Cornell,
a native of the city of New York, and daughter
of John Cornell, cashier for years of the Me
chanics' Bank in Wall Street. To Mr. and Mrs.
A. Gallatin Stevens eight children were born:
John, who graduated from the medical depart
ment of Harvard University, and died in the
West; Frances Gallatin, who died in Astoria;

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Louise Newbold, Mrs. Brown of Boston; Kerby;
Albert, who died at the age of fifteen months;
Bertha E., a resident of New York; Josephine
Ledyard, and Frederick, who died at the age of
nine years.
Kerby Stevens, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Astoria, May 18, 1862, and received the
greater part of his literary education in private
schools, but graduated from St. Paul's School,
Concord, N. H. After traveling in Europe for
about twelve months he returned to the United
States and became a clerk with a Wall Street firm,
but upon the failure of his employer he came to
Astoria. In 1890 he began dealing in real es
tate here as a member of the firm of Trowbridge
& Stevens, and had charge of the large real estate
interests of the Stevens family at this place. Po
litically he is a mugwump or independent and has
been a member of various committees.

S., Jr., and Clarence E. Mr. Lott has always
taken an active interest in local politics and is a
leading Democrat. He has served as a mem
ber of the Board of Education, and rendered val
uable aid on the Board of Health. He was elected
town assessor in April, 1894, and is now serv
ing as president of that body. Prominent in Ma
sonic circles, he is a member of Jamaica Lodge.
He is likewise connected with the Odd Fellows
lodge of Woodhaven, of which he was one of the
charter members, and belongs to the Royal Ar
canum of Jamaica. Both himself and wife are
members of the Woodhaven Presbyterian Church
and the former is president of the Board of Trus-

DOW S. LOTT, who is one of the well-to-
do residents of the town of Jamaica, was
born on the old homestead at Wood
haven August 14, 1849. He is the son of Henry
S. Lott, of whom a more extended notice will be
found in the sketch of Peter Lott, published else
where in this volume. The history of our sub
ject's mother, Caroline Eldert, will appear in the
biography of Samuel E. Eldert, of Woodhaven.
Dow S. Lott has two brothers, the elder of
whom, Eldert, is connected with a large whole
sale hardware house in Duluth, Minn.; Stephen
H. is one of the justices of the town of Jamaica
and makes his home at Ozone Park. Our subject
grew to mature years on his father's farm and ac
quired a splendid education in the local schools.
While a boy he clerked for one year in a store
and was then for four years in the employ of his
cousin in New Lots, who was a farmer and dairy
man. Having gained a full knowledge of the
latter industry, he began in business for himself
on the home place and has made dairying his
principal occupation since that time. His beauti
ful home in Woodhaven is surrounded by nine
and one-half acres of land. In 1871 he was mar
ried to Miss Ruth A. Bedell of Farmingdale.
She comes of one of the old and respected fam
ilies of the county, her ancestors having lived in
Farmingdale for several generations.
To our subject and his estimable wife there
have been born seven children, Caroline E.,
Sarah L., Elizabeth D., Loretta, Henry S., Dow

1

RVING C. SNIFFEN. Long Island may
well be proud of her stores and markets, and
among those which have the distinction of
being standard and up to the times is that of
Irving C. Sniffen. A large and choice line of gro
ceries, in fact everything which recommends itself
to the practical and busy housewife, may always
be found in Mr. Sniffen's commodious establish
ment. The head of this thriving establishment
was born in Katonah, Westchester County, N. Y.,
August 2, 1870, to Aaron T. and Addie C. (Ray
mond) Sniffen, the former of whom was a manu
facturer of sash, doors and blinds, and removed
to Seacliff, L. I., with his family when the sub
ject of this sketch was about five years old. After
locating here he at once embarked in the grocery
business, which was one of the first stores in the
village. His trade increased very rapidly, but
he did not live long to continue this work, his
death occurring January 13, 1880. His widow
and two sons survive him, the brother of our sub
ject being Charles Wesley Sniffen, who is the
elder of the two and a successful liveryman of
Seacliff. Irving C. Sniffen was placed in the public
schools as soon as he had attained a suitable age,
and his literary education was finished in the
Friends' Academy at Locust Valley, N. Y. He
immediately returned home and entered the gro
cery which his mother had conducted, and in 1893
he took the entire charge of the establishment in
to his own hands, having bought out his mother.
Mr. Sniffen has shown that he possesses unusual
business talent and is endowed with those attri
butes of character which compel success in trade,
and he can point with pardonable pride to an ex
tensive patronage and excellent business credit.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Sniffen was married May 17, 1893, to Miss
Josie C. Worth, of Seacliff, but a native of Brook
lyn, and daughter of Reuben and Lucinda (An-
drovette) Worth, the former of whom was a coal
dealer of Seacliff. Mr. Sniffen has always sup
ported the measures of the Republican party, and
in 1892 voted for Benjamin Harrison for the presi
dency. Although he was nominated for a mem
ber of the school board, he declined to fill the
office, for his business completely occupies his
time and attention. Socially he is a member of
the American Legion of Honor at Seacliff, and
in the social and business circles of the place
occupies a prominent position. He and his wife
have a little daughter, Addie C, born in Sea
cliff February 15, 1895.

WESLEY B. SMITH. Prominent among
the successful, thrifty and energetic
men of Baldwin is Wesley B. Smith,
who is actively engaged in the oyster business
in this locality. He is a native of the island, hav
ing been born in Milburn in 1855, to Treadwell
and Abigail (Brower) Smith, both of whom were
natives of the town of Hempstead, where they
passed their entire lives.
During the greater part of his life the father
of our subject, was engaged in agricultural pur
suits. At the time of his death, however, he was
living in Glenwood, where he was the proprietor
of a paper manufactory. The reputation which
he enjoyed was not only that of an intelligent and
progressive citizen of the county, but of a man
thoroughly posted on all public affairs. He de
parted this life in 1863, respected by all who knew
him. His estimable wife, although advanced in
years, is still living and in the enjoyment of ex
cellent health.
Wesley B. Smith was orphaned by the death
of his father when a lad of eight years. The fam
ily were left in somewhat straitened circum
stances, and as his mother and three younger
brothers and sisters depended upon' him for sup
port, he was not permitted to spend much time in
gaining an education, only attending the district
school for a few terms, when he started out in
the world to gain a living. He at once engaged
in the oyster business, which was developing into
quite an industry, and ere he was twenty-one
years old was conducting a business of this kind
for himself. His beds are finely located, and
being thoroughly acquainted with the business,

Mr. Smith has been successful and now ships to
the local markets, also to Newark, N. T., some
seven thousand bushels of oysters per year.
In 1885 Mr. Smith and Miss Lora, daughter
of John Lott, were united in marriage. The fath
er of Mrs. Smith is one of the old and respected
residents of Baldwin and is well known to all its
citizens. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of three children, namely: Ethel, Wmifred
and Wesley L. In religious matters our subject
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and is very active in the work of his con
gregation, of which he has been steward for many
years, and which for thirteen years he served as
trustee. In his political relations he is a true-
blue Republican, and, although not aspiring to
office himself, never loses an opportunity to sup
port the candidates of this particular organization.
He was one of the incorporators of the Rockville
Center Bank, of which he is now a director. He
has made many warm friends among the residents
of his community and is highly regarded wherever
known.

CARMAN SMITH. While it is of rare oc
currence for the man who is by natural
bent and training a farmer to adopt any
other calling, when he does so he usually rises to
success in it, because his whole life has been based
upon the principle of integrity, with the firm con
viction that in all the avenues of trade honesty
should be the ruling spur. This quality has
marked the career of Carman Smith, who is one
of the old and prominent citizens of Freeport.
He was born at Merrick, L. I., in 1819, to Joseph
and Harriet (Raynor) Smith, who were also born
on Long Island and there spent their lives in a
useful and commendable manner. The father was
identified with farming interests, but gave consid
erable attention to merchandising also and was
the owner of some fisheries. Being a public-
spirited citizen, he held a number of town offices
and was at one time captain of a company of
state militia. His earthly career closed in 1870,
and his widow's death occurred in 1887.
Carman Smith obtained only the advantages of
the district schools in his youth, and they were
very inferior in those days. While growing up
he assisted his father in the duties of the farm
and store and under his wise and kindly guidance
he learned lessons of energy, push and honesty
which were the stepping stones to his success of
later years. He remained with and aided his

igo

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

father until he was thirty years of age, when he
embarked in the mercantile business on his own
account, and this occupation received his atten
tion in the village of Merrick for more than thirty
years. During this time he also carried on farm
ing to some extent. From about 1850 to 1877 he
held the responsible position of postmaster of
Merrick. In 1880 he removed to Freeport and
in this pleasant village has lived in retirement
ever since, in the enjoyment of the fruits ot
his early industry and in the society of his many
friends, whom his honorable and upright career
in the business arena and his genial and kindly
disposition have gathered about him.
Mr. Smith has always been a very progressive
citizen and his business undertakings always pros
pered. In commercial circles he holds an hon
orable position and in the social life of the village
in which he lives he is also highly regarded. In
1853 he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth-
ella Smith, daughter of James Smith, and their
marriage resulted in the birth of four children:
Emily, wife of Charles L. Wallace, a successful
attorney-at-law and the able editor of the "South
Side Observer"; Samuel R., president of the
Rockaway Bank at Far Rockaway; Joseph Nel
son, who died at the age of seventeen years, and
one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
are prominent members of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, with which they have been identified
for more than half a century. Although he has
always taken a deep interest in political matters,
he has never aspired to political perferment, much
preferring to devote his time and energies to the
successful conduct of his business affairs, and in
this he showed his wisdom.

CHARLES A. SCHILLING is well known
as the proprietor of Schilling's Atlas Ho
tel, at Rockaway Beach, which, with its
seventy-five rooms for the accommodation of
boarders by the day or week, with its elegant
dancing pavilion, bowling alleys and two hundred
and fifty bathing houses, is recognized as one of
the most complete and popular resorts for sum
mer visitors on the island. It is easily accessible
either by railroad to the seaside station, or by
steamboat to the seaside landing.
Prior to coming to Rockaway Beach in 1893
Mr. Schilling resided in Far Rockaway, where
he still owns twenty valuable lots and some fine
property well improved. He is a native of Ger

many, born March 30, 1842, and received an ex
cellent education in his native land, learning the
trade of a baker in youthful years. At the age of
twenty-five he came to this country and followed
his trade in Brooklyn until 1885, when he removed
to Far Rockaway and entered the hotel business,
being proprietor of the well-known Mansion
House for seven years. While a resident of
Brooklyn he was candidate on the Democratic
ticket for the position of alderman-at-large. For
fifteen years he has been a notary public and for
more than two years has served as treasurer of
the school board. He is a director in the gas
company and has other important and valuable
local interests.
During his residence in Brooklyn Mr. Schilling
married Miss Maria Lindhorn, a native of Ger
many, who has spent her life principally in this
country. Fourteen children were born of their
union, of whom nine are living. Emma, the old
est living daughter, is the wife of Charles Pretz, a
butcher of Far Rockaway. The others are with
their parents and are named as follows: Louisa,
Matilda, Martha, Bertie, Charles, Ida, Edwin and
Henry. Mr. Schilling is among the German-
Americans who appreciate the free institutions of
this country and heartily gives his support to
every measure calculated to benefit the town and
county, state and nation.

JOHN H. SCHLEPEGRELL, a prosperous
and enterprising young business man of
Woodside, is the proprietor of a first-class
grocery and also retails flour, feed and hay in large
quantities. He is a native of New York City and
was born November 11, 1863, to Joseph and
Catherine (Marah) Schlepegrell. Of their five
children our subject and his sister Anna, now the
wife of William Lewis, of Brooklyn, are the only
survivors. In 1837 Joseph Schlepegrell was born in Ger
many, where he was reared to mature years, ob
taining a fair education in the model schools of
his native land. He emigrated to America when
a young man and for the first four or five years
was employed in a large grocery house in New
York City. Pie laid by a large portion of his
earnings and at the end of this time was enabled
to start in business for himself, opening a general
mercantile establishment, which for many years
he conducted very successfully. Several of his
employes whom he had entrusted with very im-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

191

portant matters were untrue to the confidence
reposed in them and caused his failure late in life.
The subject of this sketch attended school both
in New York and Brooklyn, and when only a lad
of thirteen years accepted his first position and for
four years was employed in bundling cigar light
ers in a Brooklyn factory. He made good wages
during this time, but in 1880 left and secured em
ployment in the Astor House in New York City,
where he remained for five years. With the
money which he had thus earned he came to
Woodside and embarked in the grocery business,
to the carrying on of which he has given his per
sonal attention since. Woodside was little more
than a hamlet at that time, but as the years passed
by and the population increased the business of
Mr. Schlepegrell grew also and he now stands at
the head in this line in the place. In 1890 he
purchased his present residence property and five
years later bought a desirable lot on the corner of
Woodside and Kelly Avenues, on which he erect
ed a new store building.
The lady to whom our subject was united in
marriage in the year 1889 was Miss Matilda
Schafer, a most estimable young lady, whose
home was in Woodside. To them have been born
two daughters, Tillie and Henrietta. In politics
Mr. Schlepegrell is a stanch Democrat and in
religious matters is a devout Catholic. He has
been a member of the Woodside Hook and Lad
der Company for seven years and at the present
time is connected with the lodge of the Royal
Arcanum at Newtown.

Soon after establishing a home of his own he was
employed as a bartender and finally located at
Corona, where he became the proprietor of a
hotel and also kept a saloon. A year thereafter
we find him located in Brooklyn, where he was
also engaged as a saloonkeeper, remaining there
until some time in May, 1892, when he took up
his abode at Flower Hill. Here he erected his
own buildings, put in modern machinery, and
from the good business which his enterprise and
energy have built takes in $1,000 per day when
running at full capacity. He is also proprietor
of the famous Wahacapaha Springs, the water of
which is noted for its curative properties and is
shipped by him to various points in the Union.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born two
sons, George and Barney.. Mr. Thomas has been
financially prosperous in his business and is
ranked among the well-to-do and respected citi
zens of the community. In politics he is inde
pendent.

THOMAS THOMAS, proprietor of the
Flower Hill Bottling Works, is a native of
New York and was born June 6, 1866, to
William and Elizabeth (Durant) Thomas. (For a
complete history of the parents we refer the read
er to their sketch, which will appear on another
page in this book.) Thomas was quite regular
in his- attendance at the common school from the
age of six to fourteen years, and the first posi
tion which he held upon starting out for himself
was as an apprentice in a gold pen manufactory.
Later he was employed by A. W. Faber, whose
pencils are used all over the country, but did not
remain in his shop but a twelvemonth when he
returned home and continued with his father for
a few years.
Mr. Thomas was married in May, 1888, to Miss
Margaret Plapp, a native of New York City.

» T OHN W. SOUTHARD is one of the worthy
1 residents and enterprising farmers of the
^ town of Hempstead, making his home in
the pleasant village of Seaford. He was born at
Massapequa, this county, in 1837, and is the son
of Richard and Susan (Bennett) Southard, also
natives of this portion of Long Island, where they
were content to pass their entire lives.
Richard Southard in early life learned the trade
of a wheelwright and was thus employed for a
number of years. Later, however, he took up
farming, in which occupation he was very success
ful, and four years prior to his death lived a re
tired life. He was a quiet and unassuming citizen
and devoted his entire life to looking after his
own affairs. At his death, which occurred in
1888, when four score and four years of age,
the town of Hempstead lost one of its old and
worthy residents. His good wife survived him
until 1892, when she passed away at the same
age. The subject of this sketch acquired his- educa
tion in the district schools, and when ready to
begin life for himself learned the trade of a wheel
wright under the instruction of his father, and,
like him, followed it for many years. From time
to time he invested his surplus capital in land
and it was not long before he had more property
than he could look after profitably and attend to
work at his trade. He therefore discontinued the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

192
business of a wheelwright and about 1875 began
to give his entire time and attention to his farm.
He now has some eighty-five acres of excellently
tilled land, on which are a full set of neat and
commodious buildings, and withal the place pre
sents a very inviting and attractive appearance.
In addition to carrying on the work of his farm,
Mr. Southard is engaged in the undertaking busi
ness and has an establishment containing a full
assortment of burial goods. He also keeps a
hearse and splendid team and supplies everything
necessary for a funeral, from the laying out of the
body to the final disposition in the ground.
Mr. Southard was married in 1859 to Miss
Catherine A., daughter of Alfred Seaman, a repre
sentative of an old and respected family of the
town of Hempstead. Mr. Seaman is still living
at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Three
children have been born to our subject and his
wife: Wilbur F., Mary E. and John W., Jr. Mrs.
Southard is a devoted member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. While never aspiring to of
ficial honors, our subject always votes for Repub
lican candidates and takes great interest in the
success of his party.

CHARLES W. THOMAS, whose post-
office address is Roslyn, is the proprietor
of a hotel at Flower Hill. He was born
in Saxony, Germany, July 4, 1847, and is the son
of Lawrence and Barbara (Sieter) Thomas, also
born in the Fatherland. During the fifteen years
of his life spent in his native land our subject was
given a good education and for a short time at
tended college. May 28, 1862, after spending
some time in crossing the Atlantic, he was landed
in New York City.
The Civil War being in progress when Mr.
Thomas came to America he soon enlisted and
was mustered into the regiment known as the
"Lost Children," with which he served for five
months. He then became a member of Battery
M, Fifth United States Light Artillery, which he
joined at Yorktown, Va., and took part in some
of the most important battles of the war, among
them being the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court
house, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Woodstock (in
the Shenandoah Valley), Winchester and Cedar
Creek, in which latter conflict the Union soldiers
were obliged to retreat. During this period Mr.
Thomas served under the name of Karl Wilhelm.
He remained in the service until the close of the

war and on being ordered to report at Washing
ton, D. C, was honorably discharged June 3,
1865. Although he did not participate in the
grand review, he remained at the capital and was
a witness of this thrilling sight. During over
three years of service our subject was never seri
ously wounded, although at one time he was
kicked in the eye by a horse and disabled for some
time. Having saved $300 or $400 out of the small
wages paid him while in the army, Mr. Thomas
started in the trucking business in New York
and was thus engaged for a period of twelve
years. When eighteen years of age he was mar
ried in the metropolis to Miss Elizabeth Turant,
the ceremony which made them one being per
formed August 26, 1865. Miss Turant was also
of German birth, having been born in Hanover.
She remained the loving companion of Mr.
Thomas for seven years, and in 1872 departed this
life, leaving two children. For his second wife
our subject chose Louisa Wenner, by whom he
has become the father of four children.
After abandoning the trucking business our
subject was bookkeeper and collector for a firm
in the city for two years. He was then engaged
for the same length of time in the manufacture
of furniture, and after closing out his business in
this line secured a position as conductor with
one of the street railway companies. The next
account we have of him was three years later,
when he embarked in the saloon business, con
tinuing to be thus engaged in New York City
for five years. In 1886 he removed to College
Point, and after five years spent in business there
took up his residence in Flower Hill.
In his political relations Mr. Thomas is indej-
pendent. Socially he is a Mason and Odd Fel
low of good standing, and also belongs to the
Knights of Honor and the Order of Foresters.
He is a Grand Army man and often meets his
old comrades at the various reunions, which he
never fails to attend. Pie formerly belonged to
William T. Kennedy Post, No. 42, of New York
City, but he is now allied with Elijah Wort Post,
No. 654.

J

OHN E. TATOR, owner and proprietor of
the grocery store on Central Avenue, Far
Rockaway, and a resident of Jamaica, was
horn at Long Branch, N. J., November 25, 1851,
and is the sole survivor of eleven children com-

COL. WILLIAM A. JONES.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

195

prising the family of George A. and Catharine
(Webb) Tator. His father, who was born in Co
lumbia County, N. Y., was engaged in the hotel
business during much of his life and for some
time held the position of manager of the Man
sion House at Long Branch. After returning to
New York City in 1859, where he accepted a po
sition in the custom house, he still kept his sum
mer home at Long Branch, where his family spent
a few months each year. His death occurred at
the age of fifty-three years and his wife passed
away when seventy-five. He was a man who held
the respect of his associates through the course
of his long and active career, and was favorably
known by the visitors to Long Branch, who rec
ognized his sterling worth of character.
When the family removed to New York City in
1859, our subject was a child of eight years, and
there he remained until 1876, meantime attend
ing the public, schools. His first employment
was in a hardware store, where he remained for
two years, and later he spent nine years in the
establishment of Lord & Taylor. After leaving
that position he was variously employed in New
York and Brooklyn until 1877, when he came to
Rockaway Beach and opened the first dairy here.
In 1883 he went to Jamaica and for one year car
ried on a restaurant, after which he was for four
years in partnership with E. T. Nostrand in the
grocery business, since which time he has been
sole proprietor of the store. He is married, his
wife having been Miss Sarah A. Remsen, of Rock
away Beach. Politically he advocates the princi
ples set forth by the Democratic party, but has
never sought offices or public responsibilities, pre
ferring to give his attention to business matters.
He attends the Episcopal Church and is a mem
ber. His experiences in business have been
varied; for a time he was with the Aldine Print
ing Company and also held a clerical position
in a bank, b.ut these were not congenial to him,
as his inclination was in the line of his present
business.

COL. WILLIAM A. JONES, a resident of
the beautiful village of Richmond Hill, is
well known as one. of the most extensive
hop growers in the state. He was born Septem
ber 25, 1834, in Canada, where his parents were
temporarily located, their home being in St. Law
rence County, N. Y. His father, Thomas H, a
native of Montreal, Canada, and of Welsh de-
5

scent, was a prominent business man of St. Law
rence County and those who had dealings with
him had the utmost confidence in his integrity and
good judgment. By his marriage to Annie Gunn,
who was of Scotch lineage, he had three sons,
William A., Thomas H. and Robert F. Thomas
H. is a resident of North Dakota and Robert F.
is engaged in business in Minneapolis, Minn.
In 1856 Colonel Jones graduated as a student
from the old Franklin Academy in Malone, this
state, and immediately thereafter he engaged in
mercantile pursuits, and continued therein until
the breaking out of the Civil War. He assisted
in raising and organizing the Ninety-eighth Reg
iment of New York Volunteers in the autumn of
1861, but owing to the serious illness of his wife,
he was unable at that time to go to the field. The
following year, however, he enlisted for the war
and at once recruited a company for the One
Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, then or
ganizing at Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence County.
Colonel Jones was elected captain, and in Sep
tember, 1862, he went with his comrades to the
ftont, serving with the Army of the Potomac at
the battle of Suffolk, in Virginia, and in the Pe
ninsular campaign until September, 1863, when
he was ordered to the Tenth Army Corps, at this
time in the department of the South, and operat
ing in front of Charleston. He joined in the hot
test of the fight at the battle of John's Island, and
in that of Ft. Wagner, after which he was returned
to the Army of the Potomac, putting in his best
shots at Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Peters-
burgh Mine Explosion, and at Ft. Harrison on
the 29th of September, 1864, when the regiment
lost in killed and wounded eleven out of twenty-
two officers. Captain Jones was promoted at this
time to the office of major for his gallantry in
action, and then was granted twenty days' leave
of absence, having now been in the field two years
without an hour's leave from his command.
The Major was soon after brevetted lieuten
ant-colonel for. personal bravery and splendid
service shown at the assault on Ft. Fisher. Al
most immediately following, Lieutenant-Colonel
Jones was placed in full command of his regiment,
and was also placed in command of the garri
son at Smithville, N. C. Here he remained until
the following March, 1865, when the Tenth Corps
marched across the state to Goldsboro, when Ter
ry, forming a junction with Sherman's army, they
together moved upon Raleigh. There Colonel
Jones, with his command, remained until the sur-

196

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

render of Johnston's army and the close of the war.
Colonel Jones did not go to the front as a hireling,
but as a ready volunteer, all aglow with that love
of country which could, be satisfied with nothing
less than the Union saved from its enemies. The
war to him meant no holiday out of school or from
business. He went to the front to help crush out
the most gigantic rebellion of this or any other
age. He fought to win, and never did he turn
his back upon the foe. A man of impulsive and
daring pluck, his command was never ordered to
go where he did not lead it. In the assault upon
Ft. Fisher he got three bullets through his cloth
ing, and finally fell senseless by a spent shell, but
fortunately he came out of it all and was brevetted
Colonel by President Lincoln.
Colonel Jones' record in the war was a remark
ably distinguished and brilliant one, the summary
of which is as follows: He served with his com
mand all through the rebellion, and was in every
engagement in which it took part — the battles of
Suffolk, White's Landing, the siege of Ft. Wag
ner, Drury's Bluff, John's Island, Fair Oaks, Ber
muda Hundred, Petersburgh, Ft. Harrison and Ft.
Fisher. Colonel Jones is made of the "stuff"
of which soldiers are made. As a civilian Colonel
Jones' record has hardly been less distinguished
and brilliant than that of his war-life. In 1869 he
was appointed amendment clerk in the naval of
fice on the recommendation of Vice-President
Wheeler. He was soon after promoted to entry
clerk, and then to deputy naval officer. In 1877
he became deputy collector of the sixth division,
which position he held under Collectors Merritt
and Robertson. For eight years Colonel Jones
was deputy in charge of the public store and ap
praiser's department, and under Collector Erhardt
was assistant cashier of the custom house. It
will be seen that Colonel Jones has lost no time
in his life thus far. His little more than sixty
years have been crammed full of the busiest and
intensest kind of work. A man of exceptional
executive ability, he has started out in every en
terprise he has undertaken with the consciousness
of his own individual power to win. In every
emergency he has relied upon himself. Never
has he had a "substitute" to fight his battles.
After such an eventful and successful life the
Colonel is now but in the prime of his years, so
that the future must have something in store for
him in the way of official trust, if he will but
accept it. At present Colonel Jones is an im
portant member of the tax arrears commission.

He is not only a credit and an honor to his home
village of Richmond Hill, but he is as well a credit
and an honor both to the county of Queens and to
the great Empire State. He has recognized his
duty in every position that he has filled, and he
has had in every instance both the ability and the
courage to perform that duty.
In the year 1879 our subject became interested
in real estate at Richmond Hill in company with
the late Judge George Lester, and was one of the
prominent factors in bringing about the won
derful development of this now booming little vil
lage. He occupies one of the most beautiful resi
dences in the place and is the owner of considera
ble real estate here as well as in other parts of
Queens and other counties in the state. His hop
farms are located in Franklin County and arc
among the most extensive to be found in the
state. Colonel Jones was married in 1859 to Miss Su
san E. Abbott, who left at her decease two sons,
William A., Jr., and Walter M. The older son
is a graduate of Columbia College and is a suc
cessful lawyer of the New York bar; he makes his
home in Richmond Hill. Walter M. makes his
home in Havana, and is interested in the electric
light business. In 1869 Colonel Jones was mar
ried in Malone to his present wife, whose maiden
name was Sarah A. Beman, and who is a native
of Malone. They have two accomplished daugh
ters, Anna Belle and Elizabeth L., both of whom
were educated in Packer's Collegiate Institute,
Brooklyn. Socially, the Colonel is a member of
U. S. Grant Post No. 527, G. A. R, of Brooklyn.
He also stands high in Masonic circles and in
politics he is an ardent Republican.

JOHN F. RYAN. To successfully preserve
life and property in any city, it is necessary
that competent and reliable men should be
at the head of the different companies of a fire
department, and in this respect Long Island City-
is better equipped than the average city of like
size. One of the most prominent and reliable of
her foremen is John F. Ryan, who was born in
the city of New York in 1863, a son of Michael
and Margaret (Greene) Ryan, the former of whom
was a dealer in wall paper in that city, where both
parents eventually died. They left five children,
all of whom are living in Long Island City.
John F. Ryan was the second of their children
in order of birth and in the public schools of his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

197

native city and in Manhattan Academy he re
ceived a good practical education. After com
pleting his academic course, he came to Long
Island City, which place has since been his home,
and with whose interests he has identified him
self. In Beekman he began learning the business
of stamping with the United States Stamping
Company, continuing with them until 1893, the
last few years of his service being on contract-
work, with nine men under him.
On the 21st of September, 1893, Mr. Ryan was
appointed to the position of foreman in the fire
department of Long Island City, and was placed
in charge of Truck Company No. 1, continuing in
this position until June 12, 1894, when he was
transferred to the new engine company, No. 3.
His engine is known as the old Hunter Engine
No. 4, and was the first one introduced in Long
Island City, notwithstanding which fact it is still
one of the best engines in the place. For about
thirteen years Mr. Ryan ran with it as a member
of the old volunteer department, ahd his long
service makes him especially useful in his present
capacity. In Long Island City Mr. Ryan was united in
marriage with Miss Kate Frank, a native of this
city, and to them two children have been given,
Ellen and Joseph. Mr. Ryan has a pleasant and
comfortable home at No. 222 Prospect Street,
and he and his worthy wife are noted for their
hospitality. They are members of the St. Pat
rick's Catholic Church and in his political views
Mr. Ryan has always been Democratic, but has
never had political aspirations.

FRANK V. BODINE. In a career, honor
able alike to himself and to the community,
Mr. Bodine has shown those valuable traits
of character without which success is unattainable,
and by the citizens of Far Rockaway, his home,
he is respected as a man of sound intelligence
and high worth. While he has resided here for
a comparatively brief period, he already is known
as a skilled architect and has the principal busi
ness in his line, both for the village and the sur
rounding country.
John F. Bodine, father of our subject, is a lin
eal descendant of one of the five Huguenot broth
ers who first settled Staten Island. His home is
still in Trenton, N. J., of which city he is a native.
He married Miss Jane Lanning, also of that city,

and they became the parents of five children
namely: Frank V., of this sketch; Hattie, Charles'
John F, Jr., and Enoch, all of whom remain
with their parents. Our subject, who is the oldest
of the family, was born in Trenton November 3,
1855. Early in life he was obliged to become
self-supporting, as his father, who had enlisted
in the Union army during the Civil War, re
turned home a physical wreck, in consequence
of hard service and much exposure.
When only ten years old our subject secured
employment in a grocery and later worked in a
music store, afterward in a clothing establish
ment, turning his hand, in fact, to any honest
means of earning a livelihood. It was in Febru
ary, 1868, when thirteen years old, that he se
cured a position as errand boy in a clothing
house, where later he was promoted to a posi
tion of more responsibility. This brought him
to consider what it was best to do in shaping
his course for the future. He was advised to
learn the trade of a merchant tailor and to fully
understand every branch of the same, including
cutting, fitting, sewing and finishing. This he
followed about six months, but it did not prove
congenial and he abandoned it. After two months'
study in the Trenton Business College he worked
with a surveyor and civil engineer for two years.
This occupation seemed more nearly adapted to
his tastes and led to the study of architecture.
He possessed naturally a mechanical mind, and
from early boyhood it was his delight to watch
carpenters at the bench and in building houses.
Imitating them in a crude way he built houses
of various patterns from blocks and sticks, and
seemed to have an intelligent idea of construc
tion but had no hand to guide him.
Entering the office of an architect in Trenton
Mr. Bodine soon became a very valuable em
ploye and was depended upon for important work.
For seven years he continued in that way, most
of the time having an interest in the business,
and while there he learned the art of architecture
in detail, step by step. His natural ability soon
found room for expression and he became ex
pert in the business. Upon the death of R. W.
Gallagher, one of the principal architects of the
city, he took his office and advertised as his suc
cessor. This was in 1875, and he prospered from
the, start. However, his health failed, and to
recuperate he went to Asbury Park, N. J. Find
ing a demand there for first-class work, he located
and erected a number of buildings that proved

198

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an excellent advertisement for him. After having
spent five years there and having meantime se
cured considerable work for the Central Railroad,
he removed to Somerville, N. J., in order to bet
ter control that work. There he came in compe
tition with the best architects in the country, par
ticularly in plans and for depot construction.
Having original ideas and a keen sense of appro
priate surroundings or buildings that look well
in peculiar environments, he was nearly always
successful in the competitions, and some of the
most attractive and convenient railroad build
ings in that locality are the work of his brain
and hand.
From Somerville Mr. Bodine came to Far
Rockaway in 1895, and at once took front rank
among the architects along the south shore. He
has made a study not only of appearance but
convenience, and the best methods of ventilating
and plumbing. Realizing the importance of sani
tary arrangements, he makes this one of his spe
cialties and also pays considerable attention to
the heating apparatus and ventilation. He can
not always persuade builders to adopt his plans,
as they are in advance of the old methods, and
while his have passed the experimental stage yet
they seem new to most persons. Wherever he
has erected buildings his name is known and his
reputation established, and his work is the best
advertisement he can give.
Politically Mr. Bodine is a Republican, stanch
and strong, but has never taken an active part in
public matters, preferring to concentrate his at
tention upon his chosen occupation. At the age
of twenty-six he married Miss Mary W. Kelley,
of Trenton, a friend of his childhood and youth.
Socially he is identified with the Masonic fra
ternity.

ROBERT B. TISDALE. An active and
progressive system in any profession or
line of business, when based upon prin
ciples of honor, is sure to bring success, and an
illustration of prominence gained through these
means is seen in the record of Robert B. Tisdale,
who is engaged in the forwarding business at No.
13 Moore Street, New York City. In every re
spect he is a public spirited citizen, in harmony
with advanced ideas and intelligent progress,, and
the success which has been accorded him in a
business way is fully merited. He is a native of
the city of New York, but his father and grand

father before him, who both bore the name of
James, were natives of the Bay State.
When a young man, the father of the subject
of this sketch came to Astoria, but became a hard
ware merchant in Water Street, New York,
a calling which he continued to pursue there un
til 1837. In that year he began dealing in coal
and lumber in Astoria at the corner of Fulton
Avenue and Boulevard, and there continued suc
cessfully in business for half a century. In 1880,
after a long and honorable business career, his
death occurred, at the age of sixty-seven years.
In politics he was a Republican, and for many
years he was treasurer of the village of Astoria.
He was a member of St. George's Episcopal
Church, in which he was for many years a vestry
man. His wife, who was formerly Miss Margaret
A. Blackwell, was born in Astoria, where she
was reared and educated. She died in 1892 at the
age of seventy-three years, her home at that time
being with her son, the subject of this sketch.
Her father was also a native of Astoria, and he
and his father both bore the name of Samuel.
Nine children gathered around the Tisdale family
hearthstone, but only four reached maturity, one
daughter and three sons, of whom only one of the
sons and the daughter are now living. Samuel
died at Astoria, as did also Frank. Emily and the
subject of this sketch reside here.
Robert B. Tisdale was reared in Astoria and
was educated here and in the Woodstock schools
of Westchester County, N. Y. At the early age
of sixteen years he began his business career as a
clerk for J. Lathrop & Co., flour merchants on
Broad Street, and remained in their employ for
sixteen years. In 1875 he started for himself at his
present place of business, where he first followed
the calling of a commission flour merchant. In
1885 he began in his present business, which has
since received his undivided attention. He has
done well financially and is in comfortable cir
cumstances. His residence is the ancestral home
of his mother, which was built by her father,
Samuel Blackwell, in 1826, at No. 134 Franklin
Street, and although it has been in constant use
all this time it is a fine old place and in a good
state of preservation.
Mr. Tisdale's marriage with Miss Emily Halsey
took place in Astoria, of which village she is a
native. Her father, Stephen A. Halsey, is one
of the leading residents of the place. Mr. and
Mrs. Tisdale have one child, Edith. They are
members of St. George's Episcopal Church, in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

199

which Mr. Tisdale is a vestryman, and he was
formerly a member of the Hook and Ladder
Fire Company of Astoria. He is one of the sub
stantial men of Astoria, is a genial and agreeable
companion and numbers his friends by the score.

THOMAS HENDERSON. The social, po
litical and business history of Queens
County is filled with the deeds and doings
of self-made men, and if by this word we under
stand that a man, solely through his unaided ex
ertions, has risen from an humble position to one
of influence, then certainly Thomas Henderson
may be called self-made. The family of which he
is a member, while an old and prominent one, has
never been wealthy, and in his youth he had few
advantages, being obliged by force of circum
stances to earn his livelihood. It was in 1882
that he came from New York City to Far Rock
away, and here he has since resided, being en
gaged in the real estate and insurance business.
From his forefathers Mr. Henderson inherits
the traits of perseverance and honesty that have
ever characterized the Scotch nationality, as well
as the thrift that is peculiarly English. His father,
James, was born in Scotland, but emigrated to
America and settled in Westchester County, N.
Y., where he followed the occupation of a carpen
ter and builder; he married Ann Pettit, a native
of England, who came to America in girlhood
and afterward resided in Westchester County.
In the town of Westchester, that county, our sub
ject was born November 1, 1841, and there he
spent the years of youth, learning the carpen
ter's trade under his father's instruction and re
maining with him until of age. Later he was
employed as a carpenter in New York City, and
there remained until 1870, when he went to Liv
ingston County, Mich. During the eleven years
he remained there he was engaged in the culti
vation of a large farm much of the time and was
also in the grocery and produce business. Re
turning to New York City he resumed his former,
occupation, but in a short time came to Far
Rockaway, where he built a carriage house and
stables for Judge Aiken.
The winter after coming here Mr. Henderson
erected a store building on Central Avenue and
in the spring he opened up a stock of hardware,
establishing the business now conducted by W.
L. Starks, to whom he sold after having been
proprietor of the store for twelve years. This

was the first hardware store ever started here,
and in the venture he was discouraged by many,
but he persevered and achieved a large success,
selling an immense amount of goods and mak
ing considerable money. He married Miss Mary
L. Kimball, of Jefferson County, N. Y., and they
are the parents of a daughter, Maude E., in whose
training and welfare they take the deepest inter
est. Politically Mr. Henderson is a Republican,
active, aggressive, and always interested in local
and national affairs. Under the administration
of President Harrison he was postmaster for four
years, discharging the duties of the office with
efficiency. Socially he is a charter member of
Olympia Lodge, No. 808, F. & A. M., and the
Oceanic Hose Company. In the organization of
the Far Rockaway Bank he took an active part
and is now one of its directors, holding a similar
position in the gas company. While he is not
identified with any denomination, he attends the
Presbyterian Church and is president of the board
of trustees, his services being especially valued
in ttie financial matters pertaining to the church.

RAYNOR R. SMITH is justly deserving of
being recognized as one of the progressive
and successful tillers of the soil of Queens
County, for in this occupation he has attained a
degree of success that can only be accounted for
in the fact that he has devoted the greater portion
of his life to it. Nor is this all, for he has for
many years been a dealer in oysters also and has
found this enterprise to be profitable. Mr. Smith
was born in the village of Freeport in 1842, his
parents being William R. and Mary (Frost)
Smith, the former of whom was a native of Free-
port, and during his lifetime devoted his time and
attention to farming on the bay, from which oc
cupation he secured a comfortable competency.
After a useful but unpretentious life his earthly
career closed in September, 1893. His widow is
now seventy-eight years of age and is in the en
joyment of fair health for one of her years.
Raynor R. Smith was given such educational
advantages as the schools of his youthful days
afforded, but these were by no means of the best,
and were limited to about three months during
the year. However, by dint of application, he
acquired a practical education, sufficient to trans
act the ordinary duties of life, and having thor
oughly learned the details of farming under his

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

father while growing up, at the age of twenty-
three years he left the shelter of the parental roof
and began farming on his own responsibility, at
the same time engaging in the oyster business,
both of which occupations he has successfully car
ried on ever since. Mr. Smith has a commodious
and comfortable residence in Freeport and is with
justice regarded one of the representative citizens
of the place.
In 1859 our subject married Miss Annie M.
Story, a daughter of Jacob and Huldah (Terry)
Story, natives and worthy citizens of Long Island.
Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
eight of whom are living at the present time and
are as follows: Angelica, wife of William Plyer,
of Hempstead; Raynor R., Jr.; Franklin M.;
Elizabeth, wife of William Dunlop, of Freeport;
William Harvey; Clara Bell; Mary and Percy.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have long been connected
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Free-
port, of which Mr. Smith is steward. Socially he is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows and politically has always supported the
men and measures of the Democratic party. He
has creditably served his fellow-citizens as town
assessor and is at present one of the trustees of
the village of Freeport, having held the latter po
sition since the incorporation of the place. He
is now treasurer of the Board of Water Commis
sioners of Freeport, and in everything pertain
ing to the welfare of this section he has always
been interested and has given to it hearty and
substantial support.

HENRY P. LIBBY. No matter how crowd
ed may be the market in any particular
calling, every person who possesses orig
inal and practical ideas, with the enterprise to
push them to a successful termination, is bound
to win success, both as regards reputation and the
accumulation of the almighty dollar. Such has
been the experience of Henry P. Libby, whose
career as a real estate and insurance agent has
been one of success almost from the time of his
commencement in the business, and this is with
out doubt due to his thorough knowledge of
realty, as well as to the fact that he always lives
up to the letter of his contract.
Our subject was born in Rockland, Me., in
1855, a son °f Henry G. and Laura W. (Tyron)
Libby, who were also natives of the old Pine
Tree State. The father was a superintending

machinist by occupation. The mother, who is
in the enjoyment of good health, resides at
Bridgeport, Conn. Henry P. Libby received his
education in the Bridgeport public schools, but
at the age of fifteen years he left school
to accept a position as time-keeper in the Howe
Sewing Machine Company's manufactory at
Bridgeport. After leaving the employ of this
company he attended Rev. Mr. Day's private
school for one year, at the end of which time,
when only seventeen years old, he began teach
ing school and continued in this occupation with
marked success for one year at Newtown, Conn.
He then began working under his father in the
Howe Sewing Machine factory, at Bridgeport,
and was thus employed for two or three months,
when he took a contract from the company to fur
nish them with spiral springs, the making of which
he superintended for about two years. The busi
ness then became depressed and the company
closed down the works, thus throwing Mr. Libby
out of employment, but he soon after came to
Freeport, L. I., and was principal of the Free-
port schools for about three years, from 1877 to
1880. In 1880 Mr. Libby engaged in the clothing bus
iness, but one year later he accepted a position in
the office of the Phenix Insurance Company in
New York City, which he filled for a period of
seven years, then embarked in his present busi
ness. He has prospered in this line and his ca
reer has been characterized by much business acu
men and unlimited energy, and since starting in
business he has met with more than ordinary suc
cess. It was through his efforts that the Freeport
Bank was organized in 1892, he being instrument
al in obtaining the subscription of stock, and the
bank is now firmly founded and among the most
prosperous institutions of Freeport. In 1893 Mr.
Libby inaugurated the idea of the organization
of the Freeport Land Company and obtained the
capital stock of $100,000, after which he was made
secretary of the company.
, Keenly public spirited, Mr. Libby has clone
much to build up and improve the village of
Freeport, and is accounted one of her most sub
stantial citizens. The cause of education has
found in him a liberal and active patron and he
is a member of the Board of Education. Politi
cally he is a stanch Republican, but has never been
a political aspirant, and socially is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1880
Mr. Libby married Miss Mattie Holloway, a na-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

201

tive of Columbia, S. C, but who was reared at
Freeport, and to them one son has been born,
Harry H. Mr. and Mrs. Libby are members of
the Presbyterian Church and he is one of the
trustees.

EDWIN HENDERSON, a contractor and
builder, resides one-half mile northeast of
Port Washington. He was born in the
village of Oyster Bay December 2, 1834, being
a son of Robert and Elizabeth D. (Wilson) Hen
derson, natives of Long Island. His father, who
was a wheelwright and millwright, also engaged
as a house and ship carpenter, meeting with fair
success in these various lines of labor. In 1842
he came to Port Washington and here he con
tinued to reside until his death. An industrious,
persevering man, he was known and honored
as a kind neighbor and accommodating friend.
By his marriage to Miss Wilson he became the
father of six children, of whom Edwin is the
third in order of birth and the only survivor with
the exception of Charles W., who is a carpenter,
living near his brother. In his political views the
father was a Whig and always cast his ballot for
the principles advocated by that party.
Commencing his education in the common
schools of Oyster Bay the subject ot this record
later prosecuted his studies in Port Washington,
to which place he accompanied his father at the
age of eight years. His boyhood years were passed
uneventfully, and at the age of eighteen he began
to learn the trade of a carpenter with Daniel
Hegeman, with whom he remained for two years,
receiving $36 the first year and $48 the
second. For a time thereafter he was employed
by the day at his trade and still later was engaged
at journeyman work. About 1859, he and his
brother began to take contracts for the erection
of buildings, but after a time resumed work as a
journeyman. The first marriage of Mr. Henderson took place
in 1858, when Miss Jane Moore became his wife.
The three children born of their union are named
as follows : Mrs. Alice Wiggins ; Robert J., a con
tractor and builder living at Oyster Bay; and John
E., who lives at Manhasset. Mrs. Jane Hender
son died in 1864, and the following year our sub
ject married Miss Anna M., daughter of Solo
mon and Catherine (Hyde) Cocks, and a native
of Port Washington. There were five children
born of this union, namely: George C, a car

penter, who is married and lives at Port Washing
ton; William S., who is married and has one child;
Burton, Daniel C, and Ernest, who remain with
their parents.
Mr. Henderson is proud of the fact that his
first ballot was cast for John C. Fremont, and
while he failed to secure the presidency, our sub
ject has never regretted casting a vote for him.
In his political views he has always advocated
Republican principles and can give a good rea
son for his advocacy of protection of American
industries. Some years ago he was nominated
for assessor of the town of North Hempstead,
but as he has never sought nor desired office,
he refused to work actively to secure election and
did not go to the polls. Notwithstanding this
he was defeated by only nine votes. Personally
he is a man of honor and umblemished character
and enjoys the friendship of his associates
throughout the town.

ROBERT BURGESS, wholesale and retail
dealer in meats at Westbury Station, was
born in Mattituck, Suffolk County, N. Y.,
in 1854, to Thomas and Margaret (McGuy) Bur
gess. His father, who was a native of the North
of Ireland, came to America in early manhood
and settled in Brooklyn, where he was employed
as a farrier. Later he went to Mattituck, and
there he still follows his chosen occupation. Of
his seven children, five are living, namely: Rob
ert; Margaret, wife of Austin Downs of River
head ; John, who is in the hotel business at River
head; Susan, wife of Frank Warren, a druggist
on Broadway, New York; and Thomas, a resi
dent of California and chief engineer of a Pacific
line of steamships. Rebecca and William are de
ceased. At the age of seven years our subject left home
and engaged to work on a neighboring farm for
$5 per month. During the five following years
he was employed at different places. After his
mother's death, which occurred when he was
about thirteen, he went to the home of D. M.
Tuttle, of Oregon, Suffolk County, and there re
mained until sixteen, engaging in farm work and
the butcher business. In 1870 he came to West
bury Station and for four years was employed
in the meat shop of William Post, after which,
with a capital of $60, he established a business of
his own. He bought a wagon and a horse for
$100, giving his note for the payment at the rate

202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of $10 per month. From the first the enterprise
prospered and he has gradually built up a large
and profitable trade. In January, 1894, he opened
a feed store in connection with his meat shop
and this is now conducted by his son, Ellsworth T.
Politically Mr. Burgess always advocates Re
publican principles. For a number of years he
was a member of the Republican District Com
mittee and at different times has represented his
party in conventions. In 1887 he was elected
overseer of the poor for the town of North Hemp
stead and served six successive terms. In 1885
he was appointed deputy sheriff of Queens Coun
ty, in which capacity he has since served. So
cially he is connected with Glencove Lodge, No.
580, F. & A. M.; Protection Lodge No. 151, I.
O. O. F.; the Shield of Honor at Roslyn; the
Roslyn Benevolent Society and the Hempstead
Mutual Benevolent Society. January 1, 1875,
he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benja
min Post, of Westbury Station. They are the
parents of an only son, Ellsworth T., who assists
his father in the meat business and also carries
on the feed business in connection therewith.

BENJAMIN A. GRIFFIN, one of the ris
ing young business men of East Williston,
where he has a well conducted mercantile
establishment and also holds the office of post
master, was born in Westbury, L. I., September
18, 1867, to Abram and Eliza (Mollineaux) Griffin.
His paternal grandfather, Abram Griffin, was
born at New Lots, Queens County, and in early
life followed the blacksmith's trade in Jamaica,
but later bought a farm at Jamaica South, where
the closing years of his existence were spent.
The father of our subject was born at Cypress
Hill in 1841, and since the age of twenty-two
has resided in Westbury, where he has followed
agricultural pursuits, owning a large and well
improved place. A prominent citizen, he was for
many years highway commissioner of North
Hempstead. By his first marriage he had five
children, namely: Martin M., of Roslyn; Wil
liam H, formerly a member of the firm of Oak
ley & Griffin; Benjamin A.; Emma, at home;
and Irving L., who has a position in the Bank of
the Republic, New York. The second marriage
of Mr. Griffin was to Huldah Tyrrell, by whom
he has two children, Frank and Sadie E.
The first eighteen years of our subject's life
were spent under the home roof, after which he

was employed for four years by Hetfield & Duck-
er, Nos. 40-42 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. At the
expiration of that time he and a brother, William,
established a general mercantile store at East
Williston, the firm name being Griffin Brothers.
One year later the brother retired, our subject
buying his interest in the store, which he has since
conducted alone. Since 1888 he has been deputy
postmaster but has had entire control of the office
since 1889. In addition to the large and well
selected assortment of merchandise which he car
ries, he also has a feed store.
Politically Mr. Griffin is a Republican. Though
not a member of any denomination, he attends
services at the Presbyterian Church of Roslyn.
Socially he is connected with Protection Lodge,
No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn, and is a charter
member of Mineola Encampment, No. 121. At
this writing he is foreman of East Williston Hook
and Ladder Company No. 1, of which he is a char
ter member. March 18, 1891, he married Mar
garet, daughter of M. S. Covert, a prominent
citizen of East Williston. A daughter, Helen,
blesses their union and brightens the pleasant
family residence. Mr. Griffin is recognized as one
of the progressive citizens of the village, to the
prosperity of which he contributes by his energy
and business ability.

GEORGE L. LAMBERT. The thought
which presents itself to the far-seeing
and conservative mind when the ques
tion is propounded as to what essentials are nec
essary to a man's success in business is that they
are industry, economy and honesty, and this fact
the history of all well established men of business
will corroborate. Among the prominent and suc
cessful business men of Rockaway Beach may
be mentioned George L. Lambert, who is en
gaged in hotel-keeping, his hostelry being known
as Lambert's Hotel. He was born in Brooklyn
June 1, 1863, a son of John and Barbara (Munch)
Lambert, the latter a native of Germany. The
father, a carpenter by trade, was for eighteen
months a soldier of the Civil War, and when he
had reached the age of fifty-four years died from
the effects of a sunstroke. His family consisted
of two children, George and Katie, the latter
Mrs. Schroll, of Brooklyn.
In the city where his birth occurred the sub
ject of this sketch was reared, and there he re
ceived the advantages of the public and the Ger-

J. H. SMEDLEY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

205

man Lutheran schools. In early manhood he
served an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's
trade, and having a natural taste for mechanics,
he afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked with his father for about two
years. He then came to Rockaway Beach and
•erected the hotel of which he is now the proprie
tor. His services as a carpenter and builder have
frequently been called into requisition in the
surrounding neighborhood. To him was en
trusted the building of some beautiful buildings
at Arverne and his work has always been consid
ered first class and has always proven satisfac
tory. For seventeen years he has been a resi
dent of Rockaway Beach and until within two
years he has worked at his trade.
Mr. Lambert has always taken an active inter
est in local enterprises, has advocated public im
provements and as regards the protection of
Rockaway Beach from fire has been particularly
active. He was one of the organizers and charter
members of the Volunteer Hose Company and of
the Fire Department. Three times he Was elected
assistant chief of the latter, which position he is
now filling, and he was also a member of the
board of representatives until new laws were
made and some changes effected in the rules and
regulations of the department. The department
is very efficient and much of this is due to the
¦efforts and intelligence of Mr. Lambert, who
takes great pride in its success.
January 15, 1886, Mr. Lambert married Miss
Tressai P. Holland, by whom he has two chil
dren, Frank Michael and Emma Parcels. Politi
cally Mr. Lambert has always supported the prin
ciples of the Republican party, and socially he is
a member of Star of Hope Lodge, F. & A. M.,
of Brooklyn, and of the Turn Verein of that city.

J HARVEY SMEDLEY is one of the old
settlers and leading business men of
• Long Island City. He has also been
prominently identified with the Long Island City
Savings Bank since its organization and is at
present secretary and treasurer of this institution.
In all local enterprises he takes great interest and
has promoted in a most substantial way many
industries which have become very successful,
largely through his instrumentality. He was one
•of the first manufacturers to locate where there
-are now scores of establishments, and as a busi

ness man of ability and success he enjoys the
esteem of all who know him.
Mr. Smedley was born at Lockport, Niagara
County, N. Y., in 1840. His father, James W.
Smedley, was a native of Brattleboro, Vt., and
was orphaned by the death of both parents when
a lad of seven years. He managed to acquire a
fair education, and while yet young in years ap
prenticed himself to a good machinist in order
that he might learn the trade. During his young
manhood he moved into the western portion of
New York State and continued his business for
a time in Niagara County. Later he took up his
abode in Rochester, working during this time
as a machinist, but after his return to the above
county he located at Suspension Bridge and gave
his attention to conducting a general mercantile
business, living at that place until his decease,
which occurred in 1873, when he was fifty-seven
years of age. He stood high in the ranks of the
Republican party in his community and at one
time was superintendent of the village board. In
religious matters he was a devoted member and
liberal contributor toward the support of the
Congregational Church.
Mrs. Fannie (Martin) Smedley, the mother of
our subject, was born at Ft. Ann, N. Y., and was
the daughter of Jarvis Martin, also a native of that
portion of the Empire State. The latter served as
a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father was
a patriot in the Revolutionary Army. Grand
father Martin was a general contractor and had
charge of the building of the dam at Ft. Edward.
He was also a large landowner and was one of the
first to settle in Buffalo. The trip to that now
flourishing city was made overland, three teams
and wagons being necessary to convey his effects
to that place, and there he engaged in the mer
chandise business and was one of the pioneers of
the place. Later he removed to Cattaraugus
County, where for many years he gave his atten
tion to farming and stock-raising. In this busi
ness he was very successful, and on his return
to Rochester was enabled to spend the declining
years of his life in peace and plenty. His wife,
the grandmother of our subject, was, prior to her
marriage, a Miss Mason, and was descended
from one of the old and honored families of Ft.
Ann. Mrs. Fannie Smedley lived to be seventy-
three years of age and died at the residence of
her son, J. H, in Long Island City. She was
the mother of three children, of whom J. Harvey
was the only one to grow to mature years.

206

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J. Harvey Smedley was more favored than
most youths of his day, for, after sending him
to the district and public schools of Suspension
Bridge, his parents paid his way through Roch
ester Institute, in which college he completed his
education. He then returned home and engaged
in business with his father, during which time
he was appointed assistant postmaster of Suspen
sion Bridge, holding this office for one year dur
ing Lincoln's administration. In 1862 he bade
good-bye to his parents and friends and started
for Chicago, which great city was then in its in
fancy. There he was chosen by N. K. Fairbank
as superintendent of his manufacturing establish
ment, having charge of his factory for two years.
About 1865 he returned East with an uncle, this
time locating in Long Island City, where he
erected the first lard oil manufacturing plant in
the city. This stood on Tenth and Canal Streets
and was known as Smedley & Co.'s Lard Oil
Works. Later he became general manager for
the manufacture of lubricating and burning oils
for the government.
The business flourished until coal oil was found
to answer the same purpose and could be fur
nished at a much cheaper rate. Mr. Smedley
then closed out the business and took charge of
the banking enterprise with which he has been
connected ever since its organization. He was
elected its first secretary and treasurer, and so
ably has he filled these combined offices that he
has ever since been retained as the incumbent.
The concern began in a modest way on the cor
ner of Third Street and Jackson Avenue, but its
deposits now amount to $1,000,000. In 1894 the
various officers and directors found it necessary
to have more commodious and convenient quar
ters and accordingly selected a location on the op
posite corner, and on the completion of their fine
stone and brick building took possession. This
structure, which is four stories in height, is one
of the most imposing buildings in the city and
will doubtless satisfy the wants of the banking
institution for years to come.
The marriage of Mr. Smedley to Miss Frances
Pierce occurred in 1861 in Niagara Falls, of
which place the lady was a native. She departed
this life in her native city in 1885, leaving four
children: Newell D., a graduate of Trinity Col
lege, New York, and now bookkeeper for D. S.
Jones & Co., of Long Island City; Edith A., who
married E. K. Barlow, and makes her home in
Syracuse, N. Y.; Mason O, who is also a grad

uate of Trinity College, and an expert account
ant of Long Island City; and Mabel F., who is
completing her musical education at Syracuse.
In 1888 Mr. Smedley married Henrietta M.
Whidden. Mr. Smedley is a true-blue Republican in poli
tics and cast his first presidential vote for Abra
ham Lincoln. Socially he is a Mason of high
standing, holding membership with Island City
Lodge and Banner Chapter. He is a member of
the New York Association of Secretaries of Sav
ings Banks, in the workings of which he takes
an active part. He is one of the influential and
consistent members of St. John's Episcopal
Church and has been warden of his congregation.
A man of great public spirit, his influence is suffi
cient to bring success to various undertakings,
both of a public and business character.

ELIAS A. LEEK is one whose business ca
reer is decidedly interesting, showing the
shrewdness, executive ability and compe
tency which can be attained by one determined
to succeed. Among all the industries that are
carried on in the flourishing village of Oceanus,
L. I., none succeeds so well as those conducted
by practical men. An instance in mind is the suc
cess attained by Mr. Leek, one of the prominent
and influential citizens of that village. He is now
actively engaged in the hardware business, carry
ing a full line of house furnishing goods, paints,
oils, and bicycles, and has a commodious and well
filled store at Boulevard and Division Avenue.
There are few men in business circles who show as
much fitness for their avocation — in that they are
wide-awake, reliable, experienced and energetic —
as does Mr. Leek.
For nine years Mr. Leek has been a resident
of Oceanus, and eight years of that time he has
been actively engaged in business. His parents,
Harvey and Phoebe (Barto) Leek, were natives
of Babylon and Islip respectively. The former
was a carpenter by trade and followed that call
ing until his death, when forty years old. His
children were in the order of their births as fol
lows: Elias A., our subject; Diadame; Joseph, of
Islip; and Elizabeth and Annie, both deceased.
Our subject first saw the light in Islip, Suffolk
County, December 26, 1856, and remained there
until twenty-one years old. Although he had
limited educational advantages he was a close
observer and possessed more than average ability,.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

207

and is now considered a well informed man. After
the death of his father he lived on a farm with his
grandfather for a time, after which he turned
his face toward the setting sun.
Mr. Leek first made his way to Texas, thence
to Kansas, Colorado, and other sections, remain
ing principally in the Western states, and soon
gained a good knowledge of human nature.
When but seventeen years old he learned the
trade of carpenter and contractor and that was his
principal occupation up to the time he engaged
in his present business. When he started in busi
ness in Oceanus his capital consisted of $400,
but by close application to his duties and fair
dealing he has met with unusual success and is
one of the foremost business men of his section.
Although actively engaged in the duties that
devolve upon him as a business man, Mr. Leek
does not lose sight of his duties as a citizen, and
takes a deep interest in all local affairs. In poli
tics he is a supporter of Republican principles,
and socially he is an Odd Fellow. He married
Miss Josie V. Seaman and they have lost three
children. Honest and upright in all his dealings
with the public, Mr. Leek is classed among the
representative men of Oceanus.

JOHN and ROBERT LUDLUM. The name
of Ludlum has been associated with the his
tory of the town of Hempstead from a period
very early in its settlement. During all the years
of their residence here the family have been
known for their scrupulous honesty, patriotic spir
it and unflagging industry, and their record is
singularly free from blemish or stain. The first
representative of the family who settled in this
country came from England and chose his home
in the town of Hempstead, purchasing a farm
which has since descended from father to son in
unbroken succession.
The grandfather of our subjects, Capt. John
Ludlum, gained his title through his service in
the War of 1812, during which he was stationed
at Ft. Green. He was a man of prominence' in
his day and held an influential position in the town
of Hempstead, where he served as assessor for
a number of years and also filled other positions.
Nicholas Ludlum, our subject's father, was born
on the old homestead and for a number of years
served as colonel of a regiment of militia. By
his marriage to Sarah Van Nostrand, who was
a descendant of Holland-Dutch ancestors, he be

came the father of two daughters and two sons,
all living in this vicinity, and three residing on
the old homestead. Sarah is the wife of Town-
send C. Hendrickson, a prominent farmer of El-
mont, while Miss Mary, John and Robert occu
py the family residence where they were born.
The mother departed this life in 1881 and the
father in 1890, leaving behind them the memory
of honest and upright lives, devoted to the welfare
of their children.
The brothers are classed among the most sub
stantial citizens of the community, and, with their
sister, live contentedly in retirement in their pleas
ant home. From their father they have inherited
a sufficient amount to prevent the necessity of
active labor on their part, but they superintend
the place and oversee its cultivation, also direct
the investment of their capital, thus finding plenty
to occupy their time and attention. Politically
the brothers are Republicans.

CHARLES H. LUDLUM, M. D., a suc
cessful physician of Hempstead and presi
dent of the Board of Education in this vil
lage, was born in the town of Jamaica, near what
is now the village of Hollis, February 21, 1843.
His father, Daniel, who was born on the same
place, devoted his entire active life to agricultural
pursuits and now lives retired in the village of
Jamaica. In religious connections he is identi
fied with the Presbyterian Church.
The family of which our subject is a member
was one of the first to settle on Long Island, hav
ing come hither from England in an early day.
The first of the name of whom we have any au
thentic information was William Ludlum, who
died in 1766. His third son, Nicholas, was born
in 1732 and died in 1788, having been a captain in
the British Army prior to the Revolution. His
grandson, Nicholas, was a prominent and wealthy
merchant in New York, and it was he who erect
ed the cemetery chapel in Jamaica. Since the
period of their settlement on the island the fam
ily has been represented by men of ability and in
telligence, who have been prospered in their va
rious callings.
The Doctor's mother, Judah Smith, was born
in the town of Jamaica, at what was called One
Mile Mill, her father, Thomas Smith, being the
owner of this mill. She died in Jamaica in 1893.
Her brother Thomas lives two miles south of
that place. Our subject was the only child of

208

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his parents who attained mature years. He ob
tained his education in the district schools and
in Union Hall Academy, after which he entered
the University of New York, and graduated from
the literary department with the degree of A. B.
in 1863. Two years later he graduated from the
medical department, after which he spent two
years in Bellevue Hospital, where was added to
his theoretical knowledge a broad fund of pro
fessional information gained from practical ex
perience. On severing his connection with the hospital
the Doctor opened an office in New York City,
where he carried on a general practice for seven
years. Later, for three years, he was engaged
in active practice at Boonton, N. J. In 1878 he
came to Hempstead, where he at once took a
leading position in his profession and here he has
met with marked success in practice. He has
also taken an active part in local affairs and has
done his full share to make Hempstead the thriv
ing and beautiful place it now is. Warmly inter
ested in educational affairs, he has been for seven
years a member of the Board of Education and
is now its president. While a stanch Republican,
he has never sought political honors, preferring
to give his time to his private interests.
In 1868 Dr. Ludlum was united in marriage
with Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel White, of
Brooklyn. They are the parents of five children,
namely: Clinton W., who is with the Franklin
Trust Company of Brooklyn; Herbert A., who
is employed in the First National Bank at DrayT
ton, N. Dak.; Walter D., a graduate of the Uni
versity of New York and now a medical student;
Marion C. and Alice C, who are at home. So
cially the Doctor is connected with the Royal Ar
canum, in which he is past regent. He is a mem
ber, of the Presbyterian Church, and for a num
ber of years has filled the position of elder. A
man of broad and humane impulses, he is by na
ture and education fitted for the profession which
he has so successfully followed for thirty years
and in which he has established a reputation for
painstaking skill.

THOMAS J. McKEE, postmaster and gen
eral merchant at Port Washington, was
born May 16, 1854, in the house where he
now lives and does business. His father, Thomas,
was born in Jamaica, Queens County, and thence
removed to Port Washington, where he bought

out the only general store in the place, and this
he carried on, being for some years the only mer
chant in the village. It was largely through his ¦
instrumentality that the postoffice was established
here, and he it was who gave the name Port Wash
ington. In recognition of his efforts, and also
on account of his prominence, he was appointed
the first postmaster, and continued in the office
until the administration of General Grant, but was
again appointed to the position under the first
administration of President Cleveland. A firm
Democrat in politics, he frequently represented
his party as a delegate to various conventions, and
on that ticket was elected to numerous local of
fices, including that of Coroner, in which capacity
he served for twenty-one years.
In religious belief Thomas McKee was a de
voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with the early history of which in this locality he
was identified. In his fraternal connections he
was associated with Morton Lodge No. 63, F. &
A. M., at Hempstead, and at one time was an
active worker in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Twice married, by his first wife he had
three children; by his second wife, who bore the
maiden name of Cynthia Allen, he had two chil
dren, of whom Thomas J. is the older. He at
tained a venerable age, dying in July, 1894, at
the age of eighty-one.
In the public schools of Port Washington the
subject of this notice gained the rudiments of his
education, after which he attended the Fairchild
Institute at Flushing for one year. While quite
young he began to assist his father in the store
and postoffice, and soon gained a thorough
knowledge of both lines of business. May 5,
1887, he married Miss Sarah J. Carpenter, who
was born in Great Neck and was a daughter of
James M. Carpenter. Receiving an excellent edu
cation, she fitted herself for the profession of a
school teacher, and it was while thus occupied at
Port Washington that she became acquainted
with her future husband. They have three chil
dren, two sons and a daughter: James Elmer,
Gracie and Harold.
Since casting his first presidential ballot for
Samuel J. Tilden our subject has been active in
politics and has represented his party — the Dem
ocratic — in county and state conventions. The
first year that he voted he was elected a trustee
of the Jones Institute, which position he held
for one year, and then resigned on removing from
the village. Going to Little Neck, he engaged

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

209

in the hotel business. After his return to Port
Washington he served for two years as tax col
lector and was a candidate for nomination for
sheriff, but lacked one vote of receiving the nom
ination. Shortly after Cleveland was elected for
a second term he was made postmaster, and this
position he has since satisfactorily filled. So
cially he is a member of Morton Lodge No. 63,
F. & A. M., at Hempstead, also the Chapter and
Royal Arch degree at Long Island City, and is a
charter member of Seawanhaka Lodge No. 670,
I. O. O. F. 
SAMUEL M. MITCHELL, commissioner
of highways for the town of North Hemp
stead and an influential resident of Port
Washington, was born August 25, 1847, m the
house now occupied by Captain Stennard in this
village. His father, Charles W., who was born
in the same house November 11, 1816, was reared
on a farm and in boyhood attended the district
schools, later turning his attention to agriculture,
which he made his occupation for many years.
Later, however, he took up the stage line business,
and ran a coach from the dock at Port Washing
ton to Sand's Point. For ten years he was not
connected with the business, but later resumed
it and still retains an interest in it. His entire
life has been spent in Port Washington, where he
still resides. His wife bore the maiden name of
Plannah E. Covert and was born in New York
City, April 10, 181 6.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, White
head Mitchell, was born in the town of North
Hempstead, and as soon as old enough took
charge of a sloop, of which he was captain for
many years, but later he engaged in farm pur
suits' His death occurred in 1862, at the age of
about eighty. His wife bore the maiden name of
Margaret E. Cornwell and was a daughter of
Hewlett Cornwell, a descendant of the Cornwells
who were the first settlers at Sand's Point. Our
subject's great-grandfather, John Mitchell, Jr.,
was born in the town of North Hempstead, and
attained the venerable age of four score years,
dying in 1823. Twice married, his second union
was childless, and it was his first wife, Rebecca
Hewlett, who was the ancestor of our subject.
Tracing the family lineage back another genera
tion we find that our subject's great-great-grand
father, John Mitchell, Sr., was born in the town
of North Hempstead in May, 1716, and chose as
his wife Deborah Prince, who attained the age

of eighty-nine. The great-great-grandfather,
Robert Mitchell, Jr., was twice married, both
times to widows, his first wife being the progeni
tor of this branch of the family; she bore the
maiden name of Phoebe Denton. This Robert
Mitchell, Jr., was a son of Robert, Sr., of Eng
land, a descendant of Sir Humphrey Mitchell, of
Old Windsor, County of Berks.
The boyhood years of Samuel M. were passed
on a farm, and he was the recipient of common
school advantages. September 29, 1877, he mar
ried Miss Lizzie S. Robinson, who was born in
Maine, but at the time of her marriage lived in
Port Washington. Her parents were Rev. Will
iam and Miranda (Pierson) Robinson, the latter
dying at Brooklyn before the family came to Port
Washington. Two children bless the union, both
born at Port Washington, and named Hannah
E. and John Greenleaf, born respectively in 1878
and 1884. While engaged in general agricultu
ral work, Mr. Mitchell has made a specialty of
truck farming, in which he has been very suc
cessful. A Republican politically, he cast his first
• presidential ballot for General Grant in 1868. In
1887 he was elected commissioner of highways,
was re-elected in April, 1896, and is now serving
his fourth term. His father cast his first presi
dential vote in 1840 for General Harrison, and has
always been a Whig or Republican. Fraternally
Samuel Mitchell is a Mason and holds member
ship in Morton Lodge No. 63, at Hempstead.

PHILIP J. MILLER, proprietor of the
Hyde Park Hotel at New Hydepark since
1867, was born in Nassau, Germany, No
vember 23, 1842, and received a collegiate edu
cation at Frankfort-on-the-Main. Leaving home
at the age of fourteen, he entered upon a four
years' apprenticeship to the trade of a tinsmith,
and on the completion of his term of service he
began to work as a journeyman, which he fol
lowed in different parts of Europe for four years.
In 1866 he emigrated to America and settled in
the city of New York, where he followed his trade
for one year. In 1867, in partnership with J. C.
Christ, also a native of Nassau, he established the
Hyde Park Hotel, erecting the building and open
ing it for the accommodation of travelers and
summer visitors. In connection with the hotel
a general store was conducted. The partnership
continued until the death of Mr. Christ, since
which time, in 1885, our subject has been alone.

2IO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Through the efforts of Messrs. Miller and
Christ, after three years of earnest, untiring ef
fort, in 1871 a postoffice was established at New
Hydepark, Mr. Christ becoming the first post
master and Mr. Miller taking the position as as
sistant. This position our subject has since filled,
making twenty-five consecutive years of official
life. In 1888 he built a new store and retired
from the mercantile business, renting out the
building. In his political views he is independ
ent, and while he has taken an active part in pub
lic matters, has declined public positions. In 1886
he was appointed notary public, which office he
has since held without interruption. It was
through his efforts largely that the present school
house was built and he was also instrumental in
the building of the railroad station. In every en
terprise for the public good he has been foremost,
contributing of his time and means to the com
mon welfare.
Socially Mr. Miller is a charter member of
Shield of Honor No. 3, of New Hydepark, in
which he has been grand senior master, record
ing secretary since 1888 and is the present district
deputy senior master. A Catholic in religion, he
assisted in building the Church of the Holy Ghost
at New Hydepark, and is a member of the Cath
olic Benevolent Legion. He is an honorary mem
ber of the American Legion of Honor and was
grand senior member of Lodge No. 1325, New
Hydepark. In addition to other enterprises, he
has conducted an auction business, in which line
of work he has decided ability. A portion of his
time is given to the real estate business, and he
has charge of real estate business for private par
ties, besides looking after considerable property
of his own.
In 1886 Mr. Miller married Mrs. Rosina Christ,
widow of his former partner, and the mother by
her first marriage of the three children here
named: Anna, wife of Dr. G. A. Fensterer, of
Floral Park; Elizabeth, who is with her mother,
and Philip J., postmaster at New Hydepark, and
his stepfather's assistant in business.

BENJAMIN PEARSALL. There is no oc
cupation or calling for which there is a
more universal need than that of general
merchant, and those who follow it, whether in a
large city or small village, if they possess industry,
perseverance and wisdom, cannot fail to succeed.

In the list of prosperous merchants of Queens
County we mention Benjamin Pearsall, who for
some years has carried on a large and profitable
business at Port Washington. In addition to this
enterprise, he has also had important interests in
the oyster business.
Before presenting facts connected with the life
of our subject it may not be amiss to briefly record
his parentage and ancestry. His father, Benja
min, Sr., was born in Rockville Center, L. I.,
December 1, 1825, being a son of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Valentine) Pearsall, who were born
near Rockaway. Thomas, whose birth occurred
in 1790, was drafted in the War of 1812 and by
his marriage had six children, of whom Benjamin,
Sr., was the youngest. The grandfather, who was
a farmer, also engaged in work on the bay and
for a time served as watchman in the Brooklyn
navy yard.
Receiving a limited education in Brooklyn,
Benjamin Pearsall, Sr., early learned the mason's
trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of sev
en years, and later was employed as a journeyman
and contractor. In Brooklyn, July 25, 1853, he
married Miss Charlotte M. Titus, and three chil
dren were born of their union, but our subject is
the only one living. After a time spent in Rock
away, he came to Port Washington, where he
has been engaged at his trade and also has been
interested in oyster planting. In early life he
was a Whig, and upon the organization of the
Republican party identified himself with the new
movement. For a number of years he has been
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
is an honest, industrious man, and while he has
never gained wealth, he has a sufficient amount
to provide for his declining years.
During the residence of his parents in Brook
lyn, the subject of this sketch was born, July 24,
1856. He was an infant when the family moved
to Far Rockaway, where a few years were spent.
His education was gained principally in the pub
lic schools at Port Washington, where he was a
student for some years. After leaving school he
engaged in planting oysters, with which he had
been familiar from boyhood and which he still
carries on with a partner, doing a good business.
At the beginning of his mercantile enterprise he
had a partner, but in January, 1890, he became
sole proprietor, and has since increased the busi
ness to such an extent that he has found it neces
sary to build an addition to his store and enlarge
his stock.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.'

211

The. day before Christmas, 1885, Mr. Pearsall
was united in marriage, at Port Washington, with
Miss Minnie, daughter of Robert and Fannie
(Hyde) Jarvis. They are the parents of one child,
Robert B., who was born here on Christmas Day
of 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an
active worker and treasurer of the Sunday school.
In politics he votes the Republican ticket, but is
not a partisan in his preferences. He is a mem
ber of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company,
and a contributor to all enterprises for the benefit
of the people and the advancement of the welfare
of the village. 
CAPT. JACOB F. PEARCE, of Port Wash
ington, was born in the village of Squan,
Monmouth County, N. J., April 27, 1832,
being a son of William N. and Deborah (Hanker-
son) Pearce, both of whom made their home in
Squan throughout their entire lives. The father,
who in youth learned the trade of a ship carpen
ter, followed that occupation in his native place
and on Staten Island, still continuing, however,
to make Squan his home. At one time he was
engaged . in wrecking and in shad fishing, and
through his various enterprises he saved a suf
ficient amount of money to enable him to purchase
an eighty-acre farm in his native place. There
he settled and spent the remainder of his earthly
life, being surrounded in his old age by the fruits
of years of toil. The property is now very val
uable, but has passed out of the hands of the
family. Early trained to assist his father in the support
of the family, our subject had very meager educa
tional advantages, but managed, by diligent ef
fort, to obtain a common school education. At
the age of seventeen he began as an apprentice to
the ship carpenter's trade under an uncle, with
whom he served for four years, receiving his board
in return for his work. Later he was employed
as a journeyman about eight years, and then
abandoned the occupation, entering the confec
tionery business. This proved a most unfortun
ate venture, as it caused the loss of all he had
saved in former years, excepting less than $200,
which was in the bank.
At the age of twenty-two years, December 28,
1854, Mr. Pearce was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Emma Wetmore, who was born in
Brooklyn, being a daughter of Abram and Eliza
beth (Langdon) Wetmore, the former a member

of an old Westchester County family, and the
latter belonging to an old family of Far Rock
away. On both sides the ancestors were con
nected with the early colonial history of Ameri
ca. Mrs. Pearce was educated in Brooklyn and
graduated from school No. 12, making her home
in her native city until the time of her marriage.
Forming a partnership with his father-in-law,
our subject engaged in the oyster planting busi
ness and also followed his trade in Port Washing
ton, to which place he removed about 1858. Pros
pered in his undertakings, he became the owner
of the sloop "Hemlock," which he used for
freighting, a line of work in which he made a
large amount of money. When the "Hemlock"
had made a fortune for him, he laid her ashore
in front of his house and bought another,
"Georgiana," which he still runs between Port
Washington and New York in the coasting trade.
The reverses which he has experienced — and they
have not been few — have been almost invariably
the result of trusting to the honesty and integrity
of other people, many of whom imposed upon his
accommodating and generous disposition by en
tailing heavy losses upon him.
Politically Captain Pearce is a Republican, while
his wife is a Democrat, and both are prohibition
ists in principle, favoring the extermination of the
liquor curse. They are members of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church, in which he .has served
as treasurer both of the church and Sunday
school. Of their three sons we note the follow
ing: Robert, born in Brooklyn, December 5,
1856, is engaged in the oyster business; by his
marriage he has one son, Wilbur, who was born
in this village June 1, 1891. Franklin, the sec
ond son, was born here November 7, 1858, and
still makes the village his home; he is married
and has four children, Martha, Jennie, Percy and
Clarence. James, the youngest of the family, was
born here February 1 1, i860, and is married, mak
ing his home in this village.

LEWIS PEARSALL. Invincible determin
ation, if coupled with sound common sense,
will accomplish almost any desired result,
and already are the effects of these qualities visible
in the life of this gentleman, who has won a re
spected position for himself in the community by
reason of industry, perseverance and genial na
ture. A resident of Far Rockaway, he is junior
member of the firm of Smith & Pearsall, wholesale

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and retail dealers in coal and wood, brick, lime,
cement, lath, tile pipe and blue stone flagging,
with dock at Bayswater and yards and office on
White Street, near Cornaga Avenue, Far Rock
away. The father of our subject, Henry Pearsall, was
born in East Rockaway and throughout his en
tire active life was a seafaring man. He died when
seventy-four years of age. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Elizabeth Murray, was born
at Pearsall's Corners and is now living in Cedar-
hurst. Their seven children are named as fol
lows: William, whose home is in Cedarhurst;
Lewis; Henry, Jr., who, like his father, is a
mariner; Frank, George, Jennie, and Charles,
who is deceased. Our subject was born in Ce
darhurst, this county, January 14, 1856, and in
boyhood had but meager educational advantages,
being obliged to support himself from an early
age. For a time he followed the water with his
father, and was thus employed when, at the age
of twenty-eight, he married Miss Aphena Avens,
of Cedarhurst.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Pearsall began
as a contractor, which business he still follows,
his specialty being the excavating and making
of roads. He was one of the principal men in the
construction of the Far Rockaway street railroad
and has been interested in many important pub
lic improvements. In spite of adverse circum
stances, and notwithstanding the fact that his edu
cation was limited, he has been quite successful
in a business way, and now stands among the
well-known residents of Far Rockaway. To his
children, Mabel, Ella and Lillie, he is giving ex
cellent advantages, so that they may be prepared
to take their places in any station of life to which
they may be called. Though not officious in his
politics, he is a firm Republican, and believes that
protection is needed for the welfare of our people
and the best interests of our government.

JOTHAM POST, who is engaged in the meat
and coal business at East Williston, and is
also a manufacturer of brick, was born at
Westbury, Queens County, in 1859, to Jotham
and Eliza J. (Place) Post. His father was born
in Westbury, devoted his life to general agricul
ture to the meat business, and died at his home
in 1870. In his family there were three children:
William, Sarah, wife of Edward L. Kelsey, of
Westbury Station, and Jotham.

The education of our subject was begun in the
public schools and completed in the Bridgehamp-
ton Literary Institute. The old home came into
his possession through purchase of the interest
of the other heirs and he continued its manage
ment until 1885, when he disposed of the place
and moved to East Williston. Prior to this, how
ever, in 1878, he had opened a meat business and
also dealt in stock. On coming here he joined
his brother in the butcher business, and in 1886
the two embarked in the manufacture of brick,
which they carry on extensively under the firm
name of W. & J. Post. In 1892 he established
the coal business which he still carries on, hav
ing a good trade.
Politically a Republican, in 1887 Mr. Post was
elected on that ticket to the position of collector
of taxes for the town or North Hempstead and
was twice re-elected, serving three terms. In
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, East Willis
ton, of which he was a charter member, he served
as assistant foreman and foreman, and is now its
president. Socially he is connected with Morton
Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., in Hempstead, Pro
tection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn,
and is a charter member of the Encampment at
Mineola. In 1884 he married Cornelia, daugh
ter of M. S. Covert, of East Williston, and they,
with their daughter Clara, occupy a handsome
residence in this village.

JOHN F. REMSEN, who is one of the relia
ble and influential business men of Roslyn,
was born in this county, February 26, 1862,
and is a son of John B. and Ann M. (Edwards)
Remsen, also natives of Long Island. ' His father,
who is still living, has been prominent in business
and public affairs throughout his entire life, and
is recognized as one of the able, industrious and
enterprising men of his community. In politics
he is well informed and always endeavors to
champion the measures which are most calculated
to promote the welfare of the people.
At the age of fourteen, having previously
gained a fair education in the common schools,
our subject secured a position as clerk with J. J.
Luyster, of Glencove, with whom he remained
about five years. At the age of twenty he formed
a partnership with his father, under the firm title
of J. B. Remsen & Son, and embarked in the gro
cery business at Roslyn, the connection continu-

GEORGE NOSTRAND.

HENRY L. NOSTRAND.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

217

ing about six years, after which they sold out.
Meanwhile, three years prior to closing out this
concern, our subject had established his present
business, taking his brother, Cornelius E., as part
ner. They remained together until 1889, since
which time John F. has been alone.
A Republican in political opinions, our subject
is well informed regarding public matters and
stands high in the ranks of his party. For a
number of terms he has filled the office of inspec
tor of elections. He is a member of the Roslyn
Benevolent Society, Rescue Hook and Ladder
Company, Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F.,
and the Shield of Honor, belonging to Roslyn
Camp No. 2. In September, 1885, he married
Nora H., daughter of William H. Smith, a promi
nent resident of Roslyn. They have two daugh
ters, Elsie S. and Helen W. Mrs. Remsen is a
member of the Presbyterian Church of Roslyn
and takes a warm interest in all its work.
The business of which Mr. Remsen is now the
proprietor has been built up through his untiring
efforts and represents his unwearied labors. In
his livery stable he usually has about twenty-eight
head of horses and forty vehicles of all kinds. In
sale and exchange he has considerable trade, and
also does some business in boarding horses. Be
sides his livery, he is engaged in the ice business,
in which he is building up an important trade.

1
HENRY L. NOSTRAND. In reviewing
the history of any community there are
always a few names that stand out pre
eminently among others because those who bear
them are men of superior ability, culture and
philanthropic spirit. Such names and such men
add to the prosperity of a place, elevating its
moral tone and increasing its commercial impor
tance. Their wealth, put into circulation in the
home neighborhood, becomes a factor in the
prosperity of every citizen. Their probity and
intelligence are a power which cannot be lightly
estimated. Such a one is the subject of this article, who is
known as a wealthy and cultured citizen of Ja
maica. He is a member of a family that dates its
history on Long Island back tp the first settle
ment of the town of Hempstead and that has al
ways been closely connected with the develop
ment of Queens County. Timothy Nostrand,
grandfather of Henry L, was born at Valley
Stream, and was first married September 27, 1793.
6

to Grachy Suydam; his second marriage, which
took place September 8, 1804, united him with
Catherine, daughter of Stephen Lott of Jamaica.
The late George Nostrand, father of Henry L.,
was born in New York City February 5, 1809,
and was for many years engaged in merchandis
ing at Trumansburg, N. Y., but later retired to a
farm on the Brooklyn and Jamaica plank road.
At the time of his death, March 19, 1889, he was
numbered among the wealthiest men in the town
of Jamaica. Prominent in local affairs, he was
frequently chosen by his fellow-citizens to rep
resent them in positions of trust and responsi
bility and filled, among other offices, those of
highway commissioner and assessor of the town
of Jamaica. In religion an Episcopalian, he held
membership in Grace Church and was generous
in contributions to all its enterprises.
Twice married, the first wife of George Nos
trand was Mary, daughter of John Hunter and
a cousin of ex-Mayor Hunter of Brooklyn. She
was born in 1806 in Brooklyn and died at the fam
ily residence January 30, 1854, when her son, our
subject, was a child of less than seven years. For
his second wife Mr. Nostrand chose Miss Cornelia
C. Van Siclen, whost family history is contained
in the sketch of her brother, Abraham Van Siclen,
presented on another page of this volume. Our
subject's father had a sister, Margaret I.,, who
married the late Martin C. Johnson, formerly the
most prominent civil engineer in Queens County.
He also had three brothers, namely: John, who
died young; Stephen; and Timothy, who moved
to Kings County and there became prominent in
local politics. J. Lott, son of Timothy, is one of
the large land owners and well known political
workers of Brooklyn, and he and his brother,
George, are both bachelors.
The birth of Henry L. Nostrand occurred in
the town of Jamaica April 13, 1847. Being the
only child of a wealthy father he was given every
educational advantage the community afforded,
and as a consequence of the broad culture gained
by the diligent improvement of his opportunities
he has become a man of broad views and wide
intelligence. For a short time in early man
hood he was connected with a clothing store in
New York City, but the confinement of business
proved detrimental to his health and he returned
to the home farm. After his father's death he
sold the family homestead and took up his resi
dence in his beautiful home in Shelton Avenue,
Jamaica. Possessing an ample fortune, he has

211

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

no motive for entering the business world, but
finds his time sufficiently occupied in the care
of his property and the settlement of a number of
large estates.
Much of his time Mr. Nostrand spends in his
elegant, yet cozy home, where, beyond the reach
of adversity and in the enjoyment of every com
fort that will add to the happiness of life, he finds
his greatest pleasure. His wife, who shares with
him the regard of the best people of the village,
bore the maiden name of Phoebe W. Vanderveer
and is the only child of Dominicus Vanderveer,
a member of an old family of the island. Their
marriage, which took place May 10, 1876, has
been blessed by two children, Carrie Duryea and
Margaret Townsend. The family is identified
with the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Nos
trand is officiating as deacon.

AUGUST SCHEIBER, the popular landlord
of Germania Hotel at Hicksville, has been
a resident of America since 1866, during
which time he has displayed the utmost loyalty
to the land of his adoption as well as those quali
ties of thrift, good nature and industry which are
of the utmost importance in every occupation.
For the calling he nows follows he is well fitted
by natural traits, being genial, jovial and hearty,
while in all his transactions he is honest and hon
orable. In addition to the hotel business, he has
engaged in farming to some extent.
Bavaria, Germany, is our subject's native place,
and August 6, 1847, the date of his birth. His
father, John Scheiber, a man of ability and pr9mi-
nence, has for thirty-three years held office under
the King, being the architect for school buildings
in eighteen Bavarian villages. Though now sev
enty-five years of age (1896), he is filling this re
sponsible position with efficiency and success.
Unto him and his wife Maggie there were born
four children, of whom the eldest, August, was
reared in his native land, and for three years at
tended college in one of the cities of Bavaria. At
the age of sixteen he entered the militia and served
for two years during the Austro-Russian war, ris
ing from the ranks to the positions of Corporal
and Orderly Sergeant.
Shortly after retiring from the army Mr. Schei
ber came to America, landing in New York Au
gust 6, 1866. His first position was that of ship
ping clerk in a large brewery, which he held for
two and one-half years, and later he worked in

a brickyard for two years. April 15, 1868, he
married Miss Rosa Link, daughter of Seaman
Link, and a native of Bavaria, born in 1850. Up
on leaving the brick yard he returned to the brew
ery, where he had previously been employed, and
there he remained for three years. Afterward he
was for five years collector for H. Rocke in East
Forty-sixth Street. For a similar period he was
employed as collector for Hamilton B. Kern, and
for four years held the same position with another
brewery. Commencing in business for himself in Fifty-
third Street, Mr. Scheiber had the advantage of
experience gained through years in the employ
of others. In 1883 he opened another place of
business on the corner of Hester and Mulberry
Streets, and carried on these two enterprises un
til 1 89 1, when he sold out. The same year he
removed to Hicksville and leased the Germania
Hotel, which he has since conducted. During
his residence in the city he took an active part in
political affairs, using his influence in favor of the
Democratic party. Since coming to Hicksville
he has maintained a warm interest in public mat
ters, but has never been an aspirant for official
positions. While in New York he was identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
a number of fraternal organizations. He and his
wife are the parents of three children, namely:
August, Jr., who is engaged in the brewery busi
ness in Brooklyn; Edward, a student in St. Fran
cis College, New York, and William.

EDWARD G. RAVE, M. D. The physi
cians of Queens County are men who com
pare favorably with those of any other
county of the state in point of learning as well as
in skill and ability as practitioners, and to entitle
their successors to high rank among their pro
fessional brethren throughout the country it only
remains for them to sustain the character which
has already been given to the profession of this
locality. Among the busiest of this class of men
is Dr. Rave, a successful general practitioner of
Hicksville. The family of which Dr. Rave is a member is
one of the oldest and most prominent in Han
over, Germany. His great-grandfather, Rudolph
E. Rave, was a royal officer of the court of Eliza
beth. The grandfather, Christian G., a life of
ficer of Ernest August, King of Hanover, held a
position corresponding somewhat to our cabinet

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

219

offices ; he had charge of the mining department,
which is controlled by the government, and acted
as adviser to the King in matters pertaining to
the government mines. The doctor's parents were
Edward A. and Adolphine (Hachmeister) Rave,
the former being inspector of the Royal Saline of
Hanover, which position he occupied from the
time he was twenty-four until sixty-five years of
age, when he died of pneumonia.
The subject of this sketch was born at the
King's Saline of Sulbeck, Hanover, and was edu
cated in the schools of his native province. At
the age of eleven he entered the gymnasium in
Einbeck, where he remained three years, and then
began a three years' apprenticeship to the phar
macist's trade. Having a fondness for medicine,
he began its study at the University of Gottingen,
Hanover, remaining there for one year and then
spending a similar period as assistant surgeon
in the government service of militia. In 1865 he
came to America and secured employment in a
German drug store in Brooklyn, where he re
mained three years, meanwhile gaining a knowl
edge of the English language as well as the drug
business. In 1870, wishing to perfect his medi
cal knowledge, he took a course of lectures at
the University of New York, and also studied
under Prof. Loomis, of Bellevue Hospital, grad
uating in 1872.
Immediately after graduation Dr. Rave opened
an office in Guttenberg, N. J., and remained there
until 1877, when he came to Hicksville. During
the years that have since passed he has built up
a large and successful practice, his specialty being
the treatment of diseases of women and children.
In everything pertaining to the profession
he is interested, and is a member of the State
Medical and the Queens County Medical Socie
ties, also of the College of Pharmacy of New
York and Brooklyn. His practice is not limited
to the village, but embraces a radius of ten miles
square. October 5, 1869, Dr. Rave was married, in Gut
tenberg, N. J., to Miss Maria M. Mory, daughter
of George Mory and a native of Bremerlehe, Ger
many, born June 12, 1848. Their eldest son, Dr.
Adolph G., is a graduate of the university where
his father matriculated and of the Academy of
Medicine in Louisville, Ky.; he is now engaged
in practice at New Hydepark, Queens County.
Lilli, the onlv daughter, is at home. Edward W.
is a student in the Brooklyn Academy of Phar
macy and a clerk in the union drug store of Hicks

ville. Albert C, the youngest son, is a student
in the Hicksville schools.
Politically the doctor does not ally himself with
any party, but gives his allegiance to the measures
and principles calculated to promote the welfare
of the country. With his family he holds mem
bership in the German Lutheran Church. In 187 1
he was made a Master Mason in Palisade Lodge
No. 84, Union Hill, N. J., but is now connected
with Glencove Lodge No. 580. He is also a mem
ber of the Royal Arcanum and commander of the
American Legion of Honor at Hicksville. He
enjoys the respect of his fellow men as one who
has demonstrated his ability in his profession and
his uprightness in life.

M:

ARTHUR ROSE. As a labor-saving
invention the steam laundry ranks
among the greatest improvements of
the present century. With the advance made in
this industry a large number of energetic and
capable young men have entered the business and
•are gaining prosperity as the result of their ef
forts. In this class mention belongs to the firm
of Rose Brothers, of Far Rockaway, which con
sists of the two brothers, Henry S. and M. Arthur.
It was in 1893 that they bought this business, then
somewhat run down, but they have completely
revolutionized matters and now turn out first-class
work. Conrad and Susan (Kelch) -Rose, the parents of
our subject, were born in Germany, and on com
ing to America, settled in New York, where the
father follows the trade of a baker. Ten children
were born of their union, but only four are now
living, namely: George W., a resident of New
York; Susanna, wife of Martin S. Hough, of Mt.
Vernon; Henry S., born September 10, 1857, and
M. Arthur, who was born in New York City No
vember 11, i860. The first position secured by
our subject was that of clerk in a law office, where
he remained for two years. Later he became a
bookkeeper and for three years was engaged in a
grocery with his brother in New York. After
wards he was connected with the Novelty Manu
facturing Company for four years, and then, clos
ing out his interests in the city, he came to Far
Rockaway, where he and his brother have since
built up a large business. Being careful, accom
modating and thorough in his work, he has the
confidence and respect of his customers.
While he was reared in the faith of the Epis-

220

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

copal Church, to which his parents belong, our
subject has never identified himself with any de
nomination, but is inclined to be liberal in his
religious views. He possesses considerable abili
ty, which he has turned into business lines, with
a success that predicts much for the future. With
the people of the village he is popular, both so
cially and in a business way.

JUDGE GEORGE W. SMITH. The growth
and prosperity of any village or city depends
very largely upon the efforts of a compara
tively small number of her residents, to whose
faith in the future of the place and wise judgment
as to methods by which to secure a steady devel
opment other citizens owe the benefits which ac
crue to them. An important part in the upbuild
ing and progress of Far Rockaway has been taken
by George W. Smith, who is the present justice
of the peace here and is also a member of the
firm of Smith & Pearsall, concerning which men
tion is made in the sketch of the junior member
of the firm, presented on another page.
The parents of our subject, Charles H. and
Mary (Morrell) Smith, are descendants respec
tively of German and French ancestors, and the
former has for years been engaged as a
dealer in coal and feed at Lawrence, L. I. In
the family there are four sons and one daughter,
namely: George W.; Hattie, wife of J. V. S. Hen
drickson, of Queens; Frank, who resides in Colo
rado; Morrell, who is an architect, and Dwight
L., who is with his parents in Springfield.
The subject of this notice was born near Ja
maica, L. I., March 6, 1863. When four
years of age he was taken by his parents to
Springfield, the family settling on a farm, where
the three ensuing years were spent, and they then
removed to Williamsburg. His education was
limited to a comparatively brief attendance at the
common schools, and when only twelve years old
he began to work for others, his first employment
being in the real estate office of O. V. Hocomb
at Williamsburg, where he spent one year. For
about two years 'he was printer's "devil" for the
Aldine Publishing Company, after which he went
with his father back to the farm near Jamaica, and
later worked in a store owned by the latter in
Springfield. In time he became his father's part
ner, but after spending ten years there he went
to Inwood and opened a general mercantile es
tablishment, which he conducted successfully for

three years. In 1890 he came to Far Rockaway,
where he has since resided. March 11, 1891, he
sold his store in Inwood, and, the office of jus
tice of the peace being vacant, he became a can
didate for the position, being the successful one
among five applicants. At the first regular elec
tion thereafter he was chosen, without opposition,
for the position, and this he still fills, his term ex
piring December 31, 1896. During the summer
months his attention is closely given to court
business and his duties are many and responsible.
During 1894 and -1895 he served as associate jus
tice of Queens County.
Politically Mr. Smith is a firm Republican and
well informed regarding party matters. For
five years he has been a member of Seaside Lodge,
I. O. OF., and he is a charter member of Olympia
Lodge, F. & A. M. In religious belief he is a
Presbyterian, his membership being in the church
in this village. Improvements to be made in the
village always receive his co-operation and sup
port, and while serving as trustee, from 1893 to
1895, he was instrumental in advancing the pub
lic interests. His neat residence, which is beau
tifully located and cosily furnished, is presided
over by his wife, Josephine A., daughter of Philip
W. and Susan (Hendrickson) Baylis, of Spring
field, whom he married in 1882. Their children
are Charles E. and Hattie E.

GUS STEINER. Astoria, the prosperous
suburb of Long Island City, is known as
a very progressive place and contains
many energetic business men, among whom may
be mentioned Gus Steiner, one of the oldest
wholesale business men of the place. Mr. Stein
er was born in Austria in 1857, and is a son of
David and Kate (Geduliger) Steiner, both natives
of Austria. The parents were married in the old
country and the father was a distiller there for
some time. In 1866 he brought his family to
America and settled in New York City, where he
was employed as a distiller. Later he embarked
in business for himself and thus continued in the
Empire City until his death, when forty-five years
old. Mrs. Steiner is still living and resides in
Long Island City.
Gus Steiner, the second in order of birth of
four children, remained in his native country un
til eight years old and then came with his parents
to this country. He had excellent educational
advantages in the schools of the city of New

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

221

York, but when thirteen years old began working
in a sawmill, where he remained for eighteen
months. In 1871 he began clerking for his uncle,
who was engaged in the wholesale and retail
liquor business in New York City, and he con
tinued with him until 1881, when the uncle went
to Europe. Our subject then became manager
of the business and continued as such until 1883,
when he bought his uncle out and since then has
conducted the enterprise on his own responsi
bility. Mr. Steiner has added a branch office and store
at No. 25 Borden Avenue, where the wholesale
business is conducted, while the Jackson Avenue
place is devoted to retail and storage. He runs
two wagons and oversees all his enterprises. He
married Miss Bella Mendel, a native of New York
and daughter of Moses Mendel, also of that city.
The four children born to this union are named :
Minnie, David, Jacob and Ignatz. Politically
Mr. Steiner is an active Republican, and socially
he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a member
of the Arion Society and the Sons of Benjamin,
of New York City.

M'

ORRELL SMITH, one of the youngest
business men of Far Rockaway, is an ar
chitect of more than ordinary ability and
has carefully prepared himself for his chosen life
work, which he commenced in 1895. While en
gaged in business here, he resides at Springfield,
near Jamaica, which is the home of his parents,
Charles H. and Mary A. (Morrell) Smith, both
natives of Long Island, the former being a dealer
in coal and feed and an energetic business man of
Springfield. The parental family consists of five
children, namely: George W., who is a justice of
the peace at Far Rockaway; Hattie I., wife of
J. V. S. Hendrickson, of Queens; Frank, Morrell
and Dwight.
The subject of this sketch, who is next to the
youngest of his father's family, was born in Will
iamsburg July 16, 1875, and spent his boyhood
years near Jamaica, alternating attendance at
school with the usual sports of childhood and the
light labors of home life. At the age of twenty
he entered and he was an attendant at Pratt In
stitute, where he was prepared for his chosen
work. His ability as an architect has been recog
nized by that institution, which employed him as
instructor in artistic drawing, a position which he
still holds. His work, particularly in the line of

perspective drawing of plans, has proved excep
tionally good and has elicited encomiums from
those best adapted to judge.
The office occupied by Mr. Smith is situated in
the Journal building at Far Rockaway. It is
admitted by all who know him that he has before
him a brilliant future in his chosen occupation,
having not only natural ability of high order, but
a careful, painstaking preparation. He is fully
equipped for architectural work in all its details,
and will be found abreast with the latest im
provements in all matters appertaining to his pro
fession. 
LOTT VAN DE WATER, the able editor
and manager of the "Hempstead Sentinel,"
was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 4,
1858, and is a member of a family originally from
Holland, but long resident on Long Island. His
father, Lott Van De Water, Sr., was born in New
York City in 1833, and received a good education
in the schools of that place. Later he learned the
newspaper business with George Nesbit, in whose
• composing room he held the position of foreman.
Coming to Hempstead in 1859, he purchased the
"Sentinel," of which he has since been the owner
and proprietor. A forcible writer, well informed
and possessing an easy, attractive style, he
wielded a powerful influence during the period
of his active connection with the paper, which he
brought to a position of prominence among the
journals of the county. Himself independent in
political affiliations, he carried his views into his
paper, which has never bound itself to any party,
but has always supported the men and measures
calculated to best advance the interests of the
people. , I | !
In addition to his newspaper business, Mr. Van
De Water took a warm interest in all public af
fairs. For several years he filled the position of
president of the village board of trustees and
was also the village clerk. Socially he is identi
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and in religious belief he holds membership in
St. George's Church at Hempstead. Failing
health induced him, about 1881, to seek the genial
climate of California, where he became largely
interested in property in Los Angeles, Pasadena,
San Gabriel and Longbeach. The greater por
tion of his time has since been spent in looking
after his interests there. He continues to own
the "Sentinel," but its management is left entire
ly to his son Lott. He has a brother, John W.,

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who is an extensive manufacturer of office furni
ture in New York City.
By his marriage to Caroline A., daughter of
Stephen C. Bedell, and member of a family long
resident in the town of Hempstead, Mr. Van De
Water had four children, of whom the subject of
this notice is the oldest. The others are John
W. B., chief of one of the departments of the
Washington Life Insurance Company, New
York; Martha Kate, wife of Charles W. Brooke,
of Hempstead, and Caroline J., who married
Pierre M. Brown, one of the attorneys of Austin
Corbin, president of the Long Island Railroad.
In early childhood our subject was brought by
his parents to Hempstead, where he was educated
in the grammar and high schools. Learning the
printer's trade in his father's office, he soon ac
quired a thorough familiarity with every depart
ment of the business and has had the entire man
agement of the paper ever since his father went
to California. As a writer he is easy, fluent, ver
satile; he does not hesitate to express his views
upon all subjects, local or general, and "hews close
to the line, let the chips fall where they may."
His interest in local matters has been constant and
active and he has held the office of village clerk.
For fifteen years he has been clerk of St. George's
parish and St. George's Church.
An active Mason, Mr. Van de Water has been
master of Morton Lodge No. 63, at Hempstead,
for two years. He is also past noble grand of
Hempstead Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F., and a
member of Lodge No. 1, Shield of Honor, of New
York. In November, 1884, he married Miss An
nie Leverett Price, and they have three children :
Reginald L., Kenneth B. and Ruth. In politics
our subject is a Republican.

JAMES EZRA SMITH is a member of the
firm of Smith Brothers, plumbers, tinners
and roofers at Far Rockaway, and well
known business men who have established a rep
utation for careful and satisfactory work in the
various lines of their trade. The business was
established in 1894, and has since been built up
until it is now reaching extensive proportions, the
success being due to the energy and determina
tion of the members of the company.
The parents of our subject, Valentine and
Charlotte (Craft) Smith, reside at Inwood, where
the former is engaged in the oyster business. Of
the six children that blessed their union three sons

are living, named as follows: George, who is in
terested in the oyster business with his father;
James Ezra, and Charles, who is in partnership
with his older brother as a member of the firm
of Smith Brothers. James Ezra was born at In
wood, June 15, 1872, and there he attended the
common schools until the age of seventeen years,
gaining the foundation of the broad informa
tion that now makes him a cultured, intelligent
man. The first work done by Mr. Smith was in a pri
vate cottage during the vacation seasons. Later
he learned his trade with Mr. Mulhearn at Far
Rockaway, then was with Henderson and after
ward employed by McNamara, spending about
four years in the service of others, and thus per
fecting himself in the business. It was not his
intention to continue as an employe, so, upon be
coming well acquainted with the trade, he formed
a partnership with his brother and has since had
a goodly share of the public patronage in plumb
ing, gas fitting, metal roofing and other lines con
nected with their work. Their shop is situated
in Central Avenue, from which they superintend
work in different parts of the village. Socially our
subject is connected with the Order of Foresters,
and in religious views holds membership in the
Methodist Church.

JOHN SCHWAN. Industry and persever
ance are essential factors to success in any
line of business, and it is these qualities that
are bringing prosperity to Mr. Schwan. With the
thrift and stability of his Teutonic ancestors, he
combines the American characteristics of push
and energy. A resident of Arverne, he here fol
lows several different occupations, being pro
prietor of a boarding stable in Stern Avenue, also
a lawn gardener and contractor for grading and
carting. He located here permanently April 15,
1889, having worked in the employ of others for
three or four months previous to that time. There
were then only four houses where now stands the
village of Arverne, and he has witnessed the
growth of the thrifty little place since that time.
Prior to coming here he resided for a time in
Union Hill, N. J., where he was engaged as a
florist. In Germany, near the river Rhine, the subject
of this sketch was born October 23, 1863. His
education was limited, for at an early age he was
obliged to become self-supporting and his ad-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

223

vantages were therefore very meager. In his
youth he learned the business of a florist and
gardener, with which he became thoroughly fa
miliar. Believing that in America better oppor
tunities awaited him than in his native land, he
came to this country in 1888 and at once secured
employment in New York. Being frugal and in
dustrious, he saved his earnings, until finally he
was able to engage in business for himself. While
living in New Jersey he was united in marriage
with Anna Mulla, and two children were born
of the union, but one died in infancy.
Mr. Schwan is a painstaking and industrious
man and thoroughly understands every branch
of flower growing and landscape gardening. He
is making a success of his business financially and
has earned a reputation as a competent and hon
est workman, one who may be relied upon to
carry out any contract in a businesslike manner.

SAMUEL C. WILLIS. In the experience of
the useful and active citizen it cannot be
otherwise than gratifying to note the devel
opment of a community from a tract of unim
proved, apparently valueless land, to a prosperous
region, the abode of men and women of culture,
intelligence and refinement. Especially is this
a matter of the keenest interest when the individ
ual himself has been one of those largely instru
mental in the opening up of a section of country
and forming an important factor in its prosperity.
Of Mr. Willis it may be said that throughout his
whole life, which, with the exception of a few
years, has been spent in Port Washington, he has
maintained the deepest interest in everything per
taining to the welfare of the place, which he has
seen develop from a small hamlet into a thriving
village containing many of the improvements and
conveniences of a city.
In the village where he still resides our subject
was born September 28, 1823, to Benjamin H.
and Sarah A. (Mott) Willis. His great-grand
father, John Willis, a native of England, settled
near what is now Old Westbury in colonial times.
The grandfather, Cornwall, was born there and
followed the occupation of a farmer. Benjamin
H. Willis, though reared to agricultural pursuits
and for a time engaged therein, removed to Ja
maica, where for fifteen years he was editor and
publisher of the "Long Island Times." He died
about 1 861 at the home of a son in Coldspring,
L. I. In early life he was a Henry Clay

Whig and later became a Republican. Twice mar
ried, he had by his first wife three children, of
whom our subject is the oldest and the only sur
vivor. By his second marriage he had two chil
dren, both now deceased.
Until twenty-two years of age our subject re
mained at home. In 1849 he shipped on a sailing
vessel for California, which he reached after a
voyage of one hundred and sixty-five days, via
Cape Horn. During the three years of his so
journ there he was greatly troubled by rheuma
tism, which, however, did not prevent him from
engaging in business. For a time he served as
agent for shipping companies. In 1852 he re
turned East, having made about enough to defray
the expenses of the journey. On his return he
began to work at ship and house carpentering
and millwrighting, which he had picked up by
himself, never having served a day's apprentice
ship. At the age of twenty-eight Mr. Willis married
Catherine Kelly, who was born in Ireland, came
to the United States in girlhood and was living
«in Port Washington at the time of her marriage.
She died in March, 1892, having become the
mother of four children, namely : Sarah, William,
James and Edward. William, who is engaged in
the oyster business, lives in Port Washington and
is married. James, who is similarly occupied
here, is married and has five children. Edward,
who is married and has one child, is a boat build
er and yachtsman of Navesink, N. J.
It is certainly to the credit of Mr. Willis that,
while starting in life without means, he worked his
way to prosperity and an influential position. He
has designed and built some of the fastest racing
yachts on the sound, among them the "Norlie,"
"Loner" and "Jennie Willis." When only eigh
teen years old he voted for Henry Clay, and later
became an advocate of protection, being of the
opinion that free trade would be ruinous to our
home industries.

ELLWOOD VALENTINE TITUS, a
prominent and successful farmer of Glen
cove, was born on the farm where he now
lives January 11, 1853, and there also his father,
James Titus, was born in 1818. The great-grand
father was born in New Rochelle, Westchester
County, N. Y., and there his son Henry, grand
father of our subject, was born. Later the great
grandfather moved to Westbury, in the town of

224

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

North Hempstead, Queens County, where he
bought a large farm. There Henry Titus grew
to mature years and in 1822 bought a large farm
of two hundred and forty-five acres, a part of
which our subject now owns. This land was then
uncultivated, but improvements have since been
made on it and it is now one of the best farms
in the county. After settling on this tract with
his parents, James, who was then but five years
old, not liking his new home, started out one
day and made his way to the old place at West
bury, where he was found a few hours later.
Henry Titus well remembered Washington, for
he saw him in Westchester County. Like his
ancestors, James Titus selected agricultural pur
suits as his occupation in life. He married Miss
Caroline Valentine, who bore him six children,
as follows: Edward P., a resident of Glen
cove; Henry E., who resides in Plainfield,
N. J.; Ellwood V.; Mary V.; Caroline A., who
married John B. C. Taffan, and Emeline N., a
graduate of the Medical College of New York
City. The father of these children was a Repub
lican in politics, but was not an office-seeker. He
was a member of the Board of Education for some
time in Glencove, and was director in the Long
Island Northshore Freight and Transportation
Company. He was also a director in Fayette Fire
Insurance Company of Brooklyn and of the Se
curity Insurance Company of New York. A life
long member of the Society of Friends and a man
of upright, honorable character, his death, which
occurred September 5, 1892, was the occasion of
universal sorrow. His wife passed away Decem
ber 2, 1876.
Our subject became familiar with agricultural
pursuits at an early age and grew to sturdy man
hood assisting in the duties on the old home place.
He attended private school and when seventeen
years old attended Cary Institute at Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., for two years. Since then he has been on
the farm and is classed among the progressive
and substantial men of his section. He was mar
ried on the 2d of April, 1875, to Miss M. Louise
Cox, daughter of Daniel D. and Mary (Leggett)
Cox. They have two children, Helen L., born in
Queens County, and Caroline Varrich, who
was born on the old home place in 1880
and who graduated from the high school of
Glencove in the class of 1894. Politically Mr.
Titus is a Republican and his first presidential
vote was cast for R. B. Hayes in 1876. He is
a birthright member of the Society of Friends, but

attends, the Episcopal Church. Socially he is a
member of the Royal Arcanum, of which he has
been secretary for four years and regent and chap
lain for two years.

SAMUEL M. TITUS. Before giving a de
tailed account of our subject's personal
history we deem it best to make some men
tion of his ancestors, going back to Robert Titus
and his wife, Hannah, who emigrated from Stan
stead Abbey, Hertfordshire, England, as early as
1635. They first located at Weymouth, Mass.,
and from there removed to Seekonk, whence a
part of the family came to Long Island.
The eldest son of Robert and Hannah Titus
was Edmund, whose birth occurred in England
about 1630. He was married about the year 1657
to Martha Washburn, of Hempstead, L. I., and
the eldest of their children, John, on attaining
mature years, chose for his wife Miss Sarah Wil
lis. Their son Jacob married Margaret Germain,
of Hempstead, L. I., while their son, also named
Jacob, married Martha Keene. The eldest of
their household, Jacob, our subject's father, mar
ried Hannah Mott.
The subject of this sketch, one of the promi
nent and influential farmers of Glencove, was
born here May 31, 1819. His father, who was
a native of Wheatly, L. I., in his youth learned
the carpenter's trade, which business he carried
on at that place. Many years ago he came to
Glencove, where he embarked in the mercantile
business. He was very prosperous in a financial
way and was very liberal in his donations to all
worthy causes in his community. His daughter,
Mary Margaret, became the wife of Richard M.
Bowne. Samuel M., of this sketch, grew to manhood
and received his education in the common schools
of his native place. He was reared to a full
knowledge of farm work, his parents making
their home on a fine place in this county, and
on the death of his father, which occurred when
our subject was about thirty years of age, he
came into his share of the estate, which was about
one hundred and thirty acres. This he keeps
under good cultivation and reaps therefrom a
handsome income.
The marriage of Mr. Titus with Miss Hannah
E. Willis, of Cedar Swamp, occurred about 1856.
This lady was the daughter of Jacob B. and
Phebe (Hewlett) Willis, well-to-do residents of

WILLIAM L. WOOD.

COL. ALFRED M. WOOD.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

229

that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Titus have continued
to make their home on the old farm since their
marriage and are recognized by their neighbors
as peaceful and law-abiding citizens. Three chil
dren were born to them, Jacob W., who departed
this life January 16, 1894, leaving a daughter,
Eleanor; S. Townsend, whose sketch will also ap
pear in this volume; and Lewis, who died when
young. Mr. Titus has been a stanch supporter of Re
publican principles ever since casting his first
vote for Harrison, in 1840. Prior to the organiza
tion of that party he was appointed postmaster,
holding the office for eight years, from 1844 to
1852. Although Mr. Titus favors the belief of the
Society of Friends, he is not a member of that
sect. The father of Samuel M. Titus was one of the
original founders of The Glencove Mutual In
surance Company, of which our subject is stock
holder and now holds the office of president. He
has been a member of the Queens County Agri
cultural Society since its organization, and as
sisted in surveying the ground for its permanent
location at Mineola, L. I. For the past twenty
years he has been a director of the society.

WILLIAM L. WOOD, cashier of the
Bank of Jamaica, was born at Colum
bia Heights, in the city of Brooklyn,
October 31, 1857, being the only son of the late
Col. Alfred M. Wood. His father, who won mer
ited distinction in the War of the Rebellion and
later gained prominence in civic affairs, was born
in the town of Hempstead, L. I., in 1826. In
youth, after having received a fair education in
the district schools, he went to Brooklyn, where
he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods store, and
so conspicuous were his talents even at that early
age that he was promoted from time to time,
finally purchasing the business from his employ
ers. In 1851 he removed to Queens, but after a
short time returned to Brooklyn, though con
tinuing his summer home at Queens.
In 1850, when the Brooklyn City Regiment,
•of which Mr. Wood was a member, became the
Fourteenth Regiment, he was chosen lieutenant-
colonel, and six years later was appointed to com
mand the regiment. In i860 he was elected presi
dent of the Brooklyn board of aldermen and was
filling that position when the Civil War broke
out. The Fourteenth Regiment at once volun

teered to go to the front, but when the command
was ready to move an obstacle was placed in its
way by the refusal of Governor Morgan to allow
it to leave the state. Colonel Wood promptly
forwarded a statement of the facts to Washing
ton, and in reply received an order from Presi
dent Lincoln to proceed to the defense of that
city. The regiment moved from Brooklyn on
receipt of the order and for four years rendered
valiant service in defense of the Union. How
ever, Colonel Wood's connection with it was of
brief duration. At the first battle of Bull Run
he was wounded and left on the field. His horse
was shot from under him and he was fighting on
foot when a bullet struck him. The course of
the bullet was such that it would have been fatal
had it not struck a package of visiting cards,
which caused its deflection. The mutilated cards
were in the colonel's possession until his death.
Spending the time of his illness in a Confed
erate hospital, Colonel Wood was, upon recov
ery, sent to join Colonel Corcoran and other
Union officers who had been captured and were
eonfined in Libby prison. When the Confederate
authorities told the prisoners in Libby to select
from their number hostages for execution, should
the Federal government execute a number of
Rebel sailors captured on a privateer, Colonel
Wood was one of those chosen. Twice afterward,
when hostages were demanded, his life was placed
in danger by the drawings. He was finally ex
changed and returned to Brooklyn, but with
broken health. Being too ill to return to the
front, he resigned his commission as colonel, and
was retired with the brevet rank of brigadier-
general. When the Fourteenth finally returned
from the war at the close of the struggle, its first
colonel reviewed it as mayor of the city of
Brooklyn. In 1863 Colonel Wood was appointed internal
revenue collector for the First District of New
York, and the next year was chosen mayor of
Brooklyn, receiving almost eight thousand of a
total vote of less than thirteen thousand. After
four years in the mayoralty, during which time
he rendered faithful and efficient service in the
welfare of the people, he retired from the office.
In 1878 he was appointed United States Consul
at Castel-a-Mare, Italy, and served at that post
for sixteen years, returning to America in 1894.
From the time of his return he resided in Queens,
L. I., until his death, which occurred July 28,
1895. A month prior to his decease he fell down

230

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the stairs at the Brooklyn entrance to the bridge,
and although he apparently recovered, two weeks
afterward fatal symptoms developed and all hope
of his recovery was given up. Funeral services
were held at the Reformed Church in Queens,
and he was laid to rest, mourned by a large circle
of devoted friends. He was twice married, and by
his first wife, who was Sarah R. Kelsey of Queens,
he had two children, now living, William L. and
Mrs. Isaac Kellogg, of Hollis, L. I.
The education of our subject was largely ac
quired at the Alexandria Military Institute, White
Plains, N. Y., from which he graduated. Later
he was for several years connected with some of
the large financial institutions in Wall Street,
serving in various responsible positions until
1889, when the Bank of Jamaica was founded
and his well known ability suggested him to the
founder of the bank as the proper party to put in
charge of its management. Under his able over
sight the concern prospered from the start.
When the financial cloud of 1893 was seen in the
distance by him he at once made arrangements
for large sums of money in New York. At the
time some of the stockholders thought this un
called for, but when the cloud burst the wisdom
that he displayed in the matter was highly appre
ciated by all. During that period of depression,
when many of the large banks in New York City
and other places were not able to pay their checks
in currency, the Bank of Jamaica was well sup
plied, and no check was presented that did not
receive payment in cash. Even when the presi
dent of the bank, F. W. Dunton, was obliged to
suspend and made an arrangement without a
minute's notice to Mr. Wood, this did not affect
the stability of the institution, for the conserva
tive management protected it from misfortune.
When the new bank building, a fine three-
story brick structure, was erected at a cost of
$40,000, Mr. Wood had charge of the arrange
ments, and it is due him to say that in no town
of this size in the state could there be found a
bank building better arranged than this. During
the six years the bank has been in existence it has
earned, besides paying dividends, a large surplus,
and is one of the solid institutions of Long Island.
Interested with him in the management are John
H. Sutphin, president, and Abraham Van Siclen,
vice-president. In October, 1884, Mr. Wood married Miss
Grace Doughty, daughter of Nicholas Doughty,
of Queens. They have two children, Fred and

Margaret, the family making their home in the
village of Queens. Socially Mr. Wood is con
nected with the Masons and the Veterans' Social
Club. of Jamaica. In politics he is a stanch Re
publican. At one time he was a member of the
Twenty-third Regiment, New York National
Guard, at Brooklyn. He is interested in every
thing pertaining to the welfare of Long Island,
and believes that no spot in the world can com
pare with "Old Queens."

ELBERT VERITY. The name of this gen
tleman is a very familiar one in the busi
ness circles of Long Island, for he has
been engaged in various occupations here
throughout his life, and in each and every one
of them he was always to be relied upon. He is
now living in retirement from the active duties
of life in Freeport. At Seaford, Queens County,
he was born in 181 7, a son of Samuel and Abigail
(Hoff) Verity, both of whom were born pn Long
Island, where they spent their lives. The father
was a very successful and skillful wheelwright,
and at the same time was engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He was very unpretentious in all his
ways and after a quiet but useful life passed away
at the extreme old age of ninety-three years.
His wife's death occurred about twenty years
prior to his own, at which time she was sixty
years old.
The early educational advantages of Elbert
Verity were very limited indeed, for not only
were schools scarce and those few poorly con
ducted, but his opportunities for attending these
were quite limited. However, he obtained a fair
knowledge of the three R's, and this was greatly
increased in later years by reading in the rough
but thoroughly practical school of business life.
He became inured to hard work at an early age,
and after a time learned carriage-making, at
which he worked with his father for about five
years, and then alone for a like period. At the
end of this time he embarked in the general mer
cantile business at Seaford and followed this oc
cupation and millwrighting and carpentering un
til December, 1864, when he gave them all up and
went to Brooklyn, where he obtained a situation
in a lumber yard. Later the owner of this yard
died, and after managing the business for six
years Mr. Verity started in the same line for him
self. After following- this with marked success
until 1887, failing health caused him to dispose

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

231

of his stock, since which time he has lived retired.
In 1886 Mr. Verity took up his residence in
Freeport, and he and his worthy wife are spend
ing the twilight of life in comfort and happiness
at their beautiful home in this village. Mr. Verity
was first married in 1840 to Miss Mary S. Fleet,
who was born in Queens County, and was called
from this life in 1855. On the 18th of December,
1855, Mr. Verity was again married, his wife
being Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Edmondson) Hart,
daughter of Alexander Edmondson, a native of
Scotland, but who came to the state of New
York in early life. Mrs. Verity was born in Scot
land, and has borne her present husband three
children: Elberta, wife of M. H. Mullenneaux,
of Albany, N. Y.; Elbert W., of Freeport; and
William E., of Brooklyn. Mrs. Verity has one
son by her first husband, Alexander R. Hart, a
resident of Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Verity are
active members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and politically he has ever been iden
tified with the Republican party, but is rather
conservative in his political views. Although he
is seventy-nine years of age he is hale and healthy,
and looks many years younger than he really is,
which is without doubt the result of temperate
and prudent living, as well as due to the fact that
he inherited a sound constitution. His wife also
enjoys excellent health, and they are a very highly
respected old couple.

S TOWNSEND TITUS. The Titus fam
ily is very well known in Queens County,
• as ancestors of the present generation set
tled here about the middle of the seventeenth cen
tury. For over two hundred years, therefore,
they have been engaged in the upbuilding and
progress of the county and have literally helped
to change it from a wilderness to a garden spot.
The subject of this narrative, who is one of the
shrewd and representative business men of Glen
cove, is a member of the firm of Titus & Bowne,
dealers in lumber, coal and building material. He
was born here June 11, 1854, and is the son of
Samuel M. and Hannah E. (Willis) Titus, well
known among the substantial farmers of this sec
tion and whose complete history the reader will
find on another page of this volume.
After completing his studies in the public
schools of his native place, S. Townsend Titus
entered Swarthmore Cpllege and was present at

the dedicatory exercises of that institution. He
was a student there for two years and on his return
home he aided his father in carrying on the home
farm until 1880, when he embarked in the livery
business at Glencove. He bears an excellent rep
utation for strict veracity and upright conduct and
for six years conducted a thriving business alone.
At the end of that time he became associated with
Mr. Bowne and engaged in his present business.
The marriage of Mr. Titus with Miss Julia
Jackson occurred at Jamaica November 15, 1876.
Mrs. Titus was born and reared in the beautiful
little city of Jamaica and there obtained a splen
did education. Their union has resulted in the
birth of three children, bearing the respective
names of William W., Lewis H. and Etta Linda.
Mr. Titus is not a politician, if by that term
we mean an office-seeker, but the Republican
party always finds in him an able supporter, he
having voted for its candidates ever since casting
his first ballot for Hayes, in 1876. Socially he is
a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, in which
body he takes an active part. He is public spir
ited and in favor of everything which will pro
mote the. welfare of his fellow-citizens, and his
influence is always directed toward this end.

SAMUEL BLACKWELL TISDALE. This
progressive and useful citizen of Astoria,
L. I., passed to that bourne from which no
traveler returns January 12, 1893, and his death
was deeply deplored by all who knew him, either
personally or by reputation. He was born on
Washington Square, New York City, August 5,
1840, to James and Margaret A. (Blackwell) Tis
dale, the former of whom was a member of a
prominent old Massachusetts family, and was a
native of the city of Taunton. The Tisdales are
of English and Welsh extraction and the ances
tors of Mr. Tisdale were in the shipping business
on the Massachusetts coast.
In his early boyhood Samuel Blackwell Tis
dale was placed in the public schools of Astoria
under the guidance of Professor Mason, and later
completed his literary education in an academy
of Westchester County, N. Y., under Professor
Chisholm. Succeeding this he was clerk in a ship
ping office for some time, then filled a like posi
tion with a Wall Street firm, after which he
formed a partnership with Butler, Evans & Co.,
produce commission merchants of Pearl Street,

232

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with whom he remained associated for three
years. In 1876 this connection was dissolved,
after which he became his father's business asso
ciate in Astoria, and after the latter's death he
succeeded to the business, which had been estab
lished about 1853, on the site of the present busi
ness, at the corner of Boulevard and Fulton Ave
nue, back to the dock. This is the oldest coal
and lumber business in the place, and through
the upright and honorable business methods of its
proprietors has always been liberally patronized.
The death of Mr. Tisdale, which occurred in the
prime and vigor of his manhood, cut short a use
ful career and one well worthy the emulation of
the rising generation. He was of a quiet and
retiring disposition, content to pursue the even
tenor of his way without caring for or desiring
public preferment, although he was frequently
solicited to run for various official positions. Po
litically he was an independent Democrat, and
was an attendant of St. George's Episcopal
Church, of which Mrs. Tisdale is still a member.
The marriage of our subject and his wife resulted
in the birth of two children, Josiah B. and James,
who are still with their mother.
Mrs. Tisdale, formerly Miss Emma L. Black-
well, was born on Long Island, at the head of
Newtown Creek, and her marriage with Mr. Tis
dale was solemnized in St. George's Episcopal
Church, Astoria. Her father, Josiah Blackwell,
was a dry goods merchant of New York City,
but finally retired from active business pursuits
and after spending some years on Newtown
Creek located in Astoria, and here made his
home until his earthly career closed. His wife
was Miss Adelgeitha Vail, daughter of Thomas
and Maria (Lawrence) Vail.

ERNEST ANKENER, who for many years
has followed the profession of civil en
gineer, was until January 1, 1896, chief
engineer for the General Improvement Commis
sion of Long Island City. He was born in Carls-
ruhe, Baden, in 1847. After pursuing his studies
in the common schools of his native city he en
tered Theck University, from which he was grad
uated with honors. The year he attained his ma
jority Mr. Ankener embarked on a vessel which
landed him in due time in port at New York,
where he found no difficulty in obtaining work.
He was first engaged as draughtsman, making
maps of various kinds, and later entered the

office of Joseph H. Corpt, a well known architect,
working with him for some time.
Mr. Ankener was next made the assistant of
Mr. McLean, then city surveyor of New York,
and under his direction surveyed many of the
irregular blocks of the city. His work was at all
times most commendable and gave to his supe
riors entire satisfaction. In 1871 he located in
Long Island City, still, however, continuing his
business as civil engineer in the metropolis until
some time in 1872, when he was appointed on the
old survey commission of Long Island City for a
term of one year. At the expiration of that time
he was transferred to the First Ward Improve
ment Commission, serving with that from 1874
to 1881. During this period the locality which
is now the site of Hunter's Point was filled up,
sewers laid and bridges erected. Mr. Ankener
was first assistant engineer and draughtsman for
the first few years, when he was placed in charge
of the work and remained as chief engineer until
the town was laid out and the various improve
ments completed.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Ankener was one of the men in
charge of the draughtsmen when the work on
the bridge across East River was begun, superin
tending this department under Assistant Engineer
George W. McNulty. On the completion of this
structure our subject, in company with Messrs.
McNulty and Buck, was engaged in designing
bridge work in general, and in this branch was
remarkably successful. Mr. Ankener spent one
winter as teacher in mechanical drawing for the
board of public instruction, after which, passing
the civil service examination, he was appointed
topographical draughtsman in the park depart
ment of New York in the annexed district. After
a service of some eighteen months he obtained a
leave of absence and took charge of the improve
ment of Bowery Bay Beach for Steinway, plan
ning the work himself and giving his personal at
tention to its execution. This occupied about a
year, and when Mr. Ankener returned to the park
department it was to offer his resignation. This
being accepted he then became assistant engineer
on the board of electrical control of New York,
holding this position for about five years.
This brings us to 1893, when the improvement
in Long Island City first began. Mr. Ankener
was then appointed chief engineer of the Im
provement Commission, which position he con
tinued to hold until January 1, 1896. He prose
cuted the work of the company in a very thorough

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

233

manner and under his able management three
large sewers were built; Broadway, Prospect,
Hopkins, Henry, and Harmon Streets were
paved; the vicinity around the city hall greatly
improved by the laying of asphalt pavement, and
the value of property throughout the city greatly
enhanced. Mr. Ankener is a man of fine execu
tive and business ability, as has been manifested
in the work which he has accomplished since
coming to America, and those who are most in
terested in the work of improving this section
know that they may uniformly rely upon his in
tegrity and good judgment.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Fred-
ricka Reuter occurred in New York City in 1870.
This lady was born in Ostfriesland, Germany,
in 1844. She became the mother of eight chil
dren, and remained the loving companion and
helpmate of her husband until 1894, when she
was called to the land beyond. The children are
all living and at home with their father.
Mr. Ankener is a stanch supporter of Demo
cratic principles, and during the administration
of Mayor Petry was civil service examiner. He
belongs to the Austrian Society of Civil Engin
eers and Architects of Vienna and is also a mem
ber of the Technical Society of New York. He
is a talented musician and takes great pleasure

Leopold Bleier, a native of Vienna, Austria, who,
under the instruction of his father, gained a thor
ough knowledge of the manufacture of yeast, and
followed that occupation in his native land. After
his marriage to Josephine Fleischmann he came
to New York some time during the '50s, arriving
in the city without a dollar in his possession.
Poverty, however, had no terrors for him, as he
was young, energetic and ambitious. His ability
in his chosen occupation soon became apparent
and he was recognized as an expert in yeast mak
ing and distilling. Instituting headquarters in
New York, he traveled throughout the North and
West giving necessary pointers and instructions
to agents. As soon as he had the business
started his brothers-in-law, Messrs. Fleischmann,
joined him, and together they laid the foundation
of the concern now known all over the country.
After establishing works at Cincinnati the firm
soon opened a factory in Blissville, Long Island
City, on Newtown Creek, and since that time
1870, they have built up a very large trade. They
occupy about four acres, on which are located the
necessary buildings for the proper management
of the business. The firm was first known as
Bleier, Fleischmann & Co., later was incorpo
rated under the name of Fleischmann & Co.
About the time of the incorporation Mr. Bleier,

in meeting with the Frohsinn Singing Society,, owing to ill health, retired from active connec
also the Eichenkranz Singing Society of New

York. In religious matters he still clings to the
faith of his ancestors and is a member of the
Society of Friends. He is a Mason of good stand
ing and meets with Advance Lodge No. 635, of
Astoria, with which he is connected.

BEN BLEIER. The student of human
progress, and the youth who seeks, in the
struggle for success, an example worthy
of his emulation, will find in the career of Ben
Bleier one more proof that the road to prosperity
is a plain and narrow path, which lies open to
almost every ambitious man. Inheriting from
his ancestors an indomitable will and untiring en
ergy, with his active brain and the ambition of
youth he has gained a fortune and an enviable
reputation in business circles. Though his resi-
New York, much of his time is spent

tion with the firm, although he is still a silent
partner. The first president of the company,
Maximilian Fleischmann, died on the steamer
"Columbia" in Ocean Bay, and the president at
this writing is Charles F., brother of Maximilian.
The senior Mr. Bleier makes his home at No.
40 East Twenty-second Street, where he is sur
rounded by all the comforts that can enhance
the happiness of life, and while he is not now
actively engaged in business, yet it requires a con
siderable portion of his time to look after his
large property and monetary interests. Socially
he is a Master Mason, prominent in the order.
The mother of our subject was born in Austria,
where her father, A. N. Fleischmann, was a yeast
manufacturer. During his residence in that coun
try he served in the Austrian army. When ad
vanced in years he came to the United States,
where he remained until his death. In the family
of Leopold and Josephine Bleier there are three

ffiLong Tsland Cit7, wherThe is manager of the children, namely : Herman who is the manager
111 __ung ;' of Fleischmann & Co.'s works in Cincinnati; Ben;
Cbirth o ,Mr. B.dertook place ,„ Canajo- and Helen, wife „. T. G. Stent, ol New York. The
harie, N. Y„ October 8, i860. He is the son ol subject oi this notice was educated .n the gram-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

234mar schools of New York and Hoboken Acad
emy. About 1875 he commenced to learn the
business under his father, and soon became a
practical yeast maker and distiller. He had charge
of different departments until 1891, when he was
made manager of the works at Long Island City.
This is the company's largest factory, having a
capacity of two thousand bushels per day and
furnishing employment to about two hundred
and thirty hands. Grain is brought direct from
the West, and to assist in the work they have a
large grain elevator, also a coal elevator and a
switch from the Long Island Railroad. Die busi
ness has been so systematized that the yeast is
delivered fresh every day in every city and village
of the United States and Canada; and in addition
to the factory here, there are works in Buffalo,
N. Y., East Millstone, N. J., and Cincinnati, Ohio.
In New York Mr. Bleier married Miss Johanna,
daughter of Mrs. L. W. Stecker, of Hamburg,
where she was born. They and their children,
Maude J., Francis H. and Leopold W., make their
home at No. 141 West Eighty-first Street, New
York. In business Mr. Bleier is progressive,
wide-awake and thoroughgoing. His tact is pro
nounced and the success of the works at Long
Island City is largely due to his instrumentality.
He is one of the most genial and affable of men
and deserves every measure of the good fortune
to which he has attained.

FREDERICK BOWLEY. Enterprising
measures and progressive methods are
business requirements of the nineteenth
century, and few of the younger men engaged
in active enterprises have shown these qualifica
tions in a more marked degree than Mr. Bowley,
wholesale and retail butcher at Nos. 200, 202 and
204 Main Street, Long Island City. He is the
owner of the largest, finest and most complete
meat market in Queens County, and his refrig
erators, one of which is always kept below zero,
are filled with ice of his own manufacturing, he
being the owner of an ice plant.
Mr. Bowley is a native of New York City, born
in the year 1853, and is the son of Jacob F and
Rosanna (Drexzel) Bowley, the former a native
of Stuttgart, Germany, and the latter of Austria.
The grandfather was a prominent farmer of Ger
many and our subject was named after him.
Jacob F. Bowley was with Kossuth in the war
in Germany in 1849, and the same year came

here as an exile with him. For many years he
resided in New York City, but spent the closing
scenes of his life with our subject, dying March,
1 89 1. Mrs. Bowley now makes her home in
Poughkeepsie. Of the four children born to this
estimable couple our subject is the eldest in order
of birth. The others are : George, who conducts
a meat market in Astoria; Edward, a barber in
New York City, and Mrs. J. Schleth.
Frederick Bowley received good educational
advantages up to the age of twelve years, attend
ing the grammar schools of New York City, but
at that age was bound out for five years to learn
the butcher's trade and soon became familiar with
every detail of the business. He then went West
for one year and worked at his trade in Illinois,
Iowa, Michigan, Kansas and Nebraska, but sub
sequently returned to New York City, where he
continued his business for a year, being in the
employ of a Mr. Korb. After that he started out
in business for himself, but owing to too much
credit succumbed to the panic of 1873.
Following this Mr. Bowley entered the employ
of Richard Webber, of the Harlem Packing
House, the largest industry of the kind in the
world, and continued with him for seven years.
He first received $10 per week, but subsequently,
becoming buyer and manager, received $50 per
week and expenses. Having saved up consid
erable means, by 1882 he branched out in busi
ness for himself again in One Hundred and Thir
teenth Street, New York City, and carried on a
retail meat market there until 1887. Then pur
chasing a lot in Astoria, Long Island City, he
started a branch store and conducted both the
New York City market as well as the one in
Astoria until 1888, when he sold out the former.
He is now the owner of five lots in Astoria and
four good business houses. His market is 75x109
feet, with an L 50x75 feet. Two of his three
stores are for retail business and No. 204 for
wholesale purposes. Mr. Bowley also has two
branch stores, one at Jamaica Avenue and Win-
ans Street, and the other at the corner of Free
man Avenue and Radde Street. Besides these
he has a branch at Flushing, where he does a
wholesale and retail business.
Mr. Bowley's refrigerators, five in number, are
of these dimensions: First, 25x65 feet; second,
15x17 feet; third, 13x16, for smoked meat; fourth,
5x12, order box, and fifth, 4x12, for pickled meat
and poultry. He receives his water supply from
three artesian wells and a large cistern, supplies

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

235

his own electric light and manufactures his own
ice. He has twenty wagons out in the city, em
ploys fifty hands, and is doing an astonishing
amount of business. Orders are called for and
delivered promptly, and to every order the most
careful attention is given by courteous and ex
perienced assistants, while the most moderate
prices prevail. Mr. Bowley is a great lover of
horseflesh and is the owner of "Dandy," whose
record is 2:37, and "May H." 2:15.
Mr. Bowley resides above his store, and his
home is kept in admirable condition by his esti
mable wife, formerly Miss Annie Poies, who was
born in New York City, and who is of Holland-
Dutch extraction. They have no children living,
but adopted and reared three children. Mr. and
Mrs. Bowley are both very liberal and generous.
In 1893 the former used every endeavor to se
cure the assistance of two or three leading busi
ness men, with himself, in renting a place of the
city, and he agreed to stock the place with meat
for the poor of the city. He could not get them
interested, however, and he and Mrs. Bowley
donated $1,000 to the poor and distributed tick
ets to clergymen of all denominations to give to
all deserving people five hundred loaves of bread
every other day and two pounds of meat to each,
this good work to be carried on from the 1st of
November to the 1 st of April.
Mr. Bowley was recently elected alderman at
large of the second district on the Jefferson
Democrat ticket, and is also a member of the
General Improvement Commission. He has
never affiliated with any particular party and
is independent in his political views. Socially he
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also
an honorary member of the Queens County Ath
letic Club.

He died at the age of forty-two years, after which
his widow and four children (two of whom lived
to grow up) came to America. Mrs. Bogen, who
has passed her eighty-third milestone, but is yet
hale and hearty, makes her home in Brooklyn
with her son Fred.
In his native land Fred Bogen attended the
public schools until fourteen, when he was ap
prenticed to learn the barber's trade. After com
pleting the trade he worked at it until he entered
the German army in 1864, being a member of
Company 9, Third Battalion. He was in the
Austro-Prussian War in 1866 and was in the
battles of Kissingen and Carlten Nordtheim,
after which he worked at his trade for one year.
May 18, 1867, he landed in New York from the
steamer "Atlanta"' and at once opened a barber
shop there, but continued it but a short time
when he went to Freehold, N. J., where nine
months were spent. The following year was spent
in New York and Brooklyn, and in the former
city he was married on the 23d of February, 1869,
to Miss Margareta Gerhart, also a native of Ger
many. Soon after this Mr. Bogen took up his
abode on Franklin Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn,
and worked at his trade for five years, the follow
ing six years being spent as a liquor dealer. Au
gust 20, 1880, he came to Blissville, Long Island
City, and became the proprietor of a grocery, hay
and feed store, at the corner of Greenpoint and
Star Avenues, and was very successfully engaged
in business at that place up to 1890, when he sold
out his stock, leased his houses and retired to his
beautiful residence, No. 138 Newell Street, Brook
lyn. He still owns valuable property in Long
Island City: the residence at No. 108 Star Ave
nue, a three story double house, each with a
twenty-five foot frontage, the residence at No.
101 Pearsall Street, and three large store build-

FREDERICK BOGEN belongs to a class
familiar to us as self-made men. He is not
indebted to fortuitous circumstances for
the success which has come to him, no legacies
have descended to him and no accidents have be
friended him. His watchword, work, has been
the secret of his success and it stands for a long
road and one hard to travel, but he traversed it
boldly and perseveringly in his youth and early
manhood with good results. Mr. Bogen was
born in Rheinpfalz, Germany, May 22, 1842, a
son of Ludwig and Eleanora (Hess) Bogen, also
natives of Rheinpfalz, the former a baker by trade.

ings.

Mr. Bogen's family consists of three children:
Fred, Jr., who is in business in Greenpoint, Brook
lyn; Eliza, Mrs. Klabaur, of Greenpoint; and
Henry, who is attending Bryant & Stratton's
Business College. Mr. Bogen has always been
a Republican, and is usually a delegate to that
party's conventions. He is past conductor of
Herder Lodge, F. & A. M., of Greenpoint, and
for twenty-three years has been a member of Mt.
Ararat Lodge, I. O. O. F., of the same place. He
also belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen of Greenpoint, and has been its treas
urer ever since he joined it, five years ago. He

236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

is a member of the Beethoven Leiderkranz Mu
sical Society and the Germania Benevolent So
ciety. He is treasurer of the Lincoln Club, of
Long Island City, purchased the house for the
club and is one of its charter members. He and
his family are attendants of the German Lutheran
Church of Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, proprietor of
Ft. Andersen, North Beach, and deputy
sheriff of Queens County, was born in
Flensburg, Denmark, October 19, 1842, and was
a member of a family consisting of eight children,
of whom four are living. His parents were An
drew J. and Marie (Johansen) Andersen, the for
mer a Dane by birth, and for twenty-five years
the incumbent of an office the equivalent of that
of constable in the United States. He spent his
entire life in his native land, where he died about
1863. The first fourteen years of our subject's life
were passed beneath the parental roof and in at
tendance at the Danish schools. In 1856 he took
passage on a sailing vessel for New York City,
where he arrived after a voyage of sixty-eight
days. Though he had but $3 in his pocket, he
paid all liabilities the Saturday following his ar
rival. Without any loss of time he secured em
ployment at the trade of a cigarmaker, at which
he had served a short apprenticeship prior to
coming to America. At this trade he worked
about eleven years, and in 1867 he embarked in
the cigar business for himself, opening a store
on Third Avenue. Three years later he removed
to the corner of Fifty-ninth Street and Third Ave
nue, and after two years in that location, in 1872
he moved his store to Astoria, where he was
successfully engaged until 1876. He then opened
a public house, which he conducted until 1879,
and during that year he removed to the White
House, which was later named Andersen Square
by the board of aldermen, through the courtesy
of Patrick J. Gleason, mayor of Long Island City.
Disposing of his interests there in 1889, Mr.
Andersen came to North Beach and established
his present business. During the intervening
years Ft. Andersen has become one of the popu
lar resorts for picnic parties and those seeking
a pleasant day of recreation during the summer
months. In 1867 our subject married Miss Julia
S. Mueller, of New York City, and thirteen chil
dren were born of their union, of whom the fol

lowing survive: Andrew J., who is married, has
one child, and is a practicing physician of Long
Island City; Christian J., who is married and has
one child, and is at this writing a student in a
law school in New York City; Amiel J., who is
married, and assists his father in the manage
ment of his business; Marie, wife of Carl Klein,
a machinist of Brooklyn; Sophia and Lottie, who
are with their parents.
In 1872 Mr. Andersen was the nominee, on
the Republican ticket, for the office of alderman
of the nineteenth ward, but was defeated by
Christian Schwartz. In 1878 he was appointed
deputy sheriff under Alonzo B. Wright and has
served in that capacity continuously since that
time. Socially he has been a Mason since 1872,
and in 1876 built the Advance Lodge, No. 635,
building of Long Island City, of which his son
Andrew is the present master. He has always
supported public enterprises and takes a warm
interest in all municipal affairs.

ACONROY HAYNES. Probably no bus
iness man in Far Rockaway is more
• shrewd, careful and persistent in his un
dertakings than Mr. Haynes, who is a member
of the firm of Haynes Brothers, and the sole man
ager of the business since the death of his brother.
In this village he is known and honored as a
capable and efficient young man, and the success
which so early in life has crowned his efforts
proves the possession on his part of superior
intelligence and ability. The business was estab
lished here by L. W. Gullager in 1892, and was
purchased in June, 1893, by William P. Haynes,
our subject being taken in as partner in February,
1894. The senior member of the firm died Sep
tember 21, 1895, since which time his brother,
our subject, has controlled the business, which
is still carried on under the name of Haynes
Brothers. The father of our subject, Edgar J. Haynes,
formerly of Brooklyn, but now connected with the
United States sub-treasury in New York, mar
ried Julia F. Cooney, of Albany, and they became
the parents of five sons and four daughters, of
whom six are now living. They are named as fol
lows: George P., clerk in the Continental Bank of
New York; Edgar J., Jr., a special agent of the
Springfield Fire Insurance Company of Massa
chusetts; A. Conroy; Mary E., wife of Gilbert

JOHN J, RANDALL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

239

C. Bedau, of Brooklyn; Agnes and Grace Fran
ces, who are at home.
The birth of our subject took place in Jersey
City, August 12, 1870. In 1873 the family re
moved to Washington, D. C, where the father
was connected with the United States Treasury
Department from 1872 until 1876. Returning to
Brooklyn in the latter year, the son was given
a public school education in that city, attending
School No. 35. His first position was in the post-
office at Far Rockaway, where he was employed
by Mr. Jennings about two years. Later for three
years he was with Andrew McTigue, one of the
prominent real-estate men here. Meanwhile he
had formed a large acquaintance and had also
become familiar with the business, two things
which were helpful to him afterward when start
ing out for himself. Two years were spent as
coupon clerk in the Continental National Bank of
New York, where he gained a reputation as an
excellent clerk. However, the illness of his broth
er, who was engaged in the real-estate business at
Far Rockaway, changed his plans and caused him
to return here, where he has since remained. He
seems to have a natural adaptability for the real
estate business, and being familiar with values, he
is frequently called upon for the appraisal of prop
erty, as his judgment is considered sound. In
addition to his regular work, he has the agency for
several properties here and carries on a good
insurance business, also has been of much assist
ance to those needing clerical work, which they
were unable to do themselves. In his political
opinions he was reared in a stanch faith of Re
publican doctrines and supports that party with
loyalty.

JOHN J. RANDALL. Classed among the
prominent and highly honored citizens of
Freeport, L. I., stands the name of John J.
Randall, whose record for honesty and upright
ness stands second to none. He was born in Suf
folk County in 1845, a son of Jehial W. and
Marietta (Morehouse) Randall. The father was
also a native of Suffolk County, and spent his
entire life there. A public spirited and thorough
going citizen, he gave his hearty support to all
worthy enterprises. He held a number of local
positions, discharged the duties most efficiently,
and was highly respected by all who knew him.
His wife, who was born in Fairfield, Conn., is
7

still living, although she has reached the vener
able age of four score and two years.
John J. Randall had the advantages of the dis
trict schools during his youth and subsequently
attended school for a time at Port Jefferson, L. I.
He grew up on the farm of his father and when
sixteen years old went to sea, making several
trips. Not liking the "life on the ocean wave"
he returned home and began learning the car
penter's trade, and after completing it engaged
in business with his brother in Brooklyn. They
followed building for ten years and then, on ac
count of failing health, John J. sold his interest
in the business and purchased a farm in Suffolk
County. After tilling the soil for about four
years he returned to Brooklyn and embarked in
building and selling, meeting with unusual suc
cess. Later he took in as partner W. G. Miller
and the firm, which became Randall & Miller, is
still doing business in Brooklyn.
In 1885 Mr. Randall came to Freeport, and
came and went daily from Brooklyn for eight
years. For the past two years he has been quite
btisy with affairs at Freeport. He has bought
and built some of the handsomest buildings in this
section and is a popular and influential business
man. He is president of and a large owner in
the Freeport Land Company, and he and his part
ner have about five hundred acres here and much
other land besides. Mr. Randall is now com
pleting a very fine residence for himself in Ran
dall Park and this, when completed, will contain
all the modern improvements up to date.
Mr. Randall selected his life companion in the
person of Miss Sarah J. Davis of Port Jefferson,
L. I. She died about ten years after their mar
riage, leaving one son, Ernest S., who is a grad
uate of Columbia College and now a successful
architect. In 1880 Mr. Randall was again mar
ried, his second wife being Miss Mary F. Over
ton, daughter of Hampton Overton of Suffolk
County. They have two children, Lena F. and
J. J., Jr. The parents are members of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church and Mr. Randall was very
instrumental in the founding of the church at
Freeport. It now has three hundred members
and a Sabbath-school of five hundred. In poli
tics Mr. Randall is a stanch supporter of Repub
lican principles and has abiding faith in his party.
Our subject was one of the founders of the
Freeport Bank, of which he has been president
since its organization. He was instrumental in
the building up of the school, of which the citi-

240

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL- RECORD.

zens of Freeport are so justly proud, and takes a
deep interest in every movement of importance.
Randall & Miller are now building a canal three-
quarters of a mile in length from the mainland
to the bay, and this will be of much benefit to
the city. Mr. Randall is a very progressive citi
zen and no one has done more for Freeport, per
haps, in the short time he has been here, than he.

JOSEPH H. BURTIS, a retired farmer liv
ing in Hempstead, was born July 15, 1846,
at the inn kept by his father at Grassy Pond,
town of Hempstead, and was one of thirteen chil
dren, nine of whom are now living. His parents
were James and Hannah (Combes) Burtis, the
former of whom was a son of an extensive land
owner of Valley Stream, where he made his home
until his death in February, 1896, when eighty-
six years of age. In his younger years he took
an active part in public affairs and held a number
of local positions of trust and honor.
During his boyhood days our subject attended
school three months of each year, while the re
mainder of the time was devoted to work on the
home farm. He assisted his father until he was
twenty-one, when he took a position with a whole
sale house in Franklin Street, New York. For
sixteen years he made his home in that city, and
during five years of this time was in the employ
of others, but in 1873 established a milk business,
which he conducted for ten years. In 1883 he
closed out the business and moving to Valley
Stream took charge of the farm owned by his
father-in-law, George Watts, where he remained
one and one-half years. He then bought a valu
able farm at Norwood, where he resided, engaged
in its cultivation, until 1895, and since that time
has made his home in Hempstead, where he owns
a comfortable residence. In addition to this prop
erty, he still owns his farm at Norwood and an
other farm near Munson.
In April, 1875, Mr. Burtis married Deborah,
daughter of George and Priscilla (Fowler) Watts.
Politically he is a Republican, but has never man
ifested a narrow-minded spirit, conceding rather
to others the same freedom of thought he de
mands for himself. In 1891 he was nominated,
on his party ticket, for the position of overseer
of the poor for the town of Hempstead, but failed
to secure the election owing to the Democratic
majority. With his wife he holds membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Hemp

stead, and during most of his life has been an
officer, having served at different times as stew
ard, superintendent of the Sunday-school and
treasurer. While a resident of the city he was
an active member of the Young Men's Christian
Association on Twenty-third Street. For a num
ber of years he has been associated with the Odd
Fellows and has filled all the chairs in Hempstead
Lodge, No. 141, being now past grand. It is
fitting that after years of active labor he should
now retire to spend his declining years in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his toil, surrounded on
every hand by the evidences of esteem on the
part of his acquaintances.

GEORGE C. ANDREWS. There is no
more important industry in a flourishing
city or one in which its exponents are in
greater demand than the builder and contractor.
The name of Andrews has long been actively and
prominently identified with the building up of
Long Island City, and the erection of many of
her largest and finest residences, for not only is
George C. Andrews one of the prominent build
ers and contractors of the place, but his father,
Thomas Andrews, was also a most successful
contractor there for many years. The latter was
a native of Oyster Bay, L. I., and of English de
scent. During his youth he learned carpenter
ing, and in 1853 came to Ravenswood, Long Is
land City, and followed his trade here until his
death in May, 1892, when seventy-one years old.
He had charge of the building of Bodine Castle
and many other prominent buildings. He mar
ried Miss Fanny L'Hommedieu, a native of
Smithtown, Suffolk County, and of French origin.
She is still living and finds a comfortable and
pleasant home with her children, four in num
ber, but only two now residents of Long Island
City. The subject of this notice, the youngest of the
above mentioned family, was born in Ravens
wood, Long Island City, in 1854, and secured a
good practical education in the second and first
ward schools. From early boyhood he worked
at the carpenter trade under his father, and when
fifteen years old he was foreman on jobs. He
continued with his father until 1880, when he be
came his partner, and they continued in business
together until the death of the father, since which
time George C. has carried on the business alone.
Many of the strongest, best built structures in the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

241

city are the monuments of his handiwork, and
he has erected residences by the score.
Mr. Andrews selected his life companion in
Miss Mary McPhail, a native of Canada, and
daughter of William McPhail, who was a con
tractor, house painter and decorator. Their union
was celebrated in Long Island City, and has re
sulted in the birth of two children, Florence E.
and Lillie May. Mr. Andrews always discharges
his obligations according to his promises and has
consequently gained a front place in the rank of
contractors and builders, as had his father before
him. The latter was one of the first contractors
of Ravenswood and a man of unquestioned in
tegrity. Socially Mr. Andrews is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and po
litically he is a Democrat.

CAPT. JOSEPH BROWN, now deceased,
was formerly one of the best known resi
dents of Astoria, Long Island City, and
won his title during his long years of service as
one of the most noted wreckers on the New York
Bay. The Captain was born in Mystic, Conn.,
in 1825, and was the son of Joseph Brown, a na
tive of Fall River, Mass. He was the owner of
a ship yard at Mystic Bridge, where he made his
home for a number of years and then came with
his. family to New York, where his brother, Sim
eon Brown, was the first housemover. The pater
nal grandfather of our subject also bore the name
of Joseph. The maternal grandmother of our
subject married Col. Jesse Maynard, an officer in
the Revolutionary War. He participated in many
well known battles of that period, and while in the
fight at Stonington, Conn., was twice wounded.
Richard Brown, brother of our subject, was
captain of the crew on the yacht "America," which
won the cup from the English in 1851. Joseph
was three years of age when his parents removed
to New York, where many years of his life were
spent. At the early age of ten he went on board
his brother Richard's fishing smack and was en
gaged on the same for some time. For many
generations back various members of the Brown
family had been ship-builders, and when ready
to engage in business for himself our subject
adopted this vocation, becoming the proprietor
of what was known as Brown's ship yard on
Twelfth Street, New York City. He was an ex
pert builder and made his own models, from
which were made some of the finest yachts ever

set afloat in New York Harbor. Mr. Brown low
ered the yacht "America," which won the Queen's
cup, which we have mentioned above. He was
the owner of six pleasure boats at one time, four
of them bearing the respective names of "Chief,"
"Ciffie," "Mollie," and "Egeria."
In the year 1855 Captain Brown moved into the
pleasant home now occupied by his widow on
Brown's Point, which locality was named in their
honor. For a period of twenty-five years our sub
ject was wreckmaster, being first appointed by
Governor Morgan. During this time, before
Hell Gate was removed, he saved from utter de
struction three hundred and eighty-four vessels,
and was the means of rescuing thousands of men,
women and children from watery graves. He
had a large force of men under him and "it was
often necessary to have three crews at work tak
ing the vessels from the rocks. Ofttimes the ships
were damaged to such an extent as to be useless
to the company who owned them and the Cap
tain would then buy them and sell all the machin
ery and materials which could be at all utilized,
and in this manner made considerable money.
He was a true sportsman and sailed four races
with the yacht "Fannie," which he built, and
which won on every occasion.
The marriage of Captain Brown and Miss Cath
erine Wood occurred in Brooklyn in 1846. Mrs.
Brown, who was born on Staten Island, was the
fifth generation born in one house. She was the
daughter of Samuel Wood, a blacksmith and
wheelwright by occupation, who was engaged as
a custom house quarantine officer for sixteen
years. Grandfather Samuel Wood, who followed
milling during the greater part of his life, was of
English descent and during the Revolutionary
War served as a soldier in the ranks. He mar
ried a Miss Nellie Barton, a native of France.
Mrs. Brown's mother prior to her marriage was
Aletta Burbank, a native of Staten Island, and
the daughter of Jacob Burbank, a farmer by oc
cupation. This lady lived to be eighty years of
age, as did also her husband. They were the par
ents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Brown was
the oldest. She passed the first nineteen years
of her life on Staten Island, and then removed
to Brooklyn, which city was her home for five
years. She is now residing in her pleasant home
on Brown's Point, where she has resided for for
ty years. Of her five children we make the fol
lowing mention: William resides in Brooklyn
and is captain on one of the vessels plying East

242

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

River; Elizabeth is Mrs. Zimmerman, of Brown's
Point; Joseph is a policeman of Long Island City;
Thomas is engaged as an engineer, also in the
above city ; Richard is captain on the East River
ferry at Ninety-second Street. He was made
pilot on one of the ferries when twenty-one years
of age, and has been with one concern ever since.
In his business dealings Captain Brown's career
was marked with honor and integrity to the high
est degree and the success which he achieved was
due to those qualities, united with good financial
management. He departed this life in January,
1888, firm in the faith of tlie Baptist Church, of
which he had been a member for many years.

BENJAMIN ZINSER BOYD. When the
biographer attempts to chronicle events in
the lives of those who are just starting out
in prosperous careers, and who, in the prime of
life may justly look forward to golden honors in
future years, he finds the privilege a pleasant,
though by no means an easy one. Indeed, he
can do little more than briefly sketch the events
which have so marked the. life of the subject as
to individualize it from the career of others, and
leave all else to the future historian.
Mr. Boyd, who is foreman of Engine No. 5,
has the distinction of being the youngest foreman
on the paid fire department of Long Island City.
He was born in New York City December 13,
1867, being a son of Albert L. Boyd, who for
eighteen years had a hat store in the Coleman
House, New York City, but from there removed
to Long Island City, where for some time he was
deputy in the office of the city treasurer. In
April, 1895, he resigned that position and has
since lived in retirement, though he still owns and
gives some attention to the management of a hat
store on Broadway, Long Island City. He is an
expert accountant, rapid and accurate in such
transactions. His father, Benjamin Boyd, a na
tive of Lorraine, France, accompanied his par
ents to America in boyhood and settled in New
York City, where he had a barber shop on
Eighth Avenue, near Eighteenth Street. On re
tiring from business he cam'e to Long Island City,
where he now resides on Broadway.
The mother of our subject, Caroline, was born
in New York City, and was a daughter of Ben
jamin Zinser, a native of Alsace, who, coming to
New York in boyhood, held a position as inter
preter at Castle Garden. His home is now in Long

Island City, where he is known as a linguist of
ability. Benjamin Z. and his sister, Magdalene,
are the only children of their parents. The for
mer was brought to Long Island City by his par
ents at the age of six years and gained a good
education in the fourth ward school. For three.
years he served an apprenticeship to the trade of
an awning maker, after which he clerked for
Stern Brothers of New York for a year, and was,
then with J. & C. Johnson for two years, later
with Ehrich.
February 29, 1892, Mr. Boyd was apppinted
fireman on the paid department. He was first
assigned to duty at the first ward house, but in
April of the same year Was transferred to Astoria
Engine Company No. 4, where he remained until
December 8, 1894. The Steinway engine house
No. 5 having been completed, he was appointed
foreman of Engine Company No. 5, in which ca
pacity he has since served. On Sunday, February
25, 1894, in a fire on Vernon Avenue, he was
caught by falling walls from the upper floor of a
house and was covered by the debris. It was
necessary to dig down beneath the brick to ex
tricate him from his perilous position, and when
taken out he was unconscious and badly bruised*
He was at once taken to St. John's Hospital,
where his limb was placed in a plaster paris cast.
After about six weeks he recovered sufficiently
to resume work, though he still feels the effects
of the injury.
At the age of eighteen Mr. Boyd became con
nected with Protection Engine Company No. 2,
with which he was identified until it was dis
banded, He was a charter member of Long Is
land City Council, No. 17, O. A. F., and was its
first delegate to a convention, representing it at
Weedsport, N. Y., in 1894. He is also a member
of the Veteran Firemen's Association. In politics
he believes that the principles of the Democratic
party are best adapted to the interests of the peo
ple and hence invariably casts his ballot for the
candidates who, if elected, will uphold those prin
ciples.

IW

YRON C. COMBS, the well-known un
dertaker and funeral director of Inwood,
is a member of a family that was repre
sented among the early settlers of this section
and that has always been characterized by hon
esty, fidelity, patriotism and energy on the part of
its representatives. He is a son of Gilbert D. and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

243

Margaret (Watts) Combs, natives respectively of
Inwood and Valley Stream, of whom the former,
an oyster planter by occupation, is now living re
tired from active business. There were two sons
and two daughters in the family, of whom the
three survivors, Leonard, Myron C. and Electa,
all reside in this village.
Born here December 15, 1855, the subject of
this notice received a common school education.
At the age of seventeen he went to Bayshore to
learn the trade of a blacksmith and remained there
nearly three years, after which he returned to In
wood and established a shop of his own. He con
tinued in that business until 1888, and being fru
gal and industrious, able and competent, he ac
cumulated considerable property. His kind, sym
pathetic disposition, and his recognized efficiency,
caused his services to be put into requisition fre
quently in the laying out of the dead and similar
work. The undertaker of this section leaving the
field, and there being no one in that business from
Rockaway Beach to Hewlett, he thought it a fa
vorable opening for himself, and accordingly
turned his attention to the undertaking business.
Desiring to know everything in connection with
the work, he studied at the United States College
of Embalming, New York, from which he grad
uated December 11, 1891. He also graduated
from the renowned and special Embalming Col
lege of Prof. F. A. Sullivan, of Hartford, who for
a time had a school in New York City. Thus he
was fully prepared in every detail for his chosen
work, to which he brought not only natural adap
tation but also thorough knowledge.
Though not a politician, Mr. Combs is a stanch
Republican, and takes an interest in party matters.
He is now serving his second year as Coroner,
and has the distinction of being the only Repub
lican ever elected here, his popularity being
evinced by the fact that he received a large major
ity. Socially he belongs to Hempstead Lodge No.
63, F. & A. M., of which he is master; Seaside
Lodge No. 260, I. O. O. F., at Inwood, of which
he is past grand; Court Westville No. 7616, An
cient Order of Foresters of America; Ancient Or
der of United Workmen, Royal Arcanum and
Good Templars. At the organization of the Meth
odist Protestant Church he was chosen trustee and
has since held that office, being the present treas
urer of the board of stewards and assistant class
leader; at one time he was assistant superintend
ent of the Sunday-school. To his instrumentality
was largely due the erection of the neat and com

modious house of worship. He married Miss
Maggie Soper, a native of Barnegat, N. J., and
they have three children, Clara, Samantha and
Gilbert. The building occupied by Mr. Combs is the best
in the village and proves his ability as an architect
and designer. The third story is fitted up for a
lodge room and provided with every convenience
for its intended use. From the roof of the build
ing may be obtained a fine view of the surround
ing country and at night the lights on the Brook
lyn bridge may be distinctly seen. His residence,
which adjoins his store, is a neat dwelling, repre
senting his own work in construction. In his barn
he has good horses and vehicles of every kind,
suited for the proper management of his business,
while in his office he has a long distance tele
phone for the accommodation of those who may
wish his services.

CHARLES T DUFFY. As a young man
whose reputation is firmly established and
whose ability places him in the front rank
of lawyers of Long Island City may be men
tioned Judge Charles T. Duffy. He has fought
his own way in life, no doubt inheriting his ener
gy and ambition from his Irish ancestors. His
father, Michael Duffy, was born in Dublin, Ire
land, and came to the United States when a young
man, representing his father, who was a manu
facturer of calicoes in Dublin. His first location
was in Canal Street, but after five years he be
came a reporter for a paper in New Orleans, La.,
remaining there until a few years before the war.
Going to New York City, he was European buy
er for A. T. Stewart & Co. from 1856 to 1877, and
afterward was with other firms until 1880, when
he retired from the active duties of life. His
death occurred in 1892, when seventy-eight years
old. From about 1887 he made his home with
our subject in Long Island City.
The mother of our subject, who bore the maid
en name of Maria Keon, was born in Ireland, but
received her education in a female seminary in
England. She came to the United States as a
governess and taught music for some time prior
to her marriage. She finds a comfortable and
pleasant home with her son, Charles T., and con
tinued teaching until about 1894. Our subject,
who was the only child born to his parents, was
reared in New York, graduating from the schools
of that city. For two years he was a student in

244

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the College of the City of New York. When
eighteen he left the school room to engage in
business in New York City, securing a position
with Lord & Taylor, with whom he remained in
different capacities until twenty-one years old.
He then entered the law department of the Uni
versity of New York, graduating with the degree
of LL. B. After that he clerked in the law office
of Maloy & Forrest and was managing clerk until
1886. Immediately afterwards he started out in
business for himself, and in connection with his
law practice actively engaged in the shoe and
leather business at No. 271 Broadway, New York
City. In 1885 Mr. Duffy located in Long Island City,
and has made his home here since. He was mar
ried in this city to Miss Ella Keon, and they have
two interesting children, Arthur and Ferdinand.
In January, 1893, Mr. Duffy was appointed attor
ney to the Board of Health and held that position
until elected judge in the fall of that year. He
was on the Jefferson Democratic ticket with
Judge Ingram, who was a Republican, and they
were elected by a majority of sixteen hundred.
On the 1st of January, 1894, Mr. Duffy resigned
his position as attorney of the Board of Health
and is now actively engaged in the practice of
his profession. He is an active Democrat and
has been president of the Jefferson Club for the
last two years. Mr. Duffy was also president of
Ravenswood Boat Club for three years, and still
takes an active interest in making it a success.

M1

RS. ZACHARIAH PHILIP DENN-
LER, the widow of Dr. Z. P. Dennler, is
possessed of more than ordinary intelli
gence, push and enterprise, and is well known for
the interest she has always taken in church work.
Dr. Dennler was born in Lyons, Wayne County,
N. Y., September 9, 1838, a son of Philip Henry
Dennler, A. M., D. D., a native of Alsace, France
(now a province of Germany), and a member of
a noble family of that name. Being a man of
strong Republican views and very outspoken, he
became unpopular in his own land and was com
pelled to seek an asylum in free America, and
came thither with a letter of recommendation
from Marquis La Fayette to Governor Schultz,
of Pennsylvania. He was a fine linguist, was
well educated and finally became pastor of the
Lutheran Church at Lyons, N. Y., a position he
was holding at the time of his death in 1867, when

over seventy years of age. His wife was Jane,
daughter of Zachariah Moore, and a native of
New York. Mr. Moore was a native of Kinder-.
hook, N. Y., and became an extensive farmer on
the Hudson. He helped to forge the chain that
rests in the Hudson River at West Point, for he
was also a practical blacksmith as well as a far
mer. His father was of Scotch descent and a
soldier of the Revolution.
Dr. Z. P. Dennler received his literary educa
tion in the public schools of Lyons and pursued
his professional studies in the medical college at
Geneva, from which he was graduated as an M;
D. in i860, being at that time twenty-two years
of age. Soon after this he enlisted in the service
of the United States and was placed in charge
of the hospital at Washington, D. C, and later be
came surgeon of the Seventh United States Cav
alry Troops. When Lincoln was assassinated it
was his surgical probe that was used to locate the
bullet and this instrument is still with the relics
of the martyred President in Washington. The
Doctor was in that city at the Grand Review, but
later, with the old Seventh Cavalry, went to In-
dianola, Tex., and there remained eighteen
months, when he was mustered out of the service.
He then made his way to New Orleans, where
he remained several months in private practice,
but during his army career he had acquired a
love for military life, and he re-enlisted in the
regular service. His command was stationed at
Jackson Barracks, La. At the end of one year he
left the service, after having passed through a
siege of yellow fever, and came North to recuper
ate, bringing with him a complimentary letter
from his commander.
In Lyons, N. Y., in December, 1859, the Doc
tor was married to Miss Mary Layton, and upon
coming to Ft. Hamilton, L. I., to recover his
health, he was persuaded by his wife to. resign
his position in the regular army, after which he
located in Long Island City and began the gen
eral practice of his profession. He became one
of the foremost practitioners of the place, his pat
ronage being exceptionally large, and he was
without doubt the finest surgeon of his day in
Long Island. Always very charitably inclined,
he was in every sense of the word "the poor man's
friend," and was always very public spirited. For
many years he was surgeon and physician for the
Long Island Railroad and held that position un
til his death, which occurred in May, 1890. He
was also physician at the jail at this place, was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

245

a prominent member of the Board of Health, in
which he held official position, and filled other re
sponsible positions. For many years he was a
member of the Medical Historical Society of New
York City, the State Medical Society, the Queens
County Medical Society, and for a long time was
connected with the Grand Army post at this place,
to which his wife presented the first flag. Social
ly he was a Knight Templar Mason, belonging
to Island City Lodge, Banner Chapter and St.
Elmo Commandery.
The Doctor was for many years connected with
the Methodist Episcopal Church and was an ac
complished and skillful musician, being particu
larly gifted as an organist and pianist, which ac
complishment he no doubt inherited from his
worthy father, who was also a musician of no
ordinary ability. The Doctor played the organ in
the church at Lyons when he was but ten years
of age. He could arrange and compose music;
in fact was a natural musician. He constructed
the block at the corner of Jackson Avenue and
Fourth Street, which he leased for a drug store,
but the lessee died and the Doctor then carried on
a prescription drug store until his death, since
which time it has been conducted by his son-in-
law. Mrs. Dennler was born in Lyons, N. Y., a
daughter of John Layton, and there and in Roch
ester Seminary she was educated. Her marriage
with Dr. Dennler resulted in the birth of four
children, two of whom are living. Adelaide L.
became the wife of Alfred E. Turner, who was
born in London, England. He is at the head of
the drug business of Dennler & Turner and is
an exceptionally skillful, accurate and reliable
pharmacist. Philip Henry Dennler is studying
medicine in the University of New York City.
The two children who died were Burton D. and
Zachariah. Mrs. Dennler is a member of Grace
Methodist Episcopal Church, is an active member
of the Epworth League as well as of all other so
cieties connected with that church; in fact is a
true Christian and an active worker for the good
of humanity. She is secretary of the New York
Eastern Conference in the Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society and was a delegate to St.
Louis to the general executive board of the so
ciety in 1895. She is a member of the board of
lady managers of the House of Refuge on Ran
dalls Island, devoting a great deal of her time
to this work, and is also connected with the As
toria Hospital. She was a member of the State

Board of Lady Managers for the Columbian Ex
position at Chicago in 1893, from the second sen
atorial district of New York, and was one of its
most active and useful members. In the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union she is also interest
ed and all good works receive her encouragement
and support. Her husband was a personal friend
of Roscoe Conkling.

JOHN I. DE- BEVOISE is probably the old
est native-born citizen of Long Island City.
He is enabled to trace his ancestry back to
his great-great-great-grandfather, Carel De Be
voise, a native of France, who at the time of the
persecution of the Huguenots in that country fled
with others to Holland, where he was afterward
married. He continued to live in that kingdom
for some time, but in 1659 came to America, locat
ing where now stands the city hall of Brooklyn,
in Duffield Street.
Our subject was born in Long Island City, then
Newtown, August 13, 1813. His father, John
Be Bevoise, was born in the same house, which
is located in Hill Street. The latter was a farmer
by occupation, engaging in this pursuit with very
profitable results until the time of his decease, in
1822, when fifty-six years of age. In 1817 he re
paired his father's old home, which is in a good
state of preservation, and is rented. The father
was a devoted member of the Dutch Reformed
Church and was active in all good works in his
community. He married Miss Eve Van Allen, a
native of Bushwick, L. I., and the daughter of
Dr. Andrew Van Allen. The latter was of Hol
land extraction and in the early days was one
of the skilled physicians of Queens County. Mrs.
De Bevoise died about i860. Of the family of
children of whom she was the mother five grew
to mature years. George is now deceased, as are
also Ann, Mrs. Oakly; Nellie, Mrs. Van Alst, and
Andrew, our subject being the only survivor of
the family.
John I. De Bevoise has spent his entire life on
the farm which was formerly occupied by his
father. During his early years he attended a
school in Skillman Avenue, which was conducted
on the subscription plan, each scholar being com
pelled to pay a certain amount for the term. The
teacher boarded around with the pupils and every
thing in and about the school was primitive.
Quill pens were used by the scholars and during
the winter they were made very uncomfortable

246

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

by the cold breezes which crept in between the
cracks in the doors and windows.
John was only nine years of age when his fath
er died, and when a lad of fifteen years he started
out to make his own way in life. At that time he
was apprenticed to a tailor at Williamsburg, now
Brooklyn, and after following this business for a
period of six years abandoned it and gave his at
tention to farming, which occupation was more
to his liking. In company with his brother he
purchased the old homestead of sixty-eight acres
and for two years they were engaged in its culti
vation. The property was then divided, our sub
ject taking as his share thirty-eight acres in Hill
Street. On this he erected a large frame house
which is now occupied by George McA. Gosman,
and gave his attention to farming the land until
the city assumed such proportions that his place
became very valuable. He then disposed of it
at a handsome profit, and in 1877 became the pro
prietor of the place whereon he now makes his
home. This contains twenty lots in Academy
Street and forms one of the most beautiful spots
in the city. Mr. De Bevoise has been an eye
witness of the wonderful development and im
provement of Long Island City and during his
more active years he aided very materially in
bringing about this marvelous result.
The subject of this sketch was married in New
town to Miss Jane De Bevoise, a native of Fresh
Pond Junction, and a daughter of Jacob De Be
voise, also born in this locality. This lady traced
her ancestry back to the same family in France
as does our subject, but was very distantly related
to him. Mr. and Mrs. De Bevoise became the
parents of three children: Jacob, a farmer,
whose home is near Richmond Hill, L. L; Eva
Annetta, now Mrs. Kolyer, of Long Island City,
and John, who departed this life when young.
The wife and mother is also deceased, passing
away in 1883. Mr. De Bevoise is a regular at
tendant and member of the Dutch Reformed
Church. During his younger days he was a
Henry Clay Whig, but he now votes independ
ently.

JAMES DE ST. LEGIER. This well-known
business man of Hicksville was born in the
city of Limerick, Ireland, August 23, 1831.
Though of Irish birth, he is a member of a French
Huguenot family of noble lineage, his great
grandfather having been obliged to flee from

Paris during the religious persecutions that sent
so many Huguenots, homeless and penniless, to
seek refuge in other lands. He settled in Ireland
and became the founder of the family in that
country. The family of which our subject is a member
numbered many children, but with the exception
of two all are now deceased. On leaving home
they became widely scattered, some going to one
country and others to another, so that they never
met again in an undivided family circle. John,
who was educated for the Episcopalian ministry,
was for some time rector of a church. in Devon
shire, England, but later had a pastorate in Wales,
and while returning from that country in 1861
he was killed in a railroad disaster. Christopher
came to America, enlisted in the Union Army
at the opening of the Civil War, and fought with
valor until he was killed at the first battle of Bull
Run. Margaret, deceased, married Robert Smith
and moved to Melbourne, Australia, where her
family still reside. Catherine was married in Ire
land to Henry Baker and after his death she came
to the United States, where she died. Ann, de
ceased, was the wife of Michael Conners, of Phil
adelphia. Eliza, Mrs. Samuel D. Wilkinson, died
in Australia. Mary A., Mrs. William D. Alley,
died in New York. Conrad, Adam, Philip and
Michael died when young. Jane is the wife of
Hopton Noland, who is extensively engaged in
mining and is one of the wealthy residents of Vic
toria, Australia.
When only ten years of age our subject ran
away from home and shipped as cabin boy on an
American brig bound for New York, where lived
a married sister. After visiting her for a short
time he shipped to New Orleans, where he spent
five years engaged in various occupations, being
for some time employed as a compositor in the
composing rooms of the "Picayune." From New
Orleans he went to Europe, but did not visit his
old home. On his return to New York he began
an apprenticeship to the trade of a tinsmith, but
afterward changed his plans and for a number of
years was interested in the printing business. At
the first call made by President Lincoln for volun
teers he enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Fourth
New York Infantry, but soon after entering the
service, during target practice in Central Park,
New York, he received an injury which disabled
him for life and which rendered active service
in the field impossible. Desirous, however, of
assisting in some way, he took a position as cook

DAVID HISCOX.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

249

on a trading schooner freighted by the govern
ment and served in that capacity through the re
bellion, receiving an honorable discharge at its
close. Notwithstanding the fact that he was dis
abled while in the service of the country and
thereby incapacitated for active labor, he in com
pensation was allowed the munificent sum of $4
per month, which has recently been increased
to $6.
Coming to Hicksville in 1873 Mr. De St. Legier
embarked in business on a small scale and from
year to year has increased the trade and stock,
until he now carries a large and complete assort
ment of stoves of all kinds and a well-selected
stock of general hardware. Besides this, he has
a large trade in plumbing and tinsmithing. By
his marriage to Emma Parsons, a lady of English
birth, he has four children, namely: John C,
who is engaged in business in Hicksville; Emma
L., Carrie E. and Blanche F.

DAVID HISCOX. The life of this gentle
man proves what is within the power of
everyone to accomplish, providing he
possesses a strong physique, great perseverance
and an indomitable will. Since boyhood he has
had to depend entirely upon his own exertions,
but with a determination to succeed he worked
earnestly and constantly, and now, ere old age
has come to him, he can rest free from care and
anxiety, with the consciousness that his present
prosperity is due to his industry and ability.
Now a resident of Long Island City, Mr. His-
•cox was born in Newfoundland, N. J., October 4,
1837. The family of which he is a member orig
inated in England and Wales, whence three
brothers emigrated to America during the time
of one of the early wars and established their
home inMassachusetts. The name was originally
Hitchcock, but was changed to its present spell
ing during the life of our subject's grandfather,
David, who was a native of Woodstock, Conn.,
and a farmer by occupation.
The father of our subject, Freeman Hiscox,
was born in Connecticut, grew to manhood upon
a farm, and taught school in New Jersey, where
he married Nancy Wresterfield. Later he was
engaged in business in California and also was
-a railroad contractor and lumber merchant. Un
der him there were a large number of men felling
trees and hauling ship timber to mills. He made
his home principally in New York, but died in

Newark when he was seventy-one. In 1866 he
went to Virginia and bought a farm, but being
ill and disabled returned to the North after one
year. Politically he first identified himself with
the Whigs and later became a Republican upon
the organization of that party.
Our subject's mother was born in New Jersey
and died at the age of fifty-three. Her father,
David, also a native of New Jersey, was of Ger
man extraction and by occupation was a farmer.
She became the mother of three sons and two
daughters, who are now living, David being the
eldest of the family. He was reared in Ft. Lee
and New York City, attending Grammar School
No. 15 in Fifth Street, where he graduated. He
entered New York College, where he remained
until his junior year and then, owing to ill health,
gave up his studies. For several years he was
clerk in his father's timber yard in Sixteenth
Street, but the gradual abandoning of the use
of wooden ships caused the business to be closed
out. He then began the study of art, making a
specialty of landscape painting, but his health
.again becoming impaired, forced him to change
his occupation. Entering the wholesale drug
house of S. R. Van Duzer, he was placed in
charge of the manufacture of patent medicines,
and in that way was led into his present business.
Resigning the position in 1875, Mr. Hiscox
associated himself with other gentlemen and
started in the manufacture of medicines in New-
York City, meeting with success from the start.
He began the manufacture of Parker's Hair Bal
sam and Ginger Tonic, but has since added to
his manufactures from time to time, his other
specialties now being Hindercorns, Greve's Oint
ment and Greve's Horse Ointment. In 1868 he
bought, and two years later built, at No. 382
Webster Avenue, and in 1890 erected a large
brick building, 40x75, three stories in height,
with elevator and other conveniences, and here
he has his manufactory and storeroom. Business
is carried on under the name of Hiscox & Co.
His medicines are sold not only in the United
States but throughout the world, and have built
up for their energetic proprietor a wide reputa
tion. In this city Mr. Hiscox married Miss Mary M.
Van Velsor, who was born in New York City.
Her father, Ebenezer, a contractor and builder,
has for some years resided in Long Island City,
where he is living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Hiscox
are the parents of six children, of whom the two

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

eldest, Everett and Jesse, are associated with their
father in business and are energetic, promising
young men. The others are Fred, Hattie, May
and Daisy. As a voter our subject is independent,
never having bound himself to any party, but
preferring to cast his ballot for the best man.
He is a member of the Association of Proprietary
Articles in the United States, also the Wholesale
Druggists' Association. He has been prospered
in business to a remarkable extent. In youth,
when other boys were in college or whiling away
their time in sports, he was assisting his father,
who was heavily in debt, and before he was
twenty he had accumulated about $10,000
in his own right. The larger part of this sum
went to settle his father's debts and straighten
out his affairs, after which he was free to provide
for himself. The best years of his life have been
given to the business of which he has made a
success. In his social and domestic relations he
is kind and thoughtful. To the needy he is ten
der-hearted and benevolent. In his character he
combines those qualities of mind and heart that
render him deservedly popular and secure to him
the warm friendship of all who know him.

FREDERICK HOCHSTADTER, who is
proprietor of a meat market at Far Rock
away, is an energetic and industrious busi
ness man, and since coming to his present loca
tion in 1889 has gained a profitable trade among
the people of this locality. By birth a German,
he emigrated from Darmstadt, his native place,
at the age of seventeen years and settled in New
York City, where he learned the butcher's trade.
He was a poor boy at the time he sought a home
in America, but he has been economical, prudent
in his expenditures and judicious in his invest
ments. Saving his earnings, he opened a shop
of his own in the metropolis, where he remained
in business seventeen years. From there he came
to Far Rockaway and opened his present store on
Broadway, where he carries on a large wholesale
and retail business. His shop is equipped with
all the conveniences desirable for the trade, in
cluding a large refrigerator for the storage of
meats. During the busy season he gives em
ployment to eleven men and uses eight horses, a
fact which indicates the extent of his trade. In
dustry and pluck have brought him prosperity and
he is now numbered among the well-to-do men
of the village.

The three children born of Mr. Hochstadter's
marriage are : Louis, who is interested in business
with his father; Milton, who travels as salesman
for a varnish house in the winter and assists in
the meat market during the summer, and Mrs.
Lena Block, who has two children, Sadie and
Flossie, and resides in Brooklyn. In matters po
litical Mr. Hochstadter has never identified him
self with any party, preferring to exercise his right
of franchise for the men whom he deems best
qualified for office, irrespective of party ties.
He has never sought office for himself, as his
attention has been closely concentrated upon his
business affairs, but he keeps well posted regard
ing current events and is a loyal citizen of his
adopted country.

SAMUEL B. GUERNSEY. It is a grateful
task to the biographer to tell the story of the
bravery of the boys in blue who went forth
to the call of the President and assisted in pre
serving the unity of our nation and the honor of
the flag. No crisis in our country's history had
so stirred the hearts of the people and so entered
into the home life of every family as the events
which are classed under the head of the Civil
War, and for at least two generations the history
of that period will bear a peculiar and personal
value in the eyes of all who love their country.
Soon after the shot fired at Ft. Sumter had
aroused every patriotic heart Mr. Guernsey en
listed in the Union Army at Ft. Madison, Iowa,
in that fateful year — 1861. On the organization
of the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry he was elected
Second Lieutenant, and on the 4th of July, 1863
(the day on which his regiment entered Vicks
burg), he was made First Lieutenant. From that
time he was engaged on staff duty. When the
army proceeded to New Orleans he was promoted
to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, having com
mand of the Fourth Engineers for about six
months. An attack of illness obliged Mr. Guernsey to
resign his commission, and going to Chicago, he
remained there until his recovery, when he en
tered the service as First Lieutenant and Adju
tant of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illi
nois Infantry. Obeying orders, he reported to
General Prentice at Quincy, 111., to assist in rais
ing a brigade. After the brigade was formed his
regiment being incorporated with it, he was or
dered to the department of the Tennessee and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

251

was detailed on the staff of Gen. N. A. Dudley,
of the regular army, in which service he remained
until the close of the war. He was then dis
charged at Nashville, Tenn.
During the long period of his service Mr.
Guernsey had many thrilling experiences. On
one occasion he was captured by guerrillas and
held by them about twelve hours, being taken to
their camp, where a confederate flag was found
in his possession. He was then liberated and
found his way to Rolla, Mo., where he reported
the whereabouts of the rebels. A cavalry detach
ment was immediately sent to the camp, the
guerrillas surrendering without a struggle. While
on the Red River expedition, at Alexandria, he
was wounded by a piece of shell, and at another
time received a flesh wound in the right hip.
Referring to the ancestral history of this pa
triot, we find that he is a son of Ebenezer and
Maria (Cowles) Guernsey. His father, grand
father, Abijah, and great-grandfather, Ebenezer,
were natives of Connecticut, to which state the
great-great-grandfather, Joseph, had come with
three brothers from the Island of Guernsey, being
obliged to flee on account of the persecution of
the Huguenots. Settling in Watertown in 1673,
they obtained a tract of land almost equalling a
township in size. In addition to their real estate,
they owned a number of slaves, and among the
possessions of the family are some bills of sale of
slaves and other relics of early times.
For about three generations the family lived in
Watertown, but when our subject's father was a
young man he established a manufacturing in
dustry at Sharon, Conn. A man of considerable
mechanical ability, he invented the small wooden
mouse traps now in common use, and his partner,
Asahel Hotchkiss, was the father of the inventor
of the Hotchkiss gun. Grandfather Abijah
Guernsey had the distinction of bringing the first
wagon into Watertown, Conn., and was brave
enough to take his family to church in it, although
the general custom was to go on horseback. For
this he was arrested and fined twenty shillings by
the selectmen for making an unsual noise on the
Sabbath day. This same man was, at the age
of eighteen, drafted into the Colonial Army for
service in the Revolutionary War, but in his
stead sent a slave as a substitute, who died at
Valley Forge.
The father of our subject remained a manufac
turer until his death in 1884, at the age of about
eighty-four. At one time he was well-to-do, but

at the time of his demise was comparatively poor.
Politically he was a Whig during the existence of
that party, and afterward became a Republican,
but never mingled actively in political affairs. He
was a consistent Christian and held membership
in the Congregational Church. Our subject was
born in Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn., August
T3> J834, and in early boyhood he attended the
public schools of his native place. At the age of
ten he accompanied his father back to the old
homestead at Watertown. In 1871 he married
Miss Mary Hosier, of New York City, a descend
ant of Quaker ancestors.
From his forefathers Mr. Guernsey inherits
considerable inventive ability and has patented a
number of useful articles. Among them may be
mentioned a door bolt, and when he was in Vicks
burg he was interested to find one of these in use
in that far-away place. Purchasing it, he brought
it home, and still has it in his possession. Anoth
er of his patents is a hollow rake tooth, which
is quite useful. In 1856 he voted for J. C. Fre
mont, and is a loyal, firm Republican, but never
_m office seeker. At one time he held membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but now be
longs to the Union Evangelical Church. Social
ly he united with Citizens' Lodge No. 625, F. &
A. M., New York City, where he was made a
Mason, and in which he served as senior deacon.
A thoughtful reader, not only of current litera
ture, but of history and different peoples, he has
frequently lectured on the manners and customs
of our Puritan ancestors of the eighteenth cen
tury. His broad scope of knowledge makes him
a companionable man, one from whom valuable
information may always be gained and with whom
many a pleasant hour may be passed.

C

HARLES GOELLER, senior member of
the firm of Goeller & Sons, manufactur
ers and jobbers of wagons at Elmont, was
born in Preussen, Germany, in 1847, and remained
in his native place until attaining his majority.
At the age of twelve he entered the blacksmith
and wagon shop owned and operated by his fath
er, Frank W. Goeller, and there remained until he
acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade. At
the age of twenty-one, in company with his sister,
Catharine, he came to America, joining his broth
er, William, who had preceded him five years
and was established at Jamaica, L. I. There he
spent six weeks, after which he secured employ-

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ment in the shop of Thomas Weeks at Hemp
stead, remaining there for one year. For a similar
period he engaged with Walter Weeks.
January 19, 1873, Mr. Goeller bought out the
business of Albert Rakow at Fosters Meadow
(now Elmont), and here he has worked up a good
trade, until now he is proprietor of one of the
largest shops of the kind on Long Island. He
manufactures all kinds of wagons and carriages,
furnishes wagons for jobbers in the different
towns of the island, and also fills special orders
for grocery, market and brewers' wagons in the
city. So satisfactory is his work that his cus
tomers will buy nowhere else. In connection with
the manufacture of wagons he does a general
blacksmithing work, and in the two lines furnishes
employment to from ten to twenty-five men. He
uses the latest improved machinery and avails
himself of everything that will enhance the pros
perity of the business. His success is truly com
mendable, when the fact is considered that he
began without capital and has worked his way
unaided to his present position.
August 10, 1875, Mr. Goeller married Miss
Lena, daughter of Joseph Hoffman, a business
man of New York, where she was born. In poli
tics he favors Democratic principles in the na
tional elections, but in local affairs votes for the
one whom he deems best qualified for the posi
tion. With his family he holds membership in
St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church. He has
had seven children, and all but one are now liv
ing, namely: George, a graduate of Wright's Bus
iness College, Brooklyn, and a young man of
superior ability; Mary; Joseph, now a student
in the college at Wilmington, Del; Anthony,
Louisa and an infant. In addition to his business
Mr. Goeller is the owner of thirty-five acres of
land, which he devotes to agricultural purposes.
He is well-to-do financially, and socially he and
his family are esteemed by the best people of the
locality.

ALONZO T. HARMER, of the firm of Har-
mer & Hardenbrook, architects, at Ja
maica, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., No
vember 16, i860. His father, George W., was a
native of Staten Island and for thirty-five years
was proprietor of a moulding mill in Brooklyn,
where he made his home. He was one of the
many thousands who, at the outbreak of the re
bellion, gave up business and left home and

friends, periling his life in the defense of his coun
try. Enlisting in the Fourteenth New York In
fantry, he served throughout the entire period of
his conflict and won the name of a brave and
faithful soldier. He took an active part in the
sanguinary battle of Malvern Hill, when out of
the thousand men comprising his regiment nine
hundred were lost, only one hundred answering
to the next roll call. It was his fortune to pass
through that terrible engagement unscathed, nor
did he at any time receive injury, though he took
part in many battles.
Nor a number of years after the close of the
war Mr. Harmer held a position in the New York
custom house, under the administrations of Gen
eral Grant. For several years he was employed
in the office of the sheriff of Kings County. A
Republican in political belief, he was one of the
leading politicians of the Fifteenth Ward, Brook
lyn. He was an able and efficient public officer.
His qualifications were of the first order, and his
faithfulness was worthy of emulation by all who
are entrusted with public cares. His home for
some years has been in Jamaica, where he is a
well known and influential citizen. He married
Miss Anna Thompson, a native of Brooklyn, and
an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The family of which she is a member
was long prominent in Brooklyn, but she and a
sister are now its only living representatives.
Our subject was the only child of his parents
who attained mature years. He received an ex
cellent education in the schools of Brooklyn, after
which he took a commercial course at Wright's
Business College, graduating from that institu
tion. He then associated himself with his father
in the mill, where he learned every branch of the
mill carpenter and building business. Later he
took a special course in architecture at Cooper's
Institute, graduating in 1888. Immediately after
ward he took a responsible position with Cross,
Austin & Co., of Brooklyn, and soon became
known as an expert in his profession. In 1894,
forming a partnership with D. L. Hardenbrook,
under the firm name of Harmer & Hardenbrook,
he embarked in the architect business at Jamaica,
where he has since carried on an increasing and
profitable profession. In 1881 he was united in
marriage with Miss Augusta Stumpf, of this vil
lage, and they have three children, George W.,
John and Alonzo, Jr.
A man of sanguine temperament and positive
qualities, Mr. Harmer is regarded as one of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

253

rising young. men in Jamaica. On all subjects
connected with his profession he readily arrives
at decided opinions, and maintains with ability
and zeal what he deems to be right. His social
qualities are of the best order, and his genial and
companionable disposition wins the friendship of
his associates.

DAVID INGRAM is engaged in a unique
business, but to him a most important
and prosperous one — that of dyeing and
bleaching cotton yarn, in which he also deals.
His establishment is the largest of the kind in
Long Island City, and its successful management
fully occupies his time and attention, and has
done so since it was first established, in Janu
ary, 1873.
Mr. Ingram's birth occurred in Paisley, Scot
land, where his father, James Ingram, was also
born, the latter being a manufacturer of the well-
known Paisley shawls, which occupation received
his time and attention until his death, which oc
curred in mat city. His wife, Margaret Brown,
was also born there, and there nine children were
born to them, only two of whom are living at the
present time. David was their sixth child in or
der of birth and is the only member of the family
in America. Until he was seventeen years of age
his home continued to be in Paisley and up to
the time he was twelve years old he attended the
pay schools of that place. He was then appren
ticed to a' dyer, and four subsequent years were
spent in a dyeing establishment, where a prac
tical knowledge of the business was obtained.
Mr. Ingram was ambitious to become success
ful in the commercial world, and rightly judged
that the United States offered better advantages
to a young man than the old country, and accord
ingly, in 1852, he embarked on a sailing vessel at
Glasgow for this country. He soon secured em
ployment at his trade in New York City with Mc-
Dougal & Garner, and held the position of fore
man from the start. In January, 1873, he came
to Long Island City, purchased his present es
tablishment, increased its capacity, improved it in
various ways and has successfully operated it up
to the present time. He has a forty horse-power
boiler and ten engines, and can dye from eight
hundred to one thousand pounds of cotton yarn
every ten hours. He dyes and bleaches on con
tract for outside parties and is a general dealer
in varns. Under his able management his busi

ness has greatly increased and now necessitates
the employment of twelve hands. Mr. Ingram
is the owner of considerable valuable realty, and
his home place is a beautiful one, the grounds
occupying a block. He has a commodious green
house, well filled with the choicest plants, and
rare shrubs and trees dot his spacious and velvety
lawn. Mr. Ingram was married in the city of New
York to Miss Violet Patterson, who was born
in Greenock, Scotland, but was reared in this
country from the time she was eight years of age,
having been brought thither by her parents. Her
union with Mr. Ingram resulted in the birth of
seven children: Jenny died at the age of eleven;
George died tat the age of three years and eight
months; a sketch of James appears elsewhere in
this work; George is foreman in his father's dye
ing establishment, in which William also assists,
and David and Margaret complete the family.
Mr. Ingram and his family are attendants of the
Presbyterian Church of Astoria, and politically
he has always been a Republican of the stanchest
4rind. He has been a grand and petit juror, but
with these exceptions has never held public of
fice, for his time has been very profitably occu
pied otherwise.

H

UGH HART, who has made his home in
Queens County for the past forty years, is
well known to all its residents, and bears
an extended reputation over the island as a build
er of docks, which business he has been engaged
in since 1874. Mr. Hart was born in Ireland in
1844. His father, Thomas Hart, emigrated with
the family to America in the year 1849, settling
in New York City, where they continued to live
until 1855, when they came to Queens County,
making their home on Laurelhill. Here Thomas
Hart died when past fifty years of age.
Mrs. Mary (Kearn) Hart, mother of our sub
ject, was likewise of Irish birth and departed this
life in New York in 1855, Just prior to the re
moval of the family to this locality. She reared
a family of six daughters and one son, of whom
four are now living. Hugh, of this sketch, at
tended school for a time in New York City, and
also carried on his studies at Winfield.
When a boy Mr. Hart went to work for one of
the largest dock building firms of that time. In
1871 he located in Blissville, Long Island City,
and three years later embarked in his present busi-

254

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ness as a partner of Judge Moses Engle of Kings
County. This connection existed for twelve years,
when it was dissolved, and our subject has since
continued to operate along this line alone. The
firm of Hart & Engle built the dock works for the
Bowery Bay Improvement Company, those of
the Oakes Manufacturing Company, W. Williams
and the Hon. William Steinway, the great piano
manufacturer. Mr. Hart likewise erected the
trestle work on the Meadow, extending from Co
rona to Flushing. His services have been in
great demand all over the island and he has often
given employment to over fifty men. He built
the docks used by the Standard Oil Company, the
Eastern Distillery Company and for many other
firms doing business near New York City.
The years 1861 and 1862 Mr. Hart spent in
boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, being
interested in the trade between Cincinnati, St.
Louis and New Orleans. He was quite success
ful in this venture and returned home after a few
months a much wiser man for this experience.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Ann
Scanlon occurred in New York City, where the
lady was born in 1869. They became the par
ents of six children, of whom the eldest sons, Eu
gene and Thomas, are assisting their father in the
dock building business. Mary, John, Joseph and
Catherine are at home. Mr. Hart has never been
an aspirant for political honors, although he is
an enthusiastic Democrat of the Jeffersonian faith.
In social matters he belongs to John J. Mitchell
Lodge, A. O. U. W., in which he takes great in
terest. Religiously he and his family are devout
Catholics, belonging to St. Raphael's Church.

JOHN T. AND HENRY W. CAMDEN,
owning and occupying a beautiful place
near the village of Woodhaven, are perhaps
the largest growers of celery in Queens County.
They were both born in Ontario, Canada, while
their father, Henry Camden, was a native of
Gloucestershire, England. He remained in his
native land until 1832, when he came to America
in company with his brother Charles and was
associated with him in erecting saw and flouring
mills in various parts of the country, for some
time. Charles, who is seventy-nine years of age,
makes his home in California, having been one
of the '49ers.
After remaining in this country for a time,
Henry Camden returned to England, where he

was married to Miss Rebecca Rouse and con
tinued to live there until after the birth of two
of their daughters. The family then decided to
make their future home in the New World, and
boarded a vessel which landed them on the coast
of Canada. The father located in an unsettled
portion of the Dominion, and for many years
lived in a log house, which was surrounded by a
perfect wilderness of trees and brush. As there
were no roads laid out and the pioneers very
often lost their way when leaving home, they
blazed the trees leading to their house, which
mark served every need until the region became
more thickly settled and the trees were cut down.
Henry Camden became very popular among the
early settlers and served very acceptably as jus
tice of the peace and assessor of his community.
besides holding various other offices of trust and
honor. He departed this life in 1850, when our
subjects were mere lads. The mother was after
ward married to James Murphy and to them were
born six children. Mrs. Murphy lived to an ad
vanced age, departing this life in 1887, at the
home of her sons John and Henry, of this sketch.
Georgiana M., the eldest daughter of Henry
Camden, born in England, is now the wife of
William Hopkins, a well-to-do farmer of the
town of Jamaica, and the son of the late John
B. Hopkins, well-known to the residents in this
vicinity. Louisa A. became the wife of John
Purser and still makes her home in Canada.
Henry W., who was the next in order of birth,
has never married. Henrietta is the 'widow of
George F. Sylvester, formerly a resident of Cali
fornia. John T. married Emma Duhrkoop of
New Jersey, and they have three children, named
respectively: Grace D., Mary R. and Charles H.
We make the following mention of four of the
children born of Mrs. Camden's second mar
riage: Emily M. Murphy is the wife of Edward
Dominge and is living at Woodhaven; Mary E.
has never married and is living with our sub
jects; Alfred J. married Miss Mary Heindel and
makes his home in East New York; and Richard
E, who chose for his wife Mary E., daughter of
Charles Eldert, is living in Woodhaven.
After the death of his father, Henry Camden,
who was then five years of age, went to Brooklyn,
where his uncle, Thomas Camden, was living
and who was at that time one of the leading gar
deners of Long Island. His uncle took great
pleasure in his company and gave him every
opportunity for gaining a good education. After

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

255

leaving school Henry began to assist his uncle
in raising vegetables for the city markets, and in
1865 purchased the tract of land devoted to this
business in the town of Jamaica. This property
is located at the edge of the city of Brooklyn, and
is devoted by the brothers almost entirely to
raising celery. They are among the most prom
inent in this industry on the island and have
been remarkably successful in their every under
taking. The brothers are Republicans in poli
tics, and although they are too busy to take an
active part in public affairs, are greatly interested
in the success of their chosen party.

CHARLES B ECKEL is a member of the
firm of P. Beckel & Sons, wagon and
carriage manufacturers of Long Island
City, who stand high in business circles.
Charles was born at Ridgewood, Queens County,
June 2, 1857, while his father, Peter Beckel,
was a native of Germany. After attaining ma
ture years, the latter crossed the Atlantic, and for
a short time was engaged in work in New York.
His next move, however, found him in Ridge
wood, where he engaged in business for him
self. Three years later he moved to Blissville,
where he also became the proprietor of a car
riage and wagon shop. The business grew to
such large proportions that he took in as partners
his two sons, Charles and John. In 1868 he
built his present shops, and twenty years later
added a blacksmith shop adjoining, so that the
firm now do their own smithing. The building
is a three-story structure, 50x58 feet, and the
property on which it stands runs back two hun
dred feet. Charles gives his personal attention
to the carriage painting department and is the
only painter of fine vehicles in this section.
Mrs. Louisa (Walters) Beckel, the mother of
our subject, was also born in Germany. She be
came the mother of three children, of whom
Amelia, who married George C. Ahrens, is de
ceased. Charles, of this history, first attended
school in the Dutch Kills district, after which
he took a course in the grammar schools of
Brooklyn. The year prior to his graduation,
however, he left school, and in 1872 was appren
ticed to Stephen D. Medlar of Brooklyn as car
riage painter. After remaining with that gen
tleman for two years and a half he returned home
and engaged in business for himself, and later
was taken into the present firm, as before stated.

Our subject has always taken a very promi
nent and active part in politics, and in the year
1892, during Harrison's campaign, acted as
chairman of the general committee. Indeed, he
has been a member of this committee ever since
casting his first vote, with the exception of two
years. He was one of the incorporators of the
Lincoln Club, which he served as president for
some time, and also belongs to the Union League
Club of Astoria, a Republican organization. He
has been foremost in educational affairs in his
city, and during the administration of Mayor
George Petry was appointed by him a member
of the School Commission. During the one year
in which he served as a member of this body he
used his influence in wisely disbursing the peo
ple's money and gave entire satisfaction to all
concerned. In the fall, of 1895 Charles Beckel was nom
inated for the Assembly from the First District of
Queens County, and such is his popularity with
the voters that he will undoubtedly be elected.
He has been a member of Friendship Hook and
.Ladder Company No. 3, which he served for
two terms of five years each 'as secretary, and
is now connected with the Exempt Firemen's
Association of Long Island City, with which he
has been interested since its incorporation in
1885. During the third year of its existence he
was elected president of this body, and ever since
that time has been treasurer. Through his in
fluence a bill was passed in the Assembly enab
ling the widows and orphans of firemen to col
lect a two per cent, insurance tax, as ofttimes the
families of these brave men were left penniless
and with no means of support. In religious af
fairs Mr. Beckel is a member of the Lutheran
Church.

ROBERT F. HUTCHESON, M. D., who
came to Lawrence from Rockville Center
in 1894 and has since conducted a general
practice in this village, is a son of Robert W.
Hutcheson, M. D., an old and well known physi
cian of Queens County, who has been engaged
in practice here for thirty-five years, having
spent twenty years at Rockville Center, and some
time previous to that at Pearsall's and East Rock
away. He began the practice of medicine in the
West Indies, later carried on professional work
in Brooklyn, from which city he came to Queens
County. As a physician he is skillful, well read,

256

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

accurate in the diagnosis of disease and painstak
ing and thorough in its treatment, qualities which
have brought him the confidence of the public.
He is of Scotch extraction, while his wife, Eliza
Ensor, who. died at the age of fifty-four, was of
English ancestry and birth, having been born in
London. Of the seven children comprising the parental
family four are living, namely: John E., a physi
cian at Rockville Center ; Robert F., Eliza A., and
Eturpe M., who reside in Lawrence. Our sub
ject was born in Lynbrook, Queens County, De
cember 30, 1871, and in boyhood was given the
best advantages the schools of this locality af
forded, acquiring a good literary education and
also taking a course in the Polytechnic Institute.
In accordance with the wish of his father, no less
than as a gratification of his own inherited tastes
for the profession, he began the study of medicine.
The fundamental principles of the science he
learned under his father's instruction, after which
he took the regular three years' course at Belle-
vue Hospital Medical College, from which he
graduated March 27, 1893. He also took a three
months' course in the Post-Graduate Hospital of
New York City. At once after completing his stu
dies he opened an office in Lawrence and has since
conducted a general practice in medicine. While
in college he gave especial attention to surgery,
of which he has a thorough experimental and
theoretical knowledge. During his attendance at
college he stood high in his classes and was also
a leading member of the Phi Alpha Sigma. He
begins his professional career under favorable
auspices and will undoubtedly attain a high rank
in the medical fraternity.

JOSEPH A. JOHNTRA, a successful mer
chant of Astoria, Long Island City, was born
in New York City in 1850, and is a de
scendant, directly, of Swiss forefathers and, indi
rectly and remotely, of French ancestry. He is a
son of John Johntra, a native of Switzerland, who
accompanied his father, Jacob, from the land of
his birth to America, settling in New York City.
After a time the grandfather went to Monmouth
County, N. J., where he was employed at the
Howell works. Thence he went to Conshohock-
en, Montgomery County, Pa., where he was ac
cidentally killed in a mine.
John Johntra, who was an iron moulder in New
York City for almost half a century, died there

at the age of sixty-five. In religion he was a
Protestant, adhering to the Lutheran faith. He
married Mary Miller, who was born in Ocean
County, N. J., of Holland-Dutch descent, and
who was a daughter of Joseph Miller, a school
teacher and early settler there. She died in 1856,
having become the mother of four children.
Jacob, her eldest son, who served in the Civil War
from 1861 to 1865, is in the grocery business at
City Island, Westchester County, N. Y. John,
who is an iron moulder in New York City, makes
his home in Ravenswood. The only daughter is
Mrs. Virginia Miller, of New York City.
The subject of this notice, who was next to
the youngest among the four children of the fam
ily, spent his first twelve years in New York City,
where he attended the grammar school on Stan
ton Street. At the age of ten the struggle for a
livelihood began, and when eleven years old he
worked at Jackson's iron works, making cores for
shells. For four years he worked on a farm in
Ocean County, N. J., but at the age of sixteen
went back to New York, where he apprenticed
himself to the iron moulder's trade. On complet
ing his apprenticeship he was employed in differ
ent places in New Jersey and New York, but fin
ally settled at Lakewood, where he worked at
his trade about seven years. Later, for five years
he was similarly employed in Chester, Pa., then
went back to Lakewood, where he remained five
years. In July of 1888 Mr. Johntra removed from
Lakewood to New York City, where he started
a restaurant in Second Avenue, near Ninetieth
Street. Four months later he sold out, and on
the 1st of January, 1889, located in Long Island
City, opening a grocery in Steinway Avenue. In
August, 1889, he removed to No. 159 Flushing
Avenue, where he has since had charge of a
growing trade. In June, 1892, he started a
branch store at No. 79 Fulton Avenue, and this he
carried on until August, 1893. In August, 1895,
he started a branch on the corner of Grand Ave
nue and Lockwood Street. Two months pre
vious to that he opened a large store in Flushing,
at Nos. 28-30 Main Street, and this he gave to the
management of his son, J. Albert, and nephew,
H. Miller, who conduct the business under the
firm name of Johntra & Miller. It is a flourishing
business, and two or three wagons are kept busy
in delivering goods to customers. A line of feed,
hay and flour is also kept in stock. These 'five
stores which our subject has started prove that

CLINTON A. BELDIN, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

259

he is a man of excellent business talent and con
siderable enterprise, while his financial success
shows that he is a man of wise judgment.
While residing in Lakewood Mr. Johntra was
married to Miss Mary Adams, daughter of Sam
uel Adams, an iron moulder by trade. They are
the parents of six children, namely: Joseph A.,
Jr., who resides in Flushing; Eva V., who is in
charge of the Grand Avenue branch store; Sam
uel A., who is a clerk in his father's store; Katie
A., Mabel E. and Grace D. Socially Mr. Johntra
is treasurer of Astoria Lodge No. 155, I. O. O. F.,
and a member of Advance Lodge No. 635, As
toria, F. & A. M. His church affiliations are
with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In
politics, while not an active partisan, he is stanch
in his adherence to Republican principles.

CLINTON A. BELDIN, M. D. The pro
fessional men of Jamaica are an element
in the development of the village, to the
reputation of which they are constantly adding
by their talents and skill. To this class belongs
Dr. Beldin, who has conducted a general prac
tice here since 1862. As a physician he is calm,
sympathetic and patient, inspiring his patients
with confidence in his skill. Though with ad
vancing years he has given much of his practice
into the charge of his son, yet he still maintains
the deepest interest in the profession and keeps
abreast with the practical details in the improve
ments of medicine.
The grandfather of the Doctor, Jeremiah Bel-
den (as the name was then spelled), who was
born in Connecticut 'about 1760, and was one
of the leading men of that colony during the
Revolution, but about 1800 he took his family to
Massachusetts, where he remained until his
death. Andrew, our subject's father, was born
in Wethersfield, Conn., about 1790, and accom
panied his parents to Massachusetts when he
was about ten years of age, remaining in that
state until his death, in 1875. He was a pros
perous farmer and a leading member of the Con
gregational Church near his- home. One of his
brothers went to the wilds of the Western Re
serve in Ohio in an early day, making the jour
ney with an ox team; his descendants are now
living in that part of the Buckeye State. A sis
ter, Amelia, is a widow, and resides at Westfield,
Mass. Our subject's mother, who bore the maiden

name of Corinthia Moore, was born in Hamp
den County, Mass., and died at Westfield in 1880,
when nearly ninety years of age. In her family
there were four sons and one daughter, of whom
Clinton A. was third in order of birth. The
others were Homer L., a book binder in Spring
field, Mass., at the time of his death, about 1888;
Alonzo, a farmer, who died at Westfield, Mass.,
in 1889; Everett M'., who was a hotel keeper,
and died at West Springfield, Mass.; and Almira,
who died at the age of twenty years.
The Doctor was born in Hampden County,
Mass., January 10, 1826, and spent his boyhood
years on the home farm, but at the age of six
teen he made up his mind to become a physician.
His father, opposing him in this ambition, would
render him no financial assistance, but undaunt
ed by any obstacle, he bent every energy toward
the consummation of his hopes. He commenced
study in the office of Dr. Grinnell, in the village
near which his father's farm was situated. Twice
a week it was his custom to go home, where his
mother filled a box with provisions, and with
this he returned to the village; his limited means
prevented him from enjoying many of the com
forts of life, but did not deter him from carrying
out his plans. At the age of seventeen he com
menced to teach school, in which way he secured
the means necessary for a college education.
Soon after his graduation from the University
of Pennsylvania in 1854, Dr. Beldin went to Cali
fornia via the Isthmus and there embarked in
the practice of his profession. While on the
western frontier he had many thrilling experi
ences, but after three years he tired of that kind
of life and returned to the East, settling in Spring
field, Mass., and remaining there until 1862. He
then came to Jamaica, where he has since ranked
as a successful and leading physician. He is the
discoverer and manufacturer of a powder for the
cure of croup that has had a large sale through
out the United States. This disease is one of his
specialties, and he has been called to every part
of the county to treat it; in this he is so efficient
that no case, to which he has given his personal
attention, has he failed to cure. A student of the
profession and an able writer, many of his articles
have been published in the medical journals of
the Homeopathic School and State Society, to
which he belongs. He was at one time President
of the Queens County Medical Society and a
delegate to the Vermont and California State
Societies.

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1850 Dr. Beldin married Miss Harriet O.
Kibbe, a native of Connecticut and a cousin of
the Kibbe Brothers, the well-known candy man
ufacturers of Springfield, Mass. Their only child,
Charles Kibbe, was born in 1856, graduted from
the Homeopathic Medical College of New York
.City, and is now in practice with his father, re
lieving him of a large share of his outside practice.
He and his- wife and child reside with his parents
in their elegant home in Clinton avenue.
Of recent years Dr. Beldin has traveled ex
tensively, visiting all points of interest in the
United States, and making a tour of Europe in
1890, and again in 1895. In religious belief he
is an Episcopalian and holds membership in that
church at Jamaica. Socially he is connected with
the Royal Arch Masons and the Royal Arcanum.
Devoting his entire life to professional duties,
he has had no desire to enter the arena of politi
cal life, but being a public-spirited citizen he is
well posted concerning and deeply interested in
local and national issues.

ADELBERT JONES. Of the various indus
tries to which the residents of Long Island
have devoted their attention few are more,
peculiarly local and none have proved more re
munerative than the oyster business. Mr. Jones
is one of the number who are carrying on this
business at Port Washington, and he has the rep
utation of being one of the largest planters along
the coast. In his enterprises he has displayed
sound judgment and excellent discretion, which,
together with industry, have enabled him to make
a success of the work.
For many generations the Jones family resided
on Staten Island, where was born our subject's
father, Henry C, who in 1859 brought his fam
ily to Port Washington and engaged in the oys
ter business at this place. His wife, Ann W.
Prior, was also a native of Staten Island, and it
was during their residence at Mariner's Harbor
that the subject of this notice was born April 18,
1846. At the age of about eight years he was
hired to a man at $8 per month and from that time
he was employed, more or less, on the bay. Ac
companying his father to Port Washington at the
age of thirteen, he has since made this village his
home. When about nineteen he began to plant
for himself, beginning on a large scale, and has
since followed the business with success.
In this village, June 5, 1867, Mr. Jones mar

ried Miss Ella C, daughter of Stephen and Abbie
(Wilkie) Weeks, and a native of this place, where
she was educated in the public schools. Two sons
bless the union, of whom the elder, Alfred Adel-
bert, was born here June 21, 1871. He finished
the course of study in the common schools of the
village and passed an examination for admission
to the Normal School at New Paltz, which he
entered, taking the four years' course in three
and one-half years, and graduating in February,
1896. Arthur Weeks, the younger son, was born
in Port Washington July 25, 1882, and is a stu
dent in the highest room of the public school
here. The first presidential vote cast by Mr. Jones
was for General Grant in 1868, and for years after
ward he supported the Republican party, but as
the disastrous results of the liquor traffic increased
and the magnitude of the evil became impressed
upon his mind, he determined to cast his allegi
ance with a party openly opposed to the saloon
element; accordingly, he became a Prohibitionist,
and has since supported that party. Interested
in educational affairs, he has served as a trustee
of the public schools. His parents continued to
reside here until their death, the father passing
away in September, 1879, at sixty-one years of
age, and the mother dying several years after
ward. The Methodist Episcopal Church has had two
of its best workers in Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who
for years have been intimately associated with
its foremost enterprises. At this writing he is
serving as trustee, teacher in the Sunday-school,
and vice-president of the Epworth League. His
wife, who has also been of* assistance in Sunday-
school work, is an active worker in «the Ladies'
Aid Society and one of the leaders of the local
religious work.

SAMUEL R. HOLMES, well known as a
successful marketman of Jamaica, was born
in Flushing, Queens County, on New
Year's Day of 1861. His progenitors for several
generations were natives of this county and the
family is one of the oldest on Long Island, its
first settlement here dating back prior to the Rev
olutionary War. The grandfather, William
Holmes, devoted his entire life to agricultural
pursuits, leading a quiet, industrious and useful
life. The parents of our subject, John B. and Mary

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

261
(Rider) Holmes, were born in this county, and the native of Port Washington, learned in youth the
tormer, who has been a carpenter since early man
hood, now makes his home with his son, Sam
uel R, in Jamaica. The mother, who died in

1889, was a daughter of Daniel Rider, member
of an old Dutch family and a prominent tem
perance worker. In her family there were two
sons and five daughters: George H. is a clerk in
his brother's market; Annabelle is the wife of
John L. Lewis, who is engaged in the upholstery
business in Jamaica; Emma H. married Edward
Baker and resides in Jersey City, N. J.; Addie A.
is the wife of William McEwen, of New York
City, and Fannie married Frederick Lee of New
York City.
The first fifteen years of our subject's life were
spent in Flushing, from which place he came to
Jamaica, and for twenty years was in the employ
of Nostrand & Remsen, the market men. Later
he was for three years in the employ of B. R. Clay
ton, in the same business. In January, 1892, he
succeeded to the ownership of the market, which
is one of the finest on the island, and owns the
building in which it is located.
In 1885 Mr. Holmes married Miss Sadie Black-
well, of Jamaica, and they are the parents of two
children, Marion E. and Bertram. In religious
belief i\Ir. Holmes is identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and socially holds membership
in the Royal Arcanum. He is a man of exem
plary habits and sincere character, who is zealous
in promoting the interests of the community.
Starting in life without capital and beginning with
a small salary, he worked his way upward, sav
ing his wages, until he was finally able to embark
in business for himself. Upright and honorable
in all his dealings, his course in life has been
such as to secure the warm friendship of all with
whom he is brought in contact. His dealings are
marked with the strictest integrity, and he has
gained a competency through his arduous and
svstematic exertions.

ROBERT JARVIS. Now in the twilight of
his useful and honorable existence, Mr.
Jarvis is living in retirement from the more
active duties of life, though in the management
of his real estate interests and the discharge of
his duties as a citizen he finds sufficient to occupy
his attention. His home is in Port Washington,
where he was born July 21, 1825, to Daniel and
Sarah (West) Jarvis. The former, who was a

trade of a shoemaker, which he followed through
out life, making his home in the town of North
Hempstead as long as he lived. Grandfather
David Jarvis, who was a resident of Port Wash
ington, was well known in this vicinity as an
industrious blacksmith and honest man.
The educational opportunities enjoyed by the
subject of this notice were meager in comparison
with those given to the boys and girls of this gen
eration. However, though able to attend school
only six months altogether, he gained a sufficient
amount of knowledge to fit him for practical busi
ness affairs. Early obliged to support himself,
he was only six years old when he was put out
to Samuel Mott, with whom he lived for two
years. Later he was at different places for a year
or more at a time. It was not an easy life. None
of the luxuries and few of the comforts of exist
ence fell to his lot, but he was patient, industrious
and anxious to please, so that his services were
satisfactory to his employers.
In 1843 Mr- Jarvis went on board a boat as a
_cook and later as a hand, receiving from $8 to
$12. For four years he was with Sidney Mott,
during which time he saved about $300, being
very frugal and economical. When the sloop
was sold, he bought one-fourth interest in the
schooner "Sarah Maria," sixty tons, and became
her captain, carrying on a coast trade. After a
year he sold out and took charge of a boat for
William Baxter for three years, working oh the
shares and doing well financially in this way. For
four years following he was captain of a vessel
going out from Roslyn.
February 6, 1853, Mr. Jarvis was united in mar
riage with Miss Mary Eliza Bird, of Port Wash
ington, a worthy Christian lady, whose death,
December 24, 1857, was mourned by many
friends. The only son of this marriage, Robert,
was born March 4, 1854, and is now an oyster
planter in Port Washington. The third marriage
of Mr. Jarvis took place June 21, 1861, when Miss
Frances Jane Hyde, of this village, became his
wife. Their only child, Minnie W., is the wife
of Benjamin Pearsall and has an only son, Rob
ert, named for his grandfather.
In 1850 Mr. Jarvis bought a lot in Port Wash-
ingon and built a house the following year.
After the death of his first wife he gave up the
coasting business and in i860 began to engage
in planting oysters, an enterprise which proved
profitable. Since 1886 he has lived retired, quietly

262

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

enjoying the fruits of his labors in former years.
His first vote was cast for Whig candidates and
upon the organization of the Republican party
he identified himself with its interests, to which
he has since adhered. He is a believer in the
doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
while not a member, he fills the office of trustee
and aided largely in the erection of the church
building. In former years he was actively asso
ciated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows at Roslyn, and the Sons of Temperance.

JUDGE JAMES INGRAM is engaged in a
diversity of employments and has been
equally successful in each. His probity as
a business man and his uprightness as a citizen
are well known and his career has been distin
guished for enterprise and fairness. Mr. Ingram,
who is at present Justice of the Peace of Long
Island City, was born in the city of New York,
May 6, 1866. His father, David Ingram, is a
prominent business man of New York City and
Astoria, L. I., and a manufacturer and
dyer of cotton yarns. He was born in Paisley,
Scotland, and came to America when a young
man, learning his business in New York City.
Since 1872 he has been a resident of Long Island
City, and his sons are connected with him in the
manufacture of cotton yarns. He married Miss
Violet Patterson, a native of Greenock, Scotland,
and daughter of George Patterson, who was a
chain manufacturer of New York City after set
tling in this country.
James Ingram, who was the third of seven
children in the parental family, resided in New
York City until 1872, and then came with his
parents to Long Island City, where he received
his education in the public schools. Just before
graduating, when fourteen years of age, he left
school to engage with his father in business, and
although he commenced at the bottom round of
the ladder, he was possessed of much ability and
industry and soon took charge of the financial
department of the business. Since the age of
nineteen he has had charge of the business in the
New York office, at No. 96 Spring Street, and
although business is carried on in Long Island
City, the principal office is in New York City.
In the fall of the year 1893 Mr. Ingram was
nominated on the Democratic ticket (though a
Republican) to the office of Justice of the Peace.
There were six candidates and two to be elected.

Mr. Ingram and Mr. Duffy were elected by about
fifteen hundred plurality, far ahead of the ticket,
and he has discharged the duties incumbent upon
that position in a very able manner. He was
appointed police commissioner in 1893 and served
until he resigned to accept the position of jus
tice. Our subject has shown his appreciation of
secret organizations by becoming a member of
the Masonic fraternity and is a thirty-second de
gree Mason, belonging to the consistory of New
York. He is also a member of the Mecca Temp
lars and Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, having been a member of general
conventions and a delegate to conventions at dif
ferent times, and is a member of Astoria Athletic
Club, of which he is vice-president. Religiously
he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ingram is one of the youngest justices ever
elected in Long Island City, and has convinced
many that it is not age that always brings wisdom.

CHRISTIAN HEROLD. Among the na
tive-born sons of Germany who, coming
to America, have here gained a degree of
success impossible to secure in the land of their
birth, mention may properly be made of Mr. Her-
old, who has been prospered in his work as a con
tractor and builder at Dutch Kills, Long Island
City. While he has not been engaged in busi
ness for himself many years, yet since starting out
as a contractor he has been successful in building
up an increasing and remunerative trade. In ad
dition to taking contracts, he also draws plans
and does some work as an architect. Many of
the substantial buildings in Long Island City have
been erected under his supervision, and he gives
employment to twelve or fifteen men, carrying on
a large business throughout the entire year.
Born in 1862 in Freiberg, Hesse Darmstadt,
Germany, the subject of this notice is a son of
Jacob and Maria (Hiibner) Herold, natives of the
same place as himself. They came to America,
where the mother died; the father, who during his
active years was engaged as a musician, is now
living retired in Long Island City. Six children
comprise their family, namely : George, a carpen
ter employed with our subject; Katie, who lives
in Long Island City; William, a painter in New
York City, but living here; Christian; Mary, who
lives in this city, and Carl, a contracting plasterer
engaged with our subject.
Educated in the schools of his native place,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

263

Christian Herold

was confirmed at the age of
fourteen, after which he served a four years' ap
prenticeship at the carpenter's trade. When less
than nineteen years of age, he came to America
in company with his brother William and for a
time followed his trade in New York City.
In 1883 he came to Long Island City, where he
was first employed by Mr. Lehr, and in 1890
was taken into the business by that gentleman.
One year later he started out alone, and has since
carried on a large business in this locality. He
built a residence for himself, but afterward sold it,
and now lives at No. 186 Radde Street.
After coming to Long Island City Mr. Herold
married Miss Agnes Rieger, a native of Wurtem-
berg, and they have three children, Lillie, Robert
and Elsie. Formerly he was identified with the
Order of Chosen Friends in New York, but is not
at present a member. He is treasurer of the
Leiderkranz of Long Island City, in which he
is first bass. While actively interested in politics,
he has never allied himself with either party, but
retains independence of thought and action with
respect to his ballot.

HENRY C. KORFMANN, supervisor from
Long Island City, will take his seat in the
board in April, 1896. He is a most pleas
ant and affable gentleman and at the present time
is head bookkeeper for the water and fire board.
Mr. Korfmann is a native of Long Island, having
been born in Astoria, November 13, 1859. His
father was John Korfmann, a native of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, where he was reared and
educated, and when old enough to learn a trade,
he became a shoemaker. He was married in
the Fatherland, and in 1847, after the birth of two
children, came with his wife and family to Amer
ica, locating in Astoria. Immediately he began
work at his trade and from that time until his
death, in July, 1886, was one of the most reliable
boot and shoe manufacturers of the city.
The father of our subject became prominent
of his community and served ac-
member of the city council, as al-
the fourth ward, being elected to
the Independent Democratic

on

in the affairs
ceptably as a
derman from
that position
ticket. He was also a member of the excise board
under Mayor George Petry, and in whatever
office placed never failed to give satisfaction to all
concerned. His marriage united him with Miss
Catherine Brown, who was born in the same

province in Germany. She survived him one
year, departing this life in July, 1887, leaving a
family of five children, three daughters and two
sons. Of these, Elizabeth is the widow of F. H.
Brunett, of Long Island City; Catherine married
F. W. Bleckwenn, ex-city treasurer of this city;
Mamie is Mrs. Julius Bleckwenn, also of this
place ; John is a druggist of New York City, and
Henry C. is our subject.
Henry C. was reared in Astoria, where he ob
tained a good education during his attendance at
both private and public schools. When a lad of
fifteen years he began life for himself as a drug
clerk in the store of W. H. Munchmore, of Asto
ria, and after five years spent in his employ was
registered as a pharmacist. He next entered the
establishment of W. H. Sherfflin & Co., No. 170
Williams Street, New York City, as chemist in
their laboratory. He remained with this firm for
eight years and became a very valuable man in
preparing extracts, etc. At the expiration of that
time he was induced by his brother-in-law, Mr.
Bleckwenn, then treasurer of Long Island City,
'to accept a clerkship in the treasurer's office and
a few months later was made deputy city treasurer
and receiver, holding these offices during the
two terms in which Mr. Bleckwenn was treas
urer. His successor took charge of the
treasurer's office January 1, 1895, and seven days
later our subject was appointed head bookkeeper
and cashier of the water and fire department of
the city by Mayor Sanford. In the fall of that
year he was nominated for supervisor on the Jef
ferson Democratic ticket, and although this was
the first time he was ever a candidate for political
honors, was elected over two other well known
and highly esteemed gentlemen by a plurality of
one hundred and ninety-seven votes.
The marriage of Mr. Korfmann occurred in this
city January 11, 1885, when Miss Matilda, daugh
ter of F. W. Bleckwenn, became his wife. This
lady was born in Astoria, and at the time of her
decease, August 10, 1891, left two sons, Freder
ick W. and Harry J. In October, 1894, our sub
ject chose for his second companion Miss Cath
erine A. Kern, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., and
the daughter of Charles W. Kern, of Milford, Del.
In social affairs Mr. Korfmann is a Mason of high
standing, holding membership with Long Island
City Lodge, and also belongs to Enterprise
Lodge, K. O. of F., and John Allen Lodge, A.
O. U. W. In religious affairs he is an official
member of the German Second Reformed

264

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Church, which is presided over by Rev. C. D.
Steinfuhrer. In politics Mr. Korfmann is an uncompromis
ing Democrat and is influential in the Jefferson
Club, of which he is now the treasurer. He is
also connected with the Jefferson Democratic
Club, and is a member and vice-chairman of the
general committee and is also executive commit
teeman from the fourth ward. He was sent as a
delegate to the state convention which was' held
at Syracuse in 1895, and is in many ways a prom
inent factor in the various clubs and societies of
his party.
Mr. Korfmann is director in the Long Island
City Building and Loan Association. For some
time he was a member of Mohawk Hose Com
pany No. 1, and was with his company at the
tournaments held at Plattsburg, Troy and Peeks-
kill. He belongs to the Veteran Firemen's Asso
ciation of this city, and years ago was a member
of its board of trustees. He is likewise connected
with the Order of American Firemen of Long
Island City, meeting with Council No. 7, of which
he is treasurer. Mr. Korfmann is quite a musi
cian and finds great pleasure in meeting with the
Arion Singing Society. The members of the As
toria Athletic Club look upon him as one of their
influential and most active members.

WILLIAM KUNASEK, one of the ster
ling business men of Astoria, is en
gaged as a hatter, carrying a well se
lected stock of the most durable and fashionable
hats each season. Mr. Kunasek was born in Vi
enna, Austria, September 8, 1873. His father,
Anthony Kunasek, was also born there, and for
a period of twenty-five years was an officer in the
Austrian Hussars. On resigning his commission
he came with his family to America in the year
1878, and located in New York City, where he is
still living.
Grandfather William Kunasek also served as
an officer in the Austrian Hussars, and during the
forty years in which he was a soldier fought suc
cessively in the Prussian, Italian and French
Wars. Some of the bluest blood in Austria
flowed in his veins, he having been the son of a
nobleman under that crown.
The mother of our subject, who bore the given
name of Mary, was also born in Vienna, and by
her union with Anthony Kunasek became the
mother of four children, of whom William, of this

history, was the eldest. The latter was a lad of
about five years when the trip was made across
the Atlantic. A year or so later he began attend
ing Grammar School No. 49, located in Thirty-
seventh Street, New York, and was a student there
until fifteen years of age. It was then necessary
for him to look out for himself, and, desirous of
learning the hatter's trade, he was apprenticed
to a good workman with the firm of H. Feltstein
& Co., and worked his way up from performing
the simplest duties in the shop to turning but the
finest hats. Four years after he entered the em
ploy of this firm he was made assistant superin
tendent and continued to hold this position until
1893, when he resigned in order to accept a clerk
ship with John L. Klages, of Hunter's Point. He
worked for that gentleman until 1895, when, in
June of that year, he embarked in business for
himself in Astoria. He had only $500 to invest
in the business at this time and his stock was at
first very modest. Now, however, he carries a
stock worth over $2,000, including all grades and
qualities, and he may always be depended upon in
whatever he says in regard to the durability and
quality of his goods. He commands the largest
trade of this kind in Long Island City and his
place of business is splendidly located at No. 123
Fulton Avenue.
Mr. Kunasek was married in New York in
June, 1893, to Miss Josephine Swika, a native
of that city, and the' daughter of Vaclav Swika,
who now makes his home in this city. Twin
sons were born to them, Frank, now deceased,
and John W. Mr. Kunasek is a member of the
order of Foresters and belongs to the Queens
County Athletic Club. In politics he is inde
pendent.

EBENEZER KELLUM. Few professional
or business men of Hempstead were more
active in supporting its industries in a sub
stantial way than was this gentleman, who, dur
ing his lifetime, was a prominent resident of this
community. He was a man of great public spirit,
was actively concerned in educational affairs and
was postmaster of the village for eight years, be
sides filling acceptably the position of justice of
the peace for some time.
Mr. Kellum was born in Hempstead May 11,
1 8 17, and was the son of Phineas and Elizabeth
(Rhoads) Kellum, also natives of the above place.
While young the father learned the trade of a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

265

shoemaker, and the greater part of his life was
spent in following that occupation. With his es
timable wife, he was interested in all good works
in the community, doing much toward advancing
its material interests. Four children were born
to this worthy couple, only one of whom, Phebe,
is hying at the present time, making her home
in Hempstead.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
public schools of his native place, and when ready
to choose a business for himself, he learned the
gunsmith's trade. In 1836 he went to Patchogue,
where he resided for a short time and several
years thereafter took up his abode in Babylon,
where he was the proprietor of a large hardware
establishment, carrying on a very profitable busi
ness for several years. In 1848 he returned to
Hempstead, where he made his home up to the
time of his decease.
In the year 1844 Mr. Kellum was commissioned
by the governor of New York as adjutant of the
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment,
which office he held for four years. He was iden
tified with the movement to incorporate the vil- ,
lage, and when this was accomplished served for
many years as president and trustee of the board.
He was very popular in his community, and in
1853 received the appointment of postmaster of
Hempstead. So ably and conscientiously did he
discharge the duties of this responsible position
that he was made his own successor the following
term, serving in all eight years. In 1865 he was
the successful candidate for the office of police
justice and four years thereafter was elected jus
tice of the peace of the town. In connection with
his brother John, he was successful in selling
Hempstead Plains to the late A. T. Stewart. In
1876 Mr. Kellum was elected supervisor and
served for three terms. While connected with
the board he served on the committee whose duty
it was to draft a new law governing the appoint
ment of superintendents of the poor, and was
also instrumental in improving the method of col
lecting the arrears of tax-payers, thereby bring
ing large sums of money into the treasury which
otherwise would never have been collected. When
the question of fitting up the old and dilapidated
court house of Mineola for an asylum was agi
tated, Mr. Kellum bitterly opposed the plan, be
lieving that the structure could not be made safe
without a large expenditure of money and a use
less waste of the public funds.
In the year 1845 Mr. Kellum became a member

of Hempstead Lodge, I. O. O. F., and a few years
thereafter, while a resident of Babylon, aided in
the organization of a lodge in that place, becom
ing a charter member. In 1863 he joined Mor
ton Lodge No. 62,, F. & A. M., of this village, and
for twenty-eight consecutive years was secretary,
retiring from the office only one year prior to his
death. In 1877 he was unanimously chosen di
rector of the Glencove Mutual Insurance Com
pany, and five years later was made its president,
an office he held for many years.
The marriage of Mr. Kellum and Miss Mary
Townsend occurred in 1842. The lady was born
at Half Hollow Hills, and by her union with our
subject became the mother of four children, only
two of whom survive. They are Marie Antoin
ette, who makes her home in Hempstead, and
Ebenezer, also a resident of this village, but whose
business calls him to Brooklyn, where he is receiv
ing teller in the Brooklyn Bank. The wife and
mother departed this life in 1856, and January 8,
1862, Mr. Kellum married Mary R. Rushmore,
also of Hempstead.
Our subject united with the Presbyterian
Church in 1861, and for many years was both
trustee and elder of his congregation. He occu
pied one of the pleasantest homes in the village
and was surrounded with every comfort, and here
it was his delight to entertain his many friends
from far and near. In everything pertaining to
the betterment of his community Mr. Kellum was
very active, and among his fellow-citizens he bore
an enviable reputation as a man of honor, strict
integrity and true merit. His death, which oc
curred December 2, 1894, was a sad blow to the
community in which the greater part of his life
had been passed. His voice was always heard in
support of the broad and well-laid platform of the
Democratic party, and although the town of
Hempstead was overwhelmingly Republican,
when he first ran for office he received twice as
many votes as his opponent, which gives some
idea of his popularity as a citizen

P

ETER D. LEYS, M. D, who was surgeon
for the Union on many a bloody battlefield,
was born in Scotland in 1834. His father,
George Leys, was also a native of that country
and a prominent resident of the city of Evelyn.
Peter was reared and educated in his native land,
being a graduate of Robert Gordon's College.
On the 1 6th of October, 1851, he left home and

266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

friends to seek his fortune on this side the Atlan
tic During the voyage the vessel in which he
took passage was wrecked and all on board were
obliged to take to the boats. After drifting about
for some time they were picked up by an Ameri
can vessel and landed at New York City on the
7th of December following. Ten days after reach
ing that city he obtained work with a wholesale
drug house, where he remained for some time and
then embarked in that business in Brooklyn.
While thus employed he took up the study of
medicine and attended the Long Island College.
In the year 1862 our subject entered the United
States army as surgeon, being identified with the
Army of the Potomac. In January, 1865, he was
the bearer of dispatches to General Sherman at
Savannah. He participated in many of the most
prominent engagements of the Rebellion and
served his adopted country faithfully and effi
ciently. Afterwards he remained in the South
in charge of transportation of the sick from the
hospitals, and later was appointed medical inspec
tor for the South. At one time he was called to
inspect a vessel that lay off Paris Island and
found it to be the identical vessel by which he
had been picked up on the sea. For some time
he was surgeon commander of transportations,
and during that time transported over fourteen
thousand men from Southern hospitals. While
in the discharge of his duty he was severely in
jured during a storm and brain fever resulted.
After leaving the South Dr. Leys moved with
his family to Chicago, 111., where he engaged in
the practice of medicine. In 1870 he removed to
Brooklyn, where he had resided previous to the
war, and was actively engaged in the practice of
his profession until 1888, when he removed to
Roslyn, L. I., where he has since resided. In
politics the Doctor has always been a prominent
Republican, and in 1880 was vice-president of the
Kings County Republican General Committee.
Just previous to the assassination of President
Garfield the Doctor had had a personal interview
with Mr. Garfield and J. G. Blaine, the latter
being a personal friend of his.
Dr. Leys has ever been interested in educa
tional matters, and in 1893 was the Republican
candidate for school commissioner. He is an
eloquent speaker and has often delivered public
addresses in the interests of education. At pres
ent he is secretary of the local Republican com
mittee and is a leader in political affairs. At one
time he was a member of the Presbyterian

Church, but is now a Congregationalist and was
active in the building of the first church of that
denomination in Roslyn. He is president of the
board of trustees and is deacon in that church.
For some time he has taught the bible class and
in some cases has occupied the pulpit in the ab
sence of the minister. The Doctor is a member
of Elijah Ward Post No. 654, G. A. R, and for
two years served as president of the executive
committee of the Queens County G. A. R. He
is also a member of Central Lodge No. 361, F.
& A. M., of Brooklyn.
On the 1 6th of March, 1859, Dr. Leys was mar
ried to Miss Mary Holford, daughter of Andrew
Holford, of New Haven, Conn., and they have
five children: Clifford D., a druggist in Hemp
stead; Alice H, wife of E. M. France, of Terre
Haute, Ind.; George B., a bookkeeper of New
York City; Jessie E., at home; and Clara C, a
teacher in Dr. Hall's Academy at Roslyn. The
Doctor has spared no pains to educate his chil
dren and may well be proud of them.

FRANCIS McKENNA. As a landscape
gardener Mr. McKenna did his first work
in Queens County about thirty-seven years
ago, but his residence here dates forty-two years
back, during which time he has seen the develop
ment of the village in which he is at present re
siding. He came to this country from the Isle
of Erin and landed in the metropolis of North
America in the month of May, when he was in his
twenty-first year. The voyage to this country
was made in a sailing vessel named the "Switzer
land," and seven weeks and three days were con
sumed in making the journey.
Directly after landing on the free soil of Ameri
ca Mr. McKenna came to Inwood, L. I., and his
first work here was done on the dock. He later
found employment on a farm, which work he con
tinued to follow for one year, and during this time
it became generally known that he thoroughly
understood the culture and care of trees and
shrubs, having learned the art in Ireland, in which
country especial attention is given to the art of
tree planting. His skill and knowledge were soon
in demand by those who wished to beautify and
improve their grounds and he gradually but
steadily drifted into his present occupation, by
which he has built up an extensive business and
accumulated a comfortable competency.
Notwithstanding the fact that his early oppor-

GEORGE S. DOWNING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

269

tunities for acquiring an education were very lim
ited indeed, Mr. McKenna is nevertheless a man
of good judgment and of much native intelligence
and shrewdness and can give the figures on
grades, yards of dirt to be removed, etc., with
mathematical precision, in fact, he is extremely
accurate and skillful in this respect. His educa
tion is thoroughly a practical one and in every
way sufficient to fit him for the duties which he
performs. He takes plots of ground in the wild
state and soon has them attractively arranged,
and so well pleased are many of his patrons that
he is employed by them to keep their lawns and
premises in order the year round. He is a thor
ough master of his business and the financial re
sult of his labors has been satisfactory.
Mr. McKenna was married in Ireland to Miss
Bridget McDermott and of the six children born
to them four are living: Mary Ann, Francis
Xavier, Catherine Elizabeth and William A., who
fills the position of village clerk. Mr. McKen
na is a Democrat in his political proclivities and
he and his family are connected with the Roman
Catholic Church.

GEORGE S. DOWNING. The subject of
this sketch is perhaps one of the best
known residents of Queens County, which
he has served in the official capacity of sheriff.
For many years he was engaged in tilling the soil,
but is now retired from active duties in this line
and is living in that peace and comfort which his
earlier years of toil and hardship have made pos
sible. Mr. Downing was born March 30, 181 5, in
East Norwich, and is the son of Richard and
Catherine (Snedeker) Downing. Grandfather
George Downing was, during his lifetime, one
•of the prominent residents of Littleworth, now
Glenwood, where he was a wealthy farmer and
large land owner, some of his possessions lying
within the village of Seacliff. His children were
as follows: Richard, the father of our subject;
Mary, the wife of Samuel Allen; Henry, Silas and
Jacob. Richard Downing was born November 3, 1780,
and died January 21, 1849. When a young man,
starting out in life for himself, he located on a
farm in East Norwich, where he spent the active
years of his life. He was a man who attended
strictly to his own affairs and the success which
hlessed his efforts was owing entirely to his ener

gy and businesslike methods. He was first mar
ried to Mary Wright, by whom he had two chil
dren, Charles W. and Phoebe W., both deceased.
By his union with Miss Catherine Snedeker there
were born the following-named children: Maria,
George S. and William L., all of whom are de
ceased excepting our subject.
George attended the schools of his district, thus
gaining a fair education, and remained at home
assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm
until the death of both parents, when he pur
chased the old homestead, giving his undivided
attention to its improvement until elected sheriff
of the county in 1853. During the three years
in which he served the people in this capacity,
and the succeeding three years as under sheriff,
the work on the farm was carried on by hired
help, Mr. Downing remaining almost the entire
time in his office in the Mineola court house. He
was brave and fearless in the discharge of his
duties and arrested many noted criminals in this
locality, among them being a man named Atchi
son, who, on being found guilty of some dreadful
£rime, was sentenced to be hanged, and Mr.
Downing, acting as sheriff, was compelled to car
ry out the orders of the court.
In i860 our subject was elected supervisor of
the town of Oyster Bay, giving such satisfaction
to the people that he was retained in office for
eight years in succession. After an intermission
of about ten years he was again the successful
candidate for this office, serving for six years,
when he refused to accept it any longer. Prior to
his election as sheriff he had been constable and
also filled the office of collector of his town.
Mr. Downing, who is one of the most enterpris
ing and prominent citizens of this portion of the
county, has been for a period of thirty-five years
a director in the Glencove Mutual Insurance
Company, and from 1878 to 1892 was treasurer
of this organization. For many years past he has
been kept very busy settling up estates, and by
tact and discretion scarcely ever fails to give satis
faction to all concerned.
Mr. Downing was first married January 3, 1837,
to Miss Eliza, daughter of Daniel Lewis. Their
son Charles is now deputy county clerk of Ja
maica; Ann E., now deceased, was married to
James R. Voorhees, of the town of Oyster Bay;
Daniel was a soldier in the late war and was killed
June 17, 1863, in a charge made by the Harris
Cavalry of New York, 'at Aldie, Va. ; Mary J. is
the widow of John C. White, who died at Say-

270

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ville, December 15, 1894. Mrs. Eliza Downing
departed this life November 13, 1843, and March
18, 1849, our subject married Miss Rachel, daugh
ter of Isaac Bedell. This lady was born at
Babylon, June 10, 1828. Their son Richard is
now a resident of East Norwich ; and Louise is the
wife of William Vernon, also of East Norwich.
The mother of our subject died October 2, 1872,
when aged ninety-three years, three months and
nine days.
In politics Mr. Downing is a Democrat, and
although not a member of any church himself,
his wife is identified with the Reformed Church as
one of its most worthy and consistent members.

JOHN MORRISON. Long Island City may
well be proud of the amount of brains and
energy possessed by her representative busi
ness men, for, taken as a whole, there are none
brighter, more intelligent, or with more ability
and push in any direction, and among them are
the members of the firm of J. & D. Morrison,
stone-cutters and contractors, at the corner of
Harris and Vernon Avenues. The senior mem
ber of the firm, John Morrison, was born in
Lochee, Scotland, in 1845. His father, Andrew
Morrison, came of a fine old border family, and
by trade was a practical machinist. While in the
prime and vigor of manhood he was called from
this life, leaving a widow, who was formerly Mary
Scott, a native of Montrose, Scotland, and two
children, Andrew, at Lochee, Scotland, and John.
The mother died at Lochee in 1892, at the age of
seventy-six years, having been almost a life-long
member of the Presbyterian Church.
In the pay schools of Lochee, Scotland, John
Morrison obtained a thoroughly practical educa
tion, or at least such an education as could be ac
quired prior to his eleventh year, for at that ten
der age he was compelled to commence the battle
of life for himself and do all he could to provide
for his physical wants. Until fifteen years old he
followed carpet-weaving and then for four years
was apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade, thor
oughly learning every detail of the business.
When his apprenticeship had expired he began
traveling over Scotland and England as a jour
neyman, and in 1872 came to America. In the
city of New York he followed his trade until 1881,
since which time Long Island City has been his
home, although he still' continued to work in
New York.

In 1883 Mr. Morrison formed a partnership in
the stone business with William Gauld, the firm
name being Morrison & Gauld, and their place
of business was first at Newtown Creek, then in
Seventh Street, and there continued until 1888,
when the firm was dissolved. Our subject then
became associated with his nephew, David G.
Morrison, and the firm of J. & D. Morrison was
established, first in Seventh Street and then on
Harris and Vernon Avenues, having a one hun
dred foot frontage on the latter street and ex
tending back five hundred and two feet. The
building is 100x50 feet in dimensions and is op
erated by steam power, the boiler being eighty
and the engine forty-five horse power They
have diamond and gang saws, rubbing bed, plan
ers and derricks, two of the latter being able to
handle twenty tons with an eighty-five foot sweep.
Tracks are laid to the different sheds, and from
forty to fifty men are given constant employment.
Owing partly to the excellence of the stone
handled, and partly to the superior ability and
methods of the company, the business has grown
to large proportions and shipments are made to
many parts of the United States. The stock com
prises stone from Connecticut, Indiana, Ohio,
Nova Scotia, the Wyoming Valley, the South, and
from Scotland, the product of which famous quar
ries is in great demand by builders and contrac
tors. The firm supplied the material for a fifte row
of flats in Fifth Street, besides that of many other
buildings mentioned in the sketch of the junior
member, David G. Morrison. Mr. Morrison
owns a fine residence at No. 125 Fifth Street.
He was married in his native land to Miss Cath
erine Methven, and of four children born to them,
one is living, Martha. Mrs. Morrison died in
November, 1895. Mr. Morrison belongs to Is
land City Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he has.
held various responsible positions, and politically
is a stanch Republican. He attends the Metho
dist Episcopal Church.

OBED L. LUSK, M. D. Man when well
boasts that he has no need of the doctor,
and is pleased to indulge in jibes and
sneers concerning the skill of the members of the
profession, and those who rail the loudest are
the first to send for the physician at the sound of
danger. At least that is true in many cases, and
the long suffering physician, anxious to benefit

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

271

mankind, responds to all calls, no matter what the
weather may be, and often endangers his own
health in caring for that of others. Dr. Obed L.
Lusk, an active medical practitioner, has been
successful in his efforts to relieve the sufferings '
of mankind, and as a natural result, his services
are largely in demand. For the past nine years
he has resided in Rockaway Beach, Oceanus, L.
I., but previous to that was a resident of Chicago.
His father, George W. Lusk, is a well-to-do lum
ber manufacturer, living at Fond du Lac, Wis.
The mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Pal
mer, was a native of New Hartford, N. Y. Their
children were named as follows: George H, of
Thorp, Wis.; Obed L., our subject; Clessen S.,
of Fond du Lac, Wis., and Louis P.
Obed L. Lusk was born in Edgerton, Wis.,
October 1, 1859, and no doubt inherits much of
his determination from his Scotch ancestry on
the paternal side. He received a good practical
education in his native village and when seven
teen years old entered the college at Evanston,
111., where he took a three-years course, and grad
uated. After that he entered the medical depart
ment of the same institution, called Northwestern
University Medical School, at Chicago, and, hav
ing a natural taste for the study of medicine, made
rapid progress in his studies. He read medicine
with his mother's only brother, Henry Palmer,
and graduated March 29, 1882. Soon after he
began practicing in Chicago with George Abbott,
at the corner of Monroe and State Streets, and
remained there about a year.
From there the Doctor went to Texas with
state troops as surgeon, and afterward traveled
around for about two years, visiting among other
places South America and nearly all parts of the
United States, after which he returned to Chicago.
From there he soon after went to New York City
and took a special course in Bellevue Medical
College, thus perfecting himself in all details.
Subsequently he came to Oceanus, L. I., and as
business increased and a demand for his services
arose, he moved here permanently.
Dr. Lusk is a Western man and his ideas have
been broadened by Western associations. Since
April 14, 1886, he has been health officer for the
town of Hempstead, filling the office most cap
ably. The Doctor is also examiner for the Equit
able Insurance Company, New York Insurance
Company, and the Mutual Reserve Insurance
Company. He is a member of the National Life
Association of Hartford, the American Legion of

Honor, and Star of Hope Lodge No. 430, F. &
A. M., at Brooklyn.
While fully prepared for general practice, the
Doctor has made something of a specialty of dis
eases of women and children. He has the pat
ronage of the large hotels here in the summer and
is one of the most successful practitioners of the
island. His duties as health officer call him to
many places and he has gained a wide-spread rep
utation. He is surgeon for the New York and
Rockaway Beach Railroad. At the rate of twenty
tons per day during the summer months garbage
and refuse from the streets of Oceanus were de
posited into the ocean, but through the efforts
of the Doctor the practice has been discontinued.
He says garbage can and must be cremated and
he has taken the contract for five years to dispose
of it in this way. Pie expects to be ready by
June 1, 1896, with his cremating furnace, the
plant costing him $10,000. He is a public spirited
citizen, well up with all advanced ideas, and is
respected by all. He married Miss Carrie Weber,
of New York City. Politically the Doctor is in
dependent.

DAVID G. MORRISON. One of the in
dustries always in demand, and daily in
creasing by reason of the rapid growth
of cities and villages, is that of the stone dealer.
A casual glance about us is all that is required to
gain a conception of the immense amount of stone
required in the construction of a city, and this
enterprise is well represented in Long Island City
by the firm of J. & D. Morrison, who are general
contractors of cut stone, with offices and yards
at the corner of Harris and Vernon Avenues.
Tlie junior member of this well known firm,
David G. Morrison, was born near Dundee, Scot
land, January 31, i860, his father, Andrew Mor
rison, having been born at Lochee, Scotland,
where he learned all branches of the stone-cut
ter's trade while growing up. Later he became
superintendent of the stone yards of Sturock &
Sheriff, a position he ably filled for many years,
but at the present time is filling a like position
for John H. Sharp & Co., at Dundee, although
his home still continues to be at Lochee. He was
united in marriage with Miss Ann Watt, also a
native of Lochee, and her death he was called
upon to mourn in 1893. Six children were born
of this union, five of whom are living. The
subject of this sketch, who is the second in order

272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of birth and the eldest son, is the only member
of the family now in America. His youth was
spent at Lochee, and there he acquired a practical
education, as did also his brothers and sisters,
who were as follows: Helen, Mrs. Andrew Wil
son, of Kirkwall, Scotland; John, an extensive
contractor and builder at Lochee, Scotland; Bar
bara, Mrs. Hutton, of Perthshire, Scotland ; Mary,
of Lochee; and Jennie, who is deceased.
David G. Morrison pursued his studies until
he had reached the age of fifteen years, then be
gan learning stone-cutting under his father, re
maining for five years. He then decided to seek
his fortune in America, and on the 9th of April,
1882, landed in New York, where he soon se
cured work at his trade. While there he became
connected with the United Presbyterian Church,
in Forty-fourth Street, near Ninth Avenue, in
which he afterward held the position of chorister
until December, 1885, when he returned to Scot
land. While at his old home at Lochee, he was
married, January 18, 1886, to Miss Janet Young,
a native of that place and a daughter of John
Young, the station master at Lochee for the Cal
edonia Railroad of Scotland. With his young
wife Mr. Morrison returned to the United States
March 5, 1886, and again took up his residence in
New York and became chorister of the United
Presbyterian Church once more.
In August, 1886, Mr. Morrison engaged in the
stone-cutting business on his own account in New
York on West Forty-fourth Street, where he con
tinued to transact business until 1889, at which
time he sold out and formed a partnership with
his uncle, John Morrison, and they engaged in
the general contracting of cut-stone in Seventh
Street, Long Island City. Here they established
a very extensive plant, operated by steam power,
but in 1 89 1 sold it to a syndicate and purchased
the Henchman estate, at the corner of Harris and
Vernon Avenues, Ravenswood, where a large
plant was erected and fitted up with all modern
improvement's and appliances, their dock on East
River being very conveniently located about one
hundred feet away. They have established a
very large and remunerative trade and supplied
the material for the building of the fine Majestic
Hotel at Seventy-first and Seventy-second and
Eighth Streets, New York; seven residences ad
joining this hotel, owned by Mr. Crawford; pub
lic school buildings in New York and other cities;
numerous apartment houses and many private
residences and other buildings in Long Island

City. From the character of the production and
the standing of this firm, it may be inferred that
these gentlemen are firmly entered upon a busi
ness career of the highest usefulness.
Mr. Morrison and his family reside in a beauti
ful residence at No. 14 Ely Avenue, Long Island
City, besides which he owns other valuable prop
erty. His children are as follows : Louisa, Mag
gie, Andrew, Janet, and David G., Jr. In his
political views Mr. Morrison is a Republican and
is a member of the general committee of the Re
publican party. He has been a delegate to va
rious conventions, and has always been quite
actively interested in political matters. Socially
he is a member of the Independent Order of For
esters, Crescent Lodge No. 402, F. & A. M., of
New York City; the Scotch order, St. Andrew's
Benevolent Society of New York; the Brooklyn
Master Stonecutters' Association; the New York
City Master Stonecutters' Association, and the
New York Mechanic and Traders' Exchange.
For some time Mr. Morrison has been connected
with the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of
Long Island City, being one of its trustees. He is
a fine tenor singer and has held the position of
chorister. In trade circles he is regarded as an
honorable business man, who has gained the en
tire confidence of his numerous customers, and
once to form business relations with him is to
be a permanent customer.

PLBERT H. MACKEY, JR., was born Sep
tember 14, 1 85 1, in the village of Port

Washington, where he now resides. He is

a son of Capt. Elbert H. Mackey, a native of
Glencove, L. I., born October 19, 1821, to James
and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mackey. When between
twelve and fifteen years the Captain accompanied
other members of the family to Port Washington,
where, at the latter age, he began to learn the
shoemaker's trade, and upon the completion of
his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman,
afterward starting a shop of his own. From this
village he moved to New York and for a number
of years carried on a general store there.
In that city Captain Mackey married Mrs.
Rhoda (Hendrickson) Baldwin, a native of Glen
cove, and daughter of Stephen and Catharine
Hendrickson. Closing out his business in New
York, he purchased a farm of about sixty acres
and for some years engaged in agricultural pur
suits, after which he embarked in the fish business

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

273

and in the manufacture of oil, being one of the
men who established that enterprise here. Later
he turned his attention to oyster farming, at first
getting his own seed, but since then the business
has grown to such an extent that the seed is
bought. In addition to other work, he has also
carried on a freighting business.
By his marriage Captain Mackey became the
father of five children, but only two are now liv
ing, viz. : Elbert H., Jr., the subject of this record,
and Stephen, who first married Maria Louise
Seaman, by whom he had one child, Eva Louise,
and after her death was united in marriage with
Carrie, daughter of Elbert and Deborah (Hulsart)
Burr, of Coldspring, L. I., this union resulting in
the birth of two children, Maude H. and Ralph
Elbert. Politically Captain Mackey is a Repub
lican and voted for Henry Clay in 1844, that being
his first presidential ballot. For two terms he was
collector of taxes, and for many years served as
trustee of schools and overseer of the poor. In
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is
a member, he has been class leader and trustee.
Socially he is associated with the Ancient Order
of Druids and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, being a member of the encampment.
The education gained by our subject was such
as the common schools of Port Washington af
forded. Reared to a knowledge of the oyster
business, he adopted that as his life calling and
has followed it with success, being with his father
until his marriage, since which he has been in
business alone. February 10, 1875, he was united
in marriage with Miss Mary E. Cornelious, daugh
ter of John D. and Mary (Baldwin) Cornelious, of
Merrick, L. I. Four children were born of the
union, but three died in infancy, the only survivor
being John D. C, who was born in Port Wash
ington, December 1, 1877, and graduated from
the Flushing High School in 1896, completing
the regular four years' course in three years. Mrs.
Mary E. Mackey died June 4, 1895, mourned by
a large circle of friends, to whom her noble
attributes of character had endeared her. She
was a sincere Christian, a devoted member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Mack
ey has belonged since boyhood.
While not a politician in the ordinary accep
tance of that word, Mr. Mackey is intelligently
posted concerning public matters and the inter
national issues of the age, and in presidential elec
tions supports the Republican candidates. So
cially he is connected with Seawaninahaka Lodge

No. 670, I. O. O. F., in which he takes an active
part. He is also identified with the Atlantic
Hook and Ladder Company. The business in
which he now engages was begun upon a small
scale, but through prudence and industry he has
increased it until now it ranks among the fore
most industries of the village.

JOHN J. McDERMOTT, superintendent of
the United States Mortar Company, at Port
Washington, is a native of England, having
been born in Lancashire, February 21, 1859. His
parents, Patrick and Ann McDermott, were also
born in England, where the father was chief en
gineer in various manufacturing towns for many
years. John J. attended the common schools un
til reaching his thirteenth year, when he began
working in a machine shop and was thus em
ployed for five years. He had seven brothers and
one sister, Mary E., who is now deceased. Six
of the sons became skilled engineers, and so pro
ficient were they in this business that they could
take charge of a plant and operate it at a mo
ment's notice.
Ih the year 1876 John J., of this history, emi
grated to America, joining his uncle, Michael Mc
Dermott, who was a prominent politician of New
York City. John was appointed .to a position in
the city department and very worthily transacted
all the duties devolving upon him for a year and
a half, when he resigned on account of his uncle's
death. He then went to Jersey City and obtained
the position of engineer in McDonough's coop
erage, remaining there for two years. He then
enlisted in the navy as deck blacksmith. For
three years and five months he was with the
South Atlantic squadron, and during that time
made many ports in South America.
On his return to New York after the close of his
term of enlistment Mr. McDermott began work
as a steam fitter, to which he very soon added the
business of a machinist. He was thus employed
for about four years, meeting with signal success
in all his undertakings. In July, 1894, he ac
cepted the position which he now holds as super
intendent of the United States Mortar Company,
which manufactures three hundred and fifty cubic
yards of mortar per day. This article, which is
machine-made, is all ready for use, and this proves
a great convenience to builders.
July 11, 1886, Mr. McDermott and Miss Mary
F. Williams were united in marriage. The latter

274

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is the daughter of James and Honora (Gerry)
Williams, and by her union with our subject has
become the mother of a daughter, Loretta, and a
son, John J., Jr., both of whom were born in New
York City in the same house in which their moth
er was born. In politics Mr. McDermott is not
identified with any particular party, but during
elections votes for the best man. Both Mr. and
Mrs. McDermott are identified with the Catholic
Church.

SANFORD MURRAY is known as the own
er and proprietor of the large pavilion on
Rockaway Beach at Oceanus P. O, Sea
side Station. This seaside resort is favorably
known to many thousands of people, who make
frequent pilgrimages during the summer months
to enjoy the comforts and pleasures there af
forded. Erected by Mr. Murray at a cost of $40,-
000, it is elegant in its appointments and is the
best of its kind on the beach, comparing favora
bly in every respect with similar places at fash
ionable and aristocratic summer' resorts.
The parents of our subject, Charles and Sarah
(Peets) Murray, died at the ages of seventy-two
and fifty-six respectively. The former, who was
a native of Orange County, spent the principal
part of his life in Greenpoint, where he followed
the trade of a ship joiner and carpenter. His
family consisted of six sons and one daughter, but
the latter died in infancy, and two sons are also
deceased, the survivors being Charles, an en
graver living in Brooklyn ; James E., who is en
gaged in the roofing business at Brooklyn; San-
ford, and George L., who married Miss Buckridge
at Morris Park and is in the employ of Smith,
Grey & Co., of Brooklyn.
The subject of this sketch was born in New
York City November 3, 1844. At the age of fif
teen he began to learn the plumber's trade, but
this did not prove congenial and he abandoned it
after one and one-half years. In i860 he en
tered the employ of the New York Gas Light
Company, and during the fourteen years he was
with that concern held many positions of respon
sibility, including that of collector. While hold
ing the latter position he was on one occasion
assaulted, it being supposed that he had consid
erable money with him. He was struck from be
hind with a hatchet, which inflicted a severe and
dangerous wound under the ear and almost cost
his life.

For one year Mr. Murray was manager of the
pavilion at Islip, in connection with Mr. Wain
wright, after which he came to Oceanus, repre
senting the firm of Wainwright & Remsen, and
took charge of the Seaside House, having an in
terest in the business for three years. In 1878,
associated with Mr. Valentine, he leased ground
in Remsen Avenue and built a hotel, which they
owned for ten years, his partner then selling his
interest to Mr. Datz. At that time there was no
house between the hotel and Ocean Beach. The
building was commodious, containing one hun
dred and fifty rooms, and its cost, including fur
niture, was $120,000. All was prosperous until
the fire, which destroyed this with many other
buildings and caused a great loss among the prop
erty owners here.
Meantime, in 1892, Mr. Murray had begun the
erection of the Grand Ocean Pavilion, the finest
on the beach. Of the men who were engaged in
tlie business at the time he came here all have
retired or are deceased excepting- himself, so that
he is the oldest representative of this line of work
in the place. He is a widower and has one daugh
ter, Estella, Mrs. George H. Allan, of Park Place,
Brooklyn. Politically he is a Democrat, inter
ested in local affairs, and fraternally holds mem
bership with the Masons. He assisted in the or
ganization of the fire department and has aided in
other enterprises of a public nature.

REV. ISAAC PECK, the popular pastor of
Roslyn Episcopal Church, and a man of
ability, was born in Flushing, L. I., Janu
ary 15, 1858, a son of Isaac and Abby P. (Beers)
Peck. The father was a successful business man
of Flushing and was special agent for a number
of the largest insurance companies of New York.
The early part of his life was spent in Brooklyn,
but later he moved to Flushing, and there received
his final summons in 1888. The first member of
this family to settle in America was William Peck,
who took passage on board the vessel "Hector,"
that left England in 1637. He was one of the
founders of the New Haven colony. The sixth
generation descended from William Peck was
Jonathan Peck, who settled in Flushing in 1790.
His son, Isaac Peck, was the grandfather of our
subject. The youthful days of Rev. Isaac Peck were
spent in the Flushing Institute and in 1875 he
entered Yale College, from which he was grad-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

275

uated in 1879. After this he took a year's
course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of New York and then a course in Berkeley Di
vinity School at Middletown, Conn., graduating
from the latter in 1883. He was then ordained
deacon and the same year took charge of Christ
parish at Laredo, Tex., where he remained one
year, being obliged to give this up on account
of ill health. This was the only Episcopal Church
within a radius of one hundred and eighty miles.
Subsequently he was appointed rector of Trinity
Church, Tilton, N. H., and remained there one
year, after which he was appointed rector of Em
manuel Church, at Washington, D. C. Later he
returned to New Hampshire and was in charge of
All Saints Church at Littleton for three years.
After this he was rector of St. Paul's Church,
Kinderhook, N. Y., for three and a half years, and
in 1892 took charge of Trinity Church, Roslyn,
where he has remained since. Mr. Peck is a
Master Mason, a member of Cornucopia Lodge
No. 563, Flushing. On the 2d of October, 1890,
he was married in the Church of the Holy Com
munion, New York City, to Miss Mary Constan-
tia Smith Heyward, daughter of William Hey-
ward, who is a lineal descendant of Thomas Hey
ward, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence.

D WESLEY PINE. The name of Pine
has long been actively and prominently
•> identified with the upbuilding of Free-
port, L. I., and the erection of many of her largest
and most stately edifices. There is no more im
portant industry in a growing city or one in which
its exponents are in greater demand, than the
builder and contractor. Freeport's imposing bus
iness buildings and fine, residences have proved
this, while the builder may with truth at once
be designated as one of the foremost and useful
developers of a vicinity. D. Wesley Pine is one
of the most prominent men engaged in this line
of business in Freeport. He was born at Green
wich Point, January 5, 1846, and is a son of Ray
nor and Catherine (Edwards) Pine, both natives
of the island, where their entire lives were spent.
The youthful days of Raynor Pine were spent
in a paper mill and for some time he was engi
neer of the same. Later he engaged in farming
and was thus occupied at the time of his death,
which occurred in 1882. Mrs. Pine died in 1867.
Our subject had only the ordinary advantages of

the district school during his youth, but under the
admirable training of his father learned habits of
industry and perseverance on the farm that have
remained with him through life. When nineteen
he began learning the carpenter's trade and five
years were spent in this before he embarked in
business for himself. In 1877 he formed a co
partnership with Carman Pearsall, of Freeport,
and the firm of Pine & Pearsall has continued up
to the present time.
This firm is one of the best known in its line
in the community and the many buildings erected
by Mr. Pine and Mr. Pearsall are fair samples of
their handiwork. D. W. Pine was married in
1870 to Miss Laura E. Treadwell, daughter of
Timothy Treadwell, who is a descendant of one
of the oldest and best respected families of Long
Island. Mr. and Mrs. Pine's only child, Murwin
W., closed his eyes in death at the early age of
fifteen years. For many years this worthy cou
ple have been active and earnest members of the
Presbyterian Church and are leaders in all good
work. For twenty-eight years Mr. Pine has been
»a member of the Odd Fellows' Order, and in poli
tics he is a Republican, faithfully supporting the
platform and measures of that party.
Our subject has never aspired to any political
position, preferring to give his entire attention
to his business, which has grown to vast pro
portions under his admirable management. For
many years he was foreman of Excelsior Hook
and Ladder Company of Freeport, and is also a
director in the Freeport Bank and in the Free-
port Land Company. The village was incorpo
rated about the year 1892 and a fire department
organized with Mr. Pine as chief. He is ever alive
to the progress and interests of his village and
vicinity and is a most worthy citizen.

WILLIAM POST. Not only in the vil
lage of East Williston, where he re
sides, but throughout this section of
Long Island, Mr. Post is known as an energetic
and capable business man, who is especially qual
ified by experience and training for the work of
which he makes a specialty. He is engaged as
a dealer in and shipper of all grades of draft
horses, carriage and road horses, and his judg
ment as to the merits and values of equine flesh is
said to be unsurpassed.
In Westbury, where he was born, January 30,
1853, the subject of this sketch was reared to man-

276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

hood and educated in the public schools, his
course being completed in a college at Easton,
N.Y. At the age of seventeen his father died, after
which for eight years he had the supervision of
the home farm. While thus occupied he was mar
ried, October 16, 1877, to Mary J. Willis, daugh
ter of John H. Willis, who belonged to one of
the oldest families of this community. Three
children have been born of their union : Gertrude
W., Frederick H. and Lillian E.
His father having established a stock and butch
er business, Mr. Post succeeded to this and car
ried it on at Westbury, but in 1878 he disposed
of his interests in that village and came to East
Williston. He at once entered upon the cattle
business here, and after a short time also became
interested in the horse trade, which he conducted
upon a constantly increasing scale until it reached
important dimensions. In 1888 he commenced
buying from the western states, his purchases
being largely from Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois
and Iowa. In 1886 he established the brick man
ufacturing business which is still conducted by
himself and his brother. These two lines of work
demand his close attention in order to secure the
most profitable results. For this reason he has
invariably declined public office, though he is a
firm supporter of Republican principles. With
his wife he belongs to the Presbyterian Church of
Roslyn and contributes generously to benevolent
and religious enterprises.

JOHN B. REBOUL was born in Warren
Street, New York, in the year 181 1. His
father, John B. Reboul, was born in France.
He left there and settled in St. Domingo, where
he remained until the insurrection of the slaves,
when he came to New York, where he lived un
til his death. John B. Reboul, the subject of this
sketch, was thus left an orphan at the age of nine
years. He resided in New York with his two sis
ters and received his education in that city. When
twenty years of age he went abroad, and on his
return engaged in the fur business, and was one
of the largest shippers to the London sales.
Mr. Reboul came to Astoria when it was a small
place and was one of the first to organize the
school system there. Not alone was he active in
educational affairs, but he was identified with
every enterprise that had for its object the im
provement of Astoria. He was a member of St.
George's Episcopal Church, and was both its

treasurer and clerk for many years. In the year
1839 he married Miss Almira W. Whittemore,
daughter of Homer and Maria Blackwell Whitte
more. They had seven children, only one of
whom is now living. He was active and strong
until the last two or three years of his life, his
death occurring February 25, 1894, when in his
eighty-third year.
A just regard for the memory of those who have
departed this life is cherished by all people of true
sensibility and particularly so when their careers
have been filled with acts of usefulness and kind
ness, for such was the life of John B. Reboul,
whose memory is revered and respected, and
who was one of the influential citizens of Astoria.

HENRY J. NICKOLAUS, who is editor and
publisher of the "Hicksville Press," also
holds the responsible position of postmas
ter of Hicksville. He is a man of much influ
ence in the community and is regarded as an of
ficial of sound judgment in public affairs. He
was born in New York City, November 12, 1866,
to Henry and Barbara Nickolaus, natives of New
York and Germany respectively.
When in his third year the subject of this sketch
was brought to Hicksville by his parents and here
received his education. When only thirteen,
however, his father procured a situation for him
as an apprentice in the printing business and for
a short time he worked in the office of John N.
Hydell, No. 104 Duane Street, New York. The
education which he had received being a very
meager one, he was not satisfied, and as soon as
possible he made arrangements to attend Gas-
kell's Business College of Jersey City, carrying on
his studies there in the evening and working at
his trade during the day. He rapidly advanced in
his vocation and became quite an expert in set
ting type.
When nineteen years of age Mr. Nickolaus was
married to Miss Catherine Augustin. In Janu
ary, 1890, the young couple removed from Jer
sey City to Huntington, L. I., where for eleven
months Mr. Nickolaus was engaged on the "Long
Islander." During the short time he was there
he was instrumental in organizing Nathan Hale
Council, Royal Arcanum, in which body he was
an active and influential worker.
In November of the above year Mr. and Mrs.
Nickolaus returned to Jersey City and made that
place their home until November,. 1892, when we

JOHN O'DONNELL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

279

find them again residents of the island, this time
making Hicksville their place of residence. In
the spring of the following year our subject was
appointed inspector of elections. He at once be
came identified with the leading movements of his
community and became quite prominent in the
councils of the Democratic party, of which he is
a strong supporter.
May 3, 1893, Mr. Nickolaus engaged in busi
ness, opening a general and job printing office
in Broadway, and March 10, 1894, the "Hicks
ville Press" made its appearance. This is a four-
page Democratic weekly, of which our subject
is editor and publisher. It is a live, newsy sheet,
and devoted to advancing the best interests of the
community. About this time the leading Demo
crats of Hicksville were looking about them for
a man worthy to fill the office of postmaster, and
after watching the editorial columns of the'Tress"
for a time, came to the conclusion that Mr. Nick
olaus was the man for the place. He forthwith
received the endorsement of the county central
committee, and April 28, 1894, was duly appoint
ed postmaster. He has earned a well merited
reputation by the conscientious and efficient man
ner in which he conducts all matters entrusted to
his care and is therefore most highly regarded by
the people of Hicksville.
Socially Mr. Nickolaus is a member of Hicks
ville Council No. 11 59, Royal Arcanum; Prim
rose Lodge No. 569, I. O. O. F.; belongs to two
fire companies, the Mutual Aid Society, the
Lutheran Aid Society and the Democratic Asso
ciation of the district.

JOHN O'DONNELL. As a leading citizen
of Queens County, one who has for many
years thoroughly identified himself with its
best interests, his far-reaching enterprise, apti
tude for affairs, and broad public spirit being po
tent in advancing its welfare in various directions,
the name of John O'Donnell is inseparably linked
with its growth and progress. He resides on his
farm situated on the Rockaway road and adjoin
ing the village of Jamaica on the south.
A native of Manhattan, the home where Mr.
O'Donnell spent his early years was in the imme
diate neighborhood of the residence of Madam
Cumel, the noted woman whom Aaron Burr mar
ried. His father, John O'Donnell, was born in
County Down, Ireland, and about 1816 emigrated
to America. In 1 844 he came to the present home
9

of his son and here he spent his remaining years,
engaged as a market gardener. He was success
ful in his enterprises, and at his death left a com
fortable fortune, and better still, a name highly
respected by all who knew him. His wife, Mar
garet Laughlin, was a near relative to the late
Bishop John Laughlin, of the Roman Catholic
Church. In their family were three children, of
whom James died when about fifty years old, leav
ing a widow and eight children. The only daugh
ter, Mrs. Lydia A. Shaw, 'is a widow and lives in
Jamaica. She has one daughter, Mrs. Frances
Bernardi. The early years of our subject were not years of
idleness. Throughout the summer months he
worked hard on the home place, assisting his fath
er in the market gardening business. His school
ing was limited to the winter seasons, when he
was permitted to attend the neighboring schools,
and his education was completed in the famous
Union Hall Academy of Jamaica. At the age of
nineteen he went to Wisconsin to visit his sister,
and while there her husband died. For four years
.ensuing he had charge of the large lumber busi
ness for the estate, and, liking the work, it was his
fixed purpose to remain in the West, but yielding
to the earnest solicitation of his aged parents, he
returned to Jamaica, where he has since resided
on the estate bequeathed him by his father.
When a young man Mr. O'Donnell began writ
ing articles for publication in the local journals.
During the war these articles, which were written
in a clear and forcible manner from the standpoint
of a war Democrat, attracted much favorable
comment. He was a member of Company A,
Eighty-ninth Regiment National Guard, and be
came Quartermaster. The company tendered
their services to the government in the early days
of the rebellion, but were not accepted, as they
were needed for a home guard within the boun
daries of the state.
His liking for and success in journalistic work
led Mr. O'Donnell, in 1868, to launch upon the
stormy waters of public opinion the now famous
"Jamaica Standard." From that time until Oc
tober, 1890, he guided its destinies, building it
up as an independent paper. Through, its col-
ums he advocated every good cause with zeal and
with equal ardor he condemned what did not meet
his approval. The subscription list became large
and the influence of the paper increased until it
became a large factor in moulding public senti
ment. In April, 1869, the accident at Willowtree

280

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Station, on the Long Island Railroad, resulted in
the killing of seven men and the wounding of
many others. Among the killed were Mr. Rush-
more, president of the Atlantic Bank, and Messrs.
De Pryor and P. H. Stranahan. Mr. O'Donnell
was made foreman of the coroner's jury, and in
vestigated the cause of the accident. In the
"Standard" he published such full, clear and im
partial reports of the accident and its causes as
to give the paper a permanent place in the con
fidence of the people. ' The fearless and intelli
gent position he took had the effect of causing
the railroad authorities to place the road in proper
condition. At that early period he stood for the
rights of the people against a strong monopoly,
and he continued it on that line ever afterwards.
In 1890 he sold the paper to a syndicate that after
wards turned it into a Republican organ.
During all these years Mr. O'Donnell con
tinued to manage his farm, and much of his edi
torial work was done in the privacy of his quiet
home. His public services have been of a most
important character. For nearly twenty years he
kept up a constant fight for a suitable market in
Brooklyn for the gardeners on Long Island, wish
ing to establish it in Wallabout, on property con
trolled by the government. After much hard
work and many conferences with officials in
Washington he finally succeeded in establishing
the well-known Wallabout market, where the
Queens County products are principally mar
keted, the government ceding a portion of the
river front for the purpose. He took an active
part in the acquiring of lands for the Gansvort
market, on Twelfth Street, New York. At his sug
gestion a portion of the land acquired is held for
the exclusive use of farmers and market garden
ers, it being so stipulated in the bill.
When the question of selling farm products by
weight was being agitated, Mr. O'Donnell took
a bold stand against such action and made a fight
for the standard of measure instead. By constant
and hard work before the common council of the
two cities, he succeeded in defeating the pro
posed law. Soon after the war an order was is
sued compelling all farmers to pay a produce tax
of $10, and he was one of a committee sent to
Washington to oppose it. Going to Albany, he
obtained letters from several state senators to
United States Senator Fenton requesting him to
oppose the bill, and it was finally defeated. He
has always been the champion of good roads on
Long Island and the excellent system of macad

amized roads in Queens County, upon which a
half million has been spent in the town of Jamaica
during the past few years, is largely the result of
his work and influence, he being one of the com
missioners having in charge the construction of
the roads. For five years he was superintendent
of the Brooklyn water supply.
One of the most important labors of Mr.
O'Donnell's life was in behalf of the State Normal
School at Jamaica. For years a bill had been
before the legislature for this purpose, but it was
not until the election of Governor Flower in 1892
that the bill became a law. He was made a mem
ber of the local commission and made a continu
ous fight for its location at Jamaica. After years
of effort, during which many interesting events
occurred in connection with the bill before the leg
islature, the question was finally settled and the
work of construction is now (1896) under way. In
1876 he originated the movement for a state ex
periment station and went to Connecticut to in
vestigate the method followed there, and through
the influence of the State Grange had the bill
passed authorizing the establishment, which was
finally located at Geneva, this being the first state
experimental station. Subsequently he served for
five years on the board of control, and through his
influence considerable work was done in the in
terest of horticulture. At a farmer's institute held
at Mineola in 1886 he originated a movement for
a sub-station on Long Island and has regularly
attended the legislature to aid in keeping up the
appropriation. A sub-station was established in
the village of Jamaica in 1887. February 22,
1896, he had sole charge of the farmers' institute
held in Jamaica, which was admitted to be the
most successful meeting of the kind ever held
in the state, bringing together the brightest men
of the nation in that department.
In former years Mr. O'Donnell was connected
with the State Grange and was master of the local
board of Patrons of Husbandry. He aided in
founding the Jamaica Farmers' Club, of which he
is now president. While he carried on an- inde
pendent newspaper, he has personally supported
Democratic candidates when they were the best
men. lie is regarded as one of the party leaders,
and though refusing office for himself, has been
active in aiding his friends. In local politics he
has always struck out for himself, entirely un
hampered by the rules or demands of party lead
ers. He has supported Republicans without hesi
tation when he believed they would prove more

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

281

faithful as public officers than their Democratic
opponents, and the force of his arguments and ac
tive work have, on a number of elections in the
county, determined the result.
During all these years of his stanch advocacy of
Democratic principles he has always been a firm
friend and admirer of Grover Cleveland. Since
his retirement from the paper he has spent his
time at his quiet bachelor home near Jamaica,
devoting his attention to the management of his
farm, but when any matter of public importance
is presented he is as ready as ever to give it his
time, thought and financial support, when con
vinced that the result will be beneficial to the peo
ple and advantageous to the place.
It may be easily inferred from the foregoing
resume of a part of Mr. O'DonnelFs fighting life
that he is a man who has many strong friends and
some bitter enemies.

CARMAN PEASELL. Characteristic of
the American is the ability to change his
line of business and achieve success in
what he undertakes. Of the old adage, "a rolling
stone gathers no moss," the reverse may often be
said to be true if accompanied by true spirit. For
tunate is he who can — when times are troublous
and circumstances hard — keep his eye fixed on
the goal and forge ahead to grasp success as a
reward for his striving. A gentleman who pos
sesses this business talent to an eminent degree
is Carman Peasell, who is engaged in the furni
ture, undertaking and house-furnishing business
in Freeport. Like many of the most successful
business men of this place. Mr. Peasell is a na
tive of Long Island, born at Pearsall's, now
Lynbrook, in 1827, and he is the son of Will
iam and Betsy (Carman) Peasell.
The parents were natives of Long Island and
here spent the most of their lives. During his
lifetime the father was a boatman and was thus
occupied at the time of his death in 1852. He
was a man of most excellent principles and was
highly regarded by all who made his acquaint
ance. His wife was born in 1803 and is still liv
ing (1896), in the enjoyment of comparative good
health. Their son, Carman Peasell, had very lim
ited educational advantages during his youth,
receiving his training in what was known as the
pay school, which was in session about three
months of the year. Only the wealthy could edu
cate their children in these.

When thirteen years old young Peasell left the
parental roof and came to Raynortown, now
Freeport, and made his home with Willet Ray
nor, who was a farmer and fisherman, remaining
with him for three years. After that he went to
New York City and served an apprenticeship with
a cabinetmaker and later learned ship-joining.
For some time afterward he was engaged in mak
ing architectural patterns for houses, but in 1861
he was in the navy yard in Brooklyn, where for
some time he was engaged in making gun car
riages. In 1864 he began the manufacture of ex
tension tables on his own account at Brooklyn,
N. Y., but ten years later suffered a heavy loss
by fire. Afterward he began manufacturing
stereoscopes and graphoscopes and was thus oc
cupied until 1876, when he established a furniture
business in Brooklyn. He again suffered consid
erable loss by fire and in the month of February,
1886, came to Freeport, where he has ever since
been engaged in the furniture, undertaking and
house-furnishing business. His stock is complete
and his business lucrative.
. Mr. Peasell was married July 3, 1848, to Miss
Harriet A. Earle, a native of New Jersey and
daughter of Thomas Earle. Of the seven children
born of this union only one survives, George W.,
who is engaged in business with his father; and
who has passed his days thus far in Brooklyn and
Freeport. In 1879 George Peasell married Min
nie F. Watson, daughter of William Watson, for
merly of Brooklyn, but now of Freeport. Three
children bless this union : William Carman, Hat
tie and Mildred. For about fifty years Mr. and
Mrs. Peasell have been worthy members of the
Methodist Church and take a deep interest in its
progress. Mr. Peasell is a Mason and in politics
is a stanch Republican, his first vote being cast
for Zachary Taylor. He has never aspired to
political positions and is a citizen who stands high
in church and social circles.

ADOLPH G. RAVE, M. D., of New Hyde
park, was born in Guttenberg, N. J., June
20, 1870, and at the age of seven years ac
companied his father to Hicksville, L. I., where
he attended the public schools and Professor
Bussman's Academy. At the age of eleven he
entered St. Paul's School at Garden City, Queens
County, where he remained two years, meantime
taking a course in grammar, English and Latin.
When thirteen he was confirmed in the German

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lutheran Church, of which denomination he has
since been a member.
For seven years our subject assisted his father
in the drug business, meantime studying phar
macy. At the age of nineteen he entered the New
York College of Pharmacy, where he was a stu
dent for two years. In 1890 he' took up the study
of medicine in the medical department of the New
York University, where the two succeeding years
were spent. It had been his intention to pursue
his studies uninterruptedly until graduation, but
in 1892 his uncle, Herman Rave, of Cleveland,
Ohio, urged him to take charge of his large drug
business in that city, as he was obliged to make
a trip to Europe. This he did, and while his stu
dies were temporarily interrupted, the experience
was a profitable one to him. In April, 1893, he
entered the Academy of Medicine at Louisville,
Ky., from which he graduated June 20, 1893, on
the anniversary of his birth.
Returning to his native place, the young Doc
tor soon afterward passed the New York state
regents' examination at Albany and received a
license to practice in the state. He then com
menced professional work with his father, remain
ing with him until the fall of the same year, when
he moved to the village of New Hydepark. Here
he has since engaged in practice, having a large
clientage among the people of the village and sur
rounding country. In November, 1894, he mar-
, ried Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Kiefer, of
New Hydepark, where she was born. One child,
Lili, blesses the union.
Politically Dr. Rave is independent. Socially
he belongs to Glencove Lodge No. 580, F. & A.
M.; U. S. Grant Council No. 1325, Legion of
Honor, in New Hydepark, in which he has passed
all the chairs and is now commander and med
ical examiner, and New Hydepark Lodge No. 3,
Shield of Honor, in which he is now junior mas
ter. He is medical examiner for the Prudential
Insurance Company, of Newark, N. J., and is also
connected with the Queens County Medical As
sociation.

J

OHN STERNBERG has had a very success
ful career since locating in Schuetzen Park
in 1872, and now is the owner of one of the
most comfortable homes in the place. He has
followed contracting and building during the
greater part of his life and is well known all over
the island, for his work has often called him long

distances from home. In 1836 his birth occurred
in Mecklenburg, Germany, which was also the
birthplace of his father, John Sternberg. After
starting out in life the latter became a builder,
which occupation he followed until his decease,
which occurred when he was fifty-five years of
age. His wife, Christine Meske, also passed her
entire life in the Fatherland.
The parental family included nine children, of
whom only four are now living. According to
the custom in Germany, our subject attended
school until a lad of fourteen years, when, his
father being in limited circumstances, he began
work as a carpenter's apprentice. After master
ing the trade in all its details he traveled as a
journeyman throughout Germany and Denmark.
In 1866 he took advantage of an opportunity
to come to America, and after remaining in Bos
ton for a short time, came to New York. There
he worked at his trade for a year, then removed to
Highland Falls, where he was engaged by a large
contractor. Later he was in the employ of the
government at West Point, and in 1872 we find
him located in Long Island City, purchasing a
place on Broadway, in Schuetzen Park, which was
just beginning to be built up. Being one of the
first contractors and builders to make permanent
residence here, he had all that he could do to erect
dwellings for those who were moving in. Mr.
Sternberg is also well known all over the island,
having erected many public and private buildings
at Bayridge, Rockville Center and Jamaica. He
has also done considerable work in New York
City, and wherever employed, never fails to give
satisfaction. Although now nearly sixty years
of age, Mr. Sternberg is still actively engaged in
business. In addition to doing work by contract,
he has erected many dwellings of his own which
he has never failed to sell at a good profit when
ever he desired to dispose of them. He has asso
ciated with him his son William, an architect of
no mean skill, and who gives his attention almost
entirely to this branch of the work. In 1887 Mr.
Sternberg remodeled his residence, so that it is
now one of the most modern and handsomest in
the park. i
The subject of this sketch was married in Ger
many to Miss Dorothy Lyhr, a native of Hanover.
Of the five children granted them three are now
living: William, whom we have spoken of as en
gaged in business with his father; Mary, at home,
and Gustav, who is carrying on a splendid trade
as a jeweler in Brooklyn.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

283

¦ Socially Mr. Sternberg belongs to Astoria
Lodge No. 186, K. of P., the Hara Gara Society,
, , the Turners Society and the Frohsinn Singing So
ciety. Almost all the members of the Sternberg
family for many generations back have adhered to
the faith of the Lutheran Church. In politics
our subject is a straightforward Republican. He
is always ready to assist in any worthy movement
for the general good and as one of the old-time
residents of Schuetzen Park, he commands the
respect and confidence of its best citizens.

JOHN H. SMITH, of Corona, was born' in
Eighth Avenue, Harlem Lane, New York
City, September 29, 1836, being a son of
John H. and Eliza Ann (Shearwood) Smith. His
father, who was born in New York, near the Con
necticut line, was a son of Shadrack and Mary
(Lockwood) Smith. Grandfather Smith was a
Revolutionary soldier, and his home, which was
in the line of march, was so raided that there was
not anything left to be cooked nor any utensil in '
which to cook. After the raiders had gone by
the grandmother went out to look for something
that might be utilized for cooking vessels and
finally was obliged to use an old plow share.
Of the seven children of John H. Smith, Sr., we
note the following: Sarah died unmarried in
1894; Isaac S. is a resident of Flushing, L. I.;
Mary died at the age of nine years; Daniel E. is
deceased; John H. is next in order of birth;
Thomas G., who lives in Corona, married Anna P.,
daughter of Col. John Bradshaw, of Salisbury, N.
C, and they have one child, Grace B.; Edwin A.,
a resident of Westchester County, married Emma,
daughter of John Striker, late of Locust Grove.
Of these children, all older than our subject were
born in New York, and those younger were born
near Corona.
The father, who was a farmer by occupation,
came to Corona in 1837, when this was an entirely
new country. What is now known as Corona
Heights was once a part of his farm, which our
subject helped to clear, later laying it out into vil
lage lots. The senior Mr. Smith was a Democrat
in politics, but never sought nor held public of
fice. He attended the Dutch Reformed Church
at Newtown and was buried there when he died, in
1852. Our subject attended school in Corona,
and the old building in which he conducted his
primary studies is still standing, being used as a

stable by Mr. Cunningham. For a time he was
also a pupil in a subscription school.
The death of his father, when he was about
sixteen, caused our subject to turn his attention
to the cultivation of the home farm. Later he
began to take contracts for building streets and
laying out new towns, being thus engaged in Co
rona, Newtown, Laurelhill, Blissville, Flushing,
Flushing Park, Palisades Park (N. J.), Union
Race Course, Ozone Park and throughout the
central part of Georgia. Politically he is an in
dependent Democrat and voted for Breckenridge
in i860. Of those men in Queens County who
were drafted at the time of the Rebellion, he was
the only one who reported for duty, but he was
not sent out, the town filling the required quota;
while his brother, Thomas, who was drafted, paid
twelve hundred dollars for a substitute. He is a
man of business ability, honest in every transac
tion, . faithful in carrying out his contracts and
energetic in the performance of every duty.

GEORGE P. SCHNURR, who is engaged
in the mercantile business in New Hyde
park, was born in the city of Brooklyn
in 1863. His father, Philip, spent his entire life
in his native country, Germany, where he died
prior to the birth of his only child, our subject.
Very soon after his demise his widow came to
America and settled in Brooklyn. Three years-
later she removed to Jamaica and there resided
for some time. George P. was educated in the
public schools of Jamaica and under the careful
training of his mother grew to manhood, fitted for
the responsible duties of life.
The first enterprise in which Mr. Schnurr en
gaged was the milk business, which he followed
for five years in Brooklyn, making his home in
that city in the meantime. In 1890 he established
a grocery business in Queens, which he conducted
until his removal to New Hydepark, in March,
1895. Purchasing the stock and business of J. V.
Bayless, he at once took a leading place among
the business men of the village, and by his upright
dealings with all has risen to a position of promi
nence among the people. He carries in stock a
full assortment of dry goods and groceries, as well
as all articles to be found in a first-class country
store. While Mr. Schnurr is identified with the Repub
lican party, he is liberal in sentiment and concedes
to others the right of freedom of opinion which

284

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he demands for himself. Socially he is a mem
ber of the Shield of Honor, belonging to Lodge
No. 3, at New Hydepark. In the U. S. Grant
Council No. 1325, Legion of Honor, at Queens,
he has served as chaplain. He was a charter and
is now an honorary member of Queens Hook and
Ladder Company No. 1, and for a number of
years held the position of trustee. June 12, 1886,
he married Miss Matilda Hudson, an estimable
lady, who passed away February 2, 1887. Since
that time his aged mother has resided with him.
He is an enterprising business man, and in addi
tion to the sales in his store also has two wagons
on the road disposing of goods among the people
of the community.

JOHN A. TURNER, the well-known real es
tate dealer of Corona, was born in Flushing,
L. I., April 29, 1856, and is a son of William
and Mary (Wheeler) Turner, natives of New York
and of Irish ancestry. The father, who learned the
trade of a painter, later became a contractor and
builder and made large investments in real estate.
In 1849 he removed from the city to Flushing,
where he remained until his death in 1876, at the
age of fifty-four. In 1857, during the administra
tion of President Buchanan, he was appointed
master painter of the navy yard at Brooklyn,
which responsible position he held until there
was a change in the administration. Afterward
he was elected justice of the peace in the town of
Flushing and served one term in that capacity.
During the period of the Civil War he was
engaged in filling the quota of soldiers for Queens
County until 1864, when he was chosen by his
fellow-citizens to represent them in the Assem
bly, and he served one term in that office, giving
satisfaction to his constituents and proving his
own superior ability. On retiring from politics he
entered the hotel business, building the Hoffman
House at Flushing Bay, and naming it in honor
of his particular friend, Governor Hoffman. He
continued in that business until his death.
Throughout his entire active life he maintained a
deep interest in local affairs and the welfare of
the people. Politically he was an old line Whig,
and upon the disintegration of that party became
a Democrat. In fraternal relations he was iden
tified with the Masonic fraternity.
Of the twelve children who comprised the
parental family only four attained years of maturi
ty. They are as follows: Mrs. Jane A. Welden,

of Corona, who has one child; John A.; William,
a single man living in New York, and Stephen
Augustine, also unmarried and living in New ,
York. Our subject attended the public schools
of Flushing and at the age of twelve entered St.
Boniface Academy, from which he graduated at
the age of seventeen. On leaving school he be
came a messenger and check clerk in the Flushing
and Queens County Bank at Flushing, where he
remained about fifteen months. For two years
afterward he was employed in the county clerk's
office at Jamaica, and in 1877 began to work for
the American News Company in New York, con
tinuing with them for ten years. In 1887 he took
charge of the shipping rooms of Stremsky, Rei-
man & Co., of New York, and held that position
for two years, after which, in December, 1889,
he took a similar position with Jones Brothers,
wholesale dealers in tea and coffee, remaining
with that firm until September, 1891.
April 10, 1887, at Winfield, L. I., Mr. Turner
was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Nolan,
of Newtown, and they are the parents of two chil
dren living, Mary and James Nolan. Politically
our subject is a Democrat and cast his first presi
dential ballot for General Hancock in 1880, since
which time he has never lost an opportunity to
vote for the candidates of his chosen party. At
this writing he is serving as clerk of the board of
assessors. He was reared in the faith of the Cath
olic Church, into which he was confirmed at the
age of fourteen years, and to the support of which
he has since contributed.

PHILIP P. SCOTT. In modern times the
necessity of sanitary plumbing has come to
be understood by the majority of the peo
ple, who realize that many of the fever scourges
and epidemics of previous years might have been
prevented had proper sanitary precautions been
taken. To this occupation Mr. Scott has devoted
himself from an early age and in it he has attained
a proficiency that renders his opinion and work
valuable. Since 1886 he has made his home in
Far Rockaway, where he has a place of business
in Central Avenue.
The parents of our subject, Peter M. and Cath
erine (Conine) Scott, were born in County Clare,
Ireland, and near Albany, N. Y., respectively, and
died at the ages of fifty-eight and forty-eight years.
The father, who was a plumber by trade, engaged
in business at Utica, N. Y., for some years. Of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

285

his seven children Philip P. and Mrs. Mary E.
Perry, of Utica, N. Y., are the only survivors.
Our subject was born in the city of New York,
May 15, 1858, and was quite young when the
family removed to Utica, where he attended the
public schools. Under his father's instruction he
learned the plumber's trade, and at the age of
nineteen, going to New York City, he worked at
his chosen occupation wherever he had an oppor
tunity. Being a good workman, he commanded
fair wages, but did not succeed in saving much
money until he began in business for himself.
While New York City was his place of abode, he
called Utica his home, and there he cast his first
presidential vote for James A. Garfield. After
about four years in New York he came to Far
Rockaway, where, without any assistance finan
cially, he has built up a good business in the line
of sanitary plumbing.
The marriage of Mr. Scott united him with
Miss Josephine H. Mott, who was born in Far
Rockaway, and is a member of the Episcopal
Church here. They are the parents of a son,
Peter McGregor. A stanch Republican, our sub
ject can give a good reason for the faith that is in
him. From the fact that he has proved a good
business man, his fellow-citizens judged that he
would be equally efficient in public affairs, and
they therefore elected him president of the village
and a member of the village board. His adminis
tration is spoken of as one of the best the place
has ever had, and he was instrumental in effecting
many needed improvements. In his fraternal re
lations he is connected with the Masons and the
Foresters.

JAMES B. VAN OSTEN. The love of beauty
of surroundings was a prominent character
istic of Greeks and Romans, but no less is
it a quality of this latter civilization. James B.
Van Osten, art decorator and house and sign
painter, of Hunter's Point, Long Island City, is
one whose thorough knowledge and practical ex
perience in his line of business have placed him
among the foremost business men of the place.
He was born in Chicago, 111., March 6, i860, to
the marriage of F. W. and Tillie (Wilson) Van
Osten, the former a native of Philadelphia, Pa.,
and the latter of Chicago, 111. The Van Osten
family came originally from Holland to this coun
try and settled in the Keystone State. Great-
great-grandfather Van Osten was a commis

sioned officer in the Revolutionary War and died
for independence. James B. Van Osten, grand
father of our subject, was a native of Chester
County, Pa., and for many years followed the
trade of carpenter and builder. Later, in part
nership with his son, F. W., he embarked as a
commission merchant, and continued this until
his death.
F. W. Van Osten is a graduate of Philadelphia
College, and when a young man he went to Chi
cago, 111., where for a few years he was engaged
in the commission business. There he married,
but subsequently returned to Philadelphia, where
with his father he was engaged in the commission
business under the firm name of J. B. Van Osten
& Co. The business was carried on until the
death of James B. Van Osten, when F. W. con
ducted it for some time without a partner. After
that he was engaged in carriage-bolt manufac
turing in Philadelphia, and is following that at
the present time. Mrs. Van Osten was the daugh
ter of William Wilson, who was an old settler in
Chicago. She died in early life, leaving three
children, a son and two daughters, all now living.
The son, who is the subject of this notice, and
the youngest of the family, is the only Van Osten
in the Empire State. He secured a good educa
tion in the Philadelphia public and high schools
and finished at Andelusia College of that city in
1874. Having a decided taste for art and deco
rating, he started in the business, and subse
quently learned painting, paper-hanging, etc.,
continuing the same for many years. In 1882
he became traveling salesman for Janeway & Co.,
of New Brunswick, and represented this firm for
six years. He met with an unusual degree of
success, being well posted and enterprising, but
later left this company and worked in the same
capacity for A. L. Diament & Co., of Philadel
phia, representing them in Pennsylvania and New
York until 1890. In that year he left the road
and embarked in business in partnership with
William F. Morton, under the title of Morton
& Van Osten, and opened a store at No. 46 Jack
son Avenue, Long Island City.
In 1892 Mr. Van Osten bought out his partner
and has continued alone ever since. He carries a
select assortment of wall paper, paints, oils, etc.,
and does wholesale and retail mixing and color
grinding. He does work all over the island and.
in Brooklyn and New York City, many of the
finest buildings in these cities having been deco
rated and finished by him. He is considered

286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

authority in the matter of art decorating, and his
wide, extensive trade corroborates this fact! Sign
work is also one of his specialties.
Mr. Van Osten was married in Long Island
City to Miss Emma Laws, a native of that place
and daughter of J. Robert Laws, who is assistant
postmaster here. They have two children, Emma
and Adell. In politics Mr. Van Osten is an active
Republican, and socially is a member of the Lin
coln Club. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, but as there is no church of that denom
ination in Hunter's Point, he attends the Baptist
Church, in which his wife holds membership. He
is leader of the choir and a fine tenor singer.

RICHARD THOMAS TURNER. Great
Britain has contributed many sterling busi
ness men to the population of the States,
• and among those in Hunter's Point, Long Island
City, the name of Mr. Turner is deservedly num
bered. He is a member of the firm of Turner
Brothers, sheet iron workers, and during his busi
ness career has executed a great amount of work,
not only in the state of New York, but in other
states as well. Possessed of the cool, deliberate
clear sightedness that is so characteristic of men
of English origin, Mr. Turner saw a fine opening
for his present business in Hunter's Point, and
availed himself of the opportunity.
Mr. Turner was born in London, England, Sep
tember i, ,1859, and his father, George W. Tur
ner, was also a native of that city. For many
years the latter was superintendent of the large
firm of Brown, Green & Gray, manufacturers of.
ranges, and he died in that country on the 18th
of August, 1866. His wife was a Miss Harriet
Ernes, a native of London and daughter of Thom
as Ernes, who was a prominent manufacturer of
London. After the death of her husband she
brought the family to America and settled in
Long Island City in 1867. She is still a resident
of this city, and now, at the advanced age of sev
enty-five years, finds a comfortable home with
her son, our subject. Thomas Turner, grand
father of our subject, was a prominent business
man in London for many years. He was with the
English army at Waterloo.
The seven children born to the parents of our
subject were named as follows: Thomas F.,
Susanna M., Harriet, Sarah, George J., Alfred E.,
and Richard T. The last named and the youngest
of the family remained in his native city until

seven years old and then came to -this country
with the family. He attended the public schools
of Long Island City until twelve years old and
then entered the employ of ex-Mayor George
Petry, with whom he continued for one year, when
he commenced to learn the tinsmith's trade. He
remained with Mr. Petry for twenty years and
was foreman the greater portion of the time.
In 1890 Mr. Turner started in business for him
self and with a partner, under the title of Van
Riper & Turner, for about a year was engaged
in the hardware business, also doing tin and sheet
iron work. At the expiration of that time the
partnership was dissolved and Mr. Turner has
since continued the business with his brother,
under the firm name of Turner Brothers, at No.
106 Jackson Avenue. They manufacture varnish
and oil tanks (pressure blow pipes), stove and
furnace works, ahd employ from ten to fourteen
hands. Mr. Turner was married in Long Island City
to Miss Lucy Witham, a native of Astoria, Long
Island City, and daughter of Joshua Witham,
deceased, who was a florist here. Four children
have been born to this union: Richard Witham,
Lucy Harwood, Robert Kyle, and Alfred Ernes.
Mr. Turner is a member of the order of American
Firemen of Long Island City, and of Council No.
17. He is vice-president of the latter and was
the second man to be elected to that position. For
seven years he was a member of the Franklin
Engine Company. For a number of years he
has been a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he is steward and assistant su
perintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically
he is a Republican.

JUDGE FRANCIS B. TAYLOR, who is
justice of the town of Hempstead, is also a
successful legal practitioner in the village of
Hempstead, and in many ways has been instru
mental in promoting the interests of the place.
He is a native of Bergen, N. J., his birth occurring
April 17, 1864. His father, Joseph M. Taylor,
a native of Charleston, S. C, removed to New
York in later life, and there for many years was
successfully engaged in farming. At the present
time he resides in Georgetown, S. C.
The ancestors of our subject came from Eng
land and settled in South Carolina prior to the
Revolutionary War, in which conflict the great
grandfather took part. Die great-great-great-

SOLOMON B. NOBLE.

JUDGE DANIEL NOBLE-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

291

grandfather of our subject, Henry Middleton, of
South Carolina, was a member of the Continental
Congress and at one time president of that body.
During the Civil War the relatives of the Taylors,
who were living in the South, joined the Confed
erate army.
Mrs. Sarah (Bergh) Taylor, the mother of our
subject, was a native of New York City, and was
a relative of the great shipbuilder of that name.
She departed this life in March, 1895, when ripe
in years. She reared two sons, the brother of
•our subject being Arthur M., now engaged in
farming in West Virginia. Francis was a lad of
•eight years when his parents went to Germany
and there remained four years. He was sent to
the model schools of the empire, and on his return
to America took a course at St. Paul's, of Garden
City, L. I. After completing his education he
found a position in a coffee importing house of
New York, remaining with this firm for six years.
During all this time it had been his desire to enter
one of the professions, and, choosing law, he en
tered the New York University, from which he
was graduated in 1890. He then became con
nected with Silas M. Stillwell, a prominent lawyer
of New York, and continued with him until the
death of Mr. Stillwell. During all this time he
made his home in Hempstead, and now confines
his practice for the most part to this vicinity.
In the spring of 1893 Mr. Taylor was elected
justice of the peace of the town of Hempstead on
the- Democratic ticket, which fact speaks well
of his popularity, for this is a very strong Repub
lican town. He makes one of the ablest judges
in the county, and when his decisions are ren
dered the case is very seldom carried to a higher
•court. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Democratic
Club of this place and is also a member of the
Sons of the Revolution.

JUDGE DANIEL NOBLE, District Attor
ney for Queens County, is a native of Long
Island and for many years has been one
of its leading attorneys. He is active in the ranks
of the Democratic party and has served in politi
cal positions of influence. During his profession
al career in this county he has made many warm
friends and is highly esteemed as a lawyer of
more than ordinary ability.
The Noble family is one of the oldest Puritan
families in the country and includes many dis
tinguished names. The progenitor of the family,

Thomas Noble, landed in Plymouth Colony soon
after its settlement in 1620, and his descendants
are numbered by thousands. In the last four
generations of the family there have been many
attorneys. Daniel Noble, great-grandfather of
our subject, was a justice of the Supreme Court
of Massachusetts, and two brothers of Solomon
B. Noble, the father of the Judge, were clergy
men. Solomon B. Noble was born in Williamstown,
Mass., under the shadow of Williams College,
May 22, 1819, and was eighth among the nine
children of Daniel Noble, a prominent lawyer
of the Massachusetts bar, and at one time
justice of the Supreme Court. He attended
school and fitted for college in his native town,
and at the age of fourteen entered Williams Col
lege as a freshman. Notwithstanding his com
parative youth, he took high rank and was grad
uated with honors four years later with the Class
of '37, when eighteen years of age, being at that
time the youngest graduate Williams College ever
had.
• For three or four years after finishing his edu
cation Solomon Noble taught school, and in 1841
came to New York and entered the law office of
the late Judge Betts. In three years he completed
the course of reading and was admitted to the
bar. Deciding to open an office for the practice
of his profession in the metropolis, he located at
No. 111 Nassau Street. His place of residence
at this time was in Thirty-fifth Street. He took
a very active interest in politics as a Democrat
and became a member of Tammany Hall. The
ability which kept him at the head of his pro
fession throughout his long career was recog
nized by his political associates and he was twice
elected to the Assembly from the district covering
Thirty-fifty Street. For nearly a quarter of a
century he practiced his profession in New York,
and finally, in 1868, he came to Long Island City
and occupied a fine mansion in Ravenswood.
After practicing by himself for a time, Mr.
Noble formed a partnership with the late Judge
Pearse, and a few years later the two partners
were candidates against each other for the office
of judge of the City Court, which preceded the
present Police Court and had superior powers.
Mr. Noble was defeated by a very narrow ma
jority. His next partner was Isaac Kugleman,
but on that gentleman becoming counsel for the
George Ringler Brewing Company of New York,
the connection was dissolved. Mr. Noble then

292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

continued by himself until 1884, when he asso
ciated his son, Daniel, in business with him. He
took a very conspicuous part in politics, and the
last public office which he held was that of dis
trict attorney, having been appointed to that posi
tion by his son, our subject. In January, 1894,
he entered upon the duties of his office, and was
actively engaged in the same when stricken by
paralysis in his office. He died at the home of
his son, Daniel, in February, 1895.
For ten years after entering upon the practice
cf his profession Solomon Noble remained a
bachelor. In 1854, however, he married Miss
Agnes, daughter of John Nicolson, a member of
the firm of Nicolson & Lindsey, at that time one
of the largest dry-goods firms in New York. Af
ter his marriage he resided in Brooklyn until
coming to Long Island City, as before stated.
Mrs. Noble died in Ravenswood in 1874. Of
their family five sons and one daughter survive.
Nicolson, the eldest, lives at Hot Springs, Ark.,
and is connected with the Standard Oil Com
pany. Our subject was the second in order of
birth. Miss Jessie makes her home with the
Judge ; John is managing a large farm at Nyack ;
Wolcott is engaged in the real estate business in
Oregon ; and Paton is well known in this city and
is a practicing attorney about the Police Court.
Having had a college education himself, the
father of our subject was a firm believer in a
liberal education and was anxious that his sons
should receive as good an education as could be
obtained. Three, Daniel, Wolcott and Paton,
were sent abroad and spent five years studying in
Germany. Our subject was born in Brooklyn on
Christmas Day of 1859. On his mother's side he
is of Scotch descent, as his maternal grandfather,
John Nicolson, was born in Scotland. After re
tiring from business life in New York City, he
made his home at Yonkers and there died when
advanced in years. He was a devoted member
of the Episcopal Church and a man who com
manded the respect and esteem of all who knew
him. The subject of this sketch attended the private
schools of Brooklyn until the year 1870, when,
accompanied by two brothers, he crossed the
Atlantic and began his studies in Germany, re
maining there until 1876. On his return at the
expiration of that time he became a student of the
Columbia College and soon thereafter entered the
Columbia Law School, from which he graduated
in 1881 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.

About this time he entered into business with
his father in Long Island City, the firm being
S. B. & D. Noble, and their office was located in
Third Street. They continued together until the
death of the senior member of the firm, since
which time our subject has carried on the busi
ness alone. i
In 1892 Mr. Noble was elected judge of Long
Island City, and in the fall of 1893 was nomin
ated and elected district attorney on the Demo
cratic ticket, also receiving the endorsement and
nomination of the Republican party. In 1894 he
took the oath of office, and by the wise and shrewd
manner in which he disposes of the cases brought
before him, he has gained the good will of the
entire county. He has one of the most attractive
homes in the city, which is located at No. 45
Woolsey Street.
Judge Noble was married in New York to
Miss Annie Moran, a native of Jersey City, and
the daughter of Alexander Moran, for many
years a prominent politician of this community.
He is a stanch supporter of Democratic prin
ciples and a member of the Episcopal Church.
Socially he is a prominent and influential Ma
son, holding membership with Advance Lodge
at Astoria. The Judge is librarian of the Queens
County Bar Association and belongs to the
Knickerbocker Yacht Club of College Point, also
the Williamsburg Yacht Club of Long Island
City. He meets with the Astoria Athletic Club of
this place, is an enthusiastic wheelman and a
member of the Long Island City Wheelmen. In
personal manners he is affable and courteous, and
readily wins and retains friends.

JULIUS VON HUNERBEIN conies of a
fine old Saxon family who trace their line
age back to the fourteenth century, at which
time the family was raised to the nobility. Nearly
all of the male members of the family have been
military men and many of them have become
distinguished soldiers and held high official rank.
The great-grandfather, Julius A. A "on Hunerbein,
was a colonel under Frederick the Great, and his
son, Gen. Julius Arthur Von Hunerbein, was a
celebrated general of the Prussian army. He
was in the War of 181 2-1 5 against the great Na
poleon, and was in the engagement at Leipsic
and in other noted battles. At the time of his-
death he was commander-in-chief of the Sixth
Army Corps in Silecia. The father of the sub-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

293

ject of this sketch, Baron Julius Arthur Von Hun- has been principally engaged as a draughtsman
erbein, was born in Berlin, and he finally gradu- in which capacity he has shown marked skill'
ated from the Royal -Military Academy of that taste and abilitv. Mr. Von Hunerbein who is
city. He became a soldier of the Prussian army really a German baron, is a Lutheran in his re-
and rose in rank until he became a major, when ligious belief and all his people have been Prot-

he resigned, received an honorable discharge, and
settled in Mecklenburg, where he became the
proprietor of a large landed estate. There his
earthly career closed in March, 1870, at the age
of sixty-five years. His wife was Agnes, young
est daughter of Peter Sievers, a wealthy landed
proprietor of Mecklenburg. She died when only
thirty-two years of age, having become the
mother of six sons, of whom Julius was the sec
ond in order of birth.
The subject of this sketch was born in 1845 m
Julich, Rhenish Prussia, where his father was
at that time stationed. His brothers are all offi
cers in the German army and are prominent mili
tary men. The eldest brother, Julius A., is now
retired, however, and is a royal forester of Al
sace. The boyhood days of Julius Von Huner
bein were spent in Mecklenburg, and until he
entered the Royal Military Academy of Berlin
his education was carried on at private schools.
He graduated from the above mentioned noted
institution in 1864 and was at once appointed
second lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment of
guards stationed in Berlin, after which he took
part in the Sleswick-Holstein War of 1864-65. In
1866 he was in the Austro-Prussian War, and
from 1870 to 1 87 1 was a participant in the
Franco-Prussian War, and rose to the rank of
first lieutenant in October, 1871. At the close of
the last war he received an honorable discharge,
and in December of that year he came to the
United States with his young bride, and located
in Rye, Westchester County, N. Y., where for
one year he filled the position of assistant civil
engineer. Very soon after this Mr. Von Hunerbein came
to Long Island City and secured the position of
assistant with P. G. Van Alst, with whom he con
tinued until 1874. He then became connected
with the water works of the city in the capacity of
draughtsman and engineer, and with marked abil
ity discharged the duties of these positions for
eleven years, at which time Mr. Gleason was elect
ed mayor of the city, and he resigned. He con
tinued to follow civil engineering and surveying
until July, 1893, when he was appointed assist
ant civil engineer of the General Improvement

estants since the days of the Reformation. He
is of a genial, social disposition, finely educated
and a thorough scholar, and since locating in this
country a host of friends has sprung up about
him, and he is in every way worthy the respect
and honor which is accorded him.
Mr. Von Hunerbein is a member of the Leid-
erkranz, of New York City, is an active and pop
ular member of the Jefferson Club, and politically
is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type. His mar
riage occurred in Hanover, Germany, in October,
1871, uniting him with Miss Louise Nollet, a
daughter of a prominent merchant of Hanover.
They have four children: Helen Louisa, Elsa
Bertha, Mellani and Julius A., Jr. Mr. Von Hun
erbein has a beautiful residence at the corner of
Theodore Street and Old Bowery Bay Road.

C

APT. THOMAS E. WEBB. The public
services rendered by Captain Webb, as
well as his uprightness in private life,
make it fitting that some record of his career
should appear in this volume. Now a resident of
Port Washington, he was born at Kingston,
Ulster County, N. Y., May 29, 1832, being a son
of John M: and Julia (Smith) Webb. His grand
father, Henry Webb, was educated for the priest
hood, but deciding not to enter that profession,
followed various occupations for a time, and
eventually accepted an appointment in the Brook
lyn navy yard as an accountant, for which his
fine education especially qualified him. He went
to Washington to have an account settled and it
is thought that he was murdered, as he was never
heard from again. His wife had died some time
before, so that the children were thrown upon
their own resources.
The father of our subject was born in New
York City, but spent his boyhood days in Brook
lyn. Being one of the older children, he took
it upon himself to look after the younger ones
when his father's death so suddenly orphaned
them. Entering the Brooklyn navy yard he
learned the trade of a shipwright. About 183 1
he married Miss Smith and soon afterward left
Brooklyn on account of the cholera epidemic

Commission of Long Island City. However, he there. They went to Kingston, where our sub-

294

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ject, their eldest child, was born. At times the
father, who was employed by the navy depart
ment, was obliged to go to sea, but in later life
he became a warrant officer in the navy yard,
which place he held until his death in 1847. P°~
litically he was a Whig, and in religious belief
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
which his wife was also a member. For some
years he was associated with the Sons of Tem
perance. Of his six children, all but two are
living. In the public and private schools of Brooklyn
our subject gained his education, and at an early
age he began to learn the trade of a shipwright
in the Brooklyn navy yard under Samuel H.
Hart, the man with whom his father had learned
the business, and the son of the builder of the
"Constitution," which he himself rebuilt later.
Our subject finished under Benjamin F. Delano,
and secured employment in the navy yard. In
1866 he was appointed assistant naval construc
tor, with the rank of lieutenant. He had learned
the architect's work, spending five years in the
drawing room and thus becoming a master of the
business. After a year or more he was sent to
the Bureau of Construction and Repairs at Wash
ington, D. C, and thence a few months later was
sent to the navy yard at Norfolk, Va., as chief
of the construction department, remaining there
three years. A similar period was spent in the
navy yard at Kittery, Me., after which he was
sent to Brazil, South America, to assist in a court
of inquiry under Admiral Leroy, returning to the
United States by way of Europe and reaching
home after an absence of four months. Next he
was transferred from place to place, being sta
tioned twice at Washington, D. C, Norfolk, Va.,
' Boston, Mass., Kittery, Me., and Brooklyn, N. Y.
In addition to the Brazilian trip he was sent
to Japan to survey the United States steamship
"Yantic," and was gone four months. On his
recommendation the ship was sent home and
rebuilt in the home yards.
The last service rendered by Captain Webb
was as superintendent at Cramp's ship yards in
Philadelphia, where he had charge of the build
ing of the "Yorktown," "Baltimore" and "Vesu
vius." His health, meantime, had become im
paired as the result of his laborious efforts in the
service, and he was retired on three-fourths pay.
April 29, 1854, when twenty-two years old, he
married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and
Susan (Bennett) Southard, and a native of Sea

ford, Queens County. They have two sons, the
older being John R., who was born in Brooklyn,
and is an engineer; he is married, and with his
wife and two children lives in Jamaica. The
younger son, who was born at Norfolk, Va., is a
draughtsman by occupation, is married and has
one child; he makes his home at Bayridge.
Though not a member of any denomination,
our subject is a friend of religion; his wife is iden
tified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
April, 1889, he bought his present home, known
as the Cornelia Moore place, which occupies an
admirable location, commanding a fine view of
the bay, Hart's Island, and the palisades. Socially
he has been a Mason since 1864. Though a Re
publican in principle, he has always been a man
who believed in letting every man follow
his honest convictions, whether they agreed with
his own or not; and when he had the power to
appoint men to positions, he inquired only re
garding their ability, and never questioned their
political views. That plan, however, did not suit
the politicians, who tried to prevail upon him to
appoint only partisans, but when they found they
could not control his actions they secured his re
moval to another place. Later, when he was sta
tioned at New York, the department desired his
services at Norfolk again in order to bring sys
tem out of confusion, but he objected to return
ing. When he was assured that it was to be
viewed as a compliment and not as a censure he
consented to go. As he was about to land he was
surprised by being saluted with the firing of one
hundred guns, and was met and welcomed by a
large number of his old friends — a tribute to his
ability and recognized worth more eloquent than
mere words would be.

CHARLES A. WADLEY. In every de
partment of human activity Long Island
City has contributed successful and emi
nent men, whose superior talents and researches
have promoted the world's progress, whose abili
ties have won wide recognition and whose culture
has brought them the admiration of many to
whom they are personally unknown. Such an
one is Mr. Wadley, assistant district attorney of
Queens County, and it is therefore fitting that in
this volume mention should be made of his event
ful career.
Our subject was born in Clyde, Wayne County,
N. Y., June 8, 1859, the son of Martin Wadley, a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

295

native of South Butler, that county, whose birth
occurred in October, 1832. Grandfather Nathan
iel Wadley was born in Vermont, whence he later
removed to Watertown, N. Y., where for many
years he followed contracting. He was a soldier
in the War of 181 2, and, being captured at the
battle of Sackett's Harbor, was held a prisoner
of war in Canada for six months. Later he be
came one of the earliest settlers of South Butler,
N. Y., continuing his contract work there until
his removal to Clyde. At one time he was in the
employ of General Adams, who had the building
of the Sodus Bay Canal, by which project it was
intended to connect Lake Ontario with the Erie
Canal, but the canal was never completed. The
grandfather lived in Clyde until ready to retire
from active life, when he located on a farm near
that place, remaining thereon until his decease, in
1878. The Wadleys are an old New Hampshire fam
ily, and many years ago the name was spelled
"Wadleigh," but it was changed by the grand
father of our subject. The latter is able to trace
his ancestry back to England, from which coun
try two brothers set sail for America, first living
in Boston, Mass. One of them later made his
home in New Hampshire, and subsequently
drifted to Vermont, finally settling in this state.
From this branch our subject is descended.
When young in years Martin Wadley began
life for himself, working on the Erie Canal, first
as tow-boy. His worth, however, was soon rec
ognized and he was promoted step by step until
he had a good position and commanded reason
able wages. On leaving the state he went to
Ohio, and at Ravenna learned the glassblower's
trade. This brings us up to the time of his mar
riage, May 15, 1853, soon after which event he
returned to New York and obtained his old posi
tion on the canal. Being industrious and eco
nomical, he later became owner of a boat which
he commanded until the outbreak of the Civil
War. He then sold his vessel and in August,
1862, volunteered, being mustered into service
as a member of Company H, One Hundred and
Thirty-eighth New York Infantry, under Col.
Joseph Welling. During the winter of 1862-63
the regiment was incorporated with the Ninth
New York Heavy Artillery, commanded by Col.
Fred Seward. Mr. Wadley was in the service for
a period of three years, or until the establishment
of peace.
The first engagement in which Mr. Wadley

took part was at Cold Harbor, where he was
wounded in the right hand, causing the loss of
his middle finger. After this he was detailed for
service in the quartermaster's department, where
he remained until his regiment was mustered out.
After the war he found that the injury which he
had received kept him from working at the glass-
blower's trade, hence he went into the oil regions,
and for the succeeding year was the proprietor
of an hotel at Pithole City. He then returned to
Clyde, where he was variously employed in mer
chandising, jobbing and contracting until retiring
from work of any kind. He still makes his home
in that place, among whose residents he is one
of the most substantial. He is a Grand Army man
and an enthusiastic Republican. In the affairs
of his community he has always taken a very
active part and for many years served acceptably
as constable.
Our subject's mother, formerly Emily Butler
Wheeler, was born in Ravenna, Ohio, July 27,
1834. She was the daughter of Frederick Wil
liam Wheeler, a resident of that place, but a native
, of Belfast, Ireland, having been born there Octo
ber 1, 1787. During the religious rebellion in
his native land he enlisted in the British navy and
shipped on board a man-of-war with an uncle.
After following the sea for many years he finally
left the service and came to America, locating in
Canada prior to the War of 1812. While there
he was impressed into the British Naval Service,
but succeeded in effecting his escape while sta
tioned on the Detroit River. Being able to cross
the line into the States he located in Ravenna,
Ohio, where he met and married Miss Rachel R.
Ward, a native of Westmoreland, Pa. They
made their home in Ravenna continuously until
their death, the father passing away October 1,
1872, when eighty-five years of age, and his wife
survived until July 26, 1882, aged eighty-four
years. Frederick William was the eldest son of
John Wheeler, a country gentleman residing at
Belfast, Ireland, who married Elizabeth Black
wood. Frederick William became the father of
eight children, of whom two sons served as sol
diers in the late war.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wad
ley three children, of whom Frederick James is
traveling salesman for W. P. Hollister, of Detroit;
and Frank Weston makes his home in Albany,
this state. The subject of this sketch, who was
the second of the family, has very vivid recollec
tions of camp life in Washington, D. C, when

296

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his father was with his regiment in the winter of
1862-63. The greater part of his childhood days
were, however, spent with his parents in Clyde,
where he was "educated in the high schools. In
1872, when a lad of thirteen years, he tended
Clyde Lock on the Erie Canal, doing a man's
work. His next work was in driving a team for
his father, who was engaged in contracting, and
later, when his father became proprietor of a gro
cery, he entered the establishment as clerk.
Being desirous of gaining a better education,
young Wadley began attending school again in
the fall of 1875. During the winter of the follow
ing year he assisted his father, who was watch
man on the principal streets of Clyde, doing duty
every other night. While thus engaged he car
ried a Latin grammar in the pocket of his big
overcoat and whenever an opportunity presented
itself opened it and began studying. He con
tinued to go to the public schools in the winter
months until the spring of 1878, when he ob
tained a position as bookkeeper for H. C. Hem
ingway & Co., being thus engaged during the
summer months and teaching school the rest of
the year. Some time thereafter he was taken
sick and after fully recovering his health began
the study of law in the office of Vandenburg &
Saxton, the junior member of the firm now being
lieutenant-governor. He continued to read
Blackstone in their office for several months, in
the meantime doing odd jobs whenever he could
find them, as he had to support himself. For
two summers he ran a twenty-eight-foot sloop
on Sodus Bay, but each fall found him back again
in the office.
In September, 1882, Mr. Wadley came to New
York City and took a position with John Mat
thews, manufacturer of soda water apparatus.
He remained in the latter's employ as storekeeper
until September 29, 1884, when he entered the
law office of Judge L. N. Manley. Since 1883 he
had made his home in Long Island City and had
always kept up his study of law. September 23,
1886, he was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn and
continued with Judge Manley until 1887, when
he was taken into partnership with that gentle
man, the firm becoming Manley & Wadley, gen
eral law practitioners. March 1, 1894, our sub
ject was appointed assistant district attorney for
Queens County by the attorney, Daniel Noble,
and since entering upon the duties of his office
has filled all required of him in a thoroughly effi
cient and praiseworthy manner. His success in

life is but another example of what untiring in
dustry will accomplish for a young man possess
ing good habits with a proper aim in life. Al
though scarcely yet in life's prime, he is in the
possession of a lucrative practice, is well con
nected socially, and financially ranks among the
active business and professional men of the city.
February 9, 1888, in Clyde, N. Y., Mr. Wadley
was married to Miss Lillie May Salzman, a native
of New York City, who departed this life in Long
Island City February 28, 1892. Two children
were born to them: Charles S., January 12, 1890,
and Anna Lillian, January 21, 1892. October 30,
1895, Mr. Wadley married Miss Eliza L. Bost-
wick. Our subject is a stanch Republican in politics
and has been an active member of the party for
some time. At one time he was United States
supervisor of elections, in charge of Long Island
City, under Allen, of Brooklyn, and has been an
officer of elections every year since. He takes a
very prominent part in county and city conven
tions and is at all times interested in the success
of his chosen party. Socially he is a member of
Mariners' Lodge No. 67, F. & A. M., of New
York City.

GABRIEL W. WILLIAMS, one of the
most successful business men of Long
Island City, is also one of its most hon
ored citizens. He stands very high in business
circles and is at present trustee of the Long Island
City Savings Bank. Mr. Williams was born in
Malmo, near Mandel, Norway, July 26, 1833. His
father, William Williams, was a seafaring man,
who lived and died in his native land. His wife,
Guri Tostensen, was also born in Norway, and her
father was likewise a sea capain. The latter was
awarded three pensions by the government on ac
count of his gallant rescue of the mails which were
attacked by the English off the coast of Jutland.
Pie commanded a vessel during the Danish War,
and was recognized by his superior officers in the
navy to be one of the government's most efficient
and brave captains. He died, firm in the faith
of the Lutheran Church, when over one hundred
years old.
To William and Guri Williams there were
born seven children, of whom our subject is the
only survivor. He was the youngest of the house
hold and spent his childhood days in attending
the public schools of his native town. Soon after

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

297

his confirmation, when a lad of sixteen years, he
went to sea as a cabin boy on a brig which was
bound for the shores of France and other foreign
ports. After one year he was taken on board a
new barge whose destination was Finland. On
landing there it loaded with lumber which it con
veyed to Marseilles, France, and then went to
Alexandria, and afterward to Syria, where a cargo
of maize was taken on board. Young Williams
then returned home and the next year was given
a position on the same vessel, this time going to
Odessa, Russia, and on its return in the fall he
set sail for Belfast, Ireland. Here our subject
boarded a vessel bound for the shores of the New
World, and in 1853 he was landed at Charleston,
S. C. He did not abandon his seafaring life for
some time to come, however, and was engaged
in the ocean trade. In 1854 he was in the employ
of the government acting as boatswain on the
United States revenue cutter "Tanna," under
Lieutenant Wilson. After holding this position
for a period of eighteen months, he was honor
ably discharged.
In 1856 Mr. Williams was taken sick with a
fever, and coming North regained his lost health
by a visit to New York and Boston. He then
returned South and was engaged in running a
steamer out of Newport, Fla., for several seasons,
when he was again taken sick. This time he de
termined to make his permanent home in the
North, and coming hither was engaged on the
yacht "Julia," then owned by Mr. Waterbury.
His next position was as pilot on the Thirty-
fourth Street ferry, but in 1867 he resigned this
position, and, forming a partnership with John
Gregror, embarked in the hotel and livery business
at Long Island City. The firm of Gregror & Wil
liams erected a hotel on the corner of Third and
Front Streets and in the rear of the same erected
their stables. After three years spent together the
partnership was dissolved, our subject purchas
ing Mr. Gregror's interest in the business, and
although he continued to manage the livery alone,
leased the hotel. His business soon grew to such
proportions that his present building would not
accommodate him and he therefore built another
brick barn at No. 164 Front Street and continued
to manage both stables for a time. He kept con
stantly on hand from eighteen to thirty horses
and almost every variety of vehicle, which he let
at popular prices.
In 1890 Mr. Williams sold out his new stable
to Mr. M. E. Conway and, leasing his hotel and

other barn, which he still owns, retired from busi
ness. He occupies a beautiful residence in
Eleventh Street and is regarded as one of the
substantial business men of the city. In Brook
lyn, in 1884, he married Miss Anne M. Peterson,
who was also born near Malmo, Norway. They
are now the parents of four children: George
Waldemar, Helen, Norman Willum and Heral
Andelo. In 1885 our subject visited his relatives
and friends in Norway, spending some months
amid the scenes of his old home. Socially he be
longs to Long Island City Lodge No. 586, F.
& A. M., and also is a member of Banner Chap
ter, R. A. M. He is regarded as one of the influ
ential members of St. George's Episcopal Church,
of which he has been junior warden and is now
vestryman. He has taught in the Sunday-school
for a long period and his influence, which is ever
on the side of right, is felt to be a power for
good in his community. In politics he is a true
blue Republican, having voted that ticket ever
since Lincoln became president in i860. In 1881
Mr. Williams became trustee of the Long Island
City Savings Bank, which is one of the reliable
institutions of the city and which is patronized by
the most prominent and wealthy citizens of the
community.

M1

ICHAEL E. FAY. In reviewing the in
dustrial enterprises of Long Island City
it is the aim of this history to mention
those men who are the best representatives of each
separate calling and who contribute most to its
reputation as a business center. Among those
worthy of distinct mention, not only on account
of their prominence and loyal citizenship, but
owing to their long business career, is Michael
E. Fay, who has been a prominent blacksmith of
Astoria, Long Island City, since 1862. He was
born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1844, a son
of Edward and Catherine (Clark) Fay, natives re
spectively of Counties Tipperary and Galway.
The father was a farmer by occupation and died
in the prime of manhood. His widow came with
her family to America in 1848 and located in
Oneida County, N. Y., but in 1861 she came to
Flushing, and eventually passed from life at
Greenpoint when in the seventy-eighth year of
her age. She bore her husband four daughters
and one son.
Michael E. Fay lived in Oneida County until
1857, and unfortunately had no educational ad-

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vantages. He was an ambitious youth, however,
and by self-application at night succeeded in ac
quiring a practical education, and is now consid
ered an exceptionally well informed man and a
sound reasoner. He began working on a farm,
but afterward followed blacksmithing in New
York City for a short time. Thereafter he began
making a specialty of horseshoeing on Long
Island, but again returned to his old home.
1862 found him in New York City, where he
worked as a journeyman for some time, then
again turned his attention exclusively to horse
shoeing. In the latter part of that year he took
up his residence in Astoria, Long Island City,
bought a blacksmith's shop in Fulton Avenue
and there remained until 1870, when he moved
his place of business to Main Street and has built
up his present large establishment at No. 18
Flushing Avenue since 1875. He has always
made a specialty of horseshoeing and has had
daily opportunity to manifest a humane spirit
toward man's most faithful servant. During the
many years that he has devoted to this business
he has won the confidence of leading horse own
ers, turfmen, drivers, owners of private driving
studs, horse breeders, in fact of all classes. His
patrons rest assured that when their horses go
to the shop of Michael E. Fay they will come
out properly shod, with no pending danger of
sore feet or pierced hoofs. Two of the most noted
animals that he has shod were "Dexter'' and
"Molly Tinker." He is a thorough master of his
trade, as is well known.
Mr. Fay has been in the real estate business also
and has built houses in Long Island City, some
of which he still owns. He has a fine residence
at No. 59 Flushing Avenue, and was married in
Flushing to Miss Catherine Ryan, who was born
in Richmond, Va., a daughter of Michael Ryan, a
large railroad contractor of that state. Six chil
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fay: Ed
ward, William, Juliet, Josephine, Frances and
Dell. Mr. Fay was a member of the Astoria
school board for some time and in 1874 was elect
ed alderman-at-large on the Democratic ticket,
which office he filled two years. He was chair
man of the finance committee, but at the expira
tion of his term refused renomination, as it inter
fered with his business. In 1893 he was appointed
by Mayor Sanford a member of the board of
health from the fifth ward and in every office
that he has filled he has discharged the duties with
credit to himself and to the universal satisfaction

of the people. He was a member of the commit
tee that improved and widened Flushing Avenue,
in which cause he did some effective lobbying
in the legislature. He has been an active church
and school patron, is a Jeffersonian Democrat, a
member of the Jefferson Club and was one of its
organizers. He has been a delegate to many con
ventions in the past twenty-five years and is a true
and tried Democrat.

D PRESTON WYSONG, M. D., of Port
Washington, was born in Bedford,
• Bedford County, Pa., February 2,
1853, and is a son of Thomas Turner and Sarah
F. (Preston) Wysong. The family is of Alsacian
origin, the first of the name in this country having
removed from the picturesque scenes of Alsace
and made settlement in the then wilderness of
Pennsylvania. Later, members of the family re
moved to Virginia, where, in Darkesville (now
W. Va.), the Doctor's father was born in 1817.
Early exhibiting unusual mental powers, he was
given excellent educational advantages and for
some years attended Dickinson College at Car
lisle, Pa. His talents and inclinations led him
to adopt the profession of a minister, and he en
tered the conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. It was while Rev. Mr. Wysong was stationed
at Bedford as pastor of the Methodist Church that
his son, D. Preston, was born. Later he removed
to Washington, D. C, where he accepted the
pastorate of the McKendre Church. After a few
years there he went to Berkeley Springs, thence
to Elk Ridge, and somewhat later retired from
the ministry, since which time he has made his
home in Harford County, Md. He is a man of
considerable eloquence, deep insight into human
nature and interested in everything that will up
lift mankind, and both in pulpit and in private life
he has aimed to do good unto all as he has had
opportunity. Accompanying the family in the various re
movals which fall to the lot of a Methodist min
ister, our subject received his education in early
boyhood principally at home, under the over
sight of his parents. Later he attended the acad
emy at Belair, in the county where his father now
lives, making a specialty of the study of classics
in that institution. From there he entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti
more, at the age of sixteen, and graduated two

J. ENSOR HUTCHESON, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

301

years later, after which he began to practice at
Rocks, Harford County, having a large patron
age from the first, and remaining there from 1872
until 1884.
At Philadelphia, Pa., June 17, 1880, Dr.
Wysong was united in marriage with Miss Re
becca Mitchell Newbold, daughter of Charles and
Margaret (Mitchell) Newbold. Mrs. Wysong
was born in Philadelphia and received an excel
lent education in a young ladies' seminary there.
A lady of superior culture, she is president of the
Woman's Guild at Port Washington, and holds
membership in the Woman's Club, of which she
has been secretary. At this writing she is also
treasurer of the Woman's Exchange. Interested
in religious work, she is a teacher in the Sunday-
school and a contributor to all church enterprises.
In 1884 Dr. Wysong came to Queens County
and for a time made his home in Manhasset, from
which place he came to Port Washington, and
here he has established a large and profitable
practice. Politically he is a Democrat, and in
1888 was elected coroner of the town of North
Hempstead. With his wife he holds member-j
ship in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and is
a regular attendant at church services. Five chil
dren comprise his family, namely: Charles, who
was born at Forest Hill, Md., June 15, 1881 ;
Thomas Shirley, born in Maryland, December 4,
1882; David Preston, Jr., born in Maryland, Feb
ruary 11, 1884; Allison Cleveland, born at Man
hasset, Queens County, September 29, 1889; and
Donald DuPuy, who was born at Port Wash
ing, September 1, 1894.

J ENSOR HUTCHESON, M. D. Among
professional men, and especially those of
• the medical profession, there is so much
competition in every large city that the man who
rises to special prominence and distinction
through his own efforts, may justly be accredited
with the possession of more than average ability.
Such a man is Dr. Hutcheson, who is one of the
foremost, as well as one of the most popular, phy
sicians of Rockville Center. In a comparatively
few years he has attained a professional position,
for which many strive throughout a lifetime. He
has brought such energy and such marked ability
to his life work that it is not too much to expect
from him even greater achievements in the fu
ture. Dr. Hutcheson was born in Lynbrook, in 1869,
10

a son of Dr. Robert William and Elizabeth (En-
sor) Hutcheson, the former of whom was born on
the Bahama Islands and was brought by his par
ents in his early youth to this country and with
them located on Long Island. Dr. R. W. Hutche
son received his preliminary education and also
his medical education in England, after complet
ing which he went to Brooklyn, where he fol
lowed his profession for a time, then came to
Rockville Center, where he was continuously and
successfully engaged in his work of healing the
sick and afflicted for some twenty-five years. He
was then compelled to temporarily retire from his
labor owing to cataracts which had formed on his
eyes, but he is at present (1895) doing consulting
work at Lawrence. He was left a widower in
1892. Our subject obtained his preliminary educa
tional training at the Polytechnic, Brooklyn, and
as his father's profession had considerable fas
cination for him, he entered upon its study in
1886; the following year he entered Bellevue Hos
pital Medical College, from which he was grad
uated in 1890. He received a hospital appoint
ment immediately after, but declined the same
and came to Rockville Center, where he has been
very successfully engaged professionally up to the
present time. Here he has pursued his calling
with such success that the sick and ailing have
learned to repose unbounded confidence in his
knowledge of the ills that the human body is heir
to and his skill in dissipating them.
In 1890 Dr. Hutcheson was married to Miss
Jessie Vernon Turner, daughter of J. V. D. Tur
ner, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and their marriage has
resulted in the birth of one daughter, Gladys
Ensor. Dr. and Mrs. Hutcheson are active mem
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and so
cially the Doctor is a member of the Royal Arca
num, the Knights of Pythias, as well as of several
college societies. Politically he has always af
filiated with the Democratic party, having always
supported its men and measures, and is one of the
health officers of his village.

TJ. FLYNN, M. D. Among those in
Queens County who are aiding in the
• development of 'the science of medicine
we mention the name and present the sketch of
Dr. Flynn, of Jamaica. He is a genial, affable
gentleman, a physician who has applied himself
conscientiously to his profession, and the distinc-

302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tion he enjoys is well deserved. He is popular
both professionally and socially, and, being young
in years, has every prospect of becoming promi
nent among the medical fraternity in the state.
As the family name indicates, Dr. Flynn is of
Irish lineage. He, however, is a native of Wales,
born there February 22, 1866, when his father,
John Flynn, a native of Ireland, was engaged as
a contractor in that country. In 1868, when he
was two years old, his parents came to America
and settled in North Adams, Mass. His father
was connected with the building of the great
Hoosac tunnel and remained with the company,
in one capacity or another, up to the time of his
death, which occurred December 3, 1891. His
wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Calla-
ghan, was born in Ireland and is now living with
her children in North Adams.
The parental family consisted of three daugh
ters and three sons. The oldest son, Morgan, was
connected with the building of the Hoosac tunnel
and died January 7, 1892; James L. is a drug
gist in Portland, Me. ; Kate is the wife of James
Nagle, of North Adams; Mary T. and Elizabeth
L. reside with their mother in North Adams.
The Doctor's boyhood years were spent in North
Adams, and his literary education was obtained
in the schools of that place. In early manhood
he entered the medical department of the Uni
versity of New York City and graduated from
that institution in 1891, after which he became
an attending physician at Bellevue Hospital and
had an office at No. 48 Henry Street, New York.
Later he was on the staff of the Kings County
Hospital at Brooklyn and from there came to
Jamaica in February, 1893. At once his talents
won recognition and he took a place among the
leading physicians of the village, where he now
has a large practice. In addition to his general
practice he is serving as health officer for the
town and village of Jamaica. He is a member of
the New York Medical Society and various other
associations connected with the profession.
Recently Dr. Flynn completed a comfortable
and modern residence in Hardenbrook Avenue,
and here his leisure hours are spent in the society
of his family and friends. He was united in mar
riage, May 10, 1893, with Miss Elizabeth L.
Lyons, a graduate of Drury Academy of North
Adams, and a teacher in the schools of that place,
where her father, Captain Lyons, a war veteran,
resided. They are the parents of one child, Mar
garet Kathleen. A stanch Democrat in politics,

he takes an interest in all the councils of the party
and aids its candidates with his influence and bal
lot. He is a public spirited gentleman, ever ready
to assist in enterprises pertaining to the welfare
and growth of the village. In his chosen profes
sion he has met with flattering success, and gives
abundant evidence of the ability that qualifies
him for a high place in the medical fraternity.

THOMAS FOLEY. Of the citizens of
Jamaica, none has a higher place among
the people than the gentleman named, who
is serving as one of the trustees of the village.
Farseeing, discreet, prudent, and possessing ex
ecutive ability, he is well qualified to take the
lead in matters of local government. He is a
progressive and public spirited man, ready and
anxious to do all that is for the advancement of
the people and the advantage of the village. In
his capacity of trustee he is careful and energetic,
a man of unswerving fidelity to the interests of his
fellow-citizens. From County Wexford, Ireland, where he was
born in 1848, Mr. Foley came to America with
his parents when he was seven years of age, the
family settling in the first assembly district of
New York City. His father, Patrick Foley, was
engaged in the trucking business there. Seven
years after coming to this country his mother
died and he was obliged to discontinue his stud
ies in the public schools and begin to earn his
own way in the world. In youth he learned the
cooper's trade, but never followed that occupa
tion for a livelihood. During the Civil War he
was in the employ of the government. At the
age of twenty-three he was elected to the com
mon council from the first assembly district of
New York, which position he filled from 1873
until 1875. In the latter year the lower house
of the New York Board of Aldermen was legis
lated out of existence. Among the other mem
bers of the board at that time was Hugh J. Grant,
since mayor of New York, and ex-Sheriff John
Riley, who was president of the board and after
ward register of the city of New York. In 1876
Mr. Foley was a member of the assembly, was
clerk of Washington Market in 1878, and in 1879
was made deputy sheriff.
During Mr. Foley's period of service as alder
man there was a great deal of excitement over
"boodling," and several members of the board
were convicted, but the finger of suspicion was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

303

never pointed to him and his record was clean
and honest. In 1883 he was the Tammany Hall
candidate for alderman from the first district,
and was elected. He ran again in 1884, but in
that year a hard fight was made against Tam
many, and he was defeated by only three hun
dred votes. At different times he filled other
positions of trust.
In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Foley
and Miss Margaret McAuley, whose father, James
McAuley, left a large estate, including consider
able realty in Jamaica ; her sister is the wife of John
Adikes, the extensive wholesale and retail grocer
of Jamaica. For two years Mr. Foley was en
gaged in the hotel business in this village, but
his property was burned and he then retired from
that occupation. Since then he has given his at
tention to the management of his real estate in
terests and the supervision of his wife's property.
They and their children, James P. and Maggie
Edna, occupy a pleasant home on Vanderbilt
Avenue and Fulton Street. In the spring of 1895
Mr. Foley was made a candidate for the position
of village trustee and was elected to the office,*
which he has since filled. The duties pertaining
to his office he has discharged with judgment and
tact, so that the people of the village feel con
fidence in his ability.

GEORGE E. CLAY. People who have
real estate for sale should appreciate the
importance of placing it with an agent
who is thoroughly acquainted with the business
and has business connections that enable him to
reach the purchaser promptly and secure as early
a transfer of the property as is consistent with
the best interests of the owner. Prospective pur
chasers should also consult with an agency that
is well acquainted with values and has the repu
tation of dealing honorably with all parties to a
contract in every instance. Such an agency is
conducted by Mr. Clay, who, at his conveniently
located office, is prepared at all times to exhibit
an excellent line of property, as well as to enter
on his books any additional business that may be
offered him.
Mr. Clay was born in the city of New York in
1851 to George and Mary (Martine) Clay, the
former of whom was born in Greenfield, Mass.,
and the latter in New York City. The Clays orig
inally came to this country from the Isle of Man,
and one member of the family, Stephen Clay,

from whom the subject of this sketch is descend
ed, settled in Massachusetts, while another broth
er went West and founded the family of which
the famous Henry Clay was a member. The pa
ternal great-grandfather of our subject, Stephen
Clay, was born at Cape Cod, Mass., and became
a sea-faring man in the coasting trade. He died
at sea. His son, Daniel Clay, was born at New
London, Conn., and owned a privateer during the
War of 1812. He finally became a druggist of
New London and later of Greenfield, Mass.,
where he was a substantial and well-known citi
zen. When in his prime he met with an accident
which resulted in his death. His wife was a Miss
Cook, whose mother fitted out many privateers
during the War of 1812.
George Clay was reared in Greenfield, Mass.,
and followed in his father's footsteps so far as to
become a druggist. He also practiced dentistry
for about thirty-five years on Clinton Place and
Forty-fifth Street, New York City. In 1886 he
removed to Brooklyn and there died the follow
ing year, a worthy member of the Episcopal
Church. His wife was a daughter of Samuel Mar-
tine, a native of New York City, and of French
extraction. The latter's wife was of Dutch de
scent. Her father, Stephen Martlyn, held the
rank of sergeant in the Revolutionary War, and
his name appears on the soldiers' monument of
the Colonial army, at Tarrytown, N. Y. The
widow of George Clay resides in Brooklyn, and
of her six children five are living, of whom the
subject of this sketch is the third in order of
birth. In the public schools of New York City George
E. Clay received a practical education, after
which he entered the College of the City of New
York, from which he was graduated with the de
gree of B. S. in 1870. After leaving this institu
tion he was in the civil engineer's office of Spiel-
man & Brush, at Hoboken, for six years, during
which time he had charge of their office, all their
railroad and city surveys and had control of fif
teen engineers. In 1876 he came to Long Island
City as assistant engineer on the first ward im
provement and filled this position with marked
ability until 1880, when he resigned and embarked
in the real estate and insurance business, which
he has followed with marked success up to the
present time. He also began the publication of
the insurance map of Long Island City, which he
is still conducting and which is the only one of its
kind in the city. Mr. Clay has built and im-

3°4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

proved property in all parts of Long Island City,
handles a large amount of real estate annually,
and has one of the finest residences in the place.
It is a commodious and substantial structure, with
brown stone front, and is located at No. 167
Eleventh Street.
Mr. Clay was married in Long Island City to
Miss Margaret O. Hunter, a native of the place,
and daughter of Jacob Hunter, a sketch of whom
appears in this volume. They have three chil
dren: Mary, George Hunter and Edna. Mrs.
Clay is a leader in the social life of Long Island
City, entertains elegantly, and her home is noted
for its hospitality. The family are attendants of
St. John's Episcopal Church. Politicallv Mr.
Clay is a Republican in national politics. He is
a member of the alumni association of his alma
mater, is connected with one of its Greek letter
societies, and is one of the trustees of the public
library of Long Island City.

GEORGE GEMUNDER. The venerable
gentleman who forms the subject of
this article and who has gained wide dis
tinction as a violin maker, was born in Ingel-
fingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, April 13, 1816,
being the son of Johan George Gemiinder, him
self a well-known maker of musical instruments.
From his earliest boyhood he displayed unusual
skill in artistic devices made with his pocket knife
and it was his custom, while his playmates en
joyed the usual boyish games, to draw designs or
study books pertaining to the history of music.
In school he excelled in mathematics, drawing
and penmanship, which led his father to send him
to a seminary to be fitted for the teacher's pro
fession. Three weeks of this life was sufficient for the
boy, whose ambitions were in an entirely different
direction. Going home, he obtained the reluctant
consent of his parents that he should devote him
self to his father's occupation. At the age of
nineteen, having lost his father, he went abroad
and worked successively for various masters at
Pesth, Munich, Strasburg and Vienna. He soon
knew more than any of his teachers, excepting
Vuillaume, the noted violin maker at Paris, in
whose atelier he secured employment. The cel
ebrated maestro took such a liking to the skillful
German youth that he gave him a place close to
himself in his studio and personally instructed
him in all the branches and secrets of the art.

Under his instruction the student became so fa
miliar with the construction of the old Italian vio
lins that he could not only perfectly imitate but
completely reproduce them.
In 1845, when Ole Bull brought his wonderful
Gaspar di Salo to Vuillaume to be repaired by
him personally, Vuillaume told him he had a Ger
man in his atelier who could do the work better
than himself. Ole Bull was reluctant to intrust
his violin in the hands of an unknown German,
but Vuillaume had his way. So well was the
work done that Ole Bull was profuse in his thanks
and expressions of gratitude. For four years
Gemiinder remained with Vuillaume, but in 1847
he crossed the Atlantic and has since made his
home in the United States. Soon after arriving
here he made a concert tour of the country in
company with his brothers, but the enterprise was
a financial failure. He then established himself
as a violin maker in Boston, but in 185 1 went to
New York, where he remained for some time. On
closing out his business there he had his atelier
in his home at Astoria, Long Island City, where
he continued work until advanced years obliged
him to retire from active labors. The business
is now carried on by his sons, of whom the eldest,
George, Jr., is considered the greatest violin mak
er in America since the retirement of his father.
The violin, the soul of the orchestra, which,
with its brilliant tone, more than any other in
strument accords with the human voice, has been
for ages a miracle, an unsolved problem to the
musical world. It is generally known that the
great Italian master Gaspar di Salo, also Maggini
of Brescia, N. Amati, A. Guarneri, Joseph Guar-
neri and Antonio Stradivarius of Cremona, made,
up to the eighteenth century, by far the finest
violins, and that after their death the art of violin
making was lost sight of for a long time. These
old Brescia and Cremona violins, so renowned
for their pure, full and sweet tone, command fab
ulous prices on account of the prevailing opinion
that they were perfect, and that, the secret of their
manufacture having been buried with the old
masters, all further experiments would be useless.
If it were true that the original violins cannot be
reproduced, there would be nothing left but to
imitate their construction as nearly as possible.
However, even the most perfect imitation en
countered another seemingly unsurmountable dif
ficulty, growing out of the universal belief that
age alone imparts the desirable tone to the in
struments and that it is impossible to make new

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3°5

violins capable of competing with the genuine
old Cremonas.
At that period Vuillaume began the manufac
ture of his instruments, which inaugurated the
second era in the history of the violin. His imi
tation of the old masters was so perfect that in
appearance and outer construction his violins
could not be distinguished from the Cremonas.
In addition to this, by means of a peculiar chem
ical treatment of the wood, he gave them an ap
parently old Italian tone. For a time he removed
all objections, but it was soon discovered that the
tone, though brilliant, was wooden and sharp, and
that no soul can be infused into the violin by
chemical treatment of the wood. It also became
apparent that the artificially created tone wore
away in a few years. For this reason the preju
dice against new violins became stronger than
ever. The third and last era of the history of the vio
lin is that inaugurated by Gemiinder. He found
that selection of proper material is the first re
quirement. He also found that not every piece
of wood is appropriate, but only such as are en-»
dowed with a mysterious musical vibration. A
lucky accident bestowed upon him a rich treasure
of "singing" wood. H. Eckhardt, one of the fa
mous musicians of America, formerly of New
York, but now of Columbus, Ohio, an intimate
friend of Gemiinder, met somewhere in New York
many years ago workmen engaged in tearing
down an ancient Dutch church, from which they
were hauling away cartloads of the old pine
boards and rafters. The veined timber attracted
Eckhardt's attention. He at once determined
that Gemiinder should have it, and he according
ly followed the carts and marked the place where
the timber was unloaded. Then hastening to
Gemiinder's shop, he brought the violin maker
back with him. It was at once apparent to the
practiced eye of the expert that this was the finest
violin wood he had ever seen, and he gladly prom
ised Eckhardt the first instrument made from it.
The whole pile was bought for a few dollars and
carefully stowed away for future use. This is the
richly veined "singing'' wood used in the manu
facture of all his violins, and the first instrument
manufactured, a masterpiece of art, is now one
of the most prized treasures of the musician.
While imitating the Cremonas, Gemiinder still
has essential differences in the manufacture of
his instruments. Profiting by their experiments,
he has avoided their errors. His intelligence, his

mastership in mechanics, his thorough familiarity
with all applicable rules of mathematics and
acoustics — in a word, his genius — enabled him,
while discarding the artificial means of Vuillaume,
to impart to his violins at first and for all time that
noble sympathy and tone quality otherwise only
found in the old Cremonas.
The greatest artists of the century have been
unanimous in their praise of the Gemiinder vio
lin. Ole Bull, after having long played upon one,
said it was one of the "most splendid and best
conserved Stradivarius" he had ever seen, and
when he finally discovered his mistake, he ex
claimed: "No man in the world but Gemiinder
can do that!" The renowned Vieuxtemps also
mistook a Gemiinder violin for a Strad. Ge
miinder sent one of his instruments, called the
Kaiser violin, to the World's Exposition at Vi
enna. That he made it with his own hands was
attested by his own evidence and that of num
erous prominent musicians. The "Vienna Ex
position Gazette," August 17, 1873, says: "The
sound of this instrument is really strong, beauti
ful and sympathetic, yet it has not that peculiar
young tone characteristic of even the best mod
ern violins." The prize judges and art critics,
though unanimous in their praise of the Kaiser
violin, refused to award it the prize, contending
that it was an old Cremona, which certainly is the
highest compliment attainable by any violin
maker.

ISAAC C. HENDRICKSON. To be descend
ed from ancestors whose names are honorably
associated with the annals of our country is
an honor in which one may take just pride, but it
is equally gratifying to the biographical writer to
record the deeds of those who, through active and
useful careers, have preserved untarnished the
good name they bear and have even added lustre
to the ancestral history.
It is therefore a pleasure to present the life
sketch of Mr. Hendrickson, for the benefit of this
and coming generations. His position through
out Queens County is one of such influence that
a narration of the events of prominence in his life
will be of common interest to all. Residing in
Jamaica, he wields an influence in business and
monetary matters not only in this village, but
throughout the surrounding country, and his suc
cess as a lumber merchant has been such as to
prove his staying qualities in commerce.

306

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Born in the town of Hempstead, Queens Coun
ty, June II, 1834, our subject was the only child
of Isaac C. and Ann (Remsen) Hendrickson. His
father, who was born in 1814, began farming pur
suits in early manhood, but died when only twen
ty-three. The grandfather, Richard, was a son
of Maj. John Hendrickson, who gained his title
through service in the Revolution. The history
of the family in America dates back to 1635, when
two brothers, Hendrick and William, came from
Sweden, one settling in New Jersey, the other in
Queens County. The descendants of the latter
are now very numerous, and many of them still
remain in this county.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of
Rem Remsen, of Springfield, and a sister of Isaac
B. Remsen, of Jamaica, to whose sketch the read
er is referred for the family history. After the
death of Isaac C. Hendrickson, in 1837, the moth
er married Benjamin Smith; she died in 1853.
Our subject grew to manhood in Jamaica and was
educated in the old Union Hall Academy. At
the age of eighteen he began to teach a district
school in Ulster County, N. Y., and for two years
he followed that occupation. In 1856 he began
in the coal and lumber business in Jamaica and
this he has since followed with marked success,
having at different times had several partners, but
for the past few years has been alone.
The connection of Mr. Hendrickson with local
affairs has been important and noteworthy. For
several years he was a member of the board of
village trustees and for some time he was on the
board of education. Assisting in founding the
Bank of Jamaica, he is now a stockholder and di
rector in this flourishing institution. Perhaps the
work of which he is most proud is his connection
with the establishment of a State Normal School
at Jamaica. He was a member of the board of
control with Gov. Richard C. McCormick and
John O'Donnell, and they succeeded after hard
and judicious work in securing an appropriation
of $100,000 from the state. The buildings are
now in process of erection and the school will
soon be opened. Without doubt it will be of the
greatest value to the village, increasing its fame
and advancing its material progress.
For many years Mr. Hendrickson has been a
trustee in the Presbyterian Church and is now a
deacon. Socially he is a Mason, and at one time
was senior warden of his lodge. In 1855 he mar
ried Annie Carpenter, sister of John R. Carpen
ter, one of the leading business men of Jamaica.

At her death she left a son and daughter, Na
thaniel C. and Caroline E., the latter a graduate
of Union Hall Seminary, Jamaica. The former,
who is a graduate of the University of New York
and of the Columbia Law School, has his law
office in the Potter building, New York City. For
his second wife Mr. Hendrickson was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth M. Baylis, who is
a member of one of the old families of Hunting
ton. He is a man of sterling worth, upright and
honorable in all the relations of life, and a
straightforward business man whose worth is ac
knowledged throughout the village and county.
In politics he is a stanch Republican.

HENDRICK HENDRICKSON, who for
several years has served as one of the jus
tices of the town of Jamaica, was born in
the village of Springfield, Queens County, Octo
ber 3, 1833. The family has been identified with
the history of Long Island since a period very
early in its settlement, and while some have re
moved to other portions of the United States,
there are still many of the name to be found in
this locality. Grandfather Abram Hendrickson,
who was a native of the island, served with valor
in the War of 1812.
The parents of our subject, William L. and
Maria (Bennett) Hendrickson, were born re
spectively in the villages of Springfield and Ja
maica. The former was one of four brothers, the
others being Hendrick, Abraham, a resident of
Jamaica, and James, whose home is in New York.
The early days of William L. were spent upon
the homestead, and, arriving at man's estate, he
devoted himself to the cultivation of a farm. In
this occupation he continued to engage until his
death, which occurred in 1856. His wife sur
vived him many years, dying in October, 1894,
when nearly ninety-four years of age.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of four sons, of whom he and John S.,
of Jamaica, are the only survivors. Daniel B.,
who was a farmer, died on the old homestead in
1888; William L., who carried on a large express
business in New York City, accumulated a for
tune and died there. The education which our
subject obtained was such as the common schools
afforded, but while it was limited, he has con
tinued in self-culture throughout life, and has at
tained a far better intellectual development than
many whose opportunities were greater. He is

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

307

blessed with quick perceptive faculties and a mind
adapted to logical reasonings and sound conclu
sions. Of his personal characteristics, it may be
said that he is a man of great natural force, strict
integrity and unquestioned veracity, endowed
with strong impulses and an inherent love of truth
and justice. He is a warm friend to all who prove
themselves honest and true, and an unrelenting
foe to all that is treacherous, mean and dishonest.
In early life Mr. Hendrickson gave his atten
tion largely to the management of a farm, upon
which he raised cereals and garden products.
Later he was engaged as a dairyman and still later
carried on a meat business. His interest in pub
lic affairs has continued throughout his mature
years and has led to his recognition as a man of
fitness for positions of trust and responsibility. In
1867 he was elected town collector and served in
that capacity for three years. He was excise com
missioner for six years, and in 1884 was chosen
a justice for the town of Jamaica, which position
he has held since, discharging its duties with cred
it to himself and to the satisfaction of all con
cerned. In his political faith he is a Democrat*
and has never swerved from his allegiance to that
party. In 1854 Mr. Hendrickson married Miss Anna
C. Snediker, of Jamaica, who passed away in 1870,
having had two children, Georgia E., wife of Ben
jamin Doughty, and Anna C, widow of the late
Harry Hardenbrook. The second marriage of
our subject took place in 1880, when Catherine
L. Clark, of Brooklyn, became his wife. They
have a neat and comfortable home, and are high
ly esteemed by the people of the town.

M'

AXIMILLAN F. KASTNER, president
of the board of education of Long Island
City, was born in New York City, No
vember 26, 1854. He is a son of Adolph Kastner,
a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and a
goldsmith journeyman by trade, who, after his
marriage, came to New York City and for a short
time worked at his trade there. From that he
turned his attention to ornamental decorations, in
which he worked, in conjunction with his brother
Carl, until 1864, when he accepted the position of
ornamenter and japanner for the Steinway Piano
Manufacturing Company. He continued with
that firm in Steinway until his death, which oc
curred in 1878 at the age of fifty-one years. In
religious belief he was a Lutheran. His wife,

who passed away four years after his demise, bore
the maiden name of Rose Schmauder and was
born in Eslinger, Germany.
The family of Adolph Kastner consisted of nine
children, all of whom survive, five being residents
of Steinway, while the others are in New York.
Maximilian F., who is fourth in order of birth,
was educated principally in the Fifty-first Street
Grammar School, New York City. At the age of
sixteen he began to assist his father, under whom
he learned his trade. Leaving the factory, he be
came interested in glass sign painting, a trade
that was then in its infancy and in which he con
tinued successfully for six years in New York
City. In 1878 he succeeded, at his father's death,
to his position of ornamenter and japanner for
Steinway & Sons, and returned to Steinway,
where he was thus employed for seven years, fin
ally resigning in order to engage in business on
his own account.
The first contract given Mr. Kastner was that of
painting the cars for the Steinway Railroad, and
later he did considerable house and sign painting,
the latter being his specialty. His contracts are
made, not only with parties in Long Island City,
but also for work in Brooklyn and New York,
and during the busy season he employs from fif
teen to twenty men. His business location is on
the corner of Potter and Albert Streets. Among
his contracts were those for finishing William
Steinway's private office in Fourteenth Street,
New York; the Foster residence in Grand Ave
nue, Astoria; the house owned by Francis J.
Oaks in Steinway; the Steinway residence, kin
dergarten and library; the Union Church in
Steinway, including the decorations of the pipe
organ, and the homes of Philip Burkhart and
Adolph Burkhart. He also erected and designed
the interior decorations for his residence at No.
229 Purdy Street.
In New York City, Mr. Kastner was united in
marriage with Miss Kate Bender, daughter of
Louis Bender, who was engaged in the whole
sale meat business in that city. They are the par
ents of four children : Rose, Matilda, Maximilian
F., Jr., and Norbert C.
Under the last administration of George Petry
as mayor our subject was appointed a member of
the board of fire and water commissioners of Long
Island City. In the fall of 1893 Mayor Sanford
appointed him to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Alfred Nelson as a member of the
school board, and the following year he was

3o8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

elected president of the board, which position he
still holds. Socially he is connected with Advance
Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., at Astoria, in which
he is past junior warden. He is also a member
of the John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W., at As
toria. For six years he was president of the Har-
monia Singing Society in Steinway, and is still
associated with the organization. His family at
tend the Union Church, of Steinway. His politi
cal affiliations have always been with the Re
publican party, which he has represented fre
quently in county, congressional and senatorial
conventions.

M'

AJ. GEORGE A. HICKS. The life of a
good man in a world containing so much
of sorrow and evil shines out like the
noonday sun and redeems the earth from the
gloom that would otherwise envelop it. The per
ilous times of the Civil War developed many brave
and courageous spirits who encountered untold
hazards in the struggle for the Union and aided
in preserving the flag as the emblem of a free
and united people. Among the thousands who
went to the front and met the enemy on many
a bloody battlefield none were braver, more loyal
or more valiant than Major Hicks, late of Ja
maica, now deceased.
The patriotic spirit displayed by Major Hicks
was his by inheritance, for his ancestors took
active part in the stirring events of the Revolu
tionary War, and the family, which is one of the
oldest on Long Island, has always displayed the
utmost loyalty to the government. He was born
in the city of Brooklyn, August 5, 1828, and was
the son of George A. Hicks, a prominent resident
of that place. When President Lincoln issued his
first call for troops he was one of the first to re
spond, and in April, 1861, was enrolled in Com
pany D, Third Battalion, Massachusetts Rifles,
being chosen adjutant-general, with the rank of
captain. With his regiment he was attached to
Burns' Brigade, formerly commanded by Colonel
Baker, who was killed at the battle of Ball's Bluff.
Among the engagements in which Major Hicks
participated were the battles bf the Peninsula,
Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp
and Malvern Hill. With General McClellan he
went to the defense of Washington after the rout
of the Union army at the battle of Bull Run. He
took part in the battles of Antietam and Fred
ericksburg, was then transferred to the Army of

the Tennessee and concluded his active service
before Petersburg, later witnessing the surrender
of General Lee. He was brevetted major for his
gallant and meritorious service, which extended
over a period of more than four and one-half
years. Retiring from the army in November, 1865,
Major Hicks returned to his northern home, con
tent to devote his remaining years to the less ex
citing life of a civilian. Soon afterward he
opened an insurance office at No. 68 William
Street, New York, and continued in that business
up to the time of his death, February 22, 1894.
He always took a warm interest in Grand Army
affairs, and besides that order also belonged to
the Loyal Legion, Royal Arcanum, Masonic Or
der and the Jamaica Club. In religion he was
an Episcopalian and held the office of vestryman
in Grace Church.
By his first marriage, which united him with
Zelia Stanton, of the island of Cuba, Major Hicks
had five children, of whom four are still living.
In 1 87 1 he was united in marriage with Miss Hel
en M., daughter of Lyman G. Morgan, and cousin
of ex-Governor Morgan. She and her two living
children, Helen E. and Emeline E., occupy the
family residence in Clinton Avenue and are
prominent in the best social circles of the village.
Throughout the entire county Major Hicks was
known as a man of genial personal characteristics,
companionable and accommodating, one whom
it was a pleasure and privilege to know. His rec
ord is that of an honorable, upright man, whose
high personal character made him an influence
for good in his locality and who, in advancing his
own prosperity, promoted the welfare of the vil
lage where he made his home.

ELMER G. STORY, member of the law firm
of Weed, Story & Stratton, New York
City, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y.,
April 21, 1862, and is a member of one of the
oldest and most influential families of that sec
tion. His education was commenced in the pub
lic schools and carried on in Bishop's English
and Classical School, a preparatory institution,
where he was fitted for college. In the fall of
1880 he entered Cornell University, from which
he graduated with high honors and the degree
of B. S.; in 1884. For one year following his
graduation he was principal of an academy in
Berne, Albany County, N. Y., after which for a

T. A. McNICHOLL, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3"

similar period he was principal of the school at
Stony Point, N. Y.
Turning to another occupation, Mr. Story en
tered the government service, becoming an em
ploye in the New York custom house, where he
remained six years. During the latter portion of
this time he began the reading of law, and later
entered the law department of the University of
the City of New York, from which he graduated
in 1894, having been admitted to the bar prior
to his graduation. Immediately afterward he
opened an office at No. 11 William Street, New
York, and in the intervening years, as a mem
ber of the firm of Weed, Story & Stratton, has
built up a good practice and a valuable clientage.
June 1, 1887, Mr. Story married Miss Ella J.,
daughter of John W. Butts, one of the most
prominent men of Dutchess County. ' The chil
dren of this union are Ethel B., born June 13,
1888; and Ernest D., September 27, 1892. Mr.
Story is a member of All Saints' Episcopal
Church and holds the position of vestryman in
the congregation. Socially he is connected with
the Cornell University Club of New York City,
the Phi Delphi fraternity and the Niantic Club of
Flushing. His interest in all matters pertaining
to popular education has led him to accept a po
sition on the school board and he has served in
other important capacities in the village of Bay-
side, of which he is a well-known and honored
¦citizen.

THOMAS A. McNICHOLL, M. D, of Sea
cliff, is one who has always loved knowl
edge, and as a physician is devoted to his
profession, careful in his investigations and gives
all the time he can find in his busy life to books
and periodicals devoted to medicine and surgery.
He is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County
Armagh, Province of Ulster, February 21, 1867,
.a son of Rev. Robert T. and Eleanor (Brown)
McNicholl. The McNicholl family came origin
ally from Scotland, but for four generations its
members were residents of Ireland, whither they
made their way with the Wesleyan Methodists
-who settled in that country.
The grandfather of our subject was a large
-farmer of Ireland, but when a young man he
came to America and made his home here for
about thirty years. Returning to his native land,
he was married there when about sixty-five years

old, and there spent the remainder of his days.
His son, Robert T. McNicholl, received a liberal
education in Ireland, and after growing up be
came principal of Abbey Street National School
in Armagh. At the same time he performed his
duties as a clergyman in the Wesleyan Methodist
Church. Failing health caused him to come to
America, where he expected to remain only long
enough to see improvement in his condition, leav
ing his family in Ireland. Within a week after
coming here he was placed in charge of a church
at Roxbury, Conn., and as he liked the country
very much, sent for his family, his wife and chil
dren joining him at Roxbury in 1875.
At the time of leaving Ireland our subject was
reading in the third reader, and in Roxbury, when
eight years old, was placed in the fifth reader.
Later, for about three years, he attended school
at Williams Bridge, Westchester County, where
his father was pastor, and while there the mother
died. During her sickness he was kept out of
school, as he was the eldest child, and had to
assist a great deal at home. The family was next
» stationed at Brooklyn, N. Y., where young Thom
as attended School No. 1, and where his father
married again. After this for some time his
studies were again interrupted by sickness in the
family, and after the father moved to New York
City our subject entered the public schools, from
which he was graduated in June, 1884. In the
fall of that year he entered the City College, and
after studying there one year, the family moved
to Brooklyn. There our subject decided to start
out in life for himself, as his father's position at
that time was not a very lucrative one.
Leaving school, Thomas became bookkeeper
for the firm of Bryan, Taylor & Co., remaining
one year, and subsequently became manager of a
refrigerator company, with which he remained
until the company was dissolved. Subsequently
he became bookkeeper for the Haskell & Post
Publishing Company, with which he remained
one year. After that he began the study of ar
chitecture, but on account of difficulty with his
eyesight had to abandon this after two years' hard
study. While with Haskell & Post he was per
suaded by Dr. Heber N. Hoople to study medi
cine, and, giving up his bookkeeping, he went on
the road, canvassing for a thirty-dollar work of
art in order to get funds for his lectures. He left
the road in 1889, and as he had kept up his medi
cal studies, he entered college in the fall of that
year, Bellevue Hospital, New York City, being

312

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his choice of an institution, and graduated from
the same in May, 1892.
Dr. McNicholl began practicing in New York
City and resided there until April, 1895, when he
moved to Seacliff. He has an office in New York
City, where he spends two days in the week. The
Doctor was married June 14, 1893, to Miss Elsie
E. Robinson, of Meriden, Conn., where she was
born in the year 1868, and where her parents,
Benjamin and Laura (Blakesley) Robinson, reside
at the present time. She is a woman of more
than ordinary intelligence and is a graduate of
the Meriden High School. Dr. McNicholl is a
Prohibitionist in politics, voting that ticket in
1888, and was a candidate for Alderman in
New York. While studying medicine he
lectured for prohibition in New Jersey, New
York and Connecticut. In 1892 he re
ceived the appointment of surgeon of Red Cross
Hospital, of New York City, which position he
still fills. For some time Dr. McNicholl has been
a member of the New York County Medical As
sociation, the New York State Medical Associa
tion and the American Medical Association. In
1894 he was appointed local preacher in the Meth
odist Episcopal Church at Beekman Hill, New
York City, where his father is pastor.

THOMAS CHARLES KADIEN. Among
the successful and able lawyers of Long
Island City noted for their skill in hand
ling cases is Mr. Kadien, who possesses far more
than the share of ability with which the average
man is endowed. He has won his enviable posi
tion in the legal fields by the exercise of the talent
with which nature endowed him, and few can con
scientiously accept the praise which he so well
merits. He is at present prosecuting attorney and
assistant counsel to the general improvement
commission and is one of the foremost men of
the city. His birth occurred in the town of Nev-
ersink, Sullivan County, N. Y., in 1857, and he
is a son of Nicholas and Bedelia (Carliss) Kadien,
both natives of the Emerald Isle. In tracing the
genealogy of the Kadien family we find that they
came originally from Spain, whence it is thought
they went to England and then to Ireland. Nich
olas was a young man when he came with his
mother to America and settled in Sullivan County,
N. Y. Here he learned the trade of tanner and
became superintendent of J. N. Young & Co.'s
tannery in Parksville. When this company failed

Mr. Kadien bought a large farm near Liberty,
Sullivan County, conducting the same until he re
tired from active duties. He is now an influen
tial citizen of Middletown, N. Y., and is in inde
pendent circumstances. His wife died in 1888.
Of the three children in the parental family
only our subject and M. A. Kadien, of New York
City, are now living. The childhood days of
the former were spent in Parksville, N. Y., and
in addition to a good, practical education received
in the public schools, he attended Eastman's Busi
ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and after
wards St. John's College at Fordham. Following
this he began the study of law under Benjamin
Reynolds, a noted attorney of Parksville, and was
admitted to the bar at Ithaca, N. Y., in 1881.
Then turning his face toward the setting sun he
went to Denver, Colo, and was engaged in busi
ness there for eighteen months, after which he re
turned to his native state and settled in New York
City, where he practiced his profession for two
years. About 1886 Mr. Kadien located in Hunter's
Point, Long Island City, at No. 104 Third Street,
and has since been engaged in his chosen profes
sion. He has had a hand in many matters for the
public welfare and continues with energy and
good will to further all enterprises for the ad
vancement of the city. He was married in Long
Island City to Miss May Denen, a native of this
city, and their three children are named as fol
lows : Thomas C, Jr., Adelaide and Frank. The
pleasant home of this family is at No. 140 Twelfth
Street. Mr. Kadien is a Democrat in politics,
though liberal, and is ex-secretary ofthe Jefferson
Club. He is also a member of Ravenswood Boat
Club, and the Queens County Bar Association.

ELIAS C. HENDRICKSON. To perpetu
ate the memory of one of the energetic and
successful business men of Jamaica this bio
graphical review is presented. The life which it
records began at Springfield, town of Jamaica,
March 15, 1826, and closed in Jamaica, October
1, 1892, having faithfully fulfilled the purpose for
which God gave it entrance into the world of ac
tion. Mr. Hendrickson was gifted with firmness,
sagacity and foresight to a marked degree, which
traits were no doubt instrumental in gaining him
a position among the influential men of Long
Island. Starting from an humble station and
from small beginnings he achieved a competence,.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3*3

and what is still better, gained the universal re
spect and confidence of the community, a just
tribute to the upright life of the man and his
trustworthiness of character.
January 10, 1809, occurred the marriage of
Charles Hendrickson and Alletta Snediker, the
parents of our subject. The former was born
in Queens County, April 29, 1787, and died March
10, 1829; the latter was a member of one of the
old families of the island, where she spent her
entire life, dying October 20, 1845. They had
ten children, but none are now living. Their son,
Elias C, grew to manhood at the home place, but
in young manhood went to Brooklyn, where he
was employed in a boot and shoe store. Later
he went into the newspaper business, for some
time being connected with the "New York Sun,"
but subsequently returned to his farm at Spring
field. In 1862 he embarked in the lumber busi
ness in Jamaica and soon became one of the prin
cipal business men of the place, accumulating a
fortune as the result of his energetic efforts.
For many years Mr. Hendrickson had the com
panionship of a devoted helpmate, to whom much
of his success may justly be attributed, for in all
his enterprises she was his counselor and con
fidant. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth
Denton and was born in the town of Jamaica,
where her father, Amos Denton, was a farmer,
and from which place he had gone forth as a sol
dier in the War of 1812. Her mother, Patience
(Ludlum) Denton, was a member of one of the
oldest families of Long Island. Of the children,
she and her two brothers, William and Amos, of
Jamaica, are the only survivors. Unto the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson there were born
nine children, of whom four are now living:
Amos D., who married Sarah Lewis, was connect
ed with his father in the lumber business and at
his death succeeded to the management of the
concern, being now the head of the large, lumber
firm of Hendrickson & Co. Samuel E., who is in
the employ of his brother in the lumber business,
married Hattie Barto and has three children,
Florence, Clara and Ethel. Anna E. is the wife
of Elmer E. Bergen, the clothing merchant of
Jamaica. Jennie, the youngest of the family, is
single and lives with her mother.
In addition to building up an extensive busi
ness, Mr. Hendrickson always took an active part
in local matters and supported any project for the
advancement of the people. A sincere Christian,
he was for a number of years a trustee of the

Presbyterian Church, also maintained a warm in
terest in the Sunday-school. Those who had tried
to help themselves but had been unfortunate al
ways found in him a friend, and he was also
known for the charitable and forgiving spirit
which he manifested toward his erring fellow men.
His widow is connected with the Presbyterian
Church, in which her brothers are elders. She
and her daughters and son-in-law have a pleas
ant home in Union Avenue and are highly re
garded by the best people of the community.

C

HARLES H. HARRIS. Viewed in the
light of his useful and honorable exist
ence, Mr. Harris may be regarded as one
of the best citizens of Jamaica. For more than
forty years he has made his home in this village,
and few of its residents are better known through
out the county than is he. While he started in
life without capital, yet by persistent energy and
industry, with the exercise of sound common
sense, he has succeeded in securing a competency
and at the same time has made for himself a name
for strict honor and uprightness.
Born in Worcester County, Mass., May 25,
1830, the subject of this article is a son of William
and Epsie (Flint) Harris, natives of Ashburnham,
Mass. His boyhood years were passed in the
place of his birth, where he obtained a fair edu
cation in the public schools. In 1855, when twen
ty-five years of age, he came to Jamaica as a
telegraph operator for the Long Island Railroad
Company. He remained in that capacity until
1861, when, in recognition of his ability, he was
given charge of the station as agent. This is the
most important station on the Long Island sys
tem, and the fact that Mr. Harris retained the
position until he voluntarily retired in the sum
mer of 1895 proves his fidelity to the trusts com
mitted to his care.
At the time of his arrival in Jamaica, the Long
Island Railroad was a small affair, and he has
been connected with it during the entire period
of its great development, and has witnessed its
steady progress until now it extends to every part
of the island. He became one of the stockhold
ers in the road, the interests of which he has
guarded with fidelity through all these years. At
the same time he has not been unmindful of the
interests of Jamaica, and it has been due largely
to his management that the village now has such
excellent service to and from the two great cities.

3H

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

No man connected with the road has had such
long and continuous service on the system, and
he is now enjoying a well earned rest, having
gained a competency during his forty years' ser
vice. His form on the platform at the station was
a familiar figure to all old residents, who knew
him better than any man connected with the road.
In politics Mr. Harris is a Republican, yet so
reasonable in his political views that he desires to
give exact justice to all parties and that political
supremacy shall not be secured by intrigue or par
ty machinations. He has served on the board of
village trustees and held other local offices of
trust. In the Reformed Church, of which he is
a member, he has served both as deacon and elder.
His first marriage, which united him with Betsey
Sarah Woods, a niece of Dr. Leonard Woods, of
Andover, Mass., occurred in Fitchburg, Mass.,
in December, 1851. One son, Herbert W., was
born of this marriage. He is now a resident of
New York, but is employed by a Philadelphia
house. In Jamaica, June 18, 1867, Mr. Harris
married Miss Florence Hall, and they occupy a
comfortable residence in Union Avenue, where
they have made their home for more than a quar
ter of a century. Dr. H. D. Hall, father of Mrs.
Harris, was a surgeon in the army during the
Civil War and made his home in this village until
his death, which occurred July 1, 1895, at the age
of eighty-seven years.

JOHN SUTTER. The unwritten history of
our country contains many a story of poor
boys who landed on the shores of America
without a dollar in their pockets, but who,
through their own inherent qualities of enter
prise, industry and perseverance, conquered a
handsome fortune or a comfortable competency.
In this class we mention the name of John Sutter,
proprietor of one of the leading marble and gran
ite works at Middle Village, and who, from pov
erty, has worked his way up to prosperity and
success, depending solely upon his own efforts
to surmount the obstacles in his path.
Mr. Sutter was born in Bavaria, Germany,
March 20, 1831, and was one of eleven children
(eight still living) who comprised the family of
John and Elizabeth (Sieber) Sutter. His father,
who was born in Bavaria in 1803, learned the
trade of a stone-cutter, which has been the occu
pation of four successive generations of the fam
ily. This he followed until his death in 1875. In

185 1, our subject emigrated to America, landing
in New York City on the 23d of July, with but
two francs in his pocket. Going to Cypress Hill,
he secured work at his trade, but after six weeks
went back to New York, where for three weeks
he was employed in a grocery. Next he went to
Hastings, N. Y., and worked at the stone-cutter's
trade, cutting stone for the custom house in
Charleston, S. C. Four years were spent in that
employment, after which he spent a short time in
Jersey City and then came to Middle Village in
1859. Here Mr. Sutter formed a partnership with a
brother-in-law, John Diehlmann, in the tomb
stone business, but as the venture did not prove
profitable, he left its management in the hands of
his partner and went to Jersey City, where he
worked at ship carpentering and various other
trades. After one year he came back to Middle
Village to accept the position of superintendent of
the Lutheran Cemetery, in which capacity he was
employed until 1878. In 1868 his partner died
and he took charge of the business, which has
become one of importance in the intervening
years. The first wife of Mr. Sutter, with whom he was
united May 8, 1858, was Miss Gesche Wendel-
ken, and they became the parents of eight chil
dren; only one, however, survives, this being
Elizabeth, wife of Richard A. Homeyer, a sketch
of whom appears in this work. January 3, 1884,
Mr. Sutter was united in marriage with Mrs.
Catherine Schumacher. Politically he is a firm
and loyal supporter of the Republican party, to
which he always gives his vote. Socially he is
connected with Schiller Lodge No. 304, F. &
A. M.; Atlair Chapter No. 237, Brooklyn; and
St. Elmo Commandery No. 57. Brooklyn; also
the Charles T. Schmitt Lodge No. 348, I. O. O.
F„ the Knights of Honor, Centennial Lodge No.
261 of New York, and Concordia Lodge No. 290,
New York, Knights and Ladies of Honor. He
was one of the founders of the Lutheran Church
here and has ever been one of its most active
members, being at this writing the president of
the congregation.

GEORGE HERBERT HIGBIE is a rep
resentative farmer of Queens County, one
who is identified especially with the town
of Jamaica and who has been of great assistance
in developing and extending its agriculture. His

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3i5

is the record of an upright life, and he is an influ
ence for good in the community with whose high
est interests he is associated. He is a man of
sound nature, standing among our best men
whose push and energy have placed this section
of the country in the front rank as an agricul
tural and commercial center.
On the place where he now resides the subject
of this sketch was born March 25, 1859, and he
and a brother, Robert W., were the only children
of Alexander and Sarah F. (Davison) Higbie.
His father, who was born in Brooklyn in 1833,
came to Springfield, town of Jamaica, in child
hood, with his father, Daniel, and here grew to
manhood, when he entered upon the active life
of an agriculturist, and this occupation he fol
lowed until within five years of his death. Aban
doning that calling, he engaged in the insurance
and real estate business. He was a man of sincere
Christian character, a devoted member of the
Methodist Church and for several years was sup
erintendent of the Sunday-school. His public
spirit was shown in his.endeavors to forward every
movement that would in any way enhance the
prosperity of his town and county.
His education, commenced in the public
schools, our subject completed in the University
of the City of New York, where he took a course
of three years. The death of his father, in 1876,
caused him to leave the university and prevented
him from completing a course in civil engineer
ing, for pressing farm duties kept him at home.
In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Alice
A., daughter of Cornelius Amberman, of Spring
field. They are the parents of two daughters,
namely: Mabel F., a bright girl of thirteen, and
Alice Cecilia, who is one year old.
• In the Methodist Church, of which he is an ac
tive member, Mr. Higbie holds the offices of treas
urer and trustee and he is also leader of the choir.
He is active in the work of the Epworth League
and is the second vice-president of the Brooklyn
district. Associated with the Good Templars in
their great work, he holds the office of past grand
marshal and is a member of the board of state
managers and county deputy of Queens County
lodges. Politically he always supports Repub
lican principles. He is serving his fourth term of
three years each as a member of the board of
school trustees and for four years has been presi
dent of the board of education. In this connec
tion, while his work has required considerable
thought, yet it has been amply repaid, for the

school is well graded and now ranks among the
best in the county. In 1891 he was chosen to
occupy the position of commissioner of highways,
and notwithstanding the fact that he is a strong
Republican, while the town at that time was Dem
ocratic by a decided majority, he was elected to '
fill the office — and that, too, without special ef
fort on his part — which shows that he is popular
among his fellow citizens. He is generous and
obliging in his intercourse with others and is al
ways interested in whatever will advance the pros
perity of Springfield and the town of Jamaica.

GEORGE ILCH. Geologists acquaint us
with the fact that our great coal beds are
but the remains of primeval forests which
the action of the elements through innumerable
ages has changed into its present state. What
ever its radical condition was, the provision of
wise nature for the comfort of man is apparent,
for fuel is necessary for life on three-quarters of
the globe. The well-known firm of George Ilch
& Sons do a very extensive retail business in coal
and wood, and their facilities are corresponding
ly large, being such as to enable them to furnish
all kinds of family and steam coal, charcoal, hard
wood, etc., and to execute large and small com
missions with exceptional promptness. The
yards are located in Tenth Street, between Sixth
and Seventh Avenues, College Point, and are
sufficiently spacious to accommodate a very large
stock. Steam power is used in hoisting and un
loading coal, also for sawing wood, so that it can
be furnished, cut to any desired dimensions, with
out delay. Employment is given to eleven men,
and the teaming facilities are proportionally ex
tensive, four and five teams being in use for de
livery purposes. The firm is composed of George
Ilch and his two sons, H. and A. F. Ilch.
One of the oldest and most highly respected
men in College Point, Mr. Ilch is a native of
Baden Baden, Germany, born April 1, 1830. His
parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Eberhart) Ilch,
were natives of the old country and there spent
their entire lives. The father was a manufac
turer and distiller and also followed the cooper's
trade. The children born to this estimable
couple were seven in number, and two of these,
Michael and David, besides our subject, came to
America. George Ilch grew to mature years in
Germany, where he attended school, and when
fourteen years old was apprenticed to learn litho-

316

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

graphing. Not liking this, however, he gave it up
at the end of a year and then began learning the
baker's trade, which he followed at Strasburg,
Alsace, for three years. In 1851 he came to
America, taking passage on the sailer "Ava
lanche," at Havre, and reaching New York City
after six weeks' voyage. In Brooklyn he worked
at his trade for four years, and in September,
1855, came to College Point when there were
very few houses here. At first he rented a bak-
ery'shop in Seventh Avenue and in 1856 he built
and remodeled it, carrying on the business for
thirty-three years. In 1857 he started in his pres
ent business, dealing principally in wood then,
and about twelve years later began handling coal
also. For a number of years he also carried on
farming. He built two residences and owns oth
ers in the city, and has ever been wideawake,
stirring and industrious.
In the month of September, 1855, Mr. Ilch was
married in Brooklyn to Miss Elizabeth Stark, a
native of Bavaria, and they came immediately to
College Point, where Mrs. Ilch died January 28,
1888. Five children were born to them: Eliza,
Mrs. Kraemer; Emma, Mrs. Muell; and Freda,
Mrs. Barth, all of College Point; and Herman
and Alfred, both in the coal business with their
father. Mr. Ilch has been trustee of College Point
six years, chairman of the water works com
mittee and also street commissioner. Socially he
is a member of the Harmony Society, of which he
was'treasurer. For eight years he was in the
Eagle Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and
is a charter member of the first company here.
For many years he has been an Odd Fellow, be
ing a charter member of the lodge here. In re
ligion he is a Lutheran, and in politics was for
merly a Lincoln man, but is now independent.

BENJAMIN W. SCHENCK, who operates
a farm situated six miles southeast of
Flushing, in the town of the same name,
was born in this locality in February, 1846, being
a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Remson) Schenck.
On his father's side he is a member of a family
long identified with the history of Queens Coun
ty. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Schenck,
was a native of Great Neck, where he engaged
in farm pursuits until his death. Daniel, who was
also a native of Great Neck and a farmei by occu
pation, was a prominent member and official of
the Reformed Church of Manhasset; he died at

the old homestead in 1892, having survived his
wife many years. In his family there were five
children: Maria, widow of Peter Walters; Wil
liam, deceased; Benjamin W. ; Susan, who mar
ried John Haviland, a farmer of Little Neck;
and Daniel R., who resides on the old home
stead at Great Neck.
The first independent business enterprise made
by our subject was when he was twenty-seven
years of age. Then, forming a partnership with
Peter Walters, a brother-in-law, he embarked in
the mercantile business at Little Neck, carrying
on a general store under the firm title of Walters
& Schenck. After fifteen years Mr. Walters died
and C. A. Van Nostrand was taken into partner
ship, the firm of Schenck & Van Nostrand con
ducting business for three years, when they sold
to the present proprietors, Sutphen Brothers. At
the same time our subject settled at the old home
of John Hicks, his father-in-law, where he has
since engaged in farming. Politically he is lib
eral in his views and independent in his vote.
In May, 1879, Mr. Schenck married Emma L.
Hicks, whose father, John Hicks, was a well-
known farmer of Little Neck. They are the par
ents of a daughter, Maude. In religious belief
they are identified with the Episcopal Church
of Little Neck, in which our subject has been a
vestryman since 1886. By all who know them
they are respected as upright, genial and cul
tured people.

EPENETUS SMITH, a retired carpenter
living at Little Neck, was born in Garrick
Street, New York, November 11, 1829, be
ing a son of Epenetus and Jane (Nelson) Smith.
Through his maternal ancestors he is a descen
dant of one of the signers of the Declaration,
and on his father's side he is of direct English
descent, his grandfather, Thomas Smith, having
been a native of England. Epenetus, Sr., was
born at Whitestone, Queens County, in 1776, and
in boyhood left home and with a brother served
an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. Later
he opened a mercantile establishment in Front
Street, New York, and continued in business un
til middle life, when he removed to Whitestone
and bought a farm of one hundred acres. The re
mainder of his life was devoted to agricultural
pursuits, and he died at his home farm in 1846.
His first wife died leaving an only child, our sub
ject, who was then an infant of one year. By his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3i7

second wife, Phoebe Starkins, he had five chil
dren, four of whom are living: Phoebe A.,
widow of Samuel Berrian of Flushing, where she
resides; John, a retired policeman of Brooklyn,
who for twenty-five years was connected with the
New York and Brooklyn police force; Mrs. Han
nah E. Petty of Brooklyn, whose first husband
was the late Sidney Pearsall of Hempstead; and
Emily, wife of Henry L'Hommedieu of Brook
lyn. The subject of this sketch was educated in the
public schools of Whitestone. At the age of
nineteen he began an apprenticeship to the wheel
wright's trade at Whitestone, but after three years
ill-health obliged him to seek another occupa
tion. He took a three months' voyage on a fish
ing expedition along the coast, after which, his
health being restored, he began to learn the car
penter's trade under a master mechanic of Flush
ing. This occupation he afterward followed un
til increasing years induced him to give up active
labors. In 1877 he bought four acres on the
East Alley road, one mile south of the Douglas-
ton depot, and rebuilt the house, making of it,a
neat and commodious residence.
The first presidential ballot cast by our subject
was in support of Fillmore, and he has been a
stanch Republican since the organization of the
party. For forty-five years he has been a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bay-
side, in which he was a trustee for some time.
August 3, 1854, he married Susan Jane Carpen
ter, who was born January 13, 1836, and died
August 10, 1866. The children born of their
union were as follows: William H, Charles A.,
Henry C, Mary K, Lewis E, Mary E., wife of
Julius Doncourt of Flushing, and the only sur
vivor of the first family; and Jane Louisa. The
second marriage of our subject took place April
7, 1867, when Eunice Starkins became his wife.
To them were born three children : Sarah L., de
ceased; Walter J., and Ida L., who is bookkeeper
for Sutphen Brothers of Little Neck.

JOHN NIEDERSTEIN, JR., proprietor of
the Grand Hotel at Middle Village, was
born in New York City, March 21, 1871, to
John and Apolina (Bauer) Niederstein. He was
one of six children, of whom three now survive,
those besides himself being Louis, who is con
nected with the Equitable Insurance Company
of New York City; and Richard, who is attend

ing school. John Niederstein, Sr., was born in
Bonn, on the Rhine, April 2, 1838, and learned
the trade of a cook in the kitchen of Frederick
William, afterward Emperor Frederick of Ger
many. For a time he was chief cook in Hotel
Masquardt, Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, and later
held a similar position in the Duval restaurant.
He came to this country April 22, 1866, and Sep
tember 13 following, married Apolina Bauer. Aft
er serving as chief cook in the Metropolitan
Hotel in Broadway, New York, he opened a
first-class boarding house at No. 11 First Street,
and later opened the Five-Mile House in New
York City, and the Yorkville assembly rooms,
No. 1393 Second Avenue, where he made his
fortune. His next venture was the purchase of
Mrs. Catherine Sutter's hotel in Middle Village.
This place, which he calls the Grand Hotel, he
has greatly improved and to it he is constantly
making valuable additions. The building is three
hundred and forty-six feet in length and has about
thirty-two rooms for the accommodation of tran
sient visitors and summer guests.
In 1880, when our subject was about nine years
of age, he took passage on the steamer "Elba,"
for Bremen, Germany, from which place he went
to Bonn and took a four years' course in the
gymnasium. In 1884 he returned on the steamer
"Westernland," and at once began to assist his
father, whose principal business man he soon be
came. When the father came to Middle Village
and opened Grand Hotel, the son was his confi
dential assistant. April 1, 1896, the business was
formally turned over to him, the father retiring
from active life.
October 18, 1890, Mr. Niederstein married
Miss Minnie Siebs, daughter of Christian Siebs
of this place. Two children were born to them,
of whom Henrietta is the only survivor. The
wife and mother passed from earth March 10,
1895. The second marriage of our subject took
place March 25, 1896, and united him with Miss
Louisa, daughter of John Reimers of Ridgewood.
In 1895 our subject was the candidate of the Re
publican party for the position of assessor, and
although the district is strongly Democratic, he
was defeated by only fifteen votes, a fact which at
tests' his popularity. Previous to this, he had
served as town auditor. In 1890 he was one of
the organizers of the Fearless Hook and Ladder
Company No. 7 and the same year was elected
second assistant foreman of the company. A
vear later he became first assistant foreman and

3i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in 1893 was chosen foreman, in which office he
served a year. During the two following years
he was district chief of the company, and at the
expiration of his term of service he was presented
with a handsome silver trumpet as a testimonial
from his friends. Though pressed to continue in
the office, he withdrew in favor of a friend. He
is a member of the Lincoln Lodge No. 748, F. &
A. M., of New York City, the Arion Singing So
ciety of New York and the Williamsburg Volun
teer Fire Association. For four years he was
trustee of the fire department. In addition to the
organizations named, he is identified with various
minor societies and lodges.

JUDGE FRANCIS McKENNA, president of
the Newtown Light & Power Company, at-
torney-at-law and real estate dealer at Mas
peth, and formerly justice of the peace, is one of
the well-known residents of Queens County and
one who, though of foreign birth and ancestry,
is loyally devoted to our government and its in
stitutions. Since first coming to Maspeth in
1852, he has been intimately associated with the
progress of the village and has contributed large
ly to the development of its interests, both
through his labors as a private citizen and his
official connection with municipal affairs.
In County Tyrone, Ireland, the subject of this
article was born June 15, 1828, being the young
est child of Francis and Jane (Hagen) McKenna.
In the family there were six children, four sons
and two daughters, of whom the only survivors
are Francis and Ann, widow of Felix McCusker,
The father, grandfather, great-grandfather and
great-great-grandfather, were natives of County
Tyrone, and the estate of the first named, who
was a wealthy farmer there, is now in the pos
session of our subject's nephews.
While the family were well-to-do, it was impos
sible in those days and amid those surroundings,
to give children the excellent educational advan
tages which even the poorest may now enjoy.
Our subject, however, attended the common and
private schools, also was a pupil in a night school
for a time, and in this way he laid the founda
tion of knowledge on which he afterward built
the superstructure of self-culture and experience.
In the early part of 1849 he came to America and
began life in this country by securing employ
ment in the construction of the Hudson River
Railroad. After some six months' work at Fish

kill Landing, he went to Brooklyn, where he was
variously employed for a year. In 185 1 he em
barked in business for himself as a contractor,
and the following year had a contract which
brought him to Maspeth. Here he established
his home and has since remained. He continued
as a contractor until 1880, and meantime was also
engaged in the grocery and feed business for fif
teen years, but gave up these interests on being
elected to the office of police justice, which posi
tion he filled for two terms. It is worthy of note
that at the second election, he was the accepted
candidate both of the Republican and Democratic
parties. Some years prior to this, in the early '60s,
Judge McKenna was elected to the office of jus
tice of the peace and served in that capacity for
two successive terms, discharging the many du
ties attached to the office in a manner satisfac
tory to all. Since the expiration of his last term
of office he has concentrated his attention upon
the practice of law and the real estate business,
also the supervision of the Newtown Light &
Power Company, of which he has been presi
dent since its incorporation in 1895. The other
officers of the company are Jacob C. Smith, vice-
president; George S. Jervis, secretary, and
George B. Gallagher, treasurer, the office being in
Grand Street, Maspeth.
In 1854 Judge McKenna married Miss Mary
Cunningham, and nine children were born of
their union. Their surviving children are as fol
lows: Margaret J., wife of Michael Loughran
and mother of three children; James E., an em
ploye in the Brooklyn postoffice; and Eugene,
who is with his parents. Politically our subject
is an active supporter of the Democratic party,
and never fails to cast his ballot for its candi
dates when an opportunity is presented. In re
ligious belief he is a Catholic.

AUGUSTUS T. O'DONNELL, proprietor
of a grocery at Bayside, was born in this
village, April 25, 1868, and is a son of
James and Olivia (Dermody) O'Donnell. His
father was born at Yonkers, N. Y., in 1818, and
at the age of nine years accompanied his parents
from his birthplace to Jamaica, where he re
mained about twenty years. Then going west, he
settled at Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he en
gaged in the lumber business, residing there for
four years. Returning to Newtown, L. I., he rented

CAPT. A. P. BLANCHARD.

PORTRAIT A-ND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

321

a farm for four years and then purchased the Piatt
Carll place at Bayside, where he spent the re
mainder of his life engaged in farming. On that
place he passed away August 2, 1874. The prop
erty still remains in the family and is the home
of his widow, who controls its management. He
was a man of keen intellectual faculties and took
an active part in the Bayside Literary Society of
which he was a member. In religious belief he
was a Catholic, belonging to the church at Flush
ing. There were four sons and four daughters in
the family of James O'Donnell, as follows: La-
vinia; John, who is engaged in business in New
York City ; William, a resident of Brooklyn ; Au
gustus T.; Mary, wife of James Estegard of
Brooklyn; Frank, who is engaged in cultivating
the home farm; Olivia and S. Emma. Our sub
ject commenced his education in the common
schools and completed it in the LaSalle Institute
of New York City. In April, 1891, under the
administration of President Harrison, he was ap
pointed postmaster at Bayside and served until
the election of President Cleveland. In April4
1893, his mother bought out the grocery busi
ness of Millang Brothers of Bayside, and he took
charge of the store, which he has since con
ducted. In January, 1896, he moved to his pres
ent stand, where he keeps a full line of fancy
and staple groceries. He also has a position as
traveling salesman for Conor Brothers, whole
sale grocers of New York, whom he represents
in Queens County, a portion of his time being
given to this work. In politics a Republican, he
is active in party matters and is vice-president of
the Republican Club. He is a member of the
Bayside Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, and a
charter member of the Improved Order of Red
Men.

CAPT. ALVAH P. BLANCHARD, of
Manhasset, was born at Prospect (now
Stockton Springs), Me., April 12, 1835,
being a son of Thomas S. Jr., and Harriet T.
(Treat) Blanchard. The father, who was a mer
chant by occupation, spent bis entire life in his
native village of- Prospect, where he died in 1840,
leaving his wife and seven children, of whom Al-
vah P. was the fifth. As he died suddenly the
property was sacrificed to pay off a few debts
which he had incurred, hoping to settle them in
the near future. This left the family with lim-
11

ited means, but the mother succeeded, with the
help of the children, in keeping the family to
gether. , .t j
When our subject was only about ten years old
he began to work in a ship-yard, and at the age
of thirteen, in 1848, he made his first voyage,
going as far south as Georgia. On the return
trip a heavy storm was encountered, and the ves
sel was in great danger of being wrecked. In the
midst of the storm our subject was ordered to
duty at the wheel, where he remained until all
was once more still and the danger past. His
work was varied during his youthful years, some
of the time being spent on a farm and some in the
ship-yard. When sixteen years old he became a
clerk in a store, into which he was later taken as
partner. While there, and before he was yet
twenty-one, he became a candidate for clerk of the
House of Representatives at Augusta, Me., at the
time James G. Blaine was a member of the House,
and lacked only six votes of election.
Concluding to follow the sea for his life calling,
our subject entered the foreign trade with the
West Indies and Europe. October 9, 1859, he
married Miss Elizabeth Dickey Griffin, who was
born in Stockton Springs, Me., July 3, 1836, being
a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Dickey) Grif
fin. As long as he followed the sea, his wife ac
companied him on his voyages, one of the first
being on the bark "Topeka." Three children were
born to them. James A., the eldest, was born at
Stockton Springs, Me., graduated from the
Brooklyn public schools and a business college in
that city, and is now in the wholesale drug busi
ness in New York; he married Mary E., daughter
of Capt. Melville Smith, of Brooklyn, and they
have two children. Mildred, the only daughter,
was born in Stockton Springs, September 13,
1866, and was educated in the public and art
schools of Brooklyn as an artist and musician.
Thomas, who was born at sea, near the coast of
England, latitude 48 degrees, longitude 24.30 de
grees, June 24, 1870, died in Brooklyn in 1878.
In 1875 Captain Blanchard settled in Brooklyn,
his home having been on shipboard most of the
time until then. In 1858 he was made captain of
the brig "Orella," which was burned soon after
ward in the great fire at East Boston. Later he
was in command of various vessels and finally
took charge of the bark "Grand Turk," which,
when near San Domingo, was wrecked on the
Silver Key Bank and in about thirty minutes the
ship went to the bottom. It was in the night

322

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

time, and the Captain's wife and child were on
board. When the boats were launched he tossed
his child to a sailor, who caught him, and Mrs.
Blanchard jumped into the boat. On account of
the great danger of remaining alongside of the
ship, the sailors were about to put off without
the Captain, who had gone to save the compass
and chart in order to enable them to reach land,
but at Mrs. Blanchard's request they waited until
his return. Out of everything on the ship noth
ing was saved except what they wore.
When their vessel was in danger of being
wrecked the sailors discerned a sail ahead, but it
proved to be a vessel that had been wrecked, and
when our subject's ship was wrecked on the rocks
and deserted by the crew, the two were bow to
bow, and there they remained for all time. The
other vessel had previously been deserted. When
wrecked they were one hundred miles from the
Island of San Domingo and had saved nothing
but a teakettleful of water and a scant supply of
provisions. The two boats lay by a short time,
but finally the Captain concluded to steer for the
north coast of San Domingo, as there was little
chance of being rescued where they then were.
Many times the frail crafts were almost wrecked.
After being out two days and two nights they
came near the coast, but as the breakers were very
high, it was perilous to attempt to land, so they
continued along the coast, hoping to reach a port.
In the distance they saw a steamer and signalled
with a small scarf that Mrs. Blanchard had
brought along for her boy. The signal was seen
and they were taken on board the vessel, which
was a Spanish war ship. After fourteen days they
landed at Havana, whence they returned to New
York. While aboard the Spanish warship they
were treated with great kindness and attention.
The Captain told our subject it was wise they did
not land on the coast of San Domingo, as the na
tives are savages and would most likely have
killed them for what plunder they could get.
In 1868, while returning from a trip to
Cronstadt, Russia, in the bark "Topeka," the Cap
tain was again wrecked in the Gulf of Finland
and was obliged to abandon his ship. His wife
was ill with smallpox and they had both children
with them. In navigating down the gulf, in the
midst of a snow storm, the ship struck a reef of
rocks and was wrecked. When the storm cleared,
after two days of peril, they were rescued by a tug
from the city of Helsingfors, Finland, twenty
miles away, where they remained until June, 1869,

making necessary repairs to the vessel, which was
badly damaged. The first sewing machine ever
seen in that country was brought there by them,
and they were obliged to sell it to them, as well
as the first and only American cooking stove and
washboard. They found the people to be honest,
intelligent and hospitable, and have often wished
that life and property were as safe in this coun
try as in Northern Russia. They know how to
punish a criminal.
While on a voyage from Bordeaux, France, to
Cartagena, Spain, early one morning in Febru
ary, 1862, after a severe storm, the Captain saw a
vessel in the distance with a flag of distress. This
ship, which was apparently two miles away,
proved to be the brig "Carrs," of England. They
signalled that they were sinking, and our subject
answered that he would stand by. The English
sailors then launched their boats and all were fin
ally saved. In recognition of this service the
Captain received the following letter from the of
fice of the Commissioner of the Privy Council for
the Trade Marine Department:
"Whitehall, London, England, April 12, 1862.
"Gentlemen: "I am directed by the Lords of the Committee
of Privy Council to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 28th of March, with its enclosure
relative to the rescue of the master and crew of
the brig 'Carrs' of North Shields, by United States
vessel 'Grand Turk,' A. P. Blanchard, master, and
to acquaint you that my Lords have awarded Cap
tain Blanchard a telescope, which, when ready,
will be forwarded to the foreign office for pre
sentation to him through his own government.
I herewith enclose an order on Her Majesty's
Postmaster-General for the sum of ten pounds
seventeen shillings, for subsisting the rescued
crew, calculating at the usual rates allowed by
this department, viz.: two shillings per diem for
the master and one shilling- six pence a day for
each of the seamen.
"I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
"(Signed) T. H. Farrer."
"Messrs. Baring Brothers."
The telescope thus presented is still in our sub
ject's possession.
In 1874 Captain Blanchard became owner of
the bark "Masonic," and in 1879, °n a voyage to
Japan, the ship put into the port, Manilla, for re
pairs. There the captain, Thomas W. Killmaii,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

323

was killed by the steward, Edward Bertran, a
Frenchman. Finding the vessel unprotected, the
Spanish authorities at Manilla imposed a heavy
and outrageous fine for alleged violation of rev
enue laws. This our subject refused to pay, an
swering from New York in a cablegram; so the
authorities seized the vessel and finally sold it
against the protest of the Secretary of State, Will
iam M. Evarts. The resultant controversy lasted
seven years and was brought to a successful Con
clusion in 1885 by Hon. John W. Foster, then
Minister to Spain, in which our subject was
awarded $51,674.07 by Baron Blanc, the Italian
Minister at Madrid, who was arbitrator. This
was a great victory for the State Department and
American commerce, for in previous affairs of a
similar nature they had never succeeded in bring
ing the Spanish government to terms. President
Arthur personally told Captain Blanchard that
he, as President, had more trouble with the Span
ish government in matters of this kind than with
all other nations of the earth. The decision and
settlement has greatly benefited American ship
ping interests, fpr since then Spain has desisted
from imposing illegal and unwarranted fines on
American vessels.
About 1878 Captain Blanchard retired from the
sea, after which he lived in Brooklyn until 1893,
and then came to his present tiome. Politically
a Republican, he was a candidate for alderman
while in Brooklyn, but was defeated. He aided
in organizing the Union League Club of Brook
lyn and helped by his subscriptions in the erec
tion of the building. The Marine Society of New
York, to which he belongs, is older than the
United States government, and has charge of the
institution for disabled seamen at Snug Harbor,
Staten Island, where about one thousand seamen
and shipmasters are provided with all the com
forts of life free of charge. The Captain is also
an associate member of Grant Post, city of Brook
lyn, and a subscriber to the fund for the erection
of the statue to General Grant, unveiled at Grant
Square, April 25, 1896.

RICHARD W. MARVIN. One of the well-
improved farms of the town of Flushing
is situated one mile from the village of
Floral Park and is owned and occupied by the
subject of this sketch. Here his birth occurred
November 14, 1853, and on this place he has al
ways made his home. His father, Harry P. Mar

vin, was born at Herrick's, town of Hempstead,
and for forty years was one of the influential citi
zens of the town of Flushing, during all of which
time he made his home on the farm near Floral
Park. The property which he acquired con
sisted of one hundred and fifty acres and repre
sented a lifetime of toil and earnest endeavor on
his part. He married Pellatiah Williams, a native
of the town of Hempstead and daughter of Rich
ard Williams, for whom our subject was named.
Gaining the rudiments of his education in the
public schools of the home neighborhood, Mr.
Marvin later entered Union Hall Academy of Ja
maica, where he carried on his studies until the
time of graduation. Since then he has given his
attention to the cultivation of the home place,
which he devotes partly to general and partly
to market farming. In planting and harvesting
he shows good judgment, using good, sound,
common sense in his decisions regarding the farm
work. His time is closely occupied in superin
tending the management of his place, which, un
der his management, is kept in first-class condi
tion. The first marriage of Mr. Marvin took place
March 10, 1880, his wife being Emma D., daugh
ter of George Valentine of Herrick's, where she
was born. She died August 22, 1883, three years
after her marriage. The second wife of Mr. Mar
vin, with whom he was united December 8, 1886,
was Phoebe K., daughter of William Valentine of
Mineola, where she was born, and a member of
one of the oldest families of the county. Two
daughters, Jennie E. and Emma V., bless this
union. In his political views our subject is a
Republican and always votes that ticket. He is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Searingtown, North Hempstead, and a con
tributor to its maintenance.

VAN NEST OWEN. The village of Wood-
side can boast among her citizens a num
ber of men whose activity, ability and
broad experience make them of value to the com
munity and bring to them the respect of their fel
low-citizens in other parts of the county. While
Mr. Owen has been a resident of this place for a
comparatively few years only, yet in that time he
has risen to a position of prominence in business
and political affairs. He is proprietor of a gen
eral mercantile establishment and is also post
master of the village, having been appointed to

324

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the latter position in 1893 by Postmaster-General
Bissell. In Dutchess County, N. Y., April 1, 1859, the
subject of this notice was born to David and
Ann (Mond) Owen, being one of eight children,
of whom seven are still living. His father, also
a native of Dutchess County, born in 1838, was
a son of John Owen, who was born in that coun
ty, engaged in farming pursuits, and died there at
the age of eighty-four. Passing the years of boy
hood on the home farm, David Owen selected ag
riculture for his life calling and has since given
his attention to that occupation, in which he has
gained prosperity.
At the age of eighteen, having completed his
education in the common schools, our subject left
the home farm and went to New York City,
where he secured employment in the furnace and
range house of J. L. Mott & Co. Being an am
bitious young man, economical, judicious and
enterprising, he invested his earnings in town lots
in Woodside, and this property having since in
creased in value, has proved a remunerative in
vestment. In 1892 he resigned his position with
J. L. Mott and coming to Woodside established
himself in the hardware business. As his trade
increased, he extended it to include general mer
chandise, and now carries on a thriving business.
Those who are acquainted with Mr. Owen have
no need to ask his political opinions, as his en
thusiastic support of the Democracy and loyalty
to its principles are well known. At this writing
he is vice-president of the Democratic Associa
tion of Woodside. He is foreman of the Wood-
side Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, local sec
retary of the Co-operative Building and Loan As
sociation of New York City and president of the
P. C. Social Club. In 1882 he was united in mar
riage with Miss Mary Lawlor, a lady of great ten
derness of disposition and admirably adapted by
her many virtues to dignify and adorn domestic
life. Five children blessed their union, of whom
there now survive: Sadie, Van Nest, Jr., John
and Mary.

JOSEPH A. LAWRENCE, JR., of the town
of Newtown, was born April 22, 1845, the
oldest son of Joseph A. and Eliza D. (Gor-
sline) Lawrence. The place of his birth has con
tinued to be his home, and he is now operating
the farm in connection with his brother, Peter

G. Since eighteen years of age he has been a
member of the fire department of Newtown, in
which he has filled every office and is now the
chief. For one year he served as district chief.
Socially he is a member of Mizpah Lodge No.
738, F. & A. M., in which for two years he held
the position of master, and he is also connected
with Ancient Chapter No. 1, R A. M., of New
York City.
Tracing the lineage of the family, we find that
our subject's father, Joseph A., was a son of Jos
eph and a grandson of Jonathan, who was a son
of John and grandson of Capt. John, the latter in
turn being a son of Maj. Thomas Lawrence. All
of these ancestors were men of prominence and
influence throughout Queens County. The first
representative of the family of whom there is any
authentic knowledge was Sir Robert Laurens
of Ashton Hall, Lancashire, England, who ac
companied Richard the Lion-Hearted in his ex
pedition to Palestine and signalized himself in
the siege of St. Jean d'Acre in 1191, by being the
first to plant the banner of the cross on the bat
tlements of that town, for which he received the
honor of knighthood. Later the family gained
eminence in England. Faulkner's History of
Chelsea states that they "were allied to all that
was great and illustrious — cousins to the ambi
tious Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, to the
Earl of Warwick, to Lord Guilford Dudley, who
expiated on the scaffold the short-lived loyalty
of Lady Jane Grey, to the brilliant Leicester, who
set two queens at variance, and to Sir Philip Sid
ney, who refused a throne."
Many of the name of Lawrence in America are
descended from three brothers, John, William
and Thomas, who came here from Great St. Al
bans, Hertfordshire, during the political troubles
that terminated in the death of Charles I. The
family coat-of-arms is found on the seals ap
pended to some of their wills on file in New York
and on old plate still in the family. John and
William came on the ship "Planter," in April,
1635, landing in Massachusetts, but subsequent
ly removing to Long Island. John was one of
the six men to whom the patent of Hempstead
was granted by Governor Kieft in 1644. The
next year he and William, with others, obtained
the patent of Flushing, where he established his
home. Soon he removed to New Amsterdam,
where he became prominent. He served as al
derman and mayor of New York and was for
years a member of the council. In 1692 he was

HON. A. N. WELLER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

327

appointed judge of the Supreme Court, which
office he held up to his death in 1699.
The youngest of the three brothers, Thomas,
is thought to have joined them after their emigra
tion. For a time he resided in Flushing, whence
in 1656 he removed to Newtown and took part
in the purchase of the town lands from the In
dians the same year. Afterward he purchased
and improved farms extending along the East
River from Hell Gate Cove to Bowery Bay. De
cember 30, 1689, he accepted the command of the
forces of Queens County, Governor Leisler com
missioning him Major, on receipt of the news of
the revolution in England, and the removal of
Sir Edwin Andross as Governor of Massachu
setts. Thomas was frank in asserting the reasons
which had led to his departure from England and
his opposition to domineering principles. In Feb
ruary, 1690, he began to raise troops in Queens
County to aid in defending Albany against the
French, and in July was commissioned to pro
ceed to Southold with a force to protect Eng
lish subjects there against French cruisers. He
died in Newtown in 1703. »
Our subject's father was born in Newtown,
March 16, 1817, and died October 16, 1889. His
grandfather, Jonathan, was a Revolutionary
patriot, whose career is portrayed in the "Annals
of Newtown," and Thompson's History of Long
Island. The father of Joseph A. died when the
son was only six weeks old and at an early age
he was obliged to become self-supporting. When
sixteen he entered the store of Lawrence & Mun-
sell in New York, where he clerked for two
years. Later going to New Orleans, he worked
in a store for a short time, then returned to his
native town and became a member of the firm of
Lawrence & Bush. After twelve years the firm
removed from Newtown to the head of Flushing
Bay, where they established a lumber yard and
carried on a large lumber and coal trade. In
1879 they leased their property to Harry Hill, aft
er which Mr. Lawrence retired from business. A
Republican and an Abolitionist, he condemned
the slave' system and labored for its overthrow.
From 1872 to 1879 he served as tax receiver, but
with that exception declined public office.
By his marriage to Miss Eliza D. Gorsline of
Newtown, Mr. Lawrence had six children, name
ly: Joseph A., of this sketch; Margaret D., who
married Edward F. Richardson, and has three
children; Mary, deceased; Mary Anna; Peter G.,
who is assisting in the management of the home

farm; and Elizabeth A., wife of James Newton of
Brooklyn, and mother of one child. Mr. Law
rence was conceded to be one of the most popular
men of Long Island, his companionable nature,
genial disposition and pleasant manners win
ning for him the esteem of all with whom he was
acquainted.

HON. AUGUSTUS NOBLE WELLER,
Judge of the Queens County Surrogate
Court, was born in Chautauqua County,
N. Y., December 5, 1836, and is a son of Benjamin
T. Weller, a farmer of moderate means. His boy
hood years were spent on the home farm, his time
being divided between attendance at the district
schools and work on the place. Early inured to
toil, he laid in youth the foundation of his future
success, for he then gained the habits of persever
ance, determination and industry that later se
cured his prosperity.
Soon after completing his education in the Fre-
donia Academy, Mr. Weller became a law student
in the office of Snow & Morris, the leading firm
of attorneys in Fredonia, and with them he spent
two years. Then going to New York City, he en
tered the law office of Mott & Cary, eminent at
torneys, with whom he remained three years. Aft
er his admission to the bar in i860, he went to
Batavia, N. Y., where he formed a law partner
ship with Harry Wilbur of that place. The con
nection continued for three years, when he re
turned to New York City and in 1863 entered
into partnership with Hon. Charles Crary, well
known as a member of the Committee of Seventy
who broke up the notorious Tweed ring. The
office of the firm was first at No. 104 Broadway,
but later was removed to Nassau Street, the con
nection being continued until the death of Mr.
Crary. Judge Weller is a member of the Chap
ter of the Cathedral of the Incarnation of the Dio
cese of Long Island, which has over three millions
of money besides the buildings. This is a corpo
ration created by his wife to perpetuate the mem
ory of her husband, the late A. T. Stewart. It
has developed into one of the finest preparatory
schools in America.
It was not long before Mr. Weller secured rec
ognition among the promising young lawyers of
the metropolis, and he was engaged as attorney
in many important cases, with the most eminent
lawyers of the New York and Brooklyn bar for an
tagonists. One of the most important of these

328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was the "scissors grinders' case," Balleman vs.
Blake, involving several blocks of buildings in
Brooklyn worth a half million dollars. In this
suit he was opposed by the celebrated New York
lawyer, F. R. Coudert. Another important case
was Wight vs. James Gordon Bennett of the "New
York Herald," in which he secured the largest ver
dict for libel ever recorded in America, viz.: $25,-
000. His opposing counsel in this case were
Joseph H. Choate, Judge Strong, John Townsend
and others equally eminent. The case was fought
with great pertinacity and skill on both sides, and
ended in a complete victory for Judge Weller's
client. In 1873 Judge Weller married Miss Kate
Ward, daughter of Hon. Henry M. Onderdonk,
ex-State Senator of Ohio, niece of William H.
Onderdonk, who held the offices of district attor
ney, county judge and surrogate of Queens
County, and granddaughter of Bishop Onderdonk
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. During the
year of his marriage Judge Weller came to Hemp
stead, which has since been his place of resi
dence. To himself and wife were born four chil
dren, viz. : Katharine, wife of Charles L. Addison ;
Henry Selden, now a student at Yale; Augustus
Noble, Jr., and Hobart Courtney, the two latter
students at St. Paul's at Garden City. Mrs. Wel
ler died November 13, 1888.
While our subject has never desired to gain
prominence in the political field, yet he has been
regarded as a leader of the Democratic party in
Queens County, and in 1885 his party nominated
him for the position of Judge of the Surrogate
Court, to which he was elected. The Secretary of
State had certified that a Surrogate was to be
elected in this county to take office January 1,
1886, but after his election a controversy arose as
to the term of office of the gentleman then hold
ing the office, and who had been elected to fill an
unexpired term. The question was submitted to
the courts and the Court of Appeals finally de
cided that the then acting judge had been elected
for six years, and that his term did not expire until
January 1, 1887, which rendered Judge Weller's
election null. However, in the fall of 1886, he was
again nominated by the Democratic convention
and received the endorsement of the Republican
convention, being elected without opposition and
taking the office January 1, 1887. In the fall of
1893 he was elected for a second term of six years.
In litigation and in all branches of the law Judge
Weller has had a wide experience, and when

elected Surrogate he brought to the bench a thor
ough knowledge of the law, with a keen insight
into the merits of the cases tried before him. That
his decisions are just is evidenced by their uni
versal affirmation in the Appellate Courts; as a
rule, however, they are recognized as so clear and
convincing that few appeals are taken. Since his
election to the office, the people of the county
have recognized the importance of his court and
have furnished him with one of the finest and most
complete offices in the state.
Through extensive reading, not only of legal
publications, but also of general literature;
through travel in this country and abroad;
through habits of close observation, and through
intercourse with the leaders of thought in New
York and other cities, Judge Weller has gained
a breadth of culture that renders him a delightful
conversationalist and a most entertaining com
panion. While he is broad in his views, yet he is
conservative in action, prudent, sagacious and
discriminating, a man fitted by natural endow
ments and education for a position of responsi
bility and trust in the service of his fellow-men.

CHARLES G. J. FINN, M. D. Not only
in Hempstead, where he resides, but in
the adjoining country, Dr. Finn is known
as a successful and skillful physician and sur
geon, one who has given years of thought and
painstaking preparation to his profession and who
is thoroughly qualified for its practice. Nature
endowed him with the qualities necessary for suc
cess as a practitioner, for he is sympathetic, pa
tient and thoughtful, and in the hour of extremity
cool and courageous. Though his practice en
grosses much of his attention he still finds time
to keep posted upon the practical details in the
improvements of the science and avails himself
of every development in remedial agencies.
The Finn family originated in England, where
the Doctor's grandfather, John, was born and
where, at one time, he was an editor of the "Lon
don Times." After coming to America he held
the position of associate editor on the "New York
Herald" under the senior Bennett, being thus oc
cupied for many years. His son, John T., our
subject's father, was born in Brooklyn, where he
still resides, being a large real estate owner arid
an extensive coal and wood dealer; he married
Phoebe G. Jenkins, a native of Nantucket, now
living in Brooklyn.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

329

Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 29, 1855, the
subject of this sketch was given the best advant
ages this country affords. His literary education
was acquired at Pennington and Princeton, after
which he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical Col
lege, New York, from which he graduated in
1876. For one year he engaged in practice in
New York and then came to Hempstead, where
he has built up a large and remunerative practice.
Socially he is connected with the Masons and
Odd Fellows, and in religious belief holds mem
bership in St. George's Church. In 1880 he mar
ried Miss Addie, daughter of the late B. F. Rush-
more, ex-sheriff of Queens County. They have
one child, a daughter, Lillian R.
Interested in everything pertaining to his pro
fession, Dr. Finn has taken a prominent part in
the work of various associations. In the Queens
County Medical Society, of which he is a mem
ber, he served for ten years as secretary and treas
urer and for three years as president, filling the
various offices with credit to himself. In addi
tion to this, he is connected with the New York
Academy of Medicine and the Pan-American
Medical Association, being one of the vice-presi
dents of the latter organization. He is visiting
physician and surgeon to St. Mary's and St. Paul's
colleges in Garden City. For ten years he was
physician to the village and for a similar period
held the position of consulting surgeon to the
Queens County Almshouse Hospital and consult
ing physician and surgeon to Queens County
Children's Home.
Dr. Finn is justly regarded as one of the most
skillful surgeons and physicians of his locality.
His knowledge and skill in medical and surgical
science and all matters pertaining to the health
of the body, his intelligence in other lines of study,
and his manly character alike entitle him to es
teem, and he is regarded with the highest respect,
not alone in this community, but in other places
where he is known.

LOUIS LEIBROCK, a farmer of the town
of Newtown, was born in Bavaria, Ger
many, on Christmas Day of 1833, and was
one of seven children, three of whom now survive.
He is a son of Charles and Phillipina (Leibrock)
Leibrock, the former of whom, a farmer by occu
pation, died in Germany in 1852. The year after
his father's death our subject came to America
and for three years was employed in Brooklyn as

a farm hand, after which he went to Richmond
Hill, where he worked for nine years. He then
came to Newtown, where he married Helena Kin-
sey and shortly afterward began farming in part
nership with his brother-in-law, David Kinsey.
In his political views Mr. Leibrock is a Repub
lican, always ready to advocate party principles.
Pie is a member of the German Reformed Church,
in which he has served as elder since 1890. Of
his marriage seven children have been born,
namely: Henry Nicholas, who is married and has
two children; Peter, Minnie, Catherine, Annie,
Helena and Amanda W.

M

ARTIN KRUDOP, the leading and well-
known grocer of Whitestone, was born
near Bremen, Germany, in 1855, and
spent his early boyhood years in his native pro
vince. At the age of fourteen he crossed the At
lantic, prepared for active association with busi
ness affairs by a practical knowledge of the Ger
man, English and French languages— a knowl
edge which has been of the greatest value to him
in his work. After coming to America he at
tended evening school in Brooklyn, thus adding
to the store of information he had gained in his
own country.
After clerking in a New York store for a few
years, Mr. Krudop opened a grocery establish
ment in that city, and continued with fair suc
cess until he sold out a few years later. Then for
a number of years he was employed as traveling
salesman for Lautz Brothers of Buffalo. In 1879
he was united in marriage with Miss Celia Wag
oner, who was born in Brooklyn of German par
entage, and is an estimable lady, possessing many
noble attributes of heart and mind. Two chil
dren, Albert W. and Walter G., bless the union.
On retiring from the road, Mr. Krudop' took
charge of the wholesale soap department of a gro
cery store in Newark, where he remained for sev
eral years. In 1888 he came to Whitestone and
began in the grocery business, succeeding so well
that after a time he bought a lot and erected the
business block which he now occupies. In his
store may be found a full assortment of staple
and fancy groceries, the stock being the largest
carried by any merchant of the village.
While Mr. Krudop is loyal to the land of his
adoption, he has never considered it necessary
to identify himself with any political party, but
has preferred to retain an independence in poli-

33°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tics, though he has an inclination toward the Re
publican platform and principles. He was reared
in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, but
has not become a member of that or any denomi
nation, though he is a believer in Christianity.
Socially he is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

DAVID KINSEY. This name will be rec
ognized by many of our readers as that
of a gentleman who has borne an im
portant part in the development of the agricul
tural resources of Queens County and who has
also been a potent factor in municipal affairs in
the town of Newtown. The property upon which
he makes his home is on Trotting Course Lane,
near Metropolitan Avenue, three and one-half
miles northwest of Jamaica, and is one of the old
est places in the locality. During the Revolu
tionary War it was the headquarters of a colonel,
and in the cemetery on the place still rest the re
mains of a colonel and other Revolutionary par
ticipants. February 14, 1842, was the date, and the town
of Newtown the place of our subject's birth. His
parents, Henry and Catherine Kinsey, had six
children, of whom four survive, namely: William
Henry, of East Williamsburg; David; Peter,
whose home is in Brooklyn, and Helena, wife of
Louis Leibrock. The father was born in Ba
varia, Germany, in 1811, and after his marriage
emigrated to America, where he landed without
other possessions than the clothes he wore. Se
curing work in Brooklyn at $3 per month, he
began the problem of life as a farm hand. After
about one year he came to Newtown and worked
as a farm employe here for some eight years, when
he began farming for himself. Later he became
the owner of the property where David now re
sides, and in addition to this he acquired the
ownership of a small farm in Newtown, on the
Brooklyn line, which is still held by the estate.
In spite of adversity and hardships he gained a
fair measure of success and was well-to-do at the
time of his death, in April, 1875.
The common schools of Newtown afforded our
subject his initiation into the realm of knowledge,
and the information there obtained has been sup
plemented by reading and observation. As he
grew toward manhood he determined to try a
business life, but after less than a year with the
Williamsburg City Fire Insurance Company and
with a book and stationery firm he returned to the

home farm and acted as assistant to his father in
the management of his agricultural interests. In
1870 he married Miss Wilhelmina Rudolph, a na
tive of Fromesheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
who came to America in 1865. Of the four chil
dren born to this union the only survivor is Dav
id Peter, who was born August 2, 1880, and is liv
ing at home with his parents, but employed in the
wholesale clothing house of Smith, Gray & Co.,
of New York.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Kinsey was elect
ed overseer of the poor in 1879 and served for one
term in that capacity. For five years he held the
office of school trustee, during which time he
labored judiciously for the advancement of the
schools. His membership is in the Lutheran
Church, toward the good works of which he is a
liberal contributor, as he is in all charitable pro
jects. Endowed by nature with good business
ability, he has made the most of his opportunities,
and his enterprise, perseverance and good man
agement have gained him a well-deserved pros
perity.

JOHN HEEG. The life of this well known
resident of Newtown has been one of stirring
adventure. His experiences in the West,
when in the service of the regular army, and when
connected with the renowned "Buffalo Bill," were
many and varied, and if recorded would make a
large and interesting volume. Aside from this,
he has spent considerable time in traveling
through Great Britain, France, Germany, and
the various points of interest in the old world,
in that way gaining a knowledge of mankind that
makes him a typical cosmopolitan.
The father of our subject, Frank Heeg, was a
native of Germany, and coming to this country
at an early age settled in East Williamsburg,
where he made his home for thirty-six years. He
was engaged in the milk business and was the
first man in the town of Newtown to establish a
large dairy, the sale of its products being in
Brooklyn. Identified with the history of Wil
liamsburg from the time when it was inhabited
by only a few market gardeners, he witnessed its
rapid growth until it was merged into the thriving
city of Brooklyn. His death occurred when he
was seventy-three years of age.
During the residence of his parents in East
Williamsburg our subject was born, December
31, 1848. At the age of eighteen he entered the

REV. ALOYSIUS STEFFEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

333

regular army, enlisting January 30, 1867, in Com
pany I, Fifth Regiment of cavalry, and serving
for five years, after which he received his hon
orable discharge January 30, 1872. During the
war with the Cheyennes and the Arapahoes, in
1868-70, he was orderly under Gen. E. A. Carr,
and received a wound in the leg July 13, 1868.
For a time he accompanied "Buffalo Bill" in his
Western expeditions, gaining a personal acquaint
ance with the man whose unique ability has made
him famous throughout the world.
After his return from army service Mr. Heeg
engaged in the milk business in Newtown for
eight years, and for eleven years he was con
stable of the town. For a time he was proprietor
of the Lafayette House in East Williamsburg,
and in 1883 returned to Newtown, where he en
gaged in the hotel business. In 1891 he was
elected, supervisor and held that position for three
years; from 1885 until 1891 he served as assessor
of the town.
Mr. Heeg, who carries on an extensive business
.as an auctioneer, became associated with Thomas
Pettit in 1889. The latter died in April, 189^
since which time Mr. Heeg has practically carried
on the business alone. His political affiliations
are with the Democratic party, in which he is an
active worker. In religious belief he is a Catholic
and holds membership in the Catholic Benevolent
Legion. Socially he is connected with John J.
Mitchell Lodge, Long Island City. He is also
a member of the Providence Association of Mas
peth. In 1876 Mr. Heeg married Miss Mary Eaton,
of East Williamsburg, and their union resulted
in the birth of two daughters : Anna, wife of Cor
nelius Burke, and mother of a son, John; and
Henrietta, who is postmistress of East Williams
burg. By the second marriage of our' subject,
which was to Mary Hanck, he had one child that
is now deceased. His third wife bore the maiden
name of Anna Hirsch. In his public life he has
displayed the same energy and resoluteness of
purpose that characterized him in private affairs,
and he may justly be numbered among the lead
ing men of the town.

REV. ALOYSIUS STEFFEN, rector of St.
Mary's Help of Christians, Winfield Junc
tion, was born in Wildeshausen, Olden
burg, Germany, September 15, 1857. His father
was Conrad Steffen, a business man of Old

enburg, where he passed his entire life. The
family were all devout Catholics. Frederick, two
years older than our subject, acquired a fine edu
cation in the Fatherland and after coming to
America studied in one of the famous institutions
of Pittsburg, Pa., fitting himself to enter the
priesthood. For three years he was rector of St.
Peter's and St. Paul's churches in Rochester, Pa.,
but his promising career was cut short by his
death, which occurred when he was twenty-six
years of age. Mary, the sister of our subject, is
known as Sister Adeline of Charity. She lives in
Detroit, Mich.
Father Steffen received his early education in
the model schools of his native land. He was
especially gifted as a sculptor, and while he might
have made a name for himself in the world of arts,
it was his desire, as well as that of his parents,
to become a priest, and with this end in view he
gave his entire time and attention to studies in
this direction. Many of the pieces which he exe
cuted in his youth indicate plainly that had he
confined himself to the study of art he would have
become famous. His father gave him his choice
of professions, and without any hesitancy he
chose the ministry.
After completing his studies in his native land,
Mr. Steffen came to America and entered St.
Michael's College, of Pittsburg, Pa., and later
took a course in St. Vincent's College in West
moreland County, Pa. In 1880, having com
pleted his theological studies, he was ordained
a priest by Bishop Faber, of Montreal, Canada.
It is a fact worthy of note that he was the young
est member in his class, which included over forty
students. Father Steffen was first sent to St. Michael, in
East New York, where for four years he was the
assistant of Father August M. Nienmann, his cou
sin. In 1885 he was made pastor of St. Eliza
beth's at Woodhaven, where he continued in
charge until October 10, 1895, when he became
rector of St. Mary's Help of the Christians at
Winfield Junction. He deserves great credit for
his zealous efforts in building up the church, and
is faithfully working to advance the Catholic
cause in this vicinity. Since he took charge of af
fairs here a school has been organized and a com
fortable building erected, the church greatly im
proved and a parsonage built. He superintended
the construction and remodeling of the buildings
and performed much manual labor. The grounds
about the church and school are adorned with

334

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

several varieties of trees and shrubs, every one of
which Father Steffen set out himself. Although
the greater part of his time and attention is given
to looking after his people, he takes great interest
in affairs outside and no good cause is allowed
to fail for want of support on his part. St. Mary's
congregation numbers two hundred and fifty fam
ilies and about one thousand persons, and the
work is in a very flourishing condition. Father
Steffen is a distinguished linguist, speaking sev
eral languages fluently.

GUST AVE W. HILBERS, who is engaged
in the grocery business at Whitestone,
was born in Geestendorf, province of
Hanover, Germany, August 25, 1844, being a son
of B. D. and Margherita (Kellers) Hilbers. At
the age of twelve he graduated from the public
school of his native place, after which he attended
a private school for three years. When about
fourteen he was apprenticed to learn the dry-
goods business in one of the largest stores of
Hamburg. At the expiration of his term of ser
vice he clerked in Bremen for six months and
then, at the age of eighteen, crossed the ocean,
landing in New York in 1863. For a year he was
employed as a clerk in a dry-goods store there,
after which he was assistant bookkeeper for
Henry Millard, the chocolate manufacturer, for
one and one-half years. His next position was
that of conductor on the Erie Railroad sleeping
car line, which he held for two years.
About one year after our subject left Germany
his father died, and not long afterward his mother
and the younger children came to America and
he cared for them until they were able to do for
themselves. After leaving the railroad he clerked
for Jacoby & Heller for a year, and then opened
a grocery in Long Island City. After a few years
there he went back to New York, but later re
turned to Long Island City, where he was en
gaged for two years in the soda water trade.
Removing to Flushing, he opened a grocery and
carried on business for fourteen years. Just be
fore going to that village he married Miss Hen
rietta Stegemann, of College Point, and they be
came the parents of three children: Johanna,
who became the wife of Henry M. Ludder, died
March 28, 1896; Gustave W., born January 9,
1873, died at the age of nine years; and Carl, who
was born in Flushing March 25, 1875, is assist
ing his father in the store.

In 1872 Mr. Hilbers voted for Horace Greeley
for president and has since supported Democratic
principles. He is a trustee of the town of Flush
ing, having been elected to that position three
different times, and is now treasurer of the board.
In January, 1895, he was elected water commis
sioner for a term of three years. Frequently he
has been chosen to serve as delegate to local con
ventions. Reared in the faith of the German
Lutheran Church, he identified himself with that
denomination on coming to America, and is now
treasurer of the church at Whitestone. At one
time he was a member of the Pacific Lodge of
Odd Fellows, but withdrew by card. As a busi
ness man he is energetic and capable, and has
built up a good trade in staple and fancy groceries.

JUDGE JAMES L. CAIN, proprietor of
Broadway Hotel, Bayside, is a native of that
place and was born on the 1st of March,
1861. His father, Nicholas V. B. Cain, was born
in Brooklyn September 7, 1837, and was the son
of James and Elizabeth (Pangborn) Cain. (See
sketch of James W. Cain). The father passed
his boyhood days in the city of Brooklyn, where
he received a good practical education. When
fifteen years old he removed with his parents to
Bayside, and was engaged in agricultural pur
suits until his marriage in i860. From there he
then removed to a farm in the same town,
which had been purchased for him by his father,
and tilled the soil there until the death of his wife,
which occurred March 31, 1862. Returning to
the parental roof he remained there one year,
after which he purchased a hotel in Little Neck.
Later he married Miss Ida Rapalyea, whose father
owned the hotel property, and afterwards con
ducted the Little Neck Hotel for two years. In
1867 he sold the property and went to New York
City, where he engaged in the milk business,
which he conducted most successfully for ten
years. Returning to the home farm after that he
resided on the same until his death, September
, 26, 1893. His widow is still a resident of the old
place. Our subject was the only child of the first
marriage, his mother being Miss Sarah E. Law
rence. He remained with his father until of age
and received his education in the common schools
and in the Nazareth Hall Military Academy,
from which he graduated in June, 1878. On ac
count of ill health he returned to the farm, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

335

for two years was engaged in the duties of the
same, thus regaining his health. Finding that
this life suited him he continued on the farm up
to 1889, when he was appointed to fill the unex
pired term of justice of the peace. In 1890 he
was elected to the office on the Democratic ticket,
and after finishing the term was renominated, but
was defeated with the entire ticket.
In 1890 Mr. Cain purchased his present prop
erty and has since given his entire time and at
tention to managing his fine hotel. From 1888
to 1893 he was president of the school board,
and he is an honorary member of the Enterprise
Hook and Ladder Company, of which he was
one of the organizers, and is now a charter mem
ber. At one time he was chairman of the Dem
ocratic town committee, of which for four years
he was a member, and from 1888 to 1891 he was
the representative of the Democratic County Cen
tral Committee. Socially Mr. Cain is a member
of the Arcanum, the Foresters and the Improved
Order of Red Men. He is a member of All Saints
Episcopal Church of Bayside, and is one of the
substantial and worthy citizens of the community.
November 23, 1889, Mr. Cain was married to
Miss Hester M. Shackell, of Bayside, and they
have one child, a bright little boy named Lloyd.

JACOB JOHN MOORE, a retired farmer of
Newtown, was born May 20, 1829, in the
house where he still makes his home. He
is a member of one of the oldest and most highly
respected families of Long Island, members of
which have, at different times, gained prominence
in business, agricultural or professional affairs.
From the "Annals of Newtown" we learn that
the several families of English extraction bearing
the name of Moore are said to find a common
origin in Thomas De Moore, who came from
Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066,
and whose name is enrolled in the ancient list
taken at their embarkation at St. Valery, also in
the list of those who survived the memorable bat
tle of Hastings, fought October 14, 1066. Rev.
John Moore, the more immediate ancestor of the
Newtown family, was doubtless of English birth.
He was an independent preacher and was the
first minister of the town, having been "permitted
in New England to preach, but not authorized to
administer sacrament." In remembrance of his
active interest in the purchase of Newtown from
the Indians, the town awarded eighty acres of land

to his children thirty years after his death, in 1657.
The father of our subject, Benjamin Moore,
was born in the village of Newtown late in the
eighteenth century, and here spent his life en
gaged in farming; he was the son of Jacob and
Elizabeth Moore, natives of this locality. By his
marriage to Jane Rapelye he had four children,
of whom two daughters, Elizabeth and Lemma
A., and one son, Jacob John, survive. The sub
ject of this record grew to manhood under the
parental roof and acquired his education in the
common schools. When he was twenty-five he
was bereaved by the death of his father, since
which time he has had charge of the estate. He
has never married, and his two sisters, who still
reside at the old homestead, keep house for him
and look after his welfare. They attend the Epis
copal Church and are interested in religious mat
ters. Politically Mr. Moore is a supporter of Re
publican principles, but has never actively iden
tified himself with political matters in a partisan
wav.

JOHN VINCENT. The bar of Queens
County has won an enviable reputation
throughout its length and breadth for the
erudition, success and courtesy of its members,
many of whom have achieved a wide reputation
for their ability and a correct apprehension of
what pertains to the profession. Among those
who stand deservedly high as a member of the
bar is John Vincent, who has been successfully
engaged in the practice of his profession in New
York and Long Island for many years. He has
always been a close student of law and has won
the confidence and esteem of all as a careful and
efficient lawyer. He is a New Yorker by birth
and education and inherits his wit and quick per
ception no doubt from his Irish ancestors, his
father and mother being natives of the Emerald
Isle. When but children the parents were brought
to this country, and subsequently became ac
quainted in New York City, where they were
soon after married and where most of their days
were spent. Mr. Vincent died when a compara
tively young man and his estimable wife passed
away in 1894, when eighty-seven years old. Their
son John was educated in the public schools of
New York City and was but fourteen years old
when his father died. He then left school and
entered a law office as an errand boy, arid his

336

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subsequent education was received mainly
through his own exertions. While managing
clerk in a law office he managed to get a fair
knowledge of law, and in 1868 was admitted to
practice at the New York bar. Afterwards he
entered the office of another attorney and as
sumed the management of the latter's business,
with the privilege of controlling all of the busi
ness of his own which might fall in his way.
Some time later Mr. Vincent opened an office
for himself and for twenty years has practiced his
profession most successfully in Nassau Street,
New York City. For the past ten years he has
been a resident of Rockville Center, where he has
a beautiful home. This is presided over by his
excellent wife, formerly Miss Augusta Grant, a
native of Troy, and daughter of John Grant.
Their nuptials were celebrated in 1866, and four
children have blessed the union. The eldest child,
James, is married and resides at Jersey City
Heights; Robert W. is at home; Estella is a stu
dent at Mt. St. Vincent, on the Hudson River;
and Charles is a student at De La Salle Military
Institute of New York City.
Every day, except Sundays and holidays, Mr.
Vincent goes to and returns from New York City.
He is now in the prime of life, having been born
in the year 1845, and is one of the most success
ful members of the legal profession. The family
are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and
he was one of the founders of the same at Rock
ville Center. In politics he is a stanch supporter
of Democratic principles and in 1882 was ap
pointed to the position of assistant district attor
ney at New York, a position he filled most cred
itably for three years, during one year of which
time he was at the head of the office. While very
prominently established in his practice in New-
York City, Mr. Vincent is closely identified with
the growth and prosperity of Rockville Center,
where his home interests are centered. He is
one of the few who have assisted in wrenching
this section from fogyism to a bright and en
lightened community.

THOMAS SEAMAN WILLETS, one of
the highly esteemed residents of the vil
lage of Bayside, is a breeder of fine horses
and also conducts a boarding stable, wintering
many fine animals owned by wealthy New York
and Brooklyn residents. An energetic and enter
prising man, he has advanced the public interests

of the village in many ways, and is thoroughly
identified with all movements calculated to benefit
his community and county.
A representative of one of the old and highly
esteemed families on the island, Mr. Willets is a
native of the place where he now lives, as was
also his father and grandfather before him. He
has in his possession an old deed which shows the
property to have been in the family prior to the
year 1740. Thomas Seaman was born July 18,
1852, and was the eldest but one of the five chil
dren who came to bless the union of Thomas S.
and Rebecca F. (Leggett) Willets. Four of this
household now survive: Anna W. is the wife of
William E. Townsend of Westbury, and they have
two children; Eliza L. married C. A. Willets, and
they make their home in Flushing; S. Clinton,
who is also a resident of the above place, is em
ployed by the New York Central in the auditing
department of that village.
The father of the above family was born in
1819, and departed this life in 1885, while his good
wife, who was also born in 1819, survived him one
year, dying in 1886. The former was the son of
Seaman and Ann (Pearsall) Willets, by whom he
was reared to a life of usefulness. He adopted
the occupation of a farmer when beginning life
for himself and in this line became prominent and
well-to-do, and it may be truly said of him that
he was one of the most highly esteemed men in
the county. The reputation which he enjoyed
was that of a man whose word was at all times
considered as good as his bond. For many years
he was trustee of the town, for several terms filled
the office of assessor, and for two terms he served
as supervisor. He was a very capable business
man, which fact was fully recognized by his many
friends and neighbors, and it was no unusual
thing for him to be intrusted with important busi
ness affairs. In the Flushing Turnpike Road and
Bridge Company he was one of the leading spir
its, and was director and treasurer of the same
for many years.
As soon as he was old enough, the subject of
this sketch was sent to a private school at Bay-
side, and after completing his education returned
home and assisted his father in the management
of the place. As the years passed by, however, he
gradually assumed more control, until the entire
oversight of the business virtually rested on his
shoulders. In 1880 he erected a stable and began
boarding horses. This business became so popu
lar with city people that it was not long before

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

337

he was compelled to erect more commodious
quarters for the accommodation of the animals
which were entrusted to his care during the win
ter months. His stables have been enlarged from
time to time since then and he is regarded as one
of the best business men in this line in the county.
The lady to whom our subject was married in
November, 1882, was Miss Almy R., daughter of
J. B. Hoover, for many years a resident of New
York City. To them have been granted three
children, of whom Almy R., who is now attending
the seminary at Flushing, and Thomas S., Jr.,
are the only survivors. In politics Mr. Willets,
while in no sense of the word an office-seeker,
supports the candidates of the Republican party.
He is a member of the Society of Friends, in
which faith he was reared, and Mrs. Willets is a
consistent member of the Congregational Church.

JOHN HENRY TAYLOR, one of the lead
ing horticulturists of New York State, is
well known to the residents of Bayside and
vicinity, where he has made his home for many
years. He is energetic, persevering, capable and
judicious, and it is largely due to these qualities
that he owes the prosperity which has attended his
efforts in business. He was born in the metropo
lis August 28, 1857, and was the eldest of the
family of seven children comprising the household
of John and Elizabeth N. (Gilson) Taylor.
When only three years of age the subject of
this sketch was brought by his parents to Bayside,
where they remained for seven years. In 1867
they took passage on a steamer for Europe, spend
ing the following ten years in traveling through
different portions of the Old World. John Henry,
who accompanied them on this tour, studied in
Switzerland, Italy and Berlin, Germany, and on
his return he entered Harvard College, graduat
ing from that institution with the class of 1881,
and having conferred upon him the degree of
bachelor of agricultural science.
After completing his education our subject
spent one year traveling in Europe, and on his
return at the end of that time assumed charge
of his father's horticultural business. On the
death of the latter he purchased the interest of
the other heirs in the place and since 1882 has
had entire control of the business. He resides in
one of the palatial homes on the north side of the
island and is recognized as one of the stirring
and progressive business men of Queens County.

His greenhouses, which are fitted out with all the
latest appliances and conveniences for heating,
lighting, etc., cover some five acres of ground
and in them may be found a splendid collection of
roses and orchids. Mr. Taylor has a large whole
sale trade in New York City.
John Henry Taylor and Miss Julia, daughter of
James Armstrong, of New York, were united in
marriage in that city in 1883. Their union has
been blessed by the birth of two children, Adele
A. and Reginald Dodge, both of whom are at
tending Schuler's Seminary in Flushing.
Socially Mr. Taylor belongs to the University
Club, the Lawyers' Club, the New York Athletic
Club and the Douglaston Yacht Club, and fra
ternally is identified with Cornucopia Lodge, F.
& A. M., at Flushing. In everything pertaining
to floriculture he takes a warm interest and is ac
tively connected with the New York Florists' Club
and the New York Horticultural Society. He is
likewise a fellow of the American Geographical
Society of New York City and belongs to the
Niantic Club of Flushing. Having always the
welfare of his community at heart, he does what
he can to further its best interests and has rep
resented this locality very efficiently as president
of the town board of trustees. For the past five
years he has been president of the school board of
this district and has been an active worker in rais
ing the standard of scholarship. Politically he is
a stanch Democrat and has held the honored of
fice of president of the Democratic Club, of Bay-
side. He belongs to the Episcopal Church, to the
support of which he is a regular and liberal con
tributor, and is justly numbered among the sub
stantial and valued residents of the county.

JORDAN WRIGHT, a retired farmer of the
town of Flushing, makes his home in a beau
tiful place on the Whitestone Road, just off
Broadway. His accurate judgment and superior
ability have been displayed in the successful man
agement of his affairs and he is now living retired
and is regarded with the highest respect and con
fidence as a man of unimpeachable integrity. He
was born in this town March 29, 1817, and was
the son of Abraham and Susan (Wright) Cock.
He was the favorite grandson of his mother's
father, a very wealthy resident of this section, and
it was owing to his wishes that his name was
changed, by a special act of the legislature, from
Cock to Wright.

338

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Benjamin and Hannah (Prior) Cock, and their
son, Abraham, was born in Flushing in the year
1779, and departed this life in 1827. After com
pleting a limited education in the schools of his
district, the father of our subject gave his atten
tion to learning the milling business, and for years
operated the old Bowne mill, which still stands
near the junction of Lawrence Street and Mill
Road. The Cock family is one of the oldest on the
island, its various members here being enabled
to trace their ancestry back to one of three broth
ers who emigrated hither from England some
time in the sixteenth century. One of this trio
settled in Pennsylvania, another in New York
State, and the third made his home at Norwich.
Grandmother Hannah (Prior) Cock was a cousin
of John Bowne, who came from Holland in Colo
nial days and, as history tells us, was the first
Quaker to make his home on the island, and
because of his faith suffered many persecutions.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of
Jordan Wright, for many years one of the wealthy
merchants of New York City. On retiring from
business he made his home in Flushing, owning
the property which is now in the possession of
Captain Hinman. His wife, prior to her mar
riage, was Miss Elizabeth Titus.
At the time of his father's death the subject
of this sketch was a lad of ten years, and his grand
father, who was very fond of him, prevailed upon
his daughter to let him have the boy to rear and
educate. He finally became so attached to him
that it was his earnest desire to have him bear
the name of Wright, and by a special act of the
legislature this change was effected, so that he
is now known to his many friends as Jordan
Wright. The latter attended an academy at Wil
mington, Del, for a time, after which he carried
on his studies in a private school in Westchester
County, N. Y. It was the wish of his grandfather
that he should fit himself for an active business
life, and accordingly, when a lad of sixteen years,
he went to New York and obtained a position as
clerk in a commission house.
In 1842 our subject, together with Messrs.
Baker and Cox, organized a wholesale dry goods
establishment, the firm name being Baker, Wright
& Cox. The venture not proving a success, how
ever, they dissolved partnership four years later,
Mr. Wright investing his interest in the business
in a nice tract of land in this town. Thereafter he

gave his attention to farming, and for fifty years
his efforts in this direction were attended with
good results.
The lady to whom Mr. Wright was united in
marriage June 14, 1843, was Miss Mary P. Wil
lets, the daughter of Seaman Willets, whose fam
ily is spoken of at length in the biography
of Thomas S. Willets, elsewhere in this volume.
Thomas S., the eldest son of our subject and his
wife, is clerk in the Mechanics Bank of New
York ; he is married, and the father of a daughter,
Elinor, and son, John J., who was educated in
Fairchild Institute. Charles H. was for twenty-
eight years employed in the Mechanics Bank,
but is now a member of the New York Stock Ex
change ; 'he is also married and has two children,
Mazie and Robert. Maggie P. married Sidney
S. Eadie, an insurance broker of the metropolis,
and their children are named respectively, Sidney
and Millie. In politics Mr. Wright is a Repub
lican. Religiously he and his family are members
of the Society of Friends.

JAMES DEMAREST, A. M., D. D. Heredi
ty and environment, two great agencies,
show their results in the development of
character and ability, as well as in the growth of
a physical organism. If the assertion of Dr. Oli
ver Wendell Holmes be true, that the time to be
gin medical treatment of a sick man is a hundred
years before his birth, it is also a fact that no
biography is complete without some reference to
ancestors and progenitors. Dr. Demarest's fath
er, Rev. James Demarest, spent the best years of
his life in the Christian ministry, as did his grand
father, Rev. John Demarest. Both were pastors
of the Reformed Dutch Church, to which denom
ination the Demarest family has been attached
for many generations. The first ancestor of the
family in this country, David Des Marest, was
born in Beauchamp, Picardy, France, about 1620.
He came to America in 1663 and figured promi
nently in the early history of Harlem, N. Y. In
1677 he purchased of the Tappan Indian chiefs
two thousand acres on the Hackensack River,
in New Jersey, and thither removed, accompanied
by his children and grandchildren. He with four
other families that came with him organized a
church for which a building was erected on Des
Marest's land.
Rev. John Demarest, grandfather of our sub
ject, was born near Newbridge, N. J. He was but

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

339

a boy during the Revolutionary War and was
seized and carried off by a troop of Hessians. He
was placed on a horse behind one of the soldiers,
and as they rode along he noticed that the man
was drunk. Arriving at the foot of a hill, the
horse stopped to drink from a brook, while the
rest of the troops pushed on and disappeared from
sight. This was young Demarest's opportunity
and he improved it. With a sudden ef
fort he threw the drunken Hessian from
his horse, and turning, made his escape
with the horse and saddle. This gentleman be
came the owner of a farm at Tappan, where Major
Andre was buried. When the latter's body was
to be taken back to England the following oc
curred: In August, 1821, the British govern
ment, at the request of Andre's sisters, sent a man-
of-war to transfer the remains to England. The
Duke of York was on board and was entertained
by Mr. Demarest. Being very much pleased by
his entertainment, he presented Mr. Demarest
with a gold-lined snuff box made from the cedar
tree whose roots were found entwined about the
skeleton. On it was this inscription, "From his
Royal Highness, the Duke of York, to mark his
sense of Rev. John Demarest's liberal attention
upon the occasion of the removal of the remains
of the late Major Andre at Tappan, on August 10,
1821." Andre's sisters also sent him a silver com
munion service designed for the use of a Roman
Catholic priest under a mistaken idea that he was
such. This he returned with explanations and it
was replaced with a large silver cup appropriately
inscribed. He was a minister in the Reformed
Church, but during the secession movement in
1822 he, with his old preceptor, Rev. Solomon
Froeligh, resigned from it and formed the True
Dutch Reformed Church. He was a profound
scholar and noted linguist.
Rev. James Demarest, M. D., father of the Doc
tor, was born near Albany, N. Y., and was a grad
uate of the old College of Physicians and Sur
geons of New York City. As a physician he prac
ticed in New York City and subsequently began
the study of theology in the theological seminary
at New Brunswick, N. J., from which he was
graduated in 1829, and ordained for the Reformed
Church the same year. His first charge was in
the First Church of Williamsburg, now Brooklyn.
After a number of years he took charge of a
church at Wawarsing, Ulster County, and subse
quently was superintendent of the Leake Watts
Orphan House, New York City. Later he settled

at Manhasset, Queens County, and was pastor
there until he retired. Pie spent his last days in
Belleville and Newark, N. J., but died at the home
of a daughter in Illinois when ninety years old.
He was an able minister and preached even in his
advanced age. In politics he was originally a
Whig, but later became a Republican. His wife,
whose maiden name was Mary Schoonmaker, was
a native of Flatbush, Kings County, and the
daughter of John Schoonmaker, who died in early
life. Her great-great-grandfather, Rev. John
Schoonmaker, was pastor of a Dutch Reformed
Church and his charge covered the whole western
part of Long Island. He was of much service to
the patriot cause on Long Island during the Rev
olutionary War and had a narrow escape from
being imprisoned.
Springing from such a lineage, and with tinc
tures of Schoonmaker, Van Beuren, Christie and
Bassett blood in his veins, mingling with the
Huguenot strain, it is not strange that Rev. James
Demarest, D. D., our subject, should prove to be
a diligent, efficient and successful pastor in the
Reformed Protestant (Dutch) Church in Ameri
ca. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. After prep
aration at a classical school in Ulster County, and
at the Albany Academy, he entered Union Col
lege, from which he was graduated with the high
est honors, although one of the youngest in his
class. He pursued his theological studies in New
Brunswick, N. J., at the seminary of the Reformed
Church. Immediately upon the conclusion of his
theological course he was ordained to the ministry
and installed as pastor of the Second Reformed
Church at Hackensack, N. J. While there he
received many calls from other churches, and fin
ally accepted an invitation from the North Re
formed Church of Newark, where his work was
so prosperous that he was selected to undertake
the saving, consolidating and building up of the
Livingston Reformed Church, of Chicago, 111. He
accepted this, but the climate of Chicago was too
severe for him and he returned to the East.
Dr. Demarest became successively pastor of the
Second Presbyterian Church, of Peekskill, N. Y.,
and of the Fair Street Reformed Church, of King
ston, N. Y., where his health soon improved.
While at Kingston, Dr. Demarest received the
degree of D. D. from his alma mater and was
prominently mentioned in connection with a pro
fessor's chair in a theological seminary, and also
with the presidency of an important college. His
next pastorate was at Ft. Plain, N. Y., where, be-

34Q

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sides securing a large addition to the member
ship, he was instrumental in building a large new
church — the handsomest in the Mohawk Valley
— which was dedicated free of debt. From there
the Doctor went to Flushing, in December, 1890,
to a small and struggling church, with an inade
quate building most unhappily situated. The
parish, to the ordinary observer, seemed to offer
a most unpromising field. None but a pastor of
great courage and faith and rare executive abili
ty could have assumed direction of the work with
any hope of success. Such a pastor was found in
Dr. Demarest, who accepted the call with the
proviso that the church should erect a new build
ing upon valuable and well-located property long
in its possession. A new church, of Romanesque
style of architecture, is the result.
Dr. Demarest's personality is characterized by
composure, that suggests — and rightly — depth of
thought and conviction, sturdiness of purpose
and singleness of devotion. He is erect and easy
in carriage. His manner, while dignified and for
mal, is natural and urbane. He is moderate in
the use of gestures and of facial expression. His
voice is strong and orotund and possesses a wide
range. It is tender and sympathetic to an un
usual degree, and is skillfully used. He preaches
without notes almost invariably, or with very brief
ones. His enunciation is clear, his pronuncia
tion scrupulously accurate, and his delivery im
pressive and deliberate. His sermons give evi
dence of careful preparation, and are logical and
finished productions, in which unity of plan and
development of climax, together with felicity in
his choice of words, are noticeable to the critical
hearer. There is no approach to sensationalism,
no discussion of useless themes, no introduction
of thoughts and ideas which might unsettle the'
weak or cause doubt or indecision. Under the
leadership, fostering care and evangelical minis
try of Dr. Demarest the Reformed Church of
Flushing has indeed entered upon a new period
of its history.

WILLIAM CASS BAKER, a well known
business man of Jamaica and the pres
ent under sheriff of Queens County,
was' born in Oneida County, N. Y., October 16,
1853, and is a descendant of German ancestry.
His father, Frederick Cass Baker, was born in
Germany, but emigrated to this country at an
early age and settled in Oneida County, where

he met with success in his labors as a farmer.
After coming to the United States he married
Miss Phoebe Drexel, a relative of the senior mem
ber of the great banking house of Drexel & Mor
gan. Mr. Baker died when his son was sixteen
years of age, and the wife and mother is also
deceased. William Cass Baker, who was one of four
brothers, spent his youthful years on the home
farm and obtained his education in the common
schools. At the age of seventeen he secured em
ployment as a traveling salesman, his salary at
first being small, but he worked his way steadily
and perseveringly until his ability was recognized
by a salary of $1,500 per annum. He came to
Jamaica for the purpose of engaging in the nur
sery business, and going to a boarding house con
ducted by Mrs. Napier inquired if he could secure
board there. In the conversation that ensued
she inquired what his business was, and when
told that he was a nurseryman she promptly said
that it was useless for him to come to Jamaica,
as two men had just left who were unable to make
anything out of that line of work. Failing to see
why their ill fortune should mean that it was
impossible to build up a trade here, he replied
that he had come to do business and he was
going to do it, but even if he did not, he had a
sufficient amount of money to pay his board.
As might be imagined, the pluck, energy and
determination exhibited by Mr. Baker brought
him success. The money which he made he care
fully and shrewdly invested in real estate, buying
property at what is now the village of Dunton.
In that place he built the first house. He was
instrumental in interesting F. W. Dunton in the
property in that locality, and as a consequence
the village of Dunton was established. Some
years ago he commenced to deal largely in fertil
izers and is now one of the most extensive dealers
on Long Island. In fact, it may be said that every
enterprise that he has been connected with since
coming to Jamaica has been successful, and as
a result he is numbered among the wealthy men
of the place.
Politically Mr. Baker is a Republican, and a
stanch advocate of the principles of the party that
has done so much toward promoting the welfare
of the nation. For three years he has been a
member of the board of highway commissioners
of Queens County and is now its chairman, hav
ing been elected in the spring of 1894, on the Re
publican ticket, by a majority of nine hundred

JOEL FOWLER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

343

in a Democratic town, which fact shows his pop
ularity among all voters, irrespective of party.
January i, 1895, he was appointed under sheriff
of the county, a position which he is now filling
with much credit to himself, and to the satisfac
tion of the general public.
In 1883 Mr. Baker married Miss Helen Napier,
daughter of the lady with whom he boarded on
first coming to Jamaica, and whose father, An
drew Napier, was a member of one of the old-
established families of the island. Mr. and Mrs.
Baker have three children, Edna, Elmer Wayne
and Fred Dunton, the youngest being a name
sake of F. W. Dunton, a warm friend of Mr.
Baker. The family residence is a comfortable
abode and is situated in Herriman Avenue. So
cially Mr. Baker is a member of the Chub Club
of Jamaica, the Jamaica Club, the Royal Arcanum
and the Masonic fraternity, and the Tamaque
Wheelmen.

JOEL FOWLER is an enterprising business
man of Richmond Hill, where he is exten
sively interested in real estate. He was born
at Guilford, Conn., in 1848, the son of Oliver B.
Fowler, who was born in the same town about
the year 1820. The latter, who was a manufac
turer of iron and various kinds of machinery,
made some of the first hard-coal stoves in that
section, and, indeed, was the first to engage in
this line of trade at Guilford.
John Fowler, ancestor of Oliver B. Fowler,
was named among the list of gentlemen desig
nated upon the colonial records of Connecticut
with the prefix of "Mr.," previous to the union
of that colony with New Haven, in 1665, includ
ing those who bore military titles of nearly equal
rank. He came to Milford, Conn., in 1639, and
is mentioned on the first list of planters made in
that town. He went to Guildford before 1648,
was one of the seven pillars of the church, was
made a Freeman, and from that time he and
members of his family were members of Colonial
house of Burgesses and of the State Legislature.
In 1869 Oliver B. Fowler came to Richmond
Hill, being solicited to take charge of the real
estate interests of A. P. Man and Edward Rich
mond. He became one of the leading spirits of
this place, favoring all measures having for their
object the upbuilding and betterment of the com
munity. He had much to do with the laying out
of this now thriving village and was one of its
12

substantial and prominent residents until 1882,
the date of his death. Religiously, he held mem
bership with the Episcopal Church, of which he
was vestryman. His life was most exemplary
and was devoted to upholding and promoting the
best interests of his fellows. He was in favor of
having the best schools which the place could
afford and rendered efficient service during the
years in which he was trustee of Richmond Hill
School Board.
Oliver B. Fowler was an only son, his father
having been killed by a runaway team when he
was an infant of a few months. The grandfather
was a manufacturer of hats, and when ready to
establish a home of his own was married to
Catherine Thomas, who, after the death of her
husband, made her home with her father. Oliver
was given a good education, and after attaining
mature years was married to Jane M. Landon
also a member of one of the old families of Guil
ford. On her mother's side she is descended
from two colonial governors, Welles and Leete.
Her father became a prominent merchant and
trader, owning vessels which made trips to the
Bermuda Islands. He was a wealthy gentle
man and became influential in political circles
m his state, being elected to the legislature, the
state senate and also serving as probate judge.
His family comprised two sons and three daugh
ters, Mrs. Fowler being the only member of this
household who is now living. We quote from
the New Haven register at the time of Mr. Lang-
don's death: "Honorable George Langdon, aged
eighty. Mr. Langdon was one of the most sub
stantial and intelligent of men, remarkable for his
purity of character, dignity of person and upright
ness of life. He served his town in several ca
pacities and in the Legislature with ability and
credit." To Oliver B. and Jane M. Fowler there were
granted six children, of whom five are living,
namely: Ruth H. and Mary L., at home;
Thomas L., who is engaged in business at No.
104 Fulton Street, New York; and George L.,
interested with our subject in the real estate busi
ness. The latter was given a good education,
completing his studies in the Guilford (Conn.)
Academy. He came to Richmond Hill at the
time the family removed here and for many
years thereafter was engaged in the railroad busi
ness, contracting for building roads in various
portions of the Middle and Western states. In
1892, however, he became interested in real es-

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tate in Richmond Hill, and, like his father before
him, has been an important factor in the up
building and improvement of this beautiful sub
urb. In order that more people might be induced
to make their homes here, he has built many
beautiful residences, which he has never failed to
sell at a good profit. He is very liberal and
progressive in his ideas and is now serving the
public as president of the Board of Education.
Mr. Fowler and Miss Nina H, daughter of
the late Capt. Jeremiah Briggs, were united in
marriage in 1877. Mr. Briggs was one of the
old sea captains of the island, who established
his home in Richmond Hill in 1847, purchasing
a very pleasant residence, in which he made his
home until his decease in 1876, when eighty-four
years of age. The old home has since been
occupied by our subject and his wife. Mr. and
Mrs. Fowler have one daughter, Edna B., a young
miss of sixteen years.

PETER N. BOWERS. To attain success in
any calling it is necessary that a man should
be possessed of a keen and discerning mind,
with the energy and determination to push his
business or profession instead of allowing it to
push him. These qualities are possessed in an
eminent degree by Mr. Bowers, the efficient fore
man of the Alart McGuire pickle factory of Hicks
ville. He was born at Farmingdale, Queens Coun
ty, March 5, 1861, a son of Henry and Anna A.
(Barto) Bowers. The grandfather, Henry Bow
ers/was a native of Germany, as was also his son,
Henry. He came to America when the latter was
fifteen years old, in 1844, and located near Farm
ingdale, but soon after moved to Valley Stream,
where he passed the remainder of his days en
gaged in farming. His death occurred about
1882. Henry Bowers grew to manhood in Queens
County, following agricultural pursuits until mid
dle life, when he turned his attention to the un
dertaking business at Farmingdale, remaining
thus engaged until one year previous to his death,
in August, 1895. He was a prominent and active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he was steward, trustee and sexton for
years and was well respected by everyone. To
his marriage with Miss Barto there were born
twelve children, six of whom are living at the
present time, as follows: William, a carpenter at

nelia J., wife of Alexander Court; Louise, wife of
Eugene Velsor, a merchant of Amityville, and
Georgianna. Peter N. Bowers was reared in Farmingdale,
received his scholastic training in the schools of
that place, and when starting out to fight his own
battles in life selected agricultural pursuits as
his chosen occupation. This he continued for
three years and then took a position as salesman
in a store at Farmingdale, remaining there for
three years. After this he held a position for
seven years in the pickle factory of George E.
Fuechsel at that place, and after the first five years
was foreman. Following this he took a position
as foreman with the Long Island pickle works
of Farmingdale, but at the end of one year ac
cepted his present position as foreman of the
works at Deerpark, where he continued for two
years. When the company built the eastern plant at
Hicksville Mr. Bowers was appointed foreman of
the establishment and has since had charge of the
works. He attends to the buying of the vast
amount of produce used, and has supervision of
the work and manufacturing, as well as attending
to the pay roll. Politically Mr. Bowers is a Dem
ocrat, and in religion he is a member of the Re
formed Church. Fraternally he is a charter mem
ber of the Royal Arcanum of Farmingdale, Coun
cil No. 1052, and has filled a number of important
offices. At the organization of the lodge he was
appointed collector, and later became treasurer.
During his residence in Farmingdale he held the
office of inspector of election one year, but since
assuming his present duties has refused all office.
Mr. Bowers was married in Farmingdale, October
1, 1885, to Miss Anna A. Smith, a native of Hemp
stead, born in i860, and the daughter of Gilbert
and Sarah (Ketcham) Smith. Four children have
been born to this union: Grace, Blanche, Henry
and Leona.

E

LMER S. REDMAN, Ph. B., M. A. The
American public schools are the safety of
the republic, and nothing approaching
them in extent, influence and cost of maintenance
is to be found upon the face of the earth. This
country is the only one where the children of the
poorest may receive a good education, or be pre
pared to enter college free, and where provision
is made for sparsely settled sections as well as for

JT ' L i. J  w^ — __v^_.__, «._, vvv,n CIO 1V-"J
Seacliff; Margaretta; Peter N., our subject; Cor- those living in cities. Rockville Center is es

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

345

pecially favored in having at the head of its
schools a man of progressive ideas, of practical
purpose, an organizer of great ability and a man
ager who rules efficiently, yet so gently that the
appearance of enforced system is withheld from
the governed. The growth and success of the
Rockville Center schools since he took charge
of them have been almost phenomenal and these
results are almost entirely due to his own per
sonal ability and energy. He is eminently quali
fied for the position that he holds, and, so long as
" he is the superintendent, the best possible results
may be sanguinely expected.
In Allegany County, N. Y., Elmer S. Redman
was born in 1861, and is a son of John D. and
Clarissa A. (Scoville) Redman. He comes of
good old Revolutionary stock, his great-grand
father having fought bravely for independence.
His grandfather, John D. Redman, was born in
Boston, as was also his father, John D., Jr. The
latter accompanied his parents to Allegany Coun
ty, N. Y., at an early age and there grew to man
hood. For a number of years he was employed
as teacher and held several town offices, but was
principally engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
was a man universally liked. His death occurred
in 1866. His wife, who is still living, was a daugh
ter of D. Scoville and a member of an old Vermont
family. The subject of this sketch was trained to the
arduous duties of the farm. At the age of eigh
teen he entered the high school at Belfast, N. Y.,
and subsequently graduated from the normal
school at Geneseo and the Illinois Wesleyar. Uni
versity at Bloomington, where he received the
post-graduate degree of A. M. Prior to his grad-.
uation from college he had charge of the Angelica
(N. Y.) schools, and subsequently for three years
was principal of the Genesee Valley Seminary, at
Belfast, N. Y. In both these positions he was
very successful. At Angelica the attendance dur
ing the last two years of his administration was
larger than it had ever been before or has been
since. At Belfast he more than quadrupled the
attendance and graduated more students in three
years than had been graduated during the pre
vious twenty years history of the institution. In
1892 he came to Rockville Center, where he has
since been successfully employed. Self-made and
self-educated, teaching to obtain means to defray
his expenses through college, he deserves much
credit for his push and perseverance. His repu
tation as an educator is most excellent and in the

enthusiasm displayed in his chosen profession he
has awakened public sentiment to a higher ap
preciation of education than before held by the
people. In 1884 he married Miss Mary L., daugh
ter of William Dexter, both natives of Allegany
County, N. Y., and two children comprise their
family, Iona Fern and Plomer Gladstone. Pro
fessor and Mrs. Redman are members of the Bap
tist Church and are popular in the best social cir
cles of the community.

HON. HENRY D. HALL, M. D., came to
Queens County many years ago and made
his home in Glencove, by whose residents
he was held in the highest esteem. He is now
deceased, having departed this life in 1895, at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Benjamin J. Brenton,
of Jamaica. He was born in Norway, Herkimer
County, N. Y, in August, 1808. After acquiring
a good education in the schools of his native place
he began reading medicine in the office of one
of the best physicians of the place, and when
. about twenty-one years of age received a license
to practice his profession from a board of county
examiners. On the outbreak of the Civil War Dr. Hall
volunteered his services and was mustered in as
assistant surgeon of the Sixty-third Regiment,
New York Infantry. On the expiration of his
term of enlistment he returned home, but not
being content to stay when his country needed
his services so much, he raised a company and
returned again to the field of battle. Shortly
thereafter, while on duty, his horse fell, thus dis
abling him from further service, and he was forced
to give up his military career. After the close
of the war he located at Glencove, where he be
gan the practice of dentistry, which profession
he had mastered while engaged as a physician.
He became the pioneer dentist of Long Island,
outside of Brooklyn, and instead of having one
office as is usual now, he traveled about from town
to town treating patients.
Dr. Hall was twice married, his first union
being with Miss Mary Jane Henderson, who de
parted this life in 1858, leaving a family of three
children. The Doctor chose for his second com
panion Mrs. Wilcockson, but they had no chil
dren. After the death of this lady our subject
made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Orvetta
Brenton, of Jamaica, until his decease. Charles
J. Hall, his son, has been for many years one of

346

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the most prominent physicians and skilled sur
geons of this portion of the state. He is now re
siding at Glencove and those who are interested
in his history will find it published under his name
on another page of this volume.
The subject of this sketch was a charter mem
ber of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Roslyn and was
also connected with the Masonic fraternity and
the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a well
read gentleman and had few equals in debate.
During the year i860 he represented his district in
the General Assembly and was very popular with
the people, making friends wherever he went.
Some time during the '40s Dr. Hall went to
Kansas, where he helped to start the town of
Quindaro. He practiced dentistry in that state
for some time and invested his means in property,
nearly all of which he later lost through the bor
der ruffians. Besides Dr. Charles J. Hall and Mrs.
Brenton, of whom we have already made mention,
our subject had another daughter, Mrs. Charles
H. Harris, a resident of Jamaica.

REV. URIAH DE HART GULICK. The
Reformed Church of Steinway is fortunate
in having for its pastor a gentleman of
blameless character and upright life, a sympa
thizing helper to the needy, and a practical Chris
tian in all the details of everyday existence. Hp
is richly endowed with those gifts of mind and
heart that appeal most strongly to the deepest af
fections of his parishioners. His pen is that of a
ready writer, who feels keenly every truth that he
writes, while he is also a deep thinker and a fluent
speaker. The Gulick family was for several generations
identified with the history of Somerset County, N.
J., where were born our subject, his father, Isaac
J., and grandfather, Jacob, the latter being a far
mer and an old settler there. The original home
of the family was in Holland, and its first repre
sentatives in this country settled in New York
City. Isaac Gulick was, a farmer in New Jersey
for some years, but in middle life removed to Jer-
seyville, 111., where he died -at the age of about
sixty-two. His wife, who is now ninety years of
age, resides near Jacksonville, 111. She bore the
maiden name of Siche de Hart and was born in
New Jersey, where her father, Uriah de Hart, was
a farmer. The family is of French Huguenot de
scent and was represented among the early settlers
of New York.

The family of Isaac J. Gulick consisted of six
children, of whom two sons and a daughter are
still living. Those besides our subject are Rev.
Jacob I., who is pastor of the Reformed Church
at Constantine, Mich., and Mrs. Martha Cark-
huff, of Roodhouse, 111. Our subject was reared
in Somerset County, N. J. At the age of four
teen he entered a grocery store at New Bruns
wick, N. J., and while employed there devoted his
leisure hours to preparation for college. At the
age of twenty he entered Rutgers College, from
which he was graduated four years later with the
degree of A. B. He then began his preparation
for the ministry by entering the theological sem
inary of the Reformed Church at New Brunswick,
N. J., from which he graduated in 1862 with the
degree of A. M.
Immediately after concluding his studies, the
young minister accepted a call to Pekin, 111., where
he was ordained and installed as pastor of the
Reformed Church in the fall of 1862. After a
pastorate of eight years there he started a new
church at Norwood Park, a suburb of Chicago,
where he organized the congregation and built a
house of worship, remaining two years. He was
then called to a Reformed Church in Chicago,
where he remained three years, and in the sum
mer of 1875 he resigned to accept a call to Brook
lyn, N. Y. For twelve years he was pastor of the
Twelfth Street Reformed Church, which has a
large congregation and splendid Sunday-school.
In 1888 he resigned and soon afterward began
to gather together the scattered members of the
denomination living in Long Island City.
November 27, 1891, a church was organized by
the North Classis of Long Island. The work has
steadily grown from the first and there has been
an encouraging increase in numbers and interest.
A church building has been erected at a cost of
nearly $20,000 and a parsonage built costing
$7,000. Since the church was organized nearly
$50,000 has been raised for various purposes and
the congregation is entirely free from debt. There
is a Sunday-school of about four hundred mem
bers, under the charge of an efficient superin
tendent and teachers. That the church is not sel
fish in its aims is proved by the fact that the con
tributions for foreign and home missions average
more than $5 per member. Mr. Gulick is still
connected with the South Classis of Long Island,
of which he was president at different times. For
six years he was a member of the board of edu
cation of the Reformed Church in America and

SAMUEL J. UNDERHILL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

349

Was chosen its secretary, but declined the honor.
In national politics he is a Republican, but in
local matters he votes for the best man, no mat
ter to what party he may belong.
At Millstone, N. J., in 1863, Mr. Gulick mar
ried Miss Virginia, daughter of Ernestus Schenck,
who was prominent in business, politics and
church work in New Jersey. He was an elder in
the Reformed Church and a stanch defender of
the faith of his Dutch ancestors. Mrs. Gulick
received an excellent education in the female
seminary at Lawrenceville, N. J., and at Great
Barrington, Mass., and is an accomplished lady,
a helpmate to her husband in all his work. They
are the parents of four children. Ernestus S. is
one of the leading real estate men of Brooklyn;
Marie Antoinette, who was educated at Professor
West's school in Brooklyn, is the wife of George
W. Copley, of Jefferson County, N. Y.; Virginia,
who is well educated and an accomplished musi
cian, attended Miss Dana's Seminary at Mor-
ristown, and Herbert de Hart, the youngest, is
a student in the Berkeley School of New York.

SAMUEL J. UNDERBILL comes of an old
and highly honored family of Long Island,
and traces his ancestry back to his great-
great-great-grandfather, Adonijah Underbill, who
was the first known member of the family to settle
in this country. He was eventually married to
Miss Phoebe Willits, a native of Queens County,
and located on the oldUnderhill farm, which is still
in possession of the family, and which has been
added to until it now contains two hundred acres.
One of the early ancestors of the subject of this
sketch was Capt. John Underfill!, who obtained
his title in one of the early Indian wars. The
great-grandfather of our subject was Daniel Un
derbill, his grandfather was Samuel Underhill,
and his father bears the name of Daniel. The
latter was married to Miss Caroline Post, whose
people had long been residents of Westbury,
Queens County.
Our subject was born in the village of Jericho,
Queens County, November 14, 1848, and was
the only child of his parents. He was reared on
the old home farm, received a practical educa
tion in the common schools in the vicinity of his
home, and this was supplemented by attendance
at a seminary in New York City, conducted by
the Society of Friends, with which his family had
long been identified. At the time he attained his

majority he assumed the management of the
home farm and entered actively into the various
duties of stock-raising and farming. October
30, 1872, he married Miss Emma Albertson,
daughter of Richard Albertson of Mineola, now
deceased. His wife was formerly Miss Phoebe
W. Prior. Mr. Albertson was a prominent and
well-known farmer, as was his father, Benjamin
Albertson, before him. Mr. Underhill com
menced his married life under the roof which had
sheltered him from infancy and he pursued the
various duties of his calling with energy and
foresight. Mr. Underhill has always been a Republican
politically. In the spring of 1894 he was elected
to the office of town supervisor, in a
Democratic town, and in 1896 was re
elected for two years, discharging his duties
faithfully and efficiently. He has always taken
great interest in county matters, and for twelve
years was trustee in his school district, and for a .
number of years has been trustee of the Friends'
Academy, founded by Gideon Frost, and of which
for about ten years he has been treasurer.
For the past ten years he has been a director
of the Roslyn Savings Bank, and for some fifteen
years past has been actively engaged in settling
the estates of others, in which capacity his good
judgment and intelligence have made him univer
sally successful. His family consists of the fol
lowing children: Daniel, Jr., a graduate of the
Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia, and now
a student of the New York Law School; Henry,
who is receiving an academic education; and
Helen, who is still at home with her parents and
is attending the schools of Jericho. Mr. Under
hill and his family are members of the Society of
Friends.

JOHN T. WOOLLEY, who is numbered
among the progressive farmers of the town
of North Hempstead, was born August 29,
1851, in Lakeville, near his present place of resi
dence. His grandfather, John Woolley, a native
of Long Island, was a member of one of the old
families here and traced his ancestry to England ;
in addition to operating a farm, he was also pro
prietor of a country store. The father of our
subject, who was born in this town in 1815, has
been a lifelong farmer, but is now living retired.
In political views he was originally a Democrat,
but since the Civil War has always voted the Re-

35°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

publican ticket. For many years he officiated as
vestryman in Christ Church at Manhasset. He
was also a trustee of the schools. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Abba Ann Seaman, was
born about 1832, and has four children, of whom
John T. is the eldest in order of birth and the only
son. As a boy our subject attended the district
schools of this locality and later became a pupil
in a private school kept by an Episcopal minister
at Norfolk, Conn. Afterward he spent a year at
Union Hall Academy, Jamaica, where he studied
Latin and German and took a course in higher
mathematics. When about twenty years of age
he began to carry on the home place of eighty
acres, and later, by purchase, added to the orig
inal property, so that there is now a farm con
sisting of one hundred and sixty acres in one
body. February 24, 1881, Mr. Woolley married Miss
Jane M. Allen, daughter of Benjamin B. and Cath
erine C. (Bergen) Allen, and a native of Douglas-
ton, Queens County, though at the time of her
marriage a resident of Lakeville. Our subject
cast his first presidential ballot for General Grant
in 1872 and has since always voted for Republican
candidates in local and general elections. For
many years he has served as a member of the
school board, and while filling that position in
troduced some important reforms in the manage
ment of affairs. For one year he served as col
lector of taxes and supervisor of the town, and he
also served as commissioner of highways for
North Hempstead. At various conventions he
has represented his party as a delegate. With his
wife he holds membership in the Episcopal
Church, in which he has officiated as warden and
vestryman. In the Shield of Honor at Hyde
park he has held the office of chaplain.

EUGENE P. HICKS, a leading farmer of
Little Neck, was born in i860 on the home
stead where he now resides, being a son of
Ruscum and Addie (Pinkney) Hicks. He was
one of four children, of whom the only survivor
besides himself is John F., born Christmas Day
of 1864, now a resident of New York City. Plis
father was born October 10, 1827, at Little Neck,
near the present family homestead, being a son
of Thomas and Sarah (Sweet) Hicks, who were
born August 1, 1776, and January 22, 1783, re
spectively. He grew to manhood under the

parental roof and then settled down on a portion
of his father's property, where he engaged in farm
ing. October 11, 1854, he married Addie Pink
ney, who was born September 4, 1829, and died
October 4, 1867. After her death he rented the
home place and thenceforth lived in retirement
until his death, February 10, 1893.
Educated in the public schools, at the age of
seventeen our subject became an employe of Gil
bert & Lever, wholesale commission merchants
in Broome Street, New York City. After some
three years he returned home to spend a vacation,
and the property being without a tenant, he took
charge of the place and settled down to agricul
tural pursuits. October 5, 1882, he married Mary
Frederick, daughter of Thomas H. Frederick, of
Queens. Of their four children, three survive:
Ruscum, Edgar and Addie.
After having farmed the place on shares for
five years, our subject rented it, in which way he
continued until the death of his father. The
home farm and property in Great Neck then re
verted to him as his share in the estate. Here he
expects to make his home permanently, and he
therefore introduces such improvements, year by
year, as will enhance the value of the property
and make it in every respect an ideal home for his
wife and children. In his political belief he is a
Democrat, while in religion he is identified with
the Dutch Reformed Church.

HOWARD GARRISON, proprietor of Gar
rison's Hotel at Willet's Point, was born in
the village of Whitestone, July 28, 1866,
to Charles W. and Emily (Kissam) Garrison. His
father, who was a son of David Garrison, was
born in New York City and settled at Willet's
Point soon after the close of the war. In 1881
he purchased a hotel property from Tony Miller,
who had established the place in 1870; the house
became known by his name and was conducted by
him until April, 1895, when his son, Howard, be
came the proprietor. In his family there were
four children, as follows: Cornelius V., who is
engaged in business in Flushing; Willard, also
a business man of Flushing ; Howard, and Archi
bald, who is connected with his brother in the
hotel business.
The education of our subject was obtained in
common schools and the high school of Flushing.
His first position was that of cashier of the United
States Hotel, New York City, where he remained

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

35i

a short time. From there he went to the Hoff
man House and later accepted the position which
he now holds. October 28, 1890, he married Ed
na Germain, who was born in Brooklyn and edu
cated in Flushing, where her father, George W.
Germain, now resides. Politically Mr. Garrison
has identified himself with the Democratic party,
but has never taken an active part in public affairs.
Garrison's Hotel is a popular summer resort
for tourists. Its location is superb; near it lies
Little Bay, and away in the distance stretches the
waters of the Sound. Immediately adjoining it
stands the fort, with the barracks for government
soldiers and quarters for officers. These diver
sified attractions have brought the place populari
ty, and a number of the best families of the city are
regular summer visitors, some being attracted by
the delightful, invigorating sea breeze and others
by the charm of scenery and association. Mr.
Garrison is worthy of special praise from the fact
that pool, billiards, cards and gambling are strict
ly prohibited in the hotel. He is courteous and
genial, and is popular among his guests.

GEORGE T. VAN RIPER. Many of the
public buildings and private residences
in Queens County give evidence of the
skill and ability of this gentleman and his brother,
F. G., who are the leading builders and contract
ors in this section. Honorable and upright in
whatever they undertake to do, they merit and
receive the confidence of those who know them
and have built up an excellent reputation in their
chosen business.
Our subject was born in New York City Sep
tember 12, 1857. His father, Isaac Van Riper,
was a native of Gravesend, L. I., while the grand
father, also Isaac Van Riper, came from New
Jersey. He later in life settled at Gravesend,
where he was engaged as a general merchant.
His wife was before her marriage Huldah Stout.
The father passed the first eighteen years of his
life on Long Island, after which he went to New
York and was apprenticed to a good workman
in order that he might learn the trade of a plas
terer. Later he engaged in contracting in this
line on his own account, and as the years passed
by and he was prospered he branched out and
became an expert mason and builder. He lo
cated in Long Island City in 1861, being engaged
in business here until 1892. That year, on
account of ill-health, he made permanent resi

dence at his country home in Freeport, where he
is now -engaged in business, having for his part
ners his two youngest sons, E. H. and A. M. Van
Riper. The wife of Isaac Van Riper prior to her
marriage was Deborah Talmadge, a native of
New Jersey and the daughter of John and Mary
(Hegiman) Talmadge. Her father was of English
descent and on leaving his native state located
in Long Island City. His last years, however,
were spent in Brooklyn. Of the ten children born
to Isaac Van Riper and his wife seven are
now living. Of these the subject of this sketch
was the second eldest. His eldest brother, Fran
cis G., is engaged in business with him. Alice
is now Mrs. Miners of Freeport, L. I., where her
husband is engaged in the practice of medicine.
Laura married John Higgs and they make their
home in Long Island City. Edwin H. is a resi
dent of Jamaica, L. I. Albert M. lives in Free-
port, and Irene is at home.
George T. Van Riper was a resident of this city
from 1861, when his father first located here, until
1886. This now large and flourishing city bears
but little resemblance to the small village it was
when our subject settled here. For fifteen years
he carried on his studies, attending school in
Sixth Street. He was thus admirably qualified to
begin life for himself, and, desirous of learning his
father's trade, he served an apprenticeship of
three years under him. Later he took up mason
work, and it was four years before he was thor
oughly proficient in this trade.
Our subject continued to work for his father
until 1889, when he, with his brother, F. G., was
taken into partnership with his father and uncle,
the firm name being I. & J. Van Riper & Co. This
connection lasted until February 15, 1894, when
the senior members of the firm retired, leaving our
subject and his brother to manage affairs alone,
which they have done in a very able and profitable
manner. Under the superintendence of F. G. &
G. T. Van Riper the Masonic Temple at Green
point, L. I., was built, the Freeport Flats at the
same place, the private stables of Fleishman &
Co. in Brooklyn, the Borden Building in Sev
enth Street, Long Island City, the Freeport Pub
lic School Building, the Fourth Ward Station
House, and several structures in Wallabout Mar
ket, in Brooklyn. They have also erected some
of the finest residences in this section and have
succeeded in not only making a good living for
themselves and families, but by industry and per-

352

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

severance have accumulated a competence. The
brothers give employment the year round to
fifty or eighty men, and are, perhaps, the most
reliable and competent firm of contractors on the
island. The subject of this sketch was married in this
city to Miss Ida E. Graham, a native of Florida.
Her father, Rev. Alexander Graham, who was
for many years an active minister of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church, is now living retired from
pastoral work in Long Island City. Mrs. Van
Riper departed this life at Freeport June 21, 1895,
leaving a son and daughter, Alexander G. and
Estelle G. The family made their home here until
1886, when, on account of the ill-health of Mrs.
Van Riper, they went to California, traveling
through the state for nine months. At the end
of that time they returned to Long Island City
and in 1890 located in Freeport, where our sub
ject later erected a beautiful residence.
The firm of Van Riper Brothers built three
residences in Jackson Avenue, which they later
sold, and also easily disposed of five which they
owned in Ely Street, and the same number which
were located in Huron Street, besides two in
Milton Street. In all business undertakings they
display good executive ability and have been re
markably successful. In religious affairs our sub
ject is a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Freeport, of which he is
steward, chorister and assistant superintendent
of the Sunday-school. He is also an active
worker in the Epworth League and deems it a
great pleasure to be able to do what he can toward
carrying forward the work of the church in this
locality. In his political affiliations he is a very
strong Republican and is zealous in everything
pertaining to the welfare of his party. He is a
man of progressive ideas, and is in favor of giving
to the children of this generation the best possi
ble educational advantages that they may be
fitted for the duties of life.

BLACKWELL FAMILY. This family is
of English origin. That the name is of
some importance in England appears from
the fact that no less than six towns bear the
name of Blackwell. Upon examining Hollen's
list of emigrants, I find that the ship "Truelove"
came over in 1635, the third vessel after the "May
flower." Among her list of passengers is one
Jeremy Blackwell, aged eighteen years — the first

known mention of the name in America. It was
evidently a large family in Cape Cod from the
frequent mention of the name in "Freeman's His
tory of Cape Cod." Rev. William Leverich left
Cape Cod in 1635 and settled in Newtown and
surrounding towns, bringing many with him.
The first mention of the name whereby a lineal
descent to the present family is traced is that of
Robert Blackwell, merchant of Elizabethtown, N.
J., 1661, a widower with two children. By the
burning of the town hall, all record of his birth
place is lost. He removed to Newtown in 1676
and married Mary Manning of Manning's Island,
August 26, 1676. He died about 1717. The
island belonging to him was called by the Indians
Minnohannock, by the Dutch Verken, then Man
ning's, finally Blackwell's, coming into his pos
session by marriage.
By the second marriage of Robert Blackwell
were born nine children, the youngest of whom,
Jacob, was the lineal ancestor of the Astoria fam
ily. He was born August 4, 1692, and died De
cember 1, 1744. Jacob married Mary, daughter
of Capt. William Hallett, August 10, 1711. They
had seven children, the third of whom was Jacob,
of historical mention. He was a man of extraor
dinary size and strength, six feet two inches in
height, and weighed four hundred and twenty-nine
pounds several years before his death. It is said
it was necessary to remove the door jambs to get
his coffin out. Though so large, he retained his
strength to an unusual degree and performed
many difficult feats. (Annals of Newtown.)
He succeeded to the paternal estate and occu
pied the stone house in Ravenswood which he is
supposed to have erected. Upon the double door
may still be seen the mark of the broad arrow
of confiscation branded there by the British to
note that it was the property of a rebel and as
such seized by the crown. It was branded there
during the occupancy of his son, Col. Jacob
Blackwell. Col. Jacob Blackwell first married Frances
Sachett, daughter of Joseph Sachett, by whom he
had three children, Joseph, Robert and James.
His second wife was Lydia, daughter of Joseph
Hallett. Their children were Jacob, Samuel,
Josiah, Lydia and Mary. On account of his en
thusiastic defense of American principles, he was
known as "Rebel Blackwell." Born November
20, 1717, and dying October 23, 1780, he lived to
witness much of the struggle with England, but
his death occurred before victory had been

FRED W. DUNTON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

355

achieved by the colonies. He was an enterpris
ing man, and with his brother-in-law, Joseph
Hallett, erected a grist mill on Sunswick Creek.
Prior to the French and Indian War he held a
captaincy in the Newtown militia, afterward be
coming a colonel. At the breaking out of the
Revolution he stood prominent among the Whigs,
but was forced to flee at the invasion of the
British, at which time his property was seized
by them. (Annals of Newtown.)
Deeming his presence in the provincial con
vention, of which he was a member, to be of little
importance, now that Queens County was over
come by foreign troops, he returned to Newtown,
trusting to the assurances of protection contained
in the proclamation of Lord Howe. But the
privations and pecuniary losses that he continued
to suffer from the enemy are believed to have has
tened his death. (Annals of Newtown.)
Previous to returning to Newtown seeking
Lord Howe's protection he was a delegate to the
first provincial convention held in New York,
April 22, 1775, but was not permitted to vote, as
the other towns of Queens County had refused to
send delegates. However, he and other delegates
from the county wrote and signed a letter, up
holding the action of the convention. His son,
Samuel, by his second marriage, is the grand
father of the few that bear the name in Astoria.
He was twice married. By his first marriage to
Sarah Moore he had one child, Sarah. His sec
ond marriage was to Mary Whitehead Field, by
whom he had sixteen children, Jacob, Lydia,
Eliza, Maria, Samuel, Charity, Henry, Robert,
John, Margaret, Josiah, Anna, Patience, Francis,
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. These
were the grandfathers and grandmothers of the
lamilies now residing in Astoria.

FRED W. DUNTON, president of the Bicy
cle Railroad, with office in New York and
residence at Hollis, was born in Newport,
N. H., June 9, 185 1. He is the son of William and
Dois (Corbin) Dunton, the former a native of
Massachusetts and a manufacturer of local note;
the latter a sister of Austin Corbin, the well-
known millionaire president of the Long Island
Railroad. In youth his educational advantages
were very meager. In fact, it is said that he
never went to school after he was twelve years
of age. About that time he started out to make
his own way in life and became a clerk in a coun

try store at Millbury, Mass. At the age of fifteen
he was employed in the postoffice in that place,
and a year later came to New York, where he
entered the office of his uncle, Austin Corbin.
It was not long before the shrewd financier
saw in the boy the making of a thorough busi
ness man and he reposed in him the utmost con
fidence. In a few years Mr. Dunton was given
charge of the business in the West and in Europe,
and crossed the ocean on many different excur
sions in the interest of his uncle's business, dis
playing in that capacity an unusual amount
of tact, discernment and judgment. In
1883 he became interested in the devel
opment of real estate on Long Island, .
seeing in advance that the time was near at hand
when the business men of New York and Brook
lyn must seek homes outside of those two great
cities, and that there was no reason why the tide
should not be turned to the territory adjacent
on Long Island. Locating at Morris Park, he
started a substantial boom that spread to all the
adjoining villages; even the staid old village of
Jamaica, that had stood still for half a cenutry,
caught the fever a few years later and started on
a boom. The villages of Morris Park, Richmond
Hill, Dunton and Hollis were but little more
than ordinary farming lands when his magnetic
hand touched them, but under his direction the
farms gave way to thriving villages; beautiful
homes were built by him and sold to desirable
citizens on easy payments. It was an unwritten
law with him that he would build none but good
houses and sell them to none but good people.
This attracted a desirable class of buyers to the
neighborhood, and thousands of the better class
of business men found in these convenient sub
urbs a desirable location for a home.
From the time that Mr. Dunton turned his at
tention to Long Island real estate he commenced
to advocate good roads as one of the prominent
factors in attracting attention to the locality, but
the people did not take kindly to the project of
voting a heavy debt to improve roads that had
been good enough for them and their ancestors
for several generations back. He met with a
strong opposition from the class who were con
tent to jog along in the old ruts made by their
ancestors before the American Revolution. They
were anxious to share in the boom, but not will
ing to aid its coming. However, in spite of oppo
sition, he worked up no small amount of interest
in the project, and from year to year the feeling

356

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

grew apace that good roads were what the county
needed. By his logical reasoning he was able to
convince many that it would not only enhance
the value of their property but would be a great
saving to the farmers in getting their products
to the New York and Brooklyn markets.
In 1889 Mr. Dunton was elected a member of
the board of supervisors and served as chairman.
Previous to this he had declared that, if elected,
he would run the people in debt $400,000 and
expend the amount on the roads. He kept his
word good, the full amount was appropriated and
has been spent, with the result that Queens Coun
ty now has a most excellent system of macad
amized roads, for which he is entitled to the
greater part of the credit. It is also noteworthy
that those who at first opposed the improvement
are now enthusiastic in its praise, for they see that
it has proved of lasting benefit to Jamaica and
other villages of the vicinity. He was a second
time elected supervisor of Jamaica, April 7, 1896,
against the "machine" and the local press.
While Mr. Dunton made money rapidly, he
spent it lavishly. From $25,000 to $35,000 was
expended annually for special trains on the Long
Island Railroad to take home-seekers to the vari
ous villages of the county, and in this way tens
of thousands were shown the advantage of a
home on Long Island. Among other things that
proved a boon to the village of Jamaica was the
establishment by Mr. Dunton of the Bank of
Jamaica, which kept in the village hundreds of
thousands of dollars that formerly went to the
banks of New York and Brooklyn. Of this in
stitution, now one of the most solid in the county,
he was the first president. While at the height
of his prosperity differences arose between him
and his uncle, who was president of the Long
Island Railroad, and the latter, without a
moment's warning, refused to let him charter any
more special trains. This came to Mr. Dunton
like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky, and, his
whole future being dependent upon the success
of these places, he made an assignment in order
to avoid disaster. His obligations were not large,
and as one man of large means said, he could have
raised in two hours every dollar that he needed.
Fortunately, the financial embarrassment was
only temporary. It does not require many months
for a man of Mr. Dunton's energy to surmount
difficulties and secure success in spite of apparent
failure. He is president of the famous Bicycle
Railroad and is ready to put the same under con

struction as soon as permitted by the courts^ to
which his company has appealed from the iniqui
tous decision of the railroad commissioners.
When this wonderful invention is put in active
operation throughout Long Island it will revolu
tionize this section completely.
With his wife and four children Mr. Dunton
lives in one of the finest mansions of Long Island,
situated on the high hill north of the village of
Hollis, and commanding a view of the beautiful
country, as well as the ocean, far away to the
south. He is now in the prime of life, and what
he has accomplished in the past is but a precur
sor of what will result from his labors in the fu
ture. While many with like opportunities for
success have sunk beneath the waves of unpro-
pitious circumstances, never to rise again, he, by
an indomitable will, has advanced step by step,
until he has attained his present honorable posi
tion and can hand down the noblest legacy man
can bequeath to posterity — a successful life.

AUGUST H. EBERHARDT. The travel
ing public is well acquainted with the
Charlotteville Hotel at Woodside, and
those who have once visited it never fail to make
it their headquarters whenever returning to this
place. The popularity of the hotel is due to the
genial manners and excellent management of the
proprietor, Mr. Eberhardt, who is ably seconded
in all his labors by his amiable wife. Not alone
by those who are entertained by them, but also
by those with whom they meet in social circles,
they are held in high esteem for their worth of
character. In the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, the
subject of this notice was born September 8, 1846,.
being the son of Philip and Rosina (Haiisler)
Eberhardt. The parental family consists of nine
children, all living. The father, a native of Wur
temberg, born September 16, 1807, grew to man
hood in the land of his birth and on completing
his education took a trip through France and
Germany, his mind being broadened by contact
with the world and observation of the customs
of people. This trip he was enabled to take
through an ample allowance from his father, who
was a well-to-do miller, while his grandfather,
Karl Haiisler, was for many years comptroller of
the city where he lived. On the completion of his.
trip he settled in the north of Wurtemberg and
established a flouring mill. For the eleven en-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

357

suing years he did a remunerative business and
also engaged extensively in contracting. His
wife's health failing in that locality, he decided to
seek another home, so disposed of his business
and removed to Mezingen, Wurtemberg, where
he opened a bakery and restaurant. In the years
that followed he carried on an extensive and lu
crative business. He was a man of sterling quali
ties and for years was a member of the common
council of his city. He lived retired for some ten
years prior to his death, which occurred Febru
ary 24, 1885. His wife, who was born December
1, 1821, died June 5, 1893.
In the common schools of Germany our sub
ject began his education, which he finished in col
lege, becoming fluent in the German, French and
English languages. On graduating from the col
lege at Mezingen, he was awarded the second
prize of Wurtemberg for proficiency in drawing
and carving. While attending college he served
an apprenticeship at building and at the age of
seventeen began work as a journeyman. After
working about two years he took a trip through
Germany and France, then went to Southampton,
England, and took passage on the steamer "Sax-
onia" for New York City, arriving at his destina
tion July 8, 1866, after a voyage of eight days, a
record at that time unprecedented.
Though without means, on his arrivel in Ameri
ca Mr. Eberhardt had the advantage of being
conversant with the English language. He se
cured employment with Herter Brothers, cabinet
makers, but after six months in New York City
he went to Winfield Junction and secured work
with Adam Kessler. There he attended the Luth
eran Church, and becoming acquainted with the
congregation, he was asked one day to draw plans
for a new church building. This he did, and. the
plans were accepted. He was then asked to bid on
the building, but refused, saying that if his bid was
accepted he would have no money with which to
build the structure. Some members of the church
told him to bid and they would back him, which
he did, the result being that he secured the con
tract and built the church.
September 27, 1868, in the church which he had
erected the previous year, Mr. Eberhardt married
Miss Elizabeth Dengler. Soon afterward he
formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Adam
Dengler, and erected his present hotel at Wood-
side, which the two conducted together until 1873.
Mr. Eberhardt then took charge of the business
and has since carried it on successfully. Active

in public affairs, he was largely instrumental in
having Jackson Avenue macadamized, which im
provement has greatly increased the travel on
that thoroughfare. He is justly proud of his
hotel, his wife and children, and there are very
many who agree with him in his opinion that his
wife has not an equal, as a cook, on the whole
island. A friend of public education, Mr. Eberhardt has
served on the school board continuously since
1880. A stanch supporter of the Republican par
ty, he has repeatedly been tendered nominations
for some of the important local offices, but has al
ways declined. Socially he is a member of Miz-
pah Lodge No. 738, F. & A. M., of Newtown;
Long Island City Lodge No. 395. I. O. O. F., and
Newtown Council No. 717, Royal Arcanum. He
and his wife are the parents of eight children, of
whom five are living, namely: Elizabeth, wife of
C. H. Plate, superintendent of F. Oppermann,
Jr.'s, brewery; August F., who is engaged with
his father; Clara M., a student in Packard's Busi
ness College in New York City; Paulina, who is
an accomplished and talented musician, and Rosa,
who is attending the Woodside Academic School.
Emma C. died April 16, 1896.

SEYMOUR CARLL, who resides upon a
portion of the old Carll homestead in the
town of Flushing, was born here February
4, 1855, and is a son of Alonzo S. and Mary A.
(Buffett) Carll. His paternal grandfather, John
Carll, who was a prominent citizen and large
landowner of this section, at one time owned the
farm, half of which is now occupied by James
Cain, and consisting of two hundred acres near
Bayside. Alonzo Carll was born in the town of
Flushing and here spent his entire life engaged as
an agriculturist, his death occurring at the old
homestead in 1884; his wife passed away April
3, 1888.
The parental family consisted of ten children, of
whom seven are living, as follows: Lewis B.;
John H, a civil engineer of Toledo, Ohio; Ianthe,
Marianna, Seymour, Frederick and Addison B.
The oldest son, Lewis B., graduated in 1879, hav
ing among his classmates Seth Lowe, afterward
mayor of Brooklyn, Felix Adler, and a number of
other men who became prominent in New York
and Brooklyn. At his graduation from Colum
bia College he received the second honors of his
class and later accepted the position of a professor

358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the post-graduate course of that institution. He
is widely known in scientific circles as the author
of "Carll's Calculus of Variations," which ranks
high as a mathematical work.
After receiving his education in Flushing Insti
tute, the subject of this sketch commenced the
cultivation of the home farm. It had been his
intention to take a mathematical course with the
hope of becoming a civil engineer, but circum
stances were such as to oblige him to take up
farming instead. To this occupation, including
both general farming and market gardening, he
has since given his attention. In March, 1881,
he married Lydia A., daughter of George W. Ed
wards, who has been in business in Christie
Street, New York City, for fifty years, his home
being in Newtown. The mother of Mrs. Carll
was Ann Maria Wilkinson, whose ancestors came
to America in the "Mayflower." Politically our
subject is a Republican. He and his wife, with
their children, L. Adele and S. Edwards, occupy
a comfortable and conveniently arranged resi
dence erected by Mr. Carll in 1894.

WILLIAM L. CORNELL, secretary of
the board of highway commissioners of
the town of Flushing and of the joint
board for the towns of Flushing and Newtown,
also one of the most extensive growers of small
fruits on Long Island, was born July 24, 1841,
where he now lives on the East Alley Road, town
of Flushing. He is one of six children, of whom
five are living, those beside himself being John
H., of Bayside, and Benjamin H, of Whitestone,
who are twins ; Catherine, widow of John Foster,
of Little Neck, and Jane, widow of Jeremiah Val
entine. William H, our subject's father, was also born
on this place, which has been in possession of
some member of the family since 1740. He was
a son of Lewis Cornell, a prominent farmer of
this section and at one time sheriff of the county.
His birth occurred January 8, 1800, and he grew
to manhood on the home farm, becoming one of
the respected farmers of this locality. Politically
he supported Democratic principles. An Episco
palian in religious belief, for years he was a ves
tryman of the church. He passed from earth
November 19, 1876.
At the age of nineteen years our subject went
to Flushing and was employed in the engine
house of the Flushing & New York Railroad.

Under the instruction of Mr. Frazier, an engineer,
he was beginning to prepare himself for that oc
cupation, when the breaking out of the war in
1861 changed his career. He enlisted in Com
pany I, Twenty-second New York Infantry, un
der Capt. Asa B. Gardner and Col. James Monroe.
In later years Captain Gardner became attorney-
general of the United States army and a Demo
cratic politician of New York. Our subject was
mustered out of service in New York in the spring
of 1862, and about a year later he embarked in the
produce business in West Washington market in
New York, but his father's enfeebled health
obliged him to dispose of the business and return
home to superintend the farm. At the death of
his father he inherited the estate, where for some
twenty years he has given his attention to the
growing of small fruits.
April 27, 1871, Mr. Cornell married Emily A.,
daughter of W. J. Bennett, of Bayridge. The
only child of this union, Lewis H., born July 19,
1874, graduated from Eastman College at Pough
keepsie, also from Graham's School of Phonog
raphy, in New York City, and holds a number of
diplomas, including an academic diploma from
the University of the State of New York. He. is
now official stenographer for the receivers of the
Union Pacific Railroad, a position which takes
him all over the United States. In 1881 our sub
ject was elected to the board of highway commis
sioners and for fifteen successive years has filled
this office. Other positions have been tendered
him, but these he has declined. Socially he is
connected with the Grand Army of the Republic
and in religion is a member of the Episcopal
Church.

LOUIS DIETZ, proprietor of Metropolitan
Park, has fitted up his place with every de
vice for amusement, including shooting
galleries, rifle ranges, swings and a commodious
and elegant dancing pavilion which was erected
at a cost of thousands of dollars. He also has a
well-appointed dining-room, capacious enough
for the accommodation of several hundred per
sons, and a large kitchen containing every mod
ern convenience for facilitating the work.
Born on the last day of the year 1848, the sub
ject of this record is one of seven children (all liv
ing) of Charles and Mary (Schnabel) Dietz, all na
tives of Bavaria, Germany. His father, who was
born about 1825, at an early age learned the'

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

359

butcher's trade, which he followed constantly ua-
til his death in 1888. Our subject gained his edu
cation in the common schools of Germany, and
at the age of fifteen years, determining to come to
America, he took passage on a vessel at Bremen
and landed in New York City, August 29, 1863.
At once proceeding to Brooklyn, he secured work
at the butcher's trade, which he had learned un
der his father's instruction. Three years were
thus spent, and he then went to New York City,
where he worked at the same business for some
time. In 1870 Mr. Dietz established himself in the
butcher business in Johnson Avenue, Brooklyn,
where he remained in charge of a large trade for
twenty-four years. Then selling the business, he
came to East Williamsburg (now Metropolitan)
and purchased from Gustav Schomacher the place
which he has since conducted. January 15, 1870,
he married Miss Louisa Beekman, of New York
City, and seven children were born of their un
ion, of whom three are living, namely: Mary,
wife of George Berger, of Brooklyn; Charlotte,
and Louis, Jr. Politically Mr. Dietz is a Repub
lican, and socially belongs to Herter Lodge No.
698, F. & A. M., and the Order of Odd Fellows.
He is a member of the volunteer fire department
and was captain of the E. D. Butcher Guard,
Brooklyn, New York State Militia. He holds
membership with several singing and benefit so
cieties and is also one of the charter members of
the Newtown Liquor Dealers' Protective Asso
ciation.

RICHARD M. BELL, a member of one of
Long Island's old and influential families,
was for many years actively engaged in
farming. He is now living retired from work of
any kind, with the exception of looking after his
real estate interests, and is residing in a very pleas
ant and comfortable home at Bayside. Mr. Bell
is a native of this place and was born February 20,
1842, to Robert M. and Catherine H. (Lawrence)
Bell. He had six brothers and sisters, and was
third eldest of the family. Lydia A. is now the
wife of J. W. Ahles of this place.
In 1807 Robert M. Bell was born in Maryland,
where he was reared to the age of eighteen years.
At that time he came to Bayside and assumed the
management of two different farms, which he
worked for the owners, continuing thus engaged
for about eight years, when he was married to

Miss Lawrence and purchased a farm of his own.
This property included a quarter section of excel
lent farming land, to the cultivation of which he
gave his entire time and attention, and it was not
long before he was classed among the progres
sive and influential farmers of the neighborhood.
He spent the remainder of his life here, and a
portion of this estate is now owned and occupied
by our subject. Mr. Bell was prominently iden
tified with all matters of moment in his commu
nity, and for two years was vice-president of the
Queens County Fair Association.
Mrs. Catherine H. Bell was the daughter of
Henry Lawrence, who was the original owner
of the farm ¦which the father of our subject pur
chased. One of his sons, Cornelius W. Lawrence,
was for many years a prominent business man
of New York City and was chosen the first mayor
of the metropolis. Joseph Lawrence, who was
likewise one of the influential residents of the
city, was for a long time president of the Bank
of the State of New York.
After completing his education in the public
schools near his home, and Flushing Institute,
the subject of this sketch undertook the manage
ment of the old homestead. All his ventures in
farming were attended with such good success
that he continued to give this vocation his undi
vided attention for about fifteen years. At the
end of that time he rented the property and has
ever since devoted himself entirely to looking
after his valuable real estate interests in this sec
tion. He is the owner of several houses in Bay-
side, besides much unimproved property, which
is increasing in value every year.
The lady to whom Mr. Bell was married in
1874 was Miss Julia, daughter of John Black, a
prominent farmer making his home in Mt. Holly,
N. J. Their union has been blessed by the birth
of four children, three of whom survive: Lillie
B. is an accomplished lady and a graduate of
Schuler Seminary of Flushing; Henry L., a
graduate of the Columbian Institute of New York
City, is now employed by the dry goods firm of
Lawrence, Taylor & Co., which business was es
tablished by his great-uncle, Joseph Lawrence;
Emily Newbold is at present a student in Shep-
hard'_ private school in Flushing, having pre
viously attended Schuler Seminary, of the same
place. Politically speaking, Mr. Bell is independent,
supporting the man who in his judgment will
best discharge the duties of the office. He still

360

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

adheres to the faith of the Friends, which was
the religion of his parents, while his wife and
daughters belong to the Episcopal Church. He
is prominently identified with all affairs of public
moment, and for two years was trustee of the
town. Since then, however, when other offices
were tendered him, he refused. He is a man of
unswerving honesty, whose word is considered as
good as his bond, and the confidence of the en
tire community is his.

JOHN A. BURDETT. The older members
of a community are doubly entitled to the
respect and esteem of their neighbors when
their whole lives have been replete with acts of
kindness, and their career marked by integrity
and uprightness. The venerable gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch is one who
enjoys the regard of a wide circle of acquaintances
and whose closing years are being spent in the
enjoyment of an ample competence gained
through years of judicious effort. He owes his
present circumstances solely to his own industry,
and in his career he has shown himself to be pos
sessed of those faculties that are requisite to suc
cess — sagacity, far-reaching forethought and
practical tenacity of purpose.
The property owned and occupied by Mr. Bur-
dett is situated two miles northwest of Jamaica,
in the town of Newtown. Though much of his
life has been spent here, he is a native of New
York City, born there in April, 1810. He is the
only survivor of six children comprising the fam
ily of John and Abigail (Lester) Burdett, the for
mer of whom was born in Hackensack, N. J.,
about 1764, grew to manhood there and learned
the trade of a blacksmith, which he afterwards fol
lowed in the city of New York until his death in
1832. In the subscription schools popular in the early
days the subject of this notice gained a fair edu
cation, but his advantages were greatly inferior to
those enjoyed by the boys and girls of the present
generation. Having served an apprenticeship to
the blacksmith's trade, he became his father's suc
cessor in the business, which he conducted suc
cessfully for about twenty-five years. Since re
moving to his present home he has at different
times, with the shrewd judgment characteristic of
him, purchased various pieces of property that
have afterward increased in value, thus bringing
him financial prosperity.

In 1837 Mr. Burdett married Miss Julia A. Ed
munds, an estimable young lady, and a member of
one of the old New York families. Four daugh
ters and two sons were born of their marriage,
of whom two daughters and one son are now liv
ing. They are as follows : Mary E., wife of Wil
lis Jackson, of Cypress Hill; Caroline M., who
married O. C. Jackson, a well-known stock breed
er of the town of Flushing, and William Henry,
who is unmarried and resides with his father. The
faithful wife and mother, after a long wedded life
devoted to the welfare of her family, passed from
earth December 10, 1881, leaving behind her the
memory of a loving, patient and affectionate help
mate and friend.
In his political views Mr. Burdett is liberal, with
a leaning toward the Democratic party. While in
Williamsburg he served for one term as trustee of
the town. He is a man of sincere Christian faith,
adhering to the doctrines of the Methodist
Church. Although he is a quiet, unassuming
man, the people among whom he has dwelt at
peace and amity these many years hold him in
high regard and have a high opinion of his per
sonal character, knowing him to be a man of prin
ciple and integrity.

JAMES W. CAIN, an extensive farmer of
Bayside, town of Flushing, was born April
16, 1848, in the city of Brooklyn in what is
now Fifth Avenue. The house in which he was
born, a portion of which still stands, is one of the
oldest on Long Island and was used by General
Washington as headquarters during the Revolu
tionary War; iron figures, bearing the date
1735, adorned the wall on one end of the build
ing. This place was the home of our subject's
parents, James and Elizabeth (Pangbourn) Cain,
of whose seven children the following still sur
vive: Samuel, who is married and has four chil
dren, his home being in Brooklyn, where he is
engaged in the trucking business ; William T., of
Flushing, married, and the father of three chil
dren; Agnes A., wife of Charles Daniel Law
rence, son of the late Cromeline Lawrence, who
was a prominent public man and held many of
fices of trust; James W., and Hance, who is mar
ried and is employed as foreman by ex-Senator
Childs. At the age of four years our subject was brought
to Bayside by his parents and here he grew to
manhood. His education, begun in the common

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

361

schools, was completed by a four years' course
in Fairchild Institute at .Flushing. While many
promising business positions were open to him
at the conclusion of his studies, he yielded to the
wishes of his father and became his assistant on
the farm. On the death of the latter he took
charge of the estate, later purchasing the interest
of the other heirs. The place consists of one hun
dred and seventeen acres and is one of the finest
in this locality.
While Mr. Cain has been often tendered im
portant offices on the Democratic ticket, he has
declined these, although he is one of the party's
stanchest supporters. Prior to 1882 he was for
twelve years a member of the school board, of
which he was clerk for eleven years. In 1894,
when the agitation arose in regard to a new school
house, he was made a member of the board and
one of the trustees; after accepting the plans, the
new building, costing $13,500, was erected, and
is regarded as one of the best buildings for school
purposes in the county. He is a member and
chairman of the executive committee of the Far
mers' Association, and has held the office of in
spector of elections ever since this election dis
trict was established. He has been content, thus
far in life, to remain a bachelor. Among the peo
ple of the town he has many warm friends, who
regard him as a capable farmer and progressive
citizen.

ISRAEL W. VAN SISE. The occupation to
which this gentleman has devoted his atten
tion throughout life has been known and fol
lowed since the world began. In addition to farm
ing, he has also been engaged in butchering, and
in this business has become expert. He was born
in the house in which he is now living, September
2, 1829, a son of Jeremiah and Maria (White) Van
Sise, the former of whom was also born in the
same dwelling. His father, Charles Van Sise,
came to this country from Holland with a cousin,
Cornelius Van Sise, and settled on the farm now
owned by the subject of this sketch, which has
been in the family for over one hundred and
eighty years. Cornelius located in the same vicin
ity, on the place now owned by his grandson,
George W. Van Sise. Charles Van Sise became
an extensive land holder and very prominent citi
zen. His family consisted of the following chil
dren: Maria, wife of Cornelius Powell; Sarah
A., wife of Thomas Velsor; Gretchen, wife of

Daniel Velsor; Cornelius, who married Rebecca
Piatt; James, who married Miss Othney Ketch-
am; Jeremiah; and Charles, who married Doro
thea Mitchell.
Jeremiah Van Sise was reared on the old home
stead, and when the estate was settled it came
into his possession and that of his brother Charles,
whose share he later purchased, making it his
home the rest of his life. He gave his attention
to farming and marketing and was very success
ful in his business ventures. Besides the old
homestead he owned several farms, and was quite
extensively engaged in stock buying on different
parts of the island, disposing of his purchases in
the New York markets. In public affairs he took
great interest, was a leader in the affairs of his
section and held a number of local offices for
many years, such as road commissioner, and dis
played excellent executive ability in the discharge
of his duties. He was always a stanch Democrat
politically, was highly respected, and his word
was universally considered as good as his bond.
He died on the old homestead after a well spent
life, his wife preceding him to the better land.
She was a worthy member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church. Of their children we mention the
following: Iantha became the wife of D. P.
Brown; Charles A., who lives at Huntington,
was first married to Amelia Whitney and next to
Elizabeth Van Cott; Sarah A. was first married
to Jacob Bumstead and then to John Powell;
Emeline became the wife of Jesse Whitney; Edna
became the wife of A. Rogers; Israel W. is our
subject; Susan was married to Samuel Titus; and
Margaret is the wife of Henry Oakley.
In the common schools in the vicinity of his
present home, Israel W. Van Sise received a prac
tical education. He remained with and assisted
his father on the farm until after his marriage,
when he located on one of his father's other farms
in the same neighborhood, where he remained
about eleven years. He was first married April
25, 1849, to Hannah M. Blachley, a daughter of
Henry Blachley. She was born in Suffolk Coun
ty but was of English descent, her father having
been a native of the mother country. After the
death of his father Mr. Van Sise settled on the old
homestead of one hundred and thirteen acres,
besides which he owned another farm of over one
hundred acres in the same vicinity, and some
valuable town property in Oyster Bay. About
thirty years ago Mr. Van Sise took up the butch
er's business and this he still follows, in connec-

302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tion with farming. Like his worthy father before
him, he has taken an active interest in public
affairs, and in 1880 was elected one of the three
trustees of Oyster Bay. They had charge of the
Jones trust fund, amounting to $30,000, left by
Samuel Jones for the poor of Oyster Bay and
North Hempstead.
For over thirty years Mr. Van Sise has been
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Woodbury, of which he has been trustee for
twenty years and Sunday-school superintendent
for ten years. He was a school trustee of his dis
trict for twenty years, or until he resigned, and
like his worthy father he is a stanch Democrat
and has taken an active part in the political affairs
of his locality. He is a member of the Central
Committee and has represented his party in vari
ous conventions. Mrs. Van Sise passed away
August 25, 1887, and the high regard in which she
was held is shown by the following eulogy by
Revs. T. M. Terry and Benjamin Gilman: "I
have known the family for twenty years, and the
many acts of kindness I have received at her
hands makes me feel that I ought to be sitting
among you instead of standing before you, and
when Mr. Gilman referred to her as a model
mother he could have said no truer words. The
affection between herself and children was deep
and abiding, and although she was a sufferer for
eight years she was ever hopeful and cheerful,
and in her death a worthy church member and a
lovely spirit passed away."
Mr. Van Sise was married February 19, 1890,
to Elizabeth A. Smith, daughter of Daniel Smith,
of Suffolk County. His first marriage resulted in
the birth of five children : Jeremiah, in the butch
er business at Oyster Bay; Clarence S., a farmer
and wheelwright of Woodbury; Caroline M., wife
of Dr. I. C. Barnhart, of Bedford Avenue, Brook
lyn; Edward H, who is associated in business
with his brother Jeremiah, at Oyster Bay; and
Hannah M., wife of Daniel S. Whitney.

JOSEPH S. FLETCHER is a man of much
influence in his community, for he is highly
respected and is justly regarded as a man
of sound judgment in public affairs, as well as in
matters relating to the farm. Although retired
from the arduous duties of farm life, he still retains
possession of his nice property, which is located
in the town of Newtown.
One of the old and highly esteemed citizens of

Queens County, Mr. Fletcher was born in Belvi-
dere, Vt., March 27, 1815. He was the elder of
two children born to Stephen and Hannah
Fletcher, and is the only survivor. The father
was of English ancestry, being descended from
one of three brothers, who left England in the
year 1642. On landing on the shores of the New
World two of them settled in Vermont, while the
third made his home in the Bay State. Stephen
Fletcher was reared to farm life, which vocation
he followed with signal success until his decease,
which occurred when he was only thirty-two
years of age. He was a veteran of the War of
1812, while his father was a patriot in the Revo
lutionary War, and in one of the many battles in
which he participated was quite seriously
wounded. The subject of this sketch was a lad of eight
years when deprived of the care and protection of
his father, and being kindly taken into the home
of one of the neighboring farmers, he remained
with his friends until reaching the age of fifteen.
In the meantime he was permitted to attend the
schools of the district, and being ambitious to be
come well informed, made the most of his oppor
tunities. At the age above mentioned he left the
home of those who had cared for him so many
years, and, going to St. Albans, Vt., apprenticed
himself to a hatter. After working six years at
this trade he completed his apprenticeship, and,
coming to New York, secured work as a journey
man hatter. One year later he opened an estab
lishment of his own, and for a period of eighteen
years conducted a flourishing business. This
brings us to the year 1854, when he determined
to take life easy, and, purchasing a farm in the
town of Newtown, removed hither and from that
time until about twelve years ago was actively-
engaged in cultivating the soil, which he found
to be a very pleasant as well as remunerative vo
cation. In 1842 our subject and Miss Ellen Slowey, a
most estimable lady of New York City, were
united in marriage. To them were born four sons
and four daughters, of whom only one son and
two daughters are now living. Josephine is the
wife of James Hall, of Brooklyn, and they have
one child; Ellen H. married Wellington Roe, of
Flushing, who is now deceased ; he was a member
of one of the oldest families here and was enabled
to trace his ancestry back to the year 1660. Mrs.
Roe has one daughter, Ella W. One daughter,
Emma J. Roe, died in 1893. George E. Fletch-

J. TYLER WATTS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

365

er is a widower and has two children, Joseph S.
and Ella. He is a resident of Flushing and is
engaged in the real estate and auction business.
The wife and mother departed this life in 1891,
mourned by all who knew her. In religious mat
ters Mr. Fletcher is an ardent member of the
Presbyterian Church. Politically he votes the
Republican ticket.

J TYLER WATTS. Men are to be judged
by achievements, and it is usually safe to
• accept results as proof of the possession
of the powers and capabilities that lead up to
them. Of success in the business world, earned
by the exercise of sound judgment, tact and ener
gy, an example is found in the career of Mr.
Watts of Jamaica. Not alone in business, but in
public affairs as well, he has wielded a large in
fluence and been an important factor in promot
ing the welfare of the people and the prosperity
of the village.
Born near Far Rockaway, L. I., March 23,
1843, the subject of this notice is a son of Williain
Watts, whose birth took place on the old family
homestead at Valley Stream, then known as
Watts' Mill. By trade he was a blacksmith,
which occupation he followed until his death,
March 5, 1884. He married Susan Tyler, a na
tive of Queens County, and daughter of Joseph
Tyler, who was born in England, but emigrated
to the United States and settled at Far Rocka
way, on what is now known as the Tyler proper
ty; she is now (1896) eighty-one years of age, and
resides on the old home place at Woodsburgh,
near Far Rockaway. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, Joseph Watts, was born on Long
Island and was the owner of Watts' Mill.
The only child of his parents, our subject was
in boyhood given the best educational advant
ages the county afforded. For a time he attend
ed the common schools, after which he carried on
his studies in Union Hall Academy at Jamaica.
His first employment was that of clerk in the
general store of Herriman & Van Zandt in this
village, In 1862 he entered the United States
navy and served on board the steamer "Sonoma,"
under Admiral Wilks, spending one year in the
West India waters. In 1865-66 he worked in the
Pennsylvania oil fields, where he was promoted
to the position of assistant superintendent, but
like thousands of others, the fortune he sought
failed to materialize, and he returned to Jamaica.
13

For about seven years Mr. Watts was employed
in the mercantile establishment of J. T. Lewis,
and meantime learned the tinner's trade. The lat
ter, however, was not to his liking, and he turned
his attention to civil engineering, which occupa
tion he followed with E. W. Conklin for seven
years. During that time he assisted in surveying
the entire town of Jamaica. In 1880 he embarked
in the insurance business, which he has built up
until it is now the largest in that line in the coun
ty. Other enterprises have also engaged his at
tention. For fourteen years he was superintend
ent of the Jamaica Gas Works, retiring from that
position in 1894. At present he is one of the trus
tees of the Jamaica Savings Bank. For eighteen
years he served on the board of trustees of Ja
maica, during eight years of which he was presi
dent, but resigned in the spring of 1895, refusing
to accept the position again. While he is an
ardent Republican, he received a large number of
votes from among the Democrats, and is popular
with all citizens, irrespective of political belief.
October 4, 1866, Mr. Watts married Miss Nan
cy Dawson, a native of Pennsylvania, and they
occupy a comfortable and attractive residence in
Union Avenue. The elder of their sons, James
Fletcher, is married, resides in Shelton Avenue,
and is engaged in business with his father. The
younger, George Tyler, is also associated with
Mr. Watts in business. Socially our subject is
identified with the Masons, and in religious con
nections he is a regular attendant at the Metho
dist Church.
The high commercial character, the discrim
inating judgment, the eye that sees and the execu
tive ability that is enabled to improve oppor
tunities are attributes possessed by Mr. Watts in
a marked degree. His personal character is as
high as his business reputation, his honorable de
portment in all the relations of life commanding
the confidence and respect of all who know him,
and his generous nature shows itself in frequent
gifts to worthy charities.

CHARLES H. AERY is widely and favor
ably known in this county, and the fact
that he is well spoken of by high and low,
rich and poor, is sufficient indication of his char
acter. One of the influential farmers of this sec
tion, he occupies a pleasant home on the Jamaica
and Flushing Road. Like many of the best resi
dents of this portion of the island, he was born

366

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Germany, the date thereof being January 12,
1832. He is the son of Charles H. and Dorothy
(Hartdagen) Aery, also born in the Fatherland.
To them were granted four children, of whom our
subject and Lizzie, the latter now the wife of
Charles Ohl, of New York City, are the only
survivors. Charles H. Aery, Sr., spent his entire life in
Germany, where he was engaged as an agricul
turist up to the day of his demise, which occurred
when his son, our subject, was only four years of
age. The latter remained at home with his mother
until attaining the age of thirteen, when he em
barked on a vessel bound for the United States.
Being without means, he did not delay in looking
for employment, and soon obtained a position
in a bakery, he having learned the business under
his step-father in Germany.
In 1848 our subject became a pastry cook on
board the "Falcon," a steamer plying between
New York City and the Isthmus of Panama,
which made stops at Charleston, Savannah, Ha
vana and New Orleans. This gave him employ
ment for some two years, and after remaining in
the metropolis for a time he went to Williams
burg, where he was successful in business for a
year and a half. He then returned to New York,
and in 1853 became the proprietor of the bakery
in which he first obtained employment when com
ing to America. For eleven years he conducted
this establishment in a very profitable manner,
and during that time laid by a handsome compe
tence. In the year 1864 Mr. Aery came to his present
home, which he had purchased two years pre
viously, and prepared to give his attention to
farming. In this neighborhood he is widely
known for his industrious habits, his courteous
treatment of all with whom he has dealings, and
his sterling integrity. The property is the result
of his own earnings and of this fact he has every
reason to be proud.
The lady to whom Mr. Aery was married in
1853 was Miss Mary Duffy, of New York City.
Four children were born to them, of whom Ann
Mary is the wife of Anton Fisher, of Flushing;
Charles H. is married and is at present living in
Boston, Mass., where he is conducting a bakery;
Eveline is now Mrs. Thomas Sullivan, of College
Point; and Henrietta died in April, 1896.
Mr. Aery has never been interested in politics
in the sense of office-seeking, but never fails to
cast a ballot during elections in favor of Demo

cratic candidates. He has always taken an active
part in everything pertaining to the welfare of
his community and has been instrumental in pro
viding it with better schools during the thirty
years of his service on the board of education, in
which he has officiated for ten years as president
and trustee.

ISAAC VAN RIPER. It is said that "a man's
house is his castle," therefore it behooves one
to see that his "castle" is well constructed, and
if pleasing in appearance so much the better. The
first, however, is almost a necessity, for the health
of those residing within it depends upon its ability
to withstand the constant wear of wind and
weather. These desirable results are brought
about in a great measure by the builder and con
tractor, and one who has been especially success
ful in this line of work is Isaac Van Riper, who
is a representative of a fine old American family.
He was born on Long Island in 1832 to Isaac
and Huldah (Stout) Van Riper, natives of New
Jersey, but who became residents of Long Island
in their youth. The father was engaged in gen
eral woodwork, carpentering, wheelwrighting and
cabinet-making, and was a quiet, unassuming and
useful citizen. After a well spent life, he died in
1840. His widow survived him until 1884, when
she, too, passed away.
The subject of this sketch had but limited edu
cational advantages in his youth, owing to the
fact that his father died early and his mother was
left with seven small children to care for. For
about three months out of the year he attended
the old time subscription schools in vogue at
that time. At the age of seventeen years he
started out to learn the mason's trade, after com
pleting which he began business as a contrac
tor and builder in New York City, where he suc
cessfully pursued his calling for fifteen years. At
the end of that time he came to Long Island City
and established a like business, which was con
tinued with marked success for thirty-one years,
when his sons took the active management of
the same off his hands and he practically retired,
not so much from the fact that he had reached
the age of three score and three years, but from an
injury which he received in 1892 by an explosion,
which occurred near his place of business, al
though his general health, at present, is excellent.
In 1853 Miss Deborah Talmage, daughter of
John Talmage, of New Jersey, became his wife.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

367

Of their ten children, those living are: Frank,
who is a business man of Long Island City;
George, who resides at Freeport, but is also in
business in Long Island City; Alice, wife of Dr.
W. W. Miners, of Brooklyn; Laura, wife of John
Higgs, of Long Island City; Edward H., of
Jamaica; Albert M., of Freeport; and Irene L.,
who is still at home. Mr. Van Riper is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been
an active worker in the same for thirty years.
All of his children are members of this church
also. Fraternally he belongs to the Free and
Accepted Masons, and politically he is a stanch
Republican. Although he has never aspired to
political distinction, he has creditably discharged
the duties of trustee of Freeport for two years.
Mr. Van Riper is a highly respected citizen, is a
man of practical and intelligent views, and is in
good financial circumstances.

his opponent. The marriage of Mr. Haslam and
Miss Charlotte A. Wagner, of Corona, occurred
in 1884, and to them have been born three chil
dren: Lillian F., Robert W. and Gracie J. Fra
ternally our subject is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and he is also connected with the
Woodside Fire Department. Religiously he is
an Episcopalian.

ROBERT C. HASLAM, coroner of Queens
County, occupies a very pleasant residence
at Woodside. He is a native of the islan,d,
having been born at Greenpoint August 14, 1858.
His parents were Peter and Julia F. Haslam, to
whom there were granted nine children, of whom
only two survive: Etta Frances and Robert C.
Our subject acquired a common-school edu
cation in the village of Newtown, and when sev
enteen years of age secured a position with the
American Sardine Company, of New York City,
with whom he remained for some two years. He
was then hired as brakeman on the Long
Island Railroad, and two years later was made
messenger in the state senate, where he re
mained for two years. At the end of that time
he was employed in the United States Public
Stores in New York City, and the next we hear
of him was four years later, when he obtained a
position with the Brooklyn Wire Nail Company.
After remaining in their employ for some two
years he became bridgeman with the Metropoli
tan Ferry Company, ten months later was pro
moted to be gateman, and afterward ticket sales
man, serving this corporation in these various
positions for some seven years.
About this time Mr. Haslam became the Re
publican candidate for the office of coroner of
Queens County and his popularity is shown in
the fact that, although the county is strongly
Democratic, he was elected by a majority of
twenty-seven hundred and fifty-six votes over

EDWARD MOTT WEEKS, one of the
prominent oyster planters of Port Wash
ington, was born in this place August 8,
1843, and is the son of Stephen S. and Abbie
(Wilkie) Weeks. The former, who was also a
native of Long Island, followed the occupation of
a shoemaker during the early years of his life in
Roslyn. Later, however, he removed to Port
Washington, where he was similarly engaged for
many years. He departed this life when seventy-
eight years of age. His wife survived him for sev
eral years, being in her eighty-sixth year at the
time of her decease.
The parental family included nine children, all
of whom grew to mature years, and four are now
living, making their homes in Port Washington.
As a boy Edward Mott attended school during
the winter months and in the summer worked
out on farms, giving his wages to his father in
order to help support the family. A short time
before attaining his majority he began learning
the blacksmith's trade, getting wages from the
start. After being two years thus employed he
abandoned 'the business and in company with his
brother began oyster planting, which business he
has followed ever since.
Mr. Weeks was married December 29, 1869, to
Miss Adelia McKee, of Port Washington. She
was born in Jamaica and was the daughter of
Thomas and Amelia (Allen) McKee, who are
spoken of at more length in the sketch of Thomas
J. McKee, which also appears in this volume.
The young couple began housekeeping on the
property which they still occupy and which Mr.
Weeks inherited. They have two children : Eu
gene M., born April 4, 1871, and Charles R., born
June 13, 1876. The elder son will graduate from
the State Normal school at Newpaltz, Ulster
County, in June, 1896. Charles is a student at
Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa.
In his political relations our subject gives his
support to Republican candidates, which party
he has supported ever since casting his first vote

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. With his wife, he
is a' valued member of the 'Methodist Episcopal
Church, which he has served as trustee, steward,
class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday-
school. His reputation for honesty and integrity
is of the best, his social qualities are well known
and appreciated, and he has hosts of friends whose
confidence and esteem are his highest eulogium.

WILLIAM HEINZE. Real estate values
are apt to change rapidly in any town
or city, but particularly is this true
ji a place like College Point, which is a summer
resort as well as a prosperous mercantile and
industrial center. The services therefore of a
thoroughly well informed and absolutely reliable
real estate agent are of almost inestimable value
to the intending investor or to one who wishes
to dispose of his property. No other man in this
vicinity is better informed regarding the value of
real estate than Mr. Heinze, who makes this his
business. He is thoroughly devoted to the inter
ests of those doing business with him, and, being
a notary public, is very often enabled to expedite
matters considerably. He embarked in business
in College Point in 1889 and from the very first
was popular with its residents.
July 16, 1834, Mr. Heinze was born in Ger
many, where he received a fine education, and
when a young man held the office of what corre
sponds in America to district attorney. His father,
Diederich Heinze, crossed the Atlantic in 1836,
and engaged as a shoemaker in Eighteenth Street,
New York City. William, being desirous of join
ing him in the New World, settled up his affairs
in Germany and emigrated hither. The father
was fairly successful in all his undertakings, and
lived to the advanced age of seventy-six years.
The lady whom he married. was Katrina Himmel,
also a native of Germany, who bore him eleven
children. Of this large family, only two are now
living: Wilhelmina, who makes her home in
New Jersey, and our subject, who was the young
est merfiber of the household.
On landing in New York City Mr. Heinze
accepted the first position which was offered him
and for a period of ten years clerked in a grocery,
after which he learned the painter's trade, work
ing at the same for a quarter of a century. Al
though he has only been engaged in his present
business since 1889 he has made his home in
College Point for the past thirty-five years, and

is therefore well known to the people of this com
munity, by whom he is held in the highest regard.
When he first located here the town bore little
resemblance to its now flourishing condition and
in bringing about this state of affairs Mr. Heinze
has been no unimportant factor, for he has always
had the welfare of his community at heart and
in various ways has materially added to its up
building. He is not only prepared to buy, sell,
exchange and rent property, but also makes out
policies of insurance in many of the leading com
panies of the East.
When twenty-four years of age Mr. Heinze
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret
Manck, and to them were granted eight children,
of whom one is deceased. Maggie is the wife of
Henry Draeger, of New York, and their house
hold includes Minnie, Etta and George; Mary
was the second daughter born ; Emma is now Mrs.
Ivan James Quaid, of College Point, and they
have two sons, James and Charles ; George, John,
Willie and Fred are at home with their parents.
Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat.
For the past thirty-one years he has been a mem
ber of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and in this
organization has held many of the offices. He
likewise belongs to Volunteer Eagle Hook and
Ladder Company. Mr. Heinze's office, which is
located in Fourth Avenue near Thirteenth Street,
is often the scene of important councils and in
terviews when matters regarding the welfare of
the community are being presented, and in all
such meetings he is a prominent factor, using
his influence at all times for furthering those
measures which will tend to enhance the value of
the property of College Point, and by so doing
benefit its inhabitants.

WILLIAM HENRY HEWLETT, whose
home is on the east side of Manhasset
Bay, in the town of North Hempstead,
was born in the house in which he still lives, and
is the son of William and Martha (Thorn) Hew
lett, the former of whom was reared to farm life
in this county. Shortly after starting out in life
for himself he occupied the farm now in the
possession of a Air. Morrell, and still later located
upon the tract of land which is now the home
of his son, our subject. This property includes
one hundred and seventy acres and is one of the
most productive tracts in Queens County. Wil
liam Hewlett became well-to-do in this world's

V

i

G. HOWLAND LEAVITT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

37i

goods, and until the day of his death, which oc
curred soon after the close of the Civil War, he
was one of the most prominent residents of his
neighborhood. The father of our subject was twice married,
William Henry and his sister Martha being the
children of the first union. The latter is now the
wife of John S. Morrell. William carried on his
studies in the district school near his home until
a lad of about twelve years, when his parents sent
him to Flushing, where he enjoyed one year of
uninterrupted study. He then returned to the
home farm and assisted in its management until
he fell heir to the property, when he assumed
entire control. A saw and grist mill are located
on the place, which is supplied with water power
and all those modern conveniences which make
it a pleasant home.
The lady to whom Mr. Hewlett was married
was Miss Lena Fitchett, a native of Poughkeep
sie, N. Y. She survived her marriage but a few
short years and died without issue. Our subject
was reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church.
He takes but little interest in political affairs, but,
during presidential elections generally supports
the candidate of the Republican party. He is a
man of unswerving honesty, whose word is con
sidered as good as his bond, and the confidence
of the entire community is his.

G HOWLAND LEAVITT. To write a
history of Flushing and omit the name
• of Mr. Leavitt would be to do injustice
to a man of rare intelligence, extended informa
tion, broad and liberal culture, with clear and
concise opinions on all important questions, and
one whose ability and success have won for him a
high rank among the people of the county. In
him the community has a faithful and judicious
friend, ever alert to promote lier best interests,
and generous in his contributions toward every
movement tending to the general advancement.
Born in the town of Flushing in 1845, the sub
ject of this article is a descendant of an old Con
necticut family that originated in England. His
father, Rufus, was born in Litchfield County,
Conn., and was a son of Samuel Leavitt, a native
of the same county, where he engaged in mer
cantile pursuits until his death. The former, also
a merchant by occupation, went to New York
in early manhood and assisted in building up one
of the largest wholesale dry-goods houses in the

United States, that of J. & R. Leavitt, his brother
John being in partnership with him. He became
well known in commercial circles, and after many
years of successful business enterprises he re
tired, well-to-do. Meantime he had established
a summer home in Flushing, and about 1855 be
came a resident of this place, where he died in
1867, at the age of seventy-three. In religious
belief he followed the faith of his forefathers and
identified himself with the Congregational
Church, in which he was an active member, and
to which he gave with the greatest liberality. Po
litically he adhered to the principles of the Re
publican party.
The marriage of Rufus Leavitt united him with
Annabella Edgar Howland, daughter of Gardner
Green Howland, both natives of New York City.
Her father was a member of the old and well-
known firm of Howland & Aspinwall, shipping
merchants of New York, who were pioneers in
the California and China tea trade. Mr. Aspinwall,
who was a cousin of Mrs. Leavitt, was the son
of an Englishman and for many years held rank
among the foremost shipping merchants of the
world. In his honor was named the village of
Aspinwall, on the Isthmus of Panama. Mrs.
Leavitt still makes her home in Flushing and is
in full possession of her faculties, though now
(1896) eighty years of age.
The third among six children, all of whom are
living, the subject of this article was reared in
Flushing and New York City and received his
education at Williams College, from which he
graduated in 1864 with the degree of A. B. His
first enterprise was the mercantile business, but
in 1873 he became connected with the Cotton
Exchange, of which he remained a member about
five years. Since retiring from the exchange he
has devoted his attention to the supervision of his
large real estate, farming and stock interests in
the town of Flushing. His winter residence is at
No. 143 Bowne Avenue, Flushing, while his sum
mer home is at Bayside, on Little Neck Bay, ad
joining the military post of the United States en
gineering corps at Willet's Point. Here he has
a commodious dwelling, erected in the colonial
style of architecture, and admirably adapted for
a country home. On the farm are a number of
Hambletonian high-bred horses, also others of
the best breeds, the fancy stock business being a
department of agriculture in which Mr. Leavitt
is particularly interested.
At Bayside, in 1878, occurred the marriage of

372

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Leavitt and Miss Amelia Willetts, grand
daughter of Samuel Willetts, the well-known
Quaker merchant of New York City and at one
time president of the American Exchange Bank.
Her parents, Robert and Margarett Willetts, were
people of wealth and culture, and owned the
place, "Shore Acres," at Bayside, now owned by
Mr. Leavitt. They were members of the Society
of Friends, to which Mr. and Mrs. Leavitt and
their daughters, Sarah W. and Margaret H., also
belong. At the present time Mr. Leavitt is president of
the Flushing Gas Light Company and a director
in the Flushing Bank, also a member of the board
of managers of the Niantic Club. For two years
he was president of the Queens County Agricul
tural Society, one of the oldest and most success
ful organizations of the kind in the state, and
he is still an active member of it. He is a de-
mitted Mason, having been a member of the
lodge and chapter at Flushing. Politically he is
a stanch Republican.

CHARLES J. HALL, M. D., a prominent
physician and surgeon of Glencove, was
born at Mineola, this county, December
27, 1846. His father, who was likewise a distin
guished physician, was Henry D., and his mother,
Mary J. (Henderson) Hall. Charles passed the
first nine years of his life in his native village,
after which he accompanied his parents on their
removal to Jamaica, where he attended the pub
lic schools, from which he was graduated with
honors when fifteen years of age.
The subject of this sketch, after completing his
studies in the schools of Jamaica, went to Poland,
Herkimer County, N. Y., and began reading
medicine in the office of Dr. Millington. After
studying under the instruction of the latter for
two years he went further West, attending lec
tures at the University of Michigan, from which
institution he was graduated March 30, 1870, with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
When looking about him for a suitable loca
tion, Dr. Hall found a good opening for a wide
awake young physician in Norway, Herkimer
County, and, opening an office there, engaged
in practice for a period of thirteen years. One
year after making that place his home, or May
24, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss
Elvena Randall. Mrs. Hall was born and reared
in Norway and was the daughter of Elisha and

Maria (Reynolds) Randall, well-to-do residents
of that locality.
The Doctor was ambitious to stand at the head
of his profession in his community, and in order
to gain more information he entered Bellevue
Medical College in 1881, taking a post-graduate
course. The following year we find him located
at Glencove, which has been the scene of his oper
ations ever since.
While in the central portion of the state Dr.
Hall served two years as president of the Herki
mer County Medical Society, and ever since com
ing to Glencove has been an active member of
the Queens County Medical Society. Although
engaged in general practice, the Doctor is a
skilled surgeon and makes a specialty of this de
partment of work. He has successfully performed
many difficult operations and his skill and advice
are sought from far and wide, as his reputation
has extended far beyond the borders of Queens
County. One remarkable case which he handled
was in 1892, when he operated on a boy by the
name of Cecil Yokum, who had fallen on a fence
picket and not only tore open his abdomen but
bruised the intestines. After a few days' treat
ment the Doctor found that it would be neces
sary to remove two inches of the intestine, which
he did successfully. This case was not only re
ported in American but in the leading European
journals and gave the Doctor a wide reputation
among the various medical fraternities of the
country. Dr. Hall has voted the Democratic ticket for
the past twenty-five years. In 1886 he was elected
coroner of Queens County, holding the office for
a term of three years. The Episcopal Church of
Glencove numbers him among its most active
and influential members. In social affairs he is
a Mason, holding membership with the lodge at
Jamaica. While residing in Herkimer County
he took both the chapter and commandery de
grees at Little Falls. Although a very busy man,
he has made it a point to attend the various meet
ings of the orders to which he belongs, and in
1883 attended the Knight Templar conclave,
which was held at Washington, D. C. He holds
membership with the Royal Arcanum at Glen
cove, and at one time was connected with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
In 1862, while the Civil War was in progress,
our subject was attending school in Jamaica.
Being fired with the spirit of patriotism he, with
several other boys, ran away from home, and.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

373

going to Brooklyn, enlisted, being mustered in as
members of Company B, Thirteenth Brooklyn
Regiment, and with the other members of the
company were sent to Suffolk, Va. Charles J.
enlisted for a period of three months, but on
account of the hardships and privations which he
had to endure he was glad enough to return home
at the end of that time. He is a member of
George L. Downing Post as Glencove.

CHARLES HENRY GEORGI, a resident
of Corona, whose place of business is at
No. 21 Cortlandt Street, New York City,
was born in Schornscheim, Germany, in 1854.
At the age of two years he was brought to Amer
ica by his parents, Karl and Catharine (Biittell)
Georgi, who settled in New York City, and there
his boyhood years were passed in attendance up
on the public schools. In the home the German
language was used in conversation, so that he
became familiar with it as well as with English.
Commencing to work for himself at the age
of thirteen, Mr. Georgi took a position in an office,
and when fourteen began to work for Kuhn, Loeb
& Co., bankers of New York, with whom he re
mained for a year. So satisfactory were his ser
vices that the firm promised to send him to busi
ness college if he would remain another year, but
he refused the offer and began to learn the trade
of a barber. On completing his apprenticeship
he was employed as a journeyman for six months
and then was offered an opportunity to run the-
barber shop of the old Washington Hotel, where
he at once received a man's wages, though only
sixteen. One year was spent there, after which he
worked for his brother as journeyman for a sim
ilar period. When nineteen he took a trip to
Europe as a companion for two wealthy English
men, remaining about four months across the
water. Afterward he made several similar trips to
the Old World, and when not thus engaged has
followed his trade. For a few months he carried
on the barber business on an Albany steamboat,
which proved a profitable venture.
After his fourth trip to Europe Mr. Georgi
established himself in business in New York City,
where he remained for seven years. He then
went on his last trip to the continent, after which
he opened a shop at his present location in Cort
landt Street. In addition to his tonsorial business
he carries on a trade in bric-a-brac, in which he
became interested through his visits to the lead

ing art galleries of Europe. In New York City,
December 21, 1880, he married Miss Caroline
Hague, a native of that place. They came to
Corona in 1886 and have since made their home
in this village.
The first presidential ballot cast by Mr. Georgi
was for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, and from
that time to this he has been a stalwart advocate
of the Republican party. He served as commit
teeman in the seventh election district and has
represented the district in the county convention
on several occasions. In 1892 he was the dele-
gate-at-large to the congressional convention. A
friend of the public schools, he is now serving as
a member of the school board. In religious be
lief he is a Lutheran and holds the office of trus
tee in the church. Socially he is regent of the
Royal Arcanum and was treasurer of the Knights
and Ladies of Honor, also past protector of the
lodge. For a time he held the position of treas
urer of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company.

RICHARD P. JEFFREY. Among the sub
stantial and well-to-do residents of the
town of Hempstead is our subject, who
for the past twenty-five years has devoted his
energies to the business of a nurseryman and
florist, although previous to that time he had
been interested in general agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Jeffrev was born in Lincolnshire, England,
in 1822, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth
(Perrin) Jeffrey, also born in that county, but
who emigrated to America about the year 1827.
The father was a farmer by occupation and fol
lowed this business during the greater part of his
life in America. He died about 1845, mourned
by all who knew him. His estimable wife sur
vived him many years.
Being a man of limited means the father was
unable to give his children a very thorough edu
cation, but early in life trained them to use their
hands as well as their brains. Richard was thus
brought up to look out for himself, which fact
he has never regretted, although in his younger
days it often appeared hard and unjust. The
greater part of his life has been passed on Long
Island, where his parents located when he was
quite young. He chose farming as his vocation
in life, and for three-score years has been a resi
dent of his beautiful estate in this town. General
farming occupied his attention for many years,
but for the last quarter of a century he has made

374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a specialty of raising and shipping flowers. He
also keeps on hand a large number of ornamental
shrub and shade trees.
In 1847 Mr- Jeffrey was married to Miss
Mahala Valentine, the daughter of William Val
entine, of Long Island. To them were born two
children, one of whom is deceased. William F.,
who is one of the enterprising young business
men of the county, is his father's partner. He
was educated in the schools of this his native
county, and in 1875, when ready to establish a
home of his own, was married to Miss Ida M.,
daughter of Isaac Williams, an old time resident
of this section of the island. They had born to
them two children, named respectively Ida A.
and Eveline M.
In 1870 Mrs. Mahala Jeffrey departed this life,
and three years later our subject was married to
Amelia (Reeves) Williams, who is also deceased.
Socially William F. Jeffrey is an Odd Fellow of
good standing and also belongs to the American
Legion of Honor and the Wautaugh Mutual Ben
efit Association. He is popular in his community,
and as his father has now reached an advanced
age, he takes much of the responsibility of the
business on himself and is managing affairs in a
most competent and satisfactory manner.

GEORGE W. HAYDEN. Some men can
turn their attention to many things and
carry on several businesses at the same
time with pronounced success, and this is a qual
ity which especially marks Mr. Hayden, who is
postmaster and a general merchant in the village
of Great Neck.
Samuel Hayden, the father of our'subject, was
born at Great Neck and lived to be seventy-eight
years of age. By trade he was a blacksmith, and
after following this industry for many years es
tablished a general store at Great Neck and was
a pioneer in this branch of business. He was a
man of influence in his community and the repu
tation which he enjoyed, both as regards educa
tion and finances, was that of one who had over
come the difficulties of life and was self-made.
He married Miss Susan Leacock, and to them'
were born eleven children. Of those living we
mention the following: Benjamin F. and Emma
J. both reside at Great Neck; George W., of this
history, was the third born; Isabel makes her
home in New York; Samuel A. is employed in
our subject's store; Annie A. is assistant in the

postoffice; and James L. is working at the car
penter's trade in Great Neck.
George W. Hayden was born February 16,
i860, at Great Neck. After gaining a good edu
cation in the common schools he began the battle
of life on his own account with the result that he
is now regarded as one of the substantial business
men of the place, and he numbers among his
customers some of the best people of the com
munity. The building which he occupies is fitted
up in a modern way and is filled with an extensive
assortment of general merchandise and all those
articles usually carried by a first-class establish
ment of this nature.
In politics Mr. Hayden is an enthusiastic Dem
ocrat, and on this ticket was elected collector of
taxes of the town of North Hempstead. He is
exceedingly popular in his community and was
appointed postmaster under Cleveland's second
administration. Socially he is an Odd Fellow
and a Mason, and in religious affairs he is an
Episcopalian.

EDWARD Z. ENGLAND, who is one of the
highly esteemed residents of Queens
County, owns and occupies a pleasant
home on the White Pot Road. He was born in
New York City February 3, 1851, and is the son
of Edward and Emily J. (Mills) England. The
parental family included four children, of whom
the eldest, Angeline, is now the wife of Daniel C.
Conklin, and besides our subject, is the only sur
vivor. Edward England, Sr., was of English birth
and parentage, his home having been in Devon
shire, where he was born in the year 1815. He
acquired a good education in his English home
and when a young man came to America. Con
cluding to remain for a time in the metropolis,
he established a news route, supplying a large
number of people with the morning and evening
papers. As soon as his means would allow he set
up a news-stand and conducted the same for many
years, or until coming to what is now Middle
Village, and purchasing the property upon which
his son, our subject, now resides. He made set
tlement here some time in 1853, taking up his
abode in a house, a part of which had been used
as a hospital for the wounded soldiers during the
Revolutionary War. He had been reared to
farm life, his father having followed that industry
a portion of his life, and he now gave his atten-

MICHAEL SEITZ.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

377

tion to cultivating the soil, but as this kind of life
did not agree with him he rented his farm and re
turned to the city, resuming his former business.
The next we hear of him he is again living on
his estate in Queens County, making this place
his home for the remainder of his life. Mrs.
England makes her home in Belmont, N. J.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood
under the parental roof, and after he was of
sufficient age attended the common schools for
many years. During vacations he assisted his
father in the management of the. farm, and after
his marriage, settled permanently upon the old
place, which he now manages. The lady who
became his life partner in 1872 was Miss Sarah
Frances Miner, also born in New York City. To
them were born two children, of whom Edward
Franklin, a young man of nineteen years, is the
only survivor. He is his father's able assistant in
running the farm and is very highly regarded by
all those who know him.
Politically Mr. England uses his influence and
casts his vote in favor of Republican candidates.
He has ever been interested in school affairs and
for five years served the people of his district
acceptably as trustee of the board. Socially he is
a member of the Templars Liberty of America
Lodge, also of the Providence Association.

1 " *- fin

ICHAEL SEITZ, who is engaged in the
urewery business in Brooklyn under the
irm name of N. Seitz's Son, was born in
New York City, October 16, 1844, and was one
of seven children, three, of whom now survive.
His parents were Nicholas and Catherine (Stahl)
'Seitz, the former of whom, a native of Bavaria,
Germany, born in 1810, emigrated to America
in the year 1843, having previously learned the
trade of a brewer. On arriving in New York he
.secured employment with the brewery firm of
F. M. Schaeffer, with whom he remained for two
years and nine months. He then embarked in
business for himself, choosing the business title
of Nicholas Seitz's brewery. As such he carried
on the trade until 1871, and then retired from
the business, from that time living quietly until
his death in 1886.
The subject of this article was educated in a
-parish school in Brooklyn. At sixteen years of
age he became connected with his father's brewery
and soon gained a thorough knowledge of the
business, to the ownership of which he and his

brother Joseph succeeded at the death of their
father, the firm title being changed to N. Seitz's
Sons. In 1873 a brother-in-law, F. X. Bill, who
also had an interest in the concern, entered busi
ness for himself, retiring from the firm, and in
1878 the brother withdrew, leaving Michael the
sole owner.
February 1, 1896, Mr. Seitz purchased the Jack
son property and here he intends to build, intro
ducing all modern improvements, so that the
place will undoubtedly be one of the popular re
sorts of the north shore. In 1893 he purchased in
Grand Street a place known as Washington
Grove, also a plot now leased to the Maspeth
Ball Club, situated in Grand Street, near Flush
ing Avenue. Through judicious investments he
has become a large property owner and is num
bered among the wealthy real-estate men of Long
Island. His business is increasing, and under his
management the capacity has been increased to
about one hundred thousand barrels per annum.
Politically he votes for the candidates whom he
deems best qualified to fill the positions in ques
tion, never having allied himself with any party.
In religious belief he is a Catholic.
The marriage of Mr. Seitz, which took place in
Brooklyn in 1878, united him with Miss Eliza
beth Huwer. Their eight children are named as
follows : Mary, a graduate of St. Ann's Academy,
of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Michael, who is attending
a college in Buffalo, N. Y.; Anna, a student in
the academy at Wilkesbarre; Teresa, who is at
tending a parish school in Brooklyn; John and
Catherine, also students in the parish school;
Elizabeth and Joseph, who are with their par
ents. The family residence is at No. 280 Mau-
jer Street, Brooklyn.

G

EORGE H. BOWLEY. The products
which sustain daily existence are con
stantly in demand by the ever-increasing
population, and public providers are a necessity
of the times. Meat is one of the most important
articles of diet, and one of the most substantial
men engaged in the meat business in Astoria is
George H. Bowley. He was born in Brooklyn,
N. Y., in i860, a son of Jacob Bowley, of Wurtem
berg, Germany, a more extended account of
whom is given in the sketch of Frederick Bowley.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest of
four children born to his parents, and from the

378

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

time he was one year old his home was in the
city of New York, at Harlem. There he re
ceived a good grammar school education in One
Hundred and Fifteenth Street and Third Avenue,
and when he had reached the age of fourteen
years he was a butcher's apprentice in New York
City for two and a half years. At the end of that
time, however, he took up painting, which he
continued for five years, then returned to his for
mer occupation in New York City and spent one
and one-half years at Brande's Hotel at Forty-
second Street and Fourth Avenue, as meat
dresser. He then engaged in the butcher busi
ness with his brother Frederick, with whom he
came to Astoria, and until 1892 was foreman of
their establishment. In May of that year he
opened business at No. 128 Flushing Avenue, con
tinuing there four years, and is now proprietor of
the large packing house in Jamaica Avenue and
Winans Street.
Mr. Bowley was married in Harlem, N. Y., to
Miss Elizabeth Doyle, a native of that city and a
daughter of James Doyle, a carpenter and builder
by trade, who died in that city. His wife was
Miss Rose Quinn, formerly, and she now lives in
Long Island City, Mrs. Bowley being her only
child. The latter has borne her husband one
son, Edward. Mr.. Bowley is a wideawake, enter
prising man of affairs, and is a Republican po
litically.

CHARLES DOWNING. As a man of
sound understanding, of sagacious and
prompt business methods, and known to
be thoroughly honorable and reliable, Mr.
Downing has been influential in the commercial
and public life of East Norwich and the village of
Jamaica. In his career may be found an illustra
tion of the worth of good principles and habits of
industry and prudence. He did not inherit the
wealth that falls to some men, but has fought his
own way through life, provided only with the ad
vantages that a beneficent nature has granted him.
While he has not become the possessor of a large
fortune, he has secured a competency sufficient to
provide his declining years with comfort.
The Downing family has resided in Queens
County for several successive generations. Our
subject's father, George S., was a son of Richard
and Catharine Downing, and was born in the vil
lage of East Norwich, March 30, 181 5. Upon at
taining manhood he entered upon his chosen call

ing of an agriculturist, to which he devoted his
attention through the succeeding years of his ac
tive life. A man of stirring activities and deep
interest in public measures, he found a political
home within the Democratic party, to which he
has always adhered. At different times he has
been chosen to serve in important public capaci
ties. From 1844 until 1848 he was collector of
taxes. In 1850 he was appointed under sheriff
of Queens County, from which he was promoted
to the office of sheriff, serving in that capacity
from January 1, 1853, to January 1, 1856. He
was again appointed under sheriff and continued
in that position until January 1, 1859. In i860 he
was chosen supervisor of the town of Oyster Bay
and held the office for seven years. After a short
interval he was again elected supervisor in 1875,
serving until 1881. While his vote was always
given to Democratic principles, he was popular
with both parties, and often received the nomina
tion from both organizations, a fact which evinces
his popularity among the people.
In addition to his interest in public matters of a
political nature, George S. Downing was in touch
with every enterprise that promised to develop
the commercial interests of his section. Organi
zations for the purpose of advancing the welfare
of the county received his hearty endorsement.
To this day he retains his warm interest in pro
gressive affairs, though his advanced years com
pel him to relinquish to other hands the carrying
forward of public plans. He was for years a di
rector in the Queens County Agricultural Society,
of which organization he had the honor to be
president for two terms. He is a director of the
Roslyn Savings Bank and the Glen Cove Mutual
Insurance Company, of which he was treasurer
several years, or until he resigned.
By his marriage to Eliza Lewis, a native of
Westbury, Queens County, George S. Downing
had four children, namely : Charles, Ann E., Mary
J. and Daniel L. The wife and mother died when
our subject was six years old and the father sub
sequently married again, having by that union
two children, Richard and Maria Louise. Of this
family two sons and two daughters are still living,
Charles, Richard, Mrs. Mary J. White and Mrs.
Maria Louise Vernon. Daniel L. enlisted in Au
gust, 1862, in the Second New York (Harris
Light) Cavalry and was killed in a cavalry charge
at Aldie, Va., June 17, 1863.
The subject of this sketch was born at East
Norwich, Queens County, December 20, 1838..

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

379

He spent his early life on the home farm, but
not caring to make agriculture his vocation, he
secured a position as clerk in a country store,
where he remained from the age of sixteen until
he was twenty. Before he attained his majority
he became a partner in the firm of Vernon &
Co., at East Norwich, where he remained for four
years. In 1864, with William McKay, he bought
the interest of Mr. Vernon and H. H. Frost, and
from that time until 1885 conducted a general
country store business under the firm name of
Downing & McKay.
December 1, 1863, Mr. Downing was united in
marriage with Sarah Jane Plicks. who was born
in Brookville, Queens County, May 9, 1844. Four
children bless the union, namely: Mary Louise
and Esther Hicks, who were educated at the
Friends Academy, Locust Valley, Queens Coun
ty; George S., who is a student at Adelphi Acad
emy, Brooklyn, and Grace J., at present attend
ing the public schools of Jamaica. The oldest
daughter is the wife of Halstead H. Frost, Jr.,
by whom she has two children. Esther H. is the
wife of Joseph P. Stearns.
Raised in the faith of the Democratic party,
Mr. Downing has seen no reason for changing
the views implanted in his mind in childhood.
He is interested in political matters and takes an
active part in local elections. Under John H.
Sutphin, county clerk of Queens County, he was
appointed deputy county clerk, January 1, 1879,
and has held this position satisfactorily ever since.
From 1893 to 1895 he was a trustee of the village
of Jamaica. At present he is a trustee of the Ja
maica Savings Bank and a director of the Bank
of Jamaica. Socially he is identified with the Ja
maica Club, a prominent social organization. In
the First Reformed Church of Jamaica, to which
he and" his wife belong, he is serving as an elder.

ROBERT F. MACFARLANE, M. D., is one
of the leading citizens of Long Island City,
and in the line of his profession has long
been in the front ranks. He is especially skillful
as a surgeon, though he has a large general prac
tice, and during the conventions of the various
medical societies to which he belongs he has de
livered many addresses. Dr. Macfarlane comes
of a very distinguished family in Queens County,
and his father was at one time the editor of the
"Scientific American." By his ability as a writer
and by his energy and perseverance as a business

man he placed that journal in the front rank and
achieved for it great success. He was obliged
to resign this position several years later on ac
count of having severely strained his eyes writing
in that gloomy room in the old Sun building
in New York. This affliction later resulted in
the loss of one of his eyes, and as it was impossi
ble for him to write longer, he established a dye
house and for many years was at the head of a
very successful business. Besides being a brill
iant writer, the father of our subject was a distin
guished orator and was well known as one of the
most cultured and highly educated men of his
day. The subject of this sketch is a native of this
state, and was born in May, 1842, in Orleans
County. Grandfather Robert Macfarlane, who
was a manufacturer in Scotland, during his early
married life was very desirous of making his
home in America, and accordingly came hither,
taking up his abode in Orleans County, N. Y.,
where he afterward gave his attention to farming.
He died in that locality firm in the faith of the
Presbyterian Church, in which he had been reared
from his earliest infancy. The father, Robert
Macfarlane, was a native of Scotland, his early
home having been at Rutherglen, on the Clyde.
After carrying on the home farm for some time,
he went to Albany and engaged in the dyeing
business for himself. While a member of the
Young Men's Association in Albany he
was awarded the first prize as an essayist.
p After adopting the profession of a journalist he
first became editor of a small paper which was
published in Albany called the "Mechanics
Mirror." His articles attracted so much attention
and comment that he was called to the editorship
of the "Scientific American," issued in New
York City. At once he moved his family to the
metropolis, and through his earnest efforts, made
that journal what it is to-day. He was a distin
guished lecturer on scientific subjects and a fine
speaker. He was an honorary member of some
of the foremost scientific societies in the United
States and Scotland and was a thoroughly good
and honest man. He contributed many articles
of interest to Scotch and American journals and
was an active member of the Albany Institute of
Science. In political affairs he always voted for
Republican candidates and in religious matters
was an influential member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which he was elder for many years.
In 1883, when sixty-eight years of age, he depart-

38o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ed this life. He was the first patent attorney
of the country, and through his aid many deserv
ing men were enabled to get their inventions pat
ented. Through his influence Gail Borden, the
patentee of Borden's Condensed Milk, which is
used all over the United States, succeeded in get
ting a patent after he had spent a small fortune.
The mother of our subject was Annie Garth, a
native of Glasgow, Scotland. She was the daugh
ter of William Garth, whose birth occurred in
England, where the family originated. Her
grandfather was a very prominent manufacturer
of Scotland, having been for many years en
gaged in making the famous Paisley shawls, and
was located in the city bearing that name. Mrs.
Macfarlane died in 1894.
The parental family included five children who
grew to mature years, of whom Robert F. was the
eldest. He carried on his studies in the schools
of New York and later in Brooklyn, and was
graduated from the Williamsburg school of the
latter city in 1854, when only twelve years of
age. He then engaged in the dry goods busi
ness in the metropolis, where he was located on
the outbreak of the late war. He volunteered and
became a member of the Seventy-ninth New York
Highlands, and later aided in the organization of
Company K, Twelfth New York State Militia.
He was mustered into service as second lieuten
ant. Going South with his regiment to the Val
ley of the Shenandoah, he remained in active ser
vice there until the expiration of his term of en
listment, when he was honorably discharged.
On his return home from the field of battle Dr.
Macfarlane engaged in the wholesale tobacco bus
iness in Water Street, in New York City, and for
several years thereafter conducted a very paying
business. His father's health beginning to fail
about this time, he closed out his establishment
there, and, going to Albany, took charge of his
dye house, which was known as the Macfarlane
Dye Establishment. He continued as general
manager until after his father's decease, when he
settled up his affairs and then gave his attention
to fitting himself to attend the Albany Medical
College. He had studied a short time prior to
the outbreak of the war and also attended lec
tures in the old New York Hospital, but was pre
vented from carrying out his plans until 1884,
when it was his determination to take a thorough
course. He was graduated from the above in
stitution in 1888, with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine, and was valedictorian of the occasion.

Being ambitious to stand at the head of his
profession in America, and knowing what the
schools of the old country had to offer, our subject
sailed for Europe that year and studied in Glas
gow, Edinboro, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, also vis
iting the hospitals of Paris. During the two
years which he spent abroad he gave special at
tention to surgery, receiving instruction from
some of the most noted physicians of the Old
World. While in England he was made a fellow
of the British Medical Association and also joined
the Society of Physicians in Vienna. Being
thoroughly conversant with the German and
French tongues, he had the advantage of many
who had to master those languages before rapid
progress could be made in their studies. In the
year 1890 he returned to America and located for
one year in Albany. At the expiration of that
time, however, we find him living in Long Island
City, where he succeeded to the practice of Dr.
Lyttle. His office is located at No. 429 Jackson
Avenue. Dr. Macfarlane and Miss Eleanor Moore, a na
tive of England, were united in marriage in 1877.
Mrs. Macfarlane is highly cultured and a mem
ber of the Froebel Society. To the Doctor and
his wife has been born a daughter, bearing the
name of Florence. The Doctor belongs to the
Long Island City Medical Society, is vice-presi
dent of the Queens County Medical Society, and
while a resident of Albany was very active in the
societies there. He is a forcible writer and has
contributed many articles of importance and in
terest to the various medical and scientific jour
nals of the country. He is a Master Mason,
holding membership with Island City Lodge No.
586. In politics he votes for Democratic candi
dates and in religious affairs is considered one
of the most consistent and devoted members of
the First Presbyterian Church of Albany, from
which congregation he has never taken his letter.

GUSTAVE HARMS has devoted his life
almost entirely as a painter and decorator,
with the result that he is now numbered
among the progressive and substantial residents
of Schuetzen Park. He was born in Mecklen
burg, Germany, in 1841, a son of Frederick
Harms, also a native of the Fatherland, where he
was a miller, distiller and merchant. He became
well-to-do in this world's goods and departed this
life when seventy-five years of age. Without

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

38i

waiting to be drafted into the service of his coun
try he volunteered, and for some time was a sol
dier in the standing army. Grandfather Frederick
Harms was a finely educated gentleman, and dur
ing the years in which he was engaged in teaching
school in Germany was known as Professor
Harms. The family were Lutherans in religion.
Mrs. Mary (Rambow) Harms, mother of our
subject, was also born in the province of Meck
lenburg, where her father was engaged as a farm
er. She became the mother of a family of eight
children and departed this life when in her fifty-
fifth year. Only four of this household now sur
vive, and of these our subject, who was the young
est member, is the only one to make his home
in America. He was reared in his native land
and attended the model school until a lad of four
teen years of age, when he was apprenticed to a
painter and decorator, whom he served for four
years. Being pronounced an expert in this in
dustry at the end of that time, he traveled through
various parts of Germany and Switzerland, en
gaged in his work, until 1868, when he embarked
at Havre on the steamer "Atlanta," and after a
voyage of eighteen days was landed in port at
New York. He had no difficulty in obtaining
work, and remained in the metropolis until May,
1870, when he located in Long Island City, and
was one of the first to purchase a home in Broad
way. This he later lost on account of certain de
fects in the deed which he had overlooked, and
in 1874 he became the owner of five lots in Eighth
Street and Graham Avenue. On this property
he erected a residence and shop, the former being
one of the most conveniently arranged dwellings
in the city. He was one of the first here to have
private water works, erecting his own wind mill,
which was connected with an artesian well on the
premises. After locating here Mr. Harms immediately
commenced contracting in painting and decorat
ing, and about the first work he did in this line
was for the North Beach Improvement Company.
He also received the contract for the painting of
the first and fourth ward school houses, the
Steinway factory, besides scores of private resi
dences in Long Island City and its suburbs. Dur
ing the busy season he gives employment to from
eighteen to twenty-three men. Through his un
tiring industry and good business qualities he
has acquired a handsome competency and it may
be said of him that he is one of the most highly
respected residents of the county. He is inter

ested in the Long Island City Building and Loan
Association and every worthy movement in the
city receives his support.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Anna
Brodbeck, a native of Switzerland, occurred in
New York in 1869. To them were born two
children: Emma, who died when fourteen years
of age, and Gustave, who is now in Berlin, Ger
many, where he is perfecting himself in the trade
which his father adopted in early life and which
he has followed ever since. On the death of his
first companion our subject was married in this
city to Miss Catherine Schwinge, a native of Han
over, Germany. Of the children resulting from
this union we mention the following: Frederick
is engaged in the grocery business in Brooklyn;
Tillie is working at the dressmaker's trade at
home, and Henry departed this life at the age of
eight years.
In social affairs Mr. Harms is a member of Ad
vance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., of Astoria,
with which he has been connected since 1872.
He is also a charter member of the Knights of
Pythias and belongs to Hermann Lodge, A. O. U.
W. He is one of the workers in the Chosen
Friends Society, the Harugari and the Turners'
Society. Mr. Harms is quite a musician and
takes great pleasure in meeting with the Frohsinn
Singing Society and the Astoria Mannerchor,
being a member of both organizations. In politics
he is a Democrat and belongs to the Jefferson
Club.

CAPT. RICHARD BROWN is one of the
best known and most successful pilots on
East River, and owing to his faithful ser
vice and ability, has been rapidly promoted to his
present position. He is now connected with the
New- York & East River Ferry Company. In
April, 1861, he was born on Brown's Point, As
toria, his father being Capt. Joseph Brown, a na
tive of Connecticut. The latter came to New
York with his brother Richard, who, in 1851, won
the American cup with the yacht "America,"
owned by James Gordon Bennett, and later died
in Brooklyn. Joseph Brown was but twelve years
of age when he and his brother started some fish
ing smacks off the coast of Sandy Hook. This
occupation he followed for a few years, then be
came inspecting superintendent of Webb's ship
yard, which position he held until about 1855,
when he opened Brown's Hotel, on what is now

382

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

known as Brown's Point, and at the same time
was proprietor of the yacht "Chief." Succeeding
this he followed the calling of a wrecking master
for about seventeen* years, during which time he
rescued from total destruction about three hun
dred vessels. He was a skillful pilot and boatman
and had a love for the sea that only ended with
his life in 1888, when in his sixty-second year.
His wife was Catherine Wood, a native of Staten
Island, and a daughter of Samuel Wood, who
was a well-known blacksmith of that place.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest in
a family of four sons and two daughters. He was
reared on Brown's Point and was educated in the
Fourth Ward schools, but at the age of fourteen
left school to become a deck hand on the yacht
"Dream," owned by William P. Dangloss, where
he remained two seasons. A like length of time
was then spent on his father's yacht "Chief," after
which he was on the steamboat "Shadyside" for
one season. Subsequently he entered the employ
of the New York & East River Ferry Company
as a deck hand and continued thus for two and a
half years. In April, 1882, he became a licensed
pilot, and to this calling his time and attention
have since been given. So well does he under
stand his duties and so careful and painstaking
is he that he has won a wide reputation and has
never cost the company a dollar through any
carelessness on his part. He is now the oldest
pilot in point of service in Queens County, and
is without doubt one of her most trustworthy ones.
November 27, 1882, Captain Brown was united
in marriage with Miss Fannie Pryor, who was
born and reared in Astoria. She is a daughter
of John Pryor, who was in the employ of a wealthy
gentleman as gardener. The Captain and his wife
have four children: Joseph, May, Viola and Rich
ard, Jr. The Captain and his brother Joseph have
taken part in several rowing races, two of which
were on East River, around Blackwell's Island, a
distance of five miles, and both times they won
against the other boats. Captain Brown is a Re
publican in his political views.

EUGENE BIGOTH. In giving a list of the
business men of Long Island City the
catalogue would be incomplete if mention
were not made of Mr. Bigoth, who is well known
throughout this locality as a successful merchant
tailor. During the period in which his attention
has been devoted to this calling his reputation for

honesty and fair dealing has never been ques
tioned, and the confidence which the people have
in him has never been abused. His intelligence,
enterprise and other estimable qualities have
gained for him a popularity not derived from fac
titious circumstances, but a tribute to his worth.
A native of Italy, the subject of this sketch is a
son of P. Bigoth, who emigrated to this country
and settled in New York, where, having an abund
ance of means, he never entered any business. At
the time of coming to the United States Eugene
was about sixteen years of age, and prior to that
he had served an apprenticeship to the tailor's
trade, gaining a thorough knowledge of the oc
cupation. In 1879 he began to work at his trade
in Brooklyn, also followed the occupation in New
York City and other places. In 1891 he estab
lished himself in business at No. 27 Jackson Ave
nue, Long Island City, where he has since had
charge of an increasing trade. His hard work
and close application have brought him a rea
sonable measure of success, to which future years
will no doubt add considerable.
In Rockland County, N. Y., Mr. Bigoth mar
ried Miss Alice Jacox, who was born and edu
cated there. They are the parents of four chil
dren, Georgia, Lillie, Annie and Agnes A. The
religious home of the family is St. Mary's Catholic
Church, of which they are regular attendants.
Socially Mr. Bigoth is connected with the For
esters, John J. Mitchell Lodge No. 338, A. O.
U. W., also the Catholic Benevolent Legion and
Catholic Club of Long Island City. He is fond
of sports and is a member of the Ravenswood
Boat Club. Politically he is a Democrat first, last
and all the time, and stands by his party through
good and evil report.

PROF. HERMAN BOETTCHER, teacher
of languages and music of Astoria, has a
beautiful home at No. 475 Lathrop Street.
He is one of the finest educated gentlemen in
this section and in addition to giving instruction
in the languages and music, is principal of the
German Second Reformed Parochial School of
this place.
Mr. Boettcher was born in the province of Sax
ony, Germany, March 4, 1854, and is the son of
Frederick Boettcher, whose birth also occurred in
that province. He emigrated to America in the
year 1872, first locating in New York City. Later
he came to Long Island City, but at the present

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

383

time he makes his home in Hudson City, N. J.
Grandfather Boettcher served in the Prussian ar
my and was wounded at the battle of Leipsic. He
followed the express business in Germany and
was well and favorably known.
Mrs. Wilhelmina (Rupert) Boettcher, mother of
our subject, departed this life in 1888. She be
came the mother of two sons and three daugh
ters, of whom three are living at the present time.
The subject of this sketch, who is the eldest mem
ber of the household, was reared in Reuss-Greitz,
first attending the common schools. Later he
entered the lyceum, from which he was grad
uated when only fifteen years of age. Subse
quently he took a course in the seminary of that
place, completing his studies therein when nine
teen years of age, or in the spring of 1873.
Our subject began teaching in his native land,
and after he came to America found a position
in a school conducted by a Mr. Worferts, in Sixth
Avenue, New York City. He remained as
teacher of languages and music in this institution
for a time and then took a vacation of about a
year. When ready to begin work again he v^as
made principal of the school located in Avenue
B and Ninth Street, and next went to Newark,
N. J., as teacher, but shortly thereafter was
obliged to give up some of his work on account of
an affection of the throat. In order that he might
regain some of his former robustness he went to
Germantown, Pa., located on the Schuylkill Riv
er, and taught school until he was very much bet
ter. This relief was only temporary, however, for
as soon as he returned to New Jersey his throat
troubled him again and he was obliged to aban
don all work for the following year. At the ex
piration of that time the Professor went to Mor-
risania, N. Y., where he taught in a private in
stitution for a year, after which he moved to New
York City and gave private instruction.
October 1, 1877, Mr. Boettcher accepted a call
from Rev. C. D. F. Steinfuhrer to become prin
cipal of the German Second Reformed School of
Astoria, L. I. This institution had been in ex
istence for four years, but during that time had
not been very prosperous. The Professor began
teaching when there were but sixteen pupils ; now,
however, he has an enrollment of sixty-six schol
ars. He teaches both German and English, in
which languages he also gives private instruction.
Several evenings of each week are spent in Stein
way, where he has a splendid evening school.
The Professor is a talented musician and has been

remarkably successful in teaching instrumental
music since coming here. He is organist for
Rev. Mr. Steinfiihrer's church, and is also leader
of the choir.
The marriage of Professor Boettcher and Miss
Wilhelmina Boettcher occurred in New York City
in 1884. She was born in the metropolis March
12, 1855, and was the daughter of Charles and
Margarita Boettcher, residents of that city. She
became the mother of two daughters, Wilhelmina
M. L. F. and Elizabeth H, and departed this life
August 1, 1893. In social affairs our subject be
longs to Hermann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W.,
of Long Island City. Religiously he is a devoted
and consistent member of the Reformed Church.

WILLIAM E. EVERITT, supervisor of
the town of Jamaica, stands high in
business circles and has an excellent
financial record, his present enviable position
being the result of his ability and sound judg
ment. His life of industry and usefulness, and
his record for honesty and uprightness, have giv
en him a hold upon the community which all
might well desire to share. The position which
the village of Jamaica enjoys to-day as an indus
trial center is due to the energy and ability of
such men as he.
In Jamaica, where he now lives, the subject of
this notice was born March 14, 1859. His father,
the late Joseph B. Everitt, also a native of the
town of Jamaica, was engaged in the undertak
ing business throughout his entire life and until
his death in 1884. A member of an old family
on the island, he was in every respect worthy of
his honorable and energetic ancestry, and was a
leading citizen, also an active member of the Pres
byterian Church. He married Miss Ellen •Parcell,
a native of Philadelphia, now a resident of Ja
maica, and they were the parents of two sons,
William E. and Benjamin F. Of the latter fur
ther mention appears on another page.
Educated in the schools of Jamaica, our subject
was fitted by careful training for practical contact
with the business world, and the habits of indus
try and perseverance, formed in youth, were of the
utmost value to him in after years. For fifteen
years he was engaged in the undertaking business
with his father and brother, and during that time
he and his brother embarked in the livery busi
ness. At the death of his father, the partnership

384

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was dissolved, he taking the livery trade and his
brother the undertaking establishment.
Believing the principles declared by the author
of the Declaration of Independence to be the cor
rect ones for American citizens to follow, Mr.
Everitt is a stanch Democrat. He held the office
of town clerk of Jamaica for about seven years,
and in the spring of 1893 was elected supervisor,
which position he still fills, having been re-elected
for a second term. In the fall of 1895 he received
the nomination of his party for the General As
sembly, but the Republican tide was too strong
to be checked, and even his personal popularity
failed to carry him through. Politically he has
many friends, and socially every one is his friend,
for his genial, companionable nature and gener
ous disposition win the esteem of all who meet
him. Socially he is a leading member of the
Chub Club of Jamaica, and socially holds mem
bership in the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Orders
and the Royal Arcanum.
The marriage of Mr. Everitt took place in 1880
and united him with Miss Jessie Burger, of Ja
maica. Three children comprise their family:
Jessie, Edna and Willie.

WILLET C. DURLAND. No resident
of Jamaica has pursued a more honora
ble career or been of greater value as a
citizen than the gentleman whose name intro
duces these paragraphs and who is well known
throughout Queens County. His life and char
acter are well worthy of imitation by those who,
like himself, must be the architects of their own
fortunes and destinies. His habits are unosten
tatious, his judgment impartial, his convictions
strong and his benefactions, like his labors, gen
erous and constant.
In the village of Springfield, town of Jamaica.
the subject of this notice was born April 14, 1859.
His father, William W., was born in what was
then Bedford (now a part of Brooklyn), N. Y.,
August 5, 1 83 1, but when small was taken by his
parents to Springfield, where his remaining years
have been spent. For some time he was engaged
in agricultural pursuits, but at present is carrying
on a coal and fertilizer business. He is deeply
interested in political movements and espouses
the cause of the Republican party. In religious
belief he is connected with the Presbyterian
Church. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Smith

Durland, was born on Long Island in 1796, and
in youth learned the carpenter's trade, which he
followed throughout life. During the War of
1812 he rendered brave service in defense of our
country. He attained the age of about sixty-
three and died in Springfield in 1859. The moth
er of his eight children bore the maiden name of
Ann Williamson and was born in Brooklyn, but
now makes her home in Springfield. Her nine
ty-three years rest lightly upon her, and she is
still bright and active. In her possession she has
a quilt that belonged to her grandmother more
than one hundred and fifty years ago.
/Our subject's mother, Letitia, was born in
Springfield and was the daughter of Capt. Henry
Sprague, a sea captain. She had two -sons and
three daughters, namely: Annie, wife of Fred
erick Moles, who is engaged in business in Brook
lyn; Emma, who is with her parents; Henrietta,
who died at the age of about twenty-six; George,
who married Lida Tohn and is employed in a
large mercantile house in New York City; and
Willet C, of this sketch. The last-named grew
to manhood on the home farm, receiving a fair
education in the schools of Springfield and at Ma
ple Hall Institute, a private school in Jamaica,
kept by Prof. Emil Vienot. When still a mere
lad he secured employment in the wholesale gro
cery house of R. C. Williams & Co., in New York,
where he remained for one year, and then accept
ed a better position with Floyd & Newins, who
were in the same line of business. After two
years he became connected with Valentine Ber
gen & Co., of Brooklyn, and remained in their
grocery for four years. For the past nine years
he has been connected with the firm of F. H. Leg-
gett & Co., wholesale grocers of New- York.
Starting out in life a poor boy, without means
or influential friends to aid him, he has made his
own way in the world, and by honest methods and
faithful service has gradually advanced until now
he occupies a high and responsible position. It
may with truth be said that no man in the whole
sale grocery trade has more or warmer friends
than has he. His pleasing manners and frank,
open wav of doing business commend him to the
trade, and all the merchant asks is whether the
goods are of a certain quality and whether the
price is the lowest market price. Upon being
assured of this, he gives his order, relying con
fidently upon the opinion expressed by Mr. Dur
land. As before stated, Mr. Durland attended the pri-

WILLIAM EVERETT CLARK

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

387

vate school conducted by Professor Vienot in
Jamaica and subsequently formed an attachment
for the sister of the professor's wife, Miss Fannie,
daughter of the late Rev. P. D. Oakey, who was
for twenty years pastor of the Jamaica Presby
terian Church. This attachment resulted in their
marriage April 27, 1882. For four years after
ward they lived at Freeport, but since that time
have made their home in Jamaica. In addition
to their residence here they own a summer home
in New Jersey. They are the parents of four
children, Alice, Oakey, Fannie and Howard.
The political views of Mr. Durland have led
him to affiliate with the Republican party, in the
progress of which he feels a keen interest.
Though at no time an aspirant for political hon
ors, he has held various positions. In 1891 he
was elected a member of the board of village trus
tees and continued in office until the spring of
1894, when he refused to longer hold the position.
For some years he was secretary and treasurer of
the Long Island Traveling Men's Association,
which is now out of. existence. Religiously both
he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church. In every sphere of life he has proved
himself well equipped and able to meet the serious
emergencies which come before a man of affairs,
and since coming to Jamaica he has maintained a
constant interest in its welfare and in every proj
ect for its advancement.

WILLIAM EVERETT CLARK, by rea
son of his long connection with the
business interests of Woodhaven, has
become well known throughout this section of
Long Island. He is a native of New York, born
in Vernon, Oneida County, March 27, 1838, being
a son of Erastus W. and Lucretia Hyde (Buell)
Clark. His father, who was born in Lebanon,
Windham County, Conn., April 4, 1796, in early
years learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he
followed for some time. November 13, 1817, he
was united in marriage with Lucretia H, sister of
Col. Abel Buell, and a descendant, in direct line,
from the same ancestry as are President Grover
Cleveland, Maj.-Gen. John Pope, Maj.-Gen. John
E. Sedwick and William E. Dodge. On her
mother's side she was descended frofn William
Hyde, one of the original settlers of Hartford,
Conn., whose son, Samuel, was one of the found
ers of Norwich, Conn.; Elizabeth, daughter of
14

Samuel, was the first white child born in that
place. In 1818, the year after his marriage, Erastus W
Clark removed to Schenectady County, N. Y,
and later went to Schoharie County, where he
worked at his trade. .In 1824 he settled in Oneida
County, where he engaged in the lumber busi
ness, furnishing much of the lumber used in build
ing what was known as the New York cotton
mills. Four years were spent in that occupation,
after which, in 1828, he removed to Westmore
land, the same county, where he carried on busi
ness with his brother. In 1836 he was made
Indian agent at Green Bay, Mich., and thither
he went, remaining for two years. Our subject
now has in his possession a deed granting to his
mother a tract of land in that state, the paper
bearing the signature of President Van Buren,
in the year 1837.
Becoming prominently identified with public
affairs, Erastus W. Clark filled the position of
United States marshal in 1840-41, and in 1842
served as supervisor of Oneida County. For four
years he was justice of the peace. In 1846 he was
the Free Soil candidate to the constitutional con
vention. Few men of the county were more in
timately connected with the growth of its material
interests than was he. As a citizen he was cap
able, well informed and energetic; as a business
man shrewd and farsighted. He attained a ven
erable age and passed from earth in April, 1881.
Of the brothers and sisters of our subject we
note the following: Delia B., who was born June
9, 1818, married N. F. Metcalf, a merchant at
Westmoreland; she is now a widow and still
makes her home in that place; Anna B., whose
birth occurred November 22, 1819, is the widow
of William B. Seymour, and lives in Maryland;
Harriet E., born December 20, 1820, married
William J. Clark, now deceased; she is a resident
of Rome, N. Y.; James M. was born March 26,
1824, and is engaged in farming at St. Michaels,
Md.; Sophia was born April 18, 1830, and died
February 12, 1845; Parker H. was born June 13,
1833, and died in Massachusetts in 1868.
On completing his studies in the home schools
William E. Clark in 1855 went to Brooklyn,
where for five years he was a clerk in a wholesale
clothing house. In 1863 he entered the Union
army as a member of Company K, Fifteenth New
York Artillery, and served until the close of the
Rebellion, being on detached duty much of the
time under General Meade. On being discharged

388

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

from the army he came to Woodhaven and
opened a general store, in which he was success
fully engaged for many years, retiring with an
ample competence as the result of his labors.
Meantime, for six years he was postmaster under
Presidents Garfield and Harrison.
No resident of Woodhaven takes a more lively
interest in its welfare than does Mr. Clark, and
every progressive measure is sure of his support
and co-operation. He was the first to advocate
the placing of the Union flag on the schoolhouse
here, and purchased the first flag used for that
purpose. As a Republican he has taken an inter
est in politics and has been active in local affairs.
He is a member of the Grand Army and interested
in the work of the post here. He takes an interest
in and has been generous in his contributions to
the Congregational Church here, his gifts includ
ing the bell now in the edifice.
September 29, 1863, Mr. Clark married Miss
Anna, daughter of James G. Martin, a paper
manufacturer of Hempstead. This estimable lady
died March 27, 1884, and since that time Mr.
Clark has spent much of his time in travel, mak
ing extended sojourns on the Pacific coast and
visiting other parts of the country. His resi
dence, which is one of the finest places in Wood
haven, is occupied by C. C. Schuster, who married
a sister of Mr. Clark's wife, and with them he
makes his home when in the village.

JACOB S. BERGEN. The agricultural in
terests of Queens County have no better
representatives than its native-born citizens,
many of whom are classed among its most prac
tical, enterprising and successful farmers. While
Mr. Bergen does not now identify himself active
ly with the tilling of the soil and gathering in of
the harvest, yet he is still interested in everything
pertaining to farm life and was for many years
engaged industriously in the cultivation of land.
At this writing (1896) he resides in Fulton Street,
in the village of Queens.
Born in Hollis, this county, April 2, 1828, the
subject of this notice is a son of Benjamin and
Phoebe (Skidmore) Bergen, of whose three chil
dren he and his sister, Mary Ann, widow of Ben
jamin T. Bergen, are the survivors. After the
death of his first wife the father married Elizabeth
Jones. He was born in Queens (then called
Brushville) and at this place and Hollis his entire
active life was spent, but in his declining days he

removed to Jamaica, where he lived in peaceful
retirement until his death at the age of eighty-
nine years. He was a son of Jacob Bergen, a
prominent agriculturist and formerly owner of the
farm now belonging to his grandson, our subject.
Grandfather Bergen was a son of John Bergen,
concerning whom there is no authentic informa
tion. Under the parental roof the subject of this
sketch grew to manhood, vigorous and energetic,
prepared for the active duties which life might
bring to him. His education was obtained in the
Union Hall Academy, which he attended for sev
eral terms. At the age of twenty-one he took
charge of the farm which had been bequeathed to
him by his grandfather some seven years before,
and upon this place he began actively to engage
in farm pursuits. He built the residence that still
stands on the place, and two years later, in 1856,
married Miss Aletta M. Hendrickson, daughter of
Isaac S. Hendrickson, of Springfield, this county.
Two daughters and one son were born to bless
this marriage, but the son alone survives, Ben
jamin J., who manages the home farm and who,
with his wife and daughter, reside with his father.
Mrs. Aletta M. Bergen passed away March 26,
1880, mourned by her family, to whose welfare
she had been so tenderly devoted, and also by her
neighbors, who had often been the recipients of
kindnesses from her hands.
Unassuming in manner and upright in life, Mr.
Bergen has by his noble attributes of character
gained the respect of his associates. He has been
a witness of much of the growth and progress of
the county, and has watched its upbuilding and
advancement year by year until it now occupies
a foremost place in one of the greatest common
wealths of the nation. He is a stanch supporter
of the Republican cause, having advocated its
principles since the organization of the party. In
the Presbyterian Church, to which he belongs, he
has served as an elder for a number of years
and has ever been active in promoting its wel
fare.

HENRY DOHT. One of the most promi
nent "German-American citizens of Long
Island City, and one who has done much
for the advancement of the county is the gen
tleman whose biography it now becomes our duty
and pleasure to write and who is the present sher
iff of Queens County. He is a true-blue Repub-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

389

lican in politics and is deservedly popular with the
best residents of the county.
Mr. Doht was born in Versmold, Westphalia, in
1858. His father, Frederick Doht, was at one
time a merchant of the above place, but later
came to America and established himself in New
town, N. Y., where his death occurred. His wife
was prior to her marriage Augusta Loeper, a na
tive of Munster. She became the mother of four
sons and four daughters, all of whom are now
residents of Long Island. Mrs. Doht, however,
departed this life in her native land prior to the
emigration of the family to the New World.
, Henry, of this sketch, was the third in order
of birth, and, although coming to America when
a lad of thirteen years, had previous to this time
attended the public schools of his native land and
also carried on his studies for a time in the college
at Osnabriick. One son of the family, Theo, pre
ceded the other members of the household to the
New World, but in 1871 was joined by our sub
ject, who came hither via Bremen. His honest
face readily obtained for him employment and he
at once entered upon the duties of clerk in a gro
cery on the corner of Sixth and Tenth Streets,
,New York City. After an experience of eighteen
months, in which he learned the ways of the
American people and also became quite con
versant in the English language, he formed a
partnership with his brother Theo, and established
a meat market in Broadway and Lexington Ave
nue and Ralph Street, Brooklyn. They continued
to operate together under the style of Doht Broth
ers for a year and a half, when they disposed of
their business and together engaged in the milk
business. They were greatly prospered in this
undertaking and soon did a large wholesale and
retail business, having seven routes in New York
and Brooklyn. This was later merged into the
dairy business, the brothers locating upon a small
farm in Wycoff Avenue, near Myrtle, Brooklyn.
They bought good milch cows in Buffalo, N. Y.,
and on one of their trips into the western por
tion of the state found Cortland County to be so
admirably adapted to this business that they es
tablished two creameries there, shipping the pro
duct into the city. They also handled from two
hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty cans
of milk per day, which gives the reader some idea
of the enormity of their business. The brothers
continued together until our subject was elected
sheriff of the county, when he sold out his share
to Theo Doht, his partner.

In 1879 Henry Doht located in Newtown, this
county, making his home on Fresh Pond Road,
known as the Dairymen's Feed Company, of
which, on its incorporation, he was made director
and general manager, both of which positions he
still holds. Mr. Doht was highway commission
er for a period of five years, rendering very ef
ficient service, and during four years of that time
he served as chairman of the board. In the fall
of 1894 he was nominated on the Republican tick
et as candidate for sheriff, and being one of the
party's most popular men, ran five thousand
ahead of his ticket, in fact receiving more votes
than was ever before accorded a Republican can
didate for that responsible office. In January,
1895, he took the oath of office and entered upon
a term of three years. Although Queens County
is not so large as many others in the state, yet it
is very thickly populated, and Sheriff Doht has
seventy-five deputies and five hundred special as
sistants. The marriage of our subject, which occurred
in Newtown, in 1888, united him with Miss Louisa
Bimbrink, also a native of the Fatherland, but
who during the greater part of her life has made
her home in Newtown. She has become the
mother of four children, Annie, Augusta, Louisa
and Frederick.
Socially Mr. Doht is a Knight of Honor and
belongs to the Knights of Temple Lodge of
Long Island City. He is a devoted member of
the Lutheran Church, attending services at Mid
dle Village. He has been an active worker in
the county Republican central committee for a
period of nine years and is one of the best known
men on the island.

T HERON H. BURDEN is a self-made man,
one of those men whom the American
people have always delighted to honor.
Garfield drove a canal mule, and afterwards be
came president. The tannery experiences of
Grant, the rail-splitting of Lincoln, are familiar
to the world. Those employments were honor
able, and the men were not ashamed of them.
They had ability and were honest, so the people
honored them. Theron H. Burden, our subject,
started life as the driver of a New York horse car.
He is not ashamed of it. He has ability and he is
honest, so he has made his way to the front, un
aided and alone. His career has been an interest
ing one, showing as it does, how a poor boy,

39Q

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

endowed with brains and ambition, can make
his way in the world by close application to busi
ness, honesty, and a determination to treat every
man fairly.
Mr. Burden was born in New York November
8, 1857, but has lived the greater part of his life
in Ravenswood and Steinway, each now a por
tion of Long Island City. His education was
acquired in the public schools and at Grammar
School No. 40, in New York, of which William
H. Harrison of P'lushing is principal. When
eighteen years old young Burden started life in
earnest as the driver of a horse car on the Battery
Place line, and afterwards went to work for the
East River Ferry Company as gateman at the
Thirty-fourth Street ferry, continuing in this em
ployment until 1880. On the 10th of October of
that year he was appointed by President Garfield
to the position of postmaster of Steinway with
a salary of $300 per year, and out of this he was
obliged to pay $29 per month rent. While acting
as postmaster William Steinway discovered that
Mr. Burden was a trustworthy young man, and
let him handle some of his real estate. It was
there that he got his first real start in life.
In 1883 Mr. Burden opened the Ravenswood
granite quarries. He continued to hold the posi
tion of postmaster until 1888, when President
Cleveland removed him for being an "offensive
partisan." In the same year George W. Smith,
of Hempstead, L. I., declined the nomination of
sheriff conferred upon him by the Republican
County Convention, and on September 27 the
county committee met at Mineola and insisted on
Mr. Burden accepting the nomination at their
hands and staying in the race until the polls
closed. He acceded to their request, no other
member of the party being willing to make the
sacrifice for the good of the party, and he went
into the campaign so heartily that he was de
feated by only one thousand and sixty votes, and
in Long Island City by only three hundred and
fifty-eight. The rest of the ticket ran behind
about fifteen hundred in this city. Mr. Burden
lost money in this and had to sell his coal yards
to pay his debts.
On the 15th of November, 1889, our subject
was appointed deputy collector of internal reve
nue for part of Queens County, and held that
office until July 20, 1892. October 6, 1891, Mr.
Burden was nominated for sheriff for the second
time, and although it was an unfavorable time
for the Republicans and the whole ticket went

down, Mr. Burden led all the other candidates
in the number of votes polled, again demonstrat
ing his exceptional strength. This left him again
bankrupt, but he was never the man to be deterred
by temporary adversities, as his success has since
demonstrated. In 1894 he was again solicited to
try for that position, but failed to get the nomina
tion, although Long Island City's twenty-six del
egates were solid for him.
At the present time Mr. Burden is engaged
to some extent in the real estate business and for
some time has been connected with the firm of
Smith & Burden, contractors, which is one of
the best known on Long Island. They have
had a quarter of a million dollars of sewer work
in Long Island City in the last two years, about
five miles of macadamizing in the town of
Jamaica, and four miles in Flushing. These are
the best roads in the county to-day, the two cost
ing about $100,000. This firm, which does all
of Mr. Steinway's work here, employs three hun
dred and fifty men, and daily pays out $800 for
services. Mr. Burden has a beautiful residence at No.
449 Ditmars Avenue, Steinway, Long Island
City, all improved from the rough, and which
was erected in 1889. De was married in New
York City, in 1875, to Miss Margaret Loonie,
a native of that city, and daughter of James
Loonie, a prominent merchant there. Five chil
dren were born to this union. Margaret is a
graduate of the high school, as is also the sec
ond child, Minnie. The others are, Harry, Flor
ence and Eugene Piatt.
Henry Burden, the father of our subject, was
a native of New York City, and there grew to
manhood. He became captain of the police there
and filled that position until 1876, when he re
tired. Since 1844 the Burden family has resided
in Ravenswood, the old homestead having been
bought by the grandfather in that year, and there
the father of our subject resided until his death,
October 30, 1895, at the age of seventy-one years.
His wife was formerly Miss Lavinia Adelaide
Hebberd, a native of New York City, and a de
scendant of old Peter Stuyvesant, ex-governor of
New York. She is now sixty-two years old. Of
their children, four are now living : Lavinia, now
Mrs. William Wilson, of Ravenswood;- Walter H.,
with Steinway & Sons, in the New York office;
and Charles E., who is with the same company.
Our subject, the second child, has served as a
delegate to county conventions since 1884, and

GEORGE L. PECK.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

393

also to the state conventions since about 1886.
The family holds membership in the Dutch Re
formed Church. Socially Mr. Burden is a Knight
of Pythias, belonging to Astoria Lodge, and Ad
vance Lodge, F. & A. M., of Astoria. He was
appointed police commissioner in February, 1889,
but resigned in July of the same year.

GEORGE LYMAN PECK, who is en
gaged in the drug business at Jamaica,
was born in Wallingford, Conn., Septem
ber 30, 1834. The family of which he is a mem
ber dates back to Deacon William Peck, who re
ceived from the English government a grant to a
tract of land at New Haven, Conn., and became
one of the earliest settlers of that place, where
his body lies in the old Central churchyard. The
grandfather of our subject, Ward Peck, wa,s born
in New Haven, Conn., and often referred to the
fact that in childhood he sat upon the knee of his
great uncle, Gen. Artemus Ward, for whom he
was named. During the Revolutionary War- he
served for seven years in the Continental army
and rendered valiant service in the cause of inde
pendence. For several years he represented his
district in the Connecticut legislature and was
regarded by his fellow-citizens as a man of supe
rior ability and sound judgment.
William A. Peck, father of our subject, was
born in Waterbury, Conn., in August, 1804, and
followed agricultural pursuits the greater part of
his life. He owned a farm at what is now West
Haven, and this land he divided into town lots
and platted an addition to the place. There the
last twenty-seven years of his life were quietly
and happily passed, and there he died in June of
1891, aged nearly eighty-seven years. His wife,
Lucretia, was a daughter of George Leete and a
lineal descendant of Governor Leete of Connec
ticut. Her parents died when she was a child and
she was reared by her grandmother Sanford, of
North Haven, Conn.; she died in 1870.
Of the brothers and sisters of our subject, the
following is noted: Eliza J. is the wife of Joseph
Andrews, of Orange, Conn.; William A. is an
engineer in the service of the United States gov
ernment and resides in Orange, Conn.; Caroline
D. is the wife of George H. Anderson ; Nancy is
the widow of Albert Chase ; Sherman died at the
age of twenty years; James H. resides in West
Haven; Emma L. is unmarried; and Clara A. M.
died when twenty-three years of age.

The early years of our subject were spent in
Waterbury, Conn., where he received an academi
cal education. At the age of nineteen he came
to Jamaica as a clerk in the store he now owns,
then carried on by the late J. S. Seabury. A few
years later he bought the business and took a
partner, the title being G. L. Peck & Co., but
after two and one-half years he took back as part
ner the former proprietor, and for the five suc
ceeding years the firm name was Seabury & Peck.
In 1865 he became the sole proprietor and has
continued as such from that time. In everything
pertaining to the progress of the village he takes
a warm interest. He is one of the trustees of the
Jamaica Savings Bank, was a director in the Elec
tric Railroad Company and also in the Jamaica
Gas Company. Various other public enterprises
have received his stanch support. In the Presby
terian Church he served for twenty years as trus
tee and president of the board of trustees.
The first wife of Mr. Peck was Fannie C. Fos
dick, daughter of Judge Morris Fosdick. She
died in 1875. Of her five children, Catherine
Lucretia died in 1874, Sherman Fosdick in 1873,
and William Morris in infancy; George Leete,
a graduate of the literary department of Yale
College in 1893, and of the law department in
1895, is now a member of the Connecticut bar;
Fannie C, a graduate of Mrs. Cady's Female
Seminary at New Haven, is an accomplished
young lady and has traveled considerably, both
in this country and abroad. In 1889 Mr. Peck
married Miss Elizabeth D., daughter of Isaac
Hendrickson, of Jamaica.

H.

MELVILLE DE RONDE, one of the
leading business men of Woodhaven,
was born at Haverstraw, N. Y., May 1,
1856. His father was Jacob De Ronde, a native
of Stony Point, which is located near the birth
place of our subject. For many years he was
captain of a vessel which plied the Hudson, being
well and favorably known among the river men,
and was also appraiser of the Tomkins estate at
Haverstraw. He now follows the trade of a car
penter, and has a comfortable residence at Ozone
Park, L. I.
The paternal grandfather of our subject bore
the name of William De Ronde. He was a ship
carpenter by trade and in all he undertook in his
department of work acquitted himself with great
credit. The ancestors of H. Melville De Ronde

394

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were French Huguenots, who fled from their na
tive land during the Revolution and settled in
Holland, whence several of the name came to
America. Jacob De Ronde married Elizabeth Miller, a
native of Putnam County, N. Y., and a worthy
representative of one of the oldest families of
that section. This lady had three brothers,
Charles, John and George. The second named
volunteered his services in defense of the Union
during the Civil War, and during the period of
his enlistment participated in many hard-fought
engagements. Mrs. De Ronde departed this life
in 1865, leaving a family of four children. Of
these, George is employed in the shipping de
partment of the Lalance & Grosjean Manufac
turing Company, of Woodhaven ; John W. is the
partner of our subject in business, the firm name
being De Ronde Bros. & Co.; and Carrie, the
sister, makes her home with an aunt in Philadel
phia. The father of our subject chose for his second
wife Sophia Martin, and to them have been born
three sons : Joseph, Jacob, and Arthur. H. Mel
ville, of this history, had only the advantages of
a common-school education, and was not per
mitted to attend these institutions very long, for
we learn that when only fourteen years of age he
began running on the Hudson River on his fath
er's vessel. In 1872, however, he came to Wood
haven and began clerking in the grocery of W.
E. Clark. He remained in the employ of that
gentleman for a period of eight years, and then
took a position as time-keeper in the Lalance &
Grosjean factory, continuing thus until he re
signed and became a partner in the store of which
he is now part owner. The gentleman associated
with him was H. A. Cobleigh, and until 1886
they operated under the style of Cobleigh & De
Ronde. The senior member wishing to retire
about that time, our subject took in his brother,
John W., as his partner, also Franklin Corwin,
both of whom are still interested in the business.
Mr. De Ronde deserves great credit for the posi
tion in life which he holds, for when he started
out to battle with the world he had no capital,
save a determination to make a success of what
ever he undertook. Through his good judgment
and untiring efforts the business of which he is
now the head has been increased until the sales
of the firm now reach something like $50,000 per
year. Mr. De Ronde is one of the most popular
business men in the community and possesses the

entire confidence of the people. He has many
other interests in the place, being treasurer of the
Columbia Building and Loan Association and
stockholder in the Woodhaven Bank. He is also
interested in the contemplated bicycle railroad
from the Brooklyn City Line to Far Rockaway.
Socially he is a Mason and one of the leading
members of Jamaica Lodge No. 546.
The marriage of Mr. De Ronde and Miss Anna
S. Bergen occurred in 1879. The name of Bergen
is a very familiar one on the island and those who
bear it are invariably people of honest and up
right characters. Mr. and Mrs. De Ronde's only
child, Howard Melville, died when eight years
of age. Although our subject is not connected
with any church organization, he attends the Con
gregational Church, of which his wife is an act
ive member. In politics he is an ardent admirer
of Republican principles and never fails to vote
for that party's candidates whenever an oppor
tunity presents itself.

ERNST T. BURGER. Few persons realize
the magnitude and importance of the
business of the plumber and gas-fitter, or
its relations to the general good and health of the
community. In reality its importance cannot be
overestimated, and is the one calling of all others
which will permit none other than the most
skillful workmen to engage in it. A man partic
ularly worthy of note in this line is E. T. Burger,
whose work is done in the best and most satis
factory manner possible, neatness, thoroughness
and dispatch being particularly observed. Feb
ruary 10, 1834, he was born in Berlin, Germany,
which country was also the birthplace of the
father and grandfather, both of whom bore the
given name of Fritz. The latter was a prominent
brickmaker in the old country. The father also
followed the brickmaker's trade in Berlin, and
was a soldier in the War of 1812-15. He married
Miss Henrietta F. Wildbredt, a native of Meck
lenburg, Germany, and nine children were given
them, only two of whom are now living.
Ernst T. Burger, the youngest child, and only
one in America, was reared in Berlin, and there
learned the machinists' trade. He was married
in 1859 in Berlin, to Miss Louisa Schwartz, a
native of Pasewalk, and to them were born two
children: Max, who has been in business with
a partner since 1885, is a member of the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and was in the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

395

fire department; Jennie died when but six years
old. In 1863 Mr. Burger and family came to
the United States and located in New York City,
where he followed the plumber's trade until he
became chief engineer in the Steinway Piano
Factory, Fifty-third Street, New York City.
After the works were completed in Steinway Mr.
Burger became the first superintendent, holding
this position for two years, when he resigned and
became chief engineer of Holstgad & Co. Still
later he became chief engineer for Church & Co.,
importers of Brooklyn, and was with this con
cern for eight years, or until 1883, when he started
in business for himself. He is engaged in plumb
ing and gas-fitting, and dealing in steam and hot
water pipes, roofing, metal, tin, etc., and is doing
an excellent business. Mr. Burger owns resi
dences at Nos. 475 and 477 Flushing Avenue,
and erected another building at No. 521 Titus
Street. Besides this he owns other property in
Long Island City. In 1872 he built a fine resi
dence in Astoria, and here he has resided ever
since. He and his wife hold membership in the
German Second Reformed Church and are most
worthy and esteemed citizens. In politics he is
a Democrat.

JOHN BRIANT WOODRUFF. The phil
osophy of success in life is an interesting
study and affords a lesson from which others
can profit. In choosing a pursuit in life, taste,
mental gifts, opportunity and disposition to labor,
should be considered, if any young man who has
a disposition to become a respectable and useful
citizen desires to succeed therein. John Briant
Woodruff, now a resident of Arlington, N. J.,
but still a very large property holder in Long
Island City, was one of the earliest settlers of
Hunter's Point, a suburb of that thrifty city, and
is a man who has made no mistake in his chosen
calling, contracting. He possesses rare business
ability, is well read and well posted on nearly
every subject, and is a most entertaining and in
teresting conversationalist.
Mr. Woodruff was born in Elizabeth, N. J.,
October 29, 1830, and is of English origin on
the paternal side, two members of the family leav
ing England for this country and locating in
Connecticut as early as 1625. Great-grandfather
Woodruff was born in Connecticut, but moved
from that state to Westfield, N. J., where Noah
Woodruff, grandfather of our subject, was born.

The latter became a successful farmer and passed
his entire life there. His son, John T. Woodruff,
father of our subject, was born in Westfield and
there reached mature years. He became a brick
and lime manufacturer, also a farmer, and for
many years resided near Elizabeth, N. J., where
his death occurred, the result of an accident. He
was born in 1785 and died in 1854. His wife,
whose maiden name was Betsey Briant, was born
in Springfield, N. J., and was the daughter of
Samuel Briant, who was also a native of Spring
field. She passed away when sixty-five years old.
The eight children born to this worthy couple
grew to mature years: Amos C, a contractor
and mason, died in Philadelphia; Mary A., widow
of C. H. Tucker, resides in Orange, N. J.; Anna
E. is now Mrs.- Daniel Halsee, of Newark; John
B. is our subject; Charles A., now deceased, was
in the employ of the Standard Oil Company in
New Jersey, in which state Jonathan Lyman also
resides; Ithamar B. is deceased; and Sarah L. is
now Mrs. J. F. Boyce, of Paterson, N. J.
The subject of this notice was reared in his
native city and educated in the public schools of
the same. When but twelve years old he in
vented the first propeller ever used, put it on a
scow, but later the patent-right was sold by a
Mr. Munn. When sixteen years old he went to
Rahway, N. J., to learn the cabinetmaker's trade,
and in 1849 was taken with a severe attack of
gold fever, which he thought nothing would allay
but a trip to the Pacific coast. He first went
home, but there had to stay and take charge of
his father's business, the latter having received
an injury which disabled him. Later young
Woodruff learned the trade of mason in Eliza
beth and was in the employ of Davis Brothers
for eight months. On his own accord he built an
annealing furnace for annealing iron, the first in
the United States, and made a success of it. From
there he went to Troy, N. Y., where he put in one
that is still in operation, and then returned to
Elizabeth, where he remained until 1851. From
there he went to New York City, built the ware
house in John Street and then built the New
York Bank Building. He also built thirty-one
school houses in that city, and was engaged as
foreman for Tucker until 1859. After that he
began contracting for himself and his career has
been a most successful one since then.
In the fall of i860 Mr. Woodruff bought prop
erty in Long Island City, erected a fine residence,
and in 1862 moved to this place. Many of the

396

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

finest residences and most imposing business
houses in this city and vicinity are his handiwork.
He built a nine-story sugar house in Brooklyn
in 1862 and has built a great many since, besides
numerous buildings for the different oil com
panies. Mr. Woodruff has been a director in the
Bank of Queens County since its organization,
and for some time was interested in the Hildreth
Varnish Works. He was one of the organizers
of the Long Island City Savings Bank, of which
-he was trustee from the first, and was on the
estimating committee until he resigned.
In the year 1891 Mr. Woodruff removed to
Arlington, N. J., where he owns a beautiful place
and where he is one of the representative citizens.
He was first married to Miss Anna Randolph, a
native of Elizabeth, N. J., and daughter of Louis
F. Randolph. She was active in church work,
being a prominent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and her life was full of good
deeds. The three children born to this marriage
were as follows : Willetta Nutt, now Mrs. Daniel
Creed, of Arlington; Ella L., who married George
Sloan, of Roselle, N. J.; and Anna F., Mrs. Crow-
el, of Arlington.
Mr. Woodruff is a member of the fire and
water board, which he has benefited very mate
rially. He is a charter member of Island City
Lodge, F. & A. M., taking a deep interest in the
welfare of this order, and in politics is a Repub
lican, being a prominent man in his party.
Our subject was one of the organizers of the
board of trade in Long Island City and was its
president for a time. He is a member of the
Methodist Church, was Sunday-school superin
tendent for years, and class leader for over twenty-
one years. At present he is helping to organize
a second Methodist Church in the city. Mr.
Woodruff's second marriage united him with
Fannie H. Winans, of Elizabeth, N. J. Her
mother's maiden name was Hatfield, which was
also Mrs. Woodruff's middle name. Mrs. Hat
field was a daughter of Job Hatfield.

FRANZ BERGMANN inherits the energy
and perseverance of his Austrian ancestors,
_ and the practical value of shrewdness and
discrimination is exemplified in his present pros
perous condition. He was born in Hungary,
Austria, September 6, 1856, a son of Philip Berg-
mann, who was a hunter under the Prince of Es-
terhazy. His father, Franz, who came of an old

Saxon family, was born in Saxony, and was also
a hunter under a well-known Prince of Hungary.
Philip Bergmann died in his native land in 187c,
at the age of fifty years, from an injury received
by a fall while chasing poachers. His wife, Anna
Hulper, also a native of Hungary of German de
scent, still resides in her native land. She bore
her husband eight children, two of whom are resi
dents of the United States.
Our subject was the third eldest of the family
and up to the time he was twelve years old attend
ed the schools of Hungary. From that time until
he was about seventeen years of age he was an
apprenticed clerk in stores, after which he worked
for some time as a merchant journeyman, during
which time he visited many of the most famous
cities of Austria. His ambition and enterprise
finally led him to cross the Atlantic in 1883, com
ing- thither via Rotterdam, where he embarked
on the steamer "Scholden," which is now at the
bottom of the sea. Soon after landing in New
York City he made his way to Queens County,
settling in Long Island City, where he has since
made his home. For the first three years he was
with Mr. Albrecht in the milk business in Eighth
Avenue, then started an oil route with two teams,
and finally, in 1891 and 1892, gave his attention
to the ice business in Long Island City, his efforts
meeting with substantial reward. Since the 26th
of August, 1895, he has been retired from the oil
business. In 1894 Mr. Bergmann built his present brick
business block, where he has since successfully en
gaged in retailing liquors. In 1892 he first began
doing a bottling business, and has continued it in
connection with his present business. He is a
member of Advance Lodge, F. & A. M., belongs
to the Knights of Pythias and also to the Leider-
kranz Frohsinn and Long Island City Turnverein.

FRED WALZ. Prominent among the suc
cessful contractors and builders of Long
Island City stands Mr. Walz, who has
made a name for always discharging his obliga
tions with truth to his promises. He was born in
the twenty-second ward of New York City, April
11, 1855, a son of Michael Walz, a native of Stutt
gart, Wurtemberg, Germany. The latter grew
up with the usual advantages of the German
youth and learned the trade of a millwright, at
which he worked until his removal to the New
World with his wife and four children. He made

RICHARD C. COLYER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

399

his home in New York City until May 18, 1867,
when he bought property in Long Island City,
here took up his abode, and was here called from
life in 1878. His wife, whose maiden name was
Catherine Schule, died in this city in 189 1. Of
their family, we make the following mention:
Michael, a resident of Paterson, N. J., was in the
Forty-first New York Regiment during the war;
Charles was a member of the Fire Zouaves and
was killed at the battle of Williamsburg; Christian
was also in the Union service and has never been
heard of since; Louis was regularly enlisted in the
Union service, served as a teamster, and is now
living in Long Island City; Fred is our subject;
John H. is the next in order of birth, and one
daughter is deceased.
Fred Walz has been a resident of the city in
which he now lives since he was three years old,
and was educated in the Fourth Ward school.
At the age of sixteen he began to learn farming
under his father, but later began working at the
carpenter's trade, and in 1883 began contracting
and building, in partnership with his brother
Louis, the firm being known as L. & F. Walz.,
They were successfully engaged in general con
tracting for about four years, when Louis re
tired and John Walz became associated with our
subject. They have been very successful builders
and contractors and have erected about forty-
five residences in Long Island City, and have
drawn the plans for the most of them. Since 1889
Mr. Walz has also been successfully engaged in
speculating in real estate. He purchases vacant
lots, builds on them, then sells the property. He
has shown excellent judgment in this respect and
has been successful from a financial standpoint.
He has a beautiful residence at No. 214 Briell
Street, in the fourth ward, and his home is well
known for its hospitality. Mr. Walz was mar
ried in Long Island City to Miss Christine Dey,
who was born in Harlem, New York City. They
have six children: William F., Alice, Annie,
Robert, Charles and Alwin. In his political pro
clivities Mr. Walz has always been a Republican.

RICHARD C. COLYER, a well known resi
dent and farmer of Woodbury, Queens
County, is descended from Theodorus Col-
yer who, with two brothers, Abraham and Jacob
us came to this country from Holland many years
ago. Theodorus had one son, John, born March
29, 1729, who married Sarah Whitman. They

became the parents of five children: Mary B.,
born December 20, 1754; Charles B., December
15, 1756; Phoebe, December 9, 1760; Amy, May
2, 1765, and Charles (second), born March 27,
1769. Charles (second) married Martha Whit-
son, who was born April 21, 1770, and their chil
dren were Stephen, Sarah, Richard, Jqhn, Zebu-
Ion W., Charles, Abraham, Phoebe, Jacob, Israel,
Martha, Ruth W. and Rachel, ten of whom lived
to rear families. It is related of Charles Colyer,
son of John, and grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, that during the Revolutionary War,
when a lad of twelve years, while leading his
horses to water, he was discovered by British offi
cers who were "pressing" horses for the service
of the crown, and although commanded to stop
and deliver the animals, he galloped rapidly away
with them, and although fired upon he succeeded
in safely making his escape, his horses being the
only ones in the vicinity not captured. These
same officers afterwards met him, commended
him for his bravery and gave him a silver piece.
Although Charles Colyer owned several thousand
acres of land on the south side of the island, he
decided to become a teacher, and at the age of
sixteen years began following that occupation and
at the same time studied and practiced surveying,
becoming one of the best known surveyors in
Suffolk County. Soon after reaching man's es
tate he was appointed justice of the peace, which
office he held continuously until his death, at the
age of forty-six. His body rests in the family-
cemetery at Melville.
Charles Colyer, son of the above, and father of
our subject, was born December 23, 1799, at
Round Swamp, town of Huntington, Suffolk
County, on a portion of the "Bethpage Purchase,"
a tract of land purchased by Thomas Powellsen,
August 18, 1695, from four Indian chiefs: Mau-
mee, Elias Serewanos, William Chepy, Sewru-
shung and Mamussum. In 1755 Theodorus Col
yer purchased some of the land of Mr. Powell
March 5, 1822, Charles Colyer was married to
Miss Mary, daughter of Richard Van Wyck, and
granddaughter of Thodorus Van Wyck, a de
scendant of Cornelius Barentese Van Wyck, a
member of a noble family of Holland, who came
to America in 1660. Soon after his marriage Mr.
Colyer bought a farm in Woodbury, which was
his home throughout life, and is now the home
of his son, Richard C. He was always known
as Captain Colyer, having held that rank in the
state militia for many years. In politics he was

400

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

first an old line Whig, but later became a Repub
lican and held a number of local offices. He
was a member of the Society of Friends and died
in that faith, April 9, 1878, when almost eighty
years old. The parental family included six chil
dren: Martha, born June 8, 1823, became the
wife of Nelson Monfort; Charles W., born Feb
ruary 15, 1825, married Mary Duryea May 22,
1844, and died December 8, 1868; Mary E., born
July 8, 1827, became the wife of Francis Sammis,
May 23, 1844, died December 7, 1862: Miriam,
born July 25, 1834, is the wife of Ezra Smith;
Sarah J., born June 7, 1843, is the wife of Ketcham
Buffett; and Richard C. was born April 4, 1845,
September 28, 1870, he married Alice O., daugh
ter of Francis M. A. Wicks, who Was for many
years justice of the peace, judge and county
treasurer of Suffolk County.
The boyhood days of Richard C. Colyer were
spent on the farm on which he was born, and
which has been his home up to the present time.
He received a liberal education, and upon reach
ing manhood was earnestly urged by some of his
associates to go with them to the West and seek
bis fortune, but being the youngest of his par
ents' family and the only son living, he con
sidered duty before inclination and remained with
his parents. At an early age he took a decided
stand on questions relating to morality and has
•been an earnest and uncompromising worker in
the cause of temperance. When still a young
man he was one of several in his vicinity to organ
ize a local temperance society, of which he was
chosen president, and this office he held for several
years. The result of his individual efforts and
that of the society was to banish the three saloons
in the neighborhood and establish a sentiment
throughout the neighborhood, making the traffic .
in alcoholic liquors impossible since that time.
Since boyhood Mr. Colyer has been an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he has ever been a zealous worker and
official. The cause of education has also received
a share of his attention, as for twenty years he
has been a school trustee, and for ten years
treasurer of his school board.
In 1879 Mr. Colyer was elected justice of the
peace, which office he held for four successive
years, and administered so wisely and so well
that he met with universal approbation. His pol
icy was always pacific, and he always effected a
settlement of difficulties without trial when possi
ble. At the time of his election he was the only

Republican elected in the town, as the Demo
crats were largely in the ascendency. In 1887
he was elected assessor of Oyster Bay, was .re
elected in 1881 and subsequently was nominated
for supervisor, but was defeated, and in 1895 was
appointed notary public by Governor Morton.
He has always been a Republican, is a member
of the district committee, and in 1893 was ap
pointed one of a committee of three to organize
the Long Island Farmers' Club at Jamaica in
the interests of the farmers of Long Island.
Since its establishment he has held the office of
vice president. He was also one of the organizers
of the Huntington, Norwalk and Bridgeport
Steam Ferry Company, in which he has been a
stockholder and director since its organization.
Socially, he is a member of Woodbury Lodge
No. 97, I. O. G. T. Mr. Colyer's family consists
of the following children: Charles F., Richard
E., a student in Hackettston Collegiate Institute ;
Nelson Van Wyck, and Mary R. Mr. Colyer's
aged mother makes her home with him, and,
though ninety-two years old, is well preserved.

WILLIAM JOHNSON. The business
men of Corona are well known
throughout Queens County as worthy
of high esteem on account of their thoroughgoing
integrity, their active enterprise and their prompt
ness in responding to the necessities of a business
life. They have advanced the financial interests
of the village and brought it to a flourishing con
dition in trade, through their efforts not only-
enhancing their own success but materially ad
vancing the interests of their co-workers through
out this locality.
A Swede by birth, the subject of this notice
was born in Linkoping, East Gottland, June 11,
1855, being a son of John and Katharina (Karl-
son) Johnson. In his boyhood years he assisted
in the cultivation of his father's farm, meantime
receiving instruction from a private tutor. When
eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade
of a carpenter, at which he served an apprentice
ship of four years. During this time he received
only his board for two years, the third year was
given board and some clothing, and the fourth
was paid wages. At the expiration of his ap
prenticeship he secured a position as foreman
with the same firm, getting a fair salary.
December 11, 1877, Mr. Johnson was united
in marriage with Miss Sophie Clausson, a native

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

401

of East Gottland. Unto them were born six chil
dren, of whom all but one are living. The eldest,
Hilma Cecilia, married Charles Bernson, and
lives in Corona; Robert, the second born, is a
native of this country, his birth having occurred
in New York City March 27, 1881 ; Claus B. was
born in New York September 8, 1883; Charles
George, in Brooklyn, February 3, 1886; John
Frederick, in Corona, June 13, 1888; and Emil A.,
who was born March 2, 1890, died October 22,
1892. In 1880 Mr. Johnson came to America and
settled in New York City, where he followed his
trade until 1883, going thence to Brooklyn. In
1886 he came to Corona, where he now devotes
his attention to contracting and building. His
work takes him to various parts of the island and
among his customers are some of the best people
in this part of the state. In his contracts he is
honest and efficient, and every transaction is
above-board. Politically he has not identified
himself with any party, but has maintained inde
pendent, liberal views, and has at no time sought
official positions at the hands of his fellow-citizens.
In childhood he attended the Lutheran Church,
but is now connected with the Methodist Episco
pal Church, being one of the earnest workers at
Corona. During the summer months he con
ducts a Sunday-school in the Swedish language
for the benefit of those who wish to learn it.

BENJAMIN WINGROVE, president of the
board of aldermen, and one of the oldest
residents of German Settlement, Astoria,
was born in the parish of Penn, Buckingham
shire, England, November 17, 1846. His father,
William, was a son of Edmund Wingrove, a lath
manufacturer and vender, and was born in the
parish of Penn, where his life was principally
passed. He held the position of second steward
on Lord Howe's estate until his death in 1847,
when he was in the prime of life. His marriage
united him with Mary Butcher, who was a life
long resident of England, and who, at her hus
band's death, took upon herself the responsibility
of rearing her son and two daughters, fitting them
for useful and honorable positions in the business
and social world.
The first thirteen years of the life of our subject
were passed in his native place, where he attended
school during the winter and worked on farms
in the summer. At that age he went to Twick

enham, where he was apprenticed to the wheel
wright's trade. Two years later he went to Lon
don, where for a similar period he worked at
his trade. In 1867 he crossed the Atlantic, reach
ing New York on the 24th of April without
friends or relatives, and with only thirty-six cents
in his pocket. On the 1st of May following, he
began to work in the fourth ward, Long Island
City, where he was first employed by Taylor &
Co., and later by Schwarts & Son. At the time
of locating here, some lands that are now platted
into city lots and have been improved by busi
ness blocks or dwelling houses, were then util
ized for farming purposes. The steady develop
ment and progress of the place he has witnessed
with interest and to it he has contributed. Among
the improvements made by him may be men
tioned the three-story brick block, with a frontage
of fifty feet, situated on Broadway and Ninth
Avenue. The lady who became the wife of Mr. Win-
grove in Long Island City in January, 1868, was
Miss Johanna Schmidt, a native of Bunde, West
phalia, Germany, where her parents, Christian
and Johanna (Busse) Schmidt, were also born.
Her father, who was a commissioned officer in
the Napoleonic wars, was an attorney by profes
sion, and died in early life. He was twice mar
ried, and by his second wife, mother of Mrs. Win-
grove, he had four children, two of whom at
tained mature years. In her native land Mrs.
Wingrove learned the trade of a milliner. In
1866 she came to America, joining her brother,
Herman Schmidt, in New York City. In the
spring of 1872 she opened a millinery and dry
goods store, which was the first of its kind in
Astoria. Though at first small, the stock was
gradually enlarged until the trade is now the larg
est of any store in the neighborhood. In 1881
the stock was removed to the present building,
which was the first brick structure in Broadway,
and ' here she has since carried on a profitable
trade. Three daughters, Mary, Augusta and Adelaide,
comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wingrove.
The family is popular and prominent in social cir
cles, and its members enjoy the respect of their
¦ associates. In the work of the German Lutheran
Church Mrs. Wingrove has taken an active part,
and at one time she served as president of the
Woman's Society. The interest taken by Mr.
Wingrove in educational matters proves that he
is progressive in spirit. Elected school trustee,

402

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he was instrumental in securing the erection of
the school house in Ninth Avenue, which was
the first ever built by the city. Later he served
as school commissioner under Mayor Petry. A
Democrat in politics, he was elected to represent
the fourth ward on the board of aldermen in the
fall of 1887 and served two years. In 189 1 he was
nominated for alderman-at-large and was elected
by a majority of twelve hundred. Two years later
he was elected by seven hundred majority, and
had the honor of leading his ticket. In 1895 he
was chosen president of the board. Prior to this
he served as chairman of the public works com
mittee. In 1894 he was chairman of the Jeffer
sonian Democratic general committee, and is still
a member, also chairman of the fourth ward gen
eral committee. In 1894 he was a delegate to
the state convention of his party, and he has also
attended many of the local conventions.
While a member of the council Mr. Wingrove
was among the first to start the Vernon and Jack
son Avenue and the Broadway improvements,
and in that line his labors have been very effective.
Since the organization of the general improve
ment committee he has served as one of its mem
bers and in every way possible he has aided all
measures tending to the welfare of the place and
the development of its material interests. In the
organization of the Long Island City Building
and Loan Association he took a leading part, and
has been one of its trustees from the first. So
cially he is connected with a number of fraternal
organizations, including Enterprise Lodge No. 22,
K. P., at Astoria.

JOHN L. ASKEY, a prominent contractor of
New York City, makes his home in Astoria,
and with his family occupies one of the fin
est residences in Grand Avenue. He was born in
Devon, England, in 1842, the son of William
Askey, also a native of the British Isle, and a
mason by trade. The paternal grandfather, who
also bore the name of William, spent his entire
life in his native land and served for many years
as a soldier in the English army.
Several of the brothers and sisters of our sub
ject came to America before the parents, the lat
ter joining them here in 1867. The father found
work at his trade, and after beginning contracting
on his own account was thus employed until his
death, which occurred in New York when he
was past sixty years of age. His wife, Eliza

Lapthorn, was also born in Devon, England, and
departed this life in the metropolis. She became
the mother of seven children, of whom five are
living, three of the sons making their home in
Long Island City, one in New York and the fifth
in England.
John L., who was the eldest of the family, was
reared in Plymouth, where he attended the pub
lic schools for a time. When only ten years old
lie began working at the mason's trade under his
father, and, upon attaining his majority,
was taken into partnership. In 1866 John L.
emigrated to America and spent the following
four years in working at his trade. He then
formed a partnership with a Mr. Browning, and
for six or seven years contracted under the firm
name of Askey & Browning. The connection
was then dissolved and our subject has since
continued alone. Mr. Askey erected the Osborne
flats, a thirteen-story building in New York, and
also received the contract for the building of
Proctor's Theater in Fifty-eighth Street. His
services have been greatly in demand, net only
in the metropolis but in many of the larger cities
of the adjoining states. He erected the hospital
in Jersey City, besides other public and private
buildings too numerous to mention. During the
busy season he gives employment to over one
hundred men, and even with that large force finds
it very difficult to keep up with the work. He
has built for himself numerous flat and tenement
houses in New York in Avenue B, Second Ave
nue, and One Hundred and Fifth Street, all of
which he has sold with the exception of two. As
we stated in our opening paragraph, he owns and
occupies one of the finest residences in the place.
The dwelling, which is a large and modern struc
ture, is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, which
greatly adds to its attractiveness.
Mr. Askey was married in England to Miss
Fannie Thomas, also a native of Devon, and to
them have been born nine children, of whom
Emily is now Mrs. William Robinson, of Phila
delphia, Pa.; Minnie, John H, Charles, Mabel,
William, Elsie, Arthur and George, are at home
with their parents. In 1882 Mr. Askey located
in Long Island City and has made Astoria his
home ever since.
Our subject is a zealous and active member of
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
he is trustee. He took a very prominent part in
affairs during the erection of their new edifice
and was a member of the building committee. In

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

403

politics he is a Republican in national affairs, but
in local politics prefers to give his support to the
best man, regardless of party lines. He belongs
to the Employers and Builders' League of New
York City, and takes an active part in the work
ings of the same.

JOSEPH H. BENNETT. In this business
man of Corona we find an example of what
may be accomplished by a youth thrown
Upon his own resources, and following the line of
industry, honesty and prudence. As a boy he
had comparatively few advantages, his school
days being limited, nor had he the advantage of
wealth to help him in securing success. At one
time his father was a man of large means, but dur
ing the Civil War he lost almost all he had and
the family was plunged into poverty.
Born in New York City, October 5, 1857, the
subject of this notice is a son of Joseph H. and
Margaret A. (Dawson) Bennett. His father, who
was a dealer in meat, had his place of business
in New York, where he was born and spent his
life. At one time, as before stated, he was
wealthy, but during the Rebellion he raised a
company of volunteers and went through the
war, losing most of his property. Upon his re
turn home he again went into the meat business
and continued in that line until his death, fifteen
years later.
The youngest child in the family was the sub
ject of this sketch. At the age of twelve he began
to work for himself, securing employment in the
revenue service, and going on board the revenue
cutter "Hugh H. McCullough." Going South,
he was at Savannah, Ga., and other places, on the
lookout for filibustering expeditions. A year was
thus spent, after which he returned to New York
and secured work in driving horses for exercise
preparatory to trotting races. For seven years
he lived in the house of the party owning the
horses, after which he went to work in a type
foundry, and remained there sixteen years, being
promoted from the lowest place in the foundry
until finally he became city salesman. Tlie form
ing of the type trust caused him to leave that
work and enter his present business in August,
1893. The marriage of Mr. Bennett, June 1, 1881,
united him with Miss Mary R. Lawrence, who
was born and educated in Corona, and is a daugh
ter of Elliott and Harriet (Anderton) Lawrence.

One child blesses the union, Emma, born January
17, 1883. In political matters our subject is inde
pendent, and has never held nor sought office, his
time being entirely taken up with business mat
ters. In religious connections he is a member of
the Union Evangelical Church. Socially he is a
member of the American Legion of Honor, in
which he has served as guide. A careful and
conscientious business man, he has endeavored
to adhere strictly to the dictates of his own con
science in matters both of a public and private
nature, and has won the respect of his fellowmen.

HIGBIE W. WRIGHT. The record of this
gentleman as an agriculturist and as a
citizen reflects great credit upon the town
of Jamaica, where he resides. As a man of gen
uine public spirit he interests himself in every
thing that will in any way promote its welfare,
and contributes liberally toward all plans for im
provement. Although he is interested in public
affairs, he finds his chief enjoyment in the devel
opment of his farm, which is located on the
Springfield road, about half way between Jamaica
and Springfield.
A native of this county, our subject was born
in Rockville Center, August 15, 1835, and is a son
of James and Letitia (Wright) Wright. His fath
er, who was born and reared in Rockville Center,
followed the trade of a wheelwright in addition
to the occupation of a farmer, being thus engaged
until his death at the age of fifty-nine. He was
an active member of the Methodist Church and
a man whose religion was carried into the every
day affairs of life. His father, Langdon Wright,
a farmer and wheelwright, followed both occupa
tions through his long and useful life, passing
away at the age of nearly eighty.
In the common schools the subject of this no
tice gained a fair education, to which he after
ward added by thoughtful reading of current
papers and periodicals. Shortly after commenc
ing for himself as an independent farmer he was
married, November 21, 1858, to Miss Letty Ann
Hendrickson, and they soon removed to a small
place which he had bought. Fourteen days after
settling there, however, his father died and this
changed the course of his life, necessitating his
return to his old home. Accordingly he gave up
his newly-purchased home and took charge of
the Old farm, which, after one year's residence
there was sold. He then removed to Springfield

404

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and for two years engaged in farming in partner
ship with his father-in-law, Nicholas Hendrick
son. Afterward he purchased a farm adjoining
his present home and there he erected a house
and continued to make his home until 1889. He
then purchased his present place, and after erect
ing a commodious residence thereon, brought his
family to the new home.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wright were born three
children, of whom two are living. James Frank
lin, who is engaged in cultivating the home farm
in partnership with his father, was married to
Miss Maggie Foster Smith, October 15, 1889;
this lady died December 14, 1892, leaving an only
child, Maude E. Jesse Higbie, our subject's
younger son, is also a farmer by occupation and
a highly respected, industrious young man; he
married Miss Sadie Hoggland, October 16, 1890,
and they live in Jamaica. While Mr. Wright has
never taken an active interest in politics, he is a
man of firm convictions and has the greatest faith
in the policy pursued by the Republican party,
to which he adheres. In religious matters he finds
his home in the Methodist Church.

PETER JOHNSON. Long Island City may
well be proud of her stores and markets,
and especially of the establishment con
ducted by Peter Johnson, it having the distinction
of being standard and up to the times. Mr. John
son is actively engaged in the grocery business
and also deals in hay, feed, etc. He has been a
resident of this city since 1871 and his fine stock
of goods is very material evidence that his trade
must be in advance of his fellow-tradesmen.
Mr. Johnson is a native of Denmark, born in
Langeland in 1843, and possesses the general
qualities of those of that nativity in an eminent
degree. His father, Hans Johnson, was also a
native of Langeland, Denmark, and studied to
become a lawyer. However, after the death of
his father, Hans Johnson, Sr., who was a farmer,
he partly gave up his law practice and turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church and lived to be
eighty-six years old. In his native village he had
married Miss Martha Madsen, a native of Den
mark, and daughter of Matthew Madsen, who
was a farmer of that country. Mrs. Johnson died
when seventy-six years old, leaving four of the
seven children born to her marriage. Of these
children we mention the following: Peter is our

subject; Matthew is in Long Island City; Carl
resides on the old home place in Denmark, where
Nils is a large farmer.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
spent in his native country and he there received
his education. In 1857 he went to sea, shipping
on a sloop which a few months later went ashore
and was lost. Young Johnson then hired out on
another schooner and went to Scotland, but the
same spring he began his duties on still another
schooner which went to Bergen, Norway, and
brought back lumber. After that he was on dif
ferent schooners and brigs for some time. He
began as cabin boy, but was soon made seaman.
At one time he shipped on a schooner going to
Italy to trade in fruit, but when he arrived there
he was taken sick and was kept in a hospital
for some time. After recovering he hired to an
American bark, bound for Boston, Mass., and
landed there in the spring of 1859.
While in that city Mr. Johnson worked for
some time for the Warren Ice Company and later
was sent by that company to Calcutta, India,
where he remained two years. Returning by way
of Good Hope to Boston, in the spring of 1864,
he was there taken sick and for several months
was a sufferer. After recovering he went to Key
West, then to New Orleans, and from th«re to
Galveston, Tex., where he remained for three
months. From that city he came to New York
City in the spring of 1865 and began learning
sash and blind making, continuing at that for six
months. As he did not care for the business
he gave it up and for some time afterward was
employed in the oil works in Blissville, L. I.,
making his home with an uncle there.
Box making next attracted his attention and he
was employed in Smith's box factory until 1867,
when he embarked in the grocery business on his
own responsibility in Greenpoint. A few months
later he made a trip to Denmark and also visited
Scotland, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Germany,
and was absent over four months. Upon his re
turn to this country, in 1868, he continued the
grocery business, and in 1871 started a branch
store in Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. He
continued in business with a partner until 1872,
when the partnership was dissolved and our sub
ject has been in business here ever since. In 1880
he made many improvements in the store and put
in a fresh stock of goods. Possessed of unusual
business talent and endowed with those attributes
of character which compel success in trade, Mr.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

405

Johnson can point with pardonable pride to an
extensive patronage and unlimited business
credit. Mr. Johnson was married in Long Island City
to Miss Maria Jensen, a native of New York City,
and daughter of Henry Jensen. Their seven liv
ing children, who are all at home, are named as
follows: May, Sadie, Eddie, Emma, Frank,
Peter, Jr., and Grace. Mr. Johnson has never
been interested in politics, but inclines to the
Democratic party, and socially is a member of
Mitchell Lodge No. 338, A. O U. W.

COL. ANTHONY S. WOODS, who has
been a resident of Long Island City for
many years, has served the city as chief of
police since May, 1871. He obtained his title of
colonel during the late war, when he rendered his
country brave and efficient service. He was born
in New York City, October 3, 1827. His father,
Bernard Woods, was a native of County Armagh,
Ireland, where he was reared to mature years.
On his emigration to America he located in Ne*w
York City, where he was employed by his broth
er-in-law, Owen McAnnally, who was a brewer.
Mr. Woods was agent for him for a number of
years and afterwards represented other breweries
in the same capacity. His death, which occurred
in 1838, was the result of an accident. He was
at that time in his thirty-seventh year, although
his brothers lived to be nearly one hundred years
old. Mrs. Catherine (McAnnally) Woods, mother of
our subject, was also born in County Armagh,
Ireland, and at the time of her demise, in 1854,
was fifty-six years old. She became the mother
of four children, of whom two are now living,
our subject and his brother, Bernard, a resident
of Astoria. The latter served as a member of the
same regiment as the colonel during the Civil
War. As soon as old enough our subject was placed
in St. Mary's parochial school, New York City,
and afterward attended St. Patrick's, in which in
stitution he was one of the pupils of Rev. Thomas
C. Levins. He started out for himself at the early
age of twelve years and for six months was in the
employ of Mr. Armstrong, a furrier of New York.
At the end of that time he became a compositor
' on the "Morning Star," and shortly after severing
his connection with that paper began learning the

harnessmaker's trade, working in the Wilson
Saddlery Company. He became a practical work
man at this business and later was employed in
the same line by George V. Ryerson, the pro
prietor of a fine establishment. Mr. Woods had
up to this time not found an occupation which
exactly suited him, and on leaving the employ
of Mr. Ryerson became associated with James L.
Freeman, manufacturer of iron railings, remain
ing with him for two years. For the following
seven years he worked in the mechanical depart
ment for Day, Newell & Day, manufacturers of
the most reliable bank and house locks in the
state. Mr. Woods severed his connection with the
company in order that he might superintend the
erection of several residences which his mother
was building in East Eleventh Street. In 1853
he was appointed inspector of customs in New
York, and such was the satisfaction he gave to
his superior officers that he was the incumbent
of this position until the outbreak of the late war,
when he resigned in order to offer his services
in defense of the Stars and Stripes. For fifteen
years previous to this time he had been a member
of the National Guard, and with many of his
comrades joined Company A, Eighth New York
Regiment, of which he was commissioned first
lieutenant. At the first tap of the drum they were
placed under marching orders_ and went South to
the field of battle. Lieutenant Woods was pro
moted to be captain of his regiment in 1862 and
was transferred to Company G, which he com
manded until some time the following year, when
he veteranized and returned to Company A, tak
ing his old position as first lieutenant. Soon
thereafter there occurred a spirited fight at Ship-
pensburg, when the captain of the company be
came frightened and deserted his command.
Lieutenant Woods, who was present, was imme
diately made captain and served in this capacity
until the expiration of his term of enlistment,.
when he was mustered out.
In the fall of 1863 Captain Woods joined the
Tenth Regiment, New York National Zouaves,.
of which he was commissioned major by Gover
nor Seymour. On taking his command South
they became part of the Third Brigade, Second
Division, Second Army Corps, under General
Hancock, with which our subject fought until the
close of the war. In January, 1865, while still in
the field, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
by the governor of New York. During his four

406

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years of service he took part in all of the cam
paigns in which the Army of the Potomac was
engaged, among them being the conflict at Oys
ter Point, Gettysburg, the defense of Harrisburg,
after which the regiment marched twenty-one
days to a point where they met and skirmished
with Forrest. Colonel Woods, although on the
field during many hard-fought engagements, was
wounded only once, when he was struck in the
back of the neck by a ball when in front of Pet
ersburg. On his return home after the war the Colonel
engaged in the wholesale paper business in New
York City in company with a Mr. Godwin, the
firm being Godwin & Woods. This venture
proved a losing one and the connection was soon
dissolved. In 1870 Mr. Woods came to Long
Island City and later was appointed city marshal
by Mayor Ditmars. A twelvemonth later he
was made chief of police, which office he has held
ever since with the exception of three years and
eleven months, when he was suspended by Mayor
George Petry, who was on the other side, politi
cally. He remained suspended for the time above
mentioned, during which period he was fighting
the matter in the courts. The case was decided
in his favor and he was reinstated in office. He
has gained the confidence and good will of the
people by his faithful years of service and is re
garded by his large circle of friends and acquaint
ances with the utmost respect. When he took
charge of the department there were but ten of
ficers employed. Now, however, he has under his
control fifty patrolmen, two sergeants and one
captain. It is the intention of the board of police
commissioners at the beginning of the new year
(1896) to enlarge the force to seventy-five .police
men, four sergeants and three captains. Since
1887 he has used the Gamewell police telegraph
and telephone system combined and has police
boxes in different parts of the city. The Colonel
is one of the oldest residents of the city and has
made his home in Pomeroy Street since 1875.
The subject of this sketch was married Novem
ber 25, 1852, to Miss Sarah M. Reynolds, a native
of Dublin, but who at the time of her marriage
was a resident of New York City. She was
reared to womanhood in her native land and came
to America in 1849. Der union with our subject
has been blessed by the birth of eight children.
six of whom are now living. Anthony is an em
ploye in the Long Island Railroad Express Com
pany; Robert is also working for that company;

Arthur is at home; Mary, Mrs. O'Reiley, is en
gaged in teaching school in this city ; Lillian and
Agnes are at home. All of the children, with the
exception of Mary, were educated in the Fourth
Ward School of this place.
The Colonel is a member of Grand Army Post
No. 283, of which he was one of the original mem
bers. For many years he was associated with the
society of the Army of the Potomac, but since
assuming his arduous duties of chief of police he
has had but little time to give to the affairs of
the order, and hence severed his connection with
the same. He is a Catholic in religion and a
member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in
Astoria. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

HON. TOWNSEND D. COCK, who is one
of the most influential and prominent resi
dents of Queens County, makes his home
at the present time in Oyster Bay. He was ap
pointed deputy county treasurer by a special act
of the legislature in consequence of the ill-health
of County Treasurer Hageman, which necessi
tated his taking a trip to the Bermudas. He
served until the expiration of Mr. Hageman's
term, giving to the people the utmost satisfac
tion. In the meantime he assisted in the organi
zation of the Oyster Bay Bank and was chosen
by its directors as president, which office he has
continued to hold ever since.
On a beautiful farm at Locust Valley Town-
send D. Cock was born, December 3, 1838. His
parents were Alfred and Phebe Ann (Townsend)
Cock. The author of the "Townsend Memo
rial," in speaking of the subject of this sketch,
says: "This gentleman is most appropriately
named, being descended, in ten different ways,
from the three Townsend brothers."
The foundation of Mr. Cock's education was
laid in the district school, but later he was a
student in the private school which was origin
ated and maintained so many years by Lot Cor
nelius, a most successful educator of this region.
In 1867 he was chosen supervisor of the town
of Oyster Bay, serving acceptably until April,
1872. In the fall of 1871 the Democratic party of
his district selected him as its candidate for state
senator, to which position he was elected, after
an active and exciting canvass, by a majority
of eight hundred and sixty-eight.

PROF. HERBERT SMITH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

409

The sessions of the senate of which Mr. Cock
was a membeT were memorable ones. The down
fall of the Tweed ring in New York and the devel
opments that led up to the dethronement of this
remarkable combination suggested the necessity
of measures looking to the purification of the
judiciary of the state. The bar association of
the city of New York preferred charges against
some of the judges then on the bench and the
senate was called upon to examine into the truth
of these charges. John H. McCunn, a judge of
the superior court of New York City, was the
first one against whose official conduct charges
were preferred. The governor transmitted these
charges to the senate, with a recommendation
to that body to inquire into the truth. The
result was that the senate after an exhaustive ex
amination found them sustained, and Judge Mc
Cunn was removed.
George G. Barnard, a judge of the supreme
court, was also impeached at this time by the
assembly, and the senate, associated with the
court of appeals, was called upon to try the
charges. The hearing was had at Saratoga; by
a unanimous vote of the court Judge Barnard
was found guilty, and by an almost unanimous
vote he was debarred from ever after holding any
position of honor or trust in the state. This
was the first and only court of impeachment ever
held in the state. H. G. Prindle, judge of Che
nango County, and George M. Curtis, judge of
the marine court of New York, were afterward
tried by the senate, but a majority of that body
voted against their removal.
On the expiration of his senatorial term Mr.
Cock remained in private life until the fall of
1875, when, at the earnest solicitation of the
leaders of the political party of which he is a
member, he accepted the nomination for the as
sembly arid was elected. In 1881, however, when
again urged to fill this office, he very reluctantly
accepted the nomination, and, being the second
time honored with the public confidence, took his
seat in the body that secured for itself historic
prominence in consequence of the senatorial dead
lock occasioned by the feud in the Republican
party, growing out of the course pursued by
Senators Conkling and Piatt in their disagreement
of the action of President Garfield in the appoint
ment of W. H. Robertson as collector of the
port of New York. Mr. Cock was also elected
to the assembly in 1882 and served during the
session as chairman of the committee on com-
15

merce and navigation, and also as a member of
the ways and means committee.
In 1863 our subject was chosen vice-president
of the Queens County Agricultural Society and
was re-elected in 1864 and 1878. The year fol
lowing he was made president of the society
holding that honored office for three years. Mr
Cock has been an industrious contributor to the
leadmg journa]s of the day _nd occ_siona
delivers addresses upon topics pertinent to the
times. The marriage of Mr. Cock with Miss Jane D
Latting occurred October 20, _857. This lady
was born June 9, 1839, in Lattingtown, and was
the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Latting They
have a family of six children, named respectively
Jane D. Cock, Mary F. Price, Annie T. Green
Josephine Coles, Ella P. Nicoll and Edward T
Latting.

PROF. HERBERT SMITH. There are
many who claim, and not without excellent
reason, that the public school system of
the United States surpasses that of any other
country in the world. Certainly it is true that
in no other land are there so many efficient, edu
cated, scholarly young men devoting their atten
tion to the instructing of youth as may be found
in our own country. One of this class is the
subject of our sketch, who holds the responsible
position of principal of the Port Washington pub
lic schools, and who, since coming to this place
has evinced talent of more than ordinary ability
and the possession of those qualities without
which a teacher cannot hope to gain success.
The son of John H. and Mary E. (Smith) Smith,
our subject was born at West Taghkanick, Col
umbia County, N. Y, July 19, 1866. His boyhood
years were spent on the home farm in Columbia
County and he attended the winter terms of the
district schools until seventeen years of age. In
1883 he made up his mind to secure a better edu
cation than the immediate locality afforded, his
object being to fit himself for a professional ca
reer. It was his intention to enter the Normal
School at Albany, and in September of 1884 his
ambition was realized by his admission to that
institution. After eighteen months of study there
he began to teach in Columbia County, and sub
sequently was similarly engaged in Queens Coun
ty, by which means he secured the funds necessary
to the completion of his normal education.

4io

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Meantime, while engaged in teaching, he was
united in marriage, September 26, 1888, with Miss
Frances E. Smith, who was born in New Hyde
park, where she also received her education.
Returning to Albany, Professor Smith resumed
his studies and graduated February 3, 1891.
From that time until the following July he was
employed in a large seed store in Floral Park.
In September of the same year he accepted the
principalship of the Port Washington schools,
and his efficiency is proved by the fact that he
has since been retained in that position. He and
his wife are the parents of a son and daughter,
namely: Martin L, who was born at New Hyde
park, July 2, 1889, and Florence, who was born
in Port Washington, May 24, 1892.
Though brought up in the belief that the Dem
ocratic party contained all that was best and pur
est in politics, Professor Smith has been led to
change his views through a close observation of
the tremendous evils wrought by the liquor pow
er, and he has therefore become a Prohibitionist.
Fraternally he is identified with Seawanhaka
Lodge No. 670, I. O. O. F. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he
holds the office of trustee. At this writing he is
also serving as president of the Epworth League,
assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school,
and town secretary of the Sunday-school Union,
a position which requires him to visit, once a
year, every Sunday-school in North Hempstead
and deliver an address, later reporting the con
dition of the Sunday-school to the union.

ELI E. NELSON. Considerable romance
is attached to the career of this worthy
gentleman, for he has journeyed in many
climes, has seen the ups and downs of life and
was an actor in the stirring times of the gold
excitement of California. He was born in Greene
County, N. Y., February 2, 1828, to Thomas and
Catherine (Bedell) Nelson, and was eight years
of age at the time of his parents' removal to New
York City. His father had been a steamboat
captain on the Hudson River. He was placed in
the public schools of New York, but when he had
reached the age of fourteen years he became a
clerk in a grocery, and thus continued for six
years. Following this he embarked in business
for himself in Brooklyn, near Plymouth Church,
so long presided over by that famous divine,
Henry Ward Beecher. There he continued for

one year, and in February, 1849, sold his stock
of goods. The gold excitement was then at fever
heat and on the 5th of February of that year
he started for the Golden Gate, via the Isthmus
of Panama. He crossed the isthmus with little
difficulty, but was compelled to wait there for
about six weeks for a vessel to convey him the
rest of his journey. One hundred days after
leaving Panama he landed in California, and at
once made for the mines, where he was engaged
in digging gold from June to November. He
met with better success than many and in that
time had accumulated about $5,000 worth of gold
dust. With it he returned East, but after re
maining here six weeks he returned to California,
taking with him a stock of goods, and opened
a store in Sacramento City, which he conducted
for about one year. He then removed to Stock
ton and began ranching, and this business occu
pied his attention up to 1865, when he once more
came East and engaged in contracting and build
ing, in which business he has been more than or
dinarily successful.
Mr. Nelson left valuable property in California,
and this has necessitated his making various trips
to that state, seven in all, since he came East.
His last journey thither was made in 1895 and
took only four days, a marked contrast to the
toilsome overland and water journeys of early
days. On the 23d of June, 1869, Mr. Nelson was
united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Crandall,
at New Baltimore, N. Y., where she was born and
reared, her parents being Lewis and Dorothy
(Brown) Crandall. This union resulted in the
birth of a son and daughter. Henry E., who was
born in New Baltimore, September 10, 1871, is
in the real estate business in New York; he was
educated in the public schools of Brooklyn and
at the Polytechnic. Charlotte V. was also born
at New Baltimore, May 12, 1875; she was edu
cated in Brooklyn and at the Adelphi Academy,
and October 2, 1895, was married from her fath
er's residence in Glencove to William H. Way
of Brooklyn, in which city Mr. Nelson owns con
siderable valuable property, and where he still
conducts his business.
In 1867 Mr. Nelson attended the Paris Expo
sition, after which he made a six months' tour
through Italy, Austria and other countries. He
was in Rome at the time Garibaldi was there and
came very near being arrested as one of his fol
lowers. In 1891 he, his wife, daughter and sister
took another trip to Europe and visited nearly all

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

411

the principal countries. In 1876 he and his son
attended the Philadelphia Exposition, and in 1893
he and all his family spent ten days in Chicago
attending the World's Fair. Being a close ob
server and a man of much practical intelligence,
he has made the most of his opportunities, and
was an intelligent observer of all he saw. Mr.
Nelson was reared a Democrat and cast his first
presidential vote for Buchanan in 1856, but since
the Civil War he has been a Republican. He was
reared a member of the Society of Friends, but
his wife was reared in the faith of the Dutch Re
formed Church. He is a Mason and belongs to
the Society of California Pioneers.

CHARLES W. BRACE, who resides at No.
212 Ninth Avenue, Schuetzen Park, Long
Island City, was born in New York City,
March 29, 1850, being a son of Thomas and Mary
(Warren) Brace, natives respectively of England
and Connecticut. His father, who spent the years
of boyhood and youth in London, belonged to a
well-to-do family and was given excellent educa
tional advantages. When a young man he caifie
to America, intending to return home shortly, but
suffered so much from seasickness on the voyage
that he resolved to remain in the United States.
He secured employment as a baker, but later em
barked in the provision business with a brother-
in-law, S. Warren, continuing until 1857, when
his partner died, and he sold out. His death oc
curred in New York in 1859. A few years after
ward, in 1867, his wife also passed away.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was
Capt. Henry Warren, who belonged to one of the
oldest families of Connecticut and was himself a
loyal and patriotic defender of our national lib
erty. He was a seafaring man and for some
years was engaged in the coasting trade, owning
a number of ships at different times. Our sub
ject was the youngest of four children, of whom
two are deceased. Being the only son, he was
carefully trained for a business career, though
the death of his father, when he was about nine
years of age, deprived him of the wise and affec
tionate counsel he would otherwise have received.
He completed his education in the grammar
school at No. 49 Thirty-seventh Street, and in
1864 entered the employ of Crosby, Ostrander &
Jones. One year later he was apprenticed to the
trade of an ornamental plasterer, in which he soon
became an expert, and before he was twenty-one

held a position as "boss" plasterer. He soon en
tered into business for himself and is now located
at No. 158 East Forty-second Street. Among
the contracts which he has had may be mentioned
the Union League Club, postoffice building, Ex
change Place, Tribune building, Fourteenth
Street Lyceum Theater, Carnegie's Music Hall
and all the public school buildings. In addition
to this he has done considerable important work
in Long Island City.
In 1878 Mr. Brace purchased the property at
No. 212 Ninth Avenue, where he has since resid
ed. He also owns two adjoining residences and
is interested in the Woodlawn addition to New
York. Prior to coming to Long Island City he
married Miss Catherine Knauer, sister of Edward
J. Knauer, an attorney of New York City and
former president of the board of aldermen of
Long Island City. They are the parents of five
children, of whom the eldest, Benjamin F., is in
business with his .father. The others are Juliet
E., Virginia, Louisa and Harvey B. The family
is highly respected socially, and Mrs. Brace is a
member of the Church of the Redeemer, which
the others attend.
Socially Mr. Brace is connected with Advance
Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M.; John Allen Lodge
No. 330, A. O. U. W.; the Boss Plasterers' Union
of New York City, and Lincoln Club, of which he
was a charter member and the first vice-president.
He is interested in public affairs and gives his
support to Republican principles. For years he
has served his party on the general committee of
which he is now the treasurer.

GEORGE D. SMITH, a wealthy business
man of Hempstead, was born in this vil
lage May 9, 1853, and is a son of Latton
Smith, of whom and of whose ancestry mention
is made in the biographical sketch of William H.
S. Smith, the present postmaster at Hempstead.
In the public schools of this place and in a private
school George D. gained a practical education
that fitted him for contact with and success in the
business world. Under his father, who was a
wholesale liquor dealer, he gained a thorough
knowledge of the business, and in 1874, when the
former retired, the son succeeded to the man
agement of the concern, which he has since con
ducted. No citizen of Hempstead takes greater interest
in its progress than does Mr. Smith, who is a large

412

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

property-holder here and has in various ways
contributed to the growth of the place. In poli
tics he has been a prominent factor in shaping
the local destinies of the Democratic party. For
six years he was deputy sheriff of Queens County,
and for the same length of time he has served as
a member of the Democratic central committee
of Queens County, of which body he is now a
prominent member. He is also rendering effi
cient service on the village board of trustees.
All local enterprises, if calculated to promote
the welfare of the people, have the sympathy and
co-operation of Mr. Smith. He is at present vice-
president of the Hempstead Gas Company. In
the organization of the First National Bank he
was a prime mover, and has since been a stock
holder in the institution. He is also a member of
the Mutual Benefit Association. Socially he is
identified with the Shield of Honor. In June,
1879, he married Georgetta, oldest daughter of
George A. Mott of Brooklyn, a large property-
holder in Hempstead. They are the parents of
three children, namely: George D., a boy of six
teen, who is a clerk in the postoffice under his
uncle ; Robert, who is thirteen, and Hilda, a bright
child of five years.

DAVID J. FELIO. The old saying that
"The child is father of the man" has been
verified on numerous occasions time out
of mind, and it is eminently true in the case of
David J. Felio, for in his youth he was an ener
getic, ambitious and pushing lad, and these most
worthy traits have not deserted him in his man
hood. On the other hand, they have rather been
intensified, and as an illustration of the success
which is but the sequence of these qualities it
is but necessary to glance over the facts con
nected with his business life. He is a native of
Port Douglas, Essex County, and there first saw
the light of day, March 4, 1854. He and his
brothers, Moses of Rockaway Beach, and Peter
of Salt Lake City, are the only survivors of the
nine children of Joseph and Flora (Labear) Felio,
who died at the ages of sixty-nine and thirty-
three respectively. His home continued to be in
Essex County until April 12, 1870, when his ambi
tion and enterprise led him to start out to fight
life's battles for himself.
Securing employment on a steamboat running
on Lake Champlain (which Essex County bor
dered), after a time Mr. Felio was appointed

steward, in which capacity he continued until
1875. De then went to New York City and se
cured work in one of the old and popular sport
ing houses there, located at the corner of Broad
way and Twenty-eighth Street. Remaining in
that place until 1878, he then became an employe
in a hotel at Rockaway Beach, where he remained
until 1889.
By that time Mr. Felio had secured sufficient
means to purchase several lots, and on that prop
erty he erected a commodious hotel, which had a
depth of one hundred feet and a frontage of
eighty-six feet in Seaside Avenue. Unfortu
nately, this building was wiped out by fire in
1892, entailing a loss of $17,000 upon him. Un
daunted by this catastrophe, he plunged at once
into the work of re-building, and his present fine
house, known as the New York Hotel, is the
result. It contains fifty-seven rooms, all com
fortable and commodious, and a competent corps
of servants contribute to the comfort of the
guests. Mr. Felio is a model landlord, attentive,
courteous and accommodating, and has an effi
cient assistant in his wife, whose maiden name
was Elizabeth Maher, and whom he married in
1877. Mr. Felio has been interested in the progress
and improvement of Rockaway Beach. Since
it was organized he has served in the fire depart
ment, of which at one time he was assistant chief,
and in the fall of 1895 was elected chief, the office
he now holds. In 1894 he organized the Seaside
Engine Company. He is also a member of the
board of representatives and treasurer of the en
gine and hose company. Politically a Democrat,
he is chairman of the Democratic Association of
the Twenty-first District, town of Hempstead.
By a unanimous vote he was elected president
of the Seaside Protective Business Men's Asso
ciation of Rockaway Beach, and socially he is
commander of Oceanic Council No. 1256, Ameri
can Legion of Honor.

GUSTAVUS ODHOLM, foreman of the
machine shop of the India Rubber Comb
Company at College Point, was born in
Osterjotland, Sweden, in 1824, and is next to the
eldest among the five children of Nathaniel and
Maria (Lorson) Odholm. His parents were na
tives of the same place as himself, where his father
followed the trade of a carriage manufacturer
until his death. From boyhood he assisted in

J. LAWRENCE WOOD.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

415

the factory, his educational advantages being very
limited. At the age of eighteen he was appren
ticed to learn the manufacture of surgical instru
ments in Stockholm, where he remained until
twenty-three years of age. One year was then
spent in Gottenburg, after which, in 1850, he took
passage on the sailing vessel "Dorothea" for
America, reaching New York after a voyage of
nine weeks.
The first employment secured by Mr. Odholm
was in the manufacture of surgical instruments,
after which he worked at the machinist's trade in
Bridgeport, Conn. On three different occasions
he was sent to Central America with the Panama
Railroad Company as machinist, spending about
two y-ears altogether in that country. He spent
one year in Waterbury, Conn., where he was em
ployed at the machinist's trade, and later went to
Hartford, where he was foreman in the machine
department of the National Screw Company from
1867 to 1880. During May of the last-named
year he came to College Point, and has since been
foreman of the machine shop of the India Rub
ber Comb Company. The shop is a large one, fif
teen men being under his direction, and the effi
cient manner in which he has discharged every
duty has brought him the commendation of the
company. The first marriage of Mr. Odholm took place in
Bridgeport, Conn., his wife being Jane E. Bron
son, who died in Hartford. Of the five children
born to this union none are now living. His sec
ond wife bore the name of Mrs. Henrietta Par-
melee and was born in Massachusetts. They and
their daughter, May Belle, reside on the corner of
First Avenue and Tenth Street. Socially Mr. Od
holm is connected with Anchor Lodge of the
Masonic order, and in politics he is a Republican.
He is connected with the Reformed Church, in
which he has served as deacon.

JACOB LAWRENCE WOOD enjoys the
distinction of being the oldest surviving
settler of the village of Lawrence, where he
has resided since April 2, 1835, and where he still
follows the carpenter's trade. He is a descendant
in the fourth generation from James Wood, a na
tive of England, who emigrated to this country
and settled at Christian Hook, L. I. In those
days life on the island was radically different from
the present day. Indians were numerous and
savage, and to protect himself from an unexpect

ed and sudden assault, this pioneer was in the
habit of carrying his flint lock gun on his shoul
der wherever he went, the weapon being his com
panion even when he went to church. From him
the Wood family of America is descended.
Next in line of descent was Elijah Wood, our
subject's great-grandfather, who was born No
vember 29, 1736. Following him was Grandfath
er James Wood, a native of Long Island, and a
farmer by occupation. The father, Samuel Wood,
was born at the Hook, and remained there
throughout his entire life, following the occupa
tions of farmer and bayman; he married Anna,
daughter of Jacob Lawrence, who was born on
the old Lawrence estate in Flushing, moved to
the Hook in early manhood and afterward be
came the founder of the village of Lawrence. In
descent he traces his lineage to England.
Six children comprised the family of Samuel
and Anna Wood, namely: James, Jacob L., El-
dred, Abram, Elijah and Martha Jane, of whom
the only survivor is the subject of this notice. He
was born at Baldwin, Queens County, April 2,
1822, and on the thirteenth anniversary of his
birth moved thence to Lawrence, where he has
since resided. His educational advantages were
exceedingly limited, as the schools of that day
were very inferior in quality, but through read
ing and observation he has become well informed.
At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to the
carpenter's trade at Brooklyn, and after three
years returned to Lawrence, where he has since
engaged in business. He erected the Episcopal
and Presbyterian churches at Far Rockaway, as
well as many of the business houses and private
residences of Lawrence. For some years he has
had his son as a partner, the firm name being
Wood & Son.
By his marriage to Margaret Scott, who was
born in New York City, Mr. Wood has seven
children. The eldest, Mary H., is the wife of
Fred Wormsor, of Inwood, and has four children,
Lawrence, Isaac, Minnie and Monroe. Hannah,
who is the wife of Maurice Rhinehart, of Inwood,
has five children, Benjamin, George Milton, John,
William Scott, and Cora. John Jacob, who is
his father's partner in business, married Henrietta
Bishop, of Moriches, and'they have a daughter,
Mattie. Margaret Emma is the wife of Frank
W. Salover and their family consists of three
children, Mena, Frank and Margaret Scott. Will
iam married Lila Corquit, of Philadelphia; Alma
B. is with her parents; and Benjamin Hatfield

416

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chose as his wife Miss Gertrude Lockhart, by
whom he has a son, Lawrence.
It has always been the aim of Mr. Wood to lead
a consistent Christian life, carrying out the prin
ciples of his faith in the practical matters of every
day existence. He is a devoted member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has
contributed of his time and means as opportunity
presented. Socially he is a Mason. In the ear
lier days he adhered to Democratic principles, but
the outbreak of the rebellion caused a revolution
in his opinions and since the administration of
President Lincoln he has been a stanch Repub
lican.

M'

RS. EMMA PLATTE, proprietor of the
largest dyeing establishment in College
Point, was born in Gorlitz, Silesia, to
Louis and Maria (Wende) Zeidler, also natives
of that place. Her father, who was a forester of
the royal forests and an army officer, died in Ger
many at the age of forty-two, in 1877. Her grand
father, Heinrich Zeidler, was also a forester, while
her maternal grandfather, Christian Wende, was
a carpenter and builder and took part in the Pol
ish Revolution of 1830. His wife was Elenora
Hohne, both being members of influential Pro
testant families. Mrs. Maria Zeidler makes her
home with Mrs. Platte, having resided here since
1890. Her three children are: Emma; Paul, a
forester in the royal forests and an acquaintance
of the Emperor; and Tillie, who died in College
Point. After her first marriage, which united her with
August Gerlach, our subject started a dyeing es
tablishment near Gorlitz, which she continued
until a flood in 1879 mined the business. Her
husband, who was born in Germany in 1850,
learned the dyer's trade in youth and was a man
of great industry and excellent judgment. For
a time he served in the German army. His par
ents, Frederick and Susanna (Laroche) Gerlach,
were natives respectively of Germany and France.
In 1878 he married Miss Zeidler, and in 1880 they
came to America, settling in Jersey City Heights,
but after six months, in the fall of 1880, they set
tled in College Point, where he worked at his
trade. In 1886 he started a dyeing establishment
in a small way, and the following year put in a
steam boiler, later adding an engine. He built the
trade up until at the time of his death, in January,
1890, the business had assumed large propor

tions. Socially he was identified with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and a number of sing
ing societies.
After the death of Mr. Gerlach our subject con
tinued the business, and since 1893 the firm has
been known as A. Gerlach & Co. In November
of that year Mrs. Gerlach married August Platte,
a practical dyer. Mr. Platte's brother, Adolph
Platte, is also a member of the firm and is super
intendent of the works.
The building is 60x100 feet in dimensions, and
a portion of it is two stories in height. The es
tablishment is the largest of the kind in the vil
lage, and all kinds of woolen and cotton yarns
are dyed the various colors. Mrs. Platte is a
woman of excellent business capacity and has
made a success of the enterprise in which she is
engaged. Her four children by her first husband
are named Arthur, Elsie, Paul Z. and Lillie Ger
lach. Her second husband, to whom she was
united in College Point, was born in Germany,
and in 1883 came to America. After spending a
short time in Detroit, New York City and Al
bany, he came to this village, where he has since
resided. He is a practical chemist and dyer and
is now connected with a New York house in that
capacity.

THOMAS W. ALBERTSON was born Au
gust 14, 1857, in the house where he now
resides. This place, which has been his
only home throughout life, contains one hun
dred and ten acres and is situated in Mineola,
town of North Hempstead. The property for
merly belonged to his father, Thomas W., Sr.,
who was born at Roslyn, March 26, 1813, and
became an agriculturist upon choosing a life oc
cupation. May 30, 1846, he married Harriet,
daughter of Hewlett Townsend, who owned and
occupied the farm on which now stands the Glen-
head depot, in the town of Oyster Bay. The
place owned by our subject was purchased by his
grandfather, Benjamin Albertson, and has since
been in possession of the family.
The boyhood days of our subject were passed
on the home place and in attendance at the dis
trict school, after which he attended a private
school in New Jersey. When he was sixteen his
father died and he took charge of the home place,
which he purchased as soon as he arrived at his
majority. His attention has been devoted prin
cipally to farming and market gardening.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

417

At Jamaica, September 28, 1878, Mr. Albert-
son married Anna, daughter of Martin J. and
Elizabeth (Van Alst) Duryea. She was born in
Jamaica, where her father was a prominent citi
zen and supervisor for many years. With Mr. and
Mrs. Albertson resides his mother, who was born
September 28, 1820, and who, in spite of ad
vanced years, retains full possession of her mental
faculties. She is the mother of four children:
Townsend, a farmer at Albertson Station; Alice,
wife of Benjamin D. Hicks of Old Westbury;
Ethelena, who married Dr. Joseph H. Bogart of
Roslyn; and Thomas W., our subject.
In the organization of the Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1, Mr. Albertson took a leading
part and was one of its charter members; he was
at one time its foreman and for the last seven
years has been treasurer. Politically he is a Re
publican. He and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church of Hempstead, in which he
has been a trustee for several years. Prior to that
he was for some time a trustee of the Union
Church of Mineola. Socially he is identified with
Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn,
and the encampment at Mineola, of which *he
was a charter member. In the order he has filled
all the chairs and now holds the office of treas
urer. In Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., at
Hempstead, he is is now senior warden, and has
filled all the minor offices. For several years he
has been a director of the Roslyn Savings Bank.
Interested in educational affairs, he has since 1893
held the office of trustee of School District No. 10,
North Hempstead, and has aided the interests
of the public school in every way possible.

THOMAS D. SMITH, one of the repre
sentative citizens of Bellmore, is a man
of enterprise and influence in his com
munity. He was born here July 24, 1845, and is
the son of Thomas S. and Esther (Baldwin)
Smith, natives of East Meadow, where they were
content to pass their entire lives.
The father of our subject when quite young
learned the trade of a wheelwright, which occu
pation he followed for many years. On account
of ill-health, however, he was obliged to aban
don this industry and engaged in the free and
outdoor life of a farmer. He devoted his time
mostly to raising garden stuffs and was thus oc
cupied until retiring from business of any kind,
which he did several years prior to his decease,

which occurred in 1892. He in turn was the
son of Moses Smith, the son of Zebulon
Smith. The latter was the son of one Ben
jamin Smith, who it is thought established
this branch of the family in America, coming
hither from England. Esther Smith, the mother
of our subject, preceded her husband to the land
beyond by several years. She was a most worthy
and estimable lady and greatly assisted her hus
band in acquiring a competence, which support
ed them in comfort during their last years.
After attending the district schools, Mr.
Smith entered the Hempstead Academy, which
was then conducted by James J. Matthews, for
whom he retains the greatest respect. Our sub
ject was a great student, and in the Hempstead
school was awarded the first premium on a full
course. Professor Matthews was a civil engi
neer, and after studying with him for a time, our
subject completed his education in this science
under J. D. Cornelius, who was among the lead
ing scientists of the state.
For eight or ten years following Mr. Smith was
engaged in teaching, during his vacations, how
ever, taking up surveying. At the expiration of
that time he turned his attention wholly to civil
engineering, which profession he has been en
gaged in ever since. He deserves great credit for
his zealous and disinterested efforts in sustain
ing many enterprises of importance in his com
munity and he commands the entire confidence
and respect of its citizens. In 1879 he was elected
justice of the peace and so ably did he discharge
the duties of the office that he was retained in
charge for a period of twelve years. In 1891 he
was elected supervisor of his town and under his
administration the first macadam road of the town
was built, which was six miles in length.
July 16, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Smith with Miss Susan C. Green, the daughter
of John T. and Melinda Green of Washington
Square, town of Hempstead. Their union has
been blessed by the birth of three children, of
whom those living are Townsend Green and
Grace W. Fraternally our subject is a member of
the Masonic fraternity and the order of Odd Fel
lows. In politics he is a stanch supporter of Re
publican principles and candidates.
Mr. Smith stands very high among the pro
fessional men of the county, and in 1885 was ap
pointed engineer with Isaac Coles to establish the
town line between the towns of Hempstead and
Oyster Bay. He was also assistant engineer dur-

4i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing the construction of the Long Island Rail
road from Patchogue to Moriches. He was town
engineer for the building of the macadam roads,
also the steel and iron draw bridge over Nor
ton's Creek at Far Rockaway, which is conceded
by all to be one of the finest structures of the kind
in the county. Mr. Smith is a director in the
Freeport Bank and is likewise stockholder in the
Freeport Land Company. He has acquired a
competence and influence in the community by
his native characteristics of industry and perse
verance in whatever he undertakes.

LOUIS T. WALTER, SR. Far Rockaway
ranks deservedly high as a commercial cen
ter, and prominent among its resources is
the trade carried on in coal, wood, hay, straw,
feed, brick and all kinds of building material.
Identified with this, and deserving more than or
dinary notice, is Louis T. Walter, Sr., who repre
sents the business interests of this portion of the
island in a very able and efficient manner, and
who for six years has conducted his flourishing
business. In a social as well as a business point
of view few men have attained the prominence in
Queens County that is enjoyed by Mr. Walter,
who is courteous and pleasant in all his relations
with the public.
Born in Hungary, February 27, 1840, Mr. Wal
ter came to this country when about twenty-three
years old and landed in Hoboken, N. J. The
first two years of his residence here he did not en
gage in business, but after that he opened a cigar
store at Hoboken, which he continued to operate
for a year and a half. From there he went to the
city of New York, and after continuing the same
business there for about twenty years sold out and
came to Far Rockaway, where he has made his
home for the most part since. When he came to
this section he had considerable money, which he
invested in real estate. He bought what is known
as the Plum estate, which comprised thirty-four
and a half acres, and paid for it $50,000. Soon
afterward he thought there would not be so much
advance as his judgment had indicated and he
sold this valuable tract to S. B. Allhouse, Jr., for
$65,000. One year later the latter sold the same
for $175,000.
Our subject has speculated some in real estate.
His present home place in Central Avenue cost
him originally $1,800, but after making some im
provements it is now worth about $20,000. Our

subject is a natural lover of horseflesh and for
some time was engaged in the livery business,
buying and selling horses, which he had pur
chased in Canada and elsewhere. He is also en
gaged in the coal and wood business and has met
with a fair share of success in this line.
Mr. Walter is a man of more than ordinary in
telligence, having obtained, in addition to a thor
ough education in his native country, a complete
knowledge of men and affairs in his contact with
the world. When he came to this country he was
a fluent speaker in five different languages and
was well informed on all subjects. In The year
1867 he married Miss Emma Smith, a native of
New York, and of the seven children born to this
union four are now living: Louis, with his father,
is commissioner of public works; Jennie is the
next in order; Alfred is a salesman in a carriage
factory in Chicago; and Ella is at home. In his po
litical views Mr. Walter is a stanch advocate of Re
publican principles, and in religion is a Protestant.
He is a successful and farseeing man of business,
and in the accumulation of worldly goods has
been successful.

JOHN D. MacPHERSON, M. D. To those
who wish to make a success in any busi
ness calling or profession, the most
thorough preparation is absolutely necessary.
Especially is this true of the medical pro
fession. The day has gone by when a "quack"
of great pretensions but no learning or theoretical
knowledge can successfully cope with the grow
ing demands of the science, which call for the
most careful study and training on the part of its
followers. It may with justice be said of Dr. Mac-
Pherson that he has prepared himself conscien
tiously and earnestly for his professional work,
having spared neither time nor pains in the ac
quirement of knowledge.
Since 1891 Dr. MacPherson has been a resi
dent physician at College Point, to which place
he came from New York, his native city. He was
born July 2, i860, and was given splendid educa
tional advantages in youth, attending the Uni
versity of New York, from which he graduated in
1887. For one and one-half years he was physi
cian in the Newark City Hospital, after which, de
siring to perfect himself in his profession, he went
to Germany and carried on his studies there for
one year under the best instructors. On his re
turn to New York he was for two years con-

WILLIAM W. GILLEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

421

nected with the surgical clinics in the Presby
terian Hospital, where he perfected himself in
surgery. On coming to College Point, he bought
out the practice of a physician and has since en
gaged in practice here.
In addition to his general practice Dr. Mac-
Pherson is physician to the Order of Foresters
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and
is also examiner for several first-class insurance
companies. He is interested in everything per
taining to his profession and is identified with the
New York Mutual Aid Association. In religious
belief he is a member of the Dutch Reformed
Church. He and his wife, who was formerly Miss
Esther Smith, have two children, named Dorothy
and Ronold.

WILLIAM W. GILLEN, a prominent
lawyer of Queens County, was born in
the city of New York, January 24, 1853.
His father, Francis Gillen, was also a native of
that city, where he was engaged in the forwarding
business. His mother was a member of one of
the oldest families of Long Island, her ancestors
having emigrated from England in the early part
of the seventeenth century. One of these ances
tors, a Mr. Messenger, was engaged in the con
struction of the old Presbyterian Church in Ja
maica, which was the first church edifice built by
that denomination in America. Mrs. Gillen,
whose maiden name was Mary Row, is still living
and resides in Brooklyn.
After the death of his father Mr. Gillen made
his home with his uncle, Henry W. Rowland,
afterwards supervisor of the town of Jamaica, in
which town he received his education, graduating
from the high school. In 1871, and for a period
of five years thereafter, he was employed in his
uncle's store at Queens, thus acquiring a prac
tical and valuable knowledge of mercantile life.
During the year 1876 he secured a position in the
Queens County surrogate's office, of which office
the late Alexander Hayner was then, and for sev
eral years afterward, the incumbent, and under
the preceptorship of that well-known and eminent
jurist he entered upon the study of the law and
was admitted to the bar in the year 1879.
For twenty consecutive years, and under both
Republican and Democratic administrations, Mr.
Gillen has been connected with the surrogate's
office, and since 1885 has been the chief clerk, a
position which he still holds. Although a con

sistent Republican, his conceded experience and
ability, together with his accurate knowledge of
the theory and practice of the law relating to the
business of the court, have merited and received
the appreciation of surrogates of both political
faiths and have made his retention desirable and
of great value to his official superiors as well as to
the people of the county. He is also highly es
teemed by the general public, with whom he
comes into daily personal contact quite as much
as, if not more than, any public official, and his
popularity with all classes of citizens is well
known. Mr. Gillen is a stockholder and director of the
Bank of Jamaica, and a trustee of the Jamaica
Savings Bank. Besides occupying these and
other positions of trust and responsibility he is
also closely identified with various important lo
cal interests. As a lawyer he ranks among the
best in the county. Careful and painstaking, well-
grounded in the principles of the law, and loyal
to the interests of his clients, he has been conspic
uously successful in the practice of his chosen
profession. He makes no specialties, but is a
strong general practitioner, presenting his cases
with directness and ability before both court and
jury. May 4, 1880, Mr. Gillen married Miss Isabelle
Cary, a member of one of the oldest and best-
known families in Jamaica. They are the parents
of one child, Gwendolin Palmer. Mr. Gillen be
longs to no secret societies, but spends his leisure
time chiefly with his family, to whom he is de
voted. He may, however, be occasionally seen
for an hour or two in the early evening at the
Jamaica Club, of which he is a member.

WILLIAM H. JONES. Among the
worthy and respected residents of
Rockville Center is this worthy gen
tleman, who comes from one of the old families
of the island. The greater part of his life has been
spent in business in the city of Brooklyn, al
though he located upon his beautiful estate in this
place in 1883, having purchased it the previous
year. He has met with a flattering measure of
success in his various occupations and is now en
abled to live in ease and comfort and enjoy the
good things of this life.
Mr. Jones was born at Brooklyn in 1841, and
is the son of Elbert and Mary J. (Seaman) Jones,
also natives of the island, where they spent their

422

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

entire lives. The father embarked in life as an
agriculturist and met with fair success in the
prosecution of his work. He departed this life
when our subject was a child and was followed to
the land beyond by his wife three years later.
Being thus doubly orphaned when young, Wil
liam H. made his home near the old place with his
grandparents until eighteen years of age, during
which time he attended the district school and
became well informed. He then began to work
for his uncle in the flour and feed business in
Brooklyn, in which venture they were successful
far beyond their expectations. Subsequently Mr.
Jones embarked in the coal and wood business,
carrying on this industry for a period of twenty-
six years, only disposing of it in 1895 when he re
tired. His enterprising methods, combined with
shrewdness and good judgment, placed him on
the road to success and gained for him an honor
able reputation. As before stated, he has made
his home in this place since 1883, and is well and
favorably known.
The marriage of Mr. Jones with Miss Alma,
daughter of Benjamin and Jemima Seaman, oc
curred in 1861. Of the children born to them
five survive, namely: Mary Emma; Edith, the
wife of Clarence D. Davison; Alice, the wife of
Winfield Davison; Elbert B. and Townsend S.
During their residence in Brooklyn Mr. and Mrs.
Jones united with the Congregational Church. In
politics the former is a stanch Republican.

ISAAC ELBERT BRINKERHOFF, former
ly one of the well-to-do and progressive agri
culturists of Queens County, was born on the
farm where his family still reside, November 13,
1835. His parents were Daniel and Phebe (Bo-
gart) Brinkerhoff, also tillers of the soil. Isaac
E., like most of the lads of his day and commun
ity, acquired his education in the district school,
after which he gave his entire attention to as
sisting his father to carry on the home place un
til his marriage in February, 1863, which united
him with Miss Agnes L. Woodhull, who was born
at Wading River, Suffolk County. Her parents
were Egbert B. and Angeline W. (Edwards)
Woodhull, widely and favorably known in the
eastern portion of the island.
After his marriage our subject continued to
make his home on the old homestead, which he
inherited on the death of his father. This he
worked after the most approved methods and

the result of each gear's labor was exceedingly
satisfactory. Having been reared to a full un
derstanding of farming he was thoroughly quali
fied to take charge of the place when it was nec-
cessary to make a change, and to this industry
he gave his entire time and attention until he
too was called to the land beyond.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brinkerhoff there were born
four children, of whom three are now living, Ab
ram S., Elbert B. and Eloise Freeman. In politics
our subject was independent and would not al
low himself to be tied to any particular party, al
though he rather inclined toward the principles
advocated by the Republican party. He was a true
Christian gentleman and at the time of his de
cease, in April, 1891, was a working member of
the Reformed Church, with which he had been
identified for many years.
It will doubtless be of interest to the reader to
learn something regarding the Brinkerhoff fam
ily, which is one of the oldest and most influential
on the island. The first account we have is of one
Joris Brinkerhoff and his son Abram Joris and
grandson, also bearing the given name of Joris,
who came to America in 1638 from Flushing,
Holland. The last-named was the father of Hen-
drick, who in turn was the father of Joris, the
father of Daniel, the father of Hendrick, the
father of Jacob, the father of Daniel, who was the
father of Isaac, of this sketch.
Joris Brinkerhoff, the first-named, was the
father of three sons and one daughter. Abram,
the eldest of his household, was born in 1632,
and May 20, 1660, he was married to Antye
Striker and to them were born three sons. Of
these Abraham (second) settled at Newtown, L.
I.; Hendrick made his home in Hackensack, N.
J.; and Derick was murdered by the Indians while
on Grovers Island. It is from the eldest son that
the Brinkerhoffs on Long Island are descended,
also those of this name living in Dutchess County,
N. Y. Joris, the eldest son of Abraham (second),
was born in 1664. He married Antye Striker,
whose birth occurred August 19, 1665. To them
was born a family of ten children, of whom Hen-,
drick was born January 2, 1709. He married
Lametia Rapelye and became the father of eight
children, of whom his eldest, Daniel, was born
October 26, 1734. He chose Miss Ann Montfort
for his wife and they were married April 3, 1756.
This lady was born July 3, 1732. Their union
was blessed by the birth of nine children, of whom
Jacob was born August 27, 1766, and April 28,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

423

1793, he married Miss Anatje Brinkerhoff, whose
birth occurred February 7, 1772. To them were
granted four children, of whom Daniel, born
January 24, 1799, married Phebe Bogart, March
11, 1829. They had two children, the elder of
whom, Phebe Ann, married Hobart Woolley, and
the other was Isaac of this history.

JUSTUS O. LINKLETTER, a most highly
respected resident of Manhasset, was born
near Almond, Allegany County, N. Y., June
29, 1839. His parents were John and Sarah (On
derdonk) Linkletter, the former of whom was a
native of Steuben County, this state.- He was a
prosperous farmer, and when our subject was a
lad of six years he moved to Nunda, Livingston
County, in order that he might provide him with
better advantages for obtaining an education.
After several years' attendance at the public
schools, Justus O. entered Nunda Institute at
twelve years of age, and after completing the
course there became a student in Eastman's
Business College at Rochester, from which he
was graduated.
When his school days were over our subject be
gan clerking in a drug store, holding a good posi
tion until about the year 1862, when he resigned
and went to Chicago, where he was clerk for a
Mr. McPherson in the drug trade for three years,
when he was taken in as partner. After they had
continued together for about eight years our sub
ject embarked in the wholesale drug business
with Tolman & King, remaining thus engaged
until October, 1871, when he was burned out by
the great fire of that year. Upon making an in
voice of his possessions after that calamity befell
him, he found that he had but $25. With this he
paid his way out of the city and located in Cairo,
111., where he was engaged as clerk and book
keeper in a wholesale drug house for a time. In
the meantime his father had moved to Barry
County, Mich., and after a visit there he, in 1876,
returned 'East and was married to Miss Annie B.
Onderdonk, with whom he had been in corre
spondence for about three years. He had never
met this lady, but having been thrown in the
company of one bearing the same name in Gales-
burg, 111., and as his mother was also an Onder
donk, he wrote to the lady of Long Island and
their acquaintance finally ripened into love and
they were married. The young couple then went
West, and after a few months were induced to re

turn to the island by the relatives of Mrs. Linklet
ter. They finally located at North Hempstead,
where our subject has made his home ever since.
Five years prior to the death of Mrs. Linkletter,
which occurred February 7, 1885, she became the
mother of a son, George, who is an active and
businesslike young man and gives every prom
ise of making a name for himself in the business
world. The lady to whom our subject chose for
his second companion was Miss Catherine E. On
derdonk, a sister of his first wife, and they were
married in 1887.
In politics Mr. Linkletter is a Republican, cast
ing his first presidential vote in i860 for Lincoln.
Of the Onderdonk family there were the tra
ditional three brothers who came to America
from Holland, one settling on Long Island, one
in New York City, and the third in Rockland
County. Our subject's grandfather, George Link-
letter, who was of Scotch descent, was a native of
Orange County, this state, and later became a
resident of Steuben County, where he was active
ly and prosperously engaged in farming.

SIGMUND WARSHING. No professional
or commercial pursuits afford better oppor
tunities to men of ability and enterprise
than those embodied in real estate and fire insur
ance, a notable example of advancement in this
direction being illustrated in the record of Mr.
Warshing, a real estate agent, notary public and
general insurance agent at Arverne. Mr. Warsh
ing has been a resident of this thriving place since
1887, and although but a short time in his pres
ent business has succeeded in a larger measure
than many old and long practicing concerns. He
erected his present house in Arverne when the
section contained few houses, and came to this
place from New York City, where he was a real
estate broker.
Mr. Warshing was born May 28, 1843, in New
York City, and received excellent educational ad
vantages. His father, who was a successful mer
chant of New York City, came to this country
from Bavaria in the same ship that brought John
Jacob Astor. He died in Norwalk, Conn., where
he had a lovely summer residence, when seven
ty-one years old. His wife, formerly Miss Ella
Bachmann of Bavaria, died when seventy-seven
years old. Two of their five children are now liv
ing. Our subject, the younger of the two, first
began his career as a real estate agent in New

424

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

York City in the year 1880. He built up a good
business, but on account of ill-health he came to
Long Island, and here he has remained for the
most part since. He now enjoys excellent health
and has met with the best of success in his various
enterprises. Mr. Warshing was married in New York City
to Miss Maria Peck, who is of Scotch-Irish ori
gin, and they have one child, Ella Madelaine, who
was named after her two grandmothers and is a
bright and attractive little girl. In politics Mr.
Warshing is a Democrat. He is not a speculator,
but a legitimate, first-class real estate dealer, and
if he finds a good bargain he offers it to his clients
and does not buy it himself for speculation. He is
a thorough gentleman and can be depended on.

AUGUST BORGES, junior member of the
firm of Borges Brothers, and one of the
well-known business men of Woodside,
was born in New York City, June 16, 1856. At
the age of twenty-two, having previously learned
the butcher's trade, he established himself in busi
ness at No. 555 Greenwich Street and this enter
prise he carried on for some four years. On dis
posing of that place, he became a member of the
firm of Borges Brothers at Woodside.
In 1886 Mr. Borges was united in marriage
with Miss Lena Pabst of New York City. Six
children were born of their union, of whom all but
one are living. They are William, Frank, Louisa,
Genevieve and Dorothy. While not an active par
tisan, Mr. Borges always votes the Democratic
ticket. In religion he is a Catholic and belongs
to the Catholic League of Astoria.

HENRY J. BORGES of the firm of Borges
Brothers, grocers and meat dealers at
Woodside, was born in New York City,
March 18, 1854, and is a son of Frank and Minnie
(Schnelle) Borges, whose eight children, four
sons and four daughters, are all living. His
father, a native of Germany, learned the trade of
a tailor in his native land, and on coming to
America at the age of twenty-eight years found
employment at his chosen occupation. Later, on
account of trouble with his hands, he was com
pelled to abandon work at the trade. After a
short period of work in the New York market, he
embarked in the market and produce business for
himself, and this he carried on until, years later,

he turned the management of affairs over to his
sons, retiring from active participation in busi
ness matters.
After having for some years attended the pub
lic schools of New York City, our subject, at the
age of about eighteen, became a partner in his
father's establishment, the firm name being Frank
Borges & Son. After some five years of success
ful work, with our subject as the business man
ager, they disposed of the place at a fair profit.
Mr. Borges then formed a partnership with his
father-in-law under the firm title of Borges & Tie-
mann and in 1877 opened his present quarters.
Six years later Mr. Tiemann withdrew from the
firm and shortly afterward our subject's brother
August was taken into partnership, the firm be
coming Borges Brothers. Since that time the
house has become one of the leading grocery
stores and meat markets in this section, this suc
cess being due to the fact that the members of the
firm are thoroughly wideawake and progressive
merchants. February 11, 1877, Mr. Borges married Miss
Margaret Tiemann, and eight children were born
of the union, of whom the following five sur
vive: Louisa, an accomplished young lady who
graduated with high honors from the Woodside
school; Henry T., August, Mary and Joseph. Po
litically Mr. Borges is a Democrat and in relig
ious views a Catholic. Since 1892 he has been
treasurer of the school board and he has always
been a stanch friend to liberal education.

HUGO KIRCHNER. That enterprise,
push, industry and determination neces
sary to a successful career in any business
are possessed in an eminent degree by the subject
of this sketch, whose high reputation and wide ac-
quintance in business circles stamp him as a gen
tleman with whom business relations must be
profitable and pleasant to all concerned. He is
the proprietor of a modern bakery, located on the
corner of Seventh Avenue and Fifteenth Street,
College Point, and aside from keeping on hand
a large stock of fresh bread, cake and pies, he re
ceives special orders for fancy baking for wed
dings, parties,' etc. Mr. Kirchner has mastered
every detail of this business, which he has con
ducted for nine years in College Point, and for
a decade prior to coming hither he was in the
same business in New York City.
Our subject is of German birth and parentage.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

425

He was born September 6, i860, to Otto and An-
istenia Kirchner, also natives of the Fatherland,
where the former was a tailor by trade. There
Hugo received a good education and lived until
a lad of sixteen years, when he bade farewell to
his relatives and friends and embarked on a vessel
which was bound for the shores of the New
World. He did not loiter long after landing in
this country, but the following day went to work
for a baker. Finding this a pleasant occupation
he deoided to learn the business.
Mr. Kirchner was married October 12, 1884,
to Miss Katie Schneider of College Point, who
survived her marriage seven years. Our subject
chose as his second companion Lizzie Wilhelm,
who was born in Germany. By his first union Mr.
Kirchner became the father of a son, Henry, who
is now his assistant in the bakery. Of his second
marriage there were born two sons, Arthur and
Fritz. In politics he is a true blue Republican,
but has given his attention so entirely to his busi
ness that he has never desired or had time to
hold office. In religious affairs he and his wife are
regular attendants and members of the Lutheran
Church, which he supports with liberal contribu
tions.

1873, the homestead was sold and the same year
he began to drive a market wagon for his brother,
continuing in that way for a year, after which he
was employed as a gardener for a similar period.
For six years after his marriage he engaged in
fishing, but the enterprise did not prove pecuni
arily profitable and he turned his attention in
another direction. For a few years he clerked in
Mr. Hayden's store, and then moved to the place
where he now makes his home. Interested in
public affairs, he was so anxious to vote for John
C. Fremont for President in 1856 that he cast his
ballot before he was twenty-one. Since then he
has voted for each succeeding Republican candi
date. At one time he filled the position of excise
commissioner, but with that exception has never
mingled actively in public affairs.

HENRY W. ALLEN, a retired farmer of
Great Neck, was born January 3, 1836,
about one mile from his present place of
residence, his parents being Hiram and Harriet
(Allen) Allen. His ancestors were represented
among the early settlers of the island, having
made location here some time in the seventeenth
century, and his father was born on the same
homestead where his own eyes first opened to
the light. He was reared on the farm, and his
father's death left him, a boy of sixteen, the old
est of four children, and it may be said to his
credit that he tenderly cared for his widowed
mother and wisely provided for and directed the
younger children until the former passed away
and the latter were able to care for themselves.
His brother, John, who was next to himself in
order of birth, died of the cholera in 1854, so
that the management of the estate fell mostly to
our subject. He remained at home, his mother
keeping house for him until she died in 1873.
March 27, 1879, Mr. Allen was united in mar
riage with Miss Harriet H. Hewlett, daughter of
Henry H. and Cornelia M. (Allen) Hewlett, of
Manhasset. After the death of his mother, in

FERDINAND KOOH, the proprietor of a
first-class meat market on the corner of
Sixth Avenue and Thirteenth Street, Col
lege Point, gives the best of satisfaction to his
customers. He is thoroughly reliable and strict
ly business-like in all his dealings, and gives his
attention to the details of every department of the
business. Mr. Koch is well known in this com
munity as excise commissioner, the duties of
which office he discharges in a competent man
ner. Like many of the best residents of Queens
County, our subject was born in Germany, the
date thereof being December 13, 1846. He was
well educated in his native tongue, and prior to
coming to America, when a young man of twen
ty-two years, learned the details of the business
in which he is now engaged. For a time he made
his home in Williamsburg, but on making a trip
to College Point, saw a good opening for his busi
ness and located here in 1868. He possessed but
little of this world's goods when he came hither,
but being determined and industrious, it was not
long before he was the proprietor of a flourishing
establishment, which grew in favor with the resi
dents of the place, until now he has a fine class of
customers. Ferdinand Koch and Miss Elizabeth Haubeil
were united in marriage in 1870. Mrs. Koch
comes from one of the oldest families on the
island, the settlement in America dating back
many generations. Her union with our subject
has been blessed by the birth of thirteen children,
seven of whom are living, namely: Helma,

426

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Adolph, Julius, Johanna, Clara, Augusta and
Hugo. They have all been given the best ad
vantages for acquiring an education and the sons
are now the efficient assistants of the father in
his business.
Our subject takes a deep interest in the prog
ress and development of College Point, which
he is now serving for the third term as excise
commissioner. He is a Democrat in politics and
an active worker in the party here. Socially he is
a member of the Ancient Order of United Work
men, belongs to the Foresters, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the volunteer fire depart
ment and various social clubs. Mr. Koch is quite
a musician and an active member of some of the
best singing societies in this community. A gen
ial German-American citizen, he is prominent in
his community, and with his estimable wife is re
spected by all who know him.

GEORGE MATHEWS. Among the prom
inent citizens of Great Neck we wish to
mention Mr. Mathews, who is one of the
best florists on the island. He is a native of Scot
land, having been born at Forfarshire, June 10,
1 85 1. His parents were George and Ellen (Ness)
Mathews, also of Scotch birth. George was
reared in his native land and there given a good
education in the common schools of his neigh
borhood. Prior to attaining his majority he
learned the business in which he is now engaged,
and, hoping to find a more profitable field in
America, in 1872 he emigrated to this country.
The voyage hither was a very stormy one and
occupied fifteen days.
Our subject came at once to Great Neck, and
after a stay here of three months was offered a
splendid position by a lady who owned a beauti
ful home on the Hudson. He accepted, and for
seven years superintended the laying out of her
grounds and greenhouses, giving the best of sat
isfaction. While there, on Thanksgiving Day,
1874, he was married to Miss Catherine Potter,
then making her home at Garrison, N. Y. She
was, however, a native of Ireland, although her
parents were English people.
Mr. Mathews was energetic and industrious as
well as economical, and upon leaving the employ
of Mrs. E. B. Underhill rented the farm of Hon.
John Jay, which was located in Westchester
County, this state, and operated this tract of land
very successfully for two years. At the expira

tion of that time we find him again located in
Great Neck, where for a number of years he was
engaged as landscape gardener for John Sneden.
In 1877, however, he took possession of his pres
ent place and began in a modest way as florist.
By strict attention to his affairs he has developed
his business into one of the best of its kind in
the county. His greenhouses contain twenty-five
thousand square feet of glass and are fitted up
with every convenience and appliance for raising
choice flowers. Of these Mr. Mathews sends a
handsome allowance each day to the market in
New York and also supplies the exchange with
an excellent variety of flowers in their season.
To our subject and his excellent wife there have
been born three sons, of whom we make the fol
lowing mention: George was born at Garrison,
Putman County, August 15, 1875; he is a well-
educated young man, completing his studies in
the high school at Flushing. William W., was
born in Katonah, Westchester County, Tune 10,
1880; he is now attending the school of Social
Economics in New York City. John James' birth
occurred at Great Neck, June 20, 1881.
In the due course of time Mr. Mathews took
out his naturalization papers and as soon as the
law permitted cast his vote in support of Re
publican candidates which he believed to be in
the right regarding political affairs. He is treas
urer of the Cut Flower Exchange of New York
and in every good work in his community he
takes a leading and active part. Religiously he
is a member of the Episcopal Church.

CHRISTOPHER BESOLD. The close
proximity to the large city markets as
well as the advantages of soil and climate
combine to make Long Island a choice location
for a florist, and a man of energy and industrious
habits can scarcely fail to achieve at least a certain
measure of success in this occupation. Mr. Be-
sold is already achieving an important position
among the florists of Queens County, where he
conducts a wholesale and retail business at Mineo
la. He is one of our prosperous German-Ameri
can citizens, whose thrift and enterprise are pav
ing the way to prosperity.
Born in Amberg, Bavaria, in 1867, Mr. Besold
went to the city of Munich in childhood and there
he was educated. There too he later learned the
business of floriculture under the city gardener's
board. In 1886 he left home and Fatherland and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

427

came to the United States, settling in Flatbush,
Queens County, where he remained for three
years. Thence he went to Cromwell, Conn., where
he was employed by A. N. Pierson, a florist, with
whom he remained until 1892, and then came to
Mineola. Here he bought land and built a green
house, starting in the business which he has since
conducted. As his trade increased he was obliged
to secure additional room from time to time and
enlarged the capacity until he now has a glass
area of about twenty-five thousand square feet.
His attention has been largely given to cut flow
ers of superior quality and he has supplied only
the best trade. His sales are principally made by
wholesale to New York dealers, though he also
has a local trade of important dimensions and
does a mail order business in bulbs and seeds.
Carnations and lilies have been his specialties, and
he is now arranging for the cultivation of roses
also. In Brooklyn, June 8, 1890, Mr. Besold married
Lizzie W., daughter of Jacob Kilz, who was born
in Brooklyn, and is now an engineer on one of
the lighter boats of the harbor there. Politically
Mr. Besold is independent, but inclines to Re
publican principles. He and his wife attend serv
ices at the Episcopal Church of Garden City. He
is one of the enterprising young men of the coun
ty, and it may safely be predicted that future years
will bring him increasing success.

HENRY C. MORRELL, well known to the
residents of Queens County, was born
March 7, 1834, near Manhasset, where he
at present makes his home. His parents were
Henry and Matilda Ann (Sands) Morrell, the for
mer of whom is better known to the people here
as "Colonel" Morrell. He too is a native of this
portion of the island, his birth occurring July
30, 1791. He lived to be sixty-one years of age,
departing this life February 21, 1853. He was
justly entitled to the name of Colonel, as he filled
this position in a regiment of militia and in his
earlier years he had served in the War of 181 2.
The mother of our subject was born at Flower
Hill, December 10, 1796, and died June 25, 1870.
His maternal grandfather, John Sands, was born
at Sand's Point, January 1, 1766, and died Au
gust 21, 1842. His father, the great-grandfather
of our subject, was also named John Sands, and
during the Revolutionary War obtained the title
of colonel for his brave services in the Continental

Army. His wife was Elizabeth Jackson. John
Sands was likewise the name of the great-great
grandfather, who was also born at Sand's Point,
the date thereof being January 1, 1709. He died
November 22, 1760! His wife, Elizabeth Corn
wall, was born September 27, 1701, and died May
10, 1793. The great-great-great-grandfather,
John Sands, was born at Sand's Point in 1684 and
died August 15, 1763; his wife, Catherine Guth
rie, died February 10, 1769. Great-great-great-
great-grandfather, John Sands, was born at the
same place in 1649 and died March 15, 171 1. His
wife, Sybel Ray, was born March 19, 1665, and
died December 23, 1733. Great-great-great-
great-great-grandfather John Sands was a native
of England and was born in 1622. He was a de
scendant of an archbishop of York, whose estates.
were confiscated, after which the family emigrated
to America.
The father of our subject was a tanner by
trade, his place of business being located at Man
hasset. He was also the owner of the place on
which Henry C. now lives and carried on farm
ing with profitable results. His father, John Mor
rell, was also born at Great Neck and was of Eng
lish descent. He likewise made farming his busi
ness through life.
The parental family included eight children,
four of whom are yet living. Henry C. obtained
a good common school education by his attend
ance at the Manhasset Academy. He was six
teen years of age when his parents moved on the
property which he now owns, and three years
later, when his father died, he felt it his duty as
well as pleasure to remain with his mother. He
was married December 12, 1866, to Miss Kate
Valentine, of Locust Valley, who was the daugh
ter of Henry and Anna (Willets) Valentine. They
have continued to make their home here ever
since and are well and favorably known to the
best residents of the community.
Mr. Morrell cast his first presidential vote in
i860 for Bell and Everett and in 1864 supported
Lincoln by his ballot. Since that time, however,
he has been an enthusiastic Democrat and on this
ticket was elected justice of the peace in 1873 in
order to fill a vacancy, but so ably did he dis
charge the duties of the position that he has been
retained in office ever since. He is a consistent
Christian gentleman, and with his wife is a mem
ber of the Episcopal Church, of which he is ves
tryman. Socially he belongs to Cornucopia
Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., at Flushing, with

428

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which he has been connected for nearly a quarter
of a century.
To Mr. and Mrs. Morrell there have been born
six children, four of whom are living: Elizabeth
is the wife of Rev. Joseph D. Evans, of Lynch
burg, Va. The three remaining daughters are
named respectively Anna Willets, Grace Sands
and Eloise Brown. The names of those deceased
were Harry and John S.

JOHN BUHLER, proprietor of the East Wil
liston Hotel, situated on the Jericho turn
pike, town of North Hempstead, was born
in 1850 in canton Berne, Switzerland, to John
and Margaret Buhler. When he was an infant
of nine months he was brought to America by his
parents, who settled in New York. The father,
who for a time followed his trade of a carpenter,
in 1864 entered the United States service as a
member of Company C, Sixth New York Infan
try, in which he served for three months. On
being mustered out he resumed carpentering,
later did considerable work as a contractor, and
finally took up the coal business. Now (1896), at
the age of seventy-six, he is living retired in New
York City. His wife departed this life at the
age of seventy-two. Of their family nine chil
dren are living, John being next to the eldest.
Educated in New York City, our subject com
pleted his studies in a private German college.
At the age of seventeen he began to learn the
barber's trade, which he followed until 1892. In
1873 he removed from New York to Garden City
and established a barber shop, which he conduct
ed until 1878, going from there to Mineola and
taking charge of the' East Williston Hotel, lo
cated on the Jericho turnpike and Willis Avenue.
In 1887 he built a new hotel on the opposite side
of Willis Avenue and this he has since conducted.
Politically a Republican, in 1881 Mr. Buhler
was elected constable on that ticket and has been
re-elected every succeeding year, making a con
tinuous term of fifteen years. For six consecu
tive years he has been school trustee of District
No. 10. In 1890 Governor Hill appointed him
a notary public, which office he still retains. He
is a Master Mason and belongs to Fessler Lodge
No. 576, New York, with which his father has
been connected for twenty-five years. Pie is also
past grand of Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O.
F., at Roslyn, and is a member of Mineola En
campment No. 121 and Canton Crescent of

Brooklyn, in which he is now lieutenant. In the
Shield of Honor he is an active worker.
For three years Mr. Buhler was treasurer of
East Williston Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
and is at this writing its secretary. The Roslyn
Benevolent Society numbers him among its char
ter members. Since 1889 he has held the position
of court attendant to the county judge at Long
Island City, which has occupied the most of his
time. In 1870 he married Barbara, daughter of
Frank Blust, of New York City, and they are the
parents of three sons, John F., Edward E. and
Albert T.

EDMUND H. BEIDERLINDEN, of Col
lege Point, has served as village clerk con
tinuously since January, 1884. In Decem
ber, 1883, he was elected police justice, assuming
the duties of the position the following year, and
since then he has been re-elected every three
years, being the present incumbent of the office.
As indicated by the name, he is of German lineage.
His father, Nicholas Beiderlinden, was born in
Germany, but at an early age emigrated to the
United States, where he followed the occupation
of a bookkeeper in New York City. He was also
similarly employed with the Enterprise Works
at College Point, and remained here until his
death in 1888, aged seventy years. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Jeannette Georg, re
sides in this village and is now (1896) seventy-
two years old. Of their six children, two are liv
ing, the other besides our subject being Gustavus
Charles, a machinist in Twenty-sixth Street, New
York City.
From New York City, where he was born June
9, 1852, the subject of this record was brought to
College Point by his parents at the age of two
and one-half years. His education was received
in the grammar school here and Fairchild's In
stitute at Flushing, which he attended for two
years. At the age of fifteen he secured a position
as errand boy in a hardware store, where he re
mained one and one-half years. From that time
until eighteen he was employed in the Enterprise
factory, after which he was employed in painting,
manufacturing jewelry, and other occupations in
New York until twenty-two. Returning to Col
lege Point, he again secured employment in the
Enterprise Works, but in the spring of 1885,
work being dull in that line, he began in the paint
ing business, which he followed for eight years.

COLES CARMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

43i

retiring from it in 1893. He is also an experi
enced paper hanger and a skilled mechanic, doing
'excellent work in almost any line.
At the age of twenty-three Mr. Beiderlinden
.married Miss Hannah Miller, of Great Neck, and
they have two daughters, Lillian and Hattie, who
are accomplished and well educated young ladies.
Politically our subject always champions the poli
cy of the Democratic party, and supports its prin
ciples with enthusiasm. He was confirmed in the
Episcopal Church, but is not an active member
of the denomination.

COLES CARMAN. Throughout his long
and active business career Mr. Carman
retained the energy, industry and perse
vering disposition that characterized him in early
life, when, with limited capital but large courage,
he founded the business with which he was after
ward connected until his death. In 1838, when
a youth of eighteen years, he embarked in the
hardware and tin trade, which he conducted, on
an increasing scale, until his earth life ended. A
man of kind and generous impulses, he was con
siderate and thoughtful of those in his employ,
and always retained their confidence and good
will. One of his employes, Michael Kelly, re
mained with him for forty-two years.
The family of which Mr. Carman was a mem
ber originated in England, but emigrated thence
during the early part of the seventeenth century
and settled on Long Island. Caleb Carman was
the first white child born on this island, with the
history of which the descendants have since been
identified. Through removals of some branches
of the family the name has been disseminated
throughout the entire country, and it is now the
custom to hold an annual reunion.
The father of our subject, Richard Carman,
was born in Hempstead September 2, 1785, and
died in Brooklyn in 1855, aged sixty-nine years.
He was known as the "father of Methodism" in
Hempstead and the first meetings of that society
were held in his house; throughout life he con
tinued one of the leaders of that church, in the
welfare of which he was deeply interested. His
father, Capt. Thomas Carman, was born Novem
ber 22, 1763, and died in 1851. Coles Carman
was one of eight brothers and two sisters, all of
whom are deceased, the others being Samuel,
Isaac, Valentine, Elbert, Richard, John, Thomas,
Caroline and Mary Ann. Thomas, who was a
16

wealthy citizen of Brooklyn, died April 16, 1896.
The birth of our subject occurred in Hemp
stead May 3, 1820, and here his education was
obtained in the common schools. Aside from his
business affairs he was prominent in local matters,
and for several years was overseer of the poor.
For some time he served as president of the com
pany having in charge the building of the Beth-
page turnpike, and was also vice-president of the
Hempstead & Jamaica Plank Road Company.
In religious belief he found a home in the Metho
dist Episcopal Church. A lover of sports, he
was an unerring shot and took great pleasure in
hunting. He owned a fine yacht, and one of his-
most enjoyable recreations was a sail upon the
water. The business established by Mr. Carman is now
conducted by his widow and son Isaac. The
former, who resides in the elegant house erected
by Mr. Carman in 1873, bore the maiden name
of Frances A. Bennett and was born in Brooklyn
September 20, 1820. Her grandfather, William
Bennett, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Her father, Abraham Bennett, who was a soldier
in the War of 1812, carried on a general mer
cantile business in Brooklyn, but removed from
there to Hempstead in 1834 and died here in
1867, aged eighty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Car
man were united in marriage March 2, 1842, and
they became the parents of eight sons and three
daughters, viz.: Theodore A.; Isaac N.; William
E., deceased; Andrew M.; Richard; Thomas, de
ceased; Samuel V.; Coles, deceased; Frances A.,
wife of Thomas H. Brush, of Brooklyn; Emma
L., wife of Isaac Terry, of Sayville ; and Julia O,
wife of Milliard Gildersleeve. Their union was
one of mutual happiness and helpfulness until
his death, which occurred July 31, 1890. He
is remembered as a man of noble traits of char
acter, generous impulses and kind disposition,
and his course in life was such as to win the re
spect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

JOSEPH D. ARMSTRONG was born Feb
ruary 9, 1835, on the homestead in the town
of North Hempstead, where he has since
resided. His father, Samuel Armstrong, was born
in Bellamy, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1783, and
was a weaver by trade. In 1816 he came to
America and soon secured a position as superin
tendent of the Underhill woolen mills at Matine-
cock, remaining there for a few years. In 1822

432

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he bought a farm in the town of North Hemp
stead, where he reared his family and spent his re
maining years. On this place is the old Queens
County court house, built in 1780, and used un
til 1875, when the county seat was moved to Long
Island City. Afterward the old court house was
used as the county insane asylum until 1894, when
the building was abandoned. The family resi
dence, which has been remodeled of recent years,
was formerly, as early as 1756, known as the
Three Ton Inn, and on the same farm was located
the first race track course on the island. An
article in the "Rider and Driver," a turf paper of
Chicago, speaks of this race course as having
been established two hundred years ago.
In connection with the hotel business, Samuel
Armstrong also kept a country store until about
1842. After locating on the farm he married De
borah Denton, a native of North Hempstead, and
daughter of Joseph and Rachel Denton, who died
respectively in 1858 and 1866. In the family
there were seven children, namely: John J., de
ceased, for many years judge of Queens County;
Deborah, Isabella, Joseph D., Martha, and Mary
and Samuel, both deceased. Our subject was
reared on the old home farm, where he has always
resided. When beginning life for himself he took
charge of the place, and becoming half owner at
the death of his father. His share consists of fif
ty acres, and is devoted to general farming and
market gardening.
For four years, beginning in 1874, Mr. Arm
strong served as justice of the peace. His first
vote was cast for J. C. Fremont for President
and he has since supported the Republican party.
He and his family belong to the Presbyterian
Church of Hempstead, in which he holds the po
sition of trustee. His marriage, which took place
in 1876, united him with Matilda Morrill, who
was born in Manhasset, Queens County.

M

AX GLICKMAN, who is engaged in the
hardware business at Corona Heights,
was born in Poland, April 15, 1850, being
a son of Isaac and Mary Glickman. At the age
of about fifteen years he accompanied his parents
to America and settled in New York City, where
his father worked at the coppersmith's trade and
he worked under him, gaining a good knowledge
of the occupation. Later he was employed by a
butcher about two years, and spent a similar
period in a distillery. Going from New York to

Rochester, he bought a horse and wagon with
money he had saved and began to drive a huck
ster's wagon, following that occupation about six
years. From Rochester he went to Pittsburg,
where he was engaged as a peddler of spectacles
for two years.
Returning to New York, Mr. Glickman began
to run a junk store, but one year later bought
a push cart and peddled fruit and vegetables for
more than a year. His next position was in a
fish market, and he saved his earnings until fin
ally he started a shop of his own, but two years
later sold out and again entered the employ
ment of his former employer. It was about that
time he bought two lots in Corona, on which
he built a house, and here he established his home
in 1889. The same year he started in business
as a hardware dealer, in which line he has built
up a good trade.
Prior to leaving New York the first time, Mr.
Glickman was married. He is the father of five
children, of whom Libbie, married to Morris
Jacoby, has one child and resides in New York.
Henry is employed in a chandelier factory in
Brooklyn. Joseph works for the Edison Electric
Manufacturing Company of New York. Mary is
with her father, and Eva, the youngest child, is a
student in the Corona school.

ISRAEL HEWLETT, now deceased, was for
merly one of the old residents of Queens
County, where his entire life was spent. He
was the owner of a neat farm and to its cultivation
gave his entire time and attention for many years.
He came from one of the old and honored fami
lies of this region, where for several generations
they have made their home.
Our subject was born in Merrick in the year
1814. His parents were George and Jane (Will
iams) Hewlett, also natives of Long Island, where
they were content to pass their entire lives. Is
rael was the only child born to them and to him
they gave the best educational advantages which
were to be had in their district. He was reared
to a life of usefulness, and by assisting in the farm
work when not in school, grew up to a full knowl
edge of this vocation, and when ready to assume
the management of the home place was thorough
ly competent to do so in a profitable manner. In
every way he was identified with the upbuilding
of his community and was made the incumbent of
many positions of responsibility and trust. For

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

433

several terms he was assessor of his town and for
some time was president of the Turnpike road
between Babylon and Hempstead. In religious
belief he was a Quaker, which had also been the
faith of his parents. In his death, which occurred
January 22, 1889, the community lost one of its
best and most highly honored citizens.
Israel Hewlett was married to Eliza Ann Hew
lett, October 31, 1832. This lady became the
mother of several children, five of whom survive,
and departed this life September 20, 1859. Her
eldest son, Charles, is living at Little Neck;
George W. is a resident of Brooklyn; John C. is
pastor of an Episcopal Church in Boston, Mass.;
Mary W. became the wife of Benjamin Woolley,
of Little Neck, and William W. is a prominent
physician of Babylon, Suffolk County.
The lady whom our subject chose as his sec
ond wife, September 23, 1863, was Margaret A.,
daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Eldred) Dor-
Ian, a native of Long Island. The children born
of this union were respectively: Jane W., Eliza
A.; Maria D., now the wife of Benjamin H. Wells,
of New Jersey; Nellie C, Mrs. Samuel W. Rollo,
of Brooklyn, and Sarah K. Mrs. Hewlett is a
devoted member of the Episcopal Church and
with her youngest daughter still resides at the
old home.

JOHN DENNIS, a progressive. business man
of Springfield, Queens County, is a native
of Far Rockaway, born December 24, 1845.
He is one of four survivors of the six children
originally comprising the family of Thomas and
Bridget (Everst) Dennis, natives of Ireland, the
former born in Dublin, the latter in County
Cavan. In early life they came to the United
States and settled in Far Rockaway, L. L, where
they secured work in the employ of John Norton,
a wealthy blind man ; later they were married.
After having been for nineteen years with Mr.
Norton, and having prudently saved his earnings
in the meantime, Thomas Dennis bought eight
acres of land from his employer. Soon, however,
he traded this property for seven acres at Hungry
Harbor. The eight acres which he originally
owned at Far Rockaway were recently sold for
$70,000. After leaving Mr. Norton, he was em
ployed by Father Nostrand for eighteen years,
and then settled down on his garden plot, where
he remained until his death, at the age of sixty-
three. He never became wealthy, but being in

dustrious, energetic and economical, he secured a
competence that provided for his declining years.
When only twelve years of age the subject of
this notice began to be self-supporting. His first
position was that of cabin boy on a steamer, and
for ten years he followed a seafaring life, being
promoted from time to time until he finally be
came master of the vessel. As a sailor his voy
ages took him from Sandy Hook to the Gulf
Stream and across to the West India Islands.
After retiring from the sea he followed various
lines of work until at last he turned his attention
to the industry with which he has since been con
nected. He became an agent for a fertilizer man
ufacturer, representing the Clark Cove Company
for nine years. On leaving their employ he rep
resented the Quinnipiac Fertilizer Company, with
which he has since remained and for which he
secures about $50,000 worth of business annually.
February 17, 1866, Mr. Dennis married Miss
Fannie Abrams' and thirteen children were born
unto them, all of whom but two are living. They
are as follows: Richard H, a carpenter, who mar
ried Miss Hattie Decker; Jennie; Drusilla, wife
of Stephen F. Hendrickson, who is with L. E.
Decker, a grocer of Springfield ; Wilber, who is
connected with the bakery business in Jamaica;
Edward S., who is in the employ of L. E. Decker;
Ida M., Morris F., Alice, Charles S.. Arthur and
Gracie. Politically Mr. Dennis is liberal, supporting
in local elections those whom he deems best
qualified to fill the position in question, while in
national affairs he inclines toward Democratic
principles. His family are connected with the
Methodist Church and regular attendants at re
ligious services. Since 1890 he has been a mem
ber of the school board, and has aided in making
the school one of the best graded institutions in
the county, also in the erection of the new school
building at a cost of $15,000. Progressive, en
terprising and liberal, he has been instrumental
in promoting the general welfare and industrial
thrift of the village of Springfield, and is in every
way worthy of the high place he holds in public
esteem.

WILLIAM MCCARTHY is a man who
has carved his way from small begin
ning to his present enviable position
and has the respect and esteem of all. He was
born August 16, 1865, in Roslyn, and is a son of

434

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John and Mary (Gilfov) McCarthy. His paternal
grandfather was John McCarthy. Our subject
remained with his parents until twelve years old
and then went to live with an uncle, Alfred P.
Aveson, and there attended school for a very
short time. In fact, nearly all his schooling was
received before he was twelve years old, but he
has made up for this to a great extent by self
study and observation. Although he spent some
years of his early life in the saloon business, he is
proud of the fact that he does not use liquor in
any form.
When eighteen years old young McCarthy en
tered .the railroad office at Garden City, and later
had charge of that office for one year. On the
5th of September, 1885, he was appointed to the
office at Mineola and has had charge of the same
since. He has full control of the general office
work, telegraph and switch tower, this being one
of the most important offices of the Long Island
Railroad. He is a most capable and trustworthy
young man, and since his first appointment has
been promoted a number of times to more im
portant duties. In 1888 he was appointed post
master of Mineola and was in that office for four
years, but resigned when President Cleveland
took his seat. Socially he is a Mason, a member
of Morton Lodge No. 63, and also belongs to
Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F., at Hempstead, and
the Encampment No. 121. He is also a P. C. P.
and now holds the office of F. S.
Mr. McCarthy has been a member of the Min
eola Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, has held
office in the same, and is now its trustee. In
politics he supports the principles and policy of
the Republican party. November 21, 1888, Mr.
McCarthy was married to Miss Mary Underhill,
daughter of George S. Underhill, and grand
daughter of Willett Underhill, an old and promi
nent citizen of Green Vale. Mr. and Mrs. Mc
Carthy are the parents of one son, Earl Under
hill, who is named in honor of his grandfather.

JUDGE PETER McARDLE. As a repre
sentative of the business element, to whose
progressive spirit and superior abilities is
due much of the prosperity enjoyed by Long Is
land City, we present the name of Judge McArdle,
who is well known, not alone in this city, but
throughout the island and state. He was born in
County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1840. His father,
Patrick, and his mother, Margaret (Mooney)

McArdle, were also born on that island and are
both now deceased. Peter, who was the eldest
of the family, was a lad of six years when he was
brought to America by his maternal grandfather
and was established in the home of a brother of
his mother's, who was then engaged in business
in New York City. Young McArdle was given
every opportunity for acquiring a good education
and until eighteen years of age carried on his
studies in the public schools of the metropolis.
In the year 1858, when eighteen years of age,
our subject began in business for himself in New
York, having a fat-rendering establishment lo
cated in West Thirty-ninth Street. He was very
successful in this venture and continued to do a
large business in New York for ten years. Find
ing that Long Island City would prove a better
location for his factory he removed hither and
built his large works, covering half a block on
Honeywell Street and Jackson Avenue. Here
he transacts all his business in this line and bears
the distinction of having the largest fat-render
ing establishment in the state. He knows his
business in all its detail, but is now relieved of
much of the care and responsibility by his two
sons, James and Joseph, both of whom are his
partners, the firm being known as Peter McArdle
& Sons. They have six wagons, and through
keen business acumen, push and energy, are in
the enjoyment of a most extensive and paying
business. The marriage of Peter McArdle and Miss
Mary McAdam occurred in New York City in
1861. The latter, who was also born in Ireland,
became the mother of eleven children, five of
whom are now living, and of whom we make
the following mention: Catherine is a teacher
in the schools of Long Island City; James and
Joseph are engaged with their father in busi
ness; Mary is Mrs. Sheridan, of this place; and
Elizabeth married George Johnson, of New York.
Mrs. Mary McArdle departed this life in 1878,
mourned by all who knew her. In 1880 our sub
ject chose for his second wife Miss Margaret
Shannon, a native of Long Island City. To them
were born six children, all of whom are living.
After the death of his second wife Mr. McArdle
married Miss Frances Otis.
Mr. McArdle is truly a self-made man, who by
his own industrious efforts and strict attention
to business during his earlier years has worked
his way upward to a position of wealth and afflu
ence. He is a man of unswerving honesty, whose

HON. JOSEPH FITCH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

437

word is considered as good as his bond, and the
confidence of the entire community is his. He was
alderman of the second ward of the city for two
terms, having the honor of being a member of
the first board after the organization of the city.
During that time he was chairman of the finance
committee and gave his attention most zealously
to the interests of his constituents. He is a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles and
takes great pride in the success of his party. On
the expiration of his term as alderman Mr. Mc
Ardle- was appointed justice of the peace, to fill
an unexpired term, occasioned by the death of
Judge John P. Madden. He was afterward elect
ed recorder of Long Island City to succeed Judge
Parsons, and after filling this position most ac
ceptably for four years resigned and refused fur
ther political honors until 1893, when he was
appointed school commissioner by Mayor San-
ford, which position he still holds. He is doing
much toward elevating the standard of efficiency
in his school district, and believing that what is
needed is better schools and better teachers, is
going about supplying these needs in a most.
praiseworthy manner. He is a member of the
committees on supplies and buildings, and it is
pleasant to note that he is giving conscientious
attention to the duties of his office. He is a mem
ber of the Jefferson Club, and for many years
during his more active career was a member of
the general committee.

HON. JOSEPH FITCH. Justice and rea
son are the strong pillars of law. No
man is required to do that which does not
lie in his power by the statutes of the govern
ment. Often he may fail in his conception of
them, and in this do the exponents of jurispru
dence prove their value by construing for him
the correct meaning and leading him right. Hon.
Joseph Fitch is one of the prominent legal lights
of New York, a city noted for its many able and
brainy professional men, and is a resident of
Flushing, where he is one of the representative
citizens. 'He is an ex-member of the New York
Assembly and a man of brilliant mental attain
ments. Born in Flushing August 27, 1857, he is
a son of Joseph and Avis (Leggett) Fitch, the
former a native of Flushing and the latter of New
York City.
The grandfather, Joseph Fitch, Sr., was a na
tive of England, and when a young man came

to America, settling in New York City. He was
in the service of the English government and
made his headquarters in the above mentioned
city, with summer residence in Flushing. Here
he died when his son Joseph was an infant. The
latter was born in 181 1 and was reared by his
sister, Mrs. Joseph Franklin, who resided in Bay-
side. Eventually he became a prominent business
man and his time was passed in New York City
and New Orleans until the breaking out of the
Civil War, his sympathies resting with the North.
His death occurred in Flushing in 1868. In his
political views he was a Democrat. Mrs. Fitch
was the daughter of Thomas H. Leggett, who
was a prominent retail merchant of New York
City. The latter carried on business for many
years, but at last retired from active duties and
located in Flushing, where his last days were
spent. Mrs. Fitch now resides on the old Leg
gett estate in Amity Street, and is in the enjoy
ment of comparatively good health. She is a
Quaker in her religious views.
Joseph Fitch, our subject, was the only child
born to his parents. He spent his childhood
in Flushing, attended Flushing Institute and
later Swarthmore (Pa.) College, where he gradu
ated with the degree of A. B. in 1879. After that
he began the study of law and entered Columbia
College Law School, and he was admitted to the
bar in February, 1882. He was with C. W. Pleas
ants at No. 237 Broadway until the latter's death
in 1890, and then succeeded to the business, con
tinuing it alone up to the present time. He is
counselor for the Flushing Board of Health, a
position he has held since about 1891.
In the fall of 1885 Mr. Fitch was elected, on
the Democratic ticket, to the assembly from the
old first district of Queens County, and re-elected
in 1886, serving from 1886 to 1887. At first he
was on the committee of ways and means, and
the second year was on the cities and insurance
committee. He succeeded in passing the bill
establishing the Coldspring Fish Hatchery of
Queens County, which has become the most
important hatchery in the state. For a number
of years he was a director of the Flushing Bank.
At present he is a member of the board of educa
tion, having held that position since 1893, and is
chairman of the finance committee.
In the year 1886 Mr. Fitch married Miss Annie
L. Rose, a native of Yonkers, N. Y., and the
daughter of Levi P. Rose, who was a prominent
business man and postmaster there for many

438

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch are the parents of two
children, Avis L. and Dorothy. In 1891 he
moved to his present residence, a fine place at
No. 303 Sanford Avenue. For ten years Mr.
Fitch has been on the board of governors of the
Niantic Club, was captain of the Nereus Rowing
Club for two years, and is a member of the
League of American Wheelmen. For three years
he was chairman of the Democratic town com
mittee and in 1894 was nominated for congress
from the first congressional district, but was de
feated, with the rest of the ticket. He is a mem
ber of Queens County Bar Association and of
the New York Law Institute. It is hardly neces
sary to add that he is a stanch Democrat.

FREDERICK E. DETHERIDGE, manager
of the Jamaica branch of the "Brooklyn
Daily Times," and the present police judge
of the village of Jamaica, was born in England.
In childhood he accompanied his mother to
America, and to the country of his adoption has
since been loyally devoted. His education was
obtained in the public and private schools of New
York City, and has since been supplemented by
self-culture. Devoting some attention to the
study of medicine in early life, it was at one time
his intention to become a physician, but the pro
fession was not altogether congenial to his tastes
and he selected instead an occupation that was
more to his liking.
From his youthful years Mr. Detheridge dis
played a predilection for journalistic work; the
bent of his mind was toward the newspaper busi
ness, and he never lost an opportunity to famil
iarize himself with its details. With that purpose
in view he secured a position as proofreader on
one of the dailies of Brooklyn, and at one time
and another he filled almost all of the positions
on the staff of a great city paper. For some time
he was assistant city editor of the "Brooklyn
Union." Since 1886 he has been on the staff of
the "Brooklyn Daily Times," and is the present
manager of its branch office at Jamaica, where
through his efforts a large business has been built
up. He is a thorough newspaper man, an able
and forcible writer, brief, concise and pertinent
in his statements regarding public or local affairs
of importance.
Possessing considerable natural genius as a
musician, Mr. Detheridge obtained a thorough
musical education and is well versed in that art.

At different times he has been organist in
churches in New York and Brooklyn, and is now
a member of the Jamaica Choral Society, with
which he has official connection. A man of de
cided ideas and views, he has taken a positive
stand on the side of the Republican party, for
which he has done good work. Though not an
aspirant for official honors, the people, irrespec
tive of party lines, elected him to the office of
police justice in Jamaica in the spring of 1895.
He was elected by a large majority and is now
filling the office with credit to himself and to the
satisfaction of the people.
Mr. Detheridge married Miss Emeline C.
Sayrs, of New York City, whose father, John
Sayrs, was for many years connected with the
Erie Railroad. They are the parents of three
children, of whom the son, Frederick W., is an
engineer in Boston; Kate C, the elder daughter,
received a thorough musical training and is an
accomplished alto singer; she is now the wife
of Andrew J. MacLean, a journalist. The younger
daughter, Florence Helene, is a member of the
choral society and is well versed in music, for
which she possesses an inherited talent.

HON. P. J. WHITE. In a work devoted to
an exposition of the various industries
of Blissville, Long Island City, in a man
ner not only serviceable to those who conduct
the various business enterprises of the place, but
also with a view to giving information to the
general public relating to her resources, the
dairy business conducted by Hon. P. J. White
is deserving of honorable mention. For three
years this representative citizen was president of
the board of aldermen of Long Island City, and
for six years he was a member of the same. He
is noted as having been president of the board
longer in succession than any other man. Mr.
White was born in Long Island City in i860, but
his parents, John and Rose (Clancy) White, were
natives of Ireland. John White was a tailor by
trade, and when but a boy came to America.
He first located in the town of Newtown, at
Laurel Hill, but as business was dull there he
entered the Queens County Oil Works, where
he was employed for some time.
Later Mr. White embarked in the dairy busi
ness and also opened a grocery store which he
carried on until his death in 1869. He was one
of the old and respected settlers here. Mrs. White

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

439

was the daughter of John Clancy, who settled
here at an early date and kept a hotel and board
ing house at Laurel Hill. Since the death of her
husband Mrs. White has conducted the grocery
store very successfully. She is the oldest settler
here by fifteen years. Her children were four in
number, three sons and one daughter. Our sub
ject, the eldest of this family, received a good
practical education in the public schools of New
York and Brooklyn and subsequently entered
Christian Brothers College, in the former city,
where he completed his schooling. Later he took
charge of the dairy business and soon became its
owner. Mr. White has now the largest dairy business
in Western Long Island. Three wagons are on
the routes in Brooklyn all the time and he has
a fine herd of cows, supplying his customers at
all times with the purest milk. In 1884 he was
elected a member of the board of aldermen from
the second ward, on the Democratic ticket, and
served three terms of two years each, and for
three years was a member of the fire and water
board. He was one of the organizers of the Jef
ferson Democratic Club.

JOHN MURPHY. If history is to be be
lieved, the people of Egypt were the first
to originate the wagon, or rather, to con
struct a vehicle on wheels, but these conveyances
differed as materially from the present elegant,
easy and light-running carriage as did the primi
tive residences of those people differ from the
magnificent and palatial homes of the present
generation. One of the most skillful and compe
tent wagon and carriage manufacturers of Long
Island City is John Murphy, who has built up a
large and paying patronage through the excel
lence of his work and his upright business prin
ciples. Mr. Murphy was born in Hackensack, N. J.,
June 25, 1843, a son of John and Ellen (Caffrey)
Murphy, natives of Ireland. The former was en
gaged in the milk business and farming in the
vicinity of Jersey City, but in 1856 death closed
his career. His widow now resides in that place.
The subject of this sketch was the only child born
of this union and in his native town his parents
continued to reside until he was three years of
age, at which time they removed to Jersey City,
where he was educated in the subscription

schools. Jersey City was then a mere village
and was called Horse Siamans.
After the death of the husband and father,
Mrs. Murphy and her son were left in limited cir
cumstances and John was compelled to leave
school and begin the battle of life for himself. He
began driving a horse cart for a flouring mill in
1857, but in the latter part of that year was ap
prenticed to the carriage manufacturers, Cooley &
Lampmann, of Jersey City, completing the trade
at the end of three years and nine months. Im
mediately thereafter he enlisted in Company K,
Seventeenth New York Infantry, was mustered
into the service in 1861, for two years, at Park
Barracks, New York, and eight days later was
sent to Beaufort, N. C. During the seven
months spent there he was in either battles or
skirmishes every day. At the end of that time
his regiment had lost so many men that it was
disbanded and he was honorably discharged and
returned to New York, having at no time been
wounded. In August, 1862, Mr. Murphy volunteered in
the United States navy at Brooklyn on board the
gunboat "Yankee," but some months later was
transferred to the "Satellite," and still later to
the gunboat "Osophey." All this time he was
ship's blacksmith. The next boat on which he
served was the "Jacob Bell," on which he re
mained until he received his discharge, in 1864,
on the James River, and then returned to New
York City. While in the naval service he re
ceived a wound in the right hand, his middle
finger being shot nearly off; the skill of his sur
geon, however, saved it, but he was for three
months in the Maryland Hospital.
In 1864 Mr. Murphy entered the employ of
Stratton & Son, in Fourteenth Street, New York,
with whom he remained engaged in the manufac
ture of carriages for nine months. The following
thirteen years he had charge of the works of R.
M. Stiver, in Thirty-first Street, New York, but
during this time he had removed to Long Island
City and built him a comfortable residence here.
He was next in the employ of Bradley, Ploy &
Co. for one year and eleven months, in Broadway,
New York, but they failed in business and then
he embarked in business for himself at his pres
ent stand, and has improved his business connec
tion until it is very large. His establishment is
25x200 feet in dimensions, a part of which is two
stories in height, and he utilizes every inch of the
space. He manufactures carriages, wagons and

440

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

trucks, and his work is first class in every partic
ular. His is the next oldest place of business of
the kind in the city, and employment is given to
fifteen hands.
Mr. Murphy was married in New York to Miss
Ann Lennon, a native of Ireland, and five chil
dren were born to them: Thomas J., who was
educated in New York, and is a blacksmith in
his father's shops; John H, deceased; Mrs. Ann
Eliza Adams of New York; Ellen R. and Patrick.
They received good educations in the schools of
New- York City. Mr. Murphy is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, John J.
Mitchell Lodge, and belongs to Sheridan Post
No. 682, of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Politically he is a stanch Republican.

GEORGE W. MOUNT. The friends of
Mr. Mount know him to be something
more than a successful farmer; they rec
ognize in him a man who is earnestly striving in
all honorable ways to make the world better for
his presence. He is not only a prominent factor
in agricultural circles of the town of Jamaica,
but he is constantly endeavoring, so far as lies
within his power, to relieve suffering, help the
needy and advance the welfare of the community.
He owns a small but well improved place in
Farmer's Avenue, where he has resided since
1890. The subject of this notice was born in Fosters
Meadow September 1, 1845, and is one of the
five surviving children of Zebulon and Mary Anna
(Manley) Mount, whose family originally con
sisted of ten children. His paternal grandparents,
Samuel and Rachael Mount, were born April
20, 1759, and February 13, 1769, respectively.
The former had two brothers who, during the
Revolutionary War, were killed by the Indians
in New Jersey. In the early days of the colonies
several members of the family gained promi
nence, and there were not wanting those of the
name to enlist in defense of liberty against the
oppression of the British.
The birth of Zebulon Mount occurred in Mon
mouth County, N. J., January 16, 1800. After
his marriage he settled in New York City, where
for a few years he engaged in contracting, but
in 1830 he came to Queens County and settled
upon a farm. Here he spent the remainder of his
days until his death, August 2T„ 1870. His son,
George W., grew to manhood on the home place,

gaining his education in the common schools.
At the age of seventeen he went to Queens and
apprenticed himself to the trade of a wagon-
maker, but after eighteen months he decided to
give it up. Going to Jersey City, for one year
he was employed in the car shops. Next we find
him in Brooklyn, where for four years he was
employed in making flasks in a foundry. Fol
lowing this he was engaged in the milk and but
ter business for two years in Brooklyn, after
which he returned to Fosters Meadow and took
up carpentering. A short time elapsed and he
then purchased the old Foster Hendrickson farm,
upon which he was occupied in tilling the soil
for the ensuing eighteen years. He then bought
the tract of ten acres upon which he still re
sides. Here he built a neat house and introduced
some valuable improvements, and upon this place
he hopes to spend his remaining days. The other
farm, however, is still in his possession, but cul
tivated by tenants.
June 6, 1884, Mr. Mount was united in mar
riage with Miss Sarah E., daughter of Amaziah
Foster, of Springfield. They are the parents of
three children: Carrie B., Ethel May and Sam
uel M. Politically Mr. Mount is a Republican
and takes a warm interest in matters pertaining
to the public welfare.

SANFORD H. KEPNER, though young
in years, holds the responsible posi
tion of superintendent of the Long Island
Paint and Color Works, which is a department
of the Standard Oil Company. He is a native
of the Buckeye State, and was born in Hartford,
Trumbull County, August 16, 1861, the son of
Henry and Adaline (Lynch) Kepner, both native
of Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject,
John Kepner, was a pioneer of the Western
Reserve and followed farming there until his
death. For many years he was a member of the
German Reformed Church. Farming has been
the principal occupation followed by his son Hen
ry, who resides on the old homestead, and who
has met with excellent success in his chosen
calling. He is an honest, upright citizen, and
is now about sixty-four years old. Mrs. Kepner
was born in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, and there
her father, Isaac Lynch, was a prominent real
estate man and coal dealer. Of the three chil
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Kepner only two are
now living, our subject and John, the latter re-

VALENTINE W. SMITH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

443

siding on the old home place. The other son,
William, died in New York City, where he was in
the employ of the Standard Oil Company.
Sanford H. Kepner was reared and educated at
Hartford, Ohio, graduating from the academy
there when seventeen years old, and later went to
Youngstown, where he was in business for some
time. In 1880 he went from there to Cleveland,
Ohio, and was in the employ of the Standard
Oil Company, manufacturing paints. One year
later he was transferred to the plant in Long
Island City, and here he has learned all that
pertains to the business. In 1882 he was made
superintendent of the paint mill here, under the
proprietor, George H. Hopper, and has charge
of the whole establishment, which is one of the
largest of its kind in the city.
Mr. Kepner was married here to Miss Rosena
Gerry, and they have an interesting family of
six children, as follows: Annie, Rosa, Laura,
Florence, Maude and William. They have a
pleasant and comfortable home at No. 14 Pearson
Street, and are well respected in the community.
In his political views Mr. Kepner is a stanch ad-.
vocate of Republican principles.

VALENTINE W. SMITH. Although this
county has much in the way of natural
resources and commercial transactions to
¦commend it to the public, the chief interest cen
ters upon the lives of those citizens who have
achieved success for themselves and at the same
time benefited the community in which they re
side. Prominent among these men is Valentine
W. Smith, who, while one of the youngest busi
ness men of Far Rockaway, is also one of the
most judicious and efficient. Since 1893 he has
held the responsible position of cashier of the
Far Rockaway Bank, and has by his efforts added
to the reputation which this bank has of being a
safe and solid financial institution.
While engaged in business at Far Rockaway
Mr. Smith makes his home in Freeport, where
reside his father, J. Gilbert Smith, a retired far
mer, and his mother, Mary (Powell) Smith; also
his only brother, Charles P. Smith, proprietor of
the leading drug store of Freeport. Valentine
W., the older of the two sons, was born at Mer
rick (Freeport P. O.), October 6, 1868, and re
ceived in boyhood such educational advantages
as the common schools afforded, also was a stu
dent in Brooklyn for three years; and finally fin

ished his education by a course in Bryant & Strat-
ton's Business College. Being naturally bright
and quick at figures, he gained a thorough knowl
edge of every department of commerce and
finance, and was fitted for the position to which
he was afterward called.
On leaving college Mr. Smith became book
keeper for the Far Rockaway Bank, then a pri
vate institution, and was found to be a valuable,
trustworthy employe. His ability led to his pro
motion to the position of cashier, which he now
holds. He is still young and it may safely be
predicted that the future years will bring him in
creasing and deserved honors. It was on the
25th of July, 1888, that he came to Far Rockaway,
and the bank was incorporated in January of the
following year. In addition to his work in this
connection, he is agent for the Westchester Fire
Insurance Company at Freeport and Far Rock
away, and does a good line of business for that
company. Fraternally Mr. Smith is identified with Olym-
pia Lodge No. 808, F. & A. M., and the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a mem
ber of Hempstead Bay Yacht Club. He is not an
active participant in political affairs other than
to vote the Republican ticket, preferring to give
his attention to his business. As a notary public he
has already had quite an extensive experience in
drawing up wills and in the settlement of estates.
A wide-awake and progressive young man, the
best interests of the community receive his sup
port, and he aids in worthy public enterprises.
In religious views he is connected with the Pres
byterian Church of Freeport, of which he has
been treasurer and trustee for a number of years,
and is also an active worker in the Sunday-school.

JOHN J. DONNELLY, general yardmaster
of the Long Island Railroad and a well-
known citizen of Long Island City, was
born in Moate, County Westmeath, Ireland, July
8, 1852. His father, John, was the son of a farmer
and grew to manhood in the land of his nativity,
becoming at an early agea soldier in the English
army. With his regiment he was assigned to ser
vice in New Zealand, where he took part in a
number of skirmishes, and held the rank of color-
sergeant. During his life in that far-away coun
try he had many thrilling experiences and was
often afterward accustomed to narrate to groups
of interested listeners some of the incidents con-

444

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nected with his army days. Upon retiring from
active service, after twenty years in the army, he
was placed in the government civil service, where
he remained until the infirmities incident to age
compelled his retirement. He now makes his
home in Moate, Ireland, being at this writing
(1896), eighty-four years of age. His wife, Cath
erine, daughter of Thomas Murray, a brewer,
was born in Mullingar, capital of the county of
Westmeath, and died in Moate in 1893.
Of seven children comprising the parental fam
ily, all but one are still living, John J. being third
in order of birth. His brother, Thomas F., who
enlisted at the opening of the war as a member
of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth New York
Infantry, became first lieutenant of his company
and remained in the army until the close of the
Rebellion; from that time until his death, in 1893,
he made his home in Brooklyn, where he was
manager of A. S. Barnes' large publishing estab
lishment. At the age of twelve years our subject came
from Ireland to the United States and joined his
brother Thomas. In 1865 he entered the employ
of A. S. Barnes & Co. as errand boy and remained
with them for four years. A portion of his time
during boyhood was spent in the Bermudas,
where his father was then stationed and where
he attended school. In 1866 he came to Long
Island City, and four years later secured a posi
tion as car cleaner with the Long Island Railroad
Company. From thai? he worked his way up to
the position of brakeman, his run being between
this city and Great Neck. Later he was conduc
tor, first on a freight, then on a passenger train,
between the same points. In 1885 he was made
yardmaster, in which capacity he has since been
employed. The yards extend from this city four
miles to Woodside in one direction, and from
Long Island City to Blissville, a radius of ten
miles. During the summer season over three
hundred trains are run in eighteen hours. Five
branches come in here, the three roads, which
were formerly separate, having been merged into
one. While the position of yardmaster is one of
great responsibility, Mr. Donnelly fills it to the
entire satisfaction of the road officials, and has
his work so systematized that everything runs
along smoothly, without accident, trouble or in
convenience. In 1876 Mr. Donnelly married Miss Johanna
M. Dunn, a native of Ireland, and a devout mem
ber of St. Mary's Catholic Church, to which he

also belongs. Their eight children are: Cath
erine, William, John, Joseph, Nellie, May, Frank
and Clarence, all at home. The duties incident
to his position are of such a nature as to require
Mr. Donnelly's entire attention, and he is there
fore not actively interested in public affairs, nor
has it been his desire, even if his business duties
permitted, to enter into politics. He is connected
with the Catholic Benevolent League, and is a
charter member of the Long Island Railroad Mu
tual Relief Association.

F

RANZ KROMBHOLZ of Astoria, Long
Island City, was born in Vienna, Austria,
and is a son of Nicholas and Josephine
(Moeller) Krombholz. His father, who was a
native of Saxony, Germany, was a descendant
of ancestors who removed from Holland to Sax
ony in 1340. The paternal grandfather, who was
born in Saxony, removed thence to Vienna, where
he was employed as a government contractor un
til his death. With his son, Nicholas, and an Eng
lishman, under the firm name of Ruston & Co, he
started the first steamship line on the Elbe River
between Dresden and Leitmeritz, Austria. Later
our subject's father became proprietor of a stage
line running from Leitmeritz in various direc
tions, and in the management of this extensive
enterprise he owned over one hundred and eighty-
stage coaches. In addition to this business, he
was employed as a government contractor on a
large scale. For a time he was also proprietor
of Hotel Krebs, one of the best known hotels in
Vienna. His death occurred in Leitmeritz in
1877, when he was seventy-five years of age.
By his marriage to Josephine Moeller, a native
of Austria and daughter of a miller there, Nich
olas Krombholz had ten sons and four daughters,
but only five of the number are now living, and
all remain in Austria except the subject of this
sketch. He was reared in Vienna, where he was
educated in the private schools and gymnasium.
On the completion of his education he began to
take railroad contracts, the business being carried
on under the name of Krombholz & Co. from
1862 until 1875. He was prosperous from the
first, and his contracts extended through all parts
of Austria. In 1875 he abandoned the occupa
tion, and the following year brought his family
to America on the steamer "Klopstock," Captain
Meyer commanding.
Settling on Staten Island, Mr. Krombholz re-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

445

sided upon a farm for one year, after which he
was employed for a short time as collector for
George Ehret. In 1877 he became collector for
Jacob Ruppert, and in addition to this position,
he represents the concern on Long Island.
March 1, 1878, he removed to Long Island City,
and has since rebuilt the property at No. 205
Grand Avenue, where he now resides. He owns
some valuable realty in this city and is one of its
prosperous residents. Socially he is connected
with the Turn Verein, both of New York and
Long Island, also the Arion of both places.
Prior to leaving Vienna, he was married, May 6,
1862, to Miss Priska Edle von Kleinmeyer, daugh
ter of a noble family of Austria. They have four
children, as follows: Ernest, who has been a col
lector for Joseph Ruppert for a number of years;
Pauline, wife of Paul Richter, who is bookkeeper
for Ruppert's brewery; Mary and Frank, who
are with their parents.

FERDINAND H. BATTERMAN, D. D. S.,
secretary of the board of health of Long
Island City, is one of the most popular and
prominent dentists in Queens County. He was
born in New York City February 22, 1856, and is
the son of Christopher H. Batter man, a native of
Hanover, Germany. The latter, who is a cabinet
maker by trade, continued to follow this line of
work after his emigration to the United States,
and is at present living in Astoria, where he has a
beautiful home. In addition to this place he is
the proprietor of a farm containing fifty acres,
located at Massapequa, this county, where he
spends his summers. He has been very success
ful in life, and through energy and persistence,
which are some of the characteristics of his race,
this result has been attained.
Mrs. Gesche (Fesenfeld) Batterman, mother
of our subject, was likewise born in the Father
land, in the province of Hanover. Of the six
sons and two daughters born to herself and hus
band, five grew to mature years. Ferdinand H,
the subject of this sketch, acquired his education
in a private school in New York City, after which
he spent three years in the employ of a publishing
firm. In 1874 he began the study of dentistry with
Jules Marcelin, and after reading under his in
struction for some time entered the New York
College of Dentistry, from which he was gradu
ated in 1883 with the degree of Doctor of Dental
Surgery. Before completing his course, how

ever, he left college and spent two and one-half
years with his former instructor, Dr. Marcelin,
in Geneva, Switzerland. At the expiration of that
time he crossed the Atlantic and again pursued
his collegiate studies, graduating with his class.
Soon after receiving his diploma he opened an
office for the practice of his profession in New
York City. After leaving that city he located in
Astoria, Long Island City, by whose professional
men he is highly regarded.
In October, 1895, Dr. Batterman formed a part
nership with Dr. J. F. H. Kuyper, and since that
time they have operated on the corner of Fourth
and Vernon Avenues under the firm name of
Batterman & Kuyper. The latter gentleman has
been engaged in practice here for some time. He
stands very high in the profession and is a grad
uate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Dr. Batterman was for several years demon
strator in the department of operative dentistry in
his alma mater, in fact held the position until re
signing in order that he might give his entire at
tention to his private practice. He is at present a
member of the staff as dentist to the Astoria
Hospital and holds the same position in St. John's
Hospital. April 4, 1892, Dr. Batterman was appointed
clerk of the board of health of Long Island City,
and in March, 1894, when the office of registrar
of vital statistics was abolished, he was appointed
secretary of that body, thus combining the two.
offices. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat and
an enthusiastic worker in the Jefferson Club. For
several years after joining this organization he
served as a member of the general committee.
In religious affairs he is a devoted member of the
Lutheran Church and contributes liberally of his
means toward its support.
The Doctor keeps himself well informed re
garding all the latest improvements and appli
ances used in dentistry, and makes a specialty of
crown and bridge work. He is a finely educated
gentleman and speaks German and French with
fluency.

WILLIAM C. KELLY. The time has
gone by when the worst tasting medi
cine was supposed to be the most
effectual in overcoming disease. In fact, many
people have become convinced that medicine is
an excellent thing to leave alone as much as
possible, and they have learned to depend more

446

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

upon nature and less on drugs when finding
themselves a little "under the weather." There
is no question but that many who suffer from
headache, indigestion and other common troubles
would get more good out of healthful out-door
diversions than they can out of drug stores, and
of these none is more generally beneficial than
riding or driving. A good horse and a com
fortable carriage are capable of affording a great
deal of enjoyment and doing wonders toward
increasing one's appetite and general well being.
In order to get this "prescription" properly filled,
it is only necessary to visit the establishment con
ducted by William C. Kelly, in the Kelly Block,
Hunter's Point, Long Island City.
Our subject was born on the site of the build
ing in which he is now doing business, in 1869.
His father, Michael Kelly, was born in Ireland,
and when a young, unmarried man came to the
United States, and secured work as a drover and
stock dealer in New York. He was one of the
first to locate and buy property in Long Island
City, his purchase being made at what is now
the corner of Jackson Avenue and Fourth Street,
and here he continued dealing in cattle and also
dealt in milk. In 1869, while in the prime of
manhood, he died of cholera. His wife, Cath
erine Fleming, was also born in Ireland and died
in this country in 1881, having borne a family
of seven children, six of whom are living at the
present time; David died at the age of thirty-
nine years; Jennie is Mrs. McCarthy of New
York City; Katie is the wife of J. A. McKenna,
the postmaster of Long Island City; Mary F.
is next in order; Michael is connected with the
Long Island Granite Company, the main entrance
of whose marble and granite works are at Cal
vary Cemetery, with branch works at Paterson,
N. J.; Amy C. and William C. complete the
family. The subject of this sketch was educated in the
grammar school on Sixth Street, where he com
pleted the course. About 1883 he embarked in
the milk business on the site of his present estab
lishment, and here later he opened a livery stable,
which he conducted successfully up to 1893, when
his building was consumed by fire. Nothing
daunted, he at once began the work of rebuilding,
once more opened a livery stable, and keeps on
hand a large number of horses for livery pur
poses, as well as comfortable and stylish car
riages, coupes, surreys, etc. He, with his two
unmarried sisters, built the Kelly Block, one of

the finest and largest business blocks of the city,
which has a one hundred foot frontage on Jack
son Avenue and about the same on Fourth Street.
No expense was spared to make the building
ornamental and substantial, and its four stories
and basement are profitably utilized. Three
large store buildings and a private flat are on the
main floor, while the upper floors are also in
flats and are fitted up with dumb waiters, hot and
cold water and other modern conveniences. Mr.
Kelly is a pushing man of business and has met
with success in the business affairs of life. Lie
was one of the incorporators of the Granite and
Monumental Company of Long Island City and
has been president and general manager of the
same. The Kellys have always been of the Cath
olic faith. Politically our subject is a Democrat,
and socially is a member of the Brooklyn Under
takers and Liverymen's Association.

FRED KERN, proprietor of the Astoria As
sembly Rooms, is an enterprising business
man of this place and is popular with all
who know him. He was born on the River
Rhine, in Baden, Germany, in 1849. His father,
Michael Kern, was also a native of that province
and was engaged in building there until late in
life, when he came to America, dying in Long
Island City.
Mrs. Catherine (Bopp) Kern, mother of our
subject, was of German birth and is also now
deceased. She reared a family of three sons and
one daughter, of whom Fred, who was the eldest
of the household, is the only member who makes
his home in this city. He was reared and edu
cated in the common schools of the Fatherland,
and after completing a course in the business
college engaged in work at his father's trade, as
sisting him for some time. He then started out
as a journeyman, traveling through parts of
Alsace, Wurtemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and many
provinces in Switzerland and Austria.
As soon as he attained his majority, our sub
ject, according to the custom of Germany, be
came a soldier, serving in the Fourth Baden
Regiment, No. 112. He enlisted in 1870 and
therefore participated in the German and French
War, fighting at the battle of Strasburg. After
a service of four years he was honorably dis
charged and continued working at his trade
until 1881, when he crossed the Atlantic and made
his home in America. He found employment

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

447

in New York City and remained there for two
years, when he came to Astoria and engaged in
contracting and building on his own account.
He prosecuted his business with great vigor and
continued to improve and sell property until 1891,
when he became the proprietor of the Astoria
Assembly Rooms, since which time he has given
the greater part of his time and attention to the
management of the same. It is a famous old
pleasure resort which was established in 1877.
The edifice is located on Flushing Avenue and
extends back to Newtown Avenue, occupying
fifteen lots on each street. Adjoining is the
Queens County Athletic Hall, which Mr. Kern
also owns. In the assembly building are to be
found a bowling alley, shooting gallery, large
dancing hall, billiard room, dining room and
fine meeting room, while the athletic rooms con
tain the gymnasium and ball rooms. A large
summer garden surrounds the whole, and during
the hot months of the year it is filled with pleas
ure seekers. . Mr. Kern has erected a large plat
form out of doors which accommodates those
who wish to dance. Our subject was one of the
organizers of the Queens County Athletic Chrb,
which now numbers over two hundred members.
The marriage of Mr. Kern and Miss Mary
Ihle occurred in Germany in 1875. The latter
was born in Baden in 185 1 and by her union with
our subject has become the mother of five chil
dren, Emil, Eugene, Fred, Jr., Annie and Bertha.
The three sons assist their father in his various
business enterprises, each seeming to be pecu
liarly adapted to the department which he man
ages. *
Mr. Kern was a member and treasurer of the
Board of Police Commissioners from 1888 to
1891, resigning this honored office when he pur
chased the pleasure garden. Socially he belongs
to the Astoria Maennerchor and Arion Society,
also the Harmonic Singing Society. He is like
wise connected with the German Soldier Asso
ciation and meets with the members of the Inde
pendent Bowling Club. In political affairs he is
an uncompromising Democrat.

REV. FATHER P. KEARNEY. The care
ful observer has come to realize that there
is much more goodness in the world than
is generally believed, and no one has such advan
tages for acquiring this belief as the head of a
religious organization, for his labors for his Mas

ter cause him to mingle with all classes, the high
and the low, the rich and the poor, and to gain
their confidence in no limited degree. Such, at
least, has been the experience of Rev. Father P.
Kearney, who is the pastor of St. Raphael's Cath
olic Church of Blissville, Long Island City. He
was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1839,
a son of Thomas Kearney, who was a worthy til
ler of the soil. He was educated in the national
schools of Ireland and was fitted for college at
Bellmocue, County Cavan, under an eminent lay
man. In 1863 he entered All Hallow's College
in Dublin, where he pursued his theological
studies for four years, and from which he was
graduated in 1867, and was ordained for the dio
cese of Brooklyn.
The year 1867 found Father Kearney in Brook
lyn as assistant to Father Corcoran of St. Joseph's
Church, but at the end of five years he became
priest of St. John's Church of Riverhead, L. I.,
and held a like position in St. Michael's Church
of Patchogue and St. Patrick's Church of Smith-
town and Port Jefferson. During this time he
started a mission in a hall at Quogue and it was
through his efforts that a new church was erected
at Smithtown. He also hired a hall and estab
lished a mission at Port Jefferson, in fact, his time
was so fully occupied in his noble work that he
was home but two days in the week. He had
charge of half of Suffolk County for about six
years, after which he came to Our Lady of Loret-
ta at Hempstead, at the same time had charge of
St. Bridget's Mission at Westbury, and there re
mained actively at work for four years. He was
next placed in charge of St. Luke's Church at
Whitestone, where his good work continued for
ten and a half years. In the meantime he had
succeeded in paying off the mortgage on the
church, which had existed for about twenty-five
years, improved the parish house and succeeded
in accumulating considerable money in the treas
ury. November 17, 1895, our subject was appointed
priest of St. Raphael's Church of Blissville, Long
Island City, by Rt. Rev. Bishop McDonald, which
congregation was formed about twenty-five years
ago as a mission, but now numbers over eighteen
hundred souls. The first congregation was very
small, and he is the fourth priest. The church,
which is an imposing structure, is beautifully lo
cated on the heights, and the parish house is com
modious and well appointed. Father Kearney
has one assistant. In 1891 he made a trip to his

448

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

old home in Ireland, but was pleased to return
to the land of his adoption. Connected with the
church are the following societies: The Holy
Name Society, the Altar Society, the League of
the Sacred Heart, the Holy Rosary Society, be
sides others. Father Kearney has pursued his
priestly labors for twenty-nine years and is the
second oldest priest in point of service, outside of
Brooklyn, on Long Island. He has been a faith
ful laborer in the vineyard of his Master, and of
him it might be said, "Well done, thou good and
faithful servant."

JOHN KRON. The substantial and well-
ter representative than our subject, who for
to-do citizens of Dutch Kills have no bet-
twenty-eight years has profitably conducted a
merchant-tailor establishment on Jackson Ave
nue. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, June
21, 1 83 1, the son of Jacob Kron, a shoemaker by
trade, but who followed farming during the great
er part of his life. He lived and died in Germany.
His wife, Barbara Bauer, was also born in Bava
ria and departed this life when fifty-two years of
age. The parental family included one son and two
daughters. John, who was the second born, be
gan attending the public schools of his native
land as soon as old enough and carried on his
studies until a lad of fourteen years. He then
entered the merchant tailoring establishment of
his brother-in-law and gave his attention to learn
ing the business. When eighteen he began to
do "jour" work about the country, traveling from
place to place for the following two years. May
14, 1851, however, he boarded a vessel which set
sail from Havre and July 15th landed in the har
bor of New York. He found no difficulty in
obtaining work at his trade, and for four years
lived in the metropolis; • In March, 1855, desiring
to see more of the country which he had decided
to make his permanent abiding place, he went to
California via the Isthmus of Panama, being twen
ty-six days on the way. On arriving in San Fran
cisco, he made his way into the mining regions of
Tuolumne County and began prospecting, meet
ing with such good results that he remained in the
Golden State for a period of twelve years.
In the fall of 1867 Mr. Kron returned East, and
the following year made his home in Long Island
City. Shortly afterward he built his present busi
ness house at . No. 346 Jackson Avenue. He

is the oldest merchant tailor in the place and
commands a large share of the trade.
Mr. Kron was married while in California to
Miss Catherine Albert, a native of Baden, Ger
many, who was brought by her parents to Ameri
ca when six years of age. Her union with our
subject has resulted in the birth of eight children,
of whom the eldest son, Charles, died when nine
teen years of age; Edward is. associated with his
father in business; Anne E. and Louise are at
home; John is an electrician doing business in
Brooklyn; William assists his father in his shop;
Henrietta E. is also at home, and Frederick, the
youngest member of the household, died when
five years of age. Edward Kron is a very popu
lar young man, and at the present time is a mem
ber of the General Commission.
In national politics our subject is a Repub
lican, but during local elections supports the
candidate who in his judgment will best transact
the duties of the office. Socially, he is an Odd
Fellow of good standing, holding membership
with Long Island City Lodge No. 395.

CAPT. SAMUEL L'HOMMEDIEU. In
1 891, at the incorporation of the White
Star Towing Company, Mr. L'Homme-
dieu was made president of the concern, an office
which he filled until 1894, and since that time
he has served as vice president. He is the heav
iest stockholder in the enterprise, and to his judg
ment and ability its success is largely due. The
New York office of the company is situated at
No. 78 South Street, and their Long Island City
office at Hunter's Point Bridge. Eight boats are
owned by the company, of which four tugs,
"Charles Runyon," "Ceres," "H. B. Rawson" and
"Guiding Star" are used for towing ships to and
from sea, Long Island Sound and about the har
bor; while the other four, "Golden Rule," "Golden
Rod," "Golden Ray" and "J. J. Driscoll," are used
for towing in Newtown Creek.
A native of Long Island, the Captain was born
in Riverhead, Suffolk County, February 11, 1843.
He is a lineal descendant of Benjamin L'Hom-
medieu, who was a French Huguenot, but fled
from his native land during a time of persecution,
and coming to America, settled in Suffolk County
in 1660. The great-grandfather, also named
Benjamin, attained an advanced age and died on
a warm day while working in a wheat field. The
grandfather, Samuel, who was born at Aque-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

449

bogue, engaged in farming there throughout his
entire active life and died at the age of ninety-one
years. The father, Joseph, who was born at
AquebOgue, was a farmer by occupation and died
in Riverhead when seventy-one years of age.
The family name was originally L'Homme Dieu,
meaning "the man God," but was changed to its
present form for convenience.
The mother of our subject, Susan Higbie, was
born in Florida, Orange County, N. Y, where her
parents resided until death. She was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
faith she died in 1893, at the age of eighty-eight.
In her family were seven children, but four of the
number are now deceased, the survivors being
Daniel and Jane, half brother and sister, who live
in Riverhead; Capt. John, who is with the Red
Star Towing Company in Brooklyn; Samuel, of
this sketch, and Joseph L, who was for three
years a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-
seventh New York Infantry during the Civil
War, and is now engaged with the White Star
Towing Company on one of their boats.
On the home farm near Riverhead the subject
of this sketch spent the days of boyhood anil
youth, having such educational advantages as the
public and high schools of the village afforded. At
the age of eleven years he was bound out as an ap
prentice to Captain Gardner, an old whaler, with
whom he remained until sixteen years of age.
He then went to sea as cook on the sloop "Dili
gent," between Riverhead and New York City,
and afterward was on various other vessels.
When he began in the towboat business, he
worked his way upward from a very humble posi
tion, and about 1866 came ashore, accepting a po
sition in the office of a company. Later he bought
an interest in the tug "Olive Baker," and as time
passed by acquired other interests, doing a suc
cessful business in that line. In 1891 the White
Star Towing Company was incorporated, and
he has since been its principal stockholder.
However, he has other interests, especially in
sailing vessels in the Cuban and South American
trade. Prior to 1874 for some years, Captain L'Hom-
medieu resided in New York, but since then he
has made his home in Brooklyn, his residence
being situated at No. 490 A Monroe Street. He
was married in Riverhead, his wife being Miss
Cornelia Wells, daughter of George Wells, a
ship carpenter by trade and also for some years
a farmer. Mrs. L'Hommedieu died in 1894,

leaving one child, Florence Cornelia, who has
since died. Our subject is a stanch Republican,
an advocate of single tax, and has taken an active
interest in his party's affairs. He is a member of
the National Board of Steam Navigation, and
gives his co-operation to all plans tending to the
development of the trade. In religious belief he
is a Swedenborgian and holds membership with
the church of that faith in Brooklyn.

WILLIAM KETCHAM MOORE is
proprietor of Moore's Express, which
is next to the largest express company
on Long Island. Astoria may well be proud of
the amount of brains and energy displayed by
her representative business men, but taking them
as a whole there is none brighter, more intelli
gent, or with more ability and push than Mr.
Moore, whose push and energy have placed him
in the front rank as a business man, and whose
geniality and pleasing manners have won him
hosts of friends. He was born in Astoria, Long
Island City, December 21, 1847, and is the third
in order of birth of five children born to his par
ents, Benjamin and Ann Moore. (See sketch of
B. Moore, Jr.)
In the fourth ward school of Astoria Mr. Moore
received his education and later learned the bak
er's trade of his father. In 1872 he started in the
express business for himself, beginning at the
bottom round of the ladder. Success has followed
his efforts, and he now stands second to the Long
Island Express Company, which is the largest
on Long Island. His office is at No. 188 Main
Street, where he has erected three stores, 25x100
feet, and the barns in the rear extend to Clark
Street, over one hundred feet. He runs about
ten express wagons and there is a regular hack
and coupe business in connection between Long
Island City, New York and Brooklyn.
Mr. Moore is a great lover of horse-flesh and is
a capital judge of these animals. He owns three
standard-bred colts; "Zuleika," a four-year-old by
"Stranger," has a record of 2 134^, and ran many
races and won considerable money in Connecti
cut. The others are "Kadmus," a three-year-old,
and "Padrone," a two-year-old, both by "Gray
Stone." He has also owned other fine horses and
is authority on all that relates to racing, etc. At
Huntington, L. I., in July, 1895, he met with a
serious accident, his horse falling with him in the
race, and he was unconscious for six weeks.

45°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

However, he has recovered his wonted health
and is as deeply interested in racing as ever. He
is an interesting conversationalist, and his pleas
ant home, which is presided over by his excellent
wife, formerly Miss Emma Harding, is a delight
ful place to visit. Mr. and Mrs. Moore celebrated
their marriage in 1867 and four interesting chil
dren have been given them, viz.: Benjamin Jo
seph, William Arthur, Charlotte Harding and
George Clarke. Mrs. Moore was born in Eng
land. Mr. Moore is a member of Advance
Lodge, F. & A. M., and holds the office of Past
Master.

HON. LUCIUS N. MANLEY, whose life
record we now attempt to place before the
public, is perhaps better known to most
of the residents of Long Island City as Judge
Manley. He is one of its most prominent citi
zens and successful attorneys, and by reason of
his ability and knowledge of law, commands a
very large practice. He was a member of the
Constitutional Convention which met in Albany,
N. Y., in 1894, and, being a prominent Repub
lican, uses his influence at all times for the ad
vancement of this party in his community.
Judge Manley is a native of this state, and was
bom in Addison, Steuben County, June 24, 1843.
His father, Nehemiah Manley, was a native of
Otsego County, N. Y., while his grandfather,
bearing the given name of George, was born in
Connecticut. During his young manhood he
took up his abode in Otsego County and later
became a resident of Steuben County, where he
passed the last years of his life. The wife of
George Manley was before her marriage a Miss
Davenport, and was a collateral relative of Rev.
John Davenport, of old Puritan stock. One of
her brothers, Richard,, served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War.
The father of our subject was for many years
engaged as an agriculturist near Addison, Steu
ben County, and for some time greatly added to
his income by the profits derived from the lum
ber business which he followed. He lived to be
seventy-nine years of age. One of his brothers,
bearing the name of Cephas, was a soldier in the
War of 1 812. Very many years ago what is now
the town of Addison included the town of Tus-
carora and subsequent to its being divided Nehe
miah Manley served faithfully as one of its super

visors. In early life he was a Henry Clay Whig,
but after the formation of the Republican party
joined its ranks.
The mother of our subject was in her maiden
hood Jane Baker. She was born in Charleston,
Tioga County, Pa., and was the daughter of
Abisha Baker, a farmer and merchant of that
county. The latter was a native of Washington
County, N. Y., and married a Miss Lyttell, also
a native of Washington County, where her family
and the Bakers were very prominent. Mrs. Jane
Manley was also aged seventy-nine years at the
time of her decease. She was a consistent mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and during her
life was true to all its teachings.
The subject of this sketch, who was the only
child of his parents to reach mature years, con
tinued to live at home until he was sent to Alfred
Academy in Allegany County, N. Y., where he
completed his education. He then made prac
tical use of his knowledge by teaching school,
following this vocation in his native county for
two years. For some time previous to this he
had been desirous of turning his attention to the
study of law, and now that an opportunity pre
sented itself, he took advantage of it, and began
reading Blackstone in the office of F. C. and J.
W. Dinninny. In January, 1872, being suffi
ciently well informed, he was admitted to the bar
in Buffalo, and in November of that year we
find him located in Long Island City, where he
began the practice of his profession, having for
his partner the first year A. T. Payne. He then
opened an office of his own and continued to
transact business alone until 1890, when Charles
A. Wadley became associated with him, the firm
being known as Manley & Wadley. They en
gaged in a general law business on the corner of
Third Street and Vernon Avenue.
Lucius N. Manley was married in Addison, N.
Y., in 1877, to Miss Olive Weatherby, who died in
Long Island City in 1881, leaving one child, Ed
ward. In 1885 Judge Manley chose for his sec
ond companion Miss Elsie Hillman of this city,
and their family includes three children, Freder
ick, Martha and Helen.
Judge Manley has always manifested great in
terest in the public life of his community, and
for a period of four years held the office of jus
tice of the peace. He was first elected by the
Republicans of this section to fill a vacancy and
the second term headed a mixed ticket. Pie re
signed this position in order to run for mayor

THEODORE A CARMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

453

of Long Island City, but failed in getting the de
sired number of votes. In the fall of 1893 he was
nominated on the Republican ticket as a member
of the Constitutional Convention and was elected
from the First District. He served as one of
the committee on charities, and was also ap
pointed a member of the committee on governor
and state officers.
The Judge is a member of the Queens County
Bar Association, of which he was vice president
for some time. He is an influential Republican in
politics and is still a member of and has been
chairman of the Long Island City General Com
mittee. He is the second oldest practitioner of
this city and maintains a high reputation among
his professional brethren in the state.

THEODORE A. CARMAN, one of the
successful business men of Hempstead and
proprietor of a large hardware store at
this place, was born. here February 27, 1843, his
birthplace being the old Carman homestead that
has been in the possession of the family for man/
years. His education was acquired in the schools
of Hempstead, which he attended regularly dur
ing his early years. Assisting his father, Coles
Carman, in his store, he gained in boyhood a
thorough knowledge of the details of business, so
that he was fitted for the management of a store
of his own.
In 1861 Mr. Carman embarked in business on
his own account, but two years later the building
he occupied was sold, and he did not resume
business again until 1865. He then bought a lot
and built the store which he still occupies. Be
ginning to trade upon a small scale, he gradually
increased the stock as his enlarging patronage
permitted, and now has one of the best equipped
establishments of the kind for miles around. Be
sides the management of this enterprise, he is a
director in the First National Bank, of which
August Belmont is president. While business
affairs have received due attention, he has found
a pleasant diversion in various sports, and is es
pecially fond of yachting, being a member of the
Hempstead Bay Yacht Club and the owner of the
steam yacht "Francis."
When but eighteen years of age Mr. Carman
was elected tax collector of Hempstead, which
position he filled for nine years. He has also
served as school tax collector, and has been a
17

village trustee for three years. Believing the
platform of principles laid down by the Demo
cratic party to be best adapted to the good of the
country he supports its men and measures and
is an active factor in local politics. For thirty
years he has been identified with the Masonic
fraternity, and is junior warden of the lodge, an
office held by his great-grandfather, Thomas D.
Carman, when the lodge was organized in 1797.
In 1868 Mr. Carman was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth T., daughter of Samuel
Downing, of Roslyn. They have two children,
a son and daughter, Herbert V. and Frances B.,
the former of whom is in business with his father.
Mr. Carman is interested in behalf of every move
ment and enterprise which he believes will pro
mote the public good, and this interest is proved
by his substantial support and hearty co-opera
tion. He stands high in the estimation of the
citizens of Hempstead, whose regard he has won
by his business ability, good citizenship and pro
gressive spirit.

FRANZ DIETZE. Among those who have
achieved success solely by excellence of
character, without any of the methods by
which unworthy persons seek to gain undeserved
and transient popularity, the subject of this sketch
occupies a conspicuous place. He is a manufac
turer and dealer in wagons and is also an experi
enced and reliable blacksmith. October 16, 1865,
he was born in Saxony, Germany, a son of Chris
tian and Fredericka (Grober) Dietze, both of
whom were born and spent their lives in Ger
many, the father being a bricklayer by trade. The
subject of this sketch was the youngest of four
children and was reared in the town of Grebehna.
The common schools of his native land afforded
him his early education, and at the age of four
teen years he was apprenticed to learn the wagort
and carriage-maker's trade in an adjoining vil
lage, and for three years faithfully worked at the
trade. In 1883 he decided to come to "free Amer
ica," and upon his arrival here settled in Wood-
side, N. Y. Up to 1893 he worked at his trade
in New York and Brooklyn.
In the fall of 1893 our subject embarked in his
present business and formed a business partner
ship with Joseph Botvout in Flushing Avenue,
near Baldwin Avenue, and here he has since very
successfully continued. He has built up a paying
patronage, a natural result of the fine work that

454

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he does, and his business is continually on the
increase. In addition to his wagon and carriage
shop he conducts a repair and general blacksmith
shop also, and is universally regarded as a skillful
workman and one who is at all times painstaking.
Our subject was married in Astoria to Miss Katie
Loreth, a native of Austria, and they have one
child, Annie. Mr. Dietze is a member of Her
mann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W., and also be
longs to several minor societies.

¥ TENRY R WHITE, who was one of the
|'| £ brave defenders of the Stars and Stripes
¦*- ¦*¦ during the late war, serving as captain of
Company B, Twenty-seventh New York Volun
teers, was for many years one of the prominent
citizens of Long Island City. He was born in
New York City April 6, 1835, and was the son
of Col. Richard Henry White, whose birth also
occurred in the metropolis. The family is of
English descent and has been established in
America for many generations.
The father of our subject was an expert in the
art of fancy hard-wood carving, and during the
years in which he traveled throughout the West,
followed this business in Kansas City, Leaven
worth, Ft. Scott and various points in Wisconsin
and Illinois. He was residing in the Badger State
on the outbreak of the late war, and from there
enlisted, becoming colonel of his regiment. He
departed this life in Salina, Kas.
After procuring a good education in the public
schools Henry R., of this history, studied phar
macy in Brooklyn, after which he clerked in a
drug store at Lyons, N. Y. During the progress
of the Civil War he volunteered his services in de
fense of the Union and was commissioned first
lieutenant of Company B, New York Infantry,
which was the first company which went from
Lyons. Three months later he was promoted to
be captain of his regiment. He volunteered for
two years, but prior to the expiration of his term
he was wounded, June 27, 1862. and returning
home was not able to rejoin his regiment until
January, 1863. In May, 1863, he was mustered
out, and in the following September was com
missioned captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps.
He was engaged in garrison duty respectively in
New York, Baltimore and Washington. He con
tinued in the service until the close of the war.
During his service he received a wound in
his right arm, the ball passing through to

the hip. The surgeons were never able to find
it, and he died twenty-seven years later, when on
a trip to Western New York to attend the re
union of the Twenty-seventh regiment, which was
held at Seneca Falls. His remains were taken to
his old home and interred in the cemetery at
Lyons. After the war Mr. White returned to Lyons
and remained there until 1866, when he located
in Long Island City, establishing one of the first
drug stores in the city. He was very successful
in this undertaking and at the time of his de
cease was the proprietor of one of the finest drug
houses in this community. It is now carried on
by Mrs. White, and the brick block in which it is
situated is one of the best business sites in the
city. Mr. White was senior warden of St. John's
Episcopal Church, with which he had been con
nected for eighteen years. Financially prosper
ous and blessed with an abundance of this world's
goods, he ranked among the leading citizens of
the community, and was recognized as a man of
more than ordinary ability. He was public-spir
ited and possessed the unlimited confidence of all
who knew him. Mr. White was one of the organ
izers of the Long Island City Savings Bank, of
which he was one of the vice-presidents until
his death. In politics he was an enthusiastic
Republican and one of that party's leaders in
this community. Years ago he was one of a com
mittee comprising fifty energetic young men who
banded together and used their influence in gain
ing many governmental reforms. Mr. White
never aspired to office, although frequently urged
by his friends to accept positions of honor and
trust. He never failed to attend the various re
unions of his regiment, and as we stated above,
his death occurred September 18, 1889, while on
his way to Seneca Falls, N. Y., to meet with his
old comrades. He was a member of a Masonic
lodge at Washington, and was also a member
of the State Pharmaceutical Association, in which
organization he had many warm and true friends.
The marriage of our subject occurred in 1859,
in Lyons, N. Y., when Miss Sarah Layton became
his wife. She is the daughter of John Layton,
and the granddaughter of Daniel Layton, both of
whom were natives of eastern New York. Dur
ing his younger days John Layton removed to
Lyons, adjoining which village he owned a large
farm and became one of its most influential and
wealthy business men. All his dealings were

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

455

marked with inherent honesty, and as one of the
best citizens of the community he held the con
fidence of all who knew him. He was a consist
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and took an active part in all the work of that
organization. In politics he voted for Republican
candidates after the formation of that party, and
on that ticket held the office of supervisor for
many years. His wife, prior to her marriage,
was a Miss Harriet Penoyer, a native of Lyons,
and the daughter of Reuben Penoyer, whose birth
also occurred in that village. Tlie latter later in
life removed to Pulaski, Mich., where he was
engaged in farming for some time. He served
faithfully and well as a soldier in the War of
1812. The parents of Mrs. White had born to
them a family of nine children, of whom three
of her brothers, Nelson, Hiram and John, served
as soldiers in the late war.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. White has
carried on the drug business in this city. She
has one daughter, Harriet E., who is an active
worker in church and charitable organizations.
Mrs. White is one of the managers of the tern-,
porary home for children at Mineola, the only
Protestant home for children in Queens County.
Both mother and daughter are active members of
the Episcopal Church and give liberally of their
means toward its support. They possess the
friendship of the best people in Long Island and
move in the highest circles of society here.

JOSEPH McLAUGHLIN, the popular "mine
host" of the Blissville Hotel, has held many
important positions within the gift of his
fellow townsmen to bestow, and has in turn ren
dered them very able and efficient service as al
derman and supervisor and as a member of the
police commission. He was born in Kings
County, Ireland, in 1842, and is the son of James
McLaughlin, also a native of the Emerald Isle.
During his early married life, the father of our
subject emigrated to America with his family,
settling first in New York, where he found plenty
of employment as a bricklayer. Here his oldest
child was born and died. Mr. and Mrs. Mc
Laughlin afterward returned to their native land,
where three children were born. The husband
and father then made another trip across the At
lantic and died soon afterward in the New World.
His wife, known in maidenhood as Mary Kinney,
embarked on a vessel bound for America in 1855,

and with her children was safely landed in New
York City, wher<. she devoted herself to rearing
them for useful positions in life. She died in
the metropolis when advanced in years. Of the
six children of whom she became the mother
three grew to mature years, and the only one now
living besides our subject is Kate, who married
Charles Smith, an engineer in the employ of the
United States government at Brooklyn.
The first thirteen years of our subject's life
were passed in his native isle, during which time
he made the best of his opportunities for obtain
ing an education. His mother came to America
about this time, and in order that he might re
lieve her of his support he began to do for him
self. He was not content, however, with the
education which he had received in Ireland, and
for some time attended night school in New York.
He had not fully made up his mind what business
in life he wished to pursue and after trying to
learn two different trades, abandoned work of
that kind and clerked for a friend who owned a
liquor store in the city.
In 1857 Mr. McLaughlin came to Blissville,
L. I., and clerked for ex-Judge John B. Madden,
proprietor of the Madden Road House, for sev
eral years. October 10, 1866, he embarked in
business for himself, opening an hotel on the cor
ner of Jackson Avenue and Fourth Street, Long
Island City. This was known as the Flushing
House, and until 1870 Mr. McLaughlin operated
here. That year he removed to the suburb of
Blissville and built the Blissville Hotel, which he
has been very successful in conducting. In 1889
he erected a building on the corner of East Ave
nue and Third Street, which he fitted out as a
first-class hotel, and after running it for five years
leased the building.
The first marriage of Mr. McLaughlin oc
curred in New York in October, 1866, at which
time he chose for his wife Miss Elizabeth Galla
gher. At the time of her death she left three chil
dren, two of whom survive: Mary E., at home;
and Charles ]., in business in New York City.
The second marriage of our subject occurred
July 30, 1876, and united him with Miss Julia A.
Kelley, who was born in Astoria and educated in
New York. After completing her studies she en
gaged in teaching, and for several years prior to
her union with our subject had been principal of
the Second Ward school. Mr. and Mrs. Mc
Laughlin are the parents of eight children, all of
whom are at home and named respectively : Jos-

456

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

eph J., Annie H, Mathew F., Gracie M., Thomas
C, James F., Julia A. and Marion S.
Mr. McLaughlin has always taken a very ac
tive part in public affairs, and in 1871 was ap
pointed a member of the police commission by
Mayor Ditmars. Two years later he was the suc
cessful candidate for alderman of his ward and
such satisfaction did he give his constituents that
he was retained in office for four successive terms.
During that time he served on many important
committees, always having the interest of the city
at heart. In 1883 he was elected supervisor of
his district, and on the expiration of his term of
two years, retired from political life. In national
politics he is a Democrat and at various times
has been chairman of the general committee of
Long Island City. He is a devout Catholic and
a member of St. Raphael's Church. During the
building of the splendid edifice occupied by the
Catholics here services were held for six months
in the hall which he owns adjoining his hotel.

CHARLES CURTIS WOODRUFF, who
has been very successful in his business
as contractor and builder, is one of the
most substantial and enterprising men of Hun
ter's Point. He is a native of New Jersey, and
was born at Elizabeth July 9, 1861. His father,
Charles Augustus Woodruff, was also a native of
that city. This family, which was a very promi
nent one in New Jersey, is spoken of at more
length in the sketch of John B. Woodruff, uncle
of our subject.
The father of Charles C. Woodruff learned the
trade of a machinist and became an engineer when
a young man, after which he went as first assist
ant engineer on the first steamer which ran up
the Magdalena River in South America. Inside
of a year so valuable were his services that he
was promoted to be chief engineer and remained
in the employ of the owners of this vessel for
three years. At the end of that time he returned
to his native state and took a position as engineer
in the shops of the New Jersey Central Railroad
Company at Communipaw, N. J.
In 1870 Charles A. Woodruff came to Long
Island City and built a machine shop, carrying
on this business in connection with plumbing, gas
fitting, etc. Later he became constructing engi
neer with the Standard Oil Company. About
1878 we find Mr. Woodruff engaged in business
at Bayonne, N. J., where he made his home until

his decease, in 1893, when fifty-eight years of age.
He was a stanch supporter of Republican princi
ples and candidates, and in religious affairs was an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married Elizabeth Wambold, also
a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of Abra
ham Wambold, whose birth occurred in the state
of Pennsylvania. Her father worked in the pot
teries of Elizabeth for many years and was living
there at the time of his decease, when quite ad
vanced in years. Mrs. Woodruff is still living
and is a resident of the old home at Bayonne, N. J.
The parental household included nine children,
of whom seven grew to mature years and five
daughters and one son are now living, our subject
being the only member of the family to make his
home on Long Island. He was brought hither
by his parents when a lad of eight years, and
after completing the course in the schools here
spent two years in Grammar School No. 26, lo
cated on Thirtieth Street, New York.
When about sixteen years of age our subject
was apprenticed to learn the trade of a brick ma
son, working for his uncle, John B. Woodruff.
After learning the business, and when only nine
teen years of age, he was made foreman on the
various buildings which his uncle was engaged
upon, and continued in his employ until 1889,
when he began contracting on his own account.
He formed a partnership at this time with James
S. Carpenter, their business card reading Carpen
ter & Woodruff, masons and builders.
The above firm was in existence from 1889 until
May, 1895, when the connection was dissolved
and our subject continued alone. His office is
located at No. 209 Tenth Street, which he erected
for his own use, and adjoining it are his shop,
stables and storage house, where he keeps his
building materials. Mr. Woodruff has erected
many of the large public buildings and private
blocks in the city and vicinity, among them being
the Queens County Bank, Barber Asphalt Com
pany's office, all the buildings used by the Green
point Sugar Refining Company in Commercial
Street, the Brooklyn Cooperage Company, on the
corner of Sixth and Seventh streets, also the
buildings owned by this same company at Will
iamsburg and in Brooklyn. He also received the
contract for the building of the American Sugar
Refining Company on First Street and built the
boiler house and boilers for Charles Fizer & Co.
in Brooklyn. Die various station houses for the
Long Island Railroad Company at Glencove,

J. HOWARD LEVER, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

459

Patchogue, Glenhead, Roslyn and Newtown were
constructed by Mr. Woodruff. Although kept
very busy filling orders in his own community, he
is often given the contract for the erection of
buildings in other states and at one time was
called to Baltimore, Md., to erect the edifices used
by the Baltimore Sugar Refining Company.
With his family our subject occupies a beautiful
home at No. 148 Twelfth Street, Hunter's Point.
He was married in Long Island City in 1883 to
Miss Emma Sandene, a native of Greenpoint,
Brooklyn, and the daughter of Capt. Andrew P.
Sandene. He has been for many years pilot on
the Thirty-fourth Street ferry and is the oldest
man in the employ of the company running the
ferries. He is now residing in Ravenswood.
Mrs. Woodruff was reared and educated in this
city and by her union with our subject has be
come the mother of a daughter, Adeline.
During the busy season our subject has in his
employ from two hundred to four hundred men,
which gives the reader some idea of the extent of
the business in which he is engaged. In 1892 he
invented what is now known as the Woodruff &
Krouse brick cleaning machine. In order to
handle this device in a profitable manner he
formed a partnership with Mr. Krouse, who could
give more attention to this department than could
our subject.
Socially Mr. Woodruff is a member of Reliance
Lodge No. 776, F. & A. M., at Green Point. He
is an exempt fireman, having served with Hunter
engine No. 4. In politics he is a straightforward
Republican and is an active member of the Lin
coln Club. The Grace Methodist Episcopal
Church regard him as one of its most valued
members and liberal contributors.

J HOWARD LEVER, M. D. The career
which we now consider may be viewed
• from three distinct points of observation —
as a man, as a physician, and as a citizen — for
we find these three sides to the character of Dr.
Lever. While it is true that the professional man
must ever be loyal to his calling, yet the common
public interests of the community in which he
lives and of which he is an integral part, cannot
be ignored. There are men who possess a versa
tility of mental constitution that enables them
to take part in many diverse lines of thought and
activity.

Such a one is the subject of the present notice,
who conducts a general medical and surgical
practice at Flushing. In addition to professional
work, he has maintained a deep interest in all
matters pertaining to education, and has served
with fidelity and efficiency on the school board.
For years he has been a trustee of the Queens
County Savings Bank, one of the solid finan
cial institutions of this locality, and is now its
first vice-president, the other officers being:
President, George Pople; second vice-president,
H. Carpenter; secretary, L. M. Franklin; and
treasurer, H. A. Bogart.
Born in Staten Island, N. Y., August 3, 1846,
Dr. Lever is of English parentage and descent.
His father, George C, and grandfather, George
C, Sr., were engaged in the mercantile business
111 their native city, London, whence the former
came to the United States and founded the
wholesale dry-goods house of Lever & Co., in
New York City. He made his home in Staten
Island, where he named the village of New
Brighton from the famous old English watering-
place. In religious belief he was a member of the
'Church of England. His death occurred in Sta
ten Island when he was about seventy-two. His
wife, who also died there, bore the maiden name
of Mary Woodward, and was born in Coventry,
England, where her father, Rev. Arthur Wood
ward, was an Episcopalian clergyman.
In the family of George C. and Mary A. Lever
there are six children, all living, namely: Charles,
who owns a vineyard in California; Edward A.,
who is a colonel in the Mexican army, and also
an author of considerable note ; J. Howard ; Mary
A., Edith and Frances A., who reside in Staten
Island. The subject of this record was educated
in the schools of his native home, where he laid
the foundation of his present broad and thorough
knowledge. For a time he was employed in the
postoffice at Flushing, but a business life was
not entirely congenial, and was regarded by him
as merely preparatory to a professional career.
His medical studies were commenced under Dr.
Bloodgood and continued in the medical depart
ment of Columbia College, from which he gradu
ated in 1869, with the degree of M. D. For a
few years he was in partnership with his former
preceptor and upon the death of Dr. Bloodgood
he succeeded to his practice, locating his office on
the corner of Main and Locust Streets, where he
has since conducted a general practice. For
twelve years he was a member of the board of

460

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

health, in the organization of which he aided
largely and which he served as physician.
In New Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y.,
Dr. Lever owns a small farm, where he and his
family make their summer home. His wife,
whom he married in Newtown, was Mary A.
Backus, daughter of Ascan Backus, formerly one
of the largest farmers of New York State, often
employing as many as one hundred men to assist
in the management of his place. The mother of
Mrs. Lever was born in England and was a
daughter of Rev. William Beetham, pastor of the
Dutch Reformed Church in Newark, N. J., for
some years. Mrs. Lever was born and educated
in Newtown, where her brothers, John E. and
F. A., still reside. The Doctor and Mrs. Lever
have three children: Mary E. is a graduate of
Miss Brown's .School, Fifth Avenue, New York,
class of 1895; and Charles Backus and Howard
Randolph complete the number. Fraternally Dr.
Lever is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No.
563, F. & A. M., and in national politics he votes
the Republican ticket. Aside from his regular
practice he has been physician to the poor and
for the county, and has held a number of local
offices of trust and honor.

ANDREW MOUNT. In the list of the men
now cultivating a portion of the soil of the
town of Jamaica with good results and
whose financial prosperity has been gained from
industrious application to the work in hand, to
gether with prudent control of expenditures, the
subject of this sketch deserves prominent men
tion. Having devoted almost his entire life to
farm work, he is familiar with every detail con
nected with the occupation and has gained success
through his exercise of sound judgment in affairs.
Born in Fosters Meadow, April 29, 1843, the
subject of this notice is a son of Zebulon Mount,
and a brother of George W. Mount, whose sketch,
together with a record of the family, is presented
on another page. He was reared to manhood
on the home farm and at an early age gained a
thorough knowledge of the occupation in which
he has since engaged. In the common schools
of the neighborhood he laid the foundation of
the knowledge he now possesses, and which has
perhaps been gained as much by experience and
observation as by study of text books.
Leaving home at the age of eighteen, Mr.
Mount apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a

tinsmith, but the occupation was not congenial,
and after a trial of two or three months he con
cluded it was not what he desired for a life work.
He therefore returned home and settled down to
farming, continuing to make his home with his
father until his marriage. That important event,
which occurred February 20, 1867, united him
with Elizabeth Kinsey. Shortly afterward he lo
cated upon his present place, which after renting
for two years, he purchased from the estate, his
father having previously owned it.
Honorable in private life, peaceable and law-
abiding as a citizen, and displaying energy in
whatever he undertakes, Mr. Mount is looked
upon with respect by all who know him. His first
vote was cast for Republican candidates and he
still adheres tp the principles of that party, having
seen no reason, in the intervening years, to
change his political faith. For the past sixteen
or more years he has served as a member of the
board of school trustees and the excellent condi
tion of the schools to-day is largely the result
of his progressive efforts. He attends the Pres
byterian Church and contributes of his means to
the support of religious and benevolent enter
prises. In carrying on his farm work he is ener
getic, industrious and sufficiently progressive to
adopt new methods when by so doing he can
increase the productiveness of his land. He has
an extended acquaintance and an excellent repu
tation as a man and a citizen, while as an agri
culturist he is understood to be thorough and
energetic.

FRANK J. CLANCY, though one of the
youngest business men of Long Island
City, is by no means one of the least suc
cessful, as in his chosen occupation, the manu
facture of soda and mineral water, he has built
up a large trade and established a reputation
as a reliable, energetic and stirring young man.
His location at No. 3 Jackson Avenue is an ex
cellent one, being at a point sufficiently central
to command trade. It may safely be predicted
of him, judging from the flattering start he has
made, that the future years will bring him pros
perity and success.
A native of New York City, born November 27,
1874, the subject of this sketch is of Irish parent
age, both his father and mother, Charles and
Mary (Parks) Clancy, having been natives of the
Emerald Isle. After their marriage they emi-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

461

grated to America and settled in New York City,
where the father engaged in the milk business for
some years. In 1877 he came to Long Island
City, where, in addition to the milk business, he
also engaged as a dealer in cattle, having his place
of business at No. 66 Jackson Avenue. He and
his wife still reside here. Of their eight children
all but one are living.
Frank J., who is next to the youngest of the
family, spent his childhood years in Long Island
City, where he was educated in the old Sixth
Street School. At the age of thirteen he secured
a place as clerk for Peter Johnson during vaca
tion, and the following summer was employed in a
restaurant in Blissville. Later he was with Ack-
erly & Gerard, lumber dealers, for more than one
year. When fifteen years old he began to work
for Owen Clark, with whom he remained four
years, engaged in the manufacture of mineral
water. In 1893, at the age of nineteen, he started
out for himself, putting in the necessary machin
ery and beginning with a determination to suc
ceed. He manufactures the syrups used in the
soda and mineral water, having the various flav
ors, sarsaparilla, ginger ale, root beer, raspberry
cream, lemon and cycleaid. In his store, which is
roomy and attractive, he has three fountains, one
generator and two bottling tables, together with
all other equipments necessary for the successful
management of the business. He runs one team,
principally in Long Island City and vicinity. In
political belief he has decided opinions and rests
his, faith upon the old Jeffersonian doctrines of
Democracy. He is an active member of the Jef
ferson Club and interested in everything pertain
ing to local affairs. Socially he is connected with
the Order of Foresters, while in religion he holds
membership in St. Mary's Church.

JOHN VAN RIPER, one of the oldest con
tractors and builders in Hunter's Point,
Long Island City, is a fine workman and
has erected many of the elegant homes of this
community. Mr. Van Riper, who has resided
here since 1861, was born at Gravesend, L. I.,
April 8, 1837. His father, Isaac Van Riper, was
a native of Belleville, N. J., where he remained
until attaining mature years. He came of a high
ly respected family of that place who were of
Holland extraction. The father came to Grave
send when a young man and was apprenticed to

learn the carpenter's trade. After mastering it he
erected a home in which he resided until his de
cease, in 1840. During the War of 1812 he ren
dered his country efficient service as a soldier,
taking part in many of the hard-fought engage
ments of that period.
Mrs. Hulda (Stout) Van Riper, mother of our
subject, was born in Monmouth County, N. J.,
and died in South Brooklyn when eighty-two
years of age. She was the second wife of Isaac
Van Riper, by whom she had seven children. Of
these Hettie is living in Brooklyn; Lydia is de
ceased; Isaac makes his home at Freeport, L. L;
Maria departed this life when eighteen years of
age; William died on Staten Island; John, of
this history, was the sixth born, and James, the
youngest of the family, is a resident of South
Brooklyn. By his first marriage the father of our
subject had two daughters, both of whom are de
ceased. John Van Riper spent the first six years of his
life in his native place, and about this time re
moved to Bayridge, where he lived for a time,
and then until thirteen years old lived in South
Brooklyn. During this time he had attended
school quite regularly, but as he was compelled
thus early in life to make his own living, obtained
a position as errand boy in one of the largest dry
goods establishments in Sixth Avenue, New
York City. Here he remained for three years,
when he began working for his brother Isaac,
who was a contractor there. In 1861 they came
to Long Island City and formed a partnership,
thus making one of the oldest contracting firms
in the vicinity. Aside from building numerous
blocks and residences for other parties, I. & J.
Van Riper erected some fourteen or fifteen houses
in Long Island City for themselves, many of
which are still in their possession and are rented.
They were formerly the owners of a fine row of
buildings in Ely Avenue, most of which they
have sold, although our subject has retained the
corner house for his own use and occupies it
with his family.
In 1893, by mutual agreement, the firm of I.
& J. Van Riper was dissolved. Our subject,
however, still continues in business for himself,
making a specialty of plastering, and is one of
the finest ornamental designers on the island.
Among the splendid structures for which he was
given the contract in this line were the German
Catholic Church at College Point, which was
erected in 1895, and the station house in Grand

462

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Street, Astoria, besides numerous fine residences
and public buildings.
Mr. Van Riper was married in Long Island
City in 1866 to Miss Sarah L. Randolph, a native
of Jersey City, and the daughter of William and
Sarah Randolph, the former being a prominent
brick and stone mason of that place. Their union
has resulted in the birth of two children, Ed
ward R. and Newland J., practical plasterers, who
are in business together, operating under the
name of Van Riper Brothers.
Our subject is a member of Qrace Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which there were originally
five members here, but he is the only one who
now survives. He has held almost every office
in the official board and is at present trustee. In
the work of the Sunday-school he has always tak
en a great interest and for many years was one
of its teachers. His knowledge of building and
materials proved of great benefit to the congrega
tion at the time they erected their present com
modious edifice, and although a very busy man,
his time was never so much occupied but that
he was willing and ready to assist them in what
ever way he could. He is a true-blue Republican
in politics, casting his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln.

JAMES MOORE WHITCOMB. Among
the oldest and most prominent residents of
Long Island City, N. Y., is Mr. Whitcomb,
who since March 20, 1845, has been a resident of
Queens County. He was born in Worcester
County, Mass., January 11, 1824, and comes of a
prominent old family of that state, his father, Asa
Whitcomb, and his grandfather, Asa Whitcomb,
Sr., having been born there. The latter was one
of the pioneers of Worcester County,. Mass., and
was of English descent.
Farming was the principal occupation followed
by the father of our subject, but for some time he
was interested in a stage and express company
in the Old Bay State. When but a boy he served
in the War of 1812. He lived to be sixty-six
years old. His marriage united him with Miss
Caroline Moore, a native of Bolton, Mass., and
the daughter of James Moore, who was a large
farmer near that town. She died when a com
paratively young woman. Their family consisted
of three children, two daughters and a son. The
daughters still reside in the state of Massachusetts.

Our subject, who was the eldest of the family,
grew up on his father's farm and received about
two months' schooling each year until fifteen
years old. He then took charge of the farm and
carried it on until he had reached his twenty-first
birthday. A week afterward he made arrange
ments to come to Long Island, and first settled
in Flushing, where he made his home for four
years, being in charge of F. H. Wolcott's horses
and garden from 1845 until 1849. Die family
then moved to the Shore Road, now in Long
Island City, and he had charge of the place there
until 1852. On the 4th of April of the same year
he embarked in the livery business in Long Island
City, the first livery there, and continued it up
to the present time. He had the first moving
platform spring wagon made in New York and he
soon was carrying on an extensive business, hav
ing at one time as many as fifty-four horses here.
He had as many as seventeen moving vans on the
road and has been the owner of some fine horses.
Mr. Whitcomb was a stanch Republican dur
ing the war and was often threatened with hav
ing his barns burned down, but notwithstanding
he remained there through it all and carried on
his business. He took Horace Greeley out of
Astoria amid rbtten eggs and pistol shots and
ran the risk when no one else dared. He passed
through some wonderful experiences and had
some narrow escapes. He was also harbor master
here during the years 1865-66-67, and had all
kinds of men to deal with, but his courage and
determination carried him through all right. Mr.
Whitcomb assisted in starting the first Republican
club here and at Winfield and became prominent
ly identified with his party. During the war he
was lieutenant of the Hamilton Rifles of Astoria,
and since then has been deputy sheriff here at
different times.
On the 6th of April, 1846, Mr. Whitcomb be
came a member of Pacific Lodge, I. O. O. F., in
Flushing, and is now a member of Astoria Lodge
and the oldest Odd Fellow here. Since 1865 he
has been a charter member of Astoria Lodge, F.
& A. M-. He is one of the life members of the
Queens County Agricultural Society, of which
he has been director and active member. He
was one of the first to start a truck company here,
being foreman of the same for some time, and
later was assistant foreman.
Mr. Whitcomb was first married in Flushing,
L. I., to Miss Rebecca Thorn, who was a native
of that place, and who died here. Their five chil-

ALEX. S. BURNS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

465

dren were as follows: James H, with his father;
Charlotte R, now Mrs. Buell; Laura B., at home;
Emma L., at home, and - Elizabeth, who is now
Mrs. Charles Lukins. Mr. Whitcomb's second
marriage occurred in New York, February 28,
1866, and united him with Miss Alta Goins, a na
tive of Syracuse, N. Y. She died in 1887, leaving
four children: Charles G., in the mail service in
Long Island City; Walter E., in charge of the
livery barns ; Etta, now Mrs. Bush, of Brooklyn,
N. Y., and Herbert, . with a New York firm.
Our subject has served on general committees
for many years and was trustee of the schools here
for twelve years. While he was a member of the
school board five school buildings were erected
and he was re-elected to that position four times,
thus showing his popularity, but he refused to be
renominated. He is one of the oldest men now
actively engaged in business in Astoria. He has
a comfortable brick residence at No. 54 Fulton
Avenue and there he has made his home since
September 28, 1855.

ALEXANDER S. BURNS. During the
early years of the settlement of America,
but little attention was devoted to the cul
tivation of the beautiful in nature and art. Our
forefathers were principally engaged in combats
with savage foes and the no less savage beasts of
the forests, but with the passing years came the
introduction of that which makes life a pleasure,
and in no direction is this more noticeable than
in the cultivation of fruits and flowers. For many
years the gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch was one of the most successful florists of
New York City. His business career was in many
respects remarkable. Beginning without means,
in a very short time he built up a large trade and
gained the reputation as one of the most exten
sive florists of the city. In 1890 he sold his retail
business to his half brother, William, and em
barked in the wholesale business.
The younger and only survivor of two chil
dren, the subject of this notice was born in Ire
land February 7, 1846, being the son of Samuel
and Eliza (Cuddy) Burns. His father, who was a
life-long farmer and resident of the Emerald Isle,
was twice married, his second wife being Mrs.
Eliza (McKeon) Hewitt. Five children were born
of that union, of whom three are now living. At
the age of nineteen our subject emigrated to

America, landing in Portland, Me., in April, 1865,
and going direct from there to New York,
where for eighteen months he was employed by a
cousin, Robert Burns, then in the ice business,
and later for many years president of the National
Ice Company. After leaving the employ of that
gentleman he secured a position as assistant to
the chief engineer of St. Luke's Hospital, after
which he was for eighteen months employed in a
confectionery store in Brooklyn.
Determining to enter the florist's business, Mr.
Burns resigned a position paying him $25 per
week to accept one with a florist paying only $6 —
an injudicious move, many would say — but sub
sequent events proved the wisdom of his action.
The florist with whom he became connected had
just established the business and he aided in build
ing up the trade, which grew to very large pro
portions. He remained two and one-half years
in the employ of the florist, who, upon his deter
mining to leave, offered him a salary of $2,000
per year if he would remain. However, flattering
as the offer was, he felt that the time had come
for him to embark in business for himself, and
with this object in view he rented a small place
in Forty-ninth Street and Madison Avenue. From
the first the business prospered, and after eighteen
months he was obliged to seek more commodi
ous quarters, which he did, removing to Sixth
Avenue, near Forty-eighth Street, where for six
teen years he carried on a prosperous business.
At the time of opening his establishment in Sixth
Avenue he built his present residence at Wood-
side, and erecting a number of greenhouses, em
ployed a practical florist to oversee them. In 1890
he disposed of his store in Sixth Avenue and
opened a wholesale store in Twenty-eighth Street,
near Broadway, in partnership with John Raynor,
under the firm name of Burns & Raynor, solicit
ing consignments from florists and carrying on
a business aggregating $200,000 per annum.
June 15, 1895, after a successful career, he re
tired from business and gave the management of
the greenhouses into the hands of his son, A.
S., Jr.
The marriage of Mr. Burns, June 17, 1875,
united him with Miss Minnie PI. Jackson, of New
York City. On the paternal side Mrs. Burns is
a descendant of Jonathan Riggs, of Connecticut;
on both the paternal and maternal sides she comes
of old Revolutionary stock, who were prominent
in the early settlement of the New England States.
The first of her ancestors to come to America

466

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was John Hewins, who represented the British
government in the time of George III. Amasa
Hewins, a celebrated painter of Boston, whose
death occurred in Italy in 1855, was a connection
of the family. Mrs. Burns is a daughter of
Monteville Jackson, a life-long resident of New-
York City. By her marriage she had seven chil
dren, of whom four survive, as follows: Alex
ander S., Jr., who is in charge of the greenhouses ;
Jennie, who is receiving excellent advantages at
a private school in New York; Flossie and Har
old, who are with their parents.
While a native of Ireland, our subject is of
Scotch lineage, his grandfather, William Burns,
having accompanied his parents from Scotland
to the North of Ireland when only six years of
age; he continued to reside on the Emerald Isle,
engaged in farming, until his death, when ninety-
six. He was for seventy-seven years a member
of the Methodist Church and his life was that of
a sincere Christian. In point of doctrine our sub
ject adheres to the same faith, being connected
with the Methodist Church. His political opin
ions are of no uncertain kind; he has always sus
tained Republican principles and at this writing
is president of the Republican Club, which posi
tion he has held since 1891. For several years
he acted as president of the New York Forest
Club, and vice-president of the Society of Amer
ican Florists in the state of New York. Frater
nally he is a Royal Arch Mason. A man of en
ergy, ambition and perseverance, it is not strange
that he has met with success in his undertakings
and that he made of his business a science. He
is interested in the welfare of Woodside, of which
he is the largest lot and house owner, and is ever
ready to promote its interests by any means in
his power.

IVt

AGNUS LARSEN, of Hunter's Point,
Long Island City, is the proprietor of a
finely equipped livery and boarding sta
ble and is also interested in real estate in this vi
cinity. He was born in Fredrickstad, Norway,
July 8, 1855. His father, Lars Larsen, who was
also born there and was well-to-do, was a consist
ent member of the Lutheran Church and was at
all times active in good works. Desirous of spend
ing his last days with his sons and daughters in
America, he sold his possessions in Norway and
came to this country. Several years later, in

1894, he died at the home of his son, Magnus. He
was at that time in the eighty-fourth year of his
age. His wife, who was Miss Martha Hendrick
son, a native of Norway, is now living in Long
Island City and is eighty-four years of age. They
reared a family of five sons and daughters, of
whom four now survive. Harold is in the employ
of the Standard Oil Company at Bayonne, N. J.;
Lizzie is Mrs. Wilson and makes her home in
Eighth Street, this city; Mary married Oscar Nel
son, and her home is in Eighth Street.
The subject of this sketch, who was the young
est of the family, passed the first ten years of
his life in Fredrickstad, whence his parents moved
to Lauervig, Norway. There he attended the na
tional school until fourteen years old, when he
started out in life for himself. He was soon pos
sessed of sufficient means to enable him to en
gage in business, and purchased a livery and
boarding stable, being also proprietor of a hotel.
Very soon thereafter he established a confection
ery and grocery store, Which he carried on in con
nection with hos other interests in a successful
manner. Mr. Larsen continued to make his home in
Norway until 1879, when he crossed the Atlantic
and was landed in due time on the shores of
America. Continuing his westward way, he lo
cated in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was employed
.for a time as engineer of one of the plants be
longing to the Standard Oil Company. Later he
engaged in business for himself and conducted a
paying trade as proprietor of a candy store, and
at the same time became the popular "mine host"
of a first-class hotel in the Forest City. In 1881
he came to this place and secured work as engi
neer of the Long Island City cabinet works. Four
years thereafter he embarked in the liquor busi
ness, in which he is still engaged.
In 1885 Mr. Larsen purchased property on the
corner of Jackson Avenue and Sixth Street and
afterward put up an addition to the building in
the rear. He has handled considerable real es
tate in the city, and in addition to the building
just mentioned owns two nice residences on
Eighth and Jackson Avenue and his livery stable
in Sixth Street. Besides keeping on hand a
large number of carriage horses and all kinds of
vehicles, he buys and sells horses, and his barns
are patronized as boarding stables by many of
those who own their own turn-outs. Plis stable
occupies twenty-five feet front on Jackson Ave
nue and one hundred feet in depth. March 4,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

467

1896, he was awarded the contract for cleaning
the streets in the fourth ward.
The lady whom our subject married in Cleve
land, Ohio, was Miss Petra C. Abrahamson, a
native of Christiana. The six children granted
them are named respectively: Martha, Harold,
Arthur, Annie, Lillie and Emily. Both parents be
long to the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Long
Island City, and Mr. Larsen has been secretary of
the board of trustees for many years. He took
a very active part in the organization of this
church and is active in all its meetings. Mrs.
Larsen is also interested in religious matters and
is at present serving as president of the Ladies'
Society. During his travels in the Old World
our subject gained valuable information. He has
visited Denmark, Sweden and Germany, but of all
countries he likes America best. In politics he
gives his support to the Democratic party. He
is a member of the State Liquor Dealers' Asso
ciation and for six years was secretary of the
Long Island City Branch.

GEORGE KELLEY HOPKINS, of Ccwo-
na Heights, was born at Carmel, Putnam
County, N. Y., November 15, 1854, and
is a son of Arva and Eliza A. (Kelley) Hopkins.
His father, grandfather Alvah, and great-grand
father, David Hopkins, were born upon the same
farm, this being a tract of land originally settled
by the great-great-grandfather, a native of Scot
land. Some years ago Arva Hopkins moved from
New York to Idaho and settled at Emmett, where
he has a large ranch and is also extensively in
terested in mining enterprises. His wife died
when our subject was about thirteen years old.
The boyhood days of George K. Hopkins were
spent on the old homestead. He was a diligent
student, and in a competitive examination for a
scholarship in Cornell University stood the high
est of the twenty who were in the race. He re
ceived the appointment, but did not enter the uni
versity, teaching school instead. After one term
in a country school he entered Folsom's Business
College at Albany, from which he graduated at
the age of about twenty-three. Going to New
York, he secured employment as driver on a
milk wagon, and was thus employed for two years.
Later he bought a route for himself and within
two years had four routes. In addition to that
business, he opened a grocery, in which he met
with success. During 1890 he bought his pres

ent property and moved here in August, 1895,
having sold his business in New York.
September 17, 1888, Mr. Hopkins was united
in marriage with Mrs. Ennie E. (Pennell) Ellis,
who was born in Queens County, Ireland, and
who had by her first marriage a daughter, Flor
ence. Politically our subject is a Republican,
which has been the faith of the family since the
organization of the party. He holds membership
in the Carmel Baptist Church in Putnam Coun
ty, never having taken his letter from that congre
gation. Socially he is connected with Council
No. 252, Royal Arcanum, and Olive Branch
Lodge, I. O. O. F, both of New York.

JOHN W. DAVREN. The United States
can well be proud of the amount of brains
and energy possessed by her representative
newspaper men, for, taken as a whole, there are
none brighter, more intelligent, or with more
ability and push. A brilliant, forcible and excel
lent writer connected with the "New York
World" and the "Brooklyn Daily Eagle" is John
W. Davren, who is a native of the city of New
York, born in 1865. His parents are John and
Mary T. (Haley) Davren, the former of whom
was for a number of years a boss lather in New
York City. In 1868 he came with his wife and
one son to Long Island City, continuing to work
at his trade, and is here residing at the present
time. In 1876 his estimable wife died, leaving
him with three children: John W.; Mary F.,
wife of Jacob Van Wicklen, and Margaret. An
other child died in infancy. James Davren, a
brother of John Davren, has been -quite promi
nent in the affairs of Long Island City and has
held the positions of coroner, police commis
sioner and assessor. He is now in the undertak
ing business in Jackson Avenue and has been a
resident of this place since 1867, soon after which
he was joined by his brothers, John, William and
Patrick. The childhood days of the subject of this sketch
were spent in the first ward of Long Island City
and here his education was acquired in the old
Sixth Street school and in the old grammar
school in East Thirty-seventh Street, New York.
About 1882 he became a messenger for the Long
Island News Association, the members of which
were reporters engaged in gathering the news of
Long Island for the New York dailies. As time
passed he acquired a thorough knowledge of and

468

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

love for the calling and eventually became the
manager for the association of Queens and Suf
folk Counties. In 1889 he resigned this position
to become the correspondent of the "Brooklyn
Daily Eagle" and the "New York World" for
Long Island City, and in these capacities has
shown undoubted ability as a concise and forcible
writer. He is well posted, up with the times, and
from his articles something bright, new and in
teresting may always be gleaned. His thorough
acquaintance with Long Island City and her peo
ple makes his work comparatively easy and his
news is naturally always authentic. He has a
well appointed office at No. 9 Borden Avenue and
a comfortable and commodious residence at No.
31 Ely Avenue.
Mr. Davren was married in St. Mary's Catho
lic Church, Long Island City, August 20, 1895,
to Miss Anna C. Harran, Rev. Father John Do-
herty officiating. Mrs. Davren was born in Long
Island City, a daughter of Lawrence Harran. Mr.
Davren was one of the organizers of the Arling
ton Athletic Club, which was a model of its kind
during the six years that it was in existence. He
was its first president, filling this office two terms.
At the present time he is a member of the Ravens
wood Club, and the Jefferson Club, of which he
was one of its earliest and most active members.
Politically he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and for
the past five years has been a member of the gen
eral committee and also of the executive commit
tee from the second district of the first ward.
He and his wife are members of St. Mary's Catho
lic Church.

REV. WILLIAM JAY PECK, M. D. In the
front ranks of the able men of Queens
County stands the name of the pastor of
the Union Evangelical Church of Corona. This
gentleman was gifted by nature to more than an
ordinary degree, possessing all the qualities that
go to make up a complete manhood. Intellec
tually he is classed among the foremost minds
of Long Island, while all his tastes are of the
higher order — a man of refinement, cultivation,
one who maintains the deepest interest in the
spiritual welfare of his fellow men. As a citizen
he has been liberal and public-spirited, the friend
of education, and foremost in the enterprises tend
ing to elevate the people. He is an eloquent
speaker, and, in addition to his ministerial work,
has often lectured on his travels in this country

and abroad. Churches and public halls have
often resounded with his ringing voice and fervid
language, as he has sought to impress upon his
fellow men their duty to one another and to
society. He has delivered many brilliant ora
tions before attentive and admiring audiences,
who have gone away to their homes benefited and
uplifted by what they have heard.
The parents of our subject, Jeremiah and Cor
nelia (Dudley) Peck, were natives of Connecticut,
where the former was for years principal of an
academy, also took an active interest in the cause
of prohibition and the abolition of slavery. In
the interest of these causes he lectured extensive
ly, but being in advance of his time he was bit
terly persecuted, though this had no other effect
upon him than to make him more determined
in his efforts. He was closely identified with the
underground railroad and did all in his power
to help the slaves. It was his privilege to live
to witness the triumph of the principles he advo
cated, and this fact brightened his closing years.
He passed from earth in February, 1874.
The subject of this record was born in North-
field, town of Litchfield, Litchfield County, Conn.,
August 5, 1853. Under the careful training of
his parents he gained the rudiments of his educa
tion, and at the age of fourteen he began to
attend school. Three years later he prepared for
college at Thomaston Academy under Prof. Jo
seph R. French, now of New Haven, Conn. At
the age of twenty-one, in September, 1874, he
entered Williams College, where he remained un
til graduating in 1878 with high honors and the
degree of A. B. Soon afterward he entered
Union Theological Seminary of New York City
and graduated in 1881, meantime having devoted
some time to preaching as a city missionary.
In June, 1881, in Broadway Tabernacle, he was
ordained to the ministry, Dr. William M. Taylor
delivering the discourse.
The same year — 1881 — Rev. Mr. Peck accepted
a call to his present pastorate. In 1881-82 he
also took a post-graduate course and received the
degree of A. M. from Williams College. Visit
ing the Adirondacks and the surrounding coun
try, he delivered a series of lectures on his re
turn, descriptive of that famous region. In 1880
he visited Europe and lectured upon his travels
after his return. In 1886 he went via Yosemite
Valley to California, where he visited the mines
and orange groves, and upon his return lec
tured concerning that part of the country. Over-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

469

work resulted in the loss of his voice, and neces
sitated a dangerous surgical operation that
proved almost fatal. After partially recovering,
he went to the Bermuda Islands, where he spent
the winter. As it was thought he would never
be able to preach again, he entered the medical
department of the University of New York, and
remained there until his graduation in 1890, Dr.
A. W. Warden being his preceptor. Afterward
he practiced his profession and was assistant at
the Post-graduate Medical College in the de
partment of dermatology for three years.
June 2, 1891, Dr. Peck was united in marriage,
in Boonton, N. J., with Miss Grace Crawford
Ford of that place. In February, 1895, they took
a trip to the Holy Land, passing through Spain,
Algiers, Italy, Greece and Egypt, going eight
hundred miles up the Nile, and afterwards visit
ing the ancient city of Damascus, Turkey, Aus
tria, Switzerland, France and England, traveling
twenty thousand miles and returning in six
months from the time of starting. For years
he has been a contributor to various of the lead
ing magazines and papers and has delivered pop
ular lectures on the East, illustrated by stereop-
ticon views. He has officiated at one hundred
and fifty-three funerals, many marriages, has re
ceived two hundred and fifty into church mem
bership, and baptized two hundred and twenty-
nine, the last being twins. A zealous worker in
Christian Endeavor circles, he is president of the
oldest society on Long Island, outside of Brook
lyn. In 1884 he began to publish the "Long
Island Endeavorer," of which he is still the editor.
Since 1886 he has been recording secretary of the
Long Island Bible Society. He has a Sunday-
school of seven hundred members, one of the
best in the town. His latest publication is a
new Catechism of Christian Doctrine for Sabbath
Schools, intended to be interdenominational. He
is now engaged in writing a book on the "Birth
place of the Bible."

HENRY J. TAYLOR. The credit for a
large share of the enterprises that help
make Astoria one of the most progressive
portions of Long Island City justly belongs to
Mr. Taylor, who has resided here from boyhood
and has contributed actively toward the advance
ment of its interests. He is a member of the firm
of Taylor & Co., carriage manufacturers, with of
fice and works at Nos. 82 and 84 Broadway,

Astoria. They occupy a building 45x85 feet in
dimensions and two stories iu height, stocked
with a complete outfit of vehicles of varied styles.
The other member of the firm is W. P., brother
of Henry J., the two being the successors of
their father, who established the business in 1849.
The parents of our subject, both of whom have
passed from earth, were Thomas and Mary (Han-
evor) Taylor, natives of England. The former
gained a thorough knowdedge of coachmaking
under the instruction of his father, Thomas Tay
lor, a successful and well-known carriage builder
at Hackney, near London. After becoming fa
miliar with the trade, he carried on a shop in
London, having as a partner his eldest brother,
James. In 1848, having resolved to seek a home
in America, he crossed the ocean and settled
in Astoria, where the following year he started
in the carriage business. For a time he occu
pied an old mill in Broadway, but in i860 built
the present works, and here he carried on busi
ness until his death, in 1888, at the age of sixty-
nine. His wife had died in Astoria at the age of
sixty. Of their children three daughters and two
sons are still living, our subject being the eldest.
The first eight years of the life of Henry J.
Taylor were spent in London, where he was born
in 1840. With his parents he made the voyage
to America in an Austrian gun-boat, seven
weeks having been spent on the Atlantic.
He grew to manhood in Long Island City
and was one of the first pupils in the fourth
ward school, which he attended until sixteen
years of age. He then began to learn the trade
of a carriage painter, at which he worked for
three and one-half years. Afterward he took up
the blacksmith's trade, and by degrees became
familiar with every department of the business.
In i860 he formed a partnership with his brother-
in-law under the firm name of Taylor, Schwarz
& Co., which twenty-five years later was changed
to Taylor & Schwarz. In 1888 he and his brother
purchased the interest of their brother-in-law, and
have since carried on the business, manufacturing
all kinds of carriages to order.
The record of the house has been one reflecting
the highest credit upon the members of the firm.
Since the inception of the business in 1849, many
wealthy and prominent New York gentlemen
have been customers, including John Jacob Astor,
August Belmont, Col. DeLancy Kane and others.
The reliability of the work has caused the people
to feel the utmost confidence in the honesty of

47°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the firm, and their skill in carriage building is
conceded by all who have had any business rela
tions with them.
In Astoria Mr. Taylor was united in marriage
with Miss Mary J. Gallagher, who was born in
New York City. Her father, John Gallagher,
enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War
and was killed at the battle of Bull Run, the
ball which caused his death also fatally wounding
his brother. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tay
lor are Ellen C, Henry James, Arthur Cleveland,.
Edith and Richard Cook. Politically a Demo
crat, Mr. Taylor has served as a member of the
general committee for eight years. For a sim
ilar period he has been identified with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, and for eight years
served Protection Engine No. 2 of- the volunteer
fire department, of which he was at one time as
sistant foreman. Socially he is connected with
Advance Lodge, F. & A. M., and John Allen
Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W., at Astoria.

C JOHANN & SONS. The Egyptians
made embalming a part of their religion
* and held that none of the dead would be
resurrected save those bodies that should be pre
served through the required age of time. Latter
day people embalm for purposes of convenience,
or to escape the revolting thought of decay. As
embalming has come in of late years, so coffins,
or burial caskets, have changed their form. C.
Johann & Sons, undertakers and embalmers at
the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eleventh Street,
College Point, are doing a large business in their
special line and have the leading representative
establishment of this kind in the city. This busi
ness was started in 1856 by William Becker, who
was succeeded by Mathias Johann, and who in
turn was succeeded by the present firm.
Mathias Johann was born in Prussia, Germany,
in 1838, and came to America with his parents,
when ten years old. He learned the woodcarver's
trade and in 1864 came to College Point, where he
served as assistant undertaker for some time.
Later he became a partner with Mr. Becker un
der the firm name of Becker & Johann, and they
continued together until the death of Mr. Becker,
when Mr. Johann took charge of the business and
conducted it successfully until his death, January
29, 1890. During the war he served in the na
tional guards, which were called out to quell dis
turbances in New York during that exciting

period. Mr. Johann was married October 25,
1864, to Miss Catherine Becker, daughter of his
late partner, William Becker, and a native of Ger
many, who was born in 1845.
William Becker was a cabinetmaker by trade
and followed this in the old country until 1855,
when he came to America with his wife and one
child. He located in College Point and in 1856
bought the place now occupied by his successors
and became a successful undertaker, continuing
the same until his death in 1888, when eighty-five
years old. His wife, Susanna (Steffen) Becker,
was a native of Prussia and died in 1877, when
seventy-seven years old. Their only child, Cath
erine, was but ten years old when they came here
and she was educated in this place, and later be
came the wife of Mr. Johann. After his death
she and her sons took charge of the business and
it has since been conducted under the firm name
of C. Johann & Sons. Both William and Peter
are practical embalmers and are graduates of the
art. They are also expert cabinet-workers and are
wide-awake, successful young business men. This
is the only undertaking establishment in College
Point. By her marriage Mrs. Johann became
the mother of eight children, as follows: Wil
liam, who is married and resides in College Point;
Susan, Peter, Josephine; Katie, now Mrs. Gent-
ner of College Point; Annie, Jacob and Henry.
All are members of St. Fidelis Catholic Church.

ROBERT H. BALDWIN, who holds the re
sponsible position of agent of the Long
Island Railroad Company at Coldspring
Station, is a native of this county, having been
born at Woodbury, December 26, 1856. This
was also the birthplace of his father, Robert V.
Baldwin, while his mother, Hannah Turner, was
a native of Moriches. The former was born Oc
tober 15, 1832, and was one of the old and well-
to-do farmers of this section. He was quiet and
unassuming in manner and by years of toil and
industry accumulated a competence and was the
owner of the good tract of land upon which our
subject now makes his home. Grandfather Isaac
Baldwin was likewise born at Woodbury.
To Robert V. and Hannah Baldwin there were
born six children, three of whom are living at the
present time, namely: Amos V., a prominent
contractor and builder living in Brooklyn; Rob
ert H, of this sketch; and Lillian, the wife of
Frank Lewis, a resident of Oyster Bay. Our sub-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

47i

ject was educated in the common schools of his
district and remained on the homestead, assisting
his father in its cultivation until eighteen years of
age, when he began as an apprentice at the wheel
wright's trade at Coldspring. After working two
years for C. S. Van Sise he traveled through the
county as a journeyman wheelwright, but at the
end of two years settled in Woodbury and began
business on his own account. This he followed
very successfully for seven years, when he aban
doned it in order to embark in the mercantile
business here. This venture did not prove a very
profitable investment and after a twelvemonth
Mr. Baldwin closed out his stock and obtained a
position in the drum factory of James Douden of
Coldspring. January 1, 1883, while working at
this place, he was asked to take charge of the sta
tion for the Long Island Railroad Company and
has been in their employ ever since.
June 30, 1880, Mr. Baldwin was united in mar
riage with Miss Ella Velsor, the daughter of
George Velsor of Woodbury, where he is en
gaged as a carpenter and wheelwright. In the
autumn of 1883, soon after accepting the position
of agent, Mr. Baldwin was appointed postmaster
of Woodbury, which position he still holds. In
his political relations he is a stalwart Democrat,
and is one of the most public-spirited citizens of
Coldspring, where he has many warm friends.
In 1881 he was elected collector of taxes, and
aside from this he has rendered efficient service as
a member of the school board in District No. 13.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin there have been born
three children, Charles H, Frederick E.and Rob
ert E.

RALPH L. MACFARLAND, M. D„ a
prominent physician of Woodhaven, was
born at Flushing October 10, 1863, the
only son of the late Rev. Henry H. McFarland, a
native of Ware, Mass., where hewas born in 1832.
He was a finely educated gentleman, graduating
from Yale with the Class of '53. After complet
ing the literary course in that institution he en
tered Yale Theological Seminary, from which he
was graduated with the honors of his class in
1859. The same year he began his ministerial
work as pastor of the Congregational Church at
Morris, Conn., and remained there until a short
time prior to the outbreak of the late war, when
he came to Flushing, L. I. For three years he
was pastor of the Congregational Church at this

place, during which time he was an active mem
ber of the Christian Commission and aided in
every way that he could the preservation of the
Union. On the expiration of the time above mentioned
Rev. Henry H. McFarland went to Brooklyn,
where he was for a time engaged in preaching to
the Fifth Avenue Congregational Church of that
city. Soon thereafter he resigned his pastorate,
and from that time until his decease was engaged
in literary work, being for nineteen years con
nected with the American Seaman's Friend So
ciety. On the organization of the "Sailors' Maga
zine" he was" made its editor, holding this position
from that date to the time of his death. He was
also secretary and treasurer of the Manhattan
Congregational Associations of New York and
Brooklyn and was a contributor to the "Christian
Union," now the "Outlook." He was the author
of many able articles which appeared in this jour
nal from time to time and also contributed large
ly to the success of "White's History, of Ameri
can Biography," of which he was likewise one of
the editors. He was a clear and forcible writer
and at the time of his decease, in the spring of
1895, was at work on a book, which, had he lived,
it was his intention to publish.
The mother of Dr. Macfarland, Sarah A. Lum,
a native of Connecticut, was a quiet, unassuming,
cultured Christian lady, who devoted her life
largely to making a pleasant home for her hus
band and family. She is at present a member of
her son's household. There were born to herself
and husband four children, of whom one died in
infancy. Besides the Doctor is Miss Bessie, who
is also an inmate of his household, and Clara,
now the wife of Rev. J. Howard Hobbs, the
brilliant pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
Jamaica, and a sketch of whose life the reader
will find on another page in this volume.
The subject of this sketch received his early
literary training under the watchful eyes of his
father in the schools of Brooklyn. Later he at
tended the Greenwich (Conn.) Academy, from
which he was graduated in 1881. Four years
later he completed his medical studies in the New
York Homoeopathic Medical College, after which
he began the practice of his profession in the
metropolis, and was for two years visiting physi
cian to the college from which he was graduated.
In 1887 Dr. Macfarland located in Woodhaven,
where he has built up a large and lucrative prac
tice. He keeps fully abreast of the times and

472

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

recent discoveries in the medical world by taking
leading journals, keeping up to his studies, and
by attending the medical societies to which he
belongs. April 16, 1895, Dr. Macfarland and Miss Nellie
E. Hart of Brooklyn were united in marriage.
This lady was the daughter of Frederick D. Hart,
who is prominently connected with the New
York & Brooklyn Bridge Company. The Doc
tor is a member of the Kings County Homoeo
pathic Medical Society, of which he was state dele
gate, and is vice-president of the Twenty-sixth
Ward Homoeopathic Dispensary Association of
Brooklyn. He is a worthy and consistent mem
ber of the Second Congregational Church of
Woodhaven and very active in all church work.
In his political faith he uses his ballot in favor of
the Republican party.

WILLIAM H. ZABRISKIE, M. D., one
of the prominent physicians and skilled
surgeons of Glencove, was born in Mor
ris County, N. J., January 15, 1862, the son of
Abram and Celia (Dixon) Zabriskie. The family
were originally from Poland, but later settled in
Holland, where they remained for a few genera
tions, when certain representatives came to
America during the colonial times and estab
lished a home in Bergen County, N. J. After
ward, however, some members of the family
moved to Morris County, that state, where the
father of our subject, who is both a farmer and
millwright, still lives.
The boyhood days of William H. were spent in
attending the public schools of his native place
and after graduating at the age of seventeen he
entered the seminary at Princeton, N. J., carrying
on his studies there for about a year. He then
began reading medicine with Dr. J. S. Ryerson of
Boonton, N. J., and after a year and a half spent
in his office he attended lectures at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of New York City. He
took the entire course and was graduated in 1885
with honors. He received much valuable aid in
his work by being allowed to practice in the hos
pital, which privilege was granted him on account
of his high standing in all his studies.
When ready to embark in practice Dr. Zabris
kie opened an office at Glencove, where he has
been located ever since. Few physicians in the
county rank higher in the profession than he,
who, although thoroughly devoted to the duties

which devolve upon him as a doctor, takes an ac
tive interest in the local progress and -leading
movements of his home neighborhood.
Dr. Zabriskie and Miss Lizzie W. Bowne of
Glencove, were united in marriage February 14,
1888. This lady was the daughter of Richard M.
and Mary (Titus) Bowne, prominent residents of
Queens County, the former being a descendant
from one of its oldest families. The Doctor and
his wife have become the parents of two children,
William Howard and Mary Margaret. Dr. Zab
riskie follows in the footsteps of his father in po
litical affairs and is a Democrat, voting for Cleve
land in 1884. He has served as health officer for
the town of Oyster Bay for two terms and is al
ways ready to assist in movements for the general
good. He is a prominent Odd Fellow, holding
membership with Pembroke Lodge. The Doctor
is likewise a member of the Queens County Med
ical Society, of which he is vice-president and
has held this office for several years. He is also
connected with the New York State Medical So
ciety and the American Medical Association, tak
ing an active part in the meetings of these various
bodies and contributing greatly to their interest
by reading papers touching upon important sub
jects.

R FRANK BOWNE, junior member of the
firm of Titus & Bowne, dealers in build-
• ing materials, coal and hardware at
Glencove, is descended from one of the oldest
and most honored families on Long Island, of
whom a full account will appear in the biography
of his father, Richard M. Bowne, which the
reader will find on another page in this volume.
The subject of this sketch was born at Glen
cove, November 17, 1859, and is the son of
Richard M. and Mary (Titus) Bowne, who are
still living here. His father was for many years
one of the active merchants of the place, but hav
ing accumulated a handsome fortune he is now
living retired, enjoying the fruits of his early
years of toil and industry. After completing a
course in the public schools of his native place,
R. Frank in 1875 entered Swarthmore College,
near Philadelphia, Pa., where he was a student
for two years.
On his return home from college our subject
entered his father's store as clerk, and for ten
years remained with him assisting in the business.
He then accepted the position of bookkeeper with

WILLIAM BRIDGE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

475

the owners of a brickyard at Center Isle, this
county, but remained there only a year when he
began working at the carpenter's trade. This oc
cupation occupied his entire time and attention
for four years and eventually led to his opening,
the establishment of which he is now one of the
owners. The partnership with Mr. Titus was
formed in 1890 and the business has grown from
year to year until it now assumes large propor
tions. Mr. Bowne, although reared a Democrat, has
of late years joined the ranks of the Republicans,
and never lets an opportunity pass to vote for its
chosen candidates. He has never been an as
pirant for public office, as his business occupies
his time to such an extent that he has never had
an opportunity to represent his fellow townsmen
in any capacity whatever. Notwithstanding the
fact that his parents were members of the Society
of Friends, Mr. Bowne is connected with the
Presbyterian Church. In social affairs he is a
Mason, holding membership with Glencove
Lodge No. 580, in which he has held many of the
minor offices. He is likewise connected with
Pembroke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., in which.
he has occupied many of the chairs and been sent
as its representative to the Grand Lodge.
The marriage of Mr. Bowne and Miss Mary C.
Underhill occurred October 25, 1882. This lady
was born at Locust Valley, Queens County, and
by her union with our subject became the moth
er of a son, Sidney B. The wife and mother de
parted this life in 1886. The second marriage of
our subject, which occurred in May, 1889, was
with Miss Agnes Wood, a most excellent and
highly esteemed lady and a native of Glencove.
They have one daughter, Dorothy.

WILLIAM BRIDGE. Legion is the
name of those who, beginning in life
with few advantages, have worked their
way, despite obstacles and hardships, to a posi
tion of influence and prominence. Such a one
is the subject of this article, well known as the
proprietor of the canning establishment of Wil
liam Bridge & Co., at Locust Valley. Though
not a native of this country, his life has been prin
cipally passed here, and he is thoroughly Amer
ican in sentiment, principles and views.
The birth of our subject occurred in 1837 in
Bury St. Edmunds, a village standing on a gentle
eminence in the richly cultivated county of Suf-
18

folk, England. His parents, Thomas and Mary
(Nelson) Bridge, were natives of that same local
ity, and the father was highly esteemed as a man
of probity, energy and business capacity, serving
at different times in a number of local offices of
honor and trust. With his family, he came to
America in 1852 and settled in Rondout, Ulster
County, but three months later death removed
him from the scene of his labors, leaving his
widow with an only child, William. Upon the
latter fell the burden of the support of himself and
mother, and though a mere lad in years, he nobly
discharged the duty, caring for his mother until
she died, in 1858.
Soon after coming to the United States Mr.
Bridge entered the employ of the Pennsylvania
Coal Company as assistant boat inspector, from
which he was promoted, through successive steps,-
until he had supervision of the entire business at
Williamsburg. He was with the company seven
years, and during the last three years of the time
was superintendent. In 1859 he resigned in
order to establish a market business in Williams
burg, which he carried on five years at that place
and sixteen years in Long Island City. Mean
time he became prominent in public affairs and
in 1865 was elected a member of the Republican
city committee, in which capacity he rendered
efficient service. Later he was elected to repre
sent the first ward on the board of aldermen, and
served for one term. Recognizing the fidelity
and efficiency of his services, his party desired
him to represent them as a member of the assem
bly, but this honor he declined. For six years
he held the position of commissioner of improve
ments and during that time a great many impor
tant changes were made that have proved of last
ing benefit to the city. Under the administration
of President Hayes he was appointed postmaster
of Long Island City and by re-appointment under
Presidents Arthur and Cleveland held the office
for nine consecutive years. While serving in
that capacity he also held the appointing power
of postmasters in Queens County.
In 1880 Mr. Bridge disposed of his business
in Long Island City and became a member of
the firm of Pludson & Co., who were engaged in
the canning business in that city. Five years later
the connection was dissolved, and he formed a
partnership with John Gregory in the same busi
ness. The same year (1885) a branch was start
ed at Locust Valley, but three years later the
entire business was moved to this village, and in

476

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 89 1 he bought out his partner's interest in the
enterprise, since which time he has been sole
proprietor. He is the sole packer of the Oyster
Bay brand of asparagus, and also carries all va
rieties of pears, apples, etc. To such an extent
was the business enlarged that for several years
he was unable to secure sufficient quantities of
fruit for canning. It has always been his aim to
put up only first-class goods, his trade being
among the best customers, who desire only the
finest quality. On the wrappers appears a fine
cut of the Brooklyn bridge, which is his trade
mark. In 1896 he erected a feed mill which it
is his intention to operate in connection with his
factory, and which will be an accommodation to
the public.
During his residence in Williamsburg Mr.
Bridge married Miss Cornelia E. Calhoun, who
was born in Brooklyn, and was a daughter of
John C. Calhoun, who at the time of his death
was one of the oldest marine engineers in this
country. Seven children were born of this union,
but only two are living, namely: Sarah F., and
Carrie E., wife of Edward E. Wilson, superintend
ent for Tracy Brothers, of Waterbury, Conn., a
large firm of contractors and builders, in which
he is a stockholder.
Since 1854 Mr. Bridge has been a Master Ma
son, and he is the oldest Knight Templar on
Long Island outside of Brooklyn. His time is
now given very largely to his business interests,
and he no longer takes an active part in public
affairs, but when in political life he was an ac
knowledged power and wielded a large influence.
He is a man who has ever maintained a deep in
terest in the welfare of the people and the progress
of the county and state, and his labors have been
instrumental in accomplishing many needed re
forms and improvements.

SCUDDER V. WHITNEY is one whose
present substantial position in life has been
reached entirely through his own perse
verance, and the facts connected with his agri
cultural operations, and their results, only show
what a person with courage and enlightened views
can accomplish. Mr. Whitney was born March
11, 1821, on the place where he now resides.
Henry Whitney, his ancestor seven generations
removed, was born in England about 1620, it is
supposed, and about the year 1637 he came to
America with about thirty-seven others, all anx

ious to make their fortunes on this side of the
Atlantic. Mr. Whitney first located at Hasham-
mock (now Southold), Suffolk County. The fol
lowing is a list of the colony of which he was one
and from which many men of eminence have de
scended, viz.: Rev. John Young, William Wells,
Barnabas Horton, Thomas Benedict, Richard
Benjamin, John Booth, Richard Brown, Lieut.
John Budd, Henry Case, John Conkling, John
Corey, Mathias Corwin, Philamon Dickerson,
Charles Glover, Ralph Goldsmith, William Hal-
lock, Samuel King, Charles Mapes, George Miller,
Thomas Moore, Peter Payne, William Purrier,
Thomas Reeve, William Salmon, John Sweezy,
Richard Terry, Thomas Terry, John Tucker,
John Tuttle, Henry Tuttle, Capt. John Under
hill, Jeremiah Vail, Barnabas Wines, Joseph
Youngs, Capt. John Youngs, Robert Ackerly and
John Herbert.
In compiling a history of the Whitney family
in 1878 it was found that the descendants of
Henry Whitney numbered twenty thousand three
hundred and sixty-one. The line of descent from
Henry Whitney to our subject is Henry, John,
Richard, Daniel, Darling, Daniel, Scudder V.
Darling Whitney, the grandfather of our subject,
was born at Stamford, Conn., September 25, 1758,
and when eighteen years old he enlisted in the
Revolutionary War, entering actively into service
at West Point. After the war he located at East
woods (now Woodbury), and was there married to
Miss Sarah Valentine. During the War of 1812
he held the rank of major and was stationed at
Ft. Green (Brooklyn, N.Y.), under General John
son. A few years later he sold his farm at Wood
bury to his son, Daniel (father of our subject),
and engaged in merchandising in New York
City, where he died November 14, 1834.
Daniel Whitney was born July 2, 1781, at
Woodbury, and there spent his life. Upon first
starting out for himself he engaged in boating
on the Sound and Hudson River, but later, in
1819, bought the old homestead, where his death
occurred, August 7, 1848. He was also a sol
dier in the War of 1 812, serving three months at
Sag Harbor, and was lieutenant of the militia.
He took a decided interest in public matters, was
unusually influential, but declined to hold office.
Politically he was a Democrat and religiously a
Methodist. His family consisted of three sons
and two daughters, of whom our subject was
fourth in order of birth.
Scudder V. Whitney was reared on the farm,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

477

secured a liberal education in the common
schools, and when eighteen years old began his
career as a teacher, following this profession for
five or six years. On the 19th of April, 1849, he
was married to Miss Elizabeth Titus, daughter of .
Henry Titus of Glen Cove, L. I. While getting
his education young Scudder applied himself to
the study of surveying and civil engineering, and
for the past thirty years has done much in that
line in Queens and Suffolk Counties, establishing
toads and boundary lines. In 1873 he was chosen
by this county to establish the line between the
two counties.
Mr. Whitney has led an active life and this he
still continues, although seventy-five years old.
He has held many positions of trust and responsi
bility, and no man is more highly esteemed and
respected than this worthy citizen. Upon the
death of his father the old home place, which has
now been in the hands of the family for the past
one hundred and fifteen years, descended to him,
and soon afterward he gave up teaching and
turned his attention to farming and surveying.
For fifteen years he has held the office of assessor
of his town most acceptably. In 1881 he wa^
elected supervisor of the town of Oyster Bay,
serving two terms, and in 1888 was again elected,
serving three terms more. In the year 1845 he
¦was elected superintendent of common schools,
and for six years was trustee of the Jones' Fund.
For thirty-five years he has been and is now a
director of the Glen Cove Mutual Insurance Com
pany and for eight years has been and is now
vice-president of the same.
Mr. Whitney is also a director of The Hamilton
Fire Insurance Company of New York, of which
his brother, Hon. Daniel D. Whitney, ex-mayor
of Brooklyn, N. Y., is president, and has
been chosen as executor and administrator of
many wills and estates. He is a member of the
Woodbury Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which he has been officially connected since the
building was erected in 1856. Mr. Whitney has
one daughter, Phoebe Titus, and two sons, Daniel
S. and Rev. Henry C. The elder son, who car
ries on the farm, was married June 8, 1893, to Miss
Maria Van Sise, of Woodbury. They have one
child, Elizabeth Titus. At Southport, Conn.,
April 20, 1892, the younger son was married to
Miss Fannie, daughter of Rev. Benjamin Gilman.
They have one son, Oliver Gilman, born at Nich
ols, Conn., November 11, 1894. Rev. Mr. Whit
ney is now located at Rowayton, Conn. Our sub

ject is one of the best known men in his town and
has rounded out a goodly number of years of
activity and is still in the harness, though for the
past four years he has lived retired from political
life. He enjoys the respect, confidence and es
teem of a wide circle of acquaintances.

ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
occupies a central and attractive location in
Long Island City. .The building is sit
uated in Crescent Street, extending through to
Prospect Street, and is surrounded by smaller
buildings to assist in the carrying forward of the
various enterprises connected with the church.
The first edifice in which the congregation wor
shiped was situated on the corner of William
and Henry Streets, but the site not being as
desirable as this, the change was made. The
congregation contemplate in the near future
erecting a larger and more modern building.
At successive periods in its history the church
has been under the supervision of Fathers Soto
(the first priest), Keiley, O'Brien, Toner, Mc-
Guirl and McGronen.
In connection with the church there are a num
ber of societies to aid in extending the work and
benefiting the members. Among these we men
tion the Holy Name Society, which has four hun
dred members; St. Vincent de Paul Society; the
Sodality; Young People's Lyceum, which has
about one hundred and fifty members; Debt Col
lecting Society, and a sewing circle, composed
of the ladies of the church, who make garments
for the poor and do a large amount of relief work
in the neighborhood. The church was estab
lished in 1 87 1 and has enjoyed a constant growth,
the parish now having a membership of thirty-
five hundred souls. To carry on the work prop
erly and with success, the priest is given two
assistants, Rev. William L. Blake and Rev. A.
Halst, who aid greatly in relieving him of much
of the details of the pastorate.
Father Thomas F. McGronen, the present
priest of St. Patrick's Church, was born in Brook
lyn in 1861, and was educated in the parochial
school of the Order Lady of Mercy. In 1876
he entered the Jesuit College in Sixteenth Street,
New York City, where he completed the classics
and philosophy, graduating in 1882 with the de
gree of A. B: Later the degree of A. M. was
conferred upon him. From that college he pro
ceeded to Baltimore and became a student in St.

478

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPPIICAL RECORD.

Mary's Seminary, from which he graduated in
1885. In December of that year he was or
dained by Rt.-Rev. Bishop Loughlin, D. D., oi
the Brooklyn diocese, and soon afterward re
ceived the appointment of assistant at St. An
thony's Church, Greenpoint, where he remained
for seven years and three months. He was then
appointed pastor at Westbury, Queens County,
and while there founded the Church of the Holy
Ghost at Hydepark, later securing the erection of
a house of worship for the congregation. He
also built a new church and rectory at Westbury.
November 11, 1895, he was appointed rector of
St. Patrick's Church, Long Island City, and in
addition to his labors here, superintends a mis
sion in Ravenswood. He is a member of St.
Francis Xavier College Alumni Association and
also of the Alumni of St. Mary's Seminary, Balti
more.

JACOB VAN TIL. Many of the best charac
teristics in every branch of social and com
mercial life are the outcome of the brawn
and sinew of what is frequently called the middle
class of society; in reality, the best class, for in it
is usually found a common sense and practical
view of affairs that is often wanting in both the
highest and lowest classes. The subject of this
sketch is one who, though filling a humble posi
tion for a time, worked his way onward by per
severance, energy and industry, and is now
classed among the business men of Corona, where
he carries on his trade as a florist.
The birthplace of Mr. van Til was situated
about sixteen miles from the city of Amsterdam,
Holland, and he was born January 13, 1852, to
John and Wilhelmina (Guldermond) van Til,
sturdy, honest Hollanders. He was given a com
mon school education, and under the instruction
of his father, a florist, gained a thorough knowl
edge of the best methods of cultivating plants. At
the age of eighteen he sought a home in America,
where he hoped in time he might become well-
to-do through honest efforts, industriously ap
plied. Soon after landing, he secured a position
as gardener on a private place in Queens Coun
ty, and in that way five years were spent. Being
very economical, he saved the larger portion of
his earnings.
In 1874 Mr. van Til was united in marriage
with Miss Maria Mitchell, who was born in the
North of Ireland, but at the time of her marriage

was a resident of Queens County. Wishing to
see once more the old Holland home, he re
turned on a visit, spending a few months in re
newing old associations. On coming back to
America, he secured a position with a family in
Long Island City, in whose employ he remained
from 1876 until 1892. During the latter year he
came to Corona and began to improve his pres
ent place, which he had purchased in 1890. He
has put up all the buildings needed to carry on
the business and has the patronage of the people
of Corona, in addition to which he ships exten
sively to New York City.
The four children of Mr. and Mrs. van Til are:
John, who was born in December, 1876, and died
March 1, 1896; William, who was born May 23,
1878; Margaret, March 3, 1880, and Ida, October
7, 1887. In political sentiments, our subject votes
the Democratic ticket, but has been content to
cast his ballot for others, never seeking official
position for himself. Socially he is identified with
the American Legion, of Honor and the Royal
Arcanum, being a charter member of both lodges
and holding the position of past commander in
the former, while in the latter he is vice-regent.
Realizing the advantage which a good educa
tion gives anyone, he has done all in his power to
promote the standard of the schools here and has
served as president of the board of education the
larger portion of the time since he came to the
village. While filling this position, District No.
12 built their new school house and other needed
improvements were made.

FRANCIS G. VAN RIPER. The firm of F.
G. & G. T. Van Riper, contractors and
builders of Long Island City, is one which
impresses the public mind with a sense of what
can be accomplished by energy and perseverance
when coupled with integrity and uprightness.
hrancis G. Van Riper is a native of New York
City, born in Thirty-seventh Street, June 29
1855, and received his education in the public
schools of the same, attending until fifteen years
old. He learned the trade of plasterer under his
father but later took up the mason's trade and
completed all branches under his father and
uncle, who carried on business together under
the firm name of I. & J. Van Riper. In 1888 he
and his brother were taken in as partners and the
firm title was changed to I. & J. Van Riper & Co
They remained together until 1894, when the

REV. MATTHEW J. TIERNEY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

481

father and uncle retired and Mr. Van Riper and
his brother continued the business under the title
of F. G. & G. T. Van Riper, contractors and build
ers. They have since erected many public and
private buildings and have won a most enviable
record for their excellent work. In Ravenswood
they erected several factories; also a large build
ing for the American Stamping Company of
Brooklyn, still another one for the Daimler Mo
tor Company Works, and many private resi
dences of Long Island City. They are now com
pleting a fine brown stone residence at No. 151
Eleventh Street, and have all the work ahead they
can possibly attend to.
Mr. Van Riper selected his wife in the person
of Miss Esther M. Bergstroser of this county, and
daughter of S. L. Bergstroser, a prominent con
tractor and builder. The latter was born Novem
ber 16, 1830, in Northampton County Pa., which
was also the birthplace of his father and grand
father, both of whom were named John. This
is an old and prominent family in the Keystone
State. Samuel Bergstroser received his educa
tion in the district schools of Northampton Coun
ty, Pa., and later married Miss Phoebe M.
Waugh. Four children were born of this union,
one son and three daughters, as follows: Esther
M., wife of our subject; Marlin S., with his father,
and his right hand man; Elizabeth, wife of Dr.
MacName of New York City; and Annie, at
home. Our subject's union has resulted in the birth
of three living children: Clarence M., Milford F.
and Etta Irene. Mr. Van Riper is a member of
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Long
Island City, and is president of the board of trus
tees and treasurer of the same. In politics he
supports the principles of the Republican party
and takes an active interest in the success of the

same.

B. In the fall of the same year he was sent by
Bishop Loughlin to St. Mary's Seminary in Bal
timore, where he carried on his theological stu
dies, winning the degree of S. T. B. In 1884 he
was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Lough
lin and was assigned to St. Paul's Church in
Brooklyn as assistant. May 10, 1889, he was
transferred to the Sacred Heart Church of Brook
lyn. January 22, 1893, Bishop McDonnell appoint
ed Father Tierney chaplain of the Sacred Heart
Seminary at Bayside, annexed to which charge
was the care of the Catholic soldiers of Willet's
Point. Shortly after his arrival he found that
there was a sufficient number of Catholics in Bay-
side to warrant the erection of a church, which
work was begun in 1895 and completed about the
1st of March, 1896. The dedicatory services, held
April 12, were conducted by Bishop McDonnell,
assisted by Rt. Rev. M. G. R. McNamara, V. G.,
and Rev. Sylvester Malone. The structure is a
frame of Gothic style and has a seating capacity
of three hundred; the dimensions being 40x62
feet. Not only have Catholics contributed liber
ally to the new edifice, but many Protestants have
also given donations toward the work. The cost
of the church and rectory together is about $13,-
000. An assistant has been employed to help the
priest in his ministrations to the people.
The Sacred Heart Seminary is known as Little
Bayside, and the location, on Little Bay, over
looking Ft. Schuyler, is one of the most delightful
on the coast. The property was bought by the
Sisters of St. Joseph's from a Mr. Gardner in
1872 and consists of sixty-three acres, fifty of
which are under cultivation. It is conducted as
a boarding institution for small boys, ranging in
age from six to thirteen, and at this writing there
are about fifty pupils under charge of Sister Per-
petua.

REV. MATTHEW J. TIERNEY, priest in
charge of the Catholic Church at Bayside,
was born in Brooklyn, January 11, 1859,
to John and Elizabeth (Mclntyre) Tiernfcy, and
was one of four children, of whom the only sur
vivor besides himself is John, a student of law
with Sullivan & Cromwell, of New York City.
In the Assumption School of Brooklyn he re
ceived his elementary training, after which he
went to St. Francis Xavier College in New York
until graduating in 1881 with the degree of A.

JOHN H. THIRY will be longest remem
bered as the one who introduced the school
savings bank system in this country. This
is sufficient to give him fame, not alone for the
present, but for all time to come. Since retiring
from business and taking up his residence in
Long Island City, he has devoted much of his
leisure time to matters pertaining to the education
of the young. The successful operation of the
school banking system in foreign lands suggested

482

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to him the possibilities of the development of the
same system in America. The idea was first adopt
ed in the schools of Long Island City in 1885,
and has gradually spread throughout the country,
until it is now in vogue in two hundred schools,
sixty-nine cities and twelve states. The scholars
of these schools have saved $324,665.69 up to the
year ending March, 1895.
Mr. Thiry was born in Belgium in 1822. He
obtained his education in the public schools and
in order to fit himself for the teacher's profession
he took a course in the normal school in that
country and was graduated in 1845. After fol
lowing his profession for a year or two, he gave
up teaching to accept a more lucrative position
of the office of the minister of public works, re
maining there from 1847 to 1859. In the latter
year he resigned in order that he might realize
the dream of his boyhood days by taking a trip
to the New World, and, accompanied by his wife
and two sons, he landed at Castle Gar-den in the
summer of that year.
Our subject had no fixed business purpose
when he arrived in New York, but he possessed
a thorough knowledge of literature, was a lover
of books, and hence embarked in the book busi
ness. He started in business on a very modest
scale, renting a small store on the corner of Canal
and Centre Streets for $6 per month. Prosperity
attended this venture, and in less than eight years
he was occupying the two remaining stores of the
block between Canal and Walker Streets.
Following the general trend of business, Mr.
Thiry moved uptown in 1868, and rented a store
at No. 730 Broadway. He continued to carry
on this business for five years, when he sold out
to a Southern dealer and retired from an active
business life. City life was not entirely congenial
to Mr. and Mrs. Thiry and about this time they .
began to look about them for some place in the
suburbs of the city where they might quietly pass
the remainder of their days, and they decided to
make Long Island City their future home. Four
lots were purchased in Academy Street and a
commodious dwelling was erected thereon. ' Sub
sequently Mr. Thiry acquired other property ad
joining, thus enabling him to gratify his horti
cultural inclinations. One of his pastimes since
he removed to this city is the culture of grapes,
in which he has been very successful.
Mr. Thiry's thorough knowledge of educational
matters and the keen interest he had taken in
the schools of the city made him well qualified for

the position of school commissioner, to which he
was appointed in 1884 by Mayor George Petry.
He was instrumental in establishing the monthly-
meeting of the teachers of Long Island City,
under the supervision of the superintendent, and
these meetings have been continued since with
good results. The abolition of the mid-session
recess after the plan adopted in Albany and
Rochester was favored by him and was also intro
duced in the schools of that city with beneficial
results. On the election of Mayor Gleason Mr. Thiry
retired from the board of education, but when
Mayor Sanford entered upon the duties of his
office he again took his place in that body, with
which he has since been connected. For some
time he had favored placing the public schools
under the regents, and had the satisfaction of
assisting in accomplishing this soon after the
present administration came in power. His great
est achievement, however, in the cause of educa
tion, has been the introduction of the school sav
ings bank system. At the solicitation of the.
LTnited States Commissioner of Education, he
made an exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago.
It occupied a very prominent place in the educa
tional department and a jury of award granted
him a medal and diploma in recognition of his
efforts in behalf of the cause of public education.
In the retirement of his later years Mr. Thiry
still keeps up his interest in the questions of the
day, particularly in those topics pertaining to
educational matters. His library contains the
latest works on these subjects, as well as on
gardening and horticulture. He is now seventy-
four years of age, but advancing years have left
slight traces, and he retains all the physical and
mental . activity of younger days. Having ac
quired a competency, he lives a quiet, peaceful
life, and extends, the hospitality of his home to .
numerous friends, in which he takes much pleas
ure. Our subject was married in Belgium to Miss
Ernestine De Samblanc, a native of that coun
try, and to them have been granted two sons,
Raphael O., a resident of this city, and Joseph,
who is engaged in the upholstery business in
Broadway, New York. The family is of French.
descent and was first represented in America by :
Rev. Theodore Thiry of the St. Xavier College
of New York, who came to the United States '
as a missionary fifty years ago. Mr. . Thiry is.'
also one of the oldest members of the Universal .

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

483

Provident Institution, which held- its meetings
every five years in Paris.
Mr. Thiry of this history is a member of St.
Patrick's Catholic Church and in politics is a
Democrat in national affairs, but in local elec
tions votes for the man whom he thinks will best
discharge the duties of the office.

E^ DWARD H. THOMSON. The gratifying
^ success that has crowned the efforts of Mr.
¦^ Thomson is the more noticeable and
praiseworthy because of the few opportunities
afforded him in the earlier clays for that training
and help which are sometimes considered indis
pensable for a start in the world. His has been
a busy and useful life, and now, while yet in the
prime of his manly vigor, he has become the pos
sessor of a competence. His attention is given
to the management of the postoffice at Spring
field, town of Jamaica, and to the supervision of
his mercantile interests in this village.
In Pompton, N. J., the subject of this sketch-
was born April 12, 1854, to Francis and Jane
(Berry) Thomson, being one of their nine chil
dren, of whom all are still living. The father,
a native of St. John, New Brunswick, spent the
latter portion of his life in the United States. For
three years he made his home in Newark, N. J.,
whence he removed to Pompton, and there the
eight remaining years of his life were passed,
his death occurring about i860. His wife was a
member of an old and prominent family that
gained fame during the Revolutionary War.
Orphaned by his father's death when he was
a boy of five years, our subject was reared under
the guidance of his mother/and in childhood at
tended Pompton Academy. At the age of four
teen he began to study telegraphy, and through
his aptness and attention to his studies mastered
the intricacies of the occupation after eight
months. He was then given charge of an office
on the New York, Susquehanna & Western Rail
road (then known as the New Jersey Midland),
where his services were so satisfactory that he
remained for seven years. He left there to accept
a position on the Pennsylvania Railroad, where
he was engaged about three years, filling the
responsible position of operator at the White Cut,
where the trains pass through the Jersey City
Heights. When the train passed his office he
had control of it until it had cleared the cut, and

as some four different roads were using the cut,
there was almost constantly a train in it. The
position was one of great responsibility, but he
filled it in a most satisfactory manner, resigning
it after three years on account of ill health.
Entering the employ of the Long Island Rail
road Company, Mr. Thomson had charge of
some of the most important offices on this sys
tem for the following ten years. During his
twenty years' experience in railroading, it is a
noteworthy fact that he was never discharged
nor suspended, nor lost a day's pay, an almost
unparalleled record. On leaving the employ of
the railroad, he began to work for the Brook
lyn Water Works Company, with whom he re
mained for two years. He then resigned to ac
cept a position on the road as commercial trav
eler for Davison Brothers, wholesale grocers of
New York City. In 1886 he embarked in the
general mercantile business at Springfield, where'
he has since resided. Under the administration
of President Harrison, in 1889, he was appointed
postmaster and has served with such satisfaction
to all parties that he has so far not been removed
by the Democratic administration.
In 1878 Mr. Thomson married Miss Eugenia
Murray, and two children, Edna and Frank, bless
their union. The family are identified with the
Methodist Church, and Mr. Thomson is a mem
ber of its board of trustees. Socially he has been
connected with the Masonic fraternity since 1886,
and is now serving as chaplain of the Jamaica
Lodge. He is also a member of the Royal Ar
canum. Since 1891 he has served on the board
of education, and his efforts have been instru
mental in securing the present excellent condition
of the schools. A lover of fine horses, he always
has one or two good specimens in his stables,
and finds in their exercise much of his recreation
and pleasure. He has the best interests of the'
community at heart, and his support is ever given
to worthy enterprises calculated to prove of pub
lic benefit.

JOHN E. TIER, who carries on a first-class
meat market in Astoria, keeps on hand a
well selected stock of fresh and salt meats,
and by his genial treatment of his customers has
won many friends in this community, and his
trade is constantly increasing. He was born in
New York, November 20, 1858, and is the son

484

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of David M. Tier, also a native of the metropolis,
and a representative of one of its old families.
Early in life David M. Tier learned the butch
er's trade, working in various markets in the city
until 1863, the year in which he came to Astoria
and purchased the location on which he erected
a market. This he stocked with every variety of
meats, and continued to do a profitable business
until his decease in November, 1894, when in
his eighty-second year. In everything which
pertained to the general welfare of the place he
took an active part and never regretted the de
cision he made to permanently settle in Long
Island City. He was an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and after coming
to this place was elected steward of his congre
gation. He was always strictly honorable and
conscientious in the discharge of his duties in
life, and those who knew him best had the utmost
confidence in his genuine trustworthiness.
The lady whom David M. Tier married was
Miss Rachel A. Baizley, who was also born in
New York. She survived her husband about
a year, departing this life in September, 1895.
They became the parents of three sons and one
daughter, of whom David M., Jr., died in Astoria,
leaving a widow and two children, John M., of
Long Island City, and Isabella, now Mrs. J.
Jacobs of New York City. Rachel Tier married
Edward Stivers and is also deceased. William
R. makes his home in this city, although his
banking business is located in New York.
John E. Tier was educated in private schools
of Long Island City, after which he assisted his
father in carrying on his market, being associated
with him seven or eight years before going to
New York. For a short time he was salesman in
a hide and leather store in that city, and after
severing his connections there, purchased the liv
ery business in Long Island City which had been
established by his brother David many years ago.
This he carried on with signal success for a
period of twelve years, from 1882 to 1894. The
latter year he disposed of his interest in the busi
ness and began general contracting in Astoria,
following this industry until the death of his
father, when he took charge of the meat market
and has conducted affairs in a Very able manner
ever since. The market is located at No. 114
Fulton Street and contains all the latest modern
conveniences in the way of ice boxes and refriger
ators, which make of it a first-class establishment
m every particular. His trade is very large

among the best people of the city and vicinity,
and in order to supply their wants Mr. Tier has
constantly in use two delivery wagons.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Eliza
Van Alst occurred in Long Island City in 1883.
She was born here and is the daughter of James
Van Alst, now deceased, who was one of the old-
time and substantial residents of the community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Tier there have been born two
children, Charles Hallett and Marion. In na
tional politics he is a stanch supporter of Repub
lican principles, but during local elections he
gives his vote to the best man, regardless of party
ties. Mrs. Tier is a devoted member of the
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. In social
affairs our subject is a member of John Allen
Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W., and for some time
served with the Astoria Hook and Ladder Com
pany, of which he was foreman. He belongs to
Long Island City Council No. 17, A. O V. F.,
and is associated actively with the Veteran Fire
men's Association.

HARRY T. WEEKS. The younger Pitt,
had his lot been cast in the United States
in this day and generation, would have
found it unnecessary to defend himself against
the "atrocious crime of being a young man," as
charged against him because of his precocious
mental development. In this republic there is no
prejudice against a man merely because he
chances to develop in advance of the constitu
tional idea as to time of maturity, but on the con
trary it is more likely that the fact will be used
as a cause for rewarding his ability by promoting
him to places of honor and trust. The subject of
this sketch, Harry T. Weeks, has demonstrated
over and over again that the wisdom of age rests
upon his shoulders and the judgment of tried ex
perience guides his actions, yet so far from this
being a bar to his advancement, his friends point
to the fact with pride.
Mr. Weeks was born in London, England,
March 18, 1866, a son of Rev. William H. Weeks,
a clergyman of the Church of England, and a
native of that country, where he was born in 183 1.
He is the pastor of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church,
Ravenswood. By his wife, who was formerly
Miss Frances S. Reid, he had five children,
three sons and two daughters, of whom the sub
ject of this sketch was the third in order of birth.
At the age of five years he was brought by his.

J. F. BLOODGOOD, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

487

parents to the United States, and after one year
spent in Philadelphia and two years in New Jer
sey, the family located in New York City, where
they established a home.
At this time Harry T. was about eight years of
age and in the public schools of the latter city he
received a thorough educational training, and
graduated from a well conducted grammar
school. Having made up his mind to study law,
he entered the office of Owen & Gray, later that
of Owen, Gray & Sturges, at No. 71 Wall Street,
with whom he remained until he was admitted to
the bar in Brooklyn in September, 1890, after
which he continued with them as managing clerk
until the spring of 1891. He was then with the
firm of Benner & Benner, at No. 62 Wall Street,
in the same capacity, meanwhile being engaged
in independent practice until April, 1895, when he
opened, an office at No. 95 Fulton Avenue, As
toria, and has since been engaged in the general
practice of law. In 1893 Mr. Weeks was ap
pointed -by Mayor Sanford as attorney to the
board of excise, and has the distinction of be
ing the first attorney to convict a man by jury,
in the Justices' Court for selling liquor on Sun
day in Long Island City. He is a member of the
Jefferson Club and is a Democrat of the Jackson-
ian type. Socially he belongs to Sangamore
Lodge No. 371, F. & A. M.; Amity Chapter No.
160, R. A. M., and the Royal Arcanum of As
toria. Religiously he is a member of St. Thomas'
Episcopal Church.

JF. BLOODGOOD, M. D. The family rep
resented by this well-known physician and
• surgeon of Flushing, originated in France,
•with the history of which they were identified in
'former centuries. Religious persecutions caused
them to flee to Holland, where their name, Sang-
pur, which means good blood, was translated into
the Dutch Bloetgoet, and later, on coming to
America, was changed to its present form. The
first representative in this country was Franz Jan-
sen Bloodgood, who came here about the middle
of the seventeenth century and settled at Flush
ing in 1665, becoming an officer under the Dutch
.government and a member of the privy council.
The governor appointed him chief of the Dutch
inhabitants of the province of Long Island, and
in 1676, while he was leading his men in a skir
mish with the English colonists from Connecticut,
he fell at the head of the army and died on the

battlefield, making his will shortly before he ex
pired. Following this pioneer in direct line of descent
were William, Francis, Abram, Dr. Joseph, Isaac
and Dr. J. F., of this sketch. The family records
were unfortunately destroyed, so that no definite
information can be obtained as to the places filled
by successive heads of the family. It is known,
however, that Francis moved to Albany about
1760 and Abram at one time served as mayor of
that city. It is also a matter of history that the
latter assisted in the organization of the Demo
cratic party. Dr. Joseph graduated from Union
College with the degree of A. M., after which he
entered the medical department of the University
of Pennsylvania. On completing his studies he
practiced for a short time in New York and then
located at Flushing, being the first physician
here. After long years of successful practice he
died in 1857. He was interested in the old Kings
Medical College and took a prominent part in
medical society work in New York City. In re
ligious belief he was an Episcopalian. One of
his sons, Dr. Abram, was a physician of Flushing
and died here in 1880.
The father of our subject, Isaac Bloodgood,
was born in Flushing and grew to manhood here.
Choosing a business life, after a clerkship of a
few years in New York he became a member of
the firm of Clement & Bloodgood, merchants at
Flushing, and for more than forty years engaged
in business here. Now eighty-one years of age,
he lives retired from active labors, making his
home with his son. His wife, who bore the maid
en name of Mary Cary, was born in East Had-
dam, Conn.; her father, Capt. Bigelow Cary, a
native of the same place, was engaged in the
coasting trade and transportation business, and
died in Portland, Conn. Her grandfather, Wait-
still Cary, was a native of Connecticut, and a
descendant of English ancestors who early set
tled in Massachusetts and thence removed to
Connecticut. Mrs. Mary Bloodgood died in
1893, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, to
which she belonged from girlhood. She had only
two children, Jennie and J. F.
Born in Flushing, August 4, 1859, the sub
ject of this sketch was educated in Flushing In
stitute, also spent two years in the School of
Mines of Columbia College, after which he began
the study of medicine in the old building of the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Twenty-
third Street and Fourth Avenue, New York City.

488

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On completing the lectures he graduated in 1884
with the degree of M. D. By competitive exam
ination he received the appointment of assistant
at St. Catherine's Hospital, Brooklyn, and re
mained there in that capacity, and as house phy
sician and surgeon, for eighteen months. In 1886
he went to Europe, where for six months he con
tinued his studies in Berlin and Vienna. On his
return to New York he located at No. 29 West
Forty-second Street, with Dr. H. D. Chapin,
and later had his office at No. 27 West
Fifty-first Street. In 1889 he came to Flushing,
where he has built up a large general practice,
his specialty being surgery, in which he is very
skillful. He is president of the medical board of
Flushing Hospital, and is a member of the Queens
County and New York County Medical Socie
ties, and the Physicians' Medical Aid Society of
New York. In addition to these he is identified
with the Holland Society, St. Nicholas and Ni
antic Clubs and the Order of Foresters, in which
he is physician. He is a member of St. George's
Episcopal Church, and formerly held the position
of secretary of St. George's Brotherhood.

HM. THOMAS. Much has been written
of the thrifty German and Scotchman
• and the sturdy and persistent Eng
lishman, while less has been said of the
Welshman, but this is not because he is not
worthy of honorable mention, or has not made
a useful, law-abiding and energetic citizen, but
because Welsh immigrants are not so numer
ous as those of other nationalities and because
they are usually retiring and unassuming in'
disposition. H. M. Thomas is a fit type of
the energetic, progressive and intelligent Welsh
man, and was born in Holyhead, North Wales,'
in 1829. He came of honorable parentage,
and his father tilled the soil of Wales until
his death, which occurred in his seventy-seventh'
year. The mother, who was Ann Roberts prior
to her marriage, died in her native land at an
advanced age. Of five children born to them,
but two are living at the present time. Two sons
came to America, one of whom, William, died in
Long Island City.
H. M. Thomas is the only one of his family now
in the United States, and until he was fourteen
years of age he assisted his father in the duties
of the farm and at the same time acquired a prac
tical education in the common schools, in everv

way sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties
of life. At the above mentioned age he was ap
prenticed to learn the carpenter and builder's
trade, and in this manner his time was usefully
employed for a period of three years. His master
then retired from business, and although he had
intended to have Mr. Thomas continue his ap
prenticeship under a brother, he decided he had
no right to do this, and consequently Mr. Thomas
gained his freedom at the age of eighteen years.
America then became the goal of young Thomas'
ambitions, for he rightly concluded that it offered
a broader field for success than the land of his
birth, and in 1848 he embarked at Liverpool on
the sailing vessel "Senator" and landed in New
York thirty days later.
Fortunately for Mr. Thomas, he soon succeed
ed in obtaining employment at his trade in
Brooklyn and Greenpoint, but seven years later,
or in 1854, came to what is now Long Island City,
which had just been laid out, and here he perma
nently located three years later, erecting a pleas
ant home in Vernon Avenue, near by which he
built a shop. He is now by far the oldest con
tractor and builder of the place, and during the
many years that he has followed this calling has
erected many buildings in all parts of the place
and invariably his buildings have been well con
structed and substantial, monuments to his skill
as a master builder. In the early days of his ac
tivity he put up a steam planing, moulding, sash,.
door and blind mill onVernonAvenue and Fourth
Street, and after successfully operating it for
about fifteen years, shut it down. In 1865 he
moved it to its present location, and actively con
tinued its management up to about 1888, when it
was closed permanently. He now owns over six
teen residences, besides other valuable property,
and what is quite remarkable, has never had a loss
by fire.
Mr. Thomas erected the Standard Oil Com
pany and the Warren Chemical Company's build
ings, the Colman Varnish Works, the business
block at No. 91 Fourth Street, the fine residence
at No. 125 Diird Street, besides many other fine
buildings here and in the city of Brooklyn; in fact,'
his handiwork is seen all over the eastern part of
Long Island. He has been one of the trustees'
of the Long Island City Savings Bank since the
year of its founding (1889), and for some time past
has been its capable vice-president. His life since
coming to the United States has been one cease
less round of activity and has not gone unre-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

489

warded, for the substantial evidence of his suc
cess may readily be seen in the property he has
accumulated and in the numerous friends he has
gathered about him.
Mr. Thomas was married in Greenpoint to
Miss Georgiana Newcomb, who was born in New
York, a daughter of George Newcomb, who was
the proprietor of a foundry at the bridge in Green
point. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas re
sulted in the birth of one child, Annie L., now
Mrs. Richerstein of Long Island City. She is a
cultivated woman and was educated in the pri
vate schools of Brooklyn, graduating from Clin
ton Avenue Institute of that city.
In 1890 or 1891 Mr. Thomas was appointed
commissioner to pave and improve Vernon Ave
nue and Jackson Street, the latter from the court
house to the city line, and completed this work
very satisfactorily in three years' time. In vari
ous other ways he has done much to improve the
place and deserves and receives the highest re
spect of his fellow citizens as a progressive, public
spirited and useful citizen. He was one of the
first supporters of the Republican party in thi^s
section, there being but three or four others, and
is now the only surviving member of this num
ber. He has served as grand and petit juror,
but aside from this has never been a political
aspirant, as his time has been profitably occupied
otherwise. He is a member of Island City
Lodge, F. & A. M., has attained the Royal Arch
degree, and is a member of the Consistory of New
York City.

GEORGE E. TILLY. The man who has
lived uprightly, attended strictly to his
business, defrauded none, and advanced
the business interests of his community, has made
for himself a record upon which he may justly
look with pride. He has added dignity to his call
ing, whatever it may be, and has shown the world
what may be accomplished by perseverance, cour
age and industrv. To this class of successful, hon-
orable citizens belongs Mr. Tilly, who has been
a resident of Jamaica since 1856. His life illus
trates the fact that persevering industry, united
with good judgment, are the principal factors in
securing success.
The birth of Mr. Tilly occurred in Hampshire,
England, September 8, 1836, his father being
William Tilly, a builder, who died in England in
1854. The family is directly descended from the

illustrious General Tilly. Our subject was the
youngest of fourteen children, there being seven
sons and seven daughters. His health was deli
cate in infancy and his condition became such
that, at the age of seven years, he was sent to a
private hospital for treatment. When he was
ten his father failed in business, and although his
health was still poor, he was obliged to start out
for himself, his first position being that of page
to a wealthy lady. Later he learned the painter's
trade. At the death of his father, a contention
arose between him and an older brother, who
was well-to-do, and who tried to control his earn
ings, refusing to allow him to draw his own
wages. This procedure did not suit the high-spirited
lad who cared for himself from the age of ten.
He determined to leave the country and come to
America, but to this his brother refused his con
sent. Undaunted by opposition, he made up his
mind to carry out his plan, and one dark night
he ran away from home and boarded a ship
bound for America, secreting himself until the
vessel was well out at sea. Upon being discov
ered, the captain told him he would have to work
his passage, which was just what he had hoped
to do. So faithful was he in the performance of
his duties that when the ship anchored at New
York he was tendered pay for his services, but
with the strict honesty ever one of his character
istics he promptly refused the money; this, too,
in spite of the fact that he had only one-half
crown. It is interesting to note that he never
spent this piece of money,- but has it still in his
possession. Years afterward, when prosperity
had come to him and he was in comfortable cir
cumstances, it was a satisfaction to him to visit
his native land and assist his formerly wealthy'
brother out of financial trouble, also assist a num
ber of his brothers and sisters to come to the
United States. Of this large family three broth
ers and one sister are now living; one brother,'
John, was for twenty-two years in the employ of
the British government, and now resides in South
Norwalk, Conn.; another • brother, Henry, who
was a builder, lives in Queens County.
In 1856 Mr. Tilly came to Jamaica and the
same year he married Miss Mary A. Mergen--
thaler, a native of Rome, N. Y., but of German
ancestry^ and at the time of her marriage living
on the Merrick road in Jamaica. In i860 he
opened a paint shop- in this village, but when the
Civil War broke out and the unitv of the nation'

490

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was threatened, he closed up the business, and in
1862 enlisted as a private in Company B, Fif
teenth New York Engineers. After six months
he was promoted to sergeant, later became lieu
tenant, then acting quartermaster of the First
Battalion. He served at Ft. Fisher under Gener
als Terry and Schofield, and was at Grant's head
quarters at City Point, Va., where he had charge
of building the log house that was occupied by
that illustrious General and was exhibited at the
Centennial in 1876. During the desperate attack
at Alexandria, Va., he was wounded, and this
wound has never healed to this day. He was also
wounded by an ax in the hands of one of the
men of his own company, and by a ball from
the enemy while in North Carolina. July 3, 1865,
he was discharged with the rank of lieutenant
and acting quartermaster.
Returning to Jamaica, Mr. Tilly resumed the
painting business, in which he continued until
1890. Meantime he also had other interests, and
for some years has had large real estate opera
tions, now being the owner of considerable valu
able property. While successful financially, he
has not neglected religious and benevolent enter
prises, and for some years has been a local
preacher in the Methodist Church, having, as a
result of his labors, established churches at
Floral Park, Morris Park, Ozone Park and
Union Course. For some time he sang in the
church choir at Jamaica. Methodism has in him
a stanch friend and liberal contributor, and his
efforts in behalf of the denomination have been
fruitful of much good. In the Grand Army he
takes considerable interest, but his most import
ant work, of late years, in social organizations has
been in connection with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. At this writing he is past grand
chaplain of the state and district deputy grand
master, and was one of the prime movers in
establishing the home at Hollis for the care of
aged Odd Fellows and their families. To this
splendid work he has devoted much time and
money and in its success he is deeply interested.
March 4, 1876, Mrs. Mary A. Tilly died, leav
ing the following children: George H., who for
some years has resided at Helena, Mont.; John
A., a civil engineer in Brooklyn; Fannie L.,
widow of Edward Seaman, who became a drum
mer boy in the Civil War at the age of thirteen,
and later was a contractor and builder at Queens,
L. I., where he died in 1882, leaving three chil
dren: Mary Ella, wife of R R. Rhodes of Brook

lyn, and Nettie F., who married Alexander Wei-
bach. The second marriage of Mr. Tilly took
place in September, 1876, and united him with
Mary Brown of Hempstead, who is a true help
mate, faithful in the discharge of duties as wife,
mother and Christian helper. She is known far
and wide for her charities to the poor and sick,
preferring to sacrifice her own comforts for the
good of others.

P

ETER VAN PELT is one of the enterpris
ing and progressive farmers of the town
of Jamaica, and in the pursuit of his chosen
vocation is enjoying a satisfactory income, as a
result of the application of modern methods and
the latest improvements in the line of agriculture.
In 189 1 he purchased his present farm in New
York Avenue, Springfield, and bringing his fam
ily here, has since made the place his home.
The son of Peter and Maria C. (Paynter) Van
Pelt, the subject of this notice, was born in New
town, Queens County, March 4, 1842, and was
one of eight children, of whom six are now living.
His father, a native of Shelter Island, born about
1795, learned the carpenter's trade in his early
manhood and followed this for a short time, but
when about thirty years of age moved to New
town, settling upon a farm. He continued to en
gage in agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred at the age of seventy-two. Both
in social, business and religious circles he was
highly esteemed and for years served efficiently
as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. His wife,
though now (1896) ninety-five years old, is still
quite active in body and clear in mind.
The educational privileges enjoyed by our sub
ject were such as the common schools of the time
and place ensured, and upon the practical founda
tion thus gained he has built much information
on general topics and current events. For some
years after reaching man's estate he continued to
cultivate the home farm, after which he estab
lished a milk route in New York, and for some
time was engaged in the milk business. On sell
ing out, he rented a farm and has since given his
attention to agriculture, which he continues on
the farm he purchased in 1891.
In 1882 occurred the marriage of Peter Van
Pelt and Miss Sarah Paynter, an amiable lady,
whose pleasant manners have won her many
friends, and who is a devoted member of the
Presbyterian Church, to which our subject also

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

49 1

belongs. In politics he is a Democrat, but has
never displayed any partisanship in public affairs,
conceding to others the same liberty of opinion
he demands for himself. Of his four children two
are living: Sarah M. E. and Plarry DeWitt. He
and his family stand well in the community and
are always looked to in the advancement of pro
jects for the welfare of the people. They are so
cial and kindly, enjoy the companionship of in
telligent and well-bred people, and their doors
are always hospitably open to their friends and
acquaintances.

VALENTINE HEMLEIN. With such ef
ficiency has- this gentleman conducted his
affairs as contractor and builder that he
is now well known throughout the county as a
member of the firm of Hemlein & Fischer. He
was born in Baden, Germany, in 1851, and was
the son of John J. Hemlein, also a native of the
Fatherland and a builder by trade. The latter
married Miss Rosina Miller, who is still living in
Germany. The parental family included six children, three
of whom make their home in America and the re
maining three in their native land. Valentine,
who was the eldest of the household, attended
the model schools of Germany until a lad of four
teen years, when he began learning the carpen
ter's trade under his father. He continued to be
thus employed until twenty years of age, when,
according to the custom of his land, he entered
the army, becoming a member of the One Hun
dred and Tenth Regiment of German Infantry.
In the year 1881 young Hemlein bade good
bye to his relatives and friends and set sail for the
shores of the New World. On arriving in New
York City he found employment at his trade and
continued to live in the metropolis until 1887,
when he located in Long Island City. The fol
lowing year he formed a partnership with his
father-in-law, George Fischer, who was also born
in Germany, and began contracting for himself.
They are both expert workmen and it was not
long before they had all the contracts they could
handle. It is due to their skill and genius that
over two hundred of the beautiful residences and
business blocks of Schuetzen Park have been
built. Among the most prominent are the resi
dences of H. Pfestners, Dr. Herman, William
Sauerbrey, Peter Grimm, the Zimmermann ho
tel, the business block of Fricks Brothers and

St. Dominick convent school. Mr. Hemlein
erected four residences, which he readily disposed
of, now owning only the beautiful home which
the family occupy at No. 487 Grand Avenue.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Kate
Fischer occurred in New York City in 1886. This
lady was also born in Germany and was the
daughter of George Fischer and granddaughter
of Joseph Fischer, a farmer in his native land.
George Fischer learned the carpenter's trade very
thoroughly prior to his emigration to America in
1881. Pie too made his home for a time in New
York City, working for the same firm as did our
subject, and like the latter, took up his abode in
Long Island City in 1887. He is now living in a
comfortable home at No. 408 Winans Street. His
wife was Miss Ernestine Fuss, a native of Bayern.
Mr. and Mrs. Fischer became the parents of sev
en children, three sons and four daughters, of
whom only five now survive. Four make their
home in Long Island City and the fifth is a resi
dent of Pennsylvania.
Our subject and his wife have three children,
Rosa, Ernestine and Elizabeth. The parents are
devout Catholics, belonging to St. Joseph's
Church. Mr. Hemlein is connected with the
Catholic Benevolent Legion of this place and for
some time was lecturer in this body.

CHARLES A. VAN IDERSTINE. The
name introducing this sketch is one that
carries influence and weight into the com
mercial circles of Queens County and vicinity.
He who bears it, while a resident of Brooklyn,
has his business headquarters in Long Island City,
where, with his brother, under the firm name of
Peter Van Iderstine's Sons, he carries on an ex
tensive trade as dealer in tallow, fat and calfskins.
The main building occupied by the firm is 40x100
feet in dimensions, and two stories in height with
basement. Their trade both in hide and tallow is
the largest of any firm in the vicinity, and they
fully sustain the reputation for integrity and up
right transactions that was established by their
father. To assist in the carrying on of their busi
ness, they keep from sixteen to twenty horses, and
have a dock on Newtown Creek, together with a
vessel, "Martha A.," with which they deliver
goods to consignees at different ports.
Born in New York City, the subject of this
notice is a son of Peter, Jr., a native of the same
place, and a grandson of Peter, Sr., who removed

492

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

from his birthplace in New Jersey to New York,
where he was employed as a boss carman. The
family is ofHolland-Dutch descent,but has resided
in America for many generations. Peter, Jr., who
was reared in New York, became a carman, then
clerked under William P. Miller, a hide and
leather merchant, and later engaged in business
for himself. In 1855 he started a hide and tallow
business on Tenth Avenue and Thirty-seventh
Street, New York, and in 1864 built commodious
quarters in Railroad Avenue near Greenpoint
Avenue, where he continued his trade. From
1880 he made his home in Brooklyn, but contin
ued in business here until his death, December
22, 1893. In religious belief he was a Baptist. He
was a member of the Seventh New York Militia,
took part in the Civil War, being present at
Fredericksburg, and held membership in Lafay
ette Post, G. A. R., in New York. Socially he be
longed to Kane Lodge, F. & A. M., New York
City. By his marriage to Martha Mapes, a native of
New York City, and daughter of Henry Mapes,
Peter Van Iderstine, Jr., had two sons and five
daughters, of whom all but one daughter are still
living. The wife and mother died in New York
in 1878. Our subject, who was the elder of the ¦
two sons, spent his childhood years in New York
City, where he was a student in Grammar School
No. 55 in Twentieth Street. At the age of fifteen
he began to learn the hide and leather business
under the instruction of his father, of which he
soon had a thorough knowledge. In 1888 he and
his brother started in business at No. 181 Huron
Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, but after their
father's death in 1893 they became the possessors
of this business, with which they consolidated
their own, moving it to Blissville. They have
since enlarged the business, and as they have am
ple capital and untiring energy, they will un
doubtedly add to the reputation gained by the
firm in days past. Steady employment is fur
nished to thirty or forty hands, and they carry
on a large trade in all kinds of skins.
In Brooklyn Mr. Van Iderstine married Delia,
daughter of John H. Ireland, a lumber merchant
of that city, where she was born. Her death oc
curred March 16, 1896. With his three children,
Edwin, John I. and Earl, our subject resides at
No. 473 Green Avenue, Brooklyn. In religious
belief he is connected with the Washington Ave
nue Baptist Church, and to it, as well as to other
religious enterprises, he gives generous support.

Mrs. Van Iderstine was also a member of the
same church. Mr. Van Iderstine is actively iden
tified with the Manufacturers' Association of
Kings and Queens counties, and is regarded as
one of the foremost business men of this locality.
Like others he has at times suffered losses in
business, but in the main he has been very suc
cessful and has always maintained his reputation
as an upright, honorable man, one whose integ
rity is unquestioned and who commands the uni
versal respect of his fellow-men.

GEORGE CASEY. There is nothing more
important to the welfare of a city than a
well-equipped fire department, nor is
there anything more effective in the preservation
of property as well as life, and the man who suc
cessfully fills the position of chief must possess
keen foresight, great energy and must "sleep with
one eye open," so to speak, in order to respond
instantly to calls upon his services. The subject
of this sketch is ex-chief of the fire department
of Astoria and filled this office in a most thorough
and satisfactory manner. Mr. Casey was born in
Queens County, Ireland, in 1847, a son of Law
rence and Ann (Moran) Casey, also natives of
that county, where they were married. The fath
er was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this
occupation in Main Street, Astoria, after his re
moval to this country with his family in 1849.
Here he died at the age of seventy-three years
and here his wife was also called from life.
George Casey was the eldest of four daughters
and two sons, and at the time of the family's re
moval to America he was two years of age. He
was reared in Astoria, educated in the public
schools of the fourth ward and learned the shoe
maker's business with his father. He became an
instructor of his trade on Randall's Island, where
he continued for sixteen years, then, in 1865, he
was a volunteer in the United States navy and
for one year served on a gunboat. At the expira
tion of his term of enlistment he was honorably
discharged, March 19, 1866, on Randall's Island,
but soon afterward went to New Brunswick, N.
J., and in 1878 took up his abode in Astoria,
where his home has ever since been. He has
been connected with the fire department of As
toria for many years, was one of its organizers,
and from 1877 to 1880 was chief engineer.
In February, 1891, Mr. Casey was appointed
chief by Mayor Gleason, thus becoming the first

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

493

chief engineer in the paid department, which he
assisted in organizing, but in 1893 there was a
political change in the administration and he was
deposed. Mr. Casey contested the matter in the
courts and was reinstated, but in the following
September was again discharged, and the case is
now being once more tried, with the prospects of
success in his favor. He was one of the organ
izers of the Veteran Firemen's Association of
Long Island City, and the hall above his office
is now used by this society. He is a member of
Ringgoid Post of the Grand Army of the Re
public, and politically is an active worker in the
Democratic party. In Long Island City he mar
ried Rose Ann Joyce, who was born in Astoria
and died here February 23, 1894, leaving five chil
dren, James, William, George, Jr., Lawrence and
Rose Ann, all of whom are attending school.

THE HICKS FAMILY. Among the old
names connected with the early history of
Long Island that of Hicks has always been
prominent both in public and in private life.
From the first settlement of the country, and untjl
the close of the Revolutionary War various per
sons bearing the name took an active and im
portant part in the affairs of the colony. When
the struggle for independence came several of
the most influential members of the family were
holding office under the government, and natural
ly remained loyal to the king, as did their friends
and relatives; but most of the Hicks' on Long
Island were professedly neutral, although the
sympathies of many were evidently with the
mother country. At the close of the Revolution
a few fled to Nova Scotia, while confiscation de
prived many wealthy members of the family of
their estates.
The family became early identified with the
Society of Friends, and most of them still hold
to that faith. Elias Hicks, the celebrated Quaker
preacher, was a great-great-grandson of the first
settler, John Hicks. The Hicks family are of
English descent, and their progenitor on Long
Island, John Plicks, came to America from Lon
don in 1635. He was nearly related to Robert
Hicks, who came with the Pilgrims in 1621, and
traced his ancestry back to Sir Ellis Hicks, who
was knighted on the battlefield of Poiters in 1356.
John Hicks came to Long Island with the first
settlers of Hempstead in 1642, and always took
an active and prominent part in the affairs of the

colony. He was a man of strong and vigorous
intellect and seemed a natural leader among men.
The final settlement with the Indians on the 4th
of July, 1647, for the lands purchased of them by
the colonists in 1643, and the defining of the
boundaries was intrusted to his management. On
the nth of December, 1653, he was a delegate to
a convention representing the towns on Long
Island, called to obtain a redress of grievances
from the Dutch government. In 1663 he was
one of the delegates chosen to associate with the
deputies from the other English towns to obtain
aid from the general court at Hartford against
the Dutch, and again in the same year he repre
sented his town in a general assembly of dele
gates from Long Island towns.
In 1665 Governor Nicoll called a convention
composed of two delegates from each of the towns
on Long Island and those in Westchester County
"for the purpose of making additions and altera
tions to existing laws.'' John Plicks was chosen
one of the delegates from the town of Hempstead,
and was a leader in the convention. The proceed
ings of that assembly were of much interest and
value, and the ordinances framed at that time,
called the "Duke's Laws," were of great import
ance, and remained in force for over a hundred
years. Thomas Hicks, the son of the above John, was
also a man of unusual energy and ability and took
a prominent part in public affairs. He was a dele
gate to most of the assemblies and conventions
of that time, and in 1691 was honored by Gover
nor Andross in being the first appointed judge
to the county court, an office which he held for
a number of years. In 1666 he was granted a
patent for four thousand acres of land at Great
Neck, where he erected a mansion and resided
until his death. Whitehead Hicks, a grandson of
Thomas, was mayor of New York City, by the
king's appointment, for ten years previous to and
during the Revolutionary War. A son of Thom
as, Isaac Hicks, was colonel of the county militia,
and another son, Jacob, held the appointment of
captain, in which capacity he saw some service
in the colonial wars.
The above Col. Isaac Hicks was afterward, and
for many years, a judge of the county court and
highly respected. He was also active in public
affairs, and was chosen by the colony of Massa
chusetts as one of a commission to settle a boun
dary dispute between that commonwealth and
Rhode Island. In appreciation of his services the

494

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

former colony presented him with a silver tank
ard, inscribed, and bearing the arms of the com
monwealth. His son, Stephen Hicks, was also
colonel of the county militia.
Since the Revolution the family has held entire
ly aloof from public life, and its members have
been principally engaged in agricultural and mer
cantile pursuits. Several accumulated wealth, and
left honorable records as merchants and ship
owners in the city of New York ; but most of the
Hicks' of Long Island have been content, in re
cent years, to lead the quiet and industrious lives
of farmers and to continue in the simple and un
ostentatious ways of the Quakers.

FRANK DOOLEY. Among all of the in
dustries that are carried on in this great
country of ours none succeed so well as
those conducted by practical men. An instance
in mind is the success attained by Frank Doo-
ley since he established himself as a dealer in
marble and slate at Hunter's Point, Long Island
City. Mr. Dooley was born in 1842 in Kings
County, Ireland, where his parents, Andrew and
Mary (Monopan) Dooley, were also born. This
worthy couple joined their children in the United
States in 1864, and in this country they made
their home until death called them hence, the
father in 1889, at the age of eighty-nine years,
and the mother when sixty-five years old. Ten
children were born to them, but only four are
now living, two sons and two daughters, all being
loyal subjects of "Uncle Sam."
Of this family the subject of this biography
was the third eldest. The isle that gave him birth
continued to be his home until he had reached
the age of seventeen years, at which time he came
to the United States on a sailing vessel, the "Man
hattan," the voyage occupying twenty-three days,
but on its journey back to the old country the
ship was lost at sea and was never afterward heard
from. Mr. Dooley worked in a soda water es
tablishment for about three months after his ar
rival here, then apprenticed himself to a marble
cutter in New York City and worked under va
rious masters until he had thoroughly learned the
trade. In 1879 he started in business on his own
account in New York City, where he continued
until 1882, and then established himself in Hunt
er's Point, Long Island City, having, in 1874,
taken up his residence here. His first shop was in
Fourth Street, but he afterwards removed to No.

24 Hunter's Point Avenue. He makes a special
ty of marble and slate for mantels and manufac
tures his goods from the rough. He deals in the
finest materials, but has goods to suit the purses
of all classes and is recognized as an authority
in the trade. All the marble and slate work in
the residence of Father McGuire was done by
him, likewise that of F. J. Oakes, the Queens
County court house, Kelly's block, Keonery flats,
the Fourth Ward schoolhouse and scores of the
finest residences of the place. His work is of
the most meritorious and in every respect he is an
upright and pushing business man.
Mr. Dooley was married in the city of New
York to Miss Mary Hines, a native of the Isle
of Erin, and to them one child was given, Will
iam, who is his father's business associate, and is
a skillful granite letterer. The family move in
the best social circles and are attendants of St.
Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. Dooley has al
ways supported Democratic principles.

WYMAN S. BROWN. Among the
names entitled to space in the history of
Queens County is the one that heads
this sketch, for it is borne by a man who has been
identified with the best interests of the county
for many years and with its advancement in every
worthy particular. Mr. Brown is at present en
gaged in the real estate business, having his of
fice located at No. 16 Court Street, Brooklyn.
His place of residence, however, is in the beautiful
village of Manhasset.
January 7, 1824, Mr. Brown was born in Edge-
comb, Lincoln County, Me, and is the son of
Capt. Daniel and Alice (Webber) Brown. The
father was also born in the Pine Tree State, and
when a young man of twenty years left home and
went to sea. It was not long before, he became
captain of a vessel and for the remainder of his
life followed this calling. During the progress
of the War of 181 2 he had charge of a vessel
in the navy. He was the owner of a nice farm,
on which his son, our subject, was reared. The
household included eight children, of whom Wy-
man S. was the eldest but one His education
was acquired in the schools taught in the district
and after his school days were over he often took
trips with his father on the ocean. Captain Brown
lived to be sixty-five years of age.
When eighteen years old our subject turned
his attention to the carriagemaker's trade and

JULIUS AUGUSTIN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

497

after serving the usual length of time as an ap
prentice began working for wages. He followed
this business for a few years, but abandoned it in
order that he might engage in more profitable
work. When twenty-four years of age he was
married to Miss Alice S. Wilson and to them
have been born three children. Anna M. is now
the wife of George W. Liscomb of New York;
Effie L. became the wife of E. Walter Roberts,
and, their home is in Brooklyn; Fannie M. is the
wife of Asa C. Brownell, Jr., and they make
their home with our subject. Mr. and Mrs.
Brownell have three children, Alice D., Clara F.,
and Albert Wyman, all of whom were born in
Brooklyn. In 1870 Mr. Brown began dealing in real estate
and so prosperous was he in this business that he
has continued to give it his entire attention ever
since. He took up his abode in Manhasset in
1893 and is now one of the most substantial resi
dents of the village. Politically, he has voted
the Republican ticket since i860. In his re
ligious views he is a Congregationalist, worship
ing with this denomination in Brooklyn.

JULIUS AUGUSTIN. There are few resi
dents of Hicksville who, through a long and
varied career, met with such uniform suc
cess as rewarded the efforts of the subject of this
article. Beginning for himself at an early age
and without means, he steadily worked upward,
conquering the difficulties incident to strange lan
guages and unfamiliar customs, and such was his
success that when still young he was in receipt of
a large salary. Both in the old country and the
new he worked untiringly and efficiently, nor did
his energy show any diminution with increasing
years. At the time of his death, which occurred
February 2, 1896, he was conducting a successful
business, dealing in lumber, coal and building ma
terials of all kinds.
In Menslage, a small village in Hanover, Ger
many, our subject was born August 10, 1838, to
Johan Daniel and Catherine (Wolf) Augustin, na
tives of Hanover, the former of whom died in
1894, aged ninety-two years. The mother was a
daughter of Frederick Wolf, who for many years
was in the employ of the Hanoverian govern
ment, being superintendent of the construction of
public buildings. In his native village Johan
Daniel Augustin was engaged as proprietor of
a dyeing establishment, in which business he was
19

occupied until the time of his death, meanwhile
accumulating a large fortune. By his marriage
seven children were born, the youngest of whom
was only four years old when his mother died.
The father never married again.
About 1855 William, a brother of our subject,
emigrated to America and, failing to find em
ployment at his trade of dyer, secured work in a
grocery in New York, his salary being only $4
per month for two years. In 1859 he entered
business for himself, opening a store at No. 68
Greenwich Street, New York, where he carried
on a retail trade until 1867, being so successful
in his enterprises that he became possessor of an
estate valued at $40,000.
Under the supervision of a private tutor our
subject early gained a knowledge of French and
English. At the age of thirteen his father secured
him a situation in a large crockery, china and
queensware house at Haarlem, Holland, where
he remained until twenty years of age. No stip
ulation was made as to salary, and for three years
no wages were given him, but afterward he was
in receipt of regular remittances. His work was
hard and tedious, he was far from home and
friends, but he had a brave heart and soon won
the esteem of those by whom he was employed.
While there the first railroad in Holland was
built, the terminal points being Amsterdam and
Haarlem, and he traveled on one of the first
trains to Amsterdam for the purpose of purchas
ing goods for the firm. The senior partner, with
the caution of age, refused to travel by rail, deem
ing the canal boats safer, though not nearly so
rapid. The interest and skill displayed by Mr. Augus
tin soon led to his promotion. During the sec
ond year of his connection with the firm he was
intrusted with the purchase of goods, a very re
sponsible position for one so young. At the
age of nineteen he was obliged, according to the
laws of the country, to take his place in the mili
tary service, but on volunteering he was rejected
owing to his small stature and delicate appear
ance. He then resumed his business duties in
Haarlem, but the following year was again
obliged to return to Hanover for military exam
ination. This time he resolved not to return to
Haarlem. His employer offered him a partner
ship in the business, but he declined, whereupon
the other assured him that he would find his po
sition waiting for him any time he wished to re
turn.

498

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

As before, Mr. Augustin was rejected on his ex
amination for army service. He then went to
Hamburg, where a married sister resided, and
after fourteen days there secured a position in a
large crockery and queensware establishment at
a salary of three hundred marks per year and
board. The business was divided into two dis
tinct branches and he was offered the manage
ment of one of these, which he accepted, though
reluctantly, as he doubted his ability to fill the
place. However, his diligent efforts brought
very satisfactory results and he retained the po
sition for five years, receiving a salary of nine
hundred marks at the time he left the firm.
About this time Mr. Augustin received letters
from his brother William, in New York, telling
him of his success and advising him to come to
America. This he decided to do, and in Sep
tember, 1862, he embarked in a ship which landed
him in New York after an uneventful voyage. He
at once took an inferior position in his brother's
store, but later was promoted to a better position
as salesman, where his previous study of Eng
lish was of the greatest value to him. While he
entered the business without wages, his brother,
at the end of a year, gave him a compound in
terest bearing note for $1,000 in return for his
services. He remained in this connection until
the sudden death of his brother in November,
1867. He was appointed administrator of the es
tate and settled up the property, continuing the
business until 1872.
June 22, 1871, Mr. Augustin married Johanna
Freytag, daughter of William and Louisa Frey-
tag, of Hicksville, and they took up their resi
dence at No. 64 Greenwich Street, where they had
apartments above the store. Mrs. Augustin died
July 30, 1872, leaving an infant daughter two
days old; the latter is now the widow of Dr.
Newton Taliafero. His wife's death changed our
subject's plans. He sold the business and came
with his daughter to the home of his father-in-
law in Hicksville. In the spring of 1873 he es
tablished a German newspaper, the "Long Island
Central Zeitung," which was sold a year later and
removed to College Point, where it is still pub
lished. Resuming the business with which he was most
familiar, Mr. Augustin opened a grocery in Hicks
ville December 4, 1874, and this he successfully
conducted for nineteen years, meanwhile enlarg
ing the stock until anything could be bought
there from a paper of needles to a ton of coal or

household furnishings. From 1870 until 1880 his
business aggregated thousands of dollars an
nually, having had a steady increase from the
start. In July, 1890, he sold the stock to H. F.
Hueltner, retaining, however, the coal and fur
niture business, though one year afterward he
also disposed of the latter. In connection with
his coal trade, he established a lumber yard, and
later added lumber for masons and all kinds of
building material.
In 1890 Mr. Augustin erected a commodious
residence and made other improvements on the
home place. His second marriage took place in
April, 1877, and united him with Miss Louisa
Freitag, a cousin of his first wife, and now the
mother of two children. The son, Julius, is clerk
ing in a retail grocery in Brooklyn, and the
daughter, Louisa, is a student in the academy at
Locust Valley.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Augustin was elect
ed in 1891, on that ticket, to the office of justice
of the peace, which position he filled with credit
until his death. He was an important factor in
the improvement of Hicksville, the interests of
which he advanced by the erection of eight houses
and by his successful management of large busi
ness affairs. From childhood he was a member of
the German Lutheran Church, of which he was
an officer for many years. Formerly he was ac
tively connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, in which he filled all the chairs, but
for some time prior to his death had not been
identified with the lodge. His fair and honorable
dealings brought him the respect of the people,
and he stood high in the estimation of his asso
ciates.

SERGT. THOMAS F. DARCY. Wherever
there are human beings there will be among
them a certain proportion who are evilly
disposed, and in large communities it has always
been found necessary to appoint guardians of the
peace. In late years there have been introduced
many measures of discipline and training calcu
lated to improve the force and the police of As
toria, Long Island City, and as now organized
and ¦ governed, constitutes an energetic and ef
ficient force. Among the prominent officers of
the above-mentioned city the name of Thomas
F. Darcy takes a prominent place. He is sergeant
of police of Long Island City and is a splendid
man physically and otherwise.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

499

Mr. Darcy is a native of Astoria, born March 4,
1847, and the son of Philip and Johanna (Dwyer)
Darcy, who came to Long Island about the year
1839. The father was a mason and contractor
and builder and erected the family residence at
No. 216 Franklin Street. The father and mother
both passed away in this city, the former in 1869
and the latter in 1864. Their family consisted of
eleven children, of whom our subject was the
eldest, and only two of whom are now living. The
one besides our subject, James A. Darcy, is a
special officer in the employ of the Ninety-second
Street Ferry Company. Another brother, who
was a prominent crockery merchant of Astoria,
died in 1892.
The youth of our subject was passed in the old
Fourth Ward school, and after leaving that he
attended a grammar school in New York City
for six months. Following that he worked for
his father as builder, but from 1862 to 1864 he
was in the laboratory of the United States gov
ernment. In the last mentioned year his mother
died, and in March, 1865, he volunteered in the
United States navy, going on the steamer "Cor-
win," which was attached to the North Atlantic
squadron. After the war he was engaged in coast
surveying and laid out Beaufort, N. C. Later he
went to Key West and to Havana, surveying for
the cable, and remained until discharged in 1866.
Returning to Astoria, L. L, our subject assist
ed his father in the contracting business and in
1868 embarked in the ice business there, establish
ing the People's Ice Company, in partnership with
John Delahanty. This continued until 1870, when
Mr. Darcy quit the business on account of the
scarcity of ice and started out as contractor. The
same year he was appointed by the mayor and
aldermen as constable of Long Island City, but
after holding that position five months resigned
it and on the nth of May, 1871, was appointed
patrolman. In 1872 he was appointed acting ser
geant of the police force, and in November, 1875,
he was made full sergeant. In the month of
August, 1883, he was in charge of the police force
as acting chief and filled that position most ac
ceptably until January 1, 1887, when he accepted
his present position. He has alternated between
the first and second precincts, but has been for
the most part in the former. The new first police
precinct station at No. 252 Grand Avenue was
completed December 12, 1894. Mr. Darcy was
sergeant and turned out the first force from the
same. In the discharge of his duties he carried

a pistol only about two years, though he never
used it, and never struck but two men with his
club. Our subject was married in this city to Miss
Anne C. Smith, a native of New York, and four
children have been given them: Margaret C,
now in the high school ; Philip, William and May.
In his social relations Mr. Darcy is a member of
John Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W., and is
a charter member of the American Order of Fire
men, Long Island City Council No. 17. Politi
cally he is a Democrat, and in his religious views
he is a Catholic, as is also Mrs. Darcy.

SAMUEL J. SEAMAN, senior member of
the firm of S. J. & W. H. Seaman, is one
of the prominent and well-to-do business
men of Glencove. Aside from carrying on a
prosperous business as plumbers, slate and tin
roofers, and manufacturers of all kinds of tin
ware, they deal extensively in stoves, heaters,
china, glass, crockery, lamps, agate, tin and wood-
enware, having one of the best equipped house
furnishing establishments in the place.
At Jericho, town of Oyster Bay, S. J. Seaman
was born October 9, 1857, the son of Elias H.
and Phebe (Underhill) Seaman, the former of
whom is still living at Jericho, where he is fol
lowing the peaceful pursuits of a farmer. For
many years during his younger days he was suc
cessfully engaged as a liveryman in New York
City. He is a grandson of Elias Hicks through
a daughter Sarah, who married Robert Seaman.
On his mother's side our subject is a descendant
of Capt. John Underhill, one of the original set
tlers of Matinecock, near Locust Valley, Queens
County, where the Friends Academy is now lo
cated. Samuel J. grew to manhood in his native place,
and after completing his education in the com
mon schools there became a student in the Adel-
phi Academy of Brooklyn. After taking a short
course in that institution he carried on his studies
for three years at Swarthmore College, which
was located near Philadelphia. On his return
home he engaged in business in his native town
and for eleven years carried on a prosperous busi
ness alone. About 1890 he formed a partnership
with his brother William H, with whom he is
associated at the present time. Mr. Seaman cast
his first presidential vote for Garfield in 1880 and
since that time has generally supported the Re-

5oo

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

publican ticket. He has never been an office-
seeker, but through the wishes of his fellow
townsmen he was prevailed upon to accept the
position of commissioner of highways, entering
upon his term of three years in 1895.
Mr. Seaman has been unusually successful in a
business way and has come to be recognized as
one of the substantial citizens of the county. He
is a stockholder and has been director of the
Bank of Glencove, which was organized in 1892.
Religiously he is a member of the Society of
Friends, as were his ancestors for many genera
tions back.
The marriage of Mr. Seaman and Miss Matilda
Willets, of Jericho, occurred September 10, 1879.
The lady was born and reared here and was the
daughter of William and Mary (Valentine) Will
ets. To them were granted five children, four of
whom are living: Mary W., Samuel J., Jr., Anna
Louise and Frederic W. Lewis V. departed this
life in infancy.

HAMILTON K. ROBERTS. Ever since
books have existed they have possessed
an almost irresistible fascination for many,
who find their chief enjoyment in the perusal of
the works of our famed and gifted writers of his
tory, essay or the ever-popular novel. The time
has come when the literature of a land, whether
the same be written in prose or poetry, in book
form or the daily and weekly papers, wields the
greatest influence the world has ever known.
Hamilton K. Roberts, of Glencove, has taken ad
vantage of this fact and is the proprietor of a well-
appointed book store, in connection with which
he deals in all grades of wall paper and foreign
exchange. Mr. Roberts was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., De
cember 21, 1854, a son of Solomon V. and Mary
(Brown) Roberts, the former of whom was born
in the state of New York in 1820. He was for a
number of years a commercial traveler for the
Babbitts Soap Company, but later became a
wholesale liquor dealer. Plis marriage resulted
in the birth of six children, of whom the subject
of this sketch was the next to the eldest. Three
of this family are now living. When Hamilton
was nine years of age his father moved to New
burg, N. Y., after which he spent one year in
school at East Norwich, the rest of his education
being acquired in Brooklyn. He must have been
about eleven years of age when he began clerking

in a grocery belonging to John H. Waters & Son,
of Newburg, and for seven years he continued in
the employ of these gentlemen. Although he
started at the lowest round of the ladder he -was
head clerk when he left them, at the age of
eighteen. At that time he came to Glencove and
became a clerk for Hegeman & Cocks, in whose
employ he remained until the firm failed two years
later, after which he was with the assignee for
one year.
The next business in which Mr. Roberts en
gaged was that of assistant postmaster under
John H. Thurston, but three years later he was
appointed to the position of postmaster by Presi
dent Arthur, and continued as such until a change
of administration. He then started in the sta
tionery and news business, together with foreign
exchange, and in 1887 moved to his present place
of business, of which he became the owner about
1890. Although his father was a Democrat in his
political views, he died while Hamilton K. was
a mere lad and the latter grew up a Republican
and cast his first presidential vote for Hayes in
1876. At one time he was the Republican nom
inee for clerk of the town of Oyster Bay, but as
this has long been a Democratic stronghold he
was not, nor did not expect to be, elected. He
is a member of Pembroke Lodge No. 372, I. 0.
O. F., and also belongs to Seawanhaka Council
No. 362 of the Royal Arcanum. He has charge
of the telegraph office of the Western Union Tel
egraph Company, and is its manager at this place.
Mr. Roberts is enterprising, wide awake and
pushing and has been successful in all his busi
ness ventures.
In Glencove, October 9, 1889, Mr. Roberts was
married to Miss Mary C. McCarthy, a daughter
of Professor McCarthy, of Astoria, in which place
she was born. She is a graduate of St. Bridget's
Seminary, New York, and is an intelligent and
cultivated woman. Her union with Mr. Roberts
has resulted in the birth of one child, Helen J.,
who was born in Glencove, April 21, 1895. Mr.
Roberts is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal
Church of Glencove.

GEORGE L. BROWN. This prominent
citizen of Astoria, Long Island City, is
one of the oldest firemen of the place and
his many narrow escapes while saving the lives
and property of his fellow-men would fill a vol
ume, for he has ever been fearless in the dis-

-* *~> •

% I

«r

..;^„

RICHARD A. HOMEYER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

503

charge of his duties. He is at present foreman
of Engine Company No. 4, and is filling that po
sition in a most satisfactory manner. Mr. Brown
is a native of Astoria, born April 12, 1852, and is
a son of Robert and Eliza (Livingston) Brown,
both natives of Ireland. The father was an old
settler of Astoria, locating there as early as 1835,
and he followed general contracting until his
death in 1861. Mrs. Brown's father, Samuel Liv
ingston, was also a contractor and a prominent
business man. He was of Scotch descent. Both
the Browns and Livingstons were Presbyterians
in their religious views. Mrs. Brown is now a
resident of Astoria.
Of the seven children born to his parents, six
are now living, and our subject is fourth in order
of birth. He grew to manhood in Astoria, re
ceived his education in the Fourth Ward schools,
and then began learning the tinsmith's trade un
der his uncle, Charles Livingston, who is still in
business. George L. continued with him for three
years and then engaged as a teamster for King &
Ingram, dyers in Astoria, remaining with them
for fourteen years. He was then appointed ser
geant on the police force by the Bowery Bay
Improvement Company, and filled that position
for two years and a half. After that he returned
to the employ of David Ingram, remaining with
him three years, but resigned when appointed on
the fire department. He was first man next to
Chief Casey and was appointed to that position
on the 1st of February, 1891. On the 20th of
March of the same year he was appointed fore
man of Engine Company No. 3, the same posi
tion that he holds with Engine No. 4 at the pres
ent time. During a fire in ex-Sheriff Henry's
house, January 28, 1878, he fell from the top of
a ladder, breaking two ribs, and was laid up for
a month. A brother fireman, Charles Bennett,
was killed at the same fire. During a fire in 1894
he sprained his ankle.
In Astoria Mr. Brown married Miss Mary
Fitzpatrick, a native of New York City, and of
the five children given them two are now living,
Sarah and Robert. Mr. Brown has a pleasant
home at No. 53 Flushing Avenue and is interest
ed in all that pertains to the public good. He ran
for alderman in 1879, on the regular Democratic
ticket from the Fifth Ward, but lost by twenty-
one votes. He was an active member of Mo
hawk Hose Company No. 1, from 1873 until
the company disbanded in 1891, and was fore
man and assistant foreman for four years in all.

For a number of years he has been a member of
John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W., and for a time
was a member of the orders of Firemen and Vet
eran Firemen, but now has not the time to keep
it up. In politics he is an earnest Democrat and
an ardent supporter of the principles of his party.
Mrs. Brown is a member of the Catholic Church.

RICHARD A. HOMEYER. As a town
advances and its various interests multiply
there is need of men adapted to all kinds
of pursuits — business, professional and mechanic
al — and by a happy dispensation of Providence
some men are adapted to one calling and some
to another. The fact that Mr. Homeyer is suc
cessful in the business in which he is now engaged
indicates in a marked manner his adaptation to
this line of work. He is energetic, industrious
and judicious, and as business manager of the
marble works of John Sutter has proved that he
possesses ability and wise discrimination.
Now a resident of Middle Village, the subject
.of this sketch was born in Ridgewood, November
29, 1859, and is a brother of Christian D. Ho
meyer, concerning whom mention is made on an
other page of this volume. His education, which
was a good one for those days, was obtained in
the public schools and Carpenter's Business Col
lege in Brooklyn. At the age of sixteen he be
gan life as a grocery clerk with Herman Ringe,
of East Williamsburg, but after eighteen months
he returned home to assist his father on the farm,
as his brother had married and left home. There
he remained for three years, driving a produce
wagon for his father and in other ways assisting
in the work.
October 17, 1881, Mr. Homeyer married Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of John Sutter, the well-
known dealer in monuments and tombstones at
Middle Village. Soon after his marriage he be
came connected with the business of his father-
in-law and for several years has served in the
capacity of business manager. Under his care
ful oversight the business has continued to be
increasingly prosperous, and the firm has gained
an excellent reputation in financial circles. Of his
marriage seven children were born, of whom four
are living, Sinnie M., John F., Henrietta M. and
Caroline C.
For two years Mr. Homeyer served as chief of
the Newtown fire department, and much of its
efficiency is due to his wise management. Social-

5°4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ly he is connected with United Brother Lodge
No. 356, F & A. M., of New York; Royal Arca
num, Newtown Council No. 717, and Templars
of Liberty of America No. 37. For the past eight
years he has been treasurer of the school board
of this district, and is also treasurer of the Provi
dent Association. In religion he is a member of
the German Lutheran Church of Middle Village.

BENJAMIN T. BERGEN, who passed from
this earth life in August, 1890, was born on
the old homestead at Bergen's Landing, in
Jamaica South, in the year 1819. He was reared
and educated in this vicinity and spent his entire
life on the old farm, with the exception of five
years when he made his home in the village of
Queens. He was a prominent member of the
Presbyterian Church, in which he was deacon for
many years.
The father of our subject was Jacob Bergen,
whose birth occurred on the farm adjoining the
estate we have mentioned above, and which is
now included in the Hopkins place. He served
as a soldier in the War of 1812, in which conflict
he gained the good will of the officers of his com
pany by his brave and fearless conduct. He mar
ried Miss Ann Smith, a most estimable lady, who
was born in Jamaica. Jacob Bergen was like
wise a consistent Christian and one of the lead
ing members of the Presbyterian Church.
Benjamin T. Bergen had two brothers and two
sisters. Of these Cornelius died as the result of
an accident; Jacob J. departed this life when fifty
years of age; Phebe Ann is living at the age of
seventy-seven years; while Mary Elizabeth is in
her sixty-ninth year. Neither of these sisters have
married and are living together on the old es
tate of their father.
The lady to whom our subject was united in
marriage December 16, 1846, was Miss Mary
Ann Bergen, who was born in East Jamaica, now
Hollis, December 5, 1825. Her parents were
Benjamin and Phebe (Skidmore) Bergen, well-to-
do residents of this community for many years.
Jacob Bergen, a brother of our subject's wife, is a
resident of Queens and is regarded as one of its
leading citizens.
Mrs. Mary A. Bergen is still living on the prop
erty which her husband owned in this town. It
is under the best methods of improvement and
since his death has been so managed that it makes
good returns for the care and labor expended

upon it. To our subject and his estimable wife
there were born two children, a daughter Anna,
who is now the wife of Charles G. Strang of New
Jersey; and Cornelius J. The latter was born No
vember 21, i860, and is at present at home with
his mother assisting in the management of the
estate. He was educated in the public and pri
vate schools of Jamaica, and having been reared
to a full knowledge of farm life, is in every way
capable of carrying on the home place in the
most profitable manner. With his mother, he is
a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

JESSE BROWNE, JR., of Jamaica, was born
in the seventh ward of New York City,
July 29, 1837. His father, George B.
Browne, who was of English birth and lineage,
accompanied his parents to America in childhood
and passed the years of youth in their home in
New York. On starting out for himself, he en
gaged in the coal business. For many years he
was major of the Eighth Regiment Washington
Greys in New York. For twenty-five years or
more he has made his home in Jamaica, where he
still resides, being now (1896) eighty-five. Not
withstanding his advanced age he is hale and
hearty, retaining much of the physical and men
tal vigor that characterized him in earlier life.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary
Clark, was born in New York City, being a mem
ber of an old family of that place; she is still liv
ing and is now advanced in years.
Our subject was named for his grandfather,
Jesse Browne, who was engaged in business in
New York and Philadelphia, and was a man of
considerable prominence in his day. In the pa
rental family there were four sons, namely: Jesse,
the eldest of the number; Charles, who is con
nected with the Westinghouse Electric & Manu
facturing Company of Pittsburg, Pa.; George B.,
who has been connected with the Bank of Sav
ings of New York City for a quarter of a century
and is a resident of that place; and Sylvanus. At
the beginning of the Civil War Charles enlisted in
the Union army, in which he served until the
close of the Rebellion, holding a commission as
lieutenant; during the engagement at Fair Oaks
he was wounded.
In New York, where he was reared, our subject
received an excellent education, graduating from
the Mt. Washington Collegiate Institute, and for
several years he practiced as an architect. Later

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5°5

he removed from New York to Roslyn, and dur
ing the period of his residence there he served
as president of the board of education for some
time. He devotes considerable attention to the
Jamaica Choral Society, with which he is ac
tively connected. He believes that every citizen
should feel a personal interest in any enterprise
that will promote the prosperity of the village and
its inhabitants, and, true to that belief, we find
him serving as foreman of the Atlantic Hook &
Ladder Company of the Jamaica fire department.
His interest in this direction extends beyond the
limits of his home. He is a member of the State
Firemen's Association and was one of the char
ter members of the Order of American Firemen,
in which he has held all the offices, and was state
president for two years.
In the Queens County Agricultural Society,
with which he is identified, Mr. Browne served as
superintendent for some time. Besides this, he
is a member of the Suffolk County Agricultural
Society and the New York State Agricultural So
ciety, having been a department superintendent
of the latter organization for a number of years.
Since 1885 he has been connected with the tax
collector's office in Jamaica, serving under the
various collectors that have been at the head of
the office. The marriage of Mr. Browne united
him with Miss Minnie L., daughter of Daniel Bo-
gart, a merchant of Roslyn, and sister of Dr. J. H.
Bogart, also of that place, where she was born.
Two children complete the family circle, Lillian
B. and Gertrude B.

B FRANK WOOD. Among the news-
pers of Long Island perhaps none have
• wielded a more potent influence in local
affairs than has the "Jamaica Standard," of which
Mr. Wood is editor and proprietor. On questions
of national importance the paper has always
taken a bold stand, and it is equally aggressive
and fearless in matters affecting the welfare of
the people of Jamaica. Like its editor, it is decid
edly Republican in principles, but at the same
time never displays an unfair partisan spirit, but
adheres to independence of thought and opinion.
As the official organ of the Republican party
in Queens County, it has been foremost in
upholding the men and measures advocated by
the party, believing that its political principles,
applied to the national government, will promote
the prosperity of the people.

In presenting to our readers a sketch of the
editor of the "Standard," it may be well first to
briefly record the ancestral history. He is a
member of a family long and honorably asso
ciated with the history of New York. Prior to
the Revolutionary War his great-grandfather,
Ebenezer Wood, was sheriff of Orange County,
which then comprised all the territory of the
present Orange and Rockland Counties. Dur
ing the trying times of the Revolution every
effort was made to entice him, as a conspicuous
public man, into the support of the British cause.
He was approached from the standpoint of cor
ruption, and from that of intimidation, but when
neither of these could move him he was from
that time bitterly hated, sharply marked and
actively abused by the enemy. His official pa
pers and the accumulations of his industry during
the preceding twenty years or more were all car
ried off by a raid. At the close of the war he
found himself with about $1,600 in continental
money, which proved entirely worthless, owing
to the fact that the British inundated the country
with counterfeit money, so that the genuine could
not be distinguished from the worthless. Throw
ing the paper money in the fire, he quietly re
marked: "We have our independence and I am
satisfied." He died in New York City at the
age of eighty years. For many years afterward
his descendants found his name a sure passport
wherever they went in' Rockland County.
Benjamin Wood, grandfather of our subject,
was born during the American Revolution and
died in Brooklyn in 1875, at the age of ninety-
five. His life was almost coincident with the first
century of our Republic. At the outbreak of the
War of 1812 he was engaged in business in New
York City, but with the patriotic spirit character
istic of the family he abandoned other matters and
enlisted a company of one hundred and twenty-
one men, sixty-nine of whom he equipped at his
own expense, for the defense of the city. He
received a Captain's commission in the Twenty-
seventh Regiment, United States Infantry. He
was the first American to receive the "Declaration
of Peace," being officer of the day at Sandy Hook
when it arrived. It was one of the memorable
incidents of his life that, he mounted and fired
the first gun that was placed in Ft. Lafayette,
at the "Narrows." For a period of twenty years
he was boarding officer of the port of New York,
stationed at quarantine, an office not now in ex
istence, i 1

506

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Our subject's father, Jacob B. Wood,
was born in New York City August 22, 181 1,
and from boyhood until death was connected
with the New York Custom House. He was the
originator and senior partner of the house of
Wood, Niebuhr & Co., one of the oldest and
most successful firms of Custom House brokers.
Love of country came in with the blood, but the
period of the Civil War found him in broken
health, and he died in 1865. His oldest son, Ed
win C, represented him in the great conflict, hav
ing enlisted in the United States navy when a
lad of sixteen years. Mr. Wood was for many
years chairman of the board of supervisors of
Richmond County.
Thomas Lippincott, the maternal grandfather
of our subject, was a merchant tailor in Broad
way, New York, and was a member of a family
tracing its ancestry back to William the Con
queror. He was also related to Rev. David Cole,
D. D., of Yonkers, N. Y., author of a book giving
the family genealogy, and a son of Rev. Isaac D.
Cole, D. D., one of the most noted divines and
educators of the country in his day. Our sub
ject's mother, Mary C. (Lippincott) Wood, was
born in New York City May 21, 1825, and is
now living with her daughter at Mt. Vernon, N.
Y. Her only brother, Thomas Lippincott, Jr.,
was born in 1829, and in 1848 was capsized in a
yacht in New York Bay and drowned; a sister,
Margaret, was married in 1855 to John Brandt,
Jr., who was superintendent of a western railroad.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of nine children: Edwin C, born in
1845, took part in the Civil War as above stated,
and is now a prominent business man of New
York City; George H, born in 1847, at the time
of his death, in 1884, was traveling auditor of the
Northern Pacific Railroad, located at St. Paul,
Minn.; Henrietta L., born in 1849, is the wife of
William H. Edwards, a railroad man with head
quarters in Denver, Colo.; Mary C, born in 1851,
married Charles W. Van Court, who is treasurer
of the Lazell Perfumery Manufacturing Com
pany in New York and resides at Mt. Vernon;
Thomas Lippincott, born in 1854, was for several
years in the mining business with our subject
in Colorado and is now general manager of the
Carbondale Coal Company at Des Moines, Iowa,
and John R., born in 1856, is a graduate of Rut-
ger's College and a Methodist minister, located at
Breckenridge, Colo.
Born on Staten Island October 3, 1852, B.

Frank Wood, at the age of nineteen, engaged in
mining in the mountains of Colorado with his
brother, Thomas L. They built the first house in
the village of Sunshine, a place which they named
and which grew to a population of one thousand
within a year. On returning East he studied law,
and is a member of the bar of New York State.
For a few years he resided in Connecticut, also
for a time he was in North Carolina and Georgia,
but the most of his life has been passed in or near
New York City.
An ardent Republican, during the Garfield
campaign Mr. Wood was secretary of the New
Haven City Republican Committee and received
high commendation from the Republican leaders
of the state for efficient political work planned
and accomplished by him. Since coming to
Jamaica, he has been for three years a member
of the Republican County Comittee, being its
secretary in 1894, '95, '96. At the town election
in 1895 he was chosen justice of the peace (which
office was then at the head of the ticket) by a
majority of four hundred and thirteen over the
Democratic candidate, George Lester, though
the preceding year the town had given William
E. Everett (Democrat) a majority of sixty for
supervisor. Since 1892 Mr. Wood has been the
publisher of the "Jamaica Standard," the official
Republican newspaper of the county. Socially
he is a member of the Jamaica Club and the Chub
Club of Jamaica, also of the Lincoln Club, of
Long Island City.
August 2, 1876, Mr. Wood was married, in
Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Maria, daughter of John
and Maria Neill. Mrs. Wood was born in the
Province of Quebec, but at the time of her mar
riage was living with an aunt, Rachel Jackson,
in Brooklyn. The eight children of Mr. and Mrs.
Wood are as follows: Franklin Neill, born in
1877; Henrietta J., who died in infancy; Catherine
L., born in 1881 ; Thomas Brenner, 1883; Horace
Edwin, 1885; Herbert Milton, 1888; Howard Or-
ton, 1889, and Mary C, 1892.

THOMAS WAKEFIELD is classed among
the successful farmers and much esteemed
citizens of his section of the state and, al
though Queens County has her full quota of vig
orous, thorough-going, prosperous men, whose
popularity is based both upon their social quali
ties and their well-known integrity, none among
them is better liked than the gentleman whose

JOHN WOOD, JR.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

509

name is mentioned above. He was bom in Chelt
enham, England, and there he was educated. At
the age of twenty years he came to America and
settled in New Lots (now the city of Brooklyn),
where he worked for some two years as a stage
driver. He then turned his attention to farming,
and after a short time moved to Woodhaven and
for about twenty-three years was one of the most
influential farmers of that section. About ten
years ago (1886) he purchased and located on his
present farm, to the cultivation of which he has
since devoted his time and attention with the best
results. Mr. Wakefield's marriage united him with Miss
Elizabeth Mitchell, an intelligent and amiable
young lady and a daughter of William and Pris-
cilla (Strickland) Mitchell, natives of Old Eng
land. Sixteen children were born of this union,
ten of whom survive: Sarah A., wife of John C.
Doxsey; William R., John K, Thomas, who mar
ried and has three children and who resides at
Woodhaven; Carrie, wife of John Shephard, by
whom she has three children: Cornelia, wife of
Ernest Livett, by whom she has two children;
Sabra, wife of Charles Rifenburg, by whom she
has two children; Hannah, Joseph and Richard.
The four single sons are at home and assist their
father in the care of the home farm. They are
all wide-awake and intelligent and give every
promise of becoming substantial citizens.
In his political proclivities Mr. Wakefield has
always supported the principles of the Republican
party, but has never been an official aspirant, for
his time and attention have been otherwise em
ployed. He and his family move in the best social
circles and are members and attendants of the
Congregational Church.

JOHN WOOD, JR. Success in business life
is a guerdon that is very cautiously be
stowed upon a person by the goddess, who,
in a measure guides, and invariably decorates,
man's efforts. And this same success is far more
apt to come because of the pursuer's genius or
adaptability for his calling, than from any mere
luck, ambition, push or demand. John Wood,
Jr., is in every way fitted for the calling which he
follows, that of a tin, copper and sheet iron work
er, and a specialist in the manufacture of varnish
and oil cans and tanks. He has shown that he
possesses considerable inventive genius also and
has patented an invention for quickly and firmly

crimping a cap on an oil can or other receptacle.
It is a simple hand tool, does the work very ef
fectually and saves a great deal of time and labor
— important things in this age of hurry and push.
Mr. Wood was born in Callicoon, Sullivan
County, N. Y., October 16, 1853, and has inherit
ed many of the most worthy characteristics of
the Irish race, from which he is descended. His
father, John Wood, was born on the Isle of Erin,
and after coming to America settled in Sullivan
County, N. Y., where he secured employment as
foreman on the construction of a railroad. In
i860 he removed to New York City, and shortly
afterward came to Long Island City, where he
became a foreman in the employ of the Long
Island Railroad Company. He is now living in
retirement at the age of seventy years, and has a
comfortable home in Third Street, Long Island
City. His wife, who was formerly Miss Mary
Porter, was born in Ireland and has also reached
the age of three score years and ten. To their
union seven children were given, three of whom
survive, John being the third in order of birth.
The subject of this sketch has been a resident of
Long Island City ever since he was seven years
of age, and the public schools of this place afford
ed him his educational advantages. At the age
of fourteen he became an apprentice in the tin
manufacturing department of the Standard Oil
Company, after which he was in the employ of
George Petry until the latter's death, and rose to
the position of manager of the business. In Jan
uary, 1 89 1, he opened an establishment of his own
in Long Island City at the corner of Seventh
Street and Jackson Avenue, fitting up the place
with new and improved machinery. Six months
later he took into partnership Mrs. George Petry,
and up to May 7, 1895, the firm was known as
A. A. Petry & Co. At that time Mr. Wood pur
chased his partner's interest and since then he has
been the sole proprietor of the business. He
patented his hand crimping machine May 7, 1895,
and it has already come into popular favor. He
is also quite extensively engaged in general job
bing and metal roofing and roofed the Steinway
Railroad Company's sheds, besides numerous
residences, business houses and blocks of Long
Island City. His business has risen to such pro
portions that from twenty to twenty-five hands
are constantly employed, and he is one of the
busiest men of the place.
Mr. Wood was united in marriage in the city
of New York to Miss Alice McNulty, who was

5i°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born here, and of this union six children were
born: Mary, who died at the age of seven years;
Agnes, who died in infancy; Margery, Jane, Alice
and John, Jr. Mr. Wood owns a pretty residence
at No. 167 Third Street. He and his family are
attendants at St. Mary's Catholic Church, and
he is a leading member of the Catholic Benevo
lent Legion. In commercial and social circles
he is popular and his friends are numbered by
his acquaintances.

JOHN E. DONNELLY. The progress of a
community depends upon the enterprise of
its citizens, and the present high standing
of Long Island City has been secured by the tire
less exertions of its business men. Among those
who have been particularly identified with the
progress of Astoria, we mention the name of
John E. Donnelly, well known as a plumber and
gas fitter, and also through his former connection
with the fire department of the city.
The Donnelly family is of Irish origin. Our
subject's father, John, who was a native of the
Emerald Isle, came to America in early manhood,
and after a short sojourn in New York, traveled
through the West. He married in New York,
was employed as a carpet weaver, but from that
place he moved to Astoria, and here died in 1875,
aged forty-six. His wife, Catherine Bradley, was
a native of New York City and now resides in
Long Island City, hale and hearty notwithstand
ing her advanced years. Her five children are
all living and are in prosperous circumstances.
The eldest of the family, John E., was born in
Astoria January 8, 1857, and was reared here,
being educated in the Fourth Ward Grammar
School. At the age of twelve he secured a posi
tion with the surveyors of Hell Gate and Gov
ernor's Island, being thus employed about two
years. After clerking for a few years, at the age
of sixteen he began to work at the plumbing
business under William J. Bailey, and on com
pleting the trade followed it here and in all parts
of New York City. In 1888 he opened a plumb
ing establishment at No. 138 Fulton Street, and
this he has since continued, having built up a
large trade in the city. He had the contract for
the plumbing of the Dutch Reformed Church,
two residences for Hugh Green, and other build
ings of modern construction. In 1893 Mayor
Sanford appointed him a member of the Examin

ing Board of Plumbers and Plumbing of Long
Island, and he still serves in that capacity.
Mohawk Hose Company No. 1 was organized
in 1866, and twelve years later Mr. Donnelly
became connected with it, being one of its officers
after the first six months. At different times he
was secretary, assistant foreman and foreman.
In 1889 he was elected assistant chief engineer
from the First Fire District for three years and
served until the department disbanded, when
he was honorably discharged. He was one of
the original members of the Veteran Firemen's
Association of Long Island City, also a member
of the Order of American Firemen, Council No.
17, and one of the organizers of the Master Plum
bers' Association of Long Island City, of which
he was the first president. During his service
as fireman he had many narrow escapes. In a
fire at the button factory he fell from the second
floor and was injured severely, but providentially
escaped fatal injuries. At one time he saved a
young lady from drowning at North Beach. He
is a man of great personal bravery, and never
hesitates, no matter what the individual risk may
be, to lend a helping. hand to those in danger
or distress. In manner he is plain and unosten
tatious, free from all display, earnest in his devo
tion to friends, sympathetic and warm hearted,
yet outspoken and fearless in the expression of
his opinions.

ISAAC HICKS, of the firm of Isaac Hicks &
Son, nurserymen, of Westbury Station, L. I.,
is one of the pioneers in that line of business.
in Queens County, having been engaged in it
for over forty years. In the year 1838 he pur
chased one hundred and twenty acres of land
and immediately commenced planting orchards,
collecting grafts of rare varieties from many
parts of the country. In 1855 he engaged in the
nursery business, which is one of the largest in
dustries of the kind on Long Island.
Believing that nurserymen should lead in the
education of the public in the use of new species
and varieties of plants, they have large test
orchards and gardens, and are now establishing
an arboretum of trees and shrubs, from all tem
perate climates of the world, which give promise
of value here. By thorough cultivation, skillful
pruning, ample fertilizing and careful digging to
supply good roots, they furnish satisfactory stock
of larger size than usual in the trade. Connected

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5"

with Mr. Hicks in the business are his son
Edward and his grandson, Henry Hicks.
Isaac Hicks was born in Westbury March 3,
1815, a son of John D. and Sarah (Rushmore)
Hicks. His mother lived to be one hundred and
two and a half years old, dying in March," 1891.
On the 26th of March, 1836, he was married to
Mary F. Willis, daughter of John Willis, of
Syosset. This union resulted in the birth of three
children, Gilbert, Edward and Marianna, wife of
William E. Hawxhurst, whose sketch is given
elsewhere in this volume.
Isaac Hicks is a minister of the religious
Society of Friends, and is interested in educa
tional matters, being for many years trustee of the
local school, which office his son Edward has
held for the last thirty years.
Here under the same roof are three genera
tions, the venerable subject and his companion,
who, over ten years ago, celebrated their golden
wedding, and the son Edward and his family,
consisting of his wife, formerly Miss Emma E.
Jarvis, three daughters, Grace, Marietta and
Emily and one son, Henry.
Edward Hicks has been active in the firm for
many years and has invented several machines
for lightening farm labor, being the patentee of
the first hay-pitching and carrying apparatus.
With the assistance of his son he has recently
perfected three trucks for moving large trees.
Deciduous trees, such as lindens and maples, are
successfully transplanted, sixty feet high, twenty
inches in diameter of trunk and thirty feet or
more in spread of branches and roots. Pines
and spruce trees, up to twenty feet in height, are
moved with a ball of earth clamped to the roots.
Henry Hicks is a graduate of the Agricultural
College of Cornell University and has been active
in the organization of the Agricultural Experi
ment Station and Farmers' Institutes on Long
Island. Besides the nursery business, he is prac
ticing the profession of landscape designing.

ARTHUR M. WHITE. The life of Mr.
White has been a busy one and
his personal efforts for advancement
were begun at an early age. His experi
ence has been such as to prove that he
possesses energy, wise judgment and untiring
perseverance, and these qualities have brought
him success. His education, character and busi

ness equipment have made him a decided acquisi
tion to the citizenship of Jamaica, and he stands
well in its financial and social circles.
Thomas. J. White, father of our subject, was
born in New York City and for some years was
engaged as a wool merchant in Boston, but re
turned from there to New York, and is now liv
ing in Williamsburg. He married Miss Harriet
M. Gross, a native of Brooklyn and a daughter of
a prominent druggist of that city; she died in
December, 1893. Arthur M. was born July 12,
1856, during the residence of his parents in Bos
ton. He was seven years old when the family
returned to New York, and his education was ob
tained principally in the public schools of Will
iamsburg. Starting out in business life, Mr. White became
a clerk in a large wholesale woolen house in New-
York, and there he was employed for eight years,
but, tiring of the narrow restrictions of the city
and the work, he determined to make a change.
Accordingly he began to cultivate a farm near
Jamaica owned by his father-in-law, William N.
Ludlum, where he remained for five years. He
then became connected with the firm of which
he is now a member and of which the late Elias
C. Hendrickson was then at the head. For ten
years he filled the position of bookkeeper, and at-
the death of the president of the company, he,
in partnership with Amos D. Hendrickson, son of
the late proprietor, succeeded to the business, the
firm title becoming Hendrickson & Co. This
is now one of the largest lumber and coal com
panies in Jamaica, and Mr. White may well be
proud of his connection with an enterprise so
well established and successful.
In 1874 Mr. White married Miss Fannie E.
Ludlum, only child of William N. Ludlum, of
Jamaica. Her father, who is now living retired
in this village, was born February 10, 1832, on
the old homestead which was in possession of the
family for two hundred and fifty years. On this
place his father, Nathaniel, was born in Febru
ary, 1792, and here he spent his entire life, with
the exception of the period of his active service
in the War of 181 2; here, at an advanced age, his
death occurred January 9, 1862. The father of
Nathaniel was a soldier in the War of the Revo
lution and was with General Washington in Or
ange County. The old homestead remained in
the family from 1644 until it was sold by W. N.
Ludlum about 1892. The family is one of the
oldest in Queens County and took an active part

5i2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in all the stirring events connected with the early
history of Long Island.
The four children of Mr. and Mrs. White are
Hattie M., Phoebe Annetta, William Ludlum and
and Grace E. H. The youngest daughter was
the first child born on what is now Hardenbrook
Avenue in Jamaica, where the family have a com
modious and comfortable residence. In social
affiliations Mr. White is connected with the Roy
al Arcanum, in the work of which he takes an
active part. During an honorable career as a
business man he has displayed the solid traits of
character that are needful to the attainment of
success in any calling, and in his dealings with
all he has been accurate and honest.

LEWIS M. WOOD, editor and publisher of
the "Long Island Democrat," has made a
decided success of this venture, having all
the work in the printing line that he can well
attend to. Enterprising and progressive in his
ideas, he is not confined to old-fashioned methods,
but is in touch with new discoveries in the art of
printing and gives to the people of Jamaica and
vicinity a bright and newsy sheet.
William Rush Wood, father of our subject, was
born at Rahway, N. J., January 13, 1812. He was
well educated for the day and locality in which
he lived, and when ready to begin life for himself
learned coach painting, which he- followed for
many years. Later in life he came to Long Island
and made his home at Jamaica, where his death
occurred October 29, 1866, when fifty-four years
of age.
Our subject's mother, who was formerly Sarah
Marsh, was also a native of Rahway, N. J., and
was born August 30, 1812. She was a most es
timable lady and became the mother of five chil
dren, of whom Lewis M., of this history, was the
eldest. The other members of the family were
named, respectively, Clara J., Hester Ann, Eliza
beth and William. The wife and mother departed
this life August 16, 1850, mourned by many rela
tives and a large circle of friends and acquaint
ances. Lewis M. Wood was born at Rahway, N. J.,
August 15, 1836. After the removal of his parents
to Jamaica he attended school regularly, complet
ing his education at the Union Hall Academy,
Jamaica, which was then presided over by John
N. Brinckerhoff. In July, 1851, young Wood en
tered the office of the "Long Island Democrat,"

and there became thoroughly acquainted with the
business which he has followed ever since. For a
time after mastering the "art preservative" he
worked as a journeyman printer, and in 1884
purchased the "Democrat," which he is still pub
lishing with great success.
The marriage of Mr. Wood with Miss Lavinia
Ann Bennett occurred at Jamaica December 7,
1859. She is the daughter of Isaac and Sarah
Bennett, the former born May 21, 1810, and the
latter August 11, 1814. They are both now de
ceased, the father passing away November 10,
1890, and the mother April 26, 1891. One son
was granted Mr. and Mrs. Wood, Frank B., who
was born December 13, i860. He was given a
fine education and when ready to establish a
home of his own was married to Miss Carrie A.
Babcock, of Broklyn. This happy household was
soon broken up, for August 13, 1886, the husband
was called to the land beyond.
As the reader doubtless knows, Mr. Wood is a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles and
candidates, although he has led too busy a life
to permit of his holding office. During the prog
ress of the late war he enlisted in the militia, but
his company was never called into active service.
Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church, which he has served for over thirty
years as class leader. He has also been trustee,
and for three years was superintendent of the
Sunday-school. He has always been interested
in religious and benevolent enterprises and does
what he can to relieve the needy and worthy
poor, and thus exemplifies the precepts of Chris
tianity. Mrs. Wood is also a worthy and active
member of the above church.

WILLIAM S. WILLIAMSON. On the
Rockaway road, immediately adjoin
ing the village of Jamaica, was erected
the Williamson homestead, which was well known
for three generations. On this farm the subject of
this article was born November 15, 1822, and
here his entire life has been passed. This place
has been the home of three preceding genera
tions of the family. Here resided our subject's
grandparents, John and Adriana Williamson, the
former of whom was a prominent farmer and
public-spirited citizen, being connected with
Union Hall Academy in Jamaica when it was one
of the first schools of the kind in the State.
The father of our subject, Nicholas William-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i3

son, grew to manhood on the home farm, the
cultivation of which he superintended during the
greater part of his life. As an agriculturist he
was energetic, industrious and capable. As a citi
zen he was highly esteemed and frequently he
was called upon to represent the community in
offices of trust. For a number of years he was
assessor of the town of Jamaica, and he also
served for some time as superintendent of the
poor. By his marriage to Cynthia Simonson
two sons were born, of whom William S. alone
survives. The other, John, died leaving three
sons and three daughters.
Upon the home farm the subject of this article
grew to a sturdy, robust and vigorous manhood,
fitted by training at home and by attendance at
Union Hall Academy to take up the battle of life
for himself. December 4, 1851, he was united
in marriage with Miss Emily Baiseley, who was
born August 22, 1827, daughter of David Baise
ley, of Jamaica. A few years after his marriage
he erected his present residence on a portion of
the homestead, and here he has since been sur
rounded by all the comforts that can add to the
pleasure of existence. Of his three children two '
are living. Emily married Samuel E. Burtis, a
merchant of Brooklyn, and they have one child,
William Edgar ; Adriana, Mrs. Peter Williamson,
who lives in Brooklyn, has two children, Emily
Baiseley and Theodore Rogers.
Interested in educational affairs, for many years
Mr. Williamson served as school trustee, and
while acting in that capacity it was his aim to
promote the standard of education and advance
the interests of the schools. He is well informed
regarding the great questions before the people
today, and, believing that the welfare of our
nation can best be subserved by the adoption of
Republican principles, he gives his loyal alleg
iance to that party. He owns a pew in the Re
formed Church and is a regular attendant at the
services there, also a contributor to its good
works, though not directly identified with the
congregation.

OSCAR B. WILLIS. Some lessons of
genuine worth may be gleaned from the
life of every man, and the history of Os
car B. Willis has been marked by all that goes
to make up useful and noble manhood, and in
him is the material of which useful citizens are
made. He is one of two surviving children in a

family of three born to Valentine and Annette
(Bogart) Willis, and first saw the light of day
January 30, 1842. The father was born on the
place where he now lives in East Williston, about
1818, and there his entire life has been spent in
tilling the soil. His father, Samuel Willis, was
of this same place.
Oscar B. Willis grew up under the watchful
care of his father and obtained a good education
in Union Hall Academy. Upon reaching man's
estate he engaged in farming with his father, and
at the end of about three years or after his mar
riage removed to a farm of his own in East Willis
ton, where he successfully followed the plow for
a period of ten years. He then removed to East
Hinsdale (now Floral Park), remaining there ten
years. Eight years of that time, or from 1882 to
1890, he was engaged in the livery business in
West Fifty-fourth Street, New York City. In
1893 he came to Queens County and after erect
ing his present handsome residence settled in his
beautiful home, and here has since resided,
though not actively employed in any business.
On the 1 8th of October, 1865, Mr. Willis mar
ried Miss Mary H. Rhodes, who was born March
28, 1847, a member of one of the oldest and best
families in Queens County. She was the only
child born to Cornelius H. and Phoebe E. (Hal
lett) Rhodes, the former of whom was born May
24, 1802 and died April 11, 1891. He was twice
married, his first wife being Mary Hendrickson,
by whom he had two children, of whom Alletta
R. is the only survivor. Cornelius H. Rhodes
was the son of Benjamin and Alletta (Remsen)
Rhodes, born July 4, 1765, and May 5, 1770, and
died April 26, i860, and October 16, 1828, re
spectively. Their marriage occurred February
28, 1 79 1. The father of Benjamin was Anthony
Rhodes, who was born April 23, 1742, and died
November 4, 1810. He was a veteran of the
Revolutionary War and he and his descendants
have been prominent and successful farmers of
East Hinsdale down to the present day. How
ever, Cornelius H. Rhodes was retired from active
life for about twenty years prior to his death.
He was a man of unblemished reputation, an ac
tive church worker and for years was connected
with the Dutch Reformed Church of Jamaica,
or until the erection of the church of the same
denomination at Queens, when he transferred his
membership to this place.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Willis four
children have been born: Eugene V., born Janu-

514

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ary 27, 1867, has been married twice; one child
was born to his first union, Cornelia, and one to
his second, Bessie. Thomas H. was born Octo
ber 12, 1869, is married and has one child, Valen
tine. Ada E. was born June 13, 1872, and R.
Mortimer was born March 6, 1885.

WILLIAM A. WARNOCK, secretary of
the Jamaica Savings Bank, was born
at Willets Point, in the town of Flush
ing, December 1, 1850, and is a descendant of
Irish ancestry. His father, Hugh Warnock, was
born in Ireland, but early came to the United
States, where he became a farmer. He married
Miss Martha Seaman, daughter of Charles Wil
lets and a member of one of the old families of
the island. In 1854 he removed from Long Is
land to Geneva, Ontario County, N. Y., where he
engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Being orphaned by the death of his mother
when he was young, the subject of this notice
was reared in the family of Col. Aaron A.Degrauw,
of Jamaica, whose wife was his aunt. His educa
tion, which was gained principally in Union Hall
Academy, was a practical one, and fitted him for
the responsibilities of a business career. His
first employment was as office boy in a coffee im
porting house in New York, his salary being $3
per week. In 1871 he secured a position in the
office of the county clerk at Jamaica, where he
continued some years, gaining a thorough knowl
edge of the work. In 1880 he received the ap
pointment of under sheriff of Queens County, the
duties of which he discharged in a very satisfac
tory manner for six years. In 1886 he became
connected with the surrogate's office, and during
the same year was made one of the trustees of
the Jamaica Savings Bank, of which in 1892 he
was chosen secretary, succeeding Lewis L. Fos
dick, who had resigned the responsible position.
Honored by his fellow-citizens, Mr. Warnock
was by them elected president of the village in
1891 and served with efficiency in that position.
until 1893. In every position to which he has
been called he has made it his aim to discharge
his duties carefully, honestly and energetically,
and his public service has been of such a nature
as to reflect credit upon himself. In 1871 he was
united in marriage with Miss Harriet E., daugh
ter of Smith B. Crossman, one of the old citizens
of Jamaica. Five children blessed their union,
Martha S., Anna W., Leonora B., Aaron A. De-

grauw and William A., Jr., who died June 17,
1895. Mr. Warnock is a worker in the ranks of the
Democratic party in this section and has repre
sented that political organization in several con
ventions. He and his family reside in the old
Judd mansion, now the property of his uncle,
Colonel Degrauw. Socially he is connected with
the Masons and holds membership in the Royal
Arcanum. In a career honorable alike to himself
and to the community, he has shown those traits
of character without which success is unattain
able. Well informed in financial matters, he is
admirably adapted for the responsible position he
now fills.

FRITZ STARKE. Among the many busi
ness establishments of Long Island Chy
is the one conducted by Mr. Starke, the
well-known florist, at No. 815 Vernon Avenue,
Ravenswood. Here may be found a stock of
goods sufficient to supply the wants of all classes
at the most reasonable figure. He was born in
Lybecke, Westphalia, Germany, in 1852, and his
father, C. Starke, who was also a florist, there
passed his entire life. He married Miss Wilhel
mina Barlock, a native of Westphalia, Germany,
and daughter of Frederick Barlock, who was
with Napoleon in the march to Moscow. The
Barlock family was a prominent one in Germany
and the old home place with its many acres of
land had been in the family for four hundred
years. One of Mrs. Starke's brothers was in the
Franco-Prussian War in 1866.
Our subject attained his growth and received
his education in his native country and learned
the florist's trade of his father. He was the
only one of the family to cross the ocean to
America, coming in September, 1881. In Octo
ber of the same year he came to Long Island City
and was employed with a florist in Main Street,
Astoria, for fifteen months. After that he started
out in business for himself, leased his present
property, erected greenhouses and has been en
gaged as a florist and landscape gardener ever
since. He has four greenhouses, seventy feet
long, and has all the latest varieties and the choicest
plants. The water used for the plants is rain
water, caught in a concrete cistern from the
greenhouse, the cistern holding about fifty thou
sand gallons and heated by flues. He does not
depend altogether on the cistern, but is also sup-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i5

plied with water by the city water works. He
imports bulbs, etc., from Holland and supplies cut
flowers wholesale to the market in New York
City, as well as plants of all kinds.
Mr. Starke is admirably situated for business
and has been unusually successful. He was mar
ried in Berlin, Germany to Miss Anna Noak, a
native of Hoyerswerda, Silesia, Germany, and to
them have been born five interesting children,
William, Helena, Fritz, Harry and Charlotta. In
politics Mr. Starke is an ardent supporter of Re
publican principles and is a member of Ravens
wood Republican Club. He is very public spir
ited and in carrying on his various business enter
prises does not lose sight of his duties as a citi
zen. His wife is a most estimable lady, and a
thorough business woman. Her father, Herman
Noak, was a native of Germany and a bookbinder
by trade, and her grandfather, Frederick Noak,
was an agriculturist and a manufacturer of
knives. Her mother's maiden name was Paulina
Grund. Mrs. Starke was one of two children
and the only one in this country.

JURGEN RATHJEN. Not alone as a busi
ness man, but in the discharge of his duties
as a public official, Mr. Rathjen has gained
prominence among the people of Long Island
City, of which place he is an influential resident.
With the exception of New Brothers, he has been
engaged in the grocery business for a longer per
iod than any firm in the city, and during the time
of his residence here has witnessed the commer
cial development of the place and the progress of
its manufacturing interests, to which he has been
a contributor. Born in 1845 *n Hanover, Germany, Mr. Rath
jen is a son of John Rathjen, a farmer of that
province. There he was reared to manhood, at
tending the common schools until about fifteen
years of age. In i860 he went via Hamburg to
London, where for nearly two years he was em
ployed in a manufacturing establishment. In
1862 he took passage on the sailing vessel "Daniel
Webster" which, after a voyage of seven week's,
cast anchor in the harbor of New York, the pas
sengers landing at old Castle Garden. At once
he secured employment with the wholesale gro
cery firm of Papger, Thurber, Reeder & Co., in
New York, and later held a clerkship in a retail
grocery. In 1866 Mr. Rathjen started a restaurant in

Hunter's Point in Seventh Street, but after a
short time returned to New York, and for four
years was engaged in the grocery business in
Water Street. Selling out in 1872 he returned
to Germany, where he visited his parents. After
three months in the old country he returned to
New York, and soon afterward located at Astoria,
where he established a grocery business in Stev
ens Street and Fulton Avenue. From the first
he was prospered in the business, and succeeded
in building up a large and lucrative trade, which
he carried on until 1887 and then sold out. Mean
time, in the fall of 1874, he opened a grocery in
Steinway, where he bought a building and car
ried on a profitable trade. In 1884 he erected
a brick block in Wolcott Avenue, and has since
resided in Steinway, being the oldest grocer in
this suburb of Long Island City. He owns two
brick blocks and occupies one store, renting the
other. Across the street from his store he has
a feed and grain department, in which line he has
built up a large trade.
The marriage of Mr. Rathjen occurred in New
York in 1868, his wife being Emma R. Seebeck,
a native of that city and daughter of Henry See
beck, who for many years carried on a grocery
business there and who served as lieutenant in
the Fifth New York National Guard, being also
one of the veterans of the late war. The six chil
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Rathjen are John, Annie,
Emma, Tillie, Jurgen Edward and Justin Jerome.
A firm supporter of Democratic principles, Mr.
Rathjen has been a power in local politics. In
1886 he was elected supervisor, and during his
term of service was connected with the following
committees: court-house and jail, justice and
constable, county treasurer, of all of which he was
chairman; bridge and bridge building, bills on
penitentiary and other state institutions, and
legal, miscellaneous and printers' bills. In 1889
he was appointed a member of the board of police
commissioners, but after seven months resigned,
owing to difference of opinion with Mayor Glea
son. In 1893 he was again appointed to this
position by Mayor Sanford and was elected presi
dent of the board, in which capacity he is now
serving. At present he is also chairman of the
Fifth Ward Jeffersonian Democratic Association
and has been a member of the general committee
since its organization. At different times he has
served on grand and petit juries.
In his relation to fraternal societies, Mr. Rath
jen is identified with John Allen Lodge, A. O.

5i6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

U. W., at Astoria, and the Knights of the Golden
Eagle in Steinway. In the organization of the
Jefferson Club he took an active part, and served
as its first vice president. A Lutheran in relig
ious belief, he has adhered to the faith of his fore
fathers, in which he was reared. His connection
with public affairs has brought him into promi
nence, and his influence is apparent in many-
progressive enterprises.

CF. THEODORE STEINWAY, whose
history is indissolubly connected with
• that of the house of Steinway & Sons,
was born in Seesen, Germany, November 6, 1825,
being the eldest son of Henry E. Steinway. In
his native village he received an excellent educa
tion in the Jacobsohn Institute, which he at
tended until 1839. From an early age he dis
played great ability as a musician, and his skill
in playing the pianoforte, together with his acute
ear, which enabled him to tune the instruments
perfectly, rendered him a valuable assistant to
his father.
In May, 1850, when the other members of the
family came to America, Theodore remained in
Seesen to close out the business of the firm. In
1852 he married a young lady of Herzberg, near
Seesen, and his home interests, together with
the general improvement of political conditions
in Germany, caused him to decide to remain in
the old country. Removing, in 1859, to the city
of Brunswick, he built up a large and lucrative
business. In May, 1864, with his wife he made
a trip to New York, where the whole family,
father, mother, five sons and two daughters, were
for the first and last time reunited.
The death of his brothers, Charles and Henry,
in March, 1865, caused the subject of this sketch
to come to New York, which he did in October
of that year, becoming a partner in the firm of
Steinway & Sons. He possessed large inventive
genius, which he turned to the construction of
upright pianos, a line that he had become thor
oughly familiar with while in Germany. On com
ing to New York, he brought with him a set of
workmen skilled in making such instruments,
and though he met with many obstacles, he
worked determinedly until success crowned his
efforts. Of the thirty-four patents granted to
him from 1866 to 1889, no less than sixty-two
claims in these patents relate to upright pianos.
This make has become so popular that ninetv-

five per cent, of the eighty thousand pianofortes
annually manufactured in the United States are
of this style.
Shortly after having gained conspicuous suc
cess with upright pianos, Mr. Steinway turned his
attention to the grand piano. Vast improve
ments in tone and durability had already been
gained by the patent granted to Henry Stein
way, Jr., December 20, 1859, for his overstrung
system, which far surpassed the old parallel-
string system. While the total tension of the
strings in a European grand never exceeded
twenty thousand pounds, the grand pianos man
ufactured by this house averaged forty-five thou
sand pounds of strain. Piano strings of steel
had been greatly improved, and Mr. Steinway's
scientific tests on his own constructed testing
machine had convinced him that the tension of
the strings in a grand piano might be doubled,
and beauty and power of tone greatly augmented,
provided the power of resistance to this increased
pull of the strings could be secured in the archi
tecture and construction of the piano. The ob
stacles were exceedingly difficult to overcome.
The cast-iron frames produced for all piano
manufacturers in ordinary foundries were not
firm enough to withstand such an increased
strain. In the spring of 1869 Theodore Stein
way went to Europe and studied the latest
achievements of the steel and iron industry there.
While abroad, he also went to Egypt and wit
nessed the ceremonies accompanying the open
ing of the Suez Canal.
Returning to New York in the fall of 1870,
Mr. Steinway succeeded, after a time, in produc
ing a steel casting that would withstand a strain
of five thousand pounds per square centimetre,
while ordinary cast-iron will break under one-
half of such a pull. In 1872 he invented and
patented his duplex scale, which was followed
three years later by the present grand piano
repetition action, and newr steel frame construc
tion in grand pianos. In 1877-78 he invented
and patented an entirely new system in the wood
en architecture of grand pianos. The old way
of building up the interior and exterior grand
piano cases of short pieces, joined together like
brick, was abandoned, and a new system was
created, by which a series of layers of wood in
one length wore glued together, and bent into
the required form by means of immense steel
presses. In that way the problem was solved
according to the law of science, by which the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

517

tone vibrations invariably follow the longitudi
nal fibre of the wood, while cross-fibres interrupt
the vibrations. A parlor grand only six feet long
was manufactured embodying the new construc
tion of the steel cupola frame and construction of
exterior and interior cases, of comparative light
ness, yet having fully fifty thousand pounds ten
sion of strings, and far surpassing, in tone and
power, the large concert grand, which, at the
Paris Exposition in 1867, had been awarded the
first of the gold medals of merit. This system
was at once utilized in the manufacture of all the
parlor and concert grands produced by the firm,
and in order to saw logs of twenty-three feet
length into the veneers required, the establish
ment and sawmill at Steinway was founded.
Though a very busy man, Theodore Steinway
traveled extensively, visiting points of interest in
America, Europe and Africa, and while his trips
were partly for recreation, yet he always had in
mind the study of the achievements of the differ
ent races in the science of music. His collection
of musical instruments was the most complete
to be found in this country, and included not only
the instruments of the present century, but those*
of former ages. Under his careful oversight, his
nephews were trained in the business, so that
they acquired familiarity with every detail.
While in Brunswick, Germany, his life was ended,
March 26, 1889, at the age of sixty-three years.

WILLIAM STEINWAY. To rise to a
position of world-wide fame, unaided
by extraneous circumstances and in
the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles,
indicates the possession of talents of a high order.
He who promotes the advancement of any line
of activity, commercial or professional; or into
important spheres of labor, brings new theories
and improvements that revolutionize old and
cruder plans, such a one is a benefactor to the
race, for he enlarges its field of labor and its
possibilities for good. Of inestimable value are
the services rendered by Mr. Steinway, not alone
to the musical world, but to all who cherish a
sound or symphony of beauty "as a joy forever."
In the truest sense he is a benefactor of mankind,
a philanthropist, with the world as his field of ac
tion and the human race as the object of his bene
factions. He is the only survivor of the original
members of the firm of Steinway & Sons, estab
lished in New York City in March, 1853, the his-
20

tory of which house, during the years that have
since intervened, illustrates to a remarkable de
gree the fact that toil and talent, when combined,
invariably bring success.
In view, therefore, of the prominence he has
gained a sketch of his life history will be of value,
not alone to the people of Queens County, in
whose welfare he has ever taken the deepest in
terest, but to all who respect principles of great
ness and goodness. From a career like his, the
young who are starting out in business life with
small capital but large ambitions may learn les
sons worthy of emulation.
The Steinway family originated in Germany
and its members were honorably known in
various walks of life. The subject of this skech
was born in Seesen, near the city of Brunswick,
March 5, 1836, being a son of Henry Engelhard
Steinway. His education was obtained in the
common schools of his native place and in the
Jacobson High School and was exceptionally
thorough, for at the age of fourteen he was pro
ficient in German, English and French. At that
age he could also play the most difficult com
positions upon the piano, and his unerring ear
enabled him to tune the instrument perfectly,
even for concert use.
In 1849 Henry E. Steinway, foreseeing with his
usual shrewd discernment that the United States
presented a vast and inviting field for his busi
ness, sent his second son, Charles, aged twenty
years, to this country for the purpose of investi
gating the prospects here. So favorable was the
report that he at once decided to bring his family
to America. Leaving his eldest son, C. F. Theo
dore, to succeed him in the business at Seesen, he
crossed the Atlantic and arrived in New York
June 9, 1850. To his son, William, he gave the
choice of a trade or education as a musician; the
boy chose the former, and was apprenticed to
William Nunns & Co., No. 88 Walker Street,
but, after remaining there for three years, he
joined his father and brothers, Charles and
Henry, in founding the house of Steinway &
Sons, March 5, 1853 (William Steinway's seven
teenth birthday).
The original home of the firm was in a rear
building in Varick Street, where, with the assist
ance of four or five workmen, they built one
square piano a week, father and sons also labor
ing, as artisans, in their production. The part
assigned William was the making of the sounding
boards. At once their pianos leaped into popu-

5i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

larity, a result their merits fully justified, and it
was widely conceded that in beauty of tone and
in power they were unexcelled. Larger quarters
were rendered necessary by the increasing trade,
and in 1854 they removed to 88 Walker Street,
which the failure of Mr. Nunns made vacant.
The magnitude of the business obligedthe mem
bers of the firm give up their labors in the work
room and concentrate their attention upon the
management of affairs, William being given the
supervision of the mercantile and financial mat
ters. In 1859 they built their present factory m
Fourth Avenue, from Fifty-second to Fifty-
third Street, of which they took posses
sion in April, i860, and three years later,
by an addition, brought the structure to
its present colossal proportions. In March,
1865, the sons, Charles and Henry, died, the for
mer on the 31st while in Brunswick, Germany, and
the latter on the nth, after having been an in
valid for several years. Soon afterward the eldest
son, C. F. Theodore, retired from his interests
in Germany and became a partner in the New
York house, to which also Albert, the youngest
son, was then admitted. In 1864 the firm began
the construction of the marble building, known as
Steinway Hall, in Fourteenth Street, which was
used for the office of the firm and contained a
music hall with twenty-four hundred seats.
In competition with other music houses the
firm of Steinway & Sons has always stood fore
most. After having been awarded thirty-five
American medals, from 1854 to 1862, they won a
first prize medal at the World's Fair in London
in 1862. At the Paris International Exposition,
five years later, they won the grand gold medal
and unanimous indorsement of their new system
of construction by the international jury for their
square, upright and grand pianos, after a close
contest with the best makers of Europe. This
victory instantly brought them world-wide re
nown, and their system of construction became
the standard among piano makers throughout
Europe. They gained another signal victory at
the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876
and in 1885 at the International Inventions Exhi
bition in London they were awarded the grand
gold medal for excellence of pianofortes; and a
grand gold medal was awarded them by the Lon
don Society of Arts, of which the Prince of Wales
was president.
Attracting the attention of royalty by their
superior productions, Steinway & Sons became

successively court piano manufacturers to the
Queen of England, the Queen of Spain, the Em
peror of Germany, the Prince and Princess of
Wales and the Queen of Italy. While abroad in
1892, William Steinway was invited to meet the
Emperor and Empress of Germany in the marble
palace at Potsdam, and the former presented him
with his portrait and autograph, "Wilhelm, Ger
man Emperor and King of Prussia, Marble Pal
ace, Sept. 11, 1892," written in the presence of his
guest. The Empress also wrote him an autograph
letter thanking him for his gifts to the Emperor
William I. Memorial Church Building at Berlin.
Tune 12, 1893, the Emperor bestowed upon him
the Order of the Red Eagle, third class, which
was the highest distinction ever bestowed upon a
manufacturer. The most renowned composers have expressed
their appreciation of the Steinway pianos and
have adopted them for their exclusive use.
Among them Richard Wagner wrote as follows :
"Our great tone masters, when writing the grand
est of their creations for the pianoforte, seem to
have had a presentiment of the ideal grand piano,
as now attained by yourselves. A Beethoven
sonata, a Bach chromatic fantasie can only be ap
preciated when rendered upon one of your piano
fortes. In a word, I find your grand piano of
wondrous beauty. It is a noble work of art." Dr.
Franz Liszt said: "The new Steinway Grand is
a glorious masterpiece in power, sonority, singing
quality and perfect harmonic effects, affording
delight even to my old piano-weary fingers. ' H.
Helmholtz, of the chair of acoustics in the Uni
versity of Berlin, recognized, as the highest
authority in the science of acoustics and sound,
said, 'With such a perfect instrument as yours
placed before me, I must modify many of my for
mer expressed views regarding pianos."
In 1867, after the close of the Paris Expo
sition, William and C. F. Theodore Steinway
were unanimously elected members of the Royal
Academy of Arts at Stockholm, and the Royal
Academy of Fine Arts, at Berlin, Prussia. April
15, 1894, William Steinway was elected honorary
member of the Royal Italian Academy of St.
Cecilia of Rome, the oldest and most famous
academy on the continent, having been founded
by the illustrious composer, Palestrina, in 1584.
Upon petition of the Stuttgart Chamber of Com
merce, the government of Wurtemberg pur
chased one Steinway Grand and one upright to
serve as models in this branch of industry. In

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i9

1886 the Sultan of Turkey purchased four richly
ornamented upright cabinet grands, and the fol
lowing year two more were manufactured for him
at his request, presented by him through the
Turkish ambassador at Washington. In 1887 the
Emperor of China purchased a parlor concert
grand for his palace, and the Queen of England
has a Steinway upright grand for her own use in
Balmoral Castle, Scotland. The Empress of
Russia has a concert grand in the music room
of the royal palace, and an upright cabinet grand
for her boudoir.
The completion of piano No. 25,000, made
for the Czarowitz of Russia, was celebrated, May
4, 1872, by the firm and its one thousand work
men. Their No. 50,000, said to be the finest
grand produced by the house up to that time,
was bought by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild,
of Vienna, and forwarded by the Hamburg
steamer "Bohemia," September 15, 1883. At
this writing, in the winter of 1895-96, over
eighty-five thousand have been manufactured.
Death has, meantime, brought many changes to
the firm, and William now alone remains of the
original founders of the house. The grandson?
of Henry E. Steinway have been admitted into
partnership, and the honored name of Steinway
& Sons is perpetuated.
In 1872 the firm established additional works
at Steinway, Long Island City, for the constant
open-air and kiln drying of seven million feet of
the finest lumber for the cases of their pianos,
and for making each grand piano case of bent
wood of one continuous length, as also the
vibrating parts of each. The village of Stein
way has grown up in the vicinity of the factory,
Here a large number of substantial houses and
stores, principally of brick, have been erected,
and as the location of the buildings is on high,
dry ground, the residents have the enjoyment of
healthful country life, pure air, beauty of scen
ery, as well as facilities for bathing, boating and
fishing. The property purchased by Steinway & Sons
at Astoria consisted of about four hundred acres,
over a mile long, and having a water frontage
on the East River of more than a half-mile,
opposite One Hundredth to One Hundred and
Twentieth Street, New York City, and four miles
from the New York pianoforte manufactory. In
1872 they erected a steam sawmill, iron and
brass foundries, boiler and engine houses, and a
large building for the drilling, finishing and

japanning of the full metal frames and other
metal portions used in the construction of the
pianofortes, which are manufactured under the
sole and special supervision of the house. Each
of these buildings is three stories high, con
structed of brick and stone. They are situated
between the canal and west side of Blackwell
Street, forming a hollow square, with a frontage
of three hundred and twelve feet, and a depth
of two hundred feet, and also contain the key
board and wood-carving departments. The wa
ter front, on the canal, is occupied by the dock
and bulkhead, three hundred and eighty-four
feet in length; also enclosing a basm, 100x300
feet, stocked with millions of square feet of logs,
designed for sawing into required thicknesses for
manufacturing purposes. At the sawmill all the
lumber, rosewood and various other kinds of
wood used in the construction of a Steinway
piano, are sawed under the personal supervision
of a member of the house, and every faulty por
tion cast aside.
The large piano case factory was erected in
1879. The building is four stories in height,
248x60 feet in dimensions, with an adjoining
engine and boiler house. In this building the
cases for all the Steinway square, upright and
grand pianos are constructed, and they are sent
completed to the New York factory to receive the
sounding board, the necessary exterior varnish
and polish, and the interior construction. In
addition to the case-making factory are the dry
ing-rooms, a four-story brick building, 40x100
feet, containing the drying kilns below and the
drying rooms above, with over five hundred thou
sand feet of air-dried lumber constantly under the
process of kiln drying. In the lumber yards are
constantly stacked upwards of five million square
feet of the choicest lumber in the open air, for
seasoning purposes, each separate piece of which
is exposed to all the atmospheric changes for two
years, and then kept in the steam drying kilns
for three months prior to being used in the
factory. The Astoria factories contain eight
steam boilers of the aggregate power of five hun
dred horses, by which the necessary amount of
steam is generated for the sixty thousand feet
of pipe used in heating the drying rooms and
workshops, and driving four steam engines ag
gregating three hundred horse power, which in
turn put in motion the various labor-saving ma
chines. All the buildings are lighted by gas,
and fitted up with electric bells, centering in the

520

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two-story office building erected in 1884, from
which by private telegraph and telephone the
establishment is brought into direct communica
tion with Steinway & Sons' finishing factory _ at
Fourth Avenue and Fifty-third Street, and Stem-
way Hall in Fourteenth Street, New York.
To the development of the village of Stein
way the firm has been a large contributor, and
the public-spirited character of William Stein
way, the president of the company, is shown in
the 'many improvements he has made and the
enterprises he has fostered. In 1877 a fine pub
lic school was built by the firm, with capacity for
one thousand children, and they have _ since
maintained, at their own expense, in addition to
the common branches for which teachers are fur
nished by the city, a teacher for free tuition in
music and the German language. They also
have a free circulating library and a model kin
dergarten. In 1881 a public bath was built at
the expense of the firm, containing fifty dressing
rooms and surrounded by a public park, 250x200.
The Protestant Union Church, which has a seat
ing capacity of one thousand and is 100x125
feet in dimensions, has been endowed by the firm,
who also presented it with the grand cathedral
organ formerly at Steinway Concert Hall.
Nor have these gifts been the limit of the
benefactions of Mr. Steinway. In his native
town of Seesen he has founded six annual prizes
for the three male and three female students
who excel in their studies, and he also pays the
annual school money for the children of no less
than seventy-five parents. To that village he
presented a park, which the citizens named in
his honor, and also made him an honorary citi
zen. In 1894 he founded two annual prizes at
the New York Normal College, gold watches of
$75 value, one to be given to the most proficient
German student, and the other to the student
showing the greatest progress in that language.
In him destitute musicians, aged teachers and
ambitious but poor students have a helpful friend,
one who is never too busy to aid them with a
word of counsel and a substantial gift. Many
educational and charitable institutions have re
ceived from him pianofortes or other benefac
tions. It is a noteworthy fact that not only has the
success of the firm of Steinway & Sons put an
end to the importation of pianos from Europe,
but at the present time large numbers of pianos
(of which seventy per cent, are made by this firm)

are exported. So large has the foreign trade be
come that it has been necessary for the firm to
establish warerooms in London and Hamburg,
and in the former city they have also opened a
music room, known as Steinway Hall. The
business importance of Long Island City will be
greatly facilitated by the erection of the new
bridge, 'extending from the foot of Sixty-fourth
Street, New York, across Blackwell's Island, to
the Steinway property in Long Island City, which
work is now well under way.
From this resume of the life work of Mr.
Steinway, it might be supposed that his personal
affairs had engrossed his attention to the exclu
sion of public matters; but not so. His adopted
city has had no citizen more patriotic or progres
sive than he, and his connection with civic ques
tions has been praiseworthy to himself. Nature
endowed him with a fine physique, capable of long
endurance, and a sonorous voice and remarkable
memory, to which, by education, he has added
fine oratorical ability, and these qualities have
won for him success as a public speaker. In
addressing large public gatherings, he is im
pressive, forcible and winning. In 1871 he was
a member of the Committee of Seventy ap
pointed to bring to justice the Tammany ring of
those days, which had robbed the city of millions
of money. The success attending the prosecu
tion of William M. Tweed and his associates is
now a part of the history of New York. October
29, 1886, he presided at the mass-meeting of citi
zens at Cooper Institute, which endorsed the
nomination of Hon. Abram S. Hewitt for the
mayoralty, and it was largely due to his tact in
guiding the meeting that Mr. Hewitt's nomina
tion resulted. In 1888 he was a member of the
Democratic National Committee of the United
States, representing the state of New York, and
was a delegate to the convention that nomi
nated President Cleveland for the second term.
While, as has been said, Mr. Steinway is in
tensely patriotic and American in his plans and
opinions, yet he has never lost his interest in the
land of his birth and the home of his childhood.
The German people have in him a friend, a
brother, ever alive to their interests, and the
people of that nationality, who form so large and
honorable a portion of the population of our
country, look to him as one of the leaders and
representatives. In February, 1889, under his
guidance as president, a large fair was held at
the American Institute for the benefit of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

521

German Hospital. The enterprise was an unpre
cedented success, the receipts being $118,000 and
profits $112,000. October 27, 1892, he presided
at the mass meeting of Germ an- Americans at
Cooper Institute, at which twenty thousand peo
ple were present, the speakers being himself,
Oswald Ottendorfer, Dr. Joseph Senner, Carl
Schurz and Grover Cleveland.
In February, 1890, Mr. Steinway was one of
the committee of citizens of New York appointed
to secure the World's Fair of 1893 for New
York. In a meeting at the city hall he opened
the subscription list with $50,000. When Con
gress finally decided that the fair should be held
in Chicago, he contributed $25,000 toward its
success. Among the Democrats of New York
he has long wielded a powerful influence, and
while invariably refusing public offices, including
a number of federal positions offered by Presi
dent Cleveland, yet he has always been willing
to serve on any committee that has for its object
the promotion of the party welfare or the ad
vancement of the city's interests. In the Presi
dential election of 1892 he was one of the Denis
ocratic Electors-at-Large for the state; and he
was unanimously elected president of the Elec
toral College when it met in Albany, January
9, 1893, to cast the vote of the state for Presi
dent. His services as Rapid Transit Commis
sioner of the city of New York have been espe
cially important and valuable, and the many-
conflicting problems brought to him for decision
have been met with sagacious judgment and keen
discrimination. In the new Rapid Transit Act,
which became a law May 22, 1894, among other
things abolishing the old commission, he was
unanimously re-appointed by the legislature as
a member of the new commission. His com
pensation of $6,250, as member of the old com
mission, was distributed by him among fifteen
charitable institutions of the city.
Mr. Steinway has been twice married. His
first wife died in 1876, and his second wife,
Elizabeth C. Ranft, passed away March 4, 1893.
His children are George A. ; Paula, wife of Louis
von Bernuth; William R., Theodore E. and
Maud S. Socially, Mr. Steinway is connected
with the Manhattan Club; the Liederkranz So
ciety, of which he has been president twelve
terms; the Arion, of which he is an honorary
member; the American Geographical Society,
New York Historical Society, New York Cham
ber of Commerce, the Royal Academies of Fine

Arts of Berlin and of Stockholm, and the Royal
St. Cecilia Society of Rome, of which he is an
honorary member. Assisting in the organiza
tion of the Bank of the Metropolis, he is now one
of its directors, and is also vice-president of the
German Savings Bank, New York, the Queens
County Bank of Long Island, and the New York
and College Point Ferry Company. He is also
president of the New York Pianoforte Manu
facturers' Society.
Seldom does it fall to the privilege of the
biographer to record a life of continuous and un
interrupted success, a life of duty nobly dis
charged, rewarded by fortune and friends.
While Mr. Steinway has met with many obsta
cles, they have but stirred him to greater efforts,
and he has never found any but that, with the aid
of his indomitable will, he has been able to
overcome. Exercising in all his business rela
tions the highest principles of honor, he has won
a large fortune and world-wide fame, and now
still in the prime of his mental vigor, he retains
the characteristics of perseverance, energy and
determination that were noticeable in his youth
and that led to his success.

HENRY E. STEINWAY, founder of the
great piano manufacturing house of Stein
way & Sons, and father of the gentleman
who is now its president, was born in Wolfs-
hagen, Brunswick, Germany, February 15, 1797,
and died in New York City, February 7, 1871.
Of his ancestors it is known that one served as
captain in the army under Christian of Denmark,
in the Thirty Years' War, and took part in the
battle of Lutter, August 27, 1626, where he was
severely wounded, and as a result was unable
to proceed with his regiment. His family was
among the well-known residents of the city of
Stralsund, on the Baltic Sea, and some of its
members occupied positions of responsibility
prior to the Thirty Years' War, while the city
belonged to the Hansa Union. One of the name,
who held the office of burgomaster, heroically
defended Stralsund during the siege, in 1628, by
the Austrian forces under General Wallenstein.
With the fall and impoverishment of the city,
the family disappeared from it.
The family of which Henry Engelhard Stein
way was a member consisted of twelve children,
but at the age of fifteen he was the sole survivor,
his father and the others having lost their lives

522

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the War of 1806 and that of 1812, and in a
shocking catastrophe. Concerning the latter, the
particulars, as often related by Mr. Steinway, are
as follows: With his father, three older broth
ers and two hired men, he was one day, in the
summer of 1812, in a forest near the ancient city
of Goslar, and several hours' walk from home,
when a violent thunder storm arose. The party
found shelter in a collier's hut made of stakes
and barks of trees, and situated on the Bruchberg
near the Brocken. Soon afterward, while the lad
was crouched on his hands and -knees, endeav
oring to kindle the fire into a blaze by blowing
into the smoking brushwood in the fireplace, he
was blinded by a vivid flash of lightning that
filled the room with its lurid glare. The shock
rendered him unconscious, and, on regaining his
senses, all was dark and still. He called, but
there was no reply. He then felt in the dark for
his companions, whom he found lying, stiff and
almost cold, on the floor of the hut. The body
of his eldest brother still retaining some warmth,
he placed his ear to his chest just in time to
catch the last pulsation of the heart. Almost
dazed with fright, he fled barefooted (having
hung shoes and stockings to dry near the fire
place on entering the hut) through the wilder
ness to the mountain town of Altenau, where he
remembered a physician resided. When he
reached there in the morning, his torn and bleed
ing feet and physical condition, but above all his
story of the disaster, aroused the deepest sym
pathy. Horses and wagons were secured, and
the six lifeless bodies were taken to his father's
house. Nor did the misfortunes of the orphan boy end
here. His father was the owner of several
houses, which were taken in charge by the
French Westphalian officers of the Crown, but
with the downfall of Napoleon, the houses were
sold and the proceeds vanished with the officers
in charge of them. Penniless and alone in the
world, Henry earned his living by hard, ill-paid
labor. At the age of seventeen he enlisted under
the Duke of Brunswick, who fell at Waterloo
in 1815. While in the service, he learned to
play on the cithera, which he had constructed of
seasoned spruce during leisure hours, and among
his acquaintances he enjoyed a reputation as a
musical genius. At twenty-two, having declined
the office of sergeant, he was honorably dis
charged from the army, and went to Goslar,
where he sought to apprentice himself to the

cabinet-maker's trade; but trade guilds were in
power, and required five years' apprenticeship
and a similar experience as a journeyman, before
a workman became independent. Mr. Steinway
therefore decided to learn the art of building
church organs, and for this he prepared himself
by working as a cabinet-maker for a year under
a so-called "wild boss," after which he secured
work as a journeyman organ builder, although
it was his ambition to become a maker of stringed
musical instruments. Securing employment in
Seesen, a town of about three thousand inhabi
tants, in the Duchy of Brunswick, he made that
place his home until he came to America. In
February, 1825, he married Julia Thieme, and their
eldest son, C. F. Theodore, was born November
25 of the same year. About this time, by work
ing nights, Mr. Steinway constructed a piano,
in which he combined the merits of the old Eng
lish and the new German pianos, and which, by-
its purity of tone, attracted wide attention. It
soon found a purchaser, and enabled the maker
to devote his energies to the work.
As early as August, 1839, Mr. Steinway ex
hibited one grand, three-stringed, and one two-
stringed square piano at the state fair of Bruns
wick, with the composer, Albert Methfessel, as
chairman of the jury, who, besides giving him
the first prize, also praised the tone and work
manship of the instruments. As the sons, Theo
dore, Charles and Henry, grew up, they became
skillful piano-makers under their father's instruc
tion and also proficient pianists. In 1843, die
establishment of the Customs Union in Prussia,
into which Brunswick entered, but Hanover did
not, caused Seesen to be completely cut off from
the rest of the world by custom-house officers.
The duty imposed upon pianos was so great as to
almost ruin the business, and the final catas
trophe was consummated by the Revolution of
1848. The outlook being discouraging, the family"
resolved to emigrate to America, and in April,
1849, Charles was sent ahead to investigate the
prospects in this country. So favorable were
his reports that in May, 1850, the entire family,
except Theodore, who remained behind to con
tinue the business there, took passage on the
"Plelene Sloman," an ocean propeller making
its first trip. After reaching New York, the
father, and Charles, Henry and William, worked
for three years in different New York piano
factories. In March, 1853, they founded the

WILLIAM G. MILLER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

525

house of Steinway & Sons, and so great was their
success that they soon moved from their original
quarters in Varick Street to No. 88 Walker
Street, a few doors east of Broadway. After one
year's operation, they gained note by receiving
the first premium at the Metropolitan Fair held
in Washington, D. C, in March, 1854, for both
three and two-stringed instruments; and in the
fall of the same year were awarded a gold medal
at the American Institute Fair, held in the Crys
tal Palace, New York. The next year they re
ceived another gold, medal at the same place,
where they exhibited a square piano constructed
on a new system. It was an overstrung, square
piano, in which the newly constructed iron frame
was so applied as to secure its benefits to the
durability and capacity of standing in tune, while
the nasal, thin tone which had previously char
acterized pianos with the iron frame was done
away with, and a lasting tone, of full, harmonious
quality, produced.
In 1858 the firm purchased almost the entire
block of ground bounded by Fourth and Lex
ington Avenues, Fifty-second and Fifty-third
Streets, on which a model factory was built in
1859, and occupied in April, i860. The archi
tecture of the building is of the modern Italian
style, and the best brick is used in its construc
tion. The factory buildings cover twenty city
lots, and have a surface flooring of one hundred
and seventy-five thousand, one hundred and forty
square feet. The improvements made by the
firm, and for which they obtained patents, ex
tended also in the direction of manufacturing
grand pianos. In 1863 they built their marble
palace, in which their pianos are now sold. In
the rear of the palace in Fourteenth Street they
built a grand concert hall, forty-two feet high,
with seating capacity of two thousand; and, in
addition, a hall seating four hundred, separated
from the larger building by sliding doors. This
building, known as Steinway Hall, was built in
1866, and received its final interior decoration
two years later. The acoustical properties of the
hall were so accurately calculated that the result
has been pronounced unsurpassed by the famous
artists and lecturers who have tested them. In
1865-66 the firm gave especial attention to the
manufacture of upright pianos, resulting in an
entirely new construction of such power and
beauty that from that time the public evinced a
growing fondness for their use.
While successes came in rapid succession to

the house of Steinway & Son, many bereave
ments came to the household. Henry Jr. died
March 11, 1865, and Charles on the 31st of the
same month and year. In 1877 Albert fell a
victim to typhoid fever, his death occurring May
14, at the age of nearly thirty-seven. The wife
and mother died August 9 of the same year, aged
nearly seventy-four. Six years previous to her de
mise, or February 7, 1 871, the husband and father,
to whose efforts the success of the firm was large
ly due, passed away at the age of about seventy-
four.

WILLIAM G. MILLER. The business
and social career of the subject of this
sketch is a striking example of what
may be accomplished by the American youth who
possesses energy and determination to win in
the great battle of life. His success has been
honestly deserved and bravely won by upright
business methods and great energy and should
be an encouragement to all young men who are
ambitious to succeed. Mr. Miller was born in
'Suffolk County, February 2, 1853, a son of James
G. and Elizabeth W. (Wasson) Miller. Die
father was a prominent and successful farmer
and fruit grower, and, being a man of unblem
ished reputation, he was greatly respected in
the community in which he lived, was active in
all good works and was a zealous and faithful
member of the Presbyterian Church. He held a
number of minor official positions, but was never
very active in that respect. His estimable wife,
to whom he was married in New York City in
1848, still survives him. They became the par
ents of five children, of whom four still survive,
William G. being the eldest son.
The early life of our subject was spent in health
ful farm work and in attending school during the
winter months until he was seventeen years of
age, when he determined to seek his fortune in
the city of Brooklyn. He first mastered the de
tails of the building business, and when only
twenty-one had already become a skillful man
ufacturer of small cabinet ware, his goods being
shipped to all parts of the United States and
Canada. While in this business he acquired a
keen insight into business methods and this has
been of material benefit to him in carrying on the
many undertakings in which he has since been
engaged. In 1882 a partnership was formed with
J. J. Randall, the firm taking the name of Randall

526

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

& Miller, and together they embarked exten
sively in the building business, particularly in
Brooklyn, where a very extensive business is
still carried on. These gentlemen are largely in
terested in valuable tracts of land in the vicinity
of Freeport, and the progress, development and
rapid growth of this village must be almost en-
largely attributable to the energy and push of this
firm. Mr. Miller has always been remarkably public
spirited, and helped to organize the Freeport
Bank, of which he has been one of its directors
from the beginning. He is president of the
Queens and Suffolk County Insurance Company,
and was one of the organizers of the Seventeenth
Ward Bank of Brooklyn, being a director in each
of them. He favored the incorporation of the
village of Freeport, pushed the question of water
works, has served continuously as a member of
the board of water commissioners, and after one of
the village school houses was burned and the
entire place threatened with destruction, he was
one of the first and most enthusiastic to favor the
organization of a thoroughly equipped fire de
partment. He also joined the progressive ele
ment and urged the building of the present splen
did school house, and immediately after he and
his partner had erected this building, he was
elected a member of the board of education, thus
showing the appreciation with which his efforts
had been regarded. Three times he has been
elected president of the village, being the present
incumbent, and is also president of the board of
water commissioners. In several large financial
institutions of Brooklyn he is a director, is actively
engaged in contracting and building, and has
often discharged the duties of trustee and exec
utor, from which it will be seen that he is a
very busy man.
Mr. Miller is very genial and cordial in man
ners, and his success has not removed him from,
but rather brought him in closer touch with the
people, from whom he commands universal re
spect, affection and confidence, and by whom his
advice is often sought. Politically he is an ardent
Republican, and he has often served as president
of political organizations. Although political of
fices have frequently been tendered him, he has
always declined them, except such as were with
out salary, as the demands of patriotism lay upon
loyal citizens. The same earnestness and fidelity
which have marked his business and public life
have also characterized his religious obligations,

and he is a devoted member of the Freeport
Methodist Episcopal Church. At Freeport he
joined heartily in the erection of the new Meth
odist Church, and he and his partner took the
contract to build the church at cost. He is now
president of the board of trustees and is one of the
constant attendants of the services.
Mr. Miller was married in 1876 to Miss Mary
E. Randall, daughter of Jehial W. and Marietta
Randall of Suffolk County, and to their union
four children have been given: Raymond J.,
Marietta R., William G., Jr., and Florence Eliza
beth. The home life of Mr. Miller is singularly
happy, and in his bright, cheerful and intelligent
wife he has found a true help-mate. Our subject
is now in the prime and vigor of manhood, ac
tive and capable, well known for his sound judg
ment, is a devoted friend, a congenial companion
and is a true Christian in every sense of the word.
By diligence he has secured success and his
friends delight in the fact that a long life of use
fulness is still before him.

J

OHN MERWIN OLDRIN. Among the
prominent newspaper men of Queens Coun
ty, the name of John M. Oldrin takes a
prominent place. He is the owner and publisher
of "Sea Cliff News," one of the ably edited pa
pers of the county, whose bright, newsy pages
are eagerly read by numerous subscribers. Mr.
Oldrin was born at West Hampton, February 21,
1836, a son of Rev. Edward and Catharine (De
Freyenhagen) Oldrin. The father was born in
Suffolk County, England, in 1803, and was a
self-educated man. When but a young man he
came to America and here learned the tanner and
currier's trade, which he followed but a short
time, for after his conversion in the Methodist
Church he became an exhorter and later an or
dained minister.
As his father was located in various villages
while preaching, our subject received good edu
cational advantages and when fourteen years old
entered the New York Conference Seminary at
Charlotteville, N. Y., where he remained until
sixteen years old. He then began teaching in
the country schools of Ulster County, and con
tinued this for sixteen years, ten vears of which
time he taught in the town of Hempstead,
Queens County. In the year 1856 he was mar
ried to Miss Nettie Burtis Coles, of Southold,
and to them were born five children: Carrie L.,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

527

who died in 1885, was the wife of George Simon-
son; Lizzie Catharine is the widow of Charles
Walters, and has two children; Lillian Irene
married George W. Pearsall, and resides at Sea
cliff; she has three children, and is postmistress
at Seacliff; Nettie Bertha married John Walters
and lives at Southington, Conn.; she has two
children: Oliver John Edward resides in New
York City, where he is a book-keeper; he is mar
ried and has one child.
Mr. Oldrin lost his wife in 1869, her death oc
curring at Hempstead, where he had gone into
the general mercantile business, being a member
of the firm of Clowes, Oldrin & Co. After the
death of his wife Mr. Oldrin resumed teaching
and followed this five years of the ten that he
taught in Long Island. In the year 1869 he
married Miss Sarah Clarissa Randall, of East
Saginaw, Mich., and two children were given
them: Clara Merwin, the wife of John A. Bader,
now of Seacliff, has one son, John Merwin; and
Grace Helen is still at home.
In the year 1876 Mr. Oldrin moved to Seacliff,
and opened up a first-class refreshment store, and
in connection also started a local express busi
ness, which netted him good returns. The latter
he followed for a number of years and then em
barked in the real estate business. In 1888 he
bought the "Sea Cliff News," and has made it
one of the best papers in the county. He still
continues the real estate business and has erected
a large building on the corner of Central Avenue
and Twelfth Avenue. Before coming to Sea
cliff he was appointed notary public, which posi
tion he held for upwards of twenty years. In
1885 he was appointed postmaster of Seacliff, un
der Cleveland's administration, and served a full
term. Mr. Oldrin lost his second wife in 1879,
and in 1880 he was married to Miss Eva Stella
Rogers, the ceremony being pronounced by Rev.
C. E. Miller, at Hempstead. She was born at
West Islip, and is the daughter of John H. and
Esther Ann (Hubbard) Miller. Mr. and Mrs.
Oldrin have one child, Charles Miller Oldrin,
who was born May 22, 1881.
In the year 1893 Mrs. Oldrin was appointed
notary public, and she is of great assistance to .
her husband in all his work. Mr. Oldrin is a
Democrat in politics, but in 1864 cast his vote for
Abraham Lincoln. In 1868 he voted for Sey
mour, and since that has affiliated with the Dem
ocratic party. He was village clerk of Hemp
stead for two terms, town clerk of the same place

one term, village trustee there one term, and was
one of the organizers of the Mutual Benefit As
sociation, being its first secretary and treasurer.
He is at present a member of the Board of Edu
cation of Seacliff. For about twenty years he
has been a member of the Odd Fellows Order,
Hempstead Lodge No. 141, filled all the chairs,
and represented that lodge in the Grand Lodge
twice. He is a member of the Seawanhaka Coun
cil No. 362, Royal Arcanum, at Glencove.
Mr. Oldrin was one of the organizers of the
Seacliff Inclined Cable Railway Company, be
came its vice-president, and later its president,
which position he held for two years, and but for
physical infirmities would have continued to hold
the position. He was town clerk of Hempstead
when Hempstead Plains, consisting of about sev
en thousand acres, was sold to A. T. Stewart, and
was one of the men who had the convey of the
title.

ALEXANDER A. PEARSALL. Among
the many thriving industries of Oceanside
is the oyster business, in which Mr. Pear
sall has been engaged for several years. His
beds are finely located and are so managed that
they yield about five thousand bushels of oysters
per year. These he disposes of in New York
and Brooklyn at good prices.
Our subject was born in August, 1852, in this
part of Queens County, his parents being Jarvis
R. and Deborah (Daynes) Pearsall, the former of
whom was a native of New Jersey. He came to
Long Island when a young man and after car
rying on a farm for a number of years aban
doned this occupation in order that he might
give his entire time to raising oysters. He car
ried on his interests in this line quite success
fully until his death, which occurred in 1888. In
this locality he was widely known and was re
spected alike by young and old. His good wife
preceded him to the land beyond by several years.
After completing his education in the schools
of his district Alexander A., of this history, as
sisted his father in looking after the farm and
also helped in the oyster beds. Before reaching
his majority he had determined to make this lat
ter industry his business in life, and that he has
succeeded well is evidenced from the large busi
ness which he carries on. In 1878 he was mar
ried to Miss Eleanora L., daughter of George B.
Ghee, of Westchester, N. Y. Their union has

528

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been blessed by the birth of the following chil
dren: Amelia, Jarvis and Eleanor.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall are devoted mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church, in which the
former holds the office of elder and trustee. So
cially he is a Mason, of high standing, and also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In politics
he is conservative in local affairs, but during na
tional elections supports the candidates of the
Republican party. He is a man of quiet disposi
tion, modest and unassuming in his demeanor,
but of good heart and generous instincts. He is
sure to be found on the right side of all moral
questions and is highly regarded in the com
munity.

CARMI B. GRUMAN, one of the substan
tial residents and shrewd business men
of Queens County, is president of the
Glencove Bank. He was born in the town of
Norwalk, Fairfield County, Conn., May 22, 1830,
and is the son of Lewis F. and Eliza (Hurlbut)
Gruman. The first nine years of his life were
spent at Norwalk. His father died when he was
very young, leaving the mother to care for a
large family of children. Carmi B. was thus
compelled to start out early in life to make his
own way in the world, his first employment being
as a clerk in a store. He was thus engaged for4
two years, when he obtained work on a farm, and
during his stay with the kind people for whom
he worked, was given the opportunity for attend
ing the district school for three months each year.
This was taught by William H. Richards, a noted
educator of Fairfield County. The summer after
attaining his fifteenth birthday he worked for
wages for six months and the following winter
again went to school to Mr. Richards, whose ad
mirable character and thorough work are still
gratefully remembered by his old pupils through
out the country. Our subject was studious and
ambitious to learn, and when a lad of sixteen was
given permission to teach the school at Westport.
He had charge of this for four years, during
which time he improved every leisure moment
in study.
During the years in which he taught school
Mr. Gruman saved $1,000, and, entering into
partnership with Mr. Whitlock, established a pri
vate boarding school at Wilton, Conn. In this
institution he taught for some time, or until with

in a year of coming to Glencove, which was in
1855- On making his home in Glencove, Mr. Gruman
joined his brother, H. L. Gruman, in the manu
facturing of tin and the sale of house furnishing
goods until 1890, when he retired from actual
business. Two years later the Bank of Glencove
was organized and he was elected its president,
which position he still holds.
Prior to the formation of the Republican party
our subject supported Whig candidates, but since
1856 he has been loyal to the principles of the
grand old party. He has been closely identified
with educational interests in Glencove, serving
for fifteen consecutive years as a member of the
board. During this time he advocated the
grading of the schools and planned the course of
study which was first adopted. He had the hon
or of laying the cornerstone and delivering one of
the addresses upon that occasion. He represents
the Aetna Fire Insurance Company of Hartford,
of which company he was appointed agent a num
ber of years ago.
Mr. Gruman was baptized by Bishop Kemper
of the Episcopal Church, and has ever since been
true to the teachings of that religious body. He
is connected with St. Paul's Church, of which he
is westryman. Socially he is a member of Pem
broke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., which he be
came identified with some time in the '60s. It
was mainly through his influence that Pembroke
Hall was built, and its members now take great
pride in the fact that it is the finest lodge room
and hall combined in the county. Mr. Gruman
has taken a very active part in the same and has
filled all the principal chairs.

DAVID GRINSTED. Probably no man
in Queens County is more conversant
with the growth of Manhasset than is
Mr. Grinsted, a retired contractor and builder,
who has been identified with the interests of this
place since 1877. He is a native of England and
was born in Sussex County, January 4, 1817.
His parents were Henry and Sarah (Lawson)
Grinsted, who were also born in England.
Although David worked on a farm until eight
een years of age, he managed to acquire a good
common school education, and when starting
out in life for himself he was well fitted to battle
with the world. Plis parents emigrating to
America about this time, he accompanied them

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
hither and located in Elizabeth, N. J

529

there mak
ing his home from 1836 until 1839. During that
time he learned the carpenter's trade, and after
making New York City his place of residence,
he opened a shop of his own and for a period of
thirty years was engaged as a contractor there.
Mr. Grinsted was married November 3, 1842,
to Miss Charity Simonson, a native of Springfield,
and the daughter of Nicholas and Rebecca (Mills)
Simonson, respected residents of this community.
On her father's side Mrs. Grinsted is descended
from one of the oldest families on the island, the
ancestors coming here from Holland many years
ago. Her maternal grandfather, Samuel Mills,
was one of the body guard of General Washing
ton during the Revolutionary period. He en
tered the army at an early age, and during the
seven years of his seiwice was twice wounded.
He lived to be eighty years of age and after his
army experience was awarded a pension for his
faithful services.
Our subject continued to make his home in
New York City until some time in 1877, when
he came to this pleasant village and has since re
sided in a comfortable home overlooking Man-'
hasset Bay. By his union with Miss Simonson
there were born nine children, all of whom are
now deceased with the exception of Ella Eliza
beth, who is the wife of Hamilton J. Combes, a
commercial traveler. They reside in New York
City and have a family of four daughters, Edna
G., Juliet Bunyan, Mabel J., and Edith Amy.
In politics Mr. Grinsted was in early life a
Whig, but not taking out his naturalization pa
pers for some time he was permitted to vote for
but one Whig candidate. That was in 1848,
when Zachary Taylor ran for President. In 1856
he joined the ranks of the Republicans and has
ever since supported this party. When twenty-
four years of age he was converted and joined
the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his
wife is also connected, she having become a
member of this denomination when sixteen years
of age. Mr. Grinsted takes an active part in re
ligious work and has been both trustee and stew
ard of his congregation.
Mr. and Mrs. Grinsted celebrated their golden
wedding in 1892, and among the large number of
guests present were three brothers and two sis
ters, also a brother-in-law, who had been wit
nesses of their marriage in 1842. This was
made a most joyous occasion and will doubtless
be remembered by many of those present long

after Mr. and Mrs. Grinsted shall have been
called to their final home. This old couple have
a pleasant home where they welcome their many
friends, who delight to accept their generous hos
pitality.

J

OHN BEAUMONT COWPER. It has
been said that "The best part of a man's
education is that which he gives himself," a
statement the truth of which none will dispute.
Certainly it may be said of Mr. Cowper that, while
he was given good school advantages, yet the
knowledge which he now has and the develop
ment of his superior mechanical skill are due al
most wholly to his own close attention to busi
ness and his incessant labors to perfect himself
in his chosen occupation. At present a resident
of Lynbrook, he is superintendent of the manu
facturing establishment of T. I. Simpson, at this
place. The son of Paul and Ann (Beaumont) Cowper,
our subject was born in Lancashire, England, in
1850, and was reared in the place of his birth,
where he resided until thirty years of age. His
education was received principally in a private
college at Ashton-under-Lyne, County of Lan
caster. At the age of fourteen he entered the
cotton manufacturing establishment owned by
his father, and, beginning in the lowest capacity,
worked his way from one position to another un
til he finally was made manager of the concern.
This position he held for six years of the six
teen he was with the house. Through unfortu
nate business relations and as a result of the panic
of 1875, the firm was compelled to suspend opera
tions, which was a severe blow to Mr. Cowper,
for by his energy and efforts he had introduced
improved methods and developed the business
from a formative condition to a modern and im
proved plant.
During his residence in England Mr. Cowper
married Miss Annie, daughter of John Whitta-
ker, an organ manufacturer of his native town,
where she was born. In 1880 he resolved to try
his fortune in America and accordingly brought
his family to New York City, where he entered
a new line of business, accepting a position with
R. Hoe & Co., manufacturers of printing presses.
He remained with this firm for twelve years and
meantime assisted in erecting their large printing
presses in different cities. While with them he
superintended the erection of the presses for the

53°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

printing of bank notes in the Government Build
ing at Washington, D. C.
In 1888 Mr. Cowper purchased a lot and erect
ed his present residence at Lynbrook. Four
years" 'later he accepted his present position with
T. I. Simpson and has entire charge of the estab
lishment at this place, where everything in the
ship chandler's line is manufactured, from the
smallest articles to an anchor. His mechanical
skill is unusual; in fact, almost phenomenal. No
problem in his line is too intricate or difficult for
him to undertake and solve. In his last two posi
tions, though the work was entirely new to him,
being in different branches of mechanics, his
mechanical genius enabled him to carry out every
plan with apparent ease and to the satisfaction
of his employers. Politically he is independent
and liberal in his views. He and his wife, also
their only daughter Bertha, are identified with
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Cowper deservedly ranks as one of the best
citizens of the community and one who, by his
strict sense of probity, has won the position for
himself. He is a man of warm heart and gen
erous impulses, ever ready to assist the deserving
poor to the extent of his ability. His life has
been one of busy industry, and in all his transac
tions he has sustained the character of a Chris
tian gentleman.

once began to make his own way in life on com
ing hither and was employed by Herman Ringe,
then proprietor of the business which our subject
now carries on. He worked for Mr. Ringe for
four years, and with the money which he had
saved during this time bought a milk route, con
ducting the same for eight years. In 1884 Mr.
Polack sold out his interest in this line and from
the widow of his former employer purchased the
business in which he is now engaged. He pos
sesses the push, energy and enterprise for which
his countrymen are noted, and as a natural conse
quence he has been very successful in the accu
mulation of wealth and has won an enviable rep
utation for honesty and fair dealing.
Mr. Polack has never married, but continues
to make his home with his parents. He is a lib-'
eral contributor to the support of the Lutheran
Church, of which he is a member, and is an up
right and conscientious Christian, who yields to
everyone his just dues, and is accordingly recog
nized as not only benevolent but helpful in the
best sense. Politically he gives his support to
the Democratic party.

GUSTAV H. POLACK, an active and
wide-awake business man of East Wil
liamsburg, has a well-stocked grocery es
tablishment and also has a large trade in the line
of flour, feed, seeds and agricultural implements.
His prosperity has not been the result of accident
or luck, but has come to him as the result of in
domitable perseverance and sound judgment,
qualities which almost invariably bring to their
possessor financial success.
Mr. Polack, as his name implies, is a German,
and was born August 6, 1854, in Hamburg.
The parents of our subject were August and
Dorothy (Brummer) Polack, the former of whom
was also born in Hamburg, December 27, 1823.
He emigrated to America with his family in the
year 1871, making settlement in East Williams
burg, where he still makes his home and is re
garded as one of its old and honored residents.
On his arrival in America Gustav H. was a lad
of seventeen years. Having acquired a practical
education in the schools of his native land he at

JJDGE THOMAS C. MacKENNA. Since
1870, the name of this gentleman has been
included in the list of successful and able
reporters on the "New York Herald." A resi
dent of Whitestone, he is ever interested in the
progress of Queens County and is a large con
tributor to all public enterprises, by which the
welfare of the people or the commercial interests
of the county may be enhanced. Mr. MacKenna
was born in Dublin, Ireland, January 31, 1847,
his parents being DiomasC. and Catherine (Mac-
guiness) MacKenna, also of Irish birth. The
father, who is still living, makes his home in the
Emerald Isle.
The subject of this sketch was reared to ma
ture years in his native land and there acquired
a good common school education. After coming
to America in 1867, he made his home in Albany
for a time. Thence he later removed to Hart
ford, Conn., and after a stay there of a few
months came to New York City; thence to
Whitestone in the year 1870, since which time
he has been connected with the "Herald."
In November, 1875, Judge MacKenna was
married to Miss Ellen M. Hill, of Whitestone,
the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (McGrath)
Hill, also residents of this place. Their union

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

53i

resulted in the birth of seven children, named
respectively, May; Irene; Emmet; Ray; Gene
vieve, deceased; Benjamin, and Helen.
In politics our subject has been a lifelong
Democrat, and on this ticket was elected police
judge, which responsible position he has held
for the past seventeen years, during which time
he has given perfect satisfaction to all con
cerned. Judge MacKenna is well versed in law,
having read Blackstone for a considerable time
prior to being elected to public office, and dur
ing the sixteen years in which he has beeen jus
tice of the peace has rendered decisions in such
an able and efficient manner that there has been
but one reversal. The interest which he has
taken in the success of the Democratic party in
his community has led to his being sent as dele
gate to various conventions. Religiously he is
a devout Catholic and a member of St. Luke's
Church. In social affairs our subject belongs to Pearl
Lodge No. 1878, K. of H. of New York City, and
Long Island Council, Royal Arcanum, which
meets in the Wilson Building of Brooklyn. He
is likewise interested in the Mutual Reserve Life*
Fund Association and belongs to the Telegraph
Mutual Association.

SMITH H. DU BOIS, proprietor of a gen
eral mercantile store, situated midway be
tween Hempstead and Lynbrook, in the
town of Hempstead, was born at Springport,
Saratoga County, N. Y., February 8, 1845,
being a son of Smith and Phoebe (Austin) Du
Bois. His father, who was born in Troy, this
state, engaged in active life at the trade of a
millwright and the occupation of a farmer. From
New York he moved to Michigan and settled in
Adrian County, where he was a pioneer. In
after years, however, he returned to New York
and now makes his home with his son, Smith H.
In. Brooklyn, where his early life was spent,
the subject of this sketch received a common
school education. At the age of sixteen he left
the schoolroom to respond to his country's call
for volunteers, and enlisted in Company I,
Fourth New York Volunteers, Scott's Life
Guard, as a private soldier. During the period
of almost two years that he remained in the serv
ice, he took part in a number of important en
gagements, among others being the battles of
South Mountain and Antietam. At the last-

named place he was wounded and received other
injuries during the service which led to his hon
orable discharge on account of disability.
On returning from the war, Mr. Du Bois en
gaged with his father in ship carpentering, con
tracting and building. In 1866 he went to Clay
County, Kan., where he bought a homestead and
remained six years. He then accepted a posi
tion in the car shops at Chicago, where he en
gaged in building railroad coaches, being in that
city at the time of the great fire. For a time after
he left Kansas his family remained on the farm
there, but in 1873 he brought them to Brooklyn,
where he entered the employ of the South Side
Railroad Company, remaining in their car shops
about three years. In 1880 he moved to his pres
ent location, three miles west of Hempstead, and
purchased of Valentine Woods the mercantile
business which he has since conducted. He has
in stock a large and well-assorted supply of ar
ticles necessary for the business and has built up
a good trade in this locality.
As a Republican, Mr. Du Bois has taken an
active part in politics and for a number of years
has acted as inspector of elections. In 1866 he
married Emily A., daughter of John H. Depuy,
formerly a resident of Staten Island, where she
was born. Our subject and his wife are the par
ents of three children, namely: Viola M.; Henry
H, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, now residing at Rockville Center; and
Frederick A., who is with his parents. The fam
ily attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
which Mrs. Du Bois and children are active
members.

R

ICHARD H. ROBBINS, a farmer of East
Williston, town of North Hempstead, was
born in Westbury, Queens County, No
vember 1, 1846, to William B. and Mary E. (Hew
lett) Robbins. His father, who was born at Ros
lyn, in 181 1, devoted his life to farming pursuits,
and after marriage settled at Westbury, where
he followed his chosen occupation. His death
occurred in April, 1869, on the old Hewlett place,
which had been his home for several years. He
was a member of the Society of Friends and was
highly respected, not only by the members of
that body, but also by all with whom he had
business or social relations. As a good man
and a generous friend he is remembered by fam
ily and acquaintances. His wife, who was a

532

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

daughter of James Hewlett, was born March 19,
1819, on the farm now owned by her son, Rich
ard H. In religious faith she was a Quaker,
which belief she honored by her consistent Chris
tian life. The farm where she was born and
died is one of the historic places of the locality
and was subject to raids by the Hessians during
the Revolutionary War.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, John
Robbins, was born in Roslyn May 28, 1780, and
his wife, Sarah (Carhart) Robbins, was born in
White Plains, Westchester County, July 19, 1788.
In the family of William B. Robbins there were
seven children, but only three attained years of
maturity and of these the only survivor is Rich
ard H. He lived at Westbury until nearly-
grown, when with his parents he moved to the
Hewlett homestead, near East Williston. He
was educated in the public and private schools,
completing his studies in the Union Hall Acad
emy of Jamaica. When he was twenty-three
years of age his father died, after which he took
control of the place, and here he has engaged
in general farming, dairying and market garden
ing. To the original one hundred acres com
prising the homestead he has added until he now
owns one hundred and eighty acres, and besides
this he owns a one-half interest in one hundred
and twenty-six acres adjoining, so that his landed
possessions aggregate two hundred and fifty
acres. During the summer months he sends his
wagon daily to the city with a load of market
gardening produce, and usually makes three
similar trips each week during the winter. He
keeps about forty cows and in the winter devotes
his attention largely to the dairy business.
Since 1884 Mr. Robbins has held the office of
collector of School District No. 2. Politically
his sympathies are with the Republican party,
though he is inclined to be independent in his
vote. His instrumentality and the efforts of
other public-spirited citizens of the community
were successful in securing the macadam roads
in the town and in promoting other measures for
the benefit of the community. He is a life mem
ber of the Queens County Agricultural Society
and is usually an exhibitor of live stock and
vegetables. He is a member of the Long Island
Farmers' Club and a director of the Long Island
Home at Amityville. He also holds membership
in Roslyn Lodge, Shield of Honor. In the East
Williston Hook and Ladder Company, of which
he was a charter member, he held the position of

its first president, and is also a charter member
of the Westbury Protective Association, in
which he has held the position of president since
it was organized in 1890.
January 27, 1885, occurred the marriage of
Mr. Robbins to Miss Margaret Ketcham, who
was born and reared at Manhasset, L. L, being a
daughter of George W. and Gulielma Ketcham.
The name which her mother bore, that of Guli
elma, is one seldom found except among the
Quakers, who have used it as far back as the rec
ords can be traced; it was the Christian name of
the second wife of William Penn, and was given
a number of times to the daughters of preceding
generations of this family. The grandfather of
Mrs. Robbins was George D. Ketcham, a promi
nent citizen of this county and for many years
clerk of the town of North Hempstead. Mr.
and Mrs. Robbins are the parents of two daugh
ters, Mary H. and Gulielma.

CHARLES L. WALLACE, editor of the
"South Side Observer," of Rockville Cen
ter, was born in Ponsonby, Ontario, De
cember 13, 1855, and is a son of Donald and Har
riet (Lasby) Wallace. On his father's side he
traces his lineage to Scotland, while his mother
was of English birth and ancestry, and in the
combination of the honest thrift of one race with
the will power and determination of the other
nation may be found the impelling force that has
led to his success. His paternal grandparents,
George and Margaret Wallace, died at the re
spective ages of seventy-four and sixty-six, and
his maternal grandparents, Charles and Mary
Lasby, died when eighty-nine and sixty-eight, re
spectively. The father of our subject was born in Ross-
shire, Scotland, February 14, 1816, emigrated
from his native land to Caracas, South America,
thence to Ontario, and later removed to Pasa
dena, Cal., where he now resides. His occupa
tion through his active years was that of a farmer,
and he also engaged for a time in business as a
manufacturing chemist, but at this writing he is
living retired. In 1838 he married Miss Harriet
Lasby, who was born in London, England, in
1822, and they became the parents of the follow
ing-named children, all of whom are living: John
D., Lavinia M., George, Charles L., Albert J.,
Francis S., Matilda H, Alexander H, and
Mary A.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

533

In the public schools and Rockwood Academy,
Charles L. Wallace acquired a practical educa
tion. Coming to Rockville Center, he began to
learn the printer's trade in 1873, and soon had a
thorough knowledge of the typographical art.
In 1875 he became editor of the "South Side Ob
server," and is still the editor and half-owner of
the newspaper property at Rockville Center. Be
sides this work, he has established an extensive
real estate business here and in Freeport and
vicinity, having sold over $3,000,000 worth of
property since 1885, and having been instru
mental in locating hundreds of families in the
South Side villages, between Rockaway and
Babylon. At Merrick, L. I., October 1, 1879, Mr. Wal
lace was united in marriage to Miss Emily E.
Smith, a member of one of the oldest families of
that locality, whose first representatives in this
country came from England to Stamford, Conn.,
and thence to Merrick, in 1654. Her father,
Carman Smith, was born on the ancestral home
stead settled by the "Rock" Smith family, and at
this writing resides with his daughter in Freeport.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of two sons^»
Roy Smith and Clyde Carman Wallace, who are
being educated in Miss Field's Academy and
Freeport Union School. The family attend the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr.
Wallace is connected with the Freeport Lodge
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Le
gion of Honor, Foresters, fire department, Union
League Club, and the Lincoln Club. Politically
a Republican, he has never sought recognition in
an official capacity, the only positions he has ever
held being those of treasurer of the school board
and examiner of state regents school.

which he had evinced a decided talent, and for
four years was engaged upon several metropoli
tan and Brooklyn papers.
In the year 1890 Mr. Robinson was the Repub
lican candidate for the office of overseer of the
poor and made an unprecedented canvass, being
defeated by a very small majority. The year fol
lowing he was unanimously nominated by his
party for the office of town clerk and at the polls
defeated his opponent, who was considered a
very strong candidate. On the expiration of his
first term, as well as the second and third, he was
retained in office, each time with an increasing
majority, until in 1894 he received six hundred
votes more than his opponent, which fully shows
the esteem in which he is held, the public taking
this opportunity of showing their appreciation of
his services.
Socially Mr. Robinson is a member of Mizpah
Lodge No. 738, F. & A. M., in which he has
filled the offices of secretary and warden. He is
very prominent in the councils of his party and
at the present time is chairman of the Republican
Town Committee. He belongs to Newtown
Council No. 717, Royal Arcanum, and is a reg
ular communicant of St. James Protestant Epis
copal Church. He is an energetic, wide-awake
young man, and possesses the confidence of the
people and the good-will of all who know him.

JOHN T. ROBINSON, who was town clerk
of Newtown, from 1891 to 1896, is one of
the rising young men of the county. He
was born in this place March 11, 1868, and here
grew to mature years. While attending the pub
lic schools of Newtown he also devoted a part of
his time to mastering the "art preservative" in
the office of the "Newtown Register." At the
age of fourteen he was pronounced an expert
compositor, and on leaving school worked for
two years in the office of the "Register." From
there he went to New York City, where he was
employed as a journeyman in various large
offices. He then took up reportorial work, for

JUDGE GUSTAV SCHUMACHER, justice
of the peace of East Williamsburg, is one of
the substantial and influential men of the
county. Like many of its best residents he was
born in Wurtemberg, Germany,, the date thereof
being May 11, 1856. His parents were Michael
and Caroline (Wiedmann) Schumacher, also born
in the Fatherland. The only other member of
their household besides our subject was Albert,
who is now deceased.
Michael Schumacher was born in the year
1825 and was therefore in the fortieth year of his
age when, in 1865, he emigrated to America. In
New York City he engaged in the saloon busi
ness until 1874, and in September of that year he
came to Middle Village and embarked in the
hotel business, conducting a neat and well-or
dered hotel until his decease, which occurred in
1 881. The subject of this sketch attended school for
a time in the Fatherland and after coming to New
York continued to give his attention to his

534

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

studies until a lad of fourteen years, when he was
apprenticed to learn the piano-maker's trade,
working at the same for four years. Next he
was engaged in working at the lithographer's
trade with his brother, and later he came to
Middle Village with his father. Becoming inter
ested in the hotel business he assisted in running
the place for three years, or until 1877, when he
established the Metropolitan Park, which was
devoted to recreation and amusement, managing
the same until 1892.
In 1894 our subject was elected to the office of
justice of the peace on the Republican ticket and
the following January entered upon the duties
of this position. He has the favor of the people
of the community to a remarkable degree, and his
services have been highly appreciated. In New
York City, November 22, 1877, he was married
to Miss Minnie Sillinger, a native of New York
City. She is a most estimable and well-educated
lady and their union has been blessed by the
birth of a son, Albert G., now a lad of eight
years. Mr. Schumacher is a member of the Har
vest Home Society, and being a talented musician
and a great lovei of music, belongs to the Arion
Singing Society of Brooklyn.

WYCKOFF STOOTHOFF. Within the
limits of Queens County there can be
found no family whose members enjoy
to a larger degree the confidence and regard of
the people, than that of which the gentleman
named, is a representative. He is a well-to-do
farmer of this section and makes his home in
Crocheron Avenue, in the town of Flushing. He
was born at Flatbush, February 26, 1824, and is
the son of William and Sarah (Wyckoff) Stoot-
hoff. Of their family of four children, our sub
ject and William are the only survivors.
The father, who was a veteran of the War of
1 81 2, was of Holland-Dutch descent. His an
cestors came to America early in the sixteenth
century and made settlement at Flatlands, where
they became 'numerous and prominent. It was
there that the father of our subject was born, Feb
ruary 8, 1793. He was the son of Cornelius
Stoothoff, who in turn was the son of one Wil
liam Stoothoff, also born in Flatlands. William
Stoothoff, our subject's father, was married May
20, 1820, his wife being the daughter of Barent
Wyckoff. The latter was also a resident of

Flatlands, and bore the distinction of having
served in the Revolutionary War.
Shortly after his marriage the father gave his
entire attention to the carpenter's trade, which he
had mastered in his young manhood, and fol
lowed this business until he was about fifty years
of age. Desirous of spending his remaining years
amid the comforts of farm life, he retired to a
beautiful place in the town of Jamaica, where he
lived to the good old age of eighty-six years,
dying January 26, 1880. His wife survived him
some seven years, being in her eighty-seventh
year at the time of her decease, November 1, 1887.
Wyckoff, of this history, acquired a fine edu
cation in Erasmus Hall Academy. When about
eighteen years of age he accompanied his father
to Jamaica and assisted in the cultivation of the
farm until his marriage. That event, which was
celebrated January 25, 1853, united him with
Miss Maria B., daughter of Henry Story, a native
of Hempstead. The young couple then took
possession of the farm on which they now reside
and for forty-three years have given their atten
tion to cultivating the soil. Their efforts in this
line have been crowned with success, for they
are numbered among the substantial residents of
the town.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stoothoff there were born
four children, three of whom are living. William
is at home and assists in conducting the farm;
Cornelius W. is married and makes his home at
East Williston, where he is engaged in farming.
Eliza S. is also at home with her parents. In his
political relations Mr. Stoothoff is a true-blue Re
publican, and on this ticket was elected a mem
ber of the school board, meeting with that body
and rendering his district efficient and satisfac
tory service for three years. For forty-three
years he has worshiped with the Reformed
Church at Flushing.

WILLIAM H. SEAMAN. The firm of
S. J. & W. H. Seaman, of Glencove,
is one of the most successful in their
line in Queens County, their large establishment
being stocked with a full line of house furnishing
goods. Besides this, the brothers derive a hand
some income from their plumbing and roofing
business. They manufacture their own tinware,
and, having a full knowledge of every department
of work in which they are engaged, are meeting
with success.

CHARLES A. WILLETS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The subject of this sketch was born at Jericho,
February 12, 1868, being a son of Elias H. and
Phebe (Underhill) Seaman, who reside in a com
fortable residence in Jericho. When a lad of
about twelve years our subject entered the
Friends Academy at Glencove, and after com
pleting a four-years' course there entered the
Freshman class of Swarthmore College, at
Swarthmore, Pa., graduating from this institution
with the class of '88. While there he made a
study of civil engineering, and upon leaving col
lege was given a position with the Reading Rail
road Company in Pennsylvania, remaining with
% that corporation just one year. He then engaged
in the manufacture of furnaces, and after carry
ing on this business for a twelvemonth became
associated with his brother, S. J., in business, the
partnership being formed in the spring of 1890.
By well directed efforts and business enterprise
they are in command of a very remunerative trade
and have a well equipped establishment in Glen
cove. Politically Mr. Seaman deposits his ballot in
favor of Republican candidates. He has never
been an officeseeker in any sense of the word,
but at various times has served as inspector of
elections. He was reared in the faith of the
Friends Church, as were his ancestors for many
generations. The marriage of W. H. Seaman and Miss Mar
garet J. Laurie, of Jericho, a daughter of William
W. and Frances (Seaman) Laurie, was celebrated
June 7, 1893. She was born and reared in the
above place, and, like our subject, is a graduate
of Swarthmore College, completing her studies
in that institution in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman
have one son, William Laurie, born July 27, 1894.

CHARLES A. WILLETS. Business con
nections lasting a period of forty years
are very rare in the village of Flushing,
and when a firm is found with that many years
attached to its record it is surely deserving of
mention in the pages of commercial and financial
history of this section. Charles A. Willets is a
prominent business man of the flourishing vil
lage above mentioned and for forty years was in
partnership with Mr. Roe, only the latter's death
causing a separation. After that Mr. Willets
closed out the business. He is one of the owners
of the Red Star Towing and Transportation
Company of New York City, which is doing a
21

537
large and successful business. Liberal and pub
lic spirited to an unusual degree, he has many
warm friends.
Mr. Willets is a native of Flushing, born July
20, 1826, and was next to the youngest of three
children born to Charles and Ann W. (Lowerre)
Willets, both natives of Flushing and prominent
citizens of that place. The Willetses came origin
ally from England, Suffolk County, about the
year 1660, and settled on Long Island, where
most of their descendants have remained since.
The father of our subject was the first nursery
man in the vicinity of Flushing. About the year
1823 he bought about one hundred and seventy
acres near Flushing, and this was called Willet's
Point. He died in 1832. His wife, who was the
daughter of John Lowerre, reached the advanced
age of eighty-six years. Of her three children,
one besides our subject is now living, Mrs. A. A.
De Grauw of Jamaica.
After the death of his father our subject was
sent to boarding school at Hempstead, and later
attended school in New Jersey, where he fin
ished his education. Returning to Queens Coun
ty he sold the farm at Willet's Point and entered
upon a successful business career in Flushing.
He organized the gas company and erected the
gas works, and in 1856 started out in business in
partnership with George B. Roe, under the name
of George B. Roe & Co. Besides carrying on a
lumber business they handled building material
of all kinds. They began in the docks, but later
bought the large dock in Lawrence Avenue, and
about 1870 located their office there. Most of the
lumber was brought by boat. They bought a tug
which they ran to Albany and Troy, and later
engaged in the towing business quite extensive
ly, this being the origin of the Red Star Towing
and/Transportation Company, which has offices
in New York City and Brooklyn. Mr. Willets
is still interested in this individually and is a
wide-awake, stirring business man.
On the 1st of March, 1895, when about sev
enty-five years old, Mr. Roe died, and Mr. Wil
lets then closed out the business. He owns con
siderable real estate here and has a fine residence
at No. 201 Sanford Avenue which is presided
over by his estimable wife, formerly Miss Adel
aide Hicks, whom he married in Jamaica. She
was born on the old Hicks farm in North Hemp
stead. Her father, Gilbert Hicks, was a promi
nent hotel man of Flushing. In the year 1854
Mr. Willets started the Flushing Gas .Light Com-

538

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pany and has been treasurer of it ever since.
Fraternally he is a member of Cornucopia Lodge
No. 563, F. & A. M., and was at one time an Odd
Fellow. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
His children, two in number, are as follows:
Charles A., Jr., manager and superintendent of
Flushing Gas Light Company; and Mary E., at
home.

CHRISTIAN STOEHR has made a suc
cess of life and is now living retired from
business of any kind at Bayside. A native
of Germany, he was born in Hesse-Darmstadt,
November 28, 1839, a son of John Conrad and
Caroline (Mahring) Stoehr. The parental family
included four children, those now surviving being
our subject and his brother Carl, who still makes
his home in the Fatherland.
John C. Stoehr, who was born in Germany in
the year 1800, was reared to the life of a farmer
and followed this occupation on the home place
until his death, which occurred in 1849. Our
subject was given a good common-school educa
tion, and as he grew to mature years learned the
trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in Ger
many until reaching his twenty-sixth year. He
then determined to try his fortunes in the New
World, and accordingly took passage for Amer
ica, landing in New York August 29, 1865. He
had little difficulty in securing employment at his
trade, and after eighteen months he was in a
position to engage in business for himself, open
ing a shop in Fifth Street. Later he removed to
Fortieth Street, where he was successfully en
gaged in business for a number of years. In 1876,
however, he abandoned work at his trade and
began butchering, which business proved to be a
success from the start, and during the twenty-
years in which he was thus engaged he amassed
a handsome competence.
In 1892 our subject purchased his present com
fortable home in Bayside and removed hither
with his family, leaving his market to the man
agement of his son Christian and his son-in-law,
George Willy. He makes two trips each week
to the city and assists in buying the meat, giving
to his successors much valuable aid and advice.
The marriage of Mr. Stoehr and Miss Eliza
Koch was celebrated November 7, 1865. This
lady was born April 16, 1840, in Hesse-Darm
stadt, and came to America about the same year
in which Mr. Stoehr took passage. Their union

has been blessed by the birth of six children.
Caroline, the wife of John Volz, has two children,
Louise and Gertrude; Louise, Mrs. George Willy,
has two children, Christian and George; Chris
tian and Gertrude complete the list of those living.
William and Tilly are deceased. Mr. Stoehr is
a member of the Independent Schuetzen Asso
ciation and for many years has been identified
prominently with the Butchers' Guard, of which,
in 1895, he was made captain, and recently sub
scribed a handsome sum which was used in giv
ing the boys a vacation. He is a true Christian
gentleman and an active member of the Luth
eran Church. Although he is a member of the ,
Democratic Club of this place he votes independ
ently. Personally he bears a high reputation for
honesty and upright dealings with his fellow-men,
and is always to be found in the front ranks in
works of improvement and public benefit.

JOHN STEWART, the proprietor of one of
the neatest and most attractive farms at Bay-
side, is a native of the Emerald Isle, his
birth occurring near Belfast. The parents, John
and Mary (Borden) Stewart, had two daughters
and one son besides our subject. Margaret is the
wife of John Richey, a resident of Monterey, N.
Y.; Jane married Charles Clark and also lives in
Monterey; and James, who is a farmer by occu
pation, is cultivating a nice tract of land at Bay-
side. John Stewart, Sr., was also born and reared in
Ireland, and when ready to embark in life for
himself chose farming as his vocation. About
the year 1845 he decided to emigrate to America,
and after landing on the shores of the New World
came immediately to Bayside and spent the re
mainder of his life in this charming locality. In
1889 he passed away, firm in the faith of the
German Reformed Church, of which he was a
member. He was a highly esteemed citizen of
Bayside and by hard work and economy attained
a competency as regards this world's goods.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of about
fifteen years when he accompanied his father to
America. He then commenced the battles of life
on his own account, hiring out as a farm hand,
and for twenty-five years worked for other peo
ple. Pie then purchased the home farm from
his father and in 1870 he took possession of the
property and cared for his parents during their
old age. He is now one of the solid and substan-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

539

tial residents of the town of Flushing and is an
example of what may be accomplished by push
and energy.
The lady to whom Mr. Stewart was married,
September 12, 1868, was Miss Bridget Agnew,
then residing in Bayside, but who was also born
in Ireland. She is a devout Catholic, while Mr.
Stewart belongs to the Reformed Church, in the
faith of which he was reared by his worthy par
ents. He supports the candidates of the Repub
lican party whenever an opportunity presents
itself and is a citizen of public spirit and progres-
siveness who has done much for the upbuilding
and devolopment of his community.

DBADENHOP, who is proprietor of the
Monument House, one of the most
• popular hotels of Flushing, was born
in Hanover, Germany, December 24, 1840. Deid-
rick Badenhop, his father, was born in the same
place and was a wealthy and influential farmer.
He spent his entire life in his native land, dying
when about seventy years old. His marriage
united him with Miss Anna Sophia Kruse, a na-*
tive of Germany, and the daughter of John Kruse,
who was an extensive land owner and a very
wealthy man. Both were members of the Old
Lutheran Church, and she died when a compara
tively young woman. Of the nine children born
to them, six grew to mature years, but all are
now deceased with the exception of our subject.
The youngest of the family, he was reared in
his native country, on his father's farm, and was
educated in the public schools. In 1855 he came
to America and located in New York City. At
first he clerked in a grocery, at the same time
attending night school, and later he was on an
American steamship as foreman, running between
New York City and Aspinwall, and was on the
"Illinois" when she broke her shaft. Later he
again became clerk in a grocery in New York,
but about 1863 he embarked in business with his
brother and continued with him about six months.
About 1865 he ventured out in the coal business
for himself in New York City, but subsequently
sold out and visited his native land, where he re
mained one summer. Returning to New York,
he opened a grocery and liquor house and was
actively engaged in this for about seven years.
Subsequently our subject engaged in the
trucking business in the Empire City, but met
with an accident which disabled him for five

years. Later he again embarked in the coal
business, also dealing in ice, and about ten years
afterward, in the fall of 1884, he moved to Flush
ing. Here he bought out Charles Fitzner, pro
prietor of the Monument House, and after build
ing additions to the house and improving it in
every way, opened up as hotel keeper. He is
finely located for his business and is meeting with
well deserved success. His house is generally
full, and he has accommodated as many as one
hundred and twenty individuals at a time.
Mr. Badenhop was married in New York City
to Miss Metter Menken, a native of Hanover,
Germany, and they have three living children:
Charles, with a life insurance company of New
York; Mamie and Richard. Politically he is a
Democrat, and fraternally a Knight of Pythias.
He is a member of the Liquor Dealers' Associa
tion, and the German Rifle Club, and in reljgion
is a Lutheran.

FRED W. BURK was born February 3, 1859,
in the village of Flushing, where he now
resides. He is a descendant of German
ancestors, by whom the family name was spelled
Berks, but this was changed to the American
form of Burk by his grandfather, Peter, a native
of Germany, who became an early settler of Phil
adelphia. William, father of our subject, was
born in Germany and was the oldest of four sons,
his brothers being Conrad, John and Jacob, of
whom the last-named was killed in the Civil War.
At the age of ten years William Burk left home
to begin an apprenticeship as a cigarmaker.
Seven years later he went to New York, where
for a time he worked in the employ of others, but
afterward engaged in business for himself in Sixth
Avenue, being a member of the firm of Burk &
Wolf. Failing health induced him, in 1858, to
locate in Flushing, where he opened a factory and
continued the manufacture and sale of cigars un
til his death in 1888, at the age of sixty-two years.
In religious belief he was identified with the
Methodist Episcopal Church. His brothers, Con
rad and John, are still residents of Philadelphia.
His wife, who resides with our subject, bore the
maiden name of Harriet Stillwagon, and was
born in Flushing, being a descendant of Hessian
ancestors, who came to this village from New
Jersey. The parental family consists of four children,
all living, of whom Fred W. is next to the oldest.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

54°
He was reared in Flushing, receiving a good ed
ucation in the public and high schools. Under
the instruction of his father he learned the cigar-
maker's trade and at the death of the latter, in
1888, he succeeded to the business, which he has
since conducted, furnishing employment to five
hands. Under his supervision the place has been
remodeled and valuable improvements intro
duced. The business, both in wholesale and re
tail lines, is large, the superior quality of the
cigars having secured a good trade. All of the
leading brands are manufactured, including the
"Espenola," "Gloriana," "F. W. B." and "La
Esprecion," a ten-cent cigar. At the factory, No.
5 Main Street, a full line of smoker's supplies is
kept on hand, and the place is not only the oldest
cigar house in Flushing but one of the best as
well. The wife of Mr. Burk, who was Emma Chap
man of Brooklyn, died in 1893, leaving one son,
Elmer E. Socially our subject is connected with
the Order of Foresters and Cornucopia Lodge
No. 563, F. & A. M. He also takes an active
interest in the Flushing Boat Club. All measures
for the development of the interests of the place
receive his hearty co-operation, and he aids pub
lic projects with his time and means. He served
in Empire Hose Company No. 1 and contributed
to the success of the fire department. As a citizen
he favors the election of the men best qualified
to represent the people in civic affairs and the
encouragement of those measures best calcu
lated to promote the prosperity of the commu
nity.

WILLIAM H. SCHEURER is a widely
experienced hotel man and thoroughly
understands the difficult art of modern
hotel keeping. By his able management the
Queens County Hotel, of Long Island City, has
developed a large and desirable patronage and is
firmly established. Mr. Schemer is a shrewd
business man and is so genial and wholesouled
that his friendship is prized and his hospitality is
sought again and again. He was born in the
village of Newtown, Queens County, November
6, i860, and is a son of Christian Scheurer.
Our subject was reared in his native village and
received a good education there and in the fourth
ward school of Long Island City. When fifteen
years old he was employed in the locksmith
branch of the Steinway piano manufacturing es

tablishment, but at the end of five years resigned
to embark in business on his own responsibility.
His mother had built the hotel in 1873 and our
subject helped manage it. In 1880 he became the
proprietor and a year or two later bought the
entire concern. The Queens County Hotel,
which is 30x65 feet, is three stories in height, and
is the oldest hotel in Flushing Avenue. Mr.
Scheurer is also a partner in the firm of William
H. Scheurer & Co., proprietors of the Astor
House at Ninety-second Street Ferry, which is
one of the finest buildings in Long Island City,
and is also interested in Astoria Hotel, just oppo
site Astor Hotel. He is thoroughly experienced
in all that relates to the hotel business, and those
who have enjoyed his warm hospitality will ever
retain the most pleasureable recollections of his
hotels. On the 26th of May, 1883, Mr. Scheurer was
married to Miss Margaret Mimphius, a native of
New York City, and daughter of John and Mar
garet (Hattie) Mimphius, the former a native of
Holland and the latter of Germany. Mr. Mimphius
came to America when a young man and located
in New York City, where he engaged in the
bakery business and was also a successful gro-
ceryman there. He and his wife were devout
members of the Catholic Church. Eight of their
eleven children are now living, and Mrs. Scheurer,
who is the fourth in order of birth, was reared in
New York City.
By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Scheurer be
came the parents of six children, as follows:
Henry, Margaret, John A., Christie, Georgie and
Josephine. In his social relations Mr. Scheurer
is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, being a charter member of John Allen
Lodge No. 330, Astoria, and he is an active mem
ber of the Church of the Redeemer. Mrs.
Scheurer holds to the belief of her childhood and
is an earnest Catholic. In politics our subject is
a Democrat and is a member of the Fourth Ward
Democratic Club.

W

'ILLIAM C. BOLLER, who is engaged
in the manufacture of soda and mineral
waters at College Point, was born in
this village October 29, 1865, and is a son of
Jacob and Julia (Grell) Boiler, natives of Ger
many. His father, who was born in Hesse-Darm
stadt, became an early settler of College Point,
where he was engaged in the merchant tailoring

JAMES NORTON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

543

business for many years, but is now living retired
from active work. William C. is next to the
youngest of the family of three sons and one
daughter. He received a practical education in
Fuerst's Academy, from which he graduated.
The first position obtained by our subject was
in the employ of the Budweiser Brewing Com
pany, Limited, with whom he remained for some
time as collector, then became shipping clerk and
later was made assistant bookkeeper, after which
he was given charge of the ale department when
it was started. In the fall of 1894 he resigned his
position and purchased the soda manufacturing
business, which he has since conducted. This is
situated in Sixteenth Street, near Fourth Avenue,
where a large wholesale and retail business in the
manufacture of soda and mineral waters and the
bottling of ale is carried on. Mr. Boiler makes
all his own syrups, which are of the very finest
quality. During the busy season he has three
wagons engaged in filling orders, which are not
limited to College Point, but extend to Flushing,
Whitestone, Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston,
Manhasset, Lakeville, Fowlerville, Corona, New
town and Woodside.
Socially Mr. Boiler is connected«with the orders
of Red Men and Foresters. Since 1890 he has
been a fireman in the Enterprise Hose Company
No. 2. In addition to his soda manufacturing
business he is the exclusive representative of Bud
weiser ale on Long Island.

JAMES NORTON was born November 25,
1847, to William and Mary Ann (Braden)
Norton, natives of Ireland, who came to
America and located in Oyster Bay. In 1864
the father and our subject's younger brother,
William, were drowned in Oyster Bay by the
capsizing of a row boat. The mother was thus
left a widow with seven children, of whom our
subject was the eldest, and as a consequence
much of the support of the family fell on his boy
ish shoulders. Previous to the death of his father
he had attended school three or four months each
year, during the winter season, but in summer
worked on the farm.
At the time of his father's death young Norton
was deck hand on the schooner "Sarah Eliza
beth," owned by Smith Brothers, and he was
in their employ for about two years. After that
he went to New York City and became conductor
on a street car, holding that position for about

six years. Returning to Oyster Bay he em
barked in the grocery business, which he carried
on for about two years. On the 22d of October,
1872, he married Miss Mary A. Murphy, a na
tive of Ireland but a resident of Glencove at the
time of her marriage. Three children were the
fruits of this union: William D., who is now in
the employ of E. R. Laredew, a leather dealer of
New York City; James E. and Mary E.
After quitting the grocery business Mr. Nor
ton moved with his family to Glencove, where
he engaged in the hotel business, successfully
conducting the same for about twenty years.
While thus occupied his wife died, and his sec
ond union occurred June 16, 1886, with Miss
Mary E. Molitor, a native of Brookville, Queens
County. Two children were born to them, as
follows: Edna E., who died when seven years
old, and Frank Vincent, whose birth occurred in
Glencove February 16, 1888.
In the year 1873 Mr. Norton was elected con
stable for the town of Oyster Bay by the Dem
ocratic party and re-elected in 1874-75. He was
^wice elected collector of taxes in the town and
twice elected county superintendent of the poor
of Queens County, serving six years. In 1891
his peculiar fitness for the office of sheriff led to
his election to the same and he began his duties
as such on the 1st of January, 1892, filling that
position most ably for three years. Mr. Norton
is a member of the Democratic Central Commit
tee and has been delegate to town, county and
state conventions. For some time he has been
a member of the Seacliff Yacht Club and a mem
ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

J

ACOB B. HUNTER, for many years one of
the residents of Hunter's Point, comes of
one of the honored families of this district
who have been noted for their industrious and
thrifty qualities. His father, Richard B. Hunter,
was born at this place, while his father, bearing
the name of George Hunter, came from England.
During the Revolutionary War he served as
captain of a sailing vessel employed by the gov
ernment, and one on occasion deposited a cargo
of powder in one of the towns on Newtown
Creek. Grandfather Hunter, on the cessation of hostil
ities, returned to his native land, and some time
thereafter came again to America and married
the only daughter of Jacob Bennett, a Hollander,

544

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

then the owner of a fine farm in Greenpoint. The
young couple made their home on a farm, which
had been given them, until after their children
were reared to mature years, when Captain Hun
ter engaged in business as a wholesale and retail
grocer in New York, but made his home in Hun
ter's Point, where his wife owned a fine tract of
land, which had been inherited from her father,
who was a large property owner on the island.
This place, which was then a hamlet, was named
in his honor and has ever since been known as
Hunter's Point.
To Grandfather Hunter and his wife there were
born three sons and three daughters, of whom
Jacob B. and John were for many years promi
nent business men in New York City. Richard,
father of our subject, gave his attention to farm
ing, purchasing a fine tract of land in what is
now Dutch Kills, a suburb of Long Island City,
but which at that time was a portion of the town
of Newtown. His property included thirty acres,
which he cultivated in a most profitable manner
until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-
eight years old. He was a devoted member of the
Episcopal Church and was interested in all wor
thy movements in his neighborhood.
Our subject's mother, formerly Jane Van Alst,
was born in Dutch Kills, on what is now the cor
ner of Jackson and Skillman Avenues. Her father
was Henry Van Alst, whose birth occurred near
the court house in Long Island City. Mr. Van
Alst was the owner of a large farm in Jackson
Avenue, a part of which he sold to the father of
our subject. He was very successful in all his
ventures and several years before his death lived
in ease and comfort in a pleasant home in the
city. He was about sixty-five years old at the
time of his decease.
To Richard B. and Jane Hunter there were
born four children, only two of wdiom grew to
mature years: George H., a resident of Long Is
land City, and Jacob B., the subject of this sketch.
The latter, who was born in Jackson Avenue
April 12, 1838, was reared on his father's farm,
and, like most of the youths of that day and local
ity, acquired his education in the subscription
schools. He continued to make his home under
the parental roof until his marriage to Miss Jane
A. Mount, which occurred in Springfield, or Fos
ters Meadow, May 2, 1858. Mrs. Hunter was
born in New York City and was the daughter of
Zebulon Mount, a native of Monmouth County,
N. J., where he was for many years a well-to-do

farmer. He later removed to New York City,
where he was engaged for a time as car-man, and
on leaving the city became the owner of a farm at
Fosters Meadow, L. I., where several years later
he was killed by an attack of a mad bull.
Grandfather Samuel Mount was also a native
of New Jersey and was classed among its old
pioneer farmers. The mother of Mrs. Hunter
bore the maiden name of Mary A. Manley. Her
birth likewise occurred in New Jersey and she
was the daughter of Richard R. Manley, who
amassed a handsome fortune as a hatter, and for
many years previous to his death lived retired
from work of any kind. Mrs. Mount died in 1869,
when sixty-one years of age. With her husband,
she was a consistent member of the Reformed
Church. She was given an excellent education in
the best schools of New Jersey and was a lady of
much refinement and culture. She became the
mother of nine children, of whom five are now
living, namely: Samuel, a resident of Brooklyn;
Andrew M., a farmer of Rosedale; George W.,
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Springfield;
Jane A., the wife of our subject; and Ellen, who
married Jacob Kinzie, of Rosedale. Richard R.
departed this life when sixty-two years of age;
John died at Rosedale when in his fortieth year;
and Aaron and Voorhees were also living in that
place at the time of their demise.
Mr. Hunter continued to farm the old place
until the property became very valuable, when
he divided his thirty-acre tract into city lots and
sold them at a handsome advance in price. He
still, however, is the owner of many buildings,
some of which are located in Jackson, Hunter
and Harris Avenues, while others are to be found
in Jane, Henry, Radde and Crescent Streets. Mr.
Hunter occupies a fine home in Hunter Avenue,
near Jane Street, which is one of the best loca
tions in the city.
To our subject and his excellent wife there have
been born six children: Margaret O, now Mrs.
George E. Clay, of Long Island City; Ellen W.,
the wife of William Hughes, also a resident of
that city; Elizabeth J., whose husband, Anthony
Ertcl, is a druggist of Brooklyn ; Jacob Bennett,
Jr., engaged with Mr. Clay in the real estate busi
ness; Richard B., who died when seven years of
age; and Charles, who died in infancy. In relig
ious matters Mr. Hunter attends services at the
Episcopal Church, while his wife is a member of
the Dutch Reformed Congregation in this place.
In politics he is independent, reserving his right

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

545

to support the man who in his judgment will best
fulfill the duties of the office. He has never de
sired to hold office, but on one occasion was pre
vailed upon to accept the position of school trus
tee, which he filled acceptably for one term.

CHARLES EDWARD HUSSON has
been steadily growing in popularity since
he engaged in business in Queens, and
is now one of the leading merchants of the place.
He was born in Williamsburg December 5, 1863,
the youngest of eight children, six of whom are
now living, born to Thomas T. and Josephine T.
(Whitehead) Husson, the former of whom was
born in England. Like many other youths before
him, he determined to go to sea, and after a num
ber of years thus spent retired from a seafaring
life with the rank of captain, and engaged as a
stevedore in New York City. After following
this occupation for mam/ years he became quite
well-to-do in worldly goods, and later in life re
moved to Hollis, where his declining years were
spent. The subject of this sketch was surrounded by
the usual kindly and wholesome home influences
while growing up and his education was ob
tained in the district schools of Hollis and in
Union Hall Academy of Jamaica. He was
brought up on a farm, thoroughly learning its
details, and it was perhaps but natural that he
should follow agriculture when first starting out
to make his own way in the world, the home
farm being placed in his charge by his father
when he had reached the age of twenty-one
years. In this work he was assisted by an older
brother, and they continued the management of
the place for three years, at the end of which time
the brother purchased a place of his own and
Charles E. for eleven months drove a market
wagon for him. For a like length of time he fol
lowed this calling for another man, then in 1890
opened his present general mercantile establish
ment, in partnership with George P. Schnurr and
Adrian Belknap. This partnership continued
about five years, when Mr. Husson purchased the
interest of one of his partners and about one year
later became the sole proprietor of the establish
ment and has conducted the affairs of the house
in a most businesslike and thorough manner and
has demonstrated that he possesses executive
ability of no mean order.
April 10, 1895, occurred the marriage of our

subject with Miss Gertrude A. Suffern, an intel
ligent and amiable woman, who was born in New
York City. Mr. Husson has always supported
the principles of the Republican party, but is in
no sense of the term a politician, as his time is
fully demanded by his business. Socially he is a
member of the American Legion of Honor. He
is of the stuff of which good citizens are made
and his present outlook for the future is bright.

PROF. OTTO SUSS. While his residence
in America covers a period of a compara
tively few years only, Professor Suss has
already gained a knowledge of our national in
stitutions, our customs and language. At the
same time he has become known as a musician of
superior talent, one who has achieved unusual
success in mastering the intricacies of the art and
who has the ability to impart to others much of
his own skill and entrusiastic love for rhythmic
harmonies. The Professor's parents were Ludwig and Hen
rietta (Newman) Suss, natives of Koenigsburg,
province of East Prussia, where they spent their
entire lives, both dying there of cholera in 1866.
They were a worthy couple, faithful members of
the Lutheran Church and honest and honorable
in their intercourse with all their associates. Their
only child, Otto, was born in Koenigsburg in
i860, and spent the first six years of his life on
his father's farm. The sudden death of his par
ents leaving him the sole survivor of the family,
he was taken into the home of a brother of his
mother, who owned and cultivated a large farm.
His uncle gave him good educational advantages,
sending him at the age of eight, to the gymna
sium at Koenigsburg, wdiere he remained until
completing the junior year.
Meantime the boy had developed a passionate
fondness for music, and his evident talent in that
direction was cultivated under the fostering care
of Professor Koehler, a celebrated musician, who
took the greatest care in his musical education.
On leaving school he taught in a seminary in
East Prussia for two years, being instructor in
instrumental and vocal music. Later he went
to Posen, where for three years he held a private
position as teacher of music. In 1890 he came
to America and settled in Long Island City,
where he has since given his attention to teach
ing vocal and instrumental music. Besides a
large number of scholars here, he teaches in New

546

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

York City, and is vocal instructor in the free
German school in Yorkville, N. Y. In his last
concert he had four hundred and seventy-eight
children in a chorus. At the concert in Grand
Central Palace in the-spring of 1895 he had a
chorus of over eight hundred children from the
different schools of the city.
The home of Professor Suss, situated at No.
288 Ninth Avenue, is presided over by his wife,
who bore the maiden name of Hannah Wulff,
being a daughter of George Wulff. She was born
in Long Island City, where she received her
education and was married. The Professor ad
heres in religious belief to the faith of his fore
fathers and is a devout follower of Martin Luther.
He is the leader of the Arbeiter Leidertafel Sing
ing Association and of the Long Island City
Leidertafel, also the Helvetia Switzer Choir. In
addition, he is a teacher of local choirs and a
member of the Long Island City Froshinn Sing
ing Society.

JOHN D. GERKEN. No business man of
Astoria, Long Island City, is more prosper-
'ous than he whose name introduces this
sketch and who has been identified with the com
mercial interests of this locality for many years.
That he has done well is evidenced by the fact
that he is now building a new store, with a front
age of 44x50, and situated on Grand and Second
Avenues. This structure is of brick and is two
stories in height, being admirably adapted for its
intended purpose. Mr. Gerken will occupy it in
May, 1896, if the present plans are carried out.
As the name indicates, the Gerken family is of
German lineage and origin. Our subject was born
in the province of Bremen in 1847, and is a son of
Charles and Margaret (Meyer) Gerken, also na
tives of that part of Germany. His paternal
grandfather, John Gerken, was a farmer, and
two of his brothers served in the German army
during the Napoleonic wars, taking part in the
memorable conflict at Waterloo. The maternal
grandfather, John H. Meyer, was a butcher by
trade, and had two brothers who were teachers.
Charles Gerken, who devoted his entire life to
, agricultural pursuits, died at the age of fifty years.
while his wife survived until seventy. Both were
Lutherans in religious belief. Of their five chil
dren, four attained years of maturity and three
are now living, our subject being the only one
now in America. An older brother, Henry, who

was in the German army, came to the United
States and lived in Long Island City until his
death in 1894.
At the age of fourteen our subject was con
firmed, and soon afterward he went to sea, work
ing as a cabin boy on a steamer that ran from
Bremen to America. Later he went to South
America, rounded both of the southern capes,
and visited many foreign ports, remaining at sea
about six years. On making his last ocean trip,
at the age of twenty, he stopped in New York,
and in 1869 secured employment there as a gro
cery clerk. One year later he came to Long
Island City, where he clerked in a grocery for
two years and then started in the butcher busi
ness in Grand Avenue, between Second and First
Avenues. Twelve years later he bought out
Thomas Meyer, his first employer here, and re
turning to the old stand, has since engaged in
the grocery and meat business.
In Long Island City, in 1872, Mr. Gerken mar
ried Miss Eliza Fink, a native of New York City,
and daughter of John and Eliza Fink, the former
of whom was a merchant tailor by trade. They
are the parents of six living children: Henry,
Lillie, Theodore, Annie, John and Laura, all of
whom are at home. In religion Mr. Gerken is
connected with the German Second Reformed
Church, of which he is treasurer and an elder,
and to which he has belonged since 1872. For
a time he was connected with the Astoria Hook
and Ladder Company No. 1. In politics he is a
consistent Democrat, upholding the party in its
platform and theories.

H

ERMAN ALTHOF. Not a few of the
residents of Rockaway Beach are of Ger
man birth and ancestry, and by their com
bination of German thriftiness, with American
energy, have succeeded in establishing business
enterprises upon solid footings. Among this
class is Herman Althof, who is proprietor and
owner of a hardware and paint store at Oceanus.
In 1890 he came to this village from Brooklyn
and opened a store, where he kept in stock a full
line of hardware and painters' supplies. Since
that time he has built up a large trade and has
become known as a reliable and efficient business
man. Our subject is the son of Herman and Countess
Sophia (Von Michalkowska) Althof, the former
of whom was a German government official, and

JOHN HENRY MACKEY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

549

both of whom are deceased. The subject of this
.notice was born in Westphalia, Germany, Feb
ruary I, 1850, and in the splendid schools of his
native country he obtained a practical education.
In the high school from which he graduated he
received general scientific training. Early in life
he began to follow the sea and his voyages often
took him to America, his first visit to this coun
try being when he was only sixteen. He was an
officer in the German navy and for twenty-five
years served as captain of a ship, his long experi
ence on the sea making him familiar with every
department of a seafaring life. He came to
America in 1879 and has been here since, with the
exception of one year spent in Germany. For
four years he resided in Chicago, but afterward
sold his business there and formed a partnership
with a brother-in-law and embarked in business
at No. 155 Franklin Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn,
also conducting another establishment at No. 265
Manhattan Avenue. The business was extensive
and frequently employment was given to as many
as seventy-five men.
After five years in Brooklyn, Mr. Althof came
to Rockaway Beach, where he bought ground,
built a store and established the business he has
since successfully conducted. March 27, 1884, he
married Elizabeth Hunerhoff, and they have two
children, Erna and Herman, to whom they are
giving excellent educational advantages. Politi
cally our subject advocates Democratic princi
ples, but is not partisan in his convictions. In
religious belief he is a Lutheran, having been
reared in that faith in his native country. He still
retains his old fondness for the sea, which he left,
not because he grew tired of a seafaring life, but
because he realized that he should settle down and
establish his home on land. As a business man
his integrity is unquestioned, he is affable and
gentlemanly in manner and has hosts of friends.

JOHN HENRY MACKEY. Though Mr.
Mackey has resided at his present home in
Port Washington for a comparatively short
period only, he has spent his entire life on Long
Island and is well and favorably known by many
of the people here. As a business man he pos
sesses the energy and ambition combined with the
judgment and discretion of middle-age — qualities
which will undoubtedly bring him success in the
prosecution of the work to which he is giving
his attention. As a florist he possesses a thor

ough knowledge of plants and the peculiar treat
ment every variety requires, and it is his intention
to raise flowers especially for shipment to the
New York market.
The house in which Mr. Mackey was born,
September 29, 1863, stood in Fulton Street,
Brooklyn, and was the home of his parents,
Elijah and Caroline Augusta (Griffin) Mackey,
the latter of whom died in April, 1892, while the
former, a carpenter by trade, resides in Port
Washington. The paternal grandfather, John
Mackey, who was the son of James and Eliza
beth (Wilson) Mackey, is still living (1896) and
is now eighty years of age, enjoying robust health
for one of his years.
At the age of five years our subject was
brought by his parents to Port Washington,
where he spent his school days in attendance up
on the institutions of learning. At the age of
fifteen he left school, and from that time forward
has been self-supporting. For about six years he
engaged in farming, being given charge of the
home place with the privilege of retaining all he
could make. . Going to the village of Hempstead,
he continued farming, and operated a farm there
for eight years. During 1895 he turned his at
tention to the occupation of a florist, buying his
present home, where he erected a substantial res
idence and greenhouse.
The lady who became the wife of Mr. Mackey
at Roslyn, July 8, 1894, bore the maiden name
of Mary B. Cornelius, and spent her girlhood
days in Freeport with her parents, Carman and
Phoebe J. (Combes) Cornelius. She is an amia
ble lady of refined character, an earnest worker
in all religious and charitable projects, and holds
membership in the Presbyterian Church at
Hempstead, to which Mr. Mackey also belongs.
The latter is identified with the Atlantic Hook
and Ladder Company at Port Washington, and
aids in every enterprise for the elevation of man
kind. Believing that the liquor traffic is the
greatest curse of the age he has adopted Prohi
bition principles and does all in his power to rid
the world of this blighting evil.

PROF. WILLIAM M. PECK, who holds
the position of superintendent of the
Whitestone schools, ranks as an educator
of the highest order. In countless ways his in
fluence is felt throughout this part of the state

55°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and it would be strange if it were not so. Imbued
with a love for his work, and believing it to be
one of the highest professions in which man can
engage, he enters with a vim into everything that
will raise the standard of education, not only in
Queens County, but throughout the entire state.
The subject of this sketch, the son of Orange
and Charity (Alger) Peck, was born in Delaware
County, N. Y., in 1844. His mother died when
he was ten years old and he was then taken into
the home of his uncle, Samuel Peck, a farmer of
Delaware County. In 1861 he graduated from
Delaware Academy, and shortly afterward he en
listed on the first call for volunteers as a mem
ber of Company I, Seventy-second New York In
fantry, Capt. Robert T. Johnson commanding.
On account of his youth, however, he was not
accepted into the service. In 1863, while teach
ing, he was drafted into the United States army,
and was out for five weeks, when he was rejected
on account of disability. In 1864 he was a sec
ond time drafted, but the town raised their full
quota, and his services were not called into requi
sition. After teaching for a time in the village schools
of his native county Professor Peck went to
Hackensack, N. J., where he was principal for
three years. He was then principal at South
Nyack for six years, and spent a similar period at
Glen Cove, L. I. In 1870 he received the degree
of A. M. from Beloit College, at Beloit, Wis. He
came to Whitestone in 1882 and has since been
superintendent of the schools here. In 1885 he
began the preparation of Graded Lessons In
Number, or First Steps In Arithmetic, covering
a four years' course, founded upon what his ex
perience as a teacher told him was needed for
common school work. Two years later this work
was issued by A. Lovell & Co., New York City,
and its merits won for it instant recognition from
professional educators, through whose recom
mendation it has been introduced into the schools
in various parts of the country. On completing
this little book he began the preparation of his
Grammar School Arithmetic, upon the same
plan, which was issued in 1893 by the same firm,
and covers a four years' course in the grammar
school. Aside from his published works, Pro
fessor Peck is a regular paid contributor to edu
cational journals, his articles being usually along
the line of number work.
Reared in the faith of the Democracy, our sub
ject voted the Democratic ticket for twenty-five

years, but being a strong protectionist he has
recently allied himself with the Republican party.
In 1866, while residing in Delaware County, he
was a candidate for school commissioner upon the
Democratic ticket, and though the majority was
usually over one thousand Republican, he lacked
only seventy-seven votes of being elected. In
boyhood he attended the Scotch Presbyterian
Church and now holds membership in the First
Presbyterian Church at Whitestone, in which he
has served as a trusteee and elder. In October,
1895, he represented the presbytery of Nassau
in the synod at Binghamton, N. Y. Socially he
is a member of Deposit Lodge No. 396, F. & A.
M., at Deposit, N. Y.; Pembroke Lodge No. 73,
I. O. O F., at Glen Cove, L. L, where he filled
every position from the lowest to the highest,
being elected noble grand three times. He is
also a charter member of Seawanhaka Council
No. 362, Royal Arcanum, at Glen Cove.
In Delaware County, N. Y., in 1868, Professor
Peck married Miss May E. Love, daughter of
Richard and Harriet (Alverson) Love. Two chil
dren blessed their union, of whom Bertis W. died
at the age of eight years. William Raymond was
born in Whitestone, July 14, 1883, and is a stu
dent in the schools here. Professor Peck owns
one of the largest dairy farms in Delaware Coun- '
ty, the property consisting of four hundred acres
of land, with all modern farm buildings. A man
ager is employed, who is responsible for the con
duct of the entire place. A large herd of thor
oughbred Jerseys furnish a supply of milk for
the creamery that is run on the farm, from which
large shipments of butter are made, principally
to Long Island families. In 1884 Professor Peck
bought his Riverside farm for a summer home
for his family, and to that acreage he has added
from time to time until now he possesses one
of the finest and largest places on the Delaware
River. Pie also has an elegant residence in
Stockton Avenue, in the beautiful village of Wal
ton, N. Y.

EDWARD J. KNAUER. The career of a
lawyer is a succession of contests, and the
successes made in the legal profession are
probably greater than in any other calling in life,,
examples of the "survival of the fittest." To be
come distinguished at the bar requires not only
capacity, but also sound judgment and persever-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

55i

ing industry, and these qualifications are admira
bly combined in the subject of our sketch.
Mr. Knauer was born in New York City De
cember 7, 1855, to the marriage of Oscar and
Catherine (Yost) Knauer, both natives of Ger
many, the former born in Saxony and the latter
in Fra'nkfort-on-the-Main. The parents were
married in their native land and there the father
followed the cabinetmaker's trade until 1837,
when he came with his family to America. He
located in New York City, where he entered the
employ of the old Steinway Piano Company, re
maining with that company for several years.
Afterwards he was with the famous Weber Piano
Company, and was at the head of the finishing
department at the time of his death, which oc
curred in Astoria, when he had reached sixty-six
years of age. He was one of the first to finish
an upright piano when they were first made by
the Weber Piano Company. He was a most ex
cellent and worthy citizen and a member of the
Lutheran Church. His father died in New York
City at the age of eighty-eight. Mrs. Knauer died
in Astoria at an advanced age. Of the twelve
children born to this estimable couple seven are
now living, two sons and five daughters.
Our subject attended the public schools of New
York City, graduating from Grammar School No.
18, and in 1871 he entered the office of the late
President Arthur as errand boy, remaining with
him and his successors until about 1882, when
he became a member of the firm. He studied law
with Mr. Arthur and in May, 1877, was admitted
to the bar in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Since the
death of Mr. Arthur the firm name has been
changed to Knevals & Perry. In the month of
August, 1876, Mr. Knauer became a resident
of Astoria, and his pleasant home at the corner
of Woolsey and Franklin Streets is presided over
by his wife, formerly Miss Matilda Leonhard, a
native of New York City, and a lady of more
than ordinary attainments. Her father, Freder
ick W. Leonhard, is a merchant of that city. Mr.
and Mrs. Knauer are the parents of three chil
dren, Adelaide, Ransom and Florence.
Politically Mr. Knauer is a leading Republican
and has been strictly identified with that party
since attaining his majority. For several years
he was a member of the general committee, of
which he was chairman at one time. He served
two terms as a member of the board of aldermen
of Long Island City, representing the fifth ward,
and was president of the board one term. Well

qualified in every respect for any position that
may be offered him, Mr. Knauer's future pros
pects are very bright indeed.
Our subject was active in the case ousting
Gleason, who claimed the office of mayor after
being defeated. He is also active in educational
matters, and in fact takes a deep interest in all
that pertains to the advancement and welfare of
the city. Socially he is a thirty-second degree
Mason, member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F.
& A. M., and was one of its past masters. He
is a member of the Mecca Templars of New York,
and John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W. Socially
he is a life member of Astoria Athletic Club, of
which for several years he was president, and is
also a member of Queens County Bar Associa
tion, besides numerous societies in Long Island
City. Mr. Knauer is a self-made man in all that
the words imply and deserves much credit for
the energy and perseverance displayed in his ca
reer. He received much valuable advice and as
sistance from Judge Rastus S. Ransom, of New
York City, during his early struggles, and con
siders himself indebted to the judge more than
to any other person.

CAPT. SAMUEL F. PHILLIPS. Among
the influential citizens of Rockville Cen
ter the name of Captain Phillips takes a
prominent place, for he has ever been public-
spirited and enterprising. He was born in Cape
Cod, Mass., in 1832, and is a son of Samuel and
Cynthia (Studley) Phillips, natives of Cape Cod,
where they spent their entire lives. The father
followed the sea for a livelihood and was lost
while on a voyage when a comparatively young
man; his wife passed away in 1867. Both were
kind, upright and persevering, and were highly
esteemed wherever known.
The subject of this notice attended the schools
of Cape Cod until eleven years of age and then
spent three years on a farm, attending school
twelve weeks each year during that time. Prob
ably inheriting a taste for the sea, he shipped on
a vessel when fourteen years old, and from that
time to 1882 was constantly employed in that ser
vice, a period of thirty-six years. On the twenty-
first anniversary of his birth he became master
of the schooner "Sarah Elizabeth," and for the
following twenty-nine years acted as master of
sailing and steam vessels in the coastwise and
foreign trade, being for the last seventeen years

•552

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

master of passenger steamers sailing from the
port of New York. He was always considered a
most trustworthy commander and held the re
spect of all with whom he associated.
In 1853 Captain Phillips married Miss Marinda
E. Doane, a native of Cape Cod, Mass., and the
daughter of Freeman Doane, who was a member
of an old and prominent family there. Two chil
dren bless the union, Samuel F., a resident of
Brooklyn, and Adela M., who is with her par
ents. For some years Mrs. Phillips was a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Brook
lyn, and the daughter is identified with the Epis
copal Church. Socially the Captain is a Mason,
and politically he affiliates with the Republican
party. For three years he served as special in
spector of foreign steam passenger vessels for
the port of New York, having been appointed
to that position by Judge Folger, when he was
secretary of the treasury.
In 1889 Captain Phillips came to Rockville
Center, and since then has been identified with the
growth and prosperity of this locality. He was
one of the founders of the Bank of Rockville
Center, was one of its first directors and served
as assistant cashier until 1893, when he became
president. The duties of this responsible posi
tion he has since discharged in a satisfactory
manner. He no doubt inherited much of his
push and energy from his sturdy Welsh ances
tors, for he is descended from Lieutenant-Gover
nor Phillips, of Massachusetts, who came to this
country from Wales and was the first of the
name to setttle here.

ALFRED E. VAN WAGNER. In 1889 Mr.
Van Wagner removed from Brooklyn to
Far Rockaway and at once opened a gro
cery store, which he has since carried on with
commendable success, having by his industry,
honesty and careful management gained a large
trade among the people of this locality. Born
September 18, 1862, he is still a young man, but
has already achieved a measure of prosperity that
does not always reward the efforts of men of
more advanced years.
The father of our subject, Jacob Mott Van
Wagner, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., of
Holland-Dutch ancestry, and was a bookkeeper
by occupation, his death occurring when he was
seventy years old. He married Margaret Lacey,
a native of Ireland, and they became the par

ents of four sons and one daughter, namely:
Mary M., John M., William B., and J. H., all resi
dents of Brooklyn, and Alfred E., of this sketch.
The last-named was born in Summit, N. J., and
at the age of one and one-half years was taken
by his parents to Brooklyn, where he receiyed a
good education in the common schools. When
fourteen years old he commenced for himself by
securing employment in a grocery store and dur
ing the three years he remained in that position
he gained a fair knowledge of the business.
The next position secured by Mr. Van Wagner
was in a chandelier manufactory, and while there,
realizing the need of a better business education,
he attended the night schools. He was thus en
gaged for nearly five years, after which he began
for himself. Understanding and liking the gro
cery business, he chose that calling and was
first in partnership with his oldest brother in
Brooklyn, where he continued for three years.
Thence he came to Far Rockaway, and, estab
lishing this store, purchased his brother's interest
and has since been the sole proprietor. He keeps
in stock only the best grade of goods, and selling
at reasonable prices, he has been able to build
up a good trade.
By his marriage to Miss Mary Hayes, of
Brooklyn, Mr. Van Wagner has three children,
Alfred, Marie and Mott. In religious views he
is a Catholic and contributes to the support of
that church. For five years he has been identi
fied with the Order of Foresters and also holds
membership in the Royal Arcanum. All local en
terprises receive his co-operation and his sub
stantial support wherever possible. He is con
nected with the fire department as foreman of the
Hook and Ladder Company, and in this, as in
other ways, aims to promote the interests of the
village.

JOHN DENGLER. The calling followed by
Mr. Dengler is a most useful one and to
many has its charms, and this is true of the
subject of this sketch. Although he is a "son of
the soil," it is not in a mean sense, for farming
with him has become an art and his surroundings
are beautiful and harmonious. He was born in
Kuppingen, kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany,
January 7, 1834, to George and Magdalena
(Boeckle) Dengler, and is one of the five sur
viving members of their family of eight children,
and the only one in America.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

553-

George Dengler was engaged in farming
throughout his lifetime, and after an active and
useful life died on the home place, which he had
inherited from his father. On this farm John
Dengler grew to manhood, and at the same time
acquired a knowledge of and love for agriculture,
which have remained with him to the present
day. He acquired a common school education
in his native land, and after the death of his moth
er, which occurred when he was twenty years of
age, he made up his mind to come to America and
try his fortune here. After an ocean voyage of
thirty-five days he landed in the city of New
York, May 20, 1854, and in a strange land and
unacquainted with the English language he be
gan his career with a capital of $5. A portion
of this sum paid his way to Williamsburg, and
after a week spent in seeking employment he se
cured a job at hod carrying, following it for two
months. During this time Mr. Dengler and his
comrades were given only enough money to pay
for their board, and when the buildings were com
pleted the firm refused to pay them the remainder
due them.
Undaunted by this bad luck Mr. Dengler went*
to work on a farm, and after following this call
ing for four years, was united in marriage with
Miss Fredericka Ruethmueller, after which he
went to work in Havemeyer's sugar refinery,
where he remained until the opening of the Civil
War. He then espoused the Union cause and
became a member of Company F, One Hundred
and Third Richmond Volunteer Infantry, and
fought under General Burnside in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg and others. After
being honorably discharged in 1863 he was va
riously occupied for about two years in Green
point and Flatbush, then began farming for him
self as a renter. He continued thus for fifteen
years, but in 1880 purchased his present farm,
on which he has since lived.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dengler eight children were
born, seven of whom are still living. Gottleib,
who is engaged in farming at Springfield, is mar
ried and has one child; John, who is also farm
ing there, is married and has three children;
Frederick is managing the home farm, is married
and has one child; Peter is the next in order;
Catherine is the wife of Philip Moelins, by whom
she has one child; and Caroline and Rose com
plete the number. Mrs. Dengler was born in
Germany and came to America with her parents
in 1854, at which time she was a young lady. She

was an intelligent and amiable woman, a kind and
faithful wife and mother and her death, which
occurred December 12, 1895, was deeply de
plored. She was an active member of the Luth
eran Church and was a Christian in every sense
of the word. To this church Mr. Dengler also
belongs, and politically he is independent.

L

EONARD C. L. SMITH, B. S., C. E.
Throughout this book it will appear that
the cities of Long Island derive their im
portance chiefly from the. number, the extent and
the prominence of their manufacturing interests.
To build up a center of activity of this character,
it is not only necessary that the raw material
shall be easily accessible, but it is also required
that the machinery and appliances of the various
industries shall be of a superior character and
be put up and set in motion by men who thor
oughly understand the principles of mechanics.
Leonard C. L. Smith, who has an established rep
utation as one of the most successful and efficient
civil and mechanical engineers on Long Island,
is thorough master of all the details of his pro
fession, and is now engineer of the Long Island
City Water Works, and one whose reputation is
not merely local.
Our subject first saw the light in New York
City, May 15, 1868, and no doubt inherits much
of his ability as an engineer from his father,
Joseph L. T. Smith, who was also a prominent
civil engineer. The latter was a native of Con
necticut, but went to New York City at an early
age and there practiced civil engineering for over
half a century. In 1875 he located in Long
Island City, and although now seventy-five years
old, is hale and hearty for his years. He, with
Edward Serrell, assisted in building the first sus
pension bridge at Niagara. Mr. Smith married
Miss Elizabeth Bilbrough, a native of England,
who came to America when young. Twelve
children were the fruits of this union, and eight
are living at the present time.
The subject of this notice is the youngest of
the children now living, and until seven years old
remained in New York City. From there he
went to Long Island City, first attending the
Fifth Ward public schools, and afterward the
Fourth Ward schools, and when ten years old
began the study of civil engineering under his
father. When sixteen years old he entered the
L'niversity of New York, and graduated in ii

554

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with the degree of Civil Engineer and Bachelor
of Science. In a class of twenty-two he received
second honors as salutatorian and was elected an
honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa Society.
In the year 1889 Mr. Smith took one year's
post-graduate course and practiced with his
father until the close of 1891. In 1892 he lo
cated in Long Island City, which has since been
his home. In March, 1893, he was appointed
engineer of the water department and has held
that position up to the present time. He is one
of the most prominent representatives engaged
in this most useful branch of activity and has met
with well merited success. He is engaged in the
general practice of civil engineering here and
now does all the work for the North Beach Com
pany, as well as for other firms here.
Mr. Smith's office is at No. 77 Jackson Ave
nue, and he has a pleasant and comfortable home
at No. 59 Woolsey Street, Astoria. He was mar
ried at Glenhead, L. I., to Miss Mary H. Remsen,
a native of that place, and daughter of Andrew J.
Remsen. One child has been born of this union,
Leonard C. L., Jr. Mr. Smith is a member of the
Psi Upsilon, the Alumni of New York City, and
Phi Beta Kappa Society. He is a deacon in
Remsen Street Reformed Church, Astoria, and is
a teacher in the Sunday-school. In politics he is
a Democrat, and a member of the Jefferson
Democratic Club. He is secretary of the Demo
cratic general committee of Long Island City
and in 1895 was secretary of the county conven
tion.

M

ICHAEL SULLIVAN. In recounting
the forces that have combined to make
Long Island City what it is, reference
should be made to the life and labors of Mr. Sul
livan. He was born in Cambridge, South Bos
ton, Mass., March 25, 1841, a son of Michael and
Mary (Kinney) Sullivan, natives of the Isle of
Erin, where they were also reared and married.
Soon after the celebration of their nuptials they
came to the United States and took up their resi
dence in Cambridge, but in 1842 removed to
Brooklyn and founded a home in Henry Street.
There the father died in 1849, his widow surviv
ing him only about one year, and they left two
daughters and two sons.
Michael Sullivan is the only member of the
family in Long Island City. He was reared in
Brooklyn until he was nine years of age, then

came to Blissville, Long Island City, and entered
the employ of John J. Paynter, a farmer, but re
ceived some educational advantages in the old
schoolhouse in Dutch Kills. On the 20th of July,
1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-
third New York Volunteers, but after the bat
tle of Brandy Station he was transferred to Gen
eral Sickles' brigade and was a participant in the
battle of Petersburg in 1863, where he was
wounded in the leg. He was compelled to re
main in the Rhode Island Hospital for four
months, at the end of which time he rejoined his
command. He was then at Chancellorsville,
Spottsylvania, in the battle of the Wilderness,
which lasted seven days; the second battle of
Chancellorsville, Petersburg, Hatchers' Run, and
various others of less importance. In the last
mentioned engagement he was wounded in the
left arm and side while in the act of firing his
own gun. He was then carried to the rear and
later was taken to City Point, and finally to
Washington, where he remained until June, 1865,
when he returned home on furlough. At the
close of the war he received an honorable dis
charge and returned to his home in Blissville
with the consciousness of having served his coun
try faithfully and well.
Mr. Sullivan began learning the plumbing and
steamfitting business under Jefferson Patton, and
after being with him for two years was put in
charge of the boilers, of which he had the man
agement for eleven years. In 1879 he became en
gineer in charge of the boilers of the Queens
County Oil Works, numbering fourteen in all,
and his duties were discharged in a prompt and
highly satisfactory manner. In 1870 he organ
ized Friendship No. 3 truck of the fire depart
ment, of which he was chosen foreman on seven
different occasions. He was then assistant chief
of the department for three years, at the end of
which time he was elected chief engineer two
terms. He had served one year of his second
term when he was suspended by the then mayor
without just reason, but he did not care suf
ficiently for the office to make a fight for it. Soon
afterward the city paid department was organ
ized. Mr. Sullivan was married in Winfield, Decem
ber 2, 1867, to Miss Catherine C. Carroll, who
was born in Ireland. To their great sorrow the
two children born to them died in infancy, but
they have an adopted son, James J. Sullivan, and
are rearing the child of a sister-in-law. Mr. Sul-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

555

livan served one term as a member of the board
of health under Mayor Petry, has been vice-presi
dent and treasurer of the Volunteer Firemen's
Association, and is a member of Sheridan Post of
the Grand Army of the Republic. In national
politics he is a Republican and favors protection,
but in municipal matters he is a Jeffersonian
Democrat. The family have a nice home at No.
108 Star Avenue, Blissville, Long Island City.
Mr. Sullivan is a man of excellent morals, a be
liever in justice and right, and is counted one of
the most useful and public spirited citizens of
the place.

JOHN TALLON has perhaps as many
friends as any man in Long Island City, and
is one of her substantial business men. He
was born in County Cavan, Ireland, August 27,
1838, a son of John and Mary (Burns) Tallon,
both of whom were natives of the Isle of Erin,
but after their marriage removed to Scotland,
where the remainder of their days were spent.
They became the parents of three children, two
sons and one daughter, only the former of whorrp
are living. Michael, the brother of John, is a
merchant of New York City.
John Tallon remained with his parents until
he was past the age of fifteen years, and for some
time worked as a laborer in the vicinity of his
home. Then he entered the employ of a Mr.
Carr, a contractor and builder, and finally be
came an apprentice in the shipyards at Dunbar-
ton, Scotland. After remaining there for some
time he was placed in the machine shop of the
shipyards and soon after became a machinist's
apprentice, in which capacity he labored faithful
ly and with profit to himself for three years, when
a strike among the laborers caused the shops to
be closed indefinitely. He finished his trade in
Renfrew, Scotland, and after a few months went
to Glasgow, where he embarked on a ship for
Liverpool. After his arrival in that city he se
cured employment as engineer on a boat plying
between Liverpool and Dublin, making six trips
in all, and then made two trips to the Mediterran
ean Sea, in the fruit trade.
In 1866 Mr. Tallon landed in New York City,
whence he made his way to Potter County, Pa.,
where he engaged in farming for one year on one
hundred and ten acres which he had purchased.
At the end of that time he sold out and returned
to New York, where he engaged in carting, then

peddled crockery through Queens County, and
finally, in 1880, started in the undertaking busi
ness, which he has very successfully followed
since that time. In 1890 he built his present
pretty residence in Flushing Avenue and is suf
ficiently supplied with this world's goods to ren
der him independent. He is now serving his
third term as overseer of the county poor, to
which position he was elected on the Democratic
ticket, and with truth it may be said that he is
admirably fitted for the office, being humane and
considerate to the unfortunates under his care
and conscientious in every way in the discharge
of his duties. For four years he was a member
of the excise board, was president, secretary and
treasurer at different times, and has at various
times been chairman of the Democratic central
committee. Socially he belongs to John Allen
Lodge, A. O. U. W., and is also identified with
the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Tallon is married
and has two sons, John and Felix, who superin
tend the undertaking business of which he is the
head.

FRANK TRUDDEN. In every commun
ity may be found numbers of solid, repre
sentative men, leaders of thought and in-
fluencers of action, who have been brought to
honorable positions by the sheer and sole force of
their own pluck and energy, and these words are
in every way applicable to the subject of this
sketch, who is a member and president of the
board of assessors of Long Island City, and one
of her foremost and substantial business men.
He is the proprietor of an admirably kept un
dertaking and livery establishment and has a lib
eral patronage.
Mr. Trudden was born in Brown County,
Ohio, in 1850, a son of Michael F. and Bridget
(McAnery) Trudden, both of whom were born
on the green isle of Erin, but eventually removed
to the United States, and became the owners of a
good farm in Ohio, on which the father died in
1855. His widow returned to Ireland with her
only child, the subject of this sketch, but in 1865
again returned to America and settled in Long
Island City, where she quietly breathed her last
at the home of his son in Fourth Street.
The early education of Frank Trudden was ac
quired in Ireland, but in later years in the rough,
but most thorough, school of experience, he ac
quired a knowledge of men and things that has

556

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been of material use to him. He was employed
in various business capacities in Long Island City
until 1873, when he decided to embark in busi
ness for himself and became a wholesale and re
tail dealer in milk, his depot being in Fourth
Street. In the meantime he opened a livery es
tablishment here in a very modest way, but as his
patronage increased and his means permitted he
increased the capacity of his barns and now has
one of the most extensive livery and boarding
stables in the city and a fine line of all kinds of
conveyances, which are at the service of the pub
lic at reasonable rates.
In 1892 Mr. Trudden disposed of his milk busi
ness, and in connection with his livery business
laid in a choice supply of undertaking goods,
which necessitated the use of more room in
Fourth Street. To thoroughly fit himself for this
most important calling, he went to New York
City and took a course in embalming, since which
time he has been liberally patronized. This voca
tion is essentially a very delicate one, and it in
volves for its successful prosecution peculiarly
important qualifications, which are possessed by
Mr. Trudden in an eminent degree, and he has
therefore gained a liberal and influential patron
age by honestly deserving it.
In Long Island City Mr. Trudden married
Miss Ellen Hays, a native of the Isle of Erin, by
whom he has five children: Mary, Bessie, Frank,
Nellie and Joseph. Mrs. Trudden is a daughter.
of John Hays, a native of County Wexford, Ire
land, who brought his family to America and set
tled in Brooklyn. After a time he came to Long
Island City as chief engineer of the city water
works, a position he held two years. Here he is
now living in retirement, and here his wife, who
was formerly Miss Mary Brown, passed from
life. In January, 1893, Mr. Trudden was ap
pointed a member of the board of assessors by
Mayor Sanford, for three years, and for the past
two years he has been president of the board,
and has made an able and painstaking officer.
Mr. Trudden is quite prominent in social circles
and belongs to John J. Mitchell Lodge No. 338,
A. O. U. W., the Ancient Order of Hibernians,
and the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he
is treasurer and a charter member. He is also
identified with the Queens County Undertakers'
Association, the Kings County Liverymen's As
sociation, the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the
Exempt Firemen's Association, for six years was
treasurer of Empire Hose Company No. 2, is a

member of the Ravenswood Boat Club and is a.
charter member of the Jefferson Club. In all
these societies he has been active and promi
nent, and in everything tending to benefit the
city in Which he lives he has been deeply inter
ested. In fact, he is of the stuff of which use
ful citizens are made and is to be relied upon at
all times to give his influence to the side of jus
tice and right. He and his wife are members of
St. Mary's Catholic Church and in his political
proclivities he is a Jeffersonian Democrat.

VALENTINE WILLIS. Through a life,
void of stirring events, Mr. Willis has de
voted his attention to the occupation of
a farmer, which he follows in the town of North
Hempstead, near East Williston. While his ca
reer has been unmarked by thrilling experiences,
it has, nevertheless, been a busy and useful one,
that honors himself and uplifts the moral tone of
the community. Associated with the history of
this locality through the greater part of the pres
ent century, he has witnessed its growth and con
tributed to its development. His memory often
reverts to the days of the old fair association,
which held its last meeting at the time he was six
years old and from which his father received a
prize of $10 for a colt he exhibited. Since the
organization of the Queens County Agricultural
Society, he has attended every season and every
day of its session, which is probably more than
any other man in the state can say. In 1878 he
was elected a director in the society and held that
office for seventeen successive years, when he re
signed. The father of our subject, Samuel Willis, was
born in Queens County and was a prominent
and extensive farmer, owning about four hun
dred acres of land, which he cultivated until his
death, about 1834. He married Mary, daugh
ter of Joseph Denton, and they had eleven chil
dren who attained mature years. William, the
eldest, who lived on a portion of the old home,
died leaving a son, who now occupies his farm;
Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Stephen
Bowne, a farmer and miller of Flushing; Mary
married Stephen Cornell, who was a builder and
contractor of Brooklyn; Jane, Mrs. Edwin Van
de Water of Brooklyn, is still living, being now
(1896) eighty-one years old; Valentine is next in
order of birth ; Samuel remained in his native lo
cality and engaged in farming until his death;

GARRETT V. W. ELDERT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

559

Phoebe became the wife of Thomas Valentine
and lived on a farm near Mineola until her death ;
Charles C. was a lifelong farmer of this vicinity;
Joseph D., formerly a hardware merchant of
Brooklyn, is living retired, his sons having taken
charge of the business; John H. is still living in
this neighborhood and has always engaged in
farming; Emily A. married Luke Fleet. It is
worthy of note that of this large family all mar
ried, settled on Long Island and reared families.
Educated in the common schools, our subject
has since added to the information there acquired
by systematic reading. His home has always
been on the farm and he has occupied the same
bedroom since he was a child. At the time of
his father's death he was sixteen years of age, and
immediately afterward took charge of the home
stead, which he purchased in 1840. About 1855
he established a boarding stable for city horses,
at times keeping as many as ninety head. In ad
dition to this, he has followed general farming.
While he takes an interest in public matters, he
has never sought office, though he has served as
road commissioner and in other positions. In
former years he was connected with the Inde*
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, but since the de
cline of the lodge he has not retained his active
membership in it.
In 1840 Mr. Willis married Annette Bogart,
daughter of Daniel Bogart, of Roslyn, and an es
timable lady, who remained her husband's help
mate for almost a half century, dying in 1890, a
few months before they were to have celebrated
their golden wedding. Three children blessed
their union, namely: Oscar B., who lives in
Queens; William Wallace, who died at the age of
four years; and Eugene, who makes his home
with his father, and is connected with him in
business.

LUKE ELDERT. Some men are possessed
of such remarkable activity and energy that
they are not content to do business in as
extensive a scale as their competitors, but strive
onward with restless zeal to excel them all and
place their own establishment foremost in the
ranks of industry. Men of this kind are valuable
citizens, and are always foremost in advancing the
public welfare. Luke Eldert of Rockaway Beach,
L. I., is engaged in the hotel and real estate
business, but rents the hotel and gives his entire
attention to his numerous other enterprises, for he
22

owns considerable property in the place. He is
one of its most progressive and thorough going
citizens, and during the twenty-five years he has
resided here has won the respect and confidence
of all.
The father of our subject, Garrett V. W. Eldert,
bought property here thirty-five years ago, many
acres on the beach and forty acres at this partic
ular point. He was practically the pioneer of
Rockaway Beach, where he was very popular,
and his memory is revered for his integrity and
charity. When he came to Rockaway the place
was practically a desert. People said that he was
crazy to settle there. His brother Luke said that
he had better put his money in the savings bank
than invest in property there. Mr. Eldert told
Luke to put his money in the savings bank and
that "sand bank was good enough for him." The
savings bank broke and Luke lost his money,
while Garrett lived to see Rockaway Beach grow
fr6m a mere sand bank, as it were, to a populous,
thriving village. Mr. Eldert was an hotel man
most of his life and made a complete success of
this business. He built the fine Elderthurst Ho
tel, Avondale Hotel Pavilion and Bathing House,
and improved a great deal of property. He died
January 19, 1890, when sixty-five years old, and
although he had conducted a hotel most of his
life, was retired from active duties ten years pre
vious to his death. He first married Miss Matilda
Rider, who died about twenty-five years ago,
when forty-two years old. She was of an old and
prominent family that at one time owned all
the Beach, now worth millions of dollars. By his
first marriage Mr. Eldert had a large family. In
1880 he married Miss Julia Seaman, who is still
living. She comes of a family who have long
been residents of Hempstead.
Luke Eldert was born in what was called New
Lots, now twenty-sixth ward, Brooklyn, May
25, 1855, and there received good educational
advantages. He first began working in the hotel
with his father and remained with him until twen
ty-two years old. At that age he started out in
the hotel business for himself, renting a hotel of
his father, and conducted the first one where
Elderthurst now stands. For a number of years
past he has been engaged in real estate business
and in the management of his own property. He
builds hotels and rents them, and is constantly
improving and increasing the value of his places.
Mr. Eldert is a charter member of the fire
department and of Atlantic Engine Company,

;6o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

having donated the land on which the engine
house now stands. Socially, he is a member of
Arlington Lodge No. 394, A. O. U. W., and
politically he is a Republican. In all local affairs
of moment he takes a deep interest, and is one of
the county's best citizens.

ROWLAND SEAMAN, who has resided at
Oceanus since 1872, is a son of David and
Catharine M. (Rowland) Seaman, the for
mer of whom, a carpenter and builder by trade,
resided in Lawrence, L. L, until his death at the
age of thirty-five. His wife is still living, as are
four of their six children, namely : Sarah Amel
ia, Mrs. William C. Mott of Brooklyn; Row
land; Annie, wife of William R. Dunn of Law
rence; and Mrs. Amanda McNeil of Philadel
phia. Rowland was born at Lawrence, October
21, 1842, and was ten years of age when death
removed his father from earth, thus depriving the
boy of his counsel and assistance at a time when
it was most needed. He was taken into the home
of his grandfather at Northport, where he re
mained until eighteen years old, meantime at
tending school whenever the opportunity was of
fered. At the opening of the Civil War Mr. Seaman,
then a youth less than twenty years of age, en
listed in the defense of the Union, becoming a
member of Company E, Fourth New York In
fantry, at Brooklyn, which was assigned to the
Army of the Potomac. Among the memorable
engagements in which he took part were those
at South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville. At Antietam he was se
verely wounded and for three months afterward
was confined in a hospital. His physical condi
tion was so impaired by his illness that he was
unable to serve longer in the army, and was
honorably discharged at New York, returning
home with a record as a valiant and faithful sol
dier. For seven years Mr. Seaman was employed in
a grocery store in Brooklyn, meantime attend
ing the night schools. In youth he had learned
the carpenter's trade and also started to learn
the ship builder's trade, but only worked a month
at that occupation. On coming to Rockaway
Beach he was employed as superintendent of the
erection of the Seaside House, and built the first
house in Arverne. He soon became known as
the principal builder on the beach, and many of

the houses now seen here are the monuments of
his handiwork and skill. It is his intention to
soon retire from the trade, although his services
are still in frequent demand. He is married, his
wife having been Miss Catherine A. Bedell, a
native of Long Island.
In former years Mr. Seaman was a Demo
crat, but during the days of the Civil War, his
experience and observations were such as to in
duce a radical revolution in his opinions, and he
has since advanced Republican principles. So
cially he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and also
belongs to the Ancient Order of United Work
men. He is one of the charter members of the
Beach fire department, of which he has been
assistant chief for four years. Interested in edu
cational matters, he has been a member of the
board of education for two years and still holds
that position. He has done all in his power to
promote the welfare of the schools here, as well
as to advance all lines of mental, material and
commercial development.

CHARLES H. BARKER, M. D. The
most imperishable monuments erected to
commemorate the virtues of our departed
friends are not built of marble, but are found in
the hearts and memories of mankind. The sub
ject of this sketch was one of those whose mem
ory will live through the coming years, for his
acts and words were such as to make the world
better and to bring humanity into nearer relation
with the great Infinite. A genial, whole-souled
man, he was the friend of every person who
needed a sympathetic ear into which to pour their
joys or sorrows.
The Barker family, on emigrating to America,
settled in Canada, the first of the name removing
from England in 1670 and locating on a farm
near the St. John River, where subsequent gen
erations resided. Dr. Barker was born in Shef
field, New Brunswick, September 5, 1831, and
was a son of Enoch Barker, an extensive farmer
living near the St. John River. There were four
sons and four daughters in the family.
In boyhood Dr. Barker came to the states,
where he received his literary and medical edu
cation, graduating from the University of Penn
sylvania at Philadelphia in 1854. Soon afterward
he came to Jamaica, where he opened an office
and began the practice of his profession. Sep
tember 18, 1856, he married Lydia Stuart Sayers,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

56i

youngest daughter of Rev. Gilbert Hunt Sayers,
S. T. D., at that time rector of Grace Episcopal
Church, Jamaica.
Shortly after his marriage Dr. Barker went to
Canada, and for one year practiced his profes
sion in Fredericton, New Brunswick, but then re
turned to Jamaica, where he remained until his
death. His skill gained for him an enviable repu
tation throughout Queens County and his name
was a well-known household word. Having an
extensive and remunerative practice, he ac
cumulated considerable wealth, but being lib
eral almost to a fault, much of his means was
given to help those less fortunate than himself.
No worthy person ever appealed in vain to him
for help; his benefactions were constant and
generous, and his sympathy was extended in a
practical way to the unfortunate and destitute.
His death, which occurred August 30, 1893, was
mourned by rich and poor alike. The entire com
munity sustained a loss that was felt as a personal
bereavement by every citizen.
During the trying days of the Civil War Dr.
Barker took an active part, and served as exam
ining surgeon for the government in Queerfs
County. In religious belief he was an Episco
palian, and served as vestryman in Grace Church.
His wife died July 10, 1865, and of their three
children only one survives, Mrs. S. J. Scovil.

Ms

IOHAEL E. CONWAY, who was born
in Astoria, Long Island City, August 23,
[859, passed from the scenes of earth No
vember 5, 1894. He was a son of John Conway,
a native of the Isle of Erin. When the latter had
reached man's estate he decided to seek his for
tune in America, and upon his arrival here en
gaged in tilling the soil in what is now Carver
Street, Astoria, and on this place the rest of his
life was spent. His life companion, formerly Ann
Conway, died in 1890.
Our subject was one of the younger members
of their family and while growing up he was
given the advantages of the public schools of As
toria, where he acquired sufficient education to
fit him for the ordinary duties of every-day life.
When the time came for him to depend upon his
own exertions for a livelihood he decided to em
bark in the livery business, and from 1882 to
1886 he was in partnership with a Mr. Gleason.
In the last mentioned year Mr. Conway pur
chased Mr. Gleason's interest and was the sole

proprietor of the establishment in Front Street,
opposite the Queens County Bank, until death
closed his career.
Being a man of keen business discernment, Mr.
Conway was quick to take advantage of every
opportunity that presented itself for the improve
ment of his financial condition, and in 1888 he
added to his fine line of livery goods, a select and
complete stock of undertaking goods, including a
fine assortment of caskets, coffins and the minor
requisites for funerals. At first he conducted
this business at No. 52 Jackson Avenue, but aft
erwards removed to No. 47 the same street. Here
he was unfortunately burned out a few months
later with a heavy loss, but with characteristic
energy he immediately began the erection of the
fine brick building on the same site, the building
having a frontage of twenty-five feet. He at
once began to reap the reward of his careful at
tention to business and the duties of his voca
tion, for he possessed the best possible character
and an undoubted reputation for honorable busi
ness principles. Mr. Conway fought his own way
up from the lowest round of the ladder and was
wholly unaided by any adventitious circum
stances, but depended entirely upon his own brain
and brawn for his commercial standing, and they
were not found wanting. At the untimely age of
thirty-five years, November 5, 1894, his summons
came to join the innmerable band gone before,
and thus his earthly career closed just at the
height of his usefulness. He was buried in Cal
vary Cemetery. Politically a Democrat, he was
never an aspirant for office, and socially he be
longed to J. J. Mitchell Lodge, A. O U. W., the
Foresters, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and
the Exempt Firemen's Association. Religously
he was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
On the 17th of November, 1886, in Long
Island City, Mr. Conway married Miss Mary
Rooney, who was born in Flushing, a daughter
of Patrick Rooney, a native of Ireland. The lat
ter came to the United States in his boyhood, and
on Long Island he followed the mason's trade.
He now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs.
Conway, who was the eldest of his six children,
and who has been a resident of Long Island City
since she was one year old. Since the death of
Mr. Conway his widow has successfully carried
on all branches of the business founded by her
husband and can at all times be relied upon to
do all in her power to please those who patronize
her. The building in which she does business is

5°2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three stories in height, the first floor being de
voted to store rooms, and the two upper floors
are arranged in flats. Mrs. Conway bore her
husband three children: John, aged six years;
May, aged five years, and George, four. Mrs.
Conway is a member- of St. Mary's Catholic
Church.

HENRY W. SHARKEY, commissioner of
public works at Long Island City, has
been for many years one of the leading
citizens and prominent politicians of the county.
He was born in Jersey City in 1858, and is a son
of Henry Sharkey, a native of Belfast, Ireland,
and a machinist by trade, who after coming to
America obtained a position as foreman in the
Paterson (N. J.) locomotive works. The year
in which Henry W. was born his father purchased
property in Long Island City and the following
year moved his family to this place. The two
lots of which he became the owner were situated
on West Avenue and Fifth Street, and on these
he erected three residences, in one of which he
made his home. For some time he was em
ployed as machinist and engineer for the Long-
Island Railroad Company, holding his position
with this corporation until retiring from all ac
tive work. He was an expert machinist and set
up the first stationary engine ever run in Ja
maica, in the interest of the Long Island Rail
road. He died in Queens County in 1880, when
sixty-three years of age. For three years he
served as examining engineer and inspector of
steam boilers, having been appointed to that re
sponsible position by Mayor Ditmars. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Warwick,
was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and accom
panied her parents to America at the age of sev
enteen years, some time afterward becoming the
wife of Henry Sharkey. Of their seven children
four are now living.
After having attended for some time the
schools of Long Island City, the subject of this
sketch became a student in Cooper Institute,
from which he graduated in 1875. He then en
tered the employ of Pratt & Lambert, manufac
turers of varnishes, and by the time he was twen
ty-one he had worked his way from the most
humble position to that of superintendent of the
works. In 1884 he resigned to enter the employ
of the National Construction Company of New
York City, then engaged in building the iron

pier at Rockaway Beach. After being in their
employ for a period of two years Mr. Sharkey
left and shortly thereafter became the proprietor
of the New York Hotel on Borden Avenue. This
he sold out five years later in order to accept the
office of under sheriff of Queens County, assist
ing M. J. Goldner, sheriff. He gave to his super
ior the best of satisfaction during the three years
in which he held his office, being his able helper
from January, 1889, to January, 1892.
Shortly after his experience as under sheriff
Mr. Sharkey was appointed general inspector of
the Vernon and Jackson Avenues Improvement
Commission, having charge of the work of the
commission for a twelvemonth, or until he was
appointed commissioner of public works in Jan
uary, 1893. This position was conferred upon
him by Mayor Sanford and is one of the most
important appointive offices in the city. Mr.
Sharkey is superintendent of the entire water de
partment and since he has taken charge of the
work more water mains have been laid than dur
ing the administration of any other mayor. The
engines pump two million gallons of water every
twenty-four hours, and in order, that it may be
made accessible to many who do not now enjoy
this convenience, Mr. Sharkey is engaged in lay
ing another three miles of water main. He gives
his personal attention to all work of the depart
ment and sees that it is done in the best manner
possible and with the least cost to the people.
Since being appointed commissioner the work of
paving, flagging, curbing, etc., of the various
streets of the city has gone rapidly forward and
Mr. Sharkey, although very busy, has not neg
lected the laying of sewers, and is providing
every portion of the city with this necessary
feature as quickly as means can be procured to
carry on the work.
Mr. Sharkey is a member of the firm of John
J. Peters & Co., manufacturers of sheep fertiliz
ers, whose headquarters are in Long Island City,
although they have a branch house in East St.
Louis, Mo. The firm have made this their busi
ness for the past six years, and the product, which
they manufacture in large quantities, is shipped
to all parts of the Union. Mr. Sharkey owns a
half interest in the General Manufacturing Com
pany, with offices at Nos. 102-104 Fulton Street,
New York City. He is also president of the
branch of the United States Savings and Loan
Bank, which is located in this city, and of which
he has been the head ever since the institution

ABRAHAM VAN SICLEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

565

was established here. In 1888 he was elected al
derman from the first ward on the Democratic
ticket, serving during his term of two years as
chairman of the finance committee. At that time
he was also a member of the committee on fire
and water, and through his influence the city was
induced to purchase the first steam fire engine
ever used here and erect a building for the same.
At the present time Mr. Sharkey is president of
the fire and water board, though whose sugges
tion five new engines have been bought. When
twenty-two years of age he was foreman of Live
Oak Truck No. 2 of Long Island City, and is
now a member of the Exempt Firemen of Long
Island City and the Volunteer Firemen's Asso
ciation. He is also connected with John J. Mitch
ell Lodge No. 338, A. O. U. W., of which he is
past commander. He likewise belongs to the
Arion Singing Society. For the past eight years
Mr. Sharkey has been one of the most influential
and active politicians of the county. He was one
of the first members of the Jefferson Club, which
he served as vice-president and president, and is
still a member of the same. For six years he has
been secretary of the Democratic general com-'
mittee, and has represented his party at various
times as delegate to the county and state conven
tions. He is a great athlete and for some time
was manager of the Star Base Ball Club, the
champion amateur club of the state. Previous to
that time he was captain of the old Resolute Club,
champion of Queens County. He is a charter
member of the Star Athletic Club, also of the.
Ravenswood Boat Club.

ABRAHAM VAN SICLEN, a retired
farmer, living in a pleasant home on Lib
erty Avenue, near Woodhaven, is a native
of Kings County and was born at New Lots Feb
ruary 22, 1829. His father, John Van Siclen, was
born at the same place January 3, 1787, and April
3, 1814, was married to Maria Ryerson, whose
birth occurred October 12, 1795, also in Kings
County. The father of our subject was a shoemaker by
trade, but during the greater part of his life fol
lowed the occupation of a farmer. During the
War of 1812 he was in the employ of the Govern
ment as mail-carrier from Fort Green to Ama-
nsett, j_ j. He was a prominent man of his day
and in his locality, and in addition to the various
oositions of trust which he held was that of tax

collector. He departed this life July 8, 1845,
while his wife survived him five years, passing
away September 30, 1850. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, Abraham Van Siclen, came from
one of the oldest families on the island, as also did
Grandfather Martin Ryerson, who was born at
Wallabout, now Brooklyn, N. Y.
Martin Van Siclen, a brother of our subject,
was born September 25, 181 5; he was married
January 16, 1839, to Catherine Drew, who de
parted this life January 20, 1842. May 10th of
the following year he married Phebe Eldert, and
together they made their home on a farm located
on the Rockaway Road until the death of Martin,
which occurred February 24, 1889. The wife and
children still live on this estate.
John Van Siclen was born June 28, 1820; he
was never married and makes his home at New
Lots. Cornelia was born October 19, 1823; she
became the wife of Henry Eldert October 25,
1846, and to them was born a son, John H, who
is now a large contractor, living at Morris Park.
Mrs. Van Siclen died December 11, 1886, being-
preceded to the better land by her husband, who
passed away May 2d of that year.
Jacob Ryerson Van Siclen, another brother of
our subject, was born June 24, 1826. He never
married and followed farming on the old home
stead in New Lots until his death, October 24,
1879. Ann Maria was born October 31, 1831;
she married John A. Suydam February 1, 1854,
and January 24, 1866, departed this life; her hus
band is now living at Waterloo, Seneca County,
N. Y. Gertrude was born February 20, 1834.
Her marriage to Jeremiah Lott, who is now de
ceased, occurred November 18, i860; she is living
at New Lots. James Cornell Van Siclen was born
January 11, 1838; he was married November 1,
1871, to Rebecca Bergen, and departed this life
March 20, 1886. His family also live at New Lots.
The subject of this sketch grew to mature years
on the home farm and was educated in the schools
of the vicinity. He was trained to a full knowl
edge of farming and continued to make his home
on the old place until 1887, when he erected his
present residence in Liberty Avenue, into which
he moved his family. Although taking great in
terest in the affairs of his community, he has
never aspired to hold office, preferring to let those
serve the public who have more desire to do so.
He was married November 4, 1866, to Miss Phebe
Maria Van Wiclin, a native of Woodhaven and
the daughter of Hendrick Van Wiclin.

566

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

To our subject and his excellent wife there were
born three children, of whom John died July 4,
1868, when an infant of six months. Abraham
is also deceased, departing this life May 27, 1887,
when a lad of seventeen years. Henry, who was
born April 11, 1872, still lives with his parents and
gives his attention to looking after the cultiva
tion of the old homestead. In politics our sub
ject is a Republican. Mrs. Van Siclen is a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, which church
her husband also attends.

SINGLETON LATHAM MITCHILL, a
well-known surveyor of Queens County,
is living in Manhasset in the house where
his birth occurred January 26, 1836. He and a
brother, who died at seven years, were the only
children of Warren and Catherine (Onderdonk)
Mitchill. His father, who was born at this place
in 1804, was well educated for his day and by-
following the occupation of a farmer and sur
veyor became well-to-do. He voted the Demo
cratic ticket until 1856, when, having sufficient
reason to change his views, he supported Fre
mont, and from that time until his death was a
true-blue Republican. He was very popular in
his community and during the sixteen years in
which he held the office of justice of the peace
gave entire satisfaction to the public by the wis
dom of his decisions. He was a true Christian
gentleman and for many years an elder in the
Presbyterian Church at Roslyn. For some time
he was actively connected with the Sons o'f Tem
perance and in every good work in the commun
ity his influence could always be counted upon.
He departed this life in January, 1888. His good
wife survived him one year, and at the time of
her decease, in April, 1889, was in the eightieth
year of her age.
The subject of this sketch is a finely educated
man, having been a student in some of the best
schools on the island. His attendance at the dis
trict school was supplemented by a course in the
academy at Roslyn, and later he attended a
boarding school at Hempstead, which was con
ducted by Charles Rutherford. When leaving
there he went to Schoharie County, this state,
and prepared himself for becoming a surveyor in
the Carlisle Seminary. When ready to commence
work at his profession he joined his father, who
was then engaged in surveying, and assisted him
in this work for several years. He has been very

successful in all his undertakings in this line and
for a period of forty-one years has given to this
business his entire time and attention, so that he
is well known throughout this locality. The pro
fession has brought him into close contact with
the people of the island especially, and at one
time he was acquainted with all the owners of
property on Great Neck.
Mr. Mitchill was married October 19, 1864, to
Miss Addie E., daughter of Col. Andrew A. and
Maria (Case) Bremner. They have no children.
In politics our subject voted for Lincoln in i860
and 1864, and says that had that grand old man
been permitted to live he would have supported
him every time. He continued to be allied with
the Republican party until 1884 when he voted
the Democratic ticket and has voted for Cleve
land three times. For twelve years he held the
office of inspector of elections. Religiously he is
an Episcopalian and vestryman in Christ's
Church at Manhasset.
The Mitchill family is of English origin, and
has been represented in the town of Hempstead
for more than two hundred years. Our subject
has in his possession a family tree showing over
six generations. Robert Mitchill, a descendant
of Sir Humphrey Mitchill, came from Old Wind
sor, Berkshire, England, about two hundred
years ago, and settled on Long Island, in what
is now the town of North Hempstead. He mar
ried (first) Mary Lokerson, and (second) Hester
Smith, by whom he had one child, Robert. The
latter married (first) Phebe Denton, by whom he
had three children, and (second) Hannah Van
Wyck (the widow Smith), by whom he had eight
children: William, Hannah, Robert, Phebe,
Thomas, Uriah, Augustus and Mary. William
Mitchill married Sarah Latham, and Robert
Mitchill married Mary Latham, daughters of
William and Amy (Underhill) Latham, and
granddaughters of Joseph Latham, who was born
in 1674 in Bristol, England, and came to New
York in 1695, and there, July 4, 1696, married
Jane Singleton. He engaged in ship building
until 1 718, when he retired from the business and
purchased of William Nicoll in the town of
Hempstead, Nicoll's patent, on which he built
his residence in 17 19. He had four children: Jane,
William, Margaret and Mary. William was born
June 17, 1706, and married July 17, 1726, Amy,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah Underhill, and
died July 3, 1763; his widow died February 18,
1775, in her seventy-second year. They had six

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

567

children: Joseph, Samuel, Sarah, Hannah, Mary
and Thomas.
William Mitchill and Sarah Latham had two
children, Charles and William. The former,
who for many years was a practicing physician
at what is now Manhasset, married Elizabeth
Thorne and they had five children: John, Wil
liam, Jane, Maria and Charles. William, also a
physician of Manhasset, never married. John
married Margaret Olivia Mitchill, and their
descendant, Charles T. Mitchill, now occupies
the Mitchill homestead of Manhasset.
Robert Mitchill and Mary Latham were mar
ried June 22, 1759, and had eight children:
James, Jane, Samuel Latham, Joseph, George,
Robert, Singleton and Priscilla. Samuel Lath
am Mitchill, M. D., LL.D., became noted for his
learning and various attainments, served in the
legislature, congress and United States Senate,
and was professor in Columbia College. He was
born August 20, 1764, and died September 7,
1831. The home of his ancestors and himself he
christened "Plandome," which he interpreted to
mean "plain home." He married Catherine Ak-
erly. Singleton Mitchill, born May 9, 1774, mar
ried Maria Schenck, May 12, 1803, and died
December 9, 1861. They had ten children: War
ren, Mary E., Robert, William L., Edward, Sin
gleton L., John S., Joseph L., Mary E. and Eras
tus. Afterward he married Sarah Hewlett, daugh
ter of Judge Hewlett of Coldspring, L. I., but
they had no children. Singleton was adopted
by his uncle, Dr. Samuel Latham, an eminent
physician, when but two years of age, and went
to live with him at "Plandome." When he was
six years old his uncle died July 24, 1781, in his
fifty-third year, leaving his house, mills and a
portion of his land to Singleton, while he left a
part of the land to Charles, his nephew, who also
lived with him. As Singleton was only six years
old, his father exchanged his farm at Manhasset
for the land bequeathed to Charles and went to
live at "Plandome," taking charge of Singleton
and his inheritance. The father, Robert, died
July 12, 1789, and afterward Singleton and his
brothers ran the mills and the farm of over two
hundred acres for a time, but later he bought his
brothers' interest in the land left to Charles. In
1819 he built the present house at "Plandome"
on the foundation of the one which Joseph Lath
am had erected one hundred years before. Dur
ing his life of over eighty years at "Plandome,"
he found time not only to cultivate a large farm

and run the Plandome mills with profit, but also
to offer the hospitalities of his home to his many
friends, attend to public duties and politics, serv
ing as justice of the peace for twenty years, for
six years as one of the judges of the county
court, for two years first judge of Queens Coun
ty, six years supervisor of the town of North
Hempstead, and five years commissioner of high
ways in that town. In 1807 Governor Tompkins,
David Geson, mayor of New York City, and Dr.
Samuel L. Mitchill, came to "Plandome" and
spent the night, and the next day were taken by
Singleton to Sand's Point, where they bought
land of Benjamin Hewlett for a lighthouse, this
being built in 1809. In 181 1 Singleton Mitchill,
Andrew and Joseph Onderdonk and Daniel
Hoogland were empowered to build a cotton fac
tory, wdiere William H. Hewlett's grist mill now
stands, and this was kept in successful opera
tion for several years until it was burned.
In 1815 Singleton Mitchill was appointed on a
committee with Peter Onderdonk and David
Brinkerhoff by the Reformed Dutch Church to
build a new edifice. They bought the land of
George Onderdonk and built the church at Man
hasset in 1816. In 1820 he received ten prem
iums from the Queens County Agricultural So
ciety, six of which were silver cups and one dozen
silver spoons. He was a delegate to numerous
political conventions and to the Baltimore con
vention, when Martin Van Buren was nominated
for President of the United States. In 1845 he
was chosen president of the Queens County Ag
ricultural Society. 'He was administrator and ex
ecutor to about twenty-seven estates, all of which
were amicably settled.
Warren Mitchill, the "eldest son of Singleton
and Maria (Schenck) Mitchill, was born May 2,
1804, and died January 13, 1888. He married
Catherine Onderdonk — born February 10, 1809,
died April 24, 1889 — a daughter of Minnie On
derdonk. They had two children, namely: Jos
eph Warren, born February 26, 1831, died Oc
tober 2, 1838; and Singleton L., born January 26,
1836. Warren Mitchill was educated in the pub
lic schools and at the seminary in Jamaica, of
which Mr. Eigenbrodt was principal. After his
marriage he purchased a part of his father's farm
and began an active life as farmer, surveyor and
auctioneer. For sixteen years he was justice of
the peace in the town of North Hempstead, and
in all that time his constant endeavor was to dis
suade those who applied to him from taking is-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sue at law and to have an amicable settlement
without recourse to law. In character he was not
afraid to assert his rights, noted for his honesty
and integrity, a great talker and fond of a joke.
An old friend once asked him: "Warren, how
many children has thy father?" His reply was:
"Uncle Sammy, there are seven of us boys, and
we each have a sister." "Oh, my, Warren, thy
father has a large family," was Uncle Sammy's
reply. For years he was an elder in the Roslyn
Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Dem
ocrat until the time of Fremont's candidacy for
President, after which he was a Republican.
Nicoll's patent, granted to Mathias Nicoll,
father of William Nicoll, contains twelve hun
dred acres, and the deed from William Nicoll to
Mr. Latham, which is now in possession of Sin
gleton L. Mitchill, a great-great-great-grandson
of that gentleman, covered the same tract of land
in two surveys lying adjoining each other. There
was a reservation in the deed of a burial ground,
sixty feet square, which was destroyed in the
Revolutionary War, when the British troops oc
cupied the land and were encamped on the
ground south of the house of Dr. Samuel Lath
am. During the time they were there, they
burned nearly all of the fencing on the farm.
When they came Dr. Latham, being loyal, pro
posed to leave as others did and go within the
American lines, but the commanding officer ob
jected to this, stating that he would need his
services as physician. Dr. Latham said he could
not stay unless allowed to talk and act as he
pleased, and upon the assurance of the Colonel
that he would be protected he remained. While
there the Colonel presented Dr. Latham with an
ivory cane nearly five feet long, with silver head,
which is now in the possession of his great-great-
nephew, S. L. Mitchill.

M'

RS. HENRIETTA CLAVEN. This es
timable, liberal and enterprising woman
is a native of the city of New York and
a daughter of Henry Jensen, a native of Sles-
wick-Holstein, Germany. When still a young
man and unencumbered, he came to the United
States with a view to bettering his financial con
dition, and having become a thoroughly prac
tical and competent piano maker in his native
land, he was engaged in their manufacture for
a short time after his arrival here, but was unfor
tunately burned out. He then entered the employ

of Decker Brothers as foreman, with whom he
remained until ill health compelled him to retire.
About 1870 he removed with his family to Long
Island City, and was here at the time of his death,
in 1894, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife
was formerly Miss Sarah Fogarty, a native of
Ireland, but who was brought when young to
this country by her parents, who took up their res
idence in New York City, where she was reared.
Her death occurred in January, 1895, when in her
fifty-fifth year. Of a family of fourteen children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Jensen seven survive and
all reside in Long Island City.
In 1879, m Long Island City, Henrietta Jen
sen was married to John Claven, who was born
in New York City in 1846, a son of Patrick
Claven, an old resident of New York, who event
ually died in Long Island City. John Claven
was the founder of the hardware firm of Claven
& Co., which was composed of himself and his
brother Thomas, and was the head of this reliable
firm until his death, which occurred in the prime
and vigor of manhood, in 1887. He was quite
prominent in local politics, and for two terms
was alderman from the first ward and for a like
length of time supervisor of Long Island City.
Politically he was a Democrat.
After the death of John Claven his widow mar
ried his brother Thomas, in 1890. The latter
was a native of the city of New York and was
there reared and received a grammar school edu
cation. In 1 87 1 he came with the family to
Long Island City, and here, with his. brother
John, and George Petry, he established the hard
ware business above mentioned, but shortly
afterward the brothers bought Mr. Petry's in
terest and became the sole owners. In connec
tion with their business they engaged in the man
ufacture of varnish and tacks and conducted a
successful business in Jackson Avenue until the
death of John Claven, when Thomas became the
sole manager of the business. He continued suc
cessfully to discharge the responsibilities of his
business, but unfortunately his earthly career was
cut short at the comparatively early age of thirty-
nine years, in January, 1893. John and Thomas
Claven had a younger brother, Michael, who
came to Long Island at the time they did and
here he received his education, later engaging in
business. He became prominent in commercial
circles, and, like his brothers, bore an excellent
reputation for honesty and upright dealing. He
died early also, in June, 1895, when thirty-four

PETER LOTT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

57i

years old. At one time he was president of the
board of aldermen, and at the time of his death
was president of the Long Island improvement
committee. Mrs. Claven has entirely refuted the old notion
that .women are utterly lacking in business ca
pacity, for since the death of her husband, Thom
as Claven, she has taken her place at the helm
and has continued to guide the business into
safe and lucrative channels. She conducted both
the store and the manufactory successfully until
about September, 1895, when she closed out the
former establishment and has since devoted her
attention to the manufacture of varnish and tacks
in Borden Avenue, near Jackson Avenue, and to
doing a general jobbing business. She is
shrewd, capable and intelligent and has lost none
of her womanliness by so successfully continu
ing the business which was inaugurated by
Claven Brothers. She is a Christian in all that
the word implies and is a worthy member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church.

PETER LOTT, who is living on the Jamaica
plank road in Woodhaven, was born on this
place February 4, 1812. He was the young
est member of a family of ten children, two of
whom died in infancy. Stephen, born February
28, 1788, married Phebe Sprang. He served as
a soldier in the War of 1812 and became a man
of great prominence in his community, holding
several positions of honor and trust. During
the greater part of his life he followed farming
and died in 1859. Phebe, who was born July 24,
1790, never married and lived to be eighty-eight
years of age. John was born July 24, 1792, and
died September 13th of the following year. John
S., who was born August 2, 1794, also fought
in the War of 1812, and during the active years
of his life served his town as highway commis
sioner, assessor and supervisor. By occupation
he was a farmer. Hendrick was born April 8,
1797; he made farming his life vocation and died
October 10, 1849. Dow S. was born July 28,
1800, and died September 10th of that year.
Anna was born July 6, 1801; she married Jacob
Snediker and lived until August 22, 1867. Dow
S the second of that name, was born Decem
ber 25, 1803, and died May 27, 1868. Sarah was
born May 23, 1806; she married F. L. Wyckoff
and to them were born eight children — John,

Henry L., Jacob S., Ferdinand L. and William
J., and two daughters and one son who died in
infancy. William and John Lott, now promi
nent residents of Jamaica, are sons of Jacob S.
The father of the above family was Hendrick
Lott, whose birth occurred March 24, 1761, on
the old Lott homestead. He was a very prom
inent man in his day and was the incumbent of
many offices of trust and responsibility. In the
Reformed Church, of which he was one of the
leading members, he served as elder for many
years, and passed away September 13, 1832. His
father, by name Stephen Lott, came to Long
Island from Pennsylvania during the early set
tlement of this region. Of his children we men
tion the following facts : Hendrick was the eldest
ofthe family. Johanas, born November 19, 1763,
was a farmer by occupation and a captain of
militia; Peter was born January 31, 1766, and
died unmarried; Anna was born March 4, 1768;
she married John Vandevere; Stephen was born
April 26, 1770, and married Phebe Eldert;
George was born May 22, 1772, and married
Wilenpea Schenck; Maria, born March 21, 1774,
* married Benjamin Sammis; Catherine, born June
17, 1786, became the wife of Timothy Nostrand;
and Nicholas, born August 7, 1778, married
Addie Snediker. This branch of the Lott fam
ily is enabled to trace its ancestry on Long Island
back to the year 1652. Among its members was
one Johonas, who was elected to the New York
Assembly, serving for twenty years from 1727
to 1747.
Peter Lott has spent his entire life on the place
where he is at present residing. He followed
farming for many years and also speculated quite
extensively in land, meeting with very flattering
success in this venture. He is to-day one of the
wealthy and substantial citizens of the town of
Jamaica, which result has been brought about
through his own efforts. He has always taken
an active interest in the welfare of his community
and on several occasions has held office. He has
never married, and, although now well advanced
in years, is active in mind and body, and it is no
uncommon occurrence for him to walk to Ja
maica to attend prayer-meeting, a distance of
three or four miles. The Reformed Church re
gards him as one of its most consistent members,
and during his younger days he served his con
gregation in the official capacity of deacon and
elder. Mr. Lott has a very pleasant home and
among its furnishings is a splendid library. He

572

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

takes great delight in reading good books and
papers, and is without doubt one of the best-
posted men on current events in his locality.

PROF. JOHN WAMBSGANSS. No pro
fession has a greater influence upon man
kind and none is loftier in its aims or more
uplifting in its effects than that of music. Diose
who devote their lives to the mastery of its in
tricacies and who from its study evolve new beau
ties in the realms of harmonic symphonies well
deserve the praise of their friends and the ap
plause of the world. Perhaps few have given
more earnest or closer attention to the study of
music than has Professor Wambsganss, and that
the results have been satisfactory may be attested
by the writer, who had the pleasure of personally
hearing this well known pianist.
Though of American birth, the subject of this
sketch traces his lineage to Germany, where were
born his father and grandfather, both named
George. The latter brought his family to Ameri
ca and settled in Kendallville, Ind., where he spent
his remaining years. George, Jr., was a lad of
eight years when the family came to this country,
and he grew to manhood in Indiana, being edu
cated in Ft. Wayne for the profession of a school
teacher. His first work in that occupation was
in "Van Wert County, Ohio, after which he was
similarly employed in Crete, 111., then in Chicago
for fifteen years, and is now at Bremen, Ind.,
where he teaches in a Lutheran school. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Germann,
was born in Vanwert, Ohio, being a daughter of
Charles Philip Germann.
Among six children, our subject was third in
respect to age. He was born in Chicago, 111.,
August 12, 1869, and spent his childhood years
in his native place, being educated in the pa
rochial schools. At the age of fourteen he en
tered the Addison Seminary, near Chicago, from
which he graduated in 1889. Going to Decatur,
Macon County, he accepted a position as teacher
in German and English in the parochial school.
In January, 1891, he came to Long Island City
to take the position of instructor in Trinity pa
rochial school, which he has since held. He is
also organist in the Trinity Lutheran Church
and is an instructor in music, making a specialty
of the piano. For the last three years he has
been studying music with Prof. F. Q. Dulcken.
On several occasions he has given concerts in

Long Island City, and of these functions he has
made a decided success.
In Long Island City occurred the marriage of
Professor Wambsganss to Miss Gussie Wingrove,
a native of this place, and daughter of Benjamin
Wingrove, of whom mention is elsewhere made.
One child, Benjamin George, blesses this union.
While the Professor has been prevented from the
pressure of his professional duties from taking an
active part in politics, he is nevertheless well in
formed regarding topics of current interest, and
in national affairs gives his allegiance to the Dem- •
ocratic party.

PAUL A. GEIPEL, collector for George
Ehret's brewery, was born in Saxony, Ger
many, in 1865, being a son of August and
Wilhelmina (Koemer) Geipel, also natives of Sax
ony. His father was a baker by trade and his
grandfather a manufacturer of vinegar, though
both also engaged as dealers in horses. The for
mer first came to America in 1854, remaining
about five years. He then returned to Germany,
married, and for a time engaged in dealing in
horses there, but in 1866 he brought his wife
and child to the United States, settling in New
York City, where he found employment as a bak
er. In 1873 he located in Woodside, Queens
County, where he was in the employ of the Wood-
side brewery until its failure. In 1874 he came
to Long Island City and started a saloon on
Newtown Road, which he continued for a few
years. In 1888 he became a collector for Ehret's
brewery, which position he has since filled. He
still resides here, making his home at No. 38
Newtown Road.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of four
children, of whom three are now living. He was
reared in Woodside and Long Island City, his
education being carried on in the Fourth Ward
school under Professor Gould. Later he attend
ed Thompson's Business College. In 1881 he
entered a drug store in New York, where, in ad
dition to working as clerk, he studied pharmacy.
After two years he became a student in the New
York College of Pharmacy, where he continued
until 1885, hut was then obliged to relinquish
the work, owing to the fact that the confinement
injured his health. On leaving school he went
West, where he spent five months in travel, thus
regaining his strength. Returning to Long
Island City, he became his father's assistant as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

573

collector. In 1890 he was appointed a collector
for Ehret's brewery, which position he still holds,
he and his father being the only two representa
tives of the brewery on Long Island.
Mr. Geipel's family residence is at No. 473
Grand Avenue. He was married in Long Island
City to Miss Dora Nentwich, whose father is pro
prietor of the Sunnyside House, and who is a
native of New York, though a resident of this
city throughout the most of her life. Three chil
dren comprise the family, Wilhelmina, Paul A.,
Jr., and Dora. Socially Mr. Geipel is a member
of the Arion Society in New York, the Frohsinn,
Turn Verein, Harmony Singing Association, As
toria Mannerchor, Eintracht Singing Associa
tion, Queens County Athletic Club, Long Island
City Wheelmen, Dutch Kills Mannerchor and
Steinway Gun Club, from which list it will be seen
that he is fond of social pleasure and of athletic
sports. He has a complete hunting outfit, and
as a result of his efforts along the line of that
sport, he has some fine natural history specimens.
Politically he takes an active interest in public af
fairs and casts his vote with the Democratic party.

EZRA WOODHULL CONKLIN. The
family of which this representative citizen
of Jamaica is a member originated in Eng
land, but has been represented in America about
three centuries. The first of whom there is any
record bore the name of John Conclin and was
born in 1600; his son, John, Jr., a native of the
same country, was born in 1630. In company
with the illustrious "Pilgrim Fathers" he crossed
the Atlantic from Nottinghamshire and settled in
Salem, Mass. His wife's name was Mary.
As early as 1660 John Conclin, Sr., with his son,
Timothy, removed from Southold to Huntington,
L. I. The other sons, John, Jr., Jacob, Benja
min and Joseph, established their homes in
Southold and some of their' descendants still re
side at the east end of Suffolk County. One of
the most prominent members of the family was
Roscoe Conkling, said to be a descendant of the
eastern branch. John, Sr., and Timothy owned
land at West Neck, and their names appear in the
records and rate bills as freeholders. Timothy
was one of the purchasers from the Indians un
der Governor Fletcher's patent of 1694.
The four sons of Timothy were Timothy, Jr.,
Jacob, John and Cornelius, all of whom resided on
West Neck during early life, but later Cornelius

went to Coldspring and John removed to Clay
Pitts. Jacob in 171 1 purchased a large tract ol
land at Half Hollow Hills, where he died at an
advanced age; he married Hannah Piatt, daugh
ter of Epenetus Piatt, and among their descend
ants was Jesse Conklin, formerly sheriff of Suf
folk County. Timothy remained on West Neck,
and the Conklins of Huntington are mostly his
posterity. Ezra Conkling, the grandfather of our subject,
was a descendant of Timothy, before named. He
married Sarah, daughter of Isaac Piatt, of Hunt
ington, and their nine children were : Piatt, Eras
tus Harvey, Ezra, Nathaniel Woodhull, Eliza
beth, Experience, Letitia, Matilda and Maria.
During the Revolutionary War he was stabbed
by a Hessian soldier, receiving injuries which
resulted fatally. His son Piatt, who lived at Clam
Point, Huntington Harbor, married Elizabeth
Wood, daughter of Jeremiah Wood, and their
children were named as follows: Ansel and
Brewster (twins), Warren, Frank, Jeremiah, Will
iam, Mary, Matilda and Elizabeth. Erastus Har
vey, son of Ezra, married Ruth, sister of Eliza
beth, and daughter of Jeremiah Wood, and they
had five children: Charles, Ezra, Maria, Sarah
and Deborah. ' Ezra, Jr., son of Ezra, Sr., married
Jane A. Brown, of Huntington, and had three
children: Seaman, Sarah Maria and Mary Eme-
line. The father of our subject, Nathaniel Woodhull
Conklin, was born at Huntington, L. I., and was
a harnessmaker by trade. Possessing large in
ventive ability, he had the experience similar to
inventors — that of never realizing much from his
inventions. When a young man he came to Ja
maica, where he followed his trade. For many
years he was sexton of the Presbyterian Church
and also served as superintendent of the Sunday-
school. He married Phoebe, daughter of Piatt
Smith, of Jamaica, and they had two children,
Sarah Rebecca and Ezra Woodhull. Their
daughter is the wife of Benjamin E. Vandervoort,
of Wallabout, by whom she hada son, Benjamin
W. The latter married Dorcas Champlain, of
Jamaica, and they have one child, named Ed
gar A.
Tlie Piatt family, from whom our subject is
descended, was first represented on Long Island
by two brothers, Isaac and Epenetus, and their
father, Richard Piatt, who came from Hertford
shire, England, and settled in New Haven, Conn.,
in 1638, but the following year they removed to

574

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Milford, Conn., where the father died in the fall
of 1684. The sons were among the earliest set
tlers of Huntington, Suffolk County, and were
patentees of the town. Isaac Piatt died July 31,
1691, leaving the following children: Elizabeth,
born September 15, 1665; Jonas, August 10,
1667; John, June 29, 1669; Mary, October 26,
1677, and Jacob, September 29, 1682.
Jonas, son of Isaac Piatt, had four sons, Oba
diah, Timothy, Jesse and Isaac, of whom the two
first-named settled in Fairfield, and the others re
mained in Huntington. Jesse, son of Jonas, had
three children, Jesse, Isaac and Zophar. Isaac,
son of Jesse, died in 1772 and left six children,
Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Obadiah, Jesse and Isaac.
Obadiah, son of Isaac, resided upon a farm at
West Hills, now belonging to the McKay estate.
His brother, Isaac, married Eunice Piatt, of Con
necticut, who died in Huntington in 1862 at the
age of ninety-seven years; she was a descendant
of Obadiah Piatt, of Fairfield, Conn. Obadiah,
son of Isaac, left seven children: Elkanah, Phi-
letus, Daniel, Esther, Rebecca, Phoebe and Sarah.
Elkanah, son of Obadiah Piatt, of Huntington,
married Dency, daughter of Jeremiah Wood, in
1795, and their children were: Elizabeth; George
W., of New York City; David; Brewster W. and
Daniel (twins); Nathan C, deceased, at one time
chamberlain of New York City; Deborah W. and
Hannah C. Isaac Piatt, son of Jesse, married
Sarah Mathews, of Huntington, and after her
death was united with Elizabeth Doty, of Cold-
spring Harbor; by his second wife he had sev
eral children, whose descendants reside in West
ern New York. Joel, son of Jesse, married Miss
Suydam, of Centerport. Jesse, son of Jesse, set
tled in New Jersey; his brother, Ansel, married
Miss Maria McChesney, of New York City; his
sister, Sarah, was three times married, her hus
bands being Thomas Steele, John Scudder and
Joshua B. Smith.
Philetus Piatt, son of Obadiah, married Content
Sammis, of Huntington, and their children were
Obadiah, Zophar, Stephen, Oliver, Watts, Polly,
Amelia, Sarah, Phoebe and Nancy. Daniel, son
of Obadiah, married a Miss Smith, of New York
City. Esther, a daughter of Obadiah, became
the wife of Stephen Fleet and their children were
Piatt, Ruth and Mary Esther. Rebecca, daugh
ter of Obadiah, had by her first husband one
son, John Duryee. Her second marriage was
to Jonas Sammis, of West Neck, by whom she
had four children, Nelson, Daniel P., Mary (de

ceased), and Mrs. Sarah Denton, of Lloyds Neck.
Phoebe, daughter of Obadiah, married Nathaniel
Chichester, of West Hills, and their children were
Nathaniel, Eliphalet, Piatt and Mary Ann. Sarah,
daughter of Obadiah, married Jesse Rogers, of
Huntington, and they had one daughter, Eliza
beth. In tiie village of Jamaica, where he still resides,
the subject of this notice was born in May, 1831.
He was educated in the district schools and Union
Hall Academy, and after completing his studies
went West, but not liking the country, returned
home. Soon afterward he took up civil engi
neering, which he has since followed with marked
success. His active business career covers a
period of nearly forty-five years, and during that
time he has surveyed almost every piece of land
in the towns of Jamaica and Far Rockaway, made
what was called the best assessment map ever
made anywhere in the state outside of New York
City, and while engaged at his profession he laid
out Rockaway Beach, Ocean Point and a num
ber of other places on the island. In religious
belief he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
His political views have led him to affiliate with
the Democratic party, and in its prosperity he
feels a keen interest.
By his marriage to Mary Bennett, of Jamaica,
which took place November 17, i860, Mr. Conk
lin had three sons, namely: Franklin Woodhull;
Edgar P., who died in infancy, and Archibald E.,
who was born in Jamaica, June 27, 1867, was
educated in the public schools, and is engaged
as a civil engineer with his father, while socially
he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the
Twenty-third Regiment, New York National
Guard, of Brooklyn. The oldest son, Franklin
W., was born April 3, 1862, and in youth was a
student in the public schools. From 1880 until
1886 he was employed as telegraph operator at
different places, and later, until 1890, held the
position of recording clerk in the office of the
clerk of Queens County under John H. Sutphin.
Since 1890 he has been engaged in civil engineer
ing with his father. His first wife, Annie B.
Cramford, of Valley Stream, with whom he was
united May 21, 1884, died December 30, 1889,
after having become the mother of two children.
His second marriage took place June 29, 1892,
his wife being Ella L. Vincent, of Brooklyn, who
passed away March 16, 1894. The only child of
this union is Grace Adele, who was born Feb
ruary 15, 1894.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

575

SAMUEL T. SKIDMORE. One of the at
tractive homesteads of Queens County is
occupied by the subject of this notice and
is pleasantly situated on Great Neck. It com
mands one of the most magnificent views to be
found on Long Island. To the right and left of
the place stand Ft. Schuyler and the fort at Will
et's Point, while in the distance lie the waters
of the sound. The owner is a successful farmer
and has attained a degree of success which proves
the possession of energy, prudence and sagacity.
Near where he now resides Mr. Skidmore was
born, in 1839, to Gen. James H. and Mary A.
(Hewlett) Skidmore, being a member of one of
the old families of the county. His great-grand
father, Samuel Skidmore, married Abigail White
head in 1774 and their children spent most of
their youthful days on the homestead near Flush
ing. Their son John had three sons, Samuel
Tredwell, James Henderson and David William,
all of whom were educated at Union Hall Acad
emy, Jamaica, and engaged in mercantile pur
suits. Of these James H, the father of Samuel
T., was born near Flushing, and after retiring
from business spent the remainder of his life a*
Great Neck, occupying a place situated only a
stone's throw from where our subject now lives.
He was born March 4, 1802, and died January 2,
1887, at the time of his demise being the oldest of
the Skidmore family in Queens County. Inter
ested in military tactics, he was appointed general
of the Fifteenth Infantry of Long Island. In
religious belief he was an Episcopalian and served
for many years as vestryman and warden of
Christ Church, Manhasset. His children surviv
ing him are: Susannah, wife of John T. Willis;
Samuel T., of this sketch; Mary Jane, widow of
Frederick K. Edwards; Sarah M., widow of Dr.
D. Rea Porter, and George W. The widow of
the General still resides at the old homestead on
Great Neck.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent
in attendance at private schools in Great Neck
and Coldspring, where he gained a useful fund of
information. June 3, 1870, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Rosa A. Messenger, a native of
Brooklyn, and daughter of Harry and Emma
Messenger. Since their marriage they have re
sided in their present home, where they are sur
rounded by all that goes to make life comforta
ble and enjoyable. Diey are the parents of a
daughter and son, the former of whom, Eliza
beth, was born in Brooklyn, and is the wife of

D. Edgar Smith, of New York City; the son, S.
Tredwell, was born on Great Neck and is a youth
of fifteen years (1896). Mr. Skidmore is highly
esteemed in this community, as in every walk of
life he has conducted himself in an honorable
and upright manner. Since the election of Ab
raham Lincoln to the presidency, he has always
supported Republican principles and voted the
party ticket. For one year he was clerk in the
custom house of New York. In religious belief
he has been identified with the Episcopal Church
for many years.

ALFRED C. BAYLES is one of the
successful business men of Port Washing
ton, where he is proprietor of a general
store, stocked with a complete assortment of
goods adapted to meet the need of every custom
er. He is a native of Long Island, born in the
village of Oyster Bay, January 6, 1846, and is a
son of Samuel Y. and Mary A. (Weeks) Bayles.
His father, who was a tailor by trade, followed
the bay throughout the most of his life, but died
when his son was quite small, after which the or
phan lad was given a home with his maternal
grandfather at Locust Valley. His education
was obtained in the country schools there, and
while it was comparatively meager, yet by self-
culture he has gained an excellent business edu
cation. From the age of fifteen until seventeen he
worked on a farm, after which he clerked in a
store at Locust Valley, and later was similarly
engaged at Roslyn and Old Westbury, remaining
in the last-named place for three years. Going
to Brooklyn, he purchased a milk route, which
he conducted for a year, but as the venture did
not prove a profitable one, he sold out and went
to Little Neck, where he was employed in a drug
store for a year. Thence he came to Port Wash
ington and for three years was engaged as a clerk
in a drug store. Saving his earnings, he was
able, in 1872, to open in business for himself,
taking Mr. Baxter as a partner, and carrying on
the trade under the firm name of Baxter &
Bayles until 1880, since which time he has been
alone. In addition to other lines he has a men's
furnishing department, in which he carries a full
and complete stock.
December 10, 1874, Mr. Bayles married Miss
Priscilla L., daughter of Stephen P. and Emeline
(Loweree) Wright, of Little Neck. Politically a

576

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Republican, the first presidential ballot cast by
our subject was for Ulysses S. Grant in 1868. In
1876 he was appointed postmaster, which position
he held until the election of President Cleveland,
but later he was again chosen for the office un
der Harrison. His first wife died, childless, Sep
tember 7, 1880. His second wife, with Whom
he was united October 25, 1882, bore the maiden
name of Ida C. Buhrman, and was a daughter
of William C. and Mary E. (Loweree) Buhrman.
One child blesses this union, a son, Alfred S., who
was born April 28, 1887. In religious belief our
subject is a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he has held various
offices of trust and responsibility, including those
of trustee, steward and treasurer.

THOMAS SKILLMAN PAYNTAR. In
every community some men are known
for their upright lives, strong common
sense and moral worth, rather than for their
wealth or political standing. Their acquaint
ances respect them, the young generation heed
their example, and when their earthly career is
closed posterity listens with reverence to the story
of their quiet and useful lives. Among such men
is Thomas Skillman Payntar, a man of quiet, un
assuming demeanor, a friend to the poor, charit
able to the faults of others, and ready to unite
with them in every good work. He is a native of
the town where he now lives, his birth having
occurred in Vernon Avenue, December 29, 1828,
being the fourth of six children born to his par
ents, notice of whom is given. in the sketch of
George H. Payntar.
When Mr. Payntar had reached the age of
five years he was placed in the district schools,
where his education was obtained. He remained
with and assisted his father on the farm until the ¦
latter's death, when he began working at the car
penter's trade. He inherited eight acres of land
from his father's estate and this he laid out into
lots, as did his brothers and sisters, who had in
herited a like amount. His property extended
on Beebe Avenue, over seven blocks. All of
this he eventually sold (and it is now nearly all
improved and built up), with the exception of his
comfortable residence, which he still owns at No.
630 Academy Street!
Mr. Payntar was united in marriage with Miss
Angeline Bragaw, who was born in Poughkeep
sie, N. Y., a daughter of Isaac Bragaw, who was

successfully engaged in tilling the soil in that
locality. To their marriage six children were
born: Georgiana, Mrs. Brown, who lives in
Mendocino, Cal.; Benjamin R. H., also of Men
docino; Thomas Irwin, who makes his home
with his father; Clara Kate, who resides in Eliza
beth, N. J.; Belle, who teaches in the public
schools of this place, and Alfaretta B., who is still
at home.
Mr. Payntar was instrumental in organizing the
postoffice at Dutch Kills, August 28, 1886, was
appointed to the position of postmaster by Gen
eral Vilas, qualified for the position the following
1 6th of September, and filled the office with
marked ability for four years, when he resigned.
He also filled local official positions in Newtown,
and although he has been a delegate to various
conventions and has been a grand and petit juror,
he cannot be said to be an official aspirant. When
chosen to these positions he filled them to the
best of his ability, and always with satisfaction
to those who supported him. He has always
been a Democrat politically and for many years
he has been an elder in the Reformed Church
of Long Island City. He has also been Sunday-
school superintendent, in fact, is an active church
worker.

REV. CHARLES M. BELDEN, rector of
St. George's Episcopal Church, Long
Island City, is a member of a family that
has been identified with the history of America
since an early period of its settlement, when two
brothers of this name came from England dur
ing the reign of Charles II. Both settled at
Wethersfield, Conn., but later one removed to
Hadley, where he suffered severely from Indian
depredations and finally lost his wife and a child
during the dreadful massacre at Deerfield. With
his two remaining children he escaped from their
savage foes, and going to Norwalk, established
his home in that place. From him the subject of
our sketch is descended.
Rev. David Belden, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was a clergyman of the Church of
England and lived during the stirring times of
the Revolutionary War. His son, John A., a na
tive of Wilton, Conn., received excellent educa
tional advantages, and entering upon the profes
sion of a teacher, soon acquired a widely extend
ed reputation as a successful educator. Next in
line of descent was Hon. Nathan M., our subject's

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

577

father, who was born in Fairfield County, Conn.,
and graduated from Trinity College, Hartford, in
1848, with the honor of Greek salutatorian of his
class. His ability in the study of languages was
noticeable throughout his entire college course
and he gained the reputation of being one of the
finest linguists in the state. Among his class
mates at Trinity were Attorney L. N. Middle-
brook and the late Bishop Paddock, who was the
valedictorian of the class.
For a time after graduating Mr. Belden was
assistant professor of ancient languages at Trin
ity. Later he was principal of a boarding school
at White Plains, Westchester County, N. Y., and
also held similar positions at Andover, Mass., and
Southpprt, Conn. Alternating with the teacher's
work, he gave considerable attention to the oc
cupation of a civil engineer. In religious belief
he was an Episcopalian and served as warden,
vestryman, treasurer and layreader of St.
Matthew's Church at Wilton, to which he be
longed for thirty-three years. He was active in
almost every public enterprise for good, and was
often called upon by his fellow-citizens to occupy
positions of trust and responsibility. For seve'n
years he was a member of the Connecticut As
sembly, and for eight years served as commis
sioner of Fairfield County. Elected to the office
of justice of the peace, he served in that capacity
for a long time. He was a director of the Con
necticut state prison and in that capacity, as in
all others, rendered satisfactory service. His
death, which occurred in 1895, was regarded as
a public loss to the community, where he had
so long resided.
The mother of our subject, who still resides in
Wilton, was born Sarah J. Stocking and was
reared in her native place, Norwich, Conn. Her
father, Serenius S., was a farmer, and one of his
brothers, Rev. S. S. Stocking, D. D., is a resi
dent of Jamaica, L. I. Her grandfather, Rev.
Jeremiah Stocking, was a member of an old Con
necticut family and was in the ministry of the
Methodist Church for forty years. For years the
family had been prominent in English public life,
but a member of that name emigrated to America
and settled in the town of Boston. George, the
ancestor of this branch of the family, removed,
in 1635, to Hartford, Conn., where succeeding
generations resided.
Our subject is the elder of two sons, his brother
being John Belden, a business man of Danbury,
Conn. Charles M. was born in "White Plains,

Westchester County, September 3, 1857, and was
reared principally in Wilton, where he was pre
pared for college under his father's supervision.
In 1877 he entered the sophomore class in Trini
ty College, but after one year there entered Co
lumbia College in 1878, becoming a member of
the junior class. He graduated in 1880 with the
degree of A. B., after which he taught in St.
Paul's school, Concord, Mass., under Rev. Dr.
Coit, for two years. In 1882 he entered the
General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal
Church, in New York, and took the three years'
course, graduating in 1885 with the degree of S.
T. B. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Pot
ter, in the Church of the Holy Communion, and
became assistant to Rev. Cornelius B. Smith, D.
D., at St. James' Church, Madison Avenue and
Seventy-first Street. In 1886 Bishop Potter or
dained him to the priesthood, the ceremony being
solemnized at St. Thomas' Church in New York.
For six months Rev. Mr. Belden was in charge
of St. Paul's Church at Troy, N. Y. In De
cember, 1886, he came to Astoria, Long Island
City, where he was in charge of the services at
St. George's Episcopal Church. In January,
1887, he was chosen rector, which position he has
since held. January 10, 1894, the church and its
contents were destroyed by fire. The rectory
was then moved back, and the larger portion of it
used for church and Sunday-school services, un
til such time as the new church will be erected
near the old site, corner of Woolsey and Frank
lin Streets. This is the oldest Episcopal Church
in Long Island City and was originally a branch
of St. James' Church in Newtown. St. George's
was established about 1824 and the first church
built about the same time, though services had
been held regularly for some years prior to that
time. In addition to the Sunday-school the
Ladies' Guild and Industrial School are doing
excellent work, each in its own line.
The marriage of Rev. Mr. Belden, in Danbury,
Conn., united him with Miss Sarah B. White,
daughter of William R. White, a manufacturer
of Danbury, where she was born. Three daugh
ters, Susan, Margaret and Elsa, bless their un
ion. Mr. Belden is a member of the Clericus of
Queens County, also of the examining committee
of the Greek alumni prize for the theological
seminary. While he has never displayed any
partisanship in his political opinions, he always
supports Republican principles and votes for the
candidates of that party.

578

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

As his record shows, Mr. Belden has spent an
active and useful life in the interest of the church
and his fellow-men, and combines many essential
traits of character which peculiarly fit him for
the varied and arduous duties he has been called
upon to perform. Blessed with a pleasing ad
dress and fine command of language, combined
with executive ability, he has proved himself
competent, faithful and earnest in every place
where duty calls him, and it is to be hoped that
he has many years of usefulness yet before him.

Darmstadt, born May 25, 1840. They have six
children, namely: Charles, a piano tuner with
Decker & Bros., in New York; Philip, a car
penter of Long Island City; John, Louisa, Clara
and Mary.

FREDERICK CYRIAX, a contractor and
builder residing in Dutch Kills, Long
Island City, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, December 12, 1844. His father, John,
a native of the same place, devoted his entire life
to the carpenter's trade and died in the province
where he was born, being eighty-four years old
at the time of his decease. His wife, Sophia,
was a daughter of George Schneck, a mason and
builder; she was born in Hesse-Darmstadt and
died there, aged sixty-six. In religious faith she
was a Protestant.
The parental family consisted of five sons and
one daughter, of whom four are living, Frederick
being the only one in America. He was reared
in Molburg and Beidenkopf, and attended the
public schools until fourteen years of age, when
he .was confirmed. When a mere child he com
menced to learn the carpenter's trade under his
father's instruction, and soon acquired proficien
cy in that occupation. In 1861 he took passage
on the sailer "Athenia" at Bremen, and after a
voyage of sixty-three days landed in New York
City, where he at once commenced to work at
his trade. In 1878 he began to take contracts,
which work he has since continued.
In 1890 Mr. Cyriax came to Long Island City,
where he has since erected a large number of
buildings, including the Methodist Episcopal par
sonage and the residences of Messrs. Bosse, Bos-
ki, Nollen, John Weed, Hewitt and Gombel. His
residence and place of business are at No. 45
Academy Street. Politically he is a Republican,
firm in his allegiance to that party. In his social
relations he is identified with Peconic Tribe, I.
O. R. M., Long Island City, and is a charter mem
ber of Long Island City Leiderkranz, of which
he is vice-president.
While residing in New York City Mr. Cyriax
married Aliss Minnie Block, a native of Hesse-

JOHN CASSIDY, who for nearly half a cen
tury has been a resident of Long Island
City, now bears the distinction of being the
oldest citizen of Blissville, where he makes his
home. For many years he has followed the busi
ness of a florist and gardener and has been one
of the most successful in this business in the
county. He located here in 1849, and since
that time has been identified in various ways with
the prosperity of his particular locality.
Our subject is a native of Ireland, and was
born in County Tyrone, in 1821. His father,
John Cassidy, was a tanner and currier by trade,
and in addition to operating his tanyard, tilled a
snug little homestead. He died early in life. His
wife, Mrs. Jane (McWilliams) Cassidy, was also
born in County Tyrone, where she reared her
three sons and one daughter. One of the for
mer, Michael, married and became the father of
two sons, who with him served in the Civil War
on the confederate side. In this conflict one of
the sons was killed. Michael lived for many
years thereafter, departing this life in 1894.
John Cassidy continued to make his home with
his mother in the Emerald Isle until 1846, when
he determined to see something of the New
World. He accordingly took passage on a ves
sel which landed him in due time on the shores
of America. He made his home in Williams
burg until 1849, when, as we have stated above,
he came to Queens County, first engaging in
landscape gardening. He manifested unusual
artistic taste in planning and carrying out his
work and was employed by the best residents of
the community to decorate their lawns. It must
be remembered that at the time he located here
Long Island City and many of the beautiful vil
lages surrounding it did not exist, but he found
plenty to do, as he was employed by those own
ing lots in Cavalry Cemetery to beautify the last
resting place of their loved ones.
In 1885 our subject opened a greenhouse, and
•during the busy season gives employment to
twenty-five and sometimes thirty men. He has
four greenhouses one hundred feet long located
on Penny Bridge, and four others the same

J. N. P. SIEBS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

58i

length situated in Greenport Avenue. The main
office of Mr. Cassidy is located in Cavalry Cem
etery. The marriage of our subject with Miss Hanora
O'Neil occurred at Newtown in 1863. This lady
was born in Ireland and has become the mother
of five children, Joseph, James, John, Thomas
and Richard, all of whom are engaged with him
in his business as florist and gardener. The eld
est son, however, is serving as a member of the
city council, having been elected alderman from
the second ward.
Mr. . Cassidy owns a pleasant residence in
Hurst Street, which he occupies with his family,
besides owning other real estate. For twelve
years he was school trustee and a portion of the
time served as president of the board. He is a
stanch Democrat politically and for twenty years
was a member of the general committee. Mr.
Cassidy was one of the original incorporators of
Long Island City and by its residents is highly
regarded. He is a regular attendant at St.
Raphael's Catholic Church and is greatly inter
ested in all good works in his community.

JOVINIANUS N. F. SIEBS, ex-supervisor
of the town of Newtown, is also proprietor
of the Central Plotel, which is the principal
establishment of its kind in Middle Village, a
thriving place of several hundred inhabitants.
Mr. Siebs was born here November 29, 1865, and
is the son of Christian F. and Anna M. (Nolte)
Siebs. He had one sister, but she is now de
ceased. Christian F. Siebs was born May 31, 1831, in
Germany, where he was given a good education.
In 1855 he took passage on a vessel which landed
him in due time on the shores of the New World,
and after spending a few years in Newtown took
up his abode in Middle Village, where he em
barked in the hotel business. He started out in
a modest way, having only four rooms, but as he
prospered he made additions to his building until
it reached its present commodious proportions.
He was a man greatly esteemed in the commun
ity, and for two terms held the office of county
coroner, the first term being elected on the Dem
ocratic ticket, and the second on the Repub
lican. He departed this life May 28, 1889, when
advanced in years.
Mrs. Anna M. Siebs was the first postmistress
of Middle Village, serving most acceptably in
23

this capacity from 1880 to 1889. She too was a
native of the Fatherland and was born January
12, 1827. Prior to her union with Mr. Siebs she
had been married to John Obrock, by whom she
became the mother of several children, two of
whom are living at the present time.
After attending St. Matthew's Academy of New
York City the subject of this sketch became a
student in the Columbia grammar school, where
lie completed his education. He then engaged
as a lithographer in the metropolis, following this
business with success for four years. At the ex
piration of that time he formed a partnership
with his nephew, C. F. Heick, and engaged as a
florist in Middle Village, following this until the
death of our subject's father, when, not being
able to attend to this business and at the same
time assist his mother in carrying on the hotel,
he disposed of his interest in the greenhouse
and has since given his entire attention to con
ducting the hotel.
In 1894 Mr. Siebs' name appeared on the Re
publican ticket as the chosen representative of
that party for the office of supervisor, to which
position he was elected by a handsome majority.
June 18, 1890, occurred, the marriage of Mr.
Siebs and Miss Emma Bezzenberger. To them
have been born three children, Emma A., Chris
tian H. and William H. Fraternally our sub
ject is a Mason of high standing, belonging to
Herder Lodge No. 348, Altaie Chapter and St.
Elmo Commandery. He is likewise connected
with the Odd Fellows lodge and is a working
member of the Independent Order of Goodfel-
lows. He is one of the trustees of the Newtown
fire department, and for some time was secretary
of Fearless Hook and Ladder Company No. 7.
With his family he occupies a neat residence in
this village of pleasant homes.

GEORGE C. AHRENS, the efficient me
chanical engineer of the Queens County
Oil Works, was born in Reading, Pa.,
January 28, 1858. His father, William Ahrens,
who is chief engineer of the Eastern Distilling
Company, has held that position since 1871. His
sketch the reader will find in detail on another
page in this volume.
The subject of this sketch was taken by his
parents to Cincinnati, O., when young and made
that city his home until 1871. During this time
he pursued his studies in the public schools, and

582

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

on coming to Long Island City in that year, he
found a position with the Eastern Distilling
Company. For about two years he was in the
yeast-making department, but not liking this oc
cupation he began looking about him for some
thing else to do, and decided to become a ma
chinist. He was accordingly apprenticed to
James Bulger of Brooklyn, and after serving
with him four years was a competent workman.
lie then went to Greenpoint where for one year
he was engineer for a branch house of the East
ern Distilling Company, and next went to Mill
stone, N. J., where he continued for fifteen
months. The next we hear of Mr. Ahrens he was filling
the position of chief engineer of the Harway Dye
Wood Works in Flushing, L. I. In 1884, how
ever, he became connected with the Queens
County Oil Works as foreman of the machinists'
department. In due time he was promoted, tak
ing charge of the pipe fitting department, and in
1890 was made mechanical engineer. He is
skilled in this special line of work and has the
reputation of being one of the finest machinists
in the state. Mr. Ahrens made several inven
tions which are now used by various companies,
among them being a steam valve motion for
pumps, and an engine lubricator.
Mr. Ahrens was married in Long Island City in
1880 to Miss Amelia Beckel, whose birth oc
curred in Ridgewood. She was the daughter of
Peter Beckel and the sister of Charles Beckel,
whose sketch also appears in this volume. Mrs.
Ahrens died in 1883, leaving two children, Katie
and Peter. The second marriage of our sub
ject occurred September 29, 1885, when Miss
Kate Bogen, a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany,
became his wife. She was the daughter of Dr.
Louis Bogen, a prominent physician of the Fath
erland. An uncle of Mrs. Ahrens, Frederick Bo
gen, was for many years a well-to-do resident and
large property owner of Long Island City; he is
now, however, living in Greenpoint. The wife
of our subject is finely educated, having com
pleted her studies in the model schools of her
native land. Four children have been born of
our subject's second marriage: Lillie, Bertha,
Louis and George C, Jr.
In politics Mr. Ahrens is an enthusiastic Re
publican, although in no sense of the word an
office-seeker, as he has often been solicited by his
friends to accept some such honors, but always
refused. He is an active member of the Lin

coln Club of this city. Socially he belongs to the
Royal Arcanum and Mt. Ararat Lodge, I. O. O.
F., of Greenpoint. He has been identified with
the Lutheran Church for many years and has
been greatly interested in the work of the Sun
day-school. A progressive and public-spirited
citizen, he is ever ready to do his full share in
matters of public welfare, and is numbered
among the leading men of his community. For
some time he was connected with Friendship
Truck No. 3. With his family he occupies a
pleasant home in Blissville.

HENRY BAUMANN, one of the prosper
ous business men of Woodhaven, has a
well stocked hardware establishment and
is conducting a very profitable trade in this line.
He is of foreign birth, being a native of the can
ton of Aargau, Switzerland. He was born Janu
ary 1, 1847, to Daniel Baumann, who in turn was
born in the above place in the year 1805. The
latter was a manufacturer of plaster of paris in
his native land. In 1864 he came to America,
but four years later departed this life at his
home in Woodhaven. His father, by name Hen
ry Baumann, met his death when seventy-five
years of age by drowning in a creek which he
was attempting to cross.
Our subject's mother, formerly Barbara Ung-
richt, was also a native of Switzerland, and was
sixty-four years of age at the time of her de
cease in 1874. Henry, of this history, had two
brothers, Jacob, who died in the old country, and
Adolph, who came to America, where he lived for
some time in comparatively good health, but
finally succumbed to the dread disease — con
sumption. Henry Baumann attended school quite regu
larly until a lad of fifteen years, when he was ap
prenticed to a tinsmith in order that he might
learn the trade. He came to America about this
time and found work in this line in Brooklyn.
After a twelvemonth spent there he changed his
place of residence to Woodhaven, having ob
tained a position in the large factory of the La
lance and Grosjean Manufacturing Company, for
whom he worked for a period of fifteen years, a
portion of this time being foreman of the tin-
shop. His evenings were spent in making ar
ticles of tin for himself and from the sale of these
he gained a start in life. Finally he became
proprietor of a little shop of his own, located on

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5«3

the site of his present commodious quarters, but
which was then only one room 10x20 feet in size.
The stock of goods which he put in at that time
he was obliged to purchase on credit, but pros
perity attended his efforts from the first and his
business grew rapidly until he was compelled to
erect a larger building. He gradually branched
out in the line of furniture and now keeps on
hand a large and varied assortment of house fur
nishing goods and is well patronized by the best
people of the community. Mr. Baumann de
serves great credit for the success which he has
made of life, for when he came to America his
parents were poor and he was obliged to support
them. This he did uncomplainingly, although he
was greatly hindered in working his way up the
ladder of fortune. Besides his hardware and fur
niture establishment, he owns much other valu
able property in this locality.
In 1866 Mr. Baumann was instrumental in or
ganizing the German Mutual Association, and a
year later he was made treasurer of this body,
which office he has held ever since. When
twenty-five years had rolled around he was pre*
sented with a handsome gold watch in recogni
tion of his long and faithful services in behalf
of the association. For three years Mr. Bau
mann held the position of excise commissioner of
Woodhaven, being elected to that office on the
Republican ticket. He is a leading member of
the German Lutheran Church and takes great in
terest in the work of the Sunday-school. This
department of church work was first started in
his home and for twelve years he was superin
tendent. The marriage of our subject with Miss Anna
M. Wuerger, a native of Germany, was celebrated
in 1875. To them were born seven children, of
whom those living are Henry A., Carl Fred,
Frederick Augustus and Albert Gustav.

JOSEPH CASSIDY, alderman from the
second ward and treasurer of the board
of excise commissioners of Long Island
City, is one of the prominent politicians and
popular residents of Queens County, and is one
who, through his efficient management and
sound judgment, has promoted the welfare of
the people of this locality. His devotion to the
material interests of the community is exceeded
only by the patriotism which never loses sight
of the highest duties of citizenship. Politically

he is a Jeffersonian Democrat and is ever ready
to give a reason for the faith that actuates him in
sustaining this exponent of his ideal in the prog
ress of good government.
Of the history of the Cassidy family, more
may be learned by reference to the biographical
sketch of John Cassidy, our subject's father and
business partner, which is presented on another
page of this volume. Joseph was born and
reared in Long Island City and received his edu
cation here and in Brooklyn, attending the
grammar school in Java Street. His first posi
tion was in the wholesale house of Arnold & Con
stable, where he was employed in the fur depart
ment. Such was his efficiency that within two
years after taking a position with the firm, he
had entire charge of the manufacturing depart
ment. After five years he started in business for
himself on Broadway and Thirty-seventh Street,
New York, where for one year he engaged in
the manufacture and sale of fur. From that
time until 1889 he was general manager for the
wholesale house of Freysted & Sons.
Returning to Long Island City, Mr. Cassidy
in 1889 became a partner with his father in the
florist's and gardening business, which has since
been carried on under the name of Cassidy &
Son. Their sales are largely made to the whole
sale cut flowers market, and they have two busi
ness locations, with five or six greenhouses at
each. They raise all their own plants, averaging
three hundred thousand per year. The business
is the largest of the kind in the city, and is bring
ing to its owners a gratifying degree of prosper
ity. In Hulst Street, where Mr. Cassidy owns six
teen lots, he erected a fine residence, and here
he and his wife make their home. Mrs. Cassidy
was born in Connecticut and bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Casey. In 1893 Mr. Cassidy
was appointed excise commissioner by Mayor
Sanford and from the start he was treasurer of
the board. When elected alderman, he did not
resign the other position because the intended
successor was not favored by him or by his con
stituents. In the fall of 1893 he received the
election by a majority of fifty, although the ward
gave Gleason almost three hundred majority.
He took his seat January 1, 1894, and since that
time has served as chairman of the public works
committee, the lamps and gas committee and
the committee on public instruction, also as a
member of finance committee. It has been

584

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his aim and ambition to worthily represent his
constituents and to insist that their rights shall
be respected, and so well has he succeeded that
they have the greatest confidence in him. He
was a charter member of the Jefferson Club and
has served on the house committee for years.
In addition, he has rendered efficient service on
the general committee and for some time has
been chairman of the local committee. Both in
business and in political circles, he has made
many friends and is held in high esteem for his
sterling worth and the excellencies of his char
acter. He takes a commendable interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare of the city
and county, and is public-spirited and pro
gressive.

FRANKLIN P. BAYLIS, who is well known
in Queens County, was born at what is
now Floral Park, then Plainfield, on the
18th of October, 1855, his parents being Wil
liam P. and Phoebe A. (Pearsall) Baylis. The
father was also born at Floral Park, where he
now resides, in September, 1825. For the last
few years he has lived retired, but prior to that
he had been actively engaged in business enter
prises. In public affairs he has been quite
prominent and has held a number of local offices.
Mrs. Baylis was born in May, 1826, the daugh
ter of Alexander Pearsall, of Rockville Center,
for whom the village of Pearsalls was named.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baylis were born six children,
who are living: William H. ; David A.; Mary
A., wife of Charles Johnson; Franklin P.; Ella,
wife of Lawrence Suydam, and Eugene I. Wil
liam Baylis, grandfather of our subject, was a
native of the town of Hempstead, born in 1805.
His father was Puntine Baylis, for whom Puntine
Street of Jamaica was named.
Our subject grew to mature years under the
home roof and was educated in the public
schools. When seventeen years old he took a
position in the railroad office at Hinsdale, re
maining there for about two years. Subsequent
ly he opened a general store there, and after con
ducting it for six years sold out. Then he was
employed for one year as general agent for Wal
ton, Whann & Co., of Wilmington, Del., and
had charge of the business for the entire island.
About 1883 he engaged in farming, but still con
tinued as agent for a number of companies.
Mr. Baylis selected his wife in the person of

Miss Evelyn G. Miller, daughter of William and
Maria L. (Tuttle) Miller, and their union was
celebrated November 10, 1875. November 10,
1895, they celebrated the twentieth anniversary
of their marriage. Mr. Miller was a prominent
citizen of Newtown for a number of years and
was a representative man. He built the Meth
odist Church at that place, donating it to the peo
ple, and also established a stage line from New
town to the Williamsburg ferries, carrying it
on successfully for years. Mrs. Baylis was born
in Newtown and was but an infant when her
father moved to Rockville Center. After re
maining in that place a short time he located in
Brooklyn, where he died in 1864. He was mar
ried three times and became the father of several
children. In connection with farming Mr. Baylis has al
ways been engaged in other enterprises and is
now agent for the Equitable Life Insurance
Company. In politics he is independent. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Baylis are members of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church at Floral Park, and have
been active workers in it since the organiza
tion, in which Mr. Baylis took an active and
prominent part. He has held all the offices
in the same and is now trustee and district stew
ard. In 1890 he was instrumental in the forma
tion and organization of the Sunday-school, and
since that time has been its superintendent. In
his social relations Mr. Baylis is a member of
Jamaica Lodge No. 433, Royal Arcanum. He
has ever been interested in all worthy movements,
particularly those relating to educational and
religious matters, and is one of the representa
tive men of the section. To Mr. and Mrs. Bay
lis has been born one child, Sarah C, who is
now a student at the Friends Academy of Locust
Valley.

JOSEPH HARTMANN, a well-to-do Ger
man farmer of the town of Flushing, has,
by his indefatigable industry and untiring
labor, been enabled to acquire considerable prop
erty and to lay the foundation of a competence
that will remove the necessity of further labor
when he reaches old age. The situation of his
farm, on Lott Lane, is particularly convenient to
the village of Jamaica, enabling him to enjoy all
the comforts of rural life yet bringing him with
in reach of such advantages as a village affords.
February 5, 1839, Mr. Hartmann was born in

JOHN M. CLARK.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

587

Prussia, and was the son of Joseph and Helena
(Hildebrant) Hartmann, to whom there were
granted five children, of whom four are living.
The father of this household was also born in
Prussia, where, after attaining mature years, he
engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old home
stead which had been in the family for many
generations. His life was one of usefulness, and
the prosperity which he achieved was the reward
of his perseverance and excellent management.
He departed this life in 1863.
The subject of this sketch attained mature
years under the parental roof and was educated
in the model schools of his native land. One
year after becoming of age he crossed the Atlan
tic and after landing on the shores of the New
World came immediately to Long Island, his
first employment being as a farm hand in As
toria. After some six years thus employed he
engaged in cultivating the soil on his own ac
count, first renting property at Ravenswood,
where he made his home for about five years,
when he purchased his present place. This was
in 1872 and he has made this his home ever
since. Miss Christina Hartmann became the wife of
our subject in 1867. She was also born in the
Fatherland, and although bearing the same
name was in no way related to him. Then-
union resulted in the birth of eight children, four
of whom are still living. Joseph is the eldest of
the household; Mary is the wife of Joseph Muhs
and they make their home in Brooklyn; John
and Henry are still at home and assist in carry
ing on the farm. In politics Mr. Hartmann is a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles and
in religious affairs he is a devout Catholic, at
tending services at Jamaica.

JOHN M CLARK, a well-to-do farmer of
Great Neck, was born in New York City,
Tanuary 1, 1821, in the home of his parents,
on the corner of North Moore and Greenwich
Streets He was the son of James and Mary (Mc-
K\e) Clark the former of whom was a native of
Scotland and was born in the highlands near
Castle Douglas. He came to America when a
boy and shortly thereafter began to follow the
sea For several years he was captain of a vessel
owned by John Jacob Astor, and our subject now
has in Ws possession a letter from Mr. Astor
giving directions for a voyage to France. Later

he was in the employ of the Harvard Packet Line,
and during his life as a mariner he visited nearly
every port of importance in the world. He de
parted this life in New York City in 1835.
Of the seven children included in the parental
family our subject is the only member now liv
ing. At the time of his father's death he was a lad
of about fourteen years, and up to this time he
had attended some of the best private schools in
New York. His school days nowr being over,
however, he obtained employment with John I.
Boyd, an agent for the Harvard Packet Com
pany, arid after a year or two began working for
an uncle, who was engaged in the lumber busi
ness. In the year 1841 John M. Clark came to Great
Neck and in 1848 purchased the property on
which he now lives. April 12 of the following
year he was united in marriage with Miss Ma
tilda, daughter of Thomas and Phebe S. (Under
hill) Udall. The house in which the young couple
began life together had been built in 1817, but
Mr. Clark made many changes in it, transforming
»it into a very cozy home. Their union has been
blessed by the birth of two children. Mary C,
who married Julian A. Udall, has two children,
and is now living with our subject; Richard U,
who is also married, farms a portion of the old
homestead. Our subject cast his first presidential vote in
1844 for Henry Clay and in i860 voted for Lin
coln. He has ever since been a firm believer in
the principles of the Republican party and on all
occasions uses his influence to further its inter
ests. He has often been a delegate to county and
state conventions. Mr. Clark was elected super
visor of the town in 1854 and so well and
honorably did he discharge all the duties required
of him that he has been called upon to serve in
this capacity twenty-one terms, being elected the
last time in 1890. Much credit is due Mr. Clark
for the effort which he put forth in securing a
macadamized road from Flushing to Eoslyn. In
religious matters he is identified with the Society
of Friends.

WILLIAM FRAME is a representative
of the men of energy, ability and en
terprise who have made Queens Coun
ty so prominent 'in the state. His name is asso
ciated with the agricultural interests of the town
of Flushing, where he owns and resides upon a

588

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

valuable farm. His estate is located just outside
the limits of the village of Flushing and contains
all the improvements of a model farm. A native
of this community, he was born in the house
now owned by C. W. Cooper, July 15, 1819. He
continued to live there until about twenty years
ago, when he sold it to Mr. Cooper. His parents
were Jesse and Mary (Leggett) Frame, to whom
were granted nine children, three now living.
Of these William was the youngest. His brother
Thomas was born March 8, 1809, and is now liv
ing at Patchogue. Eliza, the wife of Gilbert H.
Pearsall, of Brooklyn, was born May 4, 1814.
Jesse Frame was born February 4, 1774, and
departed this life October 7, 1826. His wife,
Whose birth occurred December 17, 1776, sur
vived him until February 3, 1853. Mr. Frame
was born and reared in Pennsylvania, whence he
afterward removed to Rahway, N. J., where he
met and married Miss Leggett. For several
years he was engaged in farming, but upon his
removal to New York City about 1809 he en
tered into the leather business, conducting a very
profitable trade for some four years. In 1813
he came to Flushing and gave his attention to
the raising of sheep, which at that time was a
very lucrative business. He acquired quite a
reputation in this line, and was well known
among stockmen in various parts of the state.
Later he purchased the property on which his
son, our subject, was born, and there prepared
to spend the remaining years of his life. He was
the owner of much valuable property in this
neighborhood, all of which had been acquired
by his ability and enterprise. Religiously he
was a faithful member of the Society of Friends.
In every way that he could he aided the good
work in the county, and was highly esteemed by
all who knew him.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of seven
years when he was deprived of the care of his
father, therefore on the mother fell the burden
and responsibility of rearing the family. This
lady, although living in New Jersey at the time
of her marriage, was a native of Chappaqua, N.
Y., and a member of one of the oldest and most
influential families of Westchester County. She
was a woman possessing rare business tact, as
was evidenced by the judgment displayed in
managing the estate until her sons were old
enough to relieve her of this care. She, too, was
a member of the Society of Friends and for
many years was an elder in the Society.

William, of this history, first attended the pri
vate schools of Flushing, after which he was
sent to New York and completed his education in
one of the best schools of that city. On his re
turn home he was eighteen years of age and
thus early in life assumed the responsibility of
the management of the' home farm. He contin
ued to cultivate this tract of land until his moth
er's death, in 1853, when the estate was divided.
The marriage of Mr. Frame with Miss Phebe
Willets of Jericho, was celebrated in 1854. They
have two children: Catherine, who has never
married; and Mary, now the wife of Edmund
V. D. Cox, of Brooklyn, who is a member of the
New York Stock Exchange; they have three
children. In the year 1873 Mr. Frame sold his
home farm and purchased his present place wdiich
contains forty-three acres of excellent land. Re
ligiously he is a member of the Society of Friends.
He is not allied to any political organization, re
serving his right to support the man who, in his
judgment, will best discharge the duties of the
office.

JOSEPH J. TOMPKINS. It is universally
conceded that our happiness and well-being
as individuals depend necessarily to a large
extent upon our own efforts, upon our own self-
culture, self-discipline and self-denial, and, above
all, upon that honest and conscientious perform
ance of individual duty which is the true strength
of manly character. What he has and what he
is, may be attributed by Mr. Tompkins to his
own efforts, as he began life with limited means,
but has steadily worked his way onward to suc
cess. The schools of his boyhood were few and
his attendance at these was irregular, but he has
gradually acquired the best of all educations —
that which a man gives himself while engaged in
the ordinary pursuits of life.
For many years Mr. Tompkins has made his
home about one mile southeast of the village of
Newtown, where he has large and valuable
landed possessions. A native of this town, he
was born September 17, 181 5, to Edward and
Elizabeth (Way) Tompkins, and is now the sole
survivor of their six children. His father was a
native of Cripple Bush (now a part of the city of
Brooklyn) and some years after his marriage
came to the town of Newtown, where he contin
ued to reside until his death. A public-spirited
citizen, he was for years justice of the peace and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

589

overseer of the poor, which offices he filled <with
efficiency. Until twenty-eight years of age, Mr. Tompkins
remained beneath the parental roof. At that
age, in 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Amelia Tompkins, and soon afterward his
father presented him with five acres of land, to
which, after erecting a cottage, he took his
young wife. To the original acreage he has
from time to time added different tracts of land
until his farm now comprises seventy-five acres,
and through the rise in property he has become
wealthy. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins
there were born fifteen children, of whom five are
now living, namely: Oscar E., who is married,
has three children and resides on a stock farm
near Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Phoebe E., who is
single and resides with her parents, for whom
she tenderly cares in their old age; Josephine,
wife of George Debevoise, of Jamaica; Eloise,
wife of James Debevoise, of Bay Shore; and
Clarence P., who married Miss Ella Painter and
lives with his father on the home place.
Progressive, enterprising and liberal, Mr.
Tompkins was in his younger years largely in
strumental in promoting the general welfare and
industrial thrift of Newtown, and still maintains
a warm interest in matters pertaining to the prog
ress of the people. His vote has always been
given to the Democratic party, but he has never
been narrow in his opinions regarding politics.
For nine years he served as commissioner of the
highways and for six years filled the office of
assessor. His business relations in his active
life were such as to demonstrate the activity of
his mind and the honesty of his purpose, while
his disposition has always been kind to those in
trouble and generous to those in need.

JOHN M. SAMMIS. Among the most act
ive, energetic and successful business men
of Oyster Bay is the gentleman whose name
appears above. He was not born with a sil
ver spoon in his mouth, but he nevertheless has
made his way in the world and by his intelli
gent business methods, together with assiduity,
has amassed a competency and established a rep
utation for probity and honesty in dealing with
the public which stamps him as one who recog
nizes business principles as the sure and essen
tial passport to success.

In his early years Mr. Sammis was not rugged
physically, and was confronted with an affection
of the throat which suggested a fatal conclusion.
With that energy and determination character
istic of his life, he combatted successfully the
enemy and through the most adverse atmos
pheric conditions he is today, notwithstanding
his seventy-five years of active life, as rugged,
stalwart and robust as many who have not en
countered the years or been confronted with the
varied experience of the subject of our sketch.
Mr. Sammis was born in this village October
8, 1820. At the age of seventeen he entered the
service of Col. Samuel Youngs, who kept a gen
eral country store and lumber yard at Oyster
Bay Cove. Colonel Youngs was for a number
of years an important political factor in the
town. Rugged in his intellectual endowments
and always possessing the courage of his convic
tions, he was regarded with especial favor by
the citizens of this town and county. He served
as supervisor for several years and afterward
represented Queens County in the lower house
for two years. In 1849 he went to California as
one of the Argonauts, and remained there for
many years, returning home about 1891, broken
with the weight of years and unsuccessful in his
financial ventures. He died soon after his re
turn, at St. Johnland, and his remains were
brought to Oyster Bay Cove and interred beside
those of his ancestors in the Youngs cemetery.
For several years, when Colonel Youngs was en
gaged in merchandising at the Cove, Mr. Sammis
had entire charge of his business, purchasing
goods and conducting affairs as his judgment
suggested. The kindness evinced for his old em
ployer was not abated by time and the veteran
colonel was indebted during the last years of
his life to the generous remembrance of Mr.
Sammis. «
About 1843 Mr. Sammis came to this village
and commenced business with a limited capital,
his savings during his service with Colonel
Youngs, in the place now occupied by Val
entine Baylis. Here he remained for three
years and in 1846 purchased the store property
now occupied by E. A. Hegeman. He soon im
proved this corner and for a number of years
kept a general country store which he abandoned
to engage in the lumber business, conducted for
many years by James Prior, and here for more
than three decades he has furnished the public
with all kinds of building materials. For many

59°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years he was the purchasing agent of the prom
inent flouring mills of Hecker Brothers, and was
the representative of the wool interests of the
island for Dike Brothers. For forty-five years
Mr. Sammis has been a trustee of the Presbyteri
an Church, for forty-three years treasurer of the
same, and for a period of twenty years an active
member of the society.
In his social relations our subject has been
extremely fortunate. He was married January
6, 1846, to Rebecca, daughter of Isaac Town-
send, of Yellow Coat, and grand-daughter of
James Titus, of Syosset. Of their children we
mention the following: Mary A. became the
wife of James H. Ludlum; Louise was married
to George Nelson Duryea, who died in the year
1882 leaving one chn_, Edna S. Duryea; in 1890
Mrs. Duryea became the wife of William Wood-
hull Sammis, of West Neck, Huntington. Sarah
E. is the wife of Edward A. Hegeman. Edgar
Townsend Sammis, who is now with his father,
assists in conducting the business.
It can truly be said that Mr. Sammis has
grown up with the village. Here he was born,
here his boyhood was spent and here he deter
mined to achieve that success in life which illus
trates his industry, his intelligence and his su
perior business qualifications. Not daunted by
any adverse circumstances but fastening his eye
upon the object before him, by persistent effort
and judicious management, his business career
has been crowned with success. We certainly
know of no better or any more complete illustra
tion of what may be accomplished in a lifetime
by intelligent methods than that which finds an
illustration in the career of John M. Sammis. It
can be said with truth that he is a self-made man.
He was formerly a Democrat, but has affiliated
with the Republicans ever since the organization
of the, party.

PETER S. FLANAGAN, alderman of the
fourth ward, has been a resident of As
toria, Long Island City, all his life, his
birth occurring here March 14, 1847. He has
identified himself with the interests of his county,
has won numerous friends, and has built up a rep
utation for honesty and fair dealing that is in
every way merited. (P'or a fuller history of his
father, Andrew Flanagan, see sketch of Andrew
Flanagan, Jr.) Peter was the third youngest son
and in his native city grew to mature years and

seemed a good practical education, completing
his course in the Fourth Ward school when sev
enteen years old. He then began serving an
apprenticeship as a compositor with the "Astoria
Herald" and started at the bottom. This paper
was edited by Mac Richie.
Later young Flanagan went to Brooklyn and
was on the "Brooklyn Standard," a weekly story
paper, where he finished his trade. From there
he went to New York City and was on the
"Era," a Masonic paper, until the daily was sus
pended. Our subject was with it again after it
became a weekly and was thus employed until
1869, when he became connected with the "Shoe
and Leather Reporter," with which he has been
associated since. Although he is deeply inter
ested in all that relates to the "Reporter," he
has other enterprises and does not lose sight of
his duties as a citizen.
Mr. Flanagan is a member of Typographical
Union No. 6, with which he has held member
ship since the age of twenty years. He has a
commodious and pleasant residence at No. 542
Lockwood Street, which is kept in perfect con
dition by his estimable wife, formerly Miss Eliza
beth Egan, who is a native of the Emerald Isle.
The following children have been born to them:
Annie, May, Sadie, Frank, Nellie, Charles, Rose,
Joseph, Gertrude and Betsey and Bess (twins).
In the fall of 1895 Mr. Flanagan was elected
on the Democratic ticket for alderman of the
fourth ward and has discharged the duties of that
position most acceptably. He is a member of
the finance and law committees, besides two or
three others. Socially he is a member of John
Allen Lodge, No. 330, A. O. U. W., of Astoria,
of which he is past officer and has been a delegate
to the grand lodge.

ARNOLD NELIUS, a contractor and
builder residing at New Hydepark, was
born in the city of New York April 7,
1858, to Balthaszar and Mary (Miller) Nelius,
natives of Germany. His father, who was a shoe
maker by trade, settled in New York after com
ing to America and there married. In 1861 he
moved his family, consisting of wife and two
children, to Mobile, Ala., where he remained
about three years. Thence he went to Brazil and
settled at Santarem, a place of about one thou
sand inhabitants, situated on the Amazon about
fourteen hundred miles from its mouth. The

->¦

LUCIEN KNAPP.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

593

climate, however, was so unhealthful that, after
two years, he concluded to return to the United
States. He took passage on a vessel northward
bound, but soon became fatally ill and died when
about five days out from New York.
The widow was left with two children, Arnold
and Elizabeth. The latter became the wife of
George P. Simon and died February 18, 1895.
The mother came to New Hydepark when it
was a village of but a few houses; here she
bought property, built a house and made her
home until her death, January 30, 1890. Our
subject was a boy of thirteen years when he came
to this village and here he grew to manhood. At
the age of twenty-two he apprenticed himself to
learn the carpenter's trade under James PI.
L'Hommedieu, whom he served for six years.
He then worked at his trade for a year in the
vicinity and for six months in the city of Brook
lyn, after which he settled at Floral Park and, in
partnership with Charles B. Cox, engaged ex
tensively in building and contracting. After a
partnership covering three years, during which
the business aggregated about $40,000 annually,
the connection was dissolved by mutual consent.
Coming to New Hydepark, Mr. Nelius has
since carried on work as a contractor, having
built about thirty houses here. Among them are
seven that he built for himself, four of which he
still retains. Politically he is a Republican, and
with his wife belongs to the Reformed Church.
At this writing he is serving as trustee of school
district No. 11. He is a Master Mason, belong--
* ' o
ing to Morton Lodge No. 6^, at Hempstead,
and a member of the Shield of Honor, belonging
to Lodge No. 3 at New Hydepark. October 13,
1886, he married Louisa, daughter of Joseph
Britton, a native of Germany. Mrs. Nelius was
born in New Hydepark April 6, i860, and is the
mother of four children: Elizabeth, Adelia, Ellen
B. and Arnold B.

LUCIEN KNAPP, city treasurer and re
ceiver of taxes of Long Island City, en
joys the distinction of having been the
first Republican city official elected in this place.
Active in political affairs, he is also energetic and
successful in business, being president of the
Knapp Manufacturing Company, a close corpo
ration of which he is the principal stockholder.
The business which he follows, that of a manu
facturer of metal goods, has been the chosen oc

cupation of his family for many generations, and
he brings to it a discriminating judgment, sound
common sense, habits of close observation and
unwavering integrity, qualities which are his by
training as well as inheritance.
The Knapp family are of Saxon origin and in
that country of iron mines and iron industries
they have for generations been engaged as work
ers of metals. The subject of this article was born
of French and German extraction, in 1848, on
the Rhine at Strasburg, in Alsace, when that prov
ince was French territory. His father, John G.
Knapp, went into France, where he engaged with
the firm of Coulaux Aine & Cie, large manufac
turers of sheet steel, fire arms and hardware.
There he married Sophie Melina Dubois, daugh
ter of Jules Dubois, one of the firm and its me
chanical engineer. Jules Dubois was consid
ered to be one of the most progressive business
men of his time, and at the World's Exposition
in Paris, early in 1800, he exhibited the first
model of the endless bandsaw, since so universal
ly in use and of such general utility. Branches of
the Dubois family came to the United States with
the early Huguenots and settled in South Caro
lina, Connecticut and New York, many of them
serving in the Revolutionary War with distinc
tion. Both by birth and inheritance Lucien Knapp
is a Republican. His father participated in the
German Revolution of 1848 and later was com
pelled to leave France when Louis Napoleon sub
verted the Republic and made himself Emperor.
In 1861, when the tariff for war revenue was
placed upon importations, the hardware business
received a great impetus and the demand for
metal goods was so great that John G. Knapp en
tered into partnership with Lalance & Grosjean,
then importers of hardware, to manufacture iron
spoons and other articles of household use. The
factories of Lalance & Grosjean, located at
Woodhaven, Queens County, where two thou
sand men are employed, are now the largest in
the world in the line of seamless stamped metal
ware. In 1870 Mr. Knapp, Sr., withdrew from the
stamped ware business and later engaged with
his son in the business, then, as now, under the
title of The Knapp Manufacturing Company, in
which he remained until his death in Newtown, in
1887. One of his brothers, Prof. Frederick
Knapp, settled in Baltimore in 1850 and founded
Knapp's Institute, chartered by the state of

594

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Maryland. Professor Knapp was distinctively an
educator, and received many honorable mentions
and diplomas as professor in pedagogy from
European universities. He was among the first
to establish kindergarten systems, and the first
to teach deaf and dumb how to talk by articula
tion instead of signs. More than twenty-five
thousand names appear on the roll books of his
institute, and the diplomas of graduation from
Knapp's Institute are held by distinguished men
all over this country, in commercial, political and
educational life. The professor died in Balti
more in 1893, and his death was the occasion of
tributes from all branches of his fellow-citizens.
This sketch of the antecedents of the Knapp
family explains the character of Lucien Knapp.
He is aggressive, original, enterprising and fer
tile in resource. Receiving good educational ad
vantages, he graduated from the free schools of
New York City and later from the New York
Free College. In 1866 he entered into business,
making a study of engineering, which he pre
ferred to remaining in the counting room. At
twenty-one years of age he began to do business
on his own account, and for twenty-five years has
devoted himself assiduously to his manufactur
ing interests. As salesman and commercial trav
eler he has visited every city of note in the
United States and Europe, introducing and sell
ing his goods in the line of sanitary and plumb
er's specialties and machinists' supplies. In 1883,
in addition to his other enterprises, he assumed
the general management of The Metallic Burial
Case Company and The Winfield Foundry
Works at Winfield and Newtown, L. I. These
he successfully managed until 1889, when ill-
health compelled him to reduce his labors, and he
resigned from the company.
In politics Mr. Knapp has been a Republican
by conviction and a representative of the business
man in politics. Never wanting an office for
himself but ever ready to work for good men in
office, he has been fearless in the expression of
his views and independent in action. Believing
in organization, he has always been a consistent
"machine" man, but fights for good methods and
organization inside the party lines. Crooked men
in politics fear his frank honesty, and underhand
ed plotters have reason to beware of him. His
labor has been directed to bringing the party ma
chinery close down to every individual Repub
lican. For this purpose he organized the election
district plan, being among the first in this state to

put the plan to practical test. The constitution
and by-laws of the party in Queens County are
the results of his progressive and aggressive la
bor. His platform is to "bring the party work
down to the people, and you will have a strong
party." In all conventions of the party his in
fluence is apparent and his wisdom recognized.
Being a fluent speaker he is often called upon as
orator for the defense and extension of party
principles. As city treasurer he has attracted
great attention by his stubborn and successful
fight against a ring in control of city affairs. His
career in office thus far justifies the claims of his
friends that he would be the people's and tax
payers' man in the city treasury.
The family of Mr. Knapp consists of wife and
two children, the latter being Louise, wife of
Walter C. Foster, attorney-at-law; and Harry
Wilson. Mrs. Knapp is a Southerner by birth,
and as is customary in that section of the coun
try, dispenses hospitality with a free hand. Her
musical abilities are of the very highest, and the
Knapp household has always been the center of
an educated, aristocratic circle.

ANDREW G. APPLEGATE has had a
very successful career since establishing
himself in the bicycle and sporting goods
business in Long Island City, where he now has
one of the largest houses of the kind in the
county. Mr. Applegate was born in Freehold,
Monmouth County, N. J., January 21, 1870. His
father, Edwin F., was a native of New York
City, where also the birth of the grandfather, Wil
liam Applegate, occurred. The latter was a
printer by trade and the job office which he
started in the metropolis is now known as the
James B. Cameron Printing Company. He died
when forty-seven years of age.
The father of our subject managed the print
ing office for a time after the decease of the
grandfather, and when selling the office went to
Providence, R. I., but afterward removed to Red
Bank, N. J. There, during the Civil War, he
raised a regiment which became known as the
Twenty-seventh New Jersey. When ordered to
the front he was chosen colonel of the regiment,
and remained in command until the last six
months of the war, when he returned home on
account of sickness. His place was filled by the
lieutenant-colonel, Dr. Remsen W. Taylor, who

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

595

is now one of the prominent physicians of As
toria, Long Island City.
When recovering from the effect of his hard
ships and privations while in the war, E. F. Ap
plegate established the "Red Bank Standard,"
and remained in charge of the office until selling
out and removing to Freehold some time later.
He then inaugurated the "Monmouth Inquirer,"
which he conducted on a paying basis for about
twenty years. During nine years of his resi
dence in Freehold he held the position of post
master, and was the incumbent of the office at
the time of his death, January 21, 1885. He was
a true-blue Republican in politics and a promi
nent Grand Army man, being commander of
Conover Post for many years. In religious af
fairs he was an Episcopalian and for a long time
was vestryman of St. Peters, the old historic
church that was used as a hospital during the
Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Mary L. (French) Applegate, mother of
our subject, was born in New York City and
died in New Jersey in 1890. Of the thirteen
children whom she reared to mature years, ten
are now living. Andrew G., who was the young
est of the household, was educated in the Free
hold Military Institute. When leaving school
he entered his father's printing office and
learned the trade. He was a lad of fifteen at
the time of the latter's death and his brother
Maxcy succeeding to the business, he went to
Philadelphia and was engaged as compositor
with the James B. Rodgers Printing Company
for eighteen months. At the end of that time
he located in New York City, where he found
employment in the office of the "Times." His
stay there was of short duration, for we soon find
him en route for South Carolina, in which state
he traveled for some time and then returning
north located in New York and secured employ
ment with the Frank L. Hamilton Printing Com
pany, at No. 18 Spruce Street. Afterward for
three years he was foreman of the "Bayonne (N.
J.) Times."
In August, 1891, Mr. Applegate came to Long
Island City as foreman of the "Queens County
Herald," which paper was established about that
time, and remained in charge of the printing de
partment until resigning in 1893. In the spring
of that year he rented a store room at No. 127.
Jackson Avenue, in which he placed a large stock
of bicycles and all kinds of sporting goods, being
the first to engage in this line of business in the

city. In 1895 he moved into more convenient
and commodious quarters and is now found at
No. 139 Jackson Avenue. His partner is Charles
J. Harvey and the firm have established a very
paying business and are well known to all who
ride wheels or engage in the numerous other
sports and games which have become so popular
of late years. They handle the Columbia and
Spaulding wheels and their sales have been so
large from the first that their customers have
been obliged to wait a considerable length of
time, as the factories could not turn them out
fast enough to supply the demand. They are
now prepared to manufacture wheels of their
own, for which they find a ready market. In
connection with their business they have a re
pair shop.
November 1, 1895, our subject was appointed
enumerator of school census of this city by
Mayor Sanford. With this exception he has
never held public office, as his business interests
have occupied his entire time and attention. Mr.
Applegate was married in New York City in 1889
to Miss Amy Sharman, a native of London, Eng
land. She was brought to America when quite
young by her parents and was educated in New
York. Her union with her subject has resulted
in the birth of a son, Andrew, Jr.
Mr. Applegate is a member of the Lincoln Club
and is a strong Republican in politics. He is
also a member of the Ravenswood Boat Club and
pulls a strong, steady oar. The Long Island
City Wheelmen regard him as one of their prom
inent members, as do also the League of Ameri
can Wheelmen. He belongs to the Associated
Cycling Club of this city and has represented the
same in various national gatherings in different
parts of the country.

JOHN BANNON, of Astoria, is overseer of
the poor of Long Island City, and is also en
gineer of Our Lady Mt. Carmel's parochial-
school. He is a native of Ireland, having been
born in County Tipperary in 1847. His father,
Dennis Bannon, was also born in that portion of
Ireland, and was in turn the son of Dennis Ban
non, Sr., a well-to-do farmer. The father of our
subject having been reared to agricultural pur
suits, chose that occupation when starting out in
life for himself, and followed it with signal success
until his decease.
Mrs. Mary (McGrath) Bannon, the mother of

596

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John, was likewise born in County Tipperary
and some time after the death of her husband
came with her son to America, making her home
with him until her decease, which occurred when
she was seventy-two years of age. She was the
mother of seven children, of whom John was
the eldest. He passed the first seventeen years
of his life in his native land and for the greater
part of this time attended the common schools.
In 1864 young Bannon, desiring to come to
America, engaged passage on the sailing vessel
"Atlantic," and six weeks and six days after
leaving Liverpool was landed at Castle Garden,
New York. He at once made his way to Kings
County and at Gravesend found employment as
a farmer. He made this place his home for two
years, when he went to the oil regions of Penn
sylvania, working in the oil wells of Pithole City
and Oil City for a period of five years. At the
expiration of that time he returned to New York,
and in 1870 we find him a resident of Long Island
City. At first he was engaged as fireman and
engineer for the East River Ferry Company,
holding these positions for seven years, after
which he was stationary engineer for various
firms, and in 1892 was employed by the parochial
school of the Catholic Church, which position
he still holds.
The marriage of Mr. Bannon and Miss Ellen
O'Brien, who was also born in Ireland, occurred
in Long Island City, and of their union Mary is
the only survivor. Mr. Bannon is very prom
inent in his community and for three years, from
1890 to 1893, was school commissioner. In the
fall of 1895 he was the successful candidate for
the office of overseer of the poor, being elected
by a majority of over two hundred votes. Janu
ary 1, 1896, he took the oath of office and en
tered upon the duties of this responsible position.
He is a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics and is
a member of the general commission. For sev
eral years Mr. Bannon served on old Jackson
' Engine No. 1.

CHARLES F. ALIESKY. Germany has
contributed to the population of America
by giving some of her most worthy citi
zens, and among the number may be mentioned
Charles F. Aliesky, of Seacliff, a descendant of
an old patrician Polish family, who was born at
Mayence, dukedom of Hesse, Germany, October
22, 1842. During the latter part of the fifteenth

century the family lived at Riidesheim, on the
River Rhine, where there are still Alieskys on
the same old village estate, as wine growers and
wine merchants.
Our subject's great-grandfather spent his life
in Mayence, which was the family residence of
this branch for several generations. The father
of Mr. Aliesky, Paul, was born in Mayence, Aug
ust 12, 1800, and served his time as an appren
tice with his father, who at that time was pur
veyor, confectioner and caterer to the archbishop
of Mayence. Later he was engaged in agricul
tural economy (vintage, flour mill and red sand
stone quarry) in the small town of Nackenheim
on the banks of the Rhine. He married Miss
Elizabeth Wenz, daughter of Francis Wenz,
royal over-forester to King Frederick William
the Fourth of Prussia, Germany. When their
son, Charles F., was a small boy they came to
America and settled in New York City. After
receiving a fair education in the public schools
he was put as errand boy in a banking house in
1856. Financial business, however, did not suit
him, he being of a mechanical and artistic turn
of mind.
Designing and modeling being his only pleas
ures, there was no peace until our subject was
entered as an apprentice in an engraving, chas
ing and enameling establishment. After serving
five years (and during that time entering Cooper
Union Art School and graduating there) he be
came a pupil to the National Academy of De
sign, where he spent, at various times, about
eight years of study, from cast and life, in oil and
black and white. During this time he began
the study of medicine under Dr. De Penhoel,
physician and surgeon, later in the service of the
United States Army. He also attended anatom
ical lectures at the Academy and the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, more for the pleasure
of information than for the purpose of making it
his life work. He was one of the founders of the
Art Club Pallette of New York City, of which
society he was president for the first two terms.
In New York City June 11, 1866, Mr. Aliesky
married Miss Minnie Link, who was born in
Maiden Lane August 30, 1847, daughter of Rob
ert and Elizabeth (Emerich) Link, natives of
Germany, her grandmother on her father's side
being Wilhelmina von Horst. For a few years
Mr. Aliesky followed the occupation of a por
trait painter and crayon artist. In 1872 he estab
lished himself in the place where he is now, as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

597

artistic engraver, chaser, die and metal cutter and
enamel miniature painter. Being a patentee of
a process of enameling, he was also very success
ful in introducing painted enamel flower jewelry
in 1876, which caused quite a revolution in the
jewelry business. Not only is he fluent in the
use of the German and English languages, but
he also spent five years in the study of natural his
tory, entomology, which gave him some insight
of Latin. He was twice chosen president of the
Entomological Society of Brooklyn, whose
monthly reports he illustrated with specimens of
coleoptera, diptera and lepidoptera. These ex
periments insured him designing for the "Rural
New Yorker," an agricultural scientific weekly
paper. His winters are spent in Brooklyn, and
until. 1 89 1 he spent a portion of each year in
Seacliff, but after his residence there was burned
down in 1891 he erected a house on Hempstead
Harbor, in sight of Long Island Sound.
To Mr. and Mrs. Aliesky were born eight chil
dren, as follows : Charles Francis, whose birth oc
curred in New York; Paul Robert, born in
Brooklyn; Elizabeth, who died when four dajjs
old; Annie, who died September 14, 1875, at the
age of one year and two months; Olga Beatrice,
who died July 16, 1883, aged eight years and two
days; Minna Barbara, Amelia J. and Kurt Fred
erick. Mr. Aliesky's political sympathies are with
the Democratic party, but he is not a strong par
tisan. His first vote was cast for George B. Mc-
Clellan in 1864. At the present writing he is
president of the village of Seacliff. He and his
wife were reared Catholics. Fraternally he is a
Mason, a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 449, of
New York City, and has served as marshal. Lie
has been an active member of the German Lieder-
kranz Musical Society of New York City since
1863 and for a number of years has been a
member of the board of trustees.

WILLIAM W. WRIGHT, of Ravens
wood, conducts one of the most flour
ishing groceries in the place and in ad
dition to giving his personal attention to its
management conducts a paying business as coal
merchant. He is also a member of the board of
police commissioners, is agent for the Western
Union Telegraph Company, having the office in
his store, which is also the station for the post-
office branch for Long Island City. He was born
in Astoria, L. I., January 2, i860. His father,

Jacob Wright, was a native of Newtown, and the
grandfather, William Wright, was also a native of
Queens County, in which portion of the island he
is still living. He was a farmer for many years
at Newtown, but when reaching advanced years
sold his possessions there and is now making his
home with a son at Patchogue. He is eighty-nine
years of age and is a member of the Episcopal
Church, and while in Newtown served as ves
tryman for many years.
The father of our subject was reared on the
old home farm which belonged to his parents and
when ready to engage in some business in life
secured a position as clerk in the grocery
of a Mr. Blackwell, of Astoria. He saved a suffi
cient sum of money during that time to enable
him to embark in business for himself, and
opened up a grocery in Fulton Avenue. His
ventures in this line were not as successful as he
had wished and he sold out after a time and in
vested his money in real estate, handling this and
carrying on an insurance business until his death,
which occurred when he was forty-eight years of
age. Our subject's mother, formerly Lydia H. T.
Webb, was a native of New York City. She was
a granddaughter of William Webb, who was
warden of Randall's Island during Tweed's ad
ministration. Mrs. Wright is still living and
makes her home in the metropolis. Of the seven
children of whom she became the mother, five
are living. William W., the eldest of the house
hold, attended the public schools of Astoria and
when seventeen years of age was thrown upon
his own resources, owing to the death of his
father, which occurred about that time. He
learned telegraphy in the Western Union office
at Astoria, and in 1876 was made agent for the
company and has had charge of their business in
this place ever since. Thus early in life he was
made assistant postmaster, and when only nine
teen years of age embarked in the grocery busi
ness. So well has he succeeded in this under
taking that he has given it his attention ever
since that time, notwithstanding many other en
terprises have consumed much of his time. In
his grocery and coal business Mr. Wright uses
seven horses and runs four wagons, having orders
to fill all over Long Island City. He gives con
stant employment to eight men, and by the able
manner in which he manages his business inter
ests has become one of the most substantial men
of the city. In 1881 Mr. Wright was appointed

598

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

postmaster by President Arthur, Ravenswood be
ing made a third-class office, but upon the estab
lishment of the free delivery system the office was
abolished. Mr. Wright is also engaged in the
real estate business, owning one hundred and
fourteen lots in Ravenswood, which he has laid
out into streets.
When ready to establish a home of his own
Mr. Wright was married to Miss Annie E. Cor
nell, a native of New York City, and she
became the mother of two children, Charles Cor
nell and William Arthur. She departed this life
in 1894. Our subject has always been active in
politics and in 1893 was appointed a member of
the police commission, of which he is now treas
urer. He is a member of the Ravenswood Re
publican Club and belongs to the General Re
publican city committee. Socially he is a Mason,
holding membership with Advance Lodge, No.
635, of Astoria, and is also identified with the
Royal Arcanum and the Legion of Honor. He
served twice as a member of Volunteer Truck of
Astoria, No. 2, and is now identified with the
Exempt Firemen's Association. Mr. Wright has
manifested shrewd business ability in the man
agement of his affairs and has amassed a snug
fortune as the result of his industrious and per
severing efforts.

DR DAVID R. LONGENECKER. One
of the most important industries in a
community and one in which, its expo
nents are in great demand is that of dentistry.
It is no small debt of gratitude that the world
owes to the dentist for this opportunity to gain
comfort. Among those engaged in this most
necessary business is Dr. David R. Longenecker,
whose fine office at No. 519 Fulton,Street, Brook
lyn, is supplied with all the modern implements
for carrying on his work. He is a dentist of rare
skill and ability and one in whom his patients
rest entire confidence. A native of the Buckeye
State, born at Dayton, July 30, 1847, the Doctor
is a son of Dr. John H. and Ellen (Frame) Long
enecker, both born in Lancaster, Pa.
The father spent his early life in his native
city, where he received his medical education.
During the Civil War he served as surgeon and
after cessation of hostilities he went with his
family to Hudson, Mass., and from there to
Brooklyn about the year 1880. For the past
few years he has been spending his time with his

son, Dr. D. H. Longenecker, of Islip, who is
living retired. He and his excellent wife are en
joying the best of health.
The early education of our subject was re
ceived in the public schools at Lancaster, Pa.,
and later he was connected with the naval acad
emy at Annapolis, Md., for two years and a half
as a medical cadet. After severing his connec
tion there he came to Brooklyn and took up the
study of dentistry with Dr. George W. Frame.
In 1870 he completed the profession and at once
established an office in the city of Brooklyn,
where he has ever since been actively and suc
cessfully engaged in professional duties. In
1884 Dr. Longenecker came to Rockville Cen
ter, on account of ill health, and with the
idea of spending the spring and summer here.
As he liked the good, wholesome air and the
surroundings generally, he purchased a nice
house and has ever since made his home here,
going and returning from Brooklyn each day
except Sundays and holidays.
In the year 1872 Dr. Longenecker married
Miss Jessie Lambard, daughter of Roger F.
Lambard, of Brooklyn. Four children have
been born to this union, as follows: Dr. Wil
liam R., who is in business with his father; Bes
sie F.; Nellie B., and David R., Jr. Dr. and
Mrs. Longenecker are worthy members of the
St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal Church and the
former is the superintendent of the Sunday-
school. Socially he is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and politically he is a Republican.
The Doctor is a progressive citizen and is alive
to the interests of his town. He is at present
regent of the Royal Arcanum at Rockville Cen
ter and president of the board of trustees of St.
Mark's Church.

REV. FRANK MARION HALLOCK,
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Roslyn, was born in Brooklyn March
9, 1846, and is a son of Samuel M. and Bethia A.
(Terry) Hallock, natives of Suffolk County. The
father, who is a mechanic and storekeeper, is
prominent in religious affairs and for many years
has been officially connected with the Methodist
Church. In middle life he moved to Brooklyn
and several years later went from there to Sag
Harbor, thence to Riverhead and finally returned
to his native place, where he has resided since
1856. Although seventy-six years old, he con-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

599

ducts a grocery and feed store, superintends the
management of his farm and is active in church
affairs. His wife, who still survives, is eighty-
two years old (1896). Their family consisted of
four sons and one daughter, as follows: Frank
M., George F., Howard D., Henry O, who died
in infancy, and Eugenie S.
For about six years the subject of this record
was a pupil in the private school kept by Miss E.
C. Mapes, called St. Peter's Hall, and also at
tended the public schools. In 1862 he was con
verted at Cutchogue; six years later he was li
censed to preach, and in 1874 joined the New
York East Conference. In 1872 he was ap
pointed to his first pastorate, that of the Middle
Island Methodist Church, and the following year
another congregation was added to his parish.
From Long Island he went in 1876 to West
chester, N. Y., and later was given other import
ant pastorates in New York and Connecticut. In
1892 he .returned to Long Island and was called
to Roslyn in 1894. Active in ministerial work, he
is especially forceful and successful an an evan
gelist, his eloquence, zeal, earnestness and broad
information having been the means of winning
many to Christ. Other denominations, becom
ing cognizant of his success, have asked him to
engage in evangelical work in their behalf, but
he has preferred to remain with the church and
faith of his father.
During his seminary days Mr. Hallock passed
a most creditable examination in English and
engaged in teaching school, giving instruction
in the highest branches of literature. During the
winter of 1868-69 he was chosen from a number
of classmates by a committee from the trustees
to teach at Ludlow, Mass. A successful educa
tor, he was liked wherever his duties called him.
After being licensed to preach he retired from
the teacher's profession. For nearly thirty years
he has been an active worker for temperance and
also held the office of worthy chief in the Good
Templars' Society, of which he is now an honor
ary member. He was interested in the organiza
tion of a branch of the Woman's Christian Tem
perance Union in Pleasant Valley, Conn., and
was made an honorary member of the society.
He is identified with Metamora Council, No.
650, American Legion of Honor. For five years
he has been secretary and treasurer of the North
Side Sunday-school Association of Suffolk Coun
ty, embracing over sixty Sunday-schools.
June 24, 1874, Mr. Hallock married Miss Lillie

Annin, who was born in Brooklyn; they are the
parents of two sons, George Annin and Howard
Leichester, who are attending school. P. F. An
nin, father of Mrs. Hallock, is a noted wood en
graver of Brooklyn and for many years was fore
man of that department for the Frank Leslie
Publishing Company, and was for some time con
nected with the Harper Publishing Company.
He came of a prominent noble family of Scot
land, but although the title and estate would
have descended to him he refused to relinquish
allegiance to the United States.

GEORGE H. PAYNTAR. To secure suc
cess in business a man must be energetic,
persevering, capable and judicious; with
these qualities he need have no fear of failure.
It is largely due to these characteristics, whiqh he
possesses in a large degree, that Mr. Payntar
owes the prosperity that has attended his efforts.
He is recognized as one of the progressive citi
zens of Long Island City, where he carries on a
large real estate and insurance business, having
his office at No. 83 Borden Avenue.
The Payntar family has been identified with
the history of Long Island City (formerly town
of Newtown) for three successive generations,
and its representatives have been known as men
of upright lives and energetic dispositions. Wil
liam, grandfather of George H, in an early day
purchased the water front from Nelson's Point
almost as far as Webster Avenue, which prop
erty he afterward sold to the city of New York,
but which was afterward disposed of to others.
In 183 1 he bought from Peter P. Lorrimore a
large tract of land, including the family home
stead on Jackson and Skillman Avenues, and
here he resided until his death, at the age of
eighty-four. His landed possessions were ex
tensive and included some valuable property bor
dering on Dutch Kills Creek. He was always in
terested in public affairs.
William Payntar, Jr., father of George H, was
born in Ravenswood, and during the War of
1812 served as acting sergeant; later was com
missioned by Governor Tompkins lieutenant in
a company of New York militia. On his return
to private life he resumed the work of a farmer,
and this occupation he followed throughout his
active life. He was a quiet, persevering and hon
orable man, one who was good-hearted, gener
ous and helpful to those in need. Whatever he

boo

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

saw to be a duty he did at once. His nature was
noble and his friends many. While he never
occupied positions of great prominence he served
as commissioner of highways of Newtown and
in other local offices, filling these places with
credit to himself. He died in 1865, when seventy-
four years of age. A man of consistent religious
belief, he held membership in the Dutch Re
formed Church of Newtown, and served the con
gregation in the official capacity of elder and
deacon. Politically he was always loyal to Dem
ocratic principles.
By his marriage to Miss Mary A. Van Alst, of
Newtown, William Payntar, Jr., had the follow
ing children: William, who died in Newtown
at the age of thirty-six, leaving a family of six
children; Isaac, who was in the grocery business
for many years and died in Flushing; John, a
contractor and builder, who died in Newtown;
Thomas, a carpenter in Astoria; Ida, who passed
away in infancy; Abraham, a retired hardware
merchant of Kingston, N. Y. ; and George H.
The subject of this article was born at the
old homestead July 17, 1834, and spent the first
twelve years of his life there. At the age of
fifteen he secured employment as clerk in the
wholesale dry-goods house of Greenway Bros. &
Co., of New York. Shortly before the outbreak
of the Rebellion he went to Abingdon, Va., as
manager of the general store of John C. Green-
way, but the Civil War coming on, he returned
to Long Island. Since 1867 he has been engaged
in the real estate business, his first venture in
which was the laying out in town lots of the old
home farm. Since then he has platted several
additions in Jackson Avenue and other streets,
and has built up a large business in this line.
The marriage of Mr. Payntar, in Flushing,
united him with Miss Irene U. Merkle, who was
born in New York City, being a daughter of
George and Elizabeth Merkle. The Merkle fam
ily is of German extraction and emigrated to this
country from Waldorf. Of the four children of
Mr. and Mrs. Payntar we note the following:
Irene M. is the widow of the late Charles N.
Shephard, of Brooklyn; G. Augusta married
Frederick Jenkins, son of the president of the
First National Bank of Brooklyn; Eliza D. is a
graduate of the State Normal School at Albany,
and is now a teacher in that institution; and W.
Elmer is with F. K. & J. G. Jenkins, Jr., stock
brokers of Brooklyn.
As a citizen Mr. Payntar is progressive and

patriotic, and although in no sense an office-
seeker, is interested in all measures calculated to
improve the community. In politics he is a Dem
ocrat and has represented his party in general
conventions. Among the positions he has held
are those of commissioner of highways of New
town, assessor of Long Island City, commission
er on estimate of assessments for Thompson
Avenue, and commissioner on the division of the
Margaret Gosman and the Manley estates. He
is a member of Island City Lodge No. 586, F.
& A. M., and in religious belief is identified with
the Reformed Church, to which his wife also be
longs. Until 1856 he was for some years a mem
ber of the Flushing fire department. May 4,
1858, he was appointed fireman of Brooklyn
Hose Company No. 3, and was made exempt fire
man in February, 1864. In his office may be
noticed a number of colonial and Revolutionary
mementoes, and among other souvenirs is an old
document dated 1807, regarding the sale of some
property by his grandfather.

FREDERICK WAGNER, a retired farmer
residing on the Fresh Pond road, about
one mile from Glendale, in the town of
Newtown, was born in Baden, Germany, May
10, 1833, and is one of five survivors among the
seven children of George Jacob and Barbara
Wagner. His father, who was born in Germany
in 1804, resided in his native place until forty-
two years old, when, in 1846, he came to Amer
ica and settled in Brooklyn. After his arrival
in this country he engaged in the milk business,
but later in life gave this up and settled down
to farming in Newtown. At his death, which
occurred in 1868, he was one of the well-to-do
farmers of this section, his prosperity being the
result of his tireless labors.
At the time the family came to America, Fred
erick was a lad of thirteen years and had re
ceived a good education in the schools of Ger
many. Soon after settling in Brooklyn he was
bound out to a five years' apprenticeship at rope-
making, but one year later he left because of his
employer's refusal to comply with the terms of
the contract. For some six months he was
employed in a brick yard, after which he returned
to his apprenticeship and served out his term of
five years. He then engaged with his father in
the milk business, which they carried on in con
nection with farming. This continued up to his

WILLIAM E. VALENTINE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

603

twenty-eighth year, when he leased his present
place and operated it as a renter until 1880,
when he purchased the property and in 1891
erected his commodious and handsome residence
In 1891 Mr. Wagner married Mrs. Mary B.
Wagner, the widow of his brother Henry and
the mother, by her first marriage, of nine chil
dren. They are as follows: Henry H., who is
married and has two children; Caroline, wife of
Andrew Betz and mother of two children;
Philip, who left two children at his death ; George
F., who is married and has one child; Charles;
John A.; Anna; George J., and William H. Po
litically a Republican, Mr. Wagner was elected
commissioner of highways in 1870, serving two
terms. He and his family attend the Lutheran
Church and are highly respected throughout the
town.

WILLIAM E. VALENTINE, one of the
wealthy and retired farmers of Queens
County, is a man whose success in
life is due almost wholly to his perseverance
and determination. He has one of the finest*
farms on the island, and his beautiful home shows
what culture and refinement can accomplish. Mr.
Valentine was born at Woodbury, April 17, 1823,
and is a son of Hewlett and Hannah (Hendrick
son) Valentine, both natives of the town of Oys
ter Bay. The father resided in the village of that
name until middle age and then moved to Flush
ing, where for the most part the remainder of his
days were passed. His death occurred in i860.
He was a prominent citizen and farmer of this
county and was universally respected. In his
family were nine children, as follows: Joshua,
Stephen, Obadiah, Elbert, Jacob, James, Sarah,
William E. and Rachel. Sarah, the wife of Sam
uel C. Hendrickson, is the only one besides our
subject now living.
William E. Valentine was a youth of twenty
when his father moved to Flushing. He secured
a good education in the common schools and in
the academy at Woodbury, and later he and his
brother successfully carried on the home place
for a number of years. On the 6th of October,
1846, our subject married Miss Phoebe E. Kis-
sam, a daughter of Benjamin T. and Phoebe P.
(Allen) Kissam. Mr. Kissam was a prominent
farmer and owned a large tract of land adjoining
that belonging to Mr. Valentine. To Mr. and
Mrs. Valentine were born seven children, all but
24

two dying in infancy or early childhood. One
son, Clarence, is engaged in the insurance busi
ness in New York, where Benjamin F. is en
gaged in the insurance and real estate business.
Mr. Valentine's beautiful home with its charm
ing surroundings, is one of the finest sights on
the island. The house was built by him in 1874
and in its arrangement is beautiful indeed. Mr.
Valentine does not operate his farm, but for the
past twelve years has rented his land, which con
sists of about one hundred acres. He takes much
interest in public matters, but has avoided poli
tics, accepting only those positions which are
connected with educational affairs. He and Mrs.
Valentine are worthy members of the Episcopal
Church and their family stands high in the esti
mation of the people.

JOHN F. ROGERS. Among those whose
career in business has been rendered con
spicuous by the honorable methods and
careful attention shown throughout, is John F.
Rogers, the efficient receiver and collector of
taxes of Flushing. For some time he has been
engaged in the plumbing and hardware business
here and is a pushing, thoroughgoing merchant.
He was born in Flushing December 23, 1855,
and no doubt inherits much of his stir and en
ergy from his Irish ancestors, his parents, Den
nis P. and Elizabeth (Carroll) Rogers, having
been natives of the Emerald Isle. In 1830, be
fore his marriage, the father came to the United
States and located in Flushing, following farm
ing at Bayside and vicinity until he retired. At
the time of his death he was quite advanced in
years. His wife, after crossing the ocean to
America, settled in Canada. Later she came to
New York, was married here, and resides here
at the present time, well along in years. The
father was twice married, there being three chil
dren born of his first union. Of the five children
born of his second marriage, four are living, and
our subject is the eldest of these.
In the common and public schools our subject
secured a good practical education, and when
sixteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the
plumber's and gas-fitter's trade with Henry Lew
is, of Flushing. After serving six years he went
to New York -City, where he was engaged in
business for himself for three years. Subsequent
ly he spent some time in Oregon, but returning
to the East he was again in business in New

604

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

York City for a short time. Coming back to
Flushing later he worked for his former employer
for a time, and on the ist of February, 1887, he
started in business for himself, and by persever
ance and industry has built up a good trade. All
that he has is the result of his own hard work,
for he started with very little of this world's
goods. He is thoroughly familiar with every de
tail of his business and his work gives the best of
satisfaction. He employs from fifteen to twenty
men,, all skillful workmen.
Mr. Rogers was married in Corona to Miss
Mary Birch, a native of New Jersey, and their
union has been blessed by the birth of six chil
dren, as follows: Bessie, Mary, Florence, Louise,
Cecelia and Sabina. For four years Mr. Rogers
was overseer of 'the poor o,f Flushing. In 1891
he was elected receiver of taxes of the village,
and was re-elected to that position in 1893. In
1895 he was appointed collector of the village of
Flushing by the board of trustees and is discharg
ing the duties of that position very creditably at
the present time. He is a member of the Cath
olic Benevolent Legion and the Ancient Order
of Hibernians in Flushing, and for four years
served as secretary of Hook and Ladder Com
pany No. 1, of this place. He belongs to the
Order of American Firemen, Flushing Council
No. 6, and is past president of the state organiza
tion. For some time he was a member of the
board of trustees of the same order and for two
years was its president. At present he is cap
tain of the boating club. In politics he is an
ardent Democrat and has often been a delegate
to conventions.

PROF. CYRUS E. SMITH, superintendent
of the Woodhaven public school, occupies
a prominent place among the educators of
Queens County. The citizens of Woodhaven are
wont to say with pride that no village of similar
size on Long Island has better schools, and cer
tainly they are everything that an efficient corps
of teachers and an experienced superintendent
can make them. The curriculum of study em
braces those branches usually taught in the best
institutions of like character in the land, and
the course is both thorough and comprehensive.
The family to which Professor Smith belongs
is one of the oldest on the island, the first repre
sentative here having made settlement in Suffolk
County, where a large number of the descendants

at present reside. Capt. Isaac Smith, our sub
ject's father, was born in Islip, L. I., and through
out his entire active life has followed the sea,
though he is now living retired. He was captain
and master of several yachts, among them the
"Irene," owned by E. A. Johnson. The family of
which he was a member consisted of three chil
dren, he being the youngest, and it is a note
worthy fact that all of them lived to celebrate
their golden wedding. One of them, Capt. Jarvis
Smith, who was master of a vessel during the
Civil War, was taken prisoner by the Confeder
ates, his vessel burned, and he was put in Libby
prison, where he spent some time before being
released. The grandfather of our subject, Noah Smith,
was a seafaring man. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Jemima Jarvis, was a member of
one of the old Long Island families and attained
the age of ninety-six. The mother of our sub
ject, Nancy, was born at Hackensack, N. J. Her
brother, Capt. Matthew Betts, was master of the
pilot boat "Commerce" and was lost on the New
Jersey coast. Another brother, John, a seafaring
man, fell from a masthead and was killed; Daniel,
still another brother, also a sailor, enlisted in the
Second New York Fire Zouaves in 1861 and was
wounded at Gettysburg, after which he was trans
ferred to the navy by order of General Dix, and
at the close of the war was made a watchman on
the Seventh Street wharf, Washington, D. C,
where he lost his life.
The family of Capt. Isaac and Nancy Smith
consisted of three sons and one daughter, Cyrus
E. being the eldest. The others are: Jarvis H,
who is a member of the New York City police
force; George C, who holds a responsible posi
tion with the New York Life Insurance Company
in New York; and Fannie, wife of Preston D.
Ritch, assistant postmaster at Floral Park, L. I.
Cyrus E. was born at Islip, L. I., February 2,
1846, and grew to manhood in his native place,
receiving his education in the schools of Long
Island. At the age of twenty he commenced to
teach at North Babylon; later was similarly em
ployed in the schools of Amityville and Babylon.
In 1869 he married Louise Augusta Jacobs, who
was a teacher by profession; she and their only
child, a daughter, both died in 1871.
Going to Bellport, Professor Smith for seven
years held the position of principal of the acad
emy at that place, and while there was united in
marriage with Miss Frankie Louise Robinson,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

605

daughter of Perry Robinson. Thence he went
to Piermont, Rockland County, N. Y., where he
was superintendent of the schools for seven years.
At that place, in 1887, his wife met with an acci
dent that caused her death. In 1888 he married
Miss Estelle G., daughter of Squire Peter Steph
ens, of Nyack, and member of one of the leading
families of the Hudson valley; her uncles were
the founders of the Knickerbocker Ice Com
pany, and the family has long been promi
nent in business and social circles.
From Piermont Professor Smith went to
Woodside, where he taught for three years.
Then, without solicitation on his part, the board
of education tendered him the superintendency
of the Woodhaven schools. Since he came to this
village great improvements have been made in
the schools, and the new high school has been
built. The attendance has increased from seven
hundred to twelve hundred, and the number of
assistants from thirteen to thirty-one. He is a
most efficient educator, and is in every respect
worthy of his high professional standing.
Aside from the duties connected with his posi
tion, Professor Smith takes a warm interest in
every enterprise that tends to the improvement
of the place. He is a member of the volunteer
fire department. Socially he holds membership
in the Odd Fellows' lodge at Babylon, in which
his father was a charter member. While not con
nected with any denomination, he is inclined to-
. ward the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife
is a member. He is not aggressive in opinion
nor disposed to be arbitrary, yet he has a "mind
of his own," with the moral courage to express
it when occasion demands. He possesses the
moral and personal integrity and clear, well-bal
anced intellect that adorn private life and make
and keep the public service pure.

HENRY N. ABRAMS, of Woodhaven, was
born in Far Rockaway April 18, 1822.
The family of which he is a member has
been identified with the history of Long Island
for a number of generations. His paternal grand
father, Walter Abrams, was born here and de
voted his entire active life to the occupation of
an agriculturist, dying at the age of fourscore
years. The father of our subject, Capt. Samuel
D. Abrams, was born in Far Rockaway and be
came a seafaring man, following the water as
long as he lived. During the War of 1812 he

was one of the patriots who fought in defense of
American institutions. He married Catherine
Frost, an estimable lady, who was born near Far
Rockaway and died there at the age of seventy
years. The family of Capt. Samuel D. Abrams con
sisted of seven sons and one daughter. Martin,
who was a mariner, died many years ago ; Hiram,
who was formerly engaged in the oyster trade,
now lives retired at Far Rockaway; Elias, who
was also at one time in the oyster business, died
in 1892; Willett C, during the Civil War served
as a pilot for the government on the coast, but
later embarked in the oyster business, in which
he was engaged at the time of his death in 1888;
our subject, Henry N., is next in order;. Samuel
is an oyster man living at Far Rockaway; Mor
ris has for many years been employed in the gov
ernment life saving station at Far Rockaway;
and Rachel, the widow of James Lucy, resides at
Far Rockaway.
The earlier years of our subject were spent in
his native place, and at the age of sixteen he be
gan to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he has
since followed. In 1847, while still a resident of
Far Rockaway, he was captain of the militia. In
1852 he came to Woodhaven and opened the
shop of which he is still the proprietor. During
eighteen years of his residence here he had charge
of the toll-gate on the road that ran past his shop.
He has always been an industrious, persevering
man, never "eating the bread of idleness," but
working hard for an honest livelihood. Of late
years he has turned the management of the busi
ness largely over to his sons, but may be seen at
the shop every day superintending the work. Mr.
Abrams has held the official position of commis
sioner of highways, and in politics is a stanch
Democrat. In religious belief he is a Presby
terian, taking an active part in the work of that
church here and has been trustee for a period of
eight years.
September 17, 1846, Mr. Abrams married Miss
Charity Nostrand, a native of the town of Ja
maica. They have four children living and have
lost four. Samuel, who is in business with his
father, married Sarah Eldert, of Jamaica, and
they had two children, both of whom are de
ceased; Sarah is the wife of William H. Blood,
general superintendent of the Long Island Rail
road, and they, with their four children, reside
in Woodhaven ; Charles, who is with his father in
the shop, married Lillie Musgro and has four

6o6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

children, Charles, Viola, Nelson and Martha ; and
Anna is the wife of William Stonev, an employe
of the Long Island Railroad, their union having
resulted in the birth of one child, Marjorie. In
all his good words and works Mr. Abrams has
had the assistance and counsel of his devoted
wife and faithful companion, who is a lady of
beautiful Christian character, amiability of dispo
sition and gentle, kindly spirit.

JOHN J. PETERS. This enterprising young
business man of Long Island City is a na
tive Ohioan, born in West Jefferson, Madi
son County, in 1867, and is a son of John and
Magdalene (Schmidt) Peters, who were born,
reared and married in Luxemburg, Germany.
On coining to America they located in West
Jefferson, Ohio, where for many years the father
engaged in farming pursuits, but finally he re
tired from active business cares and came to Long
Island City, where he died at the home of his son.
He was then fifty-seven years of age. Socially
he was a Mason and had officiated as master of
his lodge. His widow still resides in Long Island
City. Of their nine children, five are now living.
John J., who was next to the oldest of the fam
ily, attended the public schools of West Jefferson
in early boyhood, but at the age of fourteen, in
1881, he came with his oldest brother, Mathias,
to Long Island City, where he was apprenticed
to the machinist's trade under his uncle, John P.
Peters, at the foot of Sixth Street. Gaining a
thorough knowledge of the trade during the six
years that he remained there, in 1887 he left the
machine shop and turned his attention to the
florist's business and also to the manufacture of
sheep fertilizer. The greenhouse had been estab
lished by his father-in-law, Victor Fredericks,
about 1878, and our subject continued to carry
it on until he perfected the manufacture of fertil
izer, when he turned his attention exclusively to
that work.
For about three years Mr. Peters was engaged
principally in experimenting with the fertilizer,
having people in different states try it, and finally,
as it gave entire satisfaction, about 1890 he be
gan as a manufacturer. When a boy he noticed
that sheep manure was a fine fertilizer, this fact
being called to his attention by some corn grown
on the. home farm where sheep had pastured for
years. The corn was of such excellent quality
that it took first prize at an exhibition, a result

due entirely to the peculiar fertilization of the
soil. In order to assist in the manufacture of the
fertilizer Mr. Peters has invented the necessary
machinery, by which the product is dried, com
pressed and condensed in such form as to retain
all the chemical properties of the original, but
lessened in weight and bulk. The boiler and en
gine are each of twenty-horse power, and the
capacity of the plant is large. Recently a manu
facturing plant was established in East St. Louis,
adjoining the city and near the National Stock
yards, and as $40,000 was invested in the plant,
with unlimited capital to carry it on, there can
be no result other than success. Shipments are
made to every state of the nation, as well as to
Canada and Mexico, where the fertilizer is in
demand for farms, lawns and greenhouses.
In this city Mr. Peters married Miss Rachel
Fredericks, who was born in New York and was
reared there and in Long Island City. Her fath
er, Victor Fredericks, a native of Germany,
came to New York City, where he had a meat
market. On removing to Long Island City he
becanie a florist and had charge of a large green
house until his death. Socially Mr. Peters is a
Mason and belongs to Island City Lodge No.
586; also to Astoria Lodge No. 186, K. of P.;
and John J. Mitchell Lodge No. 338, A. O. U. W.

JOHN COVERT, probably one of the best
known citizens of Queens County, was for
many years one of its most prominent and
successful farmers. Now, however, he is retired
from the active duties of farm life and is residing
in a pleasant home in the village of Woodhaven,
among whose residents he has hosts of warm
friends. His birth occurred September 7, 1821,
at Valley Stream, in the town of Hempstead,
where also his father, Morris Covert, was born in
1797. Tlie latter was a wagonmaker by trade,
but during the greater portion of his life he was
engaged as a farmer and miller.
The grandfather, John Covert, was also a tiller
of the soil, and in the early days his knowledge
of house carpentering led to his building many
of the dwellings in the vicinity of his home. Pie
took part in the War of 1812, participating in
many hard-fought engagements. The name of
Covert is a very familiar one in Queens County,
as members of the family have been identified
with the upbuilding of this portion of Long Is
land since pioneer days and have always been

THOMAS R. KILLILEA, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

609

classed among the leading citizens of their re
spective communities.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Sarah Murray. She was also descended from
one of the old-time families of this section, and
lived to be fifty-four years of age. Her husband
departed this life when in his seventy-fourth year.
To Morris and Sarah Covert there were granted
eight children, two sons and six daughters. Of
these, Luke is living on the old home place, and
two sisters reside in Brooklyn.
John Covert came to Woodhaven in 1874, hav
ing previous to that time been engaged in farm
ing, making a specialty of truck gardening. Since
locating in the village, however, he has given his
attention to real estate, and through profitable
speculations has become the owner of consider
able property in the village. He is also the pro
prietor of a small farm located one mile from
Woodhaven which is operated by tenants. Mr.
Covert is very justly regarded as one of the solid
financial men of the place, and his influence and
aid can always be counted upon to push forward
any measure or movement which has for its ob
ject the welfare of the village. He is one of the
prominent members of the Dutch Reformed
Church and is liberal in his contributions toward
the support of the same.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Sarah
Smith occurred in April, 1857. Mrs. Covert was
born in Far Rockaway and is the daughter of
Samuel and Hannah Smith, well-to-do residents
of Far Rockaway. Mr. and Mrs. Covert have
never had any children.

THOMAS RUTLEDGE KILLILEA, M.
D. The people of Flushing may with jus
tice claim the palm over nearly every other
city of similar size in the number of first-class
physicians and surgeons that form part of the
population. One of the guardians of the city's
health who has risen to prominence in the prac
tice of medicine is Thomas Rutledge Killilea, M.
D., who, although young in years, ranks among
the leading medical men in the East. He is wel
come everywhere, not only for. his rare profes
sional skill, but for a geniality of temperament
which makes for him a friend of every one with
whom he comes in contact. Affable, courteous
and impressive in manner, an interesting and in
structive conversationalist, he is endowed with

those qualities which never fail to attract and
please. Dr. Killilea is a native of San Francisco, Cal,
born September 28, 1864, and the son of Michael
and Catherine (Ganley) Killilea, both natives of
the Emerald Isle. The paternal grandfather,
Thomas Killilea, was born in Galway, Ireland,
and was a stock raiser and agriculturist by oc
cupation. His brother, John, was a soldier in
the Duke of Wellington's army and was killed
at the battle of Waterloo. The father of our
subject came to America when a young man
and engaged in business in New York City for
a time; in 1848 he went to San Francisco, Cal,
where he engaged in the shipping and forward
ing business between San Francisco and New
York City. After following this business suc
cessfully for a few years he returned to New York
City. He was a member of the old Sixty-ninth
Regiment under Colonel Corcoran, and at the
first tap of the drum volunteered and with his
company went to the front. He was in the first
battle of Bull Run, and after serving his term of
enlistment was honorably discharged. His mar-
'riage occurred in New York City and from there,
in 1863, he went to San Francisco, where he en
gaged in the hotel business. Later he opened a
hotel at San Jose, Cal., and after conducting it
for some time sold out and returned to the East.
His death occurred in New York City, October
10, 1885. Our subject's mother, Ann Rutledge,
came from one of the most honorable and esti
mable families of Ireland. She now makes her
home in New York City. The parental family
included three children: Thomas is our subject;
John, who was for five years clerk for the board
of aldermen of New York City, is now a resident
of that city; James died in New York City in
1890. Dr. Killilea's childhood was passed in New
York City and he was educated in the grammar
schools there. Until 1883 he studied the classics
and then took a trip abroad, traveling about a
year in Ireland, England and on the continent.
While in Dublin he attended lectures at Queens
Medical College. Returning to his native coun
try, he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical Col
lege, but his studies there were soon afterward
interrupted by the death of his uncle, John Killi
lea, who was residing in San Francisco, and he
went there as administrator and settled the estate.
In 1888 he crossed the Pacific, visiting Yoko
hama, Japan, and Hong Kong, China. Return-

6io

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing to San Francisco, he subsequently made a
tour through Central America and South Ameri
ca, and on his return re-entered Bellevue Hos
pital Medical College, from which he was grad
uated in 1889 with the degree of M. D. Soon
after he began practicing in New York City, at
No. 342 West Forty-seventh Street, and con
tinued there until October, 1893, when he located
in Flushing, and in a very short time he had a
successful and lucrative practice. He still main
tains an office at No. 32 East Twenty-ninth Street,
where he has a consulting practice.
In the month of June, 1894, the Doctor was
appointed health officer to the village board of
health and he has since filled that position most
acceptably. His knowledge of mechanical and
sanitary engineering is of the greatest import
ance, assisting him, as it does, in executing his
official duties. The plumbing in buildings is
carefully scrutinized and he sees that habits of
cleanliness are observed. The Doctor was mar
ried in New York City to Miss Anna White Chit
tenden, a native of Chittenden Falls, Columbia
County, N. Y., and the daughter of Edward Chit
tenden, a manufacturer there and proprietor of
Chittenden mills. Mrs. Killilea is the grand
daughter of Robert Chittenden and great-grand
daughter of George Chittenden, who came from
Vermont in 1805 and founded the mills that were
named for him. He also founded the town of
Stockport, Columbia County, N. Y. Her moth
er's maiden name was Kate Quintard Leake.
Dr. and Mrs. Killilea have one child, Thomas
Rutledge, Jr.

JOHN ANDERSON. Integrity, intelligence
and system are some of the characteristics
of the above mentioned gentleman, and
these have furnished the stepping stone to the
success which has followed his efforts. He is a
prominent farmer of Queens County and resides
one and a half-miles southwest of Jamaica, on the
Hawtree Creek Road, where he has a well im
proved and well stocked farm. Mr. Anderson is
a native of the town of Jamaica, born about one-
half mile from where he now lives, July 8, 1857.
He is the third of five children born to James and
Hannah (Murphy) Anderson, but of these chil
dren only one besides our subject now survives,
William. James Anderson was born in Ireland
in 181 7 and came to this country in his early man
hood. Farming has been his principal occupa

tion and he was thus engaged at Black Stump,
L. I., for three years. From there he moved
down on South Road, town of Jamaica, and there
resides at the present time.
John Anderson had the advantages of the
average country boy, receiving his education in
the common schools and assisting his father in
the management of the farm, but when twenty
years old he branched out to fight his own bat
tles in life. For nine years he drove a market
wagon, but about this time he began farming for
himself on his father's land, and then removed to
his present home, where he has tilled the soil most
successfully for the past eight years.
In his choice of a companion in life Mr. An
derson selected Miss Elizabeth Ann Moesch, and
their nuptials were solemnized December 22,
1 89 1. Two children blessed this union, Walter
Edward and James Henry. Politically Mr. An
derson is a strong supporter of Republican prin
ciples, and in religion he and his wife are Epis
copalians. He has a comfortable home and is a
public-spirited and most worthy citizen.

CHARLES DANIEL LAWRENCE. A
prominent position among the well-to-do
farmers of Queens County is held by this
gentleman, who is the fortunate possessor of a
nice farm of twenty-six acres. He is very fond
of fine horses and for several years past has fur
nished both summer and winter board to these
animals. Throughout the county he is known
as a competent trainer and horse-breaker, his
stables being located at Bayside.
The subject of this sketch was born in the
town of Flushing August 9, 1836, on the place
now owned by L. White, on Black Stump road.
His parents were Charles C. and Ann (Lawrence)
Lawrence, to whom were granted nine children.
Of this family Charles D. was the fifth in order of
birth and with his brother Isaac, is the only sur
vivor. In 1863 the father was also born in the town
of Flushing, in the same house in which his son
was born. The farm, which then included one
hundred and seventy-eight acres, had been in
the Lawrence family for two hundred and fifty
years, but after the death of Charles C. it was
divided among his heirs. During his life he was
one of the representative men of his neighbor
hood and a leading farmer of the county. For a
period of twenty-two years he served as super-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

611

visor, to which position he had been elected on
the Democratic ticket, and for some six years he
rendered the people of the town efficient service
as assessor. He was a devoted member of the
Episcopal Church, and none knew him but to
love him.
Charles D. acquired his education in Union
Hall Academy and on his return home began
training horses, in which business he has been in
terested ever since. He is known far and wide
as an expert in this line and he has been chosen
by many of the prominent residents of New York
City to train their carriage horses. In 1880 he
purchased his present desirable place, which is
located within one mile of Bayside. One of the
most valued residents of the village, he well de
serves the success with which his efforts have
been crowned.
The lady to whom our subject was united in
marriage in 1865 was Miss Agnes A. Cain, a resi
dent of this village. Of the four children born
of their union, three survive, namely: Charles
C, James C. and Mabel E. The elder son makes
his home in Flushing, although his business calls
him daily to New York City, as he is in the
employ of Sargeant & Co., a large hardware firm.
James C. is also engaged in the hardware line in
the city. Mabel is a student in the high school at
Flushing. In political affairs our subject is in
dependent, taking no active part in public affairs
other than to cast his vote for the best man, re
gardless of party line. He is a member of the
Episcopal Church, which is also the faith of his
wife and children.

J OPEN A. BELDEN, editor and proprietor
of the "Roslyn News," was born in Canaan,
Conn., in 1842. It was there that he re
ceived his education in the public schools and
Canaan Academy. He commenced the struggle
of life by learning the printer's trade in Litch
field, Conn. Although but a youth at the break
ing out of the Rebellion, he entered the ranks of
the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers as a private in
1861, and afterward re-enlisted in the Second
Connecticut Heavy Artillery, where he remained
until discharged in June, 1865. During the per
iod of his service he took part in several engage
ments and was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Va.
At the close of the war Mr. Belden returned
home and shortly afterward moved to Water
bury, Conn., where he became one of the editors

of the "Valley Index." Later he went to New
York City, where he continued at printing, and
was an occasional contributor to the "New York
Sun." In 1878 he came to Long Island and be
came the editor of the "Roslyn News," of which
he is now the proprietor. Politically he is a
stanch Republican. He is not only a G. A. R.
man, but is interested with the fraternities of the
Masonic order and Odd Fellows.

CHARLES A. VAN NOSTRAND. This
enterprising and popular business man
of Little Neck, who is also a member of
one of the oldest and most respected families of
Long Island, was born at Little Neck, July 4,
1848, and is a brother of D. L. Van Nostrand,
from whose sketch, presented on another page,
may be obtained particulars regarding the fam
ily history. His education was gained in the
neighboring schools, and he continued to reside
with his parents until his marriage in 1873,
when he settled on a farm about one mile north
of Flushing and for three years operated rented
land. Later he went to Lakeville, where he
purchased property and for some five years his
time was devoted to farming there. His next
move was to Hinsdale, where he was similarly
engaged for two years.
From Hinsdale Mr. Van Nostrand went to
Garden City and in partnership with Charles J.
Sutphin became the successors of the grocery
business of E. C. Poole. After a time he became
the sole proprietor of the business and for seven
years, including the period of his partnership, he
did a successful business there. On coming to
Little Neck, he became a partner in the general
store of B. W. Schenck and for four and one-half
years the firm was known as Schenck & Van
Nostrand. In April, 1895, he and his partner
disposed of the business to Sutphin Brothers,
and he then became connected with the coal and
feed business conducted by his brother, D. L.,
to which he has since given his attention. In
September, 1895, the new yard was opened at
Douglaston Bridge, where they have commodi
ous dockage facilities.
November 20, 1873, Mr. Van Nostrand mar
ried Louisa, daughter of Marshall Frost, now of
West Woodstock, Conn., but recently of this
place and a member of an old Long Island fam
ily. To this marriage have been born five chil
dren, namely: Cornelia, wife of Frederick Hew-

6l2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

lett, of Brooklyn; Harriet L., a student in Mt.
Holyoke College, in Massachusetts; Elizabeth,
who is attending the high school of Flushing;
C. Herbert and Howard Frost, who are public
school students. Politically a Democrat, Mr.
Van Nostrand was appointed postmaster at Lit
tle Neck in June, 1895, and held a similar posi
tion at Garden City under the first administra
tion of President Cleveland. Socially he is a
member of Martin Lodge, F. & A. M., at Hemp
stead, and in religious belief is identified with the
Reformed Church, of Manhasset.

JAMES M. CARPENTER, who is one of
the most extensive contractors and build
ers in Queens County, makes his home at
Great Neck. He was born at Herricks, this
county, November 10, 1832, his parents being
James and Jane (Smith) Carpenter, the former of
whom was a native of Rhode Island. His father
was a farmer and drover, and also owned a first-
class meat market which netted him a fine in
come. James Carpenter, Sr., was reared to farm life
in his native state and after coming to Long
Island was married, it is supposed, at Hempstead.
Upon starting out for himself he learned the
mason's trade and it was not long before he was
taking contracts for building structures, most of
which are located in the town of Flushing, in
which vicinity he also leased a well equipped
farm. The parents of our subject moved to the above-
mentioned town when he was very young, and
there he was reared to man's estate, acquiring a
fair education in the village schools of Flushing.
When a lad of sixteen years he decided to be
come a carpenter, and, going to Brooklyn, ap
prenticed himself to a good workman, with whom
he remained for four years and eight months.
He was given $60 for his first two years' work
and the next two years had his wages raised to
$70. In the year 1854 Mr. Carpenter came to Great
Neck and obtained work with James S. Car
penter, whose sketch will also be published in
this volume, and whose sister, Rosalia, our sub
ject married February 20, 1856. Her parents
were John S. and Sarah (Hawkins) Carpenter,
well-to-do residents of the county.
Mr. Carpenter was employed as a journeyman
but a few years when he began to take contracts

fpr himself, and so well has he succeeded in this
undertaking that he is now in the possession of a
goodly property and will be enabled to spend his
declining years free from labor if he so desires.
For many years he made his home in a pleasant
residence in the village, which he erected ex
pressly for the occupancy of his family, but short
ly after the death of his wife, which occurred in
August, 1885, he made his home with his married
daughter, Mrs. C. H. Gregory, of Great Neck.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Car
penter we mention the following: John Fred
erick, a well known contractor and builder, makes
his home at Great Neck; Arthur Wallace died
in infancy; Sarah Jane became the wife of
Thomas J. McKee, whose life history will be
recorded on another page of this volume; Ernes
tine married C. D. Corwin, and they are making
their home at Brookhaven, Suffolk County; Ad
die Elma married Charles H. Gregory, of Great
Neck ; and Lottie G. is the wife of Edward Scott,
engaged as a harnessmaker of this village.
Our subject, like his father before him, is an
independent Democrat in politics. The former
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is trustee of his congregation. He
built the first edifice occupied by this denomina
tion at Great Neck. The parents of Mr. Car
penter were likewise active members of the Meth
odist Church. His father was sixty-eight years
of age at the time of his decease, while his mother
lived to be seventy-eight. They were both
buried in the cemetery at Flushing.

FDeHASS SIMONSON. The name of
Simonson is known and respected
• throughout Queens County as belong
ing to some of its best residents.' The present
representative of the family is one of the most
successful business men of Newtown, and is both
liberal and enterprising. He is engaged in the
real estate business, handling some of the
most valuable property of the community, is also
a notary public, and as an insurance agent rep
resents some of the best companies in the East.
A native of Newtown, Mr. Simonson was born
June 14, 1863. His parents were Charles and
Frances A. (Thomas) Simonson, to whom there
were granted eight children, but of these three
are deceased. The father, who was born in Ja
maica in the year 1832, accompanied his parents
to Newtown when a boy and in 1870 established

WILLIAM H. DURYEA.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

615

the business which his son, our subject, now car
ries on. For many years he was notary public
and one of the most substantial and influential
men of the community. His death, therefore,
which occurred November 4, 1884, was the occa
sion of universal mourning.
The marriage of Mr. Simonson and Miss Eliz
abeth Nelson occurred November 28, 1888, and
to them were born two children, of whom
Charles, a bright little lad of six years, is the
only survivor. Mr. Simonson is collector of
school taxes in district No. 1. He is foreman of
the Wandowanock Fire Hook and Ladder Com
pany and is always ready to assist in worthy
movements for the general good.

WILLIAM H. DURYEA. No resi
dent of Plainview has been so closely
identified with its progress or has con
tributed in a larger degree to its development
than has the gentleman whose name introduces
this article and who is well known throughout
the eastern part of Queens County. Although
not a politician, he is active in local affairs and
has held almost every position within the gift of
his fellow-citizens, including, among others, the
office of president of the village, in which capacity
he rendered efficient service.
At Mannetto Hill, town of Oyster Bay, the
subject of this sketch was born March 16, 1847,
to Henry W. and Margaret (Van Nostrand) Dur
yea. The family of which he is a member origi
nated in Holland. His grandfather, Rudolph
Duryea, was born in Queens County, November
16, 1776, and spent his entire life here, dying
February 20, 1849; he married Charlotte Waters,
who was born January 4, 1771, and died Janu
ary 13, 1843. Their children were John, Eliza
beth, Mary A., Catherine, Elbert, Henry W. and
Jane. The father of our subject was born at the old
homestead at Ireland Trees, July 27, 1805, and in
youth was apprenticed to the trades of wheel
wright and carpenter, which he followed in con
nection with the cultivation of his small farm.
About 1826 he married Margaret Van Nostrand,
a native of the same locality as himself, and in
1832 he purchased the farm known as Mannetto
Hill prior to the establishment of the postoffice of
Plainview. Here he continued to reside until his
-death, June 24, 1883. He was a man of promi

nence in political and educational matters, and
held a high place among the people of this local
ity. His wife, who was born in 1809, passed
away August 14, 1887.
Of their children we mention the following: o
Mary J., is the widow of Charles Mott and re
sides in Brooklyn ; John, a veteran of the late war,
who lived in Commack, died January 29, 1896;
Susan A. and Edgar H. are deceased; Armenia
is the widow of James Seaman; James N. was
killed in 1863 while defending his country in the
Civil War; Charlotte A. is deceased; William H.
and Catherine E. are twins, and the latter is mar
ried to A. R. Young of Glencove; and Charles
M. resides in Bethpage, L. I.
At the age of sixteen years our subject becafne
a farm hand in the employ of Walter Powell of
Bethpage, with whom he remained for ten years,
meantime being promoted to be foreman of the
place. During his residence there he was united
in marriage, September 7, 1870, to Deborah A.,
daughter of Edward Young of Glencove, but
their wedded life was of brief duration, Mrs. Dur
yea dying in April, 1872. The second marriage
of Mr. Duryea took place May 15, 1875, when
Mrs. Charlotte Sowden became his wife, and by
this union there are two children, Walter F. and
Mary E., both at home with their parents.
Mrs. Duryea was born in London, England, a
daughter of William Mitchell, and was reared in
her native place, where she married John Sow
den. In 1862 she accompanied her husband to
America and settled in New York City, but later
came to Mannetto Hill, in the town of Oyster
Bay, where Mr. Sowden died June 5, 1873. The
two children born of this union are Charlotte,
wife of John T. Raynor of Freeport ; and Freder
ick W., who married Miss Annie Walker of
Brooklyn, and is now living in Hicksville.
With the intention of going into business, Mr.
Duryea went to New York in 1875, but his plans
were changed and the following year he returned
to his native county, locating on the farm which
has since been his home. This place consists of
fifty-two acres and was formerly the property of
Mr. Sowden, but has since been purchased by our
subject, who has devoted his attention to farm-'
ing in connection with numerous other lines of
business. In 1878 he was elected sealer of
weights and measures, serving two years. For
ten years he was overseer of the poor for the
town of Oyster Bay, and for three years, begin
ning in 1893, he served as coroner, while he has

6i6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

been school trustee of his district for fourteen
years. Through the efforts of Mr. Duryea in 1885, the
postoffice at Plainview was established, and for
the five ensuing years he served as postmaster,
his wife being his assistant. During the second
administration of Cleveland, in 1892, Mrs. Dur
yea was appointed to the position, which she has
since filled, her previous experience as deputy-
having prepared her for the entire management
of the office. Mrs. Duryea is a lady of far more
than ordinary ability, and is very popular in so
cial circles. For ten years she was assistant sup
erintendent of the Plainview Methodist Episco
pal Sunday-school, and for the past two years
has been its superintendent, her manifest interest
in the work and force of character having been
instrumental in advancing the cause and increas
ing the attendance.
For four years Mr. Duryea has been overseer
of highways and for two years, under the new
system, has had charge of the contracts for road
work. He has never failed in his allegiance to
Democratic principles and has never faltered in
his enthusiastic support of its principles. Socially
he is a charter member of Primrose Lodge No.
569, I. O. O. F., at Hicksville, in which he has
filled a number of the chairs. He is also a char
ter member of the Knights of Protection at Farm
ingdale, and is connected with the Mutual Bene
fit Association of Suffolk County.

friendless among a great throng of busy people.
He accepted the first position he could secure,
which was that of driving a beer wagon. As
might be supposed, he was not content to remain
in that work, and availed himself of the first op
portunity to enter business more congenial. In
1892 he came to College Point and took charge
of the business which had been previously estab
lished by a brother-in-law. The enterprise was
prosperous and he soon felt warranted in remov
ing to better quarters, selecting the place on the
corner of Sixteenth Street and Fifth Avenue,
where he now has a first-class store.
By his marriage to Sophie Oberist, our sub
ject is the father of two daughters, Olga and
Lillie. Since coming to this country he has giv
en some study to the fundamental principles upon
which this government rests and is well informed
regarding the great problems of the age. Po
litically he votes the Democratic ticket.

JACOB WYSS, owner and manager of the
grocery situated on the corner of Sixteenth
Street and Fifth Avenue, College Point, is
a native of Switzerland, where he was born Jan
uary 18, 1864, being son of Jacob Wyss, Sr.,
a lifelong resident of that beautiful republic be
yond the seas^*The boy grew to manhood amid
the mountains and picturesque scenery of his
native canton, where he gained a good education
in the Swiss language. His father and relatives
were content to remain in the Old World, but
his ardent, ambitious spirit looked forth across
the ocean to the newer republic of the United
' States. Hither his aspirations were bent.
Finally the time came when he was permitted
to realize the hope of his boyhood years. At the
age of twenty-two, bidding farewell to the friends
of his youth, he set out alone for America, and
reached the shores of this country after an un
eventful voyage, a stranger in a strange land,

DAVID BALDWIN, whose well cultivated
homestead is located in the town of
Hempstead, has been for many years
identified with the welfare and development of
this neighborhood. He was born in this locality
in 1845, and is the son of Stephen and Ann (Jack
son) Baldwin, natives also of this town where
they spent their entire lives.
During the active years of his life the father of
our subject was a prominent merchant, owning
one of the best equipped establishments in the
town. He was quiet and unassuming in man
ner, but being public-spirited, his influence was
safely relied upon in everything relating to the
best interests of the community in which he
dwelt. He departed this life March 4, 1893. His
excellent wife, however, preceded him to the land
beyond, dying January 21, 1892.
David Baldwin acquired a common-school
education and later completed a business course
in one of the schools of Brooklyn. Subsequent
ly he obtained a position as bookkeeper in an es
tablishment in New York City, holding the same
for over five years. He was then made a better of
fer by a firm in Brooklyn, and remained with his
employers in the City of Churches for three years.
In 1872, however, tiring of city life, he returned
to his old home and gave his undivided attention
for many years to general farming. Later he en
gaged in the sale of agricultural implements, but

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

617

owing to poor health he has been living in retire
ment for the past few years.
Mr. Baldwin was married in 1876 to Miss
Marian, daughter of John Cumming of Scotland.
Their union has resulted in the birth of a large
family of children, twelve in number. They are
named respectively: Stephen, David, John Jack
son, George Jackson, Lily Ann, Oscar, Ethel
Marion, Elizabeth, Tillie, Amos Cumming, Min
nie Cumming and Ralph, the latter of whom is
deceased. While not members of any religious body Mr.
and Mrs. Baldwin attend services at the Meth
odist Episcopal Church. In politics the former is
independent and is not confined to party lines
during elections. He is upright and honorable
and has a reputation for veracity and high prin
ciples which is second to none in the neighbor
hood where he has lived as a boy and man.

ALFRED COX. Ability, when backed by
enterprising business measures and pro
gressive ideas, will accomplish more than
any other professional or commercial require
ment. An illustration of this may be seen in the
career of Alfred Cox, who, although engaged in
various occupations throughout his business life,
has been reasonably successful in them all. He
is a native of White Plains, Westchester County,
and was born January 6, 1830, a son of Daniel
and Susan (Foster) Cox, the former of whom was
a successful miller by trade.
In the county that gave him birth the subject
of this sketch grew to manhood and acquired a
good common education in the district schools.
He was the ninth in a good old-fashioned family
of fifteen children, and, owing to this and to the
fact that his father's means were limited, he was
compelled to begin the battle of life for himself
at the early age of twelve years by working on
the home farm and in other capacities. At the
age of sixteen, he left the shelter of the parental
roof and went to Brooklyn, where he began
working at the sash, door and blind business, at
which he continued for about four years, receiv
ing for his services from $30 to $50 per year and
his board.
When his term of apprenticeship had expired
our subject started out to see what Dame For
tune had in store for him, and instead of work
ing for others, wisely started in business for him
self in New York City, where he remained some

three years. He then turned his attention to
milling in Westchester County, which business
he had learned of his father while growing up,
and after following it for some ten years, he and
two brothers came to Glencove, purchased a mill
and conducted it with fair financial results for
some ten years also. They disposed of their mill
to a starch manufacturing company, and soon
after began handling the corn feed from the
starch works, and built up a large market for it
in three states, amounting frequently to sixty
thousand bushels per month. This business oc
cupied the attention of Mr. Cox for about fifteen
years, and proved both remunerative and agree
able. In Westchester County, N. Y., in October,
1853, Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Miss
Harriet A. Sniffen of Northcastle, N. Y., a daugh
ter of Lyman and Huldah (Totman) Sniffen. Two
children came to bless their home: Frances, who
died at the age of one and one^half years, and
Fannie J., who married W. N. Stewart of New
York City and died without issue. In his po
litical proclivities Mr. Cox was first a Whig and
cast his presidential vote for Scott in 1852, for
Fremont in 1856 and for every Republican presi
dential nominee since that time. For half a cen
tury he has been connected with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he is a steward and
president of the board of trustees at Seacliff. He
was one of the parties who helped get the ma
terial together for the building of the tabernacle
and to draw the first load of lumber onto the
grounds. His home is now on the site of the old
tabernacle, and he has been a resident of Sea
cliff ever since 1893. In church work he has ever
been active and is a man of unblemished reputa
tion.

1W

ICHAEL MOORE, a contractor and
builder residing in Dutch Kills, Long
Island City, is a native of Ireland, and
was born in County Kerry in 1854, being a son
of Gerhard and Mary (Callahan) Moore, also na
tives of the Emerald Isle. His father, who spent
his entire life in the place of his birth, was a
civil engineer by occupation and for some time
was in the employ of the government. It is a re
markable fact that every one of his eighteen chil
dren attained years of maturity. Of that large
family nine are living, four being residents of

6i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dutch Kills. One brother, Edward, who par
ticipated in the Civil War, is now deceased.
Michael, who was next to the youngest among
the children, was reared to manhood in Ireland,
where he attended the national schools. At the
age of twenty, in 1874, he came to America, set
tling at once in Long Island City, where he
learned the brick mason's and plasterer's. trade.
On thoroughly familiarizing himself with the
work, he followed it for a time in Massachu
setts and Rhode Island, then returned to Long
Island City, where he was similarly engaged. For
fifteen years he was foreman for Lyons & Bunn
in New York, and his long service with that firm
is sufficient proof of his industry and ability.
In 1891 Mr. Moore began contracting and
building, and soon had command of a large
trade, building residences in Hoboken, Yonk-
ers and other places adjacent to New York
City. He built the Margaret flats and the Ben
nett building in New York City; also the
bonded warehouse in Pearl Street. The resi
dence which he built at No. 248 Harris Avenue.
Dutch Kills, he still occupies, and in addition he
owns other valuable property in this locality.
While in Massachusetts he married Miss Mary
Griffin, a native of Ireland, and they have two
children, Frank and Michael. The religious
home of the family is St. Patrick's Catholic
Church. While Mr. Moore does not aspire to po
litical honors, he is a stanch Democrat, and has
served on the general committee at different
times.

NEIL O. FITCH, M. D., one of the suc
cessful, competent and skillful medical
practitioners of Astoria, Long Island
City, is justly entitled to a biographical notice
in this connection. He was born at Coopers-
town, Otsego County, N. Y., in February, 1862,
and is the son of Orrin Fitch, also a native of
the Empire State. Grandfather Prentice Fitch
was born in Connecticut, whence he later re
moved to Otsego County and there carried on
farming until his decease. The family is a very
old one in the United States and is able to trace
its ancestry back to one of the founders of the
New Haven Colony, who came hither from Eng
land. Orrin Fitch was trained to mature years on the
farm of his father, but during the gold excite
ment of 1849, he left home and went to California

via the Isthmus of Panama. On reaching that
far western state he entered the mines and met
with such marvelous success that he was shortly
afterward enabled to purchase a ranch. He re
mained there until 1861, in the meantime hav
ing been appointed postmaster of Shasta, where
he was also at the head of a mercantile establish
ment. He made a trip East, however, in 1857,
and was married to Miss Jennie E. Forbes, a na
tive' of Canajoharie, N. Y., and the daughter of
David Forbes, whose birth occurred in Scotland.
The latter, after making his home in America, be
gan contracting and building, following the same
until his decease, which occurred early in life.
The father of our subject after his marriage re
turned to his western home and lived there for
the four years following. We next find him a
resident of Hartwick, Otsego County, N. Y.,
where he embarked in the mercantile business
and was also justice of the peace. Later he re
moved with his family to Buffalo, N. Y., and
during his residence there gave his attention to
the insurance business. In 1873, however, he
took up his abode in New Hartford, Conn., where
he still makes his home. Soon after locating there
he engaged in the manufacture of cotton duck
and at the present time is secretary of the
Greenwoods Company, perhaps the largest man
ufacturers of this article in the country.
Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Orrin Fitch only one is living besides our sub
ject. The latter attended the private schools of
Otsego County until 1873, when he accompanied
the family to their new home in Connecticut and
was there graduated from the high school at New
Hartford when only sixteen years of age. In or
der to obtain a good business education he went
to Poughkeepsie and took a course in Eastman's
Business College, after which he located in New
York. The next removal was to Boston, Mass.,
where for a short time he was engaged with the
wholesale dry goods house of R. H. White.
About this time our subject took up the study
of medicine, which science from his early boy
hood days he had desired to master. Early in
1882 he became a student in the medical depart
ment of the University of New York, from which
institution he was graduated in the spring of
t886, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
In September of that year, when looking about
for a suitable location, he came to Long Island
City, opening an office in Prospect Street. Here
he remained until 1888, when he purchased a

CLARENCE M. MASTER, D, D. S.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

621

beautiful residence in Astoria, which he fur
nished complete and moved into the same year.
Though a comparatively young man, the Doctor
is in command of an enviable practice, and the
splendid reputation which he enjoys has been at
tained by much hard work and study on his part.
Dr. Fitch was married in 1887 in Brooklyn to
Miss Margaret Forbes, a native of that city, and
the daughter of George Forbes, whose birth oc
curred in Scotland. Their union was blessed
by the birth of four children: George F., Do
rothy M., Evelyn M. and Nellie, deceased. The
Doctor takes a deep interest in the welfare of his
community, materially and otherwise, and has
borne a prominent part in promoting its rise and
progress to its present high standing. For three
years he has been police surgeon of the city and
for two years has filled the position pf county
physician. He is at the present time visiting
physician to Astoria Hospital. Socially he is a
member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A.
M., at Astoria, belongs to Enterprise Lodge No.
228 at the same place, and is a member of the
Royal Arcanum. He is medical examiner in the
Legion of Honor and is a member of the An*
cient Order of United Workmen. The Doctor
is also medical examiner in the Sons of St.
George. Our subject has contributed many articles of
interest and value to the Medical Society of Long
Island City, the Medical Society of the County of
Queens and Medico-Legal Society of New York,
in all three of which he holds membership. He
stands well as a citizen, possessing advanced
views, and is among the best-read, modern phy
sicians and surgeons of to-day. His familiar form
and face have cheered the sick room of many a
household in Queens County, and it has ever
been his aim to exercise all the skill he possesses
for rich and poor alike.

CLARENCE M. MASTER, D. D. S. The
profession of dentistry has made the most
marked progress in the past quarter of a
century, and a good dentist is able to preserve
the teeth of persons indefinitely if they will place
themselves in his charge and carry out his in
structions; and his skill is such that he can re
place those that are lost with such consummate
art that it is impossible to detect the counter
feit, while his operations in the matter of filling,
capping, etc., indicate the most advanced prac

tical knowledge. Among the number of expert
and eminent dentists of Flushing is Dr. Clarence
M. Master, who, although young in years, is one
of the best representatives of his profession in
the village. He is a native of this place, born
February 8, 1873, and is the son of David Mas
ter, whose sketch is also given in this volume. In
Flushing our subject grew to manhood and re
ceived his education, graduating from Flushing
Institute in 1888. At an early age he evinced a
strong liking for dentistry and as soon as he had
left Flushing Institute he began the study of den
tal surgery under E. Parmelee Brown, who was
considered one of the most skillful followers of
the profession.
Later our subject was with Drs. Bennett and
King for over three years, and in 1892 he en
tered the New York College of Dental Surgery.
During that time he took a one-year's course in
dissecting at Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
and in 1895 graduated with the degree of D. D. S.
After graduating he began for himself at No. 85
Main Street, in the office of Dr. King, and has
had numerous interesting cases.
Dr. Master was married in. Flushing in Octo
ber, 1895, to Miss Luella Combs, a native of
Greenpoint, and the daughter of Louis V.
Combs. The latter was formerly a contractor and
builder of New York City, but is now living re
tired in Flushing. The Doctor is a member of
the Psi Omega fraternity and is vice-president of
the alumni association. While in college he held
the highest official position, that of marshal. He
is a member of the Reformed Church and is a
young man of more than ordinary ability and
promise.

FRANCIS McNENA. A leading business
man of Long Island City is Francis Mc-
Nena, who has built up a first-class patron
age and who is universally liked for his good
qualities. His father, Francis McNena, Sr.,
was a native of the Emerald Isle, born in
County Tyrone, and he there learned the gro
cery business.
When a young man the father came to Amer
ica and located in Brooklyn, where he clerked
in a. grocery for some time. Later he started in
business in Grand Street and continued there
until about i860, when he came to Long Island
City and settled at Blissville, engaging in the re
tail grocery business. This he followed with fair

622

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

success until his death in 1888, when sixty-three
years old. He had erected a good brick build
ing, 100x100 feet, and carried a general stock
of goods. He was a public-spirited and pro
gressive citizen and was appointed commissioner
of public works of Long Island City under Mayor
DeBevoise, but resigned before the close. Pre
vious to this he was the first alderman of the sec
ond ward of Long Island City and held other po
sitions of importance. He was a member of St.
Raphael's Catholic Church in this city. His wife,
whose maiden name was Ann Quinn, was born
in County Tyrone, Ireland, and she is the mother
of Rev. Father John J. McNena, who is a priest
at Eddington, Bucks County, Pa. Mrs. McNena
has been a resident of Long Island City for over
thirty-five years and may in truth be called one
of the old settlers.
The youngest child born to his parents, his
birth occurring in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1858,
Francis McNena, Jr., was reared and educated in
Blissville, Long Island City, coming to this place
with his parents when two years old. When about
fifteen years old he entered his father's store, and
under the direction of that admirable business
man laid the foundation for his subsequent suc
cessful career. Since the death of his father
Francis has carried on the business with prompt
ness and dispatch. He has three delivery wag
ons on the road, and in connection with general
merchandising has an excellent stock of hard
ware, this being the only hardware store in
Blissville. Politically Mr. McNena is a Demo
crat, and in religion a Catholic, a member of St.
Raphael's Church.

FRAHM BROTHERS. Energy and indus
try, which will almost invariably bring suc
cess in any calling, have contributed to the
high business standing of the firm of Frahm
Brothers of Astoria, Long Island City. While
they have not been engaged in business many
years, yet they have already gained noticeable
success and have established a trade so large as to
necessitate the constant use of three delivery
wagons. In their store, which is situated at No.
286 Flushing Avenue, they carry a full line of
groceries, staple and fancy; also hay, feed, grain
and flour, keeping, in fact, a full equipment Of
everything in their line.
The father of our subjects, Paul Frahm, was
born in Germany, and is a painter and decorator

by trade. For some time he carried on business
at Eightieth Street and Second Avenue, New
York City, but in 1888 came to Long Island City,
where he has since been retired. By his mar
riage to Catherine Hahr, a native of Germany, he
was the father of five sons and one daughter,
namely: Mrs. Sophia Snyder of Astoria; Ru
dolph, Fred, Gustav, William and August.
The senior member of the firm is Fred, who
was born in New York City, October 3, 1872, re
ceived a good grammar school education, and at
the age of fourteen began to work as newsboy for
the "New York News." Two years were spent
in that way, after which he clerked in a retail
grocery business, thus gaining a thorough knowl
edge of the occupation to which he afterward de
voted himself. He also learned the painter's
trade, which he followed four years, and then, in
1894, formed a partnership with his brother. Po
litically he is a Republican, and supports the
party ticket with enthusiasm and fidelity. He is
fond of sport and is identified with the Queens
County Athletic Club.
Gustav Frahm, junior member of the firm, was
born in New York City, September 19, 1874, and
was educated in that place and in the grammar
school of Long Island City. His first position
was that of clerk in a wholesale grocery store of
New York, but in April, 1894, he resigned in or
der to enter business for himself. Forming a
partnership with his brother, they bought out the
store of Charles Jurgenson, who had carried on
the concern for five years. Since purchasing the
business, they have carried it on with success
and have gained a name as reliable, efficient busi
ness men. Like his brother, Gustav Frahm is a
Republican in politics and a member of the
Queens County Athletic Club, and is a wel
comed guest in the best homes of the city, his so
cial qualities fitting him for association with the
cultured and refined people of the community.

RICHARD E. KANE. The name of the
Kane Hotel in Blissville, Long Island
City, is synonymous with first-class enter
tainment. In this hotel everything is as clean,
comfortable and convenient as it is possible for
hands to make it, and a home-like air pervades
the whole house, which adds materially to its at
tractions. Richard E. Kane is the beau ideal of
a hospitable landlord, and attends to the wants
of his guests efficiently though without ostenta-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

023

tion. He was born in the city of New York in
1856. His father, John Kane, was with the
Twenty-third Street Ferry Company for many
years, but later embarked in the hotel business
and started the Kane House, which he conducted
in a successful manner until his death in 1863.
The maiden name of his wife was Margaret
Leavy. She was a native of Ireland and died in
Long Island City in 1893. Two children be
sides our subject were born to this union. Ed
ward died in infancy ; Pierce, who was in the gen
eral postoffice department of New York City for
ten years, and for a similar period was in the
railway mail service, later was on the improve
ment committee in the city. His death occurred
in 1892.
Our subject, the only child now living, grew to
manhood in Long Island City and received his
education in the Second Ward school. Later he
entered the employ of Charles Pratt's Manufac
turing Company of Brooklyn, where he remained
about fifteen years, and then resigned to engage
in business in Long Island City. He started the
hotel business on his father's old place, at the
corner of Gale and Young Streets, and in 1890
moved the old place back, building a large frame
hotel there. In 1893 he was nominated for alder
man on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated
by twenty-three votes. In the fall of 1895 he was
nominated and elected alderman of the second
ward on the regular Democratic ticket and took
his seat in January, 1896.
Mr. Kane is vice-president of the Gatholic
Benevolent Legion, is also a member of the An
cient Order of Hibernians, the American Fire
men of Long Island City, Council No. 17, and
served his time with Rambler Hose Company
No. 3, of which he was foreman two years, and
was secretary and treasurer at different times. He
is a member of the Exempt Firemen's Associa
tion and the Liquor Dealers' Association. In pol
itics he has always supported the principles of
the Democratic party and was on the general
committee for two years.

to the motives impelling them. That Mr. Ash-
mead has been successful in the calling proves
that he possesses these qualities, and it is largely
due to their exercise that he has gained promi
nence among others of the same occupation.
In Jamaica, where he still resides, the subject
of this article was born April 22, 1852, being the
youngest of the four sons who comprised the fam
ily of Alfred and Amelia (Wilkerson) Ashmead,
natives respectively of Gloucestershire and Bris
tol, Somersetshire, England. He was educated
in the public schools, and on starting out for him
self was first engaged in railroading, but after
ward carried on a liquor business. Politically
espousing the cause of the Republican party, he
has been prominent in local affairs. In 1888 he
was elected constable of the town of Jamaica,
which office he has since filled. It is said that
the detective work done by him ranks among
the best on the island, and his name has come
to be a terror to evil doers. His popularity is
proved by the fact that he was elected constable
in the spring of 1895 without any opposition, his
name appearing on all the tickets in the field.
In 1871, when nineteen years of age, Mr. Ash
mead married Miss Louisa Lispenard, of Jamaica,
and they reside in this village, where they have
a large circle of acquaintances. Their family
consists of seven children, of whom the eldest,
Hester, is married to Peter Walster. The oth
ers, who are at home, are named Warren, Frank
B., Arthur, Nelson, Elmer and Bertha.

BENJAMIN A. ASHMEAD. There is no
vocation calling for qualities of so pecu
liar an order as that of detective. To
achieve success in this vocation it is necessary
that a man must be exceedingly keen in discrim
ination, accurate in judgment, and a wise judge
of human nature, able to look beneath the actions

JOHN CLEARY, a mason and contractor,
was formerly connected with the fire depart
ment of Long Island City. He joined the vol
unteer fire department in 1878, becoming a mem
ber of Hunter's Engine Company No. 4, which
had the only steam engine in Long Island City
until the paid department was established. In
1884 he was made foreman of this company, hold
ing it until 1886, and in 1890 was elected assist
ant chief of the fire department for three years,
continuing to hold this position until the com
pany was disbanded. He was one of the prime
movers in the organization of the Volunteer Fire
men's Association, June 17, 1891, the headquar
ters of which are in the Grand Army of the Re
public Hall in Jackson Avenue, and he was elect
ed its first president, holding the office three
years. He was also a member of the Exempt
Firemen's Association, but finally resigned. July

624

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

18, 1894, having passed the required examination,
he was appointed by the fire brigade and mayor
foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 2,
which had just been organized, but on the ist
of February, 1895, he was transferred to engine
No. 1. At the time of the fire in the terra cotta
works, July 18, 1890, Mr. Cleary was the one to
rescue the man buried under a pile of brick.
Mr. Cleary is a native of New York City and
was born October 2^, i860, to Patrick and Sarah
(Maher) Cleary, the former of whom was for
some time a merchant of New York. The fam
ily moved to Long Island City about 1865, and
here the father eventually passed from life. His
widow survives him and has a comfortable home
in this city. John Cleary is their only surviving
child and has resided in this city since he was five
years of age. Here his initiatory educational
training was secured and later he attended a
grammar school in New York City. He was
then apprenticed to learn the mason's trade under
C. Curtis Woodruff, after which he became fore
man under him and continued in this capacity for
some time.
In the city of New York, in November, 1894,
Mr. Cleary was married to Miss Kate Foley, who
was born and educated in that city. They have
one child, Florence. In 1892 Mr. Cleary was
nominated by the Republican convention for as
semblyman, and though not elected, he made
an excellent race and received the largest num
ber of votes ever given a Republican candidate
for the legislature in Queens County. He is
treasurer of the Bricklayers' Union No. 40.

WILLIAM H. VAN NOSTRAND, a
farmer of the town of Flushing, occu
pying a place adjoining the Little
Neck road, is a member of one of the old estab
lished families of Long Island and was born Jan
uary 31, 1855, upon the old homestead, where he
still resides. Of his parental history mention will
be found in the sketch of his brother, D. L., which
appears elsewhere in this volume. He acquired
his education in the common schools of this dis
trict and continued to assist in the management
of the home farm until his marriage, which event,
occurring February 14, 1883, united him with
Miss Mary Ketcham, daughter of Washington
Ketcham, of Manhasset.
After his marriage Mr. Van Nostrand settled
upon a portion of the old homestead belonging

to his father and here he has since resided, de
voting his attention to the labors incident to agri
culture. During the years that have intervened
since he settled here in 1883, he has given his at
tention principally to the cultivation of market
produce, in which line of work he has been more
than ordinarily successful. Five children were
born to his marriage, of whom four are living,
named as follows: George K, Clarence E., Les
lie and Elmira.
Though agricultural pursuits have engaged the
close attention of Mr. Van Nostrand, they have
not done so to the exclusion of public matters.
He is well informed upon all the great problems
of the present age and possesses firm convictions
concerning matters of common interest. Politi
cally he adheres to the platform laid down by
Thomas. Jefferson, and as a Democrat gives his
influence to party men and measures, though
never displaying any partisanship in his prefer
ences. In religion he is a member of the Dutch
Reformed Church.

PETER LUYSTER. The name of Luyster
is known and honored throughout the
island, as its members have been quite
numerous here for many generations. Peter
was engaged in farming for many years, but
is now living retired from the active duties of
life, having accumulated a sufficient sum of mon
ey to provide himself and family with all the com
forts which they may desire. Our subject was
born at Bowery Bay, January 4, 1822, his parents
being Peter and Anna (Moore) Luyster. Their
household included seven children, of whom Cath
erine is the wife of William Fairweather, of Flush
ing; Peter of this sketch, was the next bom;
and Cornelia L. completes the list of those living.
Peter Luyster, Sr., who was of Holland descent,
was born at Bowery Bay, about the year 1787.
Here he grew to mature years and became a
prominent farmer. By his fellow-citizens he was
held in high esteem, and although of a very retir
ing disposition and in no wise a politician seeking
honors, was elected to the office of assessor]
which he held for one term. Later he was made
supervisor and was a much esteemed member of
the board.
On the death of his first wife the father of our
subject married Miss Sarah Moore, a sister of his
former companion, who survived him some
twelve years. Peter gained a good education in >

SAMUEL B. PARSONS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

627

the common schools and shortly after his mar
riage to Miss Caroline J. Eldert, which occurred
in 1845, he purchased the place on which he still
lives. A year later he moved onto this farm and
gave his whole attention to cultivating the soil,
with the result that he is now enabled to retire
and live comfortably for the remainder of his life.
During the long years of his residence here he
has become thoroughly identified with the place,
not only as a farmer, but as a progressive citizen.
To Mr. and Mrs. Luyster there were born five
children, only two of whom survive, Henry M.,
who has been employed in the freight department
of the New York Central Railroad Company for
a period of eighteen years, and Harriet D., still
at home with her parents. The wife and mother
departed this life on the 27th of March, 1896.
Mr. Luyster is very liberal in his political views,
although at heart he is a Republican. Religious
ly he is a devoted member of the Episcopal
Church. *

SAMUEL B. PARSONS, one of the promi
nent horticulturists of the East, was born*
in Flushing in 1819 and comes of good olc>
English Quaker stock. The father, Samuel Par
sons, and the grandfather, James Parsons, were
both natives of the Empire State, and for many
years were prominent merchants of New York
City. When a comparatively young man the
father left that city and settled at Flushing, where
he lived retired until his death in 1841, when six
ty-eight or seventy years of age. His wife,
whose maiden name was Mary Bowne, was born
in the Empire State and was one of an old and
influential family. The old Bowne house, built
in 1661, is still standing and is occupied. Mrs.
Parsons died in 1839. Of the children born to
this worthy couple two are living at the present
time, our subject being the older. One son,
James, died in 1895, when eighty-five years old;
and William died in 1856.
Our subject was educated in a private school,
and in 1834 engaged in business in New York
City. In 1835 he began clerking, following this
for some time, and in 1839 embarked in the nur
sery business. In 1845 he went to Europe to
study the horticulture of the Old World, and the
following year added to his experiences by start
ing a plantation in Florida. In 1859 he again
crossed the Atlantic, having been commissioned
by the United States Government to investigate
25

the agriculture and horticulture of Sicily and the
Ionian Islands, and to obtain the Italian bee,
which as yet had never existed in this country.
He has been very successful in his efforts to in
troduce rare, trees and shrubs, and has taken a
very prominent part in the progress of grape cul
ture in our country. He and his brother started
in business together and kept up a thriving trade
until 1871, when they dissolved partnership. Die
Kissena Nursery is well known, and Mr. Parsons
has done much to raise horticulture in America
to a high pinnacle of culture, refinement and dig
nity. In early days Mr. Parsons supplied the whole
western country, importing from foreign lands,
and was the largest and first importer and grower
of Japanese plants. He and his brother were the
only propagators of rhododendrons in the United
States, and also introduced Japanese maples and
other Japanese plants. Mr. Parsons enjoys the
distinction of being the first to introduce the
Brazilian navel orange into Florida, where he
propagated it. In 1893 he and his brother made
an exhibit at the World's Fair.
Mr. Parsons was president of the Flushing
Bank for about ten years, or until it was reor
ganized, when he retired. Previous to the war
he was a Whig, but later he espoused the prin
ciples of the Republican party. He was a stanch
Abolitionist, assisting the colored people when
ever he could, and was one of the first to declare
for emancipation. His son, George H, is in Col
orado, in charge of the lands of The Colorado
Improvement Company. Another son, Samuel,
Jr., is superintendent of all the parks of New
York City; and the youngest son, Herbert, is in
New York Citv

SAMUEL BLACKWELL SMALLWOOD,
M. D. In the noble army of workers in
the great field of medicine may be found
the name of Dr. Smallwood, of Long Island City,
who, while pursuing a general practice mainly,
has devoted much attention to diseases of the
eye, ear and skin. The Smallwoods are of Eng
lish lineage and are descended from the F. F. Vs.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
Samuel and Mary (Field) Blackwell, the former
of whom was proprietor of tlie port of Astoria
many years ago. He was first married to Sally
Moore, by whom he had one child, and was next
married to Mrs. Mary (Whitehead) Field, who

628

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bore him eight sons and eight daughters. He
was the brother of Thomas Blackwell, the pro
prietor of Blackwell's Island.
Dr. Smallwood was born in Brooklyn in 1841
to Eli and Anna E. (Blackwell) Smallwood, who
were born in Virginia and Astoria, N. Y., respec
tively. The father was reared in Virginia, but
finally located in North Carolina, becoming
a prominent man and a successful merchant
at Newbern. He died in i860, at the age of
seventy-eight years. His father, John Small-
wood, was a successful physician of Mrginia, and
during the American Revolution was surgeon on
one of the vessels of marque. He was related
to Colonel Smallwood, who commanded a regi
ment on Long Island and who was instrumental
in preventing the capture of General Washington
at New York.
The wife of Eli Smallwood was born in this
section in 1802 and was educated in what was
known as Middletown, Long Island City. After
spending her entire life here she died in 1893, an
earnest member of the Episcopal Church. She
bore her husband seven children, five of whom
grew to maturity, and three of whom are living
at the present time: Eliza B., Annie M. Hughes,
a widow, who resides in Newbern, N. C, and Dr.
S. B. Until 1855 the latter's home was in New
bern, where he attended a private boarding
school, the Newbern Academy, then spent one
year in Elizabeth City, N. C, pursuing his studies,
after which he came North to complete his edu
cation in a private school of Westchester County,
N. Y., preparatory to entering college. In 1859
he entered Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and
was there pursuing his studies when the Civil
War opened, which necessitated his leaving that
institution. In 1861 our subject began the study of medi
cine under Dr. James D. Trask, after which he
entered the medical department of the University
of New York, from which he graduated in 1864
with the degree of M. D. He then was appointed
to the position of assistant physician to the luna
tic asylum on Blackwell's Island, a position he
held one year, after which he opened an office at
Fortieth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, and
there practiced his profession one year. Subse
quently he came to Huntington, L. I., and in 1878
located in Astoria, where he has since been lo
cated. For two years he was Dr. Agnew's as
sistant in the Manhattan Ear and Eye Hospital,
and while there his inventive genius asserted

itself and some very useful surgical instruments
were perfected by him.
In 1889 Dr. Smallwood purchased the pickle
factory at Long Island City and put in one of
his inventions, a machine for sorting cucumbers,
writh a capacity of four hundred barrels per day,
and this invention he patented in April, TS90.
He then found it necessary to devise some means
for the rapid bottling of his goods, and invented
his present patent rotary bottling and corking
machine, which has a capacity for handling from
sixty to one hundred bottles a minute. He will
eventually perfect this machine so that it will seal
and label the bottles and pack them in boxes
ready for shipment, in fact he has this improve
ment almost completed, and it will doubtless
bring him a fortune. The work is all done auto
matically and the device is the wonder and ad
miration of all who see it. He organized a cor
poration known as the Rotary Bottling & Cork
ing Company, with a capital of $500,000, of which
he is president and the principal stockholder.
The company are to manufacture and lease these
machines, but they will not be for sale.
Dr. Smallwood was married in 1864 to Miss
Annie Mulligan, who was born in New York,
a daughter of William Mulligan, who was for
merly president of the Humboldt Fire Insurance
Company, and who is now living in retirement
in Astoria. Mrs. Smallwood died in 1868, leav
ing two children, William M., who is associated
with his father in the bottling business, and An
nie M., now the wife of Henry S. Oakley, of
Englewood, N. J. The Doctor is a member of
St. George's Episcopal Church, is a member and
an ex-official of the Queens County Medical So
ciety, and has been medical examiner for different
insurance companies and pension boards. He is
of a very genial disposition, is a good companion,
and a whole-souled, generous fellow. He is quite
a nimrod, and nearly every fall goes on hunting
expeditions to Canada, Upper Michigan or to
North Carolina.

M

ARTIN MAGER, JR., who is one of the
progressive citizens of Middle Village,
was appointed postmaster under the ad
ministration of President Cleveland. He is also
interested in real estate in this section, owning
and handling much valuable property. His birth
occurred in Essex Street, New York City, De
cember 16, 1859, his parents being Martin and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

629

Elizabeth (Wannemacher) Mager, to whom there
were granted four children.
The father of this family, who was born in
Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1824, acquired a
splendid education in his native land and when a
young man of twenty-three years set sail for
America. Landing on the shores of the New
World, he took up his abode in New York City,
and after a stay there of some two years removed
to Baltimore and later to Philadelphia. By trade
he was a tinsmith, which business he followed
continuously until about thirty-five years ago,
when he opened a hotel. Coming to Middle Vil
lage in 1875, he opened the Germania Hotel,
which he has conducted ever since. He makes a
typical "mine host," and his house being orderly
and neat, he is well patronized by the traveling
public. Martin was given every opportunity to acquire
a good education, and after leaving school assist
ed his father in the management of his hotel en
terprise until about eight years ago, when he be
gan for himself as a dealer in real estate. He
has met with success in this undertaking, and,
having lived in this community nearly all his tife,
is a good judge of property in this particular lo
cality and has about all he can do in this line.
In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of the vil
lage, and now has as his assistant his brother-
in-law, John E. Broddicker.
The lady to whom our subject was married in
August, 1882, was Miss Theresa Bradhring, a
most estimable young lady, whose home is in
Ridgewood. To them have been born four chil
dren: Louisa, whose birth occurred May 6, 1883;
Maggie, September 26, 1884; Martin, November
7, 1887, and Lizzie, March 4, 1891. In politics
Mr. Mager is a Democrat, and on this ticket was
elected collector of school taxes, and so well did
he discharge the duties of this office that he has
been his own successor at each succeeding elec
tion for the past ten years. Socially he belongs
to Goethe Lodge No. 629, F. & A. M., and is
also connected with the Knights of Pythias and
Robert Burns Lodge, I. O. O. F.

THEODORE F. ARCHER. In the death
of this gentleman, September 21, 1893,
Jamaica lost one of its high-minded and
public-spirited citizens, wdiile from the bereaved
family a loving husband and father was removed,
leaving a void in their lives that not even his hon

ored memory can fill. Possessing business acu
men and executive ability in a rare degree, he
made his influence felt in various directions, but
especially in promoting the welfare of the vil
lage where 'he made his home. With the single
exception of F. W. Dunton, it will be generally
conceded that no one accomplished more than
he in securing the valuable improvements in Ja
maica and promoting its progress.
In Monroe, Orange County, N. Y., where he
was born in 1837, the subject of this notice passed
the years of boyhood, having but limited educa
tional advantages. At the age of thirteen he be
gan life for himself, going to New York City,
where he secured employment. Later he was
employed in other places, following any occupa
tion that would furnish him an honest livelihood.
The struggle was not an easy one ; he had neither
the prestige of wealth or friends to aid him, but
whatever the hardships might have been, what
ever the obstacles that stood in his pathway, he
never grew discouraged, but steadfastly persisted
in his determination to attain success and attain
it honestly.
After having spent some years in New Jersey,
Mr. Archer went to Greenpoint, L. I., and from
there to Middle Village, where he conducted a
general store, meeting with fair success in this
enterprise. On selling out he went to Long
Island City, where he became a builder and real
estate speculator. For a time fortune smiled on
his efforts. He accumulated a fortune, but the
great panic of 1873, coming so unexpectedly,
found him unprepared and swept away the sav
ings of years. Pie settled all his obligations, and
when this was done, found himself again a poor
man. Failure, however, instead of discouraging
him, only proved the mettle of which he was
made. He spent a short time on a farm near Sy
osset, in the town of Oyster Bay, but finally re
turned to Jamaica, where he remained until his
death. In this village Mr. Archer established a sash
and blind factory, and about the same time re
sumed his real estate speculations, becoming one
of the most extensive dealers and auctioneers of
land on Long Island. Great credit is due him
for the active part he took in bringing about the
substantial boom in Jamaica and other villages
of Queens County. His enterprise resulted in
the increasing prosperity of the village and also
enabled him to recuperate his fallen fortunes, in
which respect he succeeded so well that at his

630

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

death he was classed among the wealthy men of
Jamaica. His personal characteristics were such
as to command the respect and confidence of oth
ers, and among his warmest friends he num
bered such men as Governor McCormick, John
H. Sutphin, Theodore Rogers and John M. Crane.
His business interests engrossed his attention to
such an extent that he never participated active
ly in political matters, and had no social connec
tions other than his membership in the Jamaica
Club. For a time he served as chief of the Ja
maica fire department.
The marriage of Mr. Archer took place in Sep
tember, 1861, and united him with Miss Caroline
Cornish, of Newtown, L. I., who, with three chil
dren, survives him. The oldest child, James C,
born in 1862, began to assist his father in business
at the age of twelve and soon developed an apti
tude for the work, becoming his father's "right-
hand" man in all his important business transac
tions. Some years before the death of the lat
ter he and his brother, T. F., became members of
the firm of T. F. Archer & Sons, the name of
which was afterward changed to T. F. Archer's
Sons. The traits of character which were noticeable
in our subject are also bringing success to his
sons, J. C. and T. F., who are classed among
the rising young business men of Jamaica. So
cially they are connected with the Jamaica Club
and are popular in the best circles of society.
By his marriage to Miss Isabella Young, of
Flushing, James C. has four children, Margaret,
Mary, Elmer and James. Theodore F., who is
engaged in business with his brother, was mar
ried February 12, 1890, to Jennie W., daughter
of Capt. Albert J. Wilkinson, of Jamaica. Three
children bless this union, viz. : Alberta W., Gene
vieve, and Theodore F. Margaret A., the only
daughter of our subject, married Thomas F. Mur
ray and resides in Brooklyn, where her husband
is engaged in the boot and shoe business.

HDeWITT SMITH, who is proprietor of
a well-improved farm and also of a pop-
• ular boarding house at Whitestone, was
born in this place September 23, 1854, being a
son of G. L. and Susanna (Stansbury) Smith, na
tives of Queens County. On the paternal side
he is descended from one of the pioneer residents
of this section, who about 1795 settled on the
homestead now occupied by our subject. Plere

he spent the years of boyhood, and after com
pleting the studies of the home schools he en
tered Flushing Institute, where he remained un
til graduating at the age of seventeen.
On choosing an occupation for life Mr. Smith
selected that to which he had been reared and
with which he was most familiar. As an agricul
turist he is energetic and industrious, and is main
taining the improvements of the old home place.
December 11, 1878, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary L. Westervelt, daughter of Peter
and Anne E. (Barclay) Westervelt, of Whitestone,
and they are the parents of one son, DeWitt, Jr.,
now a student in the high school at Flushing.
While Mr. Smith has never cared to actively
identify himself with public affairs, preferring to
give his attention to his personal matters, yet he
is well informed in political questions and gives
the weight of his influence to the Democratic
party. His first presidential ballot was cast for
Samuel Tilden in 1876, and he has never failed
since then to vote for the candidates of his chosen
party. In religious belief he is connected with
the Episcopal Church, in which he fills the posi
tion of vestryman.

THOMAS C. WEEKS is one of the worthy
old residents and respected citizens of
Hempstead, and has assisted the prosperi
ty and development of this region. He is a self-
made man, and seven years after starting out to
learn the trade of a blacksmith was in business
for himself. July 9, 1829, his birth occurred in
this village, his parents being John and Mary
Ann (Fleet) Weeks, also natives of this countv.
After securing his education the father entered a
shop and learned harness and carriage trimming,
which combined occupations he followed for
many years, having at one time the principal busi
ness of this kind on Long Island and receiving
patronage from far and near. He was a man
who gave his attention entirely to his own affairs,
and his death, which occurred in 1853, was the
occasion of universal mourning. His estimable
wife survived him for many years, dying in 1884.
The subject of this sketch passed the first six
years of his life in the pleasant home of his par
ents in Hempstead. The latter then taking up
farming in another locality, young Thomas ac
companied them, and from that time until fifteen
years of age attended school and worked on the
farm. He then returned to the village in order

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

633

that he might learn the blacksmith's trade, and,
as we have stated above, seven years thereafter
was engaged in this business on his own account.
He seems to have a natural gift for the calling,
and is so handy in the use of blacksmith's
tools that he can make anything which can be
manufactured out of iron. For fifty years he has
followed this business and his reputation as an
expert at his trade is known all over the island.
In 1853 Thomas C. Weeks married Miss Caro
line Edwards, the daughter of Thomas Edwards,
for many years a prominent resident of Green
wich Point, this county. Their union was
blessed by the birth of six children, of whom only
three are living, namely: Alice, the wife of C. E.
Cornell, of Hempstead; Chauncy Elmer, wdio
assists his father in the shop, and Miss Jennie,
still under the parental roof. Both our subject
and his estimable wife are members in excellent
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which they have been connected for many years.
Socially the former is a prominent Mason, being
associated with Morton Lodge No. 63. In poli
tics he is a stanch Republican, having an abiding
faith in the purity of that party's teachings. He
has never aspired to office himself, but has helped
to put many a worthy and competent man in the
public service. As a business man he has shown
good ability and is very justly classed among the
well-to-do and highly esteemed citizens of Queens
County.

CAPT. DANIEL W. TAULMAN, the ef
ficient superintendent of the New York
and College Point Ferry Company, was
born in Rockland County, N. Y., near Nyack, in
1848. His father, John D. Taulman, and his
grandfather, Daniel Taulman, were both born
in the same place. The great-grandfather, Dowe
H. Taulman, was an officer in the Revolutionary
War. He was of Holland-Dutch extraction, and
his father, Oblenius Taulman, settled on Man
hattan Island and became the owner of a large
tract of land which is now in dispute in the courts.
Dowe H. Taulman settled in Rockland County
about 1800 and purchased one hundred and
eighty acres of land, on which he erected his
residence and farm buildings. Our subject's
grandfather, Daniel Taulman, was a farmer by
occupation, and was a soldier in the War of 1812.
John D. Taulman was a steamboat captain on
different North River boats between Newburg

and New York City, and later embarked in the
real estate business in Park Row, New York City.
There his death occurred in 1886. Fraternally he
was a Master Mason. His wife, whose maiden
name was Salome Lake, was a native of New
Jersey and the daughter of Jacob and Charity
Lake. She died in 1870. Of their six living
children our subject is the eldest. He received
excellent educational advantages in the graded
and public schools of Nyack, and when fourteen
years old began on the North River steamboats
in the engineer department, working his way up,
and when eighteen years old was made chief en
gineer of the steamboat "Champion," plying be
tween Nyack and New York. This business he
followed for about twenty-five years on different
boats, and the last one, "Riverdale," exploded in
1883, Mr. Taulman escaping without injury. For
some time after this he continued with the com
pany as chief engineer and then went on Myers'
excursion boats as chief engineer. At the end
of one year he went on the "Daniel Drew," an
Albany day boat, and after one year began to
work for the North River Steamboat Company,
plying between Poughkeepsie and New York
City. He remained in their employ as chief en
gineer for nine years.
In 1893 Mr. Taulman resigned to accept the
position of superintendent and chief engineer of
the New York and College Point Ferry Company,
which position he has held up to the present
time to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
He has charge of four boats, which will accom
modate eighteen thousand people, and during the
busy season he has about fifty men under him.
In summer the boats run from College Point to
Ninety-ninth Street, New York City, stopping at
North Beach.
Mr. Taulman was married in New York to
Miss Celie Sutherland, a native of Hastings, N.
Y. They have three children: Bertram, with the
McCreery Dry Goods Company; Blanche and
Florence. The family home is at No. 342 Sixth
Avenue, New York. Mr. Taulman attends the
Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Re
publican.

WILLIS H. YOUNG, who is one of the
leading business men of Brooklyn,
makes his home in a beautiful resi
dence in Hempstead. His birth occurred May 7,
1844, in Riverhead, Suffolk County, he being the

634

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

only son of J. Franklin Young, whose birth oc
curred at Aquebogue, April 19, 1821. The lat
ter bore the distinction in the locality of his home
of being the first man to drive a team through the
Brooklyn tunnel. He afterward became conduc
tor on the Long Island Railroad, which position
he continued to hold until his death, March 11,
1852. The Young family is one of the oldest and
most highly respected in the eastern portion of
Long Island. J. Franklin Young married Miss
Mary Emma Terry, the daughter of Howell Ter
ry, formerly a leading citizen of Riverhead, and
one of the original owners of the woolen mills
located in that place. He was also at one time
engaged . quite extensively in handling real es
tate, thus accumulating considerable money. One
of his sisters married Nathan Young, of Brook
lyn, who, during the years in which he was en
gaged as contractor, built the original Plymouth
Church, where Mr. Beecher preached.
Daniel Terry, the maternal great-grandfather
of our subject, was a commissioned officer in the
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
He was born and spent his entire life on Long
Island, and by his neighbors and friends was
regarded as a man of considerable importance
and influence. He was a true Christian and for
many years served as deacon in the Congrega
tional Church.
The maternal grandmother of our subject,
Hannah Albertson, was born at a place known as
the Upper Mill, a mile from Riverhead, and was
the daughter of Richard Albertson, a miller by
occupation. Mrs. Mary Emma Young, mother of
Willis H, was one in a family of four children.
Her eldest brother, John P. Terry, of Riverhead,
was born in the year 1818, and was for more than
forty years proprietor of the old Long Island Ho
tel of that place; he is now retired from business
of any kind and is the only survivor of the char
ter members of the Congregational Church of
Riverhead. Phebe Jane Terry married A. M.
Young, who, during his lifetime was a school
teacher; Mrs. Young died in December, 1895, at
the residence of her daughter at Aquebogue.
Oliver A. Terry, who married Charlotte Conklin,
was a tanner by trade, and departed this life some
twenty years ago; his widow is now living in
Jamaica, which is the home of her daughter, El
la. The latter married Lewis Fosdick, a wealthy
attorney, and the son of the late Judge Fosdick.
The mother of our subject was born July 26,

1 82 1, and departed this life January 2, 1876. Wil
lis H. was seven years old at the time of his fath
er's death. The family were left in limited cir
cumstances, and when he was only fifteen years
of age he started out to make his own way in
the world, desirous also of aiding in the support of
his mother. He first began as clerk for David
Vail, of Riverhead, who paid him the munificent
salary of $75 per year. As he was obliged to
board and clothe himself there was not much left
to turn over to his mother, and as soon as an
opportunity presented itself he resigned his po
sition with Mr. Vail and began working in the
store of H. D. Foster. He remained here a few
years, but being ambitious to make more rapid
progress in life, and finding that he could not
do so in Riverhead, he left and in 1867 we find
him located in New York City. He found em
ployment as bookkeeper in one of the numerous
iron foundries of Brooklyn and three or four years
later he obtained a similar position in a sash and
blind factory in the same city. He remained with
this company for three or four years, during
which time he saved quite a snug little sum of
money. About this time the business being for sale, Mr.
Young concluded to purchase the factory, paying
what cash he had and giving his notes for $16,-
000, to be paid in installments of $1,000 per
month. This was running a great risk, but suc
cess attended his efforts and he is now one of
the most prosperous business men in Brooklyn.
Upon first starting out he did not have the where
withal to purchase material, and going to many
of the wholesale lumber merchants in both Brook
lyn and New York, he explained to them the sit
uation, telling them that if his plans succeeded
they would receive their pay, but if he did not
they would be the losers. This frankness on his
part succeeded, and without an exception he was
told that he could have whatever materials he
wanted. Die result was that in a few months he
had $40,000 worth of lumber bought in this way,
and as his notes came due he met every one of
them. He now has a large sash and blind fac
tory, which is one of the largest in either Brook
lyn or New York, giving employment to some
three hundred men.
Some twelve years ago, desirous of getting
away from the noise and bustle of city life, Mr.
Young came to Hempstead and erected his pres
ent beautiful residence, which is without doubt
one of the finest on Long Island. It is surround-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

635

ed by large and beautiful grounds, which are in
turn adorned with handsome shrubs and a variety
of choice flowers during the summer. Since com
ing to Hempstead Mr. Young has taken an active
interest in local affairs and for three consecutive
years has been a member of the village board of
trustees. He was one of the founders of the
Hempstead Bank and is at present serving as a
member of its board of trustees. October 19,
1869, our subject married Miss Mary W. Conklin,
the daughter of Nathaniel Conklin, a prominent
citizen of Brooklyn. They have a daughter,
Edith, who is now the wife of Frank S. Harlow.
In politics Mr. Young gives his support to the
Republican party.

FRED WIDMAYER, the leading plumber
and gas fitter of Schuetzen Park, has been
very successful in his line of work and is
now classed among the representative and sub
stantial residents of the place. He is a native
of Germany, having been born in Wurtemberg,
near Stuttgart, in the year 1854. His father was
Jacob Widmayer, for many years an extenske
wine grower in the Fatherland. Later he en
gaged in quarrying stone, following this branch
of business until the time of his death, which oc
curred when he was forty-three years of age.
He married Henrietta Doll, who survived him
until 1894, being in her eightieth year at the time
of her demise. Both parents were devoted church
members and were connected with the Lutheran
denomination. The parental family included seven children, of
whom our subject was the youngest but one. He
has two sisters who make their home in Ameri
ca, but with that exception the family still live
in Germany. According to the custom in his na
tive land, our subject attended school until a lad
of fourteen years, when he was apprenticed to a
plumber and gas fitter in Ludwigsburg. He
spent three years in becoming fully acquainted
with the business, after which he was hired by his
instructor for one year. Young Widmayer then
went to Bavena, Baden, Switzerland, where he
was engaged in work until twenty years of age,
when he became a soldier in the German army.
For two years he served in the One Plundred
and Twenty-first Regiment, after which he was
honorably discharged.
Our subject continued at work in his native
land until about the year 1880, when he carried

out his long cherished plan of coming to Ameri
ca. On landing in the metropolis he secured
work at his trade, and also was employed for a
time in Brooklyn. In 1885, however, he came to
Schuetzen Park, and purchasing the old store of
a Mr. Rivholt, embarked in business for himself
and has continued to make his home here ever
since. Although he has been very successful in
putting hot water apparatus and furnaces in
dwellings he makes a specialty of plumbing and
gas fitting. Mr. Rivholt was a tin and sheet iron
roofer, and Mr. Widmayer has not neglected this
department of work and has been given plenty to
do in this line.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Annie
Burk occurred in New York City in 1882. Mrs.
Widmayer, who was also born in Germany, is
the mother of two sons, Fred, Jr., and Albert.
Mr. Widmayer is a member of the Arion Society
and has been connected with the Frohsinn. He
belongs to the Long Island City Plumbers' As
sociation, of which he is treasurer. In politics
he is independent, preferring to reserve his right
to vote for the man whom he thinks will best fill
the office, regardless of party lines.

HENRY KIESEL. Among the attractive
estates of the town of Jamaica is that
belonging to Mr. Kiesel, who is one of
the well-to-do and progressive farmers of the
county. His place is located on the Flushing and
Jamaica road, about a mile and a half from the
county seat. He was born in Brooklyn, Febru
ary 27, 1849, and is the son of John and Barbara
(Kahl) Kiesel. The parental family included five
children, all of whom were given fair advantages
for obtaining an education.
In the year 1821 the father of this family was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he
was reared. When ready to learn a business he
was apprenticed to a harnessmaker, and in the
course of two or three years was pronounced an
expert workman. A year after reaching his ma
jority he embarked on a vessel which landed him
in due time on American shores. He very soon
thereafter found employment with Ascan Back
us, of Newtown, a prominent resident of that
place, and after leaving his employ was hired by
a Mr. England, working for him faithfully and
well for three years. The next account we have
of our subject's father was when he engaged in
farming in Ravenswood, and with the exception

636

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of four years spent in Wisconsin he followed that
calling until his death, in 1892. He was an eco
nomical and hard working man and when called
from this life left his family a handsome property.
His good wife is still living on the home place in
Newtown and has one of the finest properties in
the county. She too is of German birth and is now
in the seventy-third year of her age. She re
mained in the Fatherland until a young lady,
when she crossed the Atlantic and very soon
thereafter met and was married to John Kiesel.
The subject of this sketch obtained a very lim
ited education in the parish schools of Winfield
and continued to reside with his parents, assist
ing in operating the farm, until his marriage,
February 22, 1876, with Miss Mary Mulford.
The young couple then took possession of the
farm adjoining that of Mr. Kiesel's parents, and
which was owned by the latter, making this place
their home until about seven years ago, when
they removed to the estate which they now oc
cupy. Everything about their home has an air
of neatness and order, while a good set of build
ings and excellent fences add to the pleasing
prospect. To our subject and his excellent wife there
have been born eleven children: John, Annie,
Henry, Frank, Theresa, Martin, Joseph, Bar
bara, Alex, Charlie and Mary. In political af
fairs Mr. Kiesel is a stanch Democrat and on this
ticket has served for seven consecutive years as
roadmaster. He is a devout Catholic, attending
service in Jamaica.

GEORGE S. JERVIS. It is a pleasure to
chronicle the history of a man whose life
has been one of honor and success, as
is the case with Mr. Jervis, who, as a real estate
and insurance agent, has accumulated a com
fortable competency and is classed among the
substantial residents of Maspeth. He is a native
of Amityville, Suffolk County, and is a worthy
representative of one of the oldest and most re
spected families of the island.
Grandfather Joel Jervis was a descendant of
Sir Francis Jervis, or Jervais, as the name was
originally spelled, who came to America in the
good ship "Primrose," which set sail from the
coast of Scotland in the year 1639. On being
landed at Salem, Mass., he immediately made his
way to Long Island and made settlement at
Huntington, where in after years the grandfath

er was born. The latter on attaining mature
years removed to Amityville, with whose inter
ests, of both a public and private nature, he was
prominently identified for the remainder of his
long and active life. Among the responsible po
sitions which he held satisfactorily was that of
justice of the peace, and so impartially did he
render decisions that he endeared himself to the
peace-loving residents of the community.
The lady whom Joel Jervis married was known
in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Smith, a native
of Bluepoint, born July 20, 1794. She was the
daughter of Henry Clark and Jemima (Terry)
Smith, of Sayville. Her great-grandfather was
Col. William Smith, English governor of Tan-
giers, who in 1690 purchased Setauket, L. I., then
a strip of land fifty miles long extending from the
sound to the bay. The grandmother of our sub
ject was a most remarkable woman in many re
spects and on her one hundredth birthday, which
she lived to celebrate, there were present seven
of her sons and daughters, the eldest of whom
was seventy-six years of age, twenty-three grand
children, fifty-four great-grandchildren and three
great-great-graiidchil dren.
In the year 1823 the father of our subject,
Scudder C. Jervis, was born in Amityville, where
he was reared to a life of usefulness. As soon
as he completed a very limited education in the
schools of the district he engaged in farming,
which industry he followed during the active
years of his life. He is still living in this com
munity, but is retired from work of any kind.
The mother of our subject, formerly Mary Pur-
dey, was the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth
(Smith) Purdey, of Amityville, Suffolk County.
The subject of this history, who was born
March 21, 1851, attended the common schools
until seventeen years of age, when we find him
in New York City, where for one year he was
employed in the Fulton market. At the
end of that time he left his employer in
order to accept a position as comparison
boy in Wall Street. He had a very bright career
before him, and during the ten years spent here
gave every promise of attaining a position of
prominence. His health failing, however, he was
obliged to give up his work, and in 1873 came
to Maspeth, where he established a grocery, which
he conducted with success for five years. Sell
ing his stock of goods at a good profit, he then in
vested his money in the florist's business and for
some three years was in command of a very re-

EDWARD T. PAYNE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

639

munerative trade. On retiring from this he was
appointed deputy collector of internal revenue,
holding this office for four years.
In 1880 Mr. Jervis began dealing in real es
tate in this vicinity and is now the owner of con
siderable property. He also represents some of
the best insurance companies in the East. The
high position which he occupies in the communi
ty has been gained by patient and unremitting
attention to business.
Mr. Jervis and Miss Marie A. Losee, of Mid
dle Village, were united in marriage in 1873. To
them were born four children, named respective
ly: Fannie, the wife of Charles F. Smith; Marie,
Ella and George. His second marriage, in 1893,
was to Alice Primrose, daughter of James and
Mary (Smith) Primrose, of New York City. One
child is the result of this union, Elsie Anna. Our
subject is a Democrat in politics. For three
years he served as county superintendent of the
poor, and while the incumbent of that trying po
sition gained the respect and confidence of the
entire district.

EDWARD T. PAYNE, attorney and coun-
selor-at-law, of Glencove, is a native of
Connecticut, and was born at Haddam,
October 10, 1853. De is the son of Oliver N. and
Ellen M. (Bolles) Payne, the former of whom
was born at Southold, Suffolk County, N. Y.,
April 13, 1828. After receiving his diploma from
Amenia Seminary he became a student of Yale
College, from which he was graduated with the
Class of '52. After completing his college course
he began teaching school at Haddam, where Ed
ward T. was born, and for about a year and a
half was principal of Brainerd Academy at that
place. He afterward went to Jamestown, Pa,
and during the time in which he was engaged in
teaching there studied law. When ready to en
gage in practice he removed to Corning, N. Y.,
and during the six years of his residence there
became a citizen of great influence and widely
extended popularity.
The father of our subject was twice married,
his union with Miss Bolles taking place in Brook
lyn in August, 1852. In i860 they removed to
that city, where they remained for two years, Mr.
Payne in the meantime having an office in New
York City. At the end of that time he came to
Glencove, where he purchased property and lived
until after the decease of his wife, when he re

turned to Brooklyn, where his second marriage
took place. Of his first union there are three
children still living. Ernest B., a resident of
Wading River, Suffolk County, is engaged as a
farmer and is also justice of the peace; he studied
law two years, it then being his intention to fol
low the profession in which his father was so
prominent, but he abandoned it at the end of
that time and has since given his attention to
cultivating the soil. He is married and the fath
er of two children. Anna G. Payne married Dr.
F. H. Bartlett, of Olean, Cattaraugus County,
N. Y., in 1881, and is the mother of two daugh
ters. The father of our subject was a stanch Re
publican in politics and at one time was candi
date on that ticket for the office of county judge
and on another occasion for district attorney.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of nine
years when his father came to Glencove. Here
he began his studies in the public schools, from
which he was graduated when in his sixteenth
year. He then took the competitive examination
for a scholarship at Cornell and won, but the ex
pense being too great, his father was obliged to
abandon the idea of sending him to that institu
tion. Young Payne next attended the Polytech
nic Institute at Brooklyn, taking a two years'
course, after which he entered the law office of
his maternal uncle, ex-County Judge D. H.
Bolles, at Olean, N. Y., where he remained for
upwards of six months and then entered his fath
er's New York office. In 1874 he entered Colum
bia Law School, from which he was graduated in
1876. The February before he was graduated
he took an examination in court and was then
licensed as an attorney and counselor.
The marriage of Mr. Payne and Miss Grace
Eastman occurred at Roslyn, November 8, 1882.
Mrs. Payne, whose birth occurred in that place,
is the daughter of Henry M. and Lydia (Macy)
Eastman, her father being a prominent attorney.
After their marriage the young people came to
Glencove, where they have resided ever since,
although Mr. Payne spends several hours each
day in his New York office. After his admis
sion to the bar he formed a partnership with his
father and was associated with him until the lat
ter retired from active business. Mr. Payne is
an independent Republican in politics. He served
as a member of the board of education for a
period of ten years, from 1885 to 1895. The sub
ject of education has few more enthusiastic sup
porters, and it was largely through his efforts

640

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that the project for the long-needed new school
building and enlarged school grounds was
adopted. Fraternally" Mr. Payne is a member of the In
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled
all the chairs of Pembroke Lodge. The same
may be said of the Royal Arcanum, in which he
takes great interest. He has at all times and in
all places shown himself to be a loyal citizen and
is highly regarded by his fellow townsmen. In
the organization of the Glencove Bank, which was
established in 1892, he took a prominent part and
is a director and stockholder of that institution.
Our subject and his wife have three children
living, Owen Street, Oliver Edward and Dorothy,
all natives of Glencove. They lost their youngest
son, Henry Eastman, in 1895.

CHRISTIAN D. HOMEYER. We take
pleasure in presenting to the readers of
this volume a history of the above-named
gentleman, who is one of the prominent residents
of Metropolitan, where he is engaged as a hard
ware merchant and dealer in grain and feed. He
is a native of Ridgewood, this county, and was
born June 22, 1853, to Henry and Mary (Horn-
field) Homeyer. The parental family included
nine children, of whom six are now living. Of
these we make brief mention. Christian D. was
the oldest of the household. Richard A. is rep
resented on another page of this volume; Fred
erick H. is the proprietor of a grocery at Ever
green; John is also a groceryman, his place of
residence being Morris Park; Margaret married
Charles Rogers, a merchant of Middle Village;
and Elizabeth is the wife of John A. Hartman,
proprietor of a hotel at Richmond Hill.
Henry Homeyer was born in Hanover, Ger
many, in the year 1826. He received his educa
tion in the Fatherland and continued to make his
home with his parents until sixteen or eighteen
years of age, when he determined to try his for
tunes in the New World. On coming hither he
secured employment in New York City and re
mained there variously occupied until 1850, when
he took up his home on the island. He worked
for different parties for the following seven years,
when he rented a farm at what is now Ridge
wood and was engaged very profitably in its cul
tivation for ten years. At the expiration of that
time he invested his means in a small place in
Middle Village, where he passed the remainder of

his life, dying January 23, 1888. He was a valued
member of the Lutheran Church and for a period
of fifteen years held the office of trustee. The
cause of education in this neighborhood found in
him a most worthy advocate and for twelve years
he was treasurer of the school board.
Christian D. Homeyer, after acquiring a good
common school education, remained at home as
sisting his father in the further improvement of
the homestead until reaching his twenty-fifth
year, when he went into business for himself, and
for seven years conducted a good trade as grain
and feed merchant at his old stand on the corner
of Flushing and Bushwick Avenues. He was
endowed with an unusual amount of energy and
good judgment and succeeded from the very
first. In 1885 he erected his present building in
East Williamsburg, now known as Metropolitan,
by whose residents he is regarded as a self-made,
prosperous and leading citizen.
In September, 1878, Mr. Homeyer married
Miss Emma Ellinger, daughter of Henry and
Helena (Brummer) Ellinger, a prominent and
well-known family of East Williamsburg They
had but two daughters, Mr. Homeyer's wife and
Henrietta. The union of our subject and his wife
has been blessed by the birth of five children,
named respectively: Alice H, Henry F., Edward
R., Eleanora and Emily. While he has never
identified himself actively with political affairs,
Mr. Homeyer is a strong supporter of Demo
cratic principles and always votes that ticket.
For the past thirty years he has been a member
of the German Lutheran Church. Socially he be
longs to Temple Liberty Lodge, and is also a
member of the Provident Association. He is re
garded as a man of sound judgment, and the ser
vice which he has rendered the residents of Metro
politan as treasurer of the school board has been
very much appreciated. He is now serving his
third term in that capacity and prior to this he
was for six years school trustee.

M

ATTHEW J. SMITH, A. B., LL. B., is
one of the most successful young lawyers
of the Long Island City bar and has ac
quired a fine reputation and a large practice in
this city. He numbers among his clients many
of the best firms and business men of this lo
cality. In Long Island City, where he now re
sides, the subject of this sketch was born Au
gust 24, 1867. His parents were Matthew and.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

641

Mary (Sheridan) Smith, the former of whom de
parted this life when in his fifty-sixth year. He
became the proprietor of an hotel in this city
many years ago and indeed was one of the first
to engage in this line of business here.
Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Matthew Smith all are living, and of these our
subject was the eldest. After attending a course
in the grammar school in his native city he en
tered St. Francis College, of Brooklyn, from
which institution he was graduated in 1885 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Very soon there
after he entered the office of Judge Goldfogel, of
New York City, remaining with him for a period
of eighteen months. In 1886, or six months pre
vious to leaving the office of Judge Goldfogel, he
entered the Columbia Law School, being grad
uated with the Class of '88. Here he had con
ferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
After completing his law course Mr. Smith en
tered the office of Donohue, Newcombe & Cor-
dozo, of New York, receiving many valuable
hints from these learned gentlemen during the
seven months he remained with them. We next
find Mr. Smith with the firm of Shepard & Os- '
borne, the latter of whom is now assistant district
attorney of New York. Nine months later, how
ever, on the recommendation of one of his former
professors in Columbia College, he obtained the
position of managing clerk in the office of Kenni-
son, Crain & Ailing, a prominent law firm in
Wall Street. He remained with them for a year
and a half, during which time he not only dis
charged the duties of head clerk in a thorough
and satisfactory manner, but practiced some on
his own account.
In 1892 Mr. Smith located for practice in Long
Island City, opening an office in the Savings
Bank building, where he is rapidly making his
way to the front rank of his profession in this
community. He is counsellor from Long Island
City for a number of the New York breweries
and also represents the Mercantile Protective As
sociation of New York, besides a number of
large wholesale houses of that city. He has been
very successful in the settlement of various large
estates in Queens County, and the honest and
upright manner in which he has looked after all
business confided to his care has won for him
the confidence and good will of all with whom
he has been brought in business relations. Mr.
Smith is attorney for the United States Building
and Loan Association in this city: Socially he is

a member of the Queens County Bar Association.
the Jefferson Club and the Astoria Athletic Club.
He is a stanch Democrat in politics and takes a
very active part in the work of the Jefferson
Democratic Club and is one of that organization's
most prominent speakers. In 1893, when Glea
son was defeated in receiving the nomination for
the assembly of Long Island City, which was then
the first assembly district, Mr. Smith was one of
the number who succeeded in bringing about this
result.

G

EORGE HANSMANN, who has met
with excellent success as a blacksmith,
is now living in ease and comfort in a
pleasant home in East Williamsburg and is re
tired from work of any kind. Like many of the
best residents of this county, he is a native of
Germany, having been born in Hesse-Cassel,
February 28, 1826. John and Eva (Rosenkranz)
Hansmann, his parents, were likewise born in the
Fatherland, and by their marriage there was
granted them a family of seven children, only
two of whom are living, George and Anna, the
latter the widow of Elias Laudrebe. John Hans
mann was sixty-five years old at the time of his
decease, in the year 1847. P^e was a promi
nent farmer of his locality and was a devoted
church member, being for years an alder and trus
tee of the Dutch Reformed Church.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood
under the paternal roof, acquiring his education
in the model schools of his native land. Upon
attaining the age of eighteen he decided to come
to America, and the 29th of June, 1844, found
him in the city of New York. He arrived here
with but one five-franc piece in his pocket and as
he was entirely alone in the New World and had
no friends whom he could call upon for assist
ance, he lost no time in hunting for something to
do. Until a better position offered itself he was
engaged as a stock-feeder in Forty-fourth Street,
New York, on the North River, but at the end
of a few months he secured work at the black
smith's trade, which he had learned in Germany.
In 1846 George Hansmann removed to Will
iamsburg, where he did journeyman work for
three years, and then coming to East Williams
burg, embarked in business for himself and for
forty years was the proprietor of a flourishing
establishment. He was an expert workman, and
although his trade was of the best class, he never

642

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

failed to give satisfaction to the most exacting of
his customers. He was so unfortunate as to lose
the sight of his right eye, which misfortune, to
gether with the -fact that he had accumulated a
fair amount of this world's goods and it was no
longer necessary for him to work, caused him to
retire from business. The blacksmith shop is
nowr conducted by his son John and son-in-law,
Fred Gabriel.
Mr. Hansmann was married to Miss Cathe
rine M. Zeller in 1850, and to them were granted
five children, of whom four survive. Catherine,
now the wife of Fred Gabriel, is the mother of
three sons and one daughter. George, who
chose Miss Mary Moench for his wife, has three
daughters; he is working for the firm of Hans
mann & Gabriel. John married Miss Grace
Conway and their family includes one son and
one daughter. Amelia is the wife of Remington
Bedell and they have a daughter.
Politically our subject affiliates with the Re
publican party and although not desirous of
holding office himself he has been influential in
placing the best men in the community in nomi
nation for responsible positions and in this man
ner has been of great benefit to East Williams
burg. He is an active member of the Presby
terian Church, and while living at Williamsburg
gave very material aid toward the erection of the
Dutch Reformed Church which was built in 1847.
In 1863 the church of which Mr. Hansmann is
now a member was erected here and toward the
accomplishment of this result he contributed very
liberally of his means.

DR. AMAZIAH FOSTER. The calling of
the veterinary surgeon is a most neces
sary as well as a most humane one, for
the noble animal, the horse, for his faithful serv
ice should be cared for intelligently as well as
kindly. Much of this devolves on the veterinary
surgeon and blacksmith, and one of the most ex
perienced, capable and efficient of those who de
vote themselves to this work is Dr. Foster, of
Springfield, Queens County. He belongs to one
of the old and highly respected families of the
county and was born in East Rockaway, town of
Hempstead, on the 25th of October, 1825. Plis
parents, Jacob and Betsey (Skidmore) Foster,
had nine children, of whom seven are living. The
father was born at what is known as Fosters

Meadow, and during the greater part of his life
was engaged in the butcher's business and dealt
in groceries at this place — Springfield. He was
a very skillful violin player and was frequently
engaged to furnish the music for entertainments.
His father was John Foster, also of Fosters
Meadow. At the age of ten years Dr. Foster was bound
out and from that time until he was seventeen
years of age he made his home with various fam
ilies. At this time the opportunity was offered
him to learn a trade and he became a black
smith's apprentice at Flatlands, N. Y., and for
about three years he worked at the forge and
completed the trade. Several years were then
spent under an employer at Flatbush, after which
he purchased the shop and for the following seven
years conducted it very successfully himself. His
health then failing he gave up this business and
purchased an interest in a stage line running
from Flatbush to Fulton Ferry, but this life
proved uncongenial to him and he finally gave it
up. He next made his way to Sheepshead Bay,
where he was engaged in fishing and clamming
for about three years, and during this time, ow
ing to the fact that he was much in the open
air, he regained a great deal of his former vigor.
His next removal was to Springfield and here
for eleven years he worked as a journeyman at
his trade. At this time he purchased about thirty
acres of land and with his sons settled down to
farming. About this time he began the study
of veterinary surgery, and finally began devot
ing his entire attention to this calling. During the
twenty years that he followed this exclusively he
made a name for himself and did much to raise
the standard of his profession. About four years
ago he reopened a blacksmith shop, since which
time much of his attention has been given to this
work. In the year 1846 Dr. Foster was married to
Miss Chariette White and eleven children were
born to them, of whom nine are living at the
present time. Jacob H, a farmer, is married and
has three children; Elizabeth is married and has
six children; Louise has four children; Helen has
three children; Levina has one child; Jane has
six children; White, a carpenter and blacksmith,
is married and the father of two children ; Thom
as, a veterinary surgeon, is married and the father
of two children; and James, who is a blacksmith
by trade, is also married and has two children.
Mrs. Foster died in March, 1893, and in July,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

643

1894, he was married to Mrs. Julia E. (Stillwell)
Janes. In his political proclivities Dr. Foster has al
ways been a Republican, but he has never been
particularly active politically. He is a member
of the Methodist Church and is its class leader
and one of its trustees.

ELMER E. BERGEN, a successful young
business man of Jamaica and the collector
of village and school taxes, was born in
this village September 22, 1862. The family of
which he is a member was among the first es
tablished on Long Island, with the growth and
development of which its representatives have
been intimately identified. His grandfather, Ben
jamin Bergen, was born in the towm of Jamaica
near Bergen's Landing, and was a soldier in the
War of 1812, receiving a pension in compensa
tion for his services in that conflict. The great
grandfather, Jacob Bergen, was a native of Ja
maica Town and served as an officer in the
Revolutionary War. The history of the family
in this country dates back to the landing of the
historic "Mayflower," and a record of the geneal-'
ogy has been published.
The parents of our subject, Charles H. and
Kate A. (Way) Bergen, are natives respectively
of Jamaica and Middle Village, L. I., the latter
being a daughter of Abraham Way, whose fam
ily was one of the oldest in Middle Village. The
father, who was born in 1839, has at different times
been engaged in various lines of business, but
has been unfortunate in many of his ventures,
and at this writing is with his son, Elmer E., in
the store. The parental family consisted of four
sons and two daughters, of whom Elmer E. is the
oldest. The others are Abraham M. W., who is
unmarried and is engaged in the merchant tailor
ing business at Jamaica; Charles Benjamin, who
is married and lives in San Francisco, Cal. ; Louis
L., a bookkeeper for the Fidelity and Casualty
Insurance Company of New York and a resident
of Paterson, N. J., being married and having two
sons, Morrel and Everett; and K. Adelle and
Mabel, who are with their parents.
Educated in the schools of Jamaica, our sub
ject at a very early age began to work for him
self. His first employment was that of herding
cattle for the people of the village, his wages for
this being twenty-five cents per day. Later he
secured a position as office boy with a hop store

in New York City, after which he was for seven
years with the clothing firm of Hirshkind & Co.,
Broadway and Walker Street, New York. In
November, 1888, he was united in marriage with
Miss Annie E., daughter of the late Elias Hen
drickson, the wealthy lumber merchant.
While he had a flattering offer from the house
he was with, Mr. Bergen refused it, determining
to start in business for himself. Though he had
but very limited capital, yet he had a reputation
for uprightness and push that was better than
a cash capital. Starting a small clothing store
on the corner of Fulton and Union Hall Streets
he at once commenced to make money, and his
career has been a successful one since that time.
However, he has had his share of adversity and
reverses. He started a branch store on the east
end of Long Island, of which his father had
charge, but the enterprise entailed a heavy finan
cial loss. Fortunately he was so well established
in business that its failure did not cripple him
financially. Actively interested in all matters pertaining
to the welfare of Jamaica, Mr. Bergen has been
> chosen to occupy a number of local positions. In
1894 he was elected tax collector of the village,
which position required a bond of $105,000; he
collected and turned over to the treasurer the sum
of $45,000, and has filled this responsible position
ever since. Politically a Republican, he is a
member of the town committee of his party. So
cially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum
and the Order of American Firemen, of which he
was treasurer for several years. He is deeply in
terested in all religious work and holds member
ship in the Presbyterian Church. He has served
as assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school,
as well as treasurer, and has been president of
the Christian Endeavor Union of Queens Coun
ty. By his marriage he has had four children,
but has had the misfortune to lose all but one,
the only survivor being Claude D., a bright boy
of four years.

RICHARD BAM BER, a contractor resid
ing in Astoria, Long Island City, was
born in Cumberland, England, November
21, 1838, and is a member of a family that dates
back over six hundred years in that locality.
He is the son of Richard and Jane Bamber, na
tives of the same place as himself, the former
of whom died at the age of fifty-seven and the

644

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

latter when fifty years old. In their family were
eleven children, of whom Richard is seventh
in order of birth, and the only one of the num
ber in America.
The childhood years of our subject were passed
in Wigton, where his father had a gunsmith's
shop. After attending the public schools for
some time, at the age of sixteen he was appren
ticed to the cabinet-maker's and carpenter's trade,
of which, by careful attention to instructions, he
soon gained an accurate knowledge. His master
retired from business after he had been with him
four years and he then engaged in journeyman
work, following his trade in Preston and other
places. In 1859 he came to America and for
a time was employed in New York City, but in
1864 came to Astoria, Long Island City, where
six years later he began as an independent con
tractor. He erected two residences in Wardell
Street and two in Remsen Street for himself, has
built a large number of business blocks and not
a few of the substantial dwelling houses of the
place. He. is one of the oldest contractors of
Astoria and is also one of the most reliable and
efficient business men here.
Mr. Bamber has been twice married, having by
his first union two children, of whom one sur
vives, Mrs. Mollie Anderson, of Chicago. His
second marriage, which took place at Marlboro,
N. Y., united him with Miss Ann Staples, a na
tive of that village and a member of an old east
ern family. One child, Eva, blesses this union.
A stanch Republican in political sentiment, Mr.
Bamber is a member of the county committee, of
which he has been chairman. In 1895 he was a
candidate for assembly. Socially he belongs to
the Royal Arcanum, in which he is regent, and
the John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W. His mem
bership, religiously, is in the Reformed Church
in New York City.

JAMES MINOR FURLONG. The build
ing interests of Astoria have a capable rep
resentative in the subject of this sketch, and
he has done much toward promoting the welfare
of the place. With his brother, Henry Ii., he
erected seventy or more residences here, thus
greatly enhancing the value of property; and
while the enterprise did not prove very profitable
to himself pecuniarily, he has the satisfaction of
knowing that he has greatly benefited the inter
ests of the place and the people.

Both our subject and his father, James M.,
were born in New York City. The family, how
ever, is of Virginian origin. His grandfather,
Robert Furlong, who was born at Cartersville,
Va., was for some years engaged in the mer
cantile business in his native village, but after
ward moved to New York, where he was similarly
occupied until the loss of sight terminated his
business career. The great-grandfather, Robert,
Sr., took part in the Revolutionary War under
General Washington and was killed in the battle
of Yorktown. He was a brave soldier and held
the rank of sergeant. The family originally came
from Scotland, but during the religious perse
cutions in that country took refuge in the north
of Ireland, whence they emigrated to America.
The father of our subject, who was a painter by
trade, followed that occupation for a time, but
later became superintendent of a large whole
sale dry goods store in Chambers Street, New
York. His death occurred at fifty-three years of
age. He married Angeline Robinson, who was
born in New York City, and now resides in Long
Island City. Her father, Capt. Robert Robinson,
was born in New York of English ancestry and
was a seafaring man, being at one time part
owner of a merchant ship. He married a Miss
Harrison, a sister of ex-President William H.
Harrison. The family of James M. Furlong, Sr., consisted
of seven children, of whom five are living, our
subject being third in order of birth. The others
are Mrs. Mary A. Wheelwright; Henry H, a
painter living in Long Island City; John Robert,
an actor and stage manager living in Long Island
City; and Mrs. Martha Jones of New York City.
Our subject, who was born in 1852, received a
grammar school education in New York City.
In boyhood he accompanied his parents to Sta
ten Island, where for four years he worked on his
father's farm. Later he followed various lines of
work until he finally took up painting, at which
trade he served for six years as journeyman.
Forming a partnership with his brother, he gave
his attention to contract work, the two continu
ing together for ten years, and since the dissolu
tion of their partnership he has been alone. In
1888 he came to Long Island City, where, as
stated before, he erected about seventy houses
in different parts of Astoria, thereby greatly ad
vancing the interests of this locality. He is the
owner of some property here, including his resi
dence at No. 206 Elm Street.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

645

Prior to leaving New York, Mr. Furlong mar
ried Miss Alice Sheridan, daughter of Thomas
Sheridan, a contractor residing in Johnstown,
Pa., where she was born. They are the parents
of eight children, all of whom are at home, name
ly, Lorette, Joseph, Angelina, James Minor, Jr.,
Gertrude, John R., Walter and Florence. The po
litical opinions which control the public action of
Mr. Furlong are in hearty accord with the decla
rations and platform of the Republican party, and
he casts his ballot for the candidates of that or
ganization.

LUCAS E. DECKER is well known in the
business circles of Springfield, where he is
the proprietor of a well-stocked mercantile
establishment, in the conduct of which he has
been unusually successful. Springfield is his na
tive town, and the date of his birth May 17, 1858.
The father of Mr. Decker, also named Lucas
E., was born in Brooklyn about the year 1833.
During his early life he was a farmer and also
had a milk route, but in 1854 he came to Spring
field and, purchasing the site on which 'our sub
ject's store now stands, erected a hotel and gro
cery store. These he carried on until his decease
in 1891, at which time he was one of the trustees
of the town of Jamaica and a man most highly
regarded in his community. In Masonic circles
he stood high, taking great pleasure in meeting
with the members of Jamaica Lodge.
The parental grandfather of our subject, who
bore the name of Stephen L. Decker, was born in
New York in 1800. He, too, was a farmer and
later added to his income by supplying the
people of Brooklyn with milk. During the latter
part of his life, the grandfather established a
meat market, commanding a good trade. He
had three sons, those besides the father of our-
subject being John W., now a wealthy farmer of
Springfield; Reuben, who is engaged in the feed
business in Brooklyn and who has a pleasant
home at Chester Park, L. I., and Nicholas C, a
hardware and real estate dealer in St. Louis, Mo. ;
he is now serving his third term as justice of
the peace. The great-grandfather of our subject
served as a soldier in the War of 18 12, in which
conflict he was killed. The family is of Dutch
origin and one of the oldest and most highly re
garded on the island.
Mrs. Abby C. (Nostrand) Decker, mother of
our subject, was the daughter of John Nostrand.

By her union with Lucas E. Decker, Sr., there
were born three sons, those beside our subject
being Smith N., engaged in the ice manufactur
ing business at Far Rockaway, and Elbert J., a
veterinary surgeon of Far Rockaway. Lucas E.,
our subject, first attended school in Springfield,
after which he conducted his studies in one of the
private schools of Jamaica. Later he entered his
father's store, and in 1885 established a coal and
feed business in Springfield, running that in con
nection with helping his father. In 1891 he sold
his feed yard, and in May of that year purchased
his present property and business, the latter be
ing established in 1854. In local politics he has
been a prominent factor, and from 1891 to 1895
held the responsible office of highway commis
sioner. Socially he is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, the Foresters and Farmers' Union.
Politically he gives his allegiance to Democratic
candidates and principles.
In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Decker
with Miss Alice I. Clemanson. The latter was
born at Troy, N. Y, and was the daughter of
James Clemanson, a soldier of the late war, in-
which conflict he was killed. Mr. and Mrs.
Decker have two children, Edith and Lucas E.

JOHN T. D. DONNELLY, a successful vet
erinary surgeon of Long Island City, was
born in Belleville, Essex County, N. J., in
1863, being a son of James and Mary (Duncan)
Donnelly. He was the only one of three children
who attained years of maturity, and was a boy of
nine years when, in 1872, he was brought by his
parents to Long Island City. Here he grew to
manhood, meantime attending the old Fourth
Ward school and the School of Languages. He
was a studious boy, attentive to his tasks and a
diligent pupil, so that he gained a comprehensive
knowledge not only of the information contained
in his text books, but of the world of history,
literature and science.
Having determined to become a veterinary sur
geon, Mr. Donnelly in 1883 became a student
in the New York Veterinary College, from which
he graduated with second honors three years
later, receiving the degree of V. S. During the
same year, 1886, he began to practice in Long
Island City, where he has since resided, devoting
his attention closely to his chosen profession, in
which he has met with success. He held the
position of veterinary surgeon for the fire depart-

646

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ment and the board of health, and under the ad
ministration of President Harrison was appointed
United States veterinary inspector of the bureau
of animal industry. For a time he was also vet
erinary for the Steinway Railroad Company. In
June, 1895, he purchased the old stand of Kiley
Bros'., horseshoers, at No. 12 Newtown Avenue,
where he continues business in the same line.
With his father he was for some time interested
in breeding Jersey cattle in this city.
The platform of the Republican party receives
the hearty endorsement of Mr. Donnelly and he
supports its men and measures with enthusiasm.
He is filling the position of vice-chairman of the
general Republican committee of Long Island
City and is also president of the Republican Dis
trict Association, rendering important service in
these capacities. In 1894 he was a delegate to
the state convention that nominated Levi P.
Morton for governor, and he has also been dele
gate to numerous county, city and congressional
conventions. In religion he is a member of the
Church of the Redeemer.

ANDREW FLANAGAN, proprietor of one
of the largest ice houses in Long Island
City, has been connected with this busi
ness longer than any other citizen of this locality.
He is also the owner of much valuable property
in this city and in almost all his ventures has
met with success.
Mr. Flanagan was born in Astoria in 1839.
His father, also Andrew Flanagan, was a native
of County Roscommon, Ireland, but upon attain
ing mature years he went to England, where he
learned his trade — that of a mason — and re
mained there until coming to America, in 1832
or 1833. He first made his home in Brooklyn,
but about 1833 we find him living in Astoria,
where he was engaged as a general contractor
until his death, when sixty-six years of age. As
may be supposed, he was one of the very earliest
residents of Long Island City and in that day
there was no other means of transportation be
tween the city and points on the island than the
sloops. Andrew Flanagan, Sr., was married to Sarah
A. Matthews, a native of Birmingham, England.
She survived her husband several years, depart
ing life when seventy-six years of age. She had
been twice married, her first union being with
a Mr. Waldron of England, and to them was

born a daughter, Mary A., now Mrs. Shuker, of
Long Island City. Her marriage with Mr. Flan
agan, however, resulted in the birth of seven chil
dren, six sons and one daughter.
The subject of this sketch was reared and
educated in this city, and upon leaving school he
was apprenticed to a machinist in New York
City. For a time he worked for the Root Steam
Engine Company, also learning steam and gas
fitting. After following this business in all four
teen years he abandoned it in order to become a
dealer in ice. June 13, 1874, he purchased the
ice business owned by John O'Conner and im
mediately set about increasing his trade. His
ice was obtained at that time from Trains Mead
ow, Newtown and East River, but after ten years
cutting ice at these points he transferred his
operations to the upper Hudson and Kennebec
Rivers. Of late, however, he gets his supplies
from the Knickerbocker Ice Company and sup
plies his customers with the purest natural ice that
can be obtained anywhere. He runs constantly
five wagons, and during the summer months puts
on extra help. Although at one time his route took
in nearly* the whole of Long Island City, he now
confines his trade to Astoria, Steinway and
Schuetzen Park. Mr. Flanagan also engages in
the scavenger business, giving employment to
two teams and several men.
About 1866 occurred the marriage of our sub
ject and Miss Adelaide Exertier, a native of New
York City and the daughter of Charles Exertier,
who was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He was
of French extraction and came to America when
thirty-two years of age; his marriage occurred
in New York City. He was an importer of
liquors and carried on a large wholesale trade
in New York until retiring from business, mak
ing his home in Astoria until his death, which
• occurred when sixty-one years of age. His wife,
Annette Grapin, who was born near Paris,
France, is now deceased, passing away when
aged three score years and ten. Mrs. Flanagan,
who was their only child, was educated in the
schools of Astoria and St. Vincent de Paul
School of New York.
To our subject and his wife have been born
seven children: Pauline Exertier, a finely edu
cated young lady and at present teaching in the
fourth ward of this place; Charles Exertier, the
assistant of his father in his business; Adelaide
Exertier, Beatrice Theresa, Andrew Joseph, Ray
mond Aloysius and Julian Evans. The family

HILBERT BLACK TINGLEY, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

649

occupy a pleasant home at No. 536 Debevoise
Street, which Mr. Flanagan had erected for his
especial use. He has large stables in Grand
Avenue, also a brick building, with stable adjoin
ing, on the corner of Debevoise Street and Grand
Avenue. Mr. Flanagan has always manifested a high de
gree of interest in all that pertains to the welfare
of his city, although he has never desired to
hold office. Socially, he is a member of John
Allen Lodge, No. 330, A. O. U. W., and Lodge
No. 17, F. & A. M., of Long Island City. He
is likewise connected with the Veteran Fireman's
Association. In national politics he is Demo
cratic, but is not radical. Pie is a member of the
Long Island City Building and Loan Associa
tion and has aided many worthy causes by his
influence. In religion he is a devout Catholic,
being identified with the Church of Our Lady
of Mt. Carmel, which he helped to build. His
father was one of the founders of this body here
and for many years was trustee.

HILBERT B. TINGLEY, M. D. Health is
the most highly prized gift bestowed upon
us by Mother Nature and it is a matter of
most vital moment that we should know how to
preserve it or regain it when lost. In the latter
case medical science must frequently be resorted
to and the services of a good physician employed.
Dr. Tingley is one of the leading professional men
of his section and in the practice of the "healing
art" has won golden opinions from all classes
among whom he has labored. Dr. Tingley was
born in New Brunswick, October 21, 1865, and
upon his father's farm in that province he grew up
and obtained a thorough knowledge of the duties
of agriculture. His parents were Obed and Mar
garet A. (Dobson) Tingley, native Canadians, the
latter of whom died at the untimely age of twenty-
eight years, when the subject of this sketch was
.but two years old. Besides her sorrowing hus
band, she left four children to mourn her death:
Amasa, who resides in Moncton, New Brunswick;
Melbourne, who lives in Sonora, Cal. ; Minnie, wife
of Dr. John F. Harvey of Boston, Mass., and Hil-
bert B., whose name heads this sketch.
In the excellent common schools in the vicinity
of his rural home Dr. Tingley acquired a thor
oughly practical education, which he afterwards
greatly improved by a six months' attendance in
a preparatory school connected with King's Uni-
26

versity, after which he taught school for two years.
He possessed a natural taste and inclination for
the study of medicine, and with the view to
making its practice his life work, he entered Balti
more University Medical College, from which he
was graduated first in his class in 1889 with the
degree of M. D., having previously studied pri
vately while teaching school and in the offices of
Dr. W. P. Bowser, now of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
D. C. Allen, a native of Nova Scotia.
Upon the completion of his medical studies our
subject went to Boston and was engaged in prac
tical work in the Baptist Hospital of that city
for some time, having previously had a year and
a half of hospital work while in college, and later
was a part of the time assistant resident physician
there. From Boston Dr. Tingley made a trip
to the West, visiting most of the southern and
western states for the purpose of extending his
knowledge and broadening his views by ob
servation, remaining nine months. The following
March (1893), after his return to Boston, he came
to Long Island, took up his residence at Oceanus
and opened an office for the practice of his pro
fession. Here he has conducted a general prac
tice ever since and has met with a more than
average degree of success. His patronage is
large, and owing to the success which has at
tended his efforts in behalf of suffering humanity
is continually on the increase. Dr. Tingley took
a post graduate course in the New York Polyclinic
Hospital in New York City, graduating with the
class of '94-95.
The Doctor was first married to the daughter
of Silas Kirby, of Easton, Md., but her death oc
curred ten weeks later. His present wife was
formerly Miss Addie Rucker of Gainesville, Ga.
The Doctor is a Republican in politics, a member
of Kings County Lodge No. 511, F. & A. M., and
of Arlington Lodge No. 394, A. O. U. W. For
some years he has been connected with the Bap
tist Church of Boston.

SAMUEL E. ELDERT, a resident of Wood
haven, was born on what is known as the
old Ryder farm, in South Road, April 9,
1820. He was the son of Eldert Eldert, whose
birth occurred in Eldert's Lane, in the old house
now owned by Henry Drew and which was built
long before the Revolutionary War. During
those trying times it was occupied by Grandfather
Samuel Eldert. It is said that on one occasion

650

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

it was taken into the possession of a company of
British soldiers, who appropriated to themselves
everything of value. The grandfather also served
as a patriot in that conflict. The family is of
Dutch origin and without doubt was one of the
first to make their home on Long Island, where
they are now so numerous. The first of the name
to come to America was Eldert Luke, but for
some reason which was not given the biographer,
the surname was changed from Luke to Eldert
and has been handed down as such to each suc
ceeding generation.
The father of our subject served faithfully dur
ing the War of 1812, and after peace was estab
lished returned to the occupation of a farmer,
following the same until his death, when fifty-
three years of age. His wife, Mary Ryder, who
was born on the old Ryder farm in the year 1800,
was the eldest of six children born to her parents,
Nicholas and Hannah (Lane) Ryder. It is said
her father was born in the eastern portion of the
island, where his parents were among the very
first settlers.
The subject of this sketch had one brother,
Nicholas Ryder Eldert, a farmer, and six sisters;
Catalina married Henry S. Lott, by whom she
had three children; Hannah M. also married a
Mr. Lott ; Sarah became the wife of James Lott ;
Susan is now Mrs. Elisha N. Jones, of Wood
haven; Ida Jane married John Williamson, a
prominent farmer, whose estate is located in the
Rockaway Road, south of Jamaica. After the
death of her sister Catalina, Elizabeth D. married
her husband, Henry S. Lott; they are the parents
of three children: Eldert; Dow S., who is a large
property owner in the town of Jamaica, and who
lives on a beautiful farm near Woodhaven; and
Stephen, an attorney of Woodhaven.
Samuel E. Eldert was brought up to a full
knowledge of farm life. He removed to New
York in 1842, but returned in 1855 and for the
past thirty-seven years has made his home on his
present place, which is a portion of the old home
stead. In 1842 he was married to Miss Elizabeth
Van Sise, who was born near Farmingdale, L.
I., and to them were born eight children, of whom
two are deceased. Mary married Virgil Ketch
am; Charles W. is an employe in the agate fac
tory at Woodhaven; Julia is now the wife of Isaac
Doxy, a carpenter of Brooklyn; Ditmus, who
married Miss Lily M. Hadden, is a carriage-
maker at Bridgeport, Conn.; John married Vir
ginia Dominge and makes his home in Wood

haven, and Nessel L. chose Fannie Danforth of
Boston for his wife. He is engaged in business
in New York City as a manufacturer of shoe
dressing, and is also a dealer in typewriters.
Like his forefathers, Mr. Eldert is noted for his
sterling qualities and high principles. He is a
devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, in
which he has served as elder for many years. He
is now living a quiet life in his pleasant home in
Ferry Street, Woodhaven.

SAMUEL WALKER, a retired farmer liv
ing in Port Washington, is one of the old
est and most highly esteemed residents of
the county. He was born within fifteen miles
of Boston, Mass., September 18, 181 5, his parents
being Josiah and Sarah (Jenkins) Walker, well-
to-do farmers of the Bay State. Samuel was
reared to a full knowledge of farming, but when
eighteen years of age left home and, going to
New York where his brother Joseph was engaged
in the charcoal business, drove one of his wagons
for some time.
Although not having the opportunity of ac
quiring a thorough education, the subject of this
sketch possessed good judgment and that energy
and perseverance which almost always bring suc
cess. Therefore, after working for his brother
for a time he embarked in business on his own
account and from 1835 to 1850 was the proprie
tor of a flourishing coal yard. In the latter year
he sold out his possessions in New York and, go
ing to New Hampshire, purchased a quarter-sec
tion of land in the town of Hudson. His place
was very conveniently located near Nashua and
there he made his home for eighteen years.
The lady to whom our subject was united in
marriage, May 11, 1837, was Miss Elmira Bird
of New York, whose birth occurred at Port Ches
ter, June 18, 1819. She was the daughter of
Capt. James T. and Hannah (Denton) Bird, na
tives of the island. The mother was born at,
Newtown, but the exact location of the .father's
birthplace is not known. In his early life he
was a sea captain, but spent his later years in the
oyster business.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker
we mention the following facts: James Elliott
makes his home in Brooklyn; at her death his wife
left a family of seven children. William Leonard
went out west when a young man and met his
death in the coal mines of Wisconsin. Martha

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

651

Jane married Austin Bailey and makes her home
at Bath, N. H. John W. died in infancy. Samuel,
who was for many years engaged as a truckman
in Brooklyn, departed this life in July, 1895, leav
ing a wife and five children. Desdemona became
the wife of Marshall Keator, and they make their
home in the City of Churches. Mary died in in
fancy. Nellie married Edward Smith and is a
resident of Great Neck; they have a family of
seven children. Stephen Greeley is a resident of
Brooklyn; he is married and. the father of two
sons. In 1870 Mr. Walker came to Port Washing
ton and engaged in oyster planting, following
this business with marked success for many years.
He stands well among the prominent men of this
county and has won this standing by patient and
unremitting work. In early years he voted the
Whig ticket, but he has since 1856 supported
Republican candidates. Since 1843 he has been
a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is
one of the leading members and holds the office
trustee and deacon.

THE SEABURY FAMILY has for many
years been prominently identified with
the history of Long Island and especially
that portion of it comprised within the limits of
the town and village of Hempstead. Established
in America by one of the illustrious "Pilgrim
Fathers," it has since borne an honorable part
in the growth and development of this country.
It has had representatives both in the trades and
professions, though predominating in the latter,
and has given to the world men of intellect and
enterprise, whose labors in life have elevated the
race mentally and morally.
The first of the name known to have settled
in America was John Seabury, who came here
at an early Colonial period and endured all the
hardships incident to life in a newly settled coun
try. His son, Dr. Samuel Seabury, was born in
Boston in 1639, and by his union with Patience
Kemp had a son, John, whose birth occurred in
1673. The latter chose as his wife Elizabeth,
daughter of David Alden and granddaughter of
John Alden and Priscilla Mullen, of "Mayflower''
fame. Samuel, son of John and Elizabeth Seabury,
was born September 3, 1706, and while a student
at Yale College he renounced the Presbyterian
religion and embraced the faith of the Protestant

Episcopal Church. This created such a disturb
ance in the college that he withdrew and entered
Harvard College, where he graduated. Leaving
his family in America he went abroad, where he
was ordained to the ministry of the Protestant
Episcopal Church by the Bishop of London. On
his return he accepted a pastorate at New Lon
don, Conn., where he was rector of the church
for thirteen years. Meantime, he received the de
gree of Doctor of Divinity. For twenty-one
years he was rector of St. George's Church at
Plempstead, in which capacity he was serving at
the time of his death, June 15, 1764.
Among the sons of Dr. Seabury was Rev.
Samuel Seabury, D. D., who had the distinction
of being the first bishop of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in America, and was one of the
most brilliant men that denomination ever had.
Another son, Dr. Adam Seabury, born in 1741,
became a prominent physician of Hempstead and
married Miriam Peters. Their son, Adam, who
was born in 1767, married Jemima Skidmore and
followed in one place for nearly a half century.
teacher. A son of the latter, Robert Sands Sea
bury, was born in Hempstead in 1809 and was the
father of the present generation of Seaburys in
this village. For many years he was engaged
in the mercantile business, and from 1850 to 1853
served as sheriff of Queens County, also for some
time was president of the village board. In St.
George's Church, of which he was a member,
he served as vestryman. A man of prominence
and worth, he was regarded as one of the leading
men of the place.
The two brothers of Robert S. Seabury were
John Skidmore and Henry P. The former, born
January 8, 1812, was for many years a druggist
in Jamaica, where he died; his daughter is the
wife of John M. Crane, president of the Shoe
and Leather National Bank of New York. Henry
P., born January 28, 1815, spent his entire life
in Hempstead, of which place he was a venerable
and highly esteemed resident. When a young
man he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he
followed in one place for nearly a half century.
His death occurred February 13, 1896, aged
eighty-one years. He was a bachelor, and as he
had no extravagant tastes, accumulated a com
fortable competency. His membership was in
St. George's Church, the doctrines of which he
upheld in practice and life.
May 10, 1837, Robert Sands Seabury mar
ried Elizabeth Hentz, who was born in Hemp-

652

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stead April 25, 1817, and was a daughter of Al
bert and Elizabeth Hentz. Her father was an
inn keeper and also a dealer in real estate. She
became the mother of eleven children, but five of
the number died in infancy. Her husband, Rob
ert S., died March 8, 1877, and at this writing
she is living with her two bachelor sons. Her
children who attained mature years were as fol
lows: Albert, who died in 1889; Adam, a banker
in New York; Robert, a prominent attorney,
Charles, who is engaged in the real estate busi
ness in Hempstead; John, a wholesale merchant
in New York ; and Samuel, a real estate dealer in
Hempstead. The eldest of the surviving brothers, Adam,
was born June 6, 1842, and received a fair edu
cation in the schools of Hempstead. In boy
hood he went into a leading Nassau Street bank
ing house, where he has since remained, having
been the paying teller for many yars. He is the
owner of much valuable property in Hempstead.
In St. George's Church, of which he is a member,
he has officiated as vestryman, junior and senior
warden. Like the other members of the family,
he adheres to Democratic principles in politics.
He is a bachelor and, with his mother and brother
Samuel, occupies a beautiful residence in the
most popular part of Hempstead. Business duties
have engrossed his attention to the exclusion of
public affairs.
Robert Seabury, the second of the brothers,
was born December 10, 1844, and was educated
in the schools of Hempstead and at Union Hall
Academy, Jamaica. His law studies were com
menced under the supervision of his uncle, Alden
J. Spooner, of Brooklyn, and completed with ex-
Surrogate William H. Onderdonk. Shortly be
fore the close of the Civil War he enlisted in
the Fifty-sixth New York Infantry, but saw little
active service. In 1866 he was admitted to the
bar and for two years was with John W. Lever-
edge of New York, later formed a partnership
with his uncle, Alden J. Spooner, in Brooklyn,
establishing a branch office in Hempstead. Of
this he has since been in charge, carrying on an
active practice in the general courts. At dif
ferent times he has occupied positions of trust
and honor, all of which he has filled with credit
to himself. For thirteen years he was president
of the board of education. In 1874 he was elected
town clerk of Hempstead, which he held for two
years, and then, in 1876, was appointed clerk of
the county board of supervisors, which he has

held continuously since that time. He was one
of the founders of the Bank of Hempstead, in
which he is a director.
Fraternally Robert Seabury is prominently
connected with the Masonic lodge at Hempstead,
of which he is past master. In religious views he
is a member of St. George's Church. In 1870
he married Miss Amelia Hendrickson, who died
in 1882. The only child of this union, Albert
H., graduated from Cornell University in 1895.
In 1884 Mr. Seabury married Mary Hendrickson,
a sister of his former wife, and they occupy a
fine residence in Franklin Street.

J SEYMOUR SNEDEKER, an attorney
of Hempstead and formerly postmaster
• at this place, was born here April 9, 1845,
being a son of Lewis and Mary Snedeker, na
tives of this town, where the latter is still living.
The father followed the trade of a shoemaker
throughout his entire life and was an energetic,
industrious man, who, while he never gained
wealth, was able nevertheless to surround his
family with the comforts of life. There were
eight children, but only four are now living, three
daughters and one son.
After having completed his literary education
in the schools of Hempstead, the subject of this
notice began the study of law in the office of
Hadden & Clark, and after gaining a thorough
theoretical knowledge of the profession, he was
admitted to the bar December 13, 1866. At once
he opened an office in his native village, where
he has since carried on an extensive general
practice in all courts. In politics, too, he has
been a leader among Republicans and has upheld
the principles of his chosen party with firmness
and unwavering fidelity. In 1870 he was elected
town clerk and served until 1873 in that position,
which is considered one of the best local offices.
From 1874 to 1878 he served as justice of the
peace and was a trustee of the village in 1874-75.
From 1879 until 1881 he was trustee of Green
field County. June 15, 1880, he was appointed
postmaster, and was the incumbent of that office
until August, 1886, when a change of adminis
tration caused his resignation. President Har
rison, in July, 1 89 1, appointed him to the posi
tion again, and he remained in that capacity until
Cleveland named William H. S. Smith as his
successor. Under his supervision the office was
conceded to be one of the best conducted on

WALTER E. FREW.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

655

Long Island, and he was justly popular as post
master with all classes.
Since 1875 Mr. Snedeker has been a trustee of
the Presbyterian Church and has served as treas
urer since 1876. At present he is assistant super
intendent of the Sunday-school, and for twenty-
five years has held the position of secretary of the
school. It is a remarkable fact that during this
long period he has never been absent a single
Sunday. He was one of the charter members
of Hempstead Council, No. 842, Royal Arcanum,
on its organization in 1884, and has served as
secretary from the first. September 9, 1874, he
married Sarah Jane, daughter of William and
Susan Rushmore of Hempstead. They have no
children. As might be expected of one who has spent his
entire life in this village, Mr. Snedeker is deeply
interested in all movements relating to its prog
ress and the development of its resources. In
the many positions to which he has been called
it has been his aim to advance the interests of
his fellow citizens and promote the welfare of
the village. While he has been successful in his
profession, his aims and purposes have not been
selfish, but he has aided the worthy poor by
substantil gifts and those just starting out in life
by words of kindly counsel, striving by his life
and actions to make the world better for his
having lived in it.

WALTER E. FREW. The practice of
banking and the establishment of
banks belong entirely to the modern
world. The first bank established in the modern
civilized world was the Bank of Venice, which was
founded in 1157. According to some authorities,
it was founded in consequence of a loan which
the state had felt the necessity of raising in order
to carry on a war. At the settlement of this coun
try the colonists brought over with them the
financial theories and practices which prevailed
at the time in the mother country. The first
bank established was in Boston in 1784. From
the earliest start in the banking business in Long
Island City there has been a steady, constant and
continuous growth, not only in the volume of
business, but in the methods by which it has been
conducted. Take the history of the banking-
business from the beginning to the present day,
and it would form a remarkable page, and one
of exceptional interest in any financial work.

There is no financial institution in Long Island
that can make a better showing to-day than the
Queens County Bank, of Long Island City, and
there is not an older bank on the island outside
of Brooklyn. Walter E. Frew, who was the
youngest bank cashier in the Empire State when
he was first elected to that position in the Queens
County Bank, now holds the responsible posi
tion of president of this flourishing institution.
There is undoubtedly no one department of en
terprise which has been so powerfully instrumen
tal in the development of this city's prosperity as
banking and it is in the hands of such men as our
subject that the calling under discussion becomes
one of the most important levers for good in the
commercial machinery of our country.
When Mr. Frew first became cashier of the
Queens County Bank, it was not in a very
flourishing condition, having only $144,000 on
deposit, but by his unusual business acumen and.
good judgment he won the entire confidence of
the people, and the bank is now one of the sound
financial institutions of the country and has a
line of deposits of over $1,500,000. Pleasant,
genial and courteous, Mr. Frew is very popular
and has a host of admirers and friends. He was
born in Brooklyn, July 18, 1864, the son of
George E. Frew, who was a native of New York
City. His grandfather, Michael, was a native
of Scotland, as was also the great-grandfather,
George Frew. Michael was married in his na
tive country to Miss Jeanette Stirlingshire, and
while residing there was bookkeeper in a large
iron work establishment of Glasgow. In 1827
he came to America and located in New York,
where he was engaged in market gardening until
his death. He was a member of the Presby
terian Church.
George E. Frew learned the trade of a pencil-
case maker when a boy and later had two patents
on gold-slide pencils and pens. He was meeting
with an unusual degree of success in his calling,
when the war broke out and this put a stop to his
operations. Later he became cashier of the
Greenpoint Ferry Company of Brooklyn, and was
holding that position at the time of his death,
in 1880, when forty-seven years old. His brother,
John Frew, was killed at Spottsylvania Court
House during the Civil War. His wife, whose
maiden name was Amanda Decker Crooker, was
born in New York City and was the daughter
of Robert and Maria (Smith) Crooker, the former
of English and the latter of French Huguenot

656

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

descent. Robert Crooker was born on Long Is
land and was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs.
Frew died in Brooklyn in 1870, and was the
mother of two children, our subject being the
younger. The elder son, George H. Frew, was born in
South Brooklyn and there spent his childhood,
attending the public schools. When fourteen
years old he entered the employ of the old Hope
Insurance Company in Broadway, New York,
and continued with them until his father's death.
He then became cashier of the Greenpoint Ferry
Company, with which he remained for some time,
and after resigning he accepted a position with
the Metropolitan Ferry Company, Long Island
City, and held the same until he accepted his
present position as general manager, secretary
and treasurer of the New York & Norwalk
Steamboat Company, the line plying between
• New York and Norwalk, Conn. He now
resides in Brooklyn. His wife, formerly Miss
Lessie C. Carman, is a sister of Mrs. W. E. Frew,
wife of our subject. He has one son, George
H, Jr.
Walter E. Frew received his educational train
ing in private schools of Brooklyn and in Green
point Academy, and when fifteen years old began
business in Wall Street with Shepherd Knapp,
banker and broker. He remained with Mr.
Knapp until twenty years old, and in July, 1884,
entered the Eleventh Ward Bank as messenger,
but in two weeks was made bookkeeper and
later became assistant cashier. He remained in
the bank about four years, and in March, 1889,
was made cashier of the Queens County Bank in
Long Island City. On the nth of April, 1895,
he was elected president of the bank. This bank
was organized in 1873 as the Flushing and
Queens County Bank and was at Flushing until
1888, when it was located at Long Island City and
the name changed to Queens County Bank.
Mr. Frew was a director of the Steinway Rail
road Company, which controls all the trolley lines
from Long Island City to Flushing. He is trus
tee in the Long Island City Savings Bank and is
interested in numerous other institutions. He
was the youngest cashier and also the youngest
bank president in the United States when elected
to those positions and it is due to his keen busi
ness foresight, good judgment and energy that
the bank has reached its present prosperous con
dition. He belongs to the American Legion of
Honor, Bank Clerks' Mutual Business Associa

tion', New York State Bankers' Association, and
is a member of the executive committee of Group
No. 8, having served as a delegate to the
convention at Saratoga. For some time he has
taken an active interest in Kent Street Reformed
Church of Brooklyn. Mr. Frew was married in
Brooklyn to Miss Ella Louise Carman, a native
of Brooklyn and daughter of Samuel Carman
of Long Island. They have one child, Helen
Louise.

THOMAS TRAPHAGEN. To have filled
the position of a good citizen in any vil
lage is an object worthy of ambitious ef
fort and a record of which a man in either high
or low life may feel proud. It is a worthy am
bition to place before the youth of any commun
ity that they should become enterprising, earnest,
public-spirited members of society, always up
holding the laws of the commonwealth and pro
moting the welfare of the people by any means
in their power.
It has been the aim and effort of Mr. Trap-
hagen to promote the interests of his fellow-citi
zens in Corona and also to advance the progress
of the county. In the capacity of postmaster,
he has proved an efficient, accommodating public
servant and has won the commendation of the
people. He is a native of New Jersey and was
born in Bergen County, November 7, 1848, being
a son of James and Amanda (Valentine) Trap-
hagen to promote the interests of his fellow-citi-
was a builder by occupation, and removed to
Rensselaer, N. Y., when Thomas was about
eleven years of age.
The boy obtained the foundation of his educa
tion in the public schools, after which he at
tended Hudsondale Seminary at Lansingburg, N.
Y. At the age of nineteen he went to New York
City and began to learn the manufacture of mil
linery goods, starting in business for himself two
years later. Prosperity attended his efforts,
though he met with some reverses in the prosecu
tion of his business. After a few years he sold
out and accepted a position in a large manufac
turing establishment, where he remained for a
number of years.
In 1876 Mr. Traphagen went West, with a view-
to locating, and traveled through the Black
Hills and other places of the West, finally stop
ping in St. Louis, where he and his family re
mained for five years. From St. Louis he came

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

657

to Corona in 1880 and opened a dry-goods store,
in which he soon built up a good local trade.
While in New York City he was united in mar
riage, November 15, 1872, with Miss Mary E.
Conder, an estimable lady, who was born in Ox
ford, England, but has spent her life principally
in this country.
Reared in the faith of the Republican party and
in the opinion that its policy was faultless, our
subject at first voted for its principles, but after
a time he became convinced that the interests of
the people would be best promoted by the plat
form and principles of the Democratic party, if
fully carried out. From that time on he has given
his support to the free-trade party. Soon after
coming to Corona he began to take an active
interest in politics and has since been one of the
local leaders of his party. He has served on the
Democratic Committee in several districts of the
town of Newrtown and has been chairman of the
body. In May, 1892, he was appointed post
master at Corona, and has since acted in that
capacity.

CHARLES W. WEED, who is engaged
in business in Corona, was born in
Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1858, being a son of
Alanson and Sarah E. (McGee) Weed. During
his boyhood years he resided in New York in
summer and Brooklyn in winter, his education
being obtained in the public schools of the latter
city. At the age of nineteen he received the ap
pointment to the naval academy there, which he
at once entered, graduating at the age of twenty-
two. However, instead of entering the service,
he resigned his commission and accepted a place
on a merchant vessel, going to sea as first mate
and traveling all over the world. He made nine
trips to Europe, also visited South America,
touching at Maine, Florida and other places.
When the merchantman's business ceased to be
remunerative, he retired from an ocean life.
October 19, 1881, Mr. Weed was united in
marriage with Miss Sadie Darby, of Brooklyn,
and they are the parents of one child, a daugh
ter, Edith, who was born in Brooklyn January
16, 1885. On leaving the sea he began to work
as a pattern-maker, designing patterns for ladies'
dresses, and this business he has since conducted
successfully. As a recreation he took up the
study of electricity, with which he soon became
thoroughly familiar, and he has since become a

consulting electrician. Through this enterprise
he has made considerable money, being fre
quently called upon to plan the electrical ar
rangements for different places, both public and
private. Since 1884 he has made his home in
Corona. In 1880 Mr. Weed, being then on shore, had
the privilege of casting his ballot for James A.
Garfield for the Presidency, and since then he has
always upheld the Republican candidates and
principles. About 1888 he became a member of
the school board, of which he had previously
been clerk for two terms and has since held the
office of president of the board continuously.
Socially he has taken several degrees in the Ma
sonic order, and all the degrees in the Independ
ent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also connected
with the Knights of Honor and the Royal Ar
canum. In religious belief he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Corona. A char
ter member of the Pioneer Fire Hook and Lad
der Company, he has in his possession the first
certificate that was issued to any member of the
company. His life has been a varied one and his
experiences while on sea were many and inter
esting. It is said of him by those who know him
best that he is a man of energy, business ability
and good judgment, one who has won every
thing he has by hard work, and whose position
is justly among the influential men of the village.

WILLIAM D. HIGGINS, who is en
gaged in the nursery business at
Whitestone, was born in County Ker
ry, Ireland, in 1834. He spent the days of his
boyhood and early youth in his native land, but
soon after the death of his father, which occurred
when he was about sixteen years old, he and his
mother came to the United States, carrying out
the intention formed prior to the death of the
father. In fact, the latter had started for the
New World, taking with him his wife and six
children, but a severe storm caused a delay in
the voyage, and while waiting for fair weather
he was taken ill and died at Cork, where he was
buried. On reaching America our subject came to
his uncle, who was engaged in the nursery busi
ness between Whitestone and Flushing. Under
his supervision he soon gained a thorough knowl
edge of the business and in time was made fore
man of the nursery, remaining in that one place

658

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for more than twenty years. In i860 ' he had
purchased two acres, where he now lives, and
wdiile working for his uncle began the improve
ment of the new property. In 1870 he put in a
nursery stock and has since carried on a lucrative
business that requires his entire attention.
In his political affiliations our subject is an
upholder of Democratic principles, and has taken,
an active part in local affairs. For three years
he was a trustee of the village and for a similar
period he served as a member of the water board.

CHARLES A. SILBERSDORF is one of
the youngest business men in Long Isl
and City. He deals quite extensively in
real estate and in this especial line has acquired
a favorable reputation. His partner in this
business is John Ohnemus, a progressive citizen
of this place and a shrewd and reliable man of
business. The firm of Silbersdorf & Ohnemus
also represent some of the best fire and life in
surance companies in the United States. They
have been for some time prominent in progres
sive movements and the upbuilding of Long Isl
and City and Queens County. Our subject makes
his home at the present time in Schuetzen Park,
although his office is in the above city.
The subject of this sketch was born in the city
of Passewalk, Prussia, July 28, 1871. His
father, August Silbersdorf, followed the business
of a carpenter and builder in the Fatherland un
til 1882, when he emigrated with his family to
America, settling in Flushing Avenue in Long
Island City, where he immediately began work
at his trade. He married Miss Augusta Schwarz,
who was also born in Prussia, and who, like her
husband, was the first of her family to come to
America. They were both members in excellent
standing of the Lutheran Church.
The children born to August and Augusta Sil
bersdorf were three in number, Hermina, Her
man and Charles A., all of whom are at present
living in this city. Our subject spent the first
ten years of his life in his native land, attending
school there for some time, but after the fam
ily located in this city he completed his educa
tion in Steinway's school. He was then about
fourteen years of age and immediately set about
to make his own way in the world, first entering
the real estate and insurance office of R. Horak,
of this place. As the years passed by his serv
ices became very valuable and he was placed in

charge of the office. During the last eighteen
months of his stay with that gentleman, however,
he was a member of the firm. This connection
was dissolved February 16, 1895, when our sub
ject formed his present connection with John
Ohnemus. They opened an office at No. 261
Steinway Avenue and from the very first have
been successful. They represent the Hartford
Insurance Company, of Connecticut, and the
Royal of London, and are kept very busy hand
ling Long Island City property, of which they
make a specialty.
Mr. Silbersdorf was married in 1895 to Miss
Augusta Sohmer, a native of New York City,
where she received a splendid education. Mrs.
Silbersdorf is a niece of Hugo Sohmer, the piano
manufacturer of New York City. The young
couple occupy a beautiful home at No. 478 Titus
Street, which Mr. Silbersdorf had erected for
their especial use. He is a talented musician
and takes great pleasure in meeting with the
Frohsinn Singing Society, of which he is a
prominent member. He also belongs to the
Long Island City Athletic Club. In politics his
preference lies with the Democratic party. Mr.
Silbersdorf is industrious, possesses correct busi
ness habits and principles, and is bound to make
a success of life.

CHARLES B. STORY, M. D. Among the
rising young physicians and surgeons of
Queens County mention belongs to Dr.
Story, of Bayside, who in the practice of his
chosen profession is establishing an enviable rep
utation among the people of his community and
is building up a patronage commensurate with
his zeal and ability. The son of Duane and Mari
etta (Case) Story, he was born in Dutchess Coun
ty, N. Y., December 13, 1863, and is one of three
sons, his older brother, Elmer G., being a prac
ticing attorney of New York City, while his
younger brother, John Ii., is engaged in the
photo-engraving business there.
The Doctor's father was born in Dutchess
County in 1835 and was a member of a family
established in that county from a very early
period of its settlement. Acquiring a thorough
education in the common schools, he chose as
his life work the calling of a farmer, to which he
had been reared, and settled. on the old home
stead, where he has since resided. Through his
recognized ability in agriculture and his identifi-

CAPT. JOHN F. BISBEE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

66 1

cation with public affairs, he has gained promi
nence in his community. Politically a Democrat,
he was elected on that ticket to serve as super
visor several terms. He is secretary of the
Farmers' Town Mutual Insurance Company and
is associated with other important local enter
prises, to which his name gives prestige and in
fluence. After completing the studies of the public
schools, the subject of this article entered a
preparatory school in Poughkeepsie, and later
became a student in Cornell University, where
he took the degree of B. S. He then entered the
medical department of the University of the City
of New York and in 1890 graduated with high
honors. The summer of that year he spent in
Brooklyn, from which place he came to Bayside
in the autumn. He has since built up a re
munerative practice and has gained a place
among the able practitioners of the neighbor
hood. In 1893, with his brother E. G., he es
tablished the Bayside Pharmacy, which has
proved a successful venture from the start.
The Democratic party finds in Dr. Story one
of its firm supporters. He is well informed re
garding all the important issues of the age and
is an enthusiastic advocate of the single tax the
ory. He retains • connection with the Cornell
University Club, of New York City, and socially
is identified with the Improved Order of Red
Men, the Niantic Club, of Flushing, and many
other local organizations.

CAPT. JOHN F. BISBEE. The record of
the life of this gentleman affords an il
lustration of the results of force and de
cision of purpose in a man, as well as of the pow
er which an energetic and honorable character
exercises upon the lives of others. Well dowered
with stability and firmness, these attributes, to
gether with forethought and persistent labor,
were instrumental in bringing about success.
Chief among his characteristics was his patriot
ism, which led him to offer his services to his
loved country in her hour of need, and made him
deem no sacrifice too great when made in her
behalf. Captain Bisbee was born in Ogdensburg, N.
Y., November 22, 1832, and died at Lincoln Park,
Springfield, L. I., June 15, 1891. His 'father,
Lucien I. Bisbee, was born in Rutland, Vt., where
he spent his boyhood years, and whence he re

moved to York State in early manhood. The
succeeding years were spent principally in New
York City and Boston, where he was successfully
engaged in various enterprises and was known
as a man of ability. At different times he was
called to occupy positions of trust and hon
or within the gift of his fellow men. He attained
an advanced age, dying when seventy-nine years
old. The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Maria E. Bowers and was a cousin of
Gov. Lewis Saltsonstal, of Massachusetts. She
was also connected with the family of which
Daniel Webster was a member, and was reared
by one of that name in Cuba. She was a grad
uate of Miss Emma Willard's school at Troy,
N. Y. Of her marriage five children were born,
and of these three are now living. John F. grew
to manhood in New York City, to which place his
parents had removed from Ogdensburg in his in
fancy. His education was obtained principally
in Columbia College and the West Point Mili
tary Academy, being a graduate of the latter in
stitution. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he
enlisted in Company B, Sixty-second New York
Infantry, Anderson Zouaves, and was commis
sioned First Lieutenant of the company, after
ward receiving promotion to Captain. Among
the battles in which he participated were the fol
lowing: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines,
Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Turkey Bend, second
battle of Bull Run, Antietam, first battle of Fred
ericksburg, and skirmishes at Warwick Court
house, Bottom's Bridge, Golding Farm and
Williamsburg. After his return from the war Captain Bisbee
accepted a position as cashier of the Phoenix In
surance Company in Brooklyn, and that office
of trust he continued to hold until his death. He
was twice married, his first wife being Miss Eliza
O'Brien, who died in 1868. Of her living chil
dren we note the following: Evelyn is the wife
of William Groves of Hollis, and they have two
children; John F., who is married and resides in
Brooklyn, has been in the employ of the Phoenix
Insurance Company since a boy of sixteen years;
Lucien J., who is married, resides in Brooklyn,
where he is engaged in the insurance and real
estate business, and Lillian is the wife of Arthur
Reed of Providence, R. I., and the mother of one
child. July 16, 1870, Captain Bisbee married Miss
Hattie L., daughter of Dr. Robert Atwood of

662

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Windsor, Vt. Her grandfather was a Revolu
tionary hero and the family was among the oldest
in that state. Eight children blessed their un
ion, of whom all but one are living, namely:
Hattie A.; Ethel M.; Robert F., who is connect
ed with the United States Casualty Company of
New York; Herbert F., who is with the whole
sale dry-goods house of W. H. Hamilton, in New
York; Helen A., Mabel W. and Rudolph V.
The family is prominent in social circles and the
children share with their mother the respect of
the community.
For several years Captain Bisbee was con
nected with the Masonic fraternity, but later in
life he dropped his membership. In the Legion
of Honor he filled every office of the lodge. Po
litically he advocated Republican principles, but
refused to accept nomination for office, though
often solicited to do so by his friends. He was
a member of the Episcopal Church. He could
trace his ancestry back, in a direct line, to Gover
nor Bradford of Massachusetts and Miles Stand-
ish, which is fully shown in the history of Bridge-
water. The following notice, copied from one of the
county papers, appeared at the time of Captain
Bisbee's death: "Captain John Frederick Bisbee
died at his home, 'Maple Bright,' Lincoln Park,
Springfield, L. I., June 15, 1891. Captain Bisbee
was universally esteemed for his upright charac
ter and for his activity in all matters looking to
the improvement of the town. He was presi
dent of the Springfield Improvement Association
and was most earnest and active in the endeavor
to build up the place and put it in the front rank
of suburban villages. He was known as a man
of excellent judgment, ready in resources, fertile
in expedients, and above all, trustworthy and re
liable. He was born in Ogdensburg and came
to Brooklyn, where he began his business career
at an early age. When the war broke out his
patriotic impulses sent him to the front as a mem
ber of the Sixty-second Regiment, New York
Volunteer Infantry. Pie came home a Captain.
He was an earnest and active Republican, identi
fied with the best interests of the party and a
member of the Republican Town Committee.
For thirty years he was connected with the Phoe
nix Fire Insurance Company and when he died
he held the responsible and confidential position
of cashier of the Eastern District office, at No. .
114 Broadway. He was a member of No. 1143,
American Legion of Honor. He removed to

Springfield with his family seven years ago, soon
making many warm friends in his new home.
His beautiful residence, with spacious grounds
and lake, is in that part of Springfield known-
as Lincoln Park."

CHRISTOPHER E. ABRAMS, one ofthe
honored and respected residents of
Springfield, town of Jamaica, has for
many years been engaged as a blacksmith in this
place. He was born in Ontario, Canada, Decem
ber 1, 1827, although his father came from one
of the oldest families on Long Island. The lat
ter, Jacob Abrams, was born at Far Rockaway
in 1788, but during the War of 1812 went to
Canada, where he met and married Margaret
Roshorne, a native of the Dominion, but of Ger
man ancestry.
When our subject was a lad of about eight
years his parents returned to the States and lo
cated on a farm at Rockaway where Christopher
E. was reared to mature years. The parental
family included fourteen children, nine of whom
are now living. Of these, Catherine is the wid
ow of Foster Davenport and makes her home at
Far Rockaway; Mary Jane is the widow of
Charles Craft and is also a resident of Far Rock
away; John, who likewise makes his home there,
is engaged as a blacksmith; Priscilla is the wife
of James Hendrickson, of Valley Stream; Mar
garet married Hope Hendrickson and their home
is at Rockaway; Abraham is cultivating a good
farm at Cedarhurst; Fannie married John Den
nis and lives in Springfield; Emma became the
wife of John Fredell and they make their home
in Queens.
When a young man our subject started out in
life for himself as an apprentice to a blacksmith,
and forty-three years ago located in Springfield,
where he erected a shop and has been engaged
in working at his trade ever since. He is well
known in this locality, and from the very first
has had all that he could do.
When ready to establish a home of his own
Mr. Abrams was married to Miss Jane Fosdick,
a niece of the late Judge Fosdick, of Jamaica,
and their union has been blessed by the birth of-
three children. Charles F. is associated with
his father in business; Amanda married D. H.
Wonzer, of Far Rockaway, and they have two
children, Benjamin and Edith. Edgar B. chose

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

663

Miss Catherine Singer for his wife, and they are
living in Springfield, where Edgar aids his father
in the blacksmith shop; they have a daughter,
bearing the name of Susan Jane.
The subject of this sketch is the owner of a
small farm within the corporate limits of Spring
field, on which he makes his home. He is one
of the leading members of the Methodist Epis
copal Church and at present holds the position
of steward of his congregation. In political af
filiations he is a Republican and is devoted to
the best interests of his party.

rvv

ARTIN V. WOOD, president of the
Hempstead Bank and ex-chairman of
the board of supervisors, was born on a
farm in the town of Hempstead, January 23, 1838.
The first of the family to settle in this town was
his grandfather, William, who came here from
Flatlands and followed the dual occupation of
farmer and blacksmith. In his family there were
four sons, of whom Lewis died in boyhood; Wil
liam L., a grocer in New York City, served as
alderman, police justice and member of the
board of education with the noted "Bill" Tweed;
Lawrence was engaged in business in Fulton
Market throughout his entire active life; Valen
tine, who was born two miles west of Hempstead,
was for forty years proprietor of a country store,
in which business he amassed a competency. He
was prominent in local affairs and held numerous
offices, among which was that of overseer of the
poor. The marriage of Valentine Wood united him
with Eliza Jane Abrams, who was born in the
town of Hempstead, where her father, White
head Abrams, for many years kept a country
store. She died in 1883 at the age of seventy years;
her husband had passed away three years prior
to her decease, aged sixty-six years. They were
the parents of two children, our subject being
the only son. The daughter, Mary D., married
L. H. Clowes and they reside in Hempstead.
Martin's boyhood years were uneventfully passed
in work on the home farm and attendance at the
neighboring schools. In 1861 he married Miss
Harriet Watts, of Valley Stream, and they have
two children, Jeannette, wife of William S. Hall,
cashier of the Freeport Bank; and Wilhelmina,
who is with her parents.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Wood bought a
farm adjoining that of his father, and since then

he has been extensively interested in agricul
tural pursuits, but for several years he has spent
the winter months in the village. When the
Hempstead Bank was organized, he was one of
the principal stockholders and has been its presi
dent from the start. When first established the
bank was of great benefit to the business public
and it has lost none of its usefulness with years.
It is one of the solid institutions of the county
and is recognized as one of the substantial bank
ing houses of the state. Its stockholders and di
rectors are numbered among the most capable
business men of this section, and their reputation
is a sufficient guaranty that the affairs of the con
cern are managed with skill and integrity.
Throughout its entire career the bank has pros
pered, having a steady increase in business.
Ever since the bank was founded, it has pre
served an undisputed credit that has maintained
the confidence of correspondents and depositors.
Aside from the Hempstead Bank, Mr. Wood
is a stockholder in several banks, an officer in
three insurance companies in New York, and a
director in the Glencove Insurance Company.
For several years he was a member of the board
of education and the board of health of the town
of Hempstead. In 1882 he was elected to rep
resent the town on the county board of super
visors and held the office eight consecutive years,
being for two years its chairman. In 1894 he
was again elected to that office. In politics he
is a Republican. He is a stockholder and direc
tor in the Bicycle Railroad, which is now in proc
ess of construction on Long Island, and his in
terests are many and important.

HIRAM R. SMITH. The success of men
in business depends upon character as
well as upon knowdedge, it being a self-
evident proposition that honesty is the best pol
icy. Business demands confidence, and where
that is lacking, business ends. Long Island has
as fine banking institutions as can be found in
the country, and of these the Bank of Rockville
Center is one of the best known. Hiram R.
Smith, the efficient cashier of the bank, was born
in Merrick, Queens County, November 22, 1859,
and is a son of Nelson H. and Catherine J.
(Smart) Smith, natives respectively of Merrick
and New York City.
When a young man Nelson H. Smith engaged
in merchandising in New York City, but later

664

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

removed to Merrick and afterward settled in
Freeport, becoming one of the first merchants
of that place, and by his sterling integrity and
honesty of purpose in all his business transac
tions, he has won the esteem and commands the
respect of not only the people of the village, but
Wherever he is known. His wife, who is of Eng
lish descent and comes of a well-known old New
Jersey family, is a woman of striking individuali
ty, untiring in her efforts in every good cause,
ever aiding in all ways possible to lift the people
up to a better, brighter and happier life. The
paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph
Smith, who spent the greater part of his long and
useful life on Long Island.
The early educational training of Hiram R.
Smith was received in the Freeport Academy and
later he took a thorough course in Bryant &
Stratton's Business College at Brooklyn. The
old Freeport Academy, from which he graduated,
gave to Long Island some of its best business
men, and he was not the least among these.
After leaving school he spent one year in his
father's store at Freeport, but in May, 1879, he
went to New York City and became a partner of
George B. Raynor in the flour, grain and com
mission business at No. 129 Broad Street. While
thus engaged he made numerous business trips
through the Western States, receiving new im
pressions and acquiring ideas that have been of
material benefit to him in his undertakings. In
1880 he was elected a member of the Produce
Exchange, with which he was connected for sev
eral years. He was Mr. Raynor's junior partner
in business from 1886 until December, 1890,
when he was tendered the position of cashier of
the Bank of Rockville Center, which he accepted
and has since satisfactorily filled.
Mr. Smith has always identified himself with
every worthy public enterprise and since 1886
has been one of the school trustees of Freeport.
On the formation of the board of education in
1888 he was elected its president, which position
he has since retained. At that time the school
property was not considered worth more than
$3,000, but to-day it is valued at $35,000, and
twelve teachers are employed. Much of this
great improvement has been brought about by
his personal energy and influence. He is presi
dent of the Freeport public library, an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a
charter member of the Good Templars, and as
sociated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel

lows, the American Legion of Honor, Union
League Club, of Freeport, and the Hempstead
Bay Yacht Club. He was one of the first to
project, and assisted in the incorporation of the
village of Freeport. He also aided in the or
ganization and development of the Freeport fire
department, which is one of the best disciplined
and equipped departments on the island, and of
it he served one year as assistant chief.
June 29, 1892, Mr. Smith married Miss Carrie
E. Raynor, of Milan, Ohio. Her father, William
Raynor, who was a native of Freeport, removed
to Ohio in 1866 and was an extensive ship builder
there. Mr. Smith is one of the useful citizens of
the county and his life affords a strong proof of
what may be done by an honest purpose to make
the best of one's opportunities.

ADOLPH D. ROSENTHAL, D. D. S.
The family of which this prominent citizen
of Hempstead is a representative, has
among its members many men of eminence and
artists of world-wide reputation. In Jewish cir
cles it has gained influence and prestige, and
among all races is honorably known. Those of
the name who have come to America have at
tained positions of prominence in this country,
both in social and professional circles. Some of
the family reside in Europe, among them a broth
er of the Doctor, who is consul at Munich.
The father of our subject, Morris Rosenthal,
was born in Russia, but when quite young was
taken to Paris, France, and from there, at the
age of thirteen years, came to America, locating
in Philadelphia. Early in life he displayed con
siderable artistic talent, and this was developed
until he became a prominent figure in the world
of art, gaining a reputation that extended not
only throughout the United States but in Europe
as well. For several years he was American con
sul at Heidelberg, and he has wielded large in
fluence in politics as well as in art. He is now
living in Chicago, retired from the busy labors
incident to his professional career. By his
marriage to Jeanette Ahrndt, a native of Ham
burg, he had six children, all of whom are living.
In Philadelphia, Pa., where he was born De
cember 1, 1856, the subject of this sketch spent
his early childhood days. His literary education
was acquired principally in Pleidelberg during
his father's consulate there. Returning to the
United States he entered the Jefferson Medical

JOSIAH L. PEARSALL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

667

College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu
ated, and later studied dentistry in the Philadel
phia Dental College. For a time he practiced
medicine in Philadelphia, but in 1883 went to
New York City, where he commenced the prac
tice of dentistry. Soon afterward he came to
Hempstead, where he opened an office and has
since' attended to professional work, accumu
lating a competency through energy, persever
ance and judicious investments.
Interested in local and national politics, Dr.
Rosenthal gives his support to the principles of
the Democratic party. For five years he has
been president of the Democratic Club and he
has served as chairman of several large Demo
cratic conventions. At present he is a member
of the board of trustees of Hempstead and fills
the position of treasurer of the Hempstead fire
department. In social organizations he also takes
a warm interest. He is district deputy grand
regent of the Royal Arcanum and district deputy
supreme master of the Shield of Honor of the
state of New York. In Masonry he has reached
the thirty-second degree. He is vice-president
of the Mutual Benefit Association of the village
and among the foremost citizens of the place,
toward the prosperity of which he has largely
contributed. In 1883 he married Miss Paulina,
daughter of J. D. Rosenberg, of New York City,
and thev have one of the most elegant homes in
Hempstead.

JOSIAH L. PEARSALL, proprietor of the
Orchard House at Roslyn, and superinten
dent of the poor of Queens County, was born
March 4, 1843, in the village of Roslyn, which has
always been his home. His father, Jacob Pear
sall, was a son of Uriah Pearsall. The latter's
father was the founder of the family on Long
Island and an extensive land owner, the village
of Pearsall's being named in his honor. The old
homestead is now the property of Treadwell Pear
sall, a cousin of our subject. After his marriage
to Mary Lugar, our subject's father moved to
Roslyn and engaged in cabinet making, in com
pany with Henry Wilson, until his death in 1846.
He left eight children, namely: Charles H, a
harness maker at Roslyn; Frances, wife of Kelsie
Kirkpatrick; Huldah, who, after the death of her
first husband, John Murphy, was married to David
Fenton; George, deceased; Alexander, living in

Locust Valley; Jeremiah, deceased; Josiah L.,
and Mary J., wife of James Travers of Roslyn.
Orphaned by his father's death when he was
only three years old, our subject was reared under
the supervision of his mother, who was a woman
of business ability and good judgment. After at
tending the common schools for some years, at
the age of fourteen he began an apprenticeship
under Robert Hegeman, with whom he remained
for three years. Afterward he worked at his trade
with different contractors. Before he was nine
teen he married Mrs. Margaret (Monroe) Rey
nolds, daughter of Andrew Monroe, and widow
of George Reynolds. Soon after his marriage he
enlisted, in February, 1862, as a member of the
Fifteenth New York Engineers and assisted in
laying pontoons at Fredericksburg, remaining
in the service until the close of the war, when he
was mustered out.
Returning home, Mr. Pearsall resumed work
at his trade, which he followed until November,
1875. In 1874 he was elected road master, serv
ing one year, after which he was elected overseer
of the poor for the town of North Hempstead.
In 1875 he was elected to the office of superin
tendent of the poor for the county of Queens for
three years. At the expiration of that time the
office ceasing to be an elective one, he was ap
pointed by the board of supervisors for six con
secutive years. The office then became an elec
tive one, and our subject was elected with an
overwhelming majority and has repeatedly filled
the same position up to the present time. In
1892 he was appointed deputy sheriff and served
for three years in that capacity. During his term
of office he was the recipient of an elegant gold
badge, set with four diamonds, bearing the words
"1892-1895. Josiah L. Pearsall, Under Sheriff of
Queens County," on one side, while on the other
side was inscribed, "Presented to Josiah L. Pearsall
by his friends of the town of North Hempstead,
January 19, 1892." He was also presented with a
badge by the sheriff as a token of appreciation of
his services as first deputy sheriff.
As an official Mr. Pearsall has served the public
faithfully and well and is entitled to the regard of
his acquaintances. Politically a Democrat, he
has been a member of the county central commit
tee for twelve years, and has represented his party
as delegate to the state convention at Saratoga
and other conventions. He was reared in the
Methodist faith, but is not directly connected with
any church. Socially, he is connected with Pro-

668

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F, at Roslyn. In
1875 he took charge of the Orchard House, which
he has since conducted, with the exception of one
year, when he was proprietor of the Mansion
House. Having no children of their own, he and
his wife adopted the orphan children of his sister,
Mrs. Murphy. They are Ida, wife of Joseph Gib
son of Brooklyn, and Jennie, who is still at home.

JOHN F. HAGGERTY, proprietor of the
Central meat market at Hunter's Point,
Long Island City, and member of the Rav
enswood Boat Club, was born in New York City
October 19, 1868, being the only child of Patrick
F. and Annie M. (Hackett) Haggerty. His fath
er, who for a number of years lived in New York,
came to Long Island City in 1891 and has since
resided in Eleventh Street. He is a butcher by
trade and is now proprietor of the Clinton mar
ket on Sixth Avenue and Thirty-ninth Street.
His wife died in this city June 1, 1892.
The subject of this article was reared in New
York City and was given good common-school
advantages, attending Grammar School No. 26,
from which he graduated in 1883. Then begin
ning to work for his father, he gained a knowl
edge of the meat business during the six years
he remained wdth him as an employe. At the
age of twenty-one, in 1889, he was taken into
partnership, and two years later he moved his
home to Long Island City. Dissolving the part
nership with his father in 1893, he started the
Central market at No. 56 Jackson Avenue, buy
ing out the business of William Woodill. Here
he has since engaged in the general retail meat
business with success, and now keeps in use two
wagons for the delivery of goods to his custom
ers. About 1885, soon after the organization of the
Ravenswood Boat Club, he became a member of
it and has since been connected with this well
known organization, having been its lieutenant
for two years. While stroke oar for the four-
oared gig crew, they won nearly every race in
which they engaged, and had the distinction of
beating nine of the best amateur crews in the
country at Philadelphia July 4, 1890. The record
they made then has not since been excelled, ex
cept by themselves. Their best record was on
the Passaic River, in New Jersey, where they es-
tabished a maximum of eight minutes and nine
seconds.

In 1883 Mr. Haggerty became a member of
the Star Athletic Club and for some years took
a leading part in wrestling and athletics, being
for some time the champion of the club both in
boxing and wrestling. In 1889 he competed for
the championship of the United States and won
the distinction in a boxing match in Long Island
City, defeating a number of men from other
places. Among his defeated opponents was Bill
McGarey, of Brooklyn, who for two years had
been the champion light-weight boxer of the
United States, having won in a bout in the Metro
politan Opera House, New York City. In a four-
round bout at the Manhattan Athletic Club, New
York City, Mr. Haggerty won a decided victory
over the middle-weight champion, Charles Kam-
mer, of New York. For three years he was a
member of the Manhattan Athletic Club, and was
one of the original members of the new Manhat
tan Club of New York.

WILLIAM HARDENBROOK. Within
the limits of Jamaica there is probably
no citizen who has met with greater
success than has rewarded the efforts of Mr.
Hardenbrook. His prosperity is not the result
of accident or luck, but has come to him as the
result of indomitable perseverance, wise sagacity
and sound judgment, qualities which almost al
ways bring their fortunate possessor financial
success. Mr. Hardenbrook, who is one of the wealthy
residents of this old village, laid out the avenue
which now bears his name and on which he has
a beautiful home. He was born in the village of
Freeport, this county, June 2, 1810, while his
parents were there visiting friends, although they
were residents of New York City. His father,
Philip Hardenbrook, was of German descent and
a hatter by trade. He did not follow this business
to any extent, however, as he was the owner of
considerable New York property and gave most
of his time to looking after his real estate inter
ests. During the latter years of his life his health
failed and he was advised by his physician to
take a sea voyage. The vessel on which he took
passage was lost at sea with all on board.
Our subject was four or five years of age
when deprived of the care of his father. The
maiden name of his mother /was Mary Turner.
She was a native of New York and the greater
part of her life was spent in Harlem. Besides

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

669

William she had two other sons, Philip and Da
vid, both of whom are now deceased. The sub
ject of this sketch was reared and educated in
Harlem and for a period of thirty years was en
gaged in the butcher business there, during which
time was laid the foundation for his future suc
cess in life. As he could spare his means, he in
vested in Harlem real estate and as the property
increased in value, he made good interest on his
money. Later he became interested in property
in Jamaica, and in 1869 made his permanent
residence in this place.
When locating here Mr. Hardenbrook pur
chased several acres of land, in which Fulton,
now the business street of the village, was in
cluded. Within the past few years he has sub
divided much of his property into lots and
opened up Hardenbrook Avenue, which has be
come one of the most beautiful residence streets
in the village. He has not stopped with merely
opening the street, but has added to its attract
iveness by erecting thereon many large and mod
ern dwellings, which he. never fails to dispose of
as soon as it is learned they are for sale. Prob
ably there is no other citizen of Jamaica whose
name is connected with more progressive enter
prises or whose efforts have more largely pro
moted the material progress of the place than
Mr. Hardenbrook. Although now past eighty-
five years of age, he is quite active and maintains
a general oversight of his large* property inter
ests. In 1845 William Hardenbrook and Miss Hen
rietta Loper were united in marriage. The lat
ter was born in Brooklyn, of which city her par
ents were substantial and prominent residents.
In the fall of 1895 they celebrated their golden
wedding, at which time a large concourse of old-
time friends and acquaintances gathered at their
beautiful home in Hardenbrook Avenue and
offered their congratulations.
To our subject and his estimable wife there
were born eight children, six sons and two
daughters, bearing the respective names of
Philip, Isaac, William, David L., Frederick,
Harry, Ida, and Myra. Isaac is one of the prom-
nent physicians of Jamaica; David L., aside from
looking after his father's large interests in this
place, is engaged in the real estate business on
his own account, having an office in New York
City, Brooklyn, and Jamaica. Frederick is pur
suing his studies in Harvard College. The elder
daughter, Ida, married Theodore B. Willis, a

hardware merchant of Brooklyn and commis
sioner of public works, and the other daughter
is unmarried and at home with her parents.
Harry departed this life when twenty-eight years
of age, leaving a wife, who has since married.
Prior to the late war our subject voted for
Democratic candidates. Now, however, he is a
stanch supporter of Republican principles and
candidates.

CHARLIE PIEINBOCKEL, whose home
is at Woodside, is manager of the Con
sumers' Brewing Company, of Brooklyn,
in which he owns the controlling interest. As his
name indicates, he is a German, and was born
in Hanover in March, 1847. His parents were
Henry and Maggie (Engelke) Heinbockel, and
their household included four members besides
Charlie, who was the youngest born. Diederich
is his only son, besides our subject, now living.
Henry Heinbockel was born in the year 1814
in Hanover, where he was trained to mature
years. After obtaining his education he learned
the trade of a butcher, which he followed success
fully until his death, when sixty-seven years of
age. At all times he gave his close and undivided
attention to his business and the purchaser was
always sure to find first-class goods at his mar
ket and receive courteous treatment.
Our subject acquired his education in the high
schools of Germany and when eighteen years of
age bade farewell to his relatives and friends and
emigrated to America, landing in New York City
August 21, 1865. He found no difficulty in se
curing a position, and for the first three months
was employed by Fisher & Bro, distillers. Later
he went to work for his brother, John F., who was
at that time engaged in the wholesale liquor busi
ness on the corner of Fulton and Hicks Streets,
Brooklyn, and three years later accepted the
agency of the Charles C. Clausen Brewery of
New York, his territory being Kings County.
After some five years spent in the employ of this
company he resigned, transferring his allegiance
to the Henry Clausen Sons Brewing Company,
and acting as their Kings County agent for sev
enteen years.
In 1890 Mr. Heinbockel became one of the
leading spirits in the organization of the North
American Brewing Company of Brooklyn, of
which he was made president. After two years
he disposed of his interest in this concern and es-

670

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tablished the Consumers' Brewing Company, also
of that city, of which he owns the controlling in
terest and is general manager.
In 1873 Mr- Heinbockel was married to Miss
Anna Roggenkamp, a native of Germany. Their
union was blessed by the birth of two children,
of whom. John F. is the only survivor. He is a
bright young man of twenty years and is at pres
ent acting in the capacity of bookkeeper for the
brewing company. Our subject is a Mason of
high standing, belonging to Allemania Lodge
No. 740, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn. He is also a
Knight of Honor, and holds membership with
Allemania Lodge No. 21 14. Die Knights of
Pythias claim him as one of the influential mem
bers and he has been associated with Manhattan
Lodge No. 130 for some time. For a period of
eleven years he was captain and is now major of
the Brooklyn E. D. Schuetzen Company. He be
longs to the Lamsteder Society of New York
and the Piatt Deutclier Volkfest Verein of Brook
lyn, of which he was one of the organizers, and
for two years its president. Mr. Heinbockel was
also instrumental in the building of the new Ger
man hospital in St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn,
and is one of the board of directors. He is quite
a musician and meets with the Arion Singing So
ciety of Long Island City. In the volunteer fire
department of Corona he is assistant foreman,
and in various other ways aids in promoting the
best interests of his county. A true Christian
gentleman he is a worthy member of St. Paul's
German Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. Politi
cally he is independent in his views and is not
tied to any particular body of platform.

FRANCIS F.WILSON. The value of a cit
izen to any community is not marked
merely by his learning or the success which
has attended his efforts in his business or profes
sional undertakings but also by his character in
public and private life, his honorable adherence
to all that is good and pure, by his personal in
tegrity, and by the interest he has taken in the
welfare of his section. An honorable and public
spirited resident of Rockville Center is Francis
F. Wilson, who has made his home here for many
years. Mr. Wilson is a native of Brooklyn, N.
Y., born in 1844, and a son of James L. and Jane
M. (Humphries) Wilson, both natives of New
York City. The father was a sea-captain on the
old Black Ball Line, which he served for many

years, or up to the time of his death in 1854. He
was a man who attended strictly to his business
and whose uprightness and honesty were well
known. His wife preceded him to the grave,
dying in 1847, when Francis was but three years
old. The youthful days of our subject were passed
in New York City, and he graduated from Col
umbia College of that city in 1865. While in col
lege Mr. Wilson was a member of the Twenty-
second Regiment, New York State Militia, and
during the Civil War this regiment was called out
for three months' service, and later for thirty days'
service. Subsequently he enlisted in Company
A, Thirty-seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infan
try, and was mustered in at Trenton in 1864, serv
ing four months, the term of his enlistment. Dur
ing his career as a soldier he participated in the
siege of Petersburg and several skirmishes, and
was mustered out a non-commissioned officer.
Returning from the war to New York City he
entered Anthon Grammar School of that place as
assistant teacher, and served in that capacity and
vice-principal for twelve years.
Some time later Mr. Wilson opened a college
preparatory school in the Empire City at No. 622
Fifth Avenue, and has conducted the same from
that time up to the present. His reputation as
an educator is well known and firmly established.
In the year 1882 he removed to Rockville Center
and has made *his home in this thriving village
since. He came here with the thought of spend
ing about three months, but, seeing the need of
improvements, decided to locate permanently,
and has since been identified with even- public
enterprise of importance. Always deeply inter
ested in educational matters, his first and main
step was to build up the school, which was car
ried on in an ordinary wooden structure of one
room, where sixty or seventy pupils were accom
modated. Owing to his perseverance there is
now a commodious $18,000 structure in use.
There is also in process of erection a $15,000
building, and the two buildings will require the
services of eighteen teachers.
Mr. Wilson has been persistent in his efforts
and is justly proud of his success. He is also one
of the founders of the Episcopal Church at Rock
ville Center and put a motion on foot to erect the
present edifice, which cost $7,000. He has also
established an iron fencing business at this place,
which is known as the eastern branch of the Ohio
Fence Company, and wdiich is carried on bv his

J. ADRIAN DITMIS.

JOHN DITMIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

675

sons, Francis F., Jr., and Frederick L. Mr. Wil
son has a commodious residence in the village of
Rockville Center, presided over by his estimable
wife, formerly Miss Sarah Marsh, daughter of
William R. Marsh. Of their marriage, which was
solemnized in 1865, four children survive: Fran
cis F., Jr., Enid, Helen Louise and Frederick L.
The family are identified with the Episcopal
Church and Mr. Wilson is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. Although not an active
politician, he is a progressive citizen and has
served as president of the board of education
since 1884. He is president of the public library
of Rockville Center and was one of the first direc
tors of the Bank of Rockville Center, and is a
director in the same at the present time.

J ADRIAN DITMIS is a member of an
old family of Queens County, whose rep-
• resentatives for successive generations
have been known for their ability as financiers and
agriculturists. The farm which he owns is one of
the best cultivated in the town of Jamaica and
the valuable improvements to be found upon it*
have been placed there under his immediate
supervision since he became the owner. An air
of thrift pervades the place and speaks much for
his intelligent oversight of the property.
The father of our subject, Dow I. Ditmis, was
for years one of the respected residents of this
community and was engaged in agricultural pur
suits throughout life. An account of his life, as
well as a sketch of that of his father, John Ditmis,
will be found in the biography of George O. Dit
mis, brother of J. Adrian of this sketch. Our
subject was born in Manhasset, L. I., December
31, 1824, and was a child of six years when his
parents settled upon the farm, a portion of which
he now owns and occupies. As regularly as pos
sible he attended the schools taught in this dis
trict and also was a student in Union Hall Acad
emy at Jamaica. By the careful perusal of good
books and periodicals he has become well in
formed along general lines of thought. On the
death of his father a portion of the estate fell to
him, and this he has since cultivated with marked
success. Although at all times interested in the growth
and development of the town of Jamaica, Mr.
Ditmis has never sought to hold office, prefer
ring to give his undivided attention to his pri
vate affairs. Politically he generally supports
27

the candidates of the Republican party. He is
a strong believer in the' idea of protection for
American industries, which platform furnishes
the keynote of prosperity among our working-
men. In religious connection he is a member
of the Reformed Church at Queens and holds the
office of an elder in the congregation.
The marriage of Mr. Ditmis to Miss Helen
W. Stoothoff of Jamaica took place June 1, 1859,
and was one of mutual happiness and helpfulness
until the death of the wife, October 29, 1868.
Two children blessed their union, of whom Sarah
C. remains with her father, presiding over the
old homestead; Helen W. married Charles Van
derveer, a farmer owning a pleasant home on
the plank road in the town of Jamaica, and they
have two children, Sarah and Charles.
Accompanying this sketch will be found, in
connection with the portrait of our subject, that
of his brother, John Ditmis, who was a life-long
resident of the home farm, and after arriving at
mature years made his home with J. Adrian. He
died, unmarried, January 14, 1893.

FRANK ELLSWORTH HAFF, superin
tendent of stations and general car agent
of the Long Island Railroad Company,
now makes his home in Hunter's Point. May 10,
1862, he was born in Islip, Suffolk County, where
his father" Capt. Albert S. Haff, was also born.
Grandfather Henry Coleman Haff was also a sea
captain and like his son and grandson was born
in Suffolk County. He was the owner of a vessel
and was engaged in the coasting trade for many
years. He was lost with his vessel, which was
wrecked at Port Royal, off the coast of North
Carolina, in July, 1842.
The Haff family was first represented in this
country by four brothers who came from Hol
land early in the eighteenth century, and made
settlement in the southern portion of New York
City. Capt. Henry C. Haff married Miss Erne-
line, daughter of Henry Clock, of Islip. His
father, the great-grandfather of our subject, was
also born in Suffolk County, where he followed
farming all his life. Capt. Plenry C. Haff, brother
of Capt. Albert S., is known all over America and
Europe as the captain of the yacht "Defender;"
he makes his home at Islip.
The father of our subject passed the first nine
years of his life in Islip, and then carried on a
farm for four vears. When a lad of thirteen he

676

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

went to sea as cook and worked his way up from
the humble position to be owner of a vessel. At
one time he was commander of a government
boat which landed troops at Port Royal. His
winters were spent in the coasting trade, but dur
ing the summer months he had charge of yachts,
many of them his own. His first yacht which
was successful in a race was named "Eva," while
the "Evelyn" was equally successful in the two
races in which she was entered. After many
years spent before the mast Capt. Albert S. Haff
retired from this kind of life, and in December,
1890, removed to Long Island City and became
policeman in the depot of the railroad company.
After holding this position for three years he
was made doorkeeper.
Our subject's mother, formerly Miss Sarah
Wade, a native of New Jersey, was of Scotch and
English descent. The parental family comprised
three sons, namely: Frank E., of this history;
Albert S., Jr., a resident of Babylon; and Selah
S., who makes his home in Long Island City.
The father of this family, after retiring from life
on the sea, became prominent in public affairs,
and while living in Islip was constable for one
year. Socially he was a mason of high rank, be
longing to Meridian Lodge No. 691, of Islip.
Frank E., of this history, was given a good
education, attending the public schools of his
native place until about nineteen years of age.
He then entered the employ of the Long Island
Railroad Company as telegraph operator, being
stationed first at Babylon, and six months later
was removed to Islip, where the duties of agent
were added to his other charge. Four years
thereafter he came to Long Island City as chief
clerk in the roadway department, holding this
position until 1889, when he became secretary to
the general superintendent. In the year 1891
he was appointed general car agent, and in 1893
was made superintendent of stations, both of
which positions he is filling most acceptably at
the present time.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Ursula,
daughter of G. S. and Ursula Taylor, occurred in
Babylon in 1885. Mr. Taylor is one of the prom
inent residents of Babylon, where for many years
he has been engaged in the manufacture of mould
ings and mill material. Their union has resulted
in the birth of two sons, Raymond Ellsworth and
Frank Ellsworth, Jr.
Politically Mr. Haff is a true-blue Republican,
and has been a member of the general committee.

He belongs to the New York Railroad Club, the
International Association of Car Accountants, has
been a member of the committee of management
of the Mutual Relief Association of Long Island
Railroad Employes for the past six years and is
connected with the Long Island Railroad Branch
of Brooklyn Young Men's Christian Associa
tion, of which he is chairman. Mr. Haff is also
a working member of the East Avenue Baptist
Church, although by faith he is a Presbyterian.
There being no denomination of that kind here
he has united with the Baptist Church and does
what he can to further the good work in this com
munity. While residing in Islip he was superin
tendent of the Sunday-school. With his family
he resides in a very pleasant home at No. 170
Eleventh Street and is very justly regarded as
one of the prominent residents of Hunter's Point.

BENJAMIN WOOLLEY, who is one of the
well-to-do and influential farmers of Little
Neck, comes of one of the earliest families
on Long Island, and was born at Great Neck in
December, 1828. As one of the oldest residents
of the town of Flushing, he receives and deserves
the respect of a large circle of friends and ac
quaintances. Our subject is the son of John and Jane (Peters)
Woolley, to whom there were granted four chil
dren, and of these Benjamin and Susan J., who
is still single, are the only survivors. John Wool-
ley was also born at Great Neck, and spent his
entire life upon the farm where our subject first
saw the light. He was one of the substantial
farmers of this locality and during his last years
enjoyed to the fullest extent the fruits of an hon
est, hardworking and upright life. His good wife
survived him many years, living to be nearly one
hundred years old, and retained the full posses
sion of all her faculties.
The subject of this sketch attended the schools
which were taught near his home, and by apply
ing himself constantly to his studies became well
informed. He remained at home with his par
ents, assisting in operating the farm until nine
teen years of age, when he established a home of
his own. He was married to Miss Margaretta
Allen and the young couple began life together
on the farm in Little Neck, which has since been
in the possession of Mr. Woolley. It contains
fifty-six acres and is most beautifully located,
overlooking the bay and sound.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

677

On the death of his first wife our subject chose
for his companion Miss Mary W. Hewlett, their
marriage occurring in 1880. She is a most esti
mable lady and, like her worthy husband, is well
educated. Mr. Woolley is a warm advocate of
Republican principles and never lets an oppor
tunity pass when he can cast a vote in support
of its candidates. Both himself and wife are mem
bers of the Episcopal Church, and are very justly
classed among the best residents of the county.

LOLTIS MULOT, M. D. The profession of
the physician and surgeon is one that has
drawn to it at all periods of its history the
brightest and most upright of men, and prom
inent in this respect is Dr. Louis Mulct, whose
cheerful confidence in the sick-room is often as
potent as his medicines, and he is at all times a
student in his profession, ever grasping after new
truths in science. He keeps himself thoroughly
posted in his profession, his diagnoses being al
most instantaneous and very seldom incorrect.
Since the year 1872 he has been practicing in.
Long Island City and is one of the oldest and
most successful physicians here. The Doctor
was born in Germany May 18, 1820, and comes of
old French Huguenot stock, his ancestors being
obliged to leave France on account of religious
persecutions. The parents of our subject, Ettigen George
and Elizabeth (Bouchat) Mulot, were natives of
Germany and of prominent Huguenot families
there. The former followed the hatter's trade,
and both he and his wife were members of the
Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mulot's father, Jean
Bouchat, was a French Huguenot, and for many-
years followed the hatter's trade. During the
latter part of their lives Mr. and Mrs. Mulot came
to America, made their homes with our subject,
and both died in New York City when seventy-
six years old.
Our subject, the only child of his parents, was
reared in Rodenburg, Germany, received his pri
mary education in the schools of that city, and
when sixteen years old entered the University
of Marburg, where he completed the classical
course. Following that he entered the medical
department of that institution and was in his
senior year when the revolution of 1848 occurred.
Rather than be subject to military duty, he left his
studies and crossed the ocean to New York City,
where he landed in June of that year. He imme

diately entered the medical department of the
University of New York City and graduated with
the degree of M. D. in 1852. Afterward he con
tinued to practice his profession in the Empire
City, on the east side of St. Mark's Place, until
1872, when he located in Long Island City, at
No. 8 North Henry Street.
In 1875, when Mrs. Ottendorfur started her
Isabella Home for Old Ladies, Dr. Mulot was
made the house physician and continued as such
until 1889, when he removed this institution to
New York City. Since his residence here the
Doctor has been engaged in the general practice
of his profession and has met with more than
ordinary success, having built up an extensive
practice. He was a member of the New York
Medico-Legal Society, and for one term was
health officer of Long Island City. Socially he
is a member of the Germania Lodge No. 182,
K. T., of New York City, and is a charter mem
ber of Enterprise Lodge No. 769, K. P., Astoria.
He is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church
at Astoria, and in politics is an ardent supporter
of Democratic principles.
Dr. Mulot was married in New York City in
1864 to Miss Martha Hortmeyer, born near Stutt
gart, Germany, and the daughter of John W.
B. Hortmeyer, who was a business man of New
York, and who came of a wealthy German fam
ily. He died in Brooklyn when eighty-six years
old. To Dr. and Mrs. Mulot have been born
two children, Emil I., a druggist in Tama City,
Iowa, and Otto Louis, a graduate of the medical
department of the University of New York and
now a prominent practitioner of Long Island
City.

A LEXANDER GRADY, foreman of Hook
f\ and Ladder Company No. 2, of Long Is-
-* *- land City, is one of the oldest firemen in
the city, being the first foreman appointed here.
He is well known for his bravery and fearlessness
in time of danger and his many narrow escapes
from death seem only to have made him the
more daring. Mr. Grady is a native of New Jer
sey, born in Lambertville, Hunterdon County,
October 15, 1853, and the son of Patrick and
Mary Grady, the latter of whom died in New
Jersey early in life. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Grady, but of these only our sub
ject and his sister, Catherine Wright, now sur
vive. After the death of his wife Mr. Grady mar-

678

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ried again, but the only child born of this union
is now deceased. Mr. Grady was a contractor
for tar roofing and for many years resided in
Trenton, N. J. He carried on business until his
death, on the nth of April, 1895, when seventy-
two years old.
Our subject grew to mature years in his native
state, receiving the rudiments of an education in
Lambertville, but finished in Trenton, where he
had good educational advantages. He was ap
prenticed to a pressed brick maker until 1877,
and on the 9th of August of that year he came to
Long Island City, where he entered the employ
of the Standard Oil Company, holding a position
in the refining department. Later he resigned
this to enter the fire department as fireman. He
assisted in organizing Engine No. 5, and early in
1890 was elected its first foreman, holding that
position until it disbanded. In 1891, when the
fire department was organized, he was appointed
foreman of Engine No. 1, on the 12th of Febru
ary, and was the first foreman appointed in the
department. He was first foreman of Engine
Company No. 1 at No. 24 Vernon Avenue, and
held that until No. 1 engine was taken to its new
quarters. No. 103 Jackson Avenue. He remained
there until transferred to Hook and Ladder Com
pany No. 2, February 1, 1895. He devotes all
his time to the fire department. Socially he is a
member of the American Firemen, Long Island
City Council No. 17, and is also in the benevo
lent association of the same. Politically he is a
Democrat.

FREDERICK LEVENSON GREEN is a
member of the firm of Green & Son arid is
one of the most popular young business
men of Astoria, Long Island City, L. I. His
father, John Green, was a native of London, Eng
land, and there grew to mature years. He first
started out for himself as clerk in the perfumery
house of Price & Co., and the business was con
ducted on the site of the present headquarters of
the Royal Insurance Company, London, but had
no connection with that company.
In 1866 the father came to America with his
family, all except our subject, and settled in As
toria, L. I., and he engaged in the general insur
ance business, first with the Lancashire Com
pany, but later with the Royal, remaining with
the latter until his death, in New York City, in
1892. He was a member of St. George's Society

and was but fifty-four years old at the time of
his death. He started the business which his son
now carries on in 1873, in connection with the
Astoria business, and it has been carried on very
successfully since. His cousin, E. H. Oldfield, is
a noted and very popular man and is decorator
for Queen Victoria. The father of our subject
was vestryman in the Church of the Redeemer,
Astoria, L. I., for some time. He married Miss
Elizabeth J. Green, who, though bearing the same
name, was not a relative. She was born in Lon
don, England, and three of their five children are
living at the present time. Arthur is in the em
ploy of the Royal Insurance Company, and Har
old G. is attending school.
Frederick L. Green was born in London, Eng
land, May 5, 1865, and in 1869 he joined his par
ents in Astoria, L. I. He secured his education
in Trinity School, New York City, and gradu
ated from that institution in 1880, when fifteen
years old. He then began working for his father,
commencing at the bottom, and by his excellent
business acumen and upright career soon reached
the top. In 1889, on account of his father's ill
health, young Green assumed charge of the busi
ness. Disposing of the Astoria branch to Mr. Thomp
son, who had been with his father for ten years,
our subject took charge of the New York office,
and now represents eight of the most prominent
companies in the world, viz.: Royal, Hartford,
Insurance Company of North America, British
America, Western of Toronto, Agricultural of
New York, Security of New Haven, Conn., and
Broadway of New York. Mr. Green has very
pleasant offices at No. 152 East Twenty-third
Street and devotes all his time to this business,
which is steadily growing under his able and con
servative management, and sustains a high rep
utation in the community. Plis long and success
ful career speaks volumes in favor of the busi
ness, and recommends it more highly than mere
words ever can.
Mr. Green was married in Astoria, in the
Church ofthe Redeemer, by the rector, Dr. Coop
er, to Miss Blanche Field, a native of Boston,
Mass., and daughter of Floyd T. Field, who is
now government official of New York City. Her
grandfather, Robert Field, was for years vice-
president of the Bowery Savings Bank and presi
dent of the board of directors of the Mer
chants and Traders Bank of New York. Mr.
Green is a member of Hook and Ladder

GEORGE W. BERGEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

68 1

Company No. I and was its secretary for
some time. In 1896 he received the appointment
of fire commissioner. He is also a member of the
American Legion of Honor, of which he was
secretary for some time, and is vestryman in the
Church of the Redeemer. He was one of the first
boys in the vested choir of that church when it
was first started, and remained there for fifteen
years. Pie has much more than ordinary musical
ability and for three years had charge of the choir.
For two years he was solo tenor in All Angels
Church, New York. In 1882 he made a trip to
London, England, and made a business trip there
again in 1894.

GEORGE W. BERGEN. The wholesale
and retail grocery trade occupies a very
important position in the commerce of a
thriving city, because this department of business
includes nearly every necessary article of food,
among which are the products of almost every
country in the world. One of the prominent and
popular business men of Freeport, L. I., is George
W. Bergen, who is engaged in the wholesale gro
cery business in Brooklyn, N. Y., under the firm
name of Valentine, Bergen & Co. The members
of this firm are leading business men of that city,
and the large establishment is carried on by
George P. Bergen, the son of our subject. Mr.
Valentine is now deceased.
George W. Bergen was born on the present site
of Brooklyn, in 1814, and is a son of John and
Johanna (Wycoff) Bergen, natives of Long Is
land, where most of their lives were passed. The
father, who was a tiller of the soil, spent a number
of years in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, dying in
the latter state. He was a quiet, well respected
citizen. His estimable wife died in Long Island.
During his early life George W. Bergen had lim
ited educational advantages. From the age of
fifteen to seventeen he resided with an uncle at
New Lots, now a part of Brooklyn. At the latter
age he was employed as clerk in the wholesale and
retail grocery house of Thomas Carman, which
was located in Fulton Street, nearly opposite the
present store of Valentine, Bergen & Co. He
was with this firm nearly two years. Later, in
1835, he and his brother engaged in the grocery
business in that city, but one year later George
sold out and went to Vicksburg, Miss., where he
engaged in the retail grocery business with a
brother who was located there. Eighteen months

later Mr. Bergen withdrew from the firm and in
1838 returned to Brooklyn, where he purchased
the business of Thomas Carman, who subse
quently became his father-in-law.
This business has since been successfully con
ducted under the firm name of Valentine, Bergen
& Co. It is one of the leading wholesale enter
prises in Brooklyn and is carried on by George P.
Bergen since the death of Mr. Valentine. While
quite active for his years, our subject only visits
his place of business two or three times a week.
He came to Freeport in 1869, previous to which
he had made his home in Brooklyn for many
years. His home in Freeport is a beautiful one
and is kept in a most exemplary condition by his
excellent wife, formerly Miss Susan Carman,
daughter of Thomas Carman,' who was a promi
nent citizen of Freeport. Mr. and Mrs. Bergen
celebrated their nuptials in 1838, and four children
were born to this union. Those living are Eliza
beth C, wife of Horace D. Badger of Brooklyn;
George P., a citizen of Freeport and his father's
partner in business; and Anna V., wife of Horace
Secor, Jr., who is a prominent attorney of New
York City, but a resident of Freeport. One son,
Charles M., is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Bergen are members of the Pres
byterian Church, in which he is a trustee and an
elder. In politics he has been a life-long Repub
lican and in the '70s was elected county treasurer
of Queens County, which responsible position he
filled in a most efficient manner for three years.
He is a director of the Brooklyn City Railroad
Company, the Dime Savings Bank and the Brook
lyn Bank, the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company
of New York and Brooklyn, and the only origin
al director now on the board, also a director in
the Nassau Fire Insurance Company of Brooklyn.
He has ever been upright and conscientious in
business matters, has been unusually prosperous,
and is richer and better for the experience that
each decade has brought him.

[VI

ARTIN FLEISCHER, JR. In all ages
of the world industry, perseverance and
energy, where intelligently applied, have
achieved results which could only have been
gained by having one end in view, and by im
proving every opportunity of ultimately attaining
that object. Mr. Fleischer is an example of what
can be accomplished when the spirit of determin
ation is exercised in connection with the every-

682

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

day affairs of life. He is at present a member of
the board of health, and although young in years,
takes a prominent place among the representa
tive men of the county. He was born in New-
York City in 1862, and is a son Of Martin Fleisch
er, Sr., who was born on the Rhine, in Germany,
and who now lives retired in New York City,
where he was a prominent furniture dealer. Dur
ing the Civil War he was in the Fifth New York
Volunteers, and was wounded while in service.
The grandfather, George Fleischer, came to
America at an early date, and died from an acci
dent when eighty-seven years old. The mother
of our subject, Elenora (Vogel) Fleischer, was
also a native of Germany.
Of the eight children comprising the parental
family, seven are living at the present time. Mar
tin, the fifth in order of birth, was thoroughly
educated in the schools of New York City, and
when twelve years old began learning the piano
maker's trade with Decker Brothers. He finished
his trade with the J. & C. Fischer piano works
and subsequently began working in the varnish
ing department of the piano works of E. H. Mc-
Keown as contractor and superintendent. After
wards the business came under the control of S.
T. Gordon and he continued with him as super
intendent for some time. Later he became var
nish contractor for the Kroeger Company, and
was thus occupied until January, 1896. For' the
past twenty years he has been connected with
piano works.
In the month of April, 1889, Mr. Fleischer
moved to Long Island City, and in 1894 bought
a fine place in Ninth Avenue. He was married
in New York City to Miss Margaret Nicolai, a
native of New York City, and the daughter of
Edward Nicolai, who was born in Prussia and
who was an iron worker by trade. Pie died in
New York City. His wife, formerly Miss Eva
Reib, was born on the Rhine and now resides in
New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleischer
were born six children, four of whom are living
at the present time, viz.: George, Eva, Edward
and Wilhelmina. In the year 1893 Mr. Fleischer
was appointed a member of the board of health
by Mayor Sanford. His term expired in March,
1895, and he was reappointed for three years.
He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent
Legion of Long Island City, and of the Knights
and Ladies of Honor, Concordia Lodge No. 290,
New York City. Mrs. Fleischer has also been
a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor

for eight years and is a lady of more than ordi
nary attainments. Mr. Fleischer is a firm be
liever in the principles of the Democratic party
and takes an active part in its affairs. He is a
member of the Democratic general committee of
Long Island City and was a delegate to the city
convention.

J'

UDGE JOHN MAYNARD ¦ KISSAM, of
Queens, justice of the peace, notary public,
collector of the school board and treasurer
of the Queens fire department, is recognized as
one of the successful young business men of the
county, and while he is being prospered from a
personal standpoint, his views are so broad that
every just and commendable enterprise having in
view the material and moral welfare of the com
munity meets with all the encouragement it is in
his power to grant.
The third in order of birth among six children,
the subject of this notice was born in the town of
Flushing August 15, 1865, being a son of John
R. and E. Amanda (Remsen) Kissam. His sur
viving sisters and brothers are as follows: Elea
nor A., widow of Wright P. Foster, and mother
of one child; Carrie Ethel; Richard A.; and Wil
liam A., a student of the New York Law College.
The father, also a native of the town of Flushing,
grew to manhood upon a farm here and choosing
the calling with which he was most familiar, en
gaged in agricultural pursuits for some years.
In 1875 he came to Queens, where he has since
lived in retirement from active business cares.
After completing the studies of the common
school at Queens, our subject entered Brown's
College in Brooklyn, where he remained until
graduating, in 1882. Later he accepted a position
with the Imperial Insurance Company of New
York, but in January, 1886, severed his connec
tion with that concern in order to accept a posi
tion with the Lancashire Insurance Company.
January 1, 1889, he resigned that position and
soon afterward formed a partnership with George
W. Douglas, the two carrying on an insurance
business in New York. The partnership, how
ever, was dissolved in October of the same year,
and he returned to Queens, the home of his par
ents, but continued in business in New York,
where he had an office at No. 1 1 Pine Street. In
1893 he opened a real estate and insurance office
in Queens, and has since divided his time between
his office here and that in New York City.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

683

There is probably no citizen of Queens who
takes a more active part in its local affairs than
does the subject of this sketch. In July, 1891,
he was made a member of the school board. Two
years later he was appointed notary public under
Roswell P. Flower, and in 1894 he was chosen on
the Republican ticket to fill the office of justice of
the peace. In spite of the fact that the town is
strongly Democratic and the office was unsought
by him, he was elected by a majority of nine hun
dred and thirty-five, while the head of the ticket
was defeated. In January, 1894, he was elected
to the office of treasurer of the Queens fire de
partment. Socially Judge Kissam is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arcanum and the
Shield of Honor Lodge, of which he is past mas
ter. In 1894 he organized the Queens Council
of the Legion of Honor and was elected to fill
the chair of commander; at present he is serving
as past commander. A lover of all sports, he is
manager of the Queens Athletic Club, which is
a flourishing institution. His activity, keen fore
sight, tenacity of purpose and skill in carrying
out his plans, have made him successful in life,
and in no small degree have contributed to the
material prosperity of the village and town. He
has shown much enterprise in his affairs and is
prudent and cautious in his dealings, but at the
same time energetic and wide-awake in all his
transactions. His excellent citizenship, his in
terest in all that will tend to promote the material
prosperity and the intellectual status of society,
make him a valued member of the community in
which he wields a decided influence.

GEORGE WIGLE, a contractor and build
er at Mineola, was born in Byron, Ger
many, in 1861, being a son of John and
Barbara (Wigle) Wigle After the death of his
father, he accompanied his widowed mother to
the United States and settled at Bloomingdale,
N. Y., but after a short sojourn there they moved
to Valley Stream, Queens County. In that place
she was again married, becoming the wife of
Anthony Ernst. By her first union she had only
one child, while of her second marriage two
daughters were born, Teresa and Annie, Mrs.
John S. Lipps.
In 1883 the subject of this sketch entered upon
a three years' apprenticeship with Charles Mar
shall of Washington Square, and for a number

of years after the expiration of his term of ser
vice he followed his trade. In 1888 he came to
Mineola, where he has gradually worked up an
extensive business as a contractor and builder,
his patronage not being limited to this village,
but covering a territory of forty miles around.
Among his important contracts were a large
residence for E. D. Warren at East Williston
and the grand stand on the Mineola fair ground.
The number of his employes varies with the
amount of work on hand, and at times he has as
many as sixty men on his force. Through his
efficient discharge of every duty, he has earned
the reputation of doing thorough and first-class
work. It is always his desire to satisfy the other
party to the contract, and he spares no pains to
have the results in every detail accurate and neat.
Politically Mr. Wigle gives his vote to the
Democratic party. He is identified with the Odd
Fellows, belonging to Protection Lodge No. 151.
In the Royal Arcanum at Floral Park he is a
charter and active member, and also trustee.
Since 1891 he has been connected with the
Mineola Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. In
March, 1884, he was united in marriage with
Mary F., daughter of J. C. Keisel, of Franklin
Square. Their family consists of four children:
George C, J. Alex, Anna L. and John S.

JOHN P. VAN WICKEL was born August
4, 1862, in the house at Corona where he
still makes his home. On the paternal side
he is of Holland-Dutch descent, being a member
of a family honorably known in that country.
His great-grandfather, David Van Wickel, with
two brothers, immigrated from Holland to Amer
ica, one settling in New Jersey, one in Connecti
cut, and David taking up his abode on Long
Island, where he married Dorothy Leverich Mc-
Donough. His life occupation was that of a
farmer, and he owned land now included within
the central portion of Corona.
The father of our subject, John Van Wickel,
was a lifelong resident of Newtown (now called
Corona) and was a man well and favorably known
throughout the community. At one time he was
a member of the local militia, but as a rule he did
not participate actively in public affairs, his retir
ing disposition rendering him averse to promi
nence. He was greatly interested in religious
-and educational matters, and for thirty years was
treasurer and collector for the public school.

684

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The policy adopted by the Republican party
always received his co-operation and warm alle
giance, and he invariably cast his ballot for candi
dates on that ticket. In youth he attended the
Episcopal Church and was reared in that faith,
but later, at its inception, he became identified
with the Union Evangelical Church, in which he
served as elder and trustee until his death in July,
1892, at the age of seventy. His wife, Elizabeth
Mander Patterson, a native of England, came to
America with her parents and other members of
her family and settled in New York City. She
later removed to Newtown, where she met and
was married to John Van Wickel.
The eldest of three children, our subject spent
his boyhood years in Corona, where he attended
the public schools until completing the course of
study given there. Plis entire life has been
passed in the place of his birth, nor has he been
away from here for a longer period than ten days,
his trip on that occasion being a pleasure excur
sion along the island in the sound. Notwith
standing the fact that he has traveled little, he is
a man of culture and refinement, having gained
through reading a thorough knowledge of his
tory and current literature. His brother, David
L., is, like himself, unmarried, but spends his
time in travel. The other brother, Charles A.,
who is married and has a daughter, Florence Es-
telle, resides on the old homestead with our sub
ject and his mother.
In his political opinions Mr. Van Wickel fol
lows the teachings of his father, and is a stanch
Republican, giving his influence and vote to the
men and measures advocated by this party. He
is a member of the Union Evangelical Church,
of which his parents were among the original
founders, and has been librarian in the Sunday-
school for eleven years. For two years he served
as financial secretary of the fire company. He
gives his attention to the cultivation of the prop
erty formerly owned by his father, and is num
bered among the energetic young farmers of
the vicinity.

ALBION K. P. DENNETT, who for many
years prior to his decease was one of the
most influential citizens of Flushing, was
born in Lyman, Me., August 9, 1827. The fam
ily has been identified with the history of Maine
since the days of early pioneer settlements, when
the first of the name in this country emigrated

from England. Through succeeding genera
tions agriculture has been the principal occupa
tion of the family. They have been conspicuous
for bravery in war and patriotism in civic affairs.
Our subject's grandfather, Joseph Dennett, a
native of Maine, was one of those brave men who
endured hardships and braved obstacles seem
ingly ^insurmountable, in order to gain indepen
dence for the colonies. His services in the Revo
lutionary War entitle him to the respect of every
patriot. The father of our subject, Jesse Dennett, was
born in Maine, and married Ann Hooper, also
a native of that state. He followed agricultural
operations for many years, and subsequently
moved to New York City, where he engaged in
the ice business with our subject. He died about
1858 at the home of his son. Of his
children our subject was third in order of birth.
He remained on the farm until he was about
twenty-one, when he went to New York and
became an employe of the Knickerbocker Ice
Company, gradually working his way up until
he became a stockholder in the concern. Later,
locating in Thirty-first Street, he engaged in the
ice business on his own account.
Coming to Flushing in 1868, Mr. Dennett
bought out John Willet's ice business and Kis-
sena Lake, and afterward carried on a large trade
in this locality. For some time he was trustee
of the village and for two years was president
of the board. While holding this position he was
largely instrumental in introducing the water
works in Flushing, and later served as super
visor of the town of Flushing for about three
years. He was made a Mason in New York,
and was long an active member of Cornucopia
Lodge in Flushing, also belonged to Pentalpha
Chapter. For years he was trustee and leader of
the choir in the Baptist Church, and at the tinr*
of his demise held the position of president of the
board of trustees. At the time of the erection of
the church he was a member of the building com
mittee. Several times he represented his party —
the Republican — as a delegate to county and state
conventions. He was a member of the Twelfth
Regiment of the New York National Guard and
served as first lieutenant of his company, which
was called to Washington for three months at
the time of the war.
In New York Mr. Dennett married Miss Jane
M. Smith, who was born in Rensselaer County,
N. Y., being a daughter of Ira and Lois (Allen)

GEORGE WALLACE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

687

Smith, natives of Petersburg, that county. Her
father, who was a farmer, died at the age of sixty-
three; her mother, who was the daughter of
William Allen, a farmer of Rensselaer County,
died there at the age of forty-seven. Of their
five children, three are living,vMrs. Dennett being
third in order of birth. Her childhood years
were spent in Petersburg, and she was trained,
under the wise counsel of her parents for the
responsibilities which future years brought to
her. A member of the Baptist Church, she is an
active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society, and
has taken a warm interest in all measures for the
benefit of the denomination. Her only child,
Grace D., is the wife of W. T. James, who is
manager of the ice business established by Mr.
Dennett. The traits of character for which Mr. Dennett
was especially distinguished were his generosity
and integrity. No worthy person ever appealed
in vain to him for aid, and the poor and the needy
had in him a helpful friend, one who labored not
only to relieve their temporary wants, but also to
place them in a position where they might be
come self-supporting. As a citizen he was mod
est and retiring, and, although a man of firm
convictions and educated judgment, never sought
to control the opinions of others. Beautifying
life by his example, he was the type of a citizen
and business man who can be pointed to with
pride as a representative. "Such let thy life be-
Not marked by noise, but by success alone;
Not known by bustle, but by useful deeds."

GEORGE WALLACE, senior member of
the law firm of Wallace & Smith, with of
fices at Jamaica, counselor of the Queens
County Board of Supervisors, and president of
the Queens County Title Company, was born
at Elora, Ontario, in 1849, being a descendant
of a long line of Scotch ancestors. He is a son
of Donald Wallace, who was born in the high
lands of Scotland in 1816, and still enjoys a vig
orous old age, having for many years made his
home in California.
The parental family consists of nine children,
all of whom are still living. The eldest son, John
D., is one of the leading men of the Republican
party in North Dakota; Charles is editor of the
leading Republican paper of Queens County, pub
lished at Rockville Centre, and in which his

brother George is also interested; Frank is a
prominent citizen of Los Angeles County, Cal.;
Albert, for years one of the influential men of Pas
adena, Cal., is now owner of a large fruit ranch in
San Bernardino; Alexander H. is also a ranch own
er in same county; Lavinia M. is the wife of R. H.
Young, editor of the "Methodist Herald" of Min
neapolis, Minn.; Matilda H. married Rev. James
Healy, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal de
nomination, now holding a pastorate in Southern
California; Mary is the wife of Frank Johnson,
who is engaged in the banking business at Pasa
dena, Cal.
Coming to Long Island in boyhood, the subject
of this article has been actively connected with
public affairs in Queens County for more than a
quarter of a century, being especially prominent
and influential in the town of Hempstead. The
years of his youth were spent on a farm, but his
inclinations not running in the line of agricultural
pursuits, he devoted himself to his studies with
such assiduity that he was able, at an early age,
to engage in the instruction of others, and at dif
ferent times he had charge of the schools at Law
rence, Rockville Centre and Freeport, Queens
County. Endowed by nature with a logical mind, keen
discriminative powers and accurate insight, Mr.
Wallace was fitted for the profession which he
chose as his life calling. He entered the Uni
versity of New York, from which he graduated at
the completion of the course, and since that time
he has given his attention to the details of his
large and general law practice. This includes a
large real estate law practice, and he is president
of the Queens County Title Company, the only or
ganization of its kind in the county. He has also
made a specialty of municipal law, and has fre
quently been called upon to act as counsel for
various boards of officials. In the spring of 1895
he was appointed attorney to the Board of Super
visors, a responsible position in which his serv
ices have been marked by signal success. In addi
tion to the office at Jamaica, he has one in Rock
ville Centre, and is numbered among the most in
fluential attorneys of the county.
Mr. Wallace has his family residence at Free-
port, where he married Miss Mariana, daughter
of the late Benjamin R. Raynor, whose ancestors
were the first settlers of the place. They have two
children, Harriet R. and Archer B.
Politically Mr. Wallace is a pronounced Re
publican, and a recognized party leader. For a

688

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

number of years he served as justice of the peace
of the town of Hempstead, and in his official duties
displayed executive and judicial ability, discharg
ing the duties connected with the position in a
manner satisfactory to all. His enterprising spirit
has been felt in all the movements to advance the
professional, moral and social welfare of the coun
ty. Few, if any, attorneys ever practiced at the
bar of Queens County who have been more thor
oughly acquainted with the philosophies and in
tricacies of the law than he. While always work
ing with zeal and energy for the cause of his
client, he never resorts to unfair means in order
to win a case. His success as a practitioner is due
to the fact that he possesses legal abilities of a high
order and has by his integrity won the confidence
of judges and juries.
Both in precept and example Mr. Wallace ad
vocates temperance principles, believing that they
are necessary to the attainment of the highest
manhood as well as the greatest welfare of city
and nation. He is an active member of the Ever
Ready Hook and Ladder Company of Freeport,
in which he takes great interest, having been fore
man since its organization. In religious belief he
is connected with the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Socially he is a Mason, and a charter
member of the Freeport Lodge of Odd Fellows,
in which he has filled all the chairs.

GEORGE WILLIAM COCKS. The in
troduction of insurance into the business
world was the assurance of safety and has
proved an inestimable boon to countless millions.
Practically a nineteenth century product, for al
though previously introduced it had not become
systematized or become a recognized, indispen
sable factor in business, it has assumed vast pro
portions and enters into the matter of all busi
ness standing and credits. Directly connected
with it are many of the master financiers of the
generation, while many of the companies have
assumed colossal business proportions, having
agencies in every city, large and small, of the
country. Among the insurance agencies at Glencove,
one of the largest and most important is that of
George W. Cocks, who is assistant secretary of
the Mutual Insurance Company here. He was
born at Locust Valley, December 14, 1829, a son
of Clark and Catherine (Feeks) Cocks. The
father was a native of Locust Valley, and was a

farmer, merchant and miller. George's boyhood
days were passed on the farm and he attended
the district schools, in which he secured a fair
education. Later he tilled the soil on his grand
father's farm for a few years, and after his mar
riage, on the 26th of April, 1858, he bought a
farm at Glencove, on which he resided until 1870.
In that year our subject bought an interest in
a store in Glencove, the firm name being Hege
man & Cocks, and he was thus occupied until
1875, from which time until 1881 he was not in
business. After that he was a clerk in the tax
department at Albany under Comptrollers Wads-
worth, Davenport and Chapin. He left there in
1884, the Democrats coming in power, and be
came a policy clerk in the insurance business.
Still later he became accountant and assistant
secretary. In an early day Mr. Cocks was a
Whig in his political views and voted for General
Scott in 1852. He was one of the few pioneer
Republicans in 1854 and '56 and served as com
mitteeman at various times and was a delegate
to various conventions. He has never been an
office seeker, but took the census of a district in
a town of Oyster Bay in 1880.
Mr. Cocks was connected with the Methodist
Episcopal Sunday-school from boyhood until his
marriage. Afterwards he became superintendent
of the Sunday-school in the Episcopal Church,
a member of the choir and also vestryman. At
the present time he is not a member of any
church. At one time he was an active temper
ance worker and was a member of the Sons of
Temperance. His wife, whose maiden name was
Matilda Katharine Townsend, is a native of this
county, born at Oyster Bay, and the daughter of
William W. and Frances J. (Seaman) Townsend.
Mr. and Mrs. Cocks are the parents of two chil
dren, Frances S. and Robert Feeks. The latter
is married and resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., where
he has charge of a department in the American
Leather Company of New York.
The first record we have of the Cocks family
was in 1659, when James Cocks settled at Setau-
ket, Suffolk County, and with others asked for
and obtained governmental jurisdiction of Hart
ford Colony of Connecticut for their settlement
at Setauket. Lots were given him in that place,
and in 1663 he purchased a lot in what is now
the village of Oyster Bay, whither he moved.
In 1669 he moved to Killingworth, now Matine-
cock, and there bought one hundred acres of land
from the Indians. This land is in the possession

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

689

of his descendants at the present time, and here
he died in 1698. He reared a large family of chil
dren, one of whom, James, is the progenitor of
our subject's branch of the family. The latter
was born April 4, 1674, and married Hannah
Feke, who bore him several children, of whom
Samuel was the great-great-grandfather of our
subject. Samuel's son, Clark, was born at Oys
ter Bay, October 14, 1738, and married Eliza
beth Pearce. He was a tailor, farmer and mer
chant in New York during Revolutionary times.
The latter's son, Samuel, was the grandfather
of our subject. He was born at Locust Valley,
June 28, 1765, and was married December 14,
1785, to Elizabeth Cock, a distant relative. Farm
ing was his principal occupation, but in connec
tion he also followed merchandising and milling.
He was a birthright member of the Society of
Friends, but on account of his gay spirits he was
disowned and remained out for many years. The
father of our subject was drafted in the War of
1812, but as he was a miller he was exempt.

AUSTIN CORNWELL. It is a pleasure
to chronicle the history of a man whose
life has been one of honor and success, as
has been that of Mr. Cornwell, who has ac
cumulated a comfortable competence and is now-
enabled to enjoy to the fullest extent the com
forts of an ideal home. He is a native of this
county and was born at Oceanside, near where he
is still living, in 1832. His parents were Abra
ham and Letitia (Rider) Cornwell, also natives
of the island.
While young the father of our subject
learned the blacksmith's trade, and for many
years worked at the same in Brooklyn. Sub
sequently he located at what is now Ocean-
side, becoming the owner of a good property,
and for the remainder of his life was interested in
agricultural pursuits. He was a genial and re
spected citizen and was regarded as one of the
most reliable rhen of the town. At the time of his
death, which occurred in July, 1882, he left his
family well provided for. His estimable wife is
still living, being now ninety years of age. Of the
children born to them five survive, namely:
Austin, Mary Whealey, Emeline Smith, Minerva
J. Davison and Charles Wesley.
The education of our subject was carried on in
the schools of his district, and although they
were of a very inferior kind he made rapid prog

ress in his studies. Being reared to farm life he
was ambitious to make this his calling and as
soon as he was able obtained possession of the
beautiful tract which is now his home. He man
aged his affairs so ably that he was soon inde
pendent and is known far and wide to the peo
ple of this section, for he is one of the old land
marks and worthy citizens. The estate of Mr.
Cornwell is beautifully cultivated and improved
with good and substantial buildings, and all the
machinery necessary for carrying on farming
after approved methods.
In 1856 our subject was married to Miss Ann
Eliza, daughter of Timothy Doxsey, for many
years one of the well-to-do residents on the
island, of which he is a native. Three children
have been born them, of whom the eldest, Isa
bel, is now the wife of Edgar Southard of Rock
ville Center; Sarah Ann married Ebenezer
Smith, also of Rockville Center; and Irene H,
was the third of the household. Mr. Corn-
well with his family is a member of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church and in his congregation
he has been steward for many years. Socially, he
belongs to the American Legion of Honor and
in political affairs gives his support to Repub
lican candidates, for he has an abiding faith in
the purity of that party's teachings. He was ap
pointed inspector of elections in 1889 by Secre
tary Rusk, but with this exception has never held
public office, as he much preferred to give his at
tention to his private affairs. He has been in
terested in all movements for the progress and
upbuilding of the village and has been especial
ly active in school work, and during the years
which he has served as trustee, has inaugurated
many reforms which have been greatly ap
preciated by the people of his district. Mr. Corn-
well is a director in the Rockville Center Bank,
a reliable institution, having at its head some of
the shrewdest and most prominent men of this
section.

HON. MORTON CROMWELL, member-
elect for the assembly from Queens
County, is a resident of Glencove, by
whose citizens he is held in the highest esteem.
Mr. Cromwell was born in the city of New York,
January 25, 1866, and is the son of Henry and
Sarah (Bowne) Cromwell. The former, who was
also born in the metropolis, was a hardware mer
chant there for over thirty years. During the

690

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

greater part of this time he was located in Barclay
Street and later was associated with Patterson
Brothers, merchants in the same line. He de
parted this life in New York in 1884, when ripe in
years. Of the four children born to Henry and Sarah
Cromwell we make the following mention: Mau
rice is living in Kansas, where he is the proprie
tor of a fine tract of land, which he is engaged in
farming; Edward, who is a prominent attorney
of Queens County, makes his home in Glencove ;
Helen C. married John R. Shannon of Philadel
phia; and Morton, of this history, completes the
number. The father of this family was a Re
publican in politics, and, being public spirited,
his influence was always directed toward pro
moting the welfare of his fellow-citizens.
The mother of our subject departed this life
when he was a lad of nine years. He was then
sent to a boarding school in Philadelphia, where
he remained for five years, being compelled to
leave at that time on account of poor health. This
was a great disappointment to him, for had he
remained in that institution one year longer he
would have graduated. After abandoning his
studies he began clerking in the cotton broker
age business in New York, where he continued
until 1895. He is a stanch Republican in poli
tics and that year was appointed to an import
ant clerkship in the assembly. In October of the
above year was nominated by his party as a mem
ber of the assembly, receiving the largest major
ity ever given in this district.
Mr. Cromwell is a member of Seawanaka
Lodge No. 362, Royal Arcanum, being the
youngest connected with his lodge at the time
he joined. He is a man of great public spirit and
enterprise and it is most fitting that his fellow-
citizens should nominate him to serve them in
the assembly, to which important and honored
position he will no doubt be elected.

RICHARD M. BOWNE, who is probably
one of the oldest residents of Queens
County, is at present living in the beau
tiful village of Glencove. Before giving the de
tails of his life we wish to make some mention of
the Bowne family in general. The first of the
name to come to America was one Thomas
Bowne, who was baptized at Matlock, Derby
shire, England, May 25, 1595. On his emigra
tion to the New World, in 1649 or thereabouts,

he was accompanied by his son John, then twen
ty-two years old, and his daughter Dorothy, a
young lady of eighteen. He first located with
his children in Boston, but between the years
165 1 and 1653 he moved to Flushing, L. I.,
where his death occurred June 18, 1677.
John Bowne, the eldest son of Thomas, was
baptized at Matlock, England, March 9, 1627.
He was greatly persecuted in his native land on
account of his religious opinions, being a mem
ber of the Society of Friends, and on this ac
count was banished to Holland, in the middle
of the seventeenth century. He had been pre
viously married to Miss Hannah Feke, daugh
ter of Lieut. Robert and Elizabeth Feke, and to
them were born eight children. Mrs. Bowne was
a very talented and well educated lady and often
officiated as minister in the Society of Friends.
She departed this life in London, England, De
cember 2, 1677.
The second marriage of John Bowne occurred
December 2, 1679, when Miss Hannah Bicker-
staff became his wife. Their union resulted in
the birth of six children, and the wife and mother
died April 7, 1690. The third marriage of that
gentleman took place April 26, 1693, when he
was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Cock,
daughter of James and Sarah Cock. They be
came the parents of two daughters, Amy and
Ruth. The old dwelling which John Bowne
erected in Flushing in 1661, was standing in 1895,
and still owned by members of the Bowne family.
In 1683 this ancestor of our subject was elected
treasurer of Queens County, and from that time
until his death, October 20, 1695, took a very-
active part in the affairs of his neighborhood and
was regarded by his neighbors as a thoroughly
wideawake and competent business man.
Of the sixteen children born to John Bowne,
Samuel was the sixth of the family by his first
marriage. He was born at Flushing, L. I., Sep
tember 21, 1667, and upon attaining mature years
became a minister in the Society of Friends. Au
gust 4, 1691, he married Mary Becket, a native of
the Falls of Delaware, Pa., and died at Flush
ing, May 30, 1745. We next record the birth of
his son Samuel, which occurred at the above
place, February 29, 1693. September 20, 1716,
he married Sarah Franklin, the daughter of Hen
ry and Sarah (Cock) Franklin. Samuel Bowne
was a farmer by occupation and died March 31,
1769. He also left a son Samuel, who was born
at Flushing, May 14, 1721. November 22, 1741,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

691

he married Abigail Burling and from that date
until the year of his death, February 24, 1784,
was engaged in the mercantile business in New
York City.
Of the children of Samuel Bowne last men
tioned we have Matthew, who was born in New
York City, September 19, 1752, and who mar
ried December 26, 1775, Elizabeth Quinby. This
gentleman was also a merchant and it is sup
posed carried on business at Salem, N. J., where
he died September 1, 1797. His son, Sidney
Breese, was born at Nine Partners, N. Y., June
19, 1788, and was married January 30, 181 1, to
Jemima Honeywell Hunt. Sidney B. was a well-
to-do merchant and died while living at West
chester, N. Y., November 5, 1865. He was the
father of fourteen children, of whom Richard M.,
the subject proper of this sketch, was one. He
was born in Westchester County, N. Y., March
14, 1817, and there lived until attaining his ma
jority. During vacations he entered his father's
mercantile establishment and proved of great as
sistance in the management of the business.
When twenty-one, however, he left home, and,
going to Pottsville, Pa., took a six months*
course in the business college there. He after
ward started in business with a partner, but the
venture proved a failure, as young Bowne lost
about half of the money he had been jealously
hoarding for several years. He then went to New-
York City, where he found a position in one of its
large dry goods establishments, remaining with
one firm for a period of seven years.
About the year 1843, Richard M. Bowne came
to Glencove and engaged in the mercantile busi
ness in company with a Mr. Frost, the firm name
being Frost & Bowne. They were both energetic.
young men, ambitious to begin to make money,
and it was not long before they were in command
of a good trade. They continued together for
many years, or until Mr. Bowne retired from
business, after having accumulated a handsome
competence. About two years after coming to Glencove Mr.
Bowne was married, March 17, 1846, to Miss
Mary M. Titus, a native of this place and the
daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Kenshaw) Titus.
Of the twelve children born of their union six
grew to mature years. Jacob T. is superintendent
of a training school at Springfield, Mass. ; Sidney
B. is a merchant in Glencove; Ella Frost mar
ried Henry Smith of Plainfield, N. J.; Richard
Franklin, who is also one of the merchants of

Glencove, will have his sketch given on another
page in this volume; Lizzie W. is now the wife
of Dr. W. H. Zabriskie of Glencove, and William
H. is a civil engineer, residing in this village.
Our subject has long been a Democrat in poli
tics, having cast his first presidential vote for
Van Buren in 1840. He is a man of great public
spirit, whose influence is only required to make
various undertakings, both of a public and busi
ness character, become a grand success. He ren
dered his district very efficient and valued service
for many years as a member of the school board
and in the capacity of postmaster of Glencove,
gained the confidence and good will of all its
residents. Religiously, he is a member of the So
ciety of Friends.

SAMUEL DeMOTT, formerly one of the
prominent and progressive farmers of
Queens County, is now deceased. He was
born in Rockville Center, October 8, 1833, and
was the son of John W. and Martha (Raynor)
DeMott. The father was in his early life a school
teacher, following this vocation for many years,
after which he abandoned it to take up farming.
He took an active part in the affairs of his com
munity and on being elected justice of the peace,
served acceptably in this office for a number of
years. Later he was chosen sheriff of Queens
County, and during the twelve years in which he
served the people gave entire satisfaction for the
able and honest manner in which he discharged
his duties. He was truly self-made, both as re
gards his education and finances, and was a man
well liked, having the sincere respect of all with
whom he came in contact.
Our subject had only the advantages of a dis
trict-school education, and his early life was spent
in the mercantile business. Subsequently, how
ever, he engaged in farming and was following
this honored calling at the time of his death,
June 9, 1888. The lady to whom he was mar
ried March 15, 1854, was Miss Drusilla F.,
daughter of Leonard and Charlotte (Brower)
Cornell, the former of whom was a prominent
miller in this locality, owning and controlling
three well equipped mills, besides three hundred
acres of excellent land, which was located near
Rockville Center. Twelve children were born
to our subject and his wife, four of whom are
now deceased. Those living are Abbie E., the
wife of Frank B. Piersall of Rockville Center;

bg2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Arthur M.; Charlotte Lillian, Mrs. Samuel Belch
er; Susan C, Mrs. Charles Carman; Drusilla F.,
the wife of Edwin D. Seabury, Jr.; Martha S.,
Warren and Samuel Judson. During his life
time Mr. DeMott was a member of St. Mark's
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his fam
ily are connected. He was a Mason of high
standing, and in politics always supported Demo
cratic candidates. He served four years as jus
tice of the peace, and for some time prior to his
decease was actively engaged in the practice of
law, at the same time personally superintending
the cultivation of his home place. The DeMott
family is one of the oldest on the island, and the
widow of our subject and the surviving chil
dren are among the most highly respected resi
dents of the community in which they live.

JARVIS E. SMITH, a rising young lawyer
of Huntington, with an office in Jamaica,
was born in East Moriches, Suffolk County,
January 15, 1866. His father, Egbert Smith, was
born at the same place. The homestead has been
in the possession of the family since 1687, when a
patent was taken out for it by Richard Smith, the
first of the family to settle in Long Island. From
generation to generation the property has been
handed down by will, until it has reached the
father of our subject, who now owns and occu
pies it. Josiah, a grandson of the original Rich
ard Smith, did honorable service in the Revolu
tionary War.
Egbert Smith, the oldest son of Josiah Smith
of Revolutionary fame, has engaged throughout
life in farming, and has taken a very active in
terest in local politics, but has never sought office
for himself. He is a prominent member of the
Presbyterian Church, and assists in pushing its
work along to the largest possible results. His
brother, Howard, and sister, Hannah, died of
vellow fever. The mother of our subject, Jose
phine H. Glasier, was born in New York City,
and has four children, two sons and two daugh
ters, all of whom excepting our subject are at
home with their parents.
When Jarvis E. Smith was thirteen years old
he went into the village of Huntington to attend
the school, and here he continued until 1885,
when he graduated with high honors. He then
began to read law with Edward R. Ackerly, of
Huntington, with whom he remained for three
years as a student, being admitted to the bar

September 20, 1888. Continuing with Mr. Acker
ly until July, 1889, he then accepted an offer of a
lucrative and honorable position with the Title
Guarantee and Trust Company of Brooklyn, and
had charge of their legal business until February
1, 1895. His professional business in this part of
the island, however, made such demands upon his
time that he felt it best to resign his position with
the Title Guarantee and Trust Company and de
vote himself to legal work. About a month before
severing his connection with the company he
formed a partnership with George Wallace, who
was elected attorney to the county board of
supervisors, and hence leaves the office business
to his partner, Mr. Smith.
At the age of thirteen Mr. Smith united with
the Presbyterian Church at Moriches, and when
he came to Huntington he united with the Sec
ond Presbyterian Church. He is secretary of the
Social Club of the village, and is a Republican,
but not an aspirant for office. He was married,
June 16, 1892, to Miss Annie D., oldest daughter
of Edward R. Aitkin, of the firm of Thomas Ait
kin & Son, who conduct the largest general store
in this village. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two chil
dren, Thomas Aitkin, born April 7, 1893, and
Josepheny Glasier, conceded to be one of the
brightest young men of the Suffolk County bar,
and certainly he has a bright future before him.
The house in Huntington which he occupies as a
family residence is one of the neatest and most at
tractive in this village of pleasant homes.

RICHARD W. POOLE, one of the repre
sentative citizens of Rockville Center, has
been associated for many years with the
interests of this locality. He is an intelligent
man, to whom good citizenship means more than
personal advancement, and he is now engaged in
the real estate business. In his many and various
dealings, his career has been perfectly straight
forward and honest and marked by good judg
ment. Mr. Poole was born in this place in 1856 to
Richard W. and Mary (Story) Poole, also natives
of this community, where they spent their entire
lives. The father was a well-to-do farmer and
stood high in the agricultural circles of his coun
ty. He was a man who devoted his entire time
and attention strictly to his own affairs and never
desired distinction of any kind. He departed
this life in 1887. His estimable wife, although

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

69c

advanced in years, is still living, and in the en
joyment of reasonably good health.
The subject of this sketch received his pri
mary education in the schools taught in his dis
trict, later attending school in Rockville Center.
In order that he might the more successfully en
ter upon a business career he took a course at one
of the business colleges of Brooklyn and then
•set up for himself, buying and selling real es
tate. He is one of the men whom we are ac
customed to call self-made and who are well rep
resented in the town of Hempstead, where many
of their number are carving out for themselves
monuments that will outlive the statues of mar
ble. In politics, Mr. Poole was for many years a
Democrat, but of late has been independent in
his views, looking rather to the ability of the
man to hold office than to the party which he
represents. Pie is a genial, companionable man
who takes great pride, in the business of life.

CHARLES H. MILLER, M. D., N. A.
While Long Island owes much to the
men who have developed its material and
commercial resources, it is no less indebted to
those who have made its name famous in the
arts and sciences. Such an one is the subject of
this article, whose reputation as a landscape
painter has brought him national and interna
tional honors and who was aptly called by Bay
ard Taylor "the artistic discoverer of the little
continent of Long Island."
According to the "Claverack Centennial Rec
ords," published in 1867, the Miller family came
from Nykirk, Holland, to New Netherlands, in
165 1, the family name being originally de M'ul-
dor. Fernandus de Muldor, who came to this
country in 1664, was the father of Cornelius
Stephense Muldor, who removed from Albany
to Hudson in 1718. Next in line of descent was
Jacobus Mulder, father of Jacob Miller. The
son of the latter married Mary Platnor, and their
son, Jacob, was our subject's father. The last
named was born at Claverack, Columbia County,
N. Y., March 14, 1803, and in early life visited the
West Indies. In 1826 he embarked in active busi
ness in New York City, continuing there until
1865, when he settled at Queens, L. I., retaining,
however, his winter residence in town. His occu
pation was that of an architect and builder, and
he also gave considerable attention to dealing in

lumber. A life-long Jeffersonian Democrat, he
was for some time a member of the board of
aldermen and also school trustee of the city of
New York. He died at his home, No. 67 West
Forty-ninth Street, New York, January 10, 1874,
at the age of seventy-one.
In St. John's Church, Yonkers, N. Y., March
25, 1829, Jacob Miller married Miss Jane Matilda
Taylor, who was born in Yonkers, September 25,
T806, and died at Queens, August 4, 1895. They
were the parents of eight children, as follows:
Jacob H, Mary E., Dorcas M., Charles H, James
E., Jane A., Emma Z. and Sarah Louise E., of
whom two sons and two daughters survive. Mrs.
Miller was a daughter of Abraham Taylor, born
1781, died 1831, and Dorcas (Oakley) Taylor,
born 1780, died 1838. St. John's Church, Yonk
ers, was built in 1693, destroyed by fire in 1791,
rebuilt and consecrated in 1792; the oldest docu
ment preserved, although scorched by fire, re
cords the two grandfathers of Mrs. Miller, both
of whom were vestrymen of the church, respec
tively: Shedrich Taylor, born 1740, died 1808,
and Stephen Oakley, born 1751, died 1835.
The subject of this sketch was born in New
York City, March 20, 1842. From early boy
hood he evinced decided artistic talent, which,
being developed under the best instructors,
brought him into prominence and won him suc
cess. He exhibited his first picture, "The Chal
lenge Accepted," in the National Academy of De
sign in i860. In 1863 he was given the degree
of Doctor of Medicine by the New York Homeo
pathic Medical College, receiving his diploma
from the hands of William Cullen Bryant, presi
dent. In 1864 he made his first voyage to Europe
as surgeon on the "Harvest Queen." Three years
later he again went to the continent, where for
three years he studied in the Bavarian Royal
Academy at Munich, also in the galleries of Lon
don, Paris, Berlin, Dresden and Vienna. In 1873
he was elected a member of the Artists' Fund So
ciety and Associate of the National Academy of
Design (having exhibited "A Long Island Home
stead," etc.) and two years later was chosen an
academician of the National Academy. In 1876
he exhibited "Old Mill at Springfield," "High
Bridge from Harlem Lane," and other paintings
at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia,
where he was awarded a medal. In 1878 he re
ceived a gold medal from the Massachusetts As
sociation. The following year he was elected
president of the Art Club of New York, filling

694

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that position for five years, and he was elected a
member of the Society of American Artists in
1879. In 1882 he exhibited Long Island land
scapes at the Paris Salon, and the next year was
elected president of the American committee of
the Munich International Exposition. At the
New Orleans Exposition of 1885 he was award
ed the Reed gold medal, and in the same year
wrote the book entitled "The Philosophy of Art
in America" (William R. Jenkins, publisher), with
the nom de plume of Carl de Muldor.
The first presidential ballot cast by Mr. Miller
was for Abraham Lincoln, at the time of his sec
ond election, and he has since adhered to the prin
ciples of the Republican party. He attends the
Reformed Church at Queens. In 1891 he was
chosen worshipful master of Puritan Lodge, F.
& A. M. He is identified with the Century As
sociation and a life member of the Lotos Club
of New York. Since 1891 he has been president
of the Shakespeare Club, of Queens, which organ
ization has established a town library under the
auspices of the LTniversity of the State of New-
York.

JESSE W. KELSEY is a worthy representa
tive of one of the first families to settle on
Long Island. He is now living in the vil
lage of Queens and is the manager of the estate
of his brother, the late John H. Kelsey. October
27, 1853, Mr. Kelsey was born at Huntington,
Suffolk County, L. I., where also his father, Jesse
B. Kelsey, was born. The latter went to sea
when quite young, and after working his way up
to the position of captain, served as such during
the active years of his life. He is now retired and
living at New Haven, Conn. The grandfather,
John C. Kelsey, was for many years a farmer on
Long Island, but after removing to the Nutmeg
State, there passed the remainder of his life. He
was in turn the son of Stephen Kelsey, who
served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
The father of our subject had four brothers, of
whom Stephen was killed while engaged in bat
tle during the Mexican war; George and Charles
crossed the plains to California during the gold
excitement and the latter was killed by the In
dians. George continued to make his home in
the Golden State until his death. Henry adopt
ed the life of a sailor and was lost at sea when
on one of his voyages.
The mother of our subject, who prior to her

marriage was Miss Rebecca Codington, was a na
tive of Huntington, L. I. She was the daugh
ter of Jesse Codington, a tanner by trade, and a
respected resident of Suffolk County, where he
passed his entire life. He married Clarissa Titus,
the daughter of Captain Titus, who was with
General Washington when stationed at New
burg. To Jesse B. and Rebecca Kelsey there were*
born four sons and four daughters. Of these,
John H, who was some ten years the senior of
our subject, was for many years connected with
the New York custom house. Later he engaged
in business in Queens, in which he was very pros
perous. He was an enterprising and thorough
going man ' of business, whose popularity was
based both upon his social qualities and his well-
known integrity and business activity. His many
friends and acquaintances were called upon to
mourn his loss in 1884, as upon April 7th of that
year he departed this life. Our subject was then
made manager of his estate and is fulfilling the
charge left to him in a most worthy and satisfac
tory manner.
John PI. Kelsey was married in 1869 to Miss
Mary Creed, and to them were granted four chil
dren. The eldest member of this household is
Irving J., a prominent young man, who is inter
ested in his father's business and assists in carry
ing on the store. He also holds the honored of
fice of postmaster of Queens, having learned how
to manage affairs while serving as deputy under
W. L. Woods, who is now cashier of the Jamaica
Bank. Die other children are Evelyn C, Nellie
C. and John H.
The subject of this history was married Octo
ber 15, 1893, to Miss L. Annette Halstead, of
Flatbush, L. I. They have one child, a daugh
ter named Laura Halstead.
In politics Mr. Kelsey is independent. He is
courteous and agreeable to those who have busi
ness dealings with him and readily makes and
retains friends, who esteem him very highly for
the many worthy qualities which are among his
characteristics.

JOHN C. KENNAHAN is proprietor and
publisher of the "Long Island Farmer,"
whose office is located at Jamaica. This
journal, which is considered by all to be one of
the leading papers of the county, was established
in 1819. It has never missed a publication and

JAMES GALLAGHER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

697

in its long career has made but four changes of
ownership. Mr. Kennahan has been at the head of the
"Farmer" since October, 1891. He is a trained
journalist and worked at the case as a compositor
for four years, after which he began his journal
istic career on the "New York Herald." Going
from the "Herald" to the "Brooklyn Eagle," he
remained a writer on the latter paper for a pe
riod of twenty-two years, resigning his position
to assume the proprietorship of the "Farmer."
This paper is designated annually by the board
of supervisors as the official paper of the county
and of the courts for the publication of corpora
tion and legal advertisements because of its wide
circulation. It is also one of the state papers for
the publication of legal notices, and the official
paper for Jamaica. Mr. Kennahan owns the
building which is occupied by his printing plant,
located in Herriman Avenue, opposite the county
buildings. It is equipped with everything which
appertains to a first-class printing office in the
way of modern presses, etc.

JAMES GALLAGHER, the oldest under
taker of Hunter's Point, is undoubtedly one
of the most successful and influential men of
the county. He first established himself in busi
ness here in 1861 and since that time has been
interested in whatever tended toward the devel
opment of the city. Mr. Gallagher is a native of
Ireland and was born in County Tyrone. He is
the son of Hugh Gallagher, also a native of the
Emerald Isle, where he carried on farm pursuits
until his decease. His wife, Catherine (McGuire)
Gallagher, was descended from one of the hon
ored families of County Tyrone and was a well-
educated lady. She became the mother of four
sons and four daughters, of whom James is the
only survivor. One son, Charles, came to Amer
ica many years ago and during the Mexican War
served as a soldier. After peace was established
he went West and engaged in farming until his
decease. The subject of this sketch remained on his
father's farm until eighteen years of age, in the
meantime gaining a splendid education in the
private schools near his home. In 1855 he em
barked on a sailing vessel which was eight weeks
in making the voyage from Liverpool. On land
ing in the metropolis he secured a position in the
dry goods establishment of Arnold, Constable &
28

Co., now one of the largest firms in New York,
remaining with them until 1871. In the mean
time, in 1861, he changed his place of residence
to Hunter's Point, still retaining his position with
the New York firm.
In 1 87 1 Mr. Gallagher was in possession of a
sufficient sum of money which he had saved from
his salary to enable him to embark in business
for himself and there being a good opening for
an undertaker in this place he opened an estab
lishment in Vernon Avenue between Sixth and
Seventh Streets, where he was located until hav
ing his effects destroyed by fire. His next busi
ness address was on the corner of Eighth Street
and Vernon Avenue, where he is still located.
This building was erected for his special use and
contains both his warerooms and office. For
many years he has made this business a study
and is recognized as one of the most experienced
embalmers of the city. He is often called upon
to take charge of funerals held in New York,
Brooklyn and various points on the island, and
his hearses and coaches, which are of the best
description, are almost constantly employed.
The first marriage of our subject occurred in
New York City in i860, at which time Mary
Riley, a native of Ireland, became his wife. Their
union resulted in the birth of four" children:
James, Hugh, Thomas and Charles. His second
marriage occurring August 7, 1893, united him
with Miss Catherine Hyland, a native of Dub
lin, Ireland, and a most estimable lady, who has
greatly assisted her husband to attain his present
high standing in the community. To Mr. and
Mrs. Gallagher there have been granted six chil
dren, namely: Mary C, William E., Josephine,
Catherine, Ellen and Lydia, who are at home.
In politics our subject is a Democrat and has
been active in the interests of his party ever since
coming to America. He has served on the gen
eral committee for years and has been a delegate
to the various congressional and senatorial con
ventions. He was elected assessor of Long
Island City several years ago, and during the two
years in which he was the incumbent of the office
discharged his responsible duties in a most effi
cient and satisfactory manner. He was elected
school trustee of the first ward, serving for one
term. Socially he belongs to Ancient Order of
Hibernians of Long Island City, of which he has
been president and is now treasurer. Like most
of the prominent men here, he has been a fire
man, belonging to Live Oak Company No. 2,

698

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and is a charter member of the Exempt Firemen's
Society of this city. A devout Catholic, he at
tends St. Mary's Church regularly. He is a suc
cessful business man and all who employ him
uniformly place great confidence in his ability
and integrity.

GEORGE MAURE. Few business men
of Queens County have been more ac
tively connected with its progressive en
terprises or have more largely promoted the ma
terial welfare of many of its villages than, the gen
tleman Who forms the subject of this notice. He
is now living in Morris Park, where for the past
few years he has given his attention to handling
real estate
Mr. Maure was born in New York City, July
8, 1853, and is the son of George Maure, Sr.,
whose birth occurred across the waters in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany. He was there reared and
educated and the year prior to attaining his ma
jority decided to try his fortunes in the New
World. After coming hither he learned the lock
smith's trade and was thus engaged when the first
call was made for volunteers to enter the Union
service. He promptly offered his services, and
on the organization of the Fifth New York Reg
iment he was made captain of his company. He
saw much active service and on receiving his
honorable discharge at the expiration of his term
of enlistment returned to the metropolis and re
sumed work at his trade. He was a leading Dem
ocrat of the tenth ward and at one time was elect
ed a member of the board of education. In a
business way he. was successful and was liberal
in his contributions toward worthy causes. He
died when George was a lad of thirteen years.
Our subject, who was an only son, first attend
ed the schools of his native city, after which he
was sent to a military school at Yonkers. On
completing his education he came to Jamaica and
began working at the carpenter's trade, which he
had learned when a boy. He was thus employed
for a time, but being appointed to a position in
the county clerk's office, he abandoned labors in
this line and for seven or eight years served the
public. Mr. Maure has also been justice of the
peace, trying cases with great credit to himself
and satisfaction to all concerned for three years.
It was while living in Jamaica that Mr. Maure
became interested in real estate, being commis
sioned by a New York syndicate to purchase large

tracts of land on Long Island. Later he became
associated with Mr. Dunton and together they
invested a large amount of money in real estate
in this section and laid out the towns of Morris
Park, Dunton and Hollis. These places rapidly
grew in size, beyond anything they had hoped
to see, and are now for the most part inhabited by
well-to-do business men of New York.
Mr. Maure is especially interested in Morris
Park, where he makes his home, and it was due
almost entirely to his influence that the people
have a nice system of water works and a well-
equipped school. Our subject, although a very
busy man, responded very willingly when asked
to accept the position of president of the board
of education, which he still holds. Among the
numerous business enterprises in which he has
been interested with Mr. Dunton we must not fail
to mention the Bank of Jamaica, which he helped
to organize. Of late years, however, he devotes
his time almost exclusively to looking after his
private interests. »
The lady who became the wife of our subject
June 22, 1877, was Miss Mary Spillet. To them
have been born six children, namely: Stella,
George, Minnie, Warren, Raymond and Irving.
The family occupy a fine home on the corner of
Spruce Street and Liberty Avenue, Morris Park,
where they have lived for the past ten years. By
all who know him Mr. Maure is looked upon not
only as a sound business man, but as a citizen of
the highest standing.

CHARLES HUMMEL is one of the suc
cessful farmers of Queens County, and
few more fully illustrate in their career
the unbounded energy and activity of the agri
culturists of their section than does he. Dis
playing excellent ability, Mr. Hummel also pos
sesses a goodly degree of those personal attributes
that spring from a kindly heart, an honest pur
pose and a broad liberality. His fine home is sit
uated about half way between Queens and Spring
field, on the Springfield Road, and is kept in ad
mirable condition by its industrious owner.
Mr. Hummel was born in Valley Stream,
Queens County, April 12, 1857, and was one of
seven children, all of whom survive, born to
George A. and Frances (Speigel) Hummel, both
natives of Germany. When a young man the
father left the land of his birth and came to Ameri
ca to seek his fortune. He was first engaged as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

699

a farm hand at Newtown, and after about seven
years there he went to Valley Stream, where he
began farming for himself. This he carried on
with fair success until the time of his death, in
September, 1885. He was a man well respected
by all and as a citizen and neighbor was highly
esteemed. During his youth our subject became quite well
acquainted with all that pertained to farm life, but
received fair educational advantages, having at
tended the Sister's Convent at Fosters Meadow
for a number of years. He continued to reside
with his parents until, his twenty-fourth year, and
on the 25th of January, 1881, he was married
to Miss Mary A. Freilick. After this union Mr.
Hummel and wife removed to the John William
son farm, near the village of Jamaica, and for five
years tilled the soil there as a renter. He then
purchased his present farm of forty-five acres and
has since carried it on most successfully.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hummel there have been born
no children, but they give a home to two half
nieces, Louise and Elizabeth Felton, both bright,
interesting young girls. In politics Mr. Hummel
is a Democrat and in religion he and his family
are Catholics. He has held a number of local
offices, for three years being road commissioner,
and discharged the duties devolving upon him to
the satisfaction of all.

FRANKLIN J. LOTT is one of the native
sons of Queens County, coming from an
old and honored family, which has been
identified with the county's welfare from an early
day. He is at present one of the largest farmers
in the town of Jamaica and has met with success
from the first.
Mr. Lott was born in the above town in March,
1853, the son of James Harmon Lott, also an ag
riculturist of prominence in this locality, who was
greatly interested in whatever tended to the de
velopment of his home place. His death, in 1875,
was a great loss to the community. His father,
James Lott, served as a soldier in the War of
1812. The Lott family is one of the most num
erous on Long Island, and, as we have stated
above, trace their ancestry back to the earliest
settlement of the island.
Mrs. Sarah E. (Eldert) Lott, mother of Frank
lin J., is also descended from an old and honored
family of the island. She is the sister of Samuel
E. Eldert, of Woodhaven, whose sketch will ap

pear in this volume. She became the mother of
four sons, of whom Oliver S. makes his home in
Rochester, N. Y. ; Charles E. is engaged in busi
ness in Florida, and William is living in Jamaica
South. The subject of this sketch grew to mature years
on his father's farm and after procuring a good
education in Union Hall Academy he began farm
ing on his own account. He has followed this
vocation with signal success ever since, and is
the proprietor of one of the best cultivated tracts
of land in the county. It comprises one hun
dred acres, and in order that every acre of it may
be tilled to the best advantage possible, he em
ploys a number of hands, who are engaged con
stantly at work on the place. This property is
located just south of the village of Queens and
is conveniently near the city market, where the
greater portion of the farm produce is disposed of.
Mr. Lott has been quite a factor in local poli
tics and the incumbent of various offices of hon
or and trust. At the present time he is highway
commissioner and a member of the board of edu
cation. Socially he is a prominent Mason and
is identified with the Jamaica Chub Club. Mr.
Lott was married in 1877 to Miss Mary E. De
Bevoise, who at her death, in 1887, left a daugh
ter, Elizabeth D. In June, 1895, our subject
chose for his second companion Miss Maria
Louise Creed, of Queens County. Mr. Lott is
a man of strong convictions, and as an earnest
and public-spirited citizen commands the regard
of all his friends and neighbors.

NICHOLAS HALLOCK, a member of one
of the oldest and most respected families
of the island, is a descendant of Peter
Hallock, who was one of the first settlers of
Southold, L. I. Nicholas was born in the village
of Milton, Ulster County, May 11, 1827, to the
marriage of Edward and Anna (Sherman) Hal
lock, and was one of five children, only one of
whom besides our subject, Valentine H, is now
living. Edward Hallock was the son of James
Hallock, wdio was a Quaker preacher in Ulster
County and a man highly esteemed. James mar
ried Miss Elizabeth Townsend, a niece of Peter
Townsend, who made the chain stretched across
Ihe Hudson at West Point during the Revolution.
The father of our subject was born and reared
in Milton, Ulster County, and there received a
good education. Farming was his principal oc-

700

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cupation through life and he followed this until
his death in 1851, when about fifty-five years old.
His son, our subject, remained with his parents,
attending the common schools and assisting on
the home place until he had reached mature years.
In 1 85 1 he united his fortune with that of Miss
Peggy Ann Doughty, who died one year later,
leaving one son, Lendal V. The latter, who mar
ried Miss Kate Patterson, of Beverly, Mass., is
engaged in the picture-frame and moulding bus
iness in Brooklyn and is a pushing, progressive
young man.
Nicholas Hallock selected his second wife in
the person of Miss Mary E. Doughty (a sister of
his first wife), and they were married in 1856.
After his removal to Queens Mr. Hallock took
charge of his father-in-law's farm, which he man
aged up to the time of Mr. Doughty' s death, when
he took charge of it altogether and conducted it
most successfully until about three years ago.
The farm was then sold and Mr. Hallock built his
present handsome residence in Queens, where he
is enjoying the fruits of his well-spent life. Po
litically a Republican, Mr. Hallock has been for
the past three years inspector of elections, and
he has always been an active worker for his party.
In religion he is a believer in the Quaker doc
trine.

PH. BUMSTER, M. D. This young but
promising physician and surgeon of
• Long Island City, although still in the
dawn of the success which has attended his efforts
in a professional way, has already given abund
ant evidence of the ability which qualifies him
for a high place in the medical profession. Truly
ambitious, and with an ambition whose aim is
pure and unsullied, there seems no reason why
his unquestioned ability should not find full scope
in relieving the pains which a suffering world is
heir to.
Dr. Bumster is a native of Allentown, Mon- ¦
mouth County, N. J., and was born March 16,
i860. His father, Matthew Bumster, was born
at Waterford, Ireland, and after his marriage
came with his family to America and settled at
Allentown, N. J., where he followed the calling
of a miller the remainder of his life, dying in Jan
uary, 1895. His wife, Hannah Broderick, was
also born on the Isle of Erin. She died in 1890,
having become the mother of four children, two
sons and two daughters, of which family the sub

ject of this sketch is the youngest and the only
professional member of the family. His fore
fathers came from Yorkshire, England, and the
name of Bumster is of Saxon origin.
Dr. Bumster was educated in the public schools
of Allentown, N. J., and after graduating from
the high school spent two years as a teacher,
after- which he secured a position as bookkeeper
in a New York City house. He had long had
a desire to study medicine and he finally saw
his way clear to pursue his researches. In 1890
he entered the medical department of the Univer
sity of New York City and was graduated from
that institution with the degree of M. D. in 1893,
after an honorable collegiate career. That same
year he was appointed from that institution to
the position of house surgeon in St. John's Hos
pital, Long Island City, in which capacity he
served for eighteen months. At the expiration
of that time he decided to locate here for the
practice of his profession, and established an of
fice at No. 143 Fifth Street, where he has ever
since had his office. He conducts a general prac
tice and his clientele, which is among the best
class of citizens, is continually increasing. He
possesses all the attributes of a successful medical
practitioner, for he not only has a thorough
knowledge of his calling and keeps in touch with
every advance made in medical science, but is
sympathetic in the sick room and takes a personal
interest in each one of his patients.
Dr. Bumster is still visiting physician to St.
John's Hospital and was for some time assistant
physician at De Milt Hospital, New York. He
is a charter member of the Long Island City
Medical Society, the Queens County Medical So
ciety and is examining physician for the Pruden
tial Insurance Company. Religiously he is iden
tified with St. Mary's Catholic Church.

HENRY PETERSON, junior member of
the firm of Charles Peterson & Son, was
born in Maasholm, Sleswick-Holstein,
Germany, October 2, 1863. This was also the
birthplace of his father, Charles Peterson, who,
during the greater part of his life followed his
trade of cabinetmaker and carpenter. He came
of an old Danish family and was a soldier in that
army during the war with Sleswick-Holstein in
1849. In the year 1867 Charles Peterson came with
his family to America, locating in New York

JOHN W. PETRY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

703

City, where he was engaged as a piano maker in
the factory of Diehlman & Co. He was a fine
mechanic, and his work never failed to give sat
isfaction to his employers. In 1871 he located
in Long Island City, where he has resided ever
since, with the exception of a short time when he
returned to the metropolis. Mr. Peterson has
erected many of the fine residences in Schuetzen
Park, and continued to work at the carpenter's
trade after coming here until embarking in the
hardware business. He is one of the oldest resi
dents of the place, and as one of its substantial
and enterprising citizens he commands the respect
and confidence of its best people.
Mrs. Margaret (Rieck) Peterson, was also a
native of Sleswick and was the daughter of Fred
erick Rieck, whose birth also occurred there. The
latter was a shoemaker by trade and for many
years fulfilled the duties of sexton in a church of
Sleswick. By her union with Charles Peterson,
Margaret Rieck became the mother of one child.
He was educated in the schools of New York and
Long Island City, receiving a diploma from the
evening high school of the former city on com
pleting the three years' course. He then learned
the trade which his father followed and when the
latter started in business at No. 847 Second Ave
nue was his asssistant, attending to the bookkeep
ing, etc. In 1885 they erected a comfortable
residence here and later built a store adjoining,
so that they now run two establishments, the one
being stocked with hardware and the other with
crockery. They are located at Nos. 538 and 540
Broadway, and theirs is the only hardware store
in Schuetzen Park. Father and son also take
contracts for doing the carpenter work on public
and private buildings and are well known in this
capacity all over the island.
The subject of this sketch was married in Long
Island City in 1890 to Miss Hulda, daughter of
George Gemunder, who is perhaps the most re
nowned manufacturer of violins in the world,
and the only one who understands the Cremona
system of making these instruments. One of
his violins, known as the "Kaiser" or "Emper
or,'' valued at $10,000, took the prize when ex
hibited at Vienna, Paris, the Centennial at Phil
adelphia and the exposition at New Orleans.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have a family of three
children, Alma, Otto and Edith. Socially he is
a member of Enterprise Lodge No. 228, K. of
P., and is chancellor commander of Steinway
Schuetzen Company No. 14, D. A. S. B. He

also belongs to the Plattdeutscher Verein of Long
Island City and the Frohsinn Singing Society 'of
the same place. He is one of the original mem
bers of the Long Island City Athletic Society, in
which organization he has held most of the of
fices. Die family are all members in excellent
standing of the Lutheran Church. In politics
Mr. Peterson is a true-blue Republican. He is a
man of strong convictions, and as an earnest and
public-spirited citizen commands the regard of
all his friends and neighbors.

J

OHN W. PETRY. There is perhaps no
other line of business which is so rapidly
developing into vast proportions as that of
the hardware merchant. Prominent among
those in Long Island City is John W. Petry, who
is proprietor of the well known hardware busi
ness at No. 63 Vernon Avenue. Mr. Petry is a
native of Paterson, N. J., and a typical Eastern
business man, frank, energetic and self-reliant.
He was born in i860, to the marriage of John H.
and Sarah (Tibby) Petry, both natives of Pater
son. The grandfather, Daniel Petry, was born in
Paterson, and was a tanner and currier by trade.
This he followed very successfully until i860,
when he became interested with his two sons,
who conducted the hardware business under the
firm title of Petry Brothers. He died in his na
tive city. The great-grandfather was a French
Canadian. The father of our subject was reared in Pater
son and clerked in a shoe store there for some
time. In 1859, in partnership with his brother
George, ex-mayor of Long Island City, he em
barked in the hardware business and plumbing
in New York City and continued there until 1863,
when he sold out to Kedian Brothers. After that
he manufactured tinware in New York City until
1867, when he came to Long Island City, and lo
cated in East Avenue and Seventh Street, where
he began the manufacture of tinware and church
and hotel reflectors. He soon had a large busi
ness and there continued the manufacture of tin
ware as Petry Brothers & Co. until 1871. After
the death of the father of our subject, the busi
ness was continued as McCann & Petry until
1874, when George Petry sold out to McCann,
and in 1875 engaged in the hardware business
under the firm name of Ketcham & Co., and thus
continued until our subject began work there in
1876. Then George Petry became sole proprietor

704

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and continued as such until 1885, when he sold
to William Brodie.
The mother of our subject was the daughter
of John Tibby, who was of Holland-Dutch origin.
By her marriage to Mr. Petry she had six chil
dren, four of whom survive : Frank is foreman of
the Sicilian Asphalt Paving Company of New
York; George, a plumber with our subject; Mar
tha, who is at home; and John W. The latter
was taken from Paterson to New York City in
1861, and in 1868 came with his parents to Long
Island City. Later he returned to Paterson and
attended the public schools in the different
places until fifteen years old. Returning to Long
Island City, he was in the employ of his uncle
for some time. He spent two years learning the
plumber's trade and then clerked until George
Petry was elected mayor of Long Island City,
when he became manager of the store. After his
uncle sold to Mr. Brodie he continued as mana
ger until 1894, when he embarked in business
for himself at Long Island City under the firm
name of John W. Petry & Co., but this connec
tion was dissolved March 1, 1896, Mr. Petry pur
chasing his partner's interest. He put in a
new stock of goods and has a flourishing business
at No. 63 Vernon Avenue. He has furnaces and
steam and hot water heating appliances, and is
doing a general plumbing business. He has
heated the Long Island City Savings Bank, the
First Precinct police station, Astoria Astor Ho
tel, Scheurer's Hotel, Astoria General Hospital
and R. U. Clark's residence, Great Neck, L. I.
Mr. Petry was married in Long Island City
to Miss Jennie Appleton, a native of New York
and daughter of John Appleton, who was a man
ufacturer of overalls and shirts here until 1884,
when he retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Petry have
been born four children: John A., Raymond,
Curtis W. and Joseph K. Mr. Petry was clerk of
the excise board for three years, and is a member
of the Royal Arcanum. Politically he is a Demo
crat and a member of Jefferson Club.

ROBERT A. DAVISON, a prominent at
torney and dealer in real estate in Brook
lyn, is a Long Islander by birth, as well
as by inheritance, for not only was he born here,
but his father and grandfather were before him.
He was born in Rockville Center, October 10,
1843, the son of Tredwell and Phebe (De Mott)
Davison, who passed their entire lives in this

locality. The grandfathers of our subject on
both sides served as soldiers in the Revolution
ary War, in which conflict they acquitted them
selves bravely.
Robert A., of this history, first attended Hemp
stead Seminary, but after a time became a student
in Union Hall Academy of Jamaica. In 1861 he
entered the sophomore class of the New York
University and soon became known among the
students as a fine Latin scholar, receiving the.
first prize upon examination in this language. He
was graduated from the university in 1864 with
high honors and was selected on that occasion
to deliver the Latin salutatory.
Having determined to follow a professional life,
Mr. Davison next entered Columbia Law School
and was graduated from the same two years later.
Opening an office in New York, he began the
practice of his profession and remained there un
til 1872, when he located in the city of Brook
lyn, where he is now in command of a large and
paying clientage. On first coming there he
formed a partnership with a Mr. Hagner, and for
five years operated under the firm name of Hag
ner & Davison. That year, however, our sub
ject withdrew from the firm and has since car
ried on his business alone. His office, which is
finely appointed, is located at No. 26 Court
Street. In 1870 our subject was married to Miss Eme-
line Sealy, the daughter of Robert Sealy, now de
ceased. Their union has resulted in the birth of
two sons, George W. and Alfred T., and a daugh
ter, Mabel E. George W. was graduated from
Wesleyan University in 1892 and is at present
in partnership with A. N. Weller, surrogate of
Queens County. The daughter completed her
studies in Wellesley College in 1895, and Alfred
T. is now in the sophomore class of Wesleyan
University of Middletown, Conn.
During his earlier years Mr. Davison was a
member of St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal
Church and served as a member of its first board
of trustees in Rockville Center. He took a great
interest in the work of the Sunday-school, and
for eleven years made a most popular and ef
ficient superintendent. At the present time,
however, he is connected with the New York
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and is also
a member of the Brooklyn Church Extension So
ciety, which is doing a noble work in establish
ing churches in the city. The cause of educa
tion finds in him an able supporter, and while at

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

705

Rockville Center he was elected a member of the
board of education, which position he held con
tinuously until 1894. He is now one of the trus
tees of the Wesleyan Academy of Wilbraham,
Mass., being elected a member of this body in
1887. Politically Mr. Davison is a stanch Repub
lican and has taken some interest in local poli
tics. Had he cared to turn his attention in that
direction he would have been a leading politician.
On the organization of the, Bank of Rockville
Center he was chosen its president, and re-elected
the following year, but when petitioned by the
directors and stockholders to still continue its
management he refused to do so, as his practice
occupied nearly his entire time and attention.
Mr. Davison is a member of Brooklyn Union
League Club, Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfec
tion, Aurora- Grata Consistory and is past master
of Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., of Hemp
stead, which claims him as one of its most valued
members. He stands very high in this order,
being past district deputy of the first Masonic
district, which includes Queens and Suffolk
Counties. ?

ISAAC W. VALENTINE. Long Island
boasts of a large number of hotels, scattered
throughout its entire extent, and among the
best of these we find the Jericho Hotel, of which
Mr. Valentine is owner and proprietor. Tlie
traveling public is familiar with this house, and
commercial men as well as pleasure seekers are
accustomed to make it their headquarters when
passing through this part of the county. Since
purchased by the present manager in 1891 the
character of the service has been improved and
the popularity thereby increased.
In the town of Oyster Bay the subject of this
notice was born October 13, 1843, being a son of
Daniel and Maria (Walden) Valentine, also na
tives of this town. The paternal grandfather,
Absalom Valentine, spent his life principally
here, being engaged in farm pursuits. Daniel,
who was also an agriculturist, owned a farm
near Jericho and there it was that our subject
was born. He was the youngest of seven chil
dren, who are as follows : Mary E., deceased wife
of Alfred Horton, of Hicksville; Susan, wife of
Webley Horton, of East Norwich ; John, a black
smith in Roslyn, Queens County; Amanda, who
married Daniel P. Titus, a farmer of Jericho;

Daniel, who is a merchant in Glenwood, this
county; Emily, wife of George Horton, of Syos
set, and Isaac W.
The first sixteen years of our subject's life were
passed on the homestead and in attendance at the
common schools, but at that age he entered upon
an apprenticeship to the wagonmaker's trade.
After serving his time he followed the trade at
different places in the county, and in 1864 opened
a wagonmaker's shop at Mineola, where he re
mained a year. Receiving an offer of a position
that promised to be more remunerative, he sold
out and went to New York, where he was em
ployed for two years. His next enterprise was
in the hotel business in company with his broth
er John, the two buying the Mechanic's Hotel at
Roslyn, which he carried on for two years.
June 6, 1867, Mr. Valentine married Miss Jen
nie, daughter of Emmet Wooden, and a native of
this county. They became the parents of one
daughter, Jennie W., the wife of Jesse Smith
of Brooklyn. Soon after his marriage Mr. Val
entine closed out his hotel business and went to
Brooklyn, where for a year he was employed on
the Fulton Street ferry. He then returned to
Roslyn and secured work at house painting, re
maining in the village until 1880, after which he
was proprietor of the Osceola Hotel at East Nor
wich for five years. December 11, 1878, he was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Peasel,
daughter of William R. Peasel, of Roslyn, and
they are the parents of two children, Harry W.
and Elsie.
With the progressive element of the town of
Oyster Bay, Mr. Valentine is doing all he can
to elevate its social and moral status, and to con
tribute to its general welfare. Politically he has
always been a firm believer in the advocacy and
utility of Democratic principles. Socially he
has been connected with Pembroke Lodge No.
73, I. O. O. F., at Glencove. During his resi
dence in Roslyn, in 1880, he was elected consta
ble and filled that position until removing from
the village. In 1882 he was chosen commis
sioner of highways of the town and served with
efficiency in that office for four years.

CHARLES PENCHARD, who has made
his home in Long Island City since i860
and now resides at No. 12 Ely Avenue,
has witnessed much of the growth of this place,
and through his labors as an honest, industrious

7o6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business man has contributed his quota to the
development of its material interests. Always
prudent and conservative, he has established a
reputation as a safe, reliable man, whose integ
rity is beyond question. The progress of this
section of the state has been his pride through
all the years of his residence here. He has seen
manufactories introduced and a network of rail
roads, penetrating every corner of Long Island,
while the telephone and telegraph wires could
scarcely be numbered. To be an eye witness of
these improvements is an honor, but a greater
privilege is to be an active participant in the
various changes that have taken place, and such
has been his fortune.
The Penchard family is of English descent.
George, the father of our subject, brought his
family to America in 1834 and settled in Albany,
N. Y., where he followed his chosen calling, that
of an architect and superintendent of construction.
Later he removed to New York, where he con
tinued his work until his death, in 1884. His
father, Dr. George Penchard, was a physician in
England, and was a descendant, remotely, of
French ancestry. Our subject's mother, who bore
the maiden name of Sarah Waters, was born in
England and died in New York City. Of her
three sons and two daughters, one son and one
daughter are still living.
Charles, who was the eldest of the family, was
born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1829; he
has, however, very meager recollections of his
native land, as at the age of five he crossed the
ocean in a sailing vessel and settled with his par
ents in Albany. There he was a student in the
grammar school, gaining by diligent study a fair
education that fitted him for practical business
life. When sixteen years old he went to New
York, where he was apprenticed to learn the
trade of a fancy wood carver, and this he followed
until about 1875, when he engaged as a designer
of fancy wood work. Much of his time is given
to the construction of furniture, and indirectly
he is engaged in its manufacture. His designs in
wood have brought a wide recognition of his
talents and have been universally admired.
The marriage of Mr. Penchard, which took
place in New York, united him with Miss Cath
erine Ann Combes, a native of that place and a
member of one of the old Long Island families.
They are the parents of six living children, name
ly: Charles, who is connected with the Standard
Oil Company, of Baltimore, Md.; Benjamin, who

is with his parents; James, a painter by trade
and the possessor of excellent artistic taste; Mrs.
Mary Clench, of Long Island City;. Mrs. Car
rie Fletcher, also of this place, and Evelyn, at
home. During the administration of Mayor
Petry, Mr. Penchard was appointed a member of
the first civil service board of Long Island City.
He has held a number of other local positions, but
in the main is too engrossed with his personal
matters to give much thought to public or politi
cal affairs.

CHARLES VOLKMAR. "Every man to
his calling" is a maxim no less forcible at
the present time than when it was first
uttered, and no better illustration of it can be
found than in the subject of this record. Mr.
Volkmar is an artist whose fame is not merely
local, but has also brought him favorable notice
from connoisseurs in other parts of the country.
Wherever his works have been exhibited they
have won merited praise by their intrinsic worth.
He is recognized as one of the masters of his
profession in this part of the state, his success
being due, to some, extent, to inherited talent, but
largely to the diligent, self-sacrificing, tireless cul
tivation of his artistic powers. In addition to his
professional work he is proprietor of a pottery at
Corona, where he resides.
The first twenty years of the life of Mr. Volk
mar were passed in Baltimore, Md., where he
was born August 21, 1841, and where his edu
cation was obtained. His father, Charles, who
was a successful portrait painter, was born in
Germany, whence the paternal grandfather, also
named Charles, followed the occupation of an
engraver. The latter emigrated to America and
settled in Baltimore about 1835, where our sub
ject's father died in 1893 at the age of eighty-
three. His specialty was portrait painting, and
many of the eminent men of the country sat to
him for portraits. His profession proved remun
erative and enabled him to rear in comfort his
family of thirteen children.
Of this large family five attained years of ma
turity, but our subject is the only one who in
herited the artistic talent of his father and grand
father. At an early age he began to study in his
father's studio with the intention of doing land
scape painting. When twenty years old, in 1861,
he was sent abroad to study and was in Europe
for fourteen years, the most of this time being

WILLIAM L. JARVIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

709

sPent in Paris. While there he made the ac
quaintance of the proprietor of a pottery and thus
became interested in decorative pottery! During
his long sojourn on the continent he made only
one visit home, and was then married, December
.22, 1870, to Miss Nettie Welch, of Lawrence,
Mass., a descendant of one of the old families of
Maine, and granddaughter of General Moore,
who won fame at the battle of Bunker Hill.
After Mr. Volkmar returned permanently to
America he settled at Tremont, New York Coun
ty, and from there went to Menlo Park, N. J.,
later coming to Corona, where he now makes his
home. In the pottery business he has had a
number of partners, but as he has worked more
for a reputation than for financial profit the part
nerships have been dissolved, and he now gives
his attention to the business personally. At the
Atlanta Exposition he was awarded the gold med
al for the best exhibit of historical placques, and
also received a medal at the Centennial Expo
sition and a silver medal at the Mechanic's Insti
tute in Boston.
The two sons of Mr. Volkmar, Ray and Leon
(the former of whom was at one time a student
in Steven's Institute in Hoboken) inherit his ar
tistic taste and are of great assistance to him in
his work. It is his hope that in future years they
may carry on, with an ever increasing success,
the professional labors in which he is engaged.
Politically our subject's father and grandfather
were Jeffersonian Democrats, while he is inde
pendent in his ballot, with an inclination toward
Republican principles. His grandfather fol
lowed the religion of his ancestors, who were de
vout Lutherans, but Mr. Volkmar himself is lib
eral in his views. Socially he is identified with
the Salmagundi Art Club and the Architectural
League of New York, and is also connected with
the Masonic fraternity, as were his father and
grandfather.

WILLIAM L. JARVIS, the efficient
train master of the Long Island Rail
road, has his office in Long Island
City and his residence in Jamaica. He was born
in the latter place May 8, 1858, and is a member
of a family originating in England, but repre
sented among the pioneer settlers of Long Is
land. His father, William H, a native of Man
hasset, was a son of William Jarvis, who was born
in Queens County and was engaged in farming

pursuits here throughout his entire life. The for
mer learned the trade of a carpenter and builder
in Jamaica, which occupation lie afterward fol
lowed in Brooklyn until his death there at the age
of forty-three. His wife, Clara, who was born in
Jamaica and still resides in that village, was a
daughter of William Wood, a watch and clock
maker by trade and a member of an English fam
ily that came to Long Island at a very early per
iod of its settlement.
The subject of this article and his sister, Mrs.
Sarah E. Hurley, of Jamaica, are the only living
children of their parents. Die former spent the
first five years of his life in Jamaica, from which
place the family removed to Farmingdale, Suf
folk County, and thence three years afterward
went to Brooklyn. His father dying when he
was a lad of eleven years, he soon afterward re
turned with his widowed mother to Jamaica,
where he has since made his home, though em
ployed elsewhere much of the time. In 1871,
having completed his education in the Jamaica
High School, he went to Brooklyn, where for
three years he was engaged in the butcher busi
ness. Then, learning telegraphy, in 1876 he be
came telegraph operator and assistant agent at
Jamaica for the Long Island Railroad, and con
tinued in that position for five years. In 1881 he
was made train dispatcher in the Long Island
City office, from which in 1887 he was promoted
to be chief train dispatcher, and in September,
1891, became train master. This is a position
of great responsibility, and the fact that he fills
it satisfactorily and efficiently is a proof of his
ability. On the entire system nearly twelve hun
dred trains are run daily, and they are handled
from this office. The increase of business has
been extraordinary, as when he secured a posi
tion as operator there were only fourteen trains
per day. The rapid increase of business and great
prosperity of the road he has witnessed and as
sisted in securing, and his faithful service has
won for him the commendation of the officials
of the road.
In Jamaica Mr. Jarvis married Miss Carrie C.
Wood, who was born in that village. They are
the parents of three children, William S., George
Raymond and Ima Lyle. Socially our subject
is past master of Jamaica Lodge No. 546, F.
A. M., and is connected with the Royal Arcanum
Council of Jamaica. He was a charter member of
the Queens County Building and Loan Associa
tion, headquarters at Jamaica, and is still con-

710

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nected with that thriving institution. He is iden
tified with the Old Time Telegraphic and Histori
cal Association of the United States. In religious
belief he holds membership in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, while politically he is a Repub
lican.

WILLIAMSON R SELOVER. No
man stands higher in the regard of his
fellow-citizens than the subject of this
sketch, who owns and occupies a neat place just
within the corporate limits of the village of Ja
maica. In his carer as a farmer he has displayed
an excellent capacity for business, forethought
and wise calculation, and these qualities have
brought him into prominence among the pros
perous residents of the town. He has been in
terested in public affairs and takes an intelligent
interest in all that concerns the community, while
his public spirit has helped forward many plans
devised for its advancement.
In the town of Jamaica, about one mile east of
his present home, our subject was born April
20, 1838, being a son of Cornelius J. and Mar
garet (Ryder) Selover. His paternal grandpar
ents were Daniel and Cozina Selover, the former
of whom was a farmer. Cornelius J. Selover was
born in the town of Jamaica in 1800, and in his
native place grew to manhood and entered upon
farm pursuits, becoming in the course of years
one of the most successful and prominent agri
culturists of the community. His activity was
cut short by his death in 1856, when the town
lost one of its honest, efficient and popular citi
zens. OLhis marriage twelve children were born,
but of that number only five survive.
The common schools of the home neighbor
hood were the medium through which the sub
ject of this sketch laid the foundation of his edu
cation, and the knowledge there acquired has
since been supplemented by self-culture and
thoughtful reading. For his life work he chose
the occupation in which his father had met with
so much success, but not having at first the means
for the purchase of a place, he operated rented
land for seventeen years. He was saving and
economical, and with his earnings he purchased
land now within the city limits of Brooklyn,
where for several years he carripd on farming.
On selling out there he purchased in 1891 the
attractive homestead where he has since resided.
In 1872 Mr. Selover married Miss Martha T„

daughter of Jacob V. and Mary A. Bergen, of
Flatlands, N. Y. They became the parents of
five children, of whom those living are named as
follows: Minnie B., wife of Louis K. Bennett,
of Brooklyn; Margaret J., who married L. J.
Cosgrove; and Mabel, who is with her parents.
Politically Mr. Selover is a Republican of the
truest type and occupies a high position among
the members of his party. His labors in behalf
of all that will elevate the status of the people,
either materially or morally, are ceaseless and
have brought him the regard of his neighbors and
acquaintances.

ALBERT J. HORTON, one of the most
esteemed and worthy citizens of Queens
County, was born in Jericho, January 5,
1841. He is a son of Alfred and Mary E. (Val
entine) Horton, the former of whom was born
at Coldspring, L. L, on the 18th of September,
1818. His father, Joseph Horton, was also a
native of the island and for many years was a
resident of Coldspring. At one time Alfred Hor
ton was a contractor and builder in the city of
Brooklyn, where he located soon after his mar
riage. About i860 he was elected coroner of
that city, holding the position for two terms of
three years each. About ten years previous to
this he was elected constable of the eleventh
ward. In the year 1883 he left Brooklyn and
moved to Jericho, where he has since made his
home. In every respect he is well preserved.
Our subject was one of five children, but is the
only one now living. He received his education
in the schools of Brooklyn. His first venture for
himself was in the carpenter business, when
twenty-one years old, and after following this for
two years in Brooklyn he engaged in the milk
business on the corner of DeKalb and Hudson
Avenues. A year and a half later he gave this
up and opened a cigar store in Fulton Street,
operating the same for some time. On the 2d
of December, 1866, he bought the Jericho Hotel,
conducting it successfully for twenty-one years,
and during this time he also carried on a hotel
at Seaford for one season. In the year 1873 he
was elected sealer of weights and measures and
held the position for two years. He also became
commissioner of highways, a position he held for
two successive terms of three years each. For
some time he was town tax collector of Oyster
Bay, and for five years deputy collector of in-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

711

ternal revenue for the first district, being em
ployed in the towns of Oyster Bay, North Hemp
stead, Flushing, and part of Long Island City.
After that he was appointed inspector of the
foundation planking of the Brooklyn water con
duits and had supervision of the construction of
the conduits for about three years. Following
this he was inspector of the construction of sew
ers of Brooklyn for one year and afterward filled
the position of inspector of ponds and streams in
connection with the Brooklyn water works. He
was also appointed inspector of tracks for the
Brooklyn Heights Railway Company, holding
that position for six months, and since 1894 he
has not been actively engaged in business.
During his residence in Brooklyn Mr. Horton
was married to Miss Emma Bennett, of that city,
and the daughter of A. Bennett. Two children
were the fruits of this union, Alfred, now in
business in New York City, and Mary D., who
died in infancy. Mrs. Horton died in August,
1885. In politics Mr. Horton has always been
a loyal Democrat. Socially he is an Odd Fel
low, a member of Primrose Lodge No. 569, and
he was formerly a member of Pembroke Lodge
No. 73, Glencove. He has filled the chairs and
is now past noble grand. He was also a member
of Glencove Lodge No. 426, A. O. U. W., and of
the Union League of the city of Brooklyn. Dur
ing his residence in that city he was one-third
partner in the distillery on the corner of State
and Bond Streets. Besides his property inter
ests he has twenty-five lots in the village of
Hicksville and two houses. His home is now in
Massapequa.

HARVEY G. SPALDING. Honorable in
dustry always travels the same road with
enjoyment and duty, and progress is al
together impossible without it. In the life of
Mr. Spalding energy and honesty have always
governed every transaction, and while he has
not become wealthy, he has by his arduous ef
forts gained a comfortable amount of this world's
goods. He especially merits praise from the
fact that, although he began without money, he
has worked his way up to a position of influence
and independence. His standing in the town of
Jamaica is that of a reliable citizen and a man of
intelligence, who lives not for himself alone, but
is interested in the welfare of his fellowmen.
The present home of Mr. Spalding is situated

three miles south of Jamaica on the Rockaway
road. He was bom in Norwich, Vt., January
20, 1824, and is one of six children, three of whom
are now living. His father, Samuel, was a pros
perous farmer of Vermont, later of Connecticut.
Twice married, his first wife, the mother of our
subject, died in 1825. Four years later he mar
ried Miss Lucy Carter, of Canterbury, Conn.,
and they became the parents of four children.
With the exception of a few years toward the end
of his life, he continued to reside in Canterbury
until his death at the age of ninety-six. Through
out his long life, even to its close, he was re
markable for robustness and sturdy physique,
and was scarcely sick a day in all that time.
At the age of eighteen the subject of this no
tice began in life for himself, and for three years
following served an apprenticeship to the wagon
maker's trade in Westminster, after which he did
journeyman work for three years there and in
Newark, N. J. With his wife, formerly Miss Di
ana Fowler, whom he married in July, 1845, he
removed to the village of Jamaica, and there for
eleven years he made his home. During nine
years of that time he was employed as a journey
man, but two years prior to his removal he
opened a shop for himself. In 1861 he came to
his present home and established himself in busi
ness as a wagon maker, in which way he con
tinued until July, 1893. Since that time the
business has been conducted by his son, Charles
H., and he has retired from active labors.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Spalding was
blessed with six children, but only two are now
living. The older son, Pulaski, who is married
and has two children, is engaged in business as
a wagon maker, his home and place of business
being Springfield, this county. The younger son,
Charles H, married Miss Emma Stothoff, who
since the death of our subject's wife in August,
1889, has presided over the home, managing its
household affairs and at the same time giving
careful attention to the welfare of her three chil
dren, Charles Albert, Edna Amelia, and Arthur
Wilbur. Politically our subject is a Republican.
He is a friend of liberal education and for nine
years served as trustee of the school in this dis
trict. Charles H, our subject's successor in business,
was born September 12, 1862, and was educated
in the Jamaica South district. Under the in
struction of his father he learned the wagon
maker's trade, which he has since followed with

712

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the exception of one year (1882) when he was
employed by the Norwich Lock Manufacturing
Company of Norwich, Conn. December 23,
1884, he married Emma, daughter of Cornelius
Stothoff, of Springfield, and they have since re
sided at the old homestead. In religious belief
he is a member of the Springfield Methodist
Church and is a member of its board of trustees.
As a Republican he is warmly interested in the
progress of his party, but cannot be called a poli
tician, for he prefers to devote his attention to
his business affairs.

GEORGE W. TERRY, well known as one
of the successful business men of Hemp
stead, was born in Center Moriches, Suf
folk County, June 25, 1842. His father, Strong
Terry, was born on the same place January 3,
181 2, and died there February 27, 1890, having
devoted his entire active life to farming pursuits.
. Of his three brothers, Nelson, who was born Sep
tember 19, 1807, in early life engaged in busi
ness as a hotel keeper at Moriches and also ran a
stage line on Long Island, of which he was one
of the owners. His closing years were spent on
his farm, where he died in 1887. Three sons
survive him, namely: Henry S., a coal merchant
in Brooklyn; George Smith, who lives in the
West and is the confidential man of Cornelius
Vanderbilt, Jr., son of the old Commodore and
brother of the late William H. Vanderbilt; and
William C, who for many years carried on a
hotel business in Toledo, Ohio, but now lives fur
ther West.
Another brother of our subject's father, Samuel
by name, was born April 7, 1814, and was a
farmer by occupation. At his death he left three
sons, namely: Francis A., born February 15,
1837, a sailor in the United States Navy in the
Civil War, who was lost at sea; Gideon H, born
December 2, 1839, a soldier in the late war, who
was killed in the battle of Cedar Mountain, Au
gust 9, 1862; and Charles C, who was born
March 12, 1851, and is now captain of a coasting
vessel. The third brother of our subject's father
was William C, who for many years carried on
mercantile pursuits ; his only child, Mary Strong
Terry, married Egbert Strong and lives in Baby
lon, L. I.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Capt.
Samuel Terry, was born September 17, 1773, and
in early life was captain of a sailing vessel, but

later became a merchant and farmer at Center
Moriches, where he died May 7, 1851. He was
the son of William Terry, wdio died at Islip, L. I.,
March 25, 1824, at the age of seventy-four years;
his wife died at the home of Capt. Samuel Terry
February 15, 1838, aged ninety-one years. The
Terry family was among the first to settle on the
east end of Long Island, but the early records
are incomplete, so that it is impossible to give a
connected history of the ancestors.
Our subject's mother, who bore the maiden
name of Harriet Topping, was born in Center
Moriches April 2, 1816, and was married to
Strong Terry April 14, 1840; she died June 1,
1868. Her brothers were Elias, who spent his
entire life on a farm; Sidney B., a merchant and
market gardener; Jasper G., who also followed
that business, and died leaving no children; Silas
E., a farmer of Suffolk County ; and Charles, who
died young. Sidney B., a resident of West
Hampton, was a butcher by trade; his son,
Charles E., is general superintendent of the
United States Express Company in New York
City and is the "right-hand" man of ex-Senator
Thomas C. Piatt; another son, John M., is a
prominent railroad man in New York City. Silas
E., who made his home in Center Moriches, had
three sons, namely: Capt. Frank Topping; Ed
win, a merchant at Stony Brook; and Thomas,
a seafaring man and at one time steward of Jay
Gould's yacht. Silas Topping, our ¦ subject's
grandfather, was born at Southampton, L. I.,
and was a farmer by occupation; he married
Charity M., daughter of John Bishop, of Mori
ches, and member of an old family of the island.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of four
children. His sister, Charity M., born April 14,
1845, is the wife of Ellsworth E. Wells, who was
a soldier in the late war and is now an architect
in New York; Jasper G., born July 18, 1848, was
for some years on the police force in New York,
where he received injuries that crippled him- for
life; Julia C, born October 22, 1854, is the wife
of Edward Thomas and resides at Center Mori
ches. After completing his education our subject was
for seven years engaged in the mercantile busi
ness at Yaphank, L. I., later for five years at
Moriches, then for a similar period in New York
City, and in 1880 he came to Hempstead, where
he has since carried on a boot and shoe business.
A member of the Methodist Church, he is espe
cially interested in Sunday-school work and was

FRANKLIN' II. CORWIN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

715

superintendent for ten years during his residence
in Moriches and Amityville. Fraternally a Ma
son and an Odd Fellow, he has been secretary of
both lodges and has passed all the chairs. For
three years he was commander of the American
Legion of Honor. August 6, 1865, he married
Miss Eliza J. Philips, who died December 10,
1889, leaving no children. She was a daughter
of John M. Philips, of Harpersfield, Ohio, and a
direct descendant, in the seventh generation, of
John Rogers. The second marriage of Mr. Terry
took place April 8, 1892, when Miss Kate West-
lake, of Hempstead, became his wife. Political
ly Mr. Terry is a stanch Republican.

FRANKLIN H. CORWIN, superintendent
of the shipping department of the Gros
jean Agateware Works of Woodhaven,
also vice-president of the Woodhaven Bank, one
of the most reliable institutions of the kind in
the county, was born in the village of Orient, in
the extreme eastern end of Long Island, March
16, 1852. He is the son of Capt. William G. Cor-
win, whose birth occurred in Mattituck, July 19',
1819, and who devoted his active years to coast
ing and fishing, in which he was very successful.
He is now spending the declining years of his
liEe in a pleasant home in Orient, making occas
ional visits to his son in Woodhaven and his
other sons and daughters, in whom he has par
donable pride for the honorable and upright
course of their lives.
The Corwin family trace their ancestry back
to the earliest settlers of the eastern portion of
the island, and their name is legion in Suffolk
County. The grandfather of Franklin H. served
as a soldier in the War of 1812 and his father held
the rank of major in the Revolutionary War.
To Capt. William G. Corwin and his wife there
were born six children, of whom William G., Jr.,
is a well-to-do business man in Southampton.
Grace I. and Mary L. are married and reside in
Orient. George D. and Charles L. are deceased.
Franklin H. was not permitted to attend school
but a short time, for when only twelve years of
age he accompanied his father on his fishing ex
peditions, and as he grew to like this kind of life
he followed it for five years. He then went to
Brooklyn and secured a position in a grocery
store and later was salesman in a wholesale boot
and shoe house of New York.
In 1871, however, Mr. Corwin came to Wood

haven and entered the employ of the large manu
facturing establishment with which he has since
been connected, and in which he has worked his
way up to his present responsible position of
superintendent of the shipping department. He
is a thorough-going business man and has won
the entire confidence of his employers. He de
serves great credit, for he started out in life with
no capital other than a clear record and a desire
to make for himself a name and fortune, and dur
ing the quarter of a century in which he has been
in Woodhaven, by carefully attending to his
duties in the factory and by hard work he has
attained success and is now not only one of the
most prosperous, but one of the most popular
citizens of Woodhaven.
After his hours at the factory were over Mr.
Corwin has given his attention to building up
an insurance business, which has now grown to
large proportions. He was one of the organizers
of the Woodhaven Bank in 1891, and was chosen
its vice-president, which position he still holds.
He is also the partner of H. M. De Ronde, who
gives most of his attention to carrying on their
large grocery business in this place. In addition
he is interested in many other enterprises
in the place and is one of its most substantial and
influential citizens. He is a member of the Con
gregational Church and is liberal in his contribu
tions to the same and is active in the work of the
Sunday-school, having been for fifteen years its
superintendent. Mr. Corwin and Miss Almira, daughter of E.
U. Jones of Woodhaven, were united in marriage
in 1877. They have two sons and two daughters,
namely: Franklin H., Jr., Chester Harrison, Jessie
E. and Grace D. The family occupy one of the
most pleasant homes in the best part of Wood
haven and number their friends among its best
people. Our subject has always been interested
in the cause of education, and as treasurer of the
school board has exerted his influence in gaining
for the people of this section model schools in
every respect.

JOHN A. SCHMALL, carriage, wagon and
sign painter, has his place of business at
No. 104 Jackson Avenue, Long Island
City. He is, however, living in Brooklyn, where
he is the owner of a comfortable home and is
well-to-do in this world's goods. He was born

716

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in that city in 1855. His father, John Schmall,
a native of Holland, came to America when a
young man and established the first butcher shop
in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. There he was en
gaged in business for a period of thirty years, but
later removed to Chicago and made that city his
home until his demise. Mrs. Frances (Appleton)
Schmall, mother of our subject, was of German
birth. She became the mother of thirteen chil
dren, and died in Long Island City.
John A., the subject of this sketch, was
reared in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and edu
cated in the public schools. He spent his va
cations in assisting his father in the meat mar
ket and when his school days were over re
mained with him until seventeen or eighteen
years of age, when he apprenticed himself to a
painter, as he was desirous of learning carriage
and sign painting. He remained with Pete
Birch of Brooklyn for three and a half years,
when he started in business for himself in Green
point. After remaining there for a time, in June,
1875, we find him plying his trade at Hunter's
Point, where he has continued ever since. He
occupied the same building for nearly twenty
years, but the fire of 1893 compelled him to find
new quarters and he is now doing business at
No. 104 Jackson Avenue, between Sixth and
Seventh Streets. The building, which is two
stories in height, has two entrances and is fitted
up with all the appliances for prosecuting the
carriage and sign painting business in the best
possible manner. He also manufactures ban
ners and transparencies. In his line he is an ex
pert and often receives large orders from Brook
lyn and New York, also from almost every town
or village of any size on the island. He is the
oldest painter in Long Island City and as such
possesses the confidence of its citizens.
Mr. Schmall was married in Brooklyn in 1877
to Miss Harriet Wareham, who was born in New
York City. They occupy a comfortable home
at No. 612 Larmor Street, Brooklyn, and many
of their friends are to be found among its best
citizens. Mr. Schmall is very prominent in politics and
ever since casting his first vote has been a stanch
supporter of Republican principles. In 1895 he
was the candidate of his party for the assembly
from the Fourteenth District. This locality is
strongly Democratic, and claims a majority of
three thousand voters. Our subject was, how
ever, defeated by two thousand votes, which re

duced the majority to one thousand. He is a
member of the Exempt Firemen's Association
of this city and many years ago was assistant
foreman of Live Oak Company, No. 2.

ROBERT SAPPELT. This worthy and pro
gressive farmer is one of the best types
of the German-American element, whose
constancy to the business in hand, and whose
thrift have added so greatly to the value of our
agricultural regions. Pie was born in Prussia,
Germany, March 20, 1838, to the marriage of
Herman and Frances (Heuman) Sappelt, both
natives of the Old Country. Herman Sappelt
was born July 13, 1805, and early in life became
an agriculturist. Afterwards he abandoned this
pursuit and embarked as a dealer in yarns when
spinning by hand was at its height. After ma
chinery had been invented that made spinning by
hand unprofitable, he engaged in the hotel busi
ness in Frankenstein, Germany, and continued
this successfully until the year 1849, when he de
cided to seek his fortune in the New World.
On his arrival here he spent a year in Williams
burg, and afterwards moved to what was then
known as New Brooklyn, and became the over
seer for the firm of Sackman, Radde & Dorman,
real estate men, who were laying out lots in that
portion of the island. After about four years
with this firm Mr. Sappelt engaged in contract
ing for himself, following this for the next two
years, and laid out some of the principal streets
of that section of the city. Later he moved to
Hydepark and for fourteen years followed farm
ing, when he purchased the tract of land now
owned by our subject, and there passed the clos
ing scenes of his life, his death occurring Novem
ber 25, 1885, when in his eighty-first year. His
widow is still living, at the advanced age of
eighty-three years, and finds a comfortable and
pleasant home with her son Robert. Her great
grandfather reached the age of ninety-eight
years, and her great-grandmother lived to be
ninety-six. Our subject was the youngest of three children
born to his parents, the others being Ernestine,
Mrs. Henry Schmitt, and Pauline, Mrs. George
W. Weil, both of whom are living at the present
time. Robert remained under the parental roof
until grown and received part of his education
in Germany and part in his adopted country,
being but eleven years old when he came here.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

717

As he was the only son he worked with his father
up to the time of the latter's death and then took
charge of the home farm at Foster's Meadow,
which he has since conducted most successfully.
In 1875 he patented a seed fertilizer sower which
he uses on his farm.
Mr. Sappelt has never married. In politics he
is a Republican and in religion he is a Catholic.
For thirteen years he was overseer of highways
and for the past five years has been school col
lector in this district.

GEORGE ROECKEL is one of the native
sons of Queens County, and within its
limits has passed his entire life. He is
an influential citizen of Fosters Meadow, where
he is the proprietor of a general mercantile es
tablishment. Born in the above place, April 25,
1861, he is the son of Joseph Roeckel, a native of
Bavaria, Germany. The latter was born in Feb
ruary, 1828, and was in his seventeenth year when
he embarked on a vessel bound for the shores of
the New World.
Joseph Roeckel was well educated in his na
tive tongue and after coming to America soon
found employment as clerk in a store in New
York City. He was thus engaged for some time,
when, being possessed of a snug little sum of
money, he established a grocery on the corner
of Thirtieth Street and Eighth Avenue. In this
undertaking he was very prosperous and in 1858
opened a store at Fosters Meadow; two years
later he made this place his home. He continued
to give his attention to the management of the
store until 1887, when he sold out to his son, our
subject. He is the owner of much valuable prop
erty in this vicinity, and in looking after this and
in transacting the duties of postmaster, to which
position he was appointed by President Hayes,
has about all that he can do.
The lady whom Joseph Roeckel married was
Margaret Johnston, a native of Belfast, Ireland.
She departed this life when George was quite
young and the father was then married to her
sister, Sarah Johnston. The former union re
sulted in the birth of four children, those besides
our subject being Nellie, now the wife of Irving
Boyce, of Jamaica; Sarah, at home, and Clara,
Mrs. James F. Hendrickson, of Springfield, L. I.
The subject of this sketch first attended the
public schools of his native town, after which he
took a thorough course in the private school at

Jamaica. After his school days were over he
worked on a farm which his father owned until
1882, when he went into the store and gave his
undivided attention to mastering every detail of
the business. In 1887 he purchased the stock of
goods and has since conducted affairs in a very
able manner. In addition to this he now deals
in fertilizers and farm produce, handling more
of the former than any other person in the state
of New York. Mr. Roeckel deserves the suc
cess which he has attained, having exercised pru
dence and tact in all his transactions. He is a
great lover of horses and is the owner of some
very fine animals, which he exhibits at the fairs
held in this and Suffolk Counties. At one time
he was vice-president of the Long Island Racing
Society. In 1882 our subject was married to Miss Em
ma, daughter of Henry A. Van Allen, one of the
wealthy and influential residents of Jamaica. To
Mr. and Mrs. Roeckel there have been born two
daughters, Edna and Cora. Although never
seeking or desiring to hold office, Mr. Roeckel
is greatly interested in public affairs and during
elections never fails to cast a vote in support of
candidates of the Republican ticket.

ISAAC CORNELL REMSEN, who resides
about two miles southwest of Jamaica, L. I.,
is a member of one of the old and representa
tive families of the island. On the 3d of April,
1854, he was born in Flatlands, Kings County,
of which section his father, Richard Remsen, Jr.,
was also a native. The great-grandfather, also
Richard Remsen, was likewise a native of Flat-
lands. The former was one of three sons born
to Esq. John Remsen, and as the home place
was a large one when the sons grew to manhood,
the farm was divided and the sons erected resi
dences thereon. On the farm that fell to his lot,
Richard Remsen, Jr., has resided since and is
now seventy-four years old. One of his sons,
Garrett K. S. Remsen, now manages the home
farm. Our subject's grandfather, Esq. John Remsen,
was also a native of Flatlands and a man promi
nently identified with every enterprise of moment.
Richard Remsen, Jr., married Miss Cornelia A.
Kowenhoven and six of their nine children now
survive. Of these Isaac Cornell Remsen was
sixth in order of birth. His early life was spent
in active duties on the farm and he secured a fair

7i8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

education in the common schools and a good
business education in Brown's Business College,
Brooklyn. On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr.
Remsen married Miss Georgianna J. Ditmis,
daughter of George O. Ditmis of Queens. (See
sketch.) After one year's residence in Flatlands our
subject removed to his present place, which was
once the home farm of M. G. Johnson, an uncle
of Mr. Remsen's wife. On this tract of land Mr.
Remsen has tilled the soil most successfully since.
His marriage resulted in the birth of three chil
dren, two of whom are living at the present time.
George O. Ditmis was born August 7, 1886, and
died March 16, 1888; Richard was born June
22, 1889; and Martin Johnson, January 4, 1892.
The two latter children are unusually bright,
manly-looking little boys and are a credit to
their parents. Politically Mr. Remsen is a Re
publican: He is a member and director of the
Queens County Agricultural Society and is in
terested in all that pertains to the welfare of his
county. Religiously he is a member of the Dutch
Reformed Church of Jamaica.

WILLIAM H. ALLEN, constable for
the town of Flushing, formerly chief of
police of Rockaway Beach and deputy
sheriff of Queens County, is one of the enter
prising young merchants of Flushing, where he
has been owner and proprietor of a men's furnish
ing establishment since 1885'. He is a member
of one of the old families of New Jersey, where
his great-grandfather, Jonathan Allen, was born,
the latter, however, afterward settling in New
York City, where he was engaged in the mercan
tile business in the Seventh ward. The grand
father, James A., a native of New Jersey, also re
moved to New York, where he was employed as
a mechanic; during the War of 1812 he entered
the service, furnishing his own outfit and remain
ing in the army until peace was declared. He
chose as his wife Miss Mary Ruck, a member of
an old Holland-Dutch family that originally set
tled on Manhattan Island.
The father of our subject, Judge Robert W.
Allen, was born in New York City in 1822, and
was reared in that city, where he gained his' edu
cation. For a time he was in the mercantile
business in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, later went
back to New York, then returned to Williams
burg, afterward spent three and one-half years

in Bellmore, Queens County, and in 1881 settled
in Flushing, where he opened a general dry
goods store in the building adjoining that now
occupied by his son. For one term, while living
in Williamsburg, he served as justice of the
peace. As a Democrat he has long taken an
active part in politics. He was delegate to the
national convention that nominated James Bu
chanan for President, on which occasion he dis
played his loyalty to that party leader by voting
seventeen times for him. In i860 he was an
alternate delegate to the convention at Charles
ton. Socially he has been a Mason for forty-
five years and is now a member of Hyatt Lodge
No. 205, F. & A. M.
Our subject's mother, Adelia W., was born in
Williamsburg in 1829, being a daughter of Judge
William Hughes, a native of New York and for
years a real estate dealer in Brooklyn, where he
served as justice and associate justice of Kings
County; he was of English parentage, his father
having come from that country. Mrs. Adelia
W. Allen died in 1890, leaving two children, Mrs.
Ada M. Sammis, of Brooklyn, and William H,
who was born in Brooklyn in 1865. The latter
was educated in the public schools and Wright's
College, Brooklyn, and in 1881 came to Flush
ing, where he has since resided. For a time he
was employed as a clerk in New York City, but
since 1885 has been in business for himself. In
addition to carrying on his store, he is interested
in the Flushing Bank. He was married in this
village to Miss Phoebe L., daughter of the late
John A. Young, who was formerly engaged in
the mercantile business here. They have two
children, Ada Y. and Myra L.
For three years Mr. Allen was deputy to Sher
iff Goldner and for a similar period served under
Sheriff Norton. During two years of the last
term he was captain or chief of police of Rocka
way Beach and head deputy sheriff, having
charge of all the departments. He rendered
active service during the quarantine on Fire Isl
and at the time of the cholera epidemic; was in
charge at the demonstration at Glencove, on the
celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of
the settlement of the village, when he brought to
justice seventeen pickpockets; and was at the
Mineola Fair, where he had a clash with the
Pinkerton men. With three others he raided
the prize fighters at Woodside at two o'clock in
the morning and in spite of the presence of a
crowd of toughs, succeeded in handcuffing the

F. D. KOUWENHOVEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

721

principals and stopping the fight. At Rockaway
Beach he stopped a prize fight at two o'clock
one morning, just as it was being started. He
was a very efficient and successful officer, and
enforced the law to the letter. In the spring of
1895 he was elected constable on the Demo
cratic ticket, which office he now holds. An
active worker in the ranks of the Democratic
party, he has been a delegate to general and
county conventions, and has always manifested
the most enthusiastic interest in everything per
taining to politics.
Socially Mr. Allen is connected with Cornu
copia Lodge No. 653, F. & A. M. He assisted
in the organization of the Order of Foresters,
and was the first sub chief of the lodge, also
served as its chief ranger. At different times he
has been president and foreman of the Mutual
Engine Company No. 1. A charter member of
the Flushing Boat Club, he was a member of the
first board of trustees of that organization. He
is connected with Council No. 6 of the Order of
American Firemen. His success is especially
commendable when the fact is considered that he
is scarcely yet in the prime of life. Undoubtedly '
the future years will bring him an ever increasing
success, both in business and in public affairs.

FRANK D. KOUWENHOVEN. Few citi
zens of Long Island City, especially that
portion of the place included within the
suburb of Steinway, are better known and none
are more highly esteemed than the subject of
this biographical notice, who has spent his entire
life in the locality where he now resides. He is
a representative of one of the oldest families
around Bowery Bay, a family whose members
have been noted for patriotic allegiance to our
Government and the spirit of enterprise dis
played in business affairs.
The first of the name to seek a home in Amer
ica was Wolfert Gerritsen van Couwenhoven, a
native of Amersfort, province of Utrecht, the
Netherlands, who crossed the Atlantic in 1630,
and, with a number of others, sought a home in
Rensselaerville, near the city of Albany, N. Y.
After a few years, however, he removed to Long
Island and, with others, bought Flatlands, Kings
County, the date of purchase being June 16, 1636.
By different branches of the family the name is
now spelled Couwenhoven, Kouwenhoven and
Conaver. From Wolfert the line of descent is
29

traced through Gerrit, Nicasus, John, William,
William, Jr., Gerrit, Luke and George to the sub
ject of this notice.
The grandfather of our subject, Luke Kouwen
hoven, was born in Flatlands June 3, 1766, and
was a son of Gerrit, whose birth occurred at the
same place. The former married Ann, daughter
of George and Sarah (Luyster) Wyckoff and
granddaughter of Daniel Luyster, of whose farm
at Bowery Bay Grandfather Kouwenhoven be
came the possessor, remaining upon it until his
death, October 22, 1853. His wife passed away
at the age of ninety-six years and seven months.
Our subject's father, George, was born Decem
ber 11, 1792, and was reared on the family home
stead. In 1818 he purchased from Mr. Luyster
one hundred and twenty acres comprising the
farm now owned by his son, Luke, and upon
that place he remained until his death, November
21, 1874, at the age of eighty-one years eleven
months and ten days. He was buried in Cypress
Hill Cemetery. In religious belief he was con
nected with the Dutch Reformed Church, in
which he held official position. During the War
of 1812 he served in the American Army, being
stationed at Ft. Green in Brooklyn.
The mother of our subject, Helena Duryee,
was born in Dutch Kills January 15, 1799, and
the house where she was born is still standing,
one of the oldest buildings in this locality. Her
father, Francis Duryee, was a farmer by occupa
tion and occupied the old homestead until his
death, which occurred December 15, 1835, at the
age of seventy-four. Mrs. Helena Kouwenhoven
died March 19, 1893, aged ninety-four years and
two months. Of her children two sons and two
daughters are still living, namely: Sarah Ann
and Eve Agnes, who reside at the old homestead ;
Francis Duryee, of this sketch; and Luke, who
still occupies the old home.
Born August 19, 1826, our subject was in
youth given such advantages as the schools of
Newtown afforded, and to the information there
obtained he supplemented the knowledge ac
quired not from text books, but in the school of
practical experience and through habits of close
observation. At the time of his marriage, in
1857, he built the house which he has since oc
cupied. The old home farm is still owned by the
family, with the exception of about twenty acres,
which was sold by his father to Mr. Steinway.
The wife of Mr. Kouwenhoven bore the maiden
name of Harriet Flyatt and was born in New-

722

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

town, where her father, John B., was a farmer.
Of their union four children were born who at
tained years of maturity, namely: Sarah L.,
whose husband is a Presbyterian clergyman in
Indianapolis, Ind.; Helena D., wife of Edward C.
Hulst, of Newtown; Agnes E., and Fannie G.,
who have received excellent educational advan
tages in Brooklyn and Poughkeepsie. While de
voted to American institutions, Mr. Kouwen
hoven maintains an interest in the country from
which his forefathers emigrated, and is identified
with the Holland Society. He aided in the erec
tion of the Dutch Reformed Church in Steinway,
and serves the congregation as an elder. Polit
ically he advocates Republican principles.

PATRICK J. ROULETT. This brave and
faithful sergeant of the Long Island City
police has passed to that bourne whence no
traveler returns, but while living he did much to
improve the social atmosphere of the city in
which he made his home and to remove from it
the criminal classes and the low and vicious,
while discharging the duties of his position. He
was born in County Sligo, Ireland, March 15,
1849, to John and Bridget (White) Roulett, also
natives of the Isle of Erin, the former of whom
lived and died in the land that gave him birth.
In 1867 his widow came to America, joining her
children here, and in Long Island City, at the
home of the subject of this sketch, she died in
1892. She bore her husband four sons and one
daughter, of whom one son and one daughter
are living, the latter a resident of Ireland, and
the former, Thomas, a resident of Long Island
City. Patrick J. Roulett continued to live in Ireland
until he was fifteen years of age, when he deter
mined to seek his fortune in America and came
at once to Long Island City, which continued
his place of residence up to the time of his death.
He learned the stone cutter's trade with Sullivan,
Rafter & Murphy, after which he worked for
them and for other stone firms of this city until
he received his appointment to the police force
in June, 1879. He held the position of patrol
man up to 1882, then became acting sergeant,
and in 1885 was promoted to the rank of ser
geant, which he continued to hold, the most of
his work being in the second precinct, although
he has also been an active officer of the first pre
cinct. One of the lines of duty he very much

enjoyed was detective work, and some of the
best service in that direction was done by him.
He was shrewd, far-seeing and active, and was
one of the best officers the city ever had. Dur
ing the sixteen years that he was connected with
the police department of Long Island City, he
was faithful in the discharge of every duty.
The morning of the day that Mr. Roulett died
he was apparently as well as ever, walked down
to the station house from Davis Street, but short
ly after reaching that place became faint. A
physician and priest were called by his friends,
his wife was summoned and soon afterward he
was taken in an ambulance to his home, where
he died shortly before one o'clock on the 6th of
October, 1895. Thus closed a useful life. Dur
ing the days of the old volunteer fire department
he was a member of Live Oak Truck No. 2 for
six years and belonged to the Exempt Firemen's
Association of Long Island City. Socially he
was a member of John J. Mitchell Lodge, A. O.
U. W. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery, his
remains being accompanied by a police escort.
September 19, 1869, in Long Island City, Mr.
Roulett married Miss Catherine Hayes, a na
tive of County Limerick, Ireland, but reared in
Long Island City, and to their union five chil
dren were born: John P., a clerk in Babbitt's
Soap Works, of New York; Mary, Gertrude,
Thomas and William. Mrs. Roulett is a daugh
ter of Patrick and Mary (Ryan) Hayes, who
were born in Ireland, where the father tilled the
soil until his removal to the New World in 1855.
He settled in New York City but in 1865 came
to Long Island City and engaged in the dairy
business, which calling he followed until his
death in 1881. His wife died in 1870, having
borne him four children: Catherine; Mrs.
Bridget Ryan of Long Island City; John, also of
this place ; and Thomas, who was for many years
in the milk business in Long Island City, and
died in 1883. The family are attendants of St.
Mary's Catholic Church.

HON. DARLING B. WHITNEY, M. D.
Through the course of his long and hon
orable life, which has covered the greater
part of the present century, the subject of this
sketch has followed the course of a strictly hon
est and upright man — one who, knowing his
duty to his fellowman, has striven in every way
to discharge every obligation that, as a citizen,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

723

rested upon him in his intercourse with others.
October 13, 1851, was the day upon which he
came to East Norwich, and from that time to
this his name has been intimately associated with
every progressive measure and every enterprise
for the benefit of the people. For over forty years
he carried on a general medical practice, but the
infirmities of age finally obliged him to retire
from the active labors of former years.
In the neighboring county of Suffolk, in the
town of Huntington, the subject of this record
was born September 14, 1810, being a son of
John and Clarissa (Brush) Whitney. His father
grew to manhood on the old homestead now
owned by Scudder Whitney and in time he be
came a prominent farmer, his home for years
being in the vicinity of Woodbury. When but
a boy our subject left home and began the study
of medicine under Dr. Morris M. Rogers, of
Jericho, with whom he remained for four years,
and then took a three years' course in the Medical
College of New York, graduating from that in
stitution on the completion of the course.
Locating in Newtown in 1832, the young doc
tor spent a year there, and then settled in Com-*
mack, in the eastern part of the town of Hunt
ington, where he carried on a general practice
until 185 1, the date of his removal to East Nor
wich. As a physician he has been skillful, well
informed and assiduous in his care of patients,
and met with remarkable success in his practice.
December 3, 1833, he married Harriet N, daugh
ter of Philetus and Abigail (Goddard) Vail, of
Dix Hills, where she was born March 22, 1817.
She died of heart disease July 3, 1855, and was
buried in the Fountain Hill Cemetery at Wood
bury. Several children were born of their union.
Stanton M., the eldest, enlisted in the Civil War,
participated in numerous engagements and the
march to the sea, and died soon after his return
home. Edwin R., now a farmer, took part in the
Rebellion as a member of Harris' Cavalry, and
participated in sixty-nine engagements. George
E-, twin of Edwin R., was also a Union soldier,
being a member of a regiment of sharpshooters ;
he died at Oyster Bay in January, 1896. Sealey
B., the youngest son, has been totally blind for
twenty years. Harriet A. was born in 1844 and
died, unmarried, in 1869. Sarah L., who died in
1886, was the wife of Edwin Griffin, son of Ed
win and Hannah A. Griffin.
The second marriage of Dr. Whitney took
place February 23, i860, and united him with

Letitia- J. Franklin, who was born in Philadel
phia, December 20, 1838, being a daughter of
Townsend and Elizabeth (McCalla) Franklin.
Of this union there were born two children,
twins, both of whom died in infancy. Politically
the Doctor has always been a Democrat, and
when younger he took an active part in public
affairs. For nine years he was coroner of Suf
folk County, and for some time served as super
intendent of the common schools of Huntington.
While occupying the former position he held the
inquest upon the bodies of the ill-fated passen
gers of the steamer "Lexington," which burned
on Long Island Sound January 13, 1840, at which
time only four escaped of the one hundred and
forty-five passengers on board. In 1845 P)r-
Whitney was elected to the legislature and took
a prominent part in the deliberations of the as
sembly, serving as chairman of the medical com
mittee and in other positions of trust. He still
holds membership in the Medical Society of
Queens County and is interested in everything
pertaining to the profession.

GEORGE HERBERT DICKEY, D.D. S,
of Flushing, was born in New York
City September 10, 1859. He is a mem
ber of a family long and honorably associated
with the history of New Hampshire, and identi
fied with the progress of our country. His pa
ternal great-grandfather took part in the Revo
lutionary War and the succeeding generations
have been equally valiant and patriotic, proving
the possession of the noblest qualities of citizen
ship by their energy and courageous spirit, both
in times of peace and war.
Thomas Dickey, father of our subject, was
born in South Acworth, Sullivan County, N. H.,
and grew to manhood upon the farm owned and
operated by his father, Thomas, Sr. In his
early manhood he went to New York, where for
a time he was proprietor of a warehouse, later
became salesman, and at present is employed as
a commercial traveler, which business he has
successfully carried on for years. He resides at
Ocean Grove, N. J., and is quite robust, not
withstanding advancing years. Politically he
upholds Republican principles. His wife, Mar
garet (Perrine) Dickey, was born in Cranbury,
Middlesex County, N. J., and is a descendant of
French ancestry.
There were two children in the parental fam-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

724
ily, but George is the only one who attained ma
ture years. His boyhood years were spent prin
cipally in New Jersey. He began his education
in the public schools of New York and later took
a business course in the College of the City of
New York. In 1879 he entered the New York
Dental College and graduated two years later
with honorable mention and the degree of D. L>.
S Opening an office in Bedford Avenue,
Brooklyn he remained there until 1891, when he
opened an office at No. 158 Madison Avenue,
Flushing, where he has since conducted a gen
eral practice in dentistry. In New Jersey he
married Miss Elizabeth Stonaker, and they have
one child, Ethel May. Politically he is a firm
Republican, always voting the party ticket. He
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, m
which he holds the positions of steward and sec
retary of the Epworth League.

GEORGE A. STILLWAGGON, a retired
citizen of Flushing, was born in New
York City October 28, 1824, and is a
descendant of Holland-Dutch ancestors, who for
merly spelled the family name Stellwagen. His
father, David, who was born in New Jersey Aug
ust 4, 1783, was for many years a carpenter and
builder in New York City, where he died at the
family residence in Stone Street, December 15,
1825. His marriage, which occurred February
14, 181 1, united him with Miss Rachel Acker,
who was born in Tarrytown, N. Y., September
18, 1785, and died at No. 129 Union Street, Flush
ing, January n, 1891, aged one hundred and five
years, four months and twenty days. Her pa
ternal ancestors, who came from Holland, orig-
ally spelled the family name Ecker, but it was
afterward changed to the present form. The
first of the name to settle in America was Abra
ham Acker, who lived on the Phillipsburg Patent
in 1742.
The mother of Mrs. Stillwaggon was Cather
ine, daughter of William and Eleanor (Cox) Van
Wart, and a relative of Abraham Van Wart, one
of the men who captured Major Andre. Cath
erine Van Wart became the wife of Abraham
Acker, concerning whose personal history there
is little on record. In her early life Mrs. Still-
waggon attended services at the South Baptist
Church in Nassau Street, New York. Frequent
ly during the latter years of her long life she en
tertained her relatives and friends by narrating

incidents connected with the early history of
New York and the customs of the people who
lived a hundred years ago.
The parental family consisted of six children, of
whom three attained maturity, those besides our
subject being Mrs. Catherine A. Willets of Flush
ing, who is now (1896) eighty-three years of age,
and Miss Cornelia M. Stillwaggon, who was
born October 20, 1817, and died March 13, 1893.
Our subject was reared in Stone Street, New
York, and attended school in Beaver and Franklin
Streets. In 1838 the family came to Flushing,
where he continued his studies. In 1840 he secured
a clerkship in a grocery here, and in 1843 bought
the store owned by George B. Roe, situated in
Washington Street, between Main and Union.
Selling out in 1846, he engaged in the nursery
business two miles out on Broadway, where he
set out trees and started a nursery. After four
years he disposed of the business and engaged
in carpentering with David Smith, having
learned the trade while in New York. His resi
dence was formerly the old Methodist Episcopal
lecture room in Washington Street, which was
moved to No. 50 Monroe Street. Mr. Stillwag
gon remodeled the place and has made it his
home for thirty-one years.
For twenty years our subject was foreman of
Engine Company No. 1, the first company or
ganized here. Later he held a similar position
with the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company.
In his more active years he was connected with
the Sons of Temperance. Politically, upon na
tional elections, he supports Republican candi
dates, but in local matters he votes for the best
man. For two terms of two years each he was a
member of the board of trustees of the village.
With many of the early enterprises of Flushing
he was prominently associated. He was one of
the committee that raised the first liberty pole
here, and Mrs. Brewster and other ladies fur
nishing the flag, then raised it on a pole one
hundred and eighty-five feet in height. Over
the memories of the past his mind lingers with
pleasure, and while the present age is unsur
passed for the comforts it affords, it is doubtful
if it can afford him the pleasure he derived from
the simple customs, genial hospitality and earnest
labors of those by-gone days.
May I, 1863, in Flushing, occurred the mar
riage of Mr. Stillwaggon to Miss Virginia L.
Pinkham, daughter of John L. and granddaugh
ter of Obed and Abigail Pinkham, all natives of

REV. JOSEPH HAUBER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

7*7

Flushing. Her father and grandfather were sea
faring men and owned a sloop. In religious be
lief they were Hicksite Quakers, which is also her
faith. The family originally resided in Orange
County, this state. Her father, who was a car
penter, married Ann Eliza Farrington, a native
of Newtown, and daughter of Richard and Mar
garet (Weeks) Farrington, an old family there;
Mr. Pinkham died at the age of sixty-six and his
wife when sixty-one. Of their nine children seven
attained maturity and six are living, Mrs. Still
waggon being second in order of birth. She
was reared and educated in Flushing and has
made this her lifelong home. Six children were
born of her marriage with Mr. Stillwaggon, but
only three are living, Minnie Eliza, Frederick
Augustus and David Acker, all residents of
Flushing.

REV. JOSEPH HAUBER, pastor of St.
Boniface Church at Foster's Meadow, was
born November 5, 1842, in Vorarlberg, at
the western extremity of the Tyrol, Austria. In
youth he was the recipient of excellent educa
tional advantages, attending for a time the Jesuit
Fathers' College in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, and
later continuing his studies in the American Sem
inary at Louvain, Belgium, where he was or
dained June 15, 1867. On the 21st of the follow
ing October he came to America and took tem
porary charge of St. Boniface Church, Brooklyn,
where he remained for some time.
January 21, 1868, Father Hauber took his pres
ent charge of St. Boniface Church, Foster's
Meadow, where he has since remained, a period
of little less than thirty years. To this parish
he has devoted the best years of his life and for
it he has toiled unweariedly and with the utmost
self-sacrifice. Anything that will promote the
welfare of his people receives his hearty support.
His parish is a large one, covering a wide area
and containing over eight hundred communi
cants, composed of all classes and all national
ities. ' He has worked incessantly for his congre
gation, and under his ministry he has accom
plished the building of the new church, which was
erected in 1869 and enlarged in 1889. The par
sonage was built in 1872 under his personal su
pervision. In 1886 the parochial school of St. Boniface
'as erected, and this has since been conducted
bv the Sisters of St. Dominic, four of whom are

employed in connection with the school. In
struction is given to one hundred and eighty
children, the institution being supported by the
parish. The ministry of Father Hauber covers
so long a period that but few of his original par
ishioners survive. He has witnessed many
changes, has secured many improvements and
has largely increased the church membership. In
addition to his other work he deserves the credit
for the purchase and laying out of the beautiful
cemetery of four acres that adjoins the church

FREDERIC W. LEAVITT, senior member
of the firm of Leavitt & Lawlor, proprie
tors of the Exotic Gardens at Flushing,
was born in this place July 21, 1854, and is the
youngest of six children comprising the family
of Rufus W. Leavitt, of whom further mention
is made in the sketch of G. Howland Leavitt,
elsewhere presented. He was reared here, re
ceiving his education in private schools and the
Flushing Institute; also in the Riverdale Board
ing School at Great Barrington, Mass. About
1874 he went to New York City, where he took
a position with Colgate & Co., remaining with
them about two years,' and later engaging in busi
ness for himself.
In 1880 our subject bought out the florist's
business owned by John Cadmus and formed a
partnership with M. H. Lawlor, under the firm
name of Leavitt & Lawlor, which connection has
continued to the present time. The place, which
is known as the Flushing Exotic Gardens, has
been enlarged and remodeled under his super
vision, and contains many rare specimens of
palms, all the varieties of ferns and roses, to
gether with all other popular plants. A specialty
is made of cut flower decorations, in which line
a wide reputation has been established. The
nine greenhouses and buildings occupied by the
firm have been built under the management of
Mr. Leavitt, and reflect credit upon his judgment
and ability.
August 31, 1882, at the old Garretson-Blood-
good homestead in Flushing, Rev. Dr. Smith
performed the ceremony which united in mar
riage F. W. Leavitt and Miss Jennie E., youngest
child of Garret and Eliza A. (Bloodgood) Gar-
retson. Mrs. Leavitt was born and reared here,
receiving an excellent education in private
schools, together with the various accomplish
ments that render her popular in social circles.

728

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the "Queens County Penant" with the boat "J.
W. Covert," and at different times took part in
The family residence is atih.  <  ''— ' other local races. In 1878 he made a trip abroad,

is a

Three children comprise the family, Frederic Gar-
retson, Emilv French and Charles Garretson.
' ' - -ce is at the corner of Brewster
a , ,d State Streets. In religious belief Mr. Leavitt visiting points of interest in the = Old ^ Je
Tono-rep-ationalist while his wife is a mem- was married in Flushing to Miss Mary Lonnell,
L '""' 'uh ' ! , , who was born in Little Neck, where her father,
John Connell, engaged in farming. They are the
parents of three children, Jennie, Madge and Ed
ward. Captain Hill is a member of the Order of
Foresters, the American Brotherhood of Pilots
of New York City, Order of American Firemen
and served his time in Empire Hose Company
No. 1. In national politics he favors Republican
principles, though the demands of his business
have prevented him from actively identifying him
self with political affairs. In all his experience
as captain he has never had an accident, a fact
which speaks well for his painstaking care.

ber of St. George's Episcopal Church. He is
identified with the Flushing Boat Club and
served for two years with the Empire Engine
Company No. 1. In political views he is a pro
nounced Republican.

CAPT. EDWARD HILL, who is connect
ed with the Boyer Freight Line as Cap
tain of the "L. Boyer," plying' between
Flushing and New York City, was born August
28, 1857, in New York, where his early child
hood years were passed. In 1870 he came to
Long Island, settling with his parents in Flush
ing, where his education was completed in the
institute. He is a representative of the third
generation that has resided in America, whither
his grandfather came from England, remaining
here until death. His father, Harry, was born
in England, and soon after his marriage to Jane
Morgan, a native of London, came to the United
States and settled in New* York, where he was
engaged in the theatrical business. After a num
ber of years he fixed his home in the town of
Newtown, where he had a beautiful place and en
tertained lavishly. Bad investments, however,
eventually caused his business failure and entailed
a loss of property. He is now living retired in
Corona. Under his father, who was largely interested
in yachts, our subject early gained a thorough
knowledge of boating, and one of his first posi
tions was that of wheelman under Capt. Lester
Austin, who, with Harry Hill, had started a
steamboat route in 1880, under the firm name
of Hill, Austin & Phillips. After three years
Mr. Hill bought out the interest of Captain Phil
lips and then our subject became captain, remain
ing in that capacity until the failure of the com
pany in 1887. Later he was pilot on the "Tom
Morgan," a Staten Island excursion boat, run by
Captain Hoyt. In 1890 he returned to Flushing
as captain of the "L. Boyer," which position he
has since filled.
One of the greatest enjoyments of Captain Hill
in former years was that of yachting. He owned
a yacht and spent a great part of his time in
cruising in neighboring waters. In 1874 he ran

M'

ICHAEL F. RYAN, who has resided in
Flushing since August of 1870, was born
in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1842,
his parents being Frank and Johanna (Murphy)
Ryan, both deceased. The family consisted of four
sons, two of whom are living, both in the United
States. Michael was reared on his father's farm
and received his education in the public schools
of Ireland. At the age of fifteen he was ap
prenticed to the carpenter's trade in his native
village of Ballynue, and after completing his ap
prenticeship worked in different cities.
Taking passage on the steamer "Helvetia," in
1863, Mr. Ryan came to the United States and
soon afterward began to work at his trade in
Brooklyn. In 1868 he went west to Milwaukee,
Wis., where he remained for two years, working.
at his trade. Thence he went back to New York,
and in August, 1870, came to Flushing, where he
followed his chosen occupation. In 1874 he re
turned to his native land, where he remained a
year, renewing his associations with the scenes
of his youth. On again coming to Flushing, he
began work as a contractor and builder, in which
manner he has since been engaged. Among his
important contracts were those for the erection
of St. Michael's Catholic School, the convent at
Bayside, the Douglaston depot and many resi
dences in Flushing, Corona and Newtown. He
has built a number of houses for himself, several
of which he has sold; he also rebuilt and still owns
a store in Main Street.
In Milwaukee, Wis., Mr. Ryan married Mar)-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

729

Riordan, a native of Ireland, who died in Flush
ing in June, 1888. Of their five children two are
living, Josephine and William. Frank died when
he was a young man of eighteen. The second
wife of Mr. Ryan is also deceased. In religious
belief he is identified with St. Michael's Catholic
Church, while in national politics he identifies
himself with the Republican party.

PROF. HANS SCHULER, B. D., Ph. D.,
has devoted the greater part of his life to
a good purpose, and private education in
New York has no more earnest advocate and co-
operator than he. No one more thoroughly un
derstands and appreciates its needs and interests,
and perhaps no one is better qualified, through
long experience and loving labor in its behalf, to
bring it to that high state of perfection which
its present rapid advancement assures. Person
ally he is an intelligent and cultured gentleman
and his agreeable manners and geniality have
won him many friends. He was born in Berlin,
Germany, in 1855, a son of Prof. John Schuler,
also a native of that city, born in 1821. The lat
ter graduated from a seminary in his native city,
later had charge of a boys' school there and was
principal of a teachers' training school in Silesia,
Prussia, which position he was filling at the time
of his death, which occurred at the age of fifty-
three years. He married Augusta Kropatscheck,
a native of Germany, whose father was a profes
sor. She died in 1863 at the age of thirty-six
years. The children born to them were five in
number, four of whom reached mature years.
Prof. Hans Schuler is the only member of the
family in America. His two brothers, Martin
and Paul, are merchants in Germany, while his
sister, Agnes, now the wife of Rev. Mr. Linden-
bein, was formerly a successful teacher. The
paternal grandfather, Heinrich Schuler, was born
in Berlin and became quite a celebrated artist.-
The childhood days of the subject of this sketch
were spent in his native city and he was there
educated in the Royal Gymnasium. Later he
attended the Nisky Silesia Pedagogium, from
which institution he was graduated in 1874. He
then entered the theological seminary of Gnaden-
feld, graduating from the same in 1878 as B. D.,
but instead of entering upon ministerial duties
volunteered in the German army, in which he
served as a private for one year and was then
commissioned lieutenant of reserve. Upon leav

ing the army he turned his attention to teaching
and for four years was a private tutor in the
vicinity of Berlin, and at the same time was a
student of philosophy in the University of Ber
lin. In 1884 he decided to seek his fortune in
America and upon his arrival here located at
College Point, where he fitted two boys for col
lege, after which he became a private tutor in
New York City.
In 1888 Professor Schuler founded the Young
Ladies' Seminary at Flushing and for a time
was located in Locust Street, but his school grew
so rapidly that he finally moved to his present
location, No. 242 Sanford Avenue, where he has
an average of ninety-five pupils. He has six
assistants, and the school hours are from nine
until one o'clock. Instruction is given in the an
cient and modern languages and the classics, and
special attention is given to those who wish to
enter higher institutions of learning. He often
has private classes in New York City, and at
the present time is teaching the sons of John
E. Schermerhorn. He also has charge of several
classes in German.
Professor Schuler was married at College
Point in 1888 to Miss Lena Von Auw, of Brook
lyn, daughter of Ivan Von Auw, a native of
Rhenish Prussia, a baronet by right of birth, who
came to America when a young man. His broth
er, Walter, served in the Prussian army, and after
coming to the United States joined the Union
army during the Civil War, attained the rank
of lieutenant and was wounded in the battle of
the Wilderness. The Von Auws trace their an
cestry back to the year 1200. Ivan Von Auw is
a dealer in blank books in New York City, where
he makes his home. His wife was Amelia Mer-
kens, a native of Rhenish Prussia, but her child
hood and early womanhood were spent at Col
lege Point. Professor Schuler and his wife have
two children, Hans Eric Von Auw and Elsa
Margaret. He supports the principles of the
Republican party, but has never been radical in
his views. In 1893 the degree of Ph. D. was
conferred upon him by Lombard University of
Galesburg, 111.

EUGENE E. CARPENTER, who is en
gaged as contractor and builder at Port
Washington, was' born at Searington, a
town of North Hempstead, February 27, 1851,
and his parents were James S. and Ann E. (Pear-

73°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sail) Carpenter. The father, who was also a
builder, moved to Manhasset when Eugene was
a lad of some twelve years and there the latter
lived until his marriage.
When sixteen years of age our subject began
work with his father, under whose able instruc
tion he learned his trade. September 10, 1872,
he was married to Miss Sarah Jane Fearon, a
native of New York, and the daughter of Edward
J. and Sarah J. (Van Horn) Fearon. Her par
ents are still living, making their home in Brook
lyn, in which city Mrs. Carpenter was educated.
While still an apprentice Eugene E. assisted his
father in building the house which he moved into
soon after his marriage, and it was while at work
on this dwelling that he met and became ac
quainted with his future wife. Their union has
been blessed by the birth of three children, named
respectively, Eugene E., Jr., William and Elsie.
The elder son is also following the carpenter's
trade, which he learned with his father; he was
married December 11, 1895, to Miss Carrie
Crooker, a most estimable young lady of Port
Washington. William, born August 4, 1875,
is assisting his father in his business; February
2, 1896, he was married to Miss Eva L., daughter
of Henry T. and Emma Smith.
In politics our. subject is a strong supporter of
Republican principles and doctrines and in 1872
cast his first Presidential vote for Grant. He
was elected trustee of the Jones poor fund, but
refused to serve in this capacity. He is a charter
member of Protection Engine Company No. 1,
of which he is foreman. Socially he is an active
worker in Worth Lodge No. 210, F. and A. M.,
which meets in the German Masonic Temple in
New York City.

WILLIAM EDGAR COLDER. It has
been said that the calling of the physi
cian is one of the most important to
which a man can devote his attention, but to the
majority of minds the calling of the druggist is
no less important. Indeed, it would be difficult
to name a branch of business that is more indis
pensably important than that devoted to the in
vestigation and study of drugs and the prepara
tion of medicines. No more is there any line of
business demanding more ability, care and scien
tific knowledge. One of the leading druggists
of Freeport is William Edgar Colder, who was
born m this village in 1856 to William T and

Caroline (Raynor) Golder, both of whom were
native Long Islanders. The early life of the
former was spent in learning the harnessmaker's
trade, which calling he followed until Ft. Sumter
was fired upon, when his patriotic spirit led him
to enlist in the Fourth New York Heavy Ar
tillery. While in the service of his country he
was stricken down with disease and died at Chain
Bridge, Va. His widow, who is a member of the
prominent old Raynor family of Long Island,
still survives him, but her health is much im
paired. Our subject received his educational training
in the Freeport public schools, and when still in
his teens he took up the life of a boatman, which
he followed for two seasons, expecting to enlist
in the navy. He had a strong inclination for such
a vocation, received, he believes, from one of
his teachers who was in the naval service during
the rebellion. Finally, however, he decided to
take up the study of pharmacy and in order to
obtain a practical knowledge of the business and
fit himself for this most important calling he be
came a clerk in a drug store. After acquiring a
thorough insight into the business he established
a store of his own, which has since received his
attention and which has proved highly successful
financially. His place of business is neat and in
viting, well equipped with a complete and choice
line of drugs, toilet articles, in fact, everything
necessary to a well-kept drug establishment, and
in the compounding of prescriptions Mr. Golder
has no superior, for he is very careful and ac
curate. His first knowledge of the business was
acquired under Dr. G. H. Hammond and subse-
sequently he became a partner of the Doctor's,
this connection lasting about a year. He con
tinued in this business until failing health caused
him to sell out in 1890, but two years later he
opened his present drug store at Milburn, this
being a branch of the Freeport store, which he
again controls, and is conducting the two stores
successfully. Mr. Golder is a graduate of the
National Institute of Pharmacy of Chicago, is
also registered by the New York State Board of
Pharmacy and is a member of the New York
State Pharmaceutical Association. He is well
posted in his profession, and makes a point of
keeping up with the times in all the progress
made therein, and his reputation as an honorable
man of business is well known.
The marriage of Mr. Golder with Miss Clara
A. Bedell, of Greenwich Point, was celebrated

PROF. FERDINAND Q. DULCKEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

733

in 1878. She is a daughter of John W. Bedell
and has borne her husband four children: Mil
lard W., Earle V., Russell V. and Hazel C. Mr.
and Mrs. Golder are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Golder has been
a trustee for thirteen years and has twice served
as superintendent of the Sabbath-school. So
cially he is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Although formerly a Demo
crat in his political views, he now affiliates with
the Prohibition party, and looks anxiously to
the early stamping out of all the evils attendant
upon intemperance. As a citizen he is all that
could be desired, for he is active, enterprising,
public-spirited and his influence is ever on the
side of justice and right. He and his family move
in the best social circles of the place and have a
very comfortable and hospitable home. Mr. Gol
der is a director of the Freeport Bank, of which
when it was organized he was elected cashier,
but declined, preferring to follow his trade as a
pharmacist. He is now serving his third term
as treasurer of the village.

PROF. FERDINAND Q. DULCKEN.
There is probably no citizen of Long Is
land City who has achieved in music a
success more remarkable than that which has
brought a national reputation to the subject of
this sketch. Inheriting a talent for the art, he has
cultivated this to the fullest extent and, both as
a piano soloist and as a composer of music, de
serves the high position he holds in the estima
tion of the people. He has been musical director
for the concert tours of some of the greatest musi
cal artists of the day, which fact alone is suffi
cient to prove his ability.
Both from his paternal and his maternal an
cestors, Professor Dulcken inherits a love for
music. His father's grandmother, who was born
in France, was a gifted pianist, and her fondness
for the art was also cherished by her husband.
During the German Revolution they were
obliged to flee from their home and, disguised as
peasants, went to Munich, Bavaria, where he
founded a pianoforte factory under the patron
age of the Prince of Bavaria. The latter became
a warm friend of this talented couple, in whose
welfare he showed a deep interest. Recognizing
the superior ability of Mrs. Dulcken, he gave
into her charge the musical training of his daugh
ters, one of whom afterward became the wife of

Nicholas, Czar of Russia; another became the
wife of William, King of Prussia, and the third
became Queen of Saxony. A correspondence
was maintained by the three with Airs. Dulcken
until her death, when, in accordance with her
will, the letters were returned to the writers. The
Dulcken family originated in Holland, and its
members have been prominent in the various
countries whither they have gone.
From his mother, too, Professor Dulcken in
herits no small degree of his musical ability.
She was born in Hamburg, Germany, and early
in life displayed the talent for music which was
a family characteristic. Her education was thor
ough, and she became so proficient in the profes
sion that she was chosen pianist to Queen Vic
toria, which honored position she filled until her
death. Her brother, Ferdinand David, was also
a noted musician, his specialty being the violin.
The only one of her children who inherited her
artistic tastes was Ferdinand Quentin, our sub
ject. A portion of his childhood years were
passed in London, England, where he was born,
but from there he went to Leipsic, Germany, in
'order that he might have the advantages of a
musical training. He became a pupil of Mendels
sohn and also studied under Moscheles, under
whose supervision his technique was perfected
and his knowledge of music broadened.
In 1876 Professor Dulcken came to America
and has since starred the country with a number
of the most famous artists of the world, including
Essipoff, many great singers, and Ole Bull
among violinists. He has his headquarters
in Steinway Hall, New York, where he has given
instruction to some who are now famous in the
musical world. His ability as musical director,
accompanist and piano soloist is universally rec
ognized, and his services are in constant demand.
His compositions include both vocal and instru
mental numbers, some of which are widely known
and admired. He has given many charity con
certs and has for years been conspicuously be
fore the musical public, not only in New York,
but elsewhere, having gained many triumphs in
large assemblies and critical gatherings. Some
years ago he spent several seasons at
Warsaw, where he was professor in a con
servatory, but the bigotry and oppression of
Russian nobility became unbearable, and he
sought a more congenial abode.
For a number of years Professor Dulcken has
made his home in Astoria, Long Island City.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

734January 24, 1884, at Bowery Bay, he married
Miss Mary C. Totten, daughter of Jacob S. and
Eliza (Rapelye) Totten. Her maternal grand
parents,' Isaac and Margaret (Polhemus) Rapelye,
were old settlers at Bowery Bay, and the for
mer was a descendant of French Huguenot an
cestors, the later of Holland-Dutch forefathers.
The Rapelyes were about the first settlers on
Long Island, and the first white child born here
was Sarah Rapelye. The Tottens, who were of
English descent, were early settlers of Ravens
wood, Long Island City. Jacob S. Totten, who
was the youngest son of his parents, died at an
early age, but his wife survived him many years,
dying at Bowery Bay when eighty-one years old.
She was a woman of kind heart and many noble
attributes of character, and among her relatives
numbered some of the prominent people of the
East. Her children are Gertrude R., of Long Is
land City; Mary C; Abraham R., who resides in
Woodside, L. I.; and William N., of New York
City. Mrs. Dulcken was educated in Astoria and the
New York Normal School, and for years engaged
in teaching, being principal of the Bowery Bay-
school and assistant principal of the Long Island
City schools. Her talents are versatile and in
clude a large poetic faculty. A number of her
poems have been set to music by her hus
band and they are now widely known in
musical circles. Their home at No. 406
Second Avenue is a musical center, where
delight to gather many whose names are known
beyond the limits of this city. A visitor to the
pleasant home notices, among other souvenirs,
the photographs and autographs of some of the
leaders in the musical world, also the autographs
of Wilkie Collins and Longfellow, and a collec
tion of articles, useful and ornamental, that have
been presented to the Professor by his pupils in
different places.

JOHN K. GITTENS, well known as the first
to introduce the use and sale of cork soles
in America, was born in Lancashire, Eng
land, October 9, 1808. He was given a good op
portunity for obtaining an education in his boy
hood days and it was the intention of his parents
to make of him a professional man. During his
younger days, however, his health was not good
and it was not deemed best to force him to give
his attention entirely to study.

When a lad of thirteen years our subject went
to sea, and during the two years in which he was
on the water visited many of the most important
ports of the Old World. His father, William
Gittens, was a manufacturer of wigs, but after
his return home from his extended sea voyage
John did not adopt that business, but learned the
shoemaker's trade and became master of this oc
cupation in all its various branches. Thinking
he could better his financial condition in the
New World, he set sail for America in 1841, land
ing on American shores with but little means,
but with a strong determination to make for him
self a name and fortune.
On first coming to this country our subject
settled in Williamsburg, now included in the city
of Brooklyn, and began the manufacture of shoes
in a small way. This was at a time when the
shoemaker took the raw material and, after put
ting it through various processes, made the shoe
or boot complete. Now, however, at least eight
workmen are employed in preparing the different
parts of a shoe, which greatly reduces the ex
pense. When Mr. Gittens first began business
in this country he put an inner sole of cork in
all the articles of footwear which he made and
this rapidly grew in favor and popularity until
now many people do not think they are prepared
for passing the winter months without cork soles
on their shoes and boots. Several years after
coming hither Mr. Gittens invented a machine for
splitting the cork as thin as an ordinary sheet of
wrapping paper. This was the means of revolu
tionizing the use of cork to a great extent, for it
had hitherto been supposed that when it was re
duced to this thickness it would not be durable.
It was shown, however, by this method that it
could be cut very thin and yet be as tough as a
piece of rubber. On the outbreak of the late
war our subject manufactured a hat for the use of
army officers, which was made entirely of cork,
having the advantage over all others of being
light and at the same time proof against water.
Before proceeding to manufacture them in quan
tities he went to Washington and gained an audi
ence with General Scott, in order that he might
get a recommendation from him, and an expres
sion as to their value for the use of the officers.
The General, after looking at it thoroughly, was
satisfied in his own mind that it would not stand
hard usage. Being called away for the moment
he laid the hat down in a chair and on his return
sat clown on it, as if by accident, and then in-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

735

quired where the hat was, and said that he would
like to see it again. When informed that he was
sitting on it he jumped up as if greatly surprised
and said he was sure he had ruined the article in
question. Mr. Gittens, however, took the hat,
gave it a shake and presented it to the General
with not a break in it. The General affected sur
prise, for it was no doubt a scheme of his to sit
down on the hat and so prove that it would not
stand hardship. He promptly gave our subject
a letter of unconditional indorsement, but as it
was thought that the war would only last a short
time he did not think it would pay to begin their
manufacture. He had the satisfaction, however,
of convincing General Scott that he was right
about the wearing qualities of the hat. During
the early part of the war Mr. Gittens had an office
in Washington in charge of his son, J. K, for
the display of his hats, and also manufactured
shoes for General Scott.
Mr. Gittens had not been located in Williams
burg very long before his business grew to great
proportions and goods were shipped from his
shop all over the world. As soon as the patents
which he had taken out on his invention of us
ing cork had expired, a great competition arose
among the different manufacturers, but our sub
ject refused to compete with them, abiding by
his motto, "Good goods and good prices," and
while he has accumulated a handsome fortune
by his honest methods of doing business, he
might have been far richer had he been willing
to palm off cheap goods on the public, as did
others who were engaged in the shoe business.
He was very progressive and gave a great deal
of attention to making his store attractive, and
therefore bears the distinction of being the first
merchant in Brooklyn to light his show window,
using camphine.
Our subject was a warm friend of Horace
Greeley and often consulted with that noted per
sonage on matters of importance. He was like
wise a personal friend of A. T. Stewart and was
acquainted with many of the wealthy residents
of New York and Brooklyn. When Mr. Stewart
began booming Garden City, Mr. Gittens went
there to live. Soon after, however, he removed
his factory to Hempstead and has made his home
here for the past eighteen years. He continued
the active management of his business until Jan
uary i, 1895, when he resigned in favor of his
son William, who is now the proprietor of the
business which has been made famous through

out the United States, and the product of their
factory is well known in other countries as well.
On each pleasant day Mr. Gittens may be seen
going to the office, where he spends a few hours.
He has- been a member of the Episcopal Church
all his life and while living in Brooklyn was ves
tryman and warden.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Jane
Potter occurred in 1831. After a married life of
over forty years Mrs. Gittens departed this life.
To them were granted ten children, of whom
five are now living, four sons and one daughter:
John K, Jr., makes his home in Philadelphia;
Charles F. is a resident of Hempstead; George W.
is engaged in business in Paterson, N. J. ; William
is carrying on the business which his father es
tablished, and Martha B. is also living in Hemp
stead. The present wife of our subject is Carrie
(Hinsdale) Gittens, a native of Vermont and a
cousin of ex-Secretary of the United States
Treasury, John W. Foster, of Ohio. January 8,
1896, Mr. Gittens met with an accident, falling
down a stairway in his house and fracturing his
right hip. Even at his advanced age he has re
covered so that he now frequently is seen walking
on the street.

JOSEPH H. BOGART, M. D., who is one of
Queens County's most skillful and success
ful physicians, was born in this county No
vember 11, 1846. The first member of this family
in America was Tunis Bogart, who came from
Holland in 1652. From him have descended in
regular order the following: Gysbert Bogart,
Tunis Bogart, Isaac Bogart, Sr., Isaac Bogart, Jr.,
Daniel Bogart, Sr., and Daniel Bogart, the father
of our subject. The latter was born in the old
home of his father and grandfather and secured
a good practical education in the schools of Ros
lyn, his native village. When sixteen years old
he entered Flushing Institute, where he remained
from 1862 to 1865, and then attended Amherst
College, from which he was graduated with the
class of '69.
At an early age our subject displayed a de
cided taste for the study of medicine, and in 1872
entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
where for two years he was a private pupil of
Dr. Alex B. Mott, of New York City. Previous
to this, in 1872, he began practicing in Roslyn,
and in 1880 was appointed attendant physician
of Queens County Lunatic Asylum, a position

736

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he held for some time. In the arduous duties of
his profession he does not lose sight of his duties
as a citizen and takes much interest in all affairs
of moment, particularly educational matters. For
a number of years he was president of the board
of education and has held other positions. He
is interested in the Queens County Medical So
ciety, of which in 1887 he was president. Politi
cally he is a Republican and is president of the
district committee. For ten or more years he
was a trustee of the Bryant Library Association.
Socially he is a Mason, a member of Morton
Lodge No. 63, and is also a member of the Hol
land Society of New York.
The Doctor was married in February, 1884,
to Miss Ethelena T. Albertson, daughter of
Thomas W. and Harriet Albertson, and the fruits
of their union are two children, Jennie and Ethel
ena. Dr. Bogart has an extensive general prac
tice and has been medical examiner for a number
of different insurance companies. He is progres
sive and intelligent and keeps thoroughly apace
with the times. Though not a member the Doc
tor is a regular attendant at the Presbyterian
Church.

WILLIAM L. HUNT, deceased, was for
many years a resident of the town of
Hempstead and made a success of ag
ricultural pursuits. He was enterprising and
progressive in his ideas and kept in touch with
new discoveries and well accredited modern plans
of work. A native of New York, his birth oc
curred in Westchester County in 181 5. His father,
Lott, and grandfather, Stepanus Hunt, were also
natives of that county, where they were well-to-
do farmers and where they spent their entire
lives. The subject of this sketch was well educated,
attending the schools of his district until some
time in his teens, when he became useful in as
sisting his father manage his estate. He was
trained to a thorough knowledge of farming, and
when launching out in life for himself followed it
in his native county until fifty years of age, when
he came to Long Island and became the pro
prietor of a nice farm, on which he resided until
his decease, October 5, 1890.
Mr. Hunt was married October 7, 1844, to
Miss Elizabeth Powell, daughter of Cornelius
Powell, a native of Long Island, which was also
the birthplace of Mrs. Hunt. Ten children were

the result of this union, only three of whom now
survive. The eldest of the household, Joseph G.,
was a brilliant young man and a prominent mer
chant of Bellmore at the time of his death in No
vember, 1895. Those who now survive are Rich
ard L., a farmer of Jerusalem; Christopher, who is
in a grocery at Bellmore, and Moses, a farmer,
residing in Bellmore. Mrs. Hunt is still living,
and although seventy-one years of age is in the
enjoyment of excellent health. The members of
the family in this county are worthy and public-
spirited and a great addition to its social and busi
ness element. In religious and benevolent enter
prises they are always doing what they can to
relieve the poor and needy and thus exemplify
the precepts of Christianity. Religiously, they
are Quakers.

P'

,HIL1P LEBKUECHER, who is engaged
in the ice and wood business, and also does
considerable work in general transfer and
trucking, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March
28, 1838, being a son of Adam and Barbara Leb-
kuecher. His father, who was a farmer in Ba
varia, brought his family to America in 1851 and
settled in Brooklyn, where he was employed in
a sugar house. In 1855 he came to College
Point and became an employe of the Enterprise
Works. He died here in 1885, and his wife had
passed away the preceding year. They were the
parents of five children, of whom four are liv
ing, Philip being next to the oldest of the family.
At the time of his father's emigration to the
United States our subject accompanied him,
making the voyage in a sailing vessel, forty-three
days from Havre to New York City. At once
after reaching Brooklyn he began to work in a
glass factory, later worked in a soap factory and
then became an employe in a rubber shop. May
J5' 1855, he came to College Point with Mr. Pop-
penhusen,and has since made this village his home.
After remaining in the shop for eight years, in
1863 he started a bakery in Second Avenue and
Fourth Street, forming a partnership with a
brother-in-law, C. Fight, as Lebkuecher & Fight.
Eight years later he bought out his partner's in
terest and continued alone until he sold out, about
1874. He then built in Sixteenth Street and
Fourth Avenue, and started in the wood and ice
business, which he has since conducted, besides
doing general contracting and trucking. He runs
one wagon, and delivery is limited to the people

WIXIJAM I. COCKE, M. I).

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

739

of College Point. He has an engine and boiler of
twenty horse-power and manufactures kindling
wood by steam power.
In this village Mr. Lebkuecher married Miss
Barbara Grauss, a native of Bavaria, who ac
companied her parents to America at the age of
eight years. They are the parents of five sons,
namely: Philip, Jr., a printer of New York, but
residing here; John, who is with his father; An
drew, a silk weaver at College Point ; Christ, who
is similarly engaged here, and Peter, who is em
ployed as a printer in New York, but makes his
home here.
For four successive years Mr. Lebkuecher has
held the office of street commissioner. His mem
bership is in St. Fidelis' Catholic Church, and
he is an active worker on the board of trustees.
For eight years he was president of the Trackelia
Singing Society, also has held office in the Steube
Kosse, and is a charter member of the Fidelis
Society. Politically he is a Democrat and has
served on the general committee. For thirty-
five years he has been actively connected with the
fire department, and was a charter member of
Union Hose Company No. i ; he has been fore
man ten years, second assistant chief four years
and first assistant chief six years. The Volunteer
Firemen's Association also numbers him among
its members. He has the distinction of being the
oldest member of the fire department who is in
active service. All projects for the benefit of
the people commend themselves to his favorable
notice, and his co-operation may be relied upon
in matters relating to the public good.

WILLIAM I. COCKE, M. D. The fam
ily of which this well-known physician
and surgeon of Port Washington is
a member has been represented in America since
a very early period in its settlement and has num
bered, in the various branches, some men of
prominence in their day. Col. Lemuel Cocke,
the great-grandfather of the Doctor, was a resi
dent of Virginia and in 1780 held the position of
high sheriff in Surry County, where he died
in 1799. Our subject has a book of receipts for
merly belonging to him, and containing account
of the receipt and disposal of property entrusted
to him as well as property upon which he had is
sued executions.
One of the sons of Lemuel Cocke was William
Irby, the Doctor's great-uncle, who was in the

midst of his medical studies at the time the War
of 1812 broke out. Laying aside his books,
he enlisted in the army and went to the front, re
maining until the close of the war, when he re
turned and completed his medical education. He
then opened an office at Portsmouth, Va., where
he achieved success in his chosen profession.
Among our subject's valued souvenirs is a watch,
carried by his great-uncle, and in it are pieces of
cloth cut from wedding apparel that have been
handed down with the watch.
Richard Cocke, the Doctor's grandfather, was
born in Surry County, Va., in 1785, and migrated
to Alabama in 1832, dying there March 28, 1835.
His son, William I., was born in Virginia De
cember 29, 1829, grew to manhood in Marengo
County, Ala., received a fine education at Jef
ferson College, Philadelphia, and graduated in
medicine in 1853. Four years later he went to
Texas, w-here January 19, 1859, he married Mary,
daughter of Ezra Cleveland, who springs from
the old Cleveland stock of Connecticut.
Throughout the entire Civil War our subject's
father served as assistant surgeon in Walker's
Texas Division, and at the close of the conflict
he engaged in practice in Austin County, remain
ing there until his death in 1873. One of his sons,
Richard, is brigadier-general on the staff of
Governor Culbertson of Texas.
Born in Austin County, Tex., April 28, 1862,
the subject of this record was eleven years of age
at the time of his father's death. When sixteen
he secured a position as an axeman in the sur
veying department of the Gulf, Colorado & San
ta Fe Railroad. The second year he was pro
moted to the position of rodman, and the third
year became transit or first instrument for the
Texas Western Railroad, which was Fred Grant's
road and was never finished. His next position
was in a wholesale grocery, owned by William
D. Cleveland, at Houston, Tex., in 1882, wiiere
he remained for four years and later was engaged
in the fuel business for himself in the same city.
From childhood our subject displayed a predi
lection for the medical profession, and was ac
customed to experiment on cats and other do
mestic animals, probably more to his edification
than theirs. His father's death throwing him
upon his own resources and obliging him to pro
vide for the younger members of the family, he
had to postpone his studies, but he never aban
doned the hope of becoming a physician. When
the children were grown and the way was open

740

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for h'im he went to Bellevue Medical College in
New York, entering in 1888 and graduating in
1891. During the summer of 1891 he had a po
sition with the board of health in New York, and
in the fall of the same year he came to Port
Washington, where he has since conducted a
general practice. September 19, 1888, in New
York, he married Miss Isabel Burton, daughter
of William and Caroline (Maurice) Burton. He
is a member of the Queens County Medical So
ciety and socially is a Chapter Mason, haying
taken his degrees in Houston. In national poli
tics he. is a Democrat, but has never sought pub
lic office, his attention having been given wholly
to his professional duties.

JOHN W. CRAWFORD. The flourishing
village of Flushing has among her citizens
many excellent and progressive business
men, among whom is John W. Crawford, manu
facturer of gummed paper. He also does steam
power label gumming and is general finisher to
the lithographic and printing trades. This is the
largest and most successful concern of the kind
in the United States, and its trade extends not
only throughout this country but to other parts
of the globe as well. Mr. Crawford has been un
usually successful in all enterprises he has un
dertaken, and aside from the above mentioned
industry has been deeply interested in real estate
and building operations. He owns much valu
able property in Flushing, and as a business man
and citizen enjoys the confidence of all having
dealings with him.
A native of the Emerald Isle, Mr. Crawford
was born in Limerick, to the marriage of Henry
and Isabelle (Morrow) Crawford, both natives of
that country. The father was in the government
employ, in the Irish constabulary, but left that
country to come to America to seek home and
fortune. Here both he and his wife passed away.
John W. Crawford, the youngest of seven chil
dren, of whom four sons are now living, was
reared and educated in Limerick, and in 1872,
when seventeen years old, came to America. He
first engaged with Harper Brothers in the press
room, but six months later left them and was in
the dry-goods business one year. Following that
he was employed in label cutting and gumming
with William Shepherd, who was the first en
gaged in this line in New York City. Five years
later he assumed the management of the business

and after conducting it for five years bought out
Mr. Shepherd. This was in 1886 and soon after
ward he moved the business to No. 59 Beekman
Street. This enterprise was the first of the kind
in New York City.
Mr. Crawford has original improvements and
appliances possessed by no other firm, and he
is the only one with gumming machinery. His
real estate interests in Flushing are quite exten
sive. He has built over twenty houses in differ-
ents parts of the place and owns property in
North Parsons Avenue, State Street and San
ford Avenue. For a number of years he resided
in Brooklyn and while there built about ten resi
dences. His commodious residence is at No.
34 North Parsons Avenue. His marriage united
him with Miss Annie Eames, a native of England.
In 1895 he was elected a member of the board
of village trustees to fill a vacancy, and in the
fall of the same year was elected trustee of the
village for two years. In politics he is a Repub
lican and an active worker for his party. He was
one of the originators of the Young Men's Chris
tian Association, and is now a director in the
same. For some time he has been a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is
a trustee, and is on the finance committee of the
same. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason and
belongs to Cornucopia Lodge No. 563. He is
president of the Epworth League, and is serving
his seventh consecutive term in that office.

COLES WORTMAN WHITE. For many
years this gentleman occupied a conspicu
ous position among the business men of
Flushing, and his death, which occurred in May,
1885, was mourned as a loss to the entire com
munity. Mr. White was born in the town of Oys
ter Bay and traced his ancestry to one Edward
White, a native of England, who emigrated to
America in 1660 and settled in Oyster Bay, be
coming a large land-owner in that town. Mary
White left a plat of land upon which was estab
lished the White cemetery, in which many of her
descendants lie buried.
The grandfather of our subject, Joseph, was a
son of Simon White, and took part in the Revolu
tionary War, during the progress of which he
was captured by British troops and confined in
a prison ship in Wallabout. By his marriage to
Ann Alsop, he became the father of a son, Al-
sop White, our subject's father, who in turn mar-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

74i

ried Rhoda, daughter of Col. Coles Wortman,
who gained his title through service in the Na
tional Guard of New York.
The eldest of six children, our subject grew to
manhood on Long Island, and for some time
was a merchant in Brooklyn, but in 1854, a few
years after his marriage, he came to Flushing
and founded the insurance business that has been
in successful operation ever since. Here he con
tinued to reside until his death at the age of sixty
years. Politically he was an active Democrat, and
for seven terms, a period of twenty-one suc
cessive years, he served as assessor of the town
of Flushing. He was a man of strong character,
great energy and recognized ability, and in busi
ness circles held the esteem of all with whom he
had transactions.
In Oyster Bay, May 21, 1851, Mr. White mar
ried Miss Fannie Syler, who was born in New
York City, being a daughter of Jacob and Annie
(Valentine) Syler, natives respectively of Frank-
fort-on-the-Main, Germany, and Westchester
County, N. Y. Her father, who acquired a splen
did education in Germany and gained a knowl
edge of various languages, came to America and
engaged in business in New York City for years,
but finally retired to Oyster Bay, and thence re
moved to New Brunswick, N. J., where he died.
In religious belief he was a Lutheran. His wife,
who was a daughter of Frederick Valentine, a
native and farmer of Westchester County, died
at seventy-five years, having had four children,
of whom three are living. Mrs. White, who is
the youngest of the number, attended a ladies'
seminary in Berkshire County, Mass., where she
obtained an excellent education. She is a woman
of force of character, broad knowledge and in
tellectual acumen. After the death of her hus
band she took up the business, assisted by her
younger son, and is the only lady in the county
who holds a commission from the state head
quarters to act as agent for the Royal. In fact, she
is one of the very few women throughout the
United States who are able and competent to
carry on a business of this kind, and her success
proves that she possesses more than ordinary tal
ents. The office of White & Son is situated at
No. 58 Broadway, corner of Prince Street, and is
probably the oldest office of the kind in the coun
ty, having been established in 1854. Insurance
is placed in reliable companies, such as the West
chester, Royal and Glens Falls.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. White was

blessed by the birth of three children. The eld
est, W. Frank, was educated in Flushing, and at
the age of seventeen became a partner with his
father in the business, with which he was active
ly identified until his death, on Christmas Day of
1894. He was a member of Pacific Lodge No.
85, I. O. O. F., and was for one term assistant
chief and for two years was foreman of Empire
Hose Company No. 1. Coles Wortman, the sec
ond son, is connected with the firm of White &
Son, and socially belongs to the orders of Red
Men and American Firemen, and he is also a
member of Empire Hose Company No. 1, of
which he was foreman for two years. The only
daughter, Miss Fannie, resides with her mother.
Mr. White was one of the organizers of the fire
department of Flushing and at one time was as
sistant chief.

rw

ATTHEW H. GREGORY, who has re
sided in Great Neck since 1882, was born
in Devonshire, England, June 2, 1834, to
Simon and Mary (Annaford) Gregory. At the
age of twelve years he accompanied his parents
to America and settled with them in New Lon
don, Conn., where for several years he attended
the common schools, thus gaining a good edu
cation. For some time prior to the age of twen
ty-one, he worked with his father, who was a
tanner and currier by trade. Later he came to
Long Island, and settling at Sag Harbor was en
gaged at his trade with A. C. Buckley for five
years. While residing in Sag Harbor, Mr. Gregory
married Miss Mary J. Talmage, daughter of Na
than and Phoebe (Hildreth) Talmage, of that
place. For a few years he engaged in the paper
stock business for himself, and at the same time
began to save vessels from the beach and bay and
dismantle them. In addition, he put in a stock of
groceries, and for eighteen years he carried on
these three separate enterprises with success at
Sag Harbor. On leaving there he moved to
Redbank, N. J., where he opened a grocery. He
also established a similar enterprise at Sea-
bright, placing a son in charge of each, while he
gave his attention to the dismantling of vessels
and the saving of their cargoes.
After having spent more than four years in
Redbank, Mr. Gregory in 1882 came to Great
Neck and began to buy condemned vessels,
which he brought to this village to be dismantled

742

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and broken up. About 1888 he purchased the
place where he now resides. He is one of the
well-known men of Great Neck and is respected
for his industry and persevering habits. As a
stanch Republican, he takes pride in the fact
that he voted for J. C. Fremont, the first candi
date of that party. At various times he has
served as a delegate to conventions. With his
family he attends the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which his son, Charles H, is a trus
tee. Of his nine children, one son, John H, is
engaged in the same line of business at Perth-
Amboy and carries on submarine diving. Two
sons, Charles H. and Herbert, are partners with
their father. Mamie married George Schenck of
Great Neck, and they have three children. The
others are George, William, Louis, Ada and Lil
lian.

GEORGE F. SPAETH, proprietor of one
of the finest drug stores in Schuetzen
Park, was born in New York City, May
30, 1867. He is the son of John Spaeth, who,
until he retired from active life, was a piano mak
er and music teacher. The father, who is now liv
ing in New York City, is eighty-four years of
age. Prior to the outbreak of the late war his
business called him some distance from home,
and while en route his train was wrecked and the
accident resulted in his losing an arm.
John Spaeth was born in Bavaria, Germany.
There he was given a fine classical and musical
education, being able to speak fluently four lan
guages and play upon nine different instruments.
He also became noted as a composer. He was
a prominent member of the Protestant Lutheran
Church and aided in the organization of the First
Lutheran Church in New York's annexed district.
His wife, formerly Anna Roth, was also born in
Germany. They were not married, however, un
til after coming to America. To them have been
granted four children, three of whom are now
living; those besides our subject, who was the
eldest, are: Otto C, also a pharmacist, located
in Long Island City, and Annie, now the wife of
John Frazer, of New York.
The subject of this sketch was graduated from
Grammar School No. 61, in New York, with the
class of '82. He then became a student of New
York College, which was located in Twenty-
third Street, and a year later, when deciding to
study pharmacy, left school and began clerking

in different stores until he had acquired a good
understanding of the business. In 1887 he en
tered the New York College of Pharmacy, from
which he was graduated in 1889 with the degree
of Ph. G. Mr. Spaeth then came to Long Island
City and began clerking in the establishment of
Ralph Paul, of Steinway. Mr. Paul wishing to
dispose of his business, a few months later our
subject purchased the stock and continued to do
a thriving business at that stand alone for about
eighteen months, when he took his brother in as
partner, they operating together under the style
of Spaeth Brothers for some time. Subsequently
our subject opened a drug store in Flushing
Avenue and later engaged in the same business
in Hunter's Point, his establishment being lo
cated on the corner of Fifth Street and Jackson
Avenue, and was familiarly known to the resi
dents of that village as the Fifth Street Phar
macy. Tlie next venture of the brothers was in
opening a drug store at No. 385 Jackson Avenue,
Dutch Kills, which they operated in connection
with the other three stores for a period of two
years. At the expiration of that time they dis
posed of their Flushing Avenue house and dis
solved partnership, our subject taking the Dutch
Kills store, also the one located in Schuetzen
Park. Later, in 1895, he sold out the business
at Dutch Kills and has since given his undivided
attention to his business at this place. He has
had the building raised and made improvements
so that now it is one of the best business houses
in the city. Mr. Spaeth thoroughly understands
his profession, which fact the people of the park
realize, for he has a very large and paying trade.
He has his store stocked with every known med
icine and makes a specialty of prescription trade.
He also compounds many liniments and syrups of
various kinds and manufactures tinctures from
drugs by means of percolation.
The marriage of Mr. Spaeth and Miss Maude
E. Lawrence occurred in Long Island City in
1890. This lady was born at Hunter's Point and
was the daughter of Charles W. Lawrence, a rep
resentative of an old and honored family 'of this
county. To them has been granted a daughter,
Maude B. Our subject has always been actively
interested in the welfare of his community and
is ready at all times to do what he can to further
its improvement. He was secretary of the Citi
zens' Municipal League, which overthrew Glea-
son's administration, and after accomplishing this
result they disbanded. In politics he is a strong

EDWARD H. LAUFER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

745

Democrat. He was appointed commissioner on
the board of education by Mayor Sanford in 1895
and was elected president of the board when en
tering upon his duties. He served some time with
Protection Engine Company No. 2 and is now a
member of the Exempt Firemen's Association.
He is a Knight of the Golden Eagle and is past
officer of Steinway Castle. Mr. Spaeth is like
wise a member of the Alumni Association of the
New York College of Pharmacy. He was a
prime mover in the organization of the large
Democratic Club in the fourth ward, which was
perfected in December, 1895. Of this he is a
member of the by-laws and constitutional com
mittee, also serves on the house committee, whose
duty it is to procure suitable quarters for the
club.

EDWARD H. LAUFER, a prosperous flor
ist of Queens, was born in Springfield
May 13, 1857, and is the only survivor of
the two children of Michael and Rosetta Laufer.
His father, who was a native of Germany, emi
grated to America at an early age and settled
upon a farm at Foster's Meadow, remaining in
that neighborhood until his death, which occurred
in 1880. Our subject grew to manhood upon a
farm and for a short time attended the district
schools. At the age of seventeen he began to
work for John Taylor, one of the leading horti
culturists of his day, and there, during his ap
prenticeship of three and one-half years, he stud
ied the art of plant culture. It had been the orig
inal plan that he should serve a term of five years
to the trade, but he applied himself to the work
so assiduously and continued engaged in it so
faithfully that in much less time he had fitted
himself to undertake the business.
Being called home on account of his father's
continued ill health, Mr. Laufer took charge of
the place and superintended its management.
At the death of his father one year later, the
estate passed to him and has since been his prop
erty. The way was thus open for him to begin the
business of a florist, which he did without delay.
From year to year, by continued application, he
has advanced himself, until finally he was able
to build the five greenhouses which he now util
izes for business purposes.
In 1881 Mr. Laufer was married to Miss Cath
erine Keuneth of Astoria, but whose birth oc
curred in Germany. She came here with her
3°

parents in 1859, when three years old. The mar
riage of our subject and his wife has been blessed
by three children, Henry Edward Laufer, Charlie
A. Laufer and John Henry Laufer. As every citi
zen should, our subject takes deep interest in po
litical affairs and is a Republican. In religion
he and his wife are members of the Dutch Re
formed Church and he is a contributor to its en
terprises. He takes an interest in everything
pertaining to floral work and is a member of the
Florists' Association in Thirty-fourth Street, New
York City.

THOMAS H. THORNTON is the proprie
tor of a store at No. 50 Main Street, Flush
ing, wdiere he carries a full line of wall
paper, paints and oils. As a painter and decora
tor he has few superiors, and he has had the con
tract for some of the finest work of that kind ever
done in Flushing, Whitestone, Bayside, Corona,
College Point and Little Neck. In addition to
this he has had a number of contracts in New
York, where he has two brothers who learned
the trade under him, engaged in business in
Sixth Avenue, near Fifty-ninth Street.
The grandfather of our subject, Peter Thorn
ton, was a shoemaker and tax collector in Eng
land, and was accidentally killed by falling in a
coal pit. The father, Peter, Jr., was born in Pres
ton, Lancashire, England, where he learned the
trades of painter and plumber. In 1855 he
brought his family to America and worked at his
trades in New York City until 1857, when he
settled in Corona. At the same time he started in
the painting business in Broadway, Flushing, but
later removed to Jackson Avenue, Long Island
City, where he remained until he was accidentally
killed by falling from a swinging scaffold. He
was then fifty years old.
The mother of our subject, Belle Capps, was
born in England, and was a member of a family
whose name was originally Carps, of the house
of Holstein. Her father, Robert Capps, who was
in the Queen's Life Guard, was a large, well-pro
portioned man, six feet two inches in height. His
death was the result of an accident; while he was
leaning against a balustrade it gave way and he
fell over and was killed. He had an only son,
for some years steward to an English lord, but
wdio was killed by falling off a load of hay. Mrs.
Belle Thornton resides in New York. Of her

746

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nine children six are living: Thomas H, the
eldest, being the only one in Flushing.
Born in Preston, England, in June, 1849, our
subject was a child of six years when the family
came to America, and he remembers the six
weeks' voyage, in the sailing vessel, "North
America," commanded by Captain Clark. His
education was limited to a short attendance at
the schools of Corona. At the age of ten he be
gan to learn his trade under the instruction of his
father, and of evenings attended Cooper's Insti
tute, where he graduated. In 1870 he was mar
ried in Flushing to Miss Emma Mucklow, daugh
ter of William and Elizabeth (Griffin) Mucklow,
her father being a native of England; she was
born in Flushing and died here, leaving a daugh
ter, Eliza.
On coming to Flushing Mr. Thornton began
in business in Washington Street. In 1865 he
responded to a draft for service in the Union
Army, but was not called out, owing to the close
of the Rebellion. In 1889 he removed his store
to 50 Main Street, where he carries a full line
of wall paper and paints. He is interested in the
United States Building and Loan Association, of
which he is appraiser. His second marriage,
which took place in Flushing, united him with
Elizabeth Townsend, who was born in Williams
burg, Brooklyn, being a daughter of Richard and
Mary J. (Fowler) Townsend, members of old
Flushing families. Mrs. Thornton was reared
and educated in Flushing and Jamaica, and by
her marriage is the mother of three children,
Mabel, Robert and Edna F. Socially Mr. Thorn
ton was at one time identified with the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a char
ter member of the Order of Foresters, but is not
at present connected with either of these organi
zations. He is, however, a member of the Mac
cabees. For years he has been deacon and treas
urer of the Baptist Church, and a teacher in the
Sunday-school, and his wife is also interested in
the work of this denomination. Politically he is
a pronounced Republican.

WILLIAM H. HULTS. Among the
many contractors and builders of
Queens County Mr. Plults holds a
prominent place, as he has followed this particu
lar line of business for many years and is well
and favorably known to the residents of Port
Washington, where he makes his home. He was

born at Bayside, this county, December 23, 1842,
and is the son of George and Jane Ann (Smith)
Hults. The former was also a native of this por
tion of the island, passing the greater part of his
life at Port Washington and Manhasset, where
he was engaged in the fish and oyster business,
marketing these products in New York. His
death occurred when William H. was a lad of six
years. After the death of her husband Mrs. Jane Ann
Hults removed with her family of five children
to Greenpoint, where our subject began working
when only ten years of age. He worked in the
employ of others by the month until reaching his
eighteenth year, when he went on an oyster boat
in the sound a few months. We next hear of
him as clerk at Greenpoint, but he resigned his
position in a few months and began serving as
an apprentice in the ship-building trade, working
for the man who had the contract for furnishing
the woodwork on the "Monitor," "Catskill" and
"Montauk." Being quick to learn the use of
tools he assisted in constructing these boats, but
soon found that he was physically unable to make
a business of ship-carpentering, and on abandon
ing it took up house-carpentering, which is not
such heavy work. He aided in building the Van
derbilt mansion in Fifth Avenue, besides num
erous other large residences in both New York
and Brooklyn.
Mr. Hults was married June 21, 1864, to Miss
Willetta Van Tassel, of New York, where she
was reared and educated. She was born, how
ever, at Unionville, Westchester County, and was
the daughter of Clark and Margaret (Angevine)
A^an Tassel. Die young couple continued to
make their home in the city for three years after
their marriage, when they removed to Manhasset
and two years later came to Port Washington,
settling here in 1870. Being an expert at his
trade, Mr. Hults has been given the contract for
building many of the public and private struc
tures here, among them being Liberty Hall and
the Baptist Church. He also erected the pa
vilion at Sands' Point and rebuilt the hotel there,
making an addition to the edifice one hundred
feet in length. At North River, Warren County,
he has erected a summer residence which is beau
tifully located in the Adirondack region.
In 1893 Mr. Hults went to Arkansas City with
the expectation of locating there, but being dis
satisfied with the country and climate, returned
to the island. His union with Miss Van Tassel

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

747

has resulted in the birth of four children: Wil
liam E., whose birth occurred in New York City
November 2, 1866, married Catherine Whaley, of
Port Washington, and they have a daughter,
Virgie Estelle, who was born here January 9,
1888; Florence Estelle, who was born in 1870,
is a highly accomplished young lady and is a
graduate of the training school for nurses. Jen
nie P., who was born in this place in 1875, is a
member of the executive committee of the Wom
an's Club, and the Port Washington Cyclers'
Club; Louis A. was born September 2, 1878, and
is at present learning the business in which his
father is engaged.
Politically Mr. Hults is a Republican, having
voted that ticket since 1864. Socially he is an
Odd Fellow of excellent standing, belonging to
Seawanhaka Lodge No. 670. His wife is a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DANIEL H. SIMONSON. The town of
Jamaica is well known for its pleasant
homes and hospitable people, and in his
home and character Mr. Simonson fully sustain.
the reputation of the town. He resides upon a
farm one mile south of the village of Springland,
to which place he came in 1859, and where he
hopes to spend his remaining days. The farm
was formerly the property of Abraham Higbie, a
soldier in the War of 181 2, who began the im
provements that have since been continued by the
present owner. His father, Daniel, was also born
and reared in this locality.
In Queens (then called Brushville) the subject
of these lines was born October 18, 1822, and he
is now the sole survivor of the four children of
John and Hannah (Skidmore) Simonson. His
father was born December 14, 1794, in Spring
field, where he spent his boyhood days, but later
removed to Jamaica and there remained about
twenty years, employed as a boss carpenter.
Thence he went up the Hudson to Coldspring,
Putnam County, where he remained about fif
teen years, carrying on a lumber business. His
next place of residence was Raritan, N. J., where
he opened a. general mercantile store and a lum
ber and coal yard. After several years he re
moved to Brooklyn, where he died four years
later. Twice married, his first wife was our sub
ject's mother. His second union was to Miss
Susannah R. Areson, who bore him seven chil
dren, the only survivors being Susan J. and Enos.

Grandfather Aury Simonson was a native of
Springfield and through his entire life carried
on farm pursuits.
Our subject's mother dying when he was six
years of age, he found a home with an uncle
and aunt, under whose training he grew to man
hood, meantime attending the common schools
and Union Hall Academy in Jamaica. Learning
carpentering under his father, he followed this
trade for a year in Brooklyn, from which place
he went to Fosters Meadow and bought mill
property. About six years later he sold this to
the Brooklyn water works at a large advance on
the original cost. Then going to Hempstead, he
bought a farm, which, however, he sold two years
afterward. His next venture was the opening of
a grocery and feed store in the village of Hemp
stead, which he conducted for a short time. Later,
with two other men, he built the steam and wind
grist mill in Hempstead, but soon sold his interest
in the enterprise. He then bought the property
where he has since resided.
March 20, 1849, Mr. Simonson was united in
marriage with Miss Hannah E. Higbie, daugh
ter of Abraham Higbie, the former owner of this
farm, where his daughter was born. Mr. and
Mrs. Simonson were the parents of four children,
but one alone survives, Joseph D., a widower,
who, with his child, Susie H, lives with Mr. Sim
onson. Another granddaughter, Hannah E., also
resides with him. In his political affiliations our
subject is a Democrat, but has never cared for
official honors, preferring the quiet of domestic
life. Mr. and Mrs. Simonson hold membership
in the Presbyterian Church, to the support of
which they contribute regularly. Socially our
subject is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He takes a keen interest in
the welfare of the town and is always willing to
aid in plans devised for its improvement.

JOHN REILLY, who has been a resident of
College Point since 1861, was born in Coun
ty Longford, Ireland, and at the age of six
years, in 1834, was brought to America by his
father, Thomas Reilly, who settled in New York
and there followed the trade of wood turner or
wheelwright. For a time he was employed in a
large soap factory in Brooklyn, after which he
entered the employ of Michael Morris, the hard
ware merchant at No. 93 Catherine Street. While
working for that gentieman he manufactured the

748

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

first iron safes ever made in America, and for a
number of years he made a specialty of that line
of work. Later he was employed by Levi Chap
man, a manufacturer in New York City, and
then made washing machines of his own manu
facture in Forty-first Street, New York. He
lived in retirement for some years before his
death, which occurred in New York City at the
age of eighty years. His wife, Frances (Hoxey)
Reilly, was born in Ireland and died in New York
at the age of forty-five. Of their four children
John was the eldest, the others being Margaret,
who died in New York; Elizabeth, whose home
is in that city, and Thomas, a musician, who died
there. The education of our subject was obtained in
one of the public schools of New York. At the
age of fifteen he started out to earn his own way
in the world and followed various occupations
until 1 85 1, when he began to learn the machin
ist's trade in the Empire Works, New York
City, continuing there for several years. Later
he was employed on Blackwell's Island for three
years, after which in 1861 he went back to the
Empire Works. His next work was under George
W. Beardsley, a manufacturer of electrical ma
chinery and guns, his shop being on Second Ave
nue and Third Street. After remaining in the
employ of that gentleman about twelve years he
opened a small shop in Eleventh Street, College
Point, and when the business assumed such pro
portions as to demand enlarged quarters, he
built in 1890 his present place in Ninth Street,
near Second Avenue. His foundry, which is well
built, covers a half block and is one hundred
feet in depth. He is a moulder and machinist,
repairs all kinds of machinery and does a general
jobbing business, also steam fitting in all its
branches. One of the specialties is the manufac
ture of comb machinery, including dressing
combs sawing machines, fine comb sawing ma
chines, filing and bearding machines and comb
cutting machines. All kinds of saws are fur
nished for comb manufacturers, and in this line
he fills many orders. Employment is given to a
force of assistants, so that repairing may be done
promptly, as well as skillfully and economically.
He also makes starting machinery for starting
horses at races. The plant is run by steam, with
an engine of ten horse-power.
In New York Mr. Reilly married Miss Jane
Ryan, a native of Ireland. They have two chil
dren, namely: Elmore T., who is in the steam

heating business here, and Margaret J., who is at
home. For six years Mr. Reilly was trustee of
the village, and for a similar period he has been
a member of the county central committee of the
Democratic party; he has also served on the
executive committee and has represented his par
ty as a delegate to conventions. He served in
Hose Company No. 1, of which he was foreman.
In religious belief he is connected with St. Fi
delis' Catholic Church.

GEORGE J. GOLSNER. Among the
residents of College Point who have
gained success through industry and per
severance mention may be made of the subject
of this record, an experienced and successful flor
ist of this place. He is a member of the firm of
G. Golsner's Sons, proprietors and owners of
twenty-one greenhouses, well equipped and with
facilities for a large wholesale and retail trade.
They have three different places here, one being
in Third Avenue, between First and Second
Streets; another in Twelfth Street, between
Third and Fourth Avenues, and the third in Sev- -
enteenth Street and Third Avenue. Skilled as
sistants design bouquets, baskets, wreaths and
emblems to order, and the beauty of these de
signs has brought an enviable reputation to the
firm. The founder of this firm, Gabriel Golsner, was
born in Augsburg, Germany, where he learned
the trade which he afterward commenced in Col
lege Point in 1865. In 1888 his sons assumed
control and have since had charge of the business.
He passed away at the age of fifty-nine, and his
wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Reck,
and was a native of Germany, also died at that
age. Their five children are named Catharine;
Anna, wife of Edward Frey, of this place; John
and George, who are in partnership, and Veroni
ca, wife of J. Schmidt, living in Germany.
The subject of this sketch was born in New
York City, March 26, 1863, and was a child of
two years when brought to College Point in the
spring of 1865. When only seven years old he
began to assist his father in the business, and
throughout his boyhood years it was his custom
to arise at four o'clock in the morning and gath
er flowers, thus assisting in the work. His
knowledge of the business, beginning so early
in life, and continuing through all these years,
is both thorough and practical, and he is fully

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

7Si

posted in regard to every detail. By his mar
riage to Emma Dischlie he had six children, of
whom four are living, George J., Frank, Emma
and Freddie W. Socially he is connected with
the Royal Arcanum, and politically is independ
ent, not adhering to any party. His family are
members of the Lutheran Church, and while he
is not identified with this organization, he has
served as a member of the board of trustees since
the first of 1896.

FRANCIS EDWARD ANDREWS, an
electrician of Flushing, with office at No.
20 Main Street, was born in Waterloo,
Canada, June 11, 1869, and is a son of Joseph
and Annie E. (Humphreys) Andrews, natives re
spectively of New York City and Canada. His pa
ternal ancestors were prominent in the South,
where his great-grandfather was a large cotton
planter. The grandfather, Hiram Andrews, born
in New York City, was for some years president
of the Bank of Mobile and was fortunate in pass
ing through the perils of Black Friday with his
credit unimpaired.
Joseph Andrews, who formerly was a commer
cial traveler, is now engaged in the insurance
and brokerage business in Brooklyn. He mar
ried Miss Annie E. Humphreys, whose father, a
native of Dublin, Ireland, emigrated to Canada
and engaged in business there. They are the
parents of four children, of whom Francis E. is
the only son and eldest child. One of his uncles,
John Andrews, was killed during the Civil War.
Reared in Boston, Mass., the subject of this
record was educated in the public and high
schools. In 1880 he entered school in Brooklyn,
where he remained a short time. In 1884 he be
gan the study of electricity under Professor Mey
ers in Dey Street, and later engaged in making
electrical apparatus. After four years with his
first instructor, he spent two years as inspector
of the Long Island lines of the telephone com
pany, and then began for himself as an electrician.
In 1890 he removed from Brooklyn to Valley
Stream, Queens County, and in April of 1892
removed from there to Flushing, being the first
practical electrician to open an office here. Pie
introduced the Welsbach lights here, and still
represents that company. He has had the contract
for much of the most important work here, and
is considered an expert in all kinds of electrical
work. At this writing he is electrician for the

village. In Brooklyn Mr. Andrews married Miss
Mary E. McCormick, daughter of Thomas Mc-
Cormick, a resident of Brooklyn, where she was
born. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews con
sists of five children, Thomas E., Frances E.,
Ruth E., Robert E. and Mary E. The res
idence is situated at No. 46 Locust Street.
Socially Mr. Andrews is connected with the
Royal Arcanum and is sachem of the Shinnecock
Tribe of Red Men, also secretary of the Court of
Foresters at Flushing. He is a member of Em
pire Hose Company No. 1. In religious views
he is connected with St. George's Episcopal
Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Po
litically a Democrat, at this writing he holds the
position of president of the Fourth District Dem
ocratic Club.

FRANK P. SEAMAN, who is engaged in
the mercantile business at Mineola, was
born in the town of Huntington, Suffolk
County, at a place called Half Hollow, the date
of his birth being 1852. His father, Gideon Sea
man, a native of the same town as himself, was
born in 1816 and is now deceased. At different
times he followed milling, farming and merchan
dising. For a number of years he was tax col
lector of the town and took an active part in
public affairs in his younger years.
By his first marriage Gideon Seaman had two
children, William H. and Ruth, both deceased.
His second union was to Sarah Muncey, by
whom he had eight children. Of these four are
living, namely: Thomas, of Deer Park; Frank
P., Sarah, and Henry, who is clerking in his
brother's store in Mineola. Our subject's grand
father, David Seaman, was a descendant of Capt.
John Seaman, who was born in England, and,
emigrating to this country, became the founder
of the family on Long Island.
Until eleven years of age our subject attended
the district schools, but he then entered Public
School No. 3, Brooklyn, wdiere he carried on his
studies for four years. When fifteen years old he
entered the store of J. B. Hendrickson and two
years later, when the business changed hands, he
remained with the new owner, continuing there
until nineteen. He then entered the store of
Luke Fleet, of Mineola, remaining in that con
nection until 1888, when he established his pres
ent business. In his place he carries a full line
of merchandise, and through accommodating

752

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

manners and integrity of character has built up
a good trade. In addition to his business, he is
interested in the Columbia Building and Loan
Association. Politically he is a Democrat.
Mr. Seaman was one of the charter members
of the Mineola Hook and Ladder Company No.
I, of which in 1894 he was chosen president, con
tinuing in that position for two years. Socially
he is connected with the Roslyn Lodge of Odd
Fellows. In religious matters he is identified
with the Presbyterian Church of Hempstead and
is assistant superintendent of the Mineola Union
Sunday-school, with which he has been actively
associated for twenty-five years. His wife is a
member of St. George's Episcopal Church of
Hempstead. This estimable lady, with whom he
was united in 1879, and who shares with him the
good will of the community, was Anna V. Allen,
daughter of George and Margery (Doxey) Allen.
Their family consists of six children, namely:
John A., Willis M., Marjorie, Edwin M., Harrison
and Imogene.

LOUIS C. GAISER, JR., who with his father
has charge of the Gaiser Hotel at College
Point, is a native of the city of Brooklyn,
but has spent his life principally in the village
where he now resides. He is a son of Louis C.
and Regina (Kreidler) Gaiser, natives respectively
of Goeppingen, Wurtemberg, and Baden, Ger
many, the latter of whom died in this place. The
father, who was reared to manhood in the coun
try of his birth, emigrated to the United States
in early maturity and settled in Brooklyn, where
he secured a position as bookkeeper and col
lector for the Kings County brewery. Later,
having gained a' thorough knowledge of the
brewing business, he opened a brewery in Brook
lyn, the enterprise being conducted for six years
under the firm name of Gaiser & Steinhausen.
In 1873 he came to College Point and embarked
in the hotel business, which he has since carried
on successfully with the assistance of his son, our
subject. For one term he held the office of
school trustee, and at various times occupied oth
er positions of trust.
Of the family of six children the subject of this
sketch is fourth in respect to age. lie was reared
to manhood in College Point, to which place he
came with his father in 1873. Natural inclina
tions and education fitted him for a business life,
which he entered upon at an early age, in 1885

engaging with his father in the management of
Gaiser's Hall, a large place situated on the corner
of Diirteenth Street and Third Avenue. In con- '
nection with the hall there are a summer garden
and a large dancing hall. Until recently our sub- '
ject held the position of collector for the Con
gress Brewing Company, of Brooklyn. He is
connected with the Adelphi Social Club and the
Order of Foresters, while politically he is inde
pendent in his opinions and ballot.

REV. ROCKWOOD MacQUESTEN, Ph.
D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
Glencove, was born in Plymouth, N. H.,
September 29, 1839, and is a son of Greenough
and Myra (Chase) MacQuesten. The family orig
inated in Scotland, wdience they removed to Ire
land, and some generations later made settle
ment in New Hampshire, where four generations
have since resided. Reared on a farm, Green
ough MacQuesten became a clerk in early man
hood and afterward embarked in the mercantile
business. When his son Rockwood was two
years old he removed to Sanbornton (now Tilton),
N. H, and three years afterward settled at Fish-
erville (now known as Pennacook), N. H., a
suburb of the city of Concord. After some eight
years in Fisherville he removed to Concord, and
there remained until his death in 1891.
The education of our subject was mainly ob
tained in Concord, and at the age of seventeen
he graduated from the high school there, being
a member of the first class that ever graduated
from that school. While carrying on his studies
he earned his own support by filling the position
of clerk of the superintendent of the Concord
Railroad. The first money he ever earned was
by pegging shoes in Fisherville, and he was so
skillful in the use of shoemaker's tools that he
was able, when very young, to make a pair of
coarse shoes. After graduating from the high
school he worked as a telegraph operator for the
Concord Railroad Company and remained in that
capacity about two years. His Sunday-school
teacher, who was assistant railroad superintend
ent, suggested that he go to college and pre
pare for the ministry, offering to pay his way
through college. That advice being in accord
with the young man's inclinations, he was about
to accept the offer, when his kind friend lost his
property; but, though thrown upon his own re
sources, he did not grow discouraged. One time,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

753

while in the railroad service, he came nearly los
ing his life; he was sent out on a hand car to
pay off some section men, when a freight train
passed, loaded with lumber reaching out over the
side-track. The hand-car was struck by the lum
ber, but fortunately a fatal catastrophe was
averted. In the fall of 1859 Dr. MacQuesten entered Co-
' lumbia College, New York City, and graduated
in 1863 among the honor men with the degree of
A. B. For one summer he was tutor in the fam
ily of Lewis Livingston, of Rhinebeck, on the
Hudson. In the fall of 1863 he entered Union
Theological Seminary, New York, and was there
for three years, being assistant librarian the third
year. He graduated in the spring of 1866 and at
the same time received the degree of A. M. from
Columbia College. During his second year in
the seminary he commenced to preach, and in
the summer of 1865 he supplied the pulpit of the
Congregational Church at Salmon Falls, N. H,
for three months. In April, 1866, he was li
censed by the then Old School Presbytery of
Nassau and later in the same month was ordained
by the third presbytery of New York (new*
school). May 18, 1866, at Henniker, N. H, Rev. Dr.
MacQuesten married Miss Emma Willard San
born, a daughter of Dr. Nathan and Seus (Lan
caster) Sanborn. Of the five children born to
them only two are now living. June 1, 1866, the
Doctor started for Minnesota, under commission
from the board of home missions, and after sup
plying the pulpit at Red Wing for three months,
he took his first pastorate at Le Sueur, ninety
miles southwest of St. Paul, on the Minnesota
River. At that time Le Sueur was on the fron
tier, and the outbreak on the part of the Sioux
had only recently occurred, so that the position
was one of great responsibility. At that time
he was a member of the Dakota presbytery, in
which were the well known missionaries, Rev.
Stephen R. Riggs, D. D., and Rev. Thomas S.
Williamson, M. D. In 1893 our subject wrote a
biography of the latter gentleman, which was
published by the American Tract Society of New
York. While in that position, his parish includ
ed territory about twenty-five miles square, and
he preached three or four times each Sunday.
In 1872 Dr. MacQuesten accepted a call to the
First Presbyterian Church of Winona, Minn.,
from which place in 1878 he went to Waterloo,
Iowa. In May, 1880, he removed to Minneapo

lis, Minn., to take charge of the preparatory de
partment of McAllister College, under supervi
sion of the synod of Minnesota. He held that
position for one and one-half years, then preached
at Grand Forks, Dak., for six months, after which
he returned to Minneapolis and became pastor
of the Fifth Presbyterian Church. In 1885, hav
ing resigned his pastorate in Minneapolis, he
went to Fall River, Mass., under commission
from the home missions board, where he was
installed as pastor of the Westminster Presby
terian Church, remaining until 1888. January 1,
1889, he accepted the pastorate of the Presby
terian Church at Glencove, where he has since
remained. In 1893 he received from the Uni
versity of the City of New York the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy, having taken the pre
scribed university course.
Politically our subject's father was a Whig and
a firm Abolitionist, while he himself has been
independent in his views, voting for what seemed
to him the best men and the best measures, but
generally with the Republican party. While in
college, and also while acting as tutor, he wrote
a number of poems, which were published and
extensively copied. Among these was the "Vil
lage Clock," written in 1864, and suggested by
Longfellow's famous poem, "The Old Clock on
the Stair." This was published in a Congrega
tional paper in Boston and afterward appeared in
"Household Readings." It has been so univer
sally admired that we take pleasure in inserting it
herewith :

On the gentle lawn from the village street,
Stands the old church where the villagers meet.
Up through its aisles young men have passed,
Young men grown gray for the grave at last;
While the Bride's sweet call from the pulpit expressed
Has been echoed far up on its spiry crest,
Repent — believe !
Believe — repent !
From the preacher, discharging his solemn trust,
From the saddening service, returning to dust
The village honor, the village pride;
From the modest choir, from blushing bride;
From worshiping people with humble heart,
Has come that call from its every part,
Repent — believe !
Believe — repent !

In joy its voice is low and light;
In turbulent trials and sorrow's night,
The "still small voice" continues its call-
Along the aisles, along the hall,
Till the clock, far up in the tower above,
Gives back the words and call of love,
Repent — believe!
Believe — repent !

754

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Like urging spirits, the voiceless hands—
By marking the hours— life's passing sands-
Above the villager's trouble and toil,
Above his trials and life's turmoil,
Send forth, as far as their rays can reach,
The same kind call, and seem to teach
Repent — believe !
Believe — repent!
Firmly its hands are pointing on,
And soon they'll mark the last sand gone,
The church will crumble, its tower fall;
The preacher and clock will cease their call;
Yet e'en where wreck and ruin lie,
They still shall call, as the years go by —
Repent — believe !
Believe — repent !
Into the spirit-world shall go
The voice of the village clock below,
The voice of the preacher, the voice of the tower,
The voice which bore the Spirit's power;
And there before the "great white throne,"
Shall meet each soul with God alone,
Repent — believe !
Believe — repent !
Not as to village it uttered its call,
It now pronounces sentence on all;
To the sinner who turned from the Bride away
It denies a single forgiving ray;
But leads him apart to eternal death
Of Hope and Heart and Heaven bereft,
Condemned — lost !
Lost — condemned !
Not as to village it uttered its call,
It now pronounces sentence on all;
To the Christian clothed in the Bride's array
It gives the joy of eternal day,
And, leading along the "golden streets,"
Guides him onward to blissful seats —
Redeemed — saved !
Saved — redeemed !

tablishing a grocery business here, he carried on
a large trade until advanced years rendered his
relinquishment of active labors a necessity. His
death occurred when he was seventy-three years
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Gretchen Welbrock, died at sixty-four years.
In this village, where he was born and reared,
our subject gained a practical education in the
public schools, and the knowledge thus acquired
has been supplemented by observation and read
ing. At an early age he began to assist his fath
er in the grocery business, of which he soon
gained a thorough knowledge, so that he was
well fitted to engage in business for himself. He
gives close attention to the details of his work
and has secured a good trade, which he retains
by reason of the reliability of his transactions and
geniality of his manners. He takes an interest
1 in local affairs and in religion inclines to the
Lutheran faith, which was the belief of his fore
fathers.

HERMAN MEYER, proprietor of a grocery
at College Point, and one of the enter
prising young business men of this vil
lage, was born here July 3, 1865, and as his birth
occurred ten minutes before midnight, he came
nearly being a 4th of July boy. Pie is the young
est of four children, of whom the eldest, John,
is deceased; Henry, the second born, resides in
Maryland, and Mrs. Lizzie Kraemer, the only
daughter, lives in College Point.
The father of our subject, Plenry Meyer, was
born in Germany, whence he emigrated to Ameri
ca and became one of the first settlers of College
Point, establishing his home here in 1848. Dur
ing the early days of the -history of the village
he took a prominent part in local affairs and
was ever ready to assist in enterprises beneficial
to the place. Especially was he active in plac
ing the town under good fire protection, and he
took a warm interest and prominent part in or
ganizing and equipping the fire department. Es-

R

OBERT MARVIN, a farmer living un the
Marvin road, town of Flushing, was born
November 14, 1849, in the old family
dwelling that was burned down in 1863. The
family of which he is a member originated in
England, whence Robert Marvin emigrated to
Long Island and settled in the town of Hemp
stead. John, a son of Robert, was born August
24, 1733, and his son, Jacob, was born October
J8, 1755. The children of Jacob were Valentine
H. P., Robert, Jane, Mary and Harry P., father
of our subject. The last-named was born Octo
ber 22, 1799, and remained with his parents un
til he attained mature years, after which he be
gan to work for himself. His 'first employment
was sawing logs by the day in an old-fashioned
saw-pit. Later he hired to a Mr. Dodge, of
Lakevill.e, a farmer, from whom he received $100
per year. His next position was that of packer
in a crockery store in Pearl Street, New York
City, after which he bought a horse and cart and
followed carting for the stores in the city. In
later years he purchased the farm where his sons
now live and here he spent the remainder of his
life. By his marriage to Pellatiah Williams, Harry
P. Marvin had six children, namely: Valentine,
Plenry and Clarence, deceased; Robert, of this
sketch; Mary A., and Richard W. The subject
of this record has spent his entire life upon the

JAMES L. NEW, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

757

old homestead, with the exception of seven
months in New York. During three months of
that time he was a student in Paine's Business
College, on the corner of Canal and the Bowery.
At the expiration of that time he was chosen as
sistant teacher in Mr. Paine's school in Thirty-
third Street and Broadway, where his experience
of four months as instructor was worth years of
study to him and did much to form and expand
his mind. His father's death caused him to re
sign his position and return home to assume the
management of the place.
This was in 1873. For one year Mr. Marvin
and his brother cultivated the place, and when
the final settlement of the estate was made he
erected his present handsome residence on his
portion of the property. Since then he has made
an improvement in the shape of an L, designed
for kitchen, pantry, bathroom and additional bed
rooms. After the estate was settled, he began
farming in partnership with his brother, Richard,
and for several years the firm of Marvin Broth
ers continued together, but finally- severed their
connection, and have since operated their farming
industries alone.
Early in the year 1874 Mr. Marvin married
Miss Mellie, daughter of John Hendrickson, of
Creedmoor. Mrs. Marvin was born February
21, 1852, and is the mother of six children, name
ly: George Buell, 'born Sunday, October 25,
1874; Mary Anna, Friday, July 28, 1876; Es
ther Williams, Sunday, January 19, 1879; Grace
Elizabeth, Sunday, March 4, 1883; Harry Peters,
Tuesday, November 16, 1886, and Fannie Smith,
Sunday, March 31, 1889. Politically Mr. Marvin
is independent. A Methodist in religion, he is
acting as steward of the church, and received a
certificate to attend the annual conference at
Hartford, Conn., April 3. 1896, held for the pur
pose of choosing lay delegates to the general con
ference. He is a friend of education and for
twenty years has been connected with the school
board.

J

AMES L. NEW, M. D. Although young in
years, Dr. New has obtained a more than
local 'reputation, which fact may be, in a
measure, attributed to his love for his profession.
To him 'the arduous duties of his calling are a
"labor of love." Whatever the social or financial
condition of his patient who seeks his service,
no effort is spared in the treatment of his case,

for he believes it is the highest duty of the physi
cian to cure the ills to which mankind is heir, if
it lies within his power to do so. He devotes
himself to his work with conscientious zeal, and
gives little regard to the rewards or emoluments
that are to follow. He believes in a progressive
system of medicine, and notes with eager interest
every forward step taken by his profession.
Dr. New was born in Long Island City De
cember 29, 1870, and is a son of James N. New,
who was born in Newtown, L. I. His grandfath
er, James L. New, was a native of England, born
in Wiltshire, and there grew to manhood. He
married in his native country and came to this
land on his wedding tour, locating at Greenpoint,
L. L, and running a stage line from that point
to Fulton Ferry, L. I., until 1853. Then selling
out to the Brooklyn City Railroad Company he
was engaged in various undertakings until 1857,
when he went to California by way of the
Isthmus and was engaged in prospecting and
mining until 1876. From there he went to Mon
tana, where he is now a prominent ranchman.
While residing in California he was captain of
an* independent company during the time of the
vigilant committee. He is now seventy-seven
years old and in the enjoyment of fair health.
James N. New became familiar with the gro
cery business while but a lad and has continued
in this ever since. He left Newtown and went to
Greenpoint when a young man, and was first in
the employ of old John Smith. In 1855 he
bought the business and has carried it on ever
since, in partnership with his brother, Alfred L.
New (see sketch). He married Miss Eliza M.
Gibson, a native of Wards Island and daughter
of Alexander Gibson (better known as "Sandy"
Gibson), an old fisherman on Wards Island, who
was of Scotch descent and took part in the War
of 1812.
To Mr. and Mrs. New were born six children,
four now living. Our subject, the eldest of these
children, attended the public schools of Green
point and those of Brooklyn, graduating from
the high school of the latter place in 1886. He
then entered Ft. Edward Institute at Ft. Edward,
N. Y., and graduated from that institution in
1887. For some time after this he was associated
wdth his father in business, but in 1889 he entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Co
lumbia and graduated from the same with the
degree of M. D. in June, 1892. In July, 1891, he
took a trip to Montana, extending over a period

758

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of six weeks. By competitive examination he
was appointed assistant physician at Charity Hos
pital on Blackwells Island for one year and later
was for seven months assistant at New York
Lying-in Hospital.
The following year Dr. New spent in a visit
to Montana, partly for business and partly for
pleasure, and practiced while there. Returning in
November, 1894, he located in Tioga County,
Pa., and was employed by the Fallbrook Coal
Company until 1895, when he resigned and lo
cated in Hunter's Point, Long Island City, where
he has since been actively engaged in general
practice. He had the best of advantages while
studying his profession and was assistant physi
cian in the outdoor department of Bellevue Hos
pital, New York City. In religious belief he is a
member of Grace Methodist Church, in which he
is steward. Politically he is a Republican. He is
a member of Montana State Medical Association
and is examining physician of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company and Hartford
Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn.

WILLIAM PLYER. Since he took
charge of, or rather succeeded to his
father's business, Mr. Plyer has been
one of the successful business men of Hemp
stead. He was born in this village July 21, 1857,
and is a son of Charles Plyer, who was born in
Hertfordshire, England, in 1831, and when a
young man of twenty years of age came to Amer
ica. On making his home in the New World, Mr.
Plyer located at Fordham, in Westchester Coun
ty, where he entered a sash and blind factory and
became thoroughly acquainted with the business
in all its details. In 1854 he came to Hempstead
and embarked in business for himself, manufac
turing sash of all kinds, also blinds of every de
scription. He continued to be thus engaged un
til his decease, in 1884, when his son, our sub
ject, succeeded to the business. The latter had
been taken into partnership with his father in
1881 and was therefore thoroughly competent to
assume the management of the factory. Mr. Ply
er met with success after coming to America and
left his family comfortably provided for.
The mother of our subject was Mary Ackerly,
a representative of one of the old families of the
island. She reared a family of three sons, of
whom William, of this sketch, was the eldest.

The others are Charles and George. The edu
cation of our subject was completed in the high
school of Hempstead, after which he became as
sociated with his father in business. The pros
perity which has come to him is not the result of
accident or luck, but rather as the result of in
domitable perseverance and sound judgment. In
political belief he is independent. In 1889 he was
elected village trustee, serving two years, and was
re-elected to this position in 1895 and 1896 for
two years longer. He is treasurer of the build
ing and loan association of this place and is at
present serving as a member of the volunteer
fire department, of which he was the secretary
for several years. He is very fond of sailing and
is the owner of a beautiful yacht, which is one
of the best boats in the Hempstead Bay Yacht
Club, of which Mr. Plyer is a prominent mem
ber. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of excellent
standing, belonging to Hempstead Lodge No.
141. He is likewise connected with the Mutual
Benefit Association, of which he was at one time
president and director for many years.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Ange-
lece Smith occurred January 19, 1881. This lady
was the daughter of Raynor Smith, of Freeport,
and the granddaughter of the noted Raynor Rock
Smith, who saved part of the crew of the wrecked
vessel, "City of Mexico." Mr. and Mrs. Plyer
have a daughter, Addie.

M'

ONROE PACKARD, chief engineer of
the India Rubber Comb Company at
College Point, was born in Providence,
R. I., February 20, 1849. The family of which
he is a member originated in England and has
been represented in this country since the time of
the "Mayflower," Samuel Packard, the first of the
name to come hither, having settled in Windham,
Conn. The grandfather, Mark Packard, a na
tive of New Hampshire, and a machinist by trade,
removed to Pennsylvania, where he married Mary
Williamson. The father of our subject, Monroe Packard,
Sr., was born in Ashton, Pa., learned the ma
chinist's trade in Bridesburg, and later settled in
Providence, R. I., where he was first with Thurs
ton & Gardner, and afterward served as foreman
for the Corliss Engine Company many years.
Pie died in that city in 1869, aged forty-five. His
wife, Amelia T., was born in Providence and
was a daughter of Capt. Daniel and Mary (Ar-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

759

nold) Sweetland, natives of Pawtucket and New
port respectively. Her father, after having fol
lowed the machinist's trade for a time, later be
came captain of a vessel engaged in the coasting
trade and was lost at sea in a shipwreck. His
father-in-law, Caleb Arnold, was a merchant of
Newport. Mrs. Amelia T. Packard is a Baptist
in religious belief. She makes her home with her
only surviving child, our subject, her other son,
Charles A., having died in Rhode Island at the
age of twenty-one.
In the public and private schools of Providence
and in Schofield's Commercial College, the sub
ject of this sketch received his education. He
was apprenticed to the moulder's trade in the
foundry of the Corliss Engine Company, re
maining there for ten years. Later he was em
ployed in the machinist's department, and while
thus engaged took up engineering, running the
engine for three years. In 1880 he came to Col
lege Point as the assistant engineer of the India
Rubber Comb Company, which he held for six
years, until the death of his father-in-law, when
he was made chief engineer. Under his supervi
sion are five Corliss engines of eight hundred
horse-power, these being the largest in the town
of Flushing.
Mr. Packard married Miss Mary A. Sander
son, who was born in Providence, and is promi
nent in society here and in the work of the Dutch
Reformed Church. She is one of two living chil
dren, having a brother, Henry J., who is a watch
maker and jeweler by trade. By her marriage
she has a son, John, and a daughter, Mabel.
Her father, John Sanderson, was born in Pen
rith, Cumberlandshire, England, became a ma
chinist, and after emigrating to America in 185 1,
settled in Providence, where he was employed as
engineer in the erecting department of the Cor
liss Engine Company. In 1857 he came to Col
lege Point to erect the first Corliss engine here,
and upon its completion was employed as chief
engineer until his death, November 19, 1892.
While residing in England he was chorister of an
Episcopal Church. For some years he was a trus
tee of the College Point Savings Bank.
Thomas Sanderson, the paternal grandfather
of Mrs. Packard, was born in Cumberland and
was an engine builder, which occupation he fol
lowed for a year in Brooklyn. After that, how
ever, he returned to England, where he died
March 20, 1868, aged eighty years. His wife,
Mary Alcock, died at the age of seventy-one

John Sanderson married, in 1850, Miss Elizabeth
Nicholson, daughter of Thomas Nicholson, a con
tractor and builder, who died at the age of sixty-
nine. Benjamin, father of Thomas Nicholson,
was a mason and builder, and Ann Fleming, the
mother, died at the age of fifty-seven. Mr. and
Mrs. Packard occupy the old Sanderson home
stead at No. 191 Third Avenue, on Flushing
Bay, a substantial residence which was erected
by Mr. Sanderson in i860.

PATRICK F. SHARKEY, general super
intendent of the two varnish factories of
Pratt & Lambert, which are located in
Long Island City, has held this responsible po
sition for the past three years, although he has
been connected with the business in various other
capacities for a much .longer period.
Mr. Sharkey was born in this city, at No. 46
Fifth Street, where he still resides, October 28,
1864. His father, Henry Sharkey, was one of
the old residents of the city and for the greater
part of his life was a millwright. His history is
given at greater length in the biography of H.
W. Sharkey, on another page.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest but
one of a family of seven children, four of whom
are now living. He was reared in this city, and
completed his education in the old Sixth Street
school house when a lad of fifteen years. At that
age he went to work in the James McGinnis var
nish works, and after four years spent there was
given a position with Pratt & Lambert, who were
engaged in the same business. Our subject's
brother, Samuel, was foreman of the factory, and
Patrick was instructed by him in the mysteries of
making varnish, in due time becoming a practical
workman. In 1 89 1 Samuel Sharkey was sent to Chicago
to assume charge of the varnish works there and
our subject was then promoted to be foreman,
holding this responsible position until Mr. Pratt,
who was then acting as superintendent, retired,
when he became general superintendent of the
business. Besides the two factories in Long
Island City and the one in Chicago, which we
have already mentioned, the company own one in
Montreal. Those over which Mr. Sharkey has
control are the main plants and for the most part
furnish goods to the other works. They manu
facture a very fine grade of varnish and do the

760

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

largest business of any similar company on the
island. Socially Mr. Sharkey belongs to John J. Mitch
ell Lodge No. 338, A. O. U. W. He is a very
fine oarsman and a prominent member of the
Ravenswood Boat Club. He wa<= 3, member of
the crew which took part in races held at Har
lem, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and
points on the Hudson, and in almost every case
the Ravenswood Club was victorious. This club
had the champion four-oared gig of the world
and when it was used our subject was the bow
oarsman. He also holds membership with the
Ravenswood Bowling Club, of which he is the
captain.

THOMAS THURSTON, the enterprising
blacksmith at Great Neck, was born at
Glencove, L. I., December 31, 1845, t0
Nicholas and Sarah A. (Miller) Thurston. His
father, who was born at Glencove, there learned
and carried on the trade of a shoemaker, also
for a time was proprietor of a shoe store.
Thomas received his education in the public
school and at the age of fifteen years began to
learn his trade at Locust Valley. While still an
apprentice, in September, 1864, he enlisted in
Company C, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery,
and took an active part in service in the Shenan
doah Valley and at Bermuda Hundred, also in
front of Petersburg. At the close of the war, he
was honorably discharged in July, 1865, after
having for a few months been on provost duty in
Virginia. Throughout the entire period of his
service he was never wounded nor captured.
Returning to Locust Valley, Mr. Thurston
completed his apprenticeship and then went to
Port Washington, where he worked as a jour
neyman for two months. Opening a store of his
own, he carried it on industriously for ten years.
While there he married, June 25, 1868, Miss
Mary Crookel, of that place, and they became
the parents of two children, the wife and mother
dying November 10, 1886. The son, Fred W.,
who learned the trade of blacksmith under his
father, is now in business with him ; he married
Miss Mabel Scott, of Great Neck. Sarah E., the
daughter, married James Hayden and they have
four children.
After a residence of ten years in Port Washing
ton, Mr. Thurston, on account of his father's
death, went to Glencove and carried on the busi

ness for a few months, then went back to Port
Washington. Afterward he worked at his trade
in Stamford, Conn., for two and one-half years,
going from there to Port Washington. After a
short time spent in Brooklyn, in 1881 he came to
Great Neck and started his present business. His
second marriage, which occurred January 30,
1889, united him with Miss Josephine Lennox,
who was born in Rochelle, Westchester County,
N. Y. In 1868 he voted for General Grant and
has since sustained Republican principles. Since
the organization of the Republican Club of Great
Neck, he has been its only president. Frequently
he has represented his party in conventions, but
has never sought office for himself. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
superintendent of the Union Sunday-school in
the village of Great Neck. Socially he is con
nected with Adam Goss Post No. 330, G. A. R,
in New York. Always interested in school af
fairs, he has served with credit as a member of
the board of education.

JOPIN BOLL, a prominent resident of Ja
maica, is carrying on a good business as
florist. He was born in the canton of Frey-
burg, Switzerland, in September, 1837, and was
the son of John Boll, a wine manufacturer and
nurseryman of his native land. Our subject,
after acquiring his education, assisted his father
in this business until about twenty years of age,
when he left home, and, going to France, spent
several years in that country. He then traveled
extensively through Italy and Germany, and in
1861 determined to see something of the New-
World, of which he had heard such glowing ac
counts. Landing on the shores of America, Mr. Boll
began to seek employment, and was given the po
sition of private gardener for a New York banker
who made his home in Newtown. After remain
ing in his employ for a period of seven vears he
went to Rhinebeck, on the Hudson, where he was
given charge of the grounds surrounding the fine
residence of Congressman Miller. "
His father dying soon after the Civil War, our
subject returned to Switzerland, as his services
were needed in settling up the estate. As soon
as this was accomplished he took passage for
America and very soon thereafter purchased the
ten-acre tract of land in the village of Jamaica
wdiere his fine gardens and greenhouses are lo-

DAVID T. AVENIUS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

763

cated. He has been successful from the very first
and is now one of the best-known gardeners and
florists in the county. He has, however, met with
two serious losses when his greenhouses were
burned to the ground, the last time in 1894. He
was not discouraged in the least, but set to work
to repair the damage, each time enlarging his
hot houses and placing therein many conven
iences which he did not have before.
The marriage of John Boll and Miss' Eliza
beth J., daughter of John Sellmenn, occurred in
Jamaica in 1876. The Sellmenns are among the
oldest families of this section and are highly re
spected and prominent people. Our subject uses
his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic
party, and is devoted to the welfare of the gen
eral public. At one time he was foreman of the
Jamaica fire department. He is a member of the
Odd Fellows fraternity and by the members of
Jamaica Lodge No. 247 is highly regarded. He
is genial and pleasant in manners, useful and ac
tive as a citizen and expects to round out his life
on his beautiful place, which is located on the
eastern border of the village of Jamaica.

DAVID T. AVENIUS, superintendent of
the Lutheran Cemetery, near Middle Vil
lage, was born in Bavaria, Germany, No
vember 4, 1842, and is one of a family of eight
children, of whom two sons and two daughters
are now living. His parents were Jacob H. and
Maria (Moock) Avenius, the former of whom
was born in Bavaria in 1804, emigrated to the
United States, and in 1852 settled in East Wil
liamsburg (Metropolitan), where he died one year
later. By trade he was a brick and stone mason,
which occupation he followed until death.
The education of our subject was begun in the
schools of Germany and continued in the United
States, whither he. came with his father at the
age of ten years. Four years later he was bound
out to the trade of ropemaking, and at the expira
tion of his term of apprenticeship, when he was
nineteen vears old, he enlisted August 13, 1862,
in Companv B, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth
New York Infantry. From Brooklyn, where he
enlisted, he marched with his company to the
southern battle fields, where he participated in
every engagement at which his regiment was
present, among the most important being the
battle of Cold Harbor, the assault on Petersburg,
the battles of Chaffin's Farm and Fair Oaks, fall
of Petersburg and evacuation of Richmond. At

the expiration of the war he was mustered out of
the service, July 30, 1865, at Richmond, Va,, and
returned home with a record as a gallant soldier
boy, of which his relatives and friends might well
be proud.
Soon after his return from the war Mr. Avenius
began to work at rope making, at which he was
employed until T872, and during the two follow
ing years he held the position of constable. In
the meantime he took a position as foreman of
the Lutheran Cemetery and in 1888 was made
its superintendent, which position he has since
filled with efficiency. In 1867 he married Miss
Catherine Lehman, and they became the parents
of seven children, four of whom are living.
Jacob, who is married and has two sons, is book
keeper and assistant to his father; Elizabeth
married John R. Gude, by whom she has one
child, a daughter; David is foreman of the Luth
eran Cemetery, and Henry is connected with the
Williamsburg Gas Company. The sons are
graduates of Wright's Business College of
Brooklyn, and are well-educated, intelligent
young men.
•While not an active partisan, Mr. Avenius has
always been a stanch Republican since the time
wdien he shouldered his gun and marched forth
in defense of the Union. Socially he is con
nected with the Royal Arcanum, Knights of
Honor and Schiller Lodge No. 304, F. & A. M.
For many years he was a member of S. F. Dupont
Post No. 187, G. A. R., but in 1885, when the
Robert J. Marks Post No. 560, G. A. R., was
organized at Newtown, he took a transfer and
became one of the active workers of the new or
ganization, in which he has filled the various
offices, including that of commander. Among
the citizens of the county he is not only well
known, but highly honored for the probity of his
life and the nobility of his character. In him the
poor have a friend and the distressed a sympa
thizing helper. As a citizen he is interested in
all measures for the benefit of the people and the
advancement of the interests of the community.

ABRAM C. HAGEMAN, inspector of tow-
ermen for the Long Island Railroad, and
one of the rising young business men of
Flushing, was born in North Branch, Somerset
County, N. J., January 27, 1866. He is a mem
ber of a family long identified with the history
of Long Island. The first of the name to come
to America was Adrian Hageman, who crossed

764

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Atlantic in 1650, and eight years later settled
in Flatbush, Kings County. The traits of in
dustry and honor which characterized this en
terprising Hollander have been inherited by his
descendants through succeeding generations.
Our subject's grandfather, James Hageman,
was born in Somerset County, N. J., November
9, 1780, and died January 23, 1854. His son,
Richard F., our subject's father, was born in the
same county September 6, 1817, learned the har-
nessmaker's trade in North Branch, where he has
been engaged in business since 1851. In re
ligion he is identified with the Dutch Reformed
Church. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Ellen Cortelyou, was born in Peapack, N. J.,
December 17, 1823, and died August 29, 1882;
her father, Abram, was born in New Jersey and
engaged in farm pursuits until his death in Som
erville, that state.
The parental family consisted of five daughters
and three sons, of whom our subject is the young
est and the only surviving son. He was reared in
North Branch until sixteen and is a graduate of
the Somerville grammar school. At the age of
sixteen he secured a clerkship in a store in Eliza
beth, where he remained three months. Later he
was employed in a store in North Branch until
1883, after which he entered a school of teleg
raphy in New York, remaining until his gradua
tion in 1885. In August of that year he entered
the employ of the Long Island Railroad as agent
and operator at Water Mills. Afterward he was
transferred to Bedford Station, Brooklyn, later
became agent at Hicksville, then was transferred
to Bay Shore, and finally was made station master
at Patchogue. In August, 1891, he became chief
clerk in the office of the superintendent of express
at Long Island City. December 6, of the same
year, he was appointed inspector of towermen
for the Long Island Railroad, in which responsi
ble position he has rendered efficient service. Un
der him are about four hundred men, including
not only the towermen, but also the flagmen.
Every day he inspects the entire road, with its
seventy towers. Careful in the selection of men,
and kind in his intercourse with them, he has
their respect as well as the confidence of the su
perior officials.
In August, 1891, Mr. Hageman came to Flush
ing, where he resides at No. 26 Union Street. Plis
marriage, in Bridgehampton, October 16, 1889,
united him with Miss Grace R. Sayre, daughter
of Horatio G. Sayre, both natives of that place,

where the latter still carries on farm pursuits.
Her grandfather, Capt. Uriah Sayre, was a sea
captain and whaler and died at Bridgehampton.
The first member of the Sayre family in America
came hither from Bedfordshire, England, in
1640, settling in Southampton, L. I., where he
was a pioneer. The mother of Mrs. Hageman
was Jerusha Pierson, daughter of Gordon Pier
son, and a descendant of Welsh ancestors, who
early settled in Suffolk County. One of two
children, Mrs. Hageman was reared in Bridge
hampton and received a good education in pri
vate schools. She founded the first societies of
King's Daughters at Bridgehampton and Pat
chogue and was president of the latter organiza
tion. After coming to Flushing, she formed the
first society here and was its first president.
An active worker in the Dutch Reformed
Church, Mr. Hageman is now president of the
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.
He assisted in organizing the Young Men's Chris
tian Association here and was a member of the
first board of directors; he is still serving in the
capacity of director. Socially he is connected
with Flushing Council No. 997, Royal Arcanum,
and Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., at
Flushing.

EDWARD O'KEEFE, a very successful
business man of Long Island City, is un
doubtedly one of the most influential resi
dents of the county. For many years past he
has been prospered in his stock dealing interests,
and besides this gives considerable attention to
"booming" the beautiful little village of Sunny
side, one of the suburbs of Long Island City. He
is progressive and enterprising in his ideas, and,
keeping in touch with the modern method of
building, has erected a dozen or more pretty cot
tages at Sunnyside.
Mr. O'Keefe was born in New York City, his
father being James O'Keefe, a general contrac
tor. About 1870 the latter located in Long Is
land City and began dealing in stock, which busi
ness he carried on with signal success until his
decease, since which time our subject has been
interested in it. The mother of our subject, for
merly Rosanna Cariin, is also deceased. Of the
four children she reared, only two are now liv
ing, the brother of our subject being James
O'Keefe, also a resident of this city.
The subject of this sketch was reared in New

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

765

York City, first attending a select and later the
grammar school in Fifty-first Street. When the
family moved to this city he also came here and
as soon as old enough assisted his father in rais
ing stock. This industry he learned in all its
details and even before the death of his father
managed the business on a very paying basis. He
owns eight lots at Sunnyside on which he has
erected all the needful buildings for his stock,
and can accommodate one hundred and fifty head
at one time. He buys the cattle and feeds them
until ready for shipment and in this industry
works on a very extensive scale, usually making
shipments of two hundred head at a time.
Besides the property above mentioned Mr.
O'Keefe is interested in several residences in
Sunnyside which he has erected to accommodate
those who cannot afford to pay a large sum of
money for a home. In this venture he has also
met with success and is regarded very justly as
one of the substantial men of the community. He
is independent in politics, using his influence and
ballot in support of the best candidate, regardless
of party lines.

PETER A. VAN BERGEN, a resident of
Flushing from 1849 until his death in 1881,
was born in Coxsackie, Greene County, N.
Y., in 1812, and was a descendant of Dutch an
cestry. The first of the name to locate in Amer
ica was Martin G. Van Bergen, who in 1630 re
ceived a grant of land in Greene County from
George II. From that time to this the members
of the family have been prominently identified
with the history of the Empire State, and the
great-grandfather of our subject was a colonel
in the French and Indian wars, while others of
the name have gained prominence in civic
or military affairs. Our subject's parents, Judge
Anthony and Clarine (Peck) Van Bergen, the lat
ter of whom was born in Lyme, Conn., of Eng
lish descent, resided upon the old patent, the for
mer being engaged as an attorney and farmer.
In early manhood the subject of this sketch en
tered Yale College, from which he was graduated
with the degrees of A. B. and LL.B. He be
gan the practice of law in Kingston, N. Y., later
had an office in New York City, where he con
tinued until his retirement. He gave his atten
tion principally to civil practice, preferring this
to criminal cases. Politicaly he was a pro
nounced Republican and in religion was identified

with St. George's Church. In Flushing, June 20,
1849, he married Miss Lucy A. Smart, who was
the oldest of eight children, of whom seven at
tained maturity and three are living, those be
sides herself being Fred R., of Flushing, and
William, of Jamaica.
The father of Mrs. Van Bergen, William Smart,
was born in Warwick, England, a son of Thomas
C. Smart. Coming to America, he settled in
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., later was a farmer in New
Plartford, N. Y. Farming was his life work, and
in it he was successful. He purchased a large
tract of land in the village of Flushing, where he
died in 1871, aged seventy -three. In religion he
adhered to the Quaker faith, which his ancestors
in England had adopted in the time of George
Fox. After his death a portion of his property,
included in Hitchcock Park and Flushing Park,
was sold for residence purposes.
The mother of Mrs. Van Bergen was Elizabeth,
daughter of Anthony Franklin, natives of Flush
ing and New York City. Mr. Franklin, who was
a merchant, married Lydia Lawrence, daughter
of Joseph Lawrence, who at one time owned all
of the village of Bayside and was an extensive
farmer. Anthony Franklin made his home in
Flushing, but continued to engage in business in
New York City until his retirement. Mrs. Eliza
beth Smart died in 1868, at an advanced age.
Her husband was one of the originators of the
Flushing Railroad and at one time was its presi
dent. Mrs. Van Bergen was reared in Flushing
and attended Kimber's Ladies' Boarding School,
where she gained an excellent education. She
is a well-informed, entertaining and companion
able lady, a devoted member of St. George's
Episcopal Church, and an active worker in dif
ferent societies in this village. With her resides
her only child, Mrs. Elizabeth Franklin Owen,
and they have made their home iri Sanford Ave
nue since they sold the old homestead in 1895.

GEORGE KISSAM MEYNEN, M. D. To
attain distinction in one of the profes
sions is the lofty ambition of many a man
who is struggling through the early portion of
his career, but it is looked forward to as the prize
to be gained toward the end of the race, and
when then gained it may well be accounted
worth the struggle. Occasionally, however, we
find an instance where a man still young has at
tained to this high position, and certainly the sue-

766

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cess of such an one is worthy of emulation and
praise Such has been the fortunate experience
of Dr Meynen, whose practice is extensive, not
being limited to Jamaica, the place of his resi
dence, but extending throughout the surround-
ing country.
The Meynen family is of German origin, i ne
Doctor's father, John Frederick, was born in
Bremen in 1824 and when sixteen years old came
to America, possessing an abundance of hope
and determination, but without any capital. After
having spent some time in New Orleans, he came
north to New York City, where he engaged in
the dry goods business and later became inter
ested in the flour exchange business. In 1859
he married Miss Madeline Louise Kissam, daugh
ter of Dr. Philip Piatt Kissam, who was born in
1808, graduated from the medical department of
Yale' College, and for a time carried on an ac
tive practice, but afterward abandoned the
profession for business pursuits. November 26,
1832, Dr. Kissam was united in marriage with
Madeline L., daughter of Dr. Richard Sharpe
Kissam, of New York City. The latter was the
sixth generation from John Kissam (known as
John Ocasson or Ockeson), who settled at Flush
ing, L. I., in July, 1644, and purchased a farm on
Great Neck February 4, 1678, under the name
of John Okeson. Whether these different spell
ings of the name were intentional or an error, is
not now known, but whatever the name may have
been originally, for more than two hundred years
it has been spelled Kissam. The records show
that John Kissam, before mentioned, was mar
ried July 10, 1667, to Susannah, daughter of Wil
liam Thorne, of Jamaica, L. I. For generations
the family has been one of the most prominent in
New York. A history of the family lias been
published, but it is not altogether reliable and we
quote but little from it.
Dr. Philip Piatt Kissam, grandfather of our
subject, after giving up the practice of medicine
in Buffalo, N. Y., embarked in the mercantile
business in New York City, but later became a
prominent stock broker in Wall Street. He died
in Jamaica June 12, 1891. The mother of our
subject was born in Buffalo, N. Y., in November,
1833, and died at Jamaica in October, 1889. A
sincere Christian, she held membership in the
Protestant Episcopal Church, and was faithful in
attendance at its services.
The life of John Frederick Meynen was large
ly devoted to commercial pursuits in New-

York City. He was a shrewd financier, pos
sessing large discrimination and sound judgment.
Through his excellent judgment and his indus
try he was enabled to surround his family with
every comfort and to leave them comfortably
provided for when death came to him, in March,
1883. His political convictions made him a
Democrat, yet he could not be called a politician
in the usual sense of the word, as his intelligence
and extensive reading had made him a man of
breadth and he was cordially willing that every
man should hold to his own opinions. While he
never held membership in any religious organi
zation, he was an attendant at Grace Episcopal
Church and contributed to its support.
In the family of John Frederick and M. Louise
(Kissam) Meynen there were five children, but
two, Frederick Kissam and Madeline Kissam,
died in childhood. The others were George Kis
sam, Philip Kissam, and Louise, who is deceased.
Philip K, who was born August 6, 1862, was
educated in Jamaica and Flushing. January 28,
1892, he married Miss Helen G. Barker, daugh
ter of Judge Frederick Barker, of St. John, New
Brunswick, and a niece of the late Dr. Charles
H. Barker, of Jamaica.
Louise, the Doctor's only sister who attained
womanhood, was born January 10, 1864. She
was highly educated and accomplished, and was
one of the most charming and attractive young
ladies of Jamaica, a favorite with every one. It
was a crushing blow to the family and a deep be
reavement to her large circle of friends, when she
passed away, in May, 1893.
The subject of this sketch was born February
3, 1 861. He was educated in the schools of Ja
maica and in Flushing Institute. In 1882 he en
tered the New York Medical College, from which
he graduated in 1885. For a year thereafter he
was on the staff of the Kings County Hospital,
and for a time was assistant at the Sanford Hall
Insane Asylum, in Flushing. In the fall of 1886
he opened an office in Jamaica, and since then
has become one of the leading physicians of the
village. He is medical examiner for the Royal
Arcanum, to wdiich he belongs. Socially he is
a director in the Jamaica Club, and in his relig
ious connections is serving as vestryman in Grace
Episcopal Church. In November, 1894, he mar
ried Miss Elizabeth E. Ackert, daughter of a
prominent attorney of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and
they occupy a pleasant residence in Clinton Ave-

FRANCIS E. BRENNAN, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

769

FRANCIS E. BRENNAN, M. D., one of the
prominent physicians and skilled surgeons
of Long Island City, was formerly con
nected with the Metropolitan Hospital of New
York. He is a native of Long Island, and was
born at Greenport, January 28, 1873. When a
lad of nine years he was sent to New York City
that he might complete his education. He first
attended grammar school No. 49 in East Thirty-
seventh Street, and on being graduated there
from, in 1890 was admitted to the College of the
City of New York. After carrying on his studies
in this institution for a year, he decided that he
would follow a professional life and in the fall of
1891 entered the New York Homeopathic Med
ical College, where he pursued the entire course,
graduating May 3, 1894, with the degree of Doc
tor of Medicine. As a result of the competitive
examination held May 5, he received the appoint
ment as junior assistant to one of the physicians
of the Metropolitan Hospital, entering upon the
duties of the position May 10 of that year. After
a period of six months he was promoted to sen
ior assistant and again at the expiration of six
months was made house physician.
While in charge of the hospital Dr. Brennan
broke the record for operations, for during that
time he had two hundred and thirteen patients
operated upon, every one of whom (with one ex
ception), when last he heard, was reported cured
or improving. The greatest number of operations
performed by any one surgeon up to that time
had been one hundred and twenty. On retiring
from the hospital December 1, 1895, the Doctor
was awarded a diploma in recognition of the ex
cellent work he had done while in charge of the
institution. He then began practice in Long
Island City, opening an office at No. 76 East
Avenue, Hunter's Point. He is the only
homeopathic physician in this portion of the
city, and as such is in command of a large and
lucrative practice. By natural gifts and training
he is admirably adapted for a successful profes
sional career. His studies did not cease with
his graduation, but he continues to keep himself
well informed upon the latest discoveries in this
science. As a surgeon he is meeting with the
greatest success. Among the operations which
he has performed is included every manner of
surgical procedure, and these are followed by a
success comparing not unfavorably with the lead
ing surgeons of the state.
Although the Doctor was connected for some
3i

time with the Metropolitan Hospital in New
York, he has made his home in Long Island City
since 1883. He is a member of the Alumni
Medical Society, and has contributed many arti
cles of interest and great value to this body. At
this writing he is medical commissioner to the
board of health of Long Island City.
The parents of Dr. Brennan were Paul and
Mary (Magee) Brennan, natives of Ireland, who
are now living in Long Island City. For a more
extended account of his parental history, we refer
the reader to the sketch of his brother, P. C
Brennan, which appears on another page in this
volume.

JOHN JOCKERS. One of the most delight
ful summer homes for city visitors that is
to be found on Long Island occupies a
charming location in Thirteenth Street, near
First Avenue, College Point. The Grand View
Hotel, as it is appropriately called, is the largest
place of the kind in the village and contains airy,
commodious rooms, with bath and all modern
, conveniences. A summer garden is connected
with the hotel, and in the park are lawn tennis,
croquet and play grounds. Especial attention is
paid to the table service, which is all that can be
desired even by the most fastidious.
Born in Baden, Germany, in 1836, Mr. Jock-
ers is one of six children, of whom four are liv
ing, though he and his brother, Michael, of Col
lege Point, are the only ones in America. His
parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Jockers, were born
in Baden, where the latter died at the age of
eighty-three; the father, who was a farmer by
occupation, took part in the wars of the early
part of this century, and died near Strasburg at
the age of seventy-six. The childhood years of
our subject were spent in Baden, where he was
employed as a gardener and florist between the
ages of fourteen and seventeen. In 1853 he took
passage at Havre on the sailing vessel "Sciota,"
which landed in New York after a voyage of
fifty-five days. Thence he came to College
Point, and for a time worked with his brother,
who was superintendent of the Poppenhusen res
idence and grounds. After two months he be
came superintendent of the residence and
grounds of Mr. Schleicher, where he laid out the
grounds and improved them with the assistance
of a number of workmen. Of recent years this
place has been sold off in town lots. In 1891 he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

770
started the Grand View Hotel, of which he has
since been proprietor.
In College Point Mr. Jockers married Miss
Magdalena Ilch, sister of George Ilch, of whom
mention is elsewhere made. She was born in
Germany, but has spent her life principally on
Long Island, and by her marriage has three
sons, namely: Henry, who is a silk weaver in
this village; Herman, who is engaged in the
meat business here; and Albert, who is with his
parents. For years Mr. Jockers has been secre
tary of the Sangerlust, and has also been con
nected with other organizations. In politics he
is a Democrat.

S ALONZO SMITH, the well known and
successful merchant of Hempstead, was
• born in Huntington, Suffolk County,
July 19, 1851, and is a member of a family that
has been identified with the history of Long Isl
and from a very early period in its settlement.
His father, George W., who followed the occu
pation of a farmer throughout his entire life, was
a son of Oliver Smith, a native of Melville, Suf
folk County. The mother, Catherine Soper, was
born in the town of Huntington and died about
1870. Three children comprised her family,
namely: S. Alonzo; J. F., who is a farmer and
resides at Huntington; and Sarah E., wife of
J. A. Brown, of Riverhead.
The early years of our subject were passed on
the home farm, where, assisting in the duties in
cident to agricultural work, he gained those hab
its of industry and perseverance that were inval
uable to him in after years. His education,
which was obtained in the public schools of Hunt
ington, was sufficiently thorough to enable him,
at the age of nineteen,, to successfully engage in
teaching. He taught school in Melville and Is
lip, Suffolk County, and at Stony Point, Rock
land County, and later was for a time employed
on a farm in Smithtown, Suffolk County.
In 1880 Mr. Smith came to Hempstead, where
he embarked in the mercantile business, and in
this he has since engaged, also handling coal,
fertilizers and farm implements. As a merchant
he has used judgment in the purchase of stock,
buying it in large quantities so that he has been
able to dispose of it at low prices, thus ensuring
a good trade and satisfaction to purchasers. Be
lieving it the duty of a citizen to maintain an in
terest in public affairs, Mr. Smith has kept in

touch with the progress of events and is well
posted upon the issues of the age. Politically
a Republican, he has been a leader of his party
in this locality. For three years, 1891-93, he
served as president of the village board. He is
the present secretary of the board of excise com
missioners and has made a noble fight for good
government. Any measure conducive to the prosperity of
the village has the active co-operation and sup
port of Mr. Smith, who has always had the great
est faith in the future of this thriving place. He
is president of the Hempstead Building and Loan
Association, an organization that has done much
to enhance the prosperity of the village. The
Merchants' Protective Association, a local so
ciety, in the organization of which he took a
prominent part, chose him as president, in which
capacity he rendered efficient service. For many
years he has been a trustee of the Presbyterian
Church. In 1877 he married Miss Sarah Mc-
Cauley, of Stony Point, N. Y., an estimable lady
who shares with him the friendship of the peo
ple of this place.

P

,ETER A. LEININGER, president of the
board of assessors of Long Island City,
who is also extensively interested in the
real estate business, was born in New York City,
January 2, i860. Though a native of this coun
try, he is of direct German descent. His parents,
Adam J. and Elizabeth (Bittinger) Leininger,
were born in Bavaria, Germany. The former,
who emigrated to the United States in early man
hood, was a stone cutter by trade, but spent
much of his time as interpreter for the govern
ment in different parts of the West. During the
Civil War he enlisted in the Thirty-third New
Jersey Infantry, and later was with the Sixty-
seventh Regiment of New York Infantry, serving
until the close of the Rebellion, after which he
went on the plains and learned the Indian lan
guage. He had received a splendid education in
Germany, and being a man of deep thought and
habits of close observation, he gained a broad
knowledge of the world. He could speak readi
ly five different languages; nor was his knowl
edge limited to the classics, but in the wide
realms of thought, scientific, historical and mis
cellaneous, he was a scholar. His closing years
were spent in New York and were years of physi
cal suffering, as a result of the hardships of camp

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

771

life and forced marches during the war. In the
faith of the Catholic Church, he passed away in
1882, aged sixty-five. His widow still makes her
home in Long Island City, where she has re
sided since his death.
In the family of Adam J. Leininger there were
three sons and two daughters, of whom two sons
and one daughter are living. The boys, who
were carpenters and builders by trade, were as
follows: Jacob, who was accidentally killed by
falling from the roof of a house; Henry, a con
tractor of Long Island City; and Peter A. The
last-named was educated in New York, where
he attended the Fifty-first Street and the Fifty-
ninth Street schools. When only twelve years
of age he was a student in a classical school
there. His schooling, however, was limited, for
when quite young he began to make his own way
in the world. For one year he was employed in
Devoe's oil yard at Greenport, after which he be
came connected with an uncle in the Empire
Laundry. Two years were thus spent, and he
then took a position as machinist with P. J. Jen
nings, in Forty-first Street, near Third Avenue,
continuing there for two and one-half years. This ,
occupation not proving, remunerative, he left it
and began to work for a lithographer, with whom
he remained six months. His next work was in
the piano factory of Steinway & Sons, where he
began at the bottom and learned every depart
ment thoroughly, spending about six years in
that place. Later he was with Wesley, Nickel &
Gross, piano action manufacturers.
Forming a partnership with his brother, Mr.
Leininger began as a contractor and builder in
New York, but the work did not develop as rapid
ly as he had hoped, so he took an interest in the
carpet store of Berman Brothers, of New York
City. In 1883 he came to Long Island City,
where after a short time he began in the build
ing business, which he has since' continued. His
real estate interests are extensive and important.
He purchased a seven-acre tract of land, and
built up Hoyt and Debevoise Avenues and Law
rence Street. The larger part of the houses
which he has erected have been sold at a fair
profit. While his building has been principally
in this city, he also built a brick double flat in
South Brooklyn, which he afterward sold. In
addition to the purchase of land, he is also an ap
praiser of property.
In New York City Mr. Leininger married Miss
Kate Smith, who was born there. They have

one child, Elsie. Mr. Leininger is a well known
Republican and has been elected to various
offices. In 1893 he was assessor and for three
years has been president of the board. He is
also president of the Graham Avenue board of
condemnation commissioners appointed by the
court. The Long Island City Building and
Loan Association, which he assisted in organiz
ing, still numbers him as a member. He was
assistant foreman and acting foreman of Mo
hawk Hose Company No. 1, and at one time was
president of the Veteran Firemen's Association,
to which he still belongs.

WILLIAM DeMOTT, a representative
of an old family of this county, is num
bered among its well-to-do agricultur
ists, and he has followed farming throughout
life. In 1823 his birth occurred in the town of
Hempstead, where he is still residing, his parents
being Charles and Sarah (Snedeker) DeMott,
also natives of the island, where they were con
tent to pass their entire lives.
After launching out in life for himself Charles
DeMott engaged in the milling business, but
after several years thus employed sold out his
plant in order that he might give his undivided
attention to cultivating the soil, which he found
to be a very pleasant and profitable occupation.
He was a popular man, esteemed for his integ
rity and nobleness of purpose, and ranked high
among the citizens of the county. He served
acceptably for several terms as assessor and su
pervisor of his town and at the same time con
ducted his own affairs in a thoroughly business
like manner. His decease occurred December
22, 1858. Mrs. Sarah DeMott, his estimable
wife, came of one of the old and well-to-do fam
ilies of the island, and departed this life October
7, 1850. Of the five children in the parental
family William was the fourth.
The education of our subject was acquired in
the schools of his district and although his op
portunities were meager he made the most of
them and became well informed in the branches
taught. His vacations were passed in helping in
the farm work and in this manner he gained a
good knowledge <£f this industry, so that when
he became the proprietor of an estate of his own,
he was capable of managing it in a profitable
manner. Mr. DeMott's farm includes forty
acres, improved with substantial buildings, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

772
is in fact one of the neatest and best cultivated
places in this portion of Queens County.
The marriage ceremony which united Mr. De
Mott with Miss Ann Eliza Smith was performed
June 29, 1845. This lady was the daughter of
Benjamin and Phebe Smith, old and highly es
teemed citizens of Freeport. Her marriage with
our subject resulted in the birth of eight children,
two of whom are deceased. Those living are as
follows: Julia, the widow of Charles A. Hew
lett; Benjamin F., a resident of Wantagh, L. I.;
Sarah S., Mrs. William M. Bedell, of Hempstead;
Cornelia, who married Henry Davison, a resi
dent of the town of Hempstead; Charles W.,
who makes his home in Brooklyn; and Mildred
A. Mrs. DeMott departed this life in 1893.
In religious affairs the subject of this sketch
is an Episcopalian and belongs to St. George's
Church, of Hempstead. He has never aspired
to hold office, but during elections casts a straight
Democratic ticket.

EDWARD H. WEBER. There is in the
business world only one kind of man who
can successfully combat the many trials
of life, and that is the man of superior intelligence
and force of character, one who possesses en
ergy, industry, intelligence and perseverance. To
this class belongs Edward H. Weber, who has
been established in the real estate and fire insur
ance business at Winfield Junction since 1866.
Among the companies which he represents are
the Royal Insurance, Niagara Fire, German
American, Lancashire and Continental Insur
ance, sfll first-class standard companies. In ad
dition to his other enterprises, he has for many
years been a notary public.
The subject of this sketch was born in New
York City February 5, 1841, and is a son of
Christian and Rosina (Suter) Weber, of whose
thirteen children six are now living. The father,
who was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Ger
many, emigrated to America when about sixteen
years old and settled in New York, securing
work at cabinet making, at which he had served
an apprenticeship prior to leaving his native
land. Later he drifted into piano making, which
he followed about thirty years and then retired
from business. He was an accomplished, tal-
musician and served as organist in St.

ented

Mark's Lutheran Church for thirty years, i ;
death occurred in Wooster, Ohio, in 1879, he hav

ing gone to that city to visit his sons, who were
in the piano business there. While in that place
he was thrown from a buggy, receiving injuries
which terminated fatally.
Our subject's maternal grandfather, John Su
ter, was a native of Berne, Switzerland, and was
the first Swiss watchmaker to establish Himself
in New York City, where for years he carried on
a lucrative business. Our subject grew to man
hood beneath the parental roof and acquired his
education in the common schools. At an early
age he secured a clerkship in a Wall Street bank
ing house, where he remained for ten years. In
1866 he came to Winfield Junction and estab
lished himself in the real estate and insur
ance business, which he has since continued.
In 1880 he was appointed notary public under
Governor Cleveland and has held the office con
tinuously since. For three years he was a trus
tee of Public School District No. 1, of Newtown,
and when District No. 11 (the Winfield district)
was organized, he was chosen as one of the first
trustees, continuing to fill the position for ten
years. At present he is trustee of the Newtown
fire department, in which capacity he has served
for two terms.
The family of which Mr. Weber is a member
has always been known for its patriotic spirit.
He was one of three brothers who served through
the Rebellion, wanning recognition as valiant
soldiers. In 1863, at New York City, he enlist
ed under Colonel Rome in Company G, Thirty-
seventh New York Infantry, and accompanied
his regiment in its various marches. As would
be expected of an old soldier, he associates him
self with Grand Army affairs, his membership
being in the Robert J. Marks Post No. 560, of
which he is commander.
In 1863 Mr. Weber was united in marriage
with Miss Amelia Herbeck, of New York City.
Twelve children were born of their union, but
six of the number are deceased. Those surviv
ing are Charles, who is connected with the Edi
son Electric Works at Schenectady; William and
George, who are married, but have no children;
Louise, who is married and the mother of three
children; Louis and Amelia. Our subject was a
charter member of the Lutheran Church in the
village of Winfield and for many years served as
one of its trustees. As a Republican, he has
taken an active part in politics and has been
nominated for various offices, including those of
town clerk and county superintendent of the

HENRY C. SMITH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

775

poor, but the town being overwhelmingly Dem
ocratic, he was defeated. In 1876 he was ap
pointed United States inspector of elections and
served one term. The same year, 1876, he as
sisted in the organization of the Savings Bank
of Newtown and was secretary while it existed.
He ranks high in business circles, and is regard
ed by all who know him as an honorable, up
right man.

HENRY C. SMITH. The village of Seacliff
is particularly fortunate in her business
men, who are among her most pros
perous, energetic and enterprising citizens. A
successful pharmacist, real estate and insurance
agent is H. C. Smith, who is a native of Bedford,
Westchester County, born April 1, 1840, a son
of Noah and Grace (Miller) Smith. The father
was a general merchant and kept a drug depart
ment in his store, and in this our subject con
ceived his first idea of studying pharmacy. He
received his primary education in the small vil
lage of Bedford, and when about seventeen years
old entered Claverack Institute in Columbia
County, N.Y., from which he was graduated when
twenty years old. Following this he began
clerking for his father and continued with him
for a few years, after which he and a friend
bought a mill at Glencove, but he was only con
nected with this one year.
Selling his interest in the mill, our subject
returned to Westchester County, and embarked
in the drug business at Katonah. Previous to
this, during the year he had resided in Glencove,
he became acquainted with and married Miss
Almira T. Sniffen, a native of Pleasantville, West
chester County, and the daughter of Lyman and
Hulda (Totman) Sniffen. Mr. Smith continued
in the drug business at Katonah for a number
of years, after which he sold out and moved
to Stonington, Conn., where the law required a
pharmacist to be licensed. He took the ex
amination, was licensed, but in 1885 came to
Seacliff, where he was obliged to take an exam
ination before the State Board of Pharmacy of
New York. He passed this rigid examination
very creditably and was the first druggist in
Seacliff. Mr. Smith's marriage resulted in the birth of
one son, William G., whose birth occurred at
Katonah, N. Y., September 5, 1870. This son
received the principal part of his education in

Seacliff, but subsequently took a course in phar
macy at the National Institute of Pharmacy. He
was married September 20, 1893, to Miss Mamie
Estelle Fisher of Seacliff, and is now a partner
with his father. In politics our subject is a Re
publican and cast his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln in 1864, although he had
evinced an interest in politics from the time he
was a small boy. He was president of the vil
lage of Seacliff in 1890 and he has served as
treasurer of the village for three years. For a
number of years he has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

D

t ANIEL TILLEY, whose name is familiar
to the residents of the town of North
Hempstead as that of a general mer
chant at Manhasset, is a native of the county
where he still resides, and was born at Matine-
cock, town of Oyster Bay, June 5, 1838, being
a son of Oliver and Mehitable (Schenck) Tilley,
also natives of Long Island. His father, who
was a weaver by trade and an industrious, perse
vering man, was a lifelong resident of Oyster
Bay Town, his last days being spent at Locust
Valley. The youngest of six children, the subject of
this record was fifteen years of age when his
father died and, as his mother had died previous
ly, he was early thrown upon his own resources.
He obtained a fair common school education in
his boyhood and when not attending school as
sisted in cultivating a farm. At the age of seven
teen, he entered upon an apprenticeship to the
carriage-maker's trade at Locust Valley, and on
the expiration of his term of service, began active
work at his chosen occupation, which he followed
for fourteen years, carrying on a shop for himself
at Manhasset. It was in 1858 that he settled in
this village, and some ten years later he entered
upon general merchandising, which he has since
followed with success. During the long period
of his residence here, he has won the respect and
confidence of the people by his honest, upright
dealings with all, as well as by his genial, com
panionable nature.
In Manhasset, in December, 1867, Mr. Til-
ley was united in marriage with Miss Mary E.
Place, daughter of William and Hannah (Lewis)
Place, of this village. They are the parents of
an only daughter, Minnie, an accomplished
young lady who graduated from the Friends'

776

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Academy at Locust Valley. While not a poli
tician, as that word is usually understood, our
subject is always firm in his 'allegiance to Demo
cratic principles and measures. He is a member
of an old family of Long Island and one of the
oldest in America, his grandfather, George Til-
ley, having been a descendant of one of three
brothers who crossed the Atlantic in the "May
flower.''

nEORGE PETRY, deceased. A close ob-
- server, in studying the history of the ad-
^ — -*" vancement and development of Long Is
land City, will find golden threads running
through the web and woof of events of past years.
These are indicative of the lives of those men
whose public spirit and energy have made her
first among the cities, and give her a conspicuous
place among the commercial marts of the world.
A true representative of such men is found in
one whose career inspires this brief notice,
George Petry, ex-mayor of Long Island City.
He was a native of Paterson, N. J., and the son
of Daniel Petry. (See sketch of John W. Petry.)
The district schools of his native place furnished
our subject with a fair education, but for the
most part he is self-educated and self-made.
During his youth Mr. Petry learned the tin
smith business and after reaching mature years
embarked in the manufacture of hardware, also
opening a hardware store at the corner of Ver
non Avenue and Fourth Street. Later he sold
his store to a Mr. Brodie, but continued manu
facturing until his death, which occurred Decem
ber 15, 1890. He was a member of Island City
Lodge, F. & A. M., and religiously was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For a num
ber of years before and up to the time of his death
he was trustee in the Long Island City Saving's
Bank. Mr. Petry was first married to Miss Martha
Worden, a native of Paterson, N. J., who died in
Long Island City in 1884. Two children were
the fruits of this union, Emma G. and Minnie I.,
the latter of whom is now Mrs. Lephart, of Long
Island City. In the year 1885 Mr. Petry mar
ried Mrs. Agnes A. (Gill) Wilson, who was born
in the city of New York and who was the daugh
ter of William Gill, also a native of that city. Her
grandfather, John Gill, was a native of England,
but came to this country and was engaged in the
manufacture of hardware, in which line he was

unusually successful. His death occurred in
New York City when eighty-four years old. His
son, William Gill, was connected with him in
business for many years but later opened a groc
ery which he carried on with fair success for
some time. He is now .retired and makes his
home in the Empire City. His wife, whose
maiden name was Helen Flemming Young, was
born in Scotland and was the only one of the
family who came to America. She died in New
York. Of the five children born to this worthy
couple, three are now living, viz.: Harry D.
Gill, who is professor in the New York Veteri
nary College; Wallace M. Gill, who is professor
and secretary in the New York Veterinary Col
lege, New York City, and Mrs. Petry.
The latter was reared in New York City, re
ceiving her education in its public schools, and
was there married to John D. Wilson. The lat
ter was born in Canada and was shipping clerk
and manager for a large manufacturing estab
lishment for ten years prior to his death, which
occurred when he was but twenty-seven years
old. One son, John D. Wilson, was born to
them. By her union with Mr. Petry, she became
the mother of one son, George. After the death
of her husband Mrs. Petry sold out the business
and started anew under the title of A. A. Petry
& Co., in the same line of business at Seventh
Street and Jackson Avenue. This she carried on
until 1895, when she again sold out. She has
recently built three fine residences in Mott Ave
nue, and is the owner of considerable property
elsewhere in the city.

HERMAN ILCH, of the firm of George
Ilch & Sons, College Point, is one of the
well known business men of this village,
where he was born November 19, 1859. He is
a son of George and Elizabeth (Stark) Ilch, na
tives of Germany, the latter of whom came from
her native land at the age of only ten years,
while the former emigrated to America when
twenty-three years of age, spending two years in
Brooklyn and working in a bakery at $5 per
week. From that city he came to College Point
and began in the bakery business, he and his wife
first delivering the bread in a clothes basket.
After a time prosperity came to them, as it al
most invariably does come to the patient, indus
trious toiler. Die wife and mother, after years
of faithful co-operation in her husband's work,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

777

passed away January 28, 1888, aged fifty-four
years and two days. The father, who observed
the sixty-eighth anniversary of his birth April 1,
1896, still lives in this locality. For further infor
mation regarding his life, the reader is referred to
his sketch, which' appears on another page of this
volume. Of the family of ten children, five are living,
namely: Herman, of this sketch; Lizzie, who
married William Kraemer, of College Point;
Alfred, who is in partnership with his father and
brother; Fredericka, wife of John Barth, of this
place, and Emma, wife of John Muell. Our
subject received a fair education in youth, attend
ing an academy held in the building where he
now resides and carries on business. Three
years ago, in 1893, he bought this place for
$6,000 and made the improvements necessary for
transforming it into a residence, spending $5,000
in this way. His first work was done in his fath
er's bakery and it was expected that he would
continue, but the occupation did not prove con
genial. His father had some wood business
among other things he was doing, and our sub
ject taking hold of that has from it built up his*
present large business. Under his skillful man
agement he has established a good trade, this
season witnessing the unloading here for him of
eighteen boat loads of coal alone, and he handles
thousands of tons per year.
The yards of the company are located in
Tenth Street, between Sixth and Seventh Ave
nues, where they carry on an extensive business
in coal and wood. Their large facilities enable
them to execute commissions with exceptional
promptness and to furnish, for the lowest mar
ket rates, all kinds of coal, charcoal, hard and
soft wood for kindling and for use in open fire
places. The yards are sufficiently capacious to
accommodate a very large stock, covering an
area of twenty-five thousand square feet. Steam
power is used for hoisting and unloading coal
and sawing wood, so that it can be furnished,
cut to any desired dimensions, without delay.
Employment is given to a number of men and
four or five teams are used for delivery purposes.
February 4, 1896, Mr. Ilch married Miss Wil
helmina Dono, of College Point, an attractive
young lady and an expert bookkeeper, fitted to
be her husband's helpmate in all his enterprises.
Socially our subject is connected with the Im
proved Order of Red Men. While his father is
still the senior member and head of the firm, he

has practically retired from the business, thus
throwing upon the son the responsibility of its
management. For this, however, he is abun
dantly fitted, as it has been principally through
his efforts that it has been brought to the present
high standing.

CHARLES H. SCHWARZ. The firm of
Schwarz & Son is one of the best known
in Long Island City, having, through
excellent judgment on the part of its members,
gained a wide reputation for reliability of deal
ings and superior quality of products. Their man
ufactory is two stories in height and 25x105 feet
in dimensions. On the first floor are located the
wood, repairing and smith shops, while the sec
ond contains the trimming and painting depart
ments. The work is the finest of its kind and
includes every style of vehicle — tandem carts, vic
torias, phaetons, barouches, coupes, etc.
As the name indicates, the Schwarz family is
of German origin. Our subject's father, Fred
erick William, was born in Westphalia and was
an officer in the German army, being connected
with the infantry for twenty-two years. Much of
the time he was in the government service and
was detailed to the court department. His death
occurred when he was seventy-seven years of age.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary
Hausmann, was, like himself, a native of West
phalia, and a member of the Lutheran Church.
Of their five children, two sons and two daugh
ters came to America, but the youngest of the
family, Charles H, is now the sole survivor. He
was born in Minden, Westphalia, January 27,
1834, and was educated in his native place. At
the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to learn
the trades of harness-maker, cab-maker and dec
orator, at which he was engaged for four years.
In 1852 Mr. Schwarz took passage at Bremen,
on the schooner "Kunindo," which reached New
York after a voyage of twenty-one days. Arriv
ing at his destination, he at once secured employ
ment in the trimming department of a carriage
shop, where he remained until i860, the year of
his removal to Astoria. Here he started in busi
ness on Broadway and Boulevard with his father-
in-law, Thomas Taylor, the firm name being Tay
lor & Schwarz. In 1889 he sold out and started
in business alone, since which time he has built
the block he now occupies. During the busy
season he gives employment to as many as fifteen

778

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

or twenty hands, and many of his fine vehicles
are sold in New York as well as in Long Island
City. The family residence is situated near the car
riage factory and was built by Mr. Schwarz. He
was married in Astoria in i860, his wife being
Miss Helen Taylor, a native of London, England,
who died January 5, 1895. Seven children were
born unto them, namely: Mary Charlotte, wife
of Samuel Grant, of Astoria; Frederick, who has
been in partnership with his father since 1890;
Ann Louise; Charles Henry, a carpenter in Long
Island City; Ernest P. W., who is a carriage-
maker by trade; Florence, and Ethel. Politically
Mr. Schwarz is affiliated with the Democratic
party and uniformly votes for its candidates. He
was one of the originators of the Long Island
City Building and Loan Association, aided in
compiling its by-laws, was at one time its vice-
president, and is still connected with it as a di
rector.

JOHN WOOD. December 12, 1895, marked
the close of this gentleman's life, at which
time he was over eighty-three years old.
He was an honored resident of Oyster Bay and
was numbered among its oldest settlers. He had
practically retired from the active business of life,
having been very successful in his enterprises,
and was therefore very justly ranked among the
substantial citizens of the community. He started
in business for himself in Oyster Bay over fifty
years ago as a shoemaker, and with the excep
tion of three years when he was engaged in fafm-
ing, gave his undivided attention to this business.
It was not long before he established a large
trade which he followed very successfully.
Mr. Wood, who was born in Sweet Hollow,
now Melville, Suffolk County, June 9, 1812, was
a son of Jarvis and Rhoda Wood of New York.
In 1829 he became a resident of Oyster Bay, and
the same year was apprenticed to learn the shoe
maker's trade under George Remsen at the Cliffs,
near this village, and after mastering his trade he
opened a shop in Oyster Bay, where, as stated
above, he followed his trade for half a century.
The lady to whom Mr. Wood was married
February 20, 1840, was Miss Mary Esther Den
nis, a native of Old Fields, Suffolk County, the
ceremony being performed by Rev. Marmaduke
Earle. Of their union was born a son, Jarvis A.
Wood, whose birth occurred in Oyster Bay, Feb

ruary 12, 1854; he is now a resident of Philadel
phia, Pa. Mrs. Wood departed this life in Feb
ruary, 1868, and May 2 of the following year our
subject chose as his second wife Miss Jemima,
sister of Daniel C. Silleck. Mr. Wood regularly
attended services at the Baptist Church, of which
he was elected deacon in 1856 and held this office
up to the time of his death.

J

OHN J. SHEEHAN. The vehicles of the
present day and those of "auld lang syne"
differ very materially in many respects, and
a comparison of them is immeasurably in favor
of those of modern make. One of the most skill
ful and painstaking wagon and carriage makers
is John J. Sheehan, who in connection with this
business also carries on blacksmithing and keeps
an excellent- line of agricultural implements, at
Dutch Kills, Long Island City. Mr. Sheehan
was born in the city of New York in 1859, a son
of Tim and Bridget (Shields) Sheehan, the for
mer of whom was a shoe merchant in New York
City for some time, but from 1870 until his death,
which occurred when he was about fifty years of
age, he followed the same business in Dutch
Kills, where his widow still lives.
John J. Sheehan was the third of six children,
five of whom are living, and was educated in the
city of New York and in the second ward public
schools of Long Island City. When quite young,
however, he was put to work at farming and two
years later began learning the tinsmith's business,
which he soon mastered. He then worked suc
cessively for Messrs. Crispin, McKee and Beggs,
after which he entered the employ of the East
River Gas Light Company, and had charge of the
lamp department of Long Island City. In 1879
he started in business for himself as a tinner, but
finally undertook roofing, and this later merged
into the hardware and crockery business. Sub
sequently he kept a general line of house furnish
ing goods and wagons and carriages. In addi
tion to this business he has traded in horses to a
considerable extent and has conducted a success
ful livery and coach business. In the fall of 1895
he sold his hardware business, in order to devote
more time to his other interests, and is doing
well in the wagon and carriage business and with
his sale and exchange stable in Long Island City,
where he has become known as an excellent judge
of horseflesh. Pie has also dealt to some extent
in real estate, having handled some valuabl ; prop-

PHILIP M. WOOD, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

781

erty, and has erected five buildings in Jackson
Avenue. Mr. Sheehan was married in Winfield, L. I., to
Miss Rachel Schrier, by whom he has five chil
dren: Josephine, Maud, Katie, Lottie and Net
tie. Johnny and Lillie are deceased. Mr. Shee
han has been the contractor for the supplies for
the city for the past six years. He is a member
of the Order of Red Men, St. Patrick's Alliance,
was a member of the Exempt Firemen's Associa
tion for eight years, and is a member of the Vol
unteer Firemen's Association. He is connected
with St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and politically
has always been a Democrat.

PHILIP M. WOOD, M. D., is one of the
younger members of the medical frater
nity of Jamaica, where he has been en
gaged in practice for a number of years. Upon
his chosen work he brings to bear much research
and private study, in addition to the excellent
training he has had under the best of teachers.
Commanding an increasing practice, which has
come to him as the result of acknowledged skill,
he has the well deserved confidence and esteem
of the people among whom he resides.
Born in this village, February 24, 1856, Dr.
Wood is the only son of Dr. William D. Wood,
who was born in Lincolnshire, England, August
20, 1 82 1, and graduated from a medical college
in 'his native land, emigrating thence to America
in 1849. He settled at Cohoes, Albany County,
N. Y., and later took a course in the medical col
lege at Castleton, Vt. While residing in Cohoes
he married Mary Ann, daughter of Edward Wil
son, one of the prominent citizens of Albany
County. In 185 1 Dr. W. D. Wood came to Jamaica,
where he at once took his place among the
prominent physicians of the village. For a long
time he carried on a large and remunerative prac
tice, but advancing years (he being now nearly
seventv-five) have caused him to turn his practice
largely over to his son. Aside from profession
duties, he was for many years actively identified
with many important interests and enterprises m
the village. For two terms he served as school
commissioner of Queens County. In religious
belief he is identified with the Grace Episcopal
Church, in which he is vestryman. He has a
brother, Philip, who resides in New-York City
and is engaged in the practice of medicine there.

The subject of this notice is one of three chil
dren, the others being Mrs. H. W. Smith and
Mrs. D. J. Rider. The Doctor was educated
in the schools of Jamaica and New York. Early
displaying an inclination toward the medical pro
fession, he entered the Bellevue Medical College
and remained there until graduating in 1876,
after which he commenced the practice of his pro
fession in Jamaica. From 1878 until 1883 he
was physician in charge of the Queens County
Asylum, located at Mineola, but resigned in the
latter year that he might devote his attention
more closely to his growing practice.
Not only is Dr. Wood one of the most skillful
physicians of the county, but he is known also
as one of the leading men in public affairs. Since
the organization of the Bank of Jamaica, he
has served as one of the directors. He is chair
man of the board of sewer commissioners of
Jamaica, of which Col. Aaron Degrauw, J. Tyler
Watts and Professor Vienot are members. In
associations connected with his profession he is
ever interested, and is a member of the Queens
County Medical Society. Socially he is a Mason
and* in religion a member of the Reformed
Church. In 1889 he married Miss Minnie,
daughter of the late John J. Betz of Queens, L. I.
They have one child, Edgar P., a boy of two and
one-half years.

NICOLAUS DOSCHER, dealer in grocer
ies, coal and wood, at Whitestone, was
born in Hanover, Germany, January 5,
1843, being a son of Claus and Elizabeth (Dosch-
er) Doscher. Reared on the home farm in Han
over, he received a good education in the Ger
man schools, and at the age of seventeen came
to the United States, where he secured a position
as clerk in a New York grocery store. By read
ing the "New York Herald" and paying close
attention to those who conversed in English, he
soon picked up a good knowledge of the lan
guage. After spending three years in New York
City, he went to Astoria, L. I., where he clerked
for three and one-half years, and from there came
to Whitestone.
November 15, 1866, Mr. Doscher bought his
present business, going in debt for a part of the
amount, but he has succeeded not only in paying
off the indebtedness, but also in building up a
large trade and saving a considerable part of his
income. In this village he married Miss Annie

782

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

E. Hippie, and they have six children, Albert J.,
Frederic W., George H, Elsie Sadie, Bessie Vio
la and Florence May. In 1876 our subject voted
for Samuel J. Tilden for president, but since that
time he has always supported Republican candi
dates. For twelve years he served as inspector of
elections, and for one term was a member of the
board of village trustees. Elected a member of
the Republican central committee, he served for
four years and was then re-elected, in 1895, for
another term of four years.
In his native Hanover Mr. Doscher attended
the Dutch Reformed Church, in which faith he
was reared by his parents. He is, however, lib
eral in his views and is always willing to aid, so
far as possible, any charitable project, no matter
what denomination may be at the head of the en
terprise. Socially he is connected with the United
Brothers Lodge No. 356, F. & A. M., of New
York City. He has taken a warm interest in local
affairs and has frequently served as delegate to
town, county and assembly conventions.

CHRISTIAN SCHWICKER, a prominent
business man of Morris Park, is making
a success as a lumber merchant, in which
branch of trade he has been engaged for some
time. He was born in Waldeck, Prussia, May 7,
1852, and is the son of Frederick Schwicker, who
was a farmer on a small scale in his native land.
The latter came to America with his family in
1872 and located in Clarenceville, Queens Coun
ty, where he still makes his home. There are
four sons in the family, of whom Frederick is a
well-to-do farmer of Queens County; Charles is
engaged in business in Brooklyn, and Lewis is
the proprietor of a meat market in Clarenceville.
The subject of this sketch was educated in
the model schools of his native land, and as soon
as old enough began to assist his father in the
cultivation of his farm. On making his home in
America he found employment in a grocery store
in East New York. After working for others for
two years he embarked in business in this line
for himself, having two groceries, one located in
East New York and one in Clarenceville. Later
he became interested in the coal business, and
about this time laid the foundation for his present
large enterprise. When the "boom" struck Mor
ris Park he had added the sale of lumber to his
business, and soon became the leading merchant
in this line in the county. Those wishing to

build invariably gave him their order, knowing
that he could be relied upon to supply the best
materials at the lowest possible prices. Mr.
Schwicker thus accumulated a handsome fortune
and is very justly classed among the substantial
and well-to-do residents of the county. Being
economical and industrious, he made the most of
his opportunities and has been remarkably suc
cessful in all the enterprises in which he has been
engaged. He has a beautiful home in the park
and is the owner of much valuable property in
this vicinity.
In 1874 Mr. Schwicker was married to Miss
Fredricka Fieseler, also a native of Prussia, who
was brought to the New World by her parents
when young. Their union was blessed by the
birth of ten children, seven now living, of whom
Nettie is the wife of Gottlieb Hees, who is en
gaged in business in Brooklyn. The other mem
bers of the family are named respectively: Fred
ricka, Kate, Louis, Christina, Frederick and Al
bert. Both our subject and his estimable wife
are members in excellent standing of the German
Reformed Church in East New York. In politics
Air." Schwicker is a stanch Republican, but is too
busy with his own affairs to hold office, although
he would without doubt prove a most efficient
public servant. He is a Mason of high standing,
holding membership with Lodge No. 765, of
East New York.

ALBERT VAN NOSTRAND. Through
out the town of Flushing there is no fam
ily that stands higher in the estimation of
the people than that which is represented by the
subject of this sketch, a well known and progres
sive farmer living near Little Neck. Agriculture
has been his life occupation, and of it he is mak
ing a success. The farm wdiich he cultivates and
on which he resides was also his birthplace, he
having been born here March 10, 1857. Mention
of his relatives will be found elsewhere in this
volume, in the biographies of his brothers, D. L.,
C. A. and William.
The boyhood years of our subject were some
what uneventfully passed in the ordinary pas
times of childhood. He was educated in the
common and high schools of Flushing, in that
manner laying the foundation of the broader
knowledge he acquired in the world of experience
and practical business affairs. He remained at
home, assisting in the management of the farm.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

783

which, at the death of his father, February 6,
1894, passed into his hands. February 18, 1891,
he was united in marriage with Phoebe E. Wool-
ley, daughter of Hobart Woolley, a farmer of
Lakeville, where she was born.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Van Nostrand
erected his present residence on the old place
near the house occupied by his parents. In his
family there are four children, namely: Hobart
S., Maria L., Albert and Grace W. His aged
mother still resides on the homestead which he
operates. She is an exceptionally bright old lady
and retains her faculties, both mental and physi
cal, to a remarkable degree. Among the people
whom she has known throughout her entire life
she is respected for her kindly, amiable disposi
tion, and for her nobility of character.
Upon his place Mr. Van Nostrand engages in
general farming and market gardening, in which
he has met with success. In politics a Democrat,
he is informed regarding local and national is
sues and takes an interest in party elections. For
eight years he was a member of the school board.
Both he and his wife are identified with the Re
formed Church of Manhasset, in which for three
years he has been a deacon.

FRED A. WRIGHT, M. D., an able physi
cian and surgeon of Glencove, received a
fine general and medical education and is
a student of his profession. He has acquired an
enviable reputation as a man of ability in this line,
and his practice, which is large and lucrative, is
constantly increasing. The Doctor is a native
of this village and was born April 12, 1847, t0
Joshua T. and Susan (Luyster) Wright. After
attending the public schools of Glencove until a
lad of sixteen years, he entered the literary de
partment of the College of the City of New York,
from which in 1868 he was graduated with honors.
He then pursued the medical course in the Belle
vue Hospital Medical College, and in 1871 had
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Medi
cine. He immediately entered upon his profes
sional career at Glencove, which has since been
his field of work.
Dr. Wright and Miss Alice Simpson were unit
ed in marriage May 3, 1871. This lady was born
and reared in Brooklyn, obtaining a splendid edu
cation in the schools of that city. Their union
has resulted in the birth of two children, Bertha
S. and Elsie.

Politically the Doctor is a firm Republican and
is at present chairman of the town committee and
a member of the county committee. For many
years he served as health officer of the town of
Oyster Bay. He has filled all the chairs in the
blue lodge, and has been king in the chapter.
He is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum,
being organizer of the order in Glencove, where
it now has a strong lodge. The Doctor has held
nearly all the offices in this body. He holds mem
bership with the Queens County Medical So
ciety and has contributed many articles of value,
which have been read before this organization.
The Doctor and his wife have many friends in
this locality and are very popular in social circles.

ELLWOOD VALENTINE is descended
from a member of the body of Friends, or
Quakers, as they are commonly called, his
father as well as himself having been born in
that society, in Long Island, where the name of
Friend, or Quaker, is synonomous with honesty
and uprightness. The father, John T. Valentine,
was in every way worthy to be enrolled in the
membership of that pious band of Christian peo
ple. He was born in Glencove, L. I., as was also
his father, and it may thus be seen that they were
among the oldest settlers there. John T. Valen
tine married Miss Elizabeth Mudge and his after
life was spent in tilling the soil on the home place
near Glencove. There our subject was initiated
into the duties of farm life and there he grew to
sturdy manhood. His birth occurred on the home
place, August 29, 1852, and he is now in the prime
of life, being in his forty-fourth year.
During his youth young Valentine attended the
public schools and for one year was in Swarth
more College, near Philadelphia, Pa. After that
he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits
and this has continued to be his principal occupa
tion up to the present time. In his political views
Mr. Valentine is a stanch Republican and an ar
dent supporter of his party. He voted for Dix
for governor and his first presidential vote was
cast for R. B. Hayes in 1876. He has served as
a delegate to various conventions and has always
been a worker for his party. In 1893 he was the
Republican candidate for overseer of the poor
of the town of Oyster Bay, but was defeated, as
the Democrats were greatly in the majority. Pre
vious to that he had served as inspector of cattle,
having been appointed to that position by Jerry

784

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Rusk, and serving from October, 1889, to De
cember, 1 89 1.
In the year 1894 Mr. Valentine was elected re
ceiver of taxes for the town of Oyster Bay, and
was re-elected in 1895, he being the only Repub
lican ever re-elected to that office in Oyster Bay.
He is a member of Hempstead Harbor Yacht
Club, of which he is one of the governing board,
and is also a member of Paumanok Social Club,
being treasurer of the same since its organization ;
he is also treasurer of the Glencove Athletic Club,
and has held the same office in the Glencove Re
publican Club since old enough to vote. Our
subject was also treasurer of the society formed to
celebrate the two hundred and twenty-fifth anni
versary of the settlement of Glencove, the same
being held in 1893. At one time he was a mem
ber of the fire company and was its treasurer for
some time. The confidence that the people have
in Mr. Valentine's uprightness and honesty has
been manifested in the numerous positions of
trust that he has been called upon to fill. He has
an enviable name all over the county and is a
most popular citizen and official.

JOSEPH H. ANDREWS, of the firm of An
drews Brothers, contractors in road work
and grading at Mineola, was born in Bir
mingham, England, in 1861, and at the age of
three years was brought to this country by his
parents, William and Jane M. (Smith) Andrews.
A few weeks after the family reached the United
States the mother died, leaving two children,
Joseph H. and Henry W., comprising the present
firm of Andrews Brothers. At the time of emi
grating to America the mother's father, William
Smith, had also removed here, and settled in New
York state, where he was variously employed in
different places.
Reared in the home of his grandfather, our
subject received his education in the common
schools, where he was fitted for the practical du
ties of life. His grandfather being aged and in
firm, the management of his business gradually
fell upon the young and energetic grandson, who
thus early gained an insight into business mat
ters. In 1889, associated with his brother, he
formed the present partnership and began in bus
iness at Mineola, where he has resided for twenty
years or more. Their work has been largely in
the line of grading streets and macadamizing
roads, of which they have made a specialty and in

which they have few superiors. They have had
contracts with many of the influential men of
Long Island and in every instance their work has
been satisfactorily done.
In 1895 Mr. Andrews was appointed general
superintendent of the grounds of the Queens
County Agricultural Society, which office he still
retains. Under his supervision the race track
has been prepared for use and many other im
provements have been made on the grounds.
Since 1888 he has been tax collector of school
district No. 10. For two years he was foreman
of Mineola Hook and Ladder Company No. 1,
of which he was a charter member and to which
he still belongs. Politically he is independent,
using his right of suffrage in favor of the best
man. He is a member of Protection Lodge No.
151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn, and Encampment No.
121 at Mineola, in which he now holds the office
of high priest. May 8, 1881, when twenty years
of age, he married Jennie E., daughter of Silas
and Parmelia Shaw, of Mineola. To them have ¦
been born three children, of whom the eldest, Car
rie, died in infancy; Silas, the second-born, was
named for his Grandfather Shaw; Arthur is the
youngest of the family.

SAMUEL COLTON is a man who stands
high in agricultural circles and holds ad
vanced ideas on farming. In many re
spects he is a model agriculturist. He has been
remarkably successful as a gardener and is now
the owner of a splendid farm near Hollis, in the
town of Jamaica. Mr. Colton was born Decem
ber 31, 1853, in the western part of England,
where his father, William G. O. Colton, was a
well-to-do merchant. The latter was a finely edu
cated gentleman, having completed his studies
at Oxford when a young man. His father, Rev.
Mr. Webber, was a minister in the Church of
England, but his brilliant future was cut short
when in the prime of life by his death, which oc
curred just prior to the birth of our subject's
father. William was therefore taken into the
home of his maternal grandfather Colton, and
his name was bestowed upon him while he was
very young, instead of his father's name, Webber.
When a young man of eighteen years our sub
ject determined to come to America in order that
he might better his financial condition. On ar
riving here he worked for a time for his ste<>
uncle, T. T. Husson, of Hollis, but seven years

WILLIAM NASON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

787

thereafter was made superintendent of the exten
sive farm of Col. A. A. Degrauw, of Jamaica.
During the years in which he had charge of this
place he saved the greater portion of his earn
ings, and when ready to become the owner of
property, purchased a small tract of land at Hol
lis, for which he paid $3,150. Land in this lo
cality rapidly increased in value, and a few years
later Mr. Colton disposed of his farm for $9,000,
thus making a handsome sum of money by the
venture. He then purchased the tract on which
he now lives, which is located at the edge of the
corporate limits of Plollis and which contains for
ty-three acres. He is considered one of the best
farmers in the county and has become prominent
in agricultural circles throughout the island.
Our subject takes an active part in local poli
tics and is a strong advocate of Republican prin
ciples. Although never aspiring to political hon
ors, he has held various positions of minor im
portance. In educational work in this locality
he has been particularly interested, and for many
years has been a member of the school board,
serving in various capacities. During the days
of the Grange movement he did what he could
to interest the people in its behalf, and his influ
ence has always been felt on the side of right.
no matter in what line of work. Mr. Colton was
president of a local life insurance company which
was organized in this vicinity, but which is not
in existence at the present time. In religious
affairs he is an attendant of the Methodist Church
and is especially interested in the work of the
Sunday-school, having been secretary of the Sun
day-school Union.
The marriage of Mr. Colton and Miss Joseph
ine T. Husson occurred March 31, 1879. The
latter was the daughter of T. T. Husson, his step-
uncle, for whom he worked when he first came to
America. To them have been born two children,
Josephine Husson, a miss of sixteen years, and
Maud Degrauw.

WILLIAM NASON. Though not a
resident of Queens County, Mr. Nason
has for years been interested in its
welfare and numbers among its residents a host
of warm personal acquaintances. In view of these
facts, it is fitting that there should be some men
tion of his life history in this volume. The story
of his business career is instructive, as it teaches
the young men of the present generation that the

road to success is along the path of duty, and that
industry, combined with honesty and judgment,
bring their possessor a fair measure of prosperity.
During his long business experience, he has ever
been prompt, courteous and considerate, and has
never been known to intentionally wrong any
one. Beginning in life without other capital than
sound judgment, indomitable energy, correct
business principles and unquestioned integrity, he
built up a large trade by persevering industry,
enterprise and judicious management.
In October, 1857, ^r- Nason began in the
undertaking business at Greenpoint, Brooklyn,
and three years later he came to his present
location, on the corner of Franklin and India
Streets. He was born near Portland, Me, Sep
tember 5, 1825, and is a son of Robert Nason,
a soldier in the War of 1812, who died when Wil
liam was an infant. The mother, who bore the
maiden name of Catherine McDonald, died in
Maine in 1875, aged eighty-two. She was a
daughter of Petiah McDonald, a native of Scot
land, who emigrated to America and enlisted in
the Revolutionary War.
• The parental family consisted of eight children,
of whom four are living, one sister being eighty-
two. William, who is the youngest of the fam
ily, spent his boyhood years in Hollis, Me, but
at the age of ten years began to work on a farm,
wdiich he continued through the summers, while
in winter he attended school. At the age of
fourteen he went to Portland, making the trip on
foot and alone. There he worked at anything
that would provide him with an honest liveli
hood, and when nineteen began to learn the
ship joiner's trade. After his marriage he spent a
year in Bath, whence, in June, 1850, he went to
New York City, and soon secured employment in
the ship yards. In 1854 he came to Greenpoint,
Brooklyn, where he worked as a ship joiner,
but after three years he opened an undertaking
shop, continuing the two occupations for a time.
During the war he was superintendent of work
on government vessels at the dry docks in Tenth
Street. In i860 he was sexton of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and for many years has held
a similar position in the Dutch Reformed Church.
To aid in his business he keeps three hearses
and a general line of coaches, and very fre
quently he is called to attend funerals in York
state and on other parts of the island. As a
funeral director he is courteous, efficient and
painstaking, while his ability as an embalmer

788

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(which branch of undertaking he was one of the
first to take up) is everywhere recognized.
In Portland, Me, Mr. Nason married Miss
Elizabeth B. Hall, who was born there and died
in Brooklyn in 1875. Their six children are
named as follows: Emma; Alice K, a school
teacher; George H, coroner for the Second
District of Kings County, also ex-member of the
New York assembly, to which he was elected at
the age of twenty-eight; Ella L., wife of Dr. Val
entine of Richmond Hill, L. L; William, de
ceased; Ida, a bookkeeper, who resides with her
father. The second wife of Mr. Nason, whom he
married in Brooklyn, was Mrs. Elizabeth Hamil
ton, and they have one child, Harriett H.
Socially Mr. Nason is connected with the
Greenpoint Masonic Lodge, Alta Chapter, R. A.
M., and St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., at Brook
lyn. He is also identified with Mt. Ararat Lodge,
the oldest lodge of Odd Fellows in Greenpoint,
and is a member of the Legion of Honor. In
the Reformed Church he is officiating as senior
elder. He aided in the organization of the Sev
enteenth Ward Bank of Brooklyn, in which he
is largely interested. From the organization of
the Kings County Undertakers' Association he
has been identified with it, and has taken a warm
interest in its welfare. He is a Republican in
politics, and was unanimously nominated one of
the electors to the presidential election of 1896.

HENRY FEIL. In all ages of the world
industry, perseverance and energy, where
industriously applied, have achieved re
sults which could only have been gained bv hav
ing one end in view, and by improving every op
portunity of ultimately attaining that object.
Our subject has shown what can be accomplished
when the spirit of determination is exercised in
connection with the every-day affairs of life. He
has devoted his life to farming, and now has a
comfortable home and a fine tract of land in the
town of Jamaica, Queens County. Like many of
the prosperous men of this section, Mr. Feil is a
native of Germany, born in Hanover, December
7, 1843, and is the son of Henry and Metta
(Wormke) Feil, also natives of Hanover.
The father, who was born in the year 1819,
made farming his principal occupation in life.
His death occurred in 1864 in the old country .
In his native country our subject received his
education. When twenty-one years old he entered

on his three-years' service in the army, but the
war between France and Prussia broke out soon
after and the King of Hanover was dethroned,
the kingdom then becoming a part of Prussia.
This liberated Mr. Feil after six months' service,
and ere the Prussian army was reorganized he
went to England, where three weeks later he
shipped for New York City on the steamer "Mar
tha." Arriving here February 11, 1867, he se
cured employment as a farm hand at Flushing,
and was thus employed for one year, when he
came to his present place. In 1868 he married
Mrs. Catherine Engelskirger, formerly a Miss
Acker, and three children have been given them :
Henry, who is married and has one child; Will
iam, also married, and George D. By her former
marriage Mrs. Feil became the mother of ten
children, four of whom are living at the present
time: Louise, who is the wife of William Ham-
mann, and has one child; Maggie, who is the
widow of Henry Hanna, and has two children,
and Joseph and John. Both of the sons are
married, but have no children. In his political
views Mr. Feil is a stanch Democrat and an ar
dent supporter of his party. In religion he is a
member of the Dutch Reformed Church.

JOHN BRICK, who is meeting with success
as contractor and builder in College Point,
was born in Flushing in 1858. His father,
Edward Brick, was born on shipboard in the Eng
lish Channel while his parents were en route from
Ireland to England. They settled in Manchester,
and there and in Liverpool he was reared to man
hood, learning the trades of mason and bricklayer.
In early manhood he came to America, and after
a short sojourn in New York went to Flushing,
where he began contract work. At the outbreak
of the rebellion, when the first call was made
for troops to defend the Union, he enlisted in an
engineers' corps and after a time became first ser
geant, serving until the close of the war. During
the period of his connection with the army his
family lived in Washington, D. C. On retiring
at the close of the conflict, he joined his wife in
Washington and began work as a contractor and
builder there, remaining until 1871. Coming
thence to College Point, he continued contract
ing and building, much of his work lying in
Flushing, although he had a number of outside
jobs. His wife, who bore the maiden name of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

789

Catherine Carroll, was born in Ireland and died
in College Point, September 9, 1895.
The parental family consisted of twelve chil
dren, of whom nine are living, John being the
eldest. He was reared in Flushing and Wash
ington, D. C, where he received an excellent edu
cation. For a time he also attended the high
school at College Point. In early boyhood he
learned the bricklayer's trade, and afterward
studied carpentering in Flushing. About 1886
he began to take contracts for frames, sash and
blinds, being thus engaged in Flushing for a few
years. About 1890 he began contracting and
building in College Point, where he built a resi
dence for himself and has since made his home.
Estimates furnished on plans are given with an
accuracy and conciseness that is satisfactory to
other parties, and his work is constantly increas
ing, the profits growing in proportion. Political
ly he is a Democrat. He is well known in the
best circles of the town and is now president of
the Adelphi Social Club.

CHARLES M. CHAMBERLAIN, super
intendent of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, has by
hard labor, guided by true genius, made
this last resting place of the dead a beautiful and
attractive spot. At the age of fifteen years he
was left in charge of the cemetery by the death of
his father, who previously held the position, thus
throwing upon our subject the necessity of sup
porting himself and the other members of the
family. Though so young, he ever manifested
the deepest desire to keep the grounds in first-
class order. He brings to his work an original,
thoughtful, well-trained mind, and long experi
ence has developed his natural taste, so that the
results are in every way worthy of what might be
expected in "God's acre."
A native of Waterford, Me, born November
18, 1841, our subject is the son of John and
Phoebe R. (Haskins) - Chamberlain, being the
ninth in order of birth among twelve children, of
whom four are living. His father was born in
Waterford in 1792 and was a farmer by occupa
tion. In 1855 he came to Maspeth to take charge
of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, and in less than a year
his body was laid to rest. He was a man of firm,
decided character, kindly and warm-hearted, and
a veteran in the War of 1812. His father was a
Revolutionary veteran and a man of patriotic spir
it. Our subject's mother is still living, and is

now in her ninety-fourth year. Notwithstanding
her great age, she is bright and active and in
possession of all her faculties. She makes her
home with her son, our subject.
In 1866 Charles M. Chamberlain married Miss
Anna M. Burroughs, daughter of Joseph Bur
roughs, an old resident of Newtown. Of their
five children only two are living, Charles William
and Joseph B., both of whom are married.
Interested in his own affairs, Mr. Chamberlain
has never desired to mingle in politics or with
politicians, but he has made a study of the great
questions of the age and has given his support,
unfalteringly, to the platform of the Republican
party. In his religious belief he is a Seventh
Day Adventist. He and his wife are well known
by the people of Maspeth and have the regard and
esteem of those with whom they associate.

BENJAMIN J. PINE, manufacturer of and
dealer in fertilizers at East Williston, was
born September 29, 1833, in the house now
owned by C. C. Parsons. In an old Bible which
he has in his possession appears the family record,
which shows that James Pine, born December 14,
173 1, was a son of James Pine and the father of
Jacob Pine, our subject's grandfather, who was
born April 8, 1765. The great-grandfather, James
Pine, was an extensive land owner and farmer,
and had in his possession so many slaves that it
became a neighborhood axiom, in expressing a
large number, to say that they were "as thick as
Pine's niggers." He was killed in an encounter
with a British soldier during the Revolution. The
first representative of the family in America was
Resolve Pine, a native of Holland, who owned
patents for all the land now included in Harlem
flats, lying between the rivers.
The father of our subject, James Pine, was
born in 1800 in the house in which our subject
was also born and he died at the family home
stead February 15, 1848. He was a farmef b>
occupation, a Democrat in politics and took an
active part in public matters, but always refused
official positions. He was a zealous member of
the Presbyterian Church. His seven children
still survive and reside in Queens County, New
York, and Brooklyn. Our subject was reared
on the home place and attended the common
schools and the academy at Hempstead. At the
age of twenty he entered the clothing store of
Stillwell & Whiting, corner of Fulton and Orange

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

79o
Streets, Brooklyn, where he remained one and
one-half years. Then returning to- the home
stead, he took charge of it until i860.
After his marriage, in 1859, to Miss Emma
Stillwell, daughter of Samuel Stillwell, of Brook
lyn, our subject bought a portion of the home
stead and erected a residence in the village of
Hempstead, where for a number of years he en
gaged in teaming and contract work, keeping
three teams in use. In 1875 he sold his place
and moved to Federalsburg, Md., where he
bought a farm and peach orchard and engaged
in truck farming until 1880. His stay in Mary
land covered a period of four years. He arrived
in that state February 22, 1876, and returned to
Queens County on the same day in 1880.
While residing in Maryland, Mr. Pine's atten
tion was called to the use of commercial fertiliz
ers, which were in general requisition there. Up
on his return to Queens County he settled at
Westbury, broke up a piece of wild land and pre
pared some commercial fertilizer for his own
place, also supplied his neighbors, disposing of
eighty tons the first year. The next year he de
termined to make a business of its manufacture
and this he did, disposing of three hundred tons.
He has continued thus engaged since 1880 and
has met with success in the enterprise.
In 1882 Mr. Pine settled in the new village of
East Williston and built a factory here. In 1886
he erected his comfortable residence. His trade
has gradually increased and he now markets about
six hundred tons annually. In 1889 he erected
another house in the village, which he rents. Po
litically he advocates Democratic principles, but
is liberal in his views. Religiously he is a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He be
longs to Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F.,
at Hempstead, in which he has held all the chairs
and is now past grand. He and his wife have
two children living and have lost two by death.
Their daughter, Mary E., is the wife of Sidney
PrJtt, of Westbury; the son, James, takes charge
of the manufacturing business.

WILLIAM SMITH, alderman from the
third ward of Long Island City, was
born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N. Y.,
in 1846. He is the son of John Smith, a native
of Queens County, and a member of one of the
old families of Long Island, who, learning the
trade of a wheelwright, for a time had a shop in

Hempstead, but later was for three years em
ployed by a railroad contractor of New York,
and thence went to East Rockaway, Queens
County, where he was proprietor of a shop until
his death in 1889, at the age of eighty-four. The
family has been noted for its longevity, and one
of his uncles, Nathaniel, attained the great age of
one hundred and two.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Jane Louise Swift and was born in
Brooklyn. Her father, who was also a native of
that city, was a member of an old Kings County
family and a descendant of English ancestry. She
died in 1893, aged seventy-four years. Her three
sons and three daughters all reached years of ma
turity and all but one daughter are still living.
One of the sons, Steven L., was a member of a
New York regiment during the Civil War and
is now living in New Jersey.
The childhood years of William Smith were
principally spent in East Rockaway, where he
was educated in the public schools. In 1861 he
went to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he learned
the carpenter's trade, and at this he Was employed
for eighteen months there. He then took up the
trade of stair building, which he afterward fol
lowed in connection with that of carpenter. In
1865 he came to Long Island City, where he
found employment at his trade for three years.
In 1868 he took up contracts for stair building,
and the ten years thus spent were profitable and
busy years. Since that time he has been a con
tractor and has his shop at No. 116 Academy
Street. In addition to having contracts for many
residences, he built the Third Methodist Episco
pal Church of Dutch Kills, Vocel's Hall and many
other public buildings. During the busy season
he employs as many as thirty-five men.
In this city Mr. Smith was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret McFayden, wdio was born
in New York. They are the parents of four liv
ing children: Mamie, Nelson Raymond, Bella and
Laura. The family residence is conveniently sit
uated at No. 7Q Henry Street. Politically a Re
publican, Mr. Smith is a member of the Lincoln
Club and has represented his party at various
conventions, having been chairman of the gen
eral committee one term. In 1889 he was elected
supervisor on the Republican ticket by a majority
of one thousand, and had the distinction of hav-
. ing been the first Republican ever elected to that
position in Long Island City. In 1895 he was
elected to represent the third ward on the board

REV. C. D. V. STEINFUHRER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

793

of aldermen, receiving a plurality of one hun
dred and thirty-five, and took his seat in January,
1896. Socially he is connected with Advance
Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., at Astoria.

REV. CHARLES D. F. STEINFUHRER.
It may be recorded as a noteworthy fact
that, while this gentleman has been a cler
gyman for twenty-nine years, his present pastor
ate is the only one he has ever had. Immediately-
after the completion of his theological course, he
was called to take charge of the German Second
Reformed Church of Astoria, Long Island City,
and here he has since remained. The passing
years have witnessed many changes in the con
gregation, which has increased from forty-five to
nearly three hundred. Few of the original mem
bers now remain, some having sought other
homes, while not a few have entered into eternal
rest. The house of worship, too, has been re
modeled and enlarged, and every department; of
the church work bears evidence of the pastor's
painstaking, efficient oversight.
Referring to the history of the family, we find
that our subject's father, Christopher Daniel
George, was born in Stargard, Mecklenburg-Stre-
litz, which was also the native place of grandfath
er Johan Jiirgen. The former was the first of
the family to- seek a home in America; accom
panied by his wife and five children he set sail
on the "Elbe" July 15, 1854, and after a stormy
voyage arrived in New York City October 4 of
that year. The father, who had been employed as
a draper in Germany, followed various occupa
tions after coming to this country, being en
gaged in the Schenectady Locomotive Works
until 1866, after which he was an assistant to
his son, a pharmacist. He died in 1884, at the
age of seventy-five, having been born in 1809.
In his native land he manifested the deepest inter
est in the welfare of the people and was a sym
pathizer in the revolutionary movement of 1848.
It was largely on account of his republican views
that he decided to seek a home in the land of
freedom, and he never regretted the change,
though to the last he manifested a patriotic af
fection for the land of his nativity.
The mother of our subject, who bore the maid
en name of Ernestine Henning, was born in
Mecklenburg in 1817 and died in 1871. Her
father, Frederick, was an agriculturist, and her
mother, Caroline, was a daughter of Ernest En-
32

gelke, a forester in the dukedom. Our subject
is one of five children, there being three sons
and two daughters, of whom he is the eldest and
the only survivor. His brother, Ernest, a well-
known druggist of Schenectady, died in 1883;
the other brother, Dr. Gustav, graduated from
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New
York, and became a prominent physician of that
city, where he died in 1890.
Rev. Charles Daniel Frederick Steinfiihrer
was born in Stargard, grand duchy of Mecklen-
burg-Strelitz, January 12, 1841. At the age of
thirteen he accompanied his parents to America
and settled with them in Schenectady, where he
gained a good English education in the Union
school. In the fall of i860 he entered Union
College, wdiere he took a full collegiate course,
receiving the degree of A. B. This college was
then in the height of its prosperity under the
direction of Dr. Eliphalet Nott, and among the
members of the faculty were Dr. Taylor Lewis,
Prof. D. L. Hickok, Prof. J. Foster and Pro
fessor Jackson, men distinguished for their learn
ing.
• In June, 1864, our subject graduated with high
honors in a class of sixty-four members, among
wdiom were Dr. David Van Horn, now president
of the Reformed Church Theological Seminary
at Dayton, Ohio; Dr. Daniel Stimson of New
York City, and Dr. E. W. Paige, an attorney of
New York, at one time deputy attorney general
of this state, and who is also a property holder
in Long Island City. In the fall of 1864 our
subject entered the Theological Seminary of the
Reformed Church at New Brunswick, N. J.,
where he spent three years of preparation for
the ministry, graduating in 1867 and receiving
the same year the degree of A. M. from Union
College. Coming to Astoria in May, 1867, Mr. Stein
fiihrer was chosen pastor of the' German Second
Reformed Church. At that time the congrega
tion were building a house of worship on the site
of the present edifice, and until its completion
the people occupied the basement of the First
Reformed Church in Remsen Avenue. The Ger
man Second Reformed Church of Astoria and the
German Reformed Church of Newtown were then
under one charge, and he was pastor of both until
1873, when they were made separate charges, and
since that time he has been pastor of the Astoria
Church only. The first church building was oc
cupied for the first time June 23, 1867, and on the

794

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

following Sunday he was ordained and installed
as pastor, this ceremony having been deferred
in order that it might be solemnized in the new
building. Seven years ago the church was en
larged by an addition of thirty-two feet and re
modeled to its present style. In 1892 the twenty-
fifth anniversary of the pastor's installation was
celebrated, and nearly all the Protestant churches
of Astoria joined in commemorating the event.
In November, 1868, a parochial school was es
tablished in connection with the church and this
has been continued successfully to the present
time. In 1868 Mr. Steinfuhrer was united in marriage
with Miss Louise Dorrman Knecht of Schenec
tady, an estimable lady, who ha« been his effi
cient helpmate in all his undertakings, especially
in Sunday-school work and in connection with
the church music. She was chosen a member of
the board of lady managers for Astoria Hospital
and aided in the fair held in the spring of 1895,
in which all the Protestant denominations co
operated for the benefit of the hospital. Her
efficiency in this position is proved by the fact
that the booth of the German Second Reformed
Church succeeded in obtaining the largest re
ceipts of any. The high regard in which Mr.
Steinfuhrer is held on account of his hearty sym
pathy in respect to this noble work of philan
thropy was shown on the occasion of the laying
of the corner stone of the new Astoria Hospital,
November 30, 1895, when the board of managers
unanimously chose him to deliver the dedicatory
address, notwithstanding his urgent protests.
During the years of Mr. Steinfiihrer's residence
in Long Island City, many changes have taken
place, both in municipal affairs and in the relig
ious bodies. With the exception of the Church
of the Redeemer, of which Dr. Cooper is the
rector, all the churches, Protestant and Cath
olic, have changed pastors several times. Dr.
Cooper, the only other clergyman who has been
longer in the city, preceded him here about six
months, having been, made rector of his church
in December, 1866. . No clergyman of his de
nomination in the North Classis of Long Island
has been the pastor of one church so long as Mr.
Steinfuhrer. During his pastorate the most
friendly relations have existed between him and
the other clergymen of the city. This friendly
spirit is shown by the fact that at the time of the
celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his
installation every Protestant clergyman but one,

in the upper part of the city, joined in celebrating
the event. From the founding of the Astoria
Hospital he has been interested in and intimately
associated with its progress. For years he was
secretary of the Board of German Missions of
New York City, retaining that position until the
society was transferred into the hands of others.
At different times he has been president of the
Classis, in which he is the oldest pastor. He
was made a member of the Phi Beta Kappa
Society by the faculty of Union College and is
a member of the Alumni of Union College and
the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick.
As a minister he has been faithful, efficient and
energetic. Finding the church weak numerical
ly, he at once entered zealously upon the work,
and with love for the. cause has toiled on, until
to-day the church is one of the strongest of the
locality, with a good house of worship, the whole
church working together in harmony and peace.
Possessed of more than ordinary pulpit talent
and with special gifts as a pastor, he has brought
to his work rare earnestness and Christian con
secration. In his church and out of it, he has
shown himself a friend of humanity, deeply in
terested in the welfare of all, and full of sym
pathy for those who are in sorrow and distress.
He has thus endeared himself to many friends
and has won the confidence of all, without re
spect to their differences of opinions on doc
trinal points.

W

"ILLIAM A. SMITH, M. D. It is not
altogether a knowledge of herbs and
nostrums that brings success to the
physician. In order to attain true success he
must possess the spirit of patient research into
the intricacies of the human form, and a kindly
sympathy which will give his patients confidence
in his humanity as well as his skill. The career
of Dr. Smith, of Springfield, town of Jamaica, has
been creditable to him, both as a physician and as
a gentleman. Thorugh his recognized ability he
has built up an extensive practice, extending be
yond the limits of the village in which he resides.
A man of fine intellectual attainments, with broad
and liberal views, he has fortified his mind with a
store of useful knowledge, not pnly in connection
with his profession, but along lines of general
thought and culture.
A native of St. James, Suffolk County, born
August 14, 1854, Dr. Smith was one of two chil-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

795

dren born to Edmund W. and Catherine J.
(Hubbs) Smith, the other being Charles E., a sea
captain residing in St. James. His father was a
member of a family very wealthy at one time, but
w-ho, during the California gold excitement, lost
their property, throwing him upon his own re
sources. He apprenticed himself to the trade of
a house and shipbuilder, which he followed in
after life, earning for himself a competence
through his diligent efforts. At an advanced
age he retired to spend his remaining years in
the enjoyment of the fruits of his labors. He
passed away in 1894 at the age of seventy-seven,
having been born in 1817. His father, Jonas
Smith, was at one time a wealthy land owner,
owning some twelve hundred acres, as well as a
number of slaves.
From the public schools the subject of this no
tice went to the University of the City of New
York, where he prosecuted his studies. When
little more than eighteen years old he became pro
fessor in the Clinton Academy, East Hampton,
where he taught one year. The following year
he taught in the village of Setauket, Suffolk
County, and then was principal of the Stony.
Brook school one term. The confinement inci
dent to professional work proved detrimental to
his health, and for two and one-half years he did
not engage in any active work, several months
of this time being spent in an ocean voyage to
Washington, D. C, Alexandria, Lewiston, Del,
Wareham, Mass., and other cities. With health
somewhat recovered, he accepted a position as
principal of the Farmingdale school, but during
the two years he was there the family suffered
from illness, in which way he met Dr. Preston, of
Amityville. Through the encouragement of that
gentleman he decided to study medicine, and
with Dr. Radcliff, a graduate of Harvard College,
he began reading at Smithtown Branch. Six
months were thus spent and he then entered the
medical department of the University of the City
of New York, from which he was graduated in
1882. He attended clinics of Bellevue, New
York and St. Luke's hospitals and the Eye and
Ear Infirmary, thus gaining a thorough experi
mental knowledge of the profession.
At the close of his college studies, Dr. Smith
began to look around for a suitable location and
selected Springfield, where he has since conduct
ed a general practice. In 1892 he married Miss
Florence Stevens, of this village, and something
over a year later built his present handsome resi

dence, where, with his wife and son, William W.,
he has a happy home. A little daughter born of
this union died in infancy, and the son is the only
surviving child. Politically the Doctor is a stanch
Republican. He and his wife are drawing around
them the best social influences, such as are cal
culated to upbuild the moral elements of the com
munity, and their high moral principles and cour
tesy have given them an enviable position in the
estimation of the people.

ALFRED H. BEERS. Among the citizens
of Jamaica no one is more justly entitled
to an honorable place in its history than
Mr. Beers, a gentleman who has been usefully
and worthily identified with the prosperity of the
village in every progressive movement, but es
pecially in the promotion of its mercantile inter
ests. Coming to this place in 1877, he embarked
in the grocery business in partnership with Sam
uel H. Cornell, and has since built up a lucrative
trade among the people of this locality.
Referring to the family history of our subject,
he is a son of Zeras Beers, a native of Newtown,
Conn., and a cloth dresser by trade, though for
fifteen years he taught school and the latter part
of his life was spent on a farm in the town of
Huntington, Suffolk County, N. Y. There he
died in 1878, aged eighty-eight. He was a man of
consistent Christian character and a member of
the Methodist Church. By his first marriage he
had one son, George S., now the wealthy propri
etor of a hotel in St. Louis, Mo. His second mar
riage was to Mrs. Amelia (Hendrickson) Miller,
^daughter of Joshua Hendrickson, of Queens
County. She died in 1882, after having become
the mother of four children.
Of her sons John Z. is a coal operator in
Brooklyn; William H, who in early life was a
Methodist minister, enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York Infan
try, and served for three years, being sergeant of
his company. After the war he was for several
years keeper of the government lighthouse at
Charleston Harbor, and is now connected with
the public library at Huntington, where he and
his family reside. Our subject was born in the
town of Huntington, L. L, in 1847, and grew to
manhood years on the home farm, receiving his
primary education in the public schools, and later
taking a business course in Eastman's Commer
cial College.

796

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The first position held by Mr. Beers was that
of clerk for a freighting line on the North River.
For six years he was bookkeeper for a large firm
in Jersey City, and in 1877 came to Jamaica
where, as before stated, he has since established
a large trade and a reliable reputation as a busi
ness man. In 1872 he married Miss Ozemma F.,
daughter of John Smith, of Suffolk County. They
occupy a commodious residence on Clinton
Place, on the hill. Three children came to bless
their union, but one died in infancy. The others
are Eugene F, a graduate ofthe New York Den
tal College, and Bessie A., a bright child of eight
vears. . .
Since 1889 Mr. Beers has held the position ot
village treasurer, and is numbered among the
most popular of the village officials. He aided in
founding the Jamaica Building and Loan Asso
ciation, of which he is now a director. Socially
he takes a warm interest in the Odd Fellows
Lodge, to which he belongs. In religious con
victions he is a Methodist and belongs to the
church of that denomination in Jamaica. A Re
publican in his political views, he has the greatest
faith in the future prosperity of the country un
der the execution of the laws as enacted by his
party.

FRANCIS P. HAMLET, D. D. S. In every
line of activity Hempstead has had its rep
resentatives. There is no village in the
county that, in proportion to its population, has
a larger number of talented, successful men than
it has, and among this class may be mentioned
the name of Dr. Hamlet, a rising young dentist
of the place. While he is known as a skilled
and capable dentist, yet in outside towns he is
perhaps better known through his musical talent
and compositions, some of which rank among the
best yet produced in this country.
In the village where he still resides, Dr. Hamlet
was born August 31, 1863, being a son of John
and Catherine (Livingston) Hamlet, natives of
England. His father, whose birth occurred No
vember 12, 1825, came to America in early man
hood and for forty-one years has made his home
in Hempstead, where for a long time he engaged
in mercantile pursuits. In the work of St.
George's Church he is deeply interested, and for
ten years he was leader of the choir, also for
twelve years served as superintendent of the Sun
day-school. He is a man of marked ability, hon

orable character and generous disposition, and
has many friends among the people of Hemp
stead. The family of which Dr. Hamlet is a member
consists of six brothers and one sister. The eld
est, Samuel, was born in England and graduated
from Meadville (Pa.) College ; he became a law
yer, but soon abandoned that profession for the
ministry, and is now pastor of the Unitarian
Church at Wolfboro, N. H. John R. is engaged
in business in New York. Winifred is the wife
of G. P. Leggett. Charles S. and Edward have
a printing and engraving establishment at No.
82 Nassau Street, New York. William H. M., a
graduate of the New York College of Dentistry,
has an office in Jamaica.
After having attended school for some years
at Hempstead and Flushing, our subject entered
the Baltimore College of Dentistry, from which
he graduated in 1884. He has been constantly
engaged in active practice since that time. In
boyhood his musical genius displayed itself, and
being developed carefully, has brought him a rep
utation as a skilled composer and musician.
Among his compositions, the one which has at
tracted greatest attention is the comic opera,
"Seven Times One," which had a most remarka
ble run and received favorable notice, not only
from local papers, but also from the press of New
York City. Many of his other compositions have
received favorable notice. He has been organist
of St. Luke's Church, Brooklyn, and also the
church at Oyster Bay and one in New York, but
of late years his growing professional duties have
kept him closely confined to his office.
October 3, 1888, Dr. Hamlet was united in mar
riage with Edith Hutcheson, of Brooklyn. Two
children, Milton and Anna H, bless their un
ion. Dr. Hamlet, in his social connections, is
identified with the Royal Arcanum and the Legion
of Honor. He is a member of St. George's
Church, in which he has held the position of ves
tryman.

F

'RED W. TOLEMAN. While a resident of
Far Rockaway for a comparatively short
period only, Mr. Toleman has a large ac
quaintance throughout Queens County and has
already established an enviable reputation as a
reliable business man among the people of this
place, where he is proprietor of the boot and
shoe store in Central Avenue, in the Jennings

DAVID D. M, MASTER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

799

Building. He is starting out in this business
with every prospect of success, equipped with a
thorough knowledge of the trade gained by a
clerkship of ten years in the store of A. A. Wicks
at Bay Shore, and there is every ground for be
lieving that future years will bring him an ever-
increasing success.
The father of our subject, Andrew Toleman,
was born in England, where he grew to manhood
and married Miss Emily Gale, their union being
blessed by two children, of whom Fred W. is
the older; the only daughter is the wife of Oscar
Gevrodete, of Patchogue. Our subject was born
in Bridgeport, England, September 4, 1869, and
was a child of one year when his parents came
to America and settled at Bluepoint, Suffolk
County, N. Y., which place has since been the
family home. " In boyhood he worked on the
farm and the bay, but in 1883 went to Patchogue,
where he was employed in the stationery and mu
sic store of George Ackerly for two and one-half
years. In 1885 Mr. Toleman accepted a position with
the firm of Wicks & Smith, dealers in dry goods
and groceries at Bay Shore, and being capable
and trustworthy, was soon given the management
of the establishment. To him was entrusted the
buying of dry goods, boots and shoes, and he
had entire charge of the stock during the last
five years of his residence in Bay Shore. The
value of his services was recognized and his
resignation was accepted with regret when in
1895 he decided to enter business for himself.
May 1, of that year, he opened his present estab
lishment, where, in addition to boots and shoes,
he keeps in stock a full line of hats and men's
furnishing goods. By his marriage to Mabel
Gordon, he has a son, Harold F., born in 1893.
Socially he belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He
was formerly connected with the Methodist Epis
copal Church, but there being no church of that
denomination at Far Rockaway, he has identi
fied himself with the Presbyterians and is an ac
tive worker in that society.

DAVID D. M. MASTER of Flushing is
president of the Flushing Electric Light
and Power Company, also a dealer in
real estate and the representative of many leading
insurance companies, including the Imperial;
Liverpool, London and Globe of England; the
German-American of New York; Continental;

Agricultural; Northwestern of Milwaukee;
Dutchess County Mutual of Poughkeepsie, be
sides others. Starting in life as he did with little
capital, he has by force of character and deter
mination risen to an enviable position among his
fellowmen. He deservedly ranks as one of the
best citizens of the community, one who, by his
strict sense of probity and his unwearied energy,
has won his present position for himself.
The English home where our subject was born
February 19, 1829, was situated fourteen miles
north of London, and was known as Cheshunt,
one of the ancient suburbs of the metropolis — a
place where the illustrious Oliver Cromwell had
his country home and where stood the manor
house of Cardinal Wolsey. The family were en
gaged in business in Greenwich, Waltham-Ab-
bey, Ponders End and Epping, suburbs of Lon
don, and John, our subject's father, and Wil
liam, his grandfather, were merchants during
their business lives. Our subject was the fourth
among the seven children of John and Mary
(Field) Master, and of that family two sons and
one daughter are living, David being the only
*one who settled in America. The mother died
young and the father married for his second wife
Miss Mary Ann'Champneys, who was a good
mother to her step-children and reared them
carefully and devotedly for positions of honor
in the world.
At the age of fourteen our subject was appren
ticed to the cooper's trade in Epping, and, after
completing his apprenticeship, he worked at that
occupation in London. In 1858 he crossed the
Atlantic on the steamer "City of Washington,"
which reached New York City August 18, after
a voyage of fourteen days. On leaving Eng
land, it had been his intention to proceed to the
gold mines of California, but on the voyage he
became acquainted with Samuel Carpenter of
Flushing, who induced him to abandon his haz
ardous project. The two have since remained in
timate friends, and every year on the anniver
sary of that summer day of 1858 when the ship
cast anchor in New York they visit the seaside
together. For six months Mr. Master followed his trade
in Brooklyn, but gave it up to engage in the
clothing business, and later added merchant tail
oring. He built the store at No. 53 Main Street,
Flushing, which he still owns. At first his prog
ress was slow, and there were many obstacles
in the path to success, but he persevered and

8oo

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

finally attained prosperity. After twenty-five
years he retired from business, expecting not
again to resume trade, but he was a man of too
much energy to close the active labors of life.
and after a year, in 1885, he began in the real
estate business, which he has since continued.
He built the store at No. 69 Main Street, which
he still owns and occupies.
All movements for the welfare of the com
munity receive the hearty endorsement of Mr.
Master. He was one of several who started the
Flushing & College Point Street Railroad and
was its president for two years, when he resigned.
He also aided in the organization of the Flushing
Electric Light and Power Company, a success
ful concern with a capital stock of $30,000, of
which he is the president. Politically he is a
Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the
party of his choice. He is an elder in the Re
formed Church of America and aided generously
in the erection of the present house of worship
in Flushing. For a time he was one of the vil
lage trustees, but resigned to give his attention
to other matters. Fraternally he is connected
with Cornucopia Lodge No. 653, F. & A. M.,
and Pentalpha Chapter, R. A. M.
In London in 1851 Mr. Master married Miss
Naomi Larter, who was born there and died
in Flushing. Of their seven children five are
living, namely: David, Jr., a druggist of Brook
lyn; Clara, Mrs. Charles A. Mapes 'of Harlem,
N. Y; Mrs. Naomi Levick of England; Samue{
who is a real estate and insurance broker of New
York City; and William, who is engaged in the
jewelry business in Brooklyn. The present wife
of Mr. Master was Miss Kate M. Sands, daughter
of Capt. Treadwell Sands, an old resident of
Flushing. Three sons and one daughter blessed
this union: J. Edward, who carries on a whole
sale and retail jewelry business in Flushing, with
office in New York City; Lewis C, who is 'inter
ested in business with his father; Dr. Clarence
M., a graduate of the New York College of Den
tal Surgery and a practicing dentist at Flushing;
and Emma, who is deceased.

PATRICK DALY is a very successful busi
ness man of Long Island City and one of
the most influential residents of Queens
County. He is junior member of the firm of
Hagan & Daly, proprietors of the Queens Coun
ty Boiler Works, which is well known throughout

this portion of the state. He is secretary of the
board of police commissioners and since his resi
dence here has been greatly interested in what
ever tended toward the development of his com
munity. Mr. Daly was born in Ireland, in County Lei-
trim, which was also the birthplace of his father,
Francis Daly. The latter followed the occupa
tion of a farmer, being the proprietor of a goodly
tract of land in Ireland, on which he and his wife,
Mrs. Ann (McGushin) Daly, still reside. Of the
seven sons and two daughters born to them, sev
en are now living and of this household our sub
ject is the only one to make his home in Ameri
ca. He was born March 13, 1847, and is the
oldest child of his parents now living.
Patrick attended the common schools of his
native isle until a lad of seventeen years, and a
year later determined to come to America. He
remained in New York for a time in the employ
of the Long Island Express Company. When
those who were at the head of this business closed
out, Mr. Daly established a livery and boarding
stable in Twenty-fourth Street, and for thirteen
years was the proprietor of a thriving business.
He came to Long Inland City in 1877, at which
time he built a residence at No. 117 Seventh
Street, near which he opened a grocery, contin
uing this business together with his livery stable
until 1 881. That year Mr. Daly became associ
ated with Mr. Hagan in the manufacture of boil
ers. In May, 1893, he disposed of his grocery
and now devotes the greater part of his time and
attention to his other business. The firm receives
orders from various parts of the world, often mak
ing large shipments to South America and Ger
many. Their shops occupy one hundred and sev
enty-five feet in Seventh Street, and extend in the
rear to Sixth Street. The firm give constant em
ployment to from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred and fifty men and are operating on a
most successful basis.
The marriage of Mr. Daly and Miss Kate Can
non occurred in New York, January 2, 1867.
Mrs. Daly is also of Irish birth and by her union
with our subject has become the mother of two
children, Frank, now a clerk in his father's office,
and Anna, the wife of James J. Conway, of Long
Island City. Mr. and Mrs. Daly occupy a pleas
ant residence at No. 20 Pearson Street, Hunter's
Point, in addition to which they also own much
other valuable real estate in the city.
Our subject is interested in the Long Island

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

80 1

City Building and Loan Association. In 1887 he
became a member of the police commission, and
during the two and one-half years which he served
at this time he "pulled" the pool rooms. This
was very much against the mayor's wishes and
Mr. Daly then resigned. In 1893, however, he
was appointed a member of the police commission
by Mayor Sanford and is the present secretary of
the board. In religious matters he is a devout
Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Church.
Politically he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, belong
ing to the Jefferson Democratic Club. He served
as a member of the general committee, also on
the county, congressional and senatorial com
mittees. Socially he is associated with the order
of Foresters and is very popular in the various
organizations to. which he belongs.

CAPT. RICHARD VAN WICKLEN. The
title of "Captain," by which this gentle
man is familiarly known, was gained
through his service in the coasting trade, an in
dustry which he followed successfully for many
years. His experiences as a seafaring man were*
many and varied, and he endured all the hard
ships and faced the perils which attend "life on
the ocean wave." Since 1886 he has not been
actively engaged in the trade, but has lived in
comparative retirement at his home in Port
Washington. Near Jamaica, L. I., October 24, 1834, the sub
ject of this record was born to Garrett and Ann
Elizabeth (McKee) Van Wicklen, natives of Long
Island. The Van Wicklen family is one of the
oldest on the island and was first represented in
America by three brothers, who emigrated from
Holland in the seventeenth century, and settled,
one near Flatbush, another at Jamaica and the
third at Oyster Bay. The Captain is a descend
ant of the Jamaica settler. Since the time of the
original settlement the family has been honorably
and intimately associated with the growth of this
section and the development of its material re
sources. The father of our subject was born in 1808 and
followed the occupation of a farmer, in addition
to which he was interested in the coast trade.
He attained an advanced age, dying when past
seventy-nine. By his marriage to Miss McKee
he had seven children, of whom five are still liv
ing. Richard, who was the eldest of the family,
.spent his youthful years on the farm and until

seventeen he attended the district schools a few
months of each year. On starting out for him
self, he secured a clerkship in a store near Port
Washington, his father having previously moved
to Sand's Point, where he was engaged in farming.
Three years were spent as a clerk, after which he
bought a one-third interest in a vessel, and three
months later, his partner and captain selling out
to another party, he succeeded to the captaincy.
Until 1886 he carried on the coast trade along
the shores of Long Island and the eastern states.
In this village in 1854 Captain Van Wicklen
married Miss Maria Robbins, of the town of Oys
ter Bay, an estimable woman who has been his
helpmate in every enterprise and has worked by
his side in all his undertakings. Reared in the
faith of the Democratic party, he has since sup
ported its principles in the national campaigns,
but is liberal in his views. At one time he was
candidate for the position of overseer of the poor,
but was defeated at the election. In his fraternal
relations he is a member of Pembrook Lodge No.
73, I. O. O. F.

DALMAR L. STARKS. The following is
a brief sketch of the life of Mr. Starks,
whose present substantial position has
been reached entirely through his own persever
ance and whose success shows what can be ac
complished by determination and intelligence
He is the owner and proprietor of the hardware
establishment in Far Rockaway, where he car
ries a complete and varied assortment of house
furnishing goods and hardware, ranging in size
from a tack to an anchor, and valued at nearly
$30,000. The business is the largest of the kind
in the locality and has been brought to its pres
ent large proportions through the honest meth
ods and indefatigable endeavor of the proprietor.
The parents of our subject were Elijah and
Lucinda (Wheeler) Starks, the former of whom, a
shoe manufacturer for many years, died at the
age of sixty-one, while the latter is still living at
the old home in Spencertown, Columbia County,
N. Y. In the family there were three children,
namely: William, now deceased; Dalmar L., and
Clara, who is with her mother. Our subject was
born in Spencertown, January 27, 1861, and was
reared on a farm, attending the district schools
and the academy near his home. At the age of
fourteen he started out for himself and was first
employed in a butcher shop at Chatham, after

802

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which he worked for one year on the farm. In
1877 he went to New York City and for two years
was employed by a butcher, afterward drove a
wagon on a milk route for one year and one for
the Vienna bakery about the same length of time.
The two following years were spent as clerk in
Purssell's great establishment.
During that time, realizing the need and im
portance of a better education, he attended night
school two winters. Early in life he had neg
lected his opportunities, not appreciating the
value of knowledge, but experience had taught
him this lesson, and he now gave close attention
to study, gaining as a result more actual knowl
edge during this short time than he had secured
in all the schools of his boyhood. In 1881 he
came to Far Rockaway, having in his possession
$95. With a partner who furnished a portion of
the stock, he opened a small fruit and cigar store
where the Hinkel building now stands. The first
year the trade was small and the profits corres
pondingly low, but he was able to come out even,
having paid $125 rent. He persevered and bought
out his cousin, who was his partner, later adding
to the trade oysters served in all styles, shapes and
sizes. He was the pioneer cigar and tobacco
merchant here and had all the trade in that line,
which increased as the place grew.
Year by year prosperity rewarded Mr. Starks'
efforts. Good judgment characterized his in
vestments and the money earned was made to
double itself in his hands. He bought a piece of
ground in Central Avenue, for which he paid
$650. At the time it was regarded by many as
a large price, but here he demonstrated his sound
judgment, as subsequent events proved. Bor
rowing $1,200, he erected a building, the first
store of any proportions in Central Avenue, and
he still owns the property, which has enhanced
in value many times over. It was not long until
he paid off the $1,200 used for building, and made
judicious investments besides. Then he cast
about for a substantial business, and bought the
store he now owns from Thomas Henderson,
who had built up a large trade. To the enterprise
he brought a practical knowledge of business and
an indefatigable determination, so that he in
creased the trade and placed himself in rank
among the shrewd business men of the village.
When twenty-one years of age Mr. Starks mar
ried Miss Mary Pettit, of Inwood, L. I., and they
became the parents of five children: Clara, one
that died in infancy without name, Charles, Mary

Eveline and Arthur. The children are being
given excellent advantages, both literary and
musical, and are being prepared for positions of
honor and usefulness in the world. Politically
Mr. Starks is a Democrat. Socially he is one of
the charter members of Olympia Lodge. F. & A.
M., of which he has been treasurer since its or
ganization, a member of Corinthian Chapter, R.
A. M., and Ivanhoe Commandery. His wife is
a member of the Episcopal Church, which the
family attend, and to which he contributes. He
takes great interest in the local fire department
and has been a member of the Protective Hook
and Ladder Company since its organization, hav
ing held in it all the offices from private to fore
man.

J

UDGE ALFRED W. BOKEE. The study
of the careers of those who have been the
architects of their own fortunes in the va
rious departments of business furnishes lessons
of inestimable value to youths just entering their
chosen occupations and encourages them to
greater efforts for success in life. The gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch and who is a
member of a business firm of New York City,
has been successful in the best sense of the word,
for he has not only accumulated a competency,
but has also gained that which is better, the es
teem of his large circle of acquaintances and the
regard of everyone with whom he has business
or social relations.
Judge Bokee was born in Brooklyn, March 8,
1859, and was the only child of David A. and
Jennie (Knight) Bokee. His elementary educa
tion was acquired in the public schools of Brook
lyn, but the necessity of gaining a livelihood
obliged him to discontinue his studies at an early
age. When fourteen years old he secured a po
sition as office boy with the stationery firm of
Martin Roberts, and as he was diligent, obedient,
honest and attentive to every duty, he was grad
ually promoted, rising from one position to anoth
er until he became a partner in the firm. In 1882
the name of the concern was changed to -Roberts
. & Bokee, which is its present title. Their office
is located at No. 126 Front Street, New York,
where they have a large printing, lithographing
and stationery establishment.
In 1884 our subject was united in marriage with
Miss Ella L., daughter of Jacob S. Bergen, a
sketch of whom appears in this work. Of the two

A. V. S. LOTT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

805

sons born to this union only one survives, Alfred
B., a bright boy of ten years. After three years
of wedded life Mrs. Bokee was taken by death,
July 22, 1887, leaving to mourn her loss not only
her immediate family but also a large number of
warm personal friends. In 1890 our subject was
elected on the Republican ticket to fill the office
of justice of the peace, and it is worthy of note
that he was the only Republican elected on the
ticket that year. For a time he also served as
a member of the board of health and the Queens
Fire Company. At present he is connected with
the New York Stock and Petroleum Exchange.
In all works of advancement and progress he is
found in the front rank, doing all in his power to
promote the general welfare. His career has been
marked by rare energy, stability of character and
systematic business habits, and in his labors he
has been directed by shrewd judgment, close cal
culation and a resolute will that overcame all ob
stacles in the pathway to success.

A

BRAHAM V. S. LOTT, who resides two
miles south of Flushing in the town of
Newtown and is engaged in agricultural
pursuits, is a member of one of the old and highly
respected families of the island; but not alone
on this account is he held in high esteem, for by
perseverance and much hard work on his part
he has made for himself an honorable name and
has accumulated a substantial portion of this
world's goods. A native of this county, he was
born at Woodhaven September 5, 1829, and is a
son of Stephen I. and Cornelia (Rapalje) Lott.
The family of which he is a member consisted
of four children, of whom besides himself two
survive, namely: Gertrude R., wife of James
Van Siclen, and Stephen S.
The father of our subject was born near Wood
haven in 1799 and grew to manhood in his na
tive place. When he was about fourteen years
of age he was orphaned by the death of his father,
Johannes S. Lott, from whom he inherited the
valuable estate forming the principal part of the
present village of Woodhaven. In 1834 he dis
posed of his interests in and about this place and
removed to the town of Newtown, purchasing
the farm now owned and occupied by Abraham
V. S. Here he continued to reside the greater
part of the time until his death, which occurred
in Jamaica South February 14, 1871.
After completing his education in the Union

ITall Academy of Jamaica, our subject gave his
attention to farming and assisted his father in the
cultivation of the home place until the death of
the latter. September 13, 1864, he married Miss
Cornelia DeBevoise, an estimable lady residing
at Dutch Kills. Shortly after his marriage he
and his' brother, John Henry, rented the home
stead, their father removing to Jamaica South.
A little more than a year later the senior Mr.
Lott died and our subject then assumed the en
tire control of the place, operating it for himself
until the settlement of the estate. The home
place (now called Viamede) became the property
of A. V. S. Lott and here he has since resided.
Mr. and Mrs. Lott are the parents of seven
children, one of whom is deceased. Those who
survive are Stephen I., who acquired his educa
tion at Fairchild's Institute; Gertrude V. S., a
graduate of Flushing high school; Joanna D. B.
V., who also completed her studies in that insti
tution; Cornelia R., who attended Flushing high
school and Barnard College; Sarah E. and Ellen
S., students in the school at Flushing. In public.
affairs Mr. Lott has always taken a commenda
ble interest, and for five terms held the position
of road overseer. He is a Democrat on national
issues, but in local politics is independent, voting
for the best men. He and his family attend the
Dutch Reformed Church of Newtown.

CORNELIUS V. SEAMAN is one of the
men — of whom the number is not few —
who have worked their way from poverty
to independence, from want to competence. Now
a resident of Port Washington, he is known as
one of the honest, industrious business men of
this village, and as a public-spirited citizen, inters
ested in progressive measures. He was born in
the town of North Hempstead, Queens County,
July 24, 1838, and is a son of Daniel P. and
Phoebe (Pearsall) Seaman.
The first of the family to locate in North
Hempstead was our subject's great-grandfather,
a shoemaker, who owned land in what is now
called Old Westbury. Grandfather David Sea
man, also a shoemaker, made his home in Ros
lyn, where he died at an advanced age. The
father, Daniel P., who was a mason and plasterer,
lived during much of his life in the town of North
Hempstead, where he died at the age of seventy
years. Of his eight children, five are still living.
In ante-bellum days he was a Democrat, but in

8o6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i860 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln and
ever afterward maintained Republican principles.
His birthplace was at Old Westbury, and the
date of his birth April 1, 1815. Though a de
scendant of Quaker ancestors, he was not himself
identified with any church. He died in Manhas
set in June, 1886, and his body was interred in
Van Zandt's Churchyard at Little Neck.
Between the years of three and ten our sub
ject lived in Port Washington, where he attend
ed the subscription schools. From here he ac
companied the other members of the family to
Manhasset, where he spent two years. At the
age of twelve he commenced work at the ma
son's trade, remaining thus engaged for one year,
and receiving fifty cents a day for his services.
Next he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which
he served for eleven months. April 11, 1853,
when he was not quite fifteen, he began to work
for William Place, of Manhasset, where he en
tered into articles of apprenticeship for six years,
making his own contract. During that entire
period he lost only three and one-half days, and
they were upon the Fourth of July and Christ
mas. The first year he was paid $2.50 a month,
and the amount was increased $5 per year every
year afterward. On the expiration of his ap
prenticeship, he secured a position with Henry
Mackey, at Port Washington, and was paid $14,
which was the best wages given anyone in the
vicinity at that time.
October 26, 1859, Mr. Seaman married Miss
Nancy Jane, daughter of David and Maria (Car
man) Stivson, and a native of the town of North
Hempstead. He remained with Mr. Mackey un
til the spring of i860, after which he followed the
bay for a few months. He then moved to Man
hasset, rented a shop and carried on his trade for
more than a year. Going to Freeport, town of
Hempstead, he became proprietor of a shop
there. It was while thus engaged that he was
drafted into the army and being in poor health,
unfit for service, he hired a substitute. On his
return to Port Washington he worked for Mr.
Mackey for a time, then opened a shop of his
own and has during much of the time since fol
lowed his trade of blacksmith and horse-shoer.
For a short time he followed the bay and hauled
oysters to Jamaica, also engaged in the grocery
business for a few months, but the results not
being satisfactory, he returned to his trade.
March 4, 1866, he bought two lots and two years
afterward built on them. Later he bought an

other lot, on which he built. His present home
was bought about 1886, and is a neat and com
fortable abode. He and his wife have no chil
dren, but adopted a child, Grace, who since the
age of eleven has made her home with them; she
was born in Port Washington and is a daughter
of William and Margaret Ann Carman.
Since casting his first Presidential ballot for
Abraham Lincoln in i860, Mr. Seaman has ever
been a stanch Republican. For three years he
served as constable, but on the occasion of his
fourth election refused to again accept the posi
tion. He was a candidate for overseer of the
poor for the town of North Hempstead and
though the town is largely Democratic, he lacked
only nine votes of winning the election. With
his wife he holds membership in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he has served as
steward and was Sunday-school teacher for two
years. His wife, who has been a teacher in the
Sunday-school for fourteen years, is also a prom
inent member of the Ladies' Sewing Circle and at
one time served as vice-president of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union, being an active
worker in all religious and philanthropic enter
prises. Mr. Seaman was a charter member of the At
lantic Hook and Ladder Company of Port Wash
ington, in which he is now serving the second
time. He was treasurer of the building commit
tee and raised most of the money for building the
fine hall now used by the company. Socially
he is connected with Pembroke Lodge No. 72,
I. O. O. F., at Glencove, and is a member of
Warren Encampment at the corner of Second
Street and the Bowery, New York City. At one
time he was an active member of the Sons of
Temperance, and his wife was also associated
with the organization.

ADAM C. STEVENS, who is engaged in
farming and the dairy business on the Wil
liam P. Willet's estate, town of North
Hempstead, was born in Orange County, N. Y.,
September 15, 1855, being a son of John and Lu-
cinda Stevens. His paternal grandfather, Da
vid, was a son of Jonathan Stevens, one of six
brothers who came from Connecticut and set
tled in the town of Chester, Orange County, on
the farm now owned by John Stevens. The
country was then a wilderness, in almost the
primeval condition of nature, and it was his task

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

807

to assist in placing it under cultivation and ren
dering it more valuable. In business and relig
ious affairs his descendants were so prominent
that the locality where they lived was always de
nominated the "Stevens neighborhood.''
The father of our subject was born November
14, 1822, and still resides on the family estate.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and is prominent in religious matters.
His first wife, our subject's mother, was Mrs.
Lucinda (Seely) Jaques, widow of Francis Jaques,
and they became the parents of five children.
The three now living are Adam C. ; Charles, who
resides in Orange County; and Mary, who is
with her brother. Mrs. Lucinda Stevens passed
away in July, 1890, and in November, 1893, our
subject's father was again married, his wife being
Mrs. Margaret Reynolds, of New York City.
Commencing his education in the public
schools, our subject later attended the academy
at Yonkers, from which he graduated. At the
age of twenty he began to teach in Orange Coun
ty, remaining thus engaged for eighteen months,
after which he took charge of the home farm un
til 1892. He then removed to Queens County
and rented the place he now occupies. His at
tention is given to the dairy business and retail
milk trade, his route extending to Roslyn, Min
eola and Hempstead. Usually he has on hand
sixty or seventy cows, and each year makes ship
ment to Long Island City and Great Neck. Po
litically he is a Republican.
September 3, 1879, Mr. Stevens married Lydia,
daughter of John and Laura (Parsels) Bush, and
a native of Orange County. They are the par
ents of an only daughter, Flora. The family are
members of and influential workers in the Pres
byterian Church of Roslyn, in which Mr. Stevens
has taken an active part. Prior to coming to
this county, he had served as superintendent of
the Sunday-school and in other positions of re
sponsibility, at his former place of residence.

REV. WILLIAM SCHOENFELD, pastor
of the Trinity German Lutheran Church
at Schuetzen Park, is a finely educated
gentleman and deserves especial credit for the
faithful manner in which he has labored with the
congregation at this place. The Lutheran
Church wields a mighty influence for good in
the community, and Mr. Schoenfeld is devoting

his best efforts to advancing his Master's cause
by zealous work in His vineyard.
Our subject is a native of the great state of
Illinois, having been born at Niles, Cook Coun
ty, May 11, 1869. His father was John A.
Schoenfeld, a native of Saxony, where his parents,
who were farmers, were the owners of consider
able property. John Schoenfeld was reared to
man's estate in his native land, coming to Amer
ica prior to his marriage and locating in Cook
County, where he was engaged in farming until
the year 1870. He then moved into the World's
Fair City, making his home there until his death,
which occurred seven years later, when he was
aged fifty-four. He was reared in the faith of
the Lutheran Church, to which he firmly ad
hered all his life. In politics he became a
straightforward, uncompromising Republican,
although never considered a seeker after office.
The laply who became the mother of our sub
ject was in her maidenhood Miss Dorothea
Brandt, a native of Hanover, Germany, and the
daughter of William Brandt, a farmer of consider
able means in the Fatherland. He crossed the At
lantic with his family in 1852 and after landing on
the shores of the New World continued his west
ward way until he reached Elkgrove, Cook
County, 111., where he invested his means in a
good farm. He continued to reside there until
late in 1876, when he removed to Fillmore
County, Minn., where he took up a tract of raw
prairie land which he improved and resided upon
until his decease, when advanced in years. His
wife was Catherine (Boesche) Brandt. The family
were all members of the Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Dorothea Schoenfeld was in her fifth year
at the time her parents came to America. She
remained the loving companion and helpmate of
her husband until his decease and is now an in
mate of our subject's "household. She became
the mother of three children: Emma, now Mrs.
Louis Ploss, a resident of Chicago; William, of
this history; and Robert, also living in the Gar
den City; he is buyer in the trimming depart
ment for Marshall Field & Co.
The subject of this sketch was an infant when
his parents moved to Chicago. As soon as old
enough he was sent to the parochial schools and
also received private instruction in the Latin lan
guage. In 1882 he entered the Concordia Col
lege at Fort Wayne, Ind., from which institution
he was graduated in 1887. In the fall of the
same year he became a student in Concordia

8o8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Seminary at St. Louis, Mo., and three years there
after, having taken the full course, was gradu
ated. August 24, 1890, he was ordained in
Schuetzen Park Hall, whither he had come to be
gin his labors. A church had been established
here in February, 1890, by Rev. F. Koenig, of
New York, with a membership of ten. Our sub
ject was called to take charge of this congrega
tion by the Mission Board of the Eastern Dis
trict of the Missouri Synod and on taking up his
residence on Long Island was ordained as we
have stated above. The first Sunday he held
services in the basement of the church and the
third Sunday the building was completed and
dedicated. The congregation now own and oc
cupy a large frame edifice in Eighth Avenue,
which was erected for them. The building is
80x50 feet in dimensions and the membership has
grown to include fifty-seven families, represent
ing six hundred souls. The Lutheran Church
have a Ladies' and Young People's Society, also
a society for young men, and in December, 1894,
established a mission at Whitestone, L. I., which
is now presided over by Rev. F. Kroencke. Later,
in the fall of 1895, another mission was started
at Woodside, of which Mr. Schoenfeld, with the
assistance of Mr. Kroencke, has charge.
In the fall of the above year our subject also
took an active part in establishing an English
Lutheran mission in West Forty-second Street,
New York City, which is now in a very flourish
ing condition. Our subject was secretary of the
New York local conference for over two years
and has always taken a very active part in estab
lishing new churches in this locality. Trinity
Church is one of the most influential congrega
tions in Long Island City and its numerous mem
bers are doing everything in their power to win
souls for Christ.
The day after the dedication of the new church
building Mr. Schoenfeld started the parochial
school, which he taught himself until Christmas,
when he called the first teacher, J. Wambsganss,
who remained his assistant until the work grew
to such proportions that it became necessary to
have another man wdio could give his entire time
to the work, and A. Beyer, now of Albany, was
called on this occasion.
The Lutheran Church of this city is very for
tunate in having for one of its members a very
wealthy and benevolent gentleman in the person
of Jacob Miller, through whose liberality the
members have been enabled to erect and pay for

their present comfortable building. It was erect
ed at a cost of $16,000, of which Mr. Miller paid
$10,000. He is at the present time residing in
Brooklyn, although he is very much interested
in the work and progress of Trinity Church and
attends services here whenever possible.
Since he began preaching Mr. Schoenfeld has
received three calls from Mt. Calvary Church, of
Buffalo, and has also been petitioned to take
charge of the English Lutheran Church, of Mil
waukee, Wis. Pie speaks both the German and
English languages and is presiding with great
success over his congregation. The Sunday-
school, which was organized many years ago,
now numbers three hundred scholars and is one
of the best in the city.

EDWARD BRICK, who is a contractor and
builder in College Point, was born in Bris
tol, England, to Edward and Elizabeth
(Sullivan) Brick, the former of whom was for
some time in the British army and later was a
pensioner of the government. Educated in the
schools of London, the subject of this record left
school to learn the mason and plasterer's trade,
which he followed for a time in his native country.
In 1854 he came to America on a sailing vessel,
and after working at his trade in New York City
for a short time, in the fall of the same year he
removed to Flushing, where he was employed
by Henry Bartow. In 1856 he began as a con
tractor in College Point, and has since resided
here, though business duties frequently call him
to other places. He assisted in the erection of the
National Capitol and the Treasury Building in
Washington, D. C, returning to College Point
in 1870, and resuming work here. Among the
contracts he has had are those for the erection
of the residences of James A. MacDonald, Rob
ert Parsons, W. H. Fitzpatrick, T. F. Tuohy,
Messrs. Coxe and Osgood, the postoffice build
ing and a number of business blocks. While his
principal contracts have been in College Point,
he has also had important contracts in Flushing
and other parts of the county.
In Flushing Mr. Brick married Miss Catherine
Carroll, a native of Ireland, who died in College
Point in September, 1895. Their nine children
are named as follows: John, wdio is a carpenter;
Mary; Lizzie; William, a mason by occupation,
at this writing with his father; Katie; Edward,
Jr., a carpenter by trade; Ella, Agnes and Fannie.

JOHN HEPBURN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

811

The family residence, which was built by Mr.
Brick, stands in Fifteenth Street near Sixth Ave
nue. In religious views our subject is connected
with St. Fidelis' Catholic Church. Politically he
is a Democrat and has represented his party in
numerous local conventions, also serving on the
grand and petit jury at different times.

JOHN HEPBURN. As a citizen and sub
stantial business man no one stands higher
in his community than Mr. Hepburn. Since
he came to Flushing in 1870, he has been closely-
identified with the business interests of the vil
lage and has also been a prominent factor in the
development of its material resources, giving
liberally of time, means and thought to secure the
welfare of the people and promote every line of
activity. His place of business is located at No.
103 Main Street, where he keeps in stock a full
assortment of medicines and druggists' sundries.
In addition to the local trade he does considera
ble jobbing business, and employs six assistants
to aid him in clerical work and in the sales.
The success which has come to Mr. Hepburn
is largely due to qualities of thrift, honesty and
industry, inherited from a long line of Scotch
ancestors, who were of the Covenanter faith.
His father, William C, was born in Dumbarton,
Scotland, where he grew to manhood on the
home farm and learned the trade of a landscape
gardener. With the hope of securing more prof
itable employment, he came to America and set
tled in Pelham, near New Rochelle, Westchester
County, N. Y., where he had charge of the Pel-
ham Priory estate. He continued in that posi
tion until advancing years rendered it necessary
for him to give up active work, since which time
he has lived retired in Flushing. He is now
(1896) seventy-five years old, but is hale and
hearty for one of his age. In religious belief he
adheres to the faith of his forefathers and wor
ships with the Presbyterians. His wife, Mar
garet, was born in Inverary, Argyleshire, Scot
land, and died in New Jersey. She was a daugh
ter of John Macdonald, a mechanical engineer
and member of a family noted for skill in me
chanics. The parental family consisted of ten children,
and all but one of these are still living. John,
who is the eldest, was born in Cantire, Scotland,
June 8, 1849, and spent his early childhood prin
cipally in Argyleshire. In 1856, accompanying

other members of the. family, he took passage on
the sailing vessel "Java," which anchored in the
harbor of New York after a voyage of nearly
seven weeks. The family home was established
in Westchester County, and his studies were con
ducted in the high school of New Rochelle.
From an early age it was his desire to become
a pharmacist, and he availed himself of the first
favorable opening that presented itself, entering
the wholesale and 'retail pharmacy of Eimer &
Amend, on the corner of Eighteenth Street and
Third Avenue, New York. Later he entered the
employ of S. G. Welling of New Rochelle, and
when that gentleman opened a branch store in
Flushing in 1870, Mr. Hepburn came here to
take, charge of it. Two years later, with W. T.
James as a partner, he purchased the business,
the two continuing the connection until 1890,
since which time our subject has been the sole
proprietor. In this village occurred the marriage of Mr.
Hepburn and Miss Emma J., daughter of Sam
uel and Sarah (Hopcraft) Carpenter, the former
a native of England, but for many years a promi
nent business man of Flushing. Their three chil
dren are Claudine E., Alex M. and Kittie E.
(twins). As the candidate on the Citizens' ticket,
Mr. Hepburn was elected a member of the board
of village trustees in the fall of 1894 and on the
first day of the following year he took his seat
for a term of two years. At this writing he
serves as member of the police committee, and
chairman of the committees on printing, assess
ments, and wells and pumps.
All enterprises which have for their object the
good of the town or county always find in Mr.
Hepburn an advocate and friend, ready to give
them substantial aid. Among those who worked
for the success of the Electric Street Railroad, he
took a prominent part, and served as director un
til the road was completed and in running order,
when he disposed of his interest in the concern!
Aiding also in the organization of the Flushing
Electric Light & Power Company, he is still con
nected with that enterprise as a director. Fra
ternally he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and
Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M. For
twenty years he has been a deacon in the Re
formed Church and has rendered especially valu
able services while on the building committee.
For ten years Mr. Hepburn was connected
with the Seventeenth Separate Company, Na
tional Guard of New York, of which he was com-

8l2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

missioned second lieutenant by Governor Rob
inson and first lieutenant by Governor Cornell.
As an official member of the company, he was
active in all its affairs and took a leading part
in securing the erection of their fine armory. At
this writing he is treasurer of the ex-Members'
Association of the Seventeenth Separate Com
pany. He was a prominent factor in the organi
zation of the Business Men's Association, and is
now its vice-president. When at leisure, he finds
pleasure in sports and takes part in the plans
and workings of the Flushing Boat Club ; also the
Mercury Wheel Club of Flushing and the Flush
ing Fishing Club, whose clubhouse is on the
South Side. The Y. M. C. A. has from the first
had in him a firm friend, who in the capacity of
trustee has rendered efficient service. By elec
tion he is a member of the New York College of
Pharmacy, and since 1873 has been identified
with the American Pharmacists' Association. In
national affairs he always supports Republican
candidates, and during the Hayes campaign he
was treasurer of the Republican Club and an ac
tive worker for the success of the party's chosen
candidate.

WILLIAM M. VALENTINE is de
scended from good old Quaker stock
and is a substantial and reliable citizen,
one whose life has not been one of idleness. He
was born in the first house built in Glencove,
L. L, April 7, 1840, to John T. and Elizabeth
(Mudge) Valentine, and his boyhood days were
spent in the healthful occupations of the farm,
and in attending the district schools which were
conducted in the vicinity of his home. He re
mained with and assisted his father until he was
twenty-five years of age, when he formed a part
nership in the grocery- business with a Mr. Hege
man, but the calling proved distasteful to him
and he sold his interest and embarked in lumber
ing, his partner in this enterprise being Mr. Luys
ter. After continuing in this business a number
of years, in connection with his father-in-law,
Capt. Charles Post, he rented the Glencove Mills
and carried on an extensive business for many
years ; they finally -sold out, however.
Mr. Valentine is possessed of more than ordi
nary inventive genius and in addition to pursuing
his daily occupations gave much of his attention
to various inventions and has received patents
on three. The first was a dust pan which could

be used without stooping and for which he re
ceived a medal from the American Institute. On
this he has received a royalty from the Central
Stamping Company, since 1888.
Mr. Valentine has always been greatly inter
ested in horticulture and on his beautiful home
place of twenty-two acres he annually raises a
large amount of fruit. In 1872 he built his fine
home on the sound, which he called Cedar Knoll,
and to the beautifying of this place much of his
leisure time is given. Mr. Valentine is quite an
expert wood carver, which he does for pleasure
and not for gain.
Our subject was united in marriage with Miss
Emily T. Post, a daughter of Capt. Charles and
Maria A. (Townsend) Post, and to their marriage
two children have been given. Charles P. was
educated in the Polytechnic Institute of Brook
lyn, after having graduated from the Friends'
Academy; he is teller in the Glencove Bank. He
was married to Miss Annie Laurie, November
12, 1895, and she and her sister own the old
homestead of. Elias Hicks, where she was born.
The other child of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine is
Helen T., who was born in December, 1881. Mr.
Valentine is a birth-right member of the Society
of Friends, and politically has always been a Re
publican, although he has never been an official
aspirant. He served as general superintendent
of Queens County Agricultural Society five years.
In 1892 he was elected a member of the school
board, was made treasurer of the same in 1894
and in 1895 president.
Capt. Charles Post, father-in-law of Mr. Val
entine, was born at Westbury, L. I., May 30,
1818, his parents being James and Phoebe (Wil
lis) Post, the former of whom was also born on
Long Island and was a tiller of the soil by occu
pation. He was educated in private schools un
der the tutelage of the Society of Friends, to
which his ancestors belonged, and continued in
farm labor until he was twenty-one years old,
when he and Elias Lewis each borrowed $1,000
with which they built a store on the old Post
homestead and embarked in general merchandis
ing. A postoffice was soon established, of which
Mr. Post was made postmaster soon after the in
auguration of Martin Van Buren, and the old
building in which he first did business is still
standing and used for business purposes.
After continuing thus in business for a few
years Mr. Post sold out to his partner, and after
his marriage, when he was about twenty-four or

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5i3

twenty-five, he removed to Paterson, N. J., where
he established himself in the grocery business
with his brother-in-law. He remained there but
a short time, however, owing to the ill health of
his wife. Soon after he became captain of a
sailing vessel and made weekly trips from North
Roslyn to New York, carrying produce, but a
few years later he embarked in the grain and feed
business in New York City, and thither moved
his family. Five years later he returned to Ros
lyn and became part owner of a steamboat, and
in 1861 became captain of a vessel, which plied
between that place and New York, and stopped
at all the points of any importance along the
coast. In 1862 he began transporting troops to
the South for the government, but a few months
later his business called him home, and for some
fourteen years thereafter he was in the steam
boat business. In the meantime he had moved
to Glencove and since his retirement from steam-
boating he has been practically retired from the
active duties of life. He and his wife became the
parents of one child, who is the wife of Mr. Val
entine. Captain Post was originally a Democrat in his
political views and cast his first Presidential vote
for Martin Van Buren in 1840. Although he
has never sought office he has been highway
commissioner of the town of North Hempstead
about six years. He is also a birth-right member
of the Society of Friends. He has always been
a public-spirited man and was one of the found
ers of the Glencove Bank and is a director and
chairman of the executive committee. Mrs. Post
was an exceptionally intelligent and amiable
woman and after a happy married life died in De
cember, 1892.

NICHOLAS CONZET, JR., postmaster at
College Point, has spent his entire life in
this place, where he was born November
16, 1861. He is the son of Nicholas Conzet, Sr.,
a native of Germany, who came to America in
1854, and at once settled at College Point. At
that time there were very few houses here and
the population was small; he has been a witness
of the many improvements in the. village, and
has himself been an important factor in its
growth. By his marriage to Catharine Jung,
eight children were born, of whom five are living,
namely: Lena, Nicholas, of this sketch; Catha

rine, who lives in Paterson, N. J.; Matthew and
Elizabeth, who reside in College Point.
The first employment of our subject was in a
rubber factory, but the company failed and he
was obliged to seek work elsewhere. For four
years he was employed by the Enterprise Com
pany, and during that time gained a good idea
of the business, which he left to accept a position
in a rubber factory in Hoboken. Later he gave
up that position to accept the office of deputy
cattle inspector; serving ten months, or until the
appropriation was exhausted. His next position
was in the silk ribbon factory, where he remained
two years and learned the trade. Entering the
railroad business, he became the first motorman
on the electric road at College Point, continuing
in that capacity one year and two months.
One year was then spent in the ribbon works,
after which, March 1, 1894, Mr. Conzet was ap
pointed postmaster by President Cleveland. Pie
is an enterprising, affable and accommodating
official, and is popular, not only with members
of his own party — the Democratic — but also with
those of other opinions. Socially he is connected
with the Order of Foresters. His father's family
are identified with the Catholic Church. He is
a genial, companionable young man, and has a
host of warm friends among his acquaintances
in this part of the county.

JOHN BECKER, a highly esteemed citizen
of College Point, was born in Obernkirchen,
Prussia, Germany, February 23, 1843, and
is a member of an old Prussian family. His
grandfather, John Becker, was engaged in farm
pursuits in Obernkirchen throughout his entire
active life. The father, Jacob, did not, however,
choose a similar line of work, but learned the
trade of a carpenter and builder, which calling
he followed until his death. In the spring of
1854, having resolved to seek a home in the New
World, he took passage on a sailer at Havre,
which anchored in the harbor of New York twen
ty-eight days later. For one year he followed
the carpenter's trade in Brooklyn, but June 5,
1855, established his home in College Point, which
remained his place of residence as long as he
lived. Being prospered in carpentry, he deter
mined to begin contracting and accordingly in
1866 began that line of work, in which he met
with success. His death occurred in July, 1879,
when he was almost seventy years old. In relig-

814

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ious faith he was a Catholic. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Margaret Thil, was born in
Prussia and died in College Point at the age of
eighty. Of the parental family five children attained
maturity, and four are now living, namely:
Frank, a resident of College Point; Jacob and
John, wdio comprise the firm of Becker Brothers ;
and Nicholas, a police officer in New York City.
Our subject spent the first eleven years of his life
in Germany, and after coming 'to this country
was a student in the public schools of Brooklyn.
At the age of fourteen he began to work in the
Enterprise rubber factory, being employed in
the soft rubber department. About 1867 he re
signed his position in order to work at the car
penter's trade, forming a partnership with his
father and brother Jacob as Becker & Sons. On
the death of the father the title was changed to
Becker Brothers. The firm had the contract for
St. Fidelis' Catholic Church, the finest building
in College Point; also the contracts for the con
vent and parochial school, Funke's factory and
residence, and a great many private houses.
In High Street, on a convenient location, Mr.
Becker erected a residence for his family, and
attached to it he has a greenhouse. He was united
in marriage, at College Point, with Miss Mary
Rheinhardt, who was born in Brooklyn. They
are the parents of nine children, all of whom are
at home, and named as follows: Caroline; John,
Jr., and Nicholas, who are carpenters in the em
ploy of their father; George, a silk weaver; An
nie, Dena, Lizzie, Rosa and Joseph. The Dem
ocratic party has in Mr. Becker a firm friend and
ally, and he frequently attends local conventions.
For one year he held the office of marshal, but
refused to accept it for a longer time. He belongs
to St. Fidelis' Catholic Church and Society and
the Steube Kosse. For twenty-nine years he was
a member of the Union Engine Company (now
Union Hose Company No. 1), and was its fore
man for some years.

CARL LANKOW, one of the progressive
citizens of Astoria, has been successfully
engaged in the manufacture of cigars
since 1873. He was born in. 1836 in Mecklem-
burg, Germany, which was the birthplace of his
parents, Henry and Louisa (Sasz) Lankow. They
were both zealous members of the Lutheran
Church and are now deceased.

The parental family included fourteen children,
of whom six are now living, three of this num
ber making their home in the United States. Carl,
of this history, was reared on the farm which his
father owned, and, as was the custom in his na
tive land, attended school until a lad of fourteen
years. Thus early in life he began to make his
own way and was apprenticed to a cigarmaker
in Schwerin. After serving three years he was
pronounced an expert workman and continued
to be thus engaged in that place until he attained
his majority. Two years later, however, he went
to Hamburg, where he worked at his trade for
several years.
July 31, 1863, young Lankow determined to
try his fortunes in America and accordingly en
gaged passage on the sailing vessel "Bertha,"
which was landed in due time in New York. Mr.
Lankow could not immediately find work at his
trade, and as he was about out of money, he was
variously employed for one year. After that he
worked at his trade for others until 1873, when
he embarked in business for himself in Astoria.
With the exception of one year he has since
been located at No. 91 Fulton Street, where he
purchased a three-story building, 25x100 feet in
dimensions. As his business did not occupy his
entire time and attention he opened a boarding
house in the upper portion of the building, and
this is now managed by his son, Paul, who also
runs a retail cigar store. Our subject attends
to the factory and is doing a large wholesale and
retail business. He manufactures the "Sports,"
a five-cent cigar, and the "Schuetzen," sold for ten
cents. He is the owner of four residences built
in a row in Mark Place and is one of the promi
nent business men of the city. In all his dealings
he has been honest and upright and has thus
earned and gained the respect and esteem of his
neighbors and friends.
The marriage of Carl Lankow and Miss Mary
Freiershausen occurred in New York City in
1 865. She was born in Hanover, and was the daugh
ter of John and granddaughter of John Freiers
hausen, farmers by occupation, who came of an
old and respected German family. The mother of
Mrs. Lankow was before her marriage known as
Dora Steinfort. The family are Lutherans in
religion. To our subject and his excellent wife were born
eight children, of whom only four are now liv
ing. Ernest F. holds a position with the Birk-
beck Company of New York City, and resides in

D. L. VAN NOSTRAND.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

817

Greenpoint; Charles makes his home in Astoria;
Paul runs the boarding house and cigar store
we have referred to above, and Delaware is still
at home with his parents.
Mr. Lankow is very much interested in the
welfare of his community and for two years was
a member of the board of excise. He is a stanch
Republican in politics, and besides being general
committeeman has been a delegate to state con
ventions. He is a true Christian gentleman and
for some time was an official member of the Ger
man Second Reformed Church of Long Island
City.

DAVID L. VAN NOSTRAND, one of the
leading citizens of Little Neck, is a man
who combines energy and industry with
excellent judgment, which traits have brought
great success to his efforts and labors. He is the
proprietor of a coal yard in this place and also
deals extensively in fertilizers and agricultural
implements, besides owning a prosperous feed
store. He is in much demand throughout the
community as an auctioneer, and as a business
man he ranks among the foremost.
August 30, 1 85 1, Mr. Van Nostrand was born
in this place, his parents being Albert and Har
riet (Williams) Van Nostrand. The parental fam
ily included seven children, of whom one is de
ceased. In 1819 the father was also born at Lit
tle Neck, and on attaining years of maturity he
adopted the vocation of a farmer, in which he was
very successful. In business affairs he was well
known and the influence of his noble life will long
be remembered by those with whom he came in
contact. He was very popular in the commun
ity and for some fifteen years held the office of
¦town trustee. A worthy member of the Re
formed Church of Manhasset, he was for many
years deacon and elder of his congregation, hold
ing the latter office at the time of his demise,
which occurred in 1894.
The subject of this sketch attended the public
schools from the age of six to seventeen years,
when he began his career as clerk in a grocery
at Mineola. During the three years of his stay
there he learned the rudiments of success in busi
ness, which in after years were of great value to
him. At the end of the three years he returned
to Little Neck and for one year was employed as
clerk in one of the grocery stores of this place.
He then embarked in business in this line for him-
33

self and for two years stood at the head of
successful grocers in this place. After dis
posing of his stock of goods he opened
a coal yard, which proved successful from the
first, and about one year ago he opened a branch
yard, his interests in this line having increased to
such extensive proportions that this move was
necessary. By honesty and fair dealing he has
gained a splendid patronage and is numbered
among the wealthy residents of Little Neck. His
feed store has also netted him a good income and
about ten years ago he became agent for fertil
izers. In the year 1880 Mr. Van Nostrand was elect
ed to the office of justice of the peace on the
Democratic ticket and so well and faithfully did
he discharge the duties of this position that he
was retained in this capacity for nine years. In
1889 he was the nominee of his party for super
visor and his popularity was such that he was
elected by a handsome majority. He is now serv
ing his fifth successive term in that office, and his
second term as president of the board.
The utmost confidence is reposed in Mr. Van
Nostrand' s ability and honesty as a business man,
and on the death of Albert Benz, he was made ex
ecutor of his valuable estate. He is also assignee
of the livery business of G. B. Mickle. Socially
he is a member of Cornucopia Lodge, F & A.
M., of Flushing, and takes great pleasure in the
meetings of the Niantic Club of that place, with
wdiich he is also connected. In religious affairs
he is a devoted member of the Reformed Church.
The lady to whom our subject was married in
1883 was Miss Mary E., daughter of Luke Fleet
of Mineola. To them has been born a daughter,
Viola, who is now eleven years of age. Few men
in this community are better known or more
highly respected than Mr. Van Nostrand.

FRANK WILEY, superintendent and direc
tor of the Norton Can Company, of White
stone, was born in Macomb, 111., August
23, 1859, being a son of Thomas and Mary
(Treudley) Wiley. His boyhood days were spent
in his native place, and after the death of his
father, a machinist, which occurred when he was
twelve years of age, he was obliged to make his
own way in the world. Coming East with his
mother, he spent more than a year in this part
of the country, and upon his return to Macomb
he began to learn the tinsmith's trade, at which

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he served an apprenticeship of three years. On
concluding his term of service, he continued to
work in the same shop for eighteen months,
after which he went to Chicago and took a posi
tion with Norton Brothers, manufacturers of cans.
The efficiency of the young workman was soon
recognized, and from the bench Mr. Wiley was
promoted to be foreman. In' 1890 he came to
Whitestone and has since been superintendent' of
the works here, managing his responsible duties
in a manner highly satisfactory to the members
of the company. He is also a stockholder and
director of the company. While in Chicago he
was united in marriage, December 28, 1882, with
Miss Katie E. Potter, of Sandwich, III, daughter
of Theron and Sarah (Bacon) Potter. Mrs. Wiley
was born in Sandwich, and there attended the
public schools, receiving a good education and
making that village her home until the time of
her marriage.
The first presidential ballot cast by our subject
was in support of James A. Garfield, in 1880, and
from that time to this he has been a loyal, en
thusiastic Republican, always firm in his allegi
ance to party principles. At different times he
has represented his party as delegate to local con
ventions, but is not a politician in the ordinary
usage of that word, preferring to give his time
and energies to his business matters. Fraternally
he is connected with Anchor Lodge No. 729, F.
& A. M., at College Point, in which he is a lead
ing worker.

HON. RICHARD C. McCORMICK, M. C,
known and honored as one of the promi
nent men of Long Island, has a fame that
is not merely local, but national as well. His
talents, ripened by travel and study, his political
experience, his well tried patriotism and his faith
ful service while occupying the many important
trusts committed to his care, prove him to be a
man eminently worthy of his present distin
guished position.
The life which this article sketches began in
New York City May 23, 1832. There, under the
careful training of his parents, Richard C. aiid
Sarah M. McCormick, and of the best instructors
in private institutions of learning, the boy grew
to manhood, fitted by natural gifts and educa
tion to sustain his part in the battle of life. He
first came to Queens County in 1850 as a visitor
in his father's summer cottage at Woodhaven,

and a few years afterward he established his home
in Jamaica, where he now resides. In 1854-55 he
traveled extensively in Europe, spending some
weeks in the camps of the allied forces before
Sebastopol, from which place he wrote letters
that were published in the New York papers and
subsequently in book form.
Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Mc
Cormick entered business in New York with
his father. Having a taste for journalism, in i860
he became a member of the staff of the "New
York Evening Post," and as its special corre
spondent during the first and second years of the
Civil War, he was stationed at Washington and
with the Army of the Potomac. In 1862, in a
Republican convention presided over by ex-
Governor John A. King, he was nominated to
represent the Long Island District in Congress.
His competitor for the nomination was George
William Curtis, who, with Horace Greeley and
other prominent men, supported him in the cam
paign. He ran considerably ahead of his ticket
in the district, which then included Queens, Suf
folk and Richmond Counties. In 1863 he was
appointed secretary of Arizona by President Lin
coln, and in that territory it is a saying to this
day that Richard C. McCormick was the best
governor they ever had, for to this position he
was appointed by President Johnson in 1866, at
the request of William H. Seward and others. He
was active in the development and defense, of
the southwestern frontier. In 1869 he was elected
to represent the territory in Congress and was
twice re-elected, the last time without opposi
tion. During his service of six years his record
was so praiseworthy that James G. Blaine, who
was Speaker of the House for the same period,
states in his "Twenty Years in Congress" that
"In Congress Richard C. McCormicK became
distinguished for the zeal and ability with which
he guarded the interests of his constituents."
While in Congress he was appointed United
States centennial commissioner by President
Grant, and for several years spent much of his
time in Philadelphia, where he rendered import
ant service in connection with the Centennial
Exhibition. President Hayes, in 1877, tendered Mr. Mc
Cormick the appointment of minister to Brazil,
but this honor he declined. In the same year he
was appointed assistant secretary of the United
States treasury, at the request of the secretary,
Plon. John Sherman. Upon his resignation a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

819

year later the "Washington Post," a Democratic
journal, paid him this tribute: "The retirement of
Hon. R. C. McCormick from the assistant secre
taryship of the treasury, while it deprives the pub
lic of as efficient an officer as ever filled any po
sition, is a matter of peculiar personal regret to
ourselves and to the entire guild of journalism.
We choose to speak of Mr. McCormick as a gen
tleman, and, independently of political considera
tions, to say of him that there is no position in the
gift of the administration which he is not quali
fied to honor. He is a conspicuous exception
to the rule of men whom a little brief author
ity puffs up. He is the same unobtrusive, af
fable gentleman in office and out of it; and he
was as entirely non-partisan in the administra
tion of treasury affairs as he was devoted to his
party when secretary of its national committee."
Two weeks after resigning the assistant secre
taryship of the treasury, Mr. McCormick was ap
pointed commissioner general to the Universal
Exposition in Paris by the President and con
firmed on the same day by the Senate. So ju
dicious was he in the management of the financial
part of the work that he returned to the govern
ment an unexpended balance of' $10,000, from
the Congressional appropriation. His service
continued until the close of the exposition, and
received the commendation of the United States
government and he was decorated by the French
Republic. In recognition of his efficient services in Paris,
Mr. McCormick was offered the Mexican mis
sion, but declined the post. In 1881 he returned
to the family homestead at Jamaica, where he
has since resided. Taking a lively interest in
local affairs, he served as president of the board
of education from 1884 until 1889, and later be
came the first president of the board of managers
of the State Normal School. In 1886 he was
nominated for Congress against Hon. Perry Bel
mont, whose majority of 4,000 in 1884 he re
duced to less than one thousand, including Rich
mond County, and to less than two hundred in
the present Congressional district of Queens and
Suffolk Counties. This was regarded by both
parties as a remarkable run, reflecting much
credit upon Mr. McCormick. It was, however,
surpassed by the election in the fall of 1894, when
he was chosen to Congress by a majority of six
thousand, a record never before gained by any
Republican candidate in the district. This over
whelming majority proves, .better than words

could do, Mr. McCormick's popularity with the
people and the esteem in which he is held by
all, irrespective of political affiliations. This pop
ularity has not been a mere ephemeral growth,
but has steadily increased throughout the long
period of his public service.
In 1865 Mr. McCormick married Margaret,
daughter of Isaac L. Hunt, Esq., of Rahway, N.
J. She died at Prescott, Ariz., in 1867. In 1873,
at Washington, D. C, he married Elizabeth,
youngest daughter of Hon. Allen G. Thurman,
United States Senator from Ohio.
As a citizen Mr. McCormick has proved him
self public-spirited and patriotic, ardent in his
support of our free institutions and generous in
the aid which he has given to all enterprises hav
ing for their object the moral and material wel
fare of the community, state and nation. While
engrossed by public duties, he has retained a
fondness for social enjoyments, to which he
brings a genial disposition and an unusually var
ied information gained by reading, travel and
a wide acquaintance. The lineaments of his char
acter are marked and clear. Nature endowed him
•with an acute understanding, lively sensibility,
executive energy and thoughtful judgment.
Nothing in his life is artificial or pretentious, and
his influence in Congress and as the incumbent
of other official positions has not been the result
of "luck" or "chance," but rather through the
exercise of inherent qualities of mind and heart.
His personal character is above reproach, and is
notable alike for public virtue and private integ
rity.

ALOIS LAUX, a well-to-do and respected
citizen of Astoria, is manager of Sohmer
& Co.'s piano factory, which is located in
Long Island City. He has been a resident of
this section for the past twenty-five years and has
followed his present occupation during the great
er part of that time.
Mr. Laux was born in Rheinpfalz, Germany,
in 1849. His father, Henry Laux, was also a
native of that place and there followed the occu
pation of cab maker until i862,w-henhe emigrated
to America with his family. On landing in New
York City he readily obtained employment at his
trade and continued to make his home in the
metropolis until he was ready to retire. He then
came to Astoria and lived with our subject until
his decease. His wife was Barbara Breinig, also

820

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a native of the Fatherland. They became the
parents of seven sons and one daughter, whom
they reared to occupy good and useful positions
in life.
Alois, of this sketch, was educated in the model
schools' of his native land, and for a few weeks
after coming to America he attended school in
New York City in order that he might the more
readily speak the English language. When ready
to start out in life for himself he was apprenticed
to a jeweler to learn the trade, and on mastering
the business was given a position with Smith &
Hedges, prominent jewelers of the city, with
whom he remained for a period of eighteen years.
In 1887, however, he resigned in order that he
might become the manager of the piano factory
of Sohmer & Co. He has made the manufacture
of pianos a study since entering the employ of
the present company and is now one of the most
experienced in this line in the east. He is doubly
interested in the business, since his only sister
became the wife of Mr. Sohmer.
About the year 1870 Mr. Laux took up his
residence in Long Island City. Genial manners
and strict integrity of purpose are traits of char
acter which have made Mr. Laux very popular
in the community. His judgment is excellent
and he possesses a large amount of mechanical
genius,, which has aided him greatly in attaining
his present high standing in the community.
Mr. Laux and Miss Sophia Leonard were mar
ried in Astoria in 1887. The latter, who was born
in New York City, was the daughter of F. W.
Leonard, a respected resident of the metropolis.
Mr. and Mrs. Laux have a son and daughter,
Hugo and Tillie. Our subject takes great pleas
ure in meeting with the Astoria Mannerchor,
of which he is a member. He was one of the or
ganizers of the Frohsinn and for many years was
president of this society. In national affairs he
is an ardent Republican, but during local elec
tions votes for the man regardless of party lines.

HENRY A. VAN ALLEN came to Jamaica
at the age of sixteen years and has since
become an influential citizen of this village,
bearing a worthy part in the battle of life as a
private individual and serving with ability in po
sitions of trust and responsibility. He is one of
the number before whom discouragements flee
and who surmount obstacles that lie in their way
without letting the world into the secret of their

existence. He has therefore gained a compe
tency where many would have failed and has
pushed to a successful conclusion affairs that in
other hands would have resulted far differently.
In the achievement of financial success Mr.
Van Allen has been unassisted, and what he has
and what he is may be attributed to his own perse
verance and determination. He was born in
Brooklyn, N. Y., March 19, 1841. At the age
of seven he was orphaned by his father's death
and soon afterward he began the struggle for a
livelihood. When sixteen, he came to Jamaica
and secured work on a farm, receiving his board
in exchange for his services. Three years later
he took a piece of land to cultivate on shares, in
which way he was engaged several years. He
was very frugal in his expenditures and saved
his earnings until he was enabled to purchase a
place on the old South Road. There he engaged
in preserving fruit, which he put into glass jars,
being one of the first to adopt this plan. In it he
was successful and accumulated considerable
money. The next enterprise in which Mr. Van Allen
embarked was that of supplying the Long Island
Railroad with ties, and in this, too, he was pros
pered. The profits were invested in real estate,
which, increasing in value, enabled him to rea
lize largely from the investments. He still con
tinues the railroad tie business, in addition to
which he has also been an extensive dealer in
hard lumber and in fertilizers. Wealth has come
to him as the result of his judicious management,
and for years he has had a large bank account, at
one time drawing his check for $30,000.
Mr. Van Allen has been called upon to fill va
rious official positions and has honored every
position which he has filled,, by proving capable,
faithful and eminently trustworthy. For twelve
years he has been a member of the village board,
and in this capacity he has labored for the welfare
of the people, fearlessly opposing every measure
which he believes will be detrimental to their in
terests. He never hesitates to express his opin
ion on any subject, no matter what the opposi
tion may be. In the Queens County Agricul
tural Society, of which he is a life member, he
takes an active interest.
By his marriage to Catherine Tasker, a native
of Jamaica, Mr. Van Allen has a son and daugh
ter. The latter, Emma, is the wife of George
Roeckel, a merchant at Foster's Meadow, Queens
County, and also a partner with his father-in-law

ALFRED W. PRATT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

823

in the fertilizer business. The son, S. M., early
displayed the aptitude for business which is a
family characteristic; at the age of seventeen he
began in the coal business and has built up a
large trade and won a flattering degree of success.
He married Miss Gussie, daughter of Dr. Bell, of
Jamaica.

ALFRED W. PRATT. To the one who ap
plies himself diligently and tirelessly to
any branch of business, success will al
most invariably come. Die life of Mr. Pratt of
Flushing furnishes no exception to this rule.
Though beginning without capital, he has been
enabled, through industrious and judicious effort,
to accumulate a handsome competency, and since
1894 has lived retired from active business enter
prises, retaining, however, his interest in the
works with which his name has long been con
nected. Born in Watertown, near Boston, Mass., in
1833, the subject of this sketch is a son of Asa
and Eliza (Stone) Pratt, both natives of Massa
chusetts and of English descent. The father, who
was a man of integrity, inherited from his Revo
lutionary ancestors a patriotic spirit that charac
terized him throughout his entire life; he was a
public-spirited citizen and a hard-working man,
his trade being that of a cabinet-maker. Of his
eleven children, only five are living, our subject
being the next to the oldest. He passed his
childhood years in Watertown, Mass., where he
attended the public schools, and where, under his
father's instruction, he worked at the cabinet
maker's trade. In 1856 he went to New York
City, and took a position with C. T. Reynolds &
Co., No. 108 Fulton Street, the oldest house of
the kind in the metropolis. His efficiency led to
his promotion to the position of superintendent
of the works, in which capacity he was employed
until 1867.
Meantime having gained a thorough knowl
edge of the manufacture of paints and varnishes,
Mr. Pratt resolved to start in business for him
self. Accordingly, in 1867, he built his varnish
works in Fifth Street, Long Island City, later re
moving to Fourth Street, where he secured more
commodious quarters, having a frontage of one
hundred and fifty feet. Two years were spent
alone, after which he took in a partner and the
firm name became Pratt & Lambert. The con
cern was incorporated with Charles Pratt, a

brother of our subject, as president, while he
filled the position of superintendent. It was
largely due to his efforts that they established the
largest varnish works in Long Island City, and
although he retired from active business in 1894,
he is still financially interested in the Pratt &
Lambert Manufacturing Company. He invent
ed and patented the celebrated Pratt's Patent
Liquid Dryer, which is still manufactured exten
sively in the works. In addition to the plant in
Long Island City, the firm has a branch factory
in Chicago and two in Long Island City, and at
one time had a factory in Newark, N. J., but this
has been discontinued. The volume of business
is very large, and the sales aggregate an amount
equal to those of any other similar concern, the
superior quality of the products having secured a
national reputation for the firm.
After establishing his plant in Long Island
City, Mr. Pratt selected Flushing as his place of
residence and here he has remained since 1868.
He was married in Boston to Miss Sarah Hills,
who was born in that city, and they became the
parents of six children, all but two of whom are
living. Politically he was originally a Whig, and
on the organization of the Republican party he
became identified with it and has since been a
stanch supporter of its principles. Fraternally
he is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563,
F. & A. M. While in his youth he had only a
common-school education, yet, with his strong
mind and great love for reading, he keeps him
self thoroughly posted on the events of the day,
and can always speak intelligently- upon ques
tions of a public nature.

DANIEL McCARTHY, who is engaged in
the grocery business at No. 78 Fifth
Street, Long Island City, was born in
Ababologue Parish, County Cork, Ireland, in
1857. His father, who, though bearing the name
of Eugene, was usually called Owen, engaged in
farming pursuits throughout his entire active life,
but in his old age lived retired from business
cares. He died in 1890 at the age of ninety years.
One of his brothers, Daniel, settled in Long Is
land City about 1863 and some years afterward
opened a grocery store, which he conducted until
his death in 1891.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Mary Sullivan and was born in the par
ish of Ababologue, County Cork, Ireland. Now

824

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ninety-two years of age (1896), she makes her
home at the old place in Donoughmore, and is in
fair health considering her advanced age. Her
family consisted of three sons and three daugh
ters, but the daughters are all deceased, and of
the sons, Daniel, who is the youngest, is the only
one in the United States.
In his boyhood our subject attended the na
tional schools of Ireland, but his studies were dis
continued at the age of seventeen, when he began
to do for himself. He remained at home the most
of the time until he was nearly twenty-four, and
then, in 1881, he took passage at Queenstown
April 13 and landed in New York April 22. From
New York he came direct to Long Island City,
and for the four and one-half years following he
was in the employ of the Warren Chemical Com
pany. Later he took charge of his uncle's gro
cery store, to the possession of which he suc
ceeded at the death of the owner. He is carrying-
on a general trade in staple and fancy groceries,
together with such other articles as are to be
found in a first-class store of this kind. He owns
the three-story building at No. 78 Fifth Street,
and also owns Nos. 70-72 Fifth Street.
Since coming to this country Mr. McCarthy
has aimed to become familiar with the institutions
of the government and has manifested the deepest
loyalty to his adopted home, though by no means
forgetting the land of his birth. Politically he
supports the platform of the Democratic party.
He is a Catholic in religious belief, trained in
that faith from boyhood, and now holds member
ship in St. Mary's Church. His wife, formerly
Miss Maggie Mahon, is a daughter of John Ma-
hon, an old settler of Pittston, Pa, where she
was born, reared and married.

NICHOLAS LOTT, a retired farmer of the
town of Jamaica, was born October 26,
1844, on the old homestead, which is but a
short distance from his present comfortable
home, which is located on the plank road. His
father, Stephen N. Lott, who was also born on
the old place, July 20, 1820, was an only child
and upon attaining mature years adopted the call
ing of a farmer for his life work. He was a prom
inent member of the Dutch Reformed Church
and was a teacher and assistant superintendent
in the Sunday-school for many years. He was
likewise one of the deacons of his congregation
The great-grandfather of our subject, also

named Nicholas, was born August 9, 1779, and
was a soldier during the War of 1812. When
ready to establish a home of his own he was mar
ried to Adrianna Snediker, whose birth occurred
July 27, 1794. Nicholas Lott, Sr, departed this
life July 16, 1828, while his good wife survived
him until July 13, 1836. The Lott family were
the original settlers of Flatbush and New Lots.
The father of our subject was married De
cember 13, 1843, to Miss Cornelia Vanderveer,
daughter of Charles and Maria (Van Siclen)
Vanderveer. The mother died February 20, 1854,
and of those beside our subject we mention the
following facts: Charles V, born October 19,
1846, is spoken of elsewhere in this volume; Maria
Gertrude married H. J. Stockpole, who is now de
ceased, and she makes her home in Jamaica; Ad
rianna married Peter Rapalje and at the time of
her demise left a family of four children, who are
now living with their father in New Lots. Ste
phen N. Lott was a second time married, the cere
mony which united him with Phebe Johnson
being performed October 31, 1856. This lady
was the daughter of George and Maria (Lott)
Johnson, and was his second cousin.
Nicholas, of this history, followed farming on
the old homestead until the property became so
valuable that it was divided into city lots and
sold. He now owns and occupies two acres ad
joining the place of his brother Charles, where
he is leading a quiet life retired from business of
any kind. He was married September 5, 1866,
to Miss Elizabeth B. Gilbert, who was born in
Hamilton, Canada West. She was the daughter
of George Gilbert, whose birth occurred in Lei
cestershire, England, which was also the birth
place of her mother, Elizabeth Bellema. After
coming to America, Mr. Gilbert located at Flat
bush, Brooklyn, where he embarked in the hard
ware business, making a success of this venture
from the first. He still makes his home in the
City of Churches. His good wife departed this
life about 1845.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lott there were born nine
children, of whom one is deceased. George Gilbert
makes his home at Woodhaven; he is the father
of two children, George and Elizabeth Mary.
Phebe Ella Lott married Aaron T. Hall, who is
engaged in the milk business and makes his home
in Brooklyn; his family includes Allen H, Eliza
beth B. and Russell S. Emma Gilbert became
the wife of Herbert Truman, an electrician of
New York. Maria Gertrude became the wife of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

825

Wilbur B. White of Orange, N. J.; Stephen N,
Eliza Jane, Ethel Adrianna and Florence Edna
are all at home with their parents.
The home of our subject and his wife is one of
the most pleasant in the town of Jamaica. Among
its furnishings the writer noticed an old-fashioned
clock, and upon making inquiry was told that it
had been in the family for one hundred and seven
ty-five years and was a good time-keeper. Mr.
and Mrs. Lott are members in excellent standing
and active workers in the Reformed Church.

JOSEPH GEISER, who represents the
fifth ward of Long Island City upon the
board of aldermen, is one of the enterpris
ing young business men of Steinway, where for
some time he has been engaged as a contractor
and builder. During the busy season of 1895
he gave employment to fifty men, a record which
he will equal and perhaps outrival in 1896.
Among the substantial residences of the place
are many for which he held the contract and
which in accuracy of finish and elegance of de
sign reflect the highest credit upon his ability in
his chosen occupation.
The parents of our subject were Anton and
Mary (Schetzen) Geiser, of whom the former,
for some years engaged in business in New York
City, removed in 1869 to Astoria, where he es
tablished his home in Debevoise Avenue. He
carried on business here, and also retained to
some extent his interests in New York City, until
his death in 1877. His widow is still living on
the old homestead in Astoria. They were the
parents of six children, who attained manhood
and womanhood, and of these four are still liv
ing — Joseph being the youngest of the family.
Born in New York City in 1861, the subject
of this notice spent the first eight years of his life
in the metropolis. In 1869 he was brought by
his parents to Astoria, Long Island City, and for
some time afterward was a student in the Fourth
Ward school. At the age of fourteen he became
an employe in the veneer mill of William H. Wil
liams, where he remained about five years. He
then went to New York, where for three years he
followed his father's occupation of a framer. Hav
ing gained a thorough business experience, he
felt that the time had come to embark in an in
dependent enterprise, and with this purpose in
view, he began as a contractor and framer, later
taking up the work of a builder. In 1895 he

built the grand pier and bathing house at North
Beach for Steinway; also Mr. Marfilius' residence
on Shore Road, as well as many other houses.
His shop is situated at No. 835 Albert Street,
while his residence adjoins at No. 837.
The family of Mr. Geiser consists of his wife
and three children, Katie, James and William.
He was married in New York City to Miss
Sophia Weisenstein, daughter of George Weisen-
stein, a butcher of Astoria, where she was born.
Politically Mr. Geiser is a Jeffersonian Democrat
and has represented his party in ward, city and
county conventions. He has been on the gen
eral committee from the fifth ward and also on
the ward committee. In the fall of 1893 he was
elected game constable for Long Island City
and served from January, 1894, until January,
1896. In the fall of 1895 he was elected alder
man from the fifth ward and took his seat on
the board January 1, 1896. Socially he is con
nected with the Order of Chosen Friends. His
integrity and industrious habits have gained the
confidence of the people, while his social quali
ties have brought him many friends.

JOHN B. M'cCOOK, town clerk of Jamaica,
was born in the city of New York Septem
ber 5, 1858. The family of which he is a
member originated in Ireland, and was for many
successive generations very prominent through
out the northern part of that country. The vil
lage of Cookstown in County Tyrone was named
after one of its most influential representatives.
Another of the family was Major-General Mc-
Cook (a second cousin of our subject), the great
Indian fighter, whose history is familiar to every
one in the United States.
Alexander McCook, our subject's father, was
born in Cookstown, and there spent the years of
his boyhood and youth. In 1848 he crossed the
Atlantic and settled in New York, where for many
years he carried on business. For fourteen years
he was a member of the Ninth Regiment New
York militia and enlisted for service in the Re
bellion, in which conflict his brother, James, was
killed. His death occurred at his home in Har
lem in 1 89 1. The lady whom he married bore the
maiden name of Rebecca Boyd and is a native of
New York City; she is now living in Harlem.
Of their twelve children eight are still living.
Educated in the common schools of New York
City, our subject at an early age assisted his

826

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

father in the management of his cracker business,
and later took a position with a large silk manu
facturing house in New York, where he remained
for fourteen years. When the firm failed in busi
ness he turned his attention to other lines of
activity. Going to Woodhaven, he engaged in
the real estate and insurance business, which he
followed exclusively until his election to the of
fice of town clerk in the spring of 1894. He still
gives some attention to business, combining it
with his official duties.
Of a genial, social nature, Mr. McCook holds
membership in various fraternal clubs and or
ganizations. In his political belief he is an ardent
champion of Republican principles, which he
never fails to support at the polls. He still makes
his home at Woodhaven, though his official duties
demand his almost daily presence in Jamaica.
December 2, 1879, he was united in marriage
with Miss Ada, daughter of John Berchiell, for
merly superintendent of the Harlem Railroad.
Two children bless their union, John B. and Ken
neth G. A public-spirited citizen, Mr. McCook
is respected for his kindness to his fellow-men,
and his honest dealings with all business brings
him into contact with as well as his generous
and manly attributes as a neighbor and friend.

ISAAC MURRAY. This worthy and influen
tial citizen is descended from one of the old
and prominent families on the island. He is
a native of Springfield, Queens County, born
December 19, 1838, and was one of ten children
born to Daniel and Mary (Hendrickson) Murray.
Five of these children now survive, viz: Daniel,
Isaac, Henry; Lettie, now the wife of Theodore
Pettit; and Amy, wife of George Stevens. Daniel
Murray, the father of our subject, was a native
of Foster's Meadow (now Elmont), born about
1805, and the son of Daniel Murray, Sr. During
his youthful days he followed the sea for a few
years, but finally settled down to farming near
Springfield, where he spent the remainder of his
days, his death occurring in 1890.
Isaac Murray passed his early life in active
duties on the farm and in attending the common
schools, and remained under the parental roof
until the time of his marriage. After his union
with Miss Mary E. Bayles, in i860, he purchased
his present property of his father, and soon after
located on it. On this tract of land he has re
sided for the past thirty-five years and has made

many and vast improvements, for he has ever
been industrious and persevering. Mrs. Murray
was the daughter of William and Mary (Carpen
ter) Bayles, well-known and prominent citizens
of this section.
Mr. and Mrs. Murray have had born to their
marriage eight children, six of whom now sur-
vice: Alice L. is the first of this number; John
H, a prominent farmer of Springfield, is mar
ried and has three bright children; Irving W. is
next; George S, also farming near Springfield,
is married and has an interesting little child; Wil
liam J. and Jennie M. complete the list, the lat
ter being the wife of R. D. Lamberson, and the
mother of three children. In his politics Mr.
Murray is a Republican and is one of the well
known men of the county.

GODFREY L. MICHON, A. B, M. D.
Among the number of skilled physicians
of Long Island is Dr. Godfrey L. Michon
of Astoria, Long Island City, who was born in
the province of Quebec, Canada, in 1863, while
his mother was visiting there. His father, Peter
Michon, was also born there and was descended
from a fine old French family. He was a mechan
ic in iron and a machinist of more than ordinary
ability. About 1854 he located in Troy, N. Y,
where he and his wife, whose maiden name was
Cleopha Picard, lived until their death. The lat
ter was also a Canadian by birth. They have
seven children living, all of whom were born in
the state of New York, with the exception of the
subject of this sketch, who was the third of the
family in order of birth.
Dr. Michon was reared in Troy, and until he
was twelve years of age attended the public
schools of that place. He was then placed in La
val University, Quebec, and from this well-con
ducted institution of learning was graduated in
1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Soon
after finishing his literary course he began the
study of medicine, and after a thorough course
he was graduated from the medical department
of the University of the City of New York in 1887
as an M. D. He at once located in Yorkville, a
suburb of New York, where he successfully prac
ticed his profession until January, 1895, when
Astoria became his field of action. Although his
professional career here has been very short, he
is already winning golden opinions as a capable,
skilled and conscientious practitioner, and it is

EDGAR DAVIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

829

a foregone conclusion that he will rise to emi
nence in his profession. He is a general practi
tioner, but makes a specialty of lung and throat
diseases and in his treatment ofthe cases that have
come under his care he has shown that he is re
markably competent and well posted. He has
had considerable experience in contagious dis
eases and was physician in Riverside Hospital on
North Brother Island, where for one year he at
tended many cases of typhus fever, smallpox,
scarlet fever and diphtheretical cases, and thor
oughly understands all their symptoms and treat
ment. This position was a very dangerous as
well as a trying one.
In New York Dr. Michon was married to Miss
Mary Fallon, a native of this state, and they had
one child, Godfrey, who died in 1894 at the age
of two years. The Doctor is a member of several
medical societies, is popular with his brother
practitioners, and without doubt has a bright fu
ture.

EDGAR DAVIS, who comes of sturdy Eng
lish stock, has inherited many of the most
worthy traits of that people. He was born
in the village of Jericho, December 27, 1838, a
son of Samuel J. and Mary (Seaman) Davis, the
latter being a daughter of Isaac Seaman, a mem
ber of an old and prominent family of Queens
County. The paternal grandfather, who was born
on Long Island, was engaged in farming, and al
though he spent the most of his life in Oyster
Bay, his last days were spent on his farm. In his
family were three sons and three daughters, of
whom Samuel J. was the second in order of birth.
He was reared on the old homestead, received a
common-school education and in early life
learned the mason's trade, at which he worked in
connection with farming throughout life. He died
in 1894. His family consisted of five sons and
three daughters, seven of whom survive.
When a small lad Edgar Davis began mak
ing his home with his maternal grandmother in
Jericho, and there he was educated in the village
school. At the age of seventeen years he was
apprenticed to the mason's trade with his uncle,
John M. Seaman of Jericho, with whom he re
mained for three years, then began doing jour
neyman's work, and followed this trade for a
number of years. In 1865 he established a gen
eral mercantile business in Jericho, which he con
tinued for ten years. At the end of that time he

established a bottling business at Hicksville in
partnership with S. P. O'Hara, under the
name of the Davis & O'Hara Bottling Works,
which business they conducted for two years,
when Mr. Davis purchased his partner's interest
and continued alone for about twelve years.
Since that time he has given his attention to real
estate and auctioneering, which he had followed
in connection with his other business. He has
filled a number of town offices, the first of which
was commissioner of highways. He has since
been assessor of Oyster Bay, excise commission
er for two terms and in 1865 was appointed post
master of Jericho, which position he held three
years. In 1867 he was elected justice of the
peace, serving in this capacity eleven years, and
for the past ten years he has been notary pub
lic. He carries on quite an extensive business as
a dealer in real estate and in negotiating loans.
Mr. Davis has always been a Democrat in his
political views and for twenty years has been a
member of the Masonic order. He is also a char
ter member of the Royal Arcanum of Hicksville,
Council No. 1 159. In 1865 Mr. Davis was mar
ried to Miss Phoebe D. Smith,- daughter of Cor-
man Smith. She was born in Queens County and
of her children we mention the following facts:
Laura, an artist of more than ordinary ability, is
a graduate of the art department of Cooper In
stitute, and is now located in New York City,
where she is pursuing her studies and following
her profession. Her talent in this line developed
early and her father has spared no expense in
giving her every opportunity to become pro
ficient; Frank is a successful business man of
Brooklyn; Mabel is a student in the public
schools. March 3, 1887, the mother of these children
was called from this life, and in November, 1892,
Mr. Davis was again married, Miss Margaret La-
ville becoming his wife. This union has resulted
in the birth of one child, Sarah S. S, named for
her grandmother, Sarah Starking Seaman.

JOHN P. MAHN. In 1886 this gentleman
came from New York City to College Point
and here he has since engaged in business
as a wholesale and retail dealer in butter and
eggs, imported and domestic cheese, and all kinds
of fine delicatessen. His place of business is at
the corner of Thirteenth Street and Second Ave
nue, where he receives daily large shipments of

83o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fresh Long Island eggs and sweet butter.
Through care in the purchase of goods and the
reliability of his business transactions, he has built
up a large trade, and is known as an efficient,
capable man.
In Germany, where he was born June 5, 1861,
the subject of this record received a good educa
tion in the excellent public schools. At the age
of seventeen he left his native land and sought a
home in the United States, believing that he could
more easily attain a competency here than in the
Fatherland. His first employment was in a gro
cery store of New York City. After a short time,
however, he proceeded westward to San Fran
cisco, Cal, where he visited for a few months, but
not wishing to be idle, he soon embarked in the
grocery business, being thus engaged for one
year. He then continued his travels, returning
to Europe, where he visited not only Germany,
but other points of interest on the continent.
After a year he came back to New York and later
settled in College Point, wdiere he has since re
sided. He has established domestic ties, his wife
being Katie Happeisberger, a native of Germany.
Mr. Malm attends closely to business, which he
finds demands his careful attention, and leaves
him little time for public affairs. However, he is
loyally devoted to the institutions of this country
and has never regretted that he left his native
land. In youth he was trained in the Lutheran
religion, which was the faith of his forefathers,
and he inclines to that denomination, though not
an active worker in it. Socially he is connected
with the Improved Order of Red Men, Temple
of Liberty.

CHARLES FUCHS, superintendent of the
water works at College Point and a well-
known architect, surveyor and civil en
gineer at this place, was born in Germany Sep
tember 14, 1857. From a long line of German
forefathers he inherited qualities of energy, thrift
and prudence, added to which he has the Amer
ican characteristic of pluck. The first thirty years
of his life were spent in his native land, where he
had excellent educational advantages in the com
mon schools. In early manhood he learned the
business of a surveyor and civil engineer, of wdiich
he acquired a thorough, practical knowledge;
then, seeking a wider field of labor, he came to
the United States, landing in New York City.
For a time he was employed as a mining engineer

in Pennsylvania, and thence came to College
Point, without money or friends, but possessing
courage, determination and energy.
Soon after coming to this place Mr. Fuchs
had an opportunity to demonstrate his ability as
an engineer, and at once started on the road to
success. In 1890 he was elected superintendent
of the water works, which are owned by the vil
lage, and in this position he has since rendered
effective service. The painstaking energy with
which he has devoted himself to the work has
won him the confidence of the community and
a high place in the regard of all with whom he
is associated. As a surveyor and civil engineer
he is fully equipped for successful work, and the
contracts which he has taken have always been
carried out honorably and to the letter. Socially
he is connected with the Ancient Order of Work
men and the Masonic fraternity. He married
Miss Gertrude Eckert, whose parents, Fred and
Mary Eckert, were born in Germany, but are
now dead. A son, Charles F, blesses their union.

CHRISTOPHER HACKETT was born in
Kings County, Ireland, July 31, 1846, and
comes of an honorable ancestry. His'
father, Christopher, who was a native of Erin
and an expert shoemaker by trade, died at the
age of eighty-five; his mother, who bore the
maiden name of Ellen Lyman, was also a native
of Ireland and died at the home of her son, Chris
topher, in Long Island City. At the age of
eighteen years Mr. Hackett came to America,
having received a good education in his native
land. He had thoroughly mastered his father's
trade and for several years carried on the busi
ness in New York City.
The store of wdiich Mr. Hackett is now the
proprietor is the largest on Long Island, outside
of Brooklyn. It is very spacious, elegantly ap
pointed and ably managed. It fronts on three
streets — Third Street, A'ernon and Jackson Ave
nues, two of the principal thoroughfares in Long
Island City. The store is 50x117 feet, and is di
vided into three departments, namely, dry goods,
boots and shoes, and house furnishinsrs. Mr.
Hackett commenced his business career in New
York City, and quickly saw there would be an
opening in the near future for a first-class general
store across the East River, in what was then
known as Hunter's Point. After successfully
conducting a shoe business for about eight years

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

831

in First Avenue, New York, he moved to Long
Island City, and laid the foundation of his present
large and successful business. Starting on a
small scale with a few clerks, his business pros
pered under his skillful and able management
until the present time, when he has in his employ
ment eighteen to twenty-five clerks to attend to
the wants of his numerous patrons. His store is
the emporium for residents, not only of Long
Island City, but all the outlying districts, includ
ing every station on the Long Island Railroad
within a radius of twenty miles. Mr. Hackett is a
respected resident of Long Island City, and has
the implicit confidence of all business people with
whom he daily comes in contact. With his fam
ily he resides in his own house in Eleventh Street.
His business career has been one of honorable
success in the past and bids fair for a long and
prosperous future.
Mr. Hackett was first married in New York
City to Miss Jane Dempsey, who died in Long
Island City, three children surviving her: Mrs.
Mary Hart, of Long Island City; Joseph, who as
sists his father in the store, and Lillie, wdio re
mains at home. Mr. Hackett's second marriage
occurred in this city and united him with Miss
Margaret Singleton, who was born in Long Is
land City. They have one child, Helen. Their
home is pretty, comfortable and commodious and
has become well known for the hospitality which
is extended to all.

JACOB BECKER, senior member of the firm
of Becker Brothers, contractors and build
ers at College Point, was born in Obern
kirchen, Prussia, August 13, 1835. He is a son
of Jacob and Margaret (Thil) Becker, also natives
of Prussia, the former of whom, in the spring of
1854, brought his family to America, taking pas
sage on a sailing vessel at Havre and landing in
New York after a voyage of twenty-eight days.
Settling in Brooklyn, he worked for a short time
at his trade there. June 5, 1855, he came to Col
lege Point, where he was employed as a carpenter
and builder. In 1866 he started out for himself
as a contractor, in which way he was occupied
until his death in July, 1879. He was then nearly
seventy years old; his wife died here at the age
of eighty.
Of four sons now living, the subject of this
record is second in respect to age. He attended
the parish schools of his native land, and in 185 1

began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade
under his father, continuing until he came to
America. He also followed this occupation in
Brooklyn, and in 1855 accompanied the other
members of the family to College Point, where
he worked at his trade for a few months. When
work became slack, in the dull season, he secured
employment in the hard rubber department of the
rubber works, but in 1865 returned to his trade.
About 1866 he formed a partnership with his
father, and the following year John was taken
into the firm, which is now the oldest of its kind
in the village. Among the residences which they
have built may be mentioned those owned by
Christopher Seitz, J. Operist, John Haley and
Mr. Golsner; also the drug store occupied by Mr.
Hart. In the busy season about fifteen or twenty
hands are employed and every contract is pushed
vigorously through the efficient efforts of trained
assistants. Each brother has a shop in the rear
of his residence, our subject's being in Tenth
Street. By his marriage to Christine Bittenbender, a
native of Germany, who died in College Point,
•¦Mr. Becker had ten children, of whom eight are
living, namely: Mrs. Mary Kopp and Mrs. Liz
zie Konzet, both of this village; John, Jr., who is
a carpenter in business with his father; Mrs. Chris
tine Rhinehardt, of College Point; Wilhel
mina; Henry, a silk weaver; Jacob, Jr., who is a
carpenter by trade and works in the employ of
his father; and Joseph, a silk weaver. For his
second wife Mr. Becker married Theresa Beham.
Politically the Democratic party receives the
stanch support of our subject. In St. Fidelis'
Catholic Church he serves as a member of the
board of trustees, and he is also connected with
St. Fidelis' Society and the Steube Kosse. He
served four years as a member of Enterprise En
gine Company No. 2, but is not at present con
nected with that organization.

BENJAMIN W. CRAFT, proprietor of Mat-
inecock horse farm, and a well known ag
riculturist of the town of Oyster Bay, was
born July 13, 1831, and is a son of Simon and
Temperance (Craft) Craft. His parents, though
bearing the same name, were members of differ
ent families that bore no relation to each other.
His father, who was a descendant of one of the
pioneers of Long Island, was born and reared

832

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

on the old homestead now owned by Benjamin
W, and on reaching manhood selected agricul
ture as his life occupation, becoming a prominent
and successful farmer and an influential citizen.
For many years before his death he was a direc
tor of the Glencove Mutual Insurance Company.
He also served as school and road commissioner
for a long time, and received the nomination for
legislature on the Prohibition ticket. At the
time of his death he and his brother Oliver owned
two farms in this vicinity, besides property in
Brooklyn, all of which was acquired through in
dustrious and judicious efforts. He was born of
Quaker parentage and trained in that faith, which
he always favored, though not a member of the
society. In his family there were four children,
namely: Milton O, who was a farmer and lum
ber dealer of Glencove; Benjamin W.; Emma E,
who married H. C. Coles, of Glencove, and is now
deceased; and Sarah C, who resides in Glencove.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent
on the home farm, where he was born and where
he has spent the principal portion of his life. He
was educated in the public and private schools
of Glencove, and on completing his studies took
charge of the homestead, which fell to him at
the death of his father. The latter, during his life,
had given some attention to the horse business,
and this our subject has increased until he now
has accommodations for seventy-five horses, the
most of which come from New York City.
Among the horses in his charge are some that
are valuable and noted, including "Aubine" and
"Zembia," that for some time held the record for
a double team. This business has been established
for sixty years, and our subject has carried it on
for forty years. He uses on his farm all the grain
he raises and is obliged to buy large quantities
besides in order to properly carry on the stock
business. . In 1875 Mr- Craft was elected commissioner of
highways, which office he held for a number of
terms. For some time he was assessor of the town
of Oyster Bay, and served as collector for one
term. Politically he favors the Democratic plat
form. October 2, i860, he married Miss Martha,
daughter of Ebenezer and Jane Bull, of Hampton-
burg, Orange County, N. Y. Mrs. Craft's mother
was a daughter of Waite Pearsall and was reared
principally in Locust Valley, accompanying her
parents from here to Orange County, where she
married Mr. Bull. Afterward, when the family
visited the old home, Mr. Craft met the daughter

and their friendship ripened into an affection that
resulted in their marriage.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Craft, of whom five are living, namely: Anna
W, a successful professional teacher; John, T,
who went to Montana in 1883 and is now a suc
cessful ranchman of Ekalaka, where he has held
many prominent official positions; Edward E,
who remains on the home farm and assists in
carrying on the business; and Harvey C. and
Laura F, who are with their parents.

CE. CORNELL. A walk through the
business streets of Hempstead soon
• brings one to the undertaking estab
lishment of which Mr. Cornell is the owner and
proprietor and which, through his energetic ef
forts, has been placed on a sound financial basis.
Not alone is he recognized as an enterprising
business man, but in the dark hours when death
enters a home his tact, delicacy and kindness in
making all necessary arrangements have brought
to him the esteem and regard of the people.
In the village of Mineola, one mile north of
Hempstead, the subject of this sketch was born
December 5, 1850. The family of which he is a
member is one among the oldest on Long Island.
His grandfather, Hallock Cornell, was born at
Manhasset in 1773 and followed the occupation of
a farmer, dying when ninety-six years of age.
His sons were William, Isaac, Jeffrey, Stephen
and James G. The last named, who was our
subject's father, was born at Manhasset in 1803,
and engaged in farm pursuits until 1865, when he
went to Brooklyn and embarked in business; he
died in that city in 1875. In religious belief he
was a prominent member of St. George's Church.
For a time he served as under-sheriff of Queens
County, his father-in-law, Diomas Treadwell,
being sheriff.
Our subject's mother, Lydia, daughter of
Thomas Treadwell, was born in 1820 and died in
1890. Her brother, William, succeeded their
father as sheriff of Queens County; her sister,
Catherine, married Benjamin F. Rushmore, who
was also sheriff of Queens County and the lead
ing druggist of Hempstead, as well as one of the
most prominent citizens of the place. In the fam
ily of James G. and Lydia Cornell there were
three sons, of whom James E. was a real estate
dealer at No. 44 Court Street, Brooklyn, but died
in 1888; his wife, whose maiden name was Anna

JOHN POLHEMUS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

835

Suydam, is still living in Brooklyn, as are their
five children, Miriam, Ella, Carrie, Elizabeth and
James. The other son, Elbert, who is engaged
in the lumber business at Richmond, Va, mar
ried Julia Barr, of Brooklyn, and they have one
child, Cora.
Alternating attendance in the public schools
with work on the home farm, our subject grew
to manhood. For three years he was employed
as a grocery clerk and later for two years was
clerk for Treadwell, Jerome & Slate, in New
York, after which he was for five years cashier
in his father's large restaurant in Brooklyn.
Thence, in 1883, he came to Hempstead and here
he has since carried on a successful business as
an undertaker. In 1872 he married Miss Alice,
daughter of Thomas C. Weeks, of Hempstead.
They are the parents of two living children, Lulu
N. and Fred E, and also lost two in infancy.
Taking an active interest in politics, Mr. Cor
nell gives his vote to the candidates of the Repub
lican party. For seven years he was collector of
Hempstead, but retired in 1894, refusing a re-
nomination. His service in that capacity, as in
every other to which he was called, was marked
by consistent integrity and efficiency. In relig
ious belief he is connected with the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is identified with the
Mutual Benefit Association of the village, and
socially holds membership in the Royal Arcanum
and the Shield of Honor.

JOHN POLHEMUS, who died in Flushing
December 14, 1894, was one of the oldest
and most successful printers in New York
City. He was born near Haverstraw, Rockland
County, N. Y, December 15, 1826, and was a
self-made man in all that the words imply. He
was first employed in a cotton factory and was
afterwards on the Morris and Lehigh Canal, but
later he went to New York City, and in 1842 be
gan learning the printer's trade. He distinguished
himself by his skill, and in 1852 formed a part
nership with John De Vries, under the firm name
of Polhemus & De Vries, but this was later dis
solved. Mr. Polhemus then took up his quarters at
No. 102 Nassau Street, on the top floor, but as
business increased he occupied the floors below
it and began at once to accumulate type so that
he might be prepared for emergencies. One year
the firm used over twenty thousand pounds. He

accomplished the feat of printing "Gaulding's
New York Directory" in eleven days. Lately the
office has been removed to No. 121 Fulton Street.
Mr. Polhemus was a member of the Typothetae,
founded in 1863, and on its revival in 1883 he
again became a member. Besides serving as its
treasurer, he was also chairman of the executive
committee and was a delegate to all the annual
conventions except the first. In 1891 he visited
Europe, and in New York was handsomely en
tertained by his friends at a banquet September
22, 1891.
Our subject made a complete success of the
printing business and it is claimed that there is
more type in his office, or building, than in any
other office in the United States outside of the
government printing office at Washington, D. C.
In 1874 Mr. Polhemus located in Flushing, first
at No. 136 Barclay Street, but later removed to
the corner of Bowne and Madison Avenues.
Three children were born of our subject's first
marriage: Horace G, Charles T. and Minnie B,
the latter of whom is deceased. The two sons
continue the business as The John Polhemus
•Printing Company and occupy six floors, this be
ing one of the largest enterprises of the kind in
New York City. In Michigan our subject mar
ried his second wife, formerly Miss Emma C.
Crispe, a native of Kent, England, and daughter
of Edward T. and Elizabeth (Munn) Crispe. The
father was a merchant in that country, but later
came to the United States and settled in Plain-
well, Mich. Mrs. Polhemus was first married to
George E. Needham, a resident of Chicago, and a
member of the Stock Exchange. She is quite a
traveler, having spent much of her time in Europe
and on the Pacific Coast, and is a lady possessed
of more than ordinary attainments. She is a
leader in the aristocratic circles of Flushing,
where she has made her home for many years,
and is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr.
Polhemus' ancestors came from Holland, and his
father, Theodore Polhemus, was a soldier in the
War of 1812. In politics our subject was a stanch
Republican.

HERBERT LUTHER BARKER, M. D.
The young professional men of Queens
County are an element in the develop
ment of its interests and a centralizing force in
drawing within its boundaries influences of an
uplifting nature. By their character and skill they

836

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL B.ECO.RD.

are adding to -the reputation of the county and
giving it a high standing in other parts of the
state. Dr. Barker is one of the young physicians
whose influence is already felt, not only in pro
fessional, but also in social circles. His office is
in Woodside, and his practice extends through
out the surrounding locality, besides which he is
frequently called to assist in clinics in New York.
A native of Antrim, N. H, born August 27,
1866, the subject of this sketch is a son of Henry
M. and Mary J. (Colburn) Barker. He is the eld
est of three sons, his brothers being Harry C,
a practicing attorney of Poughkeepsie, N. Y, and
Fred M, who until recently was connected with
the Elektron Manufacturing Company. The fam
ily for five generations were natives of New
Hampshire and prominent people in the vicinity
of Antrim. The Doctor's father was born in
Antrim in 1838, grew to manhood in his native
place, and selecting agriculture for his occupa
tion, followed that calling until the spring of
1876, when he removed with his family to Dutch
ess County, N. Y. Shortly afterward he took
charge of what is now the Ogden Mills estate at
Staatsburg, and for seventeen years has acted in
the capacity of superintendent of this place. He
is a highly esteemed citizen and is now serving
his second term as supervisor of his town.
Until 1883 our subject was a student in the
public schools. In that year he entered the De-
garmo Institute at Rhinebeck, a preparatory
school which he attended for three years. In the
fall of 1886 he entered Cornell University, hav
ing received the state scholarship, and in 1890 he
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philos
ophy. Going to New York City, he entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, and con
tinued there until his graduation in 1893. After
graduating, he entered Charity and Maternity
Hospital on Blackwell's Island, where he re
mained for eighteen months, in that way adding
to his store of theoretical knowledge by practical
and varied experience. In October, 1894, he
opened an office at No. 132 West Forty-fourth
Street, New York City, and there carried on a
general practice until May, 1895, when he came
to Woodside and established himself in his pres
ent location. In addition to his practice here, he
goes to the city three times a week as clinical
assistant at the Vanderbilt Clinic, and for one year
after leaving the hospital he was assistant to Prof.
A. M. Phelps, of the Post-graduate Medical
School and Hospital. Prior to leaving the city he

was a member of the New York County Medical
Society. In 1893 Dr. Barker was united in marriage with
Miss Luella J. Herrick, of Staatsburg, Dutchess
County, a graduate of Mount St. Vincent Acad
emy, and a lady of many accomplishments as
well as attractive courtesy of manner. The Re
publican party embodies in its platform the prin
ciples which Dr. Barker believes to be most con
ducive to the prosperity of the country, and he
therefore gives his ballot to its support. As a
physician, he is unusually quick and skillful in
his diagnosis of disease; simple, judicious and
conservative in its treatment; gentlemanly and
winning in his contact with his patients, a physi
cian who, when once known, is most valued, and
respected alike by rich and poor.

R FRANKLIN TITUS, a dealer in seeds
and agricultural implements at West-
• bury Station, was born July 7, 1861,
upon the family homestead which has been in pos
session of succeeding generations of that name
since 1654. The original owner was Edmund,
son of Robert Titus, who was born in St. Cather
ine's parish, Plartfordshire, near London, Eng
land, and grandson of Silas, wdio was a colonel in
the army of King Charles. The line of descent
from Silas was Robert, Edmund, John, Edmund,
William, Robert and R. Franklin.
William Titus, grandfather of our subject, mar
ried Phoebe Willetts, and their children were
Edmund, Daniel, Samuel, William, Henry;
Amelia, who married Oliver Whitson; and Amy,
wife of Joseph Shotwell. Robert Titus, father of
our subject, owned and occupied the old home
place until his death in 1872, meantime following
farm pursuits. In religious faith he was a mem
ber of the Society of Friends, and in politics ad
hered to the Republican party. He married
Esther, daughter of Townsend Rushmore, and
in their family were the following children: Wal
ter, deceased ; Emily, who died in childhood ; An
nie, who passed away at an early age; and R.
Franklin, the only survivor.
The. boyhood days of our subject were passed
on the home farm and his education was obtained
in the common schools of his native town and in
a boarding school in Connecticut, where he com
pleted his studies. In 1878 he took charge of the
home place, and has since given considerable
attention to its cultivation. In 1891 he embarked

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

837

in his present business, and has since carried on
a large trade among neighboring farmers. He
carries only the best grades of seeds, which he
supplies to farmers and gardeners, and also has
in stock a complete assortment of mowers, bind
ers, plows, harrows and other farming imple
ments. With each year his trade has largely in
creased, until the business is now established
upon a sound financial basis.
Actively interested in public affairs and a Re
publican in political views, Mr. Titus is vice-presi
dent of the Republican Club and has served his
party upon different committees and in various
positions of trust. Since 1892 he has been a mem
ber of the Long Island Farmers' Club and in
1895 was elected vice-president of the organiza
tion, also a member of the board of managers.
At the World's Fair he was awarded a diploma
for his exhibition of thirty-four different varieties
of seed potatoes. In company with Mr. Whitson
he organized the Westbury Law and Order
League for the purpose of preventing gambling
and the illicit sale of liquor, and he is one of the
executive committee of the league. Since 1893
he has held the office of inspector of elections.
In religious belief he follows the faith of his an
cestors and holds membership in the Society of
Friends. October 1, 1885, he married Phoebe,
daughter of Jonathan Carpenter, of White Plains,
and they are the parents of four children, Walter,
Raymond, Robert and Dorothy.

JOSEPH STEINERT. To gain success in
the legal profession an abundance of energy
is necessary, together with a keen insight
into human nature and mental powers of a high
order. These qualities have combined to secure
for Mr. Steinert an enviable reputation as a law
yer. He has a natural legal mind, is a close stu
dent and well versed in his profession. As an
advocate, either before court or jury, he is forci
ble, clear and concise in presenting his cases, and
is convincing in argument. His office is in New
York City, but he makes his home in Hicksville,
where he is known as a public-spirited and pro
gressive citizen.
The Steinert family is of German origin. The
father of our subject, Herman, is a son of Her
man Steinert, Sr, who died at the early age of
twenty-five. The former, a native oi Prussia,
came to America and settled in New York, where
he engaged in legal practice To this profession

he has devoted his attention throughout life, not
having taken much interest in public affairs or
political matters. October 10, 1844, he married
Rosetta Levy, who was born in Prussia, and
whose parents, Louis and Caroline Levy, died
in New York City at the respective ages of eighty-
seven and ninety-eight. Unto their union were
born seven children, Joseph, Henry, Max, Mau
rice, William, Jacob and Sarah, all of whom are
living except one son.
The subject of this sketch was born in New
York City June 10, 1846, and attended the pub
lic, schools of that city until fifteen years of age,
at which time he entered the law office of his
maternal uncle, the late David Levy, and re
mained there until he was admitted to the bar,
at the May term of the supreme court in 1868.
He has since engaged in general practice, with
the exception of three years, during which he
was clerk of the seventh judicial district court in
New York City. To this office he was appointed
in June, 1872, and after filling it for three years
he resumed the practice of law, which he has since
continued.
* May 8, 1867, in New York City, Mr. Steinert
was united in marriage with Miss Agnes B.
Machen, daughter of James Machen, who died
in New York City from wounds received in the
War of the Rebellion. Eleven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Steinert, of whom the fol
lowing are living: Joseph H, who received his
education in the public schools of New York;
Louis, who attended Packard's College in New
York City; Samuel, William, David, Jerome, Ida
and Kate.
In 1882 Mr. Steinert took up his residence in
Hicksville, where he has since made his home.
In 1883 he was elected justice of the peace and
the. following year was chosen justice of the ses
sions of Queens County. In 1887 he was re
elected justice of the peace, which position he
filled with efficiency. In 1892 he was selected to
represent the town of Oyster Bay on the board of
supervisors of Queens County, and the next year
was re-elected to the position, but in 1894 refused
a renomination for the same office, and has since
held no public position. Politically he has always
adhered to the platform of the Democratic party
and it is safe to say that the organization has no
member in Queens County more loyal to its inter
ests than is he. January 1, 1892, he was ap
pointed counsel to the sheriff of Queens County,
which position he held under James Norton, then

838

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sheriff, until January i, 1895, when he was suc
ceeded by the present incumbent of the office, a
Republican in politics.
In whatever position Mr. Steinert has been
placed, whatever duty he has been called upon
to perform, in all his social and professional con
nections, his course has been one of honor and
integrity, and his success is the legitimate result
of his exemplary life. On questions of law he is
regarded as an authority, and he is held in the
highest regard as a safe counselor and a man of
profound judgment.

ALBERT L. BOYD, the well known hatter
of Long Island City, was born in Flens-
burg, Schleswig, Denmark, February 20,
1847, being a son of Albert Erasmus and Maria
Catherine (Witt) Boyd, natives of the same place
as himself. His father, who was a man of ener
getic and industrious disposition, was a sailor by
occupation, and while out on a whaling expedi
tion was lost at sea, being then still a young man.
The wddowed mother afterward married Chris
tian Lauritz, a sailor, who accumulated consider
able money in the West India trade, and who, in
1857, brought the family to America, settling on
the corner of West Eleventh and Waverley Place,
New York. He opened a grocery there, which
he conducted for many years, gaining a compe
tence sufficient to provide his children with ex
cellent educational advantages. He died in New
York in February, 1891, and his wife passed away
in February, 1875.
Our subject and his older brother, John, a resi
dent of New York City, are the only children of
his mother's first marriage. To her second union
seven children were born, but the only survivor is
Frederick, who is a buyer for LeBoutiler Broth
ers. The daughter, Annie, Mrs. W. E. A. His
cox, of New York, died in 1882; Christian H, a
traveling salesman, died in 1880 ; and Charles,
who was first tenor in an opera company, also
was connected with a wholesale grocery house,
and died in New York City in 1885. Our sub
ject's step-father had by his first marriage a son,
John, who went through the entire period of the
Civil War as a member of the United States navy
and- afterward died in the naval hospital, and was
buried in the navy yard at Brooklyn.
In 1857, with the other members of the family,
our subject took passage on a sailing vessel that
reached New York after a passage of forty-six

days. He was educated in Grammar School No.
41, in Greenwich Avenue, New York City, and
afterward was apprenticed with Warnock & Co,
No. 519 Broadway, with whom he remained for
eight and one-half years. At one time he had
the pleasure of selling a hat to ex-President U. S.
Grant, then commander-in-chief of the army.
Many of the most prominent men of the city were
among his customers, and he also had consider
able patronage from well known men of other
places. While with this firm he was personally
requested by A. T. Stewart to solicit subscriptions
opposing the Broadway Railroad. After spend
ing a week at the task and securing many names,
he was requested to show the list to Mr. Stewart
personally, which he did. The multi-millionaire
looked over the names, expressed his gratifica
tion and thanked him very kindly.
Upon leaving Warnock & Co. Mr. Boyd be
came connected with John H. Day, a hatter at
No. 33 Park Row. Later he was with Schindler,
of No. 1 1 79 Broadway, for eighteen years, as head
salesman, remaining with him until the business
was closed out. Meantime, in October, 1874, he
located his residence in Long Island City. In
1892 he was appointed a clerk in the treasurer's
office of this city, where he remained until April
1, 1895. While in the office he opened a hat store
at No. 454 Broadway, where he has since carried
on business, keeping the latest and most approved
styles in the market. In addition he also has a
complete stock of men's furnishing goods.
April 12, 1868, in New York City, Mr. Boyd
married Miss Caroline E. Zinser, a native of that
place. Her father, Benjamin Zinser, who was
born in Alsace, came to America at the age of
nineteen and settled in New York City, being
employed as a barber in the old Chelsea village,
now Ninth Avenue and Eighteenth Street. Later
he was on Eighth Avenue. In 1874 he came to
Long Island City, where he still resides. He was a
member of the old Continental Guard and the
New York Militia. During the Civil War he was
called out for one hundred days' service, enlist
ing as a private in Company L>, Eleventh New
York Infantry, and being promoted later to be
first lieutenant. His wife, Caroline (Kieffer) Zin
ser, was born in Alsace, and was a daughter of
Godfrey Kieffer, who emigrated to America and
was an interpreter in New York for some time,
being known there as a fine linguist and educated
man. He died in 1868 at the age of seventy-five.
Mrs. Zinser passed away in Long Island City in

THOMAS VALENTINE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

841

1891. Both were Lutherans, which was the re
ligious belief of the family. Mrs. Boyd, who is
the only living child of her parents, was reared in
New York and attended Grammar School No.
25 in Seventeenth Street. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd
have had four children, namely: Benjamin Z,
who is foreman of Engine Company No. 5 ; Mrs.
Minnie Hahn, who died in 1890 at the age of
nineteen, leaving one child, John ; Albert, wdio
died at seven years of age; and Magdalene.
Always interested in political affairs, Mr. Boyd
is an active Republican. Notwithstanding the
fact that his party is in the minority, he led the
ticket when nominated for supervisor, and also
for alderman. Socially he is identified with En
terprise Lodge No. 228, K. of P, in which he
has held the different chairs, and is now past
district deputy. For seven years he was con
nected with the Protection Engine Company No.
2, of which he was treasurer for five years, and
while a member he rendered especially valuable
service by his work on the records. He is also
a charter member of Arion Singing Society.

THOMAS VALENTINE. In tracing the
genealogy of this family in Long Island
we find that it is one of the oldest and most
prominent here. The first members of this fam
ily of whom we have any record were Thomas
and Robert Valentine, brothers, who lived on the
old farm of their father's in the town of Oyster
Bay. This farm consisted of about one thousand
acres and was divided between the two sons. It
is not known whether Robert married or not, but
Thomas wedded Miss Elizabeth Hewlett, sister
of Capt. Charles Hewlett of Revolutionary fame,
and ten children were the fruits of this union,
six daughters and four sons. These sons were:
Obadiah, Absalom, Hewlett and Jeremiah. The
last named, the grandfather of our subject, was
born June 21, 1762, and in May, 1784, he married
Miss Mary Van Velsor. His death occurred
June 15, 1850. Their, children were as follows:
Obadiah, James, Samuel, Thomas, John H,
Mary A, Elizabeth and Rachel.
Of these children, Thomas was the father of our
subject. He was born August 1, 1794, and was
married April 1, 181 9, to Miss Sarah Brooks,
daughter of Daniel Brooks of New York City.
His death occurred December 1, 1872. Of the
children born of his marriage, three died in in
fancy. The others were as follows: Sarah, Thom-
34

as, Elizabeth A, Jeremiah and John H.
Soon after his marriage, the father of our
subject engaged in the grocery business in New
York, on borrowed capital, at first on a small
scale, and meeting with success in this venture he
carried on business for a number of years. He
made his home in the city until he was fifty years
old, after which he returned to his father's large
farm and assumed its management. In cultivat
ing the land he used improved methods, and thus
made a success of the calling. In politics he was
a radical Whig and an active worker for his
party. During his nine years' residence on the
farm he was twice elected to the office of high
way commissioner, school trustee, justice of the
peace and associate judge of the county. In the
building of the Flushing and Bayside plank road
he took an active interest and was president of the
corporation. After his removal to Williamsburg,
where he spent the remainder of his days, he was
elected trustee of the Williamsburg Bank, filling
that position for fourteen years. He was also
very prominent in church matters and an active
member of Grace Episcopal Church of Jamaica.
Thomas Valentine, our subject, was born Sep
tember 11, 1827, in the city of New York, and
there remained until fifteen years old, receiving
his education in the school of All Saints, New
York City, and Union Hall Academy, Jamaica.
He then moved with his parents to the farm and
gave his undivided attention to cultivating the
same until within the last few years, during which
time he has been retired, although he still re
sides on the homestead. In politics he is a Re
publican and has ever been interested in the wel
fare of his party. For years he has been con
nected with the educational interests of his sec
tion and for fifteen years he was inspector of elec
tions and delegate to county conventions. For
years he has been a worthy membr of Zion Epis
copal Church of Little Neck.
On the 20th of March, 185 1, Mr. Valentine
married Miss Cornelia E. Cornell, a native 01
Little Neck, and the daughter of William Cornell,
who was a prominent citizen of that section.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Val
entine: Sarah, wife of John R. Wright of Ja
maica; John, a merchant and contractor of Ja
maica; Emma, wife of James H. Remsen of Ja
maica; Thomas, in Dutchess County, N. Y.;'
Charles, a farmer of Flushing; Nellie, wife of
Charles H. Tilten, who carries on the old farm;
and Lincoln, who is a contractor of Great Neck.

842

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mrs. Valentine died on the old home place March
8, 1885, and since then Mr. Valentine has made
his home with his daughter Nellie. Our subject
is a man whose character is above reproach and
whose honorable career through life has gained
him the respect and esteem of all. In his posses
sion are deeds for the old farm, conveying it first
to the grandfather, Jeremiah, March 28, 1815, and
this has been preserved in the family up to the
present time.

M

ICHAEL JEUCH, who resides at Nos.
57-59 Thirteenth Street, College Point,
was born near Strasburg, Alsace, then
in France, 1834 being the year of his birth. Flis
parents, Michael and Catherine (Ashelmann)
Jeuch, were also natives of Alsace, where the
former was a wine merchant and an extensive
vine grower. The family consisted of two daugh
ters and three sons, namely: John, who was
wounded five or six times during the Franco-
Prussian war, and died here after its close; Jacob,
who died in College Point; Michael, Mary and
Catherine, who reside in Europe. The paternal
grandfather, Daniel Jeuch, was a farmer.
In the schools of Alsace Michael Jeuch ob
tained a good French and German education,
after which he served a two years' apprentice
ship to the mason's trade. In 1850 he took pas
sage on the sailer "Zurich" at Havre, and after a
voyage of ten weeks landed in New York, Feb
ruary 2, 1851. For three years he worked at his
trade in New York, after which, in 1854, he came
to College Point and assisted in erecting the En
terprise works. The following year he estab
lished his home here, and since 1856 has been
engaged in building and contracting. He had
the contract for Oppenheimer's silk mill, the
town hall, Kunze's silk mill, the addition to the
Enterprise rubber works, Kleinert's Bank, the
buildings of the Mutual Brewing Company and
many residences, both here and in Whitestone,
Bayside and Flushing. Formerly, during the
busy seasons, he employed from fifty to sixty men,
being the largest contractor here. He still owns
about fifteen houses and other valuable property.
Miss Mary Klein, who was born in Alsace, be
came the wife of Mr. Jeuch in New York City
'and died in College Point. Of their eight chil
dren four are living, namely: Michael, a mason
here; Mrs. Annie Rheinhardt, of New York;
Kate;and George, a mason working for his father.

In addition, there is an adopted daughter named
Katie Weir. For four years Mr. Jeuch was a
trustee of College Point and served on the street,
light, police and assessment committees. For
eight years he was overseer of the poor for the
town of Flushing, and for two years he was fire
commissioner. He is a charter member of St.
Johannes Lutheran Church and one of its prin
cipal workers. He has frequently represented his
party — the Democratic — as delegate to local and
state conventions.
For three years before coming to College Point
Mr. Jeuch was a member of an engine company
in Melrose, and afterward he was foreman of the
Union Bucket Company and later became fore
man ofthe James Smith Engine Company No. 1.
With several others he purchased the engine and
built the engine house. On the incorporation of
the village the engine was sold and a hose car
riage purchased. For two years he was foreman
of the Union Hose Company, after which he
joined the Enterprise Hose Company, and later
became connected with the Eagle Hook and Lad
der Company, for which he built the houses, and
in which he is still an honorary member. He
served for two years as chief engineer of the fire
department of College Point, which he organ
ized, and he is to-day the oldest fireman in this
vicinity. On several occasions he has had nar
row escapes with his life, but he has always been
fortunate in avoiding serious accident. He is a
member of the Order of American Firemen at
this point. His record as a fireman is an honora
ble one, of which he may well be proud.

COLES PETIT. The name of this gentle
man has been usefully and honorably
identified with the best interests of Queens
County for many years, and he is at present liv
ing at Milburn, where he conducts a general mer
cantile establishment. He was born in 1841 to
Asa and Susan (Seaman) Petit, both natives of
the town of Hempstead. The father was a far
mer by occupation, following this business until
his advancing years made it necessary for him
to retire. He is now in his eighty-ninth year and
is living in the enjoyment of all the comforts of
life, surrounded by a host of warm and admiring
friends. During his boyhood days he was a crack
shot and spent much of his leisure time in tramp
ing about the town of Hempstead hunting for
game, of which there was an abundance. His

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

843

estimable wife is still living and is now eighty-one
years of age.
Our subject was given every opportunity for
gaining a common-school education, and, being
reared as a farmer, followed this occupation until
twenty-five years of age. His ambitious spirit,
however, drove him into the oyster business, and,
purchasing a sloop, he was employed in this in
dustry for three and a half years. Retiring from
the latter himself, he hired a captain to take
charge of the vessel, and when that gentleman
died several years later, he sold out his business
in this line and came to Milburn. Here he in
vested his mone)^ in a stock of general merchan
dise and his interests in this business are now of
quite extensive proportions.
In 1872 Mr. Petit was married to Miss Phebe
F, daughter of John Hageman, a worthy citizen
of Long Island, and to them have been granted
three children, namely: Irving C, Alice and
Winant B. In local affairs Mr. Petit is conserva
tive, but during national elections he supports
the candidates of the Democratic party. He is
one of the most popular residents of his com
munity, and with his family moves in the best
circles of society on the island.

THOMAS S. WRIGHT, whose home is sit
uated at the junction of Chrocheron Ave
nue and Whitestone Road, town of Flush
ing, is a native of this place and was born April
22, 1845. Upon another page of this volume
will be found mention of his parents, Jordan and
Mary P. (Willets) Wright, under whose training
he was prepared for an honorable position in the
commercial world. His education, which was
commenced in a private school at Bayside, was
later carried on in Flushing Institute, where he
was a student, for some time.
At the age of twenty years Mr. Wright went to
New York City and entered a broker's office,
where he remained for a period of twelve years.
He finally resigned in order to accept a clerkship
in the Mechanic's Bank of New York City, where
he has been a trusted employe for seventeen years.
During this long period he has proved faithful to
every trust reposed in him, and well deserves the
high regard in which he is held by the officials of
the institution.
The marriage of Mr. Wright to Miss Martha
C. Cadness, daughter of John Cadness, a promi
nent horticulturist of Flushing, occurred July 11,

1877, and has been a union of mutual helpfulness
and happiness. They are the parents of a son
and daughter. The former, John J, was born
April 19, 1878, and is now a student in Flushing
Institute. The daughter, Susie Eleanor, was
born November 11, 1880, and is a pupil in the
Schuler Academy at Flushing. Though Mr.
Wright has never actively identified himself with
politics, he has strong opinions on the subject and
is a pronounced Republican. His forefathers
were Friends and he clings to that faith, holding-
membership in the society.

BENJAMIN F. EVERITT, who is a well
known business man of Jamaica, was born
in this village in 1848. The name of Ever
itt is pioneer on Long Island and for generations
to come will maintain its prominent place among
the first families of Queens County. Reference
to the ancestral history appears in the sketch of
our subject's brother, William E. Everitt, also of
Jamaica. Educated in the public schools of the village,
*the subject of this notice began his active busi
ness career at an early age, when he became an
employe of the government in the postoffice. In
1868 he entered the office of the county clerk,
where he remained about ten years, and the length
of his service in that place proves his ability and
faithfulness. Desiring to enter business with his
father and brother, he resigned from the office
and became connected with the management of
the undertaking establishment, to the ownership
of which he succeeded at the death of his father
and the contemporaneous retirement of his
brother from the concern.
A public-spirited citizen, Mr. Everitt always
lends his aid and influence to the advancement
of measures which he believes will be conducive
to the public welfare. In local affairs he takes
an active part, and both in county and national
elections casts his ballot for the principles of the
Democratic party. In 1883 he was chosen cor
oner of the county and served in that capacity
until January 1, 1895. He has also held other
positions of trust and responsibility. In religious
connections he is identified with the Reformed
Church of Jamaica, and for fifteen years has been
its sexton. Socially he is connected with the
Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders and the Royal
Arcanum, and ' for ten years served as district
deputy of the Odd Fellows. He was also a mem-

844

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ber of the grand council of the state of the Royal
Arcanum. The marriage of Mr. Everitt took place De
cember n, 1868, when Miss Mary E. Baylis be
came his wife. She is a daughter of Selah Baylis,
and a member of one of the old Quaker families
of Long Island. They are the parents of three
children, of whom the eldest, Carrie E, is the
wife of George L. Adams, who is associated in
business with Mr. Everitt. The other daughters,
Nettie R. and M. Anna, are students in the vil
lage schools.

ALBERT J. BOGART. To the contractor
and builder in effect, conjointly with the
architect, belongs the task of imparting to
a city that appearance of solidity, wealth, refine
ment and comfort which at once stamps its citi
zens as progressive and enterprising. Among
the most successful architects and builders of Far
Rockaway stands the name of Albert J. Bogart,
whose exceptional business abilities, reliability
and promptness in carrying out his undertakings,
and the liberal methods he employs in dealing
with the public, have secured him wdde recog
nition and an influential patronage. Mr. Bogart
has been a resident of Far Rockaway for eleven
years and has been engaged in his present busi
ness for the past five years. He is endorsed by
leading architects and owners as never exceeding
his estimates, while most faithfully following out
plans and specifications.
Mr. Bogart's father, Isaac Bogart, is a native
of the Keystone State, born in Wayne County,
and although formerly engaged in the lumber
business, is now a most successful agriculturist.
He married Miss Phoebe Jane Tyler and to them
were given three children, two sons and one
daughter, as follows : William P, of Washington ;
our subject; and Hannah, of Sullivan County.
Albert J. was born in Wayne County, Pa, No
vember 9, 1864, and was reared in the lumber
business. He received but limited educational
advantages, having been kept out of school after
he was twelve years of age, but as he has been
observing has made up for what he lost in ear
lier years. He remained with his father until six
teen years old, and then went to the western part
of the state, where he was in the lumber business
for one year.
From there Mr. Bogart went to Michigan, and,
being a natural mechanic, began working at the

carpenter's trade He did not spend the usual
time in learning the trade, as it came naturally
to him, and he displayed unusual ability from the
start. When but a small boy he observed con
struction, and when he saw a building erected
he immediately imitated it on a small scale. A
sawmill he imitated perfectly, had it in running
order, and the details were carefully worked out.
Later in life Mr. Bogart moved to Islip, and after
working at the carpenter's trade for a year and a
half went to Westchester County, remaining one
year. Then he began contracting and building
on his own resppnsibility, making his own plans.
He has met with the best of success and is doing
considerable business in Ear Rockaway. His
marriage united him with Miss Maud Wheatley,
of New York City. In national affairs he is a
Democrat, but in local affairs he votes for the
best man.

A

DOLPHUS DONCOURT, of the firm of
Doncourt Brothers, dealers in hardware
and house furnishing goods at Flushing,
was born in Port Washington, Queens County,
and is a son of Alfred and Amelia (Allen) Don-
court, natives respectively of New York City and
Long Island. His father, who was proprietor of a
grist mill for some years, but is now living re
tired at Seacliff, is a son of Ellory Doncourt, who
emigrated from France to America in early man
hood, having previously served in the war under
Napoleon; he first engaged in the manufacture
of wall paper at Hempstead, after which he pur
chased a farm at Lakeville, wdiere his death oc
curred. Our subject's mother, who was a daugh
ter of David Allen, died at Great Neck in 1896.
Of her marriage four sons and one daughter were
born, namely: John H, who resides at Seacliff;
David H, and Adolphus, comprising the firm of
Doncourt Brothers; August, who lives at Man
hasset, and Mrs. Mary Anna Lane, whose home is
at Great Neck.
The childhood years of our subject were spent
in the town of North Hempstead, in the vicinity
of the village of Hempstead. At the age of sev
enteen he began a three years' apprenticeship to
the carpenter's trade at Great Neck, and upon the
completion of his term of service he spent three
years in journeyman work, being employed prin
cipally by J. H. L'Hommedieu. In 1884 he
came to Flushing, where he was employed in the
hardware department of Clement & Bloodgood,

WILLIAM H. SIEBRECHT.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

847

of which his brother was manager. In 1889 he
resigned his position in order to engage in busi
ness on his own account, opening a small store
at No. 35 Main Street. The following year he
was joined by his brother and they opened a larger
store at No. 29 Main Street, embarking in busi
ness under the firm name of Doncourt Brothers.
In 1895 Adolphus Doncourt bought the present
property at No. 11 Main Street and erected a
large three-story frame building, 25x100, of which
the firm occupy the first floor and basement, the
second floor being devoted to offices and the third
to residence flats. Not only is the location the
best in the village, but the building itself surpasses
in design and finish anything before attempted
here. The stock is large, consisting of a com
plete assortment of hardware and house furnish
ing goods, as well as a stock of bicycles.
In Haverstraw, Rockland County, Mr. Don-
court married Miss Elizabeth R. Sharp, who was
born in New York City. They are the parents of
two sons, Howard and Carlton. Mrs. Doncourt
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
to which our subject contributes, though not
identified with it. In national politics he inclines
to Republican principles. Socially he is associ
ated with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A.
M, of which he is past master. He is also a mem
ber of Pentalpha Chapter. As a business man
he is able, efficient, energetic and industrious and
abundantly deserves the large success which he
has gained by his unaided efforts.

WILLIAM H. SIEBRECHT. This suc
cessful and popular florist of Astoria,
Long Island City, and prominent
member of the fire and water board of this place,
is a native of Germany, born in Berka, province
of Hanover, December 27, 1852, a son of Henry
and Georgina Siebrecht, both natives of the same
province. In his native land the grandfather fol
lowed farming and his son Henry, after his mar
riage, followed in the footsteps of his ancestors,
tilling the soil nearly all his life. In addition to
this he also followed weaving. About 1880 he
came to this country and now lives retired on a
place adjoining our subject's. He and his wife
are worthy members of the Lutheran Church.
Their children, four in number, are all living, and
are in the order of birth as follows : Louisa, Mrs.
B. Wolf of Long Island City; Henry A, a well-
known florist of New Rochelle, N. Y.; William

H, our subject; and Lena, Mrs. Meyer of New
York City.
Our subject remained in Berka, Germany, un
til ten years old, and then removed with his
parents to Gottingen, Hanover, where he fin
ished his education. Later he was apprenticed
to a florist in Cassel (Hesson) and after com
pleting his apprenticeship, in 1870, crossed the
ocean to America, hoping to find a wider field for
his business. For two years he remained in New
York City, working at his trade in the employ of
his brother, Henry A, who had come to this
country some time before. After remaining a
year with his brother, William H. started out for
himself, and with what money he had saved in
vested in eighteen lots in Broadway between First
and Second Avenues, one of the finest pieces of
property in Astoria. Starting with four houses
he soon added to this, and at the present time has
twelve green houses, covering about thirty thou
sand square feet, all nicely arranged and kept in
the best of condition. There is a large shed for
storage which is used every clay, and in this one
can drive a team and wagon. The coal cellar is
under the shed and five boilers furnish hot water
heat to the houses. An engine is used to pump
water from the artesian well and a cistern of fifty-
eight thousand gallons furnishes the houses with
plenty of water. An elevated tank, holding thir
teen thousand gallons of rain water, supplies the
houses, for Mr. Siebrecht prefers this water to
any other and will only use the water from the ar
tesian well when obliged to.
Mr. Siebrecht makes a specialty of bulbous
plants, lilies of the valley, hyacinths, tulips, daf
fodils, narcissus, etc. ; also carnations and chrysan
themums, asparagus, and all kinds of lilies in their
season. These bulbs and plants he imports every
year fresh from the regions where they grow, and
he has many choice plants. In 1893 he took a
trip abroad partly for pleasure and partly for busi
ness, and visited his native place. Later he vis
ited Belgium, Holland, France and Italy, re
maining abroad about three months. He is a
member and stockholder of the building and loan
association, and in national politics is a Repub
lican, although independent in local affairs. Not
long since he erected a fine residence adjoining
his greenhouses, and this is presided over by his
excellent wife, formerly Miss Annie R. Heim, a
native of New York City, where she was reared
and educated. Their four children are named as
follows : Pauline, Henry, William and George.

848

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1894 Mr. Siebrecht was appointed a mem
ber of the fire and water committee by Mayor
Sanford. He is president of the New York Cut
Flower Exchange, of which he was one of the
principal organizers, and was its treasurer until
appointed to his present position. He is also a
member of the New York Florist Club and a trus
tee of the Long Island City Savings Bank. For
some time he has been a prominent member of
the Second Reformed Church of Astoria.

PROF. GEORGE W. EMMERICH, pro
fessor of music at College Point, and or
ganist at the German Lutheran Church,
was born here April 22, 1865. His father,
George, who was a native of Germany, came here
early in the settlement of the village and was em
ployed in the Enterprise rubber mills, where his
industry and energy brought him the good will
of his employers. Unfortunately, the work af
fected his eyesight, and being advised to change
his occupation, he established a milk business in
1866, to which he has given his attention during
most of the time since. By his marriage to Wil
helmina Schultz he had seven children, of whom
the following survive: George W. ; Elizabeth and
Annie, who reside in College Point; Louie, who is
learning the machinist's trade, and Mamie.
The. subject of this article was educated in the
common schools and Dr. Bowsher's College.
Early in life he evinced a remarkable aptitude
for music, and his talent being recognized, he
was given the advantages of the best instruction
the village afforded. Since 1889 he has been an
instructor in vocal and instrumental music, both
piano and organ, and is the principal musical di
rector here, having charge of the singing societies,
Harmonie Maennerchor, Harmonie Damenchor,
and Concordia Mixed Choir. On different occa
sions he has given concerts of high grade, at
some of which his own compositions have been
rendered. For fourteen years he has been the
organist at the German Lutheran Church.
While Professor Emmerich did not have the
opportunity of study with remarkable foreign ar
tists and is not a graduate of noted European
conservatories, nevertheless his rendition of the
composition of the old masters and his thorough
grasp upon the whole science are fully equal to
those who have had superior advantages. One
of his compositions was given under his super
vision at a concert in College Point, by a chorus

of eighty voices and an orchestra of twenty pieces,
which for conception, theme, harmony and exe
cution would have reflected credit upon any of
the great professors, ancient or modern.
A Republican in political opinions, Professor
Emmerich is not active in public affairs and avoids
official preferment, having sufficient to occupy
his time in professional work. He attended
school until he was nineteen, after which for three
years he aided his parents on the home farm,
being of great assistance to them then, as he is
now. His ready ear for musical sounds made
telegraphy very easy for him to learn, and he
worked at it for four years, but in the meantime
his musical ability became so apparent that, upon
the solicitation of many, he gave up telegraphy
and engaged in teaching music. In religious be
lief he is a Lutheran and for years has had charge
of the choir in the church of which he is organist.
He stands well in College Point, where everyone
knows and respects him, and while other teachers
meeting with indifferent success have left for
other places, he remains to the satisfaction of his
patrons and pupils.

DANIEL DeMOTT comes of a line of
sturdy and industrious farmers, who have
witnessed the development and upbuild
ing of Queens County, and he has not been inac
tive in the accomplishment of this result. The
farm which he occupies is thirty-seven acres in
extent and has been the scene of his labors for
many years. The place is pleasantly and favora-
Dly located in the town of Hempstead and is well
improved in every particular, having on it a set
of substantial buildings and all the needful ma
chinery for the carrying on of a first-class farm.
Mr. DeMott was born in this town in the year
1818. His parents were John and Ann (Snede
ker) DeAlott, who were likewise born in this
portion of the county and here passed their en
tire lives engaged in farming. The father was
successful in his various undertakings and be
came well-to-do in this world's goods. His death
occurred several years after the death of his wife.
Daniel, of this sketch, like most of the youth
of his day and locality, attended the district
school, wdiere he made the most of his meager
opportunities and became well informed in the
common branches of study. He chose the occu
pation of a farmer for his life work and in the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

849

pursuance of this calling has met with signal suc
cess. In 1840 Mr. DeMott was married to Miss Har
riet V, daughter of Michael Combs, a worthy
citizen of the town of Hempstead. Six children
were granted them, three of whom are now liv
ing, namely: Harriet, the wife of John Snedeker,
of Hempstead; Anna E, Mrs. Daniel D. Smith,
of Oyster Bay; and Daniel, who still lives on the
home farm, which he helps to cultivate. Both
our subject and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which
they have taken a very active and prominent part.
Though not an office seeker, Mr. DeMott is great
ly interested in the success of the Republican par
ty, whose candidates he never fails to support.
Although now past seventy-eight years of age,
he is hale and hearty and is remarkably well pre
served. He is prepared to take life easy, and as
one of the oldest citizens of the town commands
the respect and confidence of the entire com
munity.

lage. The family are attendants at the services
of the Episcopal Church and are held in high es
teem by all to whom they are known.
For more than a quarter of a century Mr.
Gauch has been actively identified with the In
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he
takes a warm interest. His residence and store
are situated at No. 76 Second Avenue, wdiere he
has remained uninterruptedly for a period of
twenty-eight years. During this time he has wit
nessed many changes in the community and the
growth of the village. His acquaintanceship is
large, including not only all the people of Col
lege Point, but many from adjoining villages, by
all of whom he is esteemed as an honest, indus
trious man.

ADAM GAUCH. Since 1868 this gentle--
man has occupied the same place of busi
ness in College Point, and he is therefore
well known to two generations of residents here.
He has worked industriously and patiently, pro
viding for his family, educating his children and
laying aside a portion of his earnings for the pro
verbial "rainy day'' when work is no longer pos
sible. From 1861 until 1868 he was engaged in
the manufacture of boots and shoes in New York,
and since that time has been similarly engaged
in College Point.
Born in Bavaria, Germany, May 17, 1840,
Adam Gauch was thirteen years of age when he
left his native land, having previously gained a
fair common-school education. In 1854 he land
ed in New York City, where he apprenticed him
self to a brother-in-law, who was a shoemaker by
trade. He soon acquired a good knowledge of
the manufacture of shoes, and has since devoted
his attention to this occupation. In New York,
in 1863, he married Miss Christina Keppler, a
native of Germany, but a resident of this country
since childhood. They are the parents of two
daughters and one son, named as follows: Katie,
wife of Richard Scmitz, of New York City, and
the mother of three children, Freda, Emma and
Carrie; William A, who lives in College Point;
and Emma, who is attending school in this vil-

WILLIAM A. PITT, the well known en
gineer and inventor, residing at Man
hasset, was born in New York City,
June 8, 1844, to William and Annette (Burtnette)
Pitt. His grandfather, Charles Pitt, and father
were natives of Croydon, England, whence they
came to America and settled in New York, being
the first plumbers of that city. Charles Pitt was
the inventor of the water back for hot water pur
poses, but he did not take out letters patent for
his invention. Pie and his son followed plumbing
throughout life and moved from the city to Stam
ford, Conn, where they died.
At the trades of plumber, steam fitter and ma
chinist, our subject served successive apprentices.
At the age of twenty-six he began to invent. He
originated the idea of lighting gas by the electric
spark. He invented and introduced many im
provements in sanitary plumbing and also for the
ventilation of buildings in New York, all of which
were patented. In 1869 he became an engineer
of the chief of staff of the fire department and
furnished the instruction and lectures for the men.
Another of his inventions was a system for the
carrying of the sewage to land for its improve
ment, without contaminating the rivers. Since
1884 he has been contending with the scientific
world for innovations in the steam engine, which
is the greatest improvement yet effected in that
line, and as a result has secured a method to save
loss of power, making a practical saving of no
less than one-half the applied force. He has pub
lished the only book of two hundred pages in
reference to the steam engine crank, as against a
half page by anyone else. The scientific have ac-

850

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cepted his inventions, recognizing their great val
ue. He has never allowed any man to take the
advantage of him in his inventions or deprive him
of the profit therefrom. For his latest invention
he has been offered $100,000.
The first marriage of Mr. Pitt took place 111
1876. His second marriage, December 29, 1880,
united him with Miss Emma Tracy, who was born
in New York City, being a daughter of Capt.
Prescott Tracy. Two daughters bless the union,
Florence S. and Louise Elder, the former of
whom was born in New York, and the latter in
Glen Brook, Conn. The family are attendants at
and members of the Episcopal Church of Man
hasset. When our subject was about eight years of age
his parents moved to Stamford, Conn, where he
attended the public schools. Later he prosecuted
his studies in the Moravian school at Nazareth,
Pa, where he completed the course. To the in
formation obtained in schools he has added by ob
servation and self-culture and is now a man of
broad knowledge and extended information upon
all topics. In 1868 he cast his first presidential
ballot for General Grant, and since then has al
ways supported Republican candidates. Socially
he is a member of Enterprise Lodge No. 228, F.
& A. M, of New York City.

JACOB SALATHE. While Switzerland has
not contributed as large a number of citizens
to the United States as have some other
countries of the Old World, yet it may truthfully
be said that no land has sent better, braver or
more honest hearts than has the mountain-ribbed
home of William Tell. In the list of the Swiss
who have sought in the United States a wider
field of labor than was offered by their own coun
try, mention belongs to Jacob Salathe, of Col
lege Point, superintendent of the silk mills of
William Openhym & Sons at this point.
Mr. Salathe was born in Switzerland, Septem
ber 3, 1849, and, being early obliged to earn his
own living, he had meager educational advant
ages, his present information having been mainly
gained by practical experience. At the age of
eighteen he crossed the Atlantic and settled in
New York. From an early age he had been fa
miliar with the trade of a silk weaver, and on ar
riving in the metropolis he soon secured work at
that occupation, which he has since followed. He
proved so efficient and capable that he was grad

ually promoted until he filled a position of re
sponsibility and trust. In 1892 he came from
New York to College Point, where he has since
resided, filling the position of superintendent of
the mills of William Openhym & Sons, the main
office of which firm is at Nos. 42-50 Green Street,
New York.

W

ILLIAM J. McKEOWN, the active,
popular and efficient deputy sheriff and
sergeant of the Queens County police,
has made a reputation as a brave and faithful
officer. May 19, 1864, he was born in the village
of Jamaica, being the elder of two children born
to his parents, and is now the only survivor of
this family. His parents were John and Mary
(Rigney) McKeown, the former of whom was
born on the Isle of Erin, where he acquired a
fair education up to the age of nineteen years,
when he decided to seek his fortune in America.
Soon after his arrival in this country he obtained
employment with the Van Siclens in the village
of Jamaica and became an overseer on one of
their farms. Later in life he settled down to
farming for himself on the place where the sub
ject of this sketch now lives, and this has been
his home ever since. His life has been a quiet
and useful, if uneventful, one, and he is univer
sally esteemed.
Under the guardianship of his parents, the sub
ject of this sketch grew up, and while he was re
quired to perform the usual duties of the farmer's
boy, his education was not neglected and he ac
quired a practical knowledge of books in the
common schools. When he had reached the age
of fourteen years he began driving a market
wagon for Charles G. Strang, and at the end of
three years he commenced farming for himself
on the place where he now lives, of which he be
came the owner in 1892, having previously rented
it for about ten years. In the management of this
place he has shown good judgment, and the nat
ural result has been that he has prospered finan
cially. November 30, 1891, occurred Mr. McKeown's
marriage with Miss Mary L. Stewart, a daughter
of Dr. James Stewart, of New York City, and
the following March he began the erection of his
present beautiful residence, wdiich was completed
on Decoration Day following. Mr. McKeown
has always supported the men and measures of the
Republican party and in 1891 he received the ap-

JOHN E. BACKUS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

853

pointment of deputy sheriff of Queens County
under Sheriff Norton, and after the election of
Sheriff Doht, in 1895, he was reappointed by him,
and is thus in the fourth year of his service. He
is an active and able officer and discharged his
duties in such an efficient manner that in October,
1895, he was appointed sergeant of the Queens
County police force, and still holds the position.
In 1889 Mr. McKeown was elected to the of
fice of game constable of the town of Jamaica,
and filled this office very satisfactorily to all con
cerned for three years, and especially so to those
who supported him. Our subject is one of the
representative citizens of the county, is a believer
in law and order and makes it a point to see that
his views are carried out as far as possible. Both
Mr. and Mrs. McKeown are identified with the
Catholic Church.

JOPIN E. BACKUS. A prominent position
among the citizens of the town of New
town is held by the gentleman whose name
introduces this biographical notice, and who, dur
ing his lifelong residence in the county, has been
interested in its welfare and a friend of its institu
tions. A man of broad knowledge and superior
ability, as well as the genial courtesy of manners
which wins and retains friends, he merits the high
regard in which he is held by all who know him.
Germany has furnished Long Island with
many worthy citizens, but she has contributed
none more worthy of mention or whose career
has been such a complete success in every way,
than Ascan Backus, father of the subject of this
notice and for years one of the most influential
men of Newtown. His life shows what may be
accomplished by determined energy, even in the
face of many obstacles. He was born in Saxe-
Gotha in 1814, being the son of a prominent
farmer and stock-raiser, who, owing to the part
he took in political affairs during the troubled
times of his country, was stripped of his posses
sions. Ascan, who at that period was studying
for one of the professions, was obliged to leave
his books and face the problem of earning a live
lihood. Coming to America, Mr. Backus landed in
New York, July 4, 1829, being then a youth of
fifteen. At first he assisted his brother, Charles,
who had arrived a year before, in the manage
ment of his farm. By economically saving his
earnings, he soon amassed a sufficient sum to en

able him to hire a small place. There he began
for himself, with what success every resident of
Queens County knows. He made a specialty of
raising produce, which in those days had to be
shipped by boat down Newtown Creek and
around the. battery to New York. Making the
acquaintance of the principal market men of the
metropolis, he gained their friendship through
his strict integrity and upright dealings. The
markets were closely watched by him and his
sales were made accordingly.
As the years passed by, an ever increasing suc
cess came to Ascan Backus. As he increased the
amount of his landed possessions, he also en
larged his corps of employes, built new structures
for his grain and produce, and purchased addi
tional stock. Among his laborers he was re
spected. In any dispute his word was respecte'd
as final. In their sickness he was a sympathetic
friend, in their holiday sports an approving on
looker, and it was his desire to inculcate within
them habits of economy and prudence. Not a
few of them owed their success, afterward at
tained, to his words of counsel and encourage-
merit. When he died, March 18, 1880, rich and
poor alike mourned his loss as that of a kind
friend, good citizen and accommodating neigh
bor. By his marriage to Mary A. Beethan, Ascan
Backus became the father of six children, of
whom there now survive John E, Frederick D,
and Mary E, wife of Dr. J. H. Lever of Flushing.
Our subject was born on the family homestead
in the town of Newtown, September 25, 1846.
Pfis education was obtained in the Flushing In
stitute, and as he neared man's estate his business
ability manifested itself and he was made an as
sistant manager by his father of his large es
tates. His success in that position fully justified
the confidence reposed in him. After his father's
death in 1880, he was made executor of the es
tate and for some years afterward he and his
brother carried on the farming interests in part
nership on a large scale, until the final settlement
was made.
The undoubted business ability possessed by
our subject has brought him prominently forward
among the progressive men of the town. He is
treasurer of. the Citizen's Water Supply Com
pany of Newtown, which was incorporated in
1893. In the Queens County Agricultural So
ciety he is serving as a director. He is one of the
commissioners of the State Normal School of

854

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jamaica, and is treasurer of the board. In the
Dutch Reformed Church, to which he and his
family belong, he has filled the offices of elder and
deacon for years.
November 5, 1873, Mr. Backus married Miss
Phoebe S. Vanderveer, who presides with grace
and hospitable dignity over his elegant home in
Hoffman Boulevard, midway between Jamaica
and Newtown. They are the parents of three liv
ing sons, one having died. F. Eugene is at home,
assisting his father in the management of his
large interests. I. Wyckoff and J. Edwin are
students in the Flushing Institute. Mrs. Backus
is the daughter of Isaac W. Vanderveer, and a
granddaughter of John R. Pitkin, one of the best
known men of his day. He was the founder of
East New York, Kings County, and of Wood
haven, Queens County. In 1846 he was instru
mental in drawing, and after two years of diligent
and persistent work succeeded in having adoj)ted,
one of the general manufacturing laws of the
state of New York, under which to-day a vast
amount of individual capital and enterprise is as
sociated in the development of the state's re
sources. For years he was a successful mer
chant, but later became interested in the develop
ment of the shoe manufacturing interests of the
state and was a prominent factor in inducing
practical shoe manufacturers to remove from
New England to New York. In 1860-61, with a
few friends, he founded the East New York Boot,
Shoe and Leather Manufacturing Company,
which was later conducted by his children, and
in which about three thousand pair of shoes were
manufactured daily. His success was all the
more remarkable when we consider that he was
self-supporting from the age of twelve, having
neither the prestige of wealth nor the influence
of friends to aid him in attaining prosperity.

PETER RENART, who has resided in Col
lege Point since 1851, was born in New
York City in 1840 and is of German and
French descent. His paternal grandfather, who
was born in France, removed to Germany, where
he was employed as a farmer and linen' weaver.
The father, Michael, was born in Rhine Falls,
Germany, and in youth followed the occupations
in which his father engaged, but after coming to
America and settling in New York, he was em
ployed as a boiler maker. In 185 1 he came to
College Point, where he entered the Enterprise

Rubber Works. He died here in 1894, aged sev
enty-five. Politically he held Democratic views,
and in religion was a Lutheran. In New York
he married Margaret Bornham, who was born
in France and died in College Point at the age
of seventy-two. Her father, who took part in
the Napoleonic wars, emigrated to America and
settled in Lancaster, Pa, where he was employed
as a mason and builder.
The parental family consists of eight children,
all living, namely: Peter; George and Matthew,
who live in College Point ; Michael, who is in the
state of Washington; William, of Paterson, N. J.;
Mrs. Susan Bush, of Sullivan County, N. Y.;
Mrs. Louise Earthman, also of Sullivan County,
and Mrs. Annie Rohn, who is in Russia. Our
subject was educated in the schools of New York
and College Point. At the age of fifteen he went
to sea, shipping on a whaling vessel, "Iowa," from
New Bedford, and engaging in sperm whaling
in the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.
Four years were spent on this voyage, and while
on board ship he learned the carpenter's trade.
Returning to New Bedford, six weeks after
ward Mr. Renart shipped on the "Java," which
took practically the same route as the "Iowa,"
and he was employed as carpenter and cooper
during the four years he remained on this vessel.
On retiring from the sea he came to College
Point in 185 1 and afterward followed his trade
until 1885, since which time he has given his
attention to jobbing. He erected his residence
at No. 148 Fifteenth Street, and here he has
established a pleasant home.
In New York City Mr. Renart married Mrs.
Elizabeth (Markey) Willman, who was born in
Rheinpfalz, Germany. Her father, Peter, was a
son of Peter Markey, Sr, and was born in Ger
many, where he engaged in farm pursuits until
his death, at the age of eighty-three. In religious
belief he was a member of the Catholic Church.
Pie married Magdalene P.rown, a native of Prus
sia, and daughter of John Brown, who was the
proprietor of an oil mill. There were eight chil
dren in the family of Peter Markey, of whom
three are living, all in America. Mrs. Renart,
wdio is next to the eldest, was educated in Ger
many and came to America in 1857. Her first
marriage was to Michael Willman, who enlisted
in the Union Army as a member of the Fourth
New York Infantry and was killed in the battle
of Antietam. Two children were born of this un
ion, Michael, wdio lives in Paterson, and John,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

855

who died in College Point Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Renart were born three children, namely: Mrs.
Susan Sweeney, Mrs. Mary Kreamer and Peter,
Jr., a silk weaver by trade, all being residents
of College Point. For eight years Mr. Renart
was foreman of the Eagle Hook and Ladder Com
pany, in which he is still a member.

FRED MEDERO, agent for Boyer's Freight
Line, of New York, Flushing and College
Point, was born May 28, 1855, in Flushing,
where he now resides. His father, Michael Me-
dero, a native of Canary Island, near the west
coast of Africa, and a descendant of Spanish an
cestry, left home at the age of eight years, taking
passage on a boat commanded by Captain Jones,
of West Creek, N. J, on the occasion of his first
trip to that island. He reached New York and
soon afterward went to sea with Captain Jones.
At the age of seventeen he was owner and cap
tain of a vessel, with which he engaged in the
oyster trade on the coast of New Jersey and Vir
ginia. Later he was in the fruit trade between
New York and the West Indies, and was among
the first to bring bananas by cargo to New York
City. His vessel, wdiich he still commands, sails
between the metropolis and the West India
Islands, carrying out a general cargo and return
ing with logwood. His life of adventure on the
high seas has not undermined his strength; on
the contrary, he is unusually hale and vigorous
for a man of seventy-three. Besides speaking the
English language fluently, he converses readily
in Spanish and French.
The mother of our subject, Mary C. Seaman,
was born at West Creek, N. J, and died in Flush
ing, having had a family of eleven children, of
whom four survive. Fred, who is the next to
the eldest, was reared in Flushing and attended
the public schools until fourteen, when he en
tered a broker's office in New York City. Dur
ing the eleven years that he was thus engaged he
did all the custom house work for the firm. In
1880 he started in the brokerage business for him
self at the corner of South and Old Slip Streets,
where he continued as a ship broker for some
time. Later he was in partnership with Charles
I. Hill, under the firm name of Charles I. Hill &
Co, succeeding 1. R. Staples & Co. in business at
No. 66 South Street. On coming to Flushing
he started in the green grocery business at No.
911 Main Street. In 1887 he became agent for

Boyer's freight line, of which he has since been
general manager. He runs one steamboat, the
"L. Boyer,'' which is a boat of one hundred and
fifty tons; this stops at College Point, Steinway
and Pier No. 23, leaving at 2 p. m. for home.
The freight business is very large and the enter
prise has proved of much benefit to the people of
Flushing. The employes are boys residing in
this place, and the location at the foot of Broad
way is most advantageous for the purposes of
trade and transportation.
By his marriage to Mary, daughter of Patrick
Kanna, of this place, Mr. Medero has four chil
dren, namely : Charles, who is local agent for the
Boyer Freight Line at Flushing; Mary, Joseph
ine and Fred. The family residence is situated
at No. 18 North Prince Street. Mr. Medero is a
member of the Flushing Building & Loan As
sociation and the United Banking Company of
New York. Since 1875 he has been identified
with Mutual Engine Company No. 1, in which he
has held all the offices. He is a firm adherent
of Republican principles, and a progressive citi
zen who takes an interest in all worthy enterprises.

GEORGE HACHTEL, who is engaged in
the bakery business in Second Avenue,
between Sixth and Seventh Streets, Col
lege Point, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March
26, 1866, and is a son of George and Lena (Stand-
inger) Hachtel, natives of the same place, where
the father is still engaged in farm pursuits; the
mother died some years ago. Of five children
comprising the family all but one are living, the
subject of this sketch being the eldest of the
number and the only one in America. He was
reared in the parental home and aided in the
work of cultivating the farm, also attended the
German schools until fourteen years of age.
In 1880 Mr. Hachtel took passage on a steamer
at Bremen, and after an uneventful voyage land
ed in New York. His first employment in this
country was upon a farm in Glencove, Queens
County, where he remained for six months. He
was then apprenticed to learn the trade of a bak
er in New York City, where he remained, the
most of the time, for the six following years. In
1886 he came to College Point, and three years
later was here united in marriage with Miss Cyn
thia Jacobs, daughter of Charles Jacobs, a far
mer of this village, where she was born.
Continuing at his trade, Mr. Hachtel in 1893

856

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bought out his father-in-law's business, which is
one of the oldest bakeries here, and he has since
been proprietor of the place at Nos. 94~96 Sec
ond Avenue. Steady employment is furnished to
two bakers, and a wagon is run for the conven
ience of customers in College Point and Flush
ing. While he has been very successful in every
line of his trade, his specialty has been the mak
ing of rye bread, in which he has few equals. He
is a member of the Adelphi Social Club and the
Order of Foresters, and in religious belief is iden
tified with St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He and
his wife have three sons, George G, Frederick
G. and Charles H.

ANTON HAHN, who is of German birth
and parentage, came to America in
1893, and located in Long Island City,
where he is a leading florist. He deals in all
kinds of potted plants, shrubs and choice cut
flowers and makes a specialty of floral pieces and
decorations for weddings, parties and funerals.
Prior to coming to America he was the court
gardener to Her Majesty, the late Empress Au
gusta of Germany. He has in his possession six
teen first prizes, medals and diplomas from all
the principal exhibitions held in his native land,
also letters of recommendation from Empress
Augusta and Emperor Frederick III.
The birth of Mr. Hahn occurred in 1857 in
Coblentz, Germany, which Was also the birth
place of his father, Mathias Hahn, who was like
wise a florist of wide reputation and extended
knowledge. His wife was formerly a Miss Er-
ben, both of whose parents are now deceased.
To them was granted a family of ten children, of
whom six are now living. Of this household, An
ton is the only one who makes his home in the
New World. He attended the schools of Cob
lentz until nineteen years of age, when he en
tered the Pobbelsdorff Botanical Garden Insti
tute and after completing the course there stud
ied in other schools of the kind, finally being-
graduated from the Geisenheim Horticultural
School when only twenty-two years of age.
After becoming fully qualified our subject en
gaged in business with his father until the death
of the latter, when he carried on affairs alone un
til 1893, the year in which he came to America.
Choosing Long Island City as his future abiding
place he first worked for a Mr. Arnold, and later
became florist and gardener for a gentleman own

ing one of the finest hpmes in Brooklyn. Upon
leaving his employ he was given the position of
second foreman in an establishment in New York
City, remaining there until September 15, 1894,
when he bought out Mr. Arnold of Astoria, and
has continued at this stand ever since. He has
made many improvements in the place, which is
without question one of the largest and finest in
Long Island City. His greenhouses and garden
cover twenty-two lots and both are supplied with
all the conveniences for propagating plants and
shrubs of all kinds. He supplies the decorations
for the Museum of Art in Central Park, and at
various times has had charge of the decorations
at St. Patrick's Cathedral, located in Fiftieth
Street, New York. Mr. Hahn was called upon to
do the decorating -for a wedding at the residence
of Mr. Byke of Brooklyn, and displayed such ex
cellent taste and good judgment in his arrange
ment of the different rooms that his skill as a
florist was mentioned in glowing terms in the
New York papers and copied by the English and
German papers.
The marriage of our subject occurred in his
native land, in 1886, when Miss Anna Reiche be
came his wife. They have one daughter, Katie.
In religious affairs Mr. Hahn is a Catholic.

W

ILBUR F. JOHNSON. It was in 1881
that Mr. Johnson opened a furniture
and undertaking establishment at East
Norwich. The business was at first conducted
upon a small scale, but by fair and honorable
methods and untiring industry, there was a
gradual increase in the trade, to accommodate
which the stock was increased and the facilities
enlarged. To meet the needs of the growing
business, in 1885 Mr. Johnson purchased prop
erty conveniently located and here he erected a
commodious and substantial building. His busi
ness is now one of the most extensive and com
plete in this line of any outside of the large cities,
and his trade extends throughout this section.
Noting the history of the family, we find that
our subject's grandfather, Stephen Johnson, was
born and reared in Hempstead, Queens Coun
ty, where for many years he engaged in mer
cantile pursuits. Our subject's father, Rev.
Samuel F, was from boyhood conspicuous for
his talents, and at an early age entered the min
istry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which
he devoted his active life. His labors were chief-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

859

ly on Long Island, in addition to which he spent
twelve years in Connecticut. In his various
charges he labored indefatigably to advance the
spiritual interests of the people, and through his
upright, consistent life and earnestness as a
speaker he won many into the church. His self-
sacrificing efforts finally resulted in failing health,
which obliged him to retire from ministerial
work. His last days were spent at Rockville Cen
ter, where he died April 24, 1886, after a long and
useful life devoted to the cause of Christianity.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary
Smith, makes her home with her daughter, Flar-
riet, wife of Rev. W'. A. Layton.
In the parental family there were five children,
namely: Wilbur F.; Harriet; Sidney, who died
in childhood; Frank, who is bookkeeper for the
First National Bank of Pasadena, Cal; and Ar
thur, who is engaged in business in Drayton,
Pembina County, N. D. The first eighteen years
of our subject's life were spent beneath the paren
tal roof, and he attended the public schools of
the various places where his father resided. When
twenty-one he entered Packard's Business Col
lege of New York City, where he completed the
commercial course. For the six years following
he taught the East Norwich school. During that
time he was married, August 20, 1877, to Miss
Emily, daughter of John Vernon, of one of the
old families of East Norwich.
The religious connections of Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson are with the Methodist Episcopal
Church of East Norwich, in which he has for fif
teen years been steward and class leader. Also
active in Sunday-school work, he has been sup
erintendent for some time, and has been instru
mental in promoting the welfare of this depart
ment of the church. His political belief brings
him into co-operation with the Republican party,
with which he always votes and works. He is a
careful, conscientious business man, and has
gained a measure of success of which he may well
be proud.

WILLIAM RASQUIN, JR. Although
still in the dawn of a successful career,
Mr. Rasquin is one of the prominent
attorneys of Long Island, a region well repre
sented by some of the country's most talented
legal lights. His present position has been ac
quired by arduous study and a strict adherence

to an honorable course, and as a citizen he is
well and favorably known. He is a native of
Philadelphia, Pa, and was born in September,
1864. His father, William Rasquin, Sr, was a
native of Cologne, Germany, his ancestors be
ing exiles from France. In his youth he learned
the shoemaker's trade, and upon reaching man
hood became a soldier in the German army.
Upon his arrival in America in 1856 he took up
his residence in Philadelphia, and until his re
moval to Brooklyn, in November, 1864, was en
gaged in the shoe business. His wife was Louisa
Lindauer, a native of Canton Schwytz, Switzer
land, on Lake Zurich, and six children were born
to them, four of whom are living.
William Rasquin, Jr., was the eldest child born
to his parents, and was graduated from the pub
lic schools of Brooklyn when thirteen years of
age. For two years following this he was with
David M. Stone, editor of the "Journal of Com
merce," then began the study of law with Erastus
New in New York City. At this time he was but
fifteen years of age, and when twenty-one years
old he was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn, in
September, 1885. For one year thereafter he was
associated with Mr. New, and after the latter's
death he entered the office of Robert Sewell of
New York City, with whom he has since been
professionally associated. Since November,
1893, Mr. Rasquin has been a resident of Flush
ing and has a well appointed office at No. 11 Main
Street. Fie at once identified himself with the in
terests of the place and his intelligence and abil
ity soon became recognized, for after a residence
here of only a year and a half, he was elected, in
the spring of 1895, chairman of the town board
of auditors for a term of three years. He is the
local attorney for the United States Building and
Loan Bank of Flushing, and although formerly
a member of the Kings County Bar Association
he transferred his membership to Queens County
upon locating there.
A stanch Democrat, Mr. Rasquin was a dele
gate to the state convention of 1895 and was on
the committee on credentials. He is a Royal
Arch Mason and a member of Cornucopia Lodge
No. 563; also belongs to the Royal Arcanum.
Besides holding membership with the Flushing
Boat Club, he is also identified with the village
improvement association, Murray Hill Improve
ment Association, and was one of the organizers
of the Murray Hill Hose Company, serving as its
first president, and is now chairman of its board

86o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of trustees. He is also a member of the Mer
cury Wheel Club.
Mr. Rasquin was married in Brooklyn to Miss
Ella Rockefeller, who traces her ancestry in this
country to the landing of Henry Hudson, and is
consequently of Holland-Dutch stock. Grand
father Rockafellow (the original spelling of the
name) located in Columbia County, N. Y, and
some of the family subsequently moved to Or
ange County. To Mr. and Mrs. Rasquin two
children have been born: Almon Gilson and
William Rockefeller. They have a beautiful
home on Murray Hill and are attendants of the
Reformed Church. Mr. Rasquin was for seven
years a member of the Third Battery National
Guard, and held the rank of sergeant five years.
He is an enthusiastic wheelman and when in
Brooklyn was a member of the Long Island
Wheelmen. He was a delegate to the National
Wheelmen's Convention, was chairman of the
roadbook committee of the New York division
and has ridden all over New York state on his
wheel.

HENRY KESSELRING, proprietor of a
grocery at College Point, and member of
a well known family of this village, was
born here February 22, 1864. He is the son of
John C. Kesselring, a native of Germany, who
came to College Point about 1856 and has since
resided here, having witnessed the growth and
development of the place from a straggling, un
important hamlet to a thriving village. Not only
is he familiar with the progress of the place, but
has himself largely contributed thereto, having
by his business attributes and public spirit been
a potent factor in attaining the present results.
In various ways he has been associated with the
business interests of the community, and at this
writing is employed in the Enterprise mill. Some
years ago he purchased the grocery store of which
his son, Henry, is the manager. Politically he
has always been identified with the Democratic
party and a devoted adherent to its principles.
By his marriage to Miss Mary Kutruff, who
was born in Germany and came to America in
girlhood, John C. Kesselring became the father
of nine children, of whom the six here named sur
vive: Susan, whose home is in New York; Marv,
Minnie, Bertha, Henry and Clara, all residents of
College Point. The subject of this sketch, who
is the only son of his parents, was reared to man

hood in this village and received his education in
the schools of College Point and New York. His
first employment was that of telegraph operator
at the station here, which position he held for
one year. The occupation, however, did not
prove congenial and he turned his attention to
other lines of work. For eight months he was
employed in a drug store, after wdiich for one
year he engaged as clerk for his brother-in-law
in the grocery business. Later, wdien his father
purchased the concern, he remained as manager
of the business, which he has since conducted
successfully. Socially he is identified with the
Foresters and is secretary of Court Fregang
here.

LEONARD W. LAMBERSON, who was
formerly successfully engaged in the gro
cery business, now conducts a feed estab
lishment in Jamaica. He is a native of Spring
field, N. Y, and was born July 24, 1841, to
Remsen and Sarah (Smith) Lamberson, he and
his brother John, a resident of Springfield, being
the only surviving members of a family of three
children. Remsen Lamberson was also born in
Springfield, his natal year being 1812, and here
he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for some years, but he
finally turned his attention to farming, following
the same until his death, which occurred Septem
ber 17, 1895. He was first married to Miss Sarah
Smith, and for his second wife he married Miss
Hannah E. Smith, her sister, by whom he had two
children, oi whom Howard is the only survivor.
His third wife was Miss Adaline lohnson. The
grandfather, Derrick Lamberson, was a miller
and hotelkeeper of Fosters Meadow the greater
portion of his life.
Under the shelter of the parental roof the sub
ject of this sketch grew- to manhood, and in the
common schools in the vicinity of his rural home
he acquired a fair education. After he. had at
tained the age of twenty-one years he began life
for himself as a farmer, but in a short time de
cided to devote his attention to other pursuits and
for two years was a stage .driver under William
Durland between Jamaica and New York City.
He then became a member of the Brooklyn po
lice force, but after two years spent in this man
ner, he removed to his present location and
opened a grocery, wdiich for thirty years he con
ducted very successfully, but in 1895 he disposed

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

86 1

of his stock of goods, leased his store property
and is now devoting his attention solely to the
feed business, which he had previously conducted
in conjunction with his grocery business.
In 1862 Mr. Lamberson's marriage with Miss
Mary E. Smith occurred, and to them have been
born two children: Anna Augusta, wife of John
L. Boyd, and the mother of six children; and
Remsen D, who is married and the father of four
children. The latter is a successful grocer of
Springfield. Mr. Lamberson is a Republican
politically and for four years was a member of the
town board of trustees. He has also been a
trustee of his school district for some nine years,
in fact, he is a public-spirited man and has al
ways been a useful and substantial citizen.

ticket, for the position of justice of the peace in
the town. He was united in marriage, in April,
1887, with Miss Alice Phelan, daughter of Daniel
Phelan, of Brooklyn, and unto them have been
born four children: Ella, Thomas, Martha and
Roger.

THOMAS PATTERSON, who is num
bered among the progressive and enter
prising residents of Mineola, where he is
extensively engaged in the real estate business,
was born in the city of Brooklyn in 1861, being
the son of John and Margaret (Williams) Patter
son. His boyhood days were spent in Brooklyn,
where he was a student in the common schools,
laying there the foundation of learning necessary
for the successful management of business affairs.
In youth he was employed at different times by
various manufacturing companies of New York,
but it was not his intention to continue in the
employ of others, this work being used merely as
a stepping stone to a business of his own.
In 1889, having saved an amount sufficient to
justify the venture, Mr. Patterson embarked in
the real estate business, and three years later he
came to Mineola, where he has since conducted
general work in his chosen line. In this village
he erected a commodious and comfortable resi
dence, of artistic design and desirably located;
this place has since been his home, and is regard
ed as one of the most attractive private dwellings
in the village. A large part of his work consists
of platting village lots and he has laid out an
addition to Mineola, thus enhancing the progress
of the community and the business interests of the
people. He has a city office located in the Ar-
buckle building.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Patterson has
been identified with the Republican party, and
has never failed to support by his vote the prin
ciples for which this organization stands. In 1895
he received the nomination, on the Republican

BENJAMIN G. STRONG, M. D, coroner
of Queens County, is a very prominent
physician and stands high in the opinion
of his professional brethren, and has been suc
cessfully engaged in practice for many years.
The Doctor is highly educated in general and is
a student and scholar of great depth. He comes
of good old Puritan stock and is a member of
the seventh generation from John Strong, the
first of the family in America. The Doctor is a
native of Michigan, and was born in Hillsdale
County in i860. His father, Dr. Ashal V.
Strong.was born at Huntsburg, Ohio, whence
he later removed to Hillsdale County, Mich,
where he earned a well-merited place among the
prominent physicians of that county.
In tracing the ancestry of our subject back to
John Strong we first make mention of his grand
father, Amasa Strong, born in Westhampton,
Mass. The father of the latter, who also bore the
given name of Amasa, was likewise a native of
Westhampton, where he was engaged in farm
ing. His wife was a Miss Sarah Noble of West-
field, Mass. Amasa Strong, Sr, was in turn the
son of Bela Strong, and the latter the son of Jere
miah Strong.
John Strong was born in Taunton, England,
and with one hundred and forty others embarked
on a sailing vessel, which was seventy days cross
ing the Atlantic. They were landed at Nantasket,
Mass, May 30, 1630. The Strongs then settled
at a place called Dorchester, where they lived for
five years and then removed to Hughhorn, Mass.
Their residence there was of short duration, how
ever, for the record tells us that they soon made
their home in Taunton, that state. In 1669 John
Strong, with his household, settled in Windsor,
Conn, which place he aided very materially to
develop, and where he resided until his decease.
He was a tanner by trade and followed this call
ing after coming to America.
The first of the family to leave the East was the
great-grandfather of our subject, who upon
reaching mature years made his home in Ohio,
where he successfully followed farming. His son,

862

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the grandfather of Benjamin G, succeeded him
to the old homestead and he too accumulated a
good property.
Ashal V. Strong was given every advantage for
gaining a good education and after deciding to
take up the medical profession became a student
in Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio,
from which he was graduated as Doctor of Medi
cine with the class of '49. He determined to make
his home in the West, and accordingly opened an
office at Reading, Hillsdale County, Mich, where
he was engaged in practice until his decease. He
became one of the most successful physicians of
the county and was a prominent member of the
various local medical societies.
During the late war Dr. Ashal Strong was
made assistant surgeon Of the First Michigan
Sharpshooters, serving acceptably until receiv
ing his honorable discharge on the expiration of
his period of enlistment. He was fifty-seven
years of age at the time of his decease, in Febru
ary, 1884. After his army experience and the
organization of the Grand Army of the Republic,
he became identified with the post nearest his
home and was an active worker in this body dur
ing his lifetime. He also ranked high in Masonic
circles and was well known to his brethren in the
Odd Fellows fraternity, as he was also a mem
ber of that order.
The mother of our subject was Cornelia (Grin-
nell) Strong, a native of Evans Hills, N. Y, and
the daughter of Ezra and Catherine Grinnell.
Her father lived to the remarkable age of ninety-
four years, departing this life at the home of Dr.
Strong in Michigan in 1885. During his younger
years he had been a farmer of prominence in the
Empire State and took an active part in the Ma
sonic fraternity, with which he has been con
nected for many years. The mother of our sub
ject is still living on the old home place in Michi
gan. Benjamin G. is her only son, and his sis
ter, Carrie, is now Mrs. Curtiss of Reading, Mich.
When eighteen years of age our subject gradu
ated from the high school of Reading. He at
once began his own support by clerking in a
drug store in his native place, being thus occu
pied until 1880, when he entered the medical de
partment of the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor, and was graduated as a physician three
years thereafter. He then entered into business
with his father, and when the latter died he suc
ceeded to his practice. He continued to make his
home ,n the Wolverine State until 1889, when he

came East and opened an office in Long Island
City. In the spring of that year, wishing to gain
more information relating to his profession, he
took a course in the Post-Graduate School of New
York City, and in June of that year succeeded to
the practice of Dr. Hitchcock and has since con
tinued at the old office, No. 434 Jackson Avenue.
In the fall of 1893 the Doctor was elected
county coroner on the Republican ticket by a
very large majority. In January of the suc
ceeding year he took the oath of office, and in
discharging the duties of this responsible posi
tion gives entire satisfaction. He is one of the
busiest men in Long Island City and in addition
to his extensive practice he had last year two
hundred cases as coroner.
Dr. Strong and Miss Alice Bartholomew of In
dianapolis, Ind, were united in marriage in 1884.
Mrs. Strong was born in Michigan and by her
union with our subject has become the mother of
a daughter named Blessing. The Doctor is an
Odd Fellow and holds membership with Island
City Lodge and Encampment. He is also a Mason
of high degree and belongs to Banner Chapter.
He is likewise a Royal Arch Mason and was made
Knight Templar in Hillsdale. The Knights of
Pythias claim him as one of their most able sup
porters and he also belongs to the Order of Sons
of Veterans. As we have already stated, he is
an influential and enthusiastic Republican and is
a member of the county Republican central com
mittee. He reads papers from time to time be
fore the Long Island City and Queens County
Medical Societies and as one of the most skillful
physicians of the island his advice is often sought
and followed by those even older in the profes
sion than himself.

J

OHN D. HALVORSON. The merchant
tailoring establishment of which this gen
tleman is the proprietor and which is one
of the well known business houses of Flushing,
stands at No. 89 Main Street, occupying a loca
tion that is advantageous for the purposes of the
trade. By those who are in a position to be in
formed in regard to the matter, it is said that Mr.
Halvorson has no superior in this locality in his
special line of work. He makes a specialty of
imported cloth, of which he carries a full assort
ment, adhering strictly to the latest styles in Lon
don and Paris.
A Swede by birth, Mr. Halvorson learned the

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

865

merchant tailoring trade under competent in
structors in his native land. In 1881 he came to
the United States and after traveling through
different parts of the country, he located in New
York City, where for a time he was in the employ
of Averill Brothers. Later he was with M. Rock,
the well known tailor of Fifth Avenue, and the
value of his services may be recognized by the
fact that he was retained as cutter by that gentle
man, who has for years been regarded as one of
the finest merchant tailors in the world. He used
the Bell system of cutting, the leading system in
the country, and remained in M. Rock's estab
lishment for seven years.
In the meantime, in 1890, Mr. Halvorson es
tablished his home in Flushing, where he built
a commodious residence at No. 118 Central Ave
nue. In March, 1896, he opened his present es
tablishment, where he has since had a large trade
as an importer of suitings and as merchant tailor.
He is well and favorably known among the peo
ple of this part of the county, and his knowledge
of the merchant tailoring trade has brought him
the confidence of those with whom he has had
business dealings.

JUDGE LUKE J. CONNORTON, attorney-
at-law and one of the leading Democrats of
Flushing, was born in this village Novem
ber 21, 1853, and is a son of Luke and Hannah
(Curley) Connorton, deceased, the former of
whom was engaged in the livery business here
for many years before his death. Luke J. is the
older of two children and was educated in the
Flushing Institute, graduating in 1872. After
ward, having resolved to become an attorney, he
took up the study of law under J. W. Covert, ex-
member of Congress, and was admitted to the bar
in Brooklyn in 1877. After Mr. Covert went to
Congress he remained in his office for a short
time. In 1878 Mr. Connorton was elected town clerk
upon the Democratic ticket, which position he
held by successive annual election for a period
of twelve years, meantime continuing the practice
of law. In 1889 he was elected justice of the
peace for Flushing, being the only justice in the
village. In 1893 he was re-elected for a period
of four years. He has civil jurisdiction in the
town and holds court daily in his offices in the
town hall and at No. 11 Main Street. Such time
as may not be needed for official work is devoted
35

to the practice of law, in which he has been suc
cessful. One of the leaders of the Democratic party in
this section, Judge Connorton, does all in his
power to advance party interests. He has fre
quently served as delegate to local and state con
ventions, and in 1884 was an alternate to the na
tional convention. At this writing he is a mem
ber of the town committee. For fifteen years he
has been clerk to the board of town trustees. In
every position to wdiich he has been called, he
has rendered able and efficient service, and as an
official has few equals in the town. Fraternally he
is a member of the Royal Arcanum and master
of finance of the Knights of Pythias. He is also
identified with Rescue Hook and Ladder Com
pany. In this village he married Miss Kate E.
O'Brien, who was born here, and they are the
parents of a son, William.

PRESTON B. SEAMAN. Among those
who have acquired a wide reputation for
their great skill and artistic conception as
architects in Long Island City is Preston B.
Seaman. In Astoria he is regarded as a ris
ing young man of marked professional attain
ments and great promise. He was born at No.
927 Boulevard, Astoria, July 11, 1868, to the
marriage of Allen and Mary M. (Kenzel) Sea
man, both natives of the Empire State. The
grandfather, Hampton Seaman, was of French
origin and of an old and prominent family, many
of whose members were Quakers. The father of
our subject was born in Orange County, but
when a young man went to New York City and
was there engaged as a marine engineer, erect
ing steamboats and other machinery for F. W.
Devoe. In 1850 he came to Astoria, but his
work carried him to different parts of the island.
He is now retired from active business and re
sides at No. 927 Boulevard, where, although sev
enty-four years old, he enjoys fairly good health.
To his marriage were born six children, five
daughters and a son, two daughters and the son
now living.
Our subject, the youngest of this family, re
ceived a good, practical education in Astoria, first
in the public schools and then in Trinity Church
school, graduating from the latter institution in
1887. Later he began the study of architecture in
Jersey City, N. J, and from there went to Brook
lyn, N. Y, where he was with Parfett Brothers,

866

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

architects, for about two years. From there he
went to New York City, and after remaining with
C. True for three years, in 1892 opened an office
in Astoria. While residing in New York City he
was a member of the New York Sketch Club, and
joined several evening classes and there studied
different drafting and panelings. Since locating
in this city he has continued his study and is well
posted in all that pertains to his profession. He
completed the Astor Hotel, Mrs. Campbell Wool-
sey's residence, the Presbyterian parsonage, and
many other residences and buildings. He also has
had much work in Flushing and in Jersey City.
Mr. Seaman is treasurer of Astoria Athletic
Club, of which he was one of the organizers, and
is filling his second term in that position. For
one year he was secretary of the club. He is a
member of the Church of the Redeemer, is mem
ber of the choir, and although assistant superin
tendent of the Sunday-school is acting superin
tendent, and is also secretary and treasurer. Po
litically he advocates the principles of the Demo
cratic party.

WILLIAM CONNORS has been a resi
dent of College Point for twenty-six
years, since 1870, and since 1881 has
carried on his present business, that of manufac
turer of improved mineral waters. The business
of manufacturing and bottling aerated waters is
a very important one, and few have been more
successful in it than has he. His establishment
is situated in Twelfth Street, between Second
and Fourth Avenues, and he also has a branch at
Great Neck, supplying all the hotels and picnic
grounds there and at Roslyn, Port Washington
and Sand's Point. The place covers an area of
150x150 feet and the general equipment is very
complete, consisting of all the necessary appli
ances for manufacturing and bottling soda and
mineral waters, ginger ale, tonic beer and other
drinks. He is also agent for and bottler of Bead-
leston & Woerz's ales, porter and imperial lager
beer, which is sold at both wholesale and retail.
Employment is furnished to a number of men,
and wagons are kept for the delivery of orders to
customers. Born in Ireland March 1, 1857, Mr. Connors
came to America at an early age and joined sonie
relatives at College Point, where he has since
resided. His first work here was in the Enter
prise rubber mills, where he was employed for

three years. For a similar period he was en
gaged in the hotel business, after which he em
barked in the enterprise which he has since suc
cessfully conducted. Under his efficient manage
ment the business has grown to large propor
tions, his trade extending to Oyster Bay and Ja
maica towns and through the town of North
Hempstead. By his marriage to Mary Cashen
of Whitestone, he has five children, all at
home, namely: Edward, William, Margaret,
Mabel and Raymond. Believing thoroughly in
the advantages gained by an education, he is giv
ing his children excellent opportunities, so that
they may become fitted for useful positions in the
world. He is a member of the Catholic Benevo
lent Legion and the Order of Foresters. A Dem
ocrat in politics, he is serving as town trustee and
is chairman of a very important committee —
that which inquires concerning the disposal of
lands under water.

GEORGE HENRY JORGEN WULFF.
Among the worthy residents and respect
ed citizens of Schuetzen Park is this gen
tleman, wdio bears the distinction of being the
oldest contractor in house painting and deco
rating in Long Island City. He has been remark
ably successful in this business and his income
has been such that he has been enabled to travel
through various portions of the United States
sight-seeing. Mr. Wulff, who located in this city in 1870, is
a native of Germany, having been born in
Lubeck, October 7, 1842. His father, Jorgen
Wulff, was a marine engineer and died in his na
tive land when forty-eight years of age. He mar
ried Miss Johanna Rassof, who lived to the ad
vanced age of. eighty-two years. Both parents
were Protestants. Of their family of six children,
five are now living, three making their hpme in
America. George Henry Wulff attended the public
schools of Hanover until a lad of fourteen, when
he was apprenticed to a painter and during the
years he served thus became familiar with
every department of the painter's trade. Later
he traveled as a journeyman through various
parts of his native land, and also worked in the
cities of Petersburg and Moscow and many of the
important towns of England and France. In
1868, however, he decided to come to America.
The vessel on which he took passage landed him

PCRTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

867

in Quebec, where he remained for a time and then
he crossed over into the States and found work
in New York City. In May, 1870, he came to what
is now Schuetzen Park and made his home. He
erected the first residence in the place and opened
a shop where he received contracts for house and
sign painting, also doing the most beautiful fres
coing. He soon became known as an expert in
his line and many of the public buildings all over
the island owe their beautiful decorations to his
genius. Mr. Wulff has erected three residences
in North Avenue, two on Broadway, near Stein
way, which are among the finest in the place, be
sides his place of business at No. 517 Broadway.
At one time he was the largest contractor in the
city, but of late years he has practically retired
from active work.
Mr. Wulff was married in Long Island City in
1871 to Miss Wilhelmina Russof, whose birth
also occurred in Lubeck, Germany. To them four
children have been granted, namely: Hannah,
now Mrs. Suss of this city; Lizzie, Olga and
Felix, at home with their parents. In 1876 our
subject visited the Centennial Exposition in Phil
adelphia and in 1893 spent several weeks at the
World's Fair in Chicago. He has made two trips
back to his native land, first visiting his old home
in 1874 and again crossing the Atlantic in 1890.
In national politics Mr. Wulff is a Democrat,
but in local affairs he votes for the best man re
gardless of party lines. Socially he is a member
of the Turners' Society, the Odd Fellows order
and the Red Men, holding membership in the lat
ter body with 'Pocahontas Lodge No. 14. He
has an interest in the Long Island City Building
& Loan Association, and in every walk of life his
chief aim has been to do what he could to benefit
humanity. In the German Second Reformed
Church of this place he is one of the most active
and influential members and is very justly num
bered among the best citizens of Queens County.

who is employed in Brooklyn; Mary, residing in
College Point; Herman, of this sketch; Theodore
and Lily, who reside in this village.
The first work of our subject was as an em
ploye in the India Rubber Comb Mills, where
he remained about three years. He then began
to learn the cigar manufacturing business, but
it was not congenial and as soon as possible
he turned his attention to other lines. For one
year he was employed by the superintendent of
the waterworks, after which he worked for Wes-
cott's Express Company, being a driver at first,
but soon receiving a more lucrative position. Be
ing observant and intelligent, he soon learned the
business, and remained with the company from
1876 until 1882.
Desiring to engage in business for himself,
Mr. Kraemer bought and established the North
Shore Express, fitting up an office and stables
at No. 145 Ninth Street, where he has first-class
accommodations. In addition to the office here,
he has one in Whitestone, while in New York
customers may leave orders at No. 109 John
Street, No. 45 Church, No. 3 Mercer or No. 312
• Canal Street. The express runs daily between
College Point, Whitestone and New York.
Politically Mr. Kraemer is a Democrat, but not
a partisan. He was reared in the Lutheran faith,
his parents being members of that church. He
married Katie Rech of College Point and they
have three children, Frank, Florence and Walter.

HERMAN KRAEMER, founder and pro
prietor of Kraemer's North Shore Ex
press, and a well-known resident of Col
lege Point, was born in this village July 18, 1859,
and is a son of Henry and Mary E. (Strabe)
Kraemer. His father, who was born in Germany,
emigrated to America in early manhood and set
tled in College Point, where he is employed by
the India Rubber Comb Company. By his mar
riage he has five children living, namely: Henry,

GEORGE GEMUNDER, JR. It is not al
ways that the peculiar genius of the
father descends to the son, that the talent
which brought fame to the one is inherited by
the other. Such, however, is true in the history
of the subject of this article. He is a member of
a family possessing high artistic gifts, not alone
as musicians but also as makers of musical in
struments, and the name has been brought into
a world-wide renown through the ability of its
representatives. In no instance can it more worthily be said that
the "mantle worn by the father has fallen upon
the shoulders of the son" than in the life of
George Gemunder, Jr., who, receiving his fath
er's name, also received much of, his wonderful
• talent. As a violin maker his reputation is es
tablished and his fame more than local. Recog
nizing the peculiar qualities that go to make up
a perfect instrument, it has been his aim, first

868

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

under his father's instruction and now alone, to
so combine the different features as to make one
sympathetic and harmonious whole. The violins
which he has manufactured are greatly admired
and considered very valuable. The greatest mu
sicians have used them and testify to their purity
and sweetness of tone. So accurate and thorough
is his knowledge of the violin that he is frequently
consulted and his decision sought in disputed vio
lin cases, where he gives expert testimony that is
considered authoritative.
While Mr. Gemunder is himself a native of the
United States, born in New York, October i,
1858, he is of German parentage and descent. His
father, George, was born in Ingelfingen, Wur
temberg. April 13, 1816. The paternal grand
father, Johan George, was born in the same prov-
inve and was a member of a family established
there early in the seventeenth century; in youth
he learned the wagonmaker's trade, but drifted
into the manufacture of guitars and violins. Pos
sessing artistic tastes, he was himself a skillful
performer on the flute and violin, and all of his
sons inherited his love for music.
At the age of nineteen, our subject's father be
came a journeyman and traveled throughout the
German provinces, finally going to Paris, where
he became a pupil of Vuillaume, the great copyist
of the old Italian violin makers, and a pupil of
Lupot, the latter in turn having been a pupil of
Stradivarius, the author of the common system.
After some years he came to the United States,
where he has had an active and useful career in
his chosen occupation and now, crowned with the
world's praise and the reverent esteem of the
greatest violinists of the century, he is passing the
twilight of his life at his cottage in Astoria, Long
Island City. His wife, who was in maidenhood
Anna M. Kieser, was born in Baden, Germany,
and died in Astoria in 1894, aged fifty-six years.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of twelve children, all but two of whom
are living. They reside on Long Island, and
the four sons are all well known violinmakers
and musicians of Astoria. Our subject, who is
the eldest of the family, was reared in New York
until 1872, when he accompanied his parents to
Long Island City. He was educated in the gram
mar school in Thirteenth Street and in Heiden-
felt Institute, from which he graduated in 1873.'
From early boyhood his attention was given to
the manufacture of violins, and as soon as his
education was completed, he studied the system

which his father had given to the world. Since
the retirement of the latter in 1885, he has car
ried on the business, which engrosses his entire
attention. Artists, both in this country and
abroad, are numbered among his personal ac
quaintances and in his home may be found pho
tographs and autographs of many whose names
are world renowned. Skilled in the playing of
the violin, he plays in public only for charitable
enterprises, when his talent is always available for
the benefit of the suffering. The Amacifia, to
which he belongs, is the finest amateur orchestra
in the country. For twenty years he has been a
member of the Astoria Mannerchor, of which he
was secretary for six years. He is one of the first
tenors of the Arion Society of New York, and at
present is a member of its board of trustees.
At Astoria, in April, 1885, Mr. Gemunder mar
ried Miss Anna Mencken, who was born in New-
York and educated in this city. Her father, Hen
ry Mencken, is a well-known resident of Long
Island City and is represented elsewhere in this
volume. One child, Anna Matilda, blesses their
union. Mr. Gemunder has had neither time nor
inclination to mingle in public affairs, but in na
tional elections casts a Republican ticket, while in
local matters he is independent. For years he
and his wife have been the leaders of the choir
of the Dutch Reformed Church, to which they
belong and in the work of which they are active.
He has served in Astoria Hook and Ladder Com
pany No. 1. Among the instruments he has sold
are some of great value, including a few that were
valued at $6,000. He is an expert both in the
construction of the violin and in judgment as to
the merits of an instrument, and his ability is
widely recognized and is bringing him a large
success.

C

HARLES VANDERVEER LOTT, a
prominent and much esteemed citizen
of the town of Jamaica, is a worthy-
representative of one of the oldest families
on Long Island. For many years he was
the owner of a large portion of the old
homestead, located on the Jamaica plank road,
where his birth occurred October 19, 1846.
As the years passed by and the property became
more valuable he divided his farm into city lots,
which he disposed of readily at a handsome price.
He is now living a retired life on a few acres of
the old place which he retained for his own use.

WILLIAM H. SCHWALENBERG.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

871

Stephen Lott, father of our subject, was also
born on the old farm, July 20, 1820. The latter
was an only child, and on attaining years of ma
turity took up the calling in which his father had
been engaged and followed farming for the re
mainder of his life. He was a thorough Chris
tian, and for many years was deacon in the Re
formed Church, of which he was a member. He
took great pleasure in teaching in the Sunday-
school and for some time was assistant superin
tendent. The marriage of Mr. Lott took place Septem
ber 12, 1872, when Miss Sarah Leah Suydam be
came his wife. She is the daughter of Capt.
Daniel R. Suydam and the sister of John T, who
is one of her near neighbors. (A full sketch of her
parents will be given in the latter's sketch, found
on another page in this volume.) To our sub
ject and his estimable wife there have been born
five children, namely: Sarah Suydam, Cornelia
Vanderveer, Phebe Johnson, Charles V, Jr., and
Gertrude Jeanette.
In his business undertakings Mr. Lott has
displayed good executive ability and has been
very successful. Both he and his estimable wife
have hosts of sincere friends who hold them in
the highest esteem. For a more detailed sketch
of his parents we refer the reader to the history
of his brother Nicholas, which is published else
where in this volume.

WILLIAM H. SCHWALENBERG.
Although the earthly career of this
gentleman closed on the 9th of July,
1885, he will be long remembered as one of the
foremost business men of Long Island City,
where he established a reputation for all that was
honorable and upright in business life, and won,
by the exercise of both brain and brawn, a com
petency for himself and family. He was born at
the corner of Monroe and Jackson Streets, New
York City. His father was a native of Hanover,
Germany, in which country he was reared and
educated, and upon his arrival in America in his
early manhood, he established himself in the
grocery business in New York, first in Elm
Street and afterward at the corner of Monroe and
Jackson Streets, where he prospered financially
and continued to do business until i860. In
1859 he erected a hotel at Hunter's Point, Long
Island City, and in i860 came hither and assumed
its management, which occupied his time and at

tention up to his death, December 3, 1876. He
was in every way fitted to successfully carry on
this business and his establishment was always
popular and well patronized. Upon his arrival
in Hunter's Point, the place was coming into
notice as the terminus of the Long Island Rail
road and the Thirty-fourth Street ferry was es
tablished about that time. Mr. Schwalenberg
foresaw that the place would become import
ant and his predictions were verified by later
events. His wife was Elizabeth Stephan, who
was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and
their marriage resulted in the birth of two sons,
William H. and Frederick, and one daughter,
Fannie, who grew to maturity.
The initiatory training of William H. Schwal
enberg was acquired in the public school in Madi
son Street, New York City, but in i860 he ac
companied his parents to Hunter's Point, and
continued his studies in the old stone, schoolhouse
here. Later he attended school at Greenpoint
and the Thirty-seventh Street School, New York,
of which William H. Wood, since superintendent
of the public schools of New York, was then
principal. Mr. Schwalenberg finally graduated
from Bryant & Stratton's Business College of
Brooklyn, after which he immediately embarked
in business as the assistant cashier of the Kings
County Savings Bank of Brooklyn, but Septem
ber 1, 1869, he returned to Hunter's Point and
became his father's assistant in the hotel which
was rapidly increasing in patronage and import
ance. In 1873 he was made a partner in the
business, at which time his father visited Europe,
and when the latter died he became the sole
proprietor. In his political views Mr. Schwalenberg was
always a stanch Democrat, and at all times advo
cated the measures of that party and gave his
hearty support to its candidates. In the fall of
1880 he was elected supervisor of Long Island
City for a term of two years, at the end of which
he was re-elected, but before his second term
had expired the angel of death visited him, and
his useful earthly career was closed. He was one
of the most useful and active members of the
board of supervisors the county ever had, for in
the discharge of his official duties he brought to
bear his sound judgment, unbounded energy and
progressive, but always practical, views. He was
a director of the Long Island City Shore Rail
road, and in other respects was connected with
the business affairs of this place. Socially he was

872

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in
which he had attained to the Knights Templar
degree. November 12, 1879, Mr. Schwalenberg was
united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Steffens of
New York. Her father, August Steffens, a mer
chant of New York City, now deceased, was born
in Hanover, Germany, and there married Caro
line Bjorn, a native of Holstein, Germany. She
was of pure Danish blood and one of her lineal
ancestors on the paternal side was one of the first
explorers of Greenland. She died at her home in
New York at the age of sixty-six years, having
been a well read and highly intellectual lady. The
union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwalenberg resulted in
the birth of a son and daughter: William H, Jr.,
and Jeannette. Mrs. Schwalenberg is a member
of the Greenpoint Lutheran Church, of which
both the Schwalenbergs and Steffens have been
members since the time of the Reformation. She
is active in church work, liberal in its support and
very charitably inclined. She is a graduate of the
Normal College of New York City and -is giving
her children excellent educational advantages.

ROBERT MARK. As a representative of
the successful business man, the name of
Robert Mark deserves honorable mention
among those of other citizens of Long Island
City. Industry and energy have brought him
prosperity, and his well-known ability as a mer
chant tailor has secured for him a large trade
among the best people of the place. The art of
cutting and fitting he learned from his uncle, who
was court tailor and tailor to King Francis II. of
Italy. In September, 1895, he opened his pres
ent establishment in the Kelly Block, at No. 45
Jackson Avenue, corner of Fourth Street, where
he has commodious rooms, stocked with a full
line of imported and domestic suitings of the
latest styles. Twice, when in Europe, he pur
chased a complete line of goods, which he brought
back to this country with him. It has ever been
his aim to keep in touch with the latest designs
in tailoring, and he is thoroughly familiar with
every change of fashion, so that his customers
place the highest confidence in his judgment and
taste. The Mark family is of Italian origin. Our sub
ject's grandfather, Robert Mark, was born in
Italy, where for many years he was a successful
merchant tailor. He was a prominent man and

served as alderman ; later became deputy sheriff of
Naples, which position he held until -his death.
The father of our subject, Michael, was born in
Naples, and for a long time engaged in merchant
tailoring, but is npw engaged in mercantile pur
suits, in which business he has gained wealth.
For many years he has filled the office of alder
man. Though now advanced in years, he is hale
and rugged and attends personally to the man
agement of his business affairs.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Carmelite Barilo and was a daughter of
Johan Barilo, who was in his time considered
the finest tailor in Italy. Her brother, Frank
Barilo, who was a sergeant in the Italian army,
was a first-class tailor and made the garments for
King Francis II, of Italy, until he retired from
the business. Like his father before him, he was
considered the best tailor in the country, and it
was his high reputation in this regard which led
to his selection as court tailor. He is still living,
though for some years he has not been engaged
in active labors.
Michael and Carmelite Mark had ten children,
and of that number six are living, namely: Anna
M, Mrs. A. Cristiano; Robert; Theresa, Mrs.
Robert Cristiano; Johan Baptiste, an officer in
the Italian army and now engaged in business
near the old home; Vincent, who spent three
years in America and is now a merchant tailor in
Naples; and Antoinette, who is with her parents.
Our subject was born near Naples in 1864 and
was educated in the public schools and in private
institutions of learning. At the age of eleven he
began to learn the merchant tailor's trade under
his uncle, Frank Barilo, with whom he remained
until eighteen. He then started in business for
himself, remaining in Italy one year, and then
emigrating to America in 1883. After having
worked in a shop in New York City for a time,
he began in business for himself in East Seventy-
second Street, and while there learned the new
French system of cutting under the best cutters
of the city.
Being called to Italy to serve in the army, Rob
ert Mark sold out his business and returned to
his native land, where he volunteered, but not
coming up to the required measurements, he was
rejected. After a visit of five months, he started
back to America on the steamer "Adriatica" of
the White Star Line, but when four days out a
storm arose, the vessel was rendered unsea-
worthy, and put back into Liverpool for repairs.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

873

The trip was then made on the steamer "Ger
manic," which anchored in New York after a voy
age of nine days. On reaching that city he se
cured employment as a cutter, remaining thus
engaged until 1886. He then came to Long
Island City and opened a shop at No. 55 Jack
son Avenue, where he soon built up a large trade.
In 1892, leaving the business in charge of a man,
he took his family back to Italy and spent four
months there, then returning and resuming busi
ness here. In July, 1894, he sold out and again
went to Italy, hoping that the change of climate
would benefit his wife, who was in ill health.
Eight months were spent there, and. then, the in
valid having been restored to health, the family
returned to the United States. Soon afterward
Mr. Mark opened his present establishment,
where, during the busy seasons, he gives em
ployment to about eighteen hands, his entire at
tention being devoted to the business.
In Long Island City Mr. Mark married Miss
Annie Gill, who was born near Naples, Italy, but
was reared and educated in this city. Her fath
er, Vincent Gill, brought his family here, and for
more than twenty-five years was employed as a
foreman on the Long Island Railroad. They are
the parents of three living children, Millie, Jennie
and Madeline, to whom they are giving the best
of training. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Mark
is a member of the Jefferson Club and an expon
ent of the doctrines of which the famous states
man was the originator. He is also a charter
member of the Aurora Club, which he is now
serving as president.

M'

ATTHEW LEPAGE, a prominent archi
tect of Woodhaven, was born in Ri-
mouski, in the province of Quebec, Can
ada, September 20, 1831. His father, Paul Le
page, was also a native of that place and during
his lifetime followed the profession of a civil en
gineer. The Lepage family is one of the oldest
in Canada and traces its ancestry back to the time
when the French Huguenots first discovered the
St. Lawrence River. Many of this name, have
been prominent in the history of the Dominion
and without exception have been influential and
respected residents of their community.
Our subject's mother, formerly Sophia Perrin,
was also born in Canada and was descended
from one of its old French families. She reared

a family of six sons, of whom only three are now
living, those besides our subject being Joseph,
a carpenter and builder of Woodhaven; and
Zephyrin, who also follows the occupation of a
builder; he still resides in Canada. Aude was liv
ing at Sheepshead Bay at the time of his decease
and was one of its well-to-do hardware mer
chants. The subject of this sketch received a good edu
cation in the schools of the Dominion, making a
special study during the last years of his.
school life of civil engineering and architecture.
When nineteen years of age he crossed into the
States and for a time made his home in East New
York. The following nine years he was a resi
dent of Jamaica, where he followed his profession
with signal success until the year 1864, when he
came to Woodhaven. A lifetime of earnest en
deavor in pursuing his business, coupled with
strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality,
has tended to place him among the highly hon
ored and successful business men of the county.
It is due to his skill that many of the public
buildings and private residences of this place
» have been built and to him is also given the credit
of laying out the parks of this vicinity. He is one
of the best known architects in this region and
has drawn the plans for many of the beautiful
residences which are to be found in the city of
Brooklyn. While a resident of Jamaica Mr. Lepage was
married to Miss Jane, daughter of William Am
berman, who has followed the occupation of a
builder all his life, and it was with him that our
subject was associated in business while living
in Jamaica. Mr. Amberman comes from good
old Revolutionary stock and is a worthy repre
sentative of one of the oldest families on Long-
Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Lepage there have been born
seven children, of whom Joseph A. is a conductor
on the Long Island Railroad; Matthew is associ
ated in business with his father; Kate is the next
in order of birth; Georgiana married Grant
Moore of Jamaica, and now lives in Brooklyn;
'and Flora, Matilda and Eva are all at home. The
family occupy one of the finest and pleasantest
homes in Woodhaven and number among their
friends some of the best people in Queens Coun
ty. In politics Mr. Lepage is an ardent sup
porter of Democratic principles, although he has
been too busy with his own affairs to seek or care
to hold office.

874

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

' «t' * *
,-'-*r:-
f . (_T. ,V
<gj^ «E4_SAfW.L flOURS

JOSEPH M. DONNELLY, proprietor of the
Boulevard Hotel, at College Point, was born
at New Utrecht, Kings County, N. Y, being
a son of M. J. and Ann (McCardle) Donnelly. His
father, who was engaged in farm pursuits, died at
New Utrecht, and
afterward the mother
made her home with
our subject until her
death, which occurred
at the age of eighty-
eight. Joseph M. was
the youngest of eight
children, of whom
three are living. The
first twenty years of
his life were passed on
the home farm and in
attendance at the
Bayridge schools. In
February, i860, he went to California, via the
Isthmus of Panama, and on reaching San Jose,
Santa Clara County, he engaged in the hotel busi
ness with an uncle, William J. Donnelly. After
three years the uncle retired and he then started
in business in Santa Cruz, where he was pro
prietor of the Pacific House.
Selling out in 1866, Mr. Donnelly traveled
through the Western states and territories, then
returned home on a Pacific mail steamer, but
soon went back to California and was in San
Francisco at the time W. H. Seward headed the
procession connecting the Atlantic Railroad with
the Pacific road. On settling his business in the
far West, he went back East and for a time re

sided in New York, but in 1868 came to College
Point, and was the first to build here a large
summer hotel and pavilion. Upon the death of
Mr. Stoiber he bought his present place, where
he has a main pavilion, with a seating capacity of
over three thousand; also bowling alleys, dancing
halls, large grounds, convenient landing and fine
water front. Even in the warmest weather a cool
breeze blows here, thus making the place especi
ally desirable as a summer resort. The grounds
cover about ten acres and offer splendid facilities
for the accommodation of picnic parties. In the
bay and adjoining waters every opportunity is
afforded for boating and bathing. There are four
large dining-rooms and a large corps of waiters.
Base ball and foot ball grounds, photograph gal
lery, swings and shooting gallery are connected
with the hotel.
At New Utrecht, L. I, Mr. Donnelly married
Miss Sarah Crecy, and they are the parents of
three sons and one daughter, namely: Joseph T,
a graduate of Manhattan College, now with his
father; George, an electrical engineer in New
York City; Jerome and Sarah, who are attending
school. In 1890 Mr. Donnelly went abroad, visit
ing the principal cities of Great Britain and the
continent, and this trip was rendered more de
lightful by the fact that he speaks fluently Ger
man, Spanish and English, and was thus able to
converse with the people of the various cities
which he visited. He is a member of the Knick
erbocker Yacht Club and the Orion Society of
New York. While he is interested in public af
fairs, he has always refused to run for office, pre
ferring to give his attention to business matters.

GEORGE H. WILLIAMSON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

877

GEORGE H. WILLIAMSON. May 20,
1894, there passed from earth a gentle
man who had been long and favorably
known in the business circles of Long Island
City; one who had, by his enterprise and ability,
contributed to the progress of this place and
gained a name as a skillful, efficient builder.
There are standing, in and around Steinway, a
large number of buildings erected under his
supervision, which are monuments to his taste
and conscientious work. Among them may be
mentioned the dye works, Steinway Railroad
depot, a number of frame houses for William
Steinway, many residences for private parties,
and the grand pier at the beach. The latter is a
fine structure, 180x110, roofed, and exceedingly
handsome in appearance. It is constructed in
such a substantial manner that it seems able to
defy the elements for a century. Equipped with all
the improved facilities for the accommodation of
visitors, it is considered one of the best piers in
the vicinity of New York, and speaks well for the
skill and efficiency of the builder.
Born in New Brunswick, N. J, August 24,
1842, our subject traced his ancestry through his
mother, Catherine Voorhees, to Steven Cohert
van Voorhees, a native of Holland, who, in April,
1660, emigrated to America, and became the
founder of the family in this country. February
16, 1684, he settled in Flatlands, now Kings
County, where he remained until death. Prior
to coming to this country, he resided in front
of the village of Hees, near Ruinen, in the prov
ince of Drenthe, Holland, and from this fact
his name was derived, "voor" meaning "in front
of." Later the prefix "van" was dropped by our
subject's grandfather, Roelofor 'Ralph Voorhees.
Some of the ancestors participated in the Revo
lutionary War, and the family has been noted for
patriotic allegiance to the country of their adop
tion. The mother of our subject, who was eighth
in descent from the original founder, died in New
York City.
Our subject's father, John Williamson, was
born in New Brunswick, N. J, October 24, 1814.
His father, Isaac, was born in 1759 and was a
builder by occupation, his home being at Six
Mile Run, near New Brunswick, N. J. His pos
sessions were large and valuable, and he was
financially well-to-do. Preceding him, in line of
ancestry, was William, who served as captain
under Colonel Nelson in the Revolutionary War.
The first of the name to settle in America was

Lawrence, a native of Warden, Holland. John
Williamson, who was a builder by trade, had a
large sash and blind factory in Amity Street, New-
York, and remained in that city until his death at
the age of seventy-seven. In religious belief he
was connected with the Reformed Church and
served his congregation as deacon. His wife died
at the age of sixty-eight. Of their ten children,
Henry V, the eldest, was major of a New York
regiment in the Civil War, and since then has
been employed in the postoffice in New York
City; he is a member of the Order of Sons of
the Revolution, the Holland Society, and the
Order of Cincinnati.
The subject of this sketch, who was third
among the children, was reared in the metropolis
and received his education in the University of
the City of New York. During the war he was
in the government employ, holding a position in
the quartermaster's department in New York
City. In 1877 he came to Long Island City as
clerk in the water department under Mayor De-
Bevoise, and after three years in that connection,
he took charge of the Steinway Avenue Improve
ment Commission. Of his work in that position,
it is said that his books were the neatest and most
accurate ever kept by an employe.
About 1883 Mr. Williamson turned his atten
tion to contracting and building, which he fol
lowed until his death. He was a volunteer fire
man of the old department in New York, with
which he was connected until it was disbanded.
Later he became a member of the Veteran Fire
men's Association, in which he was a trustee at
the time of his death. Politically he upheld Re
publican principles. In fraternal relations he was
a member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A.
M, at Astoria; John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W, at
Astoria; and the Lincoln Club in Long Island
City. In Steinway, October 9, 1878, Mr. William
son married Miss Mary A. Berry, wdio was born
at Lake Providence, La. Her father, John Ivy
Berry, a native of the same state, was a large
planter at Lake Providence, where he died in
1861. His wife passed away one month prior to
his demise. She bore the maiden name of Mar
garet D. Billbrough and was born in England,
whence in girlhood she came to America with her
parents and two sisters, settling in New York,
but later going South, where she was married.
Two children blessed her union: John C, who
was born in New York, and now resides in New-

878

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The lat-

town; and Mary A, Mrs. Williamson.
ter lived with an aunt, Mrs. Lindsey, in Mobile,
Ala, until thirteen years of age, then accom
panied her to New York, where she was edu
cated. She makes her home at No. 241 Purdy
Street, and with her are her four daughters,
namely: Florence M, a member of the class of
'97, Long Island City High School; Sarah M,
who is a member of the class of '98; Catherine
May and Edith L. Another daughter, Jessie,
died at the age of two years. Mrs. Williamson is
a member of the Steinway Dutch Reformed
Church, and an active worker in the Ladies' Aid
and Woman's Missionary Societies. Much of her
time is devoted to the management of the estate
left by her husband, which, through her judicious
management, brings in handsome returns. In
social circles she is known and esteemed for her
worth of character and noble attributes, and with
her daughters she occupies a high place in the
regard of the best people of the place.

JOHN HALEY, superintendent of the Har-
way Dyewood Extract Manufacturing
Company, at Flushing, was born in County
Galway, Ireland, being a son of Michael and
Bridget (Grady) Haley, natives of the same coun
ty. The parental family consisted of six children,
of whom five are living, John being fourth in or
der of birth. The father spent his entire life in
Ireland, and after his death the widowed mother
joined the remaining members of the family in
America, where she continued to reside until her
death in Brooklyn.
The first eighteen years of the life of John
Haley were spent in his native land, and he was
the first of the family to seek a home in the
United States. In 1866 he crossed the Atlantic
and soon after landing in this country he went
to Dane, Wis, where he had friends. Not caring,
however, to locate there permanently, he re
turned East after a year's experience of western
life. In 1867 he entered the employ of the
New York Dyewood Company, at Greenpoint,
Brooklyn, and continued with it until 1882. His
ability was recognized by his superior officers
and he was promoted from an unimportant posi
tion to one of responsibility. Subsequently he
came to Flushing and aided in fitting up the
works of the Harway Dyewood Extract Manu
facturing Company at this place. Here he at
different times was employed in every department

and in 1891 was chosen superintendent of the
works, which place he has since filled.
In New York City, Mr. Haley was united in -
marriage with Miss Catherine Madden, a native
of Ireland, and they have a cozy and comfortable
home at No.' 36 Pine Street. Their family con
sists of one son and three daughters, Thomas,
Catherine, Mary and Ellen. In religious belief
Mr. Haley is connected with St. Michael's Catho
lic Church, and is a member of the Catholic Be
nevolent Legion. In his chosen business he is
well versed and his experience renders his serv
ices very valuable to his employers, whose confi
dence in him is shown in their selection of him
to fill the position of superintendent.

P'

,ETER W. KOUWENHOVEN, who is en
gaged in farming on a productive piece of
land near the village of Jamaica, was born
in Flatlands, April 17, 1856. His father was
William I. Kouwenhoven, of Holland-Dutch de
scent, and for many generations back the family
have been residents of Long Island. The father
formerly followed the vocation of a farmer, but
is now living in good circumstances in Brooklyn.
Our subject's mother, formerly Abigail Baxter,
was also born in Flatlands, but was of Scotch-
Irish ancestry. She was well educated for the
day and locality in which she lived and proved
herself to be a helpmate indeed during the years
in which her husband was trying to gain a foot
hold in life. She reared a family of seven chil
dren, including three sons and four daughters.
Of these John J. is now a resident of New Jersey,
while William manages the old homestead in
Flatlands. Peter W, of this history, who was the youngest
of the family was given the advantages for gain
ing a common-school education. When ready to
start out in life for himself he chose the vocation
of a farmer, and in 1882 rented a tract of land near
Woodhaven, which he cultivated for two years.
He then rented the place on which he is living at
the present time, and so well and profitably did
he manage affairs that after three years he was
enabled to purchase a portion of it. As the years
passed by and he became more prosperous he
kept adding to his little property until he now
owns a place of forty-nine acres which is conced
ed by all to be one of the best improved tracts in
the town of Jamaica.
Mr. Kouwenhoven was married May 5> 1880,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

879

to Miss Sarah E, daughter of John J. Ryder, of
Flatlands. To them have been granted two chil
dren, Harry W, a lad of twelve years, and Har
riet Ethlyn, who is in her fourth year. Mr. and
Mrs. Kouwenhoven are devoted members of the
Dutch Reformed Church, with which he has
been connected for many years as one of its dea
cons. In political matters he is an ardent admirer
of Republican principles and is interested in the
success of that party. He has never held public
office, preferring to give his undivided attention
to his private affairs, and let them serve the peo
ple who have more desire and ambition to do so.

JOHN W. SELOVER. One mile south of
the village of Jamaica, on the Rockaway
road, stands a neat, well-appointed home,
surrounded by well-cultivated fields which pre
sent, in season, an attractive appearance with the
broad rows of golden grain or ripening fruit.
This is the property of Mr. Selover, to whose en
ergy and industry its thrifty appearance is due,
and who, while securing a competency from its
cultivation, has also gained a place among the
prominent farmers of the town.
The Selover family was represented among the
early settlers of Queens County and its members
have been men of honor and energy, mainly be
longing to the agricultural class. Details with
reference to the family history are given in the
biographical sketch of our subject's brother, Will
iamson R, presented on another page. The son
of Cornelius J. and Margaret (Ryder) Selover, our
subject was born in the town of Jamaica, Febru
ary 28, 1836. His youthful years were passed in
a manner similar to other farmer boys, alternating
attendance at the common schools with labor on
the home place. As he approached manhood he
apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, and
on the expiration of his time he began to work
at this occupation, following it for four years.
It was, however, not entirely congenial, and be
lieving that the life of a farmer would be more
to his taste and probably bring in better profits,
he turned his attention to agriculture, settling on
a farm two miles west of his present home.
Prior to 1880 Mr. Selover farmed as a renter,
but in that year he purchased the place where he
has since resided. June 12, 1859, he was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah E, daughter of
Matthew Bacon, of Patchogue. Nine children
were born of this union, of whom six are living,

namely: Ella L, who married Seymour W. Tarr,
of Newtown, and has three children; Frank W,
a carpenter, who married Miss Emma Wood, has
three children, and resides in Lawrence, this coun
ty; Cornelius J, Sadie, Anna and Estelle, who
are with their parents.
Some years ago, dismayed with the corruption
of machine politics, and realizing that but one
party openly takes a stand against the saloon, Mr.
Selover became a Prohibitionist, and to this faith
he has since adhered with firmness. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
is serving as president of its board of trustees. A
worthy citizen, intelligent, high-minded and strict
ly honorable, he stands high in the community,
and his estimable wife is equally well regarded by
those to whom she is known.

GEORGE HESS, who is engaged in the
real estate business at Nos. 36-38 Fif
teenth Street, near Sixth Avenue, College
Point, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 22,
1 83 1, and received good educational advantages in
Ms native land. In early youth he served a three
years' apprenticeship to the butcher's trade,
for which he was obliged to pay $100, re
ceiving nothing in return for his services. He
was diligent at his work and learned his trade
well. At the age of sixteen he came to America,
making the voyage on a sailing vessel, which cast
anchor in New York after a tedious trip of fifty-
five days. On arriving in that city, he at once se
cured work at his trade, which he followed unin
terruptedly for a number of years, meeting with
fair success in return for his labors.
In 1870 Mr. Hess came to College Point,
where he has since resided. After a short time
he became well known for his proficiency in the
manufacture of bologna sausage, in which he
was and is still considered an expert. For years
he made a specialty of this, and, in fact, to this
clay, many of his old customers insist upon his
filling their orders for sausage. In 1887 he en
tered the real estate business, which he has since
carried on successfully, making a specialty of the
sale of property and renting of houses.
While living in New York City, Mr. Hess
married Elizabeth Ecka, and they became the
parents of seven children, of whom the only sur
vivors are Maggie, wife of John P. Hamn of
Brooklyn; and Lizzie, Mrs. George Leonard, also
a resident of Brooklyn. The present wife of Mr.

88o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to Mineola and built his pleasant home at
this place. His work is principally in this village,

Hess bore the maiden name of Dora Olendge
, _ • t. ,i_„ rprtnanv but has spent this place, ms worK is prmupauj  -_-,
and was born in Baden, Germany, du. nab »_i _- t?w_i pa1-k he having erected
¦ n ;- fi,_ United States In pnn- Hempstead and hloral rarK, ne iidving
lief he and his wife are Protestants. ^ted about thirty-five buildings, among them
- — ~ the fire department building and the public hall at
East Williston. Politically he is a defender of
Republican principles and an advocate of party
measures both at the polls and by his influence
in private affairs. He and his wife are the parents
of one daughter, Laura E.

CHARLES L. HINGLE, a contractor and
builder residing in Mineola, was born
near Garden City in the town of Hemp
stead, September 7, 1864, and is a son of Martin
and Mary Hingle. His father, who was a native
of London, England, came to America in 1837,
and settled near Garden City, where he bought a
farm and remained for fourteen years. Then sell
ing out to A. T. Stewart, he moved to a location
southeast of Hempstead and purchased a farm,
where he continued to reside until his death in
1882. His wife, who was also a native of Eng
land, was married to him in this county and still
lives on the old homestead, which is now owned
by her son, Edward H.
Ten children comprised the parental family
and all are living, namely: Martin, who is in
Alabama ; Edward, proprietor of the home place ;
Mary, wife of Minor Way of Hempstead; Cath
erine, who married William Ashdown of Hemp
stead; William, whose home is in New Jersey;
Martha, who is married to William Johnston of
Detroit, Mich.; Sarah, wife of David Hunter of
Hempstead; Albert, who lives on Long Island;
Richard, who is engaged in the carriage business
at Merrick; and Charles L, of this sketch. The
last named was educated in the public schools
and remained at home until seventeen, when he
entered the shop of Albert Hingle, his brother,
with the intention of learning the trade of a
wheelwright. One year later he entered the shop
of Albert Thomas of Westbury, with whom he re
mained one year. For the three ensuing years
he followed his trade and assisted in the work
on the home farm, after which he spent a year
at East Rockaway, working at the carpenter's
trade. His next position was at Hempstead,
where he worked for eighteen months with John
McLean, and afterward engaged in business for
himself two and one-half years.
While residing at Hempstead, Mr. Hingle was
united in marriage, February 3, 1892, with Mary
E. Walker, daughter of William and Phoebe
Walker of Mineola. Shortly after his marriage he

J

OHN GREAFLIN, superintendent of the
Rhenania Mills at College Point, was born
in Switzerland, November 1, 1857, and re
ceived a good education in the schools of his na
tive republic. At an early age he entered a silk
factory, where he soon gained a knowledge of the
business and his services thus became proportion
ately valuable. Five years were spent in the fac
tory in Switzerland, when, having resolved to
cross the ocean to America and try his fortune
in this newer republic, he left the home of his
birth and the associations of his youth for the
untried scenes of America.
Arriving in this country, Mr. Greaflin secured
employment in a silk mill in New York City,
where he remained for four years, his work be
ing very satisfactory to his employers. In 1878
he came to College Point, where he has since
resided. In 1884 he entered the Rhenania Mills,
first occupying a humble position, but soon re
ceiving promotion on account of excellence and
ability. After six years he was made superin
tendent in 1890 and this responsible place he has
since filled with efficiency. He has the confidence
of the company, by whom he was sent to France
in 1894 for the purpose of inspecting and investi
gating the modes of silk manufacture there and
the improvements that have been made in the
business. While this position was one of great
responsibility, he was successful in securing the
desired information, of which he has availed him
self in the management of the mills here.
By his marriage to Lucy Smith of College
Point, Mr. Greaflin is the father of four children,
Adolph, Annie, Elsa and Charlie, all of whom
are receiving good educations in the public
schools. He has never identified himself with

JOSEPH BERMEL

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

883

any political organization, but has maintained an
independence of thought and action in his ballot
and in the discussion of public enterprises. While
not a member of any denomination, he inclines to
the Lutheran Church, which was the religious
belief of his ancestors. He is connected with a
number of social and singing societies, and is
actively identified with the Knights of Pythias.

to which he adheres with fidelity. He was elected
to the important position of supervisor in 1896
and is now filling that position with ability. Re
ligiously he is a member of the Dutch Reformed
Church and is active in promoting the prosperity
of religious causes and institutions. Socially he
is connected with the Knights and Ladies of Hon
or and Lodge No. 301, Order of Foresters, at
Newtown.

JOSEPH BERMEL. Although only in the
prime of manhood and vigor, the gentleman
whose name stands at the head of this sketch
has attained the high standing in business circles
that his unceasing efforts, united with sterling
worth and high sense of honor, deserve. He is
proprietor of one of the leading marble and gran
ite works of Middle Village. While his business
interests occupy much of his time, he gives in
terested attention to public affairs and is a prime
mover in every measure for the benefit of the
community. His pleasant home is the rendezvous
for the best people of the place, his wife second
ing his efforts in all that tends to the elevation of
social life and the welfare of the people.
The father of our subject, Charles Bermel, was
born and reared in Germany, where he learned
the tailoring business. About 1850 he emigrated
to America, where for some time he followed his
trade in New York City, and later was similarly
engaged in Brooklyn until his death in 1885. By
his marriage to Elizabeth Cohn he had seven
children, of whom all but one are living. Joseph
was born in Brooklyn, April 8, i860, and acquired
his education in the public schools of that city.
At the age of sixteen he apprenticed himself to the
trade of a stone cutter, at which he served for four
years. In 1880 he came to Middle Village, where
for two years he was employed as a journeyman
stone cutter with John Sutter. He then estab
lished himself in the business, having as his part
ner, Anton Timmes, under the firm name of
Timmes & Bermel. After one and one-half years
in that connection Mr. Bermel retired from the
business, and two years later purchased the mar
ble and granite works of which he has since been
proprietor. October 21, 1884, Mr. Bermel married Miss
Mary A. Timmes, and unto them have been born
five children, namely: Eva, Joseph, Mary, John
and Lizzie, all of whom are with their parents.
The political opinions of Mr. Bermel are em
bodied in the platform of the Democratic party,

ELIAS A. FAIRCHILD, A. M, proprietor
and principal of Flushing Institute. Per
haps there is no state in the Union that
is more advanced than New York in the atten
tion paid to the interests of the young; all over
the state there are earnest, disinterested workers
in the good cause, men and women who have
devoted their lives to the progress of the coming
generation and whose highest reward is to see the
advancement of the race. In this good work no
one has taken greater interest or devoted him
self more untiringly than the subject of this ar
ticle, who for more than fifty years has been
connected with Flushing Institute.
The institute owes its origin to an association
of men in Flushing, headed by Rev. Dr. Muhlen
berg of New York City, who erected the original
building in 1828 and founded it as a school for
boys. In 1845 Ezra Fairchild, an educator of
considerable note, succeeded to the principalship
of the school, which he carried on until his death,
and since that time it has been under the present
management. The grounds occupied by the in
stitute extend from Main to Union Street, a dis
tance of one thousand feet, and from Amity almost
to Madison Street, thus furnishing a very large
campus. The main building is adapted to the re
quirements of a boarding school, with doors open
ing from the private part to the school-rooms.
Here boys and young men are prepared for the
Government schools, college, or for the great
world of business. In his work Mr. Fairchild is
assisted by his brother-in-law, Mr. Northrop, as
associate principal, the latter being a graduate of
the college at Middlebury, Vt, and a teacher here
since 1850.
The father of our subject, Ezra Fairchild, was
born in Mendham, Morris County, N. J. His
father, Ebenezer, a farmer, was born in Morris-
town, N. J. He was a descendant of English
ancestors who first settled in Connecticut, but
afterward removed to New Jersey. After gradu-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

884
ating from Amherst College, Ezra Fairchild de
voted himself to educational work in New Jersey
until 1845, when with his family and school he
came to the institute, which he conducted until
his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Stites, was born in New Jersey and died_ 111
Flushing. Their three children are Rev. Elijah
S, a minister residing in Chicago, 111.; Emily H,
wife of A. P. Northrop, of Flushing; and Elias A.
The last named, who is the eldest of the three,
was born in Mendham, N. J, and prepared for
college under his father's training. He then en
tered Rutgers College, from which he graduated
in 1845 with the degree of A. B, that of A. M.
being conferred upon him later. The same year.
1845, he came to Flushing to assist his father
and has since made this place his home, being the
oldest educator here. His attention has been de
voted to his chosen work, to the exclusion of all
extraneous matters. He is, however, well posted
concerning public affairs, and in national politics
is a firm Republican. He is a member of the
Reformed Church of Flushing and a regu
lar contributor to religious and charitable en
terprises. After coming to this place he mar
ried Miss Laura de Mauriac, daughter of
J. O. de Mauriac, a native of Bordeaux,
France, who emigrated thence to America,
and for some years was connected with Flushing
Institute as a teacher of French. Three sons
complete the family circle, Clarence, Fred and
Harold, all graduates of Flushing Institute and
business men of New York City.

JAMES SARVIS, chief detective of the Long
Island Railroad, and one of the well-known
residents of Long Island City, is a veteran
of the late war, in which he rendered brave and
faithful service, though at that time but a youth
in his teens. He was born in New York City,
September 4, 1847, his parents being James and
Isabella (Trumphur) Sarvis, the former of whom
died before the war, while the latter passed away
in 1892, at the age of seventy-two years.
The parental family consisted of four children,
two of whom are still living. Our subject, who
was the eldest of the family, was reared in New
York City, where he attended the public schools.
After his father's death he went to Orange Coun
ty and made his home near Cuddebackville, from
which place, at the breaking out of the rebellion,
he went to take a place among the defenders of

the old flag. Pie became a member of the first
volunteer regiment organized in Brooklyn, en
listing with the First Long Island (or Sixty-sev
enth New York) Infantry, but was honorably dis
charged by certificate of surgeon. December 1,
1861, he enlisted in the United States service, on
board the United States ship "Onward," on which
he traveled southward and took part in the
Charleston blockade. Later the ship cruised
after privateers along the South American coast
until the close of the war, when our subject was
honorably discharged June 20, 1865, having
served nearly four years.
While still a boy, Captain Sarvis was appren
ticed to the ship-calker's trade, which had been
his father's occupation and at which, after com
pleting, he worked for a time. He was then ap
pointed on the fire department, as a member of
which he served for three years. Later he became
policeman on duty in the eleventh, seventh and
twenty-fourth precincts, and while filling that po
sition became interested in the detective service.
Resigning from the force in 1885, he came to
Long Island as a member of the Steinway police.
The following year he was appointed chief detec
tive of the Long Island Railroad, in which ca
pacity he has since been engaged. His connec
tion with the capture of the notorious Dobbins
gang reflects high credit upon his ability, and he
pursued them tirelessly- until he secured their
sentence to prison for seven and one-half years.
The Stock, Stacey and McDonald gangs he also
had sentenced for periods between six and one-
half and eight and one-half years. The negro,
Williams, who robbed and then fired the dwell
ing of Mr. Baldwin, at Flushing, he succeeded in
capturing, convicting and sending to the state
prison for ten years. Train wreckers and station
robbers have been captured, and crimes of all
kinds against the law have been unearthed.
Among his most famous arrests was that of the
Wilson and Palmer gang, in New York, wdio were
robbing the safe in a jewelry store at No. 67 Di
vision Street, New York, and through Wilson sev
eral other robberies were brought to light.
For more than twenty years Captain Sarvis has
given his attention to detective work, for which
occupation his peculiar qualities admirably fit
him. He is keen, fearless and energetic, quiet
and non-communicative in his investigations, and
almost invariably successful in results. His ef
fective work in securing the arrest and conviction
of manv of the most hardened criminals of this

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

885

locality has brought him the confidence of the
people. In addition to his work as detective, he
is captain of the uniformed police at Rockaway
Beach and railroad state detective for Queens,
Suffolk, Kings and New York Counties. While in
New York he was a member of Reno Post No. 44,
G. A. R, and the Ancient Order of United Work
men. In national matters he is a Republican, but
in local affairs reserves the right to vote for the
best man, no matter what his party ties may be.
In New York City, in 1869, Captain Sarvis mar
ried Miss Emily Morris, who was born there and
died in New Jersey. Of her five children only
two are living, namely: James, who is in the em
ploy of the Long Island Railroad Company ; and
Emily, who is at home. The second marriage of
Captain Sarvis took place in Brooklyn and united
him with Miss Mary A. Keough, by whom he has
one child, William.

JOHN A. HALPIN, of Long Island City, is
a native of this place, his birth occurring in
Third Street, July 19, 1865. His father,
George H. Halpin, who was born in Brooklyn,
was employed on the Thirty-fourth Street Ferry
for the East River Ferry Company, being one
of its first employes. His death occurred in 1870,
while he was still in the prime of life. His wife,
Adeline Smith, was born in Forty-eighth Street,
New York City, her father being John Andrew
Smith, also a native of that place. He was a
cooper by trade, but after locating in Long Is
land City opened a general store where J. N.
New & Bro. are now located, and conducted a
successful business for many years. He finally
opened a restaurant in Vernon Avenue, between
Borden Avenue and Third Street, and after con
ducting it successfully for some time retired. He
died at the age of seventy-two years, after a well
spent life. "Old Pap" Smith, as he was familiarly
known, was one of the oldest settlers of the
place and was universally respected. Mrs. Hal-
pin, his daughter, died here April 10, 1894.
John A. Halpin was the only child born to
his parents and in Long Island City he was
reared. The public schools of the place afforded
him a practical education, but at the age of six
teen years he laid aside his books to engage in
clerical work in the various stores, which occu
pation he followed for some time. He next en
gaged in railroad work and was a brakeman on
a passenger train of the Long Island Railroad

between Long Island City and Patchogue for
five years. By this time he had become tired of
the life and decided to devote his attention to
other pursuits, and in November, 1885, he be
came a clerk for William Brady, a successful
hardware merchant, and remained in his employ
up to 1894, thus acquiring a thorough and prac
tical knowledge of the business On the ist of
May of that year a business partnership was
formed with John W. Petry, and a large and se
lect line of hardware was purchased, in the choice
of which Mr. Halpin's former experience stood
him in good stead. A profitable business at once
sprung up and has continued to increase up to the
present time. Mr. Halpin possesses keen com
mercial instincts and in the treatment of his
patrons is thoroughly reliable and honorable, thus
proving that "honesty is the best policy."
Mr. Halpin's marriage with Miss Lulu Prince,
a daughter of Charles Prince, was celebrated in
Long Island City and they have a pretty and
comfortable residence at No. 105 Fourth Street.
In his political proclivities Mr. Halpin is a Demo
crat.

PHILIP FERRIS, proprietor of a meat mar
ket in Flushing, was born October 6, 1847,
on the corner of Ridge and Riverton
Streets, New York, being a son of Philip and
Letitia Ferris. For several generations the fam
ily resided in New York City, having removed
there from Dutchess County, which was the orig
inal place of settlement of the Holland-Dutch an
cestors. His grandfather, who also bore the
name of Philip Ferris, was born in Delancy
Street, New. York, and for years was employed
as a butcher in the old Essex Street market; his
death occurred in the metropolis when he was
eighty-eight years of age.
Our subject's father, who was born in New-
York, was for some time engaged in the butcher
ing business in the Essex Street market, but later
removed to the corner of Ridge and Riverton
Streets. In 1852 he went to Williamsburg and
opened a market, wdiere he carried on a large
business. His death, which occurred at seventy-
four years, was the result of injuries received in a
fall. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian
and held membership in a church in South
Street. Our subject, who was the only child of
his parents, was orphaned by his mother's death
when he was only two years old. He was reared

886

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Williamsburg and attended the grammar
school in Second Avenue and Tenth Street, Dis
trict No. 2, from which he graduated at an early
age. Under his father he learned the butcher's
trade and when nineteen began for himself as
the junior member of the firm of McCullough &
Ferris, their shop being on the corner of Leon
ard and Devoe Streets, Williamsburg. After six
years the partnership was dissolved and he came
to Flushing November 5, 1871, since which time
this village has been his home.
Purchasing property on the corner of Union
and Lincoln Streets, Mr. Ferris built a market
and began in the meat business. At that time
all the business houses were in Main Street, and
the surrounding country was considered a wil
derness; many declared he could never make a
success at his location, but time proved the wis
dom of his judgment and foresight. In addition
to meats he keeps on hand different varieties of
game and is the largest dealer in poultry in the
place. Besides this he sells butter and eggs, also
sausages of his own manufacture. For the con
venience of his business he has a large refrigera
tor. The business is next to the oldest of this
kind here, and its success proves the ability of the
proprietor. In Devoe Street, near Humboldt, Brooklyn,
Mr. Ferris married Miss Clara Lewis, daughter
of William B. Lewis, who was an engraver resid
ing in Brooklyn and employed in New York.
They are the parents of three children, namely:
Philip, Jr., who is in business with his father, and
is a member of the Royal Arcanum; Elizabeth
B, a well educated and accomplished young lady ;
and Harry L, who is his father's assistant in busi
ness. Socially Mr. Ferris is connected with
Lodge No. 997, Royal Arcanum, and in politics
he adheres to Republican principles. He is lib
eral in his religious views, while his wife is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Upon all matters of public interest he is well in
formed and ranks among the patriotic, public-
spirited men of the village.

J ALBERT JOHNTRA, a leading grocer
of Flushing, was born in Lakewood, Ocean
- County, N. J, January 12, 1873, being the
eldest among the six children of Joseph A. and
Mary E. (Adams) Johntra, natives respectively
of New York City and New Jersey. His father,
who is a man of superior ability, is now engaged

in the grocery business at Astoria and is a well-
known and successful business man, having at
tained a competence through the exercise of good
judgment in all his transactions.
In the schools of Chester, Pa, the subject of
this notice gained the principal portion of his edu
cation, though for a time he studied in the schools
of Lakewood. On leaving school he was em
ployed in a drug store for one year, after which,
in January of 1889, he went to Long Island City,
and became connected with his father in the
grocery business, assisting in the management
of the three stores, which the latter had there at
one time. At the age of nineteen he opened a
store in Fulton Street, Astoria, and carried it
on until it was sold. He then managed another
establishment until June, 1895, when he came to
Flushing and opened his present grocery, form
ing a partnership with H. E. Miller, under the
firm name of Johntra & Miller. In April, 1896,
he purchased Mr. Miller's interest in the business.
The business location of Mr. Johntra at Nos.
28-30 Main Street is advantageous for the pur
poses of trade. His entire time is devoted to
his business, in which he has met with flattering
success at the outset. As he buys in large quan
tities, he is enabled to sell at lower prices than
others, and while the profits on each sale are
small, yet the aggregate of the business is so
large that the remuneration is proportionately
heavy. Two delivery wagons are used to accom
modate customers. The trade is not limited to
Flushing, but extends into Bayside, Whitestone.
College Point and other neighboring places.

GUSTAV A. HAUCK, who is engaged in
the bakery business at College Point,
was born in Musbach, Bavaria, Germany
September 14, 1863. He is a son of Philip Hauck|
a baker of Musbach, and a grandson of John A.
Hauck, who also followed that occupation. The
former, who for some years operated a farm in
addition to the management of his bakery, mar.
ned Caroline Burger, daughter of a glazier of
Heilbrom, Wurtemberg. In 1892 the parents
joined the other members of the family in Amer
ica and now make their home in Philadelphia.
They are faithful members of the Baptist Church
d snoshf8655 T°neSt' Cnergetic and industrious
d eu trnd5' IS a n°teWOrthy ^ct that all of
vive "' C°nS1Stmg °f tWdVe Children> till

JOHN R. CARPENTER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

889

Gustav A, who was fifth in order of birth,
spent the first thirteen years of his life in Mus
bach and then came to America, being the first
son who left Germany. He took passage at Ant
werp on the steamer "Zealand" in 1877 and landed
in Philadelphia after an uneventful voyage. The
two years following his arrival were devoted to
learning the baker's trade with a brother-in-law.
In 1879 he went to New York, where he was em
ployed at his trade for a number of years. In
May of 1893 he came to College Point and built
his present place in Thirteenth Street, opposite
First Avenue, where he has his store, bake shop
and residence. His specialty for the past ten
years has been the baking of fancy cakes, and his
reputation in this line makes his services in con
stant demand for weddings and large parties. He
uses one wagon for delivering goods to custom
ers. In New York Mr. Hauck married Miss Alary
A. Dresell, who was born in Bavaria, Germany,
and is a daughter of Michael and Margaret
(Lang) Dresell. Her father, who was a farmer
in his native land, came to America and settled
in Brooklyn, where he died; her mother resides
with Mrs. Hauck. The latter was seven years of
age when she came to the United States. B\
her marriage she is the mother of five children:
Charles, Henry, William, Lizzie and Gustav.
Politically our subject is a Democrat. The family
belong to St. Fidelis' Catholic Church and So
ciety, and Mr. Hauck is a member of St. Francis
Society of New York, the Steube Kosse and
Harmonic Society at College Point.

JOHN R. CARPENTER. Perhaps no citi
zen of Jamaica has been more closely iden
tified with the development of its commer
cial interests than the gentleman who forms the
subject of this article. He has for years been en
gaged in the lumber and coal business, which he
has carried on with such success that his sales
now reach an annual aggregate of $200,000. By-
industry, fair dealing and prompt attention to all
the details of his business, he has built up one
of the largest trades on Long Island.
The Carpenter family was among those that
early settled in Queens County, and successive
generations have been honorably connected with
the growth and progress of this section. The first
of the name to come hither was Jacob Carpenter,
the great-grandfather of our subject, who came
36

here in the middle of the eighteenth century. The
grandfather bore the name of Nathaniel. On the
old Carpenter homestead, situated at Springfield,
in the town of Jamaica, our subject's father, also
Nathaniel, was born in 1794, and there his early
years were spent. He displayed the patriotic
spirit that has always been a family characteris
tic, and during the War of 1812 enlisted in the
defense of American liberties. In his early years
he followed the trade of a shoemaker, but later
engaged in farming. In religious belief a Pres
byterian, he was for a long time an elder in the
church at Jamaica. The closing years of his life
were spent on the old homestead, and there he
died in 1869. In all his thoughts and actions he
was governed by a sense of rectitude, for he had
so trained his mind to right thinking, and his will
to right feeling and right doing, that it became
a part of his moral nature. His life was a busy
and useful one, and in his death he was mourned
by hosts of friends.
The mother of our subject, Elizabeth, was born
in the town of Jamaica, and was a daughter of
John Rider, well known as an architect and
builder. He drew the plans for the rebuilding of
the Presbyterian Church and assisted in the con
struction of other large buildings of his day. At
his death, he left a property valued at about $50,-
000. Mrs. Elizabeth Carpenter was an active
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in that
faith passed from earth in 1867. Her brother,
James Rider, was a man of prominence and rep
resented his district in the legislature for two
terms. By his first marriage our subject's father had
four children: Tuttle, Elias, Priscilla and Eph
raim. The latter died in 1895, leaving two sons,
James Tuttle and Nicholas Smith, now residing
in Springfield. Of the second marriage there were
born Phebe, Rebecca, Patience Anna and John
R. Patience A. married Isaac C. Hendrickson,
one of the leading citizens of Jamaica, being pro
prietor of a lumber yard, director in a bank and a
member of the board of control of the Jamaica
Normal School.
At the family homestead in the town of Ja
maica, the subject of this notice was born Janu
ary 17, 1842. His education was gained in the
district school and Union Hall Academy of Ja
maica. Soon after the opening of the Civil War
he left the home farm, where he had been assist
ing his father, and became an active participant
in the struggle for the Union. Joining the Thir-

890

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

teenth New York Independent Battery, he served
for two years and eight months, being on de
tached duty the most of the time. In recognition
of his fidelity he was commissioned third lieu
tenant. After returning home from the war, Mr. Car
penter was for two years engaged in the butcher
business, and then went back to the home farm.
In 1887 he embarked in the lumber and coal busi
ness in company with his brother-in-law, Isaac
C. Hendrickson, under the name of the Jamaica
Lumber and Coal Company. They remained to
gether until 1890, wdien Mr. Carpenter estab
lished his present large business, taking as part
ner his nephew, Robert W. Higbee, who retired
from the firm February 1, 1895. Since that time
his sons have been associated with him in the
business. In 1861 Mr. Carpenter married Miss Adeline,
daughter of Tredwell Davison, a farmer and
stock-raiser of the town of Hempstead. Of their
three sons, Frank N. died in infancy. Tredwell at
an early age went into a wholesale house in. New
York, but is now with his father; he married
Elizabeth Wasson, a native of Canada, and they
have one child, Marguerite. Alexander, the
youngest son, was cashier in a wholesale estab
lishment in New York until March 1, 1895, but
is now associated with his father in business. The
family occupy a pleasant home in the village, near
the yards, where they have a comfortable resi
dence surrounded by four acres of land.
Identified with the Methodist Church, Mr.
Carpenter was for twenty-five years a member of
the official board at Springfield, and for seven
teen years served as superintendent of the Sun
day-school. Notwithstanding his close attention
to business, he has devoted much time to read
ing and self-culture, and has also found time for
active religious work. A man of pleasing ad
dress, social and hospitable, generous and lib
eral in his sentiments, and broad in his views, his
life reveals the success that may be attained by
self-reliance, integrity and persevering industry.

FREDERICK N. SMITH. Few profession
al or business men of Queens County have
been more active in supporting its indus
tries in a substantial way that this gentleman,
who is a leading member of the Queens County
bar. He is a man of great public spirit and for
some time has been counsel for the Long Island

City Building and Loan Association, as well as
secretary for the Queens County Bar Association.
Mr. Smith was born in Portland, Me, Decem
ber 25, 1861. His father, M. C. Smith, was a na-
time of East Hampton, Conn, which was also
the birthplace of the grandfather, Nathaniel C.
Smith, who was a prominent iron manufacturer
of that portion of the Nutmeg State. The latter
during the War of 1812 was color sergeant, or
ensign, of Connecticut home troops. He lived
to an advanced age, dying when past the age
of ninety years. This branch of the Smith family-
first located in Massachusetts, whither they had
come from England. Later they removed to
Connecticut, where the grandfather passed his
entire life, and where also M. C. Smith lived for
many years. The latter afterward moved to
Portland, Me, wdiere he engaged as an iron mer
chant. The father of our subject after spending many
years in the Pine Tree State located in New
York City, where he was employed as superin
tendent of the iron works of Schriver & Co.
However, when Mr. Steinway established his fac
tory for the manufacture of pianos in Long Island
City, Mr. Smith was engaged as superintendent
of the foundry, having charge of this department
for many years, or until he resigned the position
He is now a resident of Astoria, having made
his home in this village since 1872. During the
late war he served as a member of a Maine vol
unteer company, rendering his country valuable
aid during the entire period of his enlistment.
Airs. Mary E. (Cobb) Smith, mother of our
subject, was born near the capital of Maine and
was the daughter of Samuel Cobb, a blacksmith
by trade. The latter was a cousin of Sylvanus
Cobb, the author. Her union with M. C. Smith
resulted in the birth of four children, of whom
Frederick, of this history, was the youngest.
When the family located in Long Island City in
1872, our subject became a student of the Fourth
When the family located in Long Island City in
1878. He then took a normal course and some
years thereafter began the study of law in the
office of Foster & Stevens of New York. After
the usual amount of reading he entered the law
department of Columbia College, and in 1884 was
awarded a diploma and admitted to practice at
the bar of New York State. Mr. Smith then en
tered the office of A. T. Payne, at that time cor
poration counsel, and remained with him as his
managing clerk for about seven years, during

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

891

which time he also practiced on his own ac
count. In December, 1892, Mr. Smith opened an office
at No. 77 Jackson Avenue, Hunter's Point. He
has been especially successful in handling civil
cases and has been identified as counsel in many
suits involving large amounts of real estate. For
the past eight years he has been attorney for
the Long Island City Building and Loan Asso
ciation, and for the past four or five years has
filled the office of secretary of the Queens County
Bar Association.
Mr. Smith was married in Amsterdam, N. Y,
in 1888, to Miss Annie Patterson, a native of New
York City. She is the daughter of Culver Pat
terson, now deceased, who was for many years
a prominent 'attorney of the above city. Airs.
Smith is a very accomplished lady and was edu
cated in the schools of Astoria. She is the mother
of a daughter, May E, and son, Oliver N. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have a beautiful home in Astoria,
where they are surrounded by every comfort that
the age can suggest, and here it is their delight
to entertain their many friends from far and near.
In politics our subject is a stanch Republican
and has been a member of both the city and
judiciary committees. Socially he is a Knight
of the Golden Eagle, master of records of Stein
way Castle, No. 8, and is a member of Grand
Castle, also past and district grand chief of
Queens County. Mr. Smith is a thorough Chris
tian and for many years has been a member and
deacon of the Dutch Reformed Church of
Astoria.

WILSON LAWRENCE, proprietor of
a boarding and livery stable at Flush
ing, was born in this village December
8, 1823. The first of his family to locate here
was his paternal grandfather, Benjamin, Sr, who
was born near Albany and removed thence to a
farm near Flushing, where his closing years were
spent. The father,' Benjamin, Jr., was born here
and on arriving at maturity entered upon the oc
cupations of farmer and stock dealer, buying
stock in different states, and selling it on Long
Island. He died in Flushing when about sixty-
five years of age. His wife, who died at about
sixty years of age, was in maidenhood Phoebe
Rowland, and' was born in Flushing, where her
father, David Rowland, engaged in general farm
pursuits.

The subject of this record, who is the only sur
vivor of two children, received his education in
the Flushing schools, and from early boyhood
assisted his father in the stock business. In 1853
he located here and embarked in the livery busi
ness in Broadway, which he continued until the
close of the war, when he disposed of it. Later
he was employed as clerk in New York and for
a time also carried on a transfer business there.
On the death of his father he returned to the
home farm, wdiich he superintended for more than
ten years, later disposing of the place.
In 1 891 the firm of Bort & Lawrence started
the Madison Avenue Stables, and the connection
has since been continued. The stables occupy
70x100 feet on Madison Avenue and Union
Street, where are box stalls for fine horses and
accommodations for forty horses. Through
energy and judgment in the management of the
business success has come to the firm in the shape
of a reasonable pecuniary profit. In addition to
boarding horses, livery rigs are kept, a large busi
ness being done in that line. Their place is the
headquarters for horsemen, Mr. Bort being a
professional trainer and an acknowledged author
ity in that line, and frequent use is made of the
one-half mile track, which is situated near the
stables. The residence of Mr. Lawrence is situated
on the corner of Amity Street and South Par
sons Avenue. By his first marriage he has three
children, while by his second union, which made
Miss Elizabeth A. Hover his wife, he has four
children, namely: Fred N, a merchant in New
York; Henry W, who is employed as a clerk in
New York; Mrs. Kate Peck of Flushing; and
Grace, who is with her parents. Socially Air.
Lawrence is a member of Cornucopia Lodge No.
563, F & A. M, and was once actively connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but
is now demitted. In national politics he is Demo
cratic.

CHRISTIAN HELLWARTH, trustee of
the village of College Point and a success
ful business man of New York City, was
born where he now resides March 10, 1863, to
Christopher and Fredericka (Wilken) Hellwarth,
natives of Germany. His father, who was born
in Stuttgart and was a florist by occupation, came
to America in early manhood and settled in Col-

892

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lege Point, where he married. He and his wife
now reside in Newport, R. I.
The younger of two children, our subject was
educated in the public schools and College Point
Academy, from which he graduated. At the age
of fifteen he entered the office of the College
Point Rubber Company, Limited (now the Chel-
ton Point Works), and later was transferred to
the New York City office. In 1880 he resigned
his position with the company in order to enter
the dry goods business. He was successively
with Wilkin, Lord & Taylor, Altman and James
McCreery in Twenty-third Street, remaining with
the last named gentleman nearly nine years. At
this writing he still holds this position, which is
one of responsibility and importance.
Though in business in New York, Air. Hell-
warth has always retained his home in College
Point, where he erected and occupies a commo
dious and elegantly appointed residence in Thir
teenth Street, between Sixth and Seventh Ave
nues. He was married here to Hannah Krieg,
a native of College Point, and two children
blessed their union, of whom Ralph survives.
In public affairs here Air. Hellwarth has always
been influential and active. At one occasion he
was chairman of a meeting of citizens at the time
of the nomination of a school trustee and agitated
the question of carrying on the study of Ger
man in the public schools. In the fall of
1894 he was nominated on the Citizens' ticket
to the office of village trustee and was elected,
taking the oath of office in January, 1895, to hold
office until January, 1898. He is chairman of the
auditing committee and member of the police
committee and the committees on lights and
wells and pumps. Socially he is connected with
the Royal Arcanum and the Krakehlia Singing
Society, and at one time was vice-president of the
Adelphi Social Club. In religious belief he is
connected with the Dutch Reformed Church.
Politically he is a Democrat, but is popular with
men of opposing belief and is regarded as one of
the influential citizens of the village.

WILLIAM METHVEN, captain of the
Queens County police and one of the
leading liverymen of Flushing, was
born on the last day of the year 1855 in Cleish,
Kinross-shire, Scotland. He is a member of an
old Scotch family, his grandfather, Alexander,
having been superintendent for an estate in that

country. His father, Alexander, Jr., was born in
Cleish, where for some years he engaged in farm
ing, but afterward removed to Dundee, where he
had charge of the horses of the North British
Railway Company until his death in 1893. In
religious belief the family adhered to the Scotch
Presbyterian faith.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Jean Stark, and was a daughter of Robert
Stark, a weaver and boatman on Loch Leven, a
popular summer and fishing resort in the west
ern part of Scotland. She is still living and
makes her home in Dundee. Of her eleven chil
dren, all but one attained years of maturity and
nine are now living, William being fourth in order
of birth. He was educated in the schools of
Cleish and Dundee and from boyhood was en
gaged in the horse business. In Dundee he mar
ried Miss Jessie Smith, by whom he has seven
children. Coming to America in 1880, he soon
afterward settled in Flushing, Where he had
charge of Air. Colton's stables at the fashion
track. During the three years that he was
with this gentleman, much of his time was
given to the training of horses. Later for two
years he had charge of Ewen's stables, after
which he carried on a hotel in Alain Street for
two years and was then located on the corner of
Alain and Broadway. After having rented
Mickle's stables for eighteen months he opened
the Flushing Hotel stables at No. 90 Broadway,
which he has since conducted.
As a trainer of horses Air. Alethven is. well
known both on Long Island and in New York,
and he prepared many horses for the New York
market. He is a member of the Flushing Driv
ing Park Association, of which he was superin
tendent for a time. While he has broken a large
number of fractious colts, he has never been in
jured. At one time he owned "Hussar," which
had a track record of 2:21, but could make a mile
in 2:i2j. At different times he has owned other
fine standard horses.
In 1895 Mr. Methven was appointed captain
of the Queens County police for three years, and
in that capacity he has stopped prize fighting
and made a number of r,aids on pool rooms. Dur
ing the car strike in Brooklyn he was for five
weeks in charge of the Queens County end and
took an active part in quelling disturbance. In
1894 he was elected constable for the town of
Flushing and served one term. Socially he is
connected with the Knights of Pythias, Red Men

DAVID KETCHAM.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

895

and Order of American Firemen. He served his
time in the Empire Hose Company No. 1, of
which he was foreman, then second assistant en
gineer for two years and assistant engineer under
McCormick for two years. He has served his
party — the Republican — as a delegate to county
and state conventions and is a member of the Re
publican Club.

DAVID KETCHAM, who holds the re
sponsible office of assessor of the town of
Jamaica, is one of the well-known and
wealthy residents of the beautiful village of Hol
lis. He was born in the town of Huntington, Suf
folk County, July 29, 1823, and is the son of Zeb
ulon Ketcham, whose birth occurred in that local
ity in 1804. The latter was a farmer by occupa
tion and for several years was collector of taxes
of the town of Huntington. At the time of his
decease, in 1840, the community lost one of its
best and most highly esteemed residents.
James Ketcham, uncle of our subject, now de
ceased, was for many years a hotelkeeper at
Patchogue, L. I, and also wreckmaster off the
Long Island coast. Grandfather David Ketch
am was also born in the town of Huntington, and
during the War of 1812 served as lieutenant of
his company, which was stationed at Ft. Green.
He was a farmer by occupation and lived to the
advanced age of ninety-four years. When a lad
of ten or twelve years he saw General Washing
ton pass through Long Island during the prog
ress of the Revolutionary War. He married
Abby Nostrand, whose family, as well as that of
the Ketchams, was among the oldest and most
prominent on this island.
Mrs. Abby (Oakley) Ketcham, mother of our
subject, was a sister of Jesse Oakley, who mar
ried the sister of Mr. Ketcham. This lady, Han
nah Oakley, is now living at Huntington and is
eighty-seven years of age. Mrs. Abby Ketcham
survived her husband many years, being eighty-
four years old at the time of her decease. She
had three brothers, David, Jesse and Timothy, of
whom the last named was for many years a
prominent merchant of New York City.
David Ketcham was the eldest in the family of
six children born to his parents. He had One
brother, John O, formerly a carpenter and build
er living in Brooklyn. During the excitement
in the Pennsylvania oil fields he repaired to that
region, where he _ died soon afterward. Alary

Ketcham married David Jarvis, now deceased,
who for many years was engaged in the grocery
business in Brooklyn, where Mrs. Jarvis died in
the spring of 1895. Elizabeth departed this life
when eighteen years of age. Phebe married
George W. Uhler, formerly a merchant of Brook
lyn, but who is now deceased. Susan died when
sixteen years old.
Receiving a fair education in the district
schools, Air. Ketcham, when quite young, went to
New York City and was employed in the store of
his uncle, Timothy Oakley, until the death of his
father, in 1840, when, being the eldest of the
family, he returned home to manage the .farm,
and remained on the estate until Alarch 12, 1849.
In the meantime he married Miss Mary Oakley
and in the year above mentioned they removed to
tin-- town of Jamaica, purchasing property
wdiich has since been laid out into lots and sold to
the residents of the beautiful village of Hollis. Up
to this time he had given his undivided attention
to agricultural pursuits, and in this occupation
was remarkably successful, accumulating a snug
little fortune. His farm, however, soon became
very Valuable, and in order to make the most of
his opportunities he sold it to Mr. Campbell of
Brooklyn, who has laid it out in town lots.
A'Irs. Ketcham became the mother of two chil
dren and departed this life January 17, 1893. Her
daughter Elizabeth lived to be seventeen years
of age, when she too passed to her home be
yond. Aaron Oakley Ketcham, the son, mar
ried Kate Lott, member of one of the oldest fam
ilies on the island. They had two sons, Frank
Lott and David W. The husband and father de
parted this life in 1889 and his widow and family
now occupy a beautiful home adjoining the resi
dence of our subject in the village of Hollis. For
many years the son had looked after the manage
ment of the old farm and.it was really not until
his death that Mr. Ketcham made up his mind
to sell the property.
Mr. Ketcham has not only been one of the
leading farmers in Queens County, but he has
been successful in every enterprise in which he
has engaged. His influence has always been di
rected toward furthering the best interests of his
community, although he cannot be considered a
politician in any sense of the term. He is Demo
cratic in politics and not only possesses the con
fidence of his party, but that of the Republican
voters as well. He has been before the people in
various positions of honor and trust and since

896

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1872 has held the office of assessor of the town
of Jamaica, receiving almost the entire vote of
the district. As a citizen he is on the side of
every social and moral reform; as a neighbor he
is kind, and as a friend stanch and true. The
poor and distressed find in him a cheerful helper,
to whom no appeal is made in vain. He occupies
one of the most pleasant homes in Hollis, wdiich
during the past few years has been darkened and
saddened by the death of his wife and both chil
dren. He is a devoted member of the Presby
terian Church and for many years was trustee of
his congregation.

DAVID H. LANEY, a successful and en
terprising business man of Woodhaven,
is a florist of wide reputation in the coun
ty and has a large trade among its best people.
He was born in Hampshire, England, June 11,
1842. When he was a lad of eleven years his
mother died, leaving ten children, which it was
impossible for the father to keep together.
David H, who had but a limited education, was
thus obliged to commence the battle of life on
his own account, his first occupation being as a
gardener's assistant. He soon became an expert
in this industry and rose from one position to an
other until he was given a position in the gar
dens of Buckingham Palace, the Queen's private
residence in London. Here he remained for two
years, giving the best of satisfaction.
In 1870 young Lanev bade good-bye to his
relatives and friends in England and boarded a
vessel which landed him in due time in America
He brought the best of recommendations with
him and found employment without much delay.
For ten years he was private gardener for D B
Wesson, junior member of the firm of Smith
& Wesson, manufacturers of firearms in Spring
field, Mass. It was his great desire, however,
to get a situation nearer the metropolis, and
when Mr. Wesson closed his place in order to go
abroad, Air. Laney came to New York and it
was not long before he was employed by Air.
Grosjean of Woodhaven, the millionaire proprie
tor of the great agate works located here, to take
charge of the grounds of his private residence.
Although now in business for himself, he still
has the oversight of the laying out of the' grounds
surrounding Mr. Grosjean's home and supplies
all the flowers and shrubs used in its decoration.
Our subject has been very successful in all his

ventures since he came to America, and all of
his surplus capital he invested in property which
now comprises his gardens and on which are lo
cated his hot houses. These are fitted out with
every convenience for the successful prosecution
of his work and are among the largest in the
county. He keeps himself well posted regarding
the best methods of caring for plants by subscrib
ing to many of the leading journals .devoted to
this subject which are published in America.
Just prior to embarking for the shores of the
New World, Air. Laney was married to Miss
Hannah Windsor. To them has been born a son,
Albert, now in charge of a business which his
father established for his benefit. Mr. Laney is
deeply interested in the progress of the place
which has so long been his home, and although
he has been often solicited to hold public office
has always refused to do so, as he feels that he
can render his fellow citizens as much benefit in
private life as when representing them in some of
fice. He is an Odd Fellow of high standing in the
community and is a charter member of the lodge
at Woodhaven, with wdiich he has been connect
ed for seven years. He is also a charter member
of the Royal Arcanum.
An upright, honorable man, Mr. Laney has a
reputation for veracity and high principle which is
second to none in the neighborhood.

[VI

OSES R SCHENCK, of the firm of
Schenck Brothers, manufacturers of car
riages at Great Neck, was born in Cold-
spring Harbor, Suffolk County, L. I, February
8, 1855, being a son of Simeon and Mary A.
(Darling) Schenck. He remained in the village
where he was born the most of the time until he
was nine, when he accompanied his father to Port
Washington, and there attended the public
schools. When about fourteen years old he be
gan to work in the shop wdth his father and re
mained in his employ until he was twenty-three,
when the two entered partnership under the firm
name of Schenck & Son.
In 1880 the death of the father obliged the son
to assume the entire responsibility of the busi
ness, which he carried on successfully until 1883.
Aleantime, on the 23d of November, 1881, he
married Miss Sarah E. Mackey of Port Washing
ton, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Van Nos
trand) Alackey, and a native of the village of
Roslyn, L. I. In the fall of 1883 the firm of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

897

Schenck Brothers was organized and our sub
ject moved to Great Neck, his present place of
residence. He is known as one of the progres
sive and energetic business men of this village
and stands high in the community.
Three children comprise the family of Air. and
Airs. Schenck, namely: Mabel Louise, who was
born in Port Washington October 3, 1883; Ber
tha Irene, born at Great Neck September 25,
1886; and Clifford R, born in Great Neck March
28, 1892. Mrs. Schenck is a granddaughter of
John Mackey, a brother of George Mackey, Sr,
to whose sketch upon another page the reader
is referred for the history of the Alackey fam-
ily. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Schenck was elect
ed tax collector in 1890 and 1891, and was also
appointed to fill an unexpired term as assessor,
but refused a nomination for the office. He has
served as a member of the school board, of which
he was president one year,but upon the expiration
of his term refused re-election. At various times
he has been a delegate to town and county con
ventions, but has refused to go to state conven
tions. With his wife he holds membership in
All Saints' Church at Great Neck, and he is
treasurer of the Union Sunday-school. Socially
he belongs to Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F &
A. M, at Flushing, and Pentalpha Chapter No.
206.

WILLIAM M. THOA'IAS. The experi
ence of this gentleman goes to prove
that success may be obtained, even
though for years she eludes the pursuer, evading
his most energetic and persevering efforts. Mr.
Thomas met with much in earlier life that would
have daunted a man of less determination, but it
only stirred him to renewed endeavors, and final
ly he achieved a success that was a tribute to his
ability and force of character. While his resi
dence is in Corona, much of his time is spent in
New York City, where he is engaged in the real
estate business at No. 35 West Thirtieth Street
and Fifty-ninth Street and Eighth Avenue, and
is also proprietor of the Mineola stables at
Eighty-fourth Street and Boulevard.
The son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Knight)
Thomas, the subject of this record was born in
Torresdale, Pa, July 23, 1849. His boyhood
days were principally spent in Belvidere, N. J,
where he was employed in his father's mill. After

completing the studies of the common schools
he spent one year at Nazareth Hall, a Moravian
boarding school in Northampton County, Pa.
When about sixteen years of age, in 1865, he en
listed as a member of the Fifteenth United States
Infantry, stationed at Ft. Adams, R. I, but after
a service of two months his father put a stop to
his boyish enthusiasm by taking him out of the
army. After working in the commission business in
New York City for a time, Air. Thomas was for
one year with William H. Stiger, and then for
three and one-half years was with a firm at No.
165 West Street. October 20, 1869, he married
Aliss Alary R. Philips, who was born in Dutchess
County, N. Y. Not long afterward his employer
went out of business and he was thrown out of
employment, but he soon secured a job as driver
of a wagon, selling flour in various parts of
Alassachusetts near the state line. His employers
were Aloffat & Reese. From there he went back
to New York and began to deliver produce in
various parts of the city, for which he first re
ceived $12, later $18 per week. One week was
•spent as conductor on a Broadway street car,
when he resigned, having an offer to go into the
real estate business with Dye & Curtis. This
was in 1870 and he remained with them until
they went out of business, five years later, which
caused a change of his plans. Borrowing $100,
he started in business for himself in the office
formerly occupied by his employers. He made a
success in buying, selling and collecting, and has
continued the business to the present time, hav
ing had a partner since 1877.
In 1881 Air. Thomas purchased a place at Bay-
side, where he made his home for a few years,
selling the property at a profit of about $5,000.
He then bought twenty acres at Corona, where
he now resides, also a farm of two hundred and
fourteen acres, known as the Strong place, one
of the oldest homesteads in the county. In addi
tion to this, he has invested in property in New
York and also owns three of the largest stables in
the city. In 1872 he voted for General Grant for
the Presidency, later he adopted Democratic
views and in 1874 became connected with Tam
many Hall, being secretary of the Eleventh As
sembly District of that famous organization. For
twenty years he has been a notary public. Reared
in the faith of the Hicksite Friends, he still clings
to that connection and meets with other members
of the society in Philadelphia every year. So-

898

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

daily he has been chaplain of the Knights of
Honor, and for two terms served as treasurer of
the New York Lodge of Alasonry. While living
in the city he was connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, but has not been identi
fied with that organization for many years past.

DENNIS SULLIVAN, a contractor by
occupation, is one of the most popular
citizens of Flushing and in the various
public offices which he has filled has proved the
possession of public spirit, energy and integ
rity. * He was born in Rochester, Monroe Coun
ty, N. Y, in December, 1840, being next to the
oldest in a family of five daughters and two sons,
of whom one daughter and both sons are liv
ing. His parents, Dennis Sullivan, Sr, a mold-
er by trade, and Mary (McCarthy) Sullivan, died
in Auburn, N. Y, the former about 1854.
From four years of age until man's estate,
the subject of this record resided in Auburn,
where, at the age of fourteen, he entered the em
ploy of the Auburn Gas Light Company, in the
early days of the business when gas was manu
factured from rosin. In 1857 he came to Flush
ing, where he was employed for a time as a gas-
fitter. Next he went to Morristown, where he
was similarly engaged. In 1859 he located in
Astoria and became foreman of the Astoria gas
works on Hell Gate. January 4, 1864, he again
came to Flushing as superintendent of the Flush
ing Gas Light Company, wdiich responsible posi
tion he filled until 1890, and during that time the
plant was remodeled and increased in size.
While in the employ of the gas company, Mr.
Sullivan began contracting, which business in
creased to such an extent that he finally resigned
his position and turned his attention entirely to
general contract work. He built the Flushing
& College Point Street Railroad, nearly four
miles in length, crowding the work so rapidly
that it was completed in less than two months.
He also had the contract for the water works at
Munson, Mass, and built the water works at
Northville, N. Y. From 1877 until 1889 he was
a member of the board of trustees, of which he
was president one term; he served on the prin
cipal committees and was chairman of the water
committee during his entire term of office. In
1875 he was superintendent of the building of
the water works, the completion of which was
celebrated the following year.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Sullivan has
often been delegate to county and state conven
tions. For one term of three years he served
efficiently as county superintendent of the poor.
For two years he held the position of overseer
of the poor in the town of Flushing, and at differ
ent times was called to other local offices. He
was a member of the old Hamilton Guard, and
for three years belonged to Rescue Hook and
Ladder Company. In Astoria he married Miss
Maria Fay, sister of Michael E. Fay, of whom
mention is made on another page of this volume.
They are the parents of four children, namely:
Edward and William, who are contractors ; Mar
garet; and Mary, wife of Eugene Eglee, of New
York.

JOHN JONES WRIGHT was born Feb
ruary 14, 1835, in the village of Flushing,
which was also the native place of his fath
er, Samuel, and grandfather, William, the for
mer a horse-shoer, and the latter a car-man by
occupation. His mother, who bore the maiden
name of Alary Ann Duff, was born in Oyster
Bay and died at Flushing when seventy-five
years of age; her father was Oliver Duff, whose
father-in-law and four brothers-in-law partici
pated in many of the most sanguinary conflicts
of the Revolution. Samuel Wright died at the
age of sixty-six years, having spent a busy, in
dustrious and honest life among the scenes and
with the people familiar to him from boyhood
years. He and his wife attended the Episcopal
Church and were people of generous and neigh
borly disposition.
The subject of this notice is one of twelve chil
dren, nine of whom attained years of maturity,
namely: William, who resides in the western
part of this state; Joshua, who in 1857 enlisted in
the regular army, served for five years, and later
was accidentally killed in New Orleans; Thomas,
who died in Flushing in 1888; John Jones; Sam
uel, who died in this village; Charles, a resident
of Brooklyn; Mrs. Eliza Reed, and Mrs. Cath
erine Webb, of this place; and Jane, who died
here. At the age of sixteen our subject was appren
ticed to the trade of a carriage blacksmith under
Mr. Ketchum at Flushing and on completing the
trade, in 1857 opened a general blacksmith shop
here. In 1862 he located in Hunter's Point,
Long Island City, and built a shop at No. 33

OLDFIELD HENDRICKSON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

901

Jackson Avenue, where for two years he carried
on a general blacksmithing business, but after
ward gave his attention solely to horse-shoeing.
For thirty years he shod horses for James Mc-
Mahon, of Bowery Bay, and the best horsemen
of the country, being known as the most prac
tical and successful horse-shoer of his locality.
Accumulating money which he invested in real
estate, he became well-to-do and is now the
owner of two residences in Third Street, Long-
Island City, as well as a shop there, and a resi
dence at No. 282 Amity Street, Flushing. His
success is due to the energetic manner with
which he has devoted himself to business; he
has never been an idler, but has led a busy, use
ful and industrious life.
At Flushing in 1861 occurred the marriage of
J. J. Wright and Isabella Todd, daughter of
Adam Todd, formerly a gardener here. They
have four children, William, Samuel A, Elmira
and Belle. In national politics Mr. Wright is a
Democrat, always voting that ticket at Presiden
tial elections. He was one of the first members
of Island City Lodge, F. & A. Al, with which he
has since been connected.

CHRISTIAN RAU, a mason and contrac
tor residing in College Point, was born
near Cologne, Westphalia, Germany, in
1834, being a son of Arnold Rau, who devoted
his attention to farming in his native land
throughout his entire life. At the age of fifteen
he was apprenticed to the mason's trade in Elber-
feldt, Germany, and upon the completion of his
term of service began to do journeyman work,
traveling throughout all of Germany. After a
time he settled in Elberfeldt, where for nine years
he followed his chosen calling.
Having resolved to come to America, in 1865
Mr. Rau took passage on the sailing vessel "Liz
zie" at Hamburg, and after sixty-one days upon
the water landed in New York City. During the
same year he came to College Point, where he
began work at his trade. In 1866 he commenced
to take contracts, and in this way he has since
carried on business, having met with fair suc
cess in his enterprises. He has had contracts for
much important work in his line here, both in the
erection of public and private buildings, and his
work has been invariably satisfactory to the par
ties concerned.
The family residence, erected by Mr. Rau,

stands in Fourteenth Street, near Seventh Ave
nue. It is presided over hospitably by his wife,
whom he married here, but who was born in Bre
men, Germany. She bore the maiden name of
Albertina Youngman, and is the mother of four
children, Anna, Lizzie, Martha and Oscar. The
family attend the Lutheran Church and are in
terested in all religious work. While Mr. Rau
has never sought public office, he has firm opin
ions upon all political questions and uniformly
gives his allegiance to the Republican party.

OLDFIELD HENDRICKSON. Surely
and rapidly the brave and hardy men
who first settled in Hollis are passing
to their graves, and among them Oldfield Hen
drickson is now numbered. The civilization of
our day, the enlightenment of the age and the
duty that men of the present time owe to their
ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives and deeds
should be made. Mr. Hendrickson, one of the
respected and influential citizens of Queens
County, was born in this county, across the
street from where his widow now resides. He
was the son of James and Catherine (Oldfield)
Hendrickson, who were the parents of three chil
dren, all now deceased.
James Hendrickson was a native of Spring
field, L. I, and spent his life in this vicinity. For
many years he was a prominent and active mem
ber of the Dutch Reformed Church and was also
active in other enterprises of moment. Oldfield
Hendrickson received good educational facili
ties, attending Union Hall Academy of Jamaica
during his youth, and after reaching man's es
tate settled down to agricultural pursuits on the
home place. Industrious and persevering, he
made a success of life in his chosen calling, and
his fine farm attests by its appearance the thrift
and energy of its former owner.
On the 16th of December, 1835, Mr. Hendrick
son married Miss Margaret Van Alst of Dutch
Kills, Long Island City, and after this union re
sided on the home farm, assisting in its manage
ment until after his father's death, when he
erected the fine residence, now owned by his,
widow, and there passed the remainder of his
days, dying December 16, 1871. Like his father
he was a worthy member of the Dutch Reformed
Church, holding membership in the Jamaica con
gregation for years. When that church burned

902

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

down he assisted in building the church at
Queens, and for years afterward was an elder in
that organization. Mrs. Hendrickson is a mem
ber of one of the prominent old families of
Queens County. Her parents, John G. and Al-
etha (Polhemus) Van Alst, had eight children,
only two of whom survive at the present time,
Mrs. Hendrickson and James L, the latter a resi
dent of the village of Newtown. Mrs. Hendrick-
son's grandparents were George and Ann (Mes-
serole) Van Alst.

THOMPSON LAYTON. In the course of
his active and useful career Mr. Layton
has earned an enviable reputation as an
enterprising agriculturist, efficient citizen and
self-reliant man. He is numbered among the
most prosperous farmers of Oyster Bay Town,
where he owns over one hundred acres of valua
ble and well improved land. The farm upon
which he resides and which has been in possesT
sion of the family since 1824 lies near the village
of East Norwich, thus affording all the advan
tages of rural life together with the conveniences
of the village.
The son of Peter and Emeline (Pintard) Lay-
ton, the subject of this sketch was born February
7, 1833, on the homestead he now owns and oc
cupies. The family has been represented in this
locality for several generations. His grand
father, John Layton, was a native of the town of
Oyster Bay and devoted his entire active life to
agricultural pursuits here. The father of our
subject, soon after his marriage, settled on this
farm in 1824 and here he continued to reside un
til his death in April, 1865. His children were
named as follows: Alargaret, who died in child
hood; John, who located in Connecticut; Charles,
who died in boyhood; Mary, Mrs. Townsend
Monfort, deceased; Thompson; and Charles, a
sailor, of whom all trace was lost years ago.
From the time he was twenty-one years old
until the death of his father, our subject operated
the home farm on shares, and afterward he be
came the owner and proprietor of the estate.
May 10, 1865, he married Mary E. Van Nos
trand, who was born in Roslyn August 29, 1841,
and was a daughter of Cornelius and Sarah R.
Van Nostrand. Unto their union were born the
following-named children: Jennie; Peter, a
blacksmith living in the village of Oyster Bay;
Thompson G, Jr., who assists his father in op

erating the farm and resides in the new house on
the homestead; Ida, wife of Benjamin Morgan,
of Port Washington, Queens County; Sarah
R.; Emeline, who died in infancy; Nellie L.;
Charles W, who died in boyhood; Mary M,
Lottie B. and Gertie A. The older children were
educated in the Friends' Academy at Locust Val
ley, and the younger members of the family will,
at the proper time, be given such advantages as
will fit them for positions of usefulness in the
world. The Democratic party has the hearty allegiance
of Air. Layton, and he supports its candidates
at every election, local or national. In 1871 he
was elected assessor of the town of Oyster Bay,
a position which he filled for twenty years, with
the exception of an interim of two years. For a
number of years he has served as school trustee.
In every position to which he has been called,
he has done all in his power to advance the in
terests of his fellow-citizens and promote the wel
fare of the community. He and his family are
highly esteemed wherever known. They are
genial and hospitable, and all visitors to their
home (even those to whom they are personally
strangers) receive a hearty, cordial welcome and
an invitation to come again. Naturally, these
qualities make them popular among the people
of the town, and their list of friends and acquaint
ances is a large one.

R!

ICHARD TRACY came to College Point
April 23, 1870, and has since made this
place his home. Prior to locating here, he
learned the mason's trade, in all its branches, at
Brooklyn, and he was thus prepared to success
fully conduct a business of his own. After work
ing at the trade for years, he began in 1891 as a
general contractor in mason work, which line he
has since carried on diligently and with success.
Among his most important work was the opening
and grading of the streets in College Point, also
the erection of I. E. Klinert's brick factory, the
stone edifice in wdiich St. Fidelis' congregation
worships and Hugo Funke's silk mills.
In ornamental plastering, of which he makes a
specialty, Air. Tracy has been very successful,
and his reputation in this line is unexcelled. He
also has many contracts for putting in boilers
and engines and does all the heavy trucking work
in the village. His pay roll each season amounts
to $750. In addition to building residences for

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

9°3

others, he built the one on Whitestone Road
which he owns and occupies, and erected the shop
in Eleventh Street, between Fourth and Fifth.
After coming to College Point he established a
home of his Own, his marriage uniting him with
Aliss Alary Williams, an estimable lady of this
place. Nine children were born of their union, of
whom all but two are living.
While Air. Tracy gives his attention closely to
his contract work, he nevertheless finds time for
social engagements, and is one of the popular
residents at College Point. He is a charter mem
ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and the Catholic Benevolent Legion and is con
nected with the Adelphi Social Club. In religious
belief he is a Catholic and holds membership in
the St. Fidelis Church.

WILLJAM RUPIL, proprietor of College
Point Saenger Hall, was born in Har-
burg, Hanover, Germany, June 8,
1859, and is a son of John Ruhl, a native of Hil-
desheim, Hanover, and by trade a carpenter and
builder, wdiich occupation he followed until his *
death. At one time he was a corporal in the
German cavalry. After his demise his widow,
Elenora S. (Rose) Ruhl, brought her two sons,
William and Edwdn, to the United States and set
tled in New York City, where she remained un
til death. Edwin is now a resident of Jersey
Heights. William, who is the younger of the two sons,
was less than ten years of age when he accom
panied his mother to America in 1869. He at
tended school only six months during the year,
his education being acquired principally in the
night schools. At an early age he learned the
cigar maker's trade, at which he worked until
1880. Then, in partnership with his brother, un
der the firm name of E. Ruhl & Co, he em
barked in the wholesale liquor business at No.
1522 Third Avenue. On dissolving this part
nership, he carried on a general trucking busi
ness in New York about seven years, and mean
time, in 1888, he started a soda water business in
Fourth Street, between D and Lewes, where he
remained for two years. In 1890 he removed to
No. 227 Lewes Street, where four years were
spent. In 1893 Mr. Ruhl located in Flushing, and
soon afterward started a grocery business in Mad
ison Avenue, Murray Hill, where he built a store

and two residences. Later he engaged in the
manufacture of soda water until February, 1895,
when he sold out and purchased his present place
on Second Avenue and Twelfth Street, College
Point, where he has a building 50x100 feet, with
summer gardens. Plis ball room, 50x75, is the
finest in the village and more balls are held here
than any other place in College Point. He has
places also for lodge meetings, accommodations
for societies, turn-vereins, clam-bakes, picnics
and coaching parties. Besides this, he is engaged
in bottling beer and runs two wagons in filling
orders. In New York City, in October, 1893, Air. Ruhl
married Miss Katie Plughes, who was born
there, and is the youngest of the three children
of. Edward and Margaret (Connelly) Hughes, na
tives respectively of Counties Monaghan and
Cavan, Ireland. Her father, after his marriage,
settled in New York City, where he engaged in
business as a dealer in meats; her mother died
in that city in February, 1896. Socially Mr. Ruhl
is connected with Puritan Lodge No. 399, F. &
A. M, and Eagle Hook and Ladder Company
No. 1 at College Point. He and his wife are a
genial, pleasant couple, and have many warm
friends in this locality.

SAA'IUEL A. WRIGHT, D. V. S, son of
J. J. and Isabella (Todd) Wright, was born
in Long Island City in November, 1871.
His education was received in his native place
and the high school of Brooklyn, and on com
pleting his "studies he began to learn the trade of
a horse-shoer, at which he was employed about
two years. From that he naturally drifted into
veterinary surgery, an occupation for which he
had early in life displayed a natural inclination.
In 1890 he entered the American Veterinary
College of New York City, where he conducted
his studies with diligence and success, gradu
ating in March, 1893, with the degree of D. V. S.
While in college he was the class secretary and
also secretary of the College Medical Society.
During his vacations he continued work at
horse-shoeing until the last year of his college
course, when he practiced veterinary surgery
with his brother, Dr. W. H. Wright, in Long Is
land City.
Upon graduating our subject opened an office
at No. 68 Broadway, Flushing, where he has
since conducted a general practice as veterinary

904

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

surgeon, for success in which his former thor
ough experience as horse-shoer is of the utmost
value. In his business transactions he is enter
prising yet cautious, honest to the smallest de
tail, painstaking and skillful, a man who will un
doubtedly succeed in his chosen work. He is a
member of the Vigilant Athletic Club of Long
Island City, and takes an active part in various
fraternal and social organizations.

I-^ RASMUS D. SKINNER, M. D, of Alin-
y~* eola, was born in Greenport, Suffolk Coun-
1— ' ty, N. Y, in 1838, to Dr. E. E. D. and
Mary B. (Read) Skinner. His grandfather,
Dr. Ezekiel Skinner, was born in the town
of Glastonbury, Conn, and in early manhood
studied medicine, but later entered the ministry.
The father, who was born in Connecticut in 1807,
graduated from a medical college and com
menced practice at Greenport in 1828, remaining
there until his death in 1875. He was a member
of the Baptist Church of Greenport. For years
he was chairman of the Republican Central Com
mittee, and prior to the organization of that
party upheld Whig principles. In 1844 he was
toasted by the Clay Whig Club of New York
City as the "lone Clay Whig of Suffolk County."
In addition to successful practice as a physician,
he was noted as a skillful surgeon. In his fam
ily there were six children, namely: Annie E. ;
Jane M. A.; Erasmus D.; Benjamin Rush, wdio
entered the legal profession; Dr. Barton D, a
physician of Greenport; and Ezekiel D, a mill
wright at Greenport.
In the spring of 1858 the subject of this rec
ord entered the Bowdoin Aledical College, where
he remained a few months. In the fall of the
same year he became a student in the Berkshire
Aledical College of Pittsfield, Mass, from which
he graduated in November, 1858. He com
menced practice at the old home of his grandfath
er Skinner in Westford, but at the end of three
years failing health induced him to return to
Greenport. In 1875, with invigorated strength,
he removed to Mineola and established a practice
which he has since conducted. In 1888 he was
appointed physician to the temporary Home for
Children, located at this place. He is a member
of the Queens County Aledical Society, of which
he was formerly president.
A Republican in politics, Dr. Skinner in 1872
was elected coroner of Suffolk County by a large

majority, and for twelve years served as health
officer for the town of North Hempstead. With
his wife he holds membership in the Baptist
Church of Hempstead, in which he has held the
offices of deacon and trustee. For a number of
years he was a member of the executive commit
tee of the Queens County Sunday-school Asso
ciation, and for a time was superintendent of the
Union Sunday-school of Alineola. Socially he
is identified with Protection Lodge No. 151, I.
O O F, at Roslyn, of which he is past grand,
and is also officially connected with Alineola En
campment No. 121 and past district deputy grand
patriarch. At this writing he is district deputy
grand master of Queens District No. 2.
In April, 1862, Dr. Skinner married Anna E,
daughter of Alanson Hallock, a prominent farm
er of Cutchogue and a leading Republican of his
locality, his death occurring in 1894, when he was
ninety-three. The three children born of this
union are Henry W, residing in Alineola and a
traveling salesman for a drug house of New York;
Erasmus D, Jr., who is with R. M. Bowne's Son,
of Glencove; and Isabella C, wife of L. C. Under
hill, of Mineola, a dealer in lumber and coal at
Locust Valley.
Dr. Ezekiel Skinner, grandfather of our sub
ject, was born in Glastonbury, Conn, and by
diligent effort gained a good education. At an
early age he began the study of medicine, with
the intention of entering that profession. When
the War of 1812 broke out, he left his practice
and family and went into the army as a private
but was almost immediately made field surgeon.
On his return he resumed practice and also took
up ministerial work, which divided his time wdth
his profession. His son, Benjamin R, had be
come a missionary to Africa and in less than
six months had, with his wdfe and one child, suc
cumbed to the unhealthful climate. Undaunted
by their sad fate, the father, though then an old
man, resolved to take up his son's work. He
went to Africa, where for about three years he
labored for the physical and spiritual uplifting of
the poor natives. He was the first governor of
Liberia. Failing health at last obliged him to
return to America. He resumed here his labors
as clergyman and physician, but for a number of
years before his death he was entirely blind.
After his death our subject's father took into his
home the widowed mother, wdio also was totally
blind for a number of years.
Of Alanson Hallock, the father-in-law of Dr.

JAMES F. MCLAUGHLIN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

907

Skinner, the following mention was made in an
obituary notice: "He was in his ninety-fourth
year and belonged to one of the oldest families
of the town. With vigorous mental powers and
by reason of sturdy health, he outlived nearly
all of his own generation. He was an upright
man, prompt, intelligent, prudent, judicious and
to the last degree firm, yet pleasant and cour
teous withal, though he hated sham and fraud and
denounced them in emphatic speech. He was
bold in his convictions and upheld and followed
them without fear or favor. Those who consid
ered him obstinate misunderstood him and failed
to recognize the fact that his integrity of prin
ciple and steadfastness of purpose rendered it
impossible for him to yield to public clamor or
private influence against his own conviction.
His loyalty to his friends as well as his likes and
dislikes was marked. He was an honest, stead
fast man, deserving and receiving the respect of
his townsmen."

J

ceptor, after which he was in the office of J. J.
Gleason of New York.
^ Opening an office in Jamaica, Air. McLaugh
lin soon became known as a rising attorney. A
thorough student of the profession, he started in
practice with a determination to excel in the
profession, and already he has had charge of
some important cases. His interest in whatever
concerns the moral or material well-being of his
fellow-men has always been actively shown in
such ways as occasions have offered. Since at
taining his majority he has never failed to cast
his ballot for Democratic principles, whenever an
opportunity has been offered. In the local coun
cils of the party he is prominent, but his influ
ence has never been given to secure personal ag
grandizement. Instead, he has favored those
measures that will best promote the interests of
the party, without regard for personal prefer
ences. In 1894 he was elected town clerk and
served one term, after which he again gave his
 entlre a«ention to his chosen profession He re
sides with his brother and sisters at the family
homestead. Socially he belongs to the Chub
AMES F. MCLAUGHLIN. Having gained* Club of Jamaica, also the Jamaica Club and is a
through careful study a thorough knowl- welcomed guest in the best homes of the village

edge of the law, Air. McLaughlin has be
fore him a useful and honorable career in the pro •
fession of his choice. The bar of Queens County
has among its representatives a large number of
men of superior intellectual attainments, profound
knowledge and keen insight into human nature
To stand" side by side with these lawyers and to
elicit from them words of praise and admiration,
proves the possession of large mental powers,
This has been done by Air. AIcLaughlin, who,
though one of the youngest attorneys practicing
at the bar, is also one of the best known and most
highly respected.
In the village of Jamaica, where he now has his
law office, the subject of this notice was born Oc
tober 10, 1868, being a son of the late William A.
AIcLaughlin. The family genealogy is given in
the sketch of his brother, John J, who holds the
position of engineer of Queens County. He was
reared in this village and after gaining a good
education in the public schools, he entered the
law office of Hon. James W. Covert, ex-Con
gressman of New York, where he commenced his
legal studies. Later he entered the New York
Law School, from which he graduated in 1888.
The following year he was admitted to the bar
and for one year remained with his former pre-

J

¦OHN P. KRAEBEL, German interpreter
for the Queens County Court and a resident
of College Point, was born in Bavaria Ger
many, July 14, 1852, and in 1856, when less than
four years of age, was brought by his parents to
this country, settling with them in New York.
His educational advantages were limited, as he
was obliged to support himself from an early age.
His father, Peter, who was a basket-maker by
trade, followed that occupation in New York and
Brooklyn, and later, in 1861, went to East New
York, of which place he was an early settler. By
his marriage to Elizabeth Motsch, who died
March 4, 1893, he had four sons, namely: Paul,
who is engaged in the basket-maker's business
in Brooklyn; Peter, who is foreman in a basket
factory in New York; John P, of College Point;
and Jacob, of Brooklyn.
Coming to this village February 9, 1875, the
subject of this record has resided here since, with
the exception of one year. Since that time he
has been identified with many important meas
ures and enterprises. He is now (1896) serving
his third term as deputy sheriff, and for five con
secutive years served as constable. Early in

908

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life he learned the trade of basket-making, which
he followed at various times. For five years he
was employed by the Enterprise Rubber Com
pany. July 1 6, 1884, he began in the coal and
wood business, which he has since carried on suc
cessfully. Both as a writer of German and English, Mr.
Kraebel has gained quite a reputation, and for
some time he was connected with the "Long
Island Reporter," the proprietor of which also
published a German paper. While working in
the factory, he attended night schools and thus
and by observation he obtained an excellent busi
ness education, receiving a first-grade certificate
in bookkeeping from the Poppenhusen Insti
tute. For his work as interpreter he is peculiar
ly and especially adapted; he speaks both lan
guages fluently and understands all varieties of
German idiom, being also an expert at giving in
English the exact shade of meaning, so that his
services as interpreter are appreciated and in de
mand. The first wife of Air. Kraebel was Margaret
Schreiner, who died May 22, 1888, having had
four daughters, Anna Elizabeth, Carrie Margaret,
Christine Anna and Margaret Catherine. In
March, 1889, our subject married Margaret
Schafft, and they have three sons, Joseph James,
John Peter and Edgar Paul. Though a Demo
crat in politics, Mr. Kraebel favors protection in
stead of free trade. In religion he is a Catholic.
The Adelphi Social Club, as well as various sing
ing societies and social organizations, number
him among their members. He is district dep
uty state commander of the American Legion of
Honor. He is connected with the Enterprise
Hose 1 Company and is jDresident of the local or
ganization of the American Firemen's Associa
tion.

STEPHEN HILDERHOF, who is engaged
in the bakery business at College Point,
was born in Laudenbach, Baden, Ger
many, June 23, 1863, and is a member of one of
the old families of that locality. His father, Ja
cob, who was a son of Jacob, Sr, a miller by
occupation, was born in Hembsbach, Baden, and
took an active part in the Revolution of 1848.
Throughout his entire life, which was passed in
his native land, he followed the calling of a mil
ler. His death occurred in February, 1896, when
he was sixty-six years of age. Pie married Cath

erine Kessler, daughter of Stephen Kessler, who
was a miller by trade; she was born in Lauden
bach and continued to reside in her native prov
ince until death. In religious belief she and her
husband were devout Lutherans. Seven of their
children are living, of whom Stephen is third in
respect to age.
The subject of this record was reared in Lau
denbach and for a time attended the Weinheim
Institute. At the age of sixteen he was appren
ticed to learn the baker's 'trade in Manheim, and
upon the completion of his term of service he
went to Strasburg, where he worked for a time.
In 1884 he crossed the Atlantic and secured work
at his trade in New York City. August 21, 1893,
he started in the baker's business at College
Point, where he bought out Air. Ostermeyer. His
location at the corner of Twelfth Street and
Fourth Avenue is a convenient one, and in his
kitchen he has large ovens and every convenience
for the proper management of the business. A
delivery wagon is run for the accommodation of
his customers. Socially he is connected with the
Improved Order of Red Men at College Point
and with the Steube'Kosse. He is an enterpris
ing young man and will without doubt gain suc
cess in his chosen occupation.

FREDERICK L. JOHNSON, Al. D. Dur
ing the years of his residence in Corona,
Dr. Johnson has become known as one of
the skillful and rising young physicians of this
portion of Queens County. For the successful
prosecution of his chosen calling, he is admira
bly fitted by natural inclination and years of
painstaking, assiduous study, and it is but reason
able to suppose that in the coming years he will
be the recipient of added professional honors.
The Doctor's parents, Eldridge and Jane
(Hughes) Johnson, were natives of New Jersey,
and the former was a merchant in Cape May at
the time of his son's birth in 1869. The boy was
given excellent educational advantages, attend
ing a private school from ten years of age until
thirteen, when he entered Rutgers preparatory
department and there prepared for college. In
1886 his name was enrolled as a student in the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in which he
continued his studies until his graduation two
years later. His next step was to enter the med
ical department of the University of Pennsyl
vania, at Philadelphia, from which he graduated

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

909

in 1890. Shortly afterward he began work as
resident physician in St. Agnes Hospital1, Phila
delphia, having received the position as the re
sult of a competitive examination among the
students of the university.
One year was spent in that hospital, after
which the Doctor accepted the position of assist
ant physician of the Pennsylvania Railroad, with
headquarters at Jersey City, spending one year
there. He then opened an office at No. 308 West
Twenty-sixth Street, New York City, wdiere he
carried on a general practice in medicine for one
year, and from which place, in April, 1893, he
came to Corona, succeeding to the practice of
Dr. George Brockway. In addition to his gen
eral practice, he holds the position of examining
physician for the Aletropolitan Life Insurance
Company for the territory extending from Long
Island City to Great Neck; and is also medical
examiner for the Corona Council of the Legion
of Honor.
While in Philadelphia, Dr. Johnson married
Miss Emma J. B. Meyer, daughter of Augustus
and Margaret (Watkinson) Meyer, their wedding
taking place in 1890. The young couple have*
established a pleasant home in Corona and are
popular among the best people of the village.
Though taking an interest in everything that per
tains to the welfare of the community and the
progress of the nation, Dr. Johnson has never
allied himself with any political party, but has
maintained an independence of thought and ac
tion in matters relating to the franchise. He was
reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church
and is a firm believer in the cause of Christianity,
but has never identified himself wdth any denomi
nation.

DANIEL J. SULLIVAN, a plumber and
gas-fitter in Astoria, was born here Jan
uary 1, 1850. His father, Patrick Sulli
van, whose birth occurred in County Kerry, Ire
land, was there reared, educated and married,
soon after which event he took passage with his
wife for America. In 1844 we find him located
in Astoria, where he embarked in business for
himself as a manufacturer and repairer of shoes.
Airs. Mary (Brophy) Sullivan, mother of our
subject, was likewise born in County Kerry, Ire
land, and remained the loving companion and
helpmate of her husband until her death, which
occurred in the spring of 1894, when she was

eighty years of age. Of the children born to
them one daughter and four sons still survive.
Daniel J, of this sketch, acquired his educa
tion in the Fourth Ward school in this place, and
when a lad of fourteen years was apprenticed to
George Van Zandt, a plumber. After working
for that gentleman for a time he went to New
York City and completed his trade under Butch
er & Butler. Later he started out as a journey
man at his trade and continued thus until about
1879, when he started in business for himself in
Main Street. He remained at the old stand until
1889, when, haying purchased two good build
ing lots, he erected thereon the store wdiich he
now occupies. The structure is three stories in
height and contains three stores fronting on
Main Street. One of these he occupies, using
the main floor for the display of his goods, while
his shop is in the basement. t He has all that he
can do in the line of plumbing and gas-fitting
and of late years has added metal and tin-roofing
to his business. He keeps in his store every va
riety of heaters and ranges and has built up an
excellent reputation for carrying reliable goods.
Mr. Sullivan has been given the contract for the
plumbing and roofing of hundreds of buildings
in this vicinity, among them being the Astor
House, Baab's Building and the Fifth Ward
school house, as well as the large pavilions at
Bowery Bay Beach and the Schuetzen Park
Hotel." In Alay, 1892, our subject was appointed by
Mayor Sanford supervisor of the examining
board of plumbers and plumbing of Long Island
Citv. Two years later he was made chief in
spector of plumbers of the city, serving in this
capacity until December 31, 1895, when he re
signed. He is still, however, an ex-officio mem-
ber of the board.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Alary
Smith, a native of Ireland, occurred in New York
in 1873. To them were born two sons, of whom
William was accidentally drowned in 1887 when
nine years of age. John is still at home and as
sists his father in the business. He is a finely
educated young man, being a graduate of St.
Francis Xavier College of New York. He after
ward attended Walworth Business College of
that city and received a diploma from the Plumb
ers' School of New York.
Socially Mr. Sullivan belongs to the Order of
American Firemen, meeting with Council No. 17.
He is also connected with the Veteran Firemen's

910

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and the Exempt Firemen's Associations, and for
several years was foreman of Protection Engine
Company No. 2.
Air. Sullivan deserves great credit for the suc
cess which he has made of life, for he is entirely
a self-made man. When only eleven years of
age he started a paper route in Astoria and Ra
venswood and two years later, when he sold out,
was given $300 for his customers. It was then
that he made application for a position in the
navy, as he was very fond of the water, but being
too young he was rejected and turned his atten
tion to the plumbing business. . He has risen
step by step to a position of influence in the com
munity, owing to the exercise of industrious and
persevering qualities. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat and a prominent member of the Jef
ferson Club. He has been delegate to the vari
ous county conventions from time to time and
takes great interest in the success of his chosen
party.

IVl

AJ. ELBERT HEGEA^-uvJ. The Civil
War gave to our country many men of
acknowledged valor, ability and military
skill, of whom, had the Rebellion never occurred,
nothing would have been known beyond the con
fines of their own homes. Such an one is the
subject of this sketch, whose record during the
late war was one of which his friends may well
be proud. Though a mere youth at the firing
of the first shot on Ft. Sumter, his patriotic spirit
was kindled and he determined to help save the
nation from disruption and disgrace. Enlisting
in a New York regiment, he participated in manv
of the bloody engagements of the war and shared
all the hardships, as well as the victories, of his
company. The world is always interested in the lives of
war veterans, and our readers will undoubtedly
peruse with pleasure this account of the career
of Major Hegeman. Pie was born July 27, 1841,
in the house at East Norwich where he still
makes his home, and which has been the family
residence for almost one hundred years. His pa
ternal grandfather, Elbert Hegeman, was born
in Queens County July 5, 1771, and died Sep
tember 29, 1824, spending much of his life in the
house now occupied by his grandchildren. Our
subject's father, Jacob, was born July 7, 1803,
in East Norwich, where he grew to manhood,
and at an early age embarked in business in New-

York City, remaining thus engaged until 1859.
Meantime he retained his home in East Norwich,
to which he retired at the close of his business life,
and in which he died February 28, 1892. In. re
ligious belief he was identified with the Society
of Friends.
The marriage of Jacob Hegeman united him
with Ann C. Coles, daughter of Thomas Coles, a
prominent farmer of Glencove, and a Quaker by
birth and training. Their children were as fol
lows: Amelia C, deceased; Elbert; Margaret;
Thomas C, who died in 1881 ; and Sarah, who
with Alargaret and Elbert makes her home in
the family residence. The boyhood years of our
subject were spent at the old homestead, and he
was given good educational advantages in the
public schools and by private instruction.
The first event of especial prominence in the
life of our subject was his enlistment, August 13,
1862, as a private in Harris' Light Cavalry,
which was the Second New York Volunteer
Regiment. After one year he was promoted
from the ranks to the position of corporal and
later became sergeant. The Thirteenth New
York Cavalry Regiment was composed of com
panies raised in the counties of New York, Al
bany, St. Lawrence, Franklin and Erie, and mus
tered into service from February, 1863, to Alarch,
1864. As a reward for meritorious service, our
subject was promoted to be lieutenant, to which
he was appointed June 9, 1863. September 16,
1864, he was commissioned captain, wdiich was
followed by his appointment April 4, 1865. The
Thirteenth was later consolidated with the Six
teenth New York Cavalry, and he was assigned
to service in it. June 23, 1865, he was trans
ferred to the Third Provisional Cavalry, and was
brevetted major, in which capacity he was serv
ing at the time he was mustered out, September
21, 1865, having seen over three years of actual
service. The regiment to which Alajor Hegeman was
first assigned was incorporated with the cavalry
corps of the Army of the Potomac. His first
engagement was at Beverly Ford on the Rappa
hannock. This was followed by the battle of
Fredericksburg and a second engagement at
that place. In the spring of 1863 he took part in
the battle of Chancellorsville. ' With a detach
ment of the corps he moved across the Rappa
hannock on what was known as the Richmond
raid, in which the raiders flanked the entire force
of the enemy and went within one and one-half

FRANCOIS RAYMOND.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

913

miles of the city of Richmond, destroying bridges
and cutting off the Southern army's communica
tion with headquarters. His next engagement
was at Brandy Station, which was a severe one
for the cavalry forces. June 17, 1863, he was at
the battle of Aldie, Va, one of the most serious
cavalry engagements of the service. In this his
regiment was ordered to make a charge on some
hay stacks behind which the enemy were forti
fied. Obeying the order, they made a sweeping
charge, the result being that one-half of the
charging squadron was killed or disabled.
The next engagement was at Aiiddleburg, June
19, after which there was a series of skirmishes
with the enemy. The battle of Gettysburg was
the Major's last engagement while in the old
regiment. At Fredericksburg he joined the
new regiment immediately after the memorable
battle of Gettysburg, and afterward was at Aldie,
Fairfax Station. Centerville, Culpeper and Pied
mont. He acted as escort for General Sheridan
just before his famous ride to Winchester, accom
panying him from Piedmont to the railroad sta
tion at Rectortown. Though always in the
thickest of the fight, he was never wounded
throughout the entire period of bis service, a re
markable record when the activity of his service
is considered.
Major Hegeman was in Ford's Theater on the
memorable night of April 14, 1865, when Presi
dent Lincoln was assassinated. He has still in
his possession the play-bill of the evening, set
ting forth the programme of the entertainment,
which was so terribly and tragically changed by
. the action of John Wilkes Booth.
On returning to Long Island at the close of
the war, Major Hegeman took a position with
the Columbian Marine Insurance Company, and
later was engaged in the dry goods business for
three years. He then established a general mer
cantile store at Glencove, and this he conducted
for five years, when failing health obliged him to
retire from active commercial enterprises. While
engaged in business, he was elected collector of
taxes for the town of Oyster Bay, and after one
year was re-elected. In 1878 he was appointed
deputy county treasurer, which he held for six
years. His experience in that position was of the
greatest assistance to him afterward, as in 1884
he was elected county treasurer, and in this ca
pacity his services were so valuable that he was
re-elected three years later, serving six years
altogether as treasurer and being in the office
37

twelve years. The close confinement incident to
the discharge of his official duties affected his
health and as soon as released he went to Ber
muda, where he spent two months.
Politically Major Hegeman is a Democrat.
He was influential in securing the organization
of the Oyster Bay Bank, of which he has since
been a director. For twenty-five years he has
been a Master Alason and belongs to Glencove
Lodge No. 580; Melchizedek Chapter No. 273,
Glencove; and Clinton Commandery No. 14 at <
Brooklvn.

FRANCOIS RAYAIOND. This name will
be at once recognized by the majority of
our readers as that of one of the old resi
dents of the village of Woodhaven. He was born
in the city of Clermont, in the center of the
French Republic, March 27, 1833. For a few
years he attended school, but when only eleven
years old was apprenticed to learn the trade of a
locksmith. Three years later he went to Paris,
where he worked at his trade during the Revolu-
, tion of 1848, and in 1853 joined the army, par
ticipating in the Crimean War in 1854. During
his army experience of seven years he was four
times wounded, none of which resulted seriously.
When settling down again to the peaceful pur
suits of life, our subject plied his trade in his na
tive land until 1864, the year in which he emi
grated to America. For one year after coming
hither he was employed as a locksmith in New
York City, but in 1865 he came to Woodhaven
and at once entered the Grosjean Works, which
had just been organized and was running with a
force of seventy-five or eighty men. He was
given work in the mechanical department of the
establishment, and being industrious and eco
nomical he was soon in possession of a snug lit
tle sum of money, with which he started in the
hardware business on his own account. He was
remarkably successful in this branch of trade
and for twenty years was the proprietor of a well-
stocked establishment and commanded a paying
trade. During that time he also dealt in real es
tate, buying and selling property of great value in
this vicinity. Although managing his own af
fairs in this prosperous manner, he still remains
in the employ of the large agate factory, being-
contractor in one of the departments, and hav
ing under his charge a large force of men. He
has witnessed the growth of these works from

914

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the time when eighty men were employed to the
present time, when work is given to some fifteen
hundred hands.
Mr. Raymond is very justly regarded as one of
the most prominent and influential citizens of the
village. On the organization of the Woodhaven
Bank, he bought stock in the institution and is
now one of its directors. Prior to making his
home in America he married Miss Adela Vuil-
liaumier, a native of Paris, France. They and
t their daughter, Adela, occupy one of the finest
homes in the place, situated in Benedict Avenue.
Mr. Raymond has become thoroughly Ameri
canized, even though he does speak the Eng
lish language imperfectly, which is accounted
for from the fact that he has most of his life
been associated with people of his own nation
ality. In politics he is a Republican of the
strongest type.

PROF. CHARLES W. GOULD, principal
of the Fourth Ward school of Long Is
land City, and formerly superintendent of
the city schools, enjoys the distinction of being,
in point of years of service, the oldest educator
in Queens County. During his long experience
as an instructor he has had under him a large
number who are now prominent in various avo
cations, and not a few of these deem their suc
cess due to the inspiration received while under
his perceptorship.
Professor Gould has been so long and closely
identified with the educational interests of the
county that a sketch of his life will be of general
interest. He was born in Masonville, Delaware
County, N. Y, June 5, 1843, and is of English
descent. His father, Asa, a native of Saratoga
County, N. Y, was a son of John Gould, who
was born in New Hampshire, removed thence to
Saratoga County, N. Y, and at an advanced age
settled in Delaware. County. During the War
of the Revolution he took an active part in de
fense of the colonies.
In Masonville, where his life from early man
hood was spent, Asa Gould engaged in farming
and the lumber business until his death, which
occurred there at the age of fifty-two years. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Permelia Ly
on, was born in Chenango County, N. Y, being
a daughter of William Lyon, a native of West
chester County, N. Y, who removed thence to
Chenango County and settled on a farm. The

Lyon family is of English origin, its first repre
sentatives in America having come from Eng
land to Connecticut, but later removed to New
York. Mrs. Permelia Gould died in Delaware
County, after having become the mother of six
children, four of whom now survive.
The subject of this article gained his primary
education in the public schools of Masonville,
later attended Cazenovia Seminary, and at the
age of eighteen he taught a term of school in
Chenango County. Returning to the seminary,
he finished his education there, gaining the mon
ey for his tuition by teaching. After teaching
one term in Masonville, he went to Cincinnati,
where in a competitive examination he received
the appointment of teacher in a suburban school.
One year later, during the oil excitement in
Pennsylvania in 1864, he went to Oil City, but
a short sojourn satisfied him, and he soon went
back home. In 1865 he accepted a position in
Schuylkill County, Pa, where for five years he
was principal of the school at Girardville. In
1870 he came to Queens County, where for three
years he was principal of the Roslyn school.
Afterward he was principal at Whitestone for
two years, and then, in 1875, came to Long Is
land City, where he has since made his home.
The first five years of his residence here were
spent as principal of the old Fourth Ward school
in Astoria, after which the board of education
selected him to serve as superintendent of
schools of Long Island City, in which responsible
place he remained for three terms of two years
each. While in that office he established a uni
form course of study in the schools which still.
exists. In 1887 he went to Glencove as superin
tendent and principal of the schools, and re
mained there for four years, though still retain
ing his property in Long Island City. In 1892
he became principal of the Fourth Ward school
in Astoria, and still holds that important place,
having here, as elsewhere, been instrumental in
securing many needed improvements in the
school work.
While the winter months are spent at his city
residence, No. 550 Lockwood Street, Professor
Gould and his family usually spend the summers
in Masonville, where he owns a home. In all
political affairs he is interested and well informed,
and in national elections gives his vote to the
• Democratic candidates. While superintendent
he organized a teachers' meeting, and of this
association he is now vice-president. He has also

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

9i5

been active in the state conventions of teachers.
In Delaware County Professor Gould married
Miss Christie, daughter of Judge William Bixby,
and an accomplished and cultured lady, who
shares with her husband the respect of a large
circle of acquaintances. They are the parents of
four children, namely: Estelle, a graduate of the
Glencove schools and now a teacher in one of
the fourth ward schools; Effie, a graduate of the
Glencove schools and a stenographer; Ida, who
graduated from the fourth ward schools; and
Charles W. J, a graduate of the fourth ward
schools and at this writing a student in the Long
Island City High School.

JOHN H. ELDERT, junior member of the
firm of Twombly & Eldert, large contractors
in Queens County, within whose limits they
have built many miles of macadamized roads, is
one of the most substantia! residents of Richmond
Hill. He was born at New Lots, this county,
February 1, 1853. His father, Henry Eldert,
whose birth occurred at the same place in the
year 1806, was for thirty years assessor of the
town of New Lots. He followed agricultural pur
suits during the greater part of his life, but at
the time of his decease, May 4, 1884, was living
in a pleasant home in Liberty Avenue, in the town
of Jamaica.
Grandfather Hendrick Eldert was also born on
the farm in New Lots on which our subject and
his father were born. During the progress of the
War of 1812 the grandfather served as a soldier,
and the gun which he then carried is now in the
possession of our subject. The Elderts are de
scended from an old Dutch family which was one
of the first to settle on Long Island, and its vari
ous members from that time have been people of
prominence and have held various positions of
trust and responsibility in their respective com
munities. Our subject's mother, Cornelia Van Siclen, is
a sister of Abraham Van Siclen, whose home is in
Liberty Avenue, near Woodhaven, and a cousin
of Abraham Van Siclen, vice-president of the Ja
maica Bank and one of the wealthiest residents of
Queens County. For a more complete history of
this family we refer the reader to the history of
the above gentlemen, which will be published else
where in this work. Die paternal grandmother
of our subject was Sarah Emmons, the daughter
of Hendrick Emmons, one of the leading far

mers in his day and locality. Her birth occurred
on the old South road in the town of Jamaica, in
1793- The subject of this sketch was an only son,
but he has one sister, Sarah Emmons Eldert, who
married Henry Lott Rapelje, now deceased. This
lady is at present living in the city of Brooklyn,
and is the mother of four children, namely: An
na, Henry W, David and Cornelia. Our subject
continued to make his home on the old home
stead where his birth occurred, until 1882. Then
he removed to the farm bought by his father in
Liberty Avenue and continued to assist in the
management of this place until 1889, when, hav
ing erected a fine residence in Morris Park, he
removed thither. The same year he became asso
ciated with Mr. Twombly in the contracting busi
ness, and by giving strict attention to this under
taking they have built up the largest business in
this line on the island.
Mr. Eldert has never aspired to political hon
ors, but was elected commissioner of highways in
the town of Jamaica, which office he filled ac
ceptably for three years. He is very popular in
his community and on the organization of the
Chub Club, of Jamaica, he was chosen as its presi
dent, which position he still holds. He is also a
member of the Richmond Hill Club and belongs
to the Mounahan Gun Club, of Jamaica, of which
organization he was the first president. In poli
tics he is a stanch Democrat. He is always ready
to assist in all progressive movements and enter
prises of merit, and is widely known not only as
an earnest and public-spirited citizen, but as a
shrewd and thoroughly reliable business man.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Carrie
M. Bergen, of Richmond Plill, occurred in 1882.
To them have been granted two children, Henry
G. and Cornelia J.

WILLIAM. LEHR, who is a prominent
factor of Queens County, as was his
father before him, is successfully car
rying on the business of contractor and builder.
He was born in New York City, January 22, 1865,
and is the son of Henry Lehr, whose birth oc
curred across the waters in Germany. He at
tended the schools of the Fatherland for several
years, after which he learned the shoemaker's
trade, working at it in Germany until seventeen
years of age, when he. accompanied his parents
on their emigration to America.

916

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Henry Lehr followed his trade for a time in
New York, after which he took up carpentering,
becoming an expert in the use of tools. In 1866
he located in Dutch Kills and began contracting
and building on his own account. He attended
strictly to his own affairs and became prominent
in this line, having all the work he could do un
til 1893, when he retired from active business
life. He married Wilhelmina Walters, also a
native of Germany, and to them were born four
children, one son and three daughters.
With the exception of a few" months, the en
tire life of our subject has been spent in Long
Island City. His education was acquired in the
third ward, but instead of the nice modern
building which the youth of to-day attends in
that district, the school was conducted in a pri
vate house. When a lad of thirteen years he
began working for his father, and in 1892 began
contracting for himself, making estimates on the
carpenter work and also drawing plans for many
of the buildings. He is the owner of a very beau
tiful place at No. 250 Prospect Street, which he
occupies with his family.
Mr. Lehr was married in New York to Aliss
Annie Sell, a native of that city, and they have
one son, Walter William. In politics our sub
ject is a true-blue Republican and is greatly in
terested in the success of his party. He is a
member of the Third Ward Republican Club, in
which organization he has many warm friends.
Although never seeking or desiring office, he was
appointed inspector of elections on one occasion.
He is closely identified with all matters pertain
ing to the upward growth and advancement of
his village, which numbers him among its enter
prising and progressive citizens.

HENRY MENCKEN. The enormous de
mand existing in this section of the
United States for the best qualities of coal,
wood, brick, etc, is now being fully met by the
ably directed efforts of the popular dealer, Henry
Mencken, who has been a business man of As
toria for over thirty-five years. Like many of the
other wealthy citizens of this place, Mr. Mencken
is a native of Germany, born in Hanover in Sep
tember, 1826. Flis father, Henry Mencken, was
also a native of Germany, and followed agricul
tural pursuits there all his life.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed on his father's farm in the old country,

and owing to the duties of the same he received
but an ordinary education. He remained under
the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when
he decided to seek his fortune in the United
States. In 1845 he crossed the ocean to^ America
and located in New York City, where he clerked
in a grocery store. Four years later he had saved
sufficient means to enable him to embark in busi
ness for himself, and although b<= started on a
small scale at first, by industry and economy he
soon had a number of branch stores and met with
most excellent success.
In i860 Mr. Mencken came to Astoria and
started in business here. In 1862 he built his
present residence and store at the corner of New
town Avenue and Henry Street. He opened a
grocery and carried it on successfully until 1888.
Previous to that, however, in 1880, he started his
present business, buying out Squire Morris, and
since then he has erected many of the best busi
ness houses in the city. He built a frame build
ing at the foot of Main Street and a brick build
ing in Boulevard Avenue, where he does busi
ness. He has met with well deserved success in
all his ventures and is one of the most practical,
far-seeing and intelligent business men in the
place. He has a frontage of one hundred feet
on the boulevard, it extending to the river, and
he gets all the coal by boat, having an engine to
hoist the wood. He handles all kinds of coal,
soft wood from A^ermont and hardwood here, and
also handles all kinds of building material.
Mr. Mencken was married in New York City
to Miss Annie Wilschieben, a native of Germany,
who died August 31, 1895. Their four children
were as follows : Henry, Jr., engaged in the flour
and feed business in Astoria; Annie, now Mrs.
Gemunder, in Astoria; Augusta, Mrs. Weishar,
who is with our subject; and Sophia, Mrs.
Suckow, wdio resides in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr.
Mencken was alderman of the fourth ward for a
number of years and has held other positions in
the city. For years he has been an elder in the
Dutch Reformed Church and has assisted very
materially in its building up. In politics he is a
Democrat.

ROBERT H. NEVIN, ex-assistant chief of
the Long Island City Volunteer Fire De
partment, is one of the old and respected
residents of Queens County. He was born in
New York City October 5, 1832, and was the

JOSEPH ALLEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

919

son of Thomas Nevin, whose birth occurred in
Astoria in 1783. The locality was known at that
time, however, as Hallett's Point. Grandfather
Robert Nevin was a native of Ireland, and after
coming to America during the early period of
its history, served as a minuteman in the Revolu
tionary War. He was afterward employed by
Colonel Rutger, one of the wealthy residents of
New York, as his gardener and florist, and re
mained in that position until his death. He was
an Episcopalian in religious affairs and a promi
nent member of St. Paul's Church.
Thomas Nevin was a cooper by trade and at
the time of his decease, when eighty-five years of
age, was the proprietor of a shop in Dey Street
in New York City. During the War of 1812 he
served as a member of a volunteer company which
was ordered to build sand forts at Sandy Hook.
His brother John, who was also in that conflict,
fought in the battle of Plattsburg. Die lady whom
Thomas Nevin married was Dorcas Walker, a
native of the Emerald Isle. She also lived to
advanced years, passing away at the age of
eighty-six. She became the mother of two sons,
Robert Harrison, of this history, and Matthias
W, who has charge of a large book bindery in
Hartford, Conn.
The subject of this sketch was reared in the
tenth ward of New York City and acquired a
good education in its grammar schools. At the.
age of seventeen he was apprenticed to learn
the business of a moulder in the Novelty Iron
Works of New York, remaining there for four
years, when he went to West Point, Putnam
County, and secured work in a foundry. After
a time he returned to the metropolis, resuming
work at his trade, in which he was engaged until
accepting the position of shipping clerk for the
Downer Oil Company of New York. In 1870,
however, he resigned this post and came to Long
Island City, where he has resided ever since.
In 1861, at the first tap of the drum, Mr. Nevin
joined the Second New York Militia, and, in
going South, went through Baltimore after the
riot. He participated, with his company, in the
first battle of Bull Run, and, his term of enlist
ment expiring soon after that, he received his
honorable discharge and returned home. Pre
vious to this he had conferred upon him the title
of first sergeant. On coming to this locality he
engaged in work at his trade and was thus em
ployed until 1890, when he accepted the position
of janitor for the residences owned by M. J. Gold-

ner in Hunter's Point. With this he combines
the duties of sexton of St. John's Episcopal
Church, of which he is a devoted member.
The marriage of Mr. Nevin and Miss Margaret
Monde occurred in New York in 1854. This lady
was born in the Emerald Isle, and by her union
with our subject became the mother of seven
children. Rebecca married James Murphy and
is now deceased; Thomas H. is engaged in the
manufacture of tin cans, and makes his home in
this city; James W. is deceased; Emma is at home
with her parents; Robert H, Jr., is a traveling
man, living in Dutch Kills; Alargaret A. and
Frederick B. are at home.
For three years during the administration of
Mayor Petry, our subject held the position of
health commissioner, thus rendering his fellow-
citizens faithful and efficient service. While in
New York he was connected with Engine Com
pany No. 15 from 1850 until the time it was dis
banded, three years later. For ten years he was
a member of Engine Company No. 4 of Long
Island City, and for three years following was
assistant engineer of the volunteer fire company
'for the second district. He was a delegate to the
State Firemen's Association, which met at Kings
ton, N. Y, and was also sent as a representative
of his company to the meetings which were held
at Troy and Cortland. In his political faith he
uses his ballot in favor of the Democratic party.

JOSEPH ALLEN. Biographies of success
ful men furnish interesting and instructive
reading for the young, and especially is this
true when, as in the career of Mr. Allen, the one
whose history is recorded has early in life been
orphaned and thrown upon his own resources.
The struggles which they have successfully en
countered, the hardships which they have bat
tled undismayed, and the victories they have en
joyed, render their examples worthy of emula
tion. In the life of which we now read, there was
much of hardship, yet in the end much of suc
cess. It was the good fortune of the orphan
boy to find friends, who gave him a home and
good counsel and through whose assistance he
was enabled tq get a start in life. There is an an
cient maxim which says, "Call no man happy
until he is dead." Of Mr. Allen we may say that
he was happy in life and happy in death, for he

920

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

passed tranquilly, calmly and contentedly from
this world to the one above, trusting in the grace
of Him whom he had served throughout life.
The last years of Mr. Allen were spent on his
farm, situated on the Rockaway road two and
one-half miles south of Jamaica, where his widow
and family now reside. He was born in England
about 1815, being a son of John and Lydia Al
len. After the death of his mother, he was
brought by his father to America, being then a
child of five years. He was one of six children
(all now deceased) of whom only himself and two
sisters came to this country. Shortly after the
family came to the United States the father died
in Brooklyn, and Joseph was reared to man
hood under the guidance of his uncle, William Al
len. Under that gentleman he learned the trade
of a boilermaker, which he followed for a short
time in Brooklyn.
Early in the '40s Mr. Allen went to Philadel
phia and secured employment at his trade. After
some ten years spent there he went back to
Brooklyn and, giving up work at his trade, estab
lished himself in the milk business, in which he
was engaged for nineteen years. In 1868 he
came to the farm where his widow still resides,
and here he remained until his death in 1888.
While a resident of Brooklyn, he served as pound
master for a number of years. In religious be
lief he was a Methodist and held membership in
that denomination. At his death he left, besides
his family, many warm friends and acquaintances
who mourned his loss as that of a good and true
man. Alarch 7, 1848, Mr. AJlen married Miss Mary
M. Oxley of Carbon County, Pa. This estimable
lady is the only survivor of the eleven children of
Peter and Eve (Alorgan) Oxley, the former of
whom was a prominent citizen and for many
years an alderman in Hazleton, Luzerne Coun
ty, Pa. Like her husband, she is a loyal and con
sistent member of the Methodist Church, and has
showed the sincerity of her religion by the purity
of her life. Of her ten children, eight are living.
Mary M, the eldest, is the wife of John J. Ward
and the mother of one child; Joseph, who is man
aging the home farm, is married and has two
children; Frances Malvina was first the wife of
Albert Spalding, by whom she had two chil
dren; by her present husband, Thomas Lewis,
she has one child; Louisa, wife of John Goodale',
has two children; John Stephen is a painter by
trade and resides in Brooklyn; Etta married

John Higbie Hendrickson, by whom she has one
child; William Chapman, who is married and has
one child, is engaged in the railroad business and
makes his home in Brooklyn; Grace, the young
est of the children, is the wife of William L. Fred
ericks of Queens.

HON. JACOB STAHL, a newly elected
member of the assembly, has been for
many years engaged in business at
Schuetzen Park, and is the proprietor of one of
the finest undertaking establishments in Queens
County. Mr. Stahl was born July 25, 1840, in
Bavaria, Germany, in which country his father,
Jacob Stahl, was born some time in 1804. He
was a builder and continued to work at his trade,
with the exception of the time he served in the
German army, until his death, which occurred
when he was sixty-eight years of age. He was a
devout Catholic in religion and reared his chil
dren in that faith. Grandfather Jacob Stahl was
also a builder in his native land and lived to the
remarkable age of ninety-five years.
Mrs. Mary (Frantz) Stahl, mother of our sub
ject, was orphaned by the death of both parents
when quite young, hence the biographer is un
able to give any facts relating to this side of the
house, with the exception that it is known her
father, Prof. Joseph Frantz, was a finely educated
man. Mrs. Stahl was very studious, and for many
years prior to her marriage taught school. She
died when sixty-eight years of age. The parental
family included six children, of whom five grew
to mature years and four are living at the present
time, most of them in Long Island City.
According to the custom in Germany, our
subject attended school until fourteen years of
age, when he began working with his father,
learning the mason's trade. He remained his
assistant until nearing his twentieth birthday,
when, May 7, i860, he left Havre on the sailing
vessel "Germania," and June 19th of that year
was landed on the shores of America. He did
not remain in the metropolis but a short time
when he came to Long Island, within two blocks
of his present place of residence. Four years
later we find him in Williamsburg, where he es
tablished a milk route, running this business for
one year on his own account. At the end of that
time he sold out and returned to Long Island
City, which was very sparsely settled at that time,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

921

and engaged in farming on a small tract of land
within ten blocks of where he now lives. He was
thus engaged for four years, when he became the
proprietor of the Fifth Ward Hotel, running this
hostelry for five years in connection with
his farming interests. Finding that he would have
to give one or the other up, he sold his farm and
gave his entire attention to conducting a first-
class hotel. He is well known to all the traveling
men who visit this city, as for twenty-five years
he was the popular "mine host" of the Fifth Ward
* Hotel. He disposed of the building and furniture
in 1894 and prepared to give his whole time tO' his
undertaking business, which he had established
in December, 1892. He has been eminently suc
cessful in this line, and in addition to the large
supply of undertaking goods which he keeps con
stantly on hand, has built barns in which are
kept a number of fine carriages. As an under
taker Mr. Stahl has all that he can do and his
services in this line have been such as to win the
respect of all whom he encounters.
The marriage of our subject wdth Miss Mar-
garetta Berbrich occurred in this city in 1864.
This lady, who was born in Newtown Avenue,
Astoria, is the daughter of Joseph Berbrich, a
native of Bavaria, Germany. He was a farmer
in the Fatherland, emigrating to America when
nineteen years of age. On making his home in
America he located in Brooklyn, where he was
engaged in the furniture business. He sold out
in 1844 and purchased a farm on Newtown road,
and was engaged in its cultivation until his de
cease, when sixty-one years of age His father,
grandfather of Mrs. Stahl, also made his home
in America. Mrs. Maria Berbrich was also born
in Germany and was in her sixteenth year at the
time she crossed the Atlantic. She was of French
descent and could speak the language of that
country better than German. By her mar
riage with Mr. Berbrich she became the mother
of two children besides Mrs. Stahl, Catherine,
Mrs. Rubruss; and Alagdalena, both of whom
reside in this city.
Our subject v/as elected alderman at large in
1876 and remained such until 1878, when he re
fused further honors of a public nature until his
friends prevailed upon him to accept the nomina
tion of assemblyman in 1895. He was elected
to the office on the Democratic ticket by a ma
jority of one hundred and three votes. Socially
he is a demitted Odd Fellow, belongs to Her
mann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W, and is a

member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion. He
is a charter member and has been connected with
the Turner's Society for a period of twenty-four
years, and for thirty-four years has taken an act
ive interest in the Frohsinn Singing Society. He
is a talented musician, singing first bass in the
various musical societies to which he belongs.
Mrs. Stahl is connected with the Lady Washing
ton and Benevolent Societies; also the Ladies of
Honor and Henrietta Lodge. Mr. Stahl is a
charter member of the Jefferson Club, of which
he has been treasurer, and has been on the gen
eral committee for many years. Both himself and
wdfe are devout Catholics and attend service at
St. Joseph's Church. Our subject is a member of
the County Undertakers' and Livery Association,
and is regarded by all who know him as one of the
substantial and highly honored residents of the
county.

M

ATTHEW J. GOLDNER, president of
the improvement commission of Long
Island City, has also been sheriff of the
county and city clerk. He was born in New
York City July 29, 1856. His father, Anthony
Goldner, was a native of a town located on the
banks of the Rhine, in Germany, and there, until
1852, when he determined to come to America,
worked as a sculptor. While still single he came
hither and located in New York. Being very
efficient in his line of work he found no difficulty
in obtaining a position, and until 1865 worked for
other firms. That year, however, he embarked
in business for himself at Calvary Cemetery, in
Long Island City, where he is still located. His
marble works are among the most extensive on
the island, and Mr. Goldner receives some of the
largest orders ever given to any one man. He
is well known to the residents of this section, as
he has been employed in business near the cem
etery since 1858. He is a valued citizen and takes
an active interest in everything pertaining to the
welfare of his community, which he represented
for one term in the city council.
After attending the public schools for a time
our subject was sent to De Lasalle Institute in
New York City, where he completed his studies
when sixteen years of age. He then entered his
father's marble works, and when twenty-five, so
efficient had' he become in this line of work, he
was taken in as full partner, the firm becoming
A. Goldner & Son. They continued to operate

922

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

together until January, 1886, when the junior
member disposed of his interest in the business,
owing to the fact that he had been appointed
under sheriff to John J. Mitchell. He served thus
for three years and in 1888 was nominated on the
regular Democratic ticket for the office of sheriff.
In January of the following year he took the oath
of office and entered upon the duties of the office.
His term expiring in 1892, he vacated in favor of
his successor, and January 20, 1893, was appoint
ed city clerk by Mayor Sanford. He discharged
the duties of the office in a most satisfactory man
ner until July 20, 1895, when he offered his resig
nation in order that he might accept the presi
dency of the general improvement commission
of Long Island City, receiving this appointment
also from the mayor. To this he gives his entire
time and attention, managing affairs in such a
manner as to show the people that their confi
dence is not misplaced.
Mr. Goldner has erected several residences in
the upper first ward, and with his family now
occupies a beautiful home at No. 153 Eleventh
Street. He was married in New York City to
Miss Georgiette Mahler, a native of the metrop
olis. At all times since attaining his majority our
subject has been interested in politics, and is at
present a member of the Democratic County
Committee of Queens County. For the past fif
teen years he has been a member of the Long
Island City General Democratic Committee, and
has been sent as a delegate to state conventions.
He was appointed school commissioner from the
second ward by Mayor Petry, and rendered
efficient service as a member of that body. in 1883
and 1884. Socially he is a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, and in religious af
fairs is a devout Catholic, holding membership
with St. Mary's Church.

ABRAHAM VAN SICLEN, vice-president
of the Bank of Jamaica, was born October
5, 1824, on the farm where he now lives,
one mile south of Jamaica. He is a member of
one of the old Holland-Dutch families that were
pioneer settlers of New Lots. There his grand
father, Abraham Van Siclen, was born and raised
and there his life was spent. In addition to the
cultivation of his farm, he was the owner of a
tan-yard and also engaged in other branches of
business, being a man of prominence in his day.
The three sons of Abraham Van Siclen, Sr,

were John and Abraham, both prominent farmers
in Kings County, and James, our subject's father.
The last named was born in what is now Van
Siclen Avenue and was a farmer throughout his
entire life. During the early '20s he moved to
the place now occupied by our subject, and here
he remained until his death, which occurred short
ly before the breaking out of the Civil War. He
was survived for ten years by his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Ida Kouwenhoven, and was
born at Flatlands, Kings County. Like himself,
she was a member of an old Long Island family
and spoke the Dutch language.
In the parental family there were the follow
ing children: Abraham; William, who died in
early manhood; James, a farmer residing on a
part of the Van Siclen estate, just across the street
from our subject; Garrett, a farmer living in
Flushing; Peter, a wealthy retired farmer whose
home is in the village of Jamaica; Cornelia, wid
ow of George Nostrand, of New York; Johanna,
widow of William H. Wooley, and a resident of
New York ; Gertrude, who married Joseph Skill-
man, and lives in Flushing; Matilda, who mar
ried James C. Hendrickson, but is now deceased,
and Margaret; she was first the wife of Jacob
Bergen, and after his death was married to James
C. Hendrickson, whose first wife was her sister,
Matilda. While attending school at Union Hall Acad
emy the subject of this sketch displayed consid
erable talent and fondness for mathematics, which
gift, being developed, has served him well
throughout life and has aided him in securing
large success in the financial world. He began
for himself as a farmer on the old homestead, and
at the outbreak of the Rebellion he engaged ex
tensively in market gardening, having extensive
hot houses. In that way he made money rapidly,
laying the foundation of his present fortune.
Besides being interested in several New York
banks and holding the position of trustee in the
Jamaica Savings Bank, Air. A'an Siclen is vice-
president of the Bank of Jamaica, which he aided
in organizing. He is the owner of several farms
in the neighborhood of his home place, but the
active management of these he has given over
to his sons, though he still maintains their over
sight. His hot houses are the most extensive in
the vicinity of Jamaica, and of this feature of his
work he is justly proud. In public affairs he takes
commendable interest, but has always refused to
accept office, preferring to give his attention to

THOMAS MANAHAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

925

private affairs. Though one of the largest tax
payers in the county, he has never opposed public
improvements for the purpose of reducing the
amount of his taxes; on the contrary, his influ
ence and co-operation have been given to all en
terprises tending to secure the welfare and pros
perity of the people.
In 1863 Mr. Van Siclen married Miss Martha
A, daughter of Peter Nostrand, a representative
of an old Long Island family. Our subject and
his wife are the parents of six children, namely:
Annie, Peter, Ida, James, Samuel and Cornelia.
Samuel and the daughters are with their parents ;
Peter and James are married and occupy farms
adjoining the old homestead.
Politically Mr. Van Siclen is a strong Repub
lican. He is a man of devoted religious belief
and holds membership in the Presbyterian
Church, which he is serving as trustee. His suc
cess is largely due to his strength of mind and
force of will. Attending to all the minutiae of
business, he suffered very few losses, and his early
success was such as to secure a constant increase
of property. Though more than ordinarily suc
cessful, he has pursued no devious paths to ac-«
quire property, but. has been strictly honorable
and honest in all his dealings.

THOMAS MANAHAN. The earthly ca
reer of this gentleman was marked by all
that goes to make up good citizenship,
and his death, which occurred May 29, 1893, was
widely felt. He was born in Ireland, July 12,
1832, and when a lad of sixteen years came to
America with a brother, James Manahan. Soon
afterward he secured employment as a farm hand
with James Pilling of New Brooklyn, and, being
industrious, persevering and honest, he was re
tained in Mr. Pilling's employ for nearly twenty
years. During all this time he had lived temper
ately, prudently and frugally and had saved suf
ficient means by 1868 to enable him to purchase
in the town of Jamaica a farm one and one-half
miles from the village of Jamaica (now in Lib
erty Avenue).
The marriage of Mr. Manahan to Miss Cath
erine P. Nicoll of East Brooklyn- occurred Octo
ber 8, 1853. A family of six children was born to
them, four of whom survive: William F, James
P, Estella and T. Frank, who with their widowed
mother reside on the home farm. Mr. Manahan
was an ardent Republican politically, but never

sought or desired office for himself, and in every
thing that pertained to the welfare of his section
he always manifested the greatest interest. In
1892 he sold the farm where he had lived for
about twenty-five years, reserving only a small
plot on which to build a residence, but shortly
after it had been been started his death occurred
and the house was completed by his widow.
William F. Manahan, the eldest of the family,
was born June 29, 1856, and is engaged in the
milk business. He is unmarried and makes his
home with his mother. James P, wdio was born
September 28, 1862, is a blacksmith by trade and
is engaged in that occupation in Brooklyn; T.
Frank is in the employ of the Browning-King
Clothing Company of New York City. These
sons have followed in the footsteps of their father
and are stanch Republicans. Mr. Alanahan's
mother was of Scotch origin, and his father was
a native of the North of Ireland. The latter died
when the subject of this sketch was a small lac!
and he was left to struggle in the world as best
he could. How nobly and perseveringly he sur
mounted the many obstacles that strewed his
pathway can only be guessed at by the result of
his efforts and was never known to any one save
himself. He founded a home and family in
America and his life had its uses.

REV. S. STEBBINS STOCKING. Through
the course of a long life, covering the
greater part of the century now closing,
the subject of this sketch has been permitted to
witness the marvelous improvements that have
been wrought in the realms of thought and action,
and, both by his educational and his ministerial
work, he has been an important factor in elevat
ing the moral tone of mankind. Now in the even
ing of his days content has come to gently round
off the afternoon of life with its golden twilight
glow. He can look back over his active years
with the satisfaction of one who has done his
duty, and can look forward to eternity with a hope
of enjoying the blessed fruition of his labors.
The family of which our subject is a member
is one of the oldest in America. Its first repre
sentative, George Stocking, came from the west
of England to this country in 1635 and first made
settlement at Cambridge, Mass, but soon after
ward went to Hartford, Conn, where he died in
1683. His son, Deacon Samuel Stocking, was
the first deacon in the first church built in Mid-

926

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dletown, that state. Our subject's father, Rev. Jer
emiah Stocking, was born in 1767 in what is now
Portland, Middlesex County, Conn, and received
excellent educational advantages, to which he
added by extensive reading, so that he became
one of the most learned men of his day. One of
the founders of Methodism in Connecticut, for
more than a half century he served as a local min
ister in that denomination, and at his own ex-
pense built the little church in which he preached.
His death occurred March 25, 1853, at the age of
eighty-six. Active, energetic, earnest and faith
ful in life, he was mourned in death by the many
to wdiom his noble qualities had endeared him.
He married Alary Wood, a native of Pladdam,
Conn, and a descendant of Puritan ancestors;
she passed away October 31, 1828.
There were nine sons and two daughters in
the family of Rev. Jeremiah Stocking, all of whom
attained mature years and filled honorable posi
tions in life. They were as follows: Sidney, a
pioneer of Ohio, where he died; Solon, a Metho
dist minister, who died at Binghamton, N. Y,
August 26, 1836; Septinius, a prominent physi
cian in Boston during the early part of this cen
tury; Samantha, who became the wife of Hazel
Strong; Sophronius, a minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, who removed to Illinois in an
early day, invested in land there and became
wealthy; Sevilius, an Episcopalian clergyman,
who died in Maryland; Sevilla, wufe of Rev. Amos
Barker; Serenius, a farmer, who died in Massa
chusetts; Selah, a Methodist minister, who re
sided in western New York; Sabin, who was a
prominent physician of Glastonbury, Conn.; and
Sabura Stebbins, the youngest of the family.
Under the careful training of his parents and
the teachers of the New England schools, the
subject of this notice grew to manhood. He was
baptized by the first Methodist Episcopal Bishop
in America, and at an early age began to be inter
ested in religious matters. At the age of four
teen he left home to fit for college, which he
accomplished in a few years without any financial
assistance, meeting his expenses by teaching
school. After leaving home he became a regular
attendant at the services of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, and when qualified to enter the
freshman class at college he called upon the bish
op of Connecticut, who was then president of
Washington (now Trinity) College, at Hartford.
and offered himself for matriculation. He was
very kindly received by the bishop, and would

have entered that college had not his friends ur
gently requested him, for special reasons, to enter
Wesleyan University of Middletown, then just
opening under the presidency of Rev. Wilber
Fisk, D. D. Accordihgly he became a member
of the first class of that now noted university,
from which he graduated in 1835, being honored
with the Latin salutatory.
Immediately after completing his collegiate
course, Mr. Stocking was selected by the presi
dent of the university to fill the position of clas
sical teacher in the preparatory academy at Wil-
braham, Mass, where he taught for one year,
meeting with marked success. He then accepted
the position of president of the Troy Conference
Seminanr at Poultney, Vt, remaining at the head
of the institution until it was thoroughly organ
ized and widely patronized, when he resigned to
enter on his course of theological studies in the
divinity school of Yale College. There he be
came connected with Trinity Church, then under
the rectorship of Rev. Harry Croswell, D. D.* In
1837 he was confirmed in the Protestant Episco
pal faith by Bishop Brownell, and the next year
was admitted as a candidate for holy orders while
still a student at Yale Theological Seminary. He
was ordained a deacon by the bishop of Con
necticut in Christ Church at Hartford, December
22, 1839, and for a time thereafter officiated as
minister in Trinity Church, Newtown, Conn, to
the pastorate of which he received a unanimous
invitation from the congregation. Feeling, how
ever, that his inexperience would render it diffi
cult for him to discharge the responsible duties
of the position satisfactorily, he, after careful
thought, declined the offer.
The week after refusing this pastorate, Mr.
Stocking received an invitation to take charge
of St. Andrew's Church at Meriden, Conn, and at
once entered upon the discharge of the duties
connected with that position, his first sermon
being preached there on the Sunday after Easter,
1840. On the 15th of the following November
he married Miss S. S. Alallory, only daughter of
Hon. Rollin C. Alallory, of West Poultney, Vt,
wdio was a member of congress at the time of his
death. In February,- 1841, Air. Stocking was advanced
to the order of priest by the bishop of Connecti
cut, in his own church. His pastorate at Meriden
closed on Easter Sunday, 1841, and the follow
ing Sunday he accepted the rectorship of Trinity
Church at Newtown, Conn, and entered upon

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

927

its duties, laboring with signal success until 1849.
Owing to chronic laryngitis he became incapaci
tated for ministerial work, and resigning the rec
torship he removed to New York City to avail
himself of the best medical treatment of eminent
specialists. Unfortunately, he derived no ma
terial benefit from the treatment, and finally re
linquished all hopes of restoration and of resum
ing ministerial work. Pie therefore decided to
devote himself to the cause of education, and with
this idea in view, founded an institution of learn
ing called St. Mark's Hall, at Orange, N. J. For
ten years he gave his attention exclusively to
educational work, but in i860 his health became
so impaired from constant application to his
school that he was obliged to relinquish all con
nection with it. Going back to New York he
again consulted the best physicians, and under
careful treatment his health was entirely restored.
Receiving an invitation to officiate in Grace
Church, South Oyster Bay, L. I, through the
summer of 1862, Mr. Stocking was so well pleased
wdth the work that he not only remained that
summer, but was its rector for the following
twenty years. By consent of the vestry, he con
tinued to live in New York until 1869, when he
moved to Long Island, and has since made his
home in Jamaica. With advancing years, he
retired from the ministry, and he and his wife
are spending their declining days in their jfleas-
ant home in Clinton Avenue. Through their
married life of fifty-five years they have shared
their joys and sorrows, and have been of mutual
help and assistance. Now as the shadows are
lengthening toward eternity, they spend their
time quietly and happily, blessed by the friend
ship of those who know them and honored by
all with whom they have an acquaintance.

BERNHARD L. FABER. Few of the citi
zens of Jamaica can present such a varied
career as the subject of this sketch —
thrown entirely upon his own resources and in a
strange land at the early age of nineteen, self-
educated and self-made — showing -what a brave
and determined spirit can do in battling wdth the
world. Difficulties and obstacles which arose in
his path were each in turn overcome, and Mr.
Faber stands to-day a representative of the en
terprising men of Queens County.
As the name indicates, Mr. Faber is of Teu
tonic origin. He was born in Luxemburg, Ger

many, June 14, 1835, being a son of Anton and
Margaret (Niederkorn) Faber. His father, who
was born in 1792, learned the shoemaker's trade
in early life and devoted his attention to it
throughout his active years. He remained in his
native land until about five years before his death,
which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-
eight. He was at that time living in the home
of his son in Jamaica. The wife and mother was
born in the village that was named in honor of
her father, a man of note in his own country,
serving with valor as a member of Napoleon's
body guard, and living to attain the great age
of ninety-nine, when he passed away on the an1
niversary of his birth. Mrs. Margaret Faber
died when her son, our subject, was three years
of age.
The parental family consisted of six children,
of whom all but one came to America. John,
who came in 1852, settled in Chicago, where all
trace of him was lost ; Alaria was married in Ger
many to John Theis, a carpenter, and died in
1895. In 1854 our subject, his brother Michael,
and sister Susan crossed the Atlantic. Michael
went to Chatham, Canada West, where he en
gaged in the hotel business and died in 1877; his
family now live in Chicago. Susan, who never
married, is now living in New Jersey.
The educational advantages enjoyed by our
subject were exceedingly meager, as at the early
age of nine years he commenced to learn the
shoemaker's trade under his father's instruction.
He continued thus employed in his native land,
and after coming to the United States, in New
York and New Jersey. In 1856 he settled in
Jamaica, where he started a small shop in Wash
ington Street, but in 1863 removed his store to
the corner of Fulton Street and Herriman Ave
nue. For thirty years he continued in that place,
and it is a noteworthy fact that for thirty-seven
years he was tenant of one man. In 1893 he pur
chased the brick building in Fulton Street, near
the town hall, where his large store is now located,
and here the business is carried on under the
firm name of B. Faber & Son.
Mr. Faber and his family adhere to the Catho
lic religion, which has been the faith of the fam
ily for many generations. In his possession he
has a German Bible, published in Germany in
1534, and cherished by the family as a valuable
souvenir. In 1859 he married Miss Wilhelmina
Kohler, who was a native of Baden, Germany,
but came to this country in girlhood. They are

928

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the parents of two sons, Philip H. and Lean-
der B.
Philip H. Faber was born April 10, 1864, and
received a good education in the schools of Ja
maica, it being his father's ambition that he might
have opportunities which were denied him in boy
hood. For two years he was employed in a dry
goods store in this village, later was ticket agent
for the Long Island Railroad at the Jamaica sta
tion, and then for several years was employed in
the office of the county clerk. In 1892 he was
taken into his father's business as partner and
has since given his attention to the management
of the store. In 1890 he was united in marriage
with Miss Ida M, daughter of William H. Pear
sall, whose ancestors were among the first set
tlers of Long Island. They have had three chil
dren, but one died in infancy, the surviving son
and daughter being Alabel Pearsall and Philip
H, Jr.
Leander B. Faber was born November 5, 1867,
and was educated in the schools of Jamaica, New
York and Brooklyn. At the age of fourteen years
he went into the law office of H. A. Monfort, the
Jamaica attorney, under whom later he carried
on his legal studies, and with whom he has now
formed a partnership. He was admitted to the
bar in September, 1892, and is regarded as one
of the rising young attorneys of the county. From
the age of fourteen he has remained in Mr. Mon-
fort's office in one capacity or another, with the
exception of one year, during which time he at
tended school in New York City. At the age of
twenty-three he was elected police judge of Ja
maica. To him belongs the distinction of having
been the youngest man ever elected to that of
fice on Long Island. Pie filled the position with
marked ability until the spring of 1895, when he
positively declined re-election, his private busi
ness having grown to such magnitude that it de
manded his whole attention. Socially he is con
nected with the Jamaica Club and the Chub Club
of Jamaica. His marriage, January 26, 1892,
united him with Miss Emma R. Quortrup, of
Richmond Hill, this county, and they have two
children, Madaline W. A. and Leander W.
Both sons and their families have fine homes
adjoining each other in Alsop Street, built on
land previously owned by their father. They are
regarded as among the rising young men of the
village, and are energetic in a marked degree, sys
tematic in looking after their personal affairs, in
dependent in their views on all subjects, and strict

ly upright in all business transactions. Pos
sessing quick perception and sound judgment,
they are meeting with deserved success, the one
at the bar and the other in the management of
the business interests which he holds in connec
tion with his father.

AUGUSTUS DENTON. Among the suc
cessful agriculturists of the town of North
Hempstead stands the name of Augustus
Denton, whose pleasant home is situated about
four and a half miles east of Hydepark. Mr.
Denton was born on the place where he now
lives in 1843, a son of Charles and Louisa (Leon
ard) Denton, the father being a native of the
same farm. This was purchased by the grand
father of our subject, Joseph Denton, who was
a successful and prominent farmer. The latter
reared a large family of children, as follows:
Alary, Elizabeth, Abigail, Cornell, Joseph, Law
rence, Ann, Deborah, and the father of our sub
ject. The last named was reared on the old Home
stead and devoted his life to farming. He was
active in religious circles and was a member and
senior warden of St. George's Church of Hemp
stead. His death occurred at his home in 1879,
when seventy-nine years old. His wife followed
him to the grave in July, 1890, when eighty-three
years old. Their children were named as follows:
Alvira, Leonard, Charles C, Oscar, George W.
and Augustus. The latter grew to manhood in
the house that sheltered his father and grand
father, and received a fair education in the com
mon schools. Like his ancestors he has a taste
for agricultural pursuits, and was thus occupied
until the year 1891, when he retired and leased
his farm of one hundred and seventy acres. Since
then he has given his attention to his official
duties. In his political views Air. Denton has always
advocated the principles of the Republican party,
and he is an active worker for the cause of educa
tion, having filled the office of trustee of schools
for some time. Like his father, he is a member
of the Episcorjal Church, succeeding him in the
duties of vestryman, and for five years has been
warden. In 1885 he received the nomination of
his party and was elected to the office of super
visor of North Hempstead. So well did he dis
charge the duties of that position that he was re
elected in 1892, 1894, and again in 1896, thus

JOHN B. HOPKINS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

93i

showing his popularity. Formerly he was a
stockholder in the Jericho Plank Road Company,
and for some time held the position of treasurer.
Mr. Denton has shown his appreciation of se
cret organizations by becoming a member of the
Masonic fraternity, being a member of Morton
Lodge No. 63, of Hempstead, in which he has
filled all the chairs, and is now past master. He
is also a member of the Shield of Honor of Hyde
park, Lodge No. 3, and is past master in that also.
In the year 1870 Mr. Denton married Miss Sarah
M. Allen, daughter of George W. Allen, of North
Hempstead, and they have two children, Eugene
W, now a student in the Columbia Law Schooi
of New York City, and Grace, a student in St.
Mary's School at Garden City.
The founder of the Denton family on the island
was Rev. Richard Denton, who came from Eng
land on account of religious trouble, and settled
on Long Island. Samuel Denton, the great
grandfather of our subject, was a life-long resi
dent of the island, and our subject has a will drawn
by him February 10, 1717.

WILLIAM HOPKINS, a well-known
and substantial resident of Jamaica
South, was born on the place of which
he is now the proprietor, January 31, 1859. His
father was John B. Hopkins, whose birth oc
curred in Flatlands, April 1, 1837. The year
prior to the birth of our subject he came to this
section and took up his abode on the splendid
farm which William now owns and where he was
content to pass the remainder of his life. In addi-
. tion to this property he owned much other valu-
' able real estate in the town, but the greater part
of his money was made in the sale of fertilizers
on Long Island. He was one of the most lib
eral and public-spirited men of his day and no
worthy cause was allowed to fail for want of sup
port on his part. In his advocacy of temperance
principles he was always firm. He became one of
the directors in the Bank of Jamaica, in which he
was also one of the original stockholders, and in
many ways aided in establishing and sustaining-
worthy objects which were set on foot for the
good of the community. He filled many offices
of trust and responsibility in a most competent
and worthy manner. The Methodist Episcopal
Church regarded him as one of its most influen
tial members, and in his contributions toward its

support he was extremely liberal. His death,
January 31, 1894, was a public loss.
Our subject's grandfather, William Hopkins,
was born in Wales and on coming to the United
States when a young man settled in the Flatlands,
L. I, where he followed his trade of a black
smith and became well and favorably known to
its early residents. John B. Hopkins married
Elizabeth Eldert, who was born in Jamaica Town,
Queens County, March 9, 1830. Her father,
Luke Eldert, a patriot in the War of 1812, was
born December 20, 1786, and was descended from
one of the very old and honored families on the
island. Airs. Elizabeth Hopkins left at her de
cease three children, of whom our subject was the
eldest. His brother John B, who is cultivating-
a portion of his father's estate, married Ella. Rider
and has three children, Alabel, Nettie and Ben-
nem. Lillian I. Hopkins, the ¦ only daughter,
makes her home with her brother William. The
father of our subject married for his second wife
Nellie E. Stillwell, who is at present a resident of
Jamaica, and in that place their son, George S,
also makes his home.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
schools of Jamaica, after which he settled down
to farm life and has followed this vocation with
unusual success. In his political faith he uses his
influence and ballot in favor of Republican candi
dates. He was married in 1884 to Georgiana,
sister of H. and J. Camden, large celery growers
of this section. They are the parents of a daugh
ter, Florence A, whose birth occurred June 4,
1885. Previous to her union with our subject,
Airs. Hopkins had been married to Philip R.
Howard, who at his decease left her with three
children.

GEORGE C. MILLS, a feed and grain
merchant of Dutch Kills, was born in
New York City, October 22, 1848, a son
of John S. and Sarah (McPhoren) Mills, natives
of New York City and Staten Island respectively.
The father was an iron rail finisher in his native
city until he retired from the active duties of life,
arid is now residing in Long Island City. He
was also born in the Empire City, but the grand
father was a native of England. The grandmoth
er of our subject, in maidenhood a Miss Sit-
cher, was descended from French Huguenots,
and both her people and Mr. Mills' were partici
pants in the Revolution, as members of the Co-

932

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lonial army. Robert McPhoren, grandfather of
our subject, was born in Dublin, Ireland, was
given the advantages of Dublin University, and
later became a teacher. He married a Miss Story,
a member of an old Staten Island family. The
parents of George C. Mills, who are now aged
about seventy years, have long been members of
the Episcopal Church. Their family consisted of
three sons and three daughters, but one of the
latter is now deceased.
George C. Mills was the eldest of the family,
and in the public schools of his native city was
given excellent educational advantages up to the
age of fourteen years, when he began working
under his father at making iron railing. At the
end of seven years he gave up this business to en
gage in merchandising and dealing in horses. In
1873 he came to Long Island City, making loca
tion in Dutch Kills, and here about 1887 he em
barked in business as a grocer and feed mer
chant in Jackson Avenue. He gave up the
grocer's business, however, in 1894, and has since
dealt wholly in flour and feed, in which he has
built up a large business and has won the repu
tation of being reliable and upright. He is re-
r markably reasonable in his prices and is the
cheapest dealer in his line in Long Island City.
In connection with this business he makes a spec
ialty of handling horses, of which he is an ex
cellent judge, and which he has found profitable.
In the city of New York Mr. Mills married
Miss Mary E. Summers, a native of that place,
and their union resulted in the birth of eleven
children, eight of whom are living : Adelaine, de
ceased ; John S, who is employed in New York ;
Sadie; Elijah; Bornte, deceased; Tillie; Cath
erine, deceased; George C, Jr.; Mollie; Rebec
ca, and a baby boy unnamed. Mr. Mills has a
comfortable home at No. 112 Barton Street, and
he and his family attend St. John's Episcopal
Church.

JOHN MESSENGER is a member of the
firm of Clonin & Messenger, dealers in coal
and wood, brick, lath, lime, cement, etc,
with offices at No. 756 Boulevard, Long Island
City. He was born in the city of New York in
1854, a son of W. F. Messenger, who was bom
in Germany. At the age of eighteen years the
father left his native land and came to America,
taking up his residence in New York City, where
he was engaged in the manufacture of shoes un

til his retirement from business. He died in that
city in 1875, at the age of sixty-three years. He
and his wife became the parents of nine children,
only three of whom are now living, the subject
of this sketch being the sole member of the fam
ily residing in Long Island City. His brother,
William F, was a soldier in the Union army dur
ing the Civil War and lost his life in the second
battle of Bull Run.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
New York City public schools and had reached
the grammar department and his sixteenth year
when he laid aside his books to begin the active
battle of life. He then became the correspond
ing clerk for different New York firms and for
twelve years was the confidential clerk of Reiche
Brothers, the largest importers of animals and
birds in America. He then became superintend
ent of the aquarium at Coney Island, for Coop &
Reiche, in which capacity he continued for four
years, and for the two following years was treas
urer of the New York aquarium at Thirty-fifth
Street and Broadway. Seven years of the time
while confidential clerk were spent in traveling
all over the United States., from the Atlantic sea
board to the great Rockies, and from the Great
Lakes to the Gulf of Alexico in the interests of his
employers. After resigning this position Mr. Alessenger
engaged in business as a- retail butter and egg
dealer in New York City. After selling out"he
was for a time engaged in speculating. In 1890 he
came to Astoria and formed his present partner
ship with Mr. Clonin, with whom he purchased
the old Rapelyea coal yard, which they have com
pleted and greatly improved. They have built
up a very large commercial connection and eight.
teams are kept constantly busy. Their dock is
on East River, and the capacity of their estab
lishment is unlimited, as navigation is possible
throughout the winter months.
In 1876 Mr. Messenger was married in New
York City to Miss Eleanor Clark, a native of Del
aware, who has borne him three children: John,
Jr., who is attending college in New York City;
Gertrude and Leslie. Mr. Messenger has shown
his approval of secret organizations by becoming
a member of several: Alma Lodge No. 728, F. &
A. M, of New York, and Alma Council No. 191,
R. A, of New York City, and has represented
his lodge twdce in the grand council, first in
Brooklyn and next in Syracuse. He is also iden
tified with the American Legion of Honor, Amity

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

933

Council No. 576, of New York, in which order
he has held official position in the Grand Council.
Mr. Messenger has traveled extensively through
out his native land, and being a close and accu
rate observer, he improved his opportunities and
has a far better knowledge of America than the
great majority of her native-born citizens.

W

ISS MARY J. GARDNER, one of the
bright, intelligent women of Astoria,
Long Island City, comes of an old and
influential family of Long Island. She is of Eng
lish origin on the paternal side of the house and
the first member of the family to settle in Amer
ica was Thomas Gardner, who came here from
England in 1600 and located in New Jersey.
Later he removed to New York City, engaged in
merchandising, and became the owner of much
wealth, a considerable part of what is now the
lower portion of the city being in his possession.
Miss Gardner's grandfather, Charles Gardner, was
born near Grand Street, New York, and he was
married there to Miss Ella Bennett, daughter of
Jacob Bennett. For many years after his mar
riage he was engaged as a grain merchant in New
York, but later sold out there and bought a farm
near Newtown, L. I, where he died of cholera a
number of years afterwards.
John Gardner, father of Miss Gardner, was
born in Brooklyn, and followed the carpenter
and contractor's business, having a shop on the
dry dock of New York City, but subsequently he
moved to Long Island City and continued his
chosen occupation until retiring. He passed
away in August, 1870. He was a man of strict
integrity, quiet and unassuming and very domes
tic in his tastes. For many years he was a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His
wife, whose maiden name was Mary McAllister,
was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and the
daughter of James McAllister, who was born in
Scotland, but who, when a small boy, was taken
by his parents to Ireland, where he grew to man
hood. He there married a Miss Henry, and later
followed contracting for a livelihood. The
daughter, Mary McAllister, came to America
when a young lady and made her home with a
married sister and a cousin in New York City
until her marriage to Mr. Gardner. She died No
vember 23, 1895. She was a very intellectual
woman and a devout member of the St. Cle
ment's Church, New York.

Previous to his union wdth Miss AIcAllister
John Gardner married a Miss Simmons, who bore
him four children, all now deceased. One son,
John, served through the Civil War in a New
York regiment and died some years afterward;
after one severe engagement there were but five
men of his company left. Mr. Gardner's second
marriage resulted in the birth of six children,
four of whom are now living: James H. resides
in Long Island City; Charles A. was in the Unit
ed States navy during the Civil War, but is now
deceased; Albert is in business in New York
City; George J. is a business man of Long Island
City and Greenpoint. All of these children
were born in Long Island City. Miss Gardner
owns valuable property in this city and possesses
excellent business acumen. She is an earnest
member of the Church of the Redeemer and is
liberal and charitable to an unusual degree. She
is possessed of superior gifts and endowments of
mind and heart, and wherever met she reflects the
virtues of highest womanhood.

SAMUEL D. NUTT, M. D, is one of the
successful medical and surgical practition
ers of Queens County, and since the fall of
1894 has been coroner of the town of Jamaica.
He is living in the village of Woodhaven, wdiere
he is in command of a large and lucrative pat
ronage. Our subject was born in New York City, June
24, 1865. His father, Joseph D. Nutt, was also
born in that city, and for many years has been a
prominent jeweler in the metropolis. We are un
able to give any facts relating to the ancestors of
our subject other than they were residents of New
York State and many of them lived on the banks
of the Hudson River. The lady whom Joseph D.
Nutt married was Celia Upham, a native of Ver
mont, and the sister of Selah B. Upham, for many
years one of the prominent druggists of New
York, but who is now living retired in the village
of Woodhaven. For a history of the Upham fam
ily we refer the reader to his biography in this
volume. We will, however, make mention of the
fact that Mrs. Nutt's grandfather was a soldier in
the Revolutionary War and was present at the
battle of Burlington, Vt.
The subject of this sketch, after completing his
education in the common schools of his native
city, took a course in the College of New York.
He then was associated with his father in the jew-

934

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

elry business for a short time, after which he be
gan as clerk in the drug store of his uncle, S. B.
Upham. During the time he was in his employ
he studied medicine, and in 1883 entered Belle
vue Medical College, from wdiich he was gradu
ated three years later. The year following he
spent in practice in the Ninety-ninth Street Hos
pital and the next twelve months visited the pa
tients in Bellevue Hospital.
In 1889 Dr. Nutt made permanent location in
Woodhaven, where he succeeded to the large
practice of Dr. Combs, wdio abandoned his gen
eral practice in order that he might give his atten
tion to a hospital which he had established. Dr.
Nutt rapidly grew in favor with the people, and
at the present time is without doubt one of the
most efficient physicians of the county. He is
progressive and enterprising in all that relates to
the welfare of his community and has given the
best of satisfaction by the able manner in which
he discharged the duties of health officer of Wood
haven. He was the candidate of the Republican
partv for the position of coroner of the town of
Jamaica and was elected by a large majority. He
is a member of the Queens County Medical So
ciety and the New York Order of Railroad Sur
geons, and at the conventions of these various
organizations he has delivered many interesting
addresses. Socially he is a leading member of
Woodhaven Lodge No. 204, I. O. O. F.
In 1 89 1 Dr. Nutt was united in marriage with
Miss Rita, daughter of Edward H. Wallace, a
large contractor and builder in New York City,
and senior member of the firm, of Wallace & Rob
inson, who have been associated in business for
some time. Dr. and Mrs. Nutt have one daugh
ter, Edna G.

FRANCIS N. McKINNEY, late superin
tendent of the Standard Oil Works of
Long Island City, is now deceased. He
was born in North Carolina in 1842 and was or
phaned by the death of his parents when about
eight years of age. He was then taken into the
home of his parental grandparents, by whom he
was reared. During the late war our subject was
forced into the rebel service, and after the cessa
tion of hostilities made his way to Oil City, Pa,
where he became an employe in what is now the
Standard Oil Company. He became an expert
in the refining of oil, acquiring his knowledge of
this business under a Mr. Rodgers.

In 1871 Mr. McKinney came to Long Island
City, where he was made foreman of the works
of the company, and later was promoted to be
superintendent. During his residence here the
interests of the Standard Oil Company increased
until now its buildings cover acres of ground. Mr.
McKinney continued to make his home here un
til the fall of 1891, when he was transferred to
Florence, Colo, as inspector for the company,
and there died September 18, 1892. He was a
devoted member of Grace Methodist Episcopal
Church in Long Island City, of which he was
trustee and class-leader, in fact was one of the
most influential members of his congregation and
was active in the work of the Sunday-school and
Epworth League. Personally he was a man
of strict integrity and true worth and in every
way possible he used his voice and influence for
the promotion of those measures which were of
benefit to his community. In politics he was an
enthusiastic Republican.
Air. AIcKinnev was married in the South to his
first wife, and after her death, or June 17, 1871,
he was united in marriage in Oil City, Pa, to Miss
Mary T. Adams, a native of Beaver County, that
state, and the daughter of Alaj. Oscar E. Adams,
also born in that portion of the Keystone State.
Grandfather Dr. Milo Adams also hailed from
that locality and was a lineal descendant of John
Quincy Adams. Dr. Adams practiced medicine
in Beaver County and was one of its most promi
nent and skilled physicians. The father of Airs.
McKinney was for many years superintendent of
what was known in Pennsylvania as the Plummer
oil lands. After severing his connection with the
owners of this territory he held the same position
with other companies and was also largely in
terested in oil fields himself. He was thoroughly
acquainted with his business, to which he gave
his energies and strict attention for his entire ac
tive career. He was well known throughout the
country, as his operations in this line were very
large. Mr. Adams departed this life in Decem
ber, 1877. He was also a member of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church and was a Republican in
politics. The mother of Airs. AIcKinnev was Helen Al.
(Easton) Adams, a native of Beaver County, Pa,
and the daughter of David Easton, well known to
the residents of that section as the popular pro
prietor of one of its best hotels. This estimable
lady is still living and makes her home with some
of her married children who reside in Oil City.

WILLIAM AUGUSTINE LAWRENCE.

EDWIN S. LAWRENCE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

939

There was born to Alaj. Oscar and Helen M.
Adams a large family of children, fourteen in
number, of whom four are now deceased. Of this
household Mrs. McKinney was the eldest. Her
childhood was passed in her native state, but
when old enough to go to school she was sent
to a female seminary at Brighton, where she ac
quired a fine education. By her union with our
subject there have been born three children, of
whom Claudius Adams is the only survivor. He
is a shrewd and thoroughly businesslike young-
man and a graduate of Columbia Grammar
School. He was with his father at the time of
the latter's death, and, taking up the business,
carried it on with satisfaction to the company un
til 1895, when he returned East and is at present
a student at Simpson's Theological Seminary in
New York City. It is his intention to be a mis
sionary, and he is about to sail for Africa. Airs.
McKinney is a consistent member of the Meth
odist Church and is active in all the good works
in which that body is engaged in her community.
She occupies a beautiful home in Hunter's Point,
which at the time of its erection, in 1887, was
one of the first built in Eleventh Street.

EDWIN S. LAWRENCE. Material wealth
must not exclude the riches of character
in the recountal of the values which have
been brought to Queens County by its citizens,
and among its most precious treasures must be
estimated the lives of those citizens who, by their
intelligence and uprightness, have assisted in
raising the standard of life and thought among
the people. No one is doing more in this line than
the subject of this sketch, wdio, like many other
prominent citizens, is a native-born son of the
county and a descendant of a family that has
long been identified with the history of this lo
cality. Some mention of the life of Lieut. William
Augustine Lawrence, our subject's father, will be
of interest in this connection. He was born in
Flushing, June 28, 181 1, and died at the family
homestead at Fresh Meadow, wdien sixty-four
years of age. In the early part of his life, from
183 1 to 1833, he was associated in partnership
with his brother, Edwin, in the mercantile busi
ness at Flushing, but upon the death of his father
he returned home, where he afterward gave his
attention to general farming, market gardening
and the raising of cattle and horses. In every-
38

thing that he undertook he was thorough, efficient
and capable, and in the lines of which he made
specialties he won large success. Alany of his
horses and cattle took prizes when exhibited at
local fairs, and he also frequently received
diplomas and premiums for his displays of vege
tables. Indeed, if he may be said to have had a
hobby, it was in the direction of improving vege
tables and raising the standard of quality. He was
the originator of the Lawrence cabbage, known
all over Long Island, and prized for its fine
quality. The marriage of William A. Lawrence to Cath
erine Elizabeth Ely took place March 24, 1841,
and resulted in the birth of eleven children,
namely: Edwin Seabury, Ann Augusta, Alary
Elizabeth, William Augustus, Theodore Brown,
John Augustine, Amelia Stratton, Sarah Louisa,
Kate Lois, Henry Bogert and Euretta B. Of this
family four sons and four daughters are still
living. The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Thomas and Elizabeth (Stratton) Lawrence, who
died at the respective ages of fifty-seven and
seventy-two. The great-grandfather, Thomas,
Sr, who was born July 31, 1721, and died Novem
ber 4, 1795, married Mary Willett, whose birth
occurred November 25, 1726. The great-great-
grandparents were Samuel and Mary (Hicks)
Lawrence, born April 15, 1690, and October 15,
1698, respectively. The father of the former
was Alaj. William Lawrence, wdio married De
borah, daughter of Richard Smith, of Smithtown,
L. I. The major was a son of Capt. William Law
rence, who came to this country in 1635 on the
ship "Planter," Captain Palmer, and married
Elizabeth Smith, a sister to his son's wife.
The subject of this record was born at the old
homestead, where six generations had lived and
died, the date of his birth being March 24, 1842.
He commenced his education in the public school
of Flushing and finished at Union Hall Academy,
Jamaica. Of a large family he is the only one
who continues as a tiller of the soil and is devoted
to the occupation he has chosen for his life work.
From 1856 to the present time he has kept a
diary, where may be found a record of extremes
of weather, fluctuations in market prices, changes
in farming, and record of deaths of many promi
nent people as well as of members of the immedi
ate family, which often proves very convenient in
verifying some important date or event in his
past life.

940

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOHN J. McLAUGHLIN. There are few
more familiar figures in public life in Queens
County than the subject of this sketch, John
J. McLaughlin, the man to whom more than any
other one individual the people of the county are
indebted for the maintenance in its present ex
cellent condition of the eighty-two miles of ma
cadam roads known as the county road system.
Mr. McLaughlin is the county engineer, an of
fice which he has held for nearly four years, and
in the discharge of the duties of which he has re
flected credit upon himself and given general pub
lic satisfaction.
John J. McLaughlin was born at Jamaica, Sep
tember 1 6, i860, and is therefore in his thirty-
sixth year. He attended first the private school
taught by the Misses Waters and later the public
school in Jamaica. Then he took a course in
the New York University, from which he was
graduated with high honors in 1879. In the
same year he was engaged as assistant by R. L.
Waters, city surveyor of New York, which posi
tion he retained until 1887, when he resigned to
accept a position as surveyor under the city gov
ernment of Brooklyn.- In New York the work of
Mr. McLaughlin consisted of extensive municipal
improvements, he being the first assistant in
charge of the surveys for the new parks and for
the city farm at Central Islip, L. I.
When he became engaged in Brooklyn, Mr.
McLaughlin had charge of a large number of
street improvements, which continued until 1891,
when at his own request, owing to press of pri
vate practice, his city work was discontinued.
Mr. McLaughlin has acted as engineer for
Kings and Queens Counties in the matter of
bridges over Newtown Creek since 1887, con
structing the Grand Street and Meeker Avenue
bridges, and making repairs to the other bridges
over the creek. He has had charge of many ex
tensive private improvements in Queens County,
particularly those instituted by F. W. Dunton in
the town of Jamaica. He made the preliminary
surveys for the Bicycle Railroad in Queens and
Suffolk Counties, and had charge of a portion of
the Jamaica road improvement under the board
of macadam commissioners. He is also engineer
for the Jamaica sewerage commission, and pre
pared the plans for sewers and disposal works
accepted and approved by the commission.
Mr. McLaughlin was appointed with G. A.
Roullier as engineer of county roads in Queens
County in 1892, and the following year, when the

county was converted into one district, he was
appointed engineer in charge. While county en
gineer he established the present system of road
maintenance in Queens County.
In spite of his busy life Mr. McLaughlin has
found some time for sociability and is known as
a jolly good fellow. In 1888, while living in
Brooklyn, he married Adelaide M, daughter of
John D. Carroll. Mr. McLaughlin is a member
of the American Society of Civil Engineers, of
the Royal Arcanum and of the Catholic Benevo
lent Legion, besides several lesser organizations.

GEORGE FORBES, M. D, is one of the
leading and successful young physicians
whose field of practice is in Ravenswood,
a portion of Long Island City. He is a member
of the leading medical societies of the county,
taking an active part therein, and makes it a point
to keep himself posted on all the leading discov
eries. Dr. Forbes was born in Brooklyn, N. Y,
November 5, 1867. His father, George Forbes,
a native of Anstruther, Scotland, left his native
land in his youth and, after becoming fully ac
quainted with the ways of the American people,
accepted a position as bookkeeper, working his
way up until he became general manager for Gil
bert, Potter & Co, of New York City. He re
mained with them for a period of fifty years, or
until the firm went out of business, when he re
tired. He is now living in Brooklyn, where he
has a delightful home. Although seventy-five
years of age, he is remarkably healthy and so
comfortably situated, financially, that he is
enabled to enjoy life to the fullest extent. He
worships with the members of Westminster Pres
byterian Church, of which he is a member.
Mrs. Sarah A. (Johnson) Forbes, the mother
of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie, N.
Y. She became the mother of five children and
departed this life in 1872. Of this household only
three are now living: Margaret, the wife of Neil
O. Fitch, a physician of Astoria; Thomas, who
is a traveling salesman for a New York house,
and who makes his home in Brooklyn, and our
subject. Henry A. was a prominent pharmacist
in Astoria, where he died in 1894, aged thirty-six
years. George Forbes attended the public schools of
Brooklyn until a lad of thirteen years, and- the
following year entered the drug store of his broth
er Henry, which was located on the corner of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

941*

Grand and Putnam Avenues, Brooklyn. After
following this business for four years he was de
sirous of adopting a professional life and aban
doned every other occupation in order that he
might give his entire time to reading medicine.
In the meantime he went to Astoria and entered
the office of his brother-in-law, Dr. Fitch, where
he had access to a splendid library of the best
medical authorities and was also instructed by
that able physician. In due time he entered the
medical department of the University of New
York City and in 1889 was graduated therefrom
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
When looking around for a suitable location
Dr. Forbes found a good opening for a progres
sive physician in Ravenswood and lost no time in
opening an office here. He is engaged in gen
eral practice, and by his skill and knowledge in
his profession has built up a good and paying
business. He is especially successful where his
skill as a surgeon is necessary, and has performed
many difficult operations. His residence and of
fice are at No. 693 Vernon Avenue, one of the
prettiest streets in the place.
Dr. Forbes was married in the Sumner»Ave-
nue Methodist Episcopal Church in Brooklyn,
July 15, 1891, to Miss Norine Cadmus, a native
of that city. Two children have been granted
them, Gladys and Mildred. Mrs. Forbes is a
consistent member of the Episcopal Church. The
Doctor is a stanch Democrat in politics, and in
order that he might help forward the work of his
party in this part of the county he has allied him
self with the Jefferson Club of the city and is a
member of the general Jefferson Democratic city
committee. He belongs to the Long Island City
Medical Society and also takes an active part in
the work of the Queens County Medical Society.
Personally the Doctor numbers many warm
friends in all circles and has among the clients
many of the best families of the county.

GEORGE A. McNULTY, alderman from
the first ward of Long Island City, and
an employe of the "New York Sun," was
born in New York City, December 10, 1867. His
father, Robert, who was a native of Londonderry,
Ireland, crossed the Atlantic in boyhood and set
tled in New York, where he secured a place in the
employ of the "New York Sun." Beginning in a
menial position he worked his way up until he
became foreman of the pressroom, which respon

sible position he held for a long time, his entire
connection with the paper covering a period of
twenty-eight years.
Politically a Democrat, Robert McNulty was
actively interested in local affairs from the time
of his settlement in America. Ever true in his
allegiance to the country of his adoption, he was
a public-spirited citizen, desirous of aiding every
measure that would promote the welfare of the
people. In 1868 he came to Long Island City
and established his home at No. 147 Third Street,
where he continued to reside until his death, May
30, 1886. For two terms he was overseer of the
poor, and for years served on the general com
mittee. Twice he was elected to represent his
ward on the board of aldermen, of which he
served as president, . and for a short time he was
acting mayor. His father died in Ireland, but his
mother came to this country and died in Long
Island City.
The mother of our subject, Margaret Elliott,
was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, but was
brought to America at the age of three years by
her parents, who settled in New York. Her
father, Robert Elliott, a native of County Tyrone,
was a drover's sou and on coming to the United
States engaged in business in Sixth Street, New
York, where Cooper Union now is. He died
there in 1868 at the age of about sixty years. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Tag-
gart, was born in County Tyrone, and died in
New York City the year after the family came to
America. Both the Elliott and Taggart families
were of Protestant faith and Scotch descent. Mrs.
Margaret McNulty was reared and- married in
New York, but for some years has lived in Long
Island City.
The parental family consists of three living
children, two having died in childhood. The
surviving sons are George A, and Robert J. and
William T, who are employed as pressmen on the
"New York Sun." The first-named, our subject,
was educated in the grammar schools, from which
he was graduated. In June, 1886, he became an
employe of the "New York Sun," his first work
being that of fly boy, but after nine months in
that capacity he was promoted to pressman, and
still fills that position.
In 1893 Mr. McNulty was nominated on the
Gleason ticket as alderman from the first ward,
his opponent being James Comisky, but he was
defeated because deprived of official ballot. In
the fall of 1895 he was again nominated for that

942

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

office against the same opponent, and was elected
by a majority of five hundred and twenty-two
votes, this being the largest majority for alder
man ever polled in the first ward. He assumed
the duties of the office in January, 1896, and will
without doubt give satisfaction in the discharge
of the responsible duties connected with the po
sition. For four years he has been a member
of the Democratic general committee of Long
Island City. He has frequently represented the
Democratic party as delegate to various conven
tions, and is regarded as one of the rising leaders
of his political organization.

PETER GUENSCH, a prosperous dealer in
all kinds of meats, vegetables and country
provisions, has become known for the ex
cellence and high grade of his stock. He is a na
tive of the city of New York, and was born in
i860. Ernest Guensch, his father, was born in
Germany, but in early manhood came to the
United States to seek his fortune. By trade he
was a merchant tailor, and established himself in
this business in New York City, continuing suc
cessfully engaged in the same until his death in
1873, at the age of seventy-six years. He was
always patriotic and true to the flag of his adopt
ed country, and during the progress of the Civil
War served the Union in a New York regiment.
His wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth Schmidt,
now a resident of Newark, N. J. Of a family of
eight children born to this worthy couple, only
three reached maturity. Edward, who was a sol
dier in a New York regiment during the war,
was wounded and died after the cessation of hos
tilities in Norfolk, Va.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his
native city, where he completed a good grammar
school education. In 1873 he became shipping
clerk in a furniture store owned by F Mohr &
Co, of New York, remaining with them until
1885, when he went to Brooklyn and established
himself in the butter, egg and cheese business at
No. 57 Atlantic Avenue. After three years he
formed a co-partnership with P. Scherer in the
grocery business at Orange Valley, N. J. One
year later he located in Long Island City and
opened a meat market at No. 95 Webster Ave
nue, which is one of the best of which the city
can boast. In 1893 he erected his present store
building, a two-story structure, which has a
frontage of thirty-two feet and is ninety-eight

feet long. It is fitted up wdth every convenience
and one delivery wagon is kept constantly em
ployed. In 1881 Mr. Guensch was married in Long
Island City to Miss Annie Diemer, a native of
New York City and a daughter of Michael Die
mer, formerly a successful meat merchant at No.
95 Wilbur Avenue, but who is now retired, his
business being now conducted by his son-in-law,
Air. Guensch, at No. 298 Webster Avenue. The
latter and his wdfe have two children, William and
Walter. In the spring of 1893 Mr. Guensch was
appointed a member of the board of health by
Mayor Sanford, and this position he held up to
December 2, 1895, when he resigned. Socially
he is a member of Advance Lodge, F. & A. Al,
of Astoria, and politically is a Democrat and has
been a member of various conventions. He is a
member of the Lutheran Church of New York
City, while his wdfe belongs to the Episcopal
Church of Ravenswood.

JOHN T. SUYDAM, a well known resident
of the town of Jamaica, was born near
Woodhaven, January 29, 1856. His father
was Daniel R. Suydam, whose birth occurred
February 22, 1809, in Norwich, Queens County.
For eighteen years he commanded a vessel, and
when settling down to life on terra firma he pur
chased a farm in the above town and was engaged
in its cultivation until his death, Alarch 10, 1878.
The mother died in March, 1885.
Daniel R. Suydam married his cousin, Aliss
Sarah Suydam, and immediately settled on the
tract of land which we have spoken of above. A
portion of this property is now in the possession
of our subject, who has cultivated it in a very
profitable manner. The father of Daniel R. was
in turn the son of Cornelius Suydam and his only
child. The last named was the only son of Tohii
Suydam, well known to the old-time residents of
this community. The Suvdams were one of the
old Dutch families of Queens County, of which
we have but little information, other than it was
one whose various members occupied good and
useful positions in life and with very few excep
tions were people of considerable means.
The parental family included six children, of
whom those living besides our subject are Sarah,
who became the wife of Charles Lott, a retired
farmer living near the home of John T, and Ida

E. A. GOODRIDGE, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

945

C, the wife of John A. Vanderveer, a farmer in
Flatlands. Phe subject of this sketch, who was the only
son of the household, adopted the calling of an
agriculturist when ready to embark in life, and
continued to be thus engaged for many years, or
until he accumulated a handsome competence,
when he retired and is now living in ease and
comfort in his pleasant home on the Jamaica
plank road near Woodhaven. February 21, 1877,
he married Miss Anna J. Debevoise, of Jamaica,
who is also related to one of the old and respected
families of the county. Their union has been
blessed by the birth of the following-named sev
en children: Warren R, Daniel R, Sadie V,
Charles D, Jennie S, Anna J. and John T, Jr.
Mrs. Suydam is an active member of the Re
formed Church of Jamaica, which is one of the
largest congregations in the village.
In social affairs our subject is a member of
the Royal Arcanum, in which he takes great in
terest. In political matters he is a stanch sup
porter of Republican doctrines and candidates
and on this ticket has held numerous minor of
fices.

EDWIN A. GOODRIDGE, M. D, of Flush
ing, is a descendant in the eighth genera
tion from William Goodridge, who came to
this country from Bury St. Edmunds, England,
in 1636, and settled at Watertown, Mass. His
brother John, who came in the same year, settled
at Hartford, Conn. These brothers were de
scended from John Goodridge, D. D, of Devon
shire, England, who graduated from Oxford in
1509. The Doctor's great-grandfather, Benjamin,
was one of three brothers who with their father,
Benjamin, Sr, participated in the battle of Bunk
er Hill and other engagements of the Revolu
tionary War.
Ira Goodridge, the grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was a native of Keene, N. H, and
removed from that town with his father to West
minster, Vt, when still a mere lad. From West
minster he removed to Sutton, Vt, and thence in
1825 to St. Lawrence County, N. Y, where he re
mained until his death a few years ago. During
his residence in Vermont he was prominent in
the politics of the state, serving in various civil
capacities, and several times was elected to the
legislature. Pie was distinguished for his patri
otism, intelligence and religious devotion, as well

as for the high value he always placed upon edu
cation. These qualities, with other strong New
England characteristics, made him conspicuous
in the early history of St. Lawrence County.
The Doctor's father, Horace Goodridge, was
born in Vermont and removed at the age of four
teen with his father to their home in northern
New York. At this early age he manifested a
lively interest in educational matters, and grad
uated from Ft. Covington Academy, then the only
available educational institution in that part of the
state. After his graduation he was identified with
educational interests, having been for many years
a teacher in the schools of northern New York.
He married Levonia Colby, a native of Leb
anon, N. H, and who, through her mother,
Sallie Page, was connected with the numerous
family of that name conspicuous in the early colo
nial affairs of New England, as well as in its later
history. Levonia Colby's father, Jeremiah Colby,
was a native of Alaine, but was descended directly
from Isaac Colby, who settled in Massachusetts
about 1630. Ancestors of the Doctor's mother
both in the Page and Colby line rendered con
spicuous service to the cause of the colonists dur
ing the Revolutionary period, having been repre
sented in most of the important military organi
zations of New England during that time.
Dr. Goodridge received his preparatory educa
tion in the schools of St. Lawrence County, teach
ing and attending school alternately as was the
custom in those New England communities.
About the time he was prepared for college the
War of the Rebellion broke out, and he respond
ed to the call for volunteers, enlisting- in the One
Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry. He
participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Harper's
Ferry and other important engagements. In the
fall of 1863 he was wounded at the battle of Aline
Run and transferred to the Wolfe Street Hos
pital, Alexandria, A'Ta, wdiere, under the direction
of Dr. Stewart, of Erie, Pa, then surgeon in
charge of that hospital, he began his medical stu
dies. Being discharged in the spring of 1864 at
his own request, he again took up the work of
teaching, pursuing in the intervals his college
studies. He received the degree of A. A'l. from
Princeton College in 1888 and of M. D. from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical
department of Columbia College, where he grad
uated, valedictorian of his class, in the spring of
1871. Immediately upon graduating he began
his practice in Flushing, twenty-five years ago.

946

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He has been at different times visiting physician
to the New York Infant Asylum, consulting phy
sician to the same institution, counselor of the
Alumni Association of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, from which he graduated, a mem
ber of the Queens County Medical Society and
visiting surgeon to the Flushing Hospital. In
1866 he married Miss Anna M. Field, a native of
New England, and they have two children, Lena,
now the wife of Allen Wardner Harrington, and
Malcolm, at present attending the College of
Physicians and Surgeons.
Almost from the time of his graduation Dr.
Goodridge has enjoyed a large and lucrative prac
tice both as a physician and surgeon. In politics
he is a Republican, and his views and sympathies
have brought him into active co-operation with
the best ideals of government and civil order. He
is a member of the Society of the Sons of the
Revolution and is also a Grand Army man, hold
ing membership in the George Huntsman Post,
of which he is surgeon. For ten years he was a
member of the board of education of Flushing,
six years of which time he was president of that
body. His religious affiliation is with the Con
gregational Church.

EDWARD SPRINGMANN, a successful
cigar manufacturer and dealer in tobacco
at Glencove, was born in Paris, France,
October 23, 1842. His parents were Edward and
Louise (Brauner) Springmann, the former of
whom was a native of Germany, born in July,
1812. He was left a widower when the subject
of this sketch was quite young, and when the
latter was about nine years of age he came to the
United States, but left young Edward and his
brother in Paris under the care of an uncle. After
coming to this country the father plied his trade,
that of a piano maker.
About one year later the children came to this
country with their uncle, and in New York City
the subject of this sketch made his home until the
opening of the Civil War. He espoused the
cause of his adopted country and in 1862 enlisted
in Company I, Forty-fifth New York Infantry,
in which he remained a little over a year, par
ticipating in the battle of Cross Keys and several
sharp skirmishes. Owing to disabilities he re
ceived honorable discharge in 1863, and in the
early part of 1865 he enlisted in the navy. Pie
was transferred from the receiving ship "Ver

mont" to the "Susquehanna," the flagship of the
Brazilian squadron, and sent to Brazil. During
the two years he was in the navy he was on va
rious vessels and touched at Havana and other
foreign ports. Before entering the army he had
worked at wood carving, and while at home, after
his discharge from the army he learned cigar-
making. After his naval service was concluded
the followed the latter calling in various states
of the East, particularly Massachusetts.
Subsequently Mr. Springmann returned to
New York, and while there he was married, No
vember 20, 1870, to Miss Augusta Peter, a native
of Prussia and a daughter of Frederick and Fred-
ericka (Fenner) Peter. In 1874 he removed to
Hicksville, N. Y, and there he began manufac
turing cigars on a small scale. This occupation
he has since continued, and after his removal to
Glencove in 1884, began dealing in all kinds of
tobacco. He is one of the substantial business
men of the place, his trade is firmly established
and he is doing well financially. His marriage
resulted in the birth of three children. Edward,
a resident of Glencove, is married and has one
child; Carrie is the next in order, and Henry is
now in San Francisco, Cal, with his paternal
grandfather, who has reached the advanced age
of four-score and three years.
The political proclivities of Mr. Springmann
have always been Republican and his first presi
dential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in
1864. He was reared in the faith of the German
Lutheran Church and has served as trustee of the
same at Hicksville. Fraternally he belongs to
the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Seawanhaka Lodge of
the Royal Arcanum and is also identified with
Daniel L. Downing Post, G. A. R. He attended
the national reunion at Washington, D. C.

JOHN A. GRAY, one of the most popular and
enterprising young business men of Long
Island City, is the senior member of the
firm of Sweeney & Gray, general machinists and
manufacturers of artesian and oil well supplies.
They command a fine trade, the result of their per
severance and business activity. Mr. Gray was
born in New York City, March 4, 1866. His fath
er, John Gray, was a native of England, as was
also the grandfather, James Gray, a member of
an old and aristocratic English family. The lat
ter came to America many years ago and depart-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

947

ed this life in New York. His son, John, was
reared in Ireland, whither his parents had re
moved when he was a child, and where he re
ceived a good education. When a young man he
crossed the Atlantic, and after reaching the me
tropolis of the United States was hired by John
Mathews, a manufacturer of soda fountains. Pie
remained with that gentleman for many years
and was promoted from one position to another
until he became manager of the business.
About 1878 the father of our subject located in
Long Island City, which was his home until his
death in March, 1895, when fifty-six years of age.
He married Ellen Pendergast, a native of Ireland,
who was at that time residing in New York City,
but now makes her home in Long Island City.
Their family included a son and two daughters,
of whom John was the eldest.
The subject of this sketch was reared in New
York City and there obtained a good education
in Grammar School No. 14, which was located
in Twenty-seventh Street. At the time of the re
moval of his parents to this city he accompanied
them hither and for six months following went
to school. The summer months during his school
life had been spent with his father in Mr. Mathews'
business in New York, principally in the machin
ist's department, which kind of work he liked
very much. After acquiring his education he was
regularly apprenticed to a machinist and worked
for Mr. Mathews for six years. He next ob
tained the position of engineer and machinist in
the Schermerhorn building on Broadway, and
after six months resigned and accepted work in
the Eagle Pencil Works. He remained here but
six months, when we find him working in the
Pierce Artesian and Oil Well Supply Company
in Long Island City. He continued with this
company for a period of seven years, and in 1892
formed a partnership with George J. Sweeney.
They have been remarkably successful in this
venture and occupy a building located at No. 29
Sixth Street, which is 50x70 feet in dimensions.
It is fitted out with a forty horse-power engine
and all the machinery necessary for the manu
facture of the goods of which they make a special
ty. This firm is known all over the United States
and they have also made many shipments to Aus
tralia and other foreign lands. Although they
are engaged as general machinists they devote
the greater part of their time and attention to the
manufacture of artesian and oil well tools.
Mr. Gray was married in Long Island City to

Miss Annie Rooney, a native of this place, and
the daughter of Patrick Rooney, one of the old
residents of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Gray
have three children: Mabel, John and Raymond.
The elder son has been president of the Star Ath
letic. Club, which he also represented as captain
for four years. He is very fond of outdoor sports,
and as the captain of the Ravenswood Boat Club
has plenty of opportunities during the summer
season for enjoying this pastime.
Our subject is president of Board No. 42 of the
National Association of Stationary Engineers of
Long Island City and was the principal organizer
of this body and one of its most active members.
He is a devout Catholic and a member of St.
Marv's Church.

ANTHONY GOLDNER is the proprietor
of the oldest and largest granite works on
Long Island. He has been blessed with
prosperity ever since establishing his works in
Long Island City, in the year 1866. He employs
the best of workmen and has one of the finest
equipped marble works in the east.
A native of Germany, Mr. Goldner was born on
the Rhine, near Metz, Prussia, in 1834. His
father was Nicholas Goldner, a sculptor by trade.
Our subject was a lad of fifteen years when he
left school and began to learn the business in
which his father was engaged, remaining with
him for five years, when he determined to try his
fortunes in America. In 1854 he came hither
and worked at his trade in New York City until
1866, the year of his starting in business in Long
Island City. His works occupy ten building lots
and the plant has been fitted out with all the latest
appliances for cutting, drilling and polishing. Mr.
Goldner handles marble in the rough, which he
has shipped to him from foreign countries, as
well as granite from Maine and Massachusetts.
When he first began for himself he worked from
marble only, but now he fills a large number of
orders which are made up from granite. He has
a twenty-five horse-power engine and gives em
ployment to from thirty to forty men. He has
telephone connections in his office and all the
modern conveniences which are used by pro
gressive business men. The marble works are
located in Bradley Avenue, and adjoining the
same Mr. Goldner has erected a large, handsome
residence, which is occupied by his family.
Politically Mr. Goldner is a stanch Democrat,

948

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

taking an active part in politics. In 1872 he
was elected alderman from the second ward, ren
dering very efficient service for one term. He
always took an active part in all questions com
ing before the council and was well posted on the
issues of the day. -While a member of the body
he served as chairman of the police, fire and water
committees and it was at this time the building
of the water works was commenced, although it
was not completed during his term. Although
he was earnestly solicited by his friends to run
for a second term, he refused to do so and since
that time has declined all official honors. Prior
to the incorporation of Long Island City Mr.
Goldner was school trustee, and later, when made
a commissioner, resigned his position in order to
run for alderman. Religiously he is a devout
Catholic. Our subject is a progressive and public-spirited
citizen, ever ready to do his full share in matters
of public welfare, and is therefore numbered
among the leading men of Queens County. He
is descended from a family of sculptors and so
wide a reputation has he won in his line that he
receives orders from the states of New York,
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and,
indeed, is well known all over the country.

CLARENCE N. PLATT, A. B, M. D, an
able physician of Astoria, received a fine
general and medical education and is a
student of his profession, having also contributed
articles of great value to the various medical jour
nals. He resides in a beautiful residence at No.
152 Franklin Street. As he is the only homeo
pathic physician in Long Island City he com
mands an extensive practice.
Mr. Piatt was born in New Haven, Conn, and
is the son of Charles N. Piatt. The grandfather
was a substantial farmer of Westhaven, Conn,
where his death occurred. For several genera
tions the Piatt family have been prominent mem
bers of whatever community they have resided
in, and although they are of English origin, noth
ing definite is known of the first to come to Ameri
ca, when settlement was made in Milford, Conn.
Charles N. Piatt was for many years a carriage
manufacturer of New Iiaven, Conn, where he
is now living retired from business of any kind.
He took an active part during his younger years
in the affairs of his community, rendering accep
table service as alderman of his ward. Relig

iously he is a devoted member of the Episcopal
Church, with which he has been connected for
many years as an active worker, and personally is
a man of strict integrity and true worth. He
married Abigail Prindle, a native of Westhaven,
Conn, and the daughter of Samuel Prindle, a
farmer of that locality. This family is of Scotch
descent and was first represented in America by
two brothers, who, on coming hither, settled in
Connecticut, the locality being known then as
Pringle Hill, as the name was originally spelled.
Now, however, it is called Prindle Hill.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Piatt there were
born three children, of whom our subject was the
second child and only son. He spent his boy
hood days in attendance at the public schools of
his native city preparing for college. In 1880 he
entered Yale and four years later was graduated
from that institution with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts. He was very prominent in musical cir
cles of New Haven, and from his earliest years
had been noted for his talent in this art. After
completing his college course he desired to per
fect himself in vocal music, and going to New
York City, studied under some of the best teach
ers there.
In 1885 Mr. Piatt became a student in the
Homeopathic Medical College in New York and
after completing the course in 1888 had con
ferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Aledi-
cine He spent a short time thereafter engaged
in»practice in Brooklyn, but in the spring of 1889
we find him located in Astoria, where he suc
ceeded to the practice of Dr. Vandenberg, and
where his success was assured from the first.
During the years that have since elapsed he has
acquired an enviable reputation as a man of abili
ty in his line, and his practice, which is large and
lucrative, is constantly increasing. His office
is at his residence, to which he built an addition
for this purpose. The Doctor is a skilled surgeon
as well as general practitioner and his services in
this line are greatly in demand.
The lady to whom our subject was married in
Bridgeport, Conn, was Aiiss Catherine Aleeker,
a native of that place, and the daughter of Capt.
Benjamin Aleeker, who met his death during the
late war while engaged in the battle of Cold Har
bor. The Doctor is a member of the Royal Ar
canum and is examining physician of Astoria
Council. He is a devoted member of St.
George's Episcopal Church, in which he is ves
tryman, and has had charge of the music for the

CORNELIUS RAPELYE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

95i

past three years. In political affairs he casts his
vote in favor of the candidates of the Democratic
party. He belongs to the New York Homeo
pathic Medical Society and has been visiting sur
geon to the Astoria Hospital since its establish
ment. The Doctor and his wife have many
friends in this locality and are very popular in
social circles.

CORNELIUS RAPELYE. A volume of
the biographies of representative citizens
of Queens County would be incomplete
without a sketch of Mr. Rapelye, whose career
strikingly illustrates the force of well-directed
energy, steadfast purpose and never-ceasing ef
fort for the accomplishment of noble results. He
departed this life November 20, 1890, but for
several years previous to that time lived retired
from business of any kind.
A native of New York City, Mr. Rapelye was
born November 16, 1833, and was the son of
George Rapelye, a native of Newtown. Grand
father Cornelius Rapelye, who was the original
owner of the beautiful home on the boulevard
which the widow of our subject now occupies,
was an agriculturist by occupation and for many
years kept an inn on this place He was one of
the prominent men of the community and was
respected by all who knew him. Two sons and
one daughter comprise his family, George, James
and Grace, of whom the former two served as sol
diers in the Wrar of 181 2.
During the early settlement of Long Island the
Rapelyes, who were French Huguenots, came
hither from their native land. Its various mem
bers have been prominent in the upbuilding of
this portion of the island and rank among its
best residents. George, the father of our sub
ject, became a wholesale grocer in New York
City, where he lived during the winter months,
but in the summer season moved with his family
to their beautiful home in Astoria. His wife,
whose maiden name was Jane M. Suydam, was
born in Newtown and was the daughter of Adrian
Suydam, who was classed among the oldest resi
dents and most substantial farmers of this place.
On the death of Mrs. Rapelye, which occurred
August 13, 1835, Cornelius, of this sketch,
was cared for by his aunt, Mrs. Grace (Rapelye)
Trafford, a most excellent lady and a
worthy member of the Reformed Church. This
congregation now meets in a beautiful church on

Remsen Street, in which our subject has placed
a memorial window in honor of Mrs. Trafford
and his father, George.
Mrs. Trafford was the only sister of George
Rapelye; she became the wife of John Trafford,
and to them was born a son, Cornelius R, who
was one of the foremost men in advancing the
interests of Astoria, where he lived. He depart
ed this life in 1872 and was buried in the ceme
tery of the Church of the Redeemer, which he pre
sented with its beautiful chimes.
Cornelius, of this sketch, was the only child of
his parents, and he was given an excellent educa
tion, attending the private schools of New York
until the death of his father, in 1853. That year
he began to make his home in Long Island City
with Cornelius R. Trafford, who was largely in
terested in what afterward became known as the
East River Ferry Company. Mr. Trafford was
a member of the board of directors until the time
of his death, and Mr. Rapelye was president for
many years, or until he too was called
to the land beyond. They developed this port
very largely and made the change from Eighty-
sixth to Ninety-second Streets, New York.
Mr. Rapelye was a devoted member of the
Reformed Church and was for many years elder
of this church. He contributed large sums of
money to the support of church work and in a
business and financial way he was recognized as
a citizen having much weight, and was held in
high esteem. In 1870 he purchased a farm at
Kidders, beautifully located on the banks of Ca
yuga Lake, in Seneca County, N. Y, and each
summer the family made their home there. Being-
very fond of horses, he kept several fine-blooded
animals on this place, also a number of the best
breeds of cattle. Socially he was a member of
the Holland Society.
In Newtown, December 14, 1857, our subject
married Miss Lydia L. Hyatt, who was born in
that place and was the daughter of John B. Hy
att. Her grandfather, Cornelius Hyatt, was a
well-to-do farmer of Newtown, in which occupa
tion the great-grandfather was also engaged dur
ing his lifetime. The latter came to America
from England and almost immediately took up
land in the vicinity of Newtown, which was hand
ed down from father to son for several genera
tions. John B. Hyatt farmed the old homestead,
wdiich is now part of Winfield Junction, until his
decease, wdiich occurred when he was sixty-seven
vears of age. With his family he attended

952

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

St. James Episcopal Church. His wife was
Miss Ann Burroughs, who was also born in
Newtown, and whose parents were Thomas
and Sarah (Wyckoff) Burroughs, from Flat-
lands. The great-grandfather on the mother's
side was also of English birth and parentage, and
after coming to America continued his occupa
tion, which was that of a farmer. Mrs. Ann
(Burroughs) Hyatt died when seventy-two years
of age at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rapelye.
Her family included five children, all of whom
are living and named respectively: Cornelius,
who resides on the Terrace in Newtown; Har
riet, now Mrs. F. D. Kouwenhoven, of Long
Island City; Lydia L, the wife of our subject;
Sarah B, who married James S. Burroughs, of
Long Island City, and Thomas Burroughs, who
is residing on the old homestead in Winfield
Junction. 'Although a native of Newtown, Mrs. Rapelye
was educated in the excellent schools of New
York City. She is the owner of much valuable
property in the county and also retains posses
sion of her summer home on Cayuga Lake, which
she continues to visit once a year. The place on
which she makes her home in this county has
been in the family for over a century and is one
of the best located and most valuable jn the place.
She is a devoted member of the Reformed Church
and her name will always be found at the head
of every charitable enterprise, to which she con
tributes cheerfully and liberally.

NICHOLAS RYDER is a representative
of an old family in Queens County, and is
numbered among its well-to-do farmers.
He was born in the town of Jamaica, near Aque
duct Station, on the place which he now occupies,
November 16, 1825. His father, James Ryder,
was born on this place in 1802 and here spent
his entire life, dying in 1858 or '59. He was
prominent in affairs of a public nature and at one
time was assessor of the town. He had two
brothers, Jacob and Stephen, the latter of whom
resided on a farm in this town until his death,
and Jacob went to the town of Hempstead, and
departed this life at Farmingdale. There were
two daughters in the family: Mary, wdio became
the wife of Eldert Eldert, and lived to the remark
able age of ninety-two years, and Susan, who
married Smith Hendrickson, and died in the town
of Hempstead. The grandfather, whose birth

also occurred on the old place where our subject
now resides, was of Holland-Dutch extraction,
the family being first represented on Long Island
many years ago. The Dutch Reformed Church
embodies the religious principles to which both
the father and grandfather of our subject adhered.
Mrs. Margaret (Smith) Ryder, the mother of
Nicholas, of this history, was born at Springfield,
L. I, in the year 1803. She is still living at the
remarkable age of ninety-two years, making her
home at Jamaica. She had three brothers, Dan
iel, John and Samuel, all of whom lived and died
at Springfield. By her union with James Ryder
she became the mother of seven children, of whom
the eldest, Daniel, was a book binder by trade.
He was of a roving disposition and at one time
went to California. After several years he re
turned and at the time of his decease was living
in Jersey City. James Ryder, who during the
active years of his life followed farming, is now
a resident of the village of Jamaica. Hannah M.
married Isaac Duryea, who is now deceased, and
she makes her home in Jamaica. Stephen was
formerly engaged with the Bank of Jamaica.
John was for a number of years tax receiver of
this town, but now makes his home in New Jer
sey. Almira married Nicholas Emmans and
their place of residence is in one of the beautiful
villages on the bank of the Hudson River.
Nicholas Ryder was married to Catherine Lott,
of . Flatlands, in 1847. Several years later she
died, and he chose for his second companion
Sarah E. Hulett, of Far Rockaway. To them
has been born a son, William J, who is now a
resident of Hillsdale, Columbia County, N. Y. ;
he married Sarah L. Wyckoff, of Flatlands, and
they are the parents of two children, Sarah Eliza
beth and Nicholas. Both our subject and his
wife are members in excellent standing of the
Presbyterian Church.

PROF. PAUL KYLE. This gentleman, dis
tinguished in the educational annals of
Queens County and professor in the Mili
tary Institute of Flushing, was born in Sonders-
hausen, Thuringen, Germany, May 13, 1854. His
father, Giinther Kyle, a native of the same place
as himself, served in the German army with the
rank of lieutenant-colonel. and later was appoint
ed inspector of government railroads, continu
ing thus engaged until 1895, when he resigned.
He participated in the Revolution of 1848, and in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

953"

the war of 1866. Although now sixty-eight years
of age, he is well preserved for one of his years.
In his religious views he has long been an earnest
Lutheran. His wife, whose maiden name was
Mina Braun, was born in Germany. Their fam
ily consists of one son and three daughters, a)'
living, but our subject the only one in America.
Professor Kyle's paternal grandfather, Fritz
Kyle, was forester throughout his entire life for
the Prince of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, and
died in 1893, when ninety years old. The great
grandfather, Gunther Kyle, was chief forester and
lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight. In
boyhood Paul Kyle received his education in the
gymnasium of Sondershausen, from which he
graduated in 1871. Subsequently he enlisted in
the Nineteenth Artillery, Flying Battery, German
army, and served for three months in the Franco-
Prussian War, but after that he entered the Uni
versity of Leipsic. After graduating in the philo
sophical course he again entered the Prussian
army and was appointed a corporal in the Garde
Artillery, later being promoted to the rank of sec
ond lieutenant. He was stationed principally at
Magdeburg and Erfurt, and served for four years.
About 1880 Professor Kyle came to America
and settled in New York City. Soon afterward
he began teaching in the English and Classical
School at Providence, R. I, where he remained
for three years. Later he started a school of
languages in Newport, but after a time he went
back to New York City, and taught there and in
Brooklyn, in different schools and private fam
ilies (including the Vanderbilts, Sloanes and Liv
ingstons) until 1890. In that year he established
the Kyle Institute at College Point, but after fif
teen months'came to Flushing, where he bought
out the Hicks estate, the former site of the Flush
ing Female Institute, and shortly afterward
opened his school.
The Military Institute is situated at the cor
ner of State and Farrington Streets, the grounds
comprising about four acres and containing the
school building and teachers' residence. Forty-
four pupils can be accommodated. From the
opening of his institute to the present time Pro
fessor Kyle's popularity as a conscientious and
faithful instructor has steadily increased, and in
consequence of his judicious management of the
institution in all its departments, it now enjoys
the confidence of the people to an unusual extent.
Five instructors are employed, three in English,
the others in German and music, and annually a

large number of young people are sent forth well
instructed in all the branches.
Professor Kyle is a member of the Dutch Re
formed Church, fraternally is identified with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and socially
is a member of the Knickerbocker Yacht Club.
He married Miss Annie. Hertgen, of Newport,
R. L, and they have had two children, but both
are now deceased. In 1895 the Professor and his
wife made a visit to Germany to visit their rela
tives.

NICHOLAS NEHRBAUER,a well known
master plumber of Steinway, Long Island
City, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in
1847. His father, George, who was a native of
the same place, brought the family to America
in 1850 and settled in New York, where he re
mained for a number of years, but at an advanced
age he came to Steinway to make his home with
his son, and here died in 1892. The wife and
mother, who bore the maiden name of Magda-
lina Starklauf, died a week after the demise of her
husband. Both were devoted Catholics, with
which church they were identified from an early
age. Nicholas, who was the only child of his parents,
was reared in New York City from the age of
three years and received his education in the
Fcrtieth Street grammar school. When four
teen years old he began to work at the plumber's
trade under Jean P. Rogers, with whom he spent
the seven ensuing years, and afterward was in the
employ of different parties. Having gained a
thorough knowledge of the business, he started
a shop of his own in First Avenue, between Fif
tieth and Fifty-first Streets. In 1870 he moved
his residence to Steinway, and this has since been
his home. In 1878 he became a plumber for
Steinway & Sons' piano factory, having charge of
the plumbing and gas work there for seven years.
He then turned his attention to another line of
business, and for four years kept a tavern in Stein
way. On retiring from that occupation he opened
a plumbing shop at No. 683 Steinway Avenue,
where he erected a two-story building, 20x56 feet,
and here he has since made his business head
quarters. He has had the contract for a num
ber of important jobs and has gained a reputa
tion as a reliable plumber. He owns some prop
erty here, including a residence, and the old
home adjoining the shop.

954

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In New York City Mr. Nehrbauer married Miss
Augusta Gusse, a native of Germany. They have
four children, namely: Nicholas, Jr., who is in
the plumbing business with his father; Henry,
Augusta and Matilda. Politically a Democrat,
Mr. Nehrbauer is interested in party matters and
well informed regarding party principles. For
four vears he represented the fifth ward on the
board of aldermen, having been elected on the
Democratic ticket, and during one term of his
sendee was overseer of the poor. In 1893 he was
appointed, for three years, a member of the ex
amining board of plumbers of Long Island City.
He is a member of the Steinway Hose Company
No. 7, in which he held every office. Socially
he is connected with Eintracht Council No. 12,
Order of Chosen Friends, the Catholic Benevo
lent Legion and John Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O.
U. W.

PIERRE C. HOAG, M. D. During the
years that Dr. Hoag has resided in Alan-
hasset he has built up a good practice and
gained a reputation as a skillful, well informed
and painstaking physician, one who keeps abreast
with the latest discoveries in the science of medi
cine and gives to his practice the benefit of broad
knowledge and ripened experience. He was born
in Schenectady, N. Y, November 26, 1853, and is
a son of Casper F. and Anna M. (Clute) Hoag.
In boyhood he attended the high school and in
stitute of his native place, and later was a student
in Union College until reaching the junior year.
At the age of nineteen our subject began the
study of medicine with Dr. A. Al. Vedder as pre
ceptor, having previously taken a special course
in chemistry. After three years under the in
struction of Dr. Vedder, he entered the Albany
Aledical College and completed the course there
in three years, later taking a post-graduate course
in Bellevue Hospital College, New York City,
and special instruction under the most thorough
teachers. Fie also took a special course with
Dr. Janeway, in the New York College of Phv-
sicions and Surgeons, and a special course with
Dr. Castle in the diseases of women at Bellevue.
His position as attending physician of the out
door department for two years gave him the ben
efit of excellent practical knowledge. In addi
tion to this, he was assistant to Dr. William Lusk,
professor of diseases of women, and for one year
filled the position of visiting physician to Belle

vue Hospital. He took a course on diseases of
the eye and ear at Essex Street Dispensary. His
work as a member of the board of health of New-
York was well and accurately done, giving proof
of his painstaking skill and thorough efficiency
in every department. During the period of his
residence in New York he was a member of
county and state medical societies and the Len
nox Aledical and Surgical Society.
When Dr. Hoag came to Manhasset in 1891,
he was fitted for his professional career by a
thorough course of training. In fact, few phy
sicians have such opportunities as had he in the
preparation for his life work. No pains were
spared to gain a thorough experimental knowl
edge of every department of the science. So well
has he succeeded that he is recognized as a phy
sician and surgeon of superior ability, one who in
the diagnosis of disease and its treatment has
proved to be accurate. Though never having had
much time for political matters, he always votes
the Republican ticket. He is a member of the
Reformed Church and a gentleman of large phi
lanthropic spirit. By his marriage to Aliss Laura
Warner of New York City he has three chil
dren, Alice Warner, Lurana Blair and Alargaret.

ELBERT DECKER, D. V. S. The prac
tice of veterinary surgery is even more in
tricate than that of medicine as applied
to the human family, demanding in addition to a
perfect knowledge of the anatomy of the horse
and a thorough practical knowledge of drugs and
medicines, also an intimate knowdedge of equine
habits under varying conditions, coupled with
a quick, intuitive perception to grasp the seat
and nature of the disease, since the patients can
never tell their symptoms. The possession of
these qualifications and endowments satisfactorilv
accounts for the success of Elbert Decker, the
well known veterinary surgeon of Far Rock
away. Lucas E. Decker, the father of our subject, was
a resident and merchant of Springfield for manv
years. He married Miss Abigail Nostrand, wdio
died when sixty-two years old, leaving three chil
dren, Lucas E, of Springfield ; Smith N, and our
subject. The latter was born in Springfield, Oc
tober 14, 1864. Pie received his education in the
common schools and in Bryant & Stratton's Busi
ness College, and when nineteen years old en
tered a wholesale grocery house in New York

WALLACE H. CORNWELL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

957"

City. He began the study of his profession un
der an uncle who understood the business in all
its details, and from him he gained a thorough
knowledge of it. From the first he had a natural
taste for the study and it did not take him long
to master it.
Dr. Decker attended the American Veteri
nary College of New York, taking a regular
course, and with the thorough training he had
received with his uncle, he was enabled to finish
the course in two years, graduating with honors.
After practicing at Springfield for one year he
came to Far Rockaway and for a time had his
office in Wynn Brothers' livery stable. Later he
built a place of his own, one well adapted for his
business, and has met with unusual success. He
thoroughly understands his occupation, and is
well qualified in every particular. A genial,
pleasant man, he is very popular and has a host
of warm friends. November 20, 1895, he mar
ried Miss Helen R. Goodman of South Orange,
N. J. _
Politically Dr. Decker believes in the princi
ples of protection, but will not be bound by any
party, and may be considered independent.
However, he uses care in exercising his right of
suffrage and insists on good men. Fraternally he
is a Mason, belonging to Olympia Lodge, and is
also a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen.

WALLACE H. CORNWELL. Among
the native-born citizens of Queens
County who have accumulated a com
petence in the oyster business and as a farmer,
prominent mention belongs to Air. Cornwell, who
has followed these lines of work for many years.
He was born in Baldwin, in the year 1854, and is
the son of Charles B. and Sarah E. (Carman)
Cornwell. The father was also a native of Bald
win and the mother's birth occurred in Canada.
The father of our subject was for many years
actively engaged in farming in this community,
making a specialty of market gardening, in the
early days conveying the products to market.
Later he became interested in the oyster business
here, and for ten years met with success in this
calling. For several years prior to his decease he
spent his summers in retirement from work of any
kind in a pleasant home and enjoyed many com
forts, which had been secured by his intelligent
labors in the past. He was a true Christian gen

tleman and thoroughly devoted to the. Alethodist
Church, with which he had been connected for
many years. He died very suddenly in 1895 of
heart disease. Plis estimable wife is still living
and is in the enjoyment of excellent health, al
though advanced in years.
The subject of this sketch first attended the
schools taught in his district and sometime in his
teens was sent as a pupil to the Freeport
Academy, where he conducted his studies for
several years. On completing his education he
turned his attention to farming and has ever since
been interested in the growing of potatoes, lima
beans, cabbage, etc, for which products he finds
a ready market in New York and Brooklyn. His
farm is one hundred and fifty acres in extent, and
is one of the largest in Queens County. It is
cultivated in an intelligent and profitable manner
and is the source of a handsome income to its
owner. His home is one of the finest farm resi
dences in the county, situated on rising ground
and surrounded by lawns, gardens and an
orchard. Near by is a pleasant lake, which Air.
Cornwell has recently constructed at considerable
expense. Taken as a whole, the place forms an
ideal country home.
For the past eight or ten years Air. Cornwell
has given considerable attention to the oyster busi
ness, giving employment during the busy season
to some twenty or twenty-five men. There are
very few men in the county more familiar with
this business than Mr. Cornwell. Not a single de
tail connected with the work ever escapes his at
tention, and there is nothing pertaining to it that
he has not thoroughly mastered. Such has been
his devotion to his various interests that he has
accumulated a handsome competence and is very
justly regarded as one of the substantial men of
the county.
Mr. Cornwell was married in 1876 to Miss
Isabel Raynor, the daughter of John C. Raynor,
whose family is one of the oldest and most promi
nent in the vicinity of Freeport. Of the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell three children survive,
Nettie M, Arthur B. and James T. Both our
subject and his estimable wife are worthy mem
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in wdiich
he is steward, trustee and treasurer. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Odd Fellows, and in politics
gives his support to the Republican party, in
whose purity and teachings he has an abiding
faith. While an active worker in the ranks of his
party he has never desired or sought political

958

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

preferment, although he would doubtless have
made an excellent official. He is treasurer of
School District No. 10 and enjoys the respect and
esteem of all with whom he has become ac
quainted. Mr. Cornwell is director in tne hree-
port Bank, of which he was one of the organizers
and is also director of the Freeport Land
Company. FOSTER L. OAKLEY, dealer in carriages
wagons and agricultural implements of all
kinds, and manufacturer of cart special
ties was born at West Hills, near Huntington, L.
I. December 15, 1862, to Charles and Lydia A
(Ludlum) Oakley. His grandfather, Israel Oak
ley was bom in the town of Huntington, where
he resided until 1879, meantime engaged in farm
ing upon a large estate which he still owns. In
that year, being disabled by rheumatism, he re
tired from active labors and moved to East Wil
liston, where he and his wife have since made
their home with their only son, Charles He was
born on New Year's Day of 181 1, and is there
fore quite advanced in years, but is still m full
possession of his mental faculties. His wife bore
the maiden name of Phoebe Bennett and was
born in Huntington, L. I.
The father of our subject was reared on the old
homestead, where he remained until twenty-four
years of age. He then, in 1864, settled at Roslyn,
where for fifteen years he leased the Samuel Ta
ber farm. In 1879 he bought the Cornell farm
near East Williston, which has since been his
home. Politically he is a Republican and in re
ligious affairs holds membership in the Metho
dist Episcopal Church. His children are named
as follows : Foster L. ; Martha J. ; Phoebe L, wife
of William H. Griffin, formerly of the firm of
Oakley & Griffin; Charles, Jr., and George I.
Educated in the public schools and Union Hall
Academy, our subject at the age of twenty-two
took a position as chief clerk with H. M. Willis,
who was engaged in the business now conducted
by Mr. Oakley. After a few months he took a
position as superintendent and manager of the
sash and blind department for John S. Loomis of
Brooklyn, with whom he remained for several
months. Returning to his old position he re
mained in that connection until 1889, when he
formed a partnership with William H. Griffin and
bought the business, the two continuing together
until January, 1896, when Mr. Griffin retired on

account of his health. He manufactures several
styles of road carts, filling special orders from
customers, and his carts are well known to the
best trade. Besides filling special orders, he sup
plies dealers in Boston, New York, Philadelphia
and elsewhere.
In political sentiments Mr. Oakley is a pro
nounced Republican. Socially he is identified
with Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F. at
Roslyn, of which he is now past grand. He is
also a member of Mineola Encampment No. 121,
of which he is a charter member and is past chief
patriarch. In July, 1892, Mr. Oakley was united in mar
riage with Miss Clara Van Orden, an educated
and refined lady, and a graduate of Cortland Nor
mal School. She was born in Cayuga County,
N. Y, and by her marriage has a daughter, Lydia
Marie. Since 1891 Mr. Oakley has been con
nected with the East Williston Hook and Lad
der Company No. 1, of which he was secretary
for a number of years, and in 1891 he was elected
the president. He is one of the young and en
ergetic business men of East Williston and holds
a high position in the regard of his associates in
business and society.

BL. CARROLL. The evolutions in the
industrial world have been marvelous in
• the past half century, and scarcely an
industry exists that has been left untouched by
the spirit of reform. This is true in regard to the
bottling business, to which B. L. Carroll has for
some time given his attention. He is a native of
Far Rockaway, and here he has always made his
home, with the exception of three years spent in
South Brooklyn and two years in Long Island
City. His father, J. L. Norton Carroll, was born
in the city of New York, and upon reaching
manhood was united in marriage with Mrs. Eliz
abeth (Jennings) Lockwood, widow of Benjamin
Lockwood, and daughter of David Jennings. The
latter was called from this life at the age of seven
ty-three years, after a well spent life; his widow,
who is still living, makes her home in Far Rock
away. Our subject was born January 9, 1847. While
growing up he received such educational ad
vantages as could be obtained near his home, but
it must be confessed they were by no means as
good as the youths of the present day enjoy, for
the nearest place of learning was two miles dis-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

959

tant from his home and thither he had to walk.
The education obtained under these adverse cir
cumstances has since been supplemented by prac
tical experience and contact with the business af
fairs of life, and he is an unusually well informed
man. He early showed a mechanical bent of
mind and his first work was done in South
Brooklyn, where he was apprenticed to learn the
trade of a machinist in steam engine works. After
three years' service he spent one year in the
Long Island Railroad shops, after which he spent
nearly two years in Lockwood's hardware store
in Long Island City. Following this he clerked
for two years in the Atlantic hotel at Far Rock
away for Benjamin C. Mott, during which time
he made many acquaintances and friends. Later
he engaged in bottling mineral water, in which
business he has met with a fair degree of success,
notwithstanding the fact that he was at one time
burned out.
Mr. Carroll was united in marriage with Miss
Johanna Dwyer of New York City, and their
union has resulted in the birth of five children:
Johanna, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Kate E. and
Grace. Mr. Carroll has always been a Democrat
and has been quite active in local politics. He has
been continuously a member of the board of ex
cise commissioners for twenty-one years, with the
exception of one year. He has been treasurer of
the board for the past nine years, and is also
treasurer of the village. In educational matters
he has taken a deep interest and has been a mem
ber of the school board. In local public affairs
he keeps thoroughly posted and can always be re
lied upon to work for the best interests of the
place, as he sees it. He is decidedly enterprising,
believes in improvement and progress, and is one
of the best known and most highly esteemed resi
dents of the town. Fraternally he is a member of
Jamaica Lodge No. 546, F. & A. M.

HON. SAMUEL V. SEARING. By his
able public services this gentleman is en
titled to conspicuous mention among the
progressive citizens of Mineola and Queens
County. He was born January 20, 1836, within
one mile of the village of Mineola, town of North
Hempstead, and is a son of Hon. John A. and
Susan E. (Valentine) Searing. His father, who
in former years was one of the most distinguished
men of this locality, was born in Searingtown,
North Hempstead, September 15, 1812, and was

reared to manhood upon the old homestead
owned by his father, Colonel Searing.
The first position to which John A. Searing
was elected was that of justice of the peace, in
which capacity he served for eighteen months.
Later he was sheriff of Queens County for one
term and then was chosen to represent his dis
trict in the legislature. In recognition of his abil
ity he was in 1856 elected to Congress, and dur
ing the term in which he held that responsible
position he devoted himself assiduously to the
interests of his constituents, whom he represent
ed with honor to himself as well as satisfaction to
them. On the close of his term as Congress
man, he retired from public life, though he still
maintained a warm interest in politics and con
tinued an ardent supporter, as he had been
through his entire life, of the principles enunci
ated by Thomas Jefferson. His last days were
spent quietly in retirement and he passed away
at his home in May, 1876. It is worthy of note
that he was born in the year of the second war
wdth Great Britain and died in the year of the
Centennial. The only survivors of the parental family are
our subject and his sister, Susan, wife of George
W. Emory, a resident of Mineola, and identified
wdth the Long Island Railroad as station agent
for many years. Our subject was educated in the
district schools and Union Hall Academy at Ja
maica. At the age of sixteen he entered the
clothing store of P. C. Barnum & Co, where he
remained for four years, and then became a
salesman in Booth & Tuttle's dry goods jobbing
house. In 1858 Mr. Searing was appointed chief clerk
in the appraiser's office in the custom house, in
which capacity he served for three years. In
1862 he accepted a position in the shipping house
of Charles L. Colby & Co, wdiere he remained
until 1866. That year he established a shipping
business on his own account to Southern ports,
but the Civil War had impoverished that country
to such an extent that it did not prove very re
munerative, and he abandoned the business after
one year. His next venture was in the insur
ance business at his native place, Alineola, where
he represented some of the leading companies
of the country; and the enterprise proving prof
itable, he has remained in it to the present. In
1890 he added a real estate business and plotted
a portion of his property near the village, which
he has sold off in plots.

960

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

One of the first public or political positions
held by Air. Searing was that of town clerk in
1867 and 1868, which he was elected to and which
he held for two terms in succession. In 1871 he
was elected and served a term of four years as
justice of the peace. In the spring of 1891 he
was appointed to fill an unexpired term as jus
tice, and was afterward duly elected, serving for
another term of four years, and in 1895 was re
elected for the third term. In 1892 he was
chosen to represent the second (now the third)
district in the legislature, receiving a majority
of over thirteen hundred votes, the largest ma
jority ever given in the district. In the prose
cution of his duties he received the commenda
tion of both Republicans and Democrats. He
succeeded in having a number of bills enacted
into laws for the benefit of his district. One of
the acts which distinguished his public service
was his opposition to the Tammany candidate
for Senator. Although a Democrat he had the
independence to oppose any measure of his party
he did not deem worthy. His office was well and
faithfully administered, and his constituents had
in him one able and anxious to serve them in
every possible way. In December, 1894, he was
appointed deputy collector of internal revenue for
the first district of New York. In every posi
tion to which he has been called, his talents have
been at the service of the people and his efforts
have been put forth to advance the welfare of
the community.
Both Air. and Airs. Searing have been mem
bers of St. George's Episcopal Church of Hemp
stead for thirty years, but since the completion of
the Cathedral of Incarnation at Garden City they
have attended services there, and for the past two
years he has acted as usher. May 6, i860, he
married Annie A. Searing, a distant relative, and
daughter of Alfred L. Searing, of Brooklyn. She-
was born in Jamaica, where her father was at
that time engaged in business. One son blesses
this union, Frank A.

GEORGE H. SMYTH. This resident of
Long Island City has been active in all
public affairs, but especially in the fire-
department, with which he has been connected
for some time and which is now recognized as
one of the best in the state. Pie is a native of
Ireland, born in Ballymoney, County Antrim,
June 19, i860. His father, James, whose place

of birth was the same as his own, was engaged
in the manufacture of shoes throughout his entire
active life. May 1, 1862, he came with his fam
ily to America and at once located in Astoria,
where he carried on a retail shoe business. He
continued in that occupation until his death,
which occurred July 29, 1885. Socially he was
identified with Astoria Lodge No. 155, I. O. O.
F, in which he had passed all the chairs and
which he represented in the Grand Lodge.
By his marriage to Annie Blair, a native of
County Antrim, who died in 1873, James Smyth
became the father of six children, of whom five
attained years of maturity. Hugh Alexander,
who is a teamster in Long Island City, was for
five years a member of the old Truck No. 1, be
ing its assistant foreman; Jennie B. is head sales
woman in the shoe department of Wanamaker's
store in Philadelphia; George H. is the subject of
this article; James is connected with a publish
ing house in Philadelphia; John died in boyhood;
and Robert is a teamster in Long Island City.
Plaving completed the course in the Fourth
Ward school of Astoria, our subject at the age
of thirteen began to clerk for Rapelye & Wright,
with wdiom he remained for eighteen months. He
was afterward clerk for Alderman John Alackie
for twelve years, and then embarked in business
for himself as a member of the firm of Smyth
& Hollingsworth, located on the corner of Ful
ton and Alain Streets. Two years later the part
nership was dissolved, and he entered the em
ploy of his brother, who was a partner in the
hardware firm of Smyth & Hannigan. One year
was spent there, then a similar period in Aloore's
bakery, Astoria, after which he was in Kcden-
burg's bakery for fifteen months.
June 7, 1893, ^r- Smyth was appointed as
sistant sanitary inspector, which position he held
for three months. February 28, 1894, he was ap
pointed fireman on the paid fire department, and
assigned to duty as driver of the truck in the
first ward house. One month later he was
transferred and made driver of the truck in the
fourth ward house. In June, 1894, he became
foreman of this truck, which on the 8th of De
cember following was transferred to No. 5 house,
and is now designated Truck No. 5. Of this he
was made foreman December 8, 1894, being the
first to occupy this jDOsition.
The marriage of Mr. Smyth took place in As
toria, November 14, 1880, and united him with
Miss Wilhelmina Burkart, who was born in New

JOHN H. CORNWALL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

963"

York City. Her father, who was a soldier of the
Civil War, was killed in a railroad accident in
Long Island City many years ago, leaving her
an orphan when very young. Four children
complete the family circle, namely: Minnie Jean-
nette, George Francis, Florence Washington and
Walter Alexander.
For five years Mr. Smyth was connected with
Mohawk Hose Company No. 1, and a year after
his retirement from that company joined the old
Truck No. 1, of which he was assistant foreman
when it was disbanded five years later. Socially
he is identified as a charter member with Long-
Island City Council No. 17, O. A. F, and has
passed all the chairs in Astoria Lodge No. 155,
I. O. O. F. In religious belief he is a Presby
terian. Politically he gives his allegiance to Re
publican principles, but is not radical in his
opinions, conceding to others the freedom of be
lief which he claims for himself.

JOHN HEWLETT CORNWALL, a mem
ber of one of the oldest families of I»ong
Island, makes his home at Cornwallton, on
the north shore of Manhasset Bay, where he was
bcrn December 10, i860. He is descended from
Thomas Cornell, born about 1595, emigrated
from Essex, England, to Boston, Mass, about
1636, bringing with him his wife, Rebecca Briggs,
and several children. He settled on a neck of
land fronting about two miles on Long Island
Sound, from the Bronx River to Westchester
Creek, known as Cornell's Neck, for which the
patent was granted by Gov. William Keift July
26, 1646. Four years prior to this he had settled
in what is now Westchester County, taking up
his residence among the Dutch of New Amster
dam after having spent six years in Massachu
setts and Rhode Island. March 16, 1641, he was
m. de a freeman of the town of Boston, and soon
afterward became constable, an office of greater
dignity then than now, the constable being mag
istrate and chief officer of the town. He and
another pioneer made the first improvements at
tempted by white settlers in what is now the
town of Westchester or Pelham, the first settle
ment after those of Bronck in 1638.
The marriage record of the Dutch Church of
New Amsterdam, the only church in the city in
1643, contains eight entries, the sixth of which,
39

translated into English, reads that "On the 1st
of September, 1643, were married Thomas Wil-
lett, previously unmarried, of Bristol, England.
and Sarah Cornell, not before married, of Essex,
England." This Sarah Cornell was the eldest
daughter of Thomas Cornell. His other children
were Thomas; Richard, of Rockaway; William;
Samuel; John, of Cow Neck; Joshua; Ann; Re
becca; Elizabeth and Mary. He died in Ports
mouth, R. I, in 1655. Of his children, the fol
lowing is noted : Thomas resided in Portsmouth,
R. I.; Richard maintained an honorable position
in Rockaway, L. I, for many years; was in Flush
ing- before 1655; was deputy to the convention of
1655; served as justice of the peace in Flushing
as early as 1666, and had an estate at Little Neck.
In 1685 he removed to Rockaway, where he died
in 1694. Joshua settled in Dartmouth, where
his mother deeded him land in 1663; Samuel
was also deeded land in Dartmouth by his mother
in 1669; John settled first in Dartmouth, but to
escape the dangers of King Philip's War he re
moved to Cow Neck, L. I, where Governor An-
dros granted him land, in 1676, near the bottom
of Cow Neck, adjoining Cow Bay (now Port
Washington), where some of his descendants still
reside on the ancestral acres; William, also of
Dartmouth, came to Cow Neck with his brother
John, and later settled at Rockaway; Sarah, after
the death of her first husband, Thomas Willett,
in 1645, was married in 1647 *° Charles Bridges;
her children and grandchildren occupied her
father's estate at Cornell's Neck, Westchester
County, for more than one hundred years; Re
becca was married to George Woolsey in 1647,
at New Amsterdam; Ann married Thomas Kent
and her mother deeded them ten acres of land in
1659; Elizabeth married, in 1661, Christopher
Almy, son of William Almy, the founder of the
numerous family of that name in Rhode Island.
John Cornwall, who was born about 1637 in
Rhode Island, married Mary Russell, whose birth
occurred in 1645, and their children were: Rich
ard, of Soarsdale, who married Hannah Thorne;
Joshua, who married Sarah, sister of Hannah
Thorne; Mary, born in 1679, wife of James
Sands; John, born in 1681, married to Mary Star;
Caleb, born in 1683, married Elizabeth Hag-
ner; and Rebecca, who was married to a Mr.
Star. Early in the autumn of 1676 John Corn
wall, with his wife, Mary Russell, and five small
children, being driven from Plymouth, R. I, by

964

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Indians, came to Hempstead under protection
of Governor Andros, from whom he obtained
grants for one hundred acres of land on the west-
side of Cow Neck. Here he proceeded to build.
The people of Hempstead, becoming indignant
at the supposed intrusion, held a meeting and
voted that all holders of rights, of Cow Neck,
should pull down the buildings of John Cornwall,
which they proceeded to do. He secured a war-
ran l to bring the "rioters" with civil and military
force before the governor. At a special court of
assize the indictment was read, the jury called,
and the prisoners tried and found guilty and fined
various sums. It was the judgment of the court
that Mr. Cornwall had liberty to settle at Cow-
Neck again, and if the land should appear to be
long to the Hempstead men, they were to be paid
for it as much as they could prove it to be worth.
Later, in the year 1676, Hempstead was cited be
fore the governor to show a particular survey of
all their purchases from the Indians, and it was
proved that the lands were not theirs and that
John Cornwall had as much right to settle there
as they, the land being owned by the Indians and
part of Tackapousha's country. Although that
question was settled Mr. Cornwall did not have
peace, for the Indians, the rightful owners of the
land, were from 1676 to 1684 continually com
mitting various depredations, burning his house
and barns, stealing and killing cattle, etc. Rec
ognizing no rights but those of the colony, he
protected his home as long as possible, but being
surrounded by a portion of these tribes, was at
last forced to acknowledge the Indians' rightful
ownership and make settlements. They sold the
land to him for a barrel of whiskey, which they
soon consumed. When they recovered from the
effects of their over-indulgence and realized what
they had done, they demanded the land again.
The great sachem, Tackapousha, then placed
their claim so forcibly before the governor that
the property was sold in a business transaction
to John and Richard Cornwall.
The following is a partial copy of the deed,
dated 1684: "Tackapousha, sachem of Cow-
Neck; Jonas, Sanceke, Saummaunk, Cungama-
kena, owners of tracts of lands on the east side of
Cow Neck; the first bound beginning at the east
side of the neck at a white oak tree, etc, to Richard
and John Cornwall, Thomas Willet, Thomas
Flicks, Elias Doughty, for a consideration of a
valuable sum, already in hand, received to our

full conformance, whereof we, ye above named
Indians, have set our hand and affixed our seals.
Tackapousha, Opson, son of Tackapousha,
Jonas, Saummaunk, Cungamakena.
Signed and witnessed by the Indians,
Werak, Skungie."
The Indians reserved a life right on the land
extending from Cornwall's farm, on the shores of
Cow Bay, around the point known as Sand's
Point to Hempstead Bay, and on this small tract
the remnants of the once powerful tribes lived
out their days.
September 13, 1686, John Cornwall obtained
one other patent from Governor Donagan for one
hundred acres more, adjoining on the north of
his first grant extending to the sound. On the
first tract he gave a piece of ground for a family
burial place, and there he and his wife and many
of their descendants were interred. With his
sons, Richard and Joshua, in 1702 he purchased
of Tom Willets, for six hundred pounds, the
farm that John, William and Caleb lived on and
where they had shipyards. A contract for the
ship "Snow," to be built by John Cornwall for
John Pintard, signed and sealed in the presence
of Louis Pintard and John Matthew Hutchins,
is still in the possession of his descendant, John
H. Cornwall, as are also many old deeds and
papers of his ancestors.
Caleb Cornwall, son of John Cornwall, was
married October 31, 1705, to Elizabeth Hagner,
and had ten children : Richardson, born July 16,
1706, died June 10, 1732; Caleb, bom March 28,
1709, died December 16, 1784; Elizabeth, born
September 27, 1711, died May 10, 1793; Mary,
born June 19, 1714, died December 23, 1780;
John, born October 26, 1716, died January 8,
1790; Susannah, who died young; Richard, born
May 10, 1720, died in 1772; William, born in
1723, died November 5, 1797; Joshua, born May
. 10, 1726, died June 20, 1800; and Margaret, bom
February 28, 1728, died December 16, 1808.
John, son of Caleb, first married Martha Hew
lett, and after her death was united with her sis
ter, Phebe Hewlett, by whom he had two sons,
Charles, who died young; and Hewlett, born Jan
uary 1, 1751, died June 3, 1828. The last named

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

965"

succeeded to the property and was the first man
in this part of the country to lift the bond of servi
tude from the descendants of the Indians, who by
intermarryingwiththe negroes had eventually be
come slaves. He was a fine mathematician, hav
ing a method of his own to solve the most intri
cate problems, many of which were brought him
by business men. He never sought the honors of
public life and never held an office, except such
as his native town called upon him to fill. He
and the other descendants of the Cornwall family-
have always been conservative Democrats of the
old school. His wife, Elizabeth Willis, was born
in 1759, and died May 22, 1844, having had six
children: John, born September 22, 1783, died
February 6, 1873; Margaret, born December 16,
1785, died March 27, 1865; Martha, born Octo
ber 16, 1788; Charles, born January 1, 1791, died
April 7, 1814; Walter J, born April 27, 1795, died
March 3, 1865; and Phebe, born February 18,
1799, died December 2, 1867.
John, son of Hewlett, married March 18, 1812,
Miss Mariam W. Tredwell, who was born No
vember 5, 1792, and died September 26, 1868.
Of their union two children were born, namely:
John Hewlett, born March 30, 1816, married to
Susan Reynolds November 20, 1844, and died
December 27, 1887; and Mary T, born January
26, 1820, and married to J. L. Hewlett January
20, 1836. From 1835 to 1844 John Hewlett Corn
wall was paymaster and captain of the Twenty-
second Brigade and First Division of the New
York Militia. By his marriage to Susan Rey
nolds, who was born May 1, 1828, and died April
4, 1892, he had three children: Mariam W, born
September 17, 1845, married to R. B. Parker, and
died September 16, 1887; Mary M, who was born
May 26, 1853, and who married H. R. Searing;
and John Hewlett, the subject of this sketch.
The first fifteen years of our subject's life were
passed in the home neighborhood, after which
he was a student in the Weston Military Institute
of Fairfield County, Conn, for two years. Hav
ing a natural taste for boat building, on his return
from school he turned his attention to this busi
ness. "Happy Thought" was the fir.st boat he
completed, and with it he won seven races. He
then built the "Phyllis" that has won nineteen
races, never having been beaten, and is now run
ning on Lake La Belle in Wisconsin. He also
built "Expert," now sailing the waters of Lake
Geneva, Wis. The "Tattler," now owned by O
W. Norton, also plies the waters of Lake Geneva,

and has a splendid record, and "Precept," owned
by J. Hodgkins, is on the same lake. "Possum,"
owned by Kellogg Fairbanks, was victorious in
the race with the famous Bridgeport "Rival," and
was the only boat that ever succeeded in winning
the race from that noted vessel. It was planned
by our subject in a dream, and the following
morning he arose and whittled out a model from
which it was constructed. Among the other
boats that he planned and built are the "Puck-
shee," "Tippecanoe," "Gretchen," "Josephine,"
"Tyra," "Vanadis," "Corsair" and many others.
His father, who was a farmer by occupation, ran
a packet boat to and from New York, and as there
were great quantities of sand on his place, he
shipped this article to the city, digging from
about fourteen acres. His later days, however,
were spent in retirement on his estate.
Mr. Cornwall's wife was formerly Miss Mary
E, daughter of William and Mary E. (Burr)
Howatt, of Coldspring, L. I, where she was
born July 7, 1867. She is the mother of five chil
dren, namely: John Willard, born July 27, 1884;
Selemna, born April 16, 1886, died July 2, 1886;
Audrey, born May 16, 1887; Hewlett, September
28, 1889; and William Howatt, born October 3,
1894, and died October 9 of the same year. Po
litically Mr. Cornwall is a Democrat, and in re
ligious matters is connected with the Episcopal
Church. Socially he is a member of the Indian
Harbor Yacht Club. The land which he occupies
is thirty acres in extent, while the remaining tract
of two hundred is still included in the estate.

IVY

ICHAEL J. CARTER. Though a na
tive of Ireland, the subject of this sketch
has spent his life principally in the United
States and is in every respect a loyal citizen. His
patriotic spirit is abundantly attested by his serv
ice in defense of the Union during the Rebellion,
as well as by his support of American institutions
at all times. He makes his home in Jamaica,
where he owns considerable property and is well
known among his fellow-citizens.
Born May 15, 1843, Mr. Carter was brought to
America at the age of two years, his parents set
tling in New York City, where his father died a
year later; his mother attained the advanced age
of eighty-two. There were four sons and one
daughter in the family, of whom Robert is an
electrician in Brooklyn, and Jane is the widow
of Charles Morgan, and lives in New York City.

966

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John and Martin are deceased. While our sub
ject was residing in New York City, the great
Civil War broke out. April 22, 1861, while still
a lad in his teens, he responded to the first call
for volunteers and was enrolled in Company F,
Fourth New York Infantry (the First Scott Life
Guard). Among the battles in which he par
ticipated were those at Fredericksburg, Antie
tam and Chancellorsville.
After the war, Mr. Carter became connected
with the construction of telegraph lines from
New York to Boston, New York to Philadel
phia and New York to Hartford, for the Inde
pendent Telegraph Company, the Franklin Tele
graph Company; also the Bankers' and Brok
ers' Telegraph Company, with which he was con
nected until it was absorbed by the Western
Union Telegraph Company. He put up the first
stock indicator (now called "ticker") in the city
of New York and the first telegraph cable on
poles, the latter being from the corner of Pearl
and Elm Streets to the corner of Nassau and
Cedar Streets. He also had charge of the con
struction of the fire alarm lines in New York, and
put up the first telephone on Long Island, this
being during the period of his fifteen years' serv
ice with the Western Union Telegraph Company,
his headquarters being at Jamaica. In 1889 he
entered the employ of the United States govern
ment as lineman, in charge of the Long Island
lines to connect the various life-saving stations,
which position he has since filled.
Since coming to Jamaica, Mr. Carter has taken
an active interest in local affairs. In 1884 he
was elected village trustee, in which capacity he
served six years altogether. While a member
of the board he was influential in promoting the
welfare of the village. Always frank and out
spoken in the declaration of his opinions, always
fighting the enemy face to face, and never behind
his back, these qualities brought him the admira
tion of some who had opposed his election. In
the spring of 1895 he was again elected to the
board, but it was discovered that, being an em
ploye of the government, he was not eligible to
the office, therefore he resigned, much to the re
gret of his many friends. It is a rather peculiar
fact that he was first elected on the Democratic
ticket, next on the Republican ticket, and the
last two times on the Citizens' ticket, being him
self independent in national as well as local
politics. At the presidential election of 1892
he cast his ballot for Benjamin Harrison, and has

always made it his aim to support those men and
measures best calculated to promote the welfare
of the people
Mr. Carter is a member of the Monumental
Association of this city and one of the committee
of twelve selected by the subscribers of the monu
mental fund for the erection of the Soldiers'
and Sailors' monument to be erected in the
village. In 1874 he married Miss Philomene Ellis, a
native of Quebec, Canada. In religious belief
he is a Catholic, and socially takes an interest in
the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to
the post at Jamaica.

S

AMUEL J. HORTON, one of the most re
liable business men of the village of Far
Rockaway, is an extensive wholesale and
retail dealer in feed, hay, grain, coal and wood
in this community and is also engaged in deal
ing in brick and mason's materials, horses, car
riages and harness. His home has been at this
point for many years, and he has witnessed its
growth and improvement, taking an active part
in the latter. Air. Horton was born at Valley
Stream, Queens County, in 1843, a son of
David and Laura (Pearsall) Horton, both of
whom were born on Long Island. They made
their home at Pearsalls, where the father died
at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother
wdien seventy years of age. Their union re
sulted in the birth of eight children, as follows:
Rebecca, of Lynbrook; Mary, wife of Alexander
Davidson of Rockville Center; Louisa, deceased;
Samuel J.; David B, of Valley Stream; Ben
jamin F, of Penhurst; Julia, wife of Abram Fir
man of Pearsalls; and William, keeper of the Bar-
num Island Queens County Almshouse.
The early days of Samuel J. Horton were
spent in farm labor and in acquiring such edu
cation as could be obtained near his home at that
time. These advantages, however, were quite
limited and the most of his education has been
acquired through self-application, observation
and contact with the business world. When about
twenty-five years old he embarked in the grocery
business at Hewlett, which calling he continued
to follow for about five years, then came to his
present location and established himself in busi
ness. He commenced in a small and modest
way, but through good management and busi
ness foresight he has accumulated means and

WATKIN W. JONES.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

969

won an enviable reputation in commercial cir
cles, which he fully deserves. His life has by
no means been one continuous round of suc
cesses, on the contrary his experience has been
much like that of thousands of others, and he
has seen both ups and downs, but he has ever
carried himself in a strictly upright manner and
has truly verified the old adage that "honesty is
the best policy."
Mr. Horton was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Lavina Fowler of Norwood, by whom
he has three children: Lula, wife of Charles
Smith of Lawrence; Viola and Gilbert. Mr. Hor
ton has always supported the men and measures
of the Democratic party and socially belongs to
Jamaica Lodge No. 546, F. & A. M. His wife
is a worthy member of the Alethodist Episcopal
Church.

WATKIN W. JONES. This gentleman
needs no formal introduction to the
people of Queens County, as he is well
known to a large proportion of them through bus
iness and social relations, which have extended
over a long period of years. In Far Rockaway
especially, where he has made his home since
1883, engaged mainly in the real estate and in
surance business, he has been constantly and ac
tively identified with enterprises looking to the
welfare of the people through the development
of the village and neighborhood, the latter includ
ing, of course, the famous and time-honored
Rockaway Beach. To this work he has broughf
ability that has forced recognition even from
those who have sought to throw obstacles in his
way,*and a strength of character and firmness of
purpose which have won the confidence of those
with whom he has had business dealings.
Mr. Jones is of Welsh extraction, and his
parents were David and Elizabeth (Hilliard)
Jones. The former was for a brief period a resi
dent of New York, and subsequently, until his
death, a Brooklynite. He was for some time a
member of the Brooklyn police force and to some
extent was interested in municipal affairs. He
died at the age of sixty-two, and his wife at the
age of seventy-six. Eight children were born to
them, of whom four are now living. Watkin W.
was born in Brooklyn on the 10th of August,
1844, and received his boyhood education in th".
public schools. On leaving school he spent a
vear in the printing business, and subsequently

learned the trade of showcase maker under John
FI. Fraser in New York City, where he remained
until May 28, 1862.
Meantime the war of the Rebellion had broken
out, and Mr. Jones became imbued with the mili
tary spirit. In 1861 he organized a company of
young men known as the "Brooklyn Spahis," for
which he managed to secure uniforms and equip
ment, and which was well drilled preparatory to
active service in the field. Though ambitious to
lead the company to the front he concluded that
he might be too youthful to assume such a re
sponsibility, and he persuaded a Mr. Walsn to ac
cept the captaincy and Thomas E. Pearsall to be
first lieutenant, Mr. Jones consenting to be sec
ond lieutenant. The company was to be assigned
to the Twenty-third Regiment of Brooklyn,
which was then being organized, but circum
stances prevented that regiment from going to
the front, and consequently the company, as such,
did not enter the service. This, however, did not
change Mr. Jones' determination to enter the
service of his country. On the 28th of May, 1862,
the "old Thirteenth" of Brooklyn, under com
mand of Col. Robert B. Clark, went to the front.
Mr. Jones learned that Capt. William W. Meade,
commander of Company A of that regiment, was
still in the city and would join the regiment in the
field in a few days, and he obtained the captain's
consent to take him along. He enlisted and
donned the uniform, and a week later they over
took the regiment in the field at Suffolk, Va,
where Mr. Jones was duly enrolled as a member
of Company A, Thirteenth Regiment New York
Infantry. Although he did not participate in any
of the great battles of the war, he saw a good deal
of hard service in eastern Virginia in 1862, and in
the Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign in
1863, at the time when the Union and Confeder
ate armies met and the historic battle of Gettys
burg was fought. He also did duty in the city
during the draft riots. After the war he continued
his membership in the Thirteenth Regiment, serv
ing in all a little over twenty-six years, and he
holds a medal for a continuous service of twenty-
five years. He was besides the "crack shot" of the
Thirteenth Regiment, and in 1876 was the first
winner of the trophy put up for competition by
Inspector-General Briggs, commonly known as
the Briggs medal. He also wears the veteran
marksman medal, presented by the state of New
York. Mr. Jones commenced in the insurance business

97o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in New York, operating under William H. Ross,
general agent, at the branch office of the Liver
pool and London and Globe Insurance Company
at No. 704 Broadway, New York. Mr. Ross sub
sequently became secretary, and afterward mana
ger of the Queen Insurance Company, and Mr.
Jones also became interested in that company,
holding all the places of trust in its employ during
a connection of seventeen years. He had mean
time established his home in Jamaica, and there
he afterward commenced the insurance business
for himself. After the lapse of a year, desiring to
add the real estate feature, he decided to go to
Far Rockaway, where he opened an office in
January, 1883. From that time dates his en
deavor to secure improvements in the village and
neighborhood which he at once saw were impera
tively needed if the place was to hold its own in
the struggle for supremacy among the Atlantic
coast watering places. Probably no man in simi
lar circumstances ever encountered more strenu
ous opposition, but he never became discouraged
or for one moment ceased his efforts. The town
of Hempstead was populous and rich, but it
doubtless had one of the worst systems of roads
to be found in any town in the state. Now it has
one of the best systems of macadamized roads to
be found anywhere. Through his personal efforts
Mr. Jones secured the passage of a bill through
the Legislature for the construction of a highway
on Rockaway Beach, and, though it was lost by
the veto of the governor, the movement has since
proved most beneficial.
Realizing the advantage of a newspaper de
voted to his real estate business, Mr. Jones es
tablished the "Real Estate Bulletin." Its effect
was so good that he soon saw the field opened for
a paper of more extended purpose, and he
founded the "Rockaway Journal." This he
edited and controlled for ten years and finally or
ganized the corporation that now controls it.
He worked hard to secure a system of water
wcrks and a fire department. The files of the
"Journal" reveal his plans for improvements, with
discussion pro and con. To show the fierceness
of the opposition against some of his plans for
the public good, it may be stated that he has been
both hung and shot in effigy, but he has never
been molested in person.
As school trustee Mr. Jones has wielded an im
portant influence in educational matters, and has
been instrumental in securing needed reforms.
Pie is also a member of the board of village trus

tees, to which office he was elected in 1895. He
was mainly instrumental in the formation of the
board of sewer commissioners, and was president
of the board for five years, but resigned for per
sonal reasons when there seemed to be a reason
able probability that an acceptable system of sew
erage would be established. His fire insurance
business is the largest on Long Island outside of
Brooklyn, and his real estate business has always
been considerable. His enterprises have been
markedly successful; in many instances he has
handled the property of others in such manner
as to make thousands of dollars for them when
they probably would not have been measurably
successful. Socially Mr. Jones is connected with the
Masonic fraternity, the Legion of Honor, and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. In July,
1867, he was married to Miss Harriet E. Joyce,
of Brooklyn. They became the parents of six
daughters, namely: Mrs. John T. Forrest, Mrs.
Lewis B. Sharp, Sarah L, Annie V, Mary H. and
Elsie R, the latter deceased. Mrs. Harriet E.
Jones died May 22, 1879. In October, 1885, Mr.
Jones was married to Miss Carrie C. T. Richard
son, a native of Mt. Desert, Me. He and his
family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

CHAUNCEY BEDELL, vice-president of
the First National Bank of Hempstead,
was born November 7, 1833, on a farm
south of this village, in the town of Hempstead.
The family of which he is a member ranks among
the oldest in the town of Hempstead, the first of
the name to settle here being Daniel Bedell, who
came hither in 1665. Since that time the family
have taken an active part in affairs of the town
and have been known as honorable, enterpris
ing men, largely mariners by occupation.
Gen. Daniel Bedell, our subject's grandfather,
was a soldier in the War of 1812, where he gained
the title by which he was known. The parents
of our subject were Elisha and Lydia (Bedell)
Bedell, the latter being a daughter of Stephen Be
dell of Freeport. The father, who was born Feb
ruary 16, 1803, was a seafaring man and for
some years was captain of a coasting vessel. He
died December 2, 1885, having long survived his
wife, who passed away May 20, 1854.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of nine children, but only four are now
living. The others besides himself are Gilson,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

971

a seafaring man who lives in Brooklyn; John,
a bookkeeper in Brooklyn; and Eugene F, who
is with the Edison Electric Light and Power
Company of New York. Educated in the schools
of Hempstead, our subject added to the informa
tion gained in text books by thoughtful reading
and by close observation. At an early age he
became interested in the insurance business in
New York, where he carried on the work con
nected with his office, although his home was in
Brooklyn for twenty-four years. In 1875 he
purchased his present home in Hempstead, and
here he has since resided. When the First Na
tional Bank was organized, he was made its vice-
president, and has since held that position, Au
gust Belmont being president of the institution.
The influence of his name, standing as it does for
substantial worth and sound financial dealings,
has added prestige to the bank, which ranks
among the important moneyed concerns of the
county. The first wife of Mr. Bedell was Phebe Cortel-
you of Brooklyn, a descendant of Dutch fore
fathers, who were represented among the first
settlers of New Utrecht, N. Y, one of them be
ing surveyor-general of New York from 1657 to
1671. This lady died June 7, 1865, leaving one
child, Susan C, wife of J. S'. Allen, one of the at
torneys for the Erie Railroad, with office in New
York and residence in Garden City. In 1874 Mr.
Bedell married Emma J. Howell, who was born
in Trenton, N. J. Her father, Charles, was a
prominent business man of that city, and her
grandfather, John Howell, was a physician of
note there for many years. She has a brother,
John, who is retired from active business and
makes his home in Virginia. In religious belief
she is identified with the Presbyterian Church,
and, having no children, she gives much of her
time to aiding benevolent and religious projects,
originated for the betterment of the people.
With most successful business men their own
affairs engross them so entirely that they have
little time and less inclination for public affairs.
The duties of citizenship they neglect for per
sonal matters. It is to the credit of Mr. Bedell
that in the midst of the gravest business respon
sibilities he has always shown an intelligent in
terest in public affairs and has sought to perform
his duties as a citizen. He has always been in
terested in political affairs, but it has been the in
terest of a citizen, not that of an office-seeker or
an officeholder. In the Democratic party he finds

embodied the principles most nearly in accord
with his own opinions, and he therefore gives his
support to its men and measures, believing that
if carried out in their entirety they would prove
the foe of gigantic monopolies and the friend of
the workingman.

THOMAS SKEUSE. Ice has come to be
regarded not only as a luxury, but al
most a necessity during the long and sul
try summer months, and naturally he receives
the most liberal patronage who deals in the pure
article and has been tried and not found want
ing. The gentleman whose name heads this
sketch, makes a specialty of hygienic ice and
supplies his patrons promptly and at reasonable
rates. He was born in Ireland in 1846 to Thomas
and Mary Skeuse, also natives of the Isle of
Erin, the former of whom was a soldier in the
British army, as were also other members of his
family. In 1846 the family immigrated to Amer
ica and located in Flushing, where the father se
cured employment as a landscape gardener,
which he had learned in his native land, but later
he began devoting his attention to the milk busi
ness, then retired and finally passed from life at
College Point at the age of fifty-four years. His
widow reached the age of seventy-two years. The
seven children born to them reached mature
years, but only three are living at the present
time. William was a soldier during the war and
was killed in battle. Richard was a contractor
and died in 1879.
Thomas Skeuse has been a resident of the
United States since he was nine months old, and
with the exception of five years spent in Connecti
cut in childhood, has lived in Flushing, in the
schools of which place he received a practical
education. He began working when very small
and was obliged to stand on a box to wash India
rubber combs at College Point, at which time
there were but seventeen houses in the place.
The remuneration which he received for this
work was $4 per month and board, but ere long
he was compelled to give it up on account of sick
ness, after which for five years he assisted his •
father and brothers in farming and gardening,
and in selling milk, continuing this occupation
until his marriage March 3, 1865. He then en
gaged in general contracting in Flushing and al
though he met with some reverses he contin
ued to persevere and his efforts were eventually

972

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1879 he became a

crowned with success.
wholesale dealer in ice and has followed this
calling up to the present time with marked suc
cess. Aluch of his product comes from Maine
in barges, but since 1895 he has done a retail
business in hygienic ice, and four delivery
wagons are kept constantly employed. While
engaged in contracting he built eleven miles of
the best macadamized road between Flushing
and Jamaica and also did some fine work on the
dykes and put up a number of beautiful resi
dences. Air. Skeuse was married in College Point to
Miss Mary Vaughn, a native of Ireland, and then-
children are as follows: Jane (Mrs. Hanson of
College Point); William, who is associated in
business with his father and is an Odd Fellow and
Red Man; Eliza; Richard, also with his father;
Mary, Thomas, George, Maude and Harrison.
Mr. Skeuse is a Royal Arch Mason, was the
original commander of the Odd Fellows' lodge at
Hollis, L. I, belongs to the United Workmen,
the Foresters and the Daughters of Rebecca.
He and his family are attendants of the Episcopal
Church and politically he has always been a Re
publican and a member of various committees.

WILLIAAI BURGHOFF, who has been
engaged in the building and contract
ing business at College Point since
1871, is a German by birth, though since man
hood he has been a resident of the United States.
He was born in Olsberg, Westphalia, on Christ
mas Day of 1842, being a son of Peter and Eliz
abeth (Neder) Burghoff, natives of the same
province as himself. His father, who spent his
entire life in his native land, served for a time
in the German army.
Of the parental family Of six children, Wil
liam was next to the oldest and is the only one in
America. He was reared and educated in Ols
berg, and at the. age of seventeen was apprenticed
to the carpenter's and joiner's trade, at which he
served until he had gained a thorough knowledge
of the business. In 1867 he took passage on a
steamer at Hamburg, which anchored in the
harbor of New York after an uneventful voyage.
Immediately after landing, he secured work at
his trade in Melrose, New York City, where he
remained until the time of his removal to Col
lege Point, in the spring of 1871.
After working at his trade for a while in this

village, Mr. Burghoff in 1874 began to take con
tracts for the erection of buildings, and in this
capacity he has since gained a noteworthy suc
cess. Among the buildings for which he had the
contract may be mentioned the Boulevard Hotel,
of which J. M. Donnelly is the proprietor. Be
sides erecting houses, he has done considerable
business in the line of house-moving, in which
work he has rendered satisfactory service ma
number of contracts. He erected the house in
which he resides and which is situated in Fifth
Avenue and Sixteenth Street. In College Point
he married Miss Catherine Wienklier, who be
came the mother of five children, two of whom
are now living, Bertha and William, Jr. Upon
the death of his first wife he married Miss Cather
ine Abeling, who was born in Germany, and they
have one child, Annie. Mr. Burghoff is a mem
ber of St. Fidelis' Catholic Church and the Catho
lic Benevolent Legion. He is a member of the
board of health of College Point and served
from 1 87 1 to 1885 in Hose Company No. 1.

J

OHN L. WYCKOFF, who is a practical
and wide-awake business man living in Ja
maica, is the head of a real estate firm in
terested in Woodhaven property. His career up
to the present time has been a most successful
and deserving one, and his prospects for the fu
ture are indeed promising.
Air. Wyckoff was born in Alonmouth County,
N. J, in 1861, and was one in a family of three
sons and one daughter born to Jacob S. and
Sarah (Forman) Wyckoff. William F, a promi
nent attorney, having offices in Brooklyn and Ja
maica, makes his home in the latter place; be is
also president of the Woodhaven Bank and is the
owner of much valuable property in Queens
County. Charles S. is pursuing his studies in
Yale College; Anne S. is a highly educated and
accomplished lady, and at the present time is
traveling in Europe with her mother.
In 1869, John L. came to Queens County with
his parents. He was given every opportunity for
acquiring- a good practical education and after
leaving school he continued to live on the farm
which his father owned and occupied until his
death, in 1884, cultivating- the same until 1890.
That year he became interested in real estate in
Woodhaven and abandoned agriculture in order
that he might give his undivided attention to
this branch of business. He is also director and

DAVID SPRINGSTEEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

975

cashier in the Woodhaven Bank, one of the re
liable institutions of the county, and does all
that he can to further the advancement of his
community in an educational and financial way.
Mr. Wyckoff and Miss Jennie H. Spader,
daughter of Stephen L. and Serena L. (Smith)
Spader, were united in marriage in 1886. Her
father, who departed this life many years ago,
was one of the prominent and leading citizens of
Queens County and for several terms filled the
responsible position of county clerk. Mr. and
Mrs. Wyckoff have two children, Jeanette and
Margery. The family occupy a beautiful home
in Clinton Avenue, Jamaica.

DAVID SPRINGSTEEN. The world is
crowded with men and women, each try
ing to gain success through the different
avenues of money-making, and day after day the
ceaseless round of duty goes on; some giving at
tention to professional callings, some buying and
selling in commercial headquarters, and others*
cultivating the soil. It is generally conceded that-
of all men the agriculturists lead the most inde
pendent life, and certainly to no class of bread
winners are we indebted for more beneficial re
sults than to the farmer.
Among those who are identified with the latter-
named class may be mentioned David Spring
steen, a life-long resident of the town of Newtown
and one of the stirring, energetic men of his local
ity. The farm upon which he now resides and
where he was born February 23, 1849, hes two
miles southeast of the village of Newtown on the
White Pot road and has been occupied by six
succeeding generations of the Springsteen family.
The first of the name to come here were Joost
Casper and Johannes Springsteen, with their
widowed mother, who arrived at New Amsterdam
in 1652 from Groningen, Holland, and in 1660
joined in the settlement of Bushwick. From
them have descended all of the name in the
country. June 10, 1663, Joost married Cathar
ine, daughter of Abraham Lothie and widow of
Peter Praa; as his second wife he married Alag-
dalena Jansen. His son Casper married Maria,
daughter of Derrick Storm, and after residing for
a time in Westchester County, came to New
town in 1700, and here died May 21, 1729. His
son -Joost Derrick settled in Kent County, on
the Delaware, and became the father of Jacobus

Springsteen, who gave the site for the White Pot
schoolhouse. Another son of Casper was David,
who served as a deacon and kirkmaster of the
Dutch Church and died October 14, 1763,
leaving among other children a son Casper.
The latter, who was born September 1, 1725, in
herited the paternal estate at Hempstead swamp
and died May 29, 1803. By his marriage to Bar
bara Bloom of the Wallabout, he had an only son,
David, who fell heir to a new house erected by
his father and there resided until his death, April
6, 1840. David married Phebe Striker, of Flat
bush, and their only son, Michael S, inherited the
old homestead and died there September 15, 1886.
David, the only son of Michael S, fell heir to the
estate upon which a new residence had been built
in 1859 by his father.
Born on the old homestead November 3, 1804,
Michael S. Springsteen grew to manhood here
and adopted as his life calling the occupation of a
faimer, which he followed until his death. A
public-spirited citizen, he aided all local move
ments and held a number of offices. In religious
faith he followed the belief of his forefathers, and
held membership in the Dutch Reformed Church
of Newtown. December 12, 1844, he married Al
letta B. Duryea, of Jamaica, L. I, who was born
September 2, 1807, and died December 11, 1873.
Unto them were born three children, of whom
David alone survives. The other son, John D,
was born August 7, 1847, and died June 14, 1857,
the daughter, Phebe H, whose birth occurred
February 2, 1846, passed from earth October 7,
1888. Assisting his father in the management of the
home farm, our subject gained a thorough knowl
edge of the occupation which he adopted as his
own upon reaching manhood. At the death of his
father the home place reverted to him, and here
he has since lived, maintaining the high class of
improvements that have characterized the farm
from the first. Interested in educational matters
and in everything that pertains to the welfare of
children, he was elected trustee of the school
board in 1887, and is still serving in that capacity.
In the Dutch Reformed Church he filled the of
fices of deacon, elder and treasurer for a number
of years. He supports the Republican party by
his vote, but is liberal in his views, believing that
in local matters it is of the utmost importance to
secure for every office men of probity, honor and
energy, whatever may be their politics. With
true public spirit and characteristic liberality, he

976

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has aided every enterprise that would in any way
advance the welfare of the community.
April II, 1888, Mr. Springsteen was united in
marriage with Miss Annie W. Monfort, daughter
of Azariah Monfort, of the city of Brooklyn.
To this marriage were born four sons and one
daughter, of whom the sons still survive, namely:
Azariah M, born January 3, 1889; David, August
6, 1890; Howard D, January 1, 1893; and George
S, June 23, 1895.

LORENZO BURDETTE SMULL, of Port
Washington, is a member of a family
honorably associated with the history of
the United States for several generations and
descended from distinguished ancestors in the
Old World. The first of the name to establish
his home in America was John Smull, who was
born in Castle De Paltz on the Rhine in Germany,
an ancient and historic building, one of many
famous structures that dotted the shores of that
picturesque river. An oil painting formerly in
the castle is now in our subject's possession and
gives indication of the prominence of the family.
On coming to this country John Smull settled
in Pennsylvania and it is thought that he was the
owner of a tannery there. His son, Thomas, who
was born in Egypt, Pa, moved thence to New
York and for some time was enaged in business
as a wholesale leather dealer, meeting with fair
success as a result of his judicious investments
and untiring energy. Among his children was
Charles Gilman, our subject's father, who was
born in Cliff Street, New York, February 13,
1838, and died March 22, 1873, at the age of
thirty-five. Reared to a knowledge of his father's
business, he selected it for his life calling, and
was known as a man of good education and
excellent business qualifications. Politically a
Democrat, he was an intimate friend of Hamilton
Fish and other well known politicians, but was
not himself an office seeker, preferring to give
his attention unreservedly to his business inter
ests. Socially he was a Mason of the thirty-
second degree, and belonged to other fraternal
organizations. The death of Charles G. Smull was caused by
an accidental, and apparently trivial, injury to
one of his fingers, which resulted in blood poison
ing and terminated fatally. In personal appear
ance he was prepossessing, being about five feet,
eight inches in height, and one hundred and

seventy-five pounds in weight, with blue eyes,
light hair and fair complexion — a man who easily
won friends and as easily retained their friendship
through the magnetism of his genial manners
and unfailing cordiality.
By his marriage to Eleanor Burdette, who was
born in Eldridge Street, New York, Charles G.
Smull had two children. Thomas, the elder, was
born in New York, November 11, i860, gradu
ated from Yale College in 1885, and is unmarried,
making his home at the family residence in Port
Washington. The subject of this sketch, who is
the younger son, was born in Twelfth Street,
New York City, January 25, 1863, and received
excellent educational advantages, being a gradu
ate of Brown University, Providence, R. I, in
the class of '85. In 1875 the family moved to
their present place, where they have a substantial
and commodious residence.
At Sea Cliff, L. I, August 14, 1887, Mr. Smull
married Miss Emma O. Davis, who was born in
Brooklyn, but at the time of her marriage was a
resident of Port Washington, this place being
still the home of her parents, William J. and
Susan C. (Osborne) Davis. Three children bless
their union, namely: Irma, who was born at the
family residence July 28, 1891 ; Nita, born Feb
ruary 14, 1893, and Lorenzo Burdette, Jr.,
October 23, 1895. In political views Mr. Smull is
a Democrat, and upon that ticket was a candidate
for the office of commission sr of highways in
1893, but was defeated. Socially he is a charter
member of Seawanhaka Lodge No. 670, I. O.
O. F, in which he is now past grand.

REV. WILLIAM THOMAS WILSON,
who was born in New York City, in the
year 1834, was a son of James L. Wilson.
His primary education was received in his na
tive city and later he entered Yale College, from
which he was graduated wdth the class of '55.
Upon leaving that institution he returned home
and about a year later entered the general theo
logical seminary of New York, where he pre
pared himself for the Episcopal ministry. After
four years spent in that school he was ordained
and entered upon his ministerial duties. For five
years following he was rector of St. Peter's
Church at Albany, N. Y, and twenty-five years
held a pastorate in New York City. His death
occurred in 1890. He possessed a fine and orig
inal mind, was a fluent, forcible and eloquent

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

977'

speaker and was one of the most prominent cler
gymen in the city.
In the year 1865 Mr. Wilson married Miss
Caroline Bleecker, daughter of William Edward
and Elizabeth (Russell) Bleecker, both of Al
bany, N. Y. Five children were the fruits of this
union, as follows: Ethel, wife of Augustus Van
Courtland of Tuxedo, N. Y. ; Ralph L, Mary H,
Caroline R. and Catherine B. Mrs. Wilson has
a lovely home in the north side of Rockville
Center and has occupied this fine residence for
the past three years. For many years of his life
Mr. Wilson was very delicate, but carried on
his ministerial duties, and his death was keenly
felt in the church and by all who were favored
with his acquaintance.

HENRY A. BOGERT. The legal profes
sion has many able representatives in
New York, men who have combined na
tive gifts of a superior order with thorough
study of the best authorities in the law, and
who, by reason of these two qualifications,
have gained a large measure of success*. In
the list of well known attorneys we place the
name of Henry A. Bogert, of Flushing, with
office in the Bennett Building, Nassau Street,
New York. A man of liberal education and
scholarly attainments, he is a concise, logical
reasoner, and always has his cases and the law
governing the points well in hand. In his profes
sional transactions he is methodical and exact.
Method is the governing principle, and he carries
that trait of character into his practice as well as
in private affairs. An illustration of this may
be seen in the fact that upon the two occasions
when, as attorney for the New York Life Insur
ance Company, his papers were carefully and
thoroughly examined, even in minute details, not
a single flaw was to be found in them, which
shows the care he exercised in every matter per
taining to his profession.
New York City is Mr. Bogert's native place,
his birth having occurred there May 9, 1827. The
family of which he is a member originated in
Holland, and its first representative in America
was John Loweson Bogert, of Harlem, concern
ing whom mention is made in the "Annals of
Harlem," by Riker. The great-grandfather, John
Bogert, was a large land owner in Harlem and a
prominent business man in the early da}rs of
New York Citv. Next in line of descent was Peter

Bogert, who, in partnership with Henry Knee-
land, some time between 1780 and 1790, founded
the wholesale commission house of Bogert &
Kneeland, in which they were succeeded by their
sons. At one time he owned all of Whitestone
Point, and his country seat comprised two hun
dred and twenty acres; he married Mary Law
rence, a member of an old Long Island family
that took a prominent part in the Revolution.
Henry K. Bogert, father of our subject, was
born in New York City, and succeeded his father
as a member of the firm of Bogert & Kneeland,
wholesale cotton commission merchants and the
oldest house in New York at that time. Success
ful in business, he was enabled to surround his
family with every comfort and give to his children
the advantages that fitted them for careers of
usefulness in business or professional circles.
In religious belief he was an Episcopalian and
served as vestryman and warden of his church.
He continued to make his home in New York
until his death at seventy-five years. His wife,
who died at the age of eighty-three, was in maiden
hood Mary E. Bogert and was born in New York
City. Her father, John G. Bogert, a prominent
attorney, was consul general to Russia, and held
the position of grand master of the Masonic
fraternity in New York state; while yet in the
prime of his manly vigor, he was called from
earth. The family was one that inclined to pro
fessional life, having tastes and ambitions in that
direction, and tracing the lineage back one more
generation we see this fact evidenced in the
career of Cornelius Bogert, a successful attorney
of New York, who died in 1832.
In the family of Henry K. Bogert there were
three sons and one daughter, all of whom are
living but Charles, who served in the Seventh
New York National Guard during the Civil War
and afterward died in New York. Of the children
Henry A. was the only one who established his
home in Queens County. He was educated in
New York, graduating from Columbia College
in 1846 with the degree of A. B, and three years
later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon
him. At once, after completing his literary educa
tion, he began the study of law and in 1848 was
admitted to the bar in New York, where he began
his practice in the central part of the city. He
has since carried on an active professional busi
ness, and it is said of him that he has examined
more titles than any other attorney in the city, he
having made a specialty of this line for years.

978

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1866 Mr. Bogert became attorney for the
New York Life Insurance Company and had
charge of all their real estate business in New
York and vicinity until 1893, a period of twenty-
seven years, when he retired at a change of ad
ministration. Assisting in the organization of
the Queens County Savings Bank in 1859, he has
since held the position of treasurer of the institu
tion and has also had entire charge of its legal
matters. Since 1854 he has made his home in
Flushing. The preceding year he was married,
in the Episcopal Church at this place, to Miss
Mary Lawrence, who was born here, being a
daughter of John and Mary (Bowne) Lawrence.
Her father, who, for many years was a successful
merchant in New York City and held the position
of president of the Seventh Ward Bank of New-
York, was one of the leading citizens of Flushing
and had many warm friends throughout Long
Island, whose friendship he gained by his able
representation of his constituency while in the
United States Congress. His father-in-law,
Walter Bowne, was a member of an old Quaker
family, and for a long time engaged in the mer
cantile business in New York City, of which
he was once the mayor.
The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bogert is situ
ated in Lawrence Avenue and is a commodious
and attractive dwelling, the centre of a refined
hospitality. They are the parents of six children,
and it is a notable fact that all of their five sons
are graduates, like their father, of Columbia Col
lege, and three are attorneys by profession.
Henry L, the eldest, has a law office in New
York City; John L. is regarded as the finest
manufacturer of machine tools in the United
States, and has already achieved noteworthy suc
cess in this business; Walter L, an attorney,
resides with his parents; Alarston T. is an in
structor in Columbia College and president of the
Y. M. C. A. of Flushing; Theo. L. is a student
in the School of Arts of Columbia College;
Fannie, the only daughter, is the wife of R. H. E.
Elliott, of this village.
Prior to his removal to Flushing in 1854, Air.
Bogert was school trustee of the seventeenth
ward for some years, and he has held a similar
position with the schools here. He is a member
of the Holland Society and vice-president for
Queens. A Congregationalist in religious belief,
he has been a Sunday-school teacher since
November 1, 1845, and at different times has had
charge of seven Sunday-schools, being superin

tendent of two at the same time. At present he
is superintendent of the Union Bible School and
teacher of two Bible classes. In 1852, when the
first Y. M. C. A. of America was organized in
New York City, he became identified with the
work, attended the meetings held in a back parlor
at Stewart's and held an official position from the
first. On coming to Flushing he assisted in the
organization of the association here and has since
been a trustee.
We have thus briefly sketched the outline of a
busy and active career. As intimated above, Mr.
Bogert comes from an ancestry that have been
noted for their prominence in the professions,
notably the law. At no time in his life has he
sought political prominence, although he has
always adhered to the policy of the Republican
party and aided in organizing the Republican
Club. Learned in law and general literature, he
is capable of sound reasoning, and in this respect
is eminently well equipped for his profession. He
is emphatically a man of the times, and helpful
to his community, filling a place few others could
fill. Possessing an analytical mind, he excels in
equity and real estate cases, though by no means
deficient in knowledge of other departments of
the law. During his long life, actively engaged
in professional and other business, he has merited
and enjoyed the reputation of an honest and
honorable man.

E^ DWARD COOPER, vice-president of the
* Plempstead Bank and the leading mer-
w chant of this village, was born in Babylon.
December 1, 1839. He is the son of Samuel and
Maria (Cornwell) Ccoper, the former of whom, a
tanner by trade, died in 1841 ; the latter, who was
a native of Hempstead, departed this life when
over sixty years of age. In the parental family
there were five children, those besides Edward
being Michael and Samuel, wdio took part in the
Civil War and are now deceased; Elbert, de
ceased, formerly for several years a partner in the
mercantile business with our subject, and Alary.
wife of Samuel Mott, of Jamaica.
Educated in the schools of Babylon and Plemp
stead, Mr. Cooper, at the age of sixteen, entered
the store of S. C. & I. Snediker, with whom he
remained for three years. Later he became a
clerk for L. D. Rushmore & Son and after three
years he and his brother, Elbert, bought the busi
ness. This was in 1861, and his brother remained

. '

RICHARD DOWNING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

981 .

in partnership with him until his death, when his
interest was purchased by Henry Powell, and the
present firm of Cooper & Powell was formed.
When Mr. Cooper first secured a clerkship, his
wages were only $40 a year, but he was
economical and saved his earnings until he had
$400. Though this amount was small, yet from
it, as a nucleus, he has built up the largest general
mercantile business in Hempstead.
Aside from his mercantile business, Mr. Cooper
has had other important interests. He was one
of the founders of the Bank of Hempstead and
has been its vice-president from the start. During
the Civil War he was a member of the Eighty-
ninth New York Regiment of militia and was an
orderly sergeant, but saw no active service. In
politics a Republican, his first presidential vote
was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has voted
for every Republican candidate since that time.
For six years he has held the office of treasurer of
the village. For three years he was vice-president
and for three years president of the Queens
County Agricultural Society, serving longer than
any other official of that organization. The
society was nearly bankrupt when he becari* its
head and its treasury was empty, but at the
expiration of his term of office, it was in good
financial condition with all bills paid and $17,000
in the treasury. Into this work he put the same
energy that has made his private business a suc
cess. He has always taken an active interest in
local affairs and has held nearly all of the local
offices. At the present lime he is chief of the
Hempstead fire department.
The first wife of Mr. Cooper was Lydia
Thomas, of Hempstead, who died, leaving a
daughter, Ida L. In 1876 he was united in mar
riage with Addie H. Plendrickson, of Hempstead,
and one child, Ethel May, blesses their union.
He owns and occupies a pleasant residence in
Washington Street. For several years he was a
trustee in the Presbyterian Church. He is num
bered among the progressive men who have con
tributed to the growth and prosperity of Hemp
stead.

RICHARD DOWNING. This prominent
resident of East Norwich has a variety of
occupations, being farmer, auctioneer, and
dealer in agricultural implements, fertilizers and
real estate. He is the son of George S. Downing,

one of the well known and highly respected resi
dents of this county, and the brother of Charles
Downing, who for fifteen years has been deputy
county clerk of Queens County. His sketch will
appear in full on another page in this volume.
When, three years of age the parents of our
subject removed to Mineola, where the father had
his office while acting sheriff of the county, and
with the exception of six years spent there he
has always made his home in East Norwich. He
attended the common schools for a time, but his
education was completed in the private academy
conducted by Lott Cornelius, at Locust Valley.
Soon thereafter he assumed the management of
the home place, being interested in general farm
ing until within the last few years, since which
time he has devoted the place to market gar
dening. In 1873 he formed a partnership with
Plalstead H. Frost, with whom he has successfully
operated since that time. They are well known
throughout this and Suffolk counties and are
called long distances from home to attend to the
selling of both real and personal property. In
1895 Mr. Downing began handling real estate, in
which line he has met with signal success. For
the past fifteen years he has acted as administra
tor and executor for various large estates in
the county, this confidence being reposed in him
not only on account of his honesty and integrity
as a gentleman, but on account of his ability as
a business man. He is the local agent for the
Glencove Mutual Insurance Company and in
this, as in everything else which he undertakes,
has been successful.
Air. Downing has done much to advance the
cause of education in his district during the ten
years in which he has been trustee. He believes
in good schools, and his untiring efforts have
been to give to his locality the best facilities pos
sible in the way of good buildings, good teachers
and interest in school matters in general. He is
very liberal in politics and gives to others the
right which he reserves for himself, to vote for
the best man regardless of party lines. In fra
ternal affairs, he is a Master Mason, belonging to
Matinecock Lodge No. 806 of Oyster Bay. He
is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum, and
when convenient meets with Arbutus Council No.
1362, of the same place. Mr. Downing is an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and for a period of twenty years has
served his congregation as trustee and steward.
He has also taken great interest in the work of

982

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Sunday-school, and during his more active
years was superintendent.
In 1873 our subject married Miss Mariana Ver
non, the daughter of John Vernon, of East Nor
wich, which was also the birthplace of Mrs.
Downing. Of the children born to them a daugh
ter and two sons are yet living: Mabel, the wife
of Harry G. Haywood, bookkeeper in the Oyster
Bay Bank; James E, a student in the Friends'
Academy of Locust Valley; and Richard, Jr., at
home with his parents. In 1893 our subject ac
companied by his daughter, attended the World's
Fair held in Chicago, and during the progress of
the Atlanta Exposition went South with his wife.
They spent several weeks in visiting the many
points of interest in that portion of the country.
On the journey down they spent a few days in
Washington, D. C, and then traveled by way of
the Shenandoah Valley. They also stopped at
Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Chicka-
mauga, where they secured numerous relics of
battlefields.

CHARLES H. SEBALD, who is engaged
in the grocery business at Jamaica, was
born in Paterson, N. J, March 7, 1862.
His father, George Sebald, was a native of Ba
varia, Germany, and early in life displayed re
markable musical talent, which, being cultivated,
brought him into prominence in his own coun
try. For some years he taught music, but after
coming to America gave his attention principally
to the management of a private German school
in New York City for a time. In 1869 he removed
to Jamaica, where he had charge of a private
school in Union Hall Street and also was organ
ist at the Episcopal Church. Later he turned his
attention to the grocery business, in which he
was engaged at the time of his death.
In his life George Sebald furnished an illustra
tion of what persistent industry and application
will do for a man in securing his success, for the
exercise of these qualities was the potent factor
in raising him from poverty to prosperity, and
from a position of obscurity to one of influ
ence. His death, which occurred January 15,
1888, was a loss to the village, for he was one of
the best representatives of the German-American
element resident here. He was loyal to his
adopted country, interested in every enterprise
for the growth of his place of residence, and true
to every duty, public or private.

In the parental family there were five sons,
the others besides Charles H. being Fred, John,
George and Henry, and it is a noteworthy fact
that all are engaged in the grocery or gardening
business. Our subject was associated with the
others until 1892, when he started out for him
self and has since been in charge of an increas
ing business. From his father he inherits a love
of music, and for fifteen years he has played the
organ in the Lutheran Church, of which he is a
member. In March, 1892, he married Miss Bar
bara Elflein of Flushing, and they are the par
ents of two children, Magdalena and George C.

JOHN R. BEDELL. The name borne by
this well-known resident of Hempstead is
one that is honored throughout the entire
extent of Queens County. The family is one of
the oldest on Long Island, where successive gen
erations have resided, each contributing to the
growth and development of local interests, and
giving to the world men of energy, industry and
wise judgment. Alike in times of war and peace
they have borne their part as loyal, law-abiding
citizens, whose aim it has been to promote the
welfare of state and nation.
Sylvanus Bedell, father of our subject, was an
only son and followed farming as his life calling.
During the War of 1812 his father, Stephen
Bedell, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier
in the American army and was stationed at Ft.
Green. Sylvanus had two sisters, namely: Eliza
beth, widow of Benjamin Burt, of North Hemp
stead, and now living near Mineola; and Lydia,
whose son, Chauncey Bedell, is vice-president of
the First National Bank of Hempstead. Our
subject's mother, Fannie, was born in the town
of Hempstead, near what is now the village of
Greenwich Point. She was a daughter of Micajah
Raynor and also had a brother bearing that name.
In religious belief she was a Presbyterian, adher
ing to that doctrine before the denomination had
a church in Freeport, and when the few members
met in private houses and school buildings.
In the family of Sylvanus and Fannie Bedell
there were two sons and one daughter. The
latter, Jane Ann, married Elisha B. Baldwin,
formerly a merchant at Baldwinsville, two miles
from Freeport, and also for two terms clerk of
Queens County; at their death they left a
daughter, Sarah F, who first married Edwin
Raynor and after his death became the wife of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

983

Mr. Drake, her present home being in Glens
Falls, N. Y. Elbert A. was for many years a
farmer and store keeper at Freeport, where he
is now the owner of a sash and blind factory, and
is also engaged in the real estate business.
On the old Bedell homestead at Freeport, the
subject of this sketch was born March 7, 1828.
He remained on the farm until seventeen years
of age, receiving his education in the local
schools. At that age he came to Hempstead,
where he secured a clerkship in a grocery. Later
he was for three years employed as a grocery
clerk in New York City. On his return to Hemp
stead, he embarked in the business of a butcher,
which he followed until 1889. He then retired
and was succeeded by his son, John F. In social
affairs he is identified with the Odd Fellows and
has been past grand of his lodge. Politically he
is a Democrat, and upon that ticket was elected
town collector, which he filled for two years.
The marriage of Mr. Bedell, October 25, 1854,
united him with Mary L, daughter of Richard
Place, of Amityville. Their family consists of five
children, namely: Sylvanus; William K, member
of the real estate firm of Whitaker & Bedefl, of
Hempstead; John F, who succeeded his father
in the meat business ; Chauncey, who is employed
in his brother's butcher shop; and Ida N, wife
of William J. Minshull and mother of one child,
Frances. The son, John F, married Carrie
Davidson, of Hempstead, and two children bless
their union, Madeline and John F.
While Mr. Bedell has led a comparatively un
eventful life, it has not been an idle or useless
existence. The village has felt the impetus he
has given to progressive enterprises; the poor
have had the advantage of his practical assistance,
and his wife and family have been blessed by
his counsel and affection. His business life was
characterized by integrity of action and sound
ness of judgment, and the comforts which now
surround him represent the hard and judicious
labor of former years.

CHARLES AUGUSTUS POST. Among
prominent railroad men of Long Island
stands the name of Mr. Post, who is a
very efficient freight agent on the island. He was
born in Ravenswood, December 20, 1867, and is
the son of William and Sarah A. (Areson) Post,
both natives of Flushing. The paternal grand
father, William Post, was born on Long Island

and for years was a contractor and builder
on a large scale, under the firm name of William
Post & Co, his sons comprising the company.
He died when seventy-three years old. The Post
family is of Holland-Dutch origin and its mem
bers were early settlers of the island. The father
of our subject was also a builder by occupation
and died in 1883, when forty-seven years old. His
wife now lives with her son, our subject.
Mr. Post's maternal grandfather, James H.
Areson, was born in Brooklyn in 1817. His
father, John Areson, was a native of Flushing, as
was also the grandfather, William, who was a
successful farmer in the vicinity of that village.
The Areson family came originally from Holland.
When James H. Areson was about six months
old he was left fatherless. His mother, whose
maiden name was Ann Tallman, was the
daughter of John Tallman, who was of English
extraction. She was the mother of four children
who were named in the order of their birth as
follows: William, John, Benjamin and James
Hendrickson. The latter was named after his
maternal grandmother's family. Mrs. Areson
died in 1835.
James H. Areson grew to manhood in Flush
ing, received his education in the subscription
schools, and in 1830, when a litttie over twelve
years old, entered the employ of William Prince,
in the nursery business. This was the first
nursery in the United States and was established
in 1780. Mr. Areson was engaged in this busi
ness until 1837, and then went to Smithtown, Suf
folk County, where he followed the same industry
from 1839 to 1843. He then returned to Flushing
and here he has since made his home. He is now
retired from the active duties of life and has a
comfortable residence at No. 68 Lincoln Street.
He was married in Newtown to Miss Matilda
Van Wicklen, a native of that place, and
the daughter of Garrett Van Wicklen. She
died in 1878. Their six children were as
follows: Sarah, now Mrs. Post, of Flushing;
Josephine and Imogene, both of whom are at
home, and Augustus, Mary and William F, who
are dead. In politics Mr. Areson is a stanch
Republican and an ardent supporter of his
party. His first presidential vote was cast
for W. H. Harrison. Although well along in
years, Mr. Areson is well preserved, time having
dealt very leniently with him, and his memory is
extraordinary. He is one of the county's repre
sentative and esteemed citizens.

984

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles A. Post, the only one of the two chil
dren born to his parents now living, spent his
boyhood in Flushing, attended the grammar and
high school, and in 1883 entered the freight office
of the Long Island Railroad, at Long Island City,
as clerk. After that he was in the auditing
department, later in the express and passenger
departments, and then in the freight department
as chief clerk, a position he held for six months.
On the 15th of June, 1889, he was appointed
terminal freight agent of the company and has
since held that position. There are one hundred
and fifteen men in the department, twenty of
whom are clerks, and he has charge of the move
ments of all the float freight of the Long Island
Railroad. In politics Air. Post advocates the
principles and policy of the Republican party and
is an earnest worker for the same. He is a mem
ber of the Flushing Republican Club, has been
its secretary and has been on the general house
committee. Until 1895 he was a member of the
boat club, of which he was one of the organiz
ers. He is one of the original members of the
Long Island Railroad Alutual Relief Association,
is a member of the New Manhattan Athletic Club,
the Young Alen's Christian Association and is
treasurer of the New York branch of National
Freight Agents' Association of the United States.
He has been delegate to various conventions at
St. Louis, Milwaukee, Pittsburg and Louisville,
and is a young man who commands the respect
of all.

ROBERT WILSON. We do not measure
a man's life by years, but by intensity. If
we measure the life of Mr. Wilson by the
work he has accomplished then he is the most
venerable of men, although his birth occurred
October 17, 1835. Editor of the "Long Island
News" of the flourishing village of Roslyn, and
one who has done much for its growth and ad
vancement, it gives us pleasure to present the
main facts of his life to the public. Mr. Wilson
is a native of Roslyn, and the son of William and
Mary E. Wilson, the former born in Scotland,
and the latter in New York City. The father
came to this country when a young man, settled
in New York City and followed the occupation
of a glass cutter. Later he moved to Roslyn, and
died there when about fifty years old. His wife
died in the same village. Of their seven children
but three are living at the present time. One son,

Charles C, resides in California, and a daughter,
Emma S, is on the island.
Robert Wilson passed his boyhood and youth
in his native village and at an early age began
learning the printer's trade on the "Roslyn Plain-
dealer." In 1854 he came to Flushing and was
on the "Journal" for a number of years, then on
the "Times" as foreman, etc. On Christmas Day,
1883, he started the "Long Island News," a
weekly eight-column quarto, devoted to news of
Long Island and Flushing. This bright, newsy
sheet is independent in politics. His office is at
No. 112 Broadway, where he carries on job print
ing as well.
Mr. Wilson selected his wife in the person of
Miss Hannah Young, a native of the village of
Flushing, and daughter of John Young, who was
one of the old settlers here. Three children were
born to this union: Fred, who died when twenty-
one years old; Charles C, who is with his father
and is sexton of St. George's Episcopal Church,
and Ella L, at home.

JAMES P. CLARK, who is busily and profit
ably engaged in carrying on a grocery in
the village of Jamaica, is also the efficienL
excise commissioner of the place. He was born in
Jamaica Alarch 1, 1862, and is the son of Patrick
Clark, whose birth occurred in County Aleath,
Ireland. The latter made his home in his native
land until some time in 1848, when he boarded a
vessel bound for American shores and, on being
landed in New York, made his way almost directly
to Jamaica. Here for more than twenty years he
was in the employ of the Long Island Railroad
Company. Now, however, he is retired from
the active duties of life and makes his home in a
pleasant residence in this village.
The lady to whom Patrick Clark was married
was Miss Eliza Boland, also a native of Ireland.
She came to the United States about 1848 and
soon after meeting Mr. Clark they were married.
The parents now make their home in Prospect
Street. Their family originally included seven
sons, but three died when young. Of those now
living our subject is the eldest. His brother,
Michael, is a resident of Brooklyn and is foreman
of the Edwin Flower Electric Type Foundry in
New York; Edward R. assists our subject in the
store, and John resides in Jamaica.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
schools of Jamaica, completing his studies in the

OSCAR J. SEAMAN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

987

high school, which was then, as now, presided
over by W. J. Ballard. For one season there
after he was engaged as baggage master at Long-
beach, but resigned at the end of that time in
order to enter the large grocery house of J. &
T. Adikes, of Jamaica. He was in their employ
for a period of eight years and then embarked
in the same line of business for himself, in 1890.
He has a well-stocked store and commands a good
trade among the best people of the place.
Mr. Clark has always taken an active interest
in politics and in 1890 was the successful candi
date for the office of excise commissioner. So well
and faithfully did he transact the duties of this
position that he was retained in office for the
ensuing term. In 1894 he was the Democratic
nominee for the General Assembly, but went down
with his party in the great land slide of that year,
which resulted in making of Queens a Republican
county, although it had heretofore been largely
Democratic. The marriage of Mr. Clark and Miss Anna
M. Bourke occurred in this village in 1893. Mrs.
Clark is the sister of Edward Bourke, a well
known contractor of this section and assessor pf
the town of Jamaica. Their union has resulted in
the birth of two children, Mary and Joseph.

OSCAR J. SEAMAN, a prosperous and
enterprising merchant of Glenwood, was
born February 23, 1848, in Jericho. His
parents were Jeremiah and Marilda (Stockings)
Seaman, the former born in the city of New
York, while the latter's birth occurred in Jericho ;
she was the daughter of Benjamin Stockings,
well known to the old time residents of this
county. The boyhood days of our subject were passed
at the old home in his native place and as soon as
old enough he was sent to the common schools,
acquiring a good education. He began in life
for himself first as a farmer, cultivating the tract
of land owned by Benjamin Stockings. Novem
ber 30, 1 87 1, he was married in the city of Brook
lyn to Miss Cory, daughter of William Cory, a
well-to-do business man of that city. They com
menced life together on the old Stockings farm,
where they made their home until 1873, when they
moved to Freeport, and there Mr. Seaman en
gaged in shipping oysters to New York. Two
years later we find them making their home in
Roslyn, where our subject was given a position
40

in the grocery and dry goods store of William
U. Nostrand, for whom he worked for a period
of five years.
In 1881 Mr. Seaman moved to his present loca
tion in Glenwood and embarked in the general
merchandise business. His trade increased from
year to year, and in order that he might displav
his goods to better advantage he erected a new
building in 1891, and now has one of the best
equipped establishments of the kind in the place.
In connection with this business he is proprietor
of a flour and feed store and is also largely in
terested in real estate in this vicinity and near his
old home in Jericho. Without doubt he is one
of the most substantial men of Glenwood and is
honored with the confidence and good will of all
who know him.
In politics Mr. Seaman is a stalwart Repub
lican. He is a member of Pembroke Lodge No.
73, I. O. O. F, and is at all times loyal to the
interests of this order. He is a member of the
board of education in District No. 1, and uses
his influence at all times toward securing every
advantage for the schools of this neighborhood.
Together with his excellent wife he is a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Church of Glen
wood, and for many years past has been elder
of his congregation, also trustee and clerk of the
board. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman became the par
ents of four sons and three daughters. Howard
departed this life November 30, 1875, when three
years of age; Herbert B, after completing his
education in the private schools of Jamaica, en
tered the West Farmington College, where he
is now a student; William E. is attending school
at Farmingdale; Warren C is carrying on his
studies in Blair's Presbyterian Academy at Blairs-
town, N. J.; Cora M, Edith and Florence are at
home with their parents.

JOSHUA W. BARNUM. Whatever the
natural resources of a country, or its busi
ness facilities, still the history must depend
chiefly upon the men who have resided there,
and who by their energy and ability have added to
the natural attractions and wealth. The subject
of this biography figures prominently among such
men. He is a resident of the town of Hempstead,
where he has passed the greater part of his life,
and has one of the finest country seats on Long
Island. Mr. Barnum was born in 1847, and is the son

988

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Peter Crosby and Sarah Ann (Baldwin) Bar
num. The father was born in Putnam County,
this state, and there continued to make his home
until about eighteen years of age. He then went
to the metropolis, and there established a business
in which he was interested until 1878. Quiet and
unassuming in manner, he was thoroughly
devoted to the interests of his family, and at the
time of his death, which occurred March 14, 1889,
was deeply lamented. For a time he served as
president of the Queens County Agricultural
Society. Although the father of our subject was
engaged in business in New York City he made
his home in this town, locating here in 1846, and.
here continued to reside until his decease.
The subject of this sketch was educated in New
York and when a young man of nineteen years
engaged in the clothing business in that city. He
carried on a profitable trade in this line until 1878,
when, with his father, he decided to dispose of his
interests and locate in this town. The handsome
country seat is about two and one-half miles from
the village of Hempstead and twenty-four miles
distant from New York.
The mother of our subject was' the daughter of
Thomas Baldwin, one of the most prominent
residents of Queens County, who figures in the
early part of the nineteenth century. Mrs. Bar
num fell heir to one of the largest estates on the
island, owning and managing a farm of over two
thousand five hundred acres. It was mainly
through her efforts that the present poor farm,
which was named Barnum's island, was secured
to Queens County, and the penurious system of
farming out the labor of the dependent poor was
abolished. Learning that a syndicate was about
to purchase the island for a summer resort, Mrs.
Barnum drove several miles in the face of a
severe storm, saw all the owners of the property
and purchased it for $13,000. A few days there
after the syndicate offered $75,000 for the
property, but she refused the offer and turned it
over to the county at the same figure which she
had paid for it. The place is now valued at
$150,000. It was also owing to the energy of
activity of Mrs. Barnum that the sale of the com
mon lands of the town of Hempstead to the late
A. T. Stewart for $400,000 was made possible.
The taxpayers of the town were intensely opposed
to the proposition to sell the lands, but Mrs. Bar
num made a house to house canvass, and after
explaining to the farmers that the interest on the
money would reduce their taxes, they readily con

sented, and when the election to decide the ques
tion was held, the proposition was carried almost
unanimously. Mrs. Barnum was one of the most
earnest advocates of the County Agricultural
Society, which was organized over fifty years ago.
She was made president of the Ladies' Aid
Society and the local visiting committee of
Queens County, and in this manner proved of
great assistance to the organization. Her estate
was valued at a half million dollars.
The lady to whom Joshua W. Barnum was
married in 1879 was Mary Richmond Taylor,
daughter of Joseph B. Taylor, a native of Albany,
but who for many years was engaged in business
in New York. The latter was the son of John
Taylor, at one time mayor of Albany and a
wealthy and prominent resident of that city. One
daughter survives of the union of our subject
and his wife, Mary Richmond. They are members
in excellent standing of the Episcopal Church,
having been reared in that faith.
In politics Mr. Barnum is independent, reserv
ing his right to vote for the man whom he con
siders the best qualified to hold the office. He is
both liberal and public-spirited and is always
ready to contribute of his time and means for the
advancement of enterprises calculated to promote
the general welfare.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject,
Joshua Barnum, was in turn the son of Dr.
Stephen Barnum, born in Putnam County, N. Y.
The latter was the son of one Joshua Barnum, of
Revolutionary fame, in which conflict he won the
commendation of those in command by his brave
and fearless discharge of duty. He was captured
by the British soldiers and was for a time a
prisoner in the famous sugar house in New York
City.

RICHARD MOTT, SR. Having spent his
entire life in Far Rockaway, the subject of
our sketch has an extensive acquaintance
through this portion of the county. His long
residence here, together with his active participa
tion in all worthy measures for the development
of the resources of the community, has made him
prominent in social and business circles. It may
truly be said that few residents of the village have
been more closely identified with its history than
has he, and certainly none have resided here for
a longer period. It is to the efforts of such men
as he that the community owes a debt that can

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

989

never be repaid. Through their labors, continued
unweariedly for a long period of years, is due the
present high standing of this section alike in com
mercial and agricultural affairs. Having borne
the heat of the conflict, many of his co-laborers
have passed to their final reward, but a few re
main to witness and enjoy the fruition of their
early hopes and aspirations.
The Alott family is one of the oldest on the
island, where our subject's grandfather, Henry
Mott, was a large landholder a hundred or more
years ago. The father of our subject, John, was
born on Long Island, where he engaged in farm
pursuits until his death. His wife, Lucy, was a
daughter of William Nicols, of Islip, who owned
much of the land formerly known as the Nicols
patent and which originally comprised many
thousands of acres. They were the parents of
eight children, one of whom died in infancy.
William, the eldest, resides at Inwood and is now
eighty-seven. Richard was the second born.
Calvin, John and Lucinda have passed away.
Benjamin B. is represented elsewhere in this
volume; and Samuel W, the youngest, is de
ceased. At Far Rockaway, where his life has been
spent, the subject of this notice was born October
15, 1810. He has always followed farming and is
almost the only one left in this vicinity who is
thus engaged. Early in life he began to assist his
father, who was an extensive farmer and stock
raiser, owning about one thousand acres, and
usually having forty or fifty calves on hand each
spring. To each of the boys he gave a farm, thus
ensuring for them a satisfactory start in life.
Richard is the next to the eldest of the three sons
still living. He never married, but in his declining
years is the recipient of kindly and affectionate
attention from his brothers' families. In earlier
years he was a great reader and still keeps well
posted upon events of the day, being especially
familiar with the history of this part of the
country.

GEORGE STELZ, the well known jewel
er, optician and watchmaker of College
Point, was born in 'Germany, April 27,
1839, and was educated in his native land, where
he learned the trade of a watchmaker under his
father's instructions. He is the sole survivor of
the family, which originally consisted of four
children. At the age of fifteen, accompanying

his parents, he crossed the Atlantic and settled in
New York City, where his father, Martin, died at
the age of fifty-six, and his mother, Mary (Deal)
Stelz, when sixty-two.
After coming to the United States our subject
was employed in a jewelry store in Essex Street,
New York, for one and one-half years, and while
there learned the jeweler's trade, at which he
subsequently worked until 1863. Having con
siderable natural and cultivated talent in music,
in 1863 he enlisted as a musician in the Fourth
Regiment of New York State and remained for
five years in the service, meantime being called to
many places during and after the Civil War and
having a varied experience.
On the expiration of his period of service in the
army, Mr. Stelz went back to New York and in
1869 came to College Point. Here he embarked
in his chosen occupation and has since built up a
large trade, his place of business being situated
in Fourth Avenue, between Fourteenth and Fif
teenth Streets. During the many years that he
has resided here, he has come to be known as an
industrious, painstaking man, anxious to please
his customers and reliable in his dealings with all.
Prior to his enlistment in the army he married
Louisa Kost, who died after having become the
mother of four children, of whom two survive,
Louisa, of Flushing, and George, of College
Point. His second marriage united him with
Maggie G. Flanigan, who is of Irish descent and
a member of the Catholic Church. Of this mar
riage a sou was born, Robert William, now a
student in school. In politics Mr. Stelz is a Re
publican and never fails to support the principles
of that party.

DAVID JARVIS, a man of influence in his
community, is engaged as a general mer
chant at Flower Hill, which is within two
and one-half miles of the postoffice of Roslyn.
He was born in this vicinity September 20, 1820,
his parents being Daniel and Mary (West) Jarvis,
whose household included eight children. They
were people of moderate circumstances and were
able to give their children only meager opportu
nities for gaining an education.
David, of this sketch, was reared in the town
of North Hempstead, and after leaving school
worked at whatever he could find to do. As he
was industrious and economical, as soon as he
had saved a sufficient sum of money, he purchased

990

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a horse and wagon, and a varied assortment of
household goods, selling the latter through the
country. He was prospered in this undertaking
and shortly after his marriage with Miss Mary
Newton, which occurred April i, 1845, he erected
a small building on the site which is now occupied
by his large and substantial store. In this he
placed a stock of goods, and while he was making
trips through the country, his wife attended the
store. In 1858 he built his present building,
which is a store and residence combined.
The Newton family, of which Mrs. Jarvis was a
member, is one of the oldest on the island, yet
the information concerning former generations is
very meager. Mrs. Jarvis was born at Middle
Island, Suffolk County, and was the daughter of
Isaac and Maria (Furman) Newton. Her union
with our subject resulted in the birth of four
children. Leverett N, after graduating from the
schools of Homer, N. Y, took a course in East
man's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, and
was later made cashier of the wholesale dry goods
store of Mills & Gibbs, of New York City, which
responsible position he held for twelve years. He
married Miss Fannie C. Hewett, and his death
occurred in July, 1892. Adelaide Jarvis died
when five years of age. Mary Emma, who assists
her father in conducting the store, is a graduate
of the Friends' School at Sands Point, which is
presided over by Adam and Mary Mott. Ida
Maria married Clifford Woodnutts and makes
her home at Norwood, N. J. ; they have two chil
dren, Howard David and Mary Elizabeth.
Although not actively identified with political
affairs, Mr. Jarvis is a straightforward Repub
lican. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay.
Together with his family he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Although now
well advanced in years he is still an enterprising
and useful citizen, taking a deep interest in move
ments of public importance.

EA. PERPALL. The manufacture of
stoves has grown to be a great industry
• which naturally must be nearly equalled
by the industry connected with their sale. An
extensive dealer in this line is E. A. Perpall, of
Flushing, who has been established in business
here since June, 1891. He was born in Nassau,
New Providence, Bahama Islands, to John H.
and Elizabeth (Johnson) Perpall, natives respec
tively of England and New Providence.

The childhood days of E. A. Perpall were spent
in acquiring an education in private schools, but
in August, 1865, he left home and came to New
York City, and in January of the following year
he became a clerk in a retail hardware store,
where he remained until January, 1871. At that
time he took up his residence in Flushing and
became a clerk in the hardware store owned by
Thomas Elliott at that time, and for sixteen years
he had charge of the business. Upon the death
of Mr. Elliott in June, 1891, the firm of E. A.
Perpall was established. Mr. Elliott's stock was
purchased, and since that time business has been
successfully conducted at the old stand, at the
corner of Main and Washington Streets. A gen
eral line of hardware and house furnishing goods
is kept, and they are at all times prepared to do
roofing and furnace work. He has done work
on the high school building, the residence of G.
H. Clements, that of Mrs. A. E. Leavitt and G.
Howland, the Gas Company'^ works and the
residences of C. A. Willets, C. A. Willets, Jr.,
Robert B. Parsons, S. B. Parsons, Henry A.
Bogert, William Ellimon, George Pope and
scores of others, beside St. George's Episcopal
Church and various other buildings.
Mr. Perpall was married in New York City to
Miss Mary E. Affleck, a native of that city, and to
them four children have been given: Mary F,
Laura L, Albert E. and Elizabeth B. Mr. Per
pall is a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which
he has been vice-regent and is now orator, and
belongs to the Flushing Business Men's Associa
tion. He was a deacon in the Baptist Church and
his wife is also a member of this church.

GEORGE W. PINKHAM. For the past
twenty years and upward George W.
Pinkham has been engaged in the gro
cery business in Flushing, and during the entire
period intervening to the present has been stead
ily increasing his hold on public favor and patron
age. His grocery establishment is one of the
most popular and well patronized of its type in
this section of the village, and commands a large
and lucrative local trade.
Mr. Pinkham was' born in Flushing in 1850,
and is a son of John L. and Ann (Farrington)
Pinkham. The Pinkham family is an old and
influential one on Long Island, and the original
members came from Scotland. They settled in
New York, but some of the descendants came to

ELBERT H. BOGART.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

993

Long Island, and there the grandfather of our
subject, Obed Pinkham, commanded a vessel on
the sound. The Pinkhams were Quakers in their
religious views. John L. Pinkham was a carpen
ter and builder by trade and followed that many
years, although the latter part of his life was
passed on a farm adjoining the village. Pie died
in Flushing when sixty-seven years old. His wife
had passed away five weeks before this, when
sixty-four years old.
Of the children born to this worthy couple,
two daughters and four sons survive. Of these,
our subject is the eldest. He grew to manhood
here, received his education in the public schools,
and at an early age displayed unusual musical
ability. He began studying music, first violin,
under Professor Woolley, of Brooklyn, and later
received instruction from Professor Holbrook, in
New York City. In the spring of 1869 he began
earning a living by his bow, and was on a concert
tour through the United States. In March, 1870,
he went abroad and traveled over the United
Kingdom, visiting all cities of more than five
thousand inhabitants. He was in partnership
with the Charles Dawson Concert Company, *and
this was a successful venture.
In March, 1873, Mr. Pinkham returned to New
York, and in 1875 engaged in the grocery busi
ness, and also has engaged in the practice of his
profession, which he has followed ever since.
Pinkham's Orchestra is well known and furnishes
music for dances, parlor recitals, etc, and is sure
to give the best of satisfaction. He furnishes
music to all the surrounding cities, has gained a
widespread reputation, and is worthy of all praise.
Air. Pinkham was married in Flushing to Miss
Mary E. Wright, a native of Queens County, N.
Y. Four children have been given them : George
L, Arthur M, Richard H. and Selah Clinton.

PLBERT H. BOGART, who still makes his
home on the farm in the town of North

Hempstead, where his birth occurred May

18, 181 1, is one of the oldest and most highly re
spected residents of the county. During the more
active years of his life he prosecuted farming and
was also engaged as a winemakei
Mr. Bogart is the son of Isaac and Catherine
(Hegerman) Bogart, the former of whom was
born at Brookville, formerly called Wolver Hol
low, December 3, 1775, and died July 3, 1858. He

in turn was the son of one Tunis Bogart, whose
birth also occurred at Brookville, January 12,
1752. The great-grandfather of our subject,
Isaac Bogart, was born at Wolver Hollow Octo
ber 13, 1718, while the great-great-grandfather
came hither from the western end of the island,
where one of two brothers, natives of Holland,
and the first representatives of the family in
America, first settled. The other brother made
his home in New Jersey. They were engaged as
market gardeners in those early days and became
well-to-do. The descendants of these brothers
became very numerous, and it was very often the
case that their letters were delivered to the wrong
person, causing much dissatisfaction. Finally
they appointed a date when they all met together
and agreed that those living in New Jersey should
spell their name with an "e" instead of an "a,"
while the descendants of the brother who located
on the island should be known as Bogarts.
Isaac, the great-grandfather of our subject,
when asked to choose between Long Island and
New Jersey, decided to make his future home in
Wolver Hollow, where he was given a farm by
his father about the year 1732. This property
was inherited by his son, Grandfather Tunis Bo
gart, who sold the estate in 1784, when Isaac was
a lad of eight years. He then purchased the farm
on which our subject now lives, and which is one
of the best improved in the county.
The father of Elbert H, of this sketch, served
a short time as a soldier in the War of 181 2. He
was an old-line Whig in politics, but, like his
father and grandfather before him, never sought
public office, and in fact no member of the family
ever served in a public capacity. The parental
family included four children, of whom Elbert
H. is the only survivor. The eldest daughter,
Phebe, married Daniel Brinkerhoff, and at her
death left two children. Phebe Ann Bogart be
came the wife of Hobart Wooley, and at the time
of her decease, in 1875, left a family of nine sons
and daughters, of whom seven still survive.
Elbert H. Bogart was not permitted to attend
school regularly, for as soon as he was old enough
to be of any use to his father in conducting the
homestead, he was kept out of school and com
pelled to work early and late. He was anxious,
however, to become well informed and every leis
ure moment was employed in reading good books
and in studying such text books as he possessed.
Although he had received very little instruction
in mathematics, he opened an account book and

994

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in this manner gained much valuable information
regarding bookkeeping.
Our subject remained with his father until at
taining his thirty-sixth year, when, having accu
mulated $100, he decided to engage in farming
on his own account. He accordingly took posses
sion of a forty-five acre farm, for which he went
in debt $2,000. This was located near his father's
place and was cultivated by him in a most thor
ough and profitable manner, so that at the end
of eight years he found that he had not only been
able to free the place from debt, but had saved
something besides. He later sold the place for
$8,000. In the various enterprises in which Mr.
Bogart has been engaged he has met with very
flattering results and is now the proprietor of one
hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land.
His possessions formerly included a much larger
amount, but as his real estate increased in value
he disposed of it at a handsome profit. At one
time he paid a great deal of attention to the rais
ing of potatoes, and during the progress of the
Queens County Fair placed on exhibition one
hundred and sixty varieties of this vegetable.
Mr. Bogart cast his first presidential vote in
1832 for a Whig candidate, but on the organiza
tion of the Republican party joined its ranks and
has ever since supported its candidates. He was
elected one of the trustees of the Jones Institute
much against his will, and when, on the expira
tion of his term, he was urged to remain in this
capacity, he positively refused, as it was never his
desire to hold office of any kind. Like his father
and grandfather before him, he is a devoted mem
ber of the Dutch Reformed Church, holding
membership with the congregation at Manhasset,
in which he served as deacon. Mr. Bogart has
never married.

WILLIAM G. DE BEVOISE. One of
those business men whose probity is
well known and whose career has been
distinguished for enterprise is William G. De Be
voise, who is engaged in a most important and
lucrative calling, that of market gardening. His
grandfather, Charles G. De Bevoise, was born in
what is now Hill Street, Long Island City, and
traced his ancestry back to the French Hugue
nots, who, in defense of their religious principles,
first removed to Holland and then to the United
States. In early days the family was well known
in Beauvais, France, near the city of Paris.

Charles G. was the only child of Joris and Anna
De Bevoise, the former of whom was married
three times. He was born in Newtown, became
a tiller of the soil, and was a member of the Dutch
Reformed Church. His father, Jan De Bevoise,
was born in Brooklyn in 1704 and was married
to Jane, daughter of Lieut. Joris Rapelje, of New
town, and in this village he made his home until
his death, April 26, 1777. His father, Carel De
Bevoise, was born in Brooklyn, where he became
prominent and held the position of county judge
from 1752 to 1761. His father, Jacobus De Be
voise, was the only son of Carel De Bevoise, who
was the founder of the family in this country,
coming thither with his wife and three children.
He went to New Amsterdam from Leyden,
Holland, February 17, 1659. His wife's maiden
name was Sophia Van Lodenstein. He possessed
decided literary tastes and was a teacher of the
Dutch language, and later became a reader and
schoolmaster in Brooklyn. He also filled the
positions of secretary and town clerk. Jacobus
was his only son and was married to Maria,
daughter of Joost Carelsz.
George C. De Bevoise, father of the subject pf
this sketch, and son of Charles G, was born on
the old home place in Long Island City, and be
came a tiller of the soil. He inherited thirty-two
acres of land near the boundary line of Newtown
and Long Island City from his father, who
bought it after his marriage. He built a house
thereon and turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits, following the same until his death in
1861, in the forty-sixth year of his age. He was
commissioner of highways, was captain in the
state militia of the Light Guards of Newtown,
and also held other positions. His wife, Joanna
Wyckoff Kouwenhoven, was born in Newtown
in March, 181 8, a daughter of Garrett Kouwen
hoven, who was a native of Holland and a far
mer by occupation. He died in the vicinity of
Newtown. His father, William Kouwenhoven,
who was born at Flatlands, was a far
mer and was married in 1798 to Joanna, daughter
of Johannes W. Wyckoff. He was a son of Gar
rett, son of William, son of William, who was a
son of James. (For a detailed history of this fam
ily see the sketch of Frederick Kouwenhoven.)
To the marriage of George C. and Joanna
(Kouwenhoven) De Bevoise the following chil
dren were born: Cornelia, Mrs. Lott, of New
town ; Charles, who died at the age of four years ;
Sarah E, Mrs. Cutter, of Flushing; William G.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

995

and George C. William G. De Bevoise, who was
born October 14, 1851, was reared on a farm and
received a good education in the old Dutch Kills
schools and the New York City grammar schools.
From early boyhood he has been familiar with
farming and market gardening and at the early
age of sixteen years he assumed the management
of the old home place. Assisted by his brother,
George C, who is unmarried, he has successfully
devoted it to market gardening ever since. He
stands among the leaders of this work on Long
Island, and finds a ready and profitable market
for his products in Brooklyn and New York City,
besides various places nearer home. The land
is within the corporate limits of Long Island
City and all of it is being tilled.
Mr. De Bevoise was married in Newtown to
Miss Cornelia Rapalje, a daughter of John Rap-
alje, a farmer. Their marriage resulted in the
birth of two children : Joanna Wyckoff, now liv
ing at home with her parents ; and Van Antwerp
Rapalje, who died in infancy. Airs. De Bevoise
is a member of the Reformed Church of New
town.

FREDERICK J. DE BEVOISE, of Ever
green, is a member of one of the most
ancient and influential families of Long
Island, the origin of which is traced, by careful
examination of records, to the old city of Beau
vais, on the River Therin, northwest of Paris,
France, it being supposed that the family name is
derived from the name of this city. The first of the
name to settle in America was Carel de Beauvois,
a native of France, who left his native country and
went to Leyden, Holland, at the time of the mas
sacre of St. Bartholomew. There he settled and
married. He arrived at New Amsterdam in the
ship "Otter'' February 17, 1659. He was an edu
cated French Protestant, and his literary merits, to
gether with his knowledge of the Dutch language
soon gained for him the position of a school
teacher. In 1661 he became chorister, reader and
schoolmaster for the people of Brooklyn at a
salary of twenty-five guilders and free house rent.
Later he held the office of public secretary or
town clerk until 1669. Among his descendants
there have been men who have gained promi
nence in public life and in the Dutch Reformed
Church. The father of our subject, John de Bevoise,
was born in the family homestead October 26,

1820, and was the son of John, Sr, who at one
time held the position of supervisor of the town,
and the grandson of John C, the original pur
chaser of the family homestead. In youth he went
to Brooklyn, N. Y, to accept a clerkship with
Benjamin H. Field, a prominent commission mer
chant, where his services were so satisfactory that
after some seven years his employer offered him
an open credit of $50,000 to start a house in St.
Louis, but he declined the flattering offer. For
about seven years he held a clerkship with M.
Morgan's Sons, bankers of New York, finally
resigning this position to engage in the lumber
business in Williamsburg, where he remained five
years. His next position, which he held about
ten years, was in the Bank of America in Wall
Street, New York, where he remained until, at
his father's death, it became necessary for him to
attend to the settlement of the estate.
Since returning to the old homestead Mr. de
Bevoise has made many improvements that have
increased the value of the place, including the
macadamizing of Myrtle Avenue and the intro
ducing of the car line. For more than forty years
he has been a member of the Dutch Reformed
Church, and during twenty-five years of this time
he has been superintendent of Sunday-schools at
Brooklyn, East Williamsburg and Newtown. Four
times he represented his church in the General
Synod and for a number of years he served as
deacon and elder of the congregation.
By his marriage to Gertrude Jane Suydam,
John de Bevoise became the father of eleven
chi'dren, of whom six survive, namely: John H;
Frederick J.; Cornelia G, wife of John Vander
veer; Gertrude S, Mrs. Howard L'Hommedieu;
Abraham B, and Marietta, who married Howard
Hayden. The eldest of the family, John H, was
born at the old homestead, near Fresh Pond,
June 4, 1845, and was educated in private sub
scription schools of Brooklyn. At the age of
eighteen he entered the broker's office of Davis,
Alorris & Co, on the corner of Wall and Water
Streets, New York, where he remained for six
years. Afterward he entered the banking house
of M. Morgan's Sons, where he remained until
the failure of the firm twenty years later. Mr.
Dixon, of the firm of Miller, Peckham & Dixon,
attorneys and counsellors at law, was appointed
receiver to settle up the estate, and he retained
Mr. de Bevoise to assist in the work, in which
capacity he is now employed. He was married
in 1882.

996

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The subject of this sketch was born March
9, 1854, in Clossen Avenue, Brooklyn, and was
about one year old when his parents moved to
his present place of residence. Here he grew to
manhood, acquiring his education in the common
schools. When about fourteen years old he
worked in the Nassau Cordage Company, in
which his father was interested. At nineteen years
he went to Pittsburg and was employed by an
uncle in an oil mill, wdiere he did office work
some three years. Going from there to New
York, he secured a position with George F. Bas-
sett & Co, a wholesale crockery firm. There, by
successive promotions, he was given charge of
the fancy goods department, was made shipping
clerk, and finally became foreman of the house.
Giving his attention closely to the details of the
business, his arduous labors undermined his
health and after six years he was obliged to resign
his position. Returning home he and a brother
became managers of the farm, which he has since
superintended. In 1893 our subject was elected to the office of
justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket and
took his seat January 1, 1894. He is chairman of
the board of education and to his assiduous
efforts in a great measure is due the high standing
of the Evergreen school among the graded
schools of the county. In religious views he is
identified with the Dutch Reformed Church, and
since 1893 has served as a deacon in the con
sistory. By his upright and active life, he is
adding lustre to the distinguished name he bears,
a name that has been associated with everv
worthy project for the advancement of the county
since an early period in its settlement.

CAPT. FRANK N. BELL, one of the most
popular men of Flushing, is a native of
Darien, Conn, bom January 30, 1852,
and a son of George S. and Esther M. (Weed)
Bell, both natives of the Nutmeg State. This
family is an old and prominent one in America
and came originally from England with the "Alay-
flower." Some time after the landing of the Pil
grims the family settled in Connecticut, and the
first white child born in Stamford, that state, was
Francis Bell, one of our subject's ancestors. Air.
Bell comes of good old fighting stock, his great
grandfather, Thaddeus Bell, having been with
Putnam in the Revolutionary War at the battle
of Horse Neck. His grandfather, Hon. Holly

Bell, served as corporal in the War of 1812, and
later passed through the various grades up to the
rank of colonel. For years he was also a member
of the assembly.
George S. Bell, father of our subject, was a ship
builder and contractor, and still follows that busi
ness in South Norwalk, Conn. He is a Repub
lican in politics and was elected to the assembly
two terms. His wife was a daughter of Eben
ezer Weed and a descendant of the Slawson and
Hoyt families of Connecticut, both of which were
prominently identified with the Revolution and
War of 1812. Mrs. Bell died at an early age,
leaving three sons, John W, our subject and
Charles S. Mr. Bell was married again and four
daughters and a son were the fruits of this union.
From the age of four years our subject resided
in South Norwalk and he received his education
in the public and high schools. In 1868 he came
to New York City and became clerk in a whole
sale hardware house and was thus occupied until
1874. That year he came to Flushing, and has
made his home here since. For three years he
had charge of the hardware department of Cle
ment & Bloodgood, and then went to New York
City, where he became bookkeeper for the First
National Bank, and is head bookkeeper there
at the present time. He is a director in the Flush
ing Cooper Building and Loan Association.
Mr. Bell was married in Flushing to Aliss
Louise Waters, a native of this village and daugh
ter of David T. Waters, who was a contractor and
builder. Her mother, formerly Esther Layton,
came of an old and prominent Long Island fam
ily, and was of English origin. Air. and Airs. Bell
have two children, Ernest Layton and Esther.
Mr. Bell is a member of the Royal Arcanum and
has been an officer in the same. In 1879 he
joined the National Guard of the State of New-
York, served as private three months, but was
elected first sergeant and served in that capacity
for eight years. He was then elected first lieu
tenant, and afterwards became captain, but re
signed the position in 1896. He is a member of
the veteran association.

GEORGE HEANY, who has been engaged
in the plumbing and steam heating busi
ness in Flushing since 1893, was born in
Alt. Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa, in 1858, being
a son of James and Sarah (Findley) Heany, na
tives respectively of New Orleans, La, and Gait,

JACOB VALENTINE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

999

Canada, the latter being of Scotch descent. The
paternal grandfather, who was a native of Ireland,
was a soldier in the English army and was pressed
into service during the War of 1812. Sent to
New Orleans with his regiment, he was taken
prisoner by General Jackson, and afterward re
mained in this country, residing for a time irt
New Orleans, but later going to New' York City.
James Heany, who was a mason and brick
layer, removed from New York to Iowa, but after
eight years returned to the Empire State, where
he died at the age of forty years. Of his six
children, three are living, George being the next
to the eldest. He was two years of age when the
family returned to New York City, and his edu
cation was obtained principally in the grammar
school at No. 40 East Twenty-third Street. Later
he spent two years in a college in that city. At
the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the
plumber's trade under James Muir, and was thus
engaged for eight years, after which he was em
ployed in Washington, Baltimore, Chicago,
Omaha and other cities of the United States.
In the fall of 1893 Mr- Heany came to Flush
ing, purchased a residence in Ash Street, »and
worked at his trade until September, 1895, when
he opened a shop in Boerum Avenue. Here he
has since engaged in a general plumbing and
heating business, having had some of the princi
pal contracts in this vicinity. In New York in
1881 he married Miss Carrie Heinzer, a native
of that city, and they are the parents of two chil
dren, Arthur and Caroline. Socially our subject
is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563,
F. & A. M, and the Royal Arcanum. He is a
member of Murray Hill Hose Company No. 4
and the Journeyman Plumbers' Association of
New York, and in his political views is a Demo
crat.

JACOB VALENTINE. The family repre
sented by this well known citizen of Hemp
stead is one of the oldest on Long Island.
The first of the name to cross the ocean was
Richard Valentine, who removed from the parish
of Eckles in Lancashire, England, in 1645, and
the following year became one of the first set
tlers and original land owners of Hempstead,
where he was prominent in the affairs of the
town in its early days. His five sons were Rich
ard, William, Ephraim, Obadiah and Jonah. He

was a Quaker, and all the succeeding generations
have been reared in that faith.
This branch of the family descended from Oba
diah. One of his sons, Jacob, who was the father
of the great-grandfather of our subject, had a son
named Richard, the latter being a brother of the
Quaker preacher, William Valentine. Richard
had a son named Jacob, who was the grandfather
of the present Jacob, the latter being a member
of the seventh generation from Richard Valen
tine, the first representative in America. The
town records show that Jacob Valentine, grand
son of the original Richard, was for several years
assessor of Hempstead. This was in 1751.
Jacob Valentine, our subject's grandfather, was
born in 1773 and devoted his life to farm pur
suits. Like all Quakers, he was a lover of peace
and refused to enlist in any active conflict, but
during the War of 1812 he and his team were
pressed into service. His two half-brothers,
Ezekiel and William, went to Dutchess County,
where they resided with an uncle, William Valen
tine, a Quaker preacher, and the grandfather of
Stephen Treadwell, the noted minister in the
Friends' Church.
The old family homestead on which our subject
and his father were born was sold to A. T. Stew
art and forms a part of the great estate left by
the merchant prince. The father of our subject
had one brother and three sisters, John, Ann,
Eliza and Ruth. John, who was a farmer in his
early years, later was employed as a truckman in
New York City, and died at Mt. Vernon; his son,
Vandewater Valentine, is engaged in the mercan
tile business in Brooklyn. Ann married Daniel
Lewis and they resided in the town of North
Hempstead until death. Eliza died in young
womanhood. Ruth married Daniel Searing.
William Valentine, our subject's father, was
born August 17, 1806, and followed farming
throughout his active life, but now lives retired,
making his home with his son, Jacob. He mar
ried Mary Ann Bedell, who was born in 1810,
and whose father, Benjamin, a native of Beth
page, was a son of Isaac Bedell. This family was
also of the Quaker belief. She had two brothers,
William, a resident of Sayville, and Isaac, who
lived in Amityville. A daughter of Isaac is the
wife of ex-Sheriff George S. Downing; and a
son, Valentine Bedell, lives in Jamaica.
The two sons of William Valentine were Jacob,
born June 11, 1828; and John B, born in De
cember, 1829. The latter was a farmer in early

IOOO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life, but is now engaged as a carpenter and
builder at Flushing. Our subject grew to man
hood on the old homestead, situated in the town
of Hempstead, northeast of the village. In De
cember, 1848, he married Miss Martha Powell,
who was born at Bayside, L. I, in 1829. Her
father, John Powell, who was a native and farmer
of the town of Flushing, was born October 17,
1787, and died at Bayside September 13, 1838.
The family were Quakers in religious belief. Mrs.
Valentine was one of four sisters, of whom one
died in girlhood; Harriet married Rev. H. B. R.
Abbott, a Methodist minister ; and Adeline makes
her home with her sister, Martha.
After his marriage Mr. Valentine spent seven
years on his wife's homestead at Bayside, and
then returned to the old Valentine homestead,
where he continued to reside until it was sold to
A. T. Stewart. Since then he has made his home
in or near the village of Hempstead, where he
has a small farm. As a Republican he has al
ways taken an active part in local as well as na
tional politics. For six years he was one of the
assessors of the town, and it is said that he is one
of the best judges of property and its value to
be found on Long Island. While he and his
family were reared in the Quaker faith, they now
hold membership in St. George's Protestant Epis
copal Church at Hempstead.
Mr. and Mrs. Valentine have four living chil
dren. Their daughter, Sarah A, who married
H. L. Weeks, is now deceased. John Powell,
who is engaged in business in Brooklyn, married
Ella, daughter of Charles Fowler, of that city;
Martha married Henry E. Cornwell, of Hemp
stead, and they have three children, Henry E,
Herbert V. and George; William Edgar married
Rosamond Irish and has one child, Norman T. ;
and Henry M, who married Elizabeth Smart, is
a business man of New York.

ADELBERT H. SAMMIS. Among the old
families of Long Island none is more dis

tinguished for patriotic spirit and excellent

business judgment than that represented by the
gentleman named, a well known citizen of Hemp
stead. Both in Queens and Suffolk Counties
there may now be found many of this name, and
they always rank among the best and most pro
gressive citizens, having by natural gifts and cul
ture those qualities that render them conspicuous
for good citizenship. The family genealogy shows

that the first of them to come to America was a
native of England, who, being the possessor of
what in those days was considered a fortune, was
able to purchase large tracts of land on making
settlement here. He purchased much of the land
covering the present site of the village of Hemp
stead, and this property is now Jargely in the
possession of our subject.
Successive generations of the family were born
in the old Sammis Hotel, one of the historic
buildings of this locality. It was erected prior to
1700 by the father of Nehemiah Sammis, and dur
ing the Revolution, when the latter was the pro
prietor, it was used by the English officers as their
headquarters while they were in possession of
this portion of Long Island. The house, which
is still standing and in good condition, has been
run as a hotel constantly by the Sammis family
down to the present time and is now the property
of our subject, but under the management of his
nephew. Nehemiah Sammis, who was born in the old
hotel, had a son, Benjamin, born in the same
house in 1763, whose son Henry, was the father
of our subject. Henry was born in the old home
stead on Christmas Day of 1796 and spent his
entire life in that historic place, where he died
in 1881. He married Sarah Seaman, a member
of one of the old families of the island and a lady
of amiable disposition, a devoted member of St.
George's Church in Hempstead; she died in 1874,
some years prior to the decease of her husband.
Of their nine children six attained mature years,
namely: Adelbert H, Henry, Lawrence Seaman,
Charles A, who was at one time sheriff of Queens
County, and held that position and the office of
under sheriff for nine years; Benjamin F, and
Ann Amelia, wife of George W. Alayfier, of
Brooklyn. Born in the village of Hempstead, Alarch 20,
1842, the subject of this article has always made
Long Island his home, though at intervals he has
resided elsewhere, having spent several years in
Chicago and other places. Appreciating the val
ue of travel, he has devoted considerable time to
visiting points of interest in this country and
through habits of observation has gained a broad
knowledge of men and places that makes him a
companionable and entertaining man. He owns
considerable valuable property in and around
Hempstead and his residence is one of the finest
in the village. In it he and his accomplished
wife, with whom he was united in 1872, and who

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ioor

was formerly Miss Anna Sealey, of Brooklyn,
delight to entertain their hosts of warm personal
friends, extending a bounteous hospitality to all
who come beneath their roof.

WILLIAM C. HOLLAND, of Oceanus,
is a member of the well-known grocery
firm of W. C. Holland & Son, and is a
live, progressive and go-ahead merchant. He
deals principally with the large wholesale houses
in procuring his stock, and is prepared to offer
his patrons superior advantages over many of
his competitors. William C Holland was the
fourth child born to his parents, Michael P. and
Fannie R. (Brush) Holland, the former of whom
was at one time a successful hotel keeper at Ja
maica, and is now in the real estate and insur
ance business at Rockaway Beach.
Our subject was born February 5, 1848, at
Jamaica, and remained there until nine years of
age. He had but limited scholastic advantages,
only attending school until twelve or fourteen
years old, but possessing a naturally quick mind,
and being observing, he has become well poSted
on all affairs of moment, and is as well educated
as many men who have had better advantages.
When but thirteen years old he went to the city
of New York and worked for a sugar and tea
house at No. 187 Bowery for three vears. From
there he went to Maiden Lane and ran a tea and
coffee route for one year. Later he returned
home and was engaged in steamboating in New
York harbor for about six months. Again he
returned to Rockaway Beach and engaged in
boating on the bay, and during the summer took
our pleasure parties.
Later Mr. Holland went into the life saving ser
vice, and was stationed at Rockaway Point for
four years under Captain Carman. Afterwards
he was in the Rockaway life station, where he re
mained for seven years with Captain Rheinhart,
later began planting oysters and finally estab
lished himself in the grocery business. The firm
of Holland & Son has been conducting a success
ful business for five years, and the members are
well known as highly respected tradesmen and
command the esteem and confidence of all with
whom they have dealings.
When about twenty-one years old Mr. Holland
married Miss Margaret Brower, of Woodsburg,
L. I, and daughter of Charles and Mary (Doxee)
Brower, both now deceased, the former dying at

the age of seventy-two and the latter when sixty-
five years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Holland were
born fourteen children, twelve now living. Will
iam resides in Rockaway Beach and has one child,
Willie; Dora, the wdfe of Charles Kespert, has
three children, Charles, Edna and Isabella;
Frank, a member of the firm, married Miss Rose
Keenan and has one child, Frank ; Ella married
Albert George and has three children, Willie,
Ruth and Frank; Diomas, who is at home, is
clerking for his father; Charles is a boatman;
Carrie is deceased; Maud is at home; Henry, Ar
thur, Martin, Hazel and May are attending
school, and Clarence is rleceased. In politics Mr.
Holland is a Republican, and fraternally he is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows, Seaside Lodge No. 260, and the Foresters.

EDWARD H. RATH. A great percentage
of the rapid development noticed in
eligible Long Island real estate in the past
was traced directly to the honorable and conser
vative methods of the cities' leading dealers, who
did not aim at the illegitimate end of creating in
flated values, but rather strove to retain the
market upon a firm basis of actual worth as re
gards income-producing capacity. Prominent
among those who made this their life work and
whose integrity and reliability were well known
was Edward H. Rath, one of the most successful
real estate dealers of any section. His reputation
for veracity and square dealing was well known
and unsurpassed by any member of his line of
business, and his patrons number prominent capi
talists, investors and substantial commercial men.
Mr. Rath was born in Brooklyn February 29,
i860, to the union of Henry and Augusta (Stob-
esandt) Rath, natives of Germany. (See sketch
of Henry C. Rath.) Our subject was educated in
Brooklyn, graduated from the grammar school
in Seventh Avenue, and subsequently became
messenger boy with the Western Telegraph Com
pany at Newark, N. J, with his brother. Still
later he became ticket agent and operator on
Third Avenue Elevated, New York; held the po
sition for a number of years, and then embarked
in the real estate business with Jere Johnson, Jr.,
and was his leading operator in real estate, hand
ling and making the large deals. About 1890 he
and his brother, Henry C. Rath, developed more
property in Queens County than any other local
firm.

1002

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Rath was the prime mover and opened and
extended Lincoln Street, and built the first resi
dence in the same. He was active also in other
parts of the village, and became the owner of
much valuable property here. On December 4,
1891, while on a trip to Boston, he was in a rail
road wreck and there met his death. He was a
great lover of flowers, and when he met his death
was on his way to Boston to see a certain new
plant, a yellow carnation, which he wished for his
greenhouse. He was a Lutheran in his religious
views. On the nth of M'ay, 1888, Mr. Rath married
Aliss Bertha Schmidt, 'a native of Brooklyn, and
daughter of Joseph Schmidt, who was born near
Bremen, Germany, and who was a merchant
tailor, and the proprietor of Turn Hall in Brook
lyn. Mrs. Rath's mother, Dorothea Koch, was
born in Germany and came to America with her
parents when a mere child. By her marriage to
Mr. Schmidt she became the mother of nine chil
dren, seven of whom are living at the present
time. Of these, Mrs. Rath was fourth in order
of birth. The latter, by her marriage to Mr. Rath,
became the mother of two children, Bertha A. and
Augusta M. Mrs. Rath is a worthy member of
the Lutheran Church and the Ladies' Society.
Since the death of her husband she has continued
the florist business, merely for pastime and pleas
ure, and her large, fine greenhouse is filled with
choice plants.

W AUGUSTUS SHIPLEY, chief of the
Jamaica Fire Department and sec-
• retary of the board of health, was
born in the village of Jamaica September 5, 1866,
being the son of George A. and Margaret (Lin
ton) Shipley, natives respectively of Germany and
Great Neck, L. I. The family consists of four
sons and four daughters, of whom W. Augustus
is next to the youngest ; Jacob is engaged in the
express business in this village; George A. fol
lows the carpenter's trade here; and Lewis L. is
employed as clerk in the office of the county
clerk at Jamaica. The father, who has made
farming his life occupation, makes his home in
this village and still follows his chosen calling.
In the public schools Mr. Shipley laid the foun
dation of the education he afterward acquired by
reading, experience and observation. While at
tending school he devoted his leisure hours to
aiding in the work of the farm, and during the

summer months worked hard as a tiller of the
soil. But not caring to make agriculture his life
work, at the age of seventeen he secured a posi
tion with J. R Everett, the undertaker, with
whom he remained for five years. Later, for two
years, he was with J. Tyler Watts, and since that
time he has had charge of the extensive coal and
lumber business of S. W. A^an Allen.
For a number of years Mr. Shipley has been
identified with the Jamaica fire department. In
1889 he was elected foreman of the Woodhull
Hose Company and was re-elected the following
year. In 1891 he was chosen assistant chief of
the fire department, and two years later became
chief, which position he has since held, being, it
is said, the youngest fire department chief in the
state. For two years he has been secretary of the
Jamaica board of health. Fond of all sports, he
is especially enthusiastic in regard to base ball
and is the manager of the Jamaica Club. Socially
he is connected with the Royal Arcanum.
The marriage of Mr. Shipley occurred Febru
ary 9, 1890, his wife being Sadie F, daughter of
Charles E. Twombley, president of the Jamaica
village board and a large contractor. They have
two children, Bessie Fay and Leonard Charles.
Among the boys of the fire department Mr. Ship
ley is very popular and deservedly so. It is
largely through his influence that the two new
engine stations have been built and the service
put in excellent working order. In other public
enterprises he is also interested, and his co-opera
tion may be relied upon in matters pertaining to
the welfare of the people.

GEORGE RIPPERGER. To follow out
the lines of trade centering in a provision
store would call for considerable experi
ence of one's mental powers. The dealer in the
necessities of life must needs be a man of great
discrimination and superior judgment, and these
qualities are embodied in George Ripperger,
wholesale provision dealer at Dutch Kills, Long
Island City, whose establishment has the distinc
tion of being standard and up to the times. Air.
Ripperger was born in Brooklyn February 6,
1 861, a son of John and Margaret E. (Seifert)
Ripperger, natives of Germany. John Ripperger
learned the trade of a shipsmith in his native land,
came to the United States while still unmarried,
and secured employment in a block factory in
Brooklyn, at the foot of Freeman Street, of which

MARTIN G. JOHNSON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

100 =

he finally became foreman. After a time he re
signed his position to embark in business for him
self, and from that time until his death in 1888,
he was engaged as a shipsmith in Radde Street.
He built up an extensive business and also con
tracted for a large wholesale house in New York
City, with place of business on South and
Front Streets. He and his wife were members of
the Second Dutch Reformed Church of Astoria,
and the latter now resides in the old family home
at this place. Their family consists of eight chil
dren: Mrs. L. Walters, of Broadway, Long Is
land City; Mrs. Henry Van Alst, of Astoria, Long
Island City; Christ, a cigarmaker of Long Island
City; Mrs. Abbie Knell, of Paterson, N. J.;
George; Mrs. Hewett, of Long Island City; John,
who is a shipsmith in the navy yard; and Frank,
a rope maker in Long Island City.
George Ripperger has been a resident of Long
Island City from the time he was three years of
age, and in the schools of the third ward he re
ceived his education. At the early age of thirteen
years he became clerk in a grocery store at Hun
ter's Point, remained thus occupied five years, and
for eight months following was with Morris Matz-
ger, a butcher. In 1879, at the age of nineteen
years, he embarked in the wholesale provision
business on his own account, and at the same
time became a wholesale dealer in pork — a new
venture. From a modest beginning the business
has increased in magnitude and importance until
it has reached its present proportions, and the
result of this undertaking has been highly satis
factory to him, as the outlook for the first three
months was very dubious. Although tempted to
give it up several times, he still pushed on, and
finally success crowned his efforts. He bought
of Thomas Sager, of New York City, for thirteen
years, since which time he has been buying of
Charles Lindner, at the same place, Third Street
and First Avenue. During the busy season he
has a temporary office in Brooklyn and Long
Island City. He is the only man engaged in the
wholesale pork business in the latter place and
deserves much credit for the energy and good
judgment he has shown in his business affairs.
Mr. Ripperger has a fine home at No. 207
Academy Street, which he bought and has im
proved since 1891, and the grounds surrounding
his residence are beautifully laid out and orna
mented with a large and handsome fountain. He
owns other valuable property here, among which
are two stores and several flat buildings. His

marriage to Miss Mary E. Hann took place in
Long Island City. She was born in Brooklyn, a
daughter of Nicholas Hann, formerly a wholesale
produce dealer of Long Island City, but now re
tired. Eight children were born of this union,
five of whom survive: George, Alfred J, Ethel
arid Wesley (twins), and Howard. Christ and
two children unnamed died in infancy.
Mr. Ripperger has always been a Republican
and was chairman of the general Republican
committee in 1894, and the following year was
manager of the Republican campaign committee.
He has been a member of the county committee
two terms, and both times was a member of the
executive committee. In 1895 he was a delegate
to the state convention, and has held other re
sponsible positions, but has. never allowed his
name to go before a committee for any office.
He is a member of Island City Alasonic Lodge,
Lincoln Club and the German Order of Red Men,
Pocahontas Tribe No. 14, of Long Island City.
He has served his time as member of Hunter
Engine Company No. 4. He and his wife are
members of the Second Dutch Reformed Church
of Astoria, Long Island City.

M*

ARTIN G. JOHNSON, deceased, was
born and always lived upon the farm
which he inherited from his father, and
which had descended through several genera
tions, having been bought in 1744 by his great
grandfather, John Johnson. Martin G. received
his education at the district school and also at
tended the Union Hall Academy, at Jamaica, but
his mathematical education was finished under
Thomas Spofford, who at the time of his death
was principal of the Yorkville Academy of New
York City.
At the age of sixteen Mr. Johnson was one of
the assistants in making the preliminary surveys
of the Brooklyn and Jamaica Railroad. From
1834 to 1837 he surveyed a great number of farms
in the western part of Queens County and also in
Kings County, nearly all of which were laid out
into lots and mapped. He was engaged in sur
veying more or less from 1834 until his death, and
made several surveys by authority of different
acts of the Legislature.
Politically a decided Democrat, Air. Johnson
was many times a delegate to county and state
conventions. He was executor of several estates,
which trusts he managed with the strictest fidel-

ioo6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ity. For many years he was a director of the
Williamsburg City Fire Insurance Company, also
a director of the Brooklyn and Rockaway Beach
Railroad and filled a similar position in several
other corporations.
In his religious inclinations Mr. Johnson was
a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at
Jamaica and was for many years an elder in the
same. He was a life member of the American
Bible Society and of the American Tract Society.
In all agricultural matters he was greatly inter
ested and was a life member of the Queens
County Agricultural Society, and the roads of the
town had been in his charge for many years. He
was a friend to religious, benevolent and charit
able institutions and did not confine his gifts to
the charities of his own church. The needy were
always kindly remembered.
Mr. Johnson died at his home in Liberty Ave
nue, near Jamaica, March 23, 1887.

ALEXANDER D. BUCHANAN. Among
those upon whom the tal,ent for inventing
has fallen in a marked degree is Alexan
der D. Buchanan, whose skill and energy have
been the means of creating great factories and
shops which are permanent monuments to his
inventive genius. He has grown up in the oil
cloth business, and when he first started in this
it was in its infancy. There has been a wonderful
revolution in it since then.
Air. Buchanan invented the first practical ma
chine for color printing with copper rolls; also
invented and used the first rubbing machine for
polishing, besides numerous other inventions in
the mills, so that his is one of the most complete
of the kind in the world. A visit to the mills
proves very enjoyable, and one is surprised at
the superior work accomplished there. Mr.
Buchanan, who is superintendent of the Sunswick
Mills, is a native of the land of "thistles and oat
meal," born at Paisley in 1851. His father, A. F
Buchanan, was a manufacturer of prints in Pais
ley, Scotland, and was thus engaged there until
1866, when he came to America. He first en
gaged in the oil-cloth business in Newark, N. J,
but subsequently moved to Montrose, Westches
ter County, where he is manufacturing oil cloths
at the present time. In the parental family were
nine children, eight of whom are now living.
Our subject, who is the second in order of
birth of the children, was reared in Ayrshire,

Scotland, and there remained until 1866, engaged
in weaving and painting, when he came to this
country. For over a year he clerked in the thread
mills, and then went back to painting oil cloths
for his father. In 1872 he went to Montrose, N.
Y, with his father, and remained with him until
1882, during which time the business improved
and developed in a wonderful manner. Mr.
Buchanan then came to Long Island City and
became superintendent of the Sunswick Mills.
This business was small at first and the mill was
destroyed by fire at one time, but it has been
built up since and is in a flourishing and prosper
ous condition. This mill has a capacity for ten
miles of oil cloth per day, one hundred hands are
employed, and hundreds of different patterns are
turned out. The- upper floors of three blocks of
buildings are used for this industry, and four boil
ers of eighty horse-power each are used. Six
engines make it equal one hundred and sixty
horse-power, and all the machinery is the latest
and best. The mills are conducted under the
firm name of James Wild & Co, with whom our
subject is interested.
Mr. Buchanan was married to Miss A. C. Park,
a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and their union
has been blessed by the birth of three children,
Alexander, Jr., Annie and Norman. In politics
Mr. Buchanan is a Republican, and has served
on general and county committees.

JAMES I. WALDRON, a prominent resident
of the village of East Norwich, is justly en
titled to space in this volume. He is the
proprietor of a carriage factory, and in carrying
on this branch of business has been eminently
successful. He was born in Brookville, L. I,
February 25, 1833, and is the son of James and
Hannah (Moore) Waldron. The grandfather,
who bore the name of Isaac, came hither from
New Brunswick, N. J, when a boy, locating in
the vicinity of Jericho, where he learned the
trade of a carpenter. Later he gave his attention
to farming, purchasing a tract of land near Jer
icho, in the town of Oyster Bay, whereon he
resided until his decease
James Waldron, Sr, was reared in this locality
and acquired his limited education in the schools
which were carried on in the district. He learned
the trade of a weaver when reaching mature
years, and thereafter made his home in Brook
ville. One of his brothers, Jeremiah, during his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

¦007

lifetime was very prominent as a public official,
and for many years was constable and collector.
Those included in the parental family besides
our subject were : Alfred, who died when twenty-
one years of age; John, who, with our subject,
established the business which the latter is still
carrying on, married Margaret Lewis, and died
in July, 1890. Dieir daughter, Emma, is now the
wife of Samuel Bayless.
James I, who is the only survivor of this fam
ily, remained under the parental roof until a young
man of twenty-one years. He had completed
his education at the age of seventeen years and
then entered the carriage factory which his
brother had established in Brookville, and re
mained with him for about five years. He then
came to East Norwich and began in this line of
business for himself. Two years later his brother
joined him here, when they formed a partnership
and built the shop in which they were interested
until the death of John, which occurred when he
was sixty-four years of age. During the time
they were in partnership they built up a large
trade, manufacturing all kinds of wagons and
carriages, which were shipped to various prjints
on the island. Mr. Waldron is an expert work
man and gives his personal supervision to every
department of the business.
Although our subject has been greatly inter
ested in public affairs, he could never be prevailed
upon to hold office until the spring of 1896, when
he was elected assessor, which position he still
holds. " In politics he is a stanch Republican,
casting his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856,
and has at various times been sent as a delegate
to county conventions.
Mr. Waldron was married in 1858 to Miss Mar
tha Vernon, and to them have been born four
children, of whom Amelia is the eldest; Alice is
now the wife of Frank McQueen, a prominent
merchant and the present postmaster of East
Norwich; Vernon J. is a partner of the latter; and
John A. assists his father in the carriage shop.

IVI

ARGARET M. YORK, M. D, is a
worthy example of the women of this
progressive age and of what can be ac
complished when opportunity is afforded. She
possesses those attributes necessary for a suc
cessful career as a practitioner of the "healing
art," for she is naturally kind hearted and sym
pathetic and has the happy faculty of inspiring

hope and courage in those upon whom she is
called to attend, while her native intelligence and
thorough and practical knowledge of her calling
cannot be denied. She was born in New Orleans,
La, and is descended from an old and prominent
French family. Her father, Noel Magnon, was
also a native of New Orleans, but the grandfather,
Jacque Magnon, was a native of Bordeaux,
France. He was a Royalist and was in the French
government employ wdien Napoleon I. was at the
head of affairs in that country. He lost his French
possessions while in America, and was here mar
ried to a German lady, Miss Margaret Barrois,
whose father conducted an extensive rice and
sugar plantation in Plaquemines Parish. He was
a very prominent man, and his death occurred
in 1829.
The father of our subject was an extensive rice
and sugar planter, but lost all his property during
the Civil War. He died in New Orleans in 1881,
when sixty-eight years old. He married Miss
Mary McCarton, a native of New Orleans and
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Cameron) Mc
Carton. Mrs. McCarton was the daughter of
Thomas Cameron, one of the followers of Charles
Stuart at the battle of Colloden. A price was set
on his head. He went to Ireland, was married
there, and then came to America about 1798, and
died in New Orleans. The McCartons were of
Scotch-Irish origin. The mother of Dr. York died
in 1877. She and her husband were members of
the Catholic Church, and their family included
fourteen children.
Dr. Margaret M. York was reared in New
Orleans and was educated in the public schools
and the state normal. Later she taught in New
Orleans, and Galveston, Tex, and afterwards was
in the civil service at Washing-ton, D. C, for two
years. She was married in that city to Ervine
Denison York, a native of New York and an
attorney at law. He was officially connected with
the supreme court and is now connected with the
San Domingo Improvement Company as secre
tary, with headquarters in New York City. After
marriage Dr. York began the study of medicine
in the medical department of Columbian Univer
sity, Washington, and graduated in 1893 with the
degree of M. D. After a short hospital course in
New York City she located in Flushing, and is
actively engaged in the practice of her profession.
She is a member of Goodcitizenship League, the
Woman's Club ; is also a member of the Woman's
Anthropological Society of Washington, D. C,

ioo8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and is working with the psychological depart
ment of the latter. She is a member of the Con
gregational Church.
Mr. York's ancestors settled in America in
1632 and trace their ancestry back to the Yorks
of Wiltshire. He comes of old and prominent
colonial stock of Stonington, Conn, and both
the Yorks and Denisons moved to Madison Coun
ty, N. Y, at a later date. Ervine York was edu
cated in Cazenovia (N. Y.) Seminary, from which
institution he graduated with honor. In 1882 he
received the degree of A. Al, LL. B. in 1883, and
the same year he was admitted to the bar. He
was Justice Miller's first secretary of United States
supreme court. In politics he is a Republican.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
York, Everett Magnon and Willard Denison.

CHARLES E. RUSSELL. Jamaica has its
quota of vigorous, enterprising and thor
oughgoing business men, whose popular
ity is based both upon their social qualities and
their well known integrity and business activity.
Of this class, none are better liked than the sub
ject of this sketch, who is the representative of
the Title Guarantee and Trust Company at Ja
maica. The possession of executive ability of a
high order enables him to carry to a successful
issue his plans of work.
The parentage of Mr. Russell, briefly recorded,
is as follows: His father, Rev. William H. Rus
sell, a minister in the Methodist Church, was for
some time located in Connecticut, but transferred
from there to Long Island. It was in 1863 that
he came to this part of the state, and for some
years afterward he preached at different places on
the island, becoming known as an earnest and
indefatigable worker in the Master's vineyard.
On reaching an advanced age he retired from the
ministry, and now makes his home at Ocean
Grove, N. J.
By his marriage to Miss Hiller, a native of
Michigan, Rev. W. H. Russell had five sons and
one daughter, those besides our subject being as
follows: William H, a graduate of the medical
department of the University of New York
City and a practicing physician in Florida; I. F,
a graduate of the University of New York and
of the Yale Law School, now professor of law in
the University of New York (and it was under his
instruction that Miss Helen Gould took her law
course); Lillie, wife of A. C. Turner, a business

man of Ocean Grove, N. J.; Theodore J, a resi
dent of Ocean Grove; and David B, who is with
his brother, Charles E, in his office at Jamaica.
During the residence of his parents in Burling
ton, Conn, the subject of this article was born,
August 2, 1861. He was two years of age at the
time the family removed to Long Island, and
here much of his life has been passed. With an
inclination toward a professional life, he turned
his attention to the study of law, which he prose
cuted in the law department of the University of
New York. Graduating from that institution, he
was admitted to the bar and became connected
with the law department of the Title Guarantee
and Trust Company of Brooklyn. For three and
one-half years he was in the New York office of
the firm, after which he was transferred to the
Jamaica office, where he has been since 1889. In
this line of business he is considered an expert,
having a detailed and comprehensive knowdedge
of its eyery feature.
In 1889 Mr. Russell was united in marriage
with Miss Phebe E. Higbie, of Springfield, L. I.
They have many friends in Jamaica, and their
many excellencies of character have gained them
the high regard of all who know them. In poli
tics Mr. Russell is a Republican, but without the
aspirations of the politician. As a citizen he is
ever ready to lend a helping hand in all matters
of public welfare. He is a man of business and
executive ability, sagacious and far-sighted, and
at the same time a genial companion and accom
modating: friend.

BRUN PLUMP, of Schuetzen Park, has for
many years been one of the largest and
most successful general contractors of the
place. Many of the best public buildings and
private residences of Long Island City give evi
dence of his skill and ability. He is honorable
and upright in whatever he undertakes, and there
fore merits and has received the confidence of
those wdio know him, and has built up a good
reputation in this business.
Mr. Plump located in Long Island City Decem
ber 1, 1869, and the following year took up his
abode in Schuetzen Park, where he has made his
home ever since. He was born in Hanover, Ger
many, January 7, 1843, the son of Frederick
Plump, also a native of that place. The latter
followed the baker's trade in Germany until his
decease, which occurred when he was past sixty

JOHN J. TRAPP.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ion *

years of age. His wife was Lena Loenyer, a
native of the Fatherland, who also died there.
Both were consistent members of the Lutheran
Chur.ch. The parental family included ten children, of
whom seven grew to mature years and four are
living at the present time in America. Brun, who
was the fourth in order of birth, attended the
model schools of Germany until a lad of fourteen,
when he served an apprenticeship of three years
with a mason. He then traveled through the
various provinces of the empire, working at his
trade until the fall of 1866, when, he found an
opportunity to carry out his long cherished de
sire of coming to America. After landing in
New York City he found work and remained
until 1869, when he came to Astoria, and the
same year began contracting in mason work on
his own account. Among the buildings which he
has erected are the Astoria Athletic Hall, the
Dutch Reformed Church, and many of the finest
residences in this community.
In the year 1886 our subject purchased a stock
of groceries formerly owned by Richard Walters,
and removing them to Schuetzen Park, built a
store on the corner of Broadway and Winans
Street, in which he placed them and set his sons
up in business. This building is three stories in
height and 25x60 feet in dimensions. It was
erected for the express purpose for which it is
used, and therefore has many conveniences in the
way of plenty of shelving, etc, which many gro
ceries do not have. Herman F, who has the
management of the establishment, is a shrewd
and competent young business man and has con
ducted affairs in such an able manner that they
now have the largest trade of any one store in the
city, and in order to fill the wants of their cus
tomers keep two delivery wagons.
Brun Plump was married in New York City iu
1867 to Miss Margaret Walters, also a native of
Hanover. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of five children, of whom Frederick H. is a
druggist of Brooklyn; Herman F. conducts the
grocery, as above mentioned, and Lena, George
C. and Annie M. are all at home.
In social affairs Mr. Plump is an Odd Fellow,
belonging to Long Island City Lodge No. 395,
in which he has passed nearly all the chairs. He
also holds membership with Mozart Lodge, K.
of H. He united with the German Second Re
formed Church many years ago and for some
time was one of its officials. In his political affil-
4i

iations he is a Republican and devoted to the
best interests of his party. He is public spirited
and in favor of everything which will promote
the welfare of his fellow citizen, and his influence
is always directed toward this end.

JOHN J. TRAPP, LL. B, attomey-at-law.
with office at No. 112 Broadway, Flushing,
was born in Bayside, Queens County, in
1866, being a son of George and Margaretha
(Worster) Trapp, natives of Germany. His
father, who came to the United States in 1844,
settled in Manhasset, L. I, where he engaged in
the manufacture of carriages. After a short time
he removed to Bayside, where he established the
carriage works with which he was afterward iden
tified until his retirement from business. His
home is now in Whitestone, where he has served
as a member of the boards of village trustees and
health commissioners, and also for some time
held the position of street commissioner. As a
citizen he is' public-spirited, interested in every
thing that tends to the advancement of the in
terests of the community, and in politics he ad
heres to the platform of the Democratic party,
the principles of which he believes would be most
conducive to the welfare of the nation, if carried
out in a practical issue.
Of the five children of George Trapp we note
the following: George is a carriage maker and
resides in Flushing; John J. is the se'eond in order
of birth; Fred is with his parents at Whitestone;
Elizabeth is the wife of C. V. Garrison, of Murray
Hill ; and Cornelia, who is a talented musician and
vocalist, holds the position of organist in Grace
Episcopal Church. The subject of this article
was reared principally in Whitestone and re
ceived his education in Flushing, graduating
from the high school here in 1885 as valedictorian
of his class. One year later he began the study
of law in the office of Benjamin W. Downing, ex-
district attorney of Queens County, and after
gaining under his . preceptorship a thorough
knowledge of the fundamental principles of the
legal profession, he entered the Columbia Law
School, New York City, from which he gradu
ated June 13, 1888, with the degree of LL. B. In
September of the same year he was admitted to
practice at the bar of the state, since which time
he has had charge of a general legal business.
While Mr. Trapp conducts a general law prac
tice, he is best known to the people as a trial and

IOI2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

criminal lawyer. Well equipped for his profes
sion, he is ready to cross swords with the best,
and is fearless of any controversy. He was at
torney in the famous trial of James L. Hamilton,
a colored minister, who was convicted of murder
in the first degree for killing his wife, he having
dragged her to a pond in Newtown and held her
head under the water, while he cut her throat
with a razor. In several arson cases M'r. Trapp
has also rendered efficient service, as in civil and
litigant matters. At this writing, 1896, he is serv
ing his fifth year as attorney for the board of
excise commissioners of the town of Flushing.
In 1889 he was chosen to serve as town clerk of
Flushing and the following year was re-elected
without opposition, his nomination being en
dorsed by the Republicans. In addition to other
interests he is attorney for the Flushing Busi
ness Men's Mutual Protective Association of this
place; also for the board of Anglo-American Sav
ings and Loan Association of New York, filling
the position formerly occupied by Mr. Downing.
Interested in everything pertaining to his pro
fession, Mr. Trapp is identified with the Queens
County Bar Association and is regarded, among
the other members of that organization, as one
of the rising young attorneys of the county. In
boyhood, through the influence of his father's
stanch Democratic convictions, he became a
champion of that party, and since attaining man
hood has continued loyal to the principles he
espoused in youth. He is a member of the New
York Medico-Legal Society, and, fraternally, be
longs to Anchor Lodge, F. & A. M, at College
Point. In matters pertaining to religion, he holds
membership in Grace Episcopal Church at White
stone. He is a young attorney, scarcely yet in the
prime of life, with a wide field and a long and
promising future before him, a man of superior
ability and admirably adapted for the profession
he has chosen.

DANIEL C. BEARD. Among America's
gifted sons stands the name of Daniel
Beard, whose fame as an artist is not
merely local but has extended to other countries.
He no doubt inherits his unusual talent from his
noted father, James H. Beard, N. A, who was
one of the foremost painters of his day. Daniel
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, of English-Scotch
origin on the paternal side. The first member of
this family came from England to America in

1627 and settled in Connecticut, in which state
the grandfather of our subject, Capt. James H.
Beard, was born. The latter was a sea captain
by occupation, had traveled all over the world,
but during the latter part of his life was on Lake
Erie, where he commanded the first brig that
sailed on the lake. Socially he was a Mason.
The Beards come of good old fighting stock,
seven members of this family fighting in the War
for Independence, and others represented in every
war since.
James H. Beard, father of our subject, became
an artist by seeing the carver design the figure
head of the first lake steamboat, "Walk on the
Water." This he tried to imitate, studying from
nature, and met with such success and displayed
such natural ability that he soon became noted
He became one of the greatest animal painters in
America, and one of his pictures, "Mutual Friend,"
was sold for $7,000, while another, "Streets
of New York," brought $3,500, both dog pictures.
He received a medal for both pictures. Mr. Beard
portraited William H. Harrison, J. Q. Adams,
Plenry Clay and Zachary Taylor, from sittings,
and was a warm friend of Audubon, Charles
Dickens, Captain Marryat and other noted men.
His greatest picture was "North Carolina Emi
grants," painted in the '30s.
About the year 1875 Mr. Beard located in New
York City and there died in 1893, when eighty-one
years old. The last few years of his life were
spent with our subject. He was a thirty-second
degree Mason. During the Civil War he raised a
company and later was on Gen. Lew Wallace's
staff. He married Miss Mary C. Carter, a native
of Cincinnati and daughter of Colonel Carter and
Deborah (Bartlett) Carter, the father locating in
Cincinnati among the first settlers. Deborah
Bartlett came from Rhode Island to Cincinnati
on horseback. Josiah Bartlett was a signer of the
Declaration of Independence, and another mem
ber of this family was with Paul Jones in the
Revolution. Colonel Carter held that rank in the
War of 1812.
Mr. and Mrs. Beard were the parents of these
children: J. Carter, Capt. Harry, Thomas Francis,
Daniel Carter, Mary Caroline and Adelia Belle,
all noted artists and literary characters. Mrs.
Beard was a cousin of Douglas and was also re
lated to Lew Wallace, ex-Governor Denison of
Ohio. Our subject, the fourth in order of birth
of the above mentioned children, is one of the
prominent residents of Flushing, L. I. He is

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1013

a member of the Nereus and the Fireside
Club of that village, also a member of the Village
Association and lately became a member of the
Mercury Wheel Club. He has been a member of
the Historical Society for a number of years. Mr.
Beard was married in Newtown to Miss Alice
Jackson, a native of that place and daughter of
Samuel Jackson, who died in 1889. Mr. Jackson
was the first jewelry box manufacturer in
America, and his son, Thomas, continues the
business in New York City. Grandfather Thomas
B. Jackson was a member of Congress two terms
and a member of the New York Assembly two
terms. Great-grandfather Jackson was a promi
nent Quaker. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were
born the following named children: Bertha,
Thomas, Florence, Daisy and Samuel C.
The following, copied from a magazine, relates
to our subject: "The studio of Dan. Beard (as he
is more generally known) is unique and most
interesting, for besides being very artistic, it is
rich from the collector's standpoint. His collec
tion of swords and small fire-arms, of which we
shall chiefly speak, are especially rare, and some
of them have a history that makes their p®sses-
sion all the more desirable. In his studio are
arranged two swords carried through the war by
his brother, Capt. Harry Beard, of the Thirtieth
Missouri Regiment; an officer's sword of the War
of 1812 and an Indian scimeter and case, also
three heavy Japanese samauri swords and a
heavy dragoon sword. He also has a flint-lock
blunderbuss and sword, such as were used by
Black Beard, the pirate, dated 1689. There are
also knives from the battlefield of Ft. Donelson,
a double-bladed Chinese sword, a bone-handled
sword dug up in New York City, a dagger from
the Island of Formosa, an artillery sword and an
old Fort Artillery sword of 1833, with Roman
blade filled with mercury, a Japanese dagger and
a sword used during the John Brown trouble.
"He has masks from Alaska, an old crossbow
of the fifteenth century, many Javanese musical
instruments, , and numerous cooking utensils of
iron, brass and copper used by the early settlers
of this country. He has a lariat given him by a
man who had killed four Chinamen, but as Mr.
Beard playfully remarks, 'This was while he was
drunk; he was not a killer.' He has some old
candlesticks, Persian lamps and two pieces of
Aztec pottery, both valuable specimens of artistic
hand work. Possibly the most interesting thing in
the studio is a home-made Confederate flag, put

together by the loving hands of some Southern
mother or sister, with two strips of turkey red and
one of fine white linen. This was captured by Mr.
Beard's brother and sent home as a Christmas
present to Daniel, who, at that time, was a little
boy. "But the most precious of all were the treasures
showed in the drawers of the rich old cabinet and
in the portfolios kept therein. Here are the draw
ings, sketches and notes of the artist, taken in
his many journeys, and besides these are many
originals already used in the various magazines
and books wdiich Mr. Beard's prolific pen and
brush have illustrated. Although coming from a
family of artists of which his father and an uncle,
William PI. Beard, were the youngest, Daniel was
not encouraged to study art, for which he had a
natural love, although the environments of his
early years were certainly artistic and his home
a perfect kindergarten for the development of any
latent talent. It is only in later years and by the
most persistent study that Daniel Beard has made
himself felt in the art world.
"As a boy he gave no special attention to the
inducements of art but studied with much more
interest the habits of birds and insects. His love
of colors led him to paint tiny panoramas of
soldiers and Indians, which were unrolled by a
crank, and the first money he earned was for
painting a political transparency for the campaign
of 1864, showing Gen. George B. McClellan riding
two horses (War and Peace). For this he received
$4 and immediately spent the entire amount for
neckties of bright hues. After graduating from
the schools of Cincinnati he took a short course
at Professor Worrall's Academy, in Covington,
Ky, studying principally the higher mathematics
with a view to becoming a civil engineer.
"In 1874 he received a good offer from the
Sanborn Map and Publishing Company, which
position he accepted and for five years he traveled
as surveyor over all the states east of the Missis
sippi River. During this time he pursued his
studies in natural history and later, while on a visit
to New York in 1879, he met Mr. Drake of the
Century and St. Nicholas, who induced him, after
a glance at his sketch book, to write a series of
articles on natural history, with illustrations by
himself. The reception they met with induced
Mr. Beard to enter the field of art and story and
he has continued in it since. The encouragement
he received from the journals and his reception
from the public not only determined him

1014

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to remain in New York, but showed him the
necessity of public study, especially in drawing."
He applied for admission in the life class at the
Student's League and was received on account of
his general proficiency- and knowledge of art and
kindred subjects. Mr. Sartain, his professor, on
seeing his first drawing, said: "For heaven's sake,
how were you ever admitted to the life class?"
But the work of a man sitting next to Mr. Beard
in the class was so much worse that the latter was
encouraged. At the end of four years Mr. Sartain
told him his drawings were the best in his school.
After this he began his busy studio life, and his
brilliant work in Harper's Weekly, Young
People, St. Nicholas, etc, made him the most
popular illustrator of the day. One of his recent
articles was for Scribner, "The Lumber Camp,"
taken from the great lumber regions of Michi
gan, -which he visited in winter when the ther
mometer was 30 degrees below zero. A recent
number of Munsey (June, 1896,) also contains
• several of his drawings in "Our Great Summer
Playground." Mr. Beard is a charming story teller and, if any
thing, writes as well as he sketches, and to know
and enjoy him at his best one should read his
most recent work, "Moonlight and Six Feet of
Romance," on social inequalities. His most
popular work, "The American Boys' Handy
Book" is the standard work of the day in its class.
Fie illustrated most charmingly a book by Will
iam Waldorf Astor and several of Mark Twain's
including "Tom Sawyer Abroad" and that very
important work to both author and artist, "A
Yankee at King Arthur's Court."
He is a regular contributor to the water color
exhibition and his pictures always find a ready
sale. He is the most versatile genius we have
met among that brilliant class of black and white
artists or illustrators in which New York is so
very strong, and his fund of information seems
inexhaustible. In ornithology he is at home, that
being his hobby, and he knows all about the
"web-footed birds and birds of prey," as well as
the bright feathered songsters. He is a member
of the Ornithological Union and the Linnaeus
Society, the Ohio Society of New York and
several clubs, such as Aldine and Twilight.
Mr. Beard takes an active part in the affairs of
Flushing, where he resides, is a member of the
board of education and president of the Single
Tax Club. He is ardently interested in athletics
and everything pertaining to physical culture, and

is himself a splendid example of the all-round
athlete and an oarsman of considerable repute.
He is now in the prime of life, being forty-five
years old, and has made for himself a name and
position of which he has every reason to be proud.

FRANK H. CORDTMEYER. Among
those whose career in business has been
rendered conspicuous by the honorable
methods and careful attention shown throughout
is Frank H. Cordtmeyer, a Dane by descent, but
a native of the city of New York, his birth occur
ring in the year 1864. His parents, Henry and
Mary (Nieman) Cordtmeyer, were born in Laa-
land, Denmark, and Hanover, Germany, respec
tively, and after their marriage came to the
United States, following agricultural pursuits in
the state of New York. In this undertaking they
ivere reasonably successful, but the father did not
live long to pursue it, for his death occurred in
1868, and that of his widow at Poughkeepsie, N.
Y, in 1874.
By the death of the parents four children were
left orphans, and from 1870 Frank H. found a
home with Mrs. E. Korn, of Astoria, who sent
him to the public schools of the fourth ward,
from which he was graduated under Professor
Gould. Afterwards he completed his education
in Cooper Union, New York City, which institu
tion he attended three years. He then found him
self well equipped to begin the battle of life for
himself and at once embarked in the real estate
business and contracting, and since 1889 has been
a general real estate dealer. He laid out seven
acres in Briell Street, improved it with a number
of good residences and then disposed of them at
a fair profit. In this enterprise he was assisted
by his partner, F. Krombholz. Air. Cordtmeyer
has always been actively interested in the im
provement of the city and has been instrumental
in bringing to a satisfactory conclusion several
important measures for the building up of the
place. From 1890 to 1893 he was a draughtsman
in the water department, and to him is due the
credit of having satisfactorily completed the
municipal census for 1890.
Politically Mr.- Cordtmeyer has ever been a
Republican, and for years has been a member of
the general committee. Socially he is a member
of the following organizations: The Knights of
Pythias, in which he is past chancellor, and a
member of Enterprise Lodge; Advance Lodge,

SYLVESTER GRAY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1017

F. & A. M, and has been trustee of the Turn
Verein. He is also a member of the Lincoln
Social Club, and was one of the founders of a
zither club, he being one of the most skillful and
accomplished players. Air. Cordtmeyer was mar
ried to Miss Emily F. Young, a native of New
York City, who died in December, 1894, leaving
two little children, Elsie and Bertha.

SYLVESTER GRAY. At the time of his
death, which occurred March 20, 1896, this
gentleman was efficiently filling the office
of president of the Long Island City Savings
Bank. He was one of the oldest residents as well
as a prominent and influential business man of
this place, and one who performed his part in the
development and improvement of his community.
He was for many years actively engaged as a
manufacturer in this place, but in the latter part
of his career gave his entire attention to looking
after his banking interests.
Mr. Gray was a native of this state and was
born near Monticello, Sullivan County, April 29,
1828. His father, Samuel Gray, was a native* of
Round Ridge, Conn, of which state the grand
father, John Gray, was also a native. The latter
was a farmer in the Nutmeg State for many
years, and after leaving that locality settled in
Sullivan County, N. Y, where he was one of the
pioneers. This now thickly populated district
was little more than a wilderness, but finding the
soil more than usually fertile and rich, Grand
father Gray decided to remain here. He died
at the age of seventy-five years.
The father of our subject was a lad of fourteen
years when the family removed to New York.
When ready to embark in life for himself he too
became a tiller of the soil, purchasing a place
adjoining the estate of his father. His farm was
located two and one-half miles north of Monti
cello, and has lately been known as Pleasant
Lake. He made this place his home until his
demise, which occurred when he was in his sev
enty-fifth year. His wife was Miss Lydia Hill
prior to her marriage. Her father was John Hill,
a native of New York State, who was also a far
mer in the vicinity of Monticello. Mrs. Gray de
parted this life when seventy-six years of age.
She became the mother of five children, two of
whom are deceased. Of this family, Sylvester was
next to the youngest.
The subject of this sketch lived on the old

homestead until a young man of twenty-one
years. In the meantime he gained a splendid
practical education, and for three years, from the
age of seventeen to twenty, taught school at Gra-
hamsville and Barry ville. About this time he
was employed by John T. Robery, the builder
of the Brooklyn bridge, to work on the lock on
the Delaware and Hudson Canal, and also as
sisted in building the lock at the mouth of the
Lackawanna. This work consumed about a year,
and in 1850 Mr. Gray came to New York City,
where for a twelvemonth he was engaged in
house carpentering, of which trade he had a fair
knowledge. About this time our subject obtained a posi
tion with John M. Smith, the only manufacturer
of refrigerators at that time in the city. He
remained with him for a year, during which time
he gained a fair knowledge of the business, and
then hired to L. H. Mace & Co, who had just
established a factory of this kind, and for twelve
years was their superintendent. On resigning
his position Mr. Gray was occupied as a ship
builder during two years of the war, and in 1862
located in Long Island City. Here he engaged
in business for himself, establishing a factory in
Fourth Street, where he put in steam power and
began the manufacture of refrigerators, starting
with a capital of $10,000. Later he put in a full
line of wood-working machines and gave employ
ment to forty men. He manufactured the "Arc
tic" and "Eureka" refrigerators, which were all
that he claimed for them, and it wa;> not long
before he received orders from retailers all over
the country. Fie continued in this business until
July 21, 1893, when his factory was burned to
the ground, and he did not deem it advisable to
rebuild the factory. Instead he erected on the
same site what is known as Gray's Block, a build
ing four stories in height and 60x80 feet in di
mensions. He also owned five stores in Vernon
Avenue, the rooms over which are arranged into
flats of convenient size. In addition to this prop
erty Mr. Gray owned three three-story and base
ment residences and one two-story and basement
building in Third Street, besides several lots in
other portions of the city.
In 1876 Mr. Gray organized the Long Island
City Savings Bank, of which he was the president
until his death. It is a most reliable institution,
and its depositors are among the wealthiest busi
ness men of the county. Mr. Gray was also one
of the organizers of the Seventeenth Ward Bank

IOIJ

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Brooklyn, of which he was a director at the
time of his death.
In Cape Ann, Mass, occurred the marriage of
our subject with Miss Laura A. Lane, the daugh
ter of Nathaniel Lane. Her death occurred No
vember 24, 1893. She became the mother of four
children, of whom we make the following men
tion: Eugene W. is foreman of Truck No. 1 of
the Long Island City fire department; Alary W.
married William M. Hudson, of Mattituck, L. I.;
Josephine S. and Frances H. are at home, the
latter attending the high school at Flushing.
For some time prior to his death Air. Gray
was excise commissioner, for some time was
chairman of the excise board, and was chairman
of the board of education for five years. He was
an earnest advocate of Democratic principles and
was one of the best citizens and most public-
spirited men of Queens County.
Personally Mr. Gray was an exceedingly clever
and agreeable gentleman, liberal and public-
spirited.

CORNELIUS VALENTINE GARRI
SON, who is engaged in the bottling
business at No. 74 Boerum Avenue,
Flushing, was born in Willet's Point, L. I, in
1862, and is a member of an old Dutchess County
family. His grandfather, David Garrison, who
was bom in Garrison, N. Y, spent his early years
in Dutchess County, removed thence to New
York, where he was employed as a truckman, and
later located at Willet's Point, where he was em
ployed as foreman in the government work. He
is now living in retirement at Bayside.
The father of our subject, Charles W. Garrison,
was born in Cherry Street, New York, and learned
the trade of carpenter and builder there, but later
engaged in the hotel business at Whitestone.
About 1878 he located at Bayside, where he kept
a hotel known as the Willet's Point Hotel. When
the Civil War broke out he was at Key West,
Fla, but made his escape and returned to Long
Island, where he was assistant superintendent in
the building of the fort at Willet's Point. His
death occurred December 21, 1895, at the age of
fifty-five years.
Emily, mother of our subject, was a member
of an old Holland-Dutch family. She was born
in Whitestone, where her father, Augustus Kis
sam, was engaged in the mercantile business until
his death. In religious belief she was an Episco

palian. Of her marriage there are four living
sons, Cornelius V being the eldest. He was
reared at Willet's Point and Whitestone, and at
the age of fifteen began to clerk in the Whitestone
Hotel. Later he was employed in a tin plate
decorating factory for a time, after which he
started a retail butter market in New York City,
in which way he was engaged about five years.
His next venture was the raising of poultry at
Bayside, after which he was for four years fore
man of the bottling department of Abbot's brew
ery in Brooklyn. In 1892 he came to Flushing
and built his place in Boerum Avenue, where he
now engages in bottling beer, carrying on a large
trade among the families and clubs of Flushing,
Bayside, Whitestone and Little Neck. His trade
is exclusively private, and no orders are filled
from hotels or saloons. In his factory there is
a steam engine for washing the bottles and steam
ing the beer. Especial attention is paid to clean
liness. The bottles are washed three times, then
rinsed with pure hydrant water and drained until
dry. Every bottle is labeled, thus preventing im
position on the part of outside parties. He is
the only one in Flushing authorized to sell the
"Rienzi" Rochester beer, and among his other
brands are the "Imperial Foam," "Cabinet,"
"Culmbacher," "Apollo" and "Barthalomay."
Politically the sympathies of Air. Garrison are
with the Democratic party, the principles of which
he supports in national and local elections. He
is a member of Grace Episcopal Church at White
stone and contributes generously to benevolent
projects. His marriage took place in Brooklyn
and united him with Elizabeth Trapp, who was
born in Bayside, being a daughter of George
Trapp, of Whitestone. They are the parents of a
son, Cornelius Valentine, Jr.

M'

AX ZEHDEN, proprietor of the College
Point Casino and Annex Hotels, was
born in Berlin, Germany, in 1855. His
father, Benedict Al, a native of the same city,
brought his wife and seven children to America
in 1865, and after many hardships and struggles
gained independence and success. For some time
he was superintendent of the German depart
ment of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com
pany of New York, after which he was engaged
in the custom business for twelve years, until his
death, in 1889. While in the old country he held
the rank of general in the German army, and in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1019

that capacity took part in the Schleswig-Holstein
War. After coming to this country he espoused
the principles of the Republican party. Socially
he was prominent in the Masonic fraternity, the
order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and
about fifteen other societies. A man of letters
and culture, he was especially well informed re
garding political affairs, and his ability as an
orator made his name a household word among
the Germans. Frequently he spoke at meetings
with such men as Carl Schurz.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was
a horse dealer and supplied the German gov
ernment with horses. The family is of German
origin, but is not a large one, our subject being
the only representative in America. His mother,
Fannie (Simons) Zehden, was born in Berlin and
died in New York. He was the only child of the
family who attained mature years. He accom
panied his parents to America, reaching New
York after a voyage of thirteen days, and for a
time attended a grammar school in West Twen
ty-seventh Street. His first position was that of
office boy, from which he worked his way up,
until at the age of seventeen he began for himself
in business. On coming to College Point he
built his present place, to which he afterward
made additions. There are forty rooms in the
Casino, including a large restaurant, ball
grounds, dancing pavilion, boating and bathing
pavilion, the latter having about fifty rooms,
.There are accommodations for fifty guests, and
every facility is provided for the entertainment
of visitors during the summer months. There
are two landings for both steamboats and sailing
crafts, and boats are hired to those desiring an
outing on the water. The space is ample, being
six hundred feet square, with ample facilities for
ball games and all outdoor sports. Steady em
ployment is furnished to fourteen men, though
in the busy season forty waiters are employed in
the two restaurants in each hotel. Mr. Zehden
has an efficient assistant in his wife, who was
Miss Eliza Bloom, a native of Germany. He is
a member of the Liquor Dealers' Association
and several lodges.

one. Of the many persons who are engaged in
the duties of the calling of an undertaker no more
considerate one can be found than John F Dunn,
of Flushing. He was born in this place in 1865
to Patrick and Alary (Ellis) Dunn, both natives
of Ireland, the former of Queens County and the
latter of Dublin. They came to America when
young, located in Flushing, and here Air. Dunn
began running a hack. He continued this and the
transfer business until his death in 1881, in which
year his wife also passed from life. Four of their
children grew to mature years: Mary, Margaret,
John F, and Martin, who died in 1895 at the age
of twenty-eight years, on the eve of his ordina
tion to the priesthood from St. Alary's Theologi
cal Seminary, Maryland, after studying three
years. John F. Dunn was an attendant of St. Michael's
school until he was fourteen years of age, but
after the death of his father it became necessary
for him to do something for himself, and he at
once assumed charge of the hack and transfer
business. On the 20th of January, 1890, he
opened an undertaking establishment and has
since been one of the popular funeral directors
of the place. His careful attention to all the
minute details of conducting a funeral in the most
desirable manner have gained him much popu
larity with persons in need of his services. He is
also an embalmer, having taken a course in this
branch in Brooklyn, and keeps a superior line oi
goods required by his calling. His office is
located at No. 1 Jagger Avenue and his ware-
rooms are in the rear.
Mr. Dunn has served for fifteen years as a
member of Rescue Hook and Ladder Company
of Flushing and one term acted in the capacity of
foreman. He belongs to the Order of American
Firemen, is a member of the Kings and Queens
County Undertakers' Association, politically is a
Democrat, and, like all the. members of his family,
is connected with St. Michael's Catholic Church.
He is a useful and trustworthy citizen, and is
universally respected and esteemed.

JOHN F. DUNN. It is a notable fact which
speaks volumes for the high grade of our
civilization that in no civilized land the
world over is more attention given to all the de
tails of the burial of the dead than in our favored

JACOB ROCKER, a prominent resident of
Astoria, is superintendent of the Sohmer &
Co. piano factory, which is located at Long
Island City, and is one of the oldest employes of
that company. Mr. Rocker was born in the city
of Worms, Germany, August 30, 1836. His
father, George Rocker, was likewise a native of

1020

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that city, which was also the home of Grandfather
Rocker. The latter was a cabinetmaker by trade
and a representative of one of the old and re
spected families of Worms. He fought in the
battle of Waterloo, being sergeant of his com
pany, and in that conflict was seriously wounded
in the right leg. In religious matters he was a
member of the Lutheran Church.
George Rocker was well educated in the model
schools of the Fatherland, and when ready to
embark in life for himself, learned the business of
cabinetmaker, in which his father was engaged.
In this he was unusually successful and soon
began manufacturing furniture on his own ac
count, managing his business in a very able
manner. He lived to be seventy-two years of age.
The lady to whom he was married bore the
maiden name of Kate Fuchs, also a German by
birth, and the daughter of John Fuchs. She de
parted this life when in her sixty-second year.
The father was afterward married to Miss
Tuchart, by whom he had three children. His
first union resulted in the birth of seven children,
three of whom are living at the present time, and
to this family our subject belongs.
Jacob Rocker attended school in the city of
Worms until a lad of fourteen years, 'when he
entered his father's furniture factory and became
thoroughly acquainted with the business in all its
details. He then traveled over various portions
of the empire, working at his trade in Wurtem
berg, Hanover and Frankfort. In the latter city
he first began to work as a piano maker.
In 1857 Mr. Rocker enlisted in the One Hun
dred and Sixty-third German Regiment and
served his full time as a soldier. In 1864, having
determined to try his fortunes in America, he
took passage on the steamer "Hanover," bound
for the city of New York, and in due time was
landed upon the soil of the New World. The
splendid recommendations which he brought
gained him admittance into the factory of Sohmer
& Co, which was then located in the metropolis,
and, beginning at the bottom round of the ladder,
he gradually worked his way until he now occu
pies the most responsible position in the concern.
Five years after entering the employ of this com
pany he was made foreman of the key making de
partment, and in 1880 was promoted to be super
intendent of the factory, which was then known
as the old Needham factory in Twenty-third
Street. In the year 1887 Sohmer & Co. erected a new

factory in Long Island City and moved their
effects hither. Mr. Rocker was then made first
superintendent, which position he has held ever
since. He personally superintends the work in
each department, being an expert in the manufac
ture of pianos, and has under his charge two
hundred men. He buys all the lumber, veneer,
etc, used in the construction of these instruments
and the company are profiting by the inventions
which he has made in the way of a machine for
the manufacture of the keys and another for
boring rest planks. He is truly self-made, having
worked his way by the exercise of his own natural
talents and perseverance.
The marriage of Mr. Rocker and Miss Caroline
Roh, who was born in Germany, occurred in New
York City in 1864. To them have been born three
sons, George, Henry and Frederick, all of whom
follow the business of their father and are in the
employ of Sohmer & Co. In 1878 our subject
built a beautiful residence at No. 225 Jamaica
Avenue and has made this his home ever since.
Socially he belongs to Navigator Lodge No. 232,
F. & A. M. He is also associated with the Arion
Singing Society of New York and meets with the
Frohsinn and Turn Verein Societies. The Inde
pendent Schuetzen Club of New York City claims
him as one of its most prominent and valued
members. In politics he is a true blue Repub
lican. His son, Henry, is a very prominent young
politician and is at present a member of the
General Republican Committee.

THOMAS T. CORNELIUS. The vocation
of an undertaker is essentially a very deli
cate one, and it involves for its successful
prosecution peculiarly important qualifications,
wdiich but comparatively few individuals possess.
It is only through long experience as well as
natural aptitude that a man is able to discharge
his duty in that relation to the entire and un
qualified satisfaction of those most deeply inter
ested. Prominent among those engaged in this
line of work in Seacliff, is Thomas T. Cornelius,
whose character and reputation for honorable
principles have placed him among the leading
undertakers of the place. Fie is a native of Sea
ford, L. I, born December 25, 1863, the son
of Carman and Martha (Buck) Cornelius. The
father is one of the wealthy and influential resi
dents of Seaford, where he has resided many
years. He is a member of a yacht club, takes

CARROLL F. NORTON.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1023

great delight in hunting, and although a resident
of Seaford, he has, for the past twenty-three
years, spent his winters at Carituc Beach, N. C.
Thomas T. Cornelius resided at Seaford, L. I,
for fifteen years and there obtained his schooling.
When about fifteen years old he went to Amity
ville, where he began learning the undertakers'
business with Solomon Ketcham, with whom he
remained nine years. While there he married
Miss Annie E. Crum, of Babylon, L. I. Her
death occurred at the end of about six years and
afterward Mr. Cornelius moved to Roslyn, where
he was in the employ of H. C. Thorne, having
full charge of the undertaking establishment con
ducted by that gentleman. Later he married Miss
Julia Kilpatrick, of Roslyn, who was the daughter
of Kelsey K and Frances Kilpatrick. After leav
ing Roslyn, Mr. Cornelius went to Brooklyn,
where he was in the employ of George F. Carlis
in the undertaking business for a number of
years. About the year 1890 he came to Seacliff, L. I,
where he established himself in business. He has
met with more than ordinary success in his
chosen occupation and has a fine residence in that
village. While a resident of Amityville, L. I, he
took a deep interest in politics and voted for J.
G. Blaine in 1884. He has ever since remained
with the grand old party. Socially he is a mem
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Glencove, and has held a number of offices in
that order. He is the first and only undertaker
in the village and often receives calls from Brook
lyn and New York City to serve in that capacity.
For the last three years he has been sexton for
the Methodist Church here.

CARROLL F. NORTON, cashier of the
First National Bank of Hempstead, was
born in Erie, Pa, August 20, 1852. His
father, Christopher F. Norton, was a descendant
of an old Connecticut family and one of the larg
est lumber and iron manufacturers in the coun
try. He removed to Plattsburg, N. Y, when
our subject was quite young, and became the
leading lumber and iron manufacturer in the
Adirondack Mountains. While engaged in this
business he amassed a large fortune, but during
the panic of 1873 was obliged to suspend, and
the greater part of his wealth was swept away.
During his residence in New York he was elected
from the sixteenth congressional district to the

state senate of New York as the candidate of the
Democratic party. This was in 1871, and being
in a district that was largely Republican he de
clined renomination. Finally, moving to Colo
rado, he remained there engaged in business un
til his death, in 1880, when he was fifty-nine
years of age. His wife, Sarah Chase, was a niece
of the late Salmon P. Chase, chief justice of the
United States supreme court, and a prominent
candidate for the presidency, and was a half-sister
to the mother of Austin Corbin, president of the
Long Island Railway Company. She died
in 1869, when in her forty-eighth year.
Christopher F. and Sarah Norton were the
parents of six children, of whom five are living:
Benjamin, formerly vice-president of the Long
Island Railroad Company, is a resident of
New York City and a large stockholder in the
electric railroad at Newburgh, N. Y, which he
built and equipped. Interested with him in this
enterprise is his brother, Harry C, also a man of
wealth and a resident of Newburgh ; Sarah makes
her home in Plattsburg, and Helen Chase Norton
is in Albany, where she is connected with the
state banking department.
The early life of Carroll F. Norton was spent
in Plattsburg, where he obtained -a good educa
tion in the public schools. This was supple
mented by a course in the Albany Business Col
lege, after which he became his father's confiden
tial clerk, aiding materially in the manage
ment of his large enterprises. He was with him
in the same capacity in his lumber and stock in
terests in Colorado, but after the death of his
father he returned to New York City. For three
years he was connected with the Long Island
road, and in 1884 located in Greenport, estab
lishing the People's National Bank and remain
ing its cashier for three years. He then came to
Hempstead and assisted in organizing the Bank
of Hempstead, which proved one of the greatest
financial successes the place ever had. He con
tinued as cashier of this institution until 1893,
when a difference of opinion arising between him
and some of the smaller stockholders resulted in
his disposing of his interest in the concern. He
was encouraged by many of the leading citizens
of the place to organize another bank, and in less
than twenty-four hours he had raised on sub
scription a capital stock of over $100,000, when
only $50,000 was needed. August Belmont wass
elected president of the institution and Mr. Nor
ton cashier. Sidney Dillon Ripley and many of

1024

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the wealthy citizens of the place signified their
willingness to serve on the board of directors.
Thus was the First National Bank of Hempstead
organized, and from the very first has been suc
cessful. During the panic of 1893, when many
firms went under, this bank steadily increased its
deposits until they now aggregate more than a
quarter of a million. They have paid dividends
regularly and added a large surplus to its capital,
which speaks volumes for its able management
in times of great financial depression. The First
National now occupies a new stone and brick
building, which is one of the finest on Long Is
land. It is fitted up with extension safety deposit
vaults, and all the conveniences which are to be
found in a modern structure of this kind.
Mr. Norton was married February 3, 1885, to
Miss Sara E, daughter of John B. Mersereau, of
Hempstead. To them have been born two daugh
ters, Helen Chase and Ruth. The family occupy
a fine home in Hilton Avenue, where they enter
tain their friends, who are numbered among the
best people of the county.
In politics Mr. Norton is a Democrat and is
greatly interested in the success of his party. At
the present time he is one of the village trustees
of Hempstead.

JL. BOARDMAN. There is no country in
the world in which the march of civiliza-
- tion is more noticeable than in America,
where home life is at the highest ebb of refine
ment and moral excellence. In every branch of life
is this noticeable, the homes in particular showing
the delicate touch of the housewife whose keen
sense of refinement leads her to command the
best and most artistic class of furniture to make
her home attractive. A gentleman who deals in
a general line of furniture is J. L. Boardman, of
Flushing. He was born in Plattsburg, N. Y, in
May, 1831, a son of Horace and Harriet (Ad-
doms) Boardman, natives respectively of Middle-
bury, Vt, and Plattsburg, N. Y.
Our subject's grandfather, Joel Boardman, was
born in Salem, Mass, and traced his lineage in
this country back to 1640, when a member of the
family located in Connecticut. He was a sea-
fearing man while at Salem, but prior to the
Revolutionary War removed by wagon to Ver
mont and became an inn-keeper at Middlebury.
His wife was a Miss Turner. Their son, Horace,
was an iron manufacturer and had an old char

coal forge near Plattsburg, but later operated a
larger one on the Saranac River. He was quite
ingenious and invented the first mowing machine
and the first machine for making cut nails. He
also invented the machine for making pressed
brick. Fie died on Staten Island at the age of
seventy years, having been a strong Abolitionist
and temperance man. Pie was quite an eloquent
orator and made many speeches in favor of aboli
tion and was a warm supporter of Abraham Lin
coln for the presidency. He was a Mason. His
wife was a daughter of Maj. John Addoms, who
was born in New York City. He was a member
of the association from Poughkeepsie that bought
the land and founded Plattsburg, N. Y. He be
came the owner of large tracts of land and during
the Revolutionary War held the rank of major
under General Washington. His father, Joseph
Addoms, was a physician of New York City in
1640, and the old clock which he owned is now
in possession of J. L. Boardman. This family is
supposed to be of the same origin as the Adams.
To Horace Boardman and his wife nine children
were born, of whom one daughter and three sons
are living.
J. L. Boardman was reared and educated in
Plattsburg and, after completing an academic
education, taught school for one winter, then be
came a clerk in a large general store of that place,
where he remained for three years. About 1850
he came to New York City and for two years
thereafter was a clerk in a dry-goods store of
Brooklyn, then came to Flushing to take charge
of the dry-goods establishment of Peck & Son,
which was one of the largest country establish
ments in the state at that time. At the end of five
years he resigned and went west, to St. Louis,
where he was in the grocery business for three
years. At the end of that time he returned to
Flushing and was with the firm of Peck & Fair-
weather until they dissolved partnership, after
which he purchased and ran the establishment
until 1861. Since that time he has been in the
furniture business and is located in a fine three-
story brick structure, the dimensions of which are
34x85 feet, the second and third floors of which
are used for storage. He has a fine residence at
the corner of Prince and State Streets.
Mr. Boardman was married in Flushing to
Miss Caroline Fairweather, a daughter of William
H. Fairweather, of the firm of Peck & Fair-
weather, who married Ann Eliza Peck, a daughter
of Jonathan Peck and a sister of Richard Peck

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

102:

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Boardman: William Fairweather, traveling audi
tor for the New York Central Railroad, and living
in Flushing; Edward Horace, who is in the office
of the New York Central Railroad, and resides
in Flushing; Eliza Fairweather, Walter Thomas
and Clara L. In January, 1896, Mr. Boardman
was appointed a member of the board of health
and he has always been a Republican politically.
He and his wife attend St. George's Episcopal
Church and socially he is a member of Cor
nucopia Lodge No. 563, of the Free and Ac
cepted Masons.

ELBERT HALLETT. Many of the arts
practiced in this day had their origin in
antiquity, one of these being the art of
embalming. This process of preserving dead
bodies is very ancient, having been practiced by
the Egyptians for the preparation of mummies.
In that age spices, drugs and asphaltum were
most commonly used, after which the bodies were
swathed in cloth. In this day chloride of zinc,
corrosive sublimate and carbolic acid are em
ployed. An important firm of undertakers and
embalmers is that of Hallett & Co, of Flushing,
composed of Elbert Hallett and his sister, Mrs.
Harriett De Veau.
Elbert Hallett is a native of Flushing, born in
1876, a son of Samuel J. Hallett, a resident of
New York City, but who was reared in Astoria.
He was a photographer in New York City for
some years, but later engaged in the undertaking
business in Flushing (1869), which he contin
ued until his death in March, 1895, at the
age of seventy years. He also conducted an
undertaking establishment in Long Island City,
in fact, was a wide-awake man of affairs and
a good financier. He had long been a worthy
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
in his political views was a stanch Republican.
He was married to Emeline De Veau, a native of
Whiteplains, N. Y, and of French descent. She
died in 1894, having became the mother of five
children: Frances A, wife of George Denton, of
Chambersburg, Pa.; W. D, who died in Flush
ing in November, 1895; Harriett D, also a resi
dent of Flushing; Theodore, who is in the West,
and Elbert. The paternal grandfather of the sub
ject of this sketch is Charles W. Hallett, of As
toria, L. I, a sketch of whom appears herein.
Elbert Hallett was reared and educated in

Flushing, obtaining a good high school educa
tion. At the age of fifteen years he went to Long
Island City with his father and worked with him
in the undertaking establishment on Jackson
Avenue and Tenth Street until the business there
was closed. He then returned to Flushing and,
after working at the plumbing business for about
one year, he attended the trade school in New
York City for some time, after which he once
more engaged in undertaking, and at the death
of his brother, he and his sister, Harriett, bought
out the other heirs and have since successfully
continued business under the firm name of Hal
lett & Co. Their establishment is located at No. 25
Main Street, and is commodious and convenient,
their office and ware-rooms being all of goodly
proportions. In connection with this they keep
a large line of coaches, hearses and carriages and
are in every way properly equipped to success
fully carry on their calling and are at all times to
be relied upon. Air. Hallett is a worthy member
of the Reformed Church.

DAVID B. DOUGHTY, D. V. S. This in
brief is a sketch of one of the citizens of
Woodbury, who, in common with other
representative men of the village, is laboring to
secure the development of its highest interests
and the promotion of its welfare. In his chosen
occupation he is known as a skilled and efficient
veterinary surgeon, who brings to bear upon the
calling a thorough knowdedge of the equine
species and the treatment of diseases to which
the horse is subject.
In the village wdiere he now resides the sub
ject of this notice was born July 10, 1862, being a
son of John and Anna E. (Brush) Doughty. The
line of ancestry is traced back to Edward
Doughty, a Puritan, who came to America in the
"Mayflower" and endured all the vicissitudes in
cident to life in a new country. From him the
lineage is traced through Townsend, James,
John, Ananias, Stephen and John to David B,
of this sketch. James Doughty, grandson of the
Puritan ancestor, located at Cold Spring in
Queens County and there acquired the ownership
of a large tract of land, a portion of which still
remains in the family, having been entailed from
father to son. Five generations of the family are
interred in the old Episcopal Cemetery at Oyster
Bay. The father of our subject was born on the

1026

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

family homestead at Cold Spring, April 26, 183.7,
and he married, November 29, 1859, Ann E.
Brush, a native of New York City and daughter
of David Brush. In 1878 he removed from the
homestead to the Brush place in Woodbury, and
there he has since made his home. Of his family
of five children, four are still living, namely:
Annie A, wife of Charles O. Smith, living on the
old Doughty farm; Dr. David B, of this sketch;
Frederick S, who resides with his parents, and
Addie M, wife of Henry A. Gilman, of Brooklyn.
The next to the youngest daughter, Carrie B,
died on New Year's Day of 1895, aged twenty-
three years.
On the Brush homestead then owned by his
maternal grandfather, but now occupied by him
self, the subject of this sketch was born, and here
he has always made his home. His early educa
tion was received in the district schools and the
union school of Huntington. In 1888 he entered
the American Veterinary College of New York
and remained there until his graduation in 1891.
Immediately afterward he commenced the prac
tice of his profession in his native county, making
his home with his parents as before. His skill
and ability have been recognized and in justice
to him it may be said that he has worked his way
to his present position. Many valuable animals
are entrusted to his care, and his practice extends
over a large area. While a firm Republican in
politics he is not active in local affairs, preferring
to give his attention to his business affairs

JOHN M. PHILLIPS. Among the many
prominent contractors of Astoria, Long
Island City, is John M. Phillips, who shows
much fitness for his vocation in that he is wide
awake, experienced, reliable and energetic, and
that he has a thorough knowdedge of his busi
ness. Although young in years, his birth having
occurred in New York City in 1872, Mr. Phillips
has already won an enviable reputation in his
chosen calling.
Until the year 1883 Mr. Phillips remained in
his native city, attending the public schools, and
then came to Long Island City, where he en
tered the third ward school. In 1884 he took up
the mason's trade under his father, John M. Phil
lips, Sr, and after completing it continued with
him until the latter's death in 1891. After this
our subject and his brother, Peter N, began con
tracting, and have continued this since. All their

work is on a large scale and is always conducted
to a successful and satisfactory termination. Mr.
Phillips is painstaking, industrious and strictly
honorable, and as a natural consequence his ser
vices are in demand. In politics an ardent Dem
ocrat, he has ever been deeply interested in the
welfare of his party and is a member of the gen
eral campaign committee of the Jefferson Dem
ocratic Club. He was senatorial delegate in 1895.
Previously he had served as ward, city and coun
ty delegate, and has been a member of the gen
eral committee since the age of twenty-one. In
1895 he went to St. Louis, Mo, as a delegate for
St. Peter's Lyceum, and is a member of St.
Patrick's Church and the Catholic Benevolent
Legion. Pie is active in all good work and is one
of the promising young men of the city.

CHARLES BROWN, manager for Swift
Brothers, at Flushing, was born in Little
Compton, R. I, in 1871, and is a son of
John C. G. and Maria (Brownell) Brown, also
natives of Rhode Island. His father, who was
born in Narragansett, spent his early years there
and in other villages of the state, but later went
to Chicago, where for fourteen years he was em
ployed as stock buyer, and he is now sheep buyer
for Swift in that city.
Of five children, Charles Brown is next to the
youngest. He was reared to manhood in Little
Compton, receiving his education in the public
schools of that place and the Friends' Boarding
School in Providence. Later he was a student
in Bryant & Stratton's Business College. He
was in the employ of Swift & Co, Chicago, where
he worked his way from an inferior place to one
of responsibility. During his connection with
the firm there, he was employed in the sheep
department. In 1891 he went to Buffalo, N. Y,
where he was employed by the New England
Dressed Aleat & Wool Company. The following
year he went to New York City where he took a
position in the wholesale depot in Thirty-ninth
Street, and later was transferred to Thirty-fifth
Street, where he had charge of a department for
Swift's Sheep & Provision Company. Next he
was transferred to the management of the sheep
department for the Harlem Beef Company re
maining with that concern until April, 1895, when
he became manager for Swift Brothers at Flush
ing. This place, which is the only one owned bv

ST. IGNATIUS' CHURCH, HICKSVILLE, N. Y.
Rev. Lawrence Fuchs, Pastor.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1029

Swift Brothers on Long Island, was established
by them in August, 1894. Ice and meat are de
livered every day in carload lots and then for
warded to different parts of Queens County. In
the building there is a large refrigerator that
has a capacity of one hundred and fifty to two
hundred head of animals at one time. The tem
perature is maintained at thirty-eight to forty
degrees, and the entire business is carried on in
a systematic, accurate manner.

REV. LAWRENCE FUCHS is pastor of
St. Ignatius' Church at Hicksville. The
Catholic population living in his village
and vicinity was organized as a parish in the year
1859, and the corner stone of the old church was
laid August 21 of that year, occupying the same
ground which is now the site of the new edifice.
Die land was presented by Henry Pasker, father .
of Adolph Pasker, who is at present an efficient
worker in the congregation. Both of these gen
tlemen collected funds in the city, the population
here being too poor to contribute a sufficient
amount to erect the building. As Mr. Pasker was
a carpenter he helped to build the church.
Rev. Ignatius Goetz, who passed to his eternal
reward February 8, 1879, was the first pastor in
charge of the parish. He was succeeded by Rev.
Casper Muller, who died October 29, 1881. In
those days the people were few in number, but
faith was strong, and under Rev. Joseph Hauber,
the next pastor, who attended from Foster's
Meadow, the finances and membersnip grew. A
plat of ground for a rectory was purchased in
1870 and the building was erected in the same
year. Rev. L. Schneider succeeded Rev.
Joseph Hauber, but remained only a short time,
resigning on account of ill health, and his death
occurred August 24, 1883.
The church remained without a pastor for two
months, then the Rt. Rev. John Laughlin, bishop
of Brooklyn, sent Rev. Lawrence Fuchs, the sub
ject of this sketch, to take charge of the parish.
For three years he had been assistant priest in a
large German parish in Brooklyn, and he said
his first mass in Hicksville in the old church,
September 1, 1872. Under his charge the church
has prospered, the attendance outgrowing the ac
commodations, so that it became necessary to
erect more commodious quarters, and land was
purchased with this end in view. Father Fuchs
has been an earnest worker during his pastorate

and the members of the church both love and re
spect him. After much hard work and by perse
vering he succeeded in collecting enough money
to have a large and handsome church erected,
and on the 12th of May, 1891, the old church edi
fice was removed to a lot south of the
old site, and the work of excavating for the
foundation of the new building was commenced.
the greater part of the work being done by volun
teer labor of members of the parish. All was
soon ready for the carpenters, and by July 2 the
frame was raised. The corner stone was laid by
the Rt. Rev. John Laughlin July 4. The work
progressed rapidly, and December 15 of the same
year the church was dedicated by the above
named gentleman, it being the last dedicatory
functions which he ever performed. The morn
ing he arrived in Hicksville he was taken ill. Fie
returned home, but never recovered, and Decem
ber 29 he was called to his reward.
St. Ignatius' Church is a well-built structure,
40x96 feet, and has a spire one hundred and ten
feet in height. The interior is handsomely decor
ated, and the seating capacity is about five hun-
•dred. Everything was done in the most satisfac
tory manner and the best material to be had was
used in the construction of the building. The
edifice cost over $20,000. The church grounds
are ample, as the plat includes nearly half a block,
and large horse sheds have been erected for the
accommodation of the members wdio drive to
church.

LOUIS C. OTT, who resides at Rockaway
Beach, Oceanus P. O, is engaged in the
bottling business, making a specialty of the
"Standard" and' "Superb" brands of beer. Prior
to embarking in this business, which he has con
ducted since 1893, he carried on a hotel business
here for ten years during the summer seasons.
His home before coming to Oceanus was in
Brooklyn, where he was born August 1, 1855.
In boyhood he received excellent opportunities
for a practical education in both German and
English, and became well informed upon mat
ters pertaining to business.
When only nineteen years of age Mr. Ott be
gan in the hotel business at Brooklyn, remaining
thus engaged for nearly five years. Possessing
a genial, companionable nature, he made many
friends and soon drifted into politics. His first
position was in the revenue office, where he ren-

1030

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dered efficient service from 1884 until 1889, and
later he held the position of under sheriff for two
years under Sheriff Courtney. In 1892 he was
elected to represent his district in the legislature,
and as, a member of the assembly showed the
utmost fidelity to the interests of his constituents
as well as a thorough knowledge of public affairs.
He was regarded as one of the leaders of the
Democratic party, and held a high place in the
estimation of those identified with that organiza
tion. Among the measures which he championed
was the market bill, which originated in the sen
ate and was presented by him in the assembly.
Through his untiring efforts he secured its pas
sage. He was also the champion of the Long
Island Railroad bill, which was intended to re
duce fares to a rate of two cents per mile. This
was a popular measure among the people and he
worked hard to secure its passage, but the mon
eyed influence of the railroad company was mani
fest upon the committee, and notwithstanding a
brave fight the bill was defeated.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Ott is connected
with the Star of Hope Lodge No. 430, F. & A.
M, and is also identified with the Literary Union
of Rockaway Beach. He takes an active interest
in all local matters and is a member of the En
terprise Hook and Ladder Company.

DANIEL A. HARRISON, M. D, joint
proprietor with Dr. John A. Arnold, a
resident of Brooklyn, of Breezehurst Ter
race, a private asylum at Whitestone for the
treatment of mental diseases, was born in Strat
ford, Ontario, Canada, August 31, 1852, being a
son of William Dyne and Lucy (Tye) Harrison.
His boyhood days were spent in Stratford, where,
after attending a private school for some time, he
took a course in the high school, graduating at
the age of eighteen. After completing his studies
he visited relatives of his father in .Somerset and
Devonshire, England, where he spent a year, and
on returning to Stratford became secretary and
treasurer of a gas company, where he remained
for two years. From an early age he had a taste
for medical work, but was not financially able to
carry out his desires until an uncle, who had taken
a fancy to him during his visit to England, left
him some money with which to attend medical
college. After gaining a knowledge of the fundamental
truths of the science under private preceptorship,

our subject entered the medical department of the
University of the City of New York, from which
he graduated in 1882. Immediately afterward he
accepted a position as assistant physician in the
City Asylum at Ward's Island, and had charge of
the hospital there for three years. He was then
offered a more lucrative position in. the depart
ment of charities and correction in the Kings
County Asylum, where he remained as assistant
for nine months, and was then promoted to the
position of superintendent of the Kings County
Asylum at St. Johnland, remaining there for four
years. In 1890 he bought the place where he
now is with a view to starting his present busi
ness, and has since given his attention to the
private asylum he has established here. In order
to perfect his knowledge of this line of work, he
visited England and Scotland, studying the meth
ods adopted by the different asylums and hos
pitals. The building which he occupies has a
capacity for twenty-five patients, and his skill in
the treatment of mental diseases is bringing him
a wide reputation.
While at St. Johnland, September 16, 1887, Dr.
Harrison married Miss Harriet Moore Ridgely,
of Dover, Del, daughter of Edward and Eliza
beth Frazier (Comegys) Ridgely. Her father,
Who is a prominent attorney of Dover, has for
years been engaged in the practice of his profes
sion and, although blind, he is regarded as one
of the best counselors in the state of Delaware.
Two children, twins, were born to the Doctor and
his wife, but one died in infancy; the other is
named Edward Ridgely.
In political matters Dr. Harrison is independ
ent, never having allied himself with any party.
He and his wife are identified with the Episcopal
Church, which is the religious belief of his fath
er's family. Fraternally he is connected with
Alcyone Lodge No. 695, F & A. M, at North-
port, L. I. At this writing he is serving as sec
retary of the board of health at Whitestone, and
member of the board of trustees of Flushing Hos
pital. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of
Medicine in New York City.

G BYRON LATIMER. "Save the pen
nies and the dollars will look after
• themselves," is undoubtedly an excel
lent motto, and the practical working of it is
found in the institutions organized, whereby small
amounts of money can be deposited in the bank

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1031

for safe keeping. There is no more true saying
than that money will burn a hole in a person's
pocket, and it is for this reason that institutions of
this kind are of paramount value. The subject
of this sketch is secretary of the Irving Savings
Institution, located at No. 96 Warren Street, New
York City, which institution is firmly founded and
decidedly popular with all classes, especially with
the working people.
Mr. Latimer was born in Brooklyn, N. Y, in
1861, to Edmund H. and Hester Ann (Cannon)
Latimer, natives of the state of New York, where
they lived and died. The father was for more
than thirty years connected with the "Journal of
Commerce" in New York. He was a public-
spirited citizen, of fine intellect and excellent edu
cation, and he wielded a wide influence in the
community in which he lived. He passed from
life in Brooklyn in 1891, the death of his worthy-
wife having occurred in 1885.
The initiatory education of G. Byron Latimer
was received in the Brooklyn public schools, but
he subsequently attended School No. 3 of that
city. At the age of thirteen he laid aside his
books to become a clerk in a notion house of*
New York City, where he remained four years,
after which he entered the Irving National Bank
as a clerk. So ably and faithfully did he discharge
every duty assigned him that he was promoted
from time to time until he occupied the position
of note teller. In 1893 he was appointed to his
present position, which is one of great responsi
bility, but Air. Latimer is proving fully equal to
its duties. He possesses a keen and practical
mind well fitted to cope With far more difficult
problems than come under his notice at the pres
ent time, and his future is bright wdth promise.
The bank with which he is connected is in a very
thriving condition and at the present time its
assets amount to more than six millions of
dollars. In June, 1887, his marriage with Miss Jennie
C. Purdy was celebrated, and has resulted in the
birth of one son, Milton Purdy. Mrs. Latimer is
a daughter of John J. Purdy, a substantial citizen
of Rockville Center. Immediately after his mar
riage Mr. Latimer took up his residence at this
place and here his home has since continued to
be, although his business requires his daily jour
neying back and forth to New York City. Frater
nally he is district deputy grand regent of the
Royal Arcanum of Queens County District and
he is also past grand of the Independent Order

of Odd Fellows and one of the founders of the
Rockville Center lodge. Politically he is a Demo
crat, but he has never aspired to office.
Although comparatively a young man Air.
Latimer has been active in the affairs of his sec
tion and has done much to make the town the
prosperous place that it now is. Upon assuming
the duties of his present position, the control of
six million dollars' worth of funds was placed in
his. charge, his management of which has been
eminently successful and satisfactory. He had
the misfortune to lose his residence by fire May
13, 1895, but he has just completed a beautiful
modern residence on the site of his former resi
dence, which he now occupies.

GEORGE W. HAVILAND, SR, who re
sides at No. 299 Bayside Avenue, Flush
ing, was born in Little Neck, L. I, Sun
day, July 10, 1825, and is of English ancestry.
The family of which he is a member traces its
lineage back over one thousand years to Neuren-
berg, whence some of the name went to England
prior to the time of William the Conqueror. One
of the first representatives in America was a sea
captain. Grandfather William Haviland was born
on Long Island, where he engaged in farm pur
suits. The father of our subject, Roe Haviland, was
born in the old family residence at Little Neck,
and throughout life engaged in farming, his death
occurring in 1856 at the age of fifty-eight. His
wife, who was also his cousin, bore the maiden
name of Mary Elizabeth Haviland and was a
daughter of Roe Haviland, a veteran of the War
of 1812 and a wealthy farmer. Both the father
and mother of our subject were twice married.
The former, by his first marriage, had five chil
dren: George W.; Caleb, deceased; Mrs. Mary
Hicks, deceased; William R, deceased; and Mrs.
Julia A. Cornel of Little Neck. Of the first mar
riage of the mother three sons and two daughters
are living. Bloodgood Cutter, the farmer poet
of Long Island, is a half-brother of our subject;
another of the family is John Cutter, a brave
soldier of the Rebellion, who marched with Sher
man to the sea, and now resides in North Hemp
stead; there is also a half-sister, Mrs. Susanna
Purchase. Reared on the home farm at Little Neck, our
subject at the age of dghteen began to learn the
carpenter's trade. In 1845 he came to Flushing,

1032

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wdiere he completed his trade under Benjamin
L. Fowler, and then became foreman in a steam
mill operated by J. M. Peck, remaining with that
gentleman for the long period of thirty years.
When death removed the owner of the mill he
continued with the son, who succeeded to the
business, being in one place for more than forty
years. Since the failure of the firm he has lived
somewhat retired, though he represents the New
York Life Insurance, and J. B. Nelles & Co,
nurserymen of Rochester.
The marriage of Mr. Haviland occurred in Lit
tle Neck and united him with Mary E. Roe, who
was born in Hempstead and died at Flushing
July 6, 1895. Her father, Charles Roe, was a
farmer of Bayside. Of their marriage there are
four living children: George W, Jr., who is a
civil engineer; Clara B, Mary E. and Charlotte
B, who are with their father. From the organi
zation of the Republican party to the present
time Mr. Haviland has adhered to its principles
and supported its candidates. He is a member of
the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, of
which he was at one time treasurer. It is a note
worthy fact that he has served as treasurer of
the Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, and
the LTnited Americans. He was a member of the
old "Know Nothing" party, with which he was
formerly identified and in which he took an active
interest. In politics he is a Republican.

JOSEPH L. SMITH, a contractor and build
er residing in Flushing, was born here No
vember 25, 1840, and is a son of William
B. and Eliza (Collins) Smith, natives respectively
of Long Island and New Jersey. His father, who
was a son of Caleb Smith, was for years the only
cooper in Flushing, but finally abandoned that
trade, and for nineteen years served as receiver
and collector of taxes for the town of Flushing.
He died in 1855, aged sixty-five years. His wife
died in this village at the age of eighty-five Both
were twice married, Joseph L. being the only
child of their union. Politically the father advo
cated the doctrines of the Whig party.
At the age of seventeen our subject was ap
prenticed to the carpenter's trade, at which he
served for three years under Benjamin L. Fow
ler, becoming by painstaking effort a practical
workman. For five years he was employed at
journeyman work, after which he was contractor
for West for five years. In 1870 he began to

take contracts for himself, in which line he has
since continued with success. He has been very
busy and has erected a large number of resi
dences here and in other places, his work in
every instance being efficiently and satisfactorily
done. The marriage of Mr. Smith took place in
Flushing and united him with Miss Marcelia
Hockaway, a native of Schuylkill County, Pa.
Six children were born of their union, of whom
the five named are living: Mrs. Nellie Nichols,
of New York City; Minnie, Maude, Fronie and
Harry, who are with their parents. Mr. Smith
served his time as a member of Mutual Engine
Company No. 1, of which he was foreman. For
two years he was assistant engineer of the Flush
ing fire department under Capt. Charles Hance.
In his political faith he is a Republican. <

JUDGE WILLIAM SUTTER, justice of the
peace and attorney-at-law, College Point,
was born in Tenth Street, this village, No
vember 19, 1854, and is the only child of Alex
ander and Sophia (Kellner) Sutter. His father,
who was a carpenter by trade, settled at College
Point in 1854 and remained here, actively en
gaged at his trade, until his death when sixty-
three years of age ; his wife now makes her home
with her son.
While Judge Sutter had a very limited oppor
tunity for gaining an education in the schools
during his boyhood years, yet by his own arduous
effort in later life he acquired a broad fund of
general information. In youth he worked at any
thing he could find to do, and having a natural
inclination for the law he determined to enter that
profession. The task to which he set himself was
not an easy one, as his schooling had been limited
and his book learning meager, but he was deter
mined to make a success, and never despaired, no
matter how discouraging the outlook might be.
Very little opportunity for real study came to him
until 1890, when after six months' reading he
passed an excellent examination. In 1893 he was
admitted to the bar and has since carried on a
general and increasing practice.
The popularity of Judge Sutter among the peo
ple of College Point is attested by his election,
out of twenty candidates, to the office of justice
of the peace in April, 1895, a position he has
since filled with sagacity and fidelity. He was
elected on the Republican ticket, overcoming a

GEORGE O. DITMIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1035

usual Democratic majority of from four hundred
to six hundred. In religious belief he is an Epis
copalian and takes a warm interest in the work
of that denomination. He and his wife, formerly
Miss Barbara Mayer, have a pleasant home in
College Point and a host' of friends among the
people where they have always resided. Socially
he is connected with the Improved Order of Red
Men, the Order of Foresters and the Adelphi
Social Club.

GEORGE O. DITMIS, wdio resided near
the village of Queens from the age of
twelve until his death in 1896, was born
July 22, 1818, on a farm now occupied by a por
tion of the village of Hollis. When he was in
his second year his parents moved to Manhasset,
and thence at the age of twelve he came to the
place where his after life was spent. His father,
Dow I. Ditmis, was born in Jamaica South about
1795. During the War of 1812 he served as a
soldier in the ranks, and among the battles in
which he took part was the engagement fought
at Ft. Green. A farmer by occupation, his lasr»
years were spent on the place afterward owned
by our subject, and here he died in 1853. April
27, 1817, he married Catherine Onderdonk, of
Cow Neck, Manhasset, a cousin of Henry Onder
donk, who for many years was a teacher in the
schools of Jamaica. This lady, who was a repre
sentative of one of the old and honored families
of the county, was born here in 1796 and died
in 1880, at the age of eighty-four years.
The grandfather of our subject, John D. Dit
mis, was a native of Flatlands, now a part of
Brooklyn. He served as a major in the Revolu
tionary War, and a number of years after peace
was established and the colonists had obtained
their freedom, he was elected surrogate of
Queens County. Afterward he served as state
senator, and during the years in which he met
with this honored body he was the means of
obtaining many favors for his constituents. The
Ditmis family is of Holland-Dutch extraction,
and originated in a place called Ditmarsen,
whence their name was derived, but the spelling
was afterward changed by our subject's grand
father, for what reason is not known.
The two brothers of our subject were named
John and J. Adrian. The former, who died in
1893, was a well-to-do farmer; the latter is rep
resented elsewhere in this volume. George O,
42

who was the eldest of the family, made his home
on the same tract of land from the time he was
twelve until his death. June 19, 1854, he mar
ried Phebe, daughter of George Johnson, who
fought as a patriot during the War of 181 2. Mrs.
Ditmis had but one brother, Martin G. Johnson,
a well known surveyor of Jamaica, who died
March 23, 1887; her sister, Catherine, married
Elias Hendrickson, a farmer, and died on the
estate just west of our subject's farm. Mrs. Dit
mis died in 1866, leaving four children, namely:
Catherine, who has never married, and who ten
derly cared for her father during his declining
years; Georgiana, who married I. Cornell Rem
sen, a prominent farmer residing in Liberty Ave
nue, west of Jamaica, and they have two chil
dren, Richard and Martin; John D, who married
Miss May Payntar, and makes his home on the
old place; and Martin G. Johnson, who died Feb
ruary 18, 1878.
In the occupation of farming Mr. Ditmis was
remarkably successful, accumulating a sufficient
amount of this world's goods to enable him to
spend his closing years in peace and comfort.
Although he never sought office, he was called
upon to represent his fellow-townsmen in various
local positions, and on every occasion acquitted
himself as an upright and honorable gentleman,
who had the interests of the people at heart. He
is a member of the Reformed Church at Queens,
and during his younger years was connected with
almost every department of church work, but
late in life he was obliged to give up participa
tion in religious and business enterprises owing
to the fact that he became almost wholly blind.
His life was unostentatiously devoted to uphold
ing and promoting the best interests of his fellow
men. His death, which occurred February 1,
1896, when he was seventy-seven years of age,
was mourned as a public loss by the people
among whom his upright and busy life had been
passed. From the memorial tribute of Rev. An
drew Hageman, formerly pastor of the Reformed
Church of Queens, we quote as follows:
"In the death of Mr. Ditmis the Reformed
Church of Queens has lost another of its old
and faithful friends. Since the organization of
this church, in 1858, he has been an attendant
and supporter and friend. For twenty years he
was a member in its communion, and served in
its eldership for a time. Although a serious
affliction of almost total blindness kept him from
the house of God and the assembly of the saints

1036

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

during the last ten years of his life, yet he never
lost interest in. the work and welfare of the
church. Blessed of God, he was ever ready to
use of his means to meet the demands and neces
sities of his church. Vigorous in mind to the
very last, he kept himself informed thoroughly
upon the world's work around him, and he was
¦ able to discuss intelligently almost every topic of
interest in state and union. His advice and judg
ment were thorough and mature, and his neigh
bors and friends and family took pleasure in
seeking and following it. Well preserved in body,
he rounded out the years of his life in great
physical comfort and happiness. He was ever
cheerful in spite of the infirmity of lost sight. A
son and two daughters remain to mourn his loss.
In early years they were left without a mother's
care, but he faithfully watched over and guarded
them, and they in return have devoted them
selves to him in his declining years, one of the
daughters giving up almost her entire time and
self to his comfort. It is a pleasure to one who
had the joy of receiving this father and his
daughters at the same time into the communion
of the Christian church on earth to bear this tes
timony concerning the one who has gone from
us unto the heavens — only gone before us a little
while. Though dead, he still speaks to us.
Though absent, we yet love him."

RALPH PAUL. During the long period
in which Mr. Paul has been a resident of
Long Island City he has built up a large
and profitable trade and gained a reputation as
an efficient, capable and enterprising business
man. Opening a drug store here in 1874, he is
now, in point of years of business activity, the
oldest pharmacist in the city, and one of the
most successful as well. His store is situated on
the corner of Steinway Avenue and Shore Road,
and contains a complete assortment of drugs and
medicines as well as the various other articles to
be found in a first-class drug establishment.
Prussia, Germany, where our subject was born
m 1852, was likewise the birthplace of his par
ents, Dr. Casper and Josephine (Simon) Paul,
the former of whom was a university graduate,
and throughout his entire active life practiced
medicine in a small village, Neustadt. The pater
nal grandfather was a forester, and the maternal
grandfather, Judge Simon, an attorney, and for a
time in government service. Our subject is one of

six children, of whom three are in the United
States, the others having remained in Germany.
He was reared in Germany, attending the com
mon schools until thirteen years of age, and after
ward carrying on his studies in the gymnasium
until graduation.
At the age of fourteen Mr. Paul entered a drug
store for the purpose of studying pharmacy, and
after three years there he entered the Marburg
School of Pharmacy, from which he graduated
in 1870, with the degree of Ph. G. Meantime he
had been employed, at intervals, as clerk in drug
stores in France and Switzerland. After the war
of 1872 he went to London, and six months later
came to America and worked for Henry Casse-
beer, a relative of Mr. Steinway. In 1874, hav
ing spent the two preceding years in New York,
he came to Steinway, where he bought a small
place, and later he settled here permanently. He
has the only drug store in this suburb, as well as
the finest in Long Island City. In 1887 he opened
a pharmacy at Schuetzen Park, corner of Broad
way and Steinway, which he sold five years later.
In fraternal organizations Mr. Paul has taken
an active interest, and is now connected with
Advance Lodge, F. & A. M, at Astoria; also the
American Legion of Honor, being secretary of
the council. Since coming to this country he has
become well informed regarding the great ques
tions before the people, and few of the native-
born sons of America display a greater interest
in its welfare than does he. Politically, while he
has never displayed a partisan preference for any
organization, yet he has allied himself firmly
with the Republican party, believing that its prin
ciples, if carried into the policy of the govern
ment, would increase the prosperity of the coun
try and the welfare of its people.

CAPT. J. W. DIXON is regarded as one
of the most worthy and influential citizens
of Long Island, and it is a pleasure to
chronicle here his life of usefulness. Material
wealth must not exclude the riches of character
and ability in recounting the virtues which have
been brought to this country by its citizens, and
among its most precious treasures must be esti
mated the lives of those citizens who have, by
their intelligence and their eminence in the higher
walks of life, assisted in raising the standard of
life and thought in the communities in which they
make their home. No one has probably done

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1037

more in this line than Capt. J. W. Dixon, who
was born in Washington, D. C, February 9, 1846.
He is the son of Hon. James and Elizabeth (Cogs
well) Dixon, both natives of Connecticut. The
following, copied from Appleton's "Cyclopedia
of American Biography," will sketch the career
of Hon. James Dixon:
"Dixon, James, Senator, born in Enfield, Conn,
August 5, 1814, died in Hartford, March 27, 1873.
He was graduated at Williams with distinction,
in 1834, studied law in his father's office, and be
gan practice in Enfield, but soon rose to such
eminence at the bar that he removed to Hartford,
and there formed a partnership with Judge
William M. Elsworth. Early combining his legal
practice with an actual interest in public affairs,
he was elected to the popular branch of the Con
necticut Legislature in 1837 and 1838 and again
in 1844. In 1840 he married Elizabeth L, daugh
ter of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Cogswell, professor in
the Connecticut Theological Institute.
"Mr. Dixon at an early date had become the
recognized leader of the Whig party In the Hart
ford Congressional District and was chosen in
1845 a member of the United States House of Rep-»
resentatives. He was re-elected in 1847 and was
distinguished, in that difficult arena, alike for his
power as a debater and for an amenity of bearing
that extorted the respect of practical opponents,
even in the turbulent times following the Mexican
War and the exasperations of the second debate
precipitated by the 'Wilmot proviso.' Returning
from Congress in 1849, he was that year elected
from Hartford to a seat in the Connecticut Senate
and, having been re-elected in 1854, was chosen
president of that body, but declined the honor,
because the floor seemed to offer a better field of
usefulness. "During the same year he was made president
of the Whig state convention, and, having now
reached a position of commanding influence, he
was in 1857 elected United States Senator, and
.participated in all the parliamentary debates of
the epoch that preceded the Civil War. He was
remarkable among his colleagues in the Senate
for the tenacity with which he adhered to his
political principles, and for the close presage
with which he grasped the drift of events. Six
years afterward, in the midst of the Civil War, he
was re-elected Senator with a majority that had
no precedent in the annals of Connecticut.
"During his service in the Senate he was an
active member of the committee on manufact

ures, and during his last term was at one time ap
pointed chairman of three important committees.
While making his residence in Washington, the
seat of an elegant hospitality, he was remarkable
for the assiduity with which he followed the public
business of the Senate and for the eloquence that
he brought to the discussion of grave public
questions as they successively rose before, during
and after the Civil War.
"Among his many notable speeches was one
delivered June 25, 1862, on the constitutional
states created by the so-called acts of secession—
a speech that is known to have commanded the
express admiration of President Lincoln, as em
bodying what he held to be the true theory of the
war in the light of the constitution and of the
public law. To the principles expounded in that
speech, Mr. Dixon steadfastly adhered during the
administration alike of President Lincoln and his
successor. In the impeachment trial of President
Johnson he was numbered among the Republican
senators who voted against the efficiency of the
articles, and from that date he participated no
longer in the councils of the Republican party.
"Withdrawing from public life in 1869, he was
urged by the President of the United States and
by his colleagues in the Senate to accept the
mission of Prussia, but refused the honor, and,
without returning to the practice of law, found
occupation for his scholarly mind in European
travel, in literary studies and in the society of
congenial friends. From his early growth he had
been a student lover of the world's best literature.
Remarkable for the purity of his literary taste and
for the abundance of his intellectual resources,
he might have gained distinction as a prose writer
and as a poet, if he had not been allured to the
more exciting fields of law and politics.
"While yet a student at college he was the
recognized poet of his class, and even his gradua
tion thesis was written in verse. His poems,
struck off as the leisure hours of a busy life,
occupy a conspicuous place in Everest's 'Poets
of Connecticut,' while five of his sonnets, ex
quisite for refinement of thought and felicity of
execution, are preserved side by side with those
of Bryant, Percival and Lowell in Leigh Hunt's
'Book of the Sonnet.' He was also a frequent
contributor to the 'New England Magazine' and
the periodical press. Trinity College conferred
upon him in 1862 the degree of LL.D. Deeply
imbued with classical letters, versed in the prin
ciples and practice of law, widely read in history

io38

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and possessing withal a logical mind, Mr. Dixon
always preferred to discuss public questions in the
light of a permanent political philosophy, instead
of treating them with paramount reference to the
dominant emotions of the hour."
Senator Dixon's married life was a most happy
one and resulted in the birth of four children, two
sons and two daughters. Socially he was a
Mason, and in religion an Episcopalian, attend
ing Trinity Church, Hartford. Mrs. Dixon passed
away in 1871. Mr. Dixon's father, Judge William
Dixon, of Enfield, was an attorney of promi
nence. He married the daughter of Dr. Simon
Field and they traced their origin back to Thomas
Newbury, who was one of the earliest settlers of
Dorchester, Mass, locating there in 1634.
Capt. J. W. Dixon, the eldest son born to his
parents, grew to manhood in Hartford, attended
the public and private schools, and completed his
education in Gen. William H. Russell's Military
School at New Haven, Conn. On the nth of
January, 1865, he enlisted in the army and was
made first lieutenant in the Second Connecticut
Heavy Artillery, by Governor Buckingham.
Through the Appomattox campaign he was aide
on the staff of Maj.-Gen. H. G. Wright, com
manding the Sixth Army Corps, and was mus
tered out July 20, 1865. He re-entered the arfny
as second lieutenant of the Third United States
Cavalry and later was aide-de-camp to Maj.-Gen.
Wright, in Texas, and for two years was aide-de
camp on the staff of Maj.-Gen. W. S. Hancock.
He was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth and par
ticipated in the first campaign against the Sioux
Indians and was with Custer for some time. In
1868 he was transferred to the Fourth United
States Artillery.
Capt. Dixon's military career is as follows : first
lieutenant of Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery
January 14, 1865, and participated in the follow
ing engagements: siege of Petersburg, battle of
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and
Sailors' Creek. Re-entering the army he was
made second lieutenant of the Third United States
Cavalry, May 7, 1866, and was first aide-de-camp
to General Wright and then General Hancock.
Later he was transferred to the Fourth United
States Artillery, and in December, 1867, was made
first lieutenant. He was stationed at Ft. Washing
ton and Ft. McHenry and remained with the regi
ment until August 15, 1870, when he resigned
and was honorably discharged. He received his
promotion as first lieutenant and captain by

brevet for "gallantry and meritorious conduct in
the capture of Petersburg." Maj.-Gen. H. G.
Wright, in the year of his retirement as chief of
engineers of the United States Army, said: "Of
the many staff officers of mine, while I com
manded the Sixth Army Corps, but few remain.
You are one of them. Your service, owing to
your youth, did not allow of your active participa
tion in the war till toward its close, but you
joined me before the final attack on the rebel
lines at Petersburg and took active and import
ant part in that conflict, wdien the Sixth Corps
broke the strong lines of the enemy and put to
rout the gallant and hardy troops of the rebel
army of Virginia. You also participated in all the
remaining battles up to the final surrender of
Lee, and subsequently joined me as an aide-de
camp in Texas, where we went in the expectation
of crossing into Mexico to drive out the French
and Austrians, for which a force of more than
two army corps and three divisions of cavalry
were ready for service. This considerable service,
often dangerous and always difficult, was per
formed by you to my satisfaction and I regretted
the separation which became necessary on the
final closing of hostilities and the muster out of
the old war veterans."
On April 27, 1877, Maj.-Gen. W. S. Hancock
wrote: "Brevet Capt. James W. Dixon served on
my personal staff during the years 1866 and 1867,
and was with me on the plains in the latter year
in a campaign against hostile Indians."
After leaving the army Mr. Dixon entered ac
tively upon a business career and has been en
gaged in the newspaper business ever since in the
Empire City, being at the present time reporter
and correspondent of the "Brooklyn Times." He
does much literary work and merits the praise
that has fallen to his lot. For some time he made
a specialty of sporting articles. Before he came
to Flushing, in 1880, he resided in New York
City for three years, and in this village he
has made his home since. He was married in
New York, in 1876, to Miss Frances Stilwell,
daughter of Benjamin S. Stilwell, an attorney of
New York City for many years, but who died in
1890. Mrs. Dixon was educated in France.
To Mr. and Airs. Dixon have been born ten
children, all living at the present time: James, a
graduate of the high school, who entered college
m 1896; Frances S, studying art and a member
of the Art Students' League; Clement, Elizabeth
Margaret, Florence, Adah Wyllys, Benja

lamin

J. E. MASTER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1041

Stilwell, Catherine Hale, Wyllys, and Mary New
bury. Mr. Dixon was a member of the board of
village trustees in i883-'84 and chairman of the
first police committee. In October, 1891, he was
appointed a member of the board of health and
has served in that capacity ever since. In religion
he is a member of St. George's Episcopal Church,
and in politics has been a Democrat since the
Hancock campaign, but is not radical. He is a
member of George Huntsman Post No. 50, G.
A. R, of which he was adjutant for six years. Fie
was also aide of grand marshals in the memorial
day parade for four years, and is a member of
the military order of the Loyal Legion of the
United States and of the Military Service In
stitution.

J ED WARDS MASTER. The present age
is a great educator and affords room for
» the assertion that there are few depart
ments of manufacture or trade in which America
has not gone far ahead of foreign competitors.
Until within comparatively recent years the best
watches were made in Switzerland, but now,
thanks to American genius, this country's pro
ductions are the best in the world. In this con
nection prominence should be given to J. Ed
wards Master, who is engaged in the jewelry
business in New York City and in Flushing. He
is a graduate optician, and in addition is a thor
oughly experienced watchmaker, cleaning, re
pairing and adjusting the most delicately made
watches with the greatest care and in the most
satisfactory manner. The repairing of expensive
and complicated watches and clocks, a line of
work in which few are successful, is one of his
specialties. In Flushing, N. Y, where he now resides, Mr.
Master was born August 30, 1862, being a son
of David Master, of whom mention is made upon
another page. He was given a good education
in the high school and in 1877 began to learn the
watchmaker's trade, acting upon the suggestion
of Samuel Carpenter. For this work he was es
pecially adapted, owing to the fact that he could
use both hands with equal deftness and facility.
After completing the trade he was employed in
New York City, remaining for ten years with
Wheeler, Parsons & Hays, now Hayden W.
Wheeler & Co, one of the largest wholesale jew
elry houses in the city, Mr. Master having charge
of the watch department for nine years of that

time. In 1888 he embarked in the retail jewelry
business at No. 5 Maiden Lane, where he con
tinued successfully until 1893, and from that time
until the spring of 1896 he occupied quarters in
the Havemeyer Building, corner of Cortland,
Church and Dey Streets. At this writing he has
a commodious and well equipped establishment
in the new Lorsch Building, Nos. 37-39 Maiden
Lane. In Flushing he has a conveniently located
establishment at No. 53 Main Street, where he
carries a full line of the finest imported and do
mestic watches of the latest designs ; also handles
diamonds, jewelry, silverware and novelties. In
repair work he is a specialist and handles the
split second repeaters and chronographs. In ad
dition to his retail trade he has considerable
wholesale business.
September 12, 1886, Mr. Master was united in
marriage with Miss Fannie Andrews, who was
born in Brooklyn, and they have one child, Ed
ward Andrews. Fraternally Mr. Master is con
nected with the Royal Arcanum. For a period
of two years he held the office of collector. He
is a man of great energy and executive ability,
with the skill and courage to undertake and the
tact to bring to a successful consummation en
terprises that result in financial success to him-1
self and material advantages to the community.

WILLIAM H. PEER, M. D. Although
still in the dawn of his professional
career, Dr. Peer has already given
abundant evidence of the ability that qualifies
him for a high place in the medical world. Truly
ambitious, and with an ambition whose aim is
pure and unsullied, there seems no reason why
his unquestioned ability should not find full scope
in relieving the suffering to which the human race
is heir. From his father he inherits those traits
of mind and heart that eminently fit him for the'
successful practice of medicine and surgery, and
without doubt the future holds many honors for
him. Now a resident of Flushing, the Doctor is a
native of Long Island, his birth having occurred
in Brooklyn in 1867. The family of which he
is a member originated in Holland and was rep
resented among the early settlers of New York.
His father, Dr. William H, who was a son of
John Peer, a native and business man of New
York City, was born near Passaic, N. J, and
graduated from the University Medical College

1042

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in 1 85 1, after which he opened an office in Brook
lyn and continued in practice there until his
death, November 13, 1887. In order to supply
medicines for his patients he was obliged to start
a drug store, and as this proved profitable he
afterward opened another. As a physician he
took front rank in his profession. His lifelong
study of materia medica, his extensive practice
that brought him in contact with every form of
disease, and his acknowledged skill in the treat
ment of cases that require long experience, placed
him among the most prominent physicians of his
locality, and during the thirty-six years of his
practice he was known as a skillful, efficient and
successful physician.
The mother of our subject, who still resides in
Brooklyn, was born in Ulster County, N. Y, and
bore the maiden name of Lucretia Roberts. Her
father, William Roberts, was a descendant of
English ancestors and for many years carried on
merchandising at Clintondale, Ulster County.
Our subject is the only son and youngest of three
children, and was reared in Brooklyn, where he
attended Public School No. 34. Later he was a
student in the University Grammar School of
New York City, after which he took a year's
course of study_in the scientific department of the
University of the City of New York. His medi
cal studies were carried on in the University
Medical College, from which he graduated in
1888 with the degree of M. D, having gained a
thorough theoretical knowledge of the profes
sion. For one year he was a member of the
house staff of St. Catherine's Hospital, Brook
lyn, and then practiced in that city until 1891,
since which time he has been located in Flushing,
having his office at No. 100 Amity Street. So
cially he possesses qualities of a high order.
Liberally educated, a fine conversationalist, of
polite and agreeable manners, he is the life of a
social circle. He is a gentleman of generous
impulses, sanguine in temperament, whole-souled
and open-hearted, and attracts and secures con
fidence at first sight.

FRANKLIN BOOTHE, M. D, a prominent
physician of Newtown, has been engaged
in practice here for the past twenty-one
years and is therefore well known to the residents
of this portion of Queens County. The Doctor
was born in Hartford County, Conn, October
13, 1836, and is the son of Samuel C. and Eunice

(Day) Boothe. The other members of the
family were Albert, a retired minister of the
Methodist Church; Harriot; and Clarissa, the
wife of Henry Treat, who is descended from old
Revolutionary stock of Hartford County, Conn.
Samuel C. Boothe was also a native of Con
necticut, having been born in Tolland County in
the year 1795. After obtaining a good practical
education he learned the trade of a machinist,
working at this business for many years. His
last days, however, were passed in peace and
comfort on a good farm which he purchased.
He became well-to-do, cultivating the soil in a
thorough and profitable manner, and was well
and favorably known to the farmers for many
miles around his home. He was sixty years of
age when he departed this life.
The original of this sketch, after completing
the course of study in the Munson (Mass.) Acad
emy, entered Yale College, from which noted
institution he was graduated in 1859. He then
began for himself by teaching mathematics in the
West Jersey Academy at Bridgeton, thus earn
ing the wherewithal to procure a fine medical
education. He read for a time with Dr. Potter
of New Jersey, and was also in the office of Dr.
Frank H. Hamilton, a prominent physician of
New York City.
Dr. Boothe was graduated from the Bellevue
Hospital Medical College in 1864 with high hon
ors, and as the Civil War was then in progress
he soon thereafter entered the service of the
Union army as assistant surgeon in the depart
ment of the South, where he rendered valuable
service until the close of hostilities. Afterward
he located for the practice of his profession at
Holyoke, Mass, and two years later moved West
to Iowa. During the two years of his stay in
that state he built up a paying practice, but not
liking the western country as well as the East, he
returned to his native state, and for four years
was one of the most successful physicians of
Litchfield County. At the end of that time he
came to the island and made his home in New
town, which has been his abiding place for the
past twenty-one years and where he is in the
enjoyment of an extensive practice, and has
been very successful in his chosen profession.
The Doctor keeps fully abreast of the times and
recent discoveries in the medical world by taking
the leading journals, keeping up his studies, and
by attending the medical societies to which he
belongs.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1043

Our subject married Miss Frances L. New
comb, of Dedham, Mass, the daughter of Rev.
George Newcomb. To them have been granted
four children, those living being Lucy, Franklin
H, now a student at Yale, and Eunice C. In
politics the Doctor is a stanch Democrat. He
belongs to Mizpah Lodge No. 738, F. & A. M,
of New York City, and is also a member of the
Royal Arcanum.

CHARLES E. COMSTOCK. The steady
advance of Long Island in population,
and the commercial and manufacturing
importance has made the real estate interest a
most inviting field for the exercise of business
talent of the highest order. One of the most
successful operators in realty in Queens County
is Charles E. Comstock, and he is also
the agent of the Bradley Fertilizer Company
of Boston, at this place. He was born in Wash
ington, R. I, July 15, 1838. His parents were
Archibald and Henrietta (Pettis) Comstock, the
former of whom was a master stone mason and
built many of the largest manufacturing estab
lishments of that state. Among his finest pieces
of work were the stone arch bridge over Black
stone river and the stone wall around the Orchard
Street residence of William W. Sprague. He
was twice married, and the subject of this sketch
is the youngest of seven children of the first
marriage. Politically he was a Democrat and
held the rank of colonel in the state militia for
many years. Although offered the position, he
declined becoming minister to Peru for the
United States, owing to the ill health of his wife.
He became a prominent Mason, and after an
active and well spent life died on his farm at
South Scituate, R. I, September 19, 1864.
The subject of this sketch was left motherless
at the age of nine years, at which time he had
not yet learned to read. Immediately after her
death he began to make his own way in the
world, laboring on a farm during the summer
months and attending school during the winter.
What money he earned he carefully saved and
was thus enabled to spend three terms in the
Smithfield Academy when he was sixteen years
old. Soon after this he went to the island of
Rhode Island, and there his summers were spent
in profitable labor for three years. The year
1857 found him in Providence, R. I, where he
took charge of the business of the "Evening Tel

egraph" as local reporter, soliciting advertiser
and salesman, but about seven months later he
again returned to the island and remained a
year. The succeeding six years were spent on
Patience and Prudence Islands, but in 1863 he
came to Long Island and began the raising of
onions on shares. During the two years that
he was thus employed he was united in marriage
with Miss A. Frances Wood (December 4, 1864),
daughter of William H. and Polly Wood, of
Swansea, Bristol County, Mass. One year after
his marriage he took charge of a farm at Provi
dence, R. I, and about twelve months later he
leased a farm near North Providence, R. I, for
four years and embarked in the milk business,
at which he made money. For the succeeding
two years he was in the fish business in Provi
dence, but during the panic of 1870 he lost con
siderable money but kept clear of debt. He was
not so successful after his removal to Locust
Valley, but after his removal to Glencove, L. I,
in 1879, he engaged in gardening and his fortunes
again began to brighten.
Since 1886 Mr. Comstock has been general
agent for the Bradley Fertilizer Company, his
territory being Long Island, New Jersey and
Eastern Pennsylvania, and in connection with
this he has devoted considerable attention to the
real estate business, for which he seems to be
fitted. He possesses good business qualities and
has learned many useful lessons in the hard
school of experience, and his early career was
such as to make him self-reliant and independent,
although it never hardened him or made him
unsympathetic. His marriage resulted in the
birth of four children: Opal, who died at the
age of six years; Elizabeth, who died January 19,
1889, at the untimely age of twenty-three years;
Jessie E, who was born in Glencove June 17,
1881; and Louis Embert, born in Rhode Island
August 6, 1874. He is also in the insurance and
real estate business and is a bright and pushing
man. Mrs. Comstock is a granddaughter of Israel
Wood, member of one of the oldest families of'
Massachusetts, and the originator of a very im
portant invention, of which he held control until
his death, doing nearly all the work in that line
for large rendering establishments in his state.
Albert Wood, of Dighton, Mass, the noted phy
sician and surgeon, was an own cousin of Mrs.
Comstock. Her maternal grandmother, who was
a native of Swansea, Mass, attained the great

1044

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

age of ninety-nine, dying about ten years ago.
A very intelligent woman, she retained all her
faculties to the last and could tell interesting
stories of the Indians that dwelt near her child
hood home. On one occasion she had the pleas
ure of seeing Washington. Her daughter, the
mother of Mrs. Comstock, is still living (1896)
at the old homestead, and is now nearly eighty
years of age.
Although reared a Democrat, Mr. Comstock
cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lin
coln, but voted Democratic up to 1876, and has
voted the Republican ticket ever since. He has
been excise commissioner for the past two years
and was elected by the largest majority ever
given a town officer. He is a member of Eagle
Lodge No. 2, of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of Providence, R. I, since about 1872
or 1873, has filled all the chairs of that order
several times and on numerous occasions has rep
resented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state,
held at Buffalo and Utica. Although it has been
said that "A rolling stone gathers no moss," the
career of Mr. Comstock is in direct refutation of
this old saying, for although he has followed va
rious occupations throughout his busy life, he is
in comfortable financial circumstances, is a useful
citizen and is universally esteemed.

THOMAS F. TUOHY, one of the most
extensive general contractors of Flushing,
was born in this village December 31.
*853. His father, Patrick Tuohy, a native of
County Tipperary, Ireland, came to Flushing
about 1843 and for five years was in the employ
of a contractor, William French, after which he
engaged in the same business for himself. In
1873 he took his son, Thomas F, into partner
ship, their connection continuing until 1880,
when he retired from business. He died in 1893I
at the age of seventy-eight; his wife, whose mai
den name was Sarah Hogan, died here in 1867.
During his residence of fifty years in Flushing
he witnessed the growth of the town and was
instrumental in securing the opening of streets
and roads here.
Of eight children, five of whom are living,
Thomas F. is fourth in order of birth and is the
only member of the family now in Flushing. He
was. educated in the private and public schools,
and when scarcely more than ten years of age
began to assist his father in the business of which
he was given full charge ten years later. In 1879

he married Miss Rose Brouder, a native of this
village, and they are the parents of four living
children: Mary, Thomas, John and Florence.
Clara died at the age of three and one-half years.
The family occupy their attractive residence near
the corner of Parsons Avenue and Lincoln Street.
The year after his marriage Mr. Tuohy suc
ceeded his father in the contracting business, and
this he carried on alone until 1891, when he ad
mitted Mr. Fitzpatrick as partner, the title of
the firm becoming T. F. Tuohy & Co. At times
he gives employment to hundreds of men.
Among the contracts which he has had were
those for building the road from the town of
Flushing to Roslyn, North Hempstead; com
pleting Jackson Avenue from the Long Island
City limits to Flushing, which cost about $60,000;
putting in the sewerage for the villages of Flush
ing, Whitestone and College Point; and paving
the streets here. Many of the prominent real
estate firms have employed him to open prop
erty, among them being the Germania Real Es
tate Company, which gave him the contract for
opening their property in Flatbush. He also
opened land for John Z. Lott and Jere Johnson,
Jr. In 1895 he bought out the coal yard owned
by E. F. Harris and situated in Lawrence, on
Flushing Bay; this he has since conducted. For
his work he uses about twenty-five teams. He
had the contract for the landscape work on the
finest places here, including the homes of G.
Howland Leavitt and F. P. Morris.
At the time of the reorganization of Flushing
Bank Mr. Tuohy took a leading part in the work,
and is now one of the directors of the institution.
He is also interested in the Flushing Building and
Loan Association. At different times, he has
erected fifteen residences for himself in Flushing,
and still has fourteen of these, his property hold
ings being large and valuable. In politics he
does not identify himself with any party, but
maintains an independence of action in public
matters. He is a member of St. Michael's
Church and is president of the Catholic Benevo
lent Legion, in the organization of which he was
a prominent factor.

HENRY C. RATH. Few investments have
proved more profitable than those in real
estate in the village of Flushing, and on
general principles nothing shows the rapid
growth and importance of any place more than

ALFRED MITCHELL.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.'

1047

the increase in the value of that character of
property. Among the real estate dealers here
none are able to give better advice or offer greater
inducements for investing capital than Henry C.
Rath, who has had the experience in the handling
of real estate to make himself and his advice val
uable in the extreme to operators who entrust
their interests in his hands. He has been a resi
dent of Flushing for many years, and in that
time has displayed characteristics which have
engaged the regard of a very large circle of ac
quaintances. Henry Rath, the father of our subject, was a
native of Germany, born near Bremen, and when
a young man came to America, landing in New
York City, where he was bookkeeper and ship
ping clerk for a large house. He had his
home in New York and there died in 1882, when
fifty-two years old. He had married Miss Au
gusta Stobesandt, also of Germany, and this lady
now resides in Flushing with her daughter, Mrs.
Williams. To her marriage were born three chil
dren: Edward H, who was interested with our
subject in developing Murray Hill, Dunton, and
Dunton Park, Jamaica, Woodhull Park, Hollis,
and Hollis Wood, was killed in a railroad acci
dent. Our subject is the second in the order of
birth, and Mrs. Williams (Augusta) the youngest.
In the public and grammar schools of Brook
lyn Henry C. Rath received his education, and
while still but a boy began handling messages
for the Western Union Telegraph Company in
Newark, N. J. He subsequently took up teleg
raphy and worked in the main office of New
York, Jacksonville, Fla, Savannah, Ga, and
Washington, D. C. After about six years in the
telegraph service he entered the employ of Jere
Johnson, Jr., where his brother was working, and
remained with him two years. After that he be
gan handling real estate, and from the start made
a success of this venture. To his energy may be
ascribed the development and improvement of
some of the finest villages on the island, for he is
constantly building, improving and selling.
Mr. Rath has a fine residence at No. 71 Smart
Avenue, where on nearly an acre of ground he has
extensive greenhouses. He makes a specialty of
carnations and supplies the Cut Flower Exchange
of New York, of which he is a member. He is
also a charter member and stockholder of the
New York Florist Club. Mr. Rath was married
in Washington, D. C, to Miss Margaret Ockers-
hausen, a native of that city, and to them were

born two children, Gertrude, deceased, and Ed
ward. Formerly our subject published the paper,
"Rath's Home Guide," a monthly, which found
its way all over New York City. Brooklyn and
Long Island. He is a member of the Independ
ent Order of Odd Fellows, Mechanics' Lodge,
New York; a member of the American Legion
of Honor and other organizations. In politics
he is a Democrat. He has been a delegate to
numerous conventions, is president of the
Democratic Club of the sixth district, and in
April, 1896, was elected assessor of the town of
Flushing. He holds membership in the Flush
ing Boat Club, Mercury Wheel Club, and was
organizer and president of Flushing Park Im
provement Society, of which he is still a member
and trustee. In religion he is a Lutheran and
was one of the organizers of that church in Flush
ing.

ALFRED MITCHELL, attorney and coun
selor at law and notary public, with office
at No. 816 Temple Court, New York City,
and residence and branch office at Whitestone,
was born in England in 1841. He was reared to
manhood in his native land, where he received
a good common-school education and then stud
ied under the University of Cambridge Exten
sion System, receiving from its senate the exam
iner's certificate of merit in literature.
During his later studies he was associated with
a solicitor of the court of chancery, imbibing the
great principles upon which the laws of England
and America are both founded, and, after repre
senting the Cheque Bank of London for a time
in his own country, came to Boston, Mass, in
1879, to promote a mercantile enterprise for an
English firm. His great love for American in
stitutions and the opportunities offered to indus
try and ability in this country were so alluring
that he determined to establish his home here
as a citizen, and, coming to New York City,
settled at Whitestone in the fall of the same year,
resuming his legal studies with Counsellor D.
Edgar Anthony, in the Tribune Building, later
with Hon. John F. Quarles, of Georgia (formerly
United States consul at Malaga, Spain), and,
finally under the preceptorship of Counsellor S.
F. Kneeland, LL. "D, the long-time lawyer for
the colossal mercantile house of The H. B. Claflin
Company of New York City.

1048

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Mitchell was shortly thereafter taken upon
the legal staff of The Equitable Mercantile Com
pany of New York City, and began practice in
the lower courts in 1880. In May, 1892, he was
admitted to the bar of the supreme court of the
state of New York as counsel, and in January,
1894, was also enrolled as an attorney, proctor,
solicitor, counsel and advocate of the supreme.
court of the United States, being the only lawyer
in Whitestone having this distinction.
His varied practice soon made him familiar
with commercial law, and he is now the attorney
for The J. B. Sanborn Collection Company, and
the Gilbert Elliott Law Company of New York
City; the Alleman Law Company, of Philadel
phia and New York; The Lloyds Company, The
Martindale Agency and the Tappan-McKillop
Company, of Chicago; The Collector and Com
mercial Lawyer, of Detroit; The Davies Bar and
Collection Company, of Cincinnati; The Walters
Collection Company, of Omaha, and others.
From seniority of service he is also dean of the
legal staff of New York City of The Equitable
Mercantile Company, of which concern his friend,
H. B. Niles, Esq, has been president twenty-
years. Even in his native land Mr. Mitchell was al
ways an ardent advocate of a republic over a
monarchy, and this enthusiasm for the right led
his opponents there to describe him in the news
papers when quite a young man as a "Radical
of the deepest dye," but he has lived to see much
of the Radicalism of that day come to be re
garded, by even such opponents, as the wisest
conservatism of the present. In the many* strug
gles for Liberalism in the Old World he gave
long services and money unstintedly in support
of the great fights against Toryism. His first
vote was given for the "Grand Old Man," Premier
Gladstone, and during the American Civil War
Mr. Mitchell was a stanch supporter of the Union
as a means to destroy slavery. Having years be
fore learned the Declaration of Independence by
heart, he cited it and the Federal Constitution
in public meetings in England to prove that the
North alone in our great conflict was worthy of
English support. On settling in the United
States he took part in promoting the election
of President Garfield, but in 1884 he left the
Republican party because of its continued sup
port of the theory of protectionism, and has ever
since been an independent Democrat. An auto
graph letter received from Henry Ward Beecher

by Mr. Mitchell at this period is a much prized
memento of that soul-stirring time of Blaine's
great defeat. Mr. Mitchell has always contended
that free trade is the true and proper American
Economy, and when adopted will open up new
avenues of commerce for our country and en
hance the prosperity of the nation as a whole,
particularly the working people. He considers
that protection engenders a money aristocracy
at the expense of the great body of the people;
that it is a worn-out legacy which America in
herited along with slavery from England, and
that its retention here is a serious drawback to
this country's progress. In the Democratic party,
as a local leader, he has taken an ever active
part in municipal and national politics. He is
opposed to all rings, but all matters having for
their object the promotion of the public welfare,
of the many against the private interests of the
few; receive his cordial co-operation and unwav
ering support. His knowledge of history, parlia
mentary procedure and every phase of law ren
ders his advice valuable in all civic affairs. He
is not a politician, being "too fond of the right to
pursue the expedient."
Counsellor Mitchell was elected police justice
of Whitestone in 1889, holding the office for
three years, and he is now quite frequently men
tioned for one of the new justices in his division
of Greater New York. His knowledge and high
character and judicial temperament eminently
qualify him for the post. He was one of the
founders of the Whitestone Lyceum, holding the
office of secretary for many years, and was also
secretary of the Whitestone Improvement Asso
ciation several terms, and twice its president.
He is of extremely temperate and regular habits
of life, does not drink intoxicants nor use tobac
co, but does not believe in prohibition, and has
never acted wdth that party, though often solic
ited to run as their candidate for various offices.
Nor is he in favor either of high license or local
option. He considers that the liquor traffic
should be as free as all other businesses, upon
the liquor dealer giving a substantial bond against
lawlessness, and that if the laws against disor
derly conduct were enforced impartially, the liq
uor trade would then become as respectable and
well conducted as the selling of dry goods or
hardware, and its evils reduced to a minimum.
His well known outspokenness against abuses.
his firmness of opinion, large will power, com
bined with a tenacity of purpose which cannot

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1049

be daunted by opposition, have made him a for
midable opponent of political humbugs of every
kind. These sterling qualities reveal themselves
by his advocacy of whatever he believes to be
right, even if unpopular, and in his long and
eventually successful contests with bad govern
ment in Whitestone these characteristics have
been ever conspicuous. Cases which come to
the surface in his professional career show the
same indomitable spirit. An instance occurred
when he was retained by a committee of citizens
of Whitestone in 1892 to compel the calling of a
special election to fill a vacancy for alderman,
which was being kept unfilled by the authorities
for political reasons. He secured a mandamus
from the supreme court compelling the board of
trustees to call the election to fill the vacancy,
and after a siege of eighteen months in the
courts, in which he was successful at every stage,
his action was finally confirmed, after having
been passed irpon by some half a dozen judges,
and also when carried by the village right up to
the court of appeals. The law reports (71 Hun,
188) show this matter now forms a leading case.
The opposing counsel all the time was the re
doubtable ex-district attorney of Queens County,
Counsellor Benjamin W. Downing, who, though
a veteran of veterans, yet had, all the way
through the long legal contest, to succumb in
every instance to the sounder legal learning of
Counsellor Mitchell.
In 1890 School Trustees Bleecker and Munson
and Principal Peck, without authority, remove!
the lyceum piano from the Whitestone village
hall to the schoolhouse, and refused to
return it on the request of the lyceum. A com
mittee of the lyceum, consisting of members,
President H. B. Niles, Secretary Alfred Mitchell,
Col. David M. Talmage, Col. W. L. Watson and
W. H. Devins, Esq, was appointed to secure its
return. Through Mr. Mitchell an action in re
plevin was commenced, and he had the sheriff
of Queens County remove the piano from the
schoolhouse, and ultimately, after protracted liti
gation and negotiation, the piano was restored
to the village hall, where it now remains for the
use of the public, as originally intended. This
great victory excited considerable public interest
and Mr. Mitchell's dogged persistence won gen
eral admiration.
In the notorious Armstrong school-boy lash
ing case in 1895, wdierein a lady teacher of that
name was accused by newspapers with cruelly

beating scholars in the public school at White
stone, Mr. Mitchell was retained by Aliss Arm
strong to secure an investigation and retraction
of the charges. The school board declared the
charges unfounded, and the "Brooklyn Times,"
"New York Press," "World," and others made
full retraction as demanded, thus completely vin
dicating the young lady from the slanderous un
truths which had originated in sheer wickedness.
Through her forbearance, none of them was
prosecuted. During 1895 the learned counsellor success
fully conducted an unusual piece of litigation
for a plaintiff based upon the legal rule that part
payment of an undisputed debt, even when a re
ceipt in full is given, does not prevent the party
who gives such receipt from recovering the re
maining unpaid balance. (48 N. Y, 204.) So
clear and convincing was the legal argument
adduced by Mr. Mitchell in support of his client's
claim that the court at once gave judgment in
his favor, and no appeal was taken, although the
defendant was a rich and determined man, ex
tremely anxious to secure a contrary decision.
A fearless application of his accurate legal
knowledge in his client's favor recently occurred
(April, 1896), in a case wherein Mr. Mitchell was
counsel for a merchant of Boston, Mass. The
judge refused to proceed with the trial on the
ground that the plaintiff whom Mr. Mitchell rep
resented was disqualified in law from proceeding
with the action, and granted a stay against him
for thirty days. Mr. Mitchell told the judge he
had no such power, but the judge was equally
confident that he had, and would not alter his
decision. Mr. Mitchell immediately applied to
the supreme court for a mandamus to set aside
the stay as being illegal, and after full argument
by both sides before Justice Keogh, at special
term, the mandamus setting aside the stay was
granted by him, and ordering the erring judge
of the court below to proceed to trial as required
by Mr. Mitchell, and with costs against the judge
for his bad law. The judge, of course, now com
plied, and also gave final judgment for Mr. Mitch
ell's client at the subsequent trial.
In divorce matters that have come before him
it is his rule to advise the parties that marriage
is the most important transaction of a person's
life and ought not to be entered upon lightly,
nor be sought to be set aside except for the
very weightiest reasons. Clients who have con
sulted him for divorce have abandoned their in-

1050

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tentions and afterwards lived happily together as
a result of his wholesome counsel.
The agitation respecting the ownership of the
shore front of Flushing Town finds in him a very-
decided defender of the town against the squat
ters now in possession. Millions of dollars' worth
of property belonging to the public are to be
wrested from usurpers, and hence restoration pro
ceedings have his unqualified support. (153 U.
S, 1.)
Always a strong advocate of the Greater New
York consolidation, the moment Whitestone was
struck out of the bill of 1896, Counsellor Mitch
ell at once initiated steps and carried out work
which, Senator Lexow afterward wrote him, se
cured the restoration of Whitestone to the Great
American metropolis act which is now law.
From all the above it will readily be seen that
the learned counsellor is a busy lawyer and yet
his varied practice has not prevented him from
accepting the highly responsible position of ref
eree, to which judges have appointed him in
various litigations.
Privately the subject of this sketch is a gen
tleman of quiet and retiring habits of life, who
loves to be at home in his pleasant dwelling near
the shore of the Long Island Sound. There he
passes his leisure time with his books and familv
about him. He is fond of discussing legal prob
lems as well as science, literature and philosophy
with all comers, backing up his strong opinions
and liberal views on men and affairs from Burns,
Shakespeare, Milton, Shelley, Carlyle, Emerson,
Huxley, Darwin, Tindall and Biblical writers
generally, and is, as he says, "always ready to
go to law for other people." He does not believe
in cheap law, but many are the services he vol
untarily renders without fee or reward where
public rights are concerned, or where a client
has but a slender purse to back a just case. He
is so sensitive that he feels defeat quite keenly,
hence he will not undertake cases unless they
present a reasonable prospect of success. Pie is
a member of the Bar Association and of various
clubs. Mr. Mitchell's wife is a lady of charming per
sonality and refinement, well educated and highly
accomplished, and much esteemed for her dis
interested kindness and amiable disposition
which she particularly delights to manifest to
ward children. She is a native of New Zealand
and a daughter of Dr. Reginald Francis Weston,
a surgeon of the British army. Her extensive

travels have rendered her habits and manner of
life exceedingly simple and unaffected, and she
is attached to the Episcopal Church, with a strong
leaning to the Rationalistic school — of which her
husband has been a lifelong adherent. The fam
ily consists of two sons, Francis Weston Mitch
ell, aged sixteen; Reginald Quarles Mitchell, aged
eleven; and one daughter, Sadie Alfreda Mitch
ell, aged seven.

GEORGE TRAPP, JR. Identified with the
carriage manufacturer's business since a
very early period in youth, Mr. Trapp is
familiar with its every detail, and his large success
in his chosen occupation may be attributed to
the painstaking care he has always evinced in its
management. The factory of which he is the
proprietor is the oldest of the kind in Queens
County, having been started sixty years ago by
Sandy Parks, and after his death continued by
his estate, from which Mr. Trapp purchased the
business in 1884. Since that year he has made
his home in Flushing and has been associated
with many of its most important enterprises.
By referring to the sketch of John J. Trapp,
our subject's brother, presented upon another
page of this volume, the reader may find the
history of the family and a sketch of the life of
his father, George, Sr. While the family resided
in Manhasset, town of North Hempstead, this
county, our subject was born July 13, 1856, being
the eldest of five children. In infancy he was
taken to Whitestone, where his early childhood
years were passed. Until thirteen years of age
he was a pupil in the Bayside public school, and
then began to work at the trade under the super
vision of his father, who was an expert carriage
and wagon maker. He continued with his father
until 1884, when he came to Flushing and bought
out the old Parks estate, which business he has
since continued. In the works, which are located
on Broadway and Farrington Street, he manu
factures all kinds of vehicles, the main part of
the work being done in the front building, which
is two stories in height; the paint shop and ware-
room are in the rear. Every facility is to be
found here for the neat and accurate manufac
ture of every part of the vehicle, and the utmost
care is exercised to provide against faulty and
unsatisfactory work.
The marriage of Mr. Trapp in Whitestone
united him with Miss Alice Stora, who was born

HERMAN OBERGLOCK.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1053

in England and is a lady of amiable disposition
and noble character, a devoted member of the
Episcopal Church, and an affectionate mother
to her children, Marguerite, John J. and Ger
trude. While Mr. Trapp is an ardent Democrat
and is always to be found in attendance at local
conventions of the party, he has never had any
aspirations for official honors, but may be relied
upon to assist his friends in their candidacy for
town or county offices.

HERMAN OBERGLOCK. Nowhere
within the limits of Queens County is
there a man who has taken greater inter
est in its agricultural affairs than Herman Ober-
glock, or who has worked more continually to
promote and advance these interests. Every life
has a history of its own, and although in appear
ance it may possess little to distinguish it from
others, yet the connection Mr. Oberglock has
had with the agricultural interests of this section
has contributed to give him a wide and popular
acquaintance with many of the citizens of the
county, if not personally, then by name. He ts
now retired from the active duties of life, and is
enjoying the fruits of his early labors.
Mr. Oberglock was born in Wittenberg, Ger
many, October 3, 1831, the son of Jacob and
Mary (Ocker) Oberglock. Jacob Oberglock's
birth occurred in Germany in 1797, and for many
years during his early life he was actively engaged
in merchandising in his native country. Later
he turned his attention to farming, which he con
tinued up to the time of his death. He was twice
married and was the father of fourteen children,
seven by each wife. Three of the children born
to the first marriage are now living and all born
to the second union survive. His second mar
riage was with Miss Margaret Ocker, who was a
sister of his first wife.
In the common schools of Germany Herman
Oberglock received a limited education, and when
twenty-three years old he determined to seek his
fortune in the New World. In 1854 he crossed
the ocean to New York City and for a year was
employed in a brewery. Subsequently he worked
as a farm hand in New Lots for two years, and the
following four years was 'actively engaged at cart
ing for a street contractor in East New York.
Tired of working for other people, he began
farming for himself, first as a renter, but after
four years* he was in a position to buy a place

for himself. In 1865 he came to Jamaica, and
purchased his present property.
In the year 1857 Mr. Oberglock was married to
Miss Henrietta Shelt of East New York, but a
native of Germany. Six sons and six daughters
were born of this union, eleven of whom survive:
Andrew, who is married and has three children;
Margaret, who is married and has five children;
William; Mary, who has one child; Louise;
Herman; Henrietta, who is married and has two
children; Louis; Anna; Michael and Elizabeth.
In 1890 Mr. Oberglock sold all of his property
except about six acres, on which were his resi
dence and farm buildings, and in 1891 he built his
present handsome residence. His sons, Andrew
and William, occupy the old home residence
and are engaged in the dairy business.
Herman, Louis and Michael are actively engaged
in the grocery business in Morris Park. Polit
ically a Republican, Mr. Oberglock has ever been
interested in the success of his party. In religion
he and his family are members of the Dutch Re
formed Church.

THE HAVILAND FAMILY. Identified
with the history of Long Island from an
early period of its settlement, this family
has been an important factor in the development
of its best interests and has aided materially in
advancing its welfare. It is fitting, therefore, that
considerable mention should be made in this
volume of its various representatives, who,
through successive generations, have done so
much for the advancement of this section of New
York. The earliest record of the family in America
is in 1653, when one of that name resided at New
port, R. I. The original ancestors were English,
and a connection has been established between
them and the Haviland family of England, a his
tory of which was printed, for private circulation
only, in London about 1862. It traces the Eng
lish line back without a break to 1467, in the
Island' of Guernsey. Evidences are presented
showing that the family originated in Normandy,
where the name existed as early as 888. The
earliest evidence of its permanent settlement in
Guernsey is in 1179. From Guernsey a branch
settled in England in 1471. The book contains
one hundred and forty-four pages of printed mat
ter, including documentary evidence extracted
from the Norman Archives of St. Lo, the Royal

1054

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Archives of Paris, Public Records of London,
English Municipal Records from 1490, Paris
Registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths
from 1538, and Wills from 1509. It includes one
hundred and four illustrations of coats of arms
of the Havilands and families into which they
married. This book, being out of print and but
one of the original English edition existing in
New York, was photographed and reprinted
through the liberality of A. W. Haviland, of
Plainfield, N. J.
The noble Norman family of de Havilland
(originally Haverland) included the English
branches of Havelland of Dorsetshire (now ex
tinct); Haviland of Hawkesbury, Gloucestershire
(also extinct), and Haviland of Somersetshire.
Of the generations succeeding the first represen
tative in England, we note the following:
3. Sieur de Haverland, mentioned as a partici
pant in the battle of Hastings.
5. Baron Robert de Haverland, a witness, in
1 130, to the deed of his neighbor, Jordan de
Royal, Lord of Barnesville.
6. Robert de Haverland, in 1179, deputy gov
ernor of the Island of Guernsey.
6. Philpin de Haverland, one of the nobles
present at the dedication of St. Martin's Church
in Guernsey in 1199.
7. Robert Baron de Haverland, a witness to
a charter of Philip d'Aubigne in 1299, granting
certain lands in Guernsey to the monastery of
St. Michael's Mount.
8. Michael and Rochard de Haverland, who
each held a fief of the honor of Martain under
Philip, eldest son of Philip Augustus, King of
France, 1233, which fiefs were forfeited for ad
herence to the English king.
8. William, Lord of Haverland, who accom
panied Richard Coeur de Lion to Palestine.
9. Peter, Lord of Haverland, son of William.
9. Rodulph de Haverland, one of the King's
Navasseaurs of the Island of Guernsey in 1248
and Jurat 1254.
10. Bernard de Haverland, whose name occurs
in an insular document, and who was succeeded
by his son.
11. William de Haverland.
12. Thomas de Haverland, 1299.
13. William de Haverland.
14. Hamelin de Haverland and Bernard de
Haverland, who, with the two before named, ap
pear in the records of 1331 as tenants of the king
on the Island of Guernsey.

15. Thomas, Sieur de Haverland.
16. His second son, James, who married
Helene de Beauvoir and had four sons and one
daughter, Helene, or Elinor; Richard, James,
John and William.
17. Helene, or Elinor, married William, son of
Nicholas Pitt, who is the first known ancestor
of that historic family. From William and Elinor
Pitt are descended four titled branches of the
Earls of Chatham, the Earls of Londonderry, the
Barons Camelford (all now extinct), and the ex
isting Barons Rivers.
17. Richard de Havilland had one son, who
died young, and three daughters, namely : Dora,
who married Thomas Guilford; Alice, who was
married June 15, 1538, to William Newman, of
the family of Fife Head; Celilia, who was mar
ried July 30, 1 541, to John Hancock, of Christ
Church. 17. James, second son of James and Helene,
by his wife, Julia, had a son, named
18. Christopher de Havilland, born in 1512,
married September 16, 1544, to Celilia Mann, by
whom he had several sons and two daughters,
the latter being: Margaret, who married Sir Peter
Buck, and Elinor, who became the wife of Rev.
William Hiley, rector of Poole, from whom was
descended the Adington Viscount Sidmonths.
19. Mathew, the only son of Christopher that
lived to mature years, was baptized at Poole June
15, 1550, married Mary Kytchen May 9, 1575,
and settled at Bristol, being admitted to its free
dom December 15, 1575. He was a stanch sup
porter of the Protestant cause and contributed
largely toward the equipment of the fleet sent
against the Spanish Armada. He possessed the
manor of Hawkesbury and the estate of Albert
Grange, also those of Stockland, Bristol, Char-
linch and others in Somersetshire. He died
March 11, 1619.
20. Robert, of Hawkesbury Manor, married
Elizabeth, daughter of John Guise, of Elmore,
ancestor of the Baronets of that name. He had
four daughters: Mary; Florence, wife of Robert
Culme ; Jane, who married William Tory, of New
England; and Elizabeth, who married Thomas
Offeld. A member of the family recently saw the
headstone of Jane Haviland, wife of William
Tory, in a churchyard in Maine. The only son of
Robert was
21. Matthew. His grandfather, Mathew (19),
had, beside Robert, the following children: John,
of Charlinch Hall, ancestor of the Somersetshire

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1055

branch; Matthew, who died unmarried in 1624;
William, whose son, Bartholomew, died young;
Annie, who married Sampson Lortte, and Mary,
wife of Richard Halworthy, Mayor of Bristol, in
1635- The original ancestor in America, William
Haviland, was in Newport, R. I, in 1653, was
made a freeman, and in 1656 served as a repre
sentative in Assembly. In 1667 he bought land
and established his home on Mad Nan's Neck
(now Great Neck), L. I, where he was living as
late as 1688. He and his wife, Hannah Hicks,
were the parents of four sons, Joseph, Benjamin,
John and Jacob. Of these John, the next in lineal
descent, was living in Flushing, L. I, in 1698,
with his wife and son, John. (Documentary his
tory of New York, volume 1, page 651.) Febru
ary 26, 1701, he bought two hundred acres on
Mad Nan's Neck, town of Hempstead, of William
Sart, the purchase price being sixty pounds.
January 12, 1703, he was chosen church warden
for the town of Hempstead at a general town
meeting. May 1, 1706, he bought land on Mad
Nan's Neck, Hempstead, for sixty pounds, the
former owner having been John Robinsort.
March 24, 1712, he bought land on Mad Nan's
Neck for one hundred pounds. May 7, 171 2,
he purchased from John Van Horn, for eighty
pounds, some property near his former purchase.
September 5, 1719, he paid Joseph White three
hundred and forty-five pounds for one hundred
and fifteen acres on Oyster Bay, and one-half of
one hundred and fifty acres elsewhere. March
27, 1725, he bought from Robert White, for one
hundred and ninety-three pounds, seventy-eight
acres in White Hollow, Oyster Bay. His will
was dated February 16, 1738. He left five sons
and four daughters: John, Benjamin, Luke,
Joseph, Peter, Jane, Mary, Sarah and Bridget.
The next in line of descent was Joseph, born in
1718, and married to Abigail Roe, their children
being Joseph, born August 15, 1749; Abigail,
November 3, 1752; David, June 13, 1756; Caleb,
September 1, 1758; William, September 9, 1761;
and Roe, September 15, 1767. February 12,
1749, Joseph bought of John Bregart 26x60 feet
in William Street, New York City. This prop
erty he sold May 5, 1750, to Godfrey Miller, for
sixty-nine pounds. March 3, 1760, he offered a
new house at Flushing for sale. The following
year he was one of the incorporators of a church
at Flushing. February 28, 1763, he offered his
farm at Bayside for sale. June 25, 1764, he sold

to John Carle, of Hempstead, for fourteen hun
dred pounds, a house and lot in Flushing, the
property in the sale including ninety and three-
fourths acres, bounded on the south by land
owned by Thomas Hicks, and another piece
twenty-nine and three-fourths acres in extent,
situated in Flushing, west of the land owned by
David Roe, father of Abigail (Roe) Haviland.
William Haviland, who was born September
9, 1761, and died February 2, 1815, was married
March 3, 1784, to Elizabeth Allburtis, of New
town, L. I. They were the parents of the follow
ing children: John, who was born March 28,
1785; Abigail, March 19, 1787; William, born
October 30, 1789, died in August, 1801 ; Eliza
beth, born September 10, 1792; Caleb, Novem
ber 19, 1794; Hannah, June 12, 1796; Roe, Sep
tember 10, 1798; Sarah A. Maria, born June 6,
1801, died August 17, 1802; and Maria, born
March 9, 1805.
The fifth generation in America is represented
by Roe Haviland, born September 10, 1798, died
November 7, 1856. His first wife was Mrs. Mary
Cutter, and of their marriage, solemnized in
1824, the following children were born: George
W, born July 10, 1825; Caleb, born November
21, 1826, died October 28, 1854; Mary E, born
November 15, 1828, died December 28, 1892;
William Roe, born August 25, 1830, died May 8,
1881 ; and Julia Ann, born December 16, 1835.
Mary, wdfe of Roe Haviland, died June 9, 1839,
aged forty-five years. In 1841 Roe Haviland
married Julia MacDonald, of New York, daugh
ter of William and Mary (Smith) MacDonald.
Their children were Charlotte, born October 12,
1842; Sarah, December 26, 1844; John, October
19, 1847; Emma, born August 28, 185 1, died in
1854; Henry M, born April 17, 1853; and Eu
gene Caleb, March 7, 1856.
Of these children George W. married Mary
E. Roe, daughter of Charles Roe, of Bayside,
L. I, March 28, 1849. Mary E. became the wife
of John Hicks, son of Thomas Hicks, of Little
Neck, April 29, 1849; Julia Ann was married in
December, 1852, to John Cornell, son of John
Cornell, of Little Neck; Charlotte was married
June 3, 1858, to Samuel B. Ballou, of -Brooklyn,
son of Leonard S. Ballou; Sarah was married
October 29, 1863, to Henry Cox, son of Peter
Cox, of Little Neck; John was married January
22, 1879, to Susan, daughter of Daniel Schenck,
of Great Neck; Henry M. married Emma A,
daughter of Charles Skidmore, of Jamaica, No-

1056

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vember 21, 1878. Her father, Charles Skidmore,
was born February 18, 1823, and died December
20, 1891, being a son of John Skidmore, born
April 20, 1799, died June 21, 1877. Her great
grandfather, Michael, was captain in the War of
1812, and died March 21, 1852; he and his
brother, Jeremiah, were sons of John J. Skid

more.

Benjamin, Joseph and William Haviland set
tled on Long Island in 1667, and the names of
the last two appear on the list of patentees in
1685. They became prominent and wealthy in
mercantile enterprises, and were leading men of
their community. The most influential member
of the family at Flushing during the present cen
tury was Roe, son of William and Elizabeth (All-
burtis) Haviland. A farmer by occupation, he
owned about one hundred and fifty acres and was
classed among the substantial agriculturists of the
county, as was his father before him.
May 6, 1757, Luke Haviland conveyed to Jo
seph Hewlett two hundred and fifty acres at Mad
Nan's Neck (now Great Neck). The document
was found on record by Joseph Kissam, one of
his majesty's justices, at the court of common
pleas. The property is still in possession of the
Hewlett family. Roe Haviland, born March 1,
1768, died in 1844, was a military man, and dur
ing the War of 1812 held high official rank in the
army. In civic affairs he was also a leader, and
was a man of wealth and influence in his com
munity.

HENRY M. HAVILAND, the popular re
ceiver of taxes for the town of Jamaica,
was born at Little Neck, town of Flush
ing, April 17, 1854. The farm upon which he
was born has been in the family for more than
one hundred and fifty years, and was the birth
place of his grandfather, William, and father,
Roe Haviland, the latter of whom was a lifelong
agriculturist and a prominent member of the
Episcopal Church. Twice married, by his first
union he had five children, namely: George W,
a retired business man of Flushing; Caleb and
William R, deceased; Julia, the widow of John
Cornell, and a resident of Little Neck; and Mary,
deceased, formerly the wife of John Hicks. His
second marriage was to Julia MacDonald, a na
tive of the town of Flushing, where she still lives.
By that union he had three sons and three daugh
ters: John, a farmer, living at Lakeville; Char

lotte H, the widow of Samuel B. Ballou, and a
resident of Little Neck; Sarah, who married
Henry Cox, of Little Neck; Emma, who died
when three years old; Henry M.; and Eugene
C, who is engaged in business in New York.
The subject of this notice spent his early life
on the old homestead, was educated in the pub
lic schools, and in boyhood started out for him
self as a clerk, later becoming a bookkeeper for
Miller & Eastmead, at No. 221 Pearl Street, New
York, where he remained for five years. After
ward for ten years he was associated with J. J.
Nichols & Co, at No. 26 Barclay Street. During
all this time his home was in Jamaica, where he
had married, November 21, 1878, Miss Emma
A, only child of the late Charles and Margaret
P. (Ostrander) Skidmore. In the politics of the
town and county he takes a leading part and is
recognized as one of the foremost of the local
politicians. For several years he was chairman
of the Republican town committee, and as the
head of this political organization he did much
valuable work for his party. To his efforts is
largely due the fact that Queens County, from
a Democratic stronghold, was transformed into
a Republican county. While he is modest and
unassuming, he is also shrewd and far-seeing,
and these traits of character have combined to
secure his success in public affairs. In the spring
of 1894 his friends presented his name as a can
didate for the important office of collector of tax
es, and although he was opposed by one of the
"war horses" of the Democratic party, he was
elected by a large majority, receiving the sup
port not only of his own party, but of many in
the Democratic party.
Socially Mr. Haviland is a member of the
Royal Arcanum and other orders, and is promi
nent in the Jamaica Chub Club, which has for its
members the most prominent of the younger
business and professional men of the place, and
of this organization he is the treasurer. In his
official position his sterling worth is recognized,
and he has made for himself hosts of friends.
Fortunate in his undertakings, prompt and en
ergetic in business, he is a fitting example of what
is in store as a reward for enterprise and direct
ness of purpose.
The father of Mrs. Haviland, who was a lead
ing business man of New York City, died De
cember 20, 1891. He owned the farm on which
the vdlage of Hollis was built, and there his birth
occurred. The farm had been in the family about

HON. JOHN FLEMING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1059

one hundred years. Mrs. Haviland's mother
passed away April 11, 1883. Her grandfather,
John Skidmore, was born on the old South Road
in the town of Jamaica, and was a farmer
throughout his entire life. Her great-grand
father, Capt. Michael Skidmore, was also a native
of this town, and was the owner of the greater
part of the land now included in the village of
Hollis; his wife bore the maiden name of Jane
Oldfield. The grandfather, John Skidmore, mar
ried a sister of Increase Carpenter, who was the
father of Daniel and George Carpenter; now of
Jamaica. The maternal grandfather of Airs. Hav
iland was George W. Ostrander, a soldier in the
War of 1812 and a prominent man in his com
munity; after his death a pension for his services
was given to his widow, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Golder, and whose grandfather, John
Covert, was one of the first settlers at Springfield.
George Skidmore, the only brother of Mrs. Hav
iland's father, is now one of the wealthiest men
of Jamaica. He has one son, Ellsworth R. Mr.
and Mrs. Haviland lost one son, Clarence E, at
the age of six years, and have three living chil
dren, Charles R, Hattie B. and Harry E, who
with them occupy a pleasant residence in Clinton
Avenue.

HON. JOHN FLEMING. Queens County
numbers among its citizens many men
eminent in the annals of the state, men of
ability, energy and honor, who, in the duties both
of private and public life, have ever been true and
loyal. Such a one is the subject of this sketch,
whose service as district attorney brought him
into prominence and who is recognized as one
of the most able citizens of Jamaica. It may well
be a matter of pride with him that his fortune has
been of his own making; his hands and brain
have been busily employed in its upbuilding,
as he had no other capital when he started out
in the world for himself. In him Jamaica finds a
loyal citizen, whose public spirit prompts him to
aid in pushing forward every movement for the
benefit of the community.
John Fleming was born in County Monaghan,
Ireland, June 1, 1842. As a boy, seeing before
him in his native land only a life of unsuccessful
toil, he longed for the freedom and possibilities
to be found in America. Through the assistance
of his four sisters, who were in Jamaica, his am
bition was realized in 1856, when he was twelve
43

years of age. His frank, open face and bright,
piercing eyes, coupled with his sound common
sense and a good supply of native Irish wit, made
him an interesting youth, and some of the leading
citizens of Jamaica took more than ordinary in
terest in him. For two years he attended the
public schools and then became a clerk for Wat
son & Mears, where his ability and energy were
recognized, but the dissolution of the firm threw
him out of employment. He then attended for
a short time the private school of Rev. Matthew
Huntting. Through the advice and influence of Judge.
Armstrong, who took considerable interest in
Mr. Fleming, the latter was enabled to take up the
study of law, which he carried on in the office of
Armstrong & Fosdick. The Civil War, how
ever, caused an entire revolution of his plans,
and with the patriotic spirit that has always char
acterized him, he determined to sacrifice his per
sonal interests for the good of his country and
the preservation of the Union. Accordingly,
early in 1862 he started out to fight for his coun
try, accompanied by some of the best young men
of Jamaica, among whom were Andrew Napier,
A. G. Mills, George E. Cogswell, a son of Judge
Cogswell, and Alexander Fosdick, a nephew of
Judge Fosdick. He enlisted in the One Hundred
and Sixty-fifth New York Infantry, afterward
known as the Second Battalion of Duryee's fa
mous Zouaves. For more than three years, un
til the close of the great conflict, he served with
marked distinction, giving many evidences of
bravery. As an instance of his valor it may be
said that he was one of the first to volunteer in
the forlorn hope at Port Hudson, where death
seemed imminent. A history of the Nineteenth
Army Corps, recently published, mentions his
name in connection with this daring act. On the
discharge that was given him at the close of the
war is this complimentary endorsement: "First
Sergeant Fleming has been an excellent soldier,
has participated in all the battles of his regiment
from the time it was organized until the close
of the war." These battles included the various
assaults on Port Hudson, the Red River expedi
tion and the subsequent expedition of the Shen
andoah Valley.
At the close of the war Mr. Fleming again en
tered the office of Armstrong & Fosdick, where
he completed his law studies. He was admitted
to the bar in December, 1866, but remained in the
same office until 1870, when he made a visit to his

io6o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

native country. On his return he opened an
office and has since carried on a general law prac
tice. One of the first offices to which he was
elected was that of village trustee, in which ca
pacity he served six consecutive years. In 1883
Benjamin W. Downing, who had been district
attorney for several years, was nominated by the
Democratic party for state senator, but previous
to his nomination charges of bribery were made
against him to Governor Cleveland, and he, being
satisfied as to his guilt, removed him from the
office of district attorney, and at the same time,
October 27, 1883, appointed Mr. Fleming to the
position. At a convention held a few days later
he received the nomination of the Democratic
party for election to the office to which the gov
ernor had appointed him. In this contest his
opponent was William J. Young, one of the most
prominent attorneys in the Republican party, but
Mr. Fleming was elected by a good majority.
Immediately upon taking the office under the
appointment of Governor Cleveland, Mr. Fleming
found upon his hands a large amount of business
of an unusual character. For instance, on the
17th of November occurred the terrible double
murder of the Maybee women at Oyster Bay,
and within a few months came the murderous
assault upon Mr. and Mrs. Townsend of the same
place, which was followed by the attempt to mur
der Seeley Sprague of Hempstead. Through a
long and interesting chain of circumstantial evi
dence it was found that one Charles Rugg, a
negro, was known to have been Connected with
the last-named crime and was found to have com
mitted the assault on the Townsends. Making a
still closer investigation, Mr. Fleming was satis
fied that he was the party who murdered the May-
bee women. This fact being established without
a question of doubt, it exonerated other parties
who were at the time under arrest for the crime.
Mr. Fleming prosecuted the negro, who was de
fended by ex-Judge Richard Busteed, Charles
J. Kurth, William E. Shields, of Brooklyn, and
J. F. Quarles, a very prominent and able colored
lawyer of New York. Against this array of
legal knowledge Mr. Fleming, unaided, prose
cuted the case and secured the conviction of the
man, who was afterward hung for the crime. The
great skill with which he handled this case re
ceived favorable comment from all parts of the
country, and his ability as a prosecutor of crimi
nals was at once established.
About the same time many other crimes were

committed. In fact, at no other period in the
history of Queens County have there been so
many murders. Among them was the killing of
Police Sergeant Comisky, of Long Island City,
by Patrick Casey, one of the force, who was tried,
convicted, and is now serving a life sentence in
the penitentiary. Another murder was that of
Peter McCormick by Patrick Kiernan of Long
Island City, who was convicted and is now in
prison. At the same time occurred the murder
of George E. Frewen by Colonel Waring, his
brother-in-law, who was convicted of man
slaughter. These and many other cases were crowded
upon Mr. Fleming during his first term in office,
and so skillfully did he handle them that his name
became a terror to evil-doers in the county. At
the next convention a strong fight was made
against him, and he did not receive the nomina
tion, which was given to Thomas McGowan. The
latter, who was at the time supervisor of the
town, was elected district attorney, but a few
months later it was found that he was a defaulter
as supervisor in the sum of $40,000. He ab
sconded, which left the office of district attorney
vacant. At the next term of the criminal court
Judge Bartlett, of the court of oyer and terminer,
appointed Mr. Fleming to take charge of the
criminal business at that term. The defalcation
of McGowan, and the abetting of his crime by
others, were brought before the grand jury. It
was an interesting question with the attorneys
as to who should be appointed by the governor
to succeed the absconding official, and they,- with
many of the leading business men, petitioned
Governor Hill to appoint Mr. Fleming. August
10, 1887, he received the appointment and at the
following election was again chosen to the office.
In 1890 he was re-elected by a large majority.
During this term Mr. Fleming made a hard
fight against pool selling and gambling in Long
Island City, and took the ground that Mayor
Gleason ought to break up the gambling dens,
but this he refused to do. Not only so, but Mr.
Fleming was given to understand that if he pros
ecuted the case against Long Island City his
action would count against him in the future.
Determined, however, to do his duty, let the
results be what they would, he proceeded to
enforce the law. The fact that he had Gleason
himself arrested for an assault, convicted and
sent to jail, caused the "boss" of Long Island
City to use all his influence against him in the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1061

election in the fall of 1893, the result being that
he was defeated by one hundred and sixty-three
votes. The better class of citizens stood by him
nobly, but he well knew, when he made the fight
against the thugs of the country, he was sacri
ficing his own personal interests for the good of
the public. To do his honest duty has ever been
his aim, and for this he is admired and esteemed
by the better classes in all parts of the county.
From the above account it will be seen that
Mr. Fleming is one of the most prominent men
of Queens County as well as a leader in his party.
His work in behalf of the people entitles him to a
high place in their regard, while his services in
the army will cause his name to be perpetuated
as a loyal, patriotic citizen. He has never mar
ried. Socially he holds membership in the
Jamaica Club and in various organizations out
side the county. In religion he is a Roman Cath
olic. The ability of Mr. Fleming as an orator has
brought him into prominence, not only in his
profession, but also in all matters affecting the
welfare of the people. He was especially inter
ested in securing the erection of the soldiers'
monument, in memory of the men of the town
of Jamaica who fought for the Union in the Civil
War. Upon the occasion of the unveiling of the
monument, May 30, 1896, he delivered the prin
cipal oration, of which this mention is made in
the "Long Island Farmer" of. June 5 : "The ora
tion by Col. John Fleming was one of the most
effective and eloquent efforts of his life. He
spoke as one inspired. Indeed, he was inspired.
For it was then and there in that proud moment
of achievement that Col. Fleming saw and deeply
felt the full realization of what he had so long
desired, and for which he had so long and pa
tiently labored, namely, a substantial and lasting
tribute to the memory of Jamaica's dead and liv
ing, who had so nobly done their part, both upon
sea and land, that the nation might survive. The
memory of many a battlefield unquestionably
came back to the Colonel as he stood almOst un
der the very shadow of that monumental emblem
of peace and discoursed so earnestly of the tri
umphs of that war which saved the country and
redeemed a race. And all this secured for him
such an infusion of the spirit of the occasion that
he rose to heights of impassioned eloquence. He
did himself distinguished honor in the glowing
words spoken of our public schools, our church
organizations, and of the open Bible. His en

tire address was made radiant with that patriotism
and love of country which everywhere recognizes
the brotherhood of man. From now on, Col.
Fleming is substantially part and parcel of the
monument itself. His name will be forevermore
associated, and rightfully so, with this emblem of
peace and good will."

GEORGE BENNETT. In this country,
where so many young men are thrown
upon their own resources, it cannot
always be expected that the most suitable or most
congenial occupation will be selected as a life
occupation, therefore he is to be congratulated
who chooses a calling which is agreeable to him.
The business to which George Bennett is de
voting his attention, that of bottling mineral wat
ers, is one with which he is familiar, and he has
found it both remunerative and pleasing. He
is a native of the city of Brooklyn, born March
15, i860, a son of Jacob and Mary (Scheffel)
Bennett, residents of Brooklyn, where the father
is connected with the North Amsterdam Brew
ing Company, but was previously engaged in the
cider and vinegar business. To them was born
a family of ten children, eight of whom are living
at the present time: George; Katie, Mrs. Kraus-
en of Brooklyn; Frank and Jacob, residents of
that city; Barbara, Mrs. Hartman; and Chris
tina, Mrs. George Graff, both of Brooklyn; Liz
zie, who makes her home with her parents; and
Theodore, who is in business with the subject of
this sketch.
The early educational opportunities afforded
George Bennett were quite limited, but for some
time he attended a parochial school and there
acquired a fair knowledge of books. At the early
age of eleven or twelve years he began assisting
his father in his cider and vinegar establishment,
and continued to thus occupy his time until he
was twenty-one years of age, when he came to
Oceanus, and here established his present busi
ness, which was the first of the kind to be opened
at Rockaway Beach. Mr. Bennett has been suc
cessful in this enterprise and is deservedly con
sidered one of the prominent and substantial busi
ness men of the place and a factor in her com
mercial circles. He has been steady and perse
vering, and his upright and honorable methods
of conducting his affairs have made him popular
with all classes.
Mr. Bennett was one of the organizers of the

1062

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Rockaway Beach fire department and has acted
as president of its board of representatives two
terms. He was also president of the Oceanus
Hook and Ladder Company five years, which
organization he assisted in forming nine years
ago. Politically he is a Republican. He was
united in marriage with Miss Laura Thompson,
a native of England, and their union has resulted
in the birth of two children, Helen and George.

JACOB F. WIENERS, JR. The family of
which this gentleman is a member is well
known throughout the town of Flushing,
being especially prominent in College Point. His
father, Jacob F, Sr, was one of the early settlers
of this village, coming here in 1851 at a time
when settlers were few and improvements scarce
ly inaugurated. To his influence were largely
due many of the measures adopted for the pro
motion of the welfare of the people and the ad
vancement of the interests of the place. His
ability received due recognition from his fellow-
citizens, and he was, at different times, called
upon to occupy almost every local office within
the gift of the people. While the incumbent of
various village and town offices he projected and
carried out plans that resulted in an increase of
business along every line. He still retains an
interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare
of the people, though advancing years prevent
him from the active participation which he for
merly maintained in public affairs. He is now
(1896) sixty-nine years of age and is the pos
sessor of a competency, derived from his indus
trious efforts in earlier life.
By his marriage to Fredericka Heindel, a na
tive of Baden-Baden, Germany, who came to
America in girlhood, Jacob F. Wieners, Sr, be
came the father of four children, namely: Jacob
F, Jr.; Godfried, a book publisher of New York
City, located in Sixth Avenue, between Thirty-
eighth and Thirty-ninth Streets, and also the
present adjutant of the Ninth Regiment; Freda,
who married C. E. Van Sothen, a government
photographer stationed at Willet's Point; and
Selma, who is with her parents.
In New York City our subject was born Au
gust 29, 1865. He was educated in the public
schools, institute and military academy, and while
still quite young secured a position with the
Bradstreet Agency, but was taken ill and obliged
to resign from the work. While convalescing, he

bought a small machine and took pictures. From
that small beginning he has built up his present
photographic studio, where he does as good work
as can be secured in any studio in the county. He
has a natural talent for art and won every diploma
offered by the Poppenhusen Institute, while he
was a student there. By constantly experiment
ing, he aims not only to keep abreast with the
times, but also to introduce valuable improve
ments. One of his specialties is crayon work, in
which he has had remarkable success.
Aside from photography, Mr. Wieners takes
considerable interest in the growing of plants and
on his premises has a fine greenhouse, with a
variety of the best plants and heated by hot water.
The florist's business is a hobby with him, and he
has excellent taste and judgment in this line of
work. For his studio he erected a small building,
paying especial attention to securing good light.
Here he has the best of lenses and all materials
that belong to first-class photographic work. His
quarters are small, but he expects to enlarge them
as soon as the business justifies. Socially he be
longs to the Adelphi Social Club and in religion
belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church.

THEODORE BRIELL, a market gardener
of Long Island City, was born in Jersey
City, January 18, 1837. His parents,
Francis and Phoebe (Barnes) Briell, were born
in New York City and Pennsylvania respectively,
and were Protestants in their religious belief, al
though the paternal grandfather, Christopher
Briell, was a Roman Catholic. He was born near
Frankfort, Germany, where he was reared, and
after his marriage came to the United States.
Francis Briell was reared principally in Philadel
phia, Pa, and followed the occupation of a mar
ket gardener and florist, but finally located in
Jersey City, N. J, which continued to be his home
until 1848, when he took up his residence in As
toria. ^Here he purchased seventy-six acres of
land, which he devoted to market gardening until
his death in 1892, at the advanced age of fourscore
and three years. He had been village and school
trustee in Astoria, and politically always sup
ported the principles of the Democratic party.
His wife, a daughter of Joseph Barnes, of Penn
sylvania, was called from this life in 1889, when
eighty years of age. Of the ten children born to
herself and husband, eight grew to maturity:
Hannah, Mrs. Jordan, of St. Louis, Mo.- Theo-

HARRISON S. MOORE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1065

dore; David, a resident of Long Island City;
Isaiah, who died in youth; Theresa, Mrs. Fisher,
of Columbus, Ohio; Emma, who died in Long Is
land City; Lydia, a resident of this place; Frank,
who died in St. Louis; Josiah, who died in youth
in Jersey City, N. J, and Phoebe, a resident of
Long Island City.
Until he was eleven years of age, Theodore
Briell attended the schools of Jersey City and
New York City, then attended the pay schools of
this section, and finally the public schools of Long
Island City, thus acquiring a practical common
school education. He continued to make his
home with his father until his marriage, Novem
ber 21, i860, in Whitestone, L. I, with Miss
Sarah M. Weaver, whose death occurred in Long
Island City in 1893. After his marriage Mr.
Briell started life on his own account and began
devoting his attention to that calling with which
he was familiar, market gardening, and has suc
cessfully pursued this occupation where he now
lives since 1865. A considerable portion of the
land owned 'by his father was laid out in town
lots and some of the principal streets are : Grand
Avenue, Flushing Avenue, Second Avenue, First
Avenue, Academy Street, Jamaica Avenue, Briell
Street and Third Avenue, all of which are pretty
well built up. There are over three hundred lots
still in possession of the Briell family, but our
subject and a brother devote this to market gar
dening, and find a ready market for their produce
in the city of New York.
Mr. Briell has five children living : Frank, who
is a prosperous business man of Long Island
City; Arthur, who is a member of the police force
of this place; Hattie, Mrs. Smith, of this place
also; Harvey, who makes his home with his
father; and Sadie, who is also at home. Mr. Briell
attends the Reformed Church, is a Democrat in
national politics and is with justice considered
one of the leading and progressive citizens of
Long Island City.

HARRISON S. MOORE. A traveler jour
neying through the section bordering on
Flushing, L. I, would pause and "doubt
if Eden were more fair" when viewing the lovely
surroundings and scenery attached to the fine
home of Harrison S. Moore, one of the most
noted of Flushing's many talented attorneys. The
house is colonial in style, with large pillars, etc.,
and is one of the finest in the vicinity. The

grounds, so attractive and beautiful, and laid
out by an expert landscape gardener, are shaded
here and there by large native trees, real giants
of the forest, and the view of Little Neck Bay,
imperfectly seen through the trees, is lovely in
deed. It is an ideal spot. Mr. Moore is a native
of Waterford, Saratoga County, N. Y, and the
son of Lewis K. and Lucinda J. (Bassett) Moore,
both natives of Rensselaer County, N. Y.
The Moore family is an old Puritan one and
its descendants have ever been worthy and repre
sentative citizens. Mr. Moore's grandfather,
Josiah Moore, married Miss Alvira Steadman,
and farming was his life-long occupation. His
father was a Revolutionary soldier. Although a
native of Braintree, Mass, Josiah moved to Rens
selaer County, N. Y, soon after his marriage, and
there passed the remainder of his days. He had
two brothers in the War of 1812. Lewis K Moore
was married in his native county, but subsequent
ly moved to Orleans County, N. Y, where he
followed farming until 1857. From there he
moved to Waukesha County, Wis, where he was
engaged in wheat farming until the breaking out
©f the Civil War. He was a strong Abolitionist,
and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G,
Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as
a private. Later he became orderly sergeant and
served until the cessation of hostilities. A few
months before the close of the war his wife and
children came from Wisconsin to her relatives
in Rensselaer County, N. Y, and afterwards he
joined them there. He died within thirty days
after leaving the army and was buried at Still
water, N. Y, when thirty-nine years old.
Mrs. Moore was the daughter of James Bassett,
who was of French origin. The great-grand
father, James Bassett, was a Revolutionary sol
dier and also took part in the anti-rent strug
gles. The family is an old and prominent one in
this country. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the par
ents of five children, as follows : George W. ; Har
rison S, our subject; Lewis, who is a Methodist
minister in Brooklyn; Hazen and Mary. Young
Harrison was reared in Albion, N. Y, and in
Wisconsin, making his home in the latter state
until 1864, when he came with his mother to
New York. He attended the public schools of
Prospect Hill, Wis, and after settling in the East
graduated from Half-Moon Academy in Middle-
town, Saratoga County, in 1868. Later, or in
1872, he entered the Albany Normal School, from
which he graduated in June, 1874. He then

io66

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD.

branched out for himself as a teacher at Little
Neck, L. I, and there began the study of law,
being admitted to the bar at Poughkeepsie in
1877. From that time until 1880 he taught school
and practiced his profession.
In the last mentioned year our subject opened
a law office in Little Neck, and in 1882 estab
lished one in Flushing, but has always made his
home in Little Neck. He married Miss Maria L.
Van Nostrand, a native of Little Neck, and the
daughter of Albert Van Nostrand, who was de
scended from an old and prominent Dutch
family on Long Island. (For a more detailed ac
count of the family see biography of David L.
Van Nostrand.) Two children have been born to
this union, Lewis Bassett and Elmer Williams.
Fraternally Mr. Moore is a Mason, a member
of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, and is past senior
deacon. Religiously he is a member of the Dutch
Reformed Church at Manhasset, and has been
deacon in the same for some time. For four years
he was president of the board of education at
Little Neck and has ever been interested in edu
cational matters. In 1886 he ran for district at
torney on the Republican ticket, but was de
feated. He is active in politics and for years at
different times has been a member of the county
committee. From July to the close of the Blaine
campaign he was acting chairman of the com
mittee, and has been a delegate to the state con
ventions. He is interested in the Queens County
Bar Association, of which he is one of the mana
gers. He has been counsel for the board of su
pervisors and is at present counsel for the sheriff
and for the supervisors of the town of Flushing,
as well as for the highway officers of the town.

HERBERT ALONZO COBLEIGH, a
prominent and wealthy business man of
Woodhaven, was born in this village in
'the year 1855. His father, Daniel Cobleigh, was
a native of Hydepark, Lamoille County, Vt, his
birth occurring in 1820. Among his brothers
were: Ira, James, John, Alonzo, and another
who went West when a young man and was lost
track of. James was engaged in the trucking
business in New York for many years; John, who
was one of the wealthiest residents of Hydepark,
Vt, died in the fall of 1895; Alonzo, who was like
wise one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens
of that place, departed this life many years ago;
he was an active worker in the church and as a

strong advocate of temperance principles was
known all over the state. The Cobleigh family
was a very prominent one in the vicinity of Hyde
park, where those of the family who first came
from Canada located.
The father of our subject, in company with
several others of his neighbors and friends, came
to Woodhaven about the year 1854, and a few
months later opened a store in the then small vil
lage. He continued in business here until 1868,
when he sold out his stock of goods and re
moved to Vineland, N. J. In 1874, however, he
returned to Woodhaven and again engaged ih
the mercantile business, being the proprietor of
one of the thriving establishments in the place
until 1884, when, on account of failing health, he
disposed of his store and went to Vermont, where
his death occurred soon after. He had been very
prominent in the affairs of Woodhaven and in
1856 was appointed postmaster of the village.
This position he later resigned, but was called
upon to fill it again in 1875 and was retained in
charge of the office here until retiring from busi
ness and moving away in 1884. He was a true
Christian gentleman and one of the organizers of
the Congregational Church in this place, services
at first being held in his home. Mr. Cobleigh was
for many years deacon in this congregation and
rendered material assistance by his liberal con
tributions. The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Mary Wiswell. She was also born at Hydepark,
Vt, and was the daughter of Leonard Wiswell, a
worthy representative of one of the old families
of that portion of the Green Alountain State.
Nathan Wiswell, a brother of Mrs. Cobleigh,
came to Woodhaven about 1854 and was for a
time interested with our subject's father in the
mercantile business. Now, however, he makes
his home in Vineland, N. J. Another brother,
Rev. Alva Wiswell, was for twenty years rector
of St. John's Chapel in New York City; he is now
a resident of Boston, Mass. James M. is another
representative of that family. Mrs. Alary Cob
leigh departed this life in Alarch, 1886, while on
a visit to her old home in Vermont.
The subject of this sketch was the only mem
ber of a family of seven children who grew to
mature years. He was given every advantage for
acquiring a good education and after leaving
school entered his father's store, assisting him
until he became interested in the business as a
full partner. Pie finally succeeded his father in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1067

this enterprise and associated with him H. M.
De Ronde. Four years later he disposed of his
interest in the store and for some time thereafter
was not engaged in business of any kind, but
lived a retired life. In 1892, however, he em
barked in the lumber business, in which he is still
successfully engaged. He is the proprietor of
much valuable property in Woodhaven, having
among his possessions the old store in which his
father first engaged in business.
In 1879 Mr. Cobleigh was married to Miss
Emma Wakefield of this place, the daughter of
Thomas Wakefield, a prominent resident of
Jamaica South. She died September 28, 1895.
They became the parents of three children, one of
whom is deceased. Gertrude Mary was born
February 17, 1882, and Herbert N, July 12, 1894.
Mr. Cobleigh is a prominent member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the
order of American Mechanics. The family oc
cupy a fine home at Ozone Park, near the lumber
yards, and are in every respect valued and highly
esteemed citizens whom we are glad to represent
in this volume.

CHARLES R. DE BEVOISE. In a re
view of the trade and commerce of Flush
ing it must be evident that every branch
of industry, every line of trade and every channel
into which human activity may be directed has
its representatives here. Search the directories of
the city from the first ones published to the last
one issued and what a panorama the list will pre
sent! New names, new trades, new industries
are added yearly, all contributing to make the
Flushing of to-day. The H. . & W. waists,
made by the De Bevoise Waist Company, are
becoming well known among dealers everywhere
as salable stock and by the public generally as
reliable goods.
As an evidence of their increasing popularity
it may be stated that the sales of the sixty dif
ferent styles of the H. & W. waists were forty-five
per cent greater in 1895 than in 1894, and it is
expected that the output during 1896 will eclipse
all previous records. At present they employ
four traveling, salesmen, who traverse all parts
of the United States. By a very thorough sys
tem in force at the factory it is practically im
possible for an imperfect waist to leave the es
tablishment. Each waist is examined separately
by six persons before it is boxed. About one

hundred and fifty people are employed by the
firm. This vast concern has been organized as
a stock company, with a capital of $25,000, all
of which has been paid in. Charles R. De Be
voise is president; L. A. Pitcher, secretary and
treasurer, the latter now residing in Flushing.
He was formerly connected with the Goodyear
India Rubber Glove Manufacturing Company,
No. 503 Broadway, New York.
Charles R. De Bevoise is a native of Astoria,
Long Island City, born June 21, 1862, and the
son of Charles and Sarah J. (Pine) De Bevoise,
both natives of Newtown. The father was in the
wholesale oil and glass business in New York
City and was a man of more than ordinary ability.
On the maternal side our subject is of Holland-
Dutch extraction. He is fourth in order of birth
of five children, as follows: George Pine; Mari
etta, Helen, Charles R. and Clara; the first and
third now deceased.
Our subject was reared in Mt. Vernon, West
chester County, and there secured a thorough
education in the public schools. He was but
three years old when his father died, and at the
age of eighteen he secured a position with the
Hodgeman Rubber Company of New York City.
After remaining with this firm six or seven years
he became a city salesman in that city. Later
he was with Warner Brothers (the largest corset
manufacturers in the United States) as city sales
man, and continued with them six years. He
then conceived the idea of making children's cor
sets and waists, and in 1891 began their manufac
ture. His energy and perseverance have con
quered, and he is doing an excellent business.

EUGENE W. GRAY. Among the many
representatives of the fire department of
Long Island City Eugene W. Gray de
serves prominent notice, and is at present hold
ing the responsible position of foreman of Truck
Company No. 1. The city has never known a
more capable or trustworthy man for the posi
tion he is now holding than Mr. Gray, who is
ever to the front when duty calls. He was born
in New York City February 11, 1858, and is the
eldest of six children born to his parents (see
sketch of Sylvester Gray). Since the year 1863
he has been a resident of Long Island City, and
in the schools of this place he received his pri
mary education. Later he entered Irving Insti
tute, and soon after Flushing Institute, where he

io68

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

remained until eighteen years old. He then took
a position in a large manufacturing establish
ment owned by his father, and remained as head
bookkeeper and superintendent in the same until
it was burned down.
On the 15th of September, 1894, Mr. Gray was
appointed on the fire department as driver for
No. 1 truck, and on the 15th of December of the
same year he was made foreman of the same,
which position he has held up to the present
time. He has had a fortunate career in the fire
department and is a pleasant and most agree
able young man to meet. In 1888 he joined en
gine No. 3, and one year later, when Columbia
Hose Company No. 2 was organized, he joined
that and remained with it until it was disbanded.
Mr. Gray was married in Long Island City to
Miss Frances Hurst, a native of this city, and
the daughter of William Hurst. Two children
have blessed their union, Edith and Harry. Mrs.
Gray is a member of the Baptist Church, In
politics Mr. Gray is a Democrat.

WILLIAM J. WAGNER. What hon
esty, hard work and steadfast deter
mination may accomplish cannot bet
ter be illustrated than by giving a brief sketch
of the life of Mr. Wagner, now one of the promi
nent citizens and substantial business men of
College Point. He is a builder and contractor
by trade and has followed this business with sig
nal success for the past twenty-three years.
George Wagner, the father of our subject, was
born in Germany and there lived and died, de
parting this life about two months ago, ¦ when
seventy-six years of age. He was for many
years yardmaster, and his upright and honorable
life gained for him many warm friends and the
best wishes of all who knew him. He was mar
ried to Catherine Feugel, whose demise occurred
about eighteen years ago. Their family included
three sons and one daughter, of whom William
J. was the eldest. The others were Henry, whose
home is still in the Fatherland; George, a resi
dent of Whitestone, L. I.; and Gretchen, living
in Germany.
The subject of this sketch was born November
27, 1850. After completing a good common-
school education he learned the carpenter's trade
working at this business continuously until he
entered the army, serving during the progress of
the Franco-Prussian War. When a young man

of twenty-one years Mr. Wagner determined to
try his fortune in the New World, and coming
to the United States made his home for two
months in Brooklyn. At the expiration of that
time he came to College Point and was first given
work as carpenter and painter for the Rubber
Comb Company, now known as the Enterprise
Company. He remained with this company for
a period of seven or eight years, when he became
train messenger for the Long Island Railroad
Company. A short time thereafter he launched
out in business for himself, and it is due to his
genius as a mechanic that many of the best resi
dences in College Point and surrounding coun
try have been erected.
Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Catherine
Howieler, who is now deceased. The lady who
afterward became his companion was Annie Stie-
beck, who has borne him four children, Ottilie,
Amanda, Ida and William, all of whom are living
at home. The eldest daughter is a very accom
plished and businesslike young lady and at the
present time is the efficient bookkeeper of the •
Kleinert Rubber Company.
In political matters Mr. Wagner is independ
ent, and in religious affairs is also very liberal.
His wife is a devout Catholic. They occupy a
very pleasant home in Thirteenth Street and are
regarded with esteem as worthy members of the
community.

FRANK J. SCHLEICHER. It is the men
of broad and comprehensive views who
give life to communities and build cities —
men who, in the darkness of adverse circum
stances, as well as in more favorable periods,
look beyond the clouds and have the pluck and
energy and foresight to push forward their en
terprises, extend speculation and fairly wrest suc
cess from calamity. Just such a man is Frank J
Schleicher, who is the able superintendent and
a director in the Wilson Printing Ink Company
of Long Island City. He is a native of New York
City, born in 1866, but is of German extraction
and bears in many traits of his character the
impress of the sterling virtues of that race His
grandfather, Joseph M. Schleicher, was born in
Germany in 1797, and was a government official
m the Revolutionary service of Germany He
was an officer in the German army, but later came
to America and died in Philadelphia when eigditv-
seven years old. '

ISAAC B. REMSEN.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1071

Francis A. Schleicher, the father of our subject,
who was also a native of Germany, was a grad
uate of the University of Heidelberg. He was
a prominent chemist, was several times in the
laboratory of that institution, and after receiving
his diploma came to America, in 1854. Later he
was in the employ of Powers & Wakeman, of
Philadelphia, as chemist; was also with other
companies engaged in the same line of business,
and then started chemical works for himself in
Brooklyn. Later he retired, and his death oc
curred in March, 1895, when sixty-one years old.
His wife, formerly Johanna Frederick, was born
in Hanover, Germany, and when a young lady
came to this country. Her father, Dr. Frederick,
was a native of Hanover, Germany, and was a
very successful follower of the "healing art" until
his death in 1886, when forty-eight years old.
Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Schleicher, two sons and a daughter, only the
two sons survive. Rudolph is a traveling sales
man of New York City.
In the cities of Brooklyn, New York and Phil
adelphia, our subject attained his growth and
secured a good education. Under the excellent
training of his father young Schleicher became
an expert and careful chemist, and later went to
Booth -Bay Harbor, where he became assistant
chemist of the Cumberland Bone Company under
his father. In 1886 he came to Long Island City
to enter the employ of the Wilson Printing Ink
Company as superintendent and chemist, and has
filled that position ever since. During the time
he has been with this company he has doubled the
capacity of the works, and has been a constant
student of chemistry. For some time he has
been working with Dr. A. H. Elliott, of the New
York College of Pharmacy.
Mr. Schleicher is a member of the Society of
Chemical Industry of Great Britain. The works
where he is employed are located in Tenth Street
and cover ground 100x100 feet. This is one of
the largest establishments of the kind in the
United States, and the factory dates its origin
back to 1790, in Canada. All kinds of printing
ink, lithographing ink and varnish are sent out
by this company to all countries. In 1888 Mr.
Schleicher became a stockholder and director in
the company. He was married in Long Island
City to Miss Marion F. Grant, a native of Lam-
bertville, N. J, and they have two children, Fran
cis Grant and Marion E.
In politics Mr. Schleicher is a Democrat, has

been a member of the general committee, and
is now a member of Jefferson Club, whose sec
retary he has been for the past four years. He
has been a delegate to county and state conven
tions, and was chairman of the last judicial and
senatorial convention in 1893. He is vice-presi
dent of the Central Permanent Building and
Loan Association, and is one of the foremost
business men and citizens of Long Island City.

ISAAC B. REMSEN of Jamaica was born in
Springfield, town of Jamaica, Queens County,
February 1, 1826. His father, Rem Remsen,
likewise a native of Springfield, was born August
16, 1793, and devoted his entire life to farm pur
suits, residing in the place of his birth until he
passed from earth July 4, 1864. The family was
founded in America by our subject's great-grand
father, one of three 'brothers who came from Hol
land and settled respectively in New Jersey and
Kings and Dutchess Counties, N. Y. The family
is now a large one, and its representatives
have held the most honorable positions in the his-
* tory of their various communities. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, Capt. Ora Remsen,
earned his title by meritorious service in the Rev
olutionary War. Wrhile his birthplace is not defi
nitely known, there is ground for believing that
he was born in Dutchess County. There he
married Miss Ann Hackerman, and from there he
removed to Springfield, purchasing a large tract
of land, a portion of which is still in the family.
Of the three brothers of our subject's father,
Ora was a captain in the War of 1812, during
which conflict he was stationed at Fort Green.
He married Sarah, the daughter of John Higbie,
also a soldier in the War of 1812. Ten children,
five sons and five daughters, were born unto
them, and it is a noteworthy fact that, with the
exception of one that died at twenty, all of these
children lived to be at least sixty, and seven still
survive. Ann, the eldest, married Foster Hen
drickson, a farmer; Dorothy became the wife of
William Hendrickson, a farmer and miller, and
brother of her sister's husband; John devoted his
entire active life to agricultural pursuits ; Charity
married B. C. Dougla=, a carpenter by trade and
a resident of Jamaica; James, who was an agri
culturist, is deceased; Phoebe, the widow of
Uriah J. Pearsall, resides with a daughter at Val
ley Stream; Daniel H, who is a farmer, lives at
Glencove ; Abraham H. is a prominent resident of

1072

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jamacia; and Ora, the youngest son, married An-
geline Bailis, by whom he had four children.
Abraham H, son of Captain Ora Remsen, was
born January 6, 1830, and in 1850 married Miss
Adeline, daughter of David Horton, a Revolu
tionary hero, who participated in the bloody bat
tle of Brandywine, where he was wounded. He
was a man of more than three score years when
she was born, and she has the distinction of being
one of the very few surviving children of Revo
lutionary soldiers. In her family there are four
children, namely: Francis C, who died at the
age of twenty years; Wright H, who married
Anna Rodman and is employed as station agent
for the Long Island Railroad at Glencove;
Hamilton H, who lives in Flushing; and Wil
liam E, assistant cashier of the Fall River line of
steamers at Pier 28, North River, New York.
For twenty-five years Abraham H. Remsen was
engaged in the meat business at Jamaica, but for
some years past he has been employed by E. W.
Conklin, the civil engineer of Jamaica. Inter
ested in public affairs, he has filled several local
offices, including those of tax collector and over
seer of the poor.
The subject of this article is one of five broth
ers and had four sisters. Of the others we note
the following: Cornelius is in business with his
son-in-law, John Bedell of Springfield, where he
is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Hendrick E, a farmer by occupation,
makes his home in Springfield. John, who was a
farmer on the Rockaway road south of Jamaica,
died on his home place in the fall of 1895; his
son, I. S. Remsen (or Remson, as he spells the
name), was for many years in business in Jamaica,
but is now an extensive manufacturer and dealer
in wagons and carriages in Brooklyn, where he
resides. Philip H. lives in Jamaica; and Rem,
the youngest of the brothers, died in boyhood.
Ann married Isaac C. Hendrickson, and their son,
Isaac C. Hendrickson, Jr., is engaged in the lum
ber business in Jamaica. Sarah Elizabeth is the
wife of Thomas Carman of Jamaica. Harriet
married Isaac Smith and both are now deceased;
their son, Benjamin Smith, lives in Brooklyn.
Elsie Jane, Mrs. Eldred Wood, died leaving two
daughters, who now reside in Jamaica — one the
wife of William Jarvis, and the other the wife of
G. Yaton.
Of this large family, our subject has been the
most successful financially. He is now numbered
among the wealthy men of Jamaica, but while he

has achieved success, he has also met with his
share of reverses, has had obstacles to surmount
and hardships to endure. Early in life he began
to assist in the cultivation of the home place, and
when only eleven years of age might be seen
plowing the land. His schooling was limited,
and the broad knowledge he has gained came
through self-culture and observation. When a
young man he embarked in the butcher business,
at first running a wagon from the farm, where
the slaughtering was done. Later he established
a market and continued the business, with in
creasing results, until 1865. At that time the ex
citement in the Pennsylvania oil fields was at its
height, and fortunes were being made in a short
time. "Catching the fever," he sold his business
and went to the oil fields, but after two years there,
he found the expected fortune further from him
than it had been upon his arrival.
Disappointed, but not discouraged, Mr. Rem
sen went to New York City, where he engaged in
the real estate business for two years, and then
settled on his little farm on the Rockaway road.
After twelve years there, he rented the place and
returned to Far Rockaway. Prior to his removal
he built a track to connect the Long Island Rail
road with Nassau Lake (of forty acres), which
adjoined his farm. On coming to Far Rockaway
he dug a small lake of three acres for the pur
pose of securing a supply of ice, and afterward
dug a second lake of four acres. Transportation
for the ice was secured by means of the branch
to the railroad. Afterward other lakes were
made, and in 1887 he dug what is known as
Remsen's Lake, adjoining Jamaica, a beautiful
body of water that is fed from springs and covers
about six acres. Throughout Long Island the
Remsen Lake ice has gained a reputation for its
superior qualities. For the past few years he
has carried on a wholesale business exclusively,
his son and son-in-law conducting the retail busi
ness, buying from him. He has also engaged in
the real estate business, having made some good
investments. The property interests of Mr. Remsen are large
and important and include some valuable real
estate in Jamaica. For more than fifty years he
has been a member of the Methodist Church, in
the work of which he takes a deep interest. He
attends all the camp and revival meetings and
takes an active part as an exhorter. When the
Methodist Church was about to be built many
years ago, he subscribed $1,500 toward its erec-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1073

tion, but before the time came to pay it, he had
lost all his money and was unable to meet the
obligation. The church was built and many
years afterward, it may be said to his credit, he
paid the full amount of his pledge to the society.
At his own expense he established a mission in
the outskirts of the village, and he has been a
generous contributor to all religious projects.
In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now
casts his vote and influence with the Prohibition
party. August 3, 1848, Mr. Remsen married Miss
Jane, daughter of George Creed, and member of
one of the old families of the island. They have
four children living and have lost five. The only
son, Lorenzo H, was born November 12, 1851,
received a good education in Union Hall Acad
emy, and has been engaged in the ice business
in Jamaica since 1872. He married his second
cousin, Anna A. Pearsall, who was born in Jamai
ca, being a daughter of Jeremiah and Phoebe
(Remsen) Pearsall. Her grandfather, James
Pearsall, was a Canadian by birth, but spent his
life principally on Long Island. Mr. and Mrs.
Remsen have one child, Warren, a young man
of twenty-two, who is in business with his father.
The daughters of our subject are named as fol
lows: Lenora, who married John B. Fosdick,
youngest son of the late Judge Morris Fosdick;
Jennie Estelle, wife of S. N. Decker, who is en
gaged in the ice business at Far Rockaway, hav
ing purchased the lakes from his father-in-law,
also the Queens County Manufacturing Com
pany's ice plant; and Isadora F, who resides with
her parents in their beautiful home in Bergen
Avenue.

AC. SLUITER. Of the many indispens
able places to the residents of a city, the
• meat market is one of the most indis
pensable, for one of the mainstays of life is to be
found here. A well stocked and very popular
place of this kind, whose proprietor is A. C.
Sluiter, is located on Main and Lincoln Streets,
Flushing. Mr. Sluiter was bom in Holland,
at Groningen, August 2, 1859, a son of Theo.
and Anna (M'iddendorp) Sluiter, also natives of
Holland, the former of whom was a son of Theo.
Sluiter, and both followed the trade of butchers.
The father of the subject of this sketch
traveled for some time in the United States
but returned to his native land and there

now resides. In religion he and his wife are
Roman Catholics. Mrs. Sluiter is a daughter of
Henricus Middendorp, a jeweler, who was a sol
dier under Napoleon Bonaparte. The children
of Theo. and Anna Sluiter were named as follows:
Henricus, of Flushing, L. I. ; Nicholas, a butcher
of Brooklyn; A. C; Alaria, who died in Holland;
Johann, wholesale cloak dealer in Holland; and
Betsey, in Holland.
In his native land A. C. Sluiter was reared,
and his education was obtained in private
schools, where he acquired a good knowledge of
English, French, German and Dutch. In 1881
he came to America, and after visiting all the
principal points of interest in the United States,
he settled down at the end of six months and be
gan importing Holstein cattle, his first load of
one hundred and ninety head being sent to Que
bec, but the most of these animals were sold in
the United States. His next load was landed at
Garfield, N. J, and for some time thereafter he
made about two trips per year. The cattle were
sold by Peter C. Kellogg & Co, at the American
Horse Exchange in New York City. He started
a herd book for the American Branch Associa
tion of North Holland in 1888, and is still an
active member of this association, which has be
come a very extensive and important organiza
tion. Mr. Sluiter has been a very extensive and
successful importer, and this business brought
him in good financial returns, but he gave it up
in 1887 to engage in the meat business in Flush
ing. The establishment which Mr. Sluiter purchased
did not please him and he made some important
changes and improvements in it, put in fine plate
glass windows and a capacious refrigerator. His
market is one of the best in Queens County and a
fine retail business is being done. Mr. Sluiter
was married in Passaic, N. J, to Miss Cornelia
Troost, a native of Lodi, N. J, and to them two
children have been born: Anna Maria and
Marinus Antonius. Mr. Sluiter is a member of
the Business Men's Protection Association, and
politically is a Democrat in national politics.

DAVID BEDELL, who is intimately con
nected with the agricultural interests of
Queens County, is the proprietor of a
neat little farm of fifty acres, which he lives upon
and improves. Mr. Bedell was born at East
Meadow, this county, October 12, 1830, his par-

1074

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ents being Sylvanus and Mary Ann (Southard)
Bedell, also natives of this portion of the island,
where most of their lives were spent.
The father of our subject was in early life the
proprietor of an hotel at East Meadow, where he
also established a grocery which he carried on
with signal success for many years. About 1848
he exchanged his property at East Meadow for
the tract of land on which our subject now re
sides and from that time until his death in 1853,
was engaged in its cultivation. His estimable
wife departed this life in Brooklyn about 1886.
The subject of this sketch, like most of the
youths of his day and locality, attended the dis
trict school for a few months in each year, thus
gaining a fair education. As soon as old enough
he began to assist in the farm work, and on the
death of his father he was thoroughly competent
to manage the estate which he left. He has made
many improvements on the place since it came
into his possession, and the buildings which the
passer-by now sees are neat and comfortable and
admirably adapted to the purposes for which they
were intended.
Mr. Bedell was united in marriage in 1855 to
Miss Rosetta, daughter of John Jackson, of
Queens County. Their union has been blessed
by the birth of six children, all of whom are liv
ing, and named respectively : Mary Emma, Mar
garet Ann, Fannie J, Rosetta, Mrs. Stephen P.
Clement, who makes her home in this county;
Sylvanus, a resident of Brooklyn; and John J,
still with his parents. Both our subject and his
wife are members in excellent standing of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is
serving as trustee and steward of the congrega
tion. In politics he is an ardent Republican, but
in no sense of the word could he be considered
an office seeker. He is a man of honor and up
rightness who has made hosts of friends in the
vicinity of his home.

CAPT. ARCH UDALL has spent his en
tire life as a resident of Long Island and
is well known throughout the town of
North Hempstead, where he has a large number
of warm personal friends. For a number of years
he has resided near the village of Manhasset,
where he has a comfortable and well improved
place. He is not a wealthy man, but has accum
ulated a sufficient amount of this world's goods
to provide every comfort for his declining days

and to relieve the needs of those less fortunate
than himself.
A native of Suffolk County, Captain Udall was
born March 19, 1819, at what is now Bay Shore,
on the south side, near Great South Bay. His
father had married an Indian woman, so that he
traces his ancestry to the oldest settlers of Long
Island, her forefathers having been among the
prominent leaders of a tribe of Chippewas that
occupied this territory before the foot of white
man had ever trod the soil. Early in life our sub
ject began to earn his own livelihood and since
then he has been self-supporting. At the age of
five years he was taken to Glencove, and thence
went to Great Neck six years later.
Before attaining his majority the Captain was
at work on the water and very readily became an
expert in the handling of sailboats and skiffs.
While still young he became master of a vessel,
which he commanded for many years. The first
one was "Elias Hicks," and afterward he com
manded the "Gold Hunter," then the "Richard
Udall." Recently, however, he retired from a sea
faring life, having determined to spend his re
maining years on land. He settled down near
Manhasset, where he owns a comfortable home,
and expects to remain until his earth life is ended.
Notwithstanding his advanced years he is quite
robust and hearty, and possesses the vigor of a
man of less than fifty years. He has never taken
an active part in public affairs, his occupation
preventing him from identifying himself closely
with political matters. November 19, 1874, he
married Eliza J. Bigelow.

DAVID BRIELL. The question of de
mand and supply is one which agitates
the mind of every thinking man to-day.
The rapid growth of cities, the abnormal increase
in population tend to raise to a higher pitch the
call for more products to sustain life, and there
are constant opportunities for bright men to ar
ray themselves as public providers. The market
gardener is especially essential, and from him
may be obtained much that goes to supply a well-
set table. The philosophy of the German, to
learn one thing, but to learn that well, has been
adopted by Mr. Briell throughout his business
career, and little can be told him about success
ful market gardening which he does not already
know. He is one of the oldest residents of Long
Island City, for he was brought thither by his

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1077

parents in 1848, and during this long residence
he has identified himself with the best interests
of the place and has proven a useful and public-
spirited, though quiet and unassuming, citizen.
For a more extended history of his people see
the sketch of his brother, Theodore Briell.
Mr. Briell is a native of Jersey City, N. J,
born March 18, 1839, and there made his home
until 1848. His early education was acquired in
Jersey City, New York City, and in the Fourth
Ward school in Astoria, and was completed in
the private school conducted by Rev. Mr. Whit
ing in Flushing Avenue. While growing up he
was initiated into the mysteries of market gar
dening by his father, who thoroughly understood
all the details of the work, and under his guid
ance he continued to remain until 1880, when he
began independently, and has since devoted about
fifteen acres to garden vegetables. He raises
nothing but the most prolific and improved kinds,
raises bushels of fine tomatoes, and sends nearly
all his produce to New York City, where a ready
and profitable market is found. The work is
healthy and congenial as well as profitable, and
occupies the most of his attention.
In Astoria Mr. Briell was married to Miss
Mary Jane Green, who was born in Hackensack,
N. J, and they have a pretty and comfortable
home at No. 329 Grand Avenue, Long Island
City. The old Briell home is located at No. 319
Grand Avenue. Mr. Briell is a Democrat in
national affairs, and is a member of the Fire-
mens' Protection Company No. 2, in the village
ot Astoria. He is a man of sound business prin
ciples and his word is to be relied upon at all
times.

TOWNSEND SCUDDER, a well-known
attorney-at-law, with offices at Glencove
and at No. 181 Broadway, New York,
commands the respect as well as the admiration
of his brother practitioners, and stands as a living
refutation of the popular idea that "there is no
honest lawyer." His birth occurred at North-
port, Suffolk County, July 26, 1865, a son of
Townsend and Sarah M. (Frost) Scudder, the
former of whom was born on a farm near North-
port, which place was settled by the Scudder
family in 1652 and has been in possession of some
one of its members ever since. The paternal
grandfather, Henry Scudder, was a tiller of the
soil and served many years as justice of the peace

in the community in which he lived. His father,
who also bore the name of Henry, was a captain
under General Washington in the Revolutionary
War, and was a participant in the battle of Long
Island. Townsend Scudder, the father of the subject
of this sketch, graduated from Trinity College,
at Hartford, Conn, after which he became a law
student in New York City, and eventually a mem
ber of the law firm of Scudder & Carter, of that
city, which, at the time of his death in 1874, had
been in existence longer than any firm of that
place. Mr. Carter represented the United States
government at Paris at the time of the Bering
Sea arbitration, and also plead the cause of the
United States in the famous income litigation.
Mr. Scudder, was a man of noble mind, a keen,
shrewd and well posted lawyer, and his death was
a loss to the profession which he adorned. He
was a worthy member of the Episcopal Church.
During the winter months he and his family made
their home in New York City, but their summer
home was at Glencove for many years.
The subject of this sketch was the third of six
children born to his parents, and his early mental
training was acquired under tutors. When about
twelve or thirteen years old he was sent to Paris
to continue his studies, and later to Vevay, Switz
erland. At the age of seventeen he went to Weis-
baden, where he was a student in the Polytechnic
Institute for some time, then spent one year under
Italy's sunny skies. Upon his return to America,
after an absence in Europe of six years, he began
the study of English, as he spoke it imperfectly,
and finally entered the Real Estate Exchange of
New York City, of which he was made cashier
and assistant manager. Two years later he en
tered the Columbia College of Law, from which
he was graduated in 1888, after which he was
admitted to the. New York bar, at once beginning
the practice of his profession. He has been iden
tified professionally with claims against the Pan
ama Canal Company and has represented the
Turkish, Italian and Armenian governments in
the protection of their subjects in New York City.
His professional career has been extremely act
ive, has reflected the highest credit upon him in
every particular, and the natural sequence is that
his reputation as an able and successful attorney
has gone abroad. A career of great usefulness
is undoubtedly before him, and that his life will
be worthily spent in redressing the wrongs of
others is assured.

1078

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

June 3, 1891, Mr. Scudder married Miss Mary
Dannet Thayer, of Brooklyn, a daughter of
George A. and Jane (Jones) Thayer, and two
children have been born to them: Atala Thayer
and Elizabeth Hewlett, the former born at Glen
cove and the latter in Brooklyn. Mr. Scudder is
a Democrat politically, and is a vestryman in the
Episcopal Church, of which he is a member. He
is a thirty-second degree Mason, having held a
high official position in the grand lodge of the
state, and is a member of Beta Theta Pi college
fraternity.

ISAAC N. CARMAN. The business interests
of Hempstead have an efficient representative
in this gentleman, who is known as one of
the most energetic and stirring citizens of the
place. Early trained to a thorough knowledge of
the hardware business, he was fitted for the man
agement of the enterprise to which he succeeded
at the death of his father. This village has been
his lifelong home, and he is respected for his
sterling qualities of character that have been dis
played in association with the people throughout
his entire career.
For the history of the family the reader is re
ferred to the sketch of the late Coles Carman,
presented on another page. Isaac N. was born
in Hempstead October 14, 1844, being a son of
Coles and Frances Carman. He was educated
in the public schools, and in boyhood assisted in
the hardware store, being thus engaged at the
outbreak of the Rebellion. He at once entered
the United States navy and was assigned to duty
on the war ship "Ossipee," serving until April,
1862, when he was discharged at Washington on
account of physical disabilities.
After a short visit at home, Mr. Carman went
to Westmoreland, Oneida County, where he
learned the trade of a moulder with the firm of
Clark Brothers, but after one year he returned
to Hempstead and became associated with his
father in the stove, tin and hardware business.
At the death of his father he succeeded to the
management of the store. In 1868 he married
Miss Amanda Smith, of Freeport, and they have
four children, namely: Thomas, a graduate of
the Philadelphia Dental College, and now a prac
ticing dentist of Freeport; Jeannett, who was ed
ucated at St. Mary's College, Garden City, and
is the wife of Herbert Davidson, who is engaged
in the lumber and milling business at East Rock

away; Edith, who was educated at Hempstead
Institute, Hempstead; and Bertha, who died at
the age of seventeen years.
Mrs. Carman is a daughter of William R.
Smith, and granddaughter of Raynor Rock
Smith, who made himself famous by attempting
the rescue of the crew of the wrecked steamer
"City of Mexico," on the coast. This perilous
undertaking, in which he was assisted by his sons,
seemed to all certain death, and no others dared
to make the trip, yet this daring man succeeded,
at the risk of his own and his sons' lives, in saving
fourteen men from the ill-fated ship.
Especially fond of yachting, Mr. Carman is a
member of the Hempstead Bay Yacht Club, and
is the owner of the yacht "Dolphin." Fraternally
he is a Mason, and also belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic, Royal Arcanum and Shield
of Honor. While he has never held political
office, his opinions on public affairs are. firm, and
in his allegiance to the Democratic party he has
never wavered. In religious belief he is con
nected with the Methodist Church.

CHARLES W. HALLETT, JR., is one of
the best posted young men in Astoria,
L. I, in regard to music, and has been
organist in the Reformed Church in this place
since about 1873. He is very popular with all
and has met. with unusual success in his career
as a musician. It has often been said that "music
has power to soothe the savage breast," but
while we are not so sure of that, we do know
that it has a refining and purifying influence on
all. Charles W. Hallett, Jr., was born in Astoria
February 17, 1858, and is a son of Charles W.
Hallett, Sr, whose sketch appears elsewhere in
this volume.
Young Hallett was reared in his native village
and received excellent educational advantages,
receiving most of his training in a private school
here After finishing his literary education he
took a trip to Europe and remained abroad for
nine months. He went direct to Spain, then to
France, England and Ireland, and finally returned
to Astoria to engage m business. He had learned
the hardware business in New York City under
Hart, Bleven & Mead, one of the largest estab
lishments of the kind in those days, and remained
with that firm for two years, thus laying a solid
foundation for his subsequent prosperous career.
After this he was with Russell & Irving for four

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1079

years and then returned with his father to As
toria. Since that time he has been in charge Of
the hardware and house furnishing department
here and is very popular with all. This is the
largest hardware establishment in Astoria, and
young Hallett takes a deep interest in its pros
perity. In the city of Greenwich, Conn, Mr. Hallett
was married to Miss Ida Crowninshild, a native
of Boston, Mass, where she was reared and edu
cated, and the daughter of Caleb Crowninshild,
who at one time was a large furniture manufac
turer of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hallett are the
parents of five interesting children: Florence,
Edith, Alfred, Howard and Charles W.
At the present time Mr. Hallett is organist and
leader of the choir in the First Reformed Church
at Astoria, which position he has held for over
twenty years. From early boyhood he had
evinced a strong liking for music and studied
under some of the best teachers in New York
City. When but fifteen years old he began as
organist and is the oldest one now in Long Is
land City. . When but a boy he taught music for
some time, and has given some delightful con*
certs here. He is an active member of the Re
formed Church, and in politics is a Republican.

COL. G. A. ROULLIER As his name
indicates, this gentleman is of French
descent. He is a member of a family
that has furnished many men to the army of
France. His paternal grandfather was a major
in the army under the illustrious Napoleon, and
the maternal grandfather, Laurent Augier, was
also an officer under that famous general. All
other male members of the. family took part in
the bloody conflicts that marked the closing
years of the latter, and the greater part of the
present century, until the Franco-Prussian War
of 1870, when the last lost his life.
The subject of this notice was born in New
York City in 1849, and received his primary
education in a private school. At the age of six
teen he went to France, where he took a scientific
course. The first work he secured was as a mem
ber of the engineering corps at the iron works
of Boonton, N. J. One year later he came to
Flushing, where he was employed in laying out
the village. On completion of the work, he went
to Baltimore, where for a year he was in charge
of the engineering work on a large estate. Re

turning to Flushing, he formed a partnership
with H. C. Baldwin, under the title of Baldwin
& Roullier, and surveyed the entire town of
Flushing. Later our subject went into partner
ship with J. C. Rossi, and continued with him for
some time. In 1880 he was appointed superin
tendent of the water works and street commis
sioner, in which capacity he has since served.
Under his management the water works have
been extended and enlarged, and a large number
of sewers have been built. He planned and con
structed the water works in Whitestone and in
Newtown, and under his supervision the streets
of Flushing were macadamized. Since 1880 he
has been city surveyor, and at his office, No. 20
Main Street, carries on a large business.
Socially our subject is a Chapter Mason and
belongs to Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A.
M. In addition, he belongs to the Royal Arca
num, and was a charter member of the Knights
of Pythias, in which he was the first chancellor.
He is identified with the Niantic Club and the
American Society of Civil Engineers. He was
one of the organizers of the Seventeenth Separate
Company of Flushing, National Guard of New
York, and was chosen second lieutenant, but after
one year was commissioned captain and later be
came major and inspector of the Eleventh Brig
ade. His next promotion was to the rank of
lieutenant-colonel and inspector of rifle practice
of the Second Division, in which capacity he
served until all the division staffs were disbanded
by order of the governor. His connection with
the guard covered a period of exactly ten years.
He was also in the fire department as a member
of Mutual Engine Company No. 1, in which he
served as foreman, and was first assistant en
gineer for one term.

JOSEPH WITZEL, proprietor of Point View-
Island, near College Point, was born in
Fulda, near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, March
3, 1835. His father, Michael, who was born in
the same place and followed farm pursuits, took
part in the Napoleonic Wars in Germany and
was wounded while performing official duty; he
died in his native place in 1856, aged sixty-nine.
His marriage united him with Mary Francke,
who was born in Germany and died there, aged
forty-eight. Of their five children, two are liv
ing, Joseph being the only one of the family who
ever came to America. He was reared on the

io8o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

home farm. When about eighteen he started a
shoe store in his native place and this he carried
on until the time of his entrance into the army,
in 1855. For one year he was a member of a
brigade of mounted artillery, after which he re
tired from the service and resumed business.
In 1859 Mr. Witzel took passage on the sailer
"Republic" at Bremen and arrived in New York
City after a voyage of thirty days. For three
months he worked at his trade there, after which,
in August, 1859, he came to College Point and
engaged in the shoe business, soon afterward
starting a store in Second Avenue, on the present
site of the bank. In 187 1 he bought lots and built
the hotel which he has since conducted and which
is situated on the corner of Second Avenue and
Tenth Street. Here he has a large pavilion, danc
ing hall and summer garden. In 1892 he became
proprietor of Point View Island, a summer re
sort, where he has a dining room 130x61, with
capacity for twelve hundred. The grounds con
sist of twenty-five acres, neat roads and paths di
viding the well kept groves. There are four dif
ferent ball grounds and a dock four hundred feet
long. The place is admirably adapted for picnic
excursions, and the proprietor is kept busy in
arranging to accommodate the many parties who
desire to secure the grounds.
In College Point Mr. Witzel married Miss
Mary Kolb, who was born in Fulda, Germany,
and they are the parents of two sons, Emil and
Theodore. Politically our subject is a Demo
crat, and in religion belongs to St. Fidelis' Catho
lic Church.

JOSEPH H. ROSZEL. To those who, dur
ing the dark days of the Rebellion, offered
their services to the government and went
forth to protect the honor of the old flag and
the unity of the nation, a debt of gratitude is due
from every patriotic citizen. Among the Queens
County war veterans mention belongs to the
name of Joseph H. Roszel, member of the firm
of Roszel Brothers, contractors and builders at
College Point. He was born in Mercer County,
N. J, near Hightstown, September 25, 1843. His
paternal grandfather, Benjamin Roszel, also a
native of New Jersey, was a farmer by occupation
and attained the age of eighty years. In relig
ious views he was a Baptist.
George Roszel, our subject's father, was born
in New Jersey in December, 1814, and owned

and operated a farm near Hightstown. Politi
cally he is a strong Republican. He married
Helen, daughter of William Brown, who was a
shoemaker in New Jersey, and granddaughter of
Everenham Roszel, one of the early residents of
that state. Mrs. Roszel was born in 1818 and is
still living. Of her twelve children, nine attained
years of maturity, and eight are now living, Jo
seph H. and Elwood being the only ones in
Queens County. Our subject, who is the oldest
of the surviving children, was reared on the home
farm and received district school advantages. In
September, 1862, he enlisted in Company C,
Twenty-ninth New Jersey Infantry, and was mus
tered in at Freehold for nine months. With his
regiment he marched to the South and took part
in the engagements at Fredericksburg and the
Wilderness, after which he started on the march
to Gettysburg, but his term of service expired
before he reached that city and he was mustered
out in Maryland in 1863. A few months after
returning home he again volunteered, with
eighteen others, and went to Philadelphia, where
he tendered his services to the United States
navy, but all of the party with two exceptions
were rejected.
On again coming home Mr. Roszel began an
apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, at which
he served for two years. In 1867 he went to New
York, where he worked at his trade for one year,
and later was similarly engaged in Freehold and
Elizabeth, N. J. In the fall of 1873 he settled in
College Point, where he followed his trade for a
time, and later was master carpenter in a rubber
shop. In 1879 he began contracting and build
ing, and after five years took in his brother El
wood as partner, the firm name becoming Roszel
Brothers. They have had many of the most im
portant contracts in the village, and among other
residences, erected three in Twelfth Street, three
in Seventeenth and one in Tenth; also fitted up
several hotels and public buildings. The shop
of the firm is situated in Fifth Avenue, near
Twelfth Street.
In College Point Mr. Roszel married Miss
Catherine Tubbs, a native of Connecticut, and
daughter of William Tubbs, who came from Eng
land and was employed as a mason in College
Point until his death. The family residence is
pleasantly situated at No. 67 Eleventh Street.
Socially Mr. Roszel belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in
Miriam Lodge No. 152, in which he has passed

FREDERICK RING.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1083

all the chairs. He was a member of the encamp
ment at Elizabeth. Prior to the war he belonged
to the National Guard of New Jersey. He .finds
his religious home in the Alethodist Church, to
the support of which he contributes as his means
permit.

FREDERICK RING, JR., was born in New
York City on Christmas day of 1835, and
was the eldest of the eight children of
Frederick, Sr, and Rosina (Williams) Ring.
For some years the former kept a grocery store
in New York City, but about 1847 removed to
Woodward Avenue, Newtown, Queens County,
and there engaged in farming. Frederick, Jr., at
the age of twelve accompanied the family to
Long Island, where he grew to manhood. When
twenty years of age he embarked in the grocery
business in Grand Street, Brooklyn, but after
his marriage, which occurred at this time, he
gave up the business and began farming on the
old homestead, then known as the Vandervoert
farm. For about fifteen years he engaged in
the cultivation of the sixty acres comprising this
place, and so successful was he that on leaving
he was able to purchase the property where his
widow now resides, paying $12,000 for twenty
acres and building a handsome residence there
on. This is especially noteworthy in view of
the fact that he began without capital.
^ During the war Mr. Ring was fortunate and
made, considerable money. After about three
years he established himself in the flour-milling
business in Broadway, Brooklyn, where, through
his superior business ability and sagacity, he ac
cumulated a fortune. His products were shipped
largely to the West Indies. After undergoing
a number of changes of name, the firm of which
he was a member was finally incorporated as the
Kings County Milling Company, the business
being carried on under that title until one year
after his death, which occurred August 24, 1892.
Mr. Ring was interested in the American Sugar
Refining Company, the Manufacturers' Bank,
the Nassau Trust Company, and the New York
and Brooklyn Brewing Company. His large
success was due to the possession of keen insight,
shrewd discriminative powers and determination
of character that knew no diminution in the face
of obstacles. 44

CHARLES E. RING, eldest son of Fred
erick and Dorothea (Bultmann) Ring,
was born in Brooklyn November 26,
1863. After carrying on the studies of the public
schools of Brooklyn he entered Packard's Busi
ness College, where he graduated. For one
year after completing his education he was en
gaged in farming, two years following was em
ployed in a grocery store, and subsequently he
established a hardware store at North Third and
Kent Avenue, Brooklyn. Three years later his
increasing business caused him to remove to
more commodious quarters and still later he
bought his present place, at Nos. 423-427 Kent
Avenue, corner of South Eighth Street, where
he carries on a business aggregating $200,000
per annum. He is one of the representative mer
chants of .Brooklyn, and his success, which has
been gained since 1885, indicates his ability and
financial skill.
In 1887 Air. Ring married Aliss Anna Ehlers,
of New York City, and they are the parents of
a daughter, Louise. In religious belief they are
identified with the English 'Lutheran Church of
Brooklyn. By all who know him Mr. Ring is
regarded as one of the rising young business
men of the city. He is a member of the Alan-
ufacturers' Association of that place and is con
nected with many of the important measures
originated to benefit the interests of the people.
While not unmindful of public affairs, he does
not take an active part in them and is not a
partisan. He is connected with the Hanover
Club of Brooklyn. It may be said of him that,
in striving to advance his own interests, he has
not overlooked the welfare of others or achieved
his personal success at the expense of his fellow
men, but in his intercourse with all, whether in
business or society, has proved himself an hon
orable man and generous friend.

JOHN W. GOODWIN, who superintends
the sand digging for the large contracting
firm of M. Goodwin & Co, of New York
City, is one of the highly esteemed residents of
Port Washington. He was born in the metro
polis, September 4, 1858, to Thomas E. and Pene
lope (Boulds) Goodwin. There he lived until at
taining mature years, gaining a good education
in the grammar schools of both New York and
Brooklvn.

1084

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

When a lad of fourteen years our subject be
came bookkeeper for the same company by
whom he is employed at the present time. He
remained in that position for four years and then
turned his attention to athletic sports, winning-
many a contest as a walker in various parts of the
country. On one occasion he and Samuel Col
yer engaged in a three days' contest at Brooklyn,
Mr. Goodwin winning seventeen miles over his
opponent. At another time he came in fifteen
miles ahead of Robert Campbell in a walk of
seventy-five hours. He visited many of the larger
cities of the Union and for three years followed
this kind of life, but not being able to save much
money, he returned to the business which now
occupies his attention.
By his first marriage, which occurred in New
York, when he was twenty-four years old, he be
came the father of three children, John W, Jr.,
Penelope and Sarah. After the death of his first
wife Mr. Goodwin married Miss Lenora Smith,
of Port Washington, and to them have been
granted two daughters, Delphine and Nina.
The business in which our subject is now en
gaged has occupied his attention for the past
twelve years. For one year he had charge of
filling in a large area at Greenpoint, at which
time he had three hundred men under him. In
1895, however, the firm put in a steam shovel
and a number of cars, so that the work is now
comparatively easy and only a few men are need
ed to carry on the business. Mr. Goodwin is not
tied to any particular party or belief in politics,
but at the polls supports the best man for the po
sition. Although not a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, Mr. Goodwin attends its ser
vices and contributes towards its support. He is
very plain-spoken, honorable and upright in all
that he does, and as such deserves the respect and
esteem which is accorded him, for he is one of the
substantial citizens of the county.

PROF. ALFRED E. IVES. While the life
of an educator is generally barren of in
cidents for popular biography, it is still
true that the work of a protracted life in this
sphere must have many points of interest to prac
tical thinkers, to philosophical speculators of ed
ucation, and to the work of educational progress.
Years industriously employed in any department
of human labor cannot be without its fruits and
its lessons. Alfred E. Ives, a prominent educator

of Rockville Center, L. I, was born in Connec
ticut in 1846 to Alfred E. and Harriet (Piatt
Stone) Ives, who were also natives of the Nutmeg
State and there spent their early days.
Unusually fine educational advantages were
afforded Alfred E. Ives, Sr, and in 1837 he was
graduated from Yale College. He afterwards
became a minister of the Congregational Church,
and this noble calling he continued to follow the
greater part of his life. In the latter part of his
useful life he moved to the state of Maine, and
there he afterwards represented Hancock County
two terms in the state legislature, during which
time he was chairman of the educational com
mittee both sessions. He lived to a ripe old age
and died in 1892, his wufe's death having occurred
three years prior to his own. They were aged
eighty-three and eighty years respectively.
Alfred E. Ives, the immediate subject of this
biography, was attending the high school at Cas-
tine, Me, when the great Civil War opened.
Although a mere lad, sixteen years of age, his
patriotism was unbounded, and as soon as cir
cumstances permitted he became a member of
Company E, Twenty-sixth Maine Volunteer In
fantry, and was in active service for one year, the
expiration of his term of enlistment finding him
at Port Hudson, La. He then returned home,
and for a year following this he was in extremely
poor health. In the fall of 1864 he entered Am
herst (Mass.) College, and from this institution
was graduated with honors, with the degrees of
A. B. and A. M. Soon after finishing his liter
ary course he took up the calling of a pedagogue
at Meriden, Conn, where he continued for seven
years. In the fall of 1875 he came to Brooklyn,
where he became principal of one of the largest
grammar schools in the city, No. 35, the pupils
in which number nearly four thousand and the
teachers seventy-five, all of whom are under Pro
fessor Ives' care.
Professor Ives made his home in Brooklyn un
til 1887 when, owing to failing health, he moved
his place of residence to Rockville Center, L. I.
When the Professor first came to this place it
was, in the strictest sense of the term, a country
village, but he at once took an interest in the
movement to build up the place, and co-operated
with F. F. Wilson in his efforts to improve and
build up the schools of this village. Through
the persistent efforts of these gentlemen, and a
few others, Rockville Center can to-day boast
of the best schools in Southern Long Island. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1085

Professor was also one of the organizers of the
Knights of Pythias Lodge; in fact, every enter
prise that has come up in the village has found
in him a hearty supporter, provided the enterprise
was of a worthy nature.
In 1 87 1 Professor Ives was united in marriage
with Miss Isadore C. Ives, a daughter of Eli Ives,
of Meriden, Conn, but was called upon to mourn
her death in 1884. Four children were born ol
this union: Lina C, Alfred E, Eloise S. and
Harry Williams. The Professor's second mar
riage was celebrated in 1885, Maria Barber, of
Brooklyn, N. Y, becoming his wife. They are
members of the Congregational Church. Frater
nally he is connected with the Free and Accepted
Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Grand
Army of the Republic. Professor Ives is presi
dent of- the Rockville Center Savings and Loan
Association, a member of the board of education,
and in his political views is a Republican, but
not active.

IDUS J. SMYTH, junior member of the firrn^
of Thomas Smyth & Son, real estate dealers
and insurance agents at College Point, was
born in this village April 20, 1870. His father,
Thomas, who was born in Ireland November 26,
1833, came to the United States in early man
hood, and for a time was employed as a book
keeper in New York City, his ability as an expert
accountant rendering his services valuable. The
year 1854 witnessed his arrival in College Point,
to which place he came with Mr. Poppenhusen,
who established the Enterprise Rubber Works
here. For a time he was foreman in the factory
and took an active part in promoting the impor
tance of the business. For a period of nine years
he held the position of assessor, and for four years
he was justice of the peace.
In the village where for so many years he has
made his home Thomas Smyth is recognized as
a man of ability and influence. Politically he is
a Democrat. In every way possible he has con
tributed to the welfare of the people, and his co
operation is always given to progressive projects.
For the last thirty years he has been tax collector
of the village of College Point. Prior to leaving
Ireland he married Monica Madden, who died
January 4, 1890, after having become the mother
of twelve children. Of this large family only
David P. and Idus J. are living.
Availing himself of the excellent advantages

afforded him, our subject attended a private
school for three years, spent two years preparing
for college at the Fuerst Institute, afterward for
two years attended St. Michael's parochial school
at Flushing, and later was a student in the Col
lege Point Academy until seventeen years of age.
His first position was with the German American
Insurance Company of New York City, with
whom he remained until twenty-two. So thor
oughly did he learn the business that he is now
recognized as one of the best insurance men on
Long Island. Meanwhile, under the instruction
of teachers at home, during the evening hours,
he perfected his education.
From a business point of view Mr. Smyth had
bright prospects in the city, but his father having
extensive business interests here and his eyesight-
failing from constant application, the son came
to College Point to assist him. The business was
established in 1870 and had assumed considerable
proportions. He soon found it necessary for him
to remain and the present firm of Thomas Smyth
& Son was founded, since which time their real
estate and insurance business has largely in
creased. Regarding free trade as a necessity in securing
prosperity for the nation, Mr. Smyth has iden
tified himself with the Democratic party and votes
that ticket. In religious belief he is a Roman
Catholic. His marriage, which took place in New
York City, united him with Mary I. Gute, daugh
ter of Col. Joseph Gute, a prominent military
man, who is connected with the First Battery
State Guard. They are the parents of two chil
dren, Raymond J. and Monica.

AE. SUNDLING, the well-known mer
chant tailor of Flushing, was born in
• 1840 in Westeras, capital of the laen of
Westmanland, and fourteen miles from Stock
holm, Sweden. He was the youngest of nine
children, all of whom arrived at years of maturity
and four are now living, though he is the only
one of the number in America. His parents were
Israel and Mary Sundling, the former of whom
was born in Bestlagen, Sweden, but spent much
of his life in Westeras, where he was employed as
a tailor. He died in that village at the age of
seventy-six years. In religious belief he was a
Lutheran, cherishing a great affection for that
faith. After receiving his education in the schools of

io86

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Sweden, our subject at the age of fifteen began to
learn his trade in Stockholm, at which he served
an apprenticeship of seven years, gaining a thor
ough practical knowledge of the tailor's occupa
tion. Seeking another place for active business
pursuits, he went to England, and for two and
one-half years was employed in Liverpool. In
1873 he came to America and settled in New-
York Cit)-, wdiere he worked at his trade a num
ber of years, coming thence to Flushing about
1876, to take a position in the tailoring depart
ment of D. Alaster's clothing store. He was thus
engaged for ten years, after which he resigned
his position.
In 1888 Air. Sundling started in business for
himself, and at his store, No. 100 Amity Street,
he carries on a general merchant tailoring trade,
having built up a large patronage among the
people of this community. Among those who
have been his customers, the highest opinion is
held of his ability and neatness as a tailor, and
those wdio have once sought his services are
almost sure to return again and give him their
permanent trade. In Sweden he married Aliss
Mary Erickson, a native of that country, and they
have two daughters, Hilda and Alma. In 1876
he went to Corona, and resided there until he
came to Flushing. For four years he was a mem
ber of the board of school trustees at Corona.
Politically he is a Republican and socially belongs
to the Foresters lodge in Flushing. He holds
membership in the Union Evangelical Church, in
which he is an active worker.

LOUIS T. STEVENSON. This gentleman,
who has for several years been engaged
in heavy hauling and trucking for the va
rious granite works of Blissville, is well known
among the residents of this place and is highly
esteemed for his honorable and upright life. He
was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in i860.
His father, Joseph Stevenson, a native of County
Armagh, Ireland, passed the first sixteen years
of his life in the Emerald Isle and then came to
America. He found no difficulty in obtaining
employment, and for several years was engaged
as a milkman in New York City.
In 1868 Joseph Stevenson located in Long-
Island City, establishing a milk route in Bliss
ville. He soon had a large list of customers and
carried on a very successful wholesale and retail
business. The place on which he located enabled

him to have a dairy of his own, and the milk
which he sold through portions of New York
and this city was obtained from the forty cows
which he owned. Mr. Stevenson departed this
life in August, 1882, when forty-nine years of age.
He was greatly interested in the affairs of his
neighborhood and besides being a fire and water
commissioner was assistant engineer in the fire
department for three years. During the progress
of the Civil War he enlisted in 1864, becoming a
member of Company A, Ninety-third New York
Infantry, which he served as corporal until the
establishment of peace. He participated in many
spirited conflicts with the enemy, but escaped
serious injury. Politically he was a Republican
and was always ready and anxious to do what he
could to aid in his party's success. He was a de
voted member of the Presbyterian Church and
came of a good Christian family. He had a
brother, a minister of that faith in Ireland, and a
cousin, Dr. Gregg, for many years pastor of a
church in New York City.
Mrs. Mary (Thomas) Stevenson, mother of our
subject, was born in New York, and was the
daughter of Louis Thomas, a native of Wales.
Mr. Diomas came to America in 1837 and for a
number of years thereafter was engaged in the
milk business in New York. Later he located in
Jersey City, wdiere he established a feed store
and was engaged in the successful carrying on
of this business until his death. He was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church. Airs. Stevenson
is still living, a resident of Blissville. Of the six
children born of her union with Joseph Steven
son, only two are living, Louis T. and Airs. Anna
Kehoe, who also makes her home in Blissville.
After attending the public schools of this city
the subject of this sketch went to New York and
carried on his studies there for a time. From the
age of nine years he aided his father on the farm,
and when attaining his thirteenth year drove a
milk wagon in New York City. He continued
to work for his father until twenty-one years of
age, when he established a route of his own run
ning wagons l,oth in New York and Brooklyn.
Fie had his own dairy and supplied his custom
ers with fresh, pure, unadulterated milk. After
continuing in this business for eight years he soil
out and began trucking. He makes a specialty
of hauling heavy loads and is engaged to do most
of the work for the different granite works here.
During the busy season he gives employment to
five men and at such times runs five teams, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1087

it is no unusual sight to see the entire force of
men and horses engaged in moving one monu
ment. Being the only man who gives his atten
tion to this business here he is kept very busv.
In- addition to this industry he deals quite exten
sively in horses, and his thorough knowledge of
these animals enables him to do so profitably.
The marriage of Mr. Stevenson and Miss Ma
tilda Swain occurred in New York City in 1881.
This lady was born in County Antrim, Ireland,
and is a daughter of Samuel Swain, also a native
of the Emerald Isle. Tlie latter was a farmer in
his native land and also clerked for some time in
a store. On coming to America he made his
home in New York City, where he worked as a
journeyman plumber after he had acquired a
good knowledge of this business. He died there
in 1880. The Swain family traces its ancestry
back to the royalty of Denmark, in wdiich coun
try they originated. Grandfather Thomas Swain
lived in Ireland and ran a stage route there in
connection with farming. The mother of Mrs.
Stevenson accompanied her husband to the
United States and died in New York City sev
eral years ago. Of the ten sons and daughters of*
Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, four are now living:
William J, Anne E, Louis T. and Francis I.
Our subject has served in the Rambler Hose
Company No. 3 of this place. He is a stanch
supporter of Republican principles and - has
helped forward many measures which have been
set on foot, having for their object the good of
his community. Religiously he belongs to the
Church of the Ascension.

FREDERICK SUTTER. Special adapta
bility to any particular calling in life is
the one necessary adjunct to success of a
permanent kind. It has often been said that a
man will make a success of any occupation if he
gives his entire time and attention to it, and this
has proved true in the case of Frederick Sutter,
steward and caterer of the Niantic Club, Flush
ing, L. I. Mr. Sutter is a native of Germany,
born in Badenweiler in i860, and the son of
Maj. Frederick Sutter, also a native of that place
and a large hotel keeper at the famous watering
place. The elder Mr. Sutter was in the Revolu
tion of 1848 and held the rank of major in the
German army. His death occurred in Baden
weiler. His father, Nicholas Sutter, was a bur
gomaster for years in Badenweiler, and was also

a prominent hotel man. In religion both were
Lutherans. Major Sutter married Aiiss Fred-
rika Motch, who was born in Alsace, France, and
who now resides on the old home place.
Frederick Sutter, the eldest of the children
born to his parents, received a thorough educa
tion in his native country, and after leaving school
engaged in the dry-goods business in Alanheim.
In 1880 he came to the United States, settled in
the Emrjire City, and was engaged in the dry
goods and cigar manufacturing business on a
large scale. Later he opened a restaurant in
Stone Street, and still later became assistant
steward in the Marine and Field Club, wdiich
position he held one summer. In 1891 he was
elected steward of the Niantic Club, a position
he has since held, and he is the leading caterer of
Long Island, outside of Brooklyn. He does a
large business- in that line and has his headquar
ters at the club, corner of Sanford and Parsons
Avenues. This club has large and pleasant
rooms, a bowding alley, stables, etc, and is com
posed of eighty-seven members. It was organ
ized in 1863.
Air. Sutter has a large stock of silver for fine
spreads, superintends everything himself, and is
noted all over the island. Socially he is a mem
ber of the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the
Golden Stars. In religion he is a Lutheran, and
in politics a Democrat, but not radical.

REV. MICHAEL J. DENNISON, rector of
St. Monica's Catholic Church of Jamaica,
was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y, Novem
ber 26, 1852. He is a son of Nicholas and Ann
Dennison, members of well known Catholic fam
ilies who gave many priests to the ministry of
the church. Among the most noted of the fam
ily is Archbishop Ireland, of St. Paul, an own
cousin of our subject and a frequent visitor to.
his home. Nicholas Dennison was born in Coun
ty Kilkenny, Ireland, and thence emigrated to the
United States, where he followed the occupation
of a contractor and builder until his death at Sag-
Harbor, L. I.
From a very early age the hopes and aspira
tions of Father Dennison turned toward the min
istry. When eleven years old he entered the
Niagara University, at Niagara Falls, N. Y..
where he graduated in 1874. At the same time
he was ordained to the priesthood and was as
signed as second assistant to Father Eugene Cas-

io88

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

saday, of St. Mary's Star of the Seas, Brooklyn.
When St. Agnes' Church was established in
Brooklyn he was made first assistant to Rev.
James A. Duffy. In 1885 he was made rector
of St. Andrew's Church at Sag Harbor, and re
mained in that position until 1891, when he was
called to the church at Jamaica to fill the place
of the late Father Farley, who had been its pas
tor for forty years.
Since coming to this pastorate Father Denni
son has made many improvements in the church
property, the total valuation of which additions
would probably aggregate $8,000 or $9,000. St.
Monica's is recognized as one of the most im
portant charges in the state, outside of the large
cities. Connected with it there are some seven
teen hundred people, old and young, and the
work is so large and responsible as to require
the services of an assistant, a position now held
by Rev. James H. McMahon. In connection
with the church there is a large parochial school,
in charge of the Sisters of Charity from Mt. St.
Vincent, under the immediate charge of Sister
Agnes. Possessing great strength of will and force of
character, with brilliant mind and self-reliant
spirit, Father Dennison is fitted for the high
position to which he has been called. He is 'a
man of decided ability, unblemished reputation
and personal worth, commanding the respect, not
alone of his parishioners and people of belief
similar to his own, but of others as well. Over
the development and destiny of those in his par
ish his character and teachings will exert great
influence for good.

JOHN B. BARRODY. The great common
wealth of New York is the home of manv
self-made men, but none whose lives afford
a better example of untiring industry than can
be found in the subject of this biographical
sketch. Coming to America when a youth in
his teens, unfamiliar with our language and insti
tutions, he had many obstacles to overcome in
the pathway to success, but these he has van
quished, the result being that he is now num
bered among the well-to-do citizens of Wood
haven. The South of France is the native home of Mr.
Barrody, and May 29, 1846, the date of his birth
His father, Dr. J. B. Barrody, was a veterinary
surgeon in that country, where the larger part of

his life was spent, but in 1884 he came to the
United States to spend his declining days, and
three years later his death occurred in New York.
In his native land he married Miss Rate Hermet,
the youngest of the eighteen children of John
Hermet, a prominent business man and member
of one of the oldest families of the South of
France; she died there in 1869, leaving three
children, namely: John B, the only son; Leona,
wife of August Genenard, a merchant in New
York; and Emma, the widow of Louis Hanet,
formerly a business man of New York, where
she is living in comfortable circumstances.
The fact that Mr. Barrody early in life dis
played unusual mental capacity is proved by his
graduation from college at the head of a class
of eighty-nine Soon after completing his edu
cation, in 1863, he came to America to visit his
sisters, who had been in New York some time.
On leaving France he agreed to return in order
to enter the army, but when the draft was made
his name was not included, so he was at liberty to
remain, and he at once decided to do so. Soon
afterward he came to Woodhaven, where for a
short time he was employed; later he worked in
New York one year, then went to Boston, and
from there to New Orleans on his way to Cuba.
An epidemic of yellow fever, however, prevented
the consummation of his plans, and he went back
to New York, where he was employed until 1868.
Coming once more to Woodhaven in that year,
he resumed work in the factory, where he re
mained until January 1, 1894. During twenty-
years of this time he was master mechanic. As
he accumulated money he made investments in
real estate, which, proving successful, render him
one of the wealthy men of the village. He as
sisted in the organization of the Woodhaven
Bank and is now one of its directors. In 1894
he established a foundry in Brooklyn, where ho
gives employment to fifty or sixty men and car
ries on a large business.
'In 1866 Mr. Barrody married Aiiss Arsene
Lecompte, who was born in Paris, France. They
lost one child, Hermet, at the age of eighteen
years, and two in infancy, the only survivor being
Emma, wife of Edgar Jones, who is in business
with his father-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have
five children, namely: John B, Arsene Irene,
Edgar C, Beatrice M. and Irving C. The politi
cal belief of Mr. Barrody is in accordance with
the declaration of the Republican party, in the
prosperity of which he feels great interest. His

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1089

residence is one of the handsomest and most
comfortable to be found in Woodhaven, and
everything is indicative of his financial prosperity.
Socially he is identified with Lodge No. 288, F.
& A. M, in Brooklyn, of which he was master
for two years. He was one of the founders of the
Woodhaven Water Company, of which he was
superintendent for some years, and is now a
stockholder.

ALFRED L. NEW. There is no more im
portant industry in a community or one
whose exponents are in greater demand
than the grocery business. An old and reliable
concern engaged in this line of business is the
firm of J. N. New & Co, one of the oldest in
Long Island City. Alfred L. New, a member of
the firm, was born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, N.
Y, in 1844. He is an active, wide-awake and
progressive man of affairs whose business is rap
idly on the rise, as a just tribute to his deserts
as a clever business man. His father, James L.
New, was born in England, as was also the grand
father, Moses New, who was a successful dairy*-
man there. The latter died in his native country
when ninety-four years old.
James L. New was reared in England and at
an early age learned the dairy business, which
he carried on successfully in his native land until
1837. Then crossing the ocean to America he
located in Greenpoint, L. I, where he followed
his former occupation for some time. After giv
ing that up he ran a stage between Greenpoint
and Williamsburg for some time, but sold this
and started a stage in Bedford. In 1857 he sold
this and went to California, where he was engaged
in prospecting and mining for a time. From
there he went to Montana and is residing in that
state at the present time engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He is seventy^six years old. His wife,
whose maiden name was Harriett Webb, was born
in England and was a daughter of Robert Webb.
Four of their five children are now living: James
N. and Alfred L. are engaged in the grocery busi
ness; Levi W. is also a grocer of Long Island
City; and Gertrude is married and resides in
Brooklyn. Up to the age of twelve years our subject at
tended the public schools of Greenpoint, and then
for two years was in a drug store there. After
this for nine years he was in a drug store in New
York City under Jesse Sands, and in 1868 came

to Hunter's Point, where he formed a partnership
with his brother, J. N. New, under the firm name
of J. N. New & Bro, in the grocery business.
In 1885 he began dealing in coal in connection,
and started there a business office and yards. He
handles everything in the way of coal and wood
and is classed among the prosperous business
men of the city. The coal is unloaded by steam
derricks and Hunt's patent automatic car and
track self-dumping arrangement is used. Our
subject is in charge of the coal business and the
brother is in the grocery.
Mr. New's residence at No. 92 Third Street
is presided over by his estimable wife, who was
formerly Miss Amanda Smith, daughter of the
late J. Andrew Smith, who was a grocer of Long
Island City and a pioneer settler of the place,
carrying on business where our subject's grocery-
store now stands. Two children have been born
to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. New: Alfred
N, who is attending a medical college in New
York, and Gertrude E, at home. Fraternally
Mr. New is a member of Island City Lodge No.
586, F. & A. M, of which he is past master. He
is a member of Banner Chapter No. 214, Long
Island City, R. A. M. He is also a member of
the Knights of Pythias Lodge in Greenpoint.
For many years he has been a member of the
East Avenue Baptist Church, is president of the
board of trustees, and was superintendent of the
Sunday-school for eighteen years. Politically he
is a Republican.

WILLIAM O'DONNELL, a prominent
member of the fire department of Long
Island City and an energetic citizen
of that place, is now holding the responsible posi
tion of foreman of Engine Company No. 2, and
is faithful to every duty. Like many other citi
zens of this place, Mr. O'Donnell is a native of
the Empire City, born December 3, 1854. His
father, Patrick O'Donnell, was a resident of that
city for many years and died there when sixty
years old. He enlisted in the regular army in
1861 and was stationed at Governor's Island for
a short time. After that he was sent South into
Georgia and Florida and remained there until
the war closed. He had married Miss Catherine
Accles, a native of Brooklyn, and of their eight
children, seven are now living.
The childhood days of our subject, who was
the eldest of the above mentioned children, were

1090

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

passed in New York and Brooklyn, and his ed
ucation was received in the schools there. In
1868 he was apprenticed to learn the granite and
marble cutter's trade under Morton & Clancy,
of Blissville, Long Island City, and later was with
others until 1883, when he located here perma
nently. In the year 1889 he embarked in the
granite and marble business in Bradley Avenue,
Blissville, under the firm name of O'Donnell &
Roach, and was thus occupied until 1893, when
he sold out to accept the position of foreman
with the fire department. He was appointed to
that position in September of that year by Mayor
Sanford. This was a new engine and company
and he was the first foreman. The house is a
fine brick structure and was previously occupied
by Rambler Hose Company No. 3, of which he
was a member. He was also foreman of the same
for three years and treasurer for one year.
Air. O'DonnelPs marriage with Miss Marietta
Smith, a native of New York City, occurred in
Long Island City, and their union has been
blessed by the birth of three children : Marietta,
Irene and William. Our subject was inspector
of the board of health under Sanford, but resigned
to accept his present position. In religion he is
a Catholic, and for two years was president of
the Catholic Benevolent Legion. In politics he
is a Democrat and was on the general Demo
cratic committee several years before he became
foreman. He is a charter member of the Jeffer
son Club. He has had some narrow escapes in
discharging the duties of his present position, but
he is ever to be found ready for any experience.
In February, 1894, while assisting in subduing
a fire in Vernon Avenue he fell with a ladder on
which he was standing and broke his leg, thus
being laid up for two or three months.

HON. JAMES A. McKENNA, postmaster
of Long Island City, was born in West
chester County, N. Y, February 17, 1857.
He is of Irish descent, his grandfather, Petei
McKenna, having emigrated from County-
Armagh in company with two brothers, all oi
whom lived for a time in New York City. In
1835 he became a resident of Wyoming County,
N. Y, where, retiring from his trade of stone
mason and cutter, he engaged in farming. In
1855 he returned to New York City, and after a
time established his home in Paterson, N. J,
wdiere he died at the age of eighty-five years.

At the family residence, corner of Hudson and
Vesey Streets, New York City, Patrick McKen
na, father of our subject, was born February 25,
1 83 1. In early life he was occupied as an iron
moulder and later engaged quite extensively in
the manufacture of brass mouldings. During the
Civil War he was employed in the manufacture
of iron shells, and at the close of the Rebellion.
in 1866, he came to the island and established
his home at Hunter's Point. He has since been
engaged as foreman moulder in the shops here
about. He has always been deeply interested in
the welfare of his community and for several
terms has been a member of the school board,
serving as trustee.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Darby) McKenna was born in
County Down, Ireland, and after the death of her
father she accompanied her two brothers and
mother to America. Her brothers settled in the
South and have become prominent citizens of
their respective communities. Mrs. McKenna
became the mother of ten children, of whom
seven attained mature years, and six are now
living. James A, who was third in order of
birth, spent his boyhood years in New York and
Long Island City, and when fourteen years of
age graduated from the high school here, after
which he secured a position as bookkeeper with
a firm in New York. He returned here in 1871
and for six months was clerk in the finance de
partment, displaying such efficiency in this ca
pacity that he was promoted to the position of
deputy treasurer and recorder of taxes. Although
very busy during the clay, he found time in the
evening to carry on the course of study at New
York Evening High School, planned for stu
dents who were able to attend only evenings.
In 1875 he graduated from this institution at the
head of his class, having meantime discharged
the duties devolving upon him as an official. In
1876 he became managing clerk for Robert L.
Fabian of New York, by whom he was taken into
partnership a few years later, and on the death of
that gentleman he became sole proprietor of the
business, which he ha,s continued ever since. As
a professional accountant he is well known from
ocean to ocean and from gulf to the lakes. A
moderate estimate of his settlements of fire insur
ance claims places the amount at more than
$50,000,000. May 1, 1887, M'r. McKenna was appointed
postmaster of Long Island City, and in April of
the succeeding year he organized the free de-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1091

livery department, consolidating the service and
doing away with the offices at Astoria, Ravens
wood, Schuetzen Park, Steinway, Blissville and
Dutch Kills, said offices becoming stations of the
Long Island City postoffice. At the time of his
removal by President Harrison, in September,
1889, he employed thirteen carriers, and had in
creased the revenues from $5,200 to $17,000, also
making it a second-class office. In June, 1893,
he received his second appointment as postmaster
under President Cleveland, his predecessor, Wil
liam Richardson, having resigned. August 1,
of that year, he entered upon the duties of the
office, which then had fourteen carriers. The
office now gives employment to nineteen car
riers and two deliveries daily are made to the
distant portions of the city, while in the business
district mail is distributed four times a day. The
revenue at this writing (1896) is $36,000, in
creased from $21,000 in August, 1893. Mr. Mc
Kenna, on receiving his first appointment as
postmaster, found that only four mails were re
ceived per day at the depot, but now there are
thirty-six arrivals and the same number of dis
patches. In the office five clerks are employed, *
and here the mail is separated for the different
stations of New York City, this work having
been instituted by the present postmaster.
In Long Island City Mr. MeKenna married
Miss Catherine Kelly, daughter of a well-to-do
farmer of Wyndham, Greene County, N. Y, who
came to Long Island about 1861 and was an
extensive stock dealer from that time until his
decease, in 1866. The eldest child of Mr. and
Mrs. McKenna was James, who died in infancy.
The others are Catherine, Joseph, James and Wil
liam. The family is identified with St. Alary's
Catholic Church.
In the ranks of the Democratic party Mr. Mc
Kenna is prominent. In the fall of 1890 he was
nominated for assemblyman from the second dis
trict of Queens County, then comprising Long
Island City, Newtown, Jamaica and Hempstead.
He was elected to the office and served with
efficiency. The principal measure adopted dur
ing his term was a bill providing for the improve
ment of Jackson and Vernon Avenues. He drew
up and presented a bill to reduce the gas in
Long Island City to $1.25 per thousand, which
passed the house but was not supported in the
senate. He used his influence for the passage
of many bills benefitting Hempstead and Jamaica.
It was due to his energy and perseverance in

the matter that the consent of the state was
granted permitting incorporated villages to vote
on the question of lighting their streets with gas
or electricity, just as they chose. Of the thirty
bills which he originated about one-half were
passed, and the others would have been had it
not been for the "dead lock" in the senate. He
is actively connected with the Democratic Club
of the City of New York and the Jefferson Dem
ocratic Club of this place, of which he was chair
man for four years. For years he was secretary
and chairman of the county and city associations,
and has been a delegate at various times to the
congressional and state conventions.

THOMAS CALLISTER, one of the promi
nent business men of the village of
Queens, engaged as a wagon manufac
turer, was born on the Isle of Man December 21,
1828. There he was reared to mature years, and
after completing his education in the common
schools entered his father's wagon shop, and dur
ing the years in which he was in his employ
gained a full knowledge of the business in all its
details. Our subject remained in his native land until
1847, when he went to Liverpool, where he
worked at his trade until 1849, In that year com
ing to America. After working in New York
City for a few months he came to Queens, where
he was engaged to work for William A. Brush,
then the proprietor of a small wagon shop. After
three years Mr. Callister purchased the business,
and with renewed energy set to work to increase
his patronage. His skill as a workman soon be
came known and his venture was a success al
most from the first. He is now well known
throughout this section and is recognized by all
to be one of the largest manufacturers of market
wagons in the state. Almost any day hundreds
of wagons may be seen on the road leading to
New York and Brooklyn which bear his name as
the maker. His shops cover an acre of ground,
and the business has grown to such proportions
that a large force of men are given constant
employment in the various departments. Mr.
Callister may therefore be justly called one of
the most prosperous business men on Long Is
land, as all he has of this world's goods has been
accumulated since he established his present busi
ness at Queens. He has associated with him in
business his nephews, William and John.

1092

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Air. Callister was married to Miss Ruth A.
Golder, of Queens, but they have no family.
Socially our subject is a Mason of high degree,
and takes great interest in the meetings of Lodge
No. 545, to which he belongs. During his long
business career Mr. Callister has invented many
articles which have come into general use, among
them being a machine for killing potato bugs,
which has met with large sales. He has led a
very busy life and has never had time to devote
to office-holding. He uses his right of franchise
in favor of the Democratic party and is a man
who is well informed on general and current
affairs of the day.

VICTOR SEVERIN DORVAL, a florist
at Woodside, is a native of the city of
Lemain, France, and was born Decem
ber 8, 1834. He 'was orphaned by the death of
his father when an infant, and friends placed him
in an orphan asylum, where he remained until
reaching the age of twelve years. About tins
time he secured employment in the country and
leaving the asylum remained away a year. At
the end of that time, however, he returned and
for three years longer was under the care and
protection of those who had been the friends of
his childhood.
Having determined upon becoming a gardener
young Dorval looked about him for employment
of this kind when again leaving the asylum, but
found his lot to be a very hard one, for when he
found work he was only enabled .to claim eighteen
cents per day. He was thus engaged for differ
ent parties for a period of four years, when he
made his way to Paris, and after some two years
spent there in gardening he determined to leave
his native land, and emigrated for Buenos Ayres,
arriving in that port in September, 1856. After
looking about him for three weeks he succeeded
in securing employment at his former occupation,
but did not follow it in that city but a short time
when he was sent with three others to "Aroy.i
Large" by a wealthy soap manufacturer, who
had purchased a large tract of land which was
devoted to raising garden stuffs for the Buenos
Ayres market. The year he spent on the island
was a very exciting one, as the place was in
fested with wild animals of almost every descrip
tion, and in order that an alarm might be given
of approaching danger two men were kept on
watch all night.

Through the efforts of a friend whom our
subject had in Buenos Ayres he secured employ
ment at the end of the twelvemonth with a gentle
man who was a gardener as well as cabinetmaker.
He was one day sent by this man to make a
garden for one of the wealthy ladies of the city,
and securing her confidence by the honest and
able manner in which he performed his work, he
was prevailed upon to enter her employ, and for
four years rendered her most satisfactory service.
During that period his wealthy friend made him
a present of a ranch containing one thousand
acres of splendid pasture land, stocked with one
thousand head of sheep. Mr. Dorval purchased
another thousand of these animals with the mon
ey which he had laid by, and at the end of the
four years began sheep raising under the best
of circumstances. Misfortune attended him, how
ever, for after eight months a revolution broke
out and while his ranch was being devastated
by the army he was compelled to flee for his life.
He returned to Buenos Ayres and when the con
flict was over his benefactress wished to restock
his farm and have him return to it. Mr. Dorval
was so discouraged with the misfortunes which
had attended his efforts that he kindly but firmly
refused to accept anything more from her hands.
Very shortly thereafter he took a trip across the
Iron Mountains with a caravan and later went
to Montevideo, and for a period of six months
was in the employ of the ex-president. He re
turned to Buenos Ayres at the end of that time
and took passage on a naval vessel as captain's
boy and set sail for Havre, France. On arriving
in his native land he went to Paris and secured
work in the Botanique Garden (or jardin des
Plantes), where he remained for six months. We
next hear of him as florist of the Ville De Paris,
whence two years later he went to Lyons, wdiere
for one year he worked in the city gardens.
Mr. Dorval next secured a position with a
Catholic priest who was coming to America, his
destination being Keokuk, Iowa. He accom
panied him to his western home and after six
months came to New York City in answer to a
newspaper advertisement, which proved to be a
fraud. Our subject's life for the following six
months was a battle for existence, but relief
finally came when he made the acquaintance of
Charle Patterson, who was general of the coast
survey and whose family spoke French very flu
ently. He worked for Mr. Patterson for two
years and during that time had been enabled to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1093

save $660. He then came to Whitestone, this
county, and for the next three years worked for
$50 per month, his savings at the end of that
time amounting to $2,000.
Mr. Dorval made location at Woodside in 1872,
first purchasing seven lots whereon he established
himself in the florist's business. As the years
passed by and he became prosperous he added
seven more to his property, and finally bought a
larger area, including fourteen lots. On this
property he has erected ten greenhouses, heated
with hot water and containing all modern im
provements. The lady to whom Mr. Dorval was married in
1872 was Miss Kate Rogan, and to them have
been granted five children, of whom four are
living. They are Mary Agnes, Victor S, Jr.,
Edward and Gabriel. Edward and Victor are
assisting their father in carrying on his exten
sive business, while the youngest son is engaged
with John Ware, a florist of Brooklyn.
In politics our subject is independent, reserv
ing his right to support the man whom he con
siders the best. Socially he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias. He is public-spirited and in
favor of everything which will promote the wel
fare of his community and his influence is always
directed toward this end.

HERMAN TEWES. That beverage which
for a long time enjoyed the distinction
of being termed the national drink of
Germany may now boast the greater one of being
the distinctive drink of all Europe and America.
The spread of beer in this country in the past
thirty years has been extraordinary, and the
amount made and consumed is largely on the
increase year after year. There are a large num
ber of cities all over the country which claim to
be foremost in the manufacture of beer, but be
that as it may regarding quantity, in quality the
Weiss beer, manufactured by Herman Tewes of
College Point, L. I, outranks anything else
made in any city in the land. Mr. Tewes also
deals in mineral and soda water.
His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, in
1849, and his parents, Deidrich and Margaret
(Tewes) Tewes, were natives of the same place,
and there spent their entire lives. The father
was a wheelwright by trade. Of their four chil
dren, two came to America. Our subject, the
youngest, passed his boyhood and youth in his

native country and remained with his parents
until about sixteen years old, when he decided
to come to America, and took passage on a
steamer. Upon reaching New York City he
found a position as clerk in a grocery and was
thus engaged for three years. He soon learned
the English language and his services became
valuable to his employer. In the year 1865 he
volunteered in Company E, Seventh United
States Cavalry, at the time it was organized to
go against the Indians and was sent to Ft. Riley,
under General Custer. Later he was ordered to
Ft. Hayes and remained there about five months
engaging in scouting most of the time. At the
battle of Washila he was wounded in the thigh
and this laid him up at Ft. Dodge for some time
From there the company went to Texas and our
subject was in the fight at Rapohoe with the
Dog Indians. In that engagement a bullet
grazed his scalp.
Later our subject returned to Ft. Dodge and
from there went to Ft. Hayes, where he remained
until the treaty was made. Company E, of which
he was a member, was called the Gray Horse
1 Company and was chosen as the escort of Gen
eral Hancock. It was later ordered to North and
South Carolina, where the Klu Klux were caus
ing trouble, and remained there about a year. In
1870, after five years' faithful service, our sub
ject was honorably discharged and returned to
New York. He again began clerking in the
grocery, but in March, 1 871, he came to College
Point, and was the first to engage in bottling
beer at this place, where he also manufactured
the first soda water. He engaged in the retail
liquor business and also kept a hotel on Thir
teenth street until 1887, when he bought his
present property on Flushing Bay. He handles
all kinds of mineral water, manufactures seltzer,
etc, and two teams are constantly on the road.
Mr. Tewes resides on Flushing Bay and is the
owner of fifteen or twenty boats.
Mr. Tewes was married at Greenpoint, Brook
lyn, in 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Gregor, a native
of New York City and the daughter of Charles
G. and Caroline E. (Globig) Gregor, the former
of whom was born in Breslau, Germany, but
wdio came to America and died in Greenpoint.
Mrs. Gregor died early in life, leaving two chil
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Tewes are the parents of
seven children, six of whom survive, Charles,
Herman, Jr., and Henry, in business with their
father; Frederick, Herminia and Clara. Mr.

1094

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Tewes is a member of the Knights of Pythias
and is a member of College Point Schuetzen,
of which he has been captain and in which he
has made some fine scores. In the cavalry com
pany he was one of the best shots. He is one
of the prominent citizens and successful business
men of the place and numbers his friends by the
myriads.

EDWIN D. SEABURY. The man who
wrote that "Music hath power to soothe
the savage breast" had indeed a true con
ception of the human organism. There are few
people in the world who are not susceptible to
music and it certainly plays an important part
in almost every walk of life. Wherever it is nec
essary or expedient to incite a concourse of peo
ple, or to arouse a degree of enthusiasm, music
will always prove a powerful agent. Soldiers at
the sound of stirring melody will rush into the
heat of battle, utterly oblivious of danger. In
the softer and more gentle paths of life music
also plays an important part, and therefore the
manufacturer of musical instruments and sup
plies confers a blessing upon humanity at the
same time that he is providing for the wants of
himself and those dear to him.
This important calling is followed by Edwin
D. Seabury, who is engaged in the manufacture
of pianoforte supplies at Rockville Center. He
was born in Brooklyn, N. Y, August 4, 1847, a
son of Thomas P. and Nancy (McClain) Seabury,
the former of whom was born in Sag Harbor,
N. Y, and followed the trade of a ship builder.
He was also connected with the Greenpoint fer
ries for several years. He died in 1878 respected
by all ; his wife, who was a native of New Jersey,
passed away the same year.
Our subject graduated from the Brooklyn pub
lic schools in 1863, after which he studied for one
year under a tutor for the purpose of fitting him
self for college, but instead began learning the
pianoforte action business with Jesse J. Davis
in Sixth Street, New York City. After serving a
five-years' apprenticeship and thoroughly learn
ing the business, he entered the employ of a
nephew of Air. Davis, who was conducting a like
enterprise, and remained with him until embark
ing in business for himself in New York City, in
First Avenue, in 1876. In 1878 he removed his
business to Whitestone, L. I, but in 1882 re
turned to New York and established himself in

business at No. 348 East Twenty-third Street,
removing in 1889 to No. 362 Second Avenue,
where he conducted a successful business until
1 89 1. In that year he built his present factory,
in wdiich he is carrying on a very remunerative
business, as could hardly be othenvise, for his
work is in every particular strictly first-class and
at all times to be relied upon. Twenty men are
employed the year round and the supplies turned
out by this establishment are used in all parts
of the United States.
In 1868 Air. Seabury was married to Miss Nel
lie E, daughter of Simeon Crooker, of Port
Washington. Six children have blessed this
union: Edwin D, Jr., Lillian I, Laura B, Ern
est C, Herbert Raymond and Harry W. The
eldest son is married, as is also Lillian I, who is
the wife of William Van Dusen, of Rockville
Center. Mr. and Airs. Seabury are members of
St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
Mr. Seabury is assistant superintendent of the
Sunday-school and secretary of the official board.
Fraternally he is a member of Morton Lodge
No. 63, F. & A. M, in which he has attained the
Royal Arch degree; also belongs to Rockville
Center Lodge No. 279, I. O. O. F, and is dis
trict deputy grand master of Queens District No.
3. He is politically a Republican and his first
presidential vote was cast for Gen. U. S. Gram.
He has never been an official aspirant, but is at
present serving as one of the trustees of Rock
ville Center and is secretary of the board of water
commissioners. He has always been decidedly
public-spirited and he and his family have always
moved in the best social and business circles.

P

(ETER WILSON, foreman in charge of the
works of the Flushing Gas Light Com
pany, was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
Northumberland, England, November 6, 1853.
His father, George P, who was a native of St.
Andrews, Scotland, removed to England and was
employed as a bookkeeper in Northumberland.
In 1856 he brought his family to America and
settled at Greenpoint, where he has since resided,
being employed as foreman with the Methodist
Book Concern of New York. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Jane Ennis, was born in
Scotland and died in young womanhood. Of
their four children, a son and daughter survive.
When three years of age our subject was
brought to America by his father. His child-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 095

hood clays were passed in Greenpoint, his educa
tion being obtained in the grammar schools of
Brooklyn. At the age of sixteen he secured em
ployment in a box shop, later learned the trade
of a steam fitter and afterward took a position
as fitter with the Continental Iron Works of
Brooklyn. Afterward for two years he was out
side foreman for the Alartin Iron Works, having
charge of gas construction in various parts of the
city. In October, 1890, he came to Flushing to
take charge of the Flushing Gas Light Works,
in which responsible position he has rendered
effective service. He is a jpractical man of busi
ness, well informed in his special line, and
through his experience, covering a period of
twenty-two years, in gas construction and the
erection of gas works, has gained a breadth of
information that makes his opinion valuable. The
capacity of the works here has been increased
to one hundred and ten thousand cubic feet. Since
coming here he has laid about seven miles of
pipe and has had a number ol important con
tracts. In Brooklyn Mr. Wilson married Miss Eliza
A. Codner, who was born in Chicago, 111, of '
English parentage. They are the parents of three
children: George Adams, Susan Eleanor and
Robert Ennis. In religious views Mr. Wilson
is connected with the Congregational Church.
He is a member of the American Legion of Hon
or and the American Gas Engineers' Associa
tion. Taking an interest in public affairs, he ha-=
served for two terms as inspector of election and
has held other local positions.

JOHN T. WOODRUFF, of Long Island
City, is a general contractor, and under his
able supervision many of the finest build
ings and residences in this city and throughout
Queens and Kings Counties have been erected.
He has been remarkably successful in this line
and is recognized as one of the most able con
tractors and builders who make their home or:
the island.
Mr. Woodruff is a native of New Jersey and
was born in Elizabeth in 1858. His father, Ith-
amer B. Woodruff, was also a native of that
place, while his grandfather, John T. Woodruff,
likewise claimed New Jersey as his birthplace.
The latter was a farmer, and by tilling the soil
became well-to-do. The father of our subject,
however, was a carpenter, which business he was

following at the time Ft. Sumter was fired upon.
He enlisted his services in defense of the Union.
joining a New Jersey regiment, and served faith
fully and well during several years of the Civil
War. In the meantime his family removed to
Long Island City, where he joined them on his
discharge from the service. Fie then built a fac
tory on the site now occupied by the Long Island
City Savings Bank and began the manufacture
of sash, doors and blinds, being the pioneer in
this line in the city. Fie was very capable and a
good business man, but by overwork in building
up a good trade broke down his health and died
when only twenty-seven years of age
Our subject's mother, formerly Annie Keron,
was also a native of Elizabeth, N. J, and was the
daughter of John Keron, a harnessmaker by
trade. She devoted herself to training her chil
dren to occupy useful positions in life and when
they were old enough to care for themselves she
married W. H. Bowron; she still makes her home
in this city. Our subject has one sister, Edith
L, Who is now Mrs. Towers, of Miles City, Atom.
The subject of this sketch was two years of
age when his mother came to this city, and as
soon as old enough to go to school carried on
his studies until attaining his thirteenth year.
His stepfather had a milk route in New York
and young Woodruff assisted him in this busi
ness for two years, when he apprenticed himself
to his uncle, John B. Woodruff, wdio was a ma
son and contractor. As rapidly as possible he
learned all the details of the business and when
his uncle retired he succeeded him. Previous to
1886, when he began general contracting for
himself, he had been superintendent and fore
man for his uncle for a number of years.
Mr. Woodruff is perhaps one of the best known
contractors on the island, as under his supervis
ion many of the prominent large public build
ings of Brooklyn and Long Island City have
been built. He erected Pratt's Institute, the li
brary building, German Hospital, Chelsea Jute
Mills, three school-houses and two churches, and
the depot of the Long Island Railroad Company
in Brooklyn, also the depot in this city. In Long
Island City he erected St. Mary's Catholic Church
and parsonage, the Long Island City Savings
Bank, the Gauld, H. S. Kearney, Gray, Anable
and Kelley flats, and indeed nearly all the large
and well-constructed buildings of the city. His
office is at No. 69 Third Street, although he
makes his home in Flushing, having erected a

1096

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

handsome residence for his family on Broadway
and Percy Street in 1894. Flushing is one oi
the ideal spots on Long Island, and for the most
part is inhabited by New York business men,
who have built elegant homes there.
Mr. Woodruff is trustee of the Long Island
City Savings Bank and is regarded by all who
know him as a shrewd business man and one of
the most reliable and substantial citizens of thi.
section. He was married in this city in 1880 to
Miss Mary M'cFayden, a native of Long Island
City, and an accomplished lady, who moves in
the best circles of society in Flushing. The life
of our subject is one of the best exemplifications
of one who commenced as a poor boy and by
industry, ability and perseverance has achieved
the position of a well-to-do and respected citizen.

JACOB F. HAUBEIL. We strive for the
acquisition of wealth or position, and if one
is possessed of the first and has native abil
ity and ambition, the second falls to him as his
natural heritage. In the acquirement of wealth
fortune smiles on those alone who are watching
for the opportunity she offers, and Jacob F. Hau-
beil, who is a successful hotel man, has shown
himself to be a wide-awake, systematic and much
esteemed business man. He is the popular pro
prietor of the Fountain House and carries on
the same with satisfactory results. Mr. Haubeil
first saw the light in New York City in 1855,
but was reared in College Point and there edu
cated. His father, Charles Haubeil, was born on
the Rhine River, Germany, and after reaching
manhood crossed the ocean to America. He
here married Miss Wilhelmina Young, a native
of Germany, and afterwards engaged in the hotel
business, building the Washington Hotel at Col
lege Point in 1855. This he conducted most suc
cessfully the remainder of his clays, a period of
about thirty years. He was one of the oldest
hotel and livery men in his section. In politics
he was a Democrat. Mrs. Haubeil died at Col
lege Point in 1868. The seven children born to
this marriage are all living, but scattered. Two
of the four sons, Charles and Martin, were sol
diers in the Civil War.
Jacob F. Haubeil, fifth in order of birth of the
above children, learned the trade of brass fin
isher during his youth and followed this for about
fifteen years. After this he took charge of his
father's livery business, which he conducted at

College Point until 1892. Selling out then he
purchased the Fountain Hotel, which is one of
the oldest in the county, having been built one
hundred years. Our subject was married in
Flushing to Miss Mary F. Forsyth, a native of
Scotland. Mr. Haubeil has been quite active in
politics, being a strong supporter of Democratic
principles, and was elected by his party to the
position of overseer of the poor of the town of
Flushing. That position he held three terms of
two years each, leading the ticket in the last al
most unanimous election. In 1892 he was a can
didate for the nomination of superintendent of
poor of Queens County, but lost it by one vote.
Mr. Haubeil is president of the Liquor Deal
ers' Association of Flushing and was an organ
izer of the same. He was also an organizer of the
one at Whitestone. He is a member of Anchor
Lodge No. 729, F. & A. M, at College Point, and
of Oaks Lodge, K. of P, in Flushing, Red Men,
and a member of the Ancient Order United
Workmen. He belongs to the boat club and fish
ing club here, and is a pushing, energetic young
man.

WILLIAM COLLINS, proprietor of
Williamsburg Hotel, at Oceanus,
Rockaway Beach, was born in Ireland
May 3, 1844, and coming to the United States at
the age of thirteen years, was for a time in the
employ of oyster farmers and dealers in New
York and Brooklyn. Later he was engaged in
business for himself and built up a large trade,
also established a wide acquaintance among the
people of Queens County. From the oyster trade
he turned his attention to the hotel business, and
in 1882 established his home in Oceanus, where
he has since resided. While in the main he has
been prosperous, yet he has experienced his share
of adversity, one of the most serious catastrophes
that ever befell him being the burning of his
hotel. He was then in Washington, and returned
to find everything in ashes, but with the energy
that has been one of his characteristics, he at
once set to work again and soon had the original
structure replaced by a new and substantial build
ing. By his marriage to Bridget Murphy Mr. Col
lins had fifteen children, of whom the nine named
are living: Mary, who is married and lives in
Rockaway Beach; Martin, who is employed in
New York City; Lawrence, Annie, Sarah, Cath-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

IOQ7

arine, Richard, Julia and Edwin, who are stu
dents in the home schools. Having had no edu
cational advantages himself, our subject is espe
cially desirous that his children shall be given
the best opportunities possible in order that they
may be the better prepared for positions of use
fulness in the world. Politically he is a Demo
crat, interested in public affairs and a firm adher
ent of the principles of his chosen party. So
cially he is connected with the American Legion
of Honor, the Foresters and the Ancient Order
of Hibernians. In the matter of securing fire pro
tection and building up a first-class fire depart
ment, he has rendered excellent service, being a
charter member of the department and one of its
trustees for seven years. He is a member of
Seaside Hose Company No. i ; was also trustee
of the first engine company and its first foreman.
His hotel is situated in Remsen (commonly called
Seaside) Avenue, and is one of the popular re
sorts of the region.

GEORGE A. L'HOMMEDIEU. There
is no class of business men who more
surely rear up visible monuments to their
industry and thdr enterprise than the contractors
and builders of the sightly structures which be
come landmarks both locally and in a historical
sense. Among those who have for years devoted
their attention to this line of work is George A.
L'Hommedieu, who traces his ancestry back to
the French Huguenots. He was born at Man
hasset, L. I, July 8, 1863, a son of J. H. and
Henrietta H. (Good) L'Hommedieu, to whom a
good, old-fashioned family of sixteen children
was born, of whom twelve are living at the
present time. The father died December 5, 1893,
at the age of sixty years, after an active and well-
spent life, having built up a large building busi
ness at this place — Great Neck — under the firm
name of J. H. L'Hommedieu.
Upon the death of J. H. L'Hommedieu, his
son, George A. L'Hommedieu, succeeded to the
business, and no one is more competent to carry
on the same. About a year after the death of
the elder Mr. L'Hommedieu his son organized
the firm of J. H. L'Hommedieu's Son & Co. by
associating with himself William E. Schlithgen
of Chicago and John C. Udall of Great Neck,
L. I. At the time of this writing the firm em
ploys about four hundred and fifty men on dif
ferent jobs throughout the state, the most im

portant of which is the Loomis Sanitarium at
Liberty, N. Y, besides other large contracts at
Westbury, Southampton and Great Neck. The
firm has every facility, having its own yards and
wood-working mill at Great Neck, where wood
work of every description is prepared and sent
to the different jobs ready to be set up. Mr.
L'Hommedieu received a good public school ed
ucation, is an intelligent young man, and a genial
and agreeable companion, and as a business
man possesses far more than ordinary ability.

ISAAC SHERWOOD, residing on the east
side of Manhasset Bay, was born in Cliff
Street, New York City, December 14, 1821,
to Isaac and Elizabeth (McCartee) Sherwood, the
former a native of Maryland and of English de
scent, the latter born in New York City of Scotch
ancestry. His first engagement in business was
as clerk for his father, who was a tanner and
currier. Later he was engaged in the leather
business in "the Swamp," and for a year or two
is an importing and commission house, after
which for many years he was a dealer in hides
in New York City.
May 22, 1845, Mr. Sherwood married Miss
Martha P. Rogers, who was born in Jericho, L. I,
but at the time of her marriage resided in New
York City. She was the daughter of Dr. Morris
M. and Sarah (Willets) Rogers, and had two
brothers, Charles W. and Dr. A. W. Rogers, the
latter now deceased. In* April, 1853, after hav
ing resided for eight years in Brooklyn, Mr.
Sherwood came to Queens County and bought a
small farm, which he has since improved and
upon which he resides, though he still continued
his business in New York until 1862.
The only child of Mr. Sherwood, Morris Rog
ers, was born in New York City March 31, 1846,
and received a common-school education. At
Mineola, Queens County, May 24, 1871, he mar
ried Miss Sarah Cromwell Willets, daughter ot
Isaac U. and Mary (Cromwell) Willets. For six
years he was engaged in the express business in
New York, and since coming to Manhasset has
been engaged in farming. He has two children,
of whom the son, Charles W, was born on the
homestead on Manhasset Bay May 5, 1872, re
ceived a good education, and is now in business
in New York; the daughter, Mary M, who was
also born on the home farm October 6, 1873, was
married November 20, 1894, to Charles Oakley

1098

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Conklin, of Lakeville, and they have one child,
Edwin Willets, who was born at Bridgehampton,
Suffolk County, in August, 1895. The wife of
Morris R died at Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa.
March 16, 1891.
Though our subject's early inclinations were
Democratic, yet in voting for James Buchanan
in 1856 he cast his last Democratic ballot, and
since then he has supported Republican prin
ciples. He was elected justice of the peace, but
declined to serve, having no desire to hold office.
His son is also a Republican, and cast his first
ballot for General Grant in 1868. At a very
early age our subject became identified with the
Society of Friends in New York, and now attends
the Westbury monthly meetings. For twelve
years or more he has been a speaker in the
church. While in Brooklyn he became a mem
ber of the fire department and was thus relieved
from serving on petit juries, but he has served
on the grand jury. His son is a member of Nor
ton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. Al, at Hempstead,
wdiich he joined in 1894.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Henry and Elizabeth (Harwood) Sherwood, na
tives of Talbot County, Aid. His great-grand
parents were Henry and Mary (Williams) Sher
wood, of Talbot County, Md. His great-great
grandfather, Henry Sherwood, was probably
among, if not the first of the name who crossed
the ocean from England and made settlement in
this county. Our subject's father, Isaac, was
born February 7, 1779,' and was married in the
Murray Street Church, New York City, July 21.
1808, Dr. John Mason officiating, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Peter and Mary (McDowell) Mc-
Cartee. The family name of McCartee was orig
inally McEachin or AlcEachan, but so many
mistakes were made in spelling and pronuncia
tion that it was changed to its present form about
1790. Mrs. Elizabeth (McCartee) Sherwood, wife of
Isaac and mother of our subject, had two broth
ers and four sisters, namely: Peter, who died
unmarried in 1831; Rev. Robert McCartee, who
married Jessie, daughter of Divie and Joanna
Bethune, June 19, 1817, and died March 12, 1865,
leaving- ten children, Isabella G, Divie 15, Mary
Al, Alargaretta B, Jessie R, Peter M, Robert,
George B, John M. and Charles M.; two of the
sisters died in infancy, and Catharine January 18,
1 83 1, aged thirty-eight; Margaret married David
Beyson in February, 1819, and died April ir

1825, aged forty years; David died November 15,
1845, leaving four children, Sibella B, Peter Mc
Cartee, Andrewr and Margaretta M.
Mrs. Elizabeth Sherwood was born at No. 12
Jacob Street, New York City, April 2, 1787, in
the same house where her father was born, and
where her grandfather and grandmother died.
Of her eleven children, eight grew to mature
years, four were married, three having children.
The oldest, Alary Al, died single, as did also
Lydia C. Henry married Abbie Davis and had
five children; he lives at Tipton, Cedar County,
Iowa, and his children were named as follows:
Elizabeth, who married Stephen E. Dearborn
November .25, 1869; Emma Augusta, who mar
ried Ralph H. Kirk January 15, 1873, now de
ceased; Annie, who married John Ross Welch
October 26, 1871; Henry, born April 12, 1854;
and Walter, born January 8, 1873, married
Blanche Scott July 20, 1893. Elizabeth became
the wife of Andrew Coffin and died in California,
leaving two children. Isaac S. is engaged in busi
ness in New York City. Elizabeth R. lives in
Brooklyn. Peter M. died, leaving no children.
The maternal great-great-grandfather of our
subject, Angus AIcEachin, was born in the Isle
of I slay, a small island on the southwest coast of
Scotland, and married Elizabeth Gillis, by whom
he had four sons, Finley, Neil, Duncan and Peter.
Coming to America, he settled at No. 12 Jacob
Street, New York City. Our subject's great
grandfather, Finley McEachin, was born there
and married Elizabeth, daughter of Duncan Tay
lor, of Scotland, and a native of Rockland Coun
ty, N. Y. Their son, Peter, married Alary AIc-
Dowell, and their daughter, Elizabeth, became
our subject's mother. The family is well estab
lished and honored, and has given to the world
many men of prominence in business and the
•professions.

CHARLES A. WILLETS, JR. Nothing-
is more true than that good management.
fair dealing and application to business
will result in profit to the parties at interest.
Failure rarely if ever conies unless as the se
quence of negligence, rash speculation or dishon
esty. Even in a village as large as Flushing it
does not take long for a man with exceptional
ability to become foremost in whatever he un
dertakes, and thus it has been with Air. Willets,
who is one of the foremost business men of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1099

place. He no doubt inherits much of his push,
perseverance and integrity from his most esti
mable father, whose career as a business man is
without a blemish. Our subject is at present
manager of the Flushing Gas Light Company
and he is a director in the Flushing Bank. Al!
his interests are centered here, where he is well
known and highly respected.
Our subject is a native of Flushing, and in
this place he secured a good practical education.
He graduated from Packer's Business College,
and in about 1876 became a member of the firm of
George B. Roe & Co, and soon after superin
tendent and manager of the Flushing Gas Light
Company. This business was started in 1854, on
a small scale, but it has since grown to large pro
portions. They manufacture from coal and the
plant has a capacity of two hundred and fifty
thousand cubic feet per day. The coal is shipped
in by the boat load. Mr. Willets is a director in
the Flushing Bank, having been connected with
the same previous to its reorganization in 1892.
Mr. Willets selected his wife in the person oi
Miss Eliza L. Willets, daughter of ex-Supervisor
Thomas S. Willets (see sketch). She is a native
of Flushing and a most entertaining and intelli
gent woman. Three children have blessed this
union and their names are as follows: Morris
L, Eliza L. and Chester A. Mr. Willets is a
member of several of the social orders and clubs
in the village. Socially he stands as high as he
does in the world of commerce, and among his
friends are numbered those citizens whose live-,
have been characterized by strict integrity and
honorable dealing with their fellow-men. Politi
cally in state and national affairs he is a sup
porter of the Republican party.

WH. BO'WRON. The life narrative
of the head of a family is interesting,
• not only to his posterity, but also
to the citizens of the section in which he has
resided, and this truth is doubly true when such
a man has established for himself and his children
a reputation for integrity, character and ability,
and has been of value in the development of his
portion of the country. Such a narrative do we
have in the sketch of W. H. Bowron, whose active
life has ceased on earth, but whose influence is
felt, and will continue to be, among all who knew
him. He was one of the old settlers here, a
most pleasant, affable and courteous gentleman,
45

and a most successful and popular business man.
Mr. Bowron was born in September, 1824, in
New York City, where his father, Watson Bow
ron, had settled when he came from England,
his native country. Later the father located in
East New York and followed the dairy business
at a place named for him, Bowronville, where he
remained for some time. After that he followed
dairying at different points, but finally settled at
Brooklyn, where he passed the remainder of his
days, dying when sixty-eight years old. He had
married Miss Maria Field, a native of New York,
of old Knickerbocker stock, who was of Quaker
parentage. She is a highly educated woman and
resides in Brooklyn with her son, Dr. Bowron.
Although ninety years old, she is enjoying unu
sually good health. Her four children, two
daughters and two sons, are all living but one.
W. H. Bowron, the eldest of this little family,
received his early educational training in Flush
ing and Tarrytown and later attended the schools
of New York City. When a young man he
located in Long Island City, and about 1855 em
barked in the milk business, having five routes in
„ New York and one in Long Island City. After
being burned out, he engaged in the produce
business at the corner of Third Street and Jack
son Avenue, and later, about 1874, he started in
the express business, which proved a profitable
one. His death occurred in August, 1892, when
sixty-eight years old. He was a very public
spirited and enterprising citizen, and was a mem
ber of the Board of Water Commissioners for
some time. He, with Judge Pierce and Alton
Raith, was the originator of the water works of
Long Island City.
In New York City in 1866 our subject mar
ried Annie, the daughter of Edward Keron, who
was a native of Dublin, Ireland. Her birth oc
curred in Elizabeth, N. J. Her grandfather,
John Keron, was also a native of the Emerald
Isle, and there passed his entire life. Mrs.
Bowron's mother, formerly Aiiss Mary Slater,
was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and daughter
of John Slater. She came to America with
her father, who was a baker, and here was
married to Mr. Keron. She died of cholera.
Their children were four in number, as follows:
Thomas, a business man of Elizabeth, N.
J.; Elizabeth, deceased; John, who was chief
of police of Elizabeth for some time and is now in
the livery business there, and Mrs. Bowron, who
was the youngest of the family.

IIOO

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1856 Mrs. Bowron was married to Ithamer
B. Woodruff, an extensive farmer near Elizabeth,
N. J. Later he entered actively upon the
manufacture of sash and blinds, and in i860
came to Long Island City, where he and his
brother erected a sash and blind factory. Here
his death occurred in 1864. To this marriage
were born three children, viz.: John T, whose
sketch will be found elsewhere in this work;
Edith, Mrs. J. S. Towers of Montana; and Annie,
wdio died young. Her union with Mr. Bowron
resulted in the birth of four children: Watson,
who is in the United States Express office in
New York City; Josephine M, Mrs. F. D. Ed
munds of Long Island City; William H, also of
Long Island City, and Frederick F, a plumber
here. After the death of her husband Mrs. Bow
ron carried on the express business with the help
of her sons until 1894, when she sold out. She
owns a pleasant and comfortable home here and
is active in all good work. She is a member of
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and
of all the societies of the Episcopal Church, of
which she is a member.

WILLIAM THOMAS, deceased, was
for many years a prominent manu
facturer and influential business man
of Hunter's Point. He was born in Wales, where
he received his education, and on coming to
America, when a young man, located in New-
York City, there learning the trade of a carpen
ter. After becoming an expert workman he re
moved to Cazenovia, N. Y, where he plied his
trade very successfully for a number of years.
In 1870 our subject made his way to Long
Island City and shortly thereafter formed a part
nership with one of its old-time residents, H. M.
Thomas. After continuing together for a num
ber of years the connection was dissolved and
our subject established a box factory, carrying
on business under the firm name of Thomas &
Weed. They erected a building in Vernon Ave
nue, near Flushing Street, and were rapidly build
ing up a prosperous business when their plant
was destroyed by fire in 1874. Mr. Thomas was
the owner of the ground on which the building
had stood and he immediately set about the erec
tion of a large brick hotel. Pie did not live long
enough to see this finished and in running order
for he died that same winter, when past his thirty-
ninth year.

In politics Mr. Thomas was an influential Re
publican, although never using his influence for
securing office, as his private affairs consumed
all of his time and thought. He was an active
member of the Congregational Church and a man
of much more than ordinary ability and learning.
Socially he belonged to the Island City Masonic
Lodge and was buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery
with the honors of that order.
The marriage of Mr. Thomas with Miss Jane
Jones was celebrated in this city in 1872. She
was likewise born in Wales, as was her father,
Hugh Jones, a farmer of the North of Wales.
The latter came with his family to America about
the year 1845, and, locating in a good farming
district in this state, gave his attention to culti
vating the soil until his death, when seventy-six
years of age. He married Elizabeth Rowland,
a native of Wales, who at the time of her decease
was residing in Utica, N. Y. To them were born
seven children, of whom six are now living, and
of these Mrs. Thomas was the third in order of
birth. She was reared to womanhood and
received her education in the city of Utica, but
after her marriage to Mr. Thomas took up her
abode in a pleasant home in Hunter's Point,
where she is still residing. She is a consistent
member of the Baptist Church and is at all times
ready to do what she can to further the work
of the Master in her community.
Prior to his marriage with Miss Jones our sub
ject was the husband of Aiiss Jane Richards, who
left three children at the time of her decease.
They were Richard, now deceased; Hugh, who
departed this life when eighteen years of age, and
Ella, who married Capt. Frederick Russell' and
died October 28, 1895, leaving a daughter, Mil
dred.

EDWARD BLEECKER, M. D, is one of
the leading physicians and surgeons of
Whitestone, where he conducts a lucrative
practice. January 9, 1844, his birth occurred in
Albany, his parents being William E. and Eliza
beth (Russell) Bleecker. The father, who at one
time was one of the prominent and substantial
merchants of that city, subsequently moved to
New York City, where he resided until his death.
Fie was descended from a long line of Dutch an
cestry. After completing his studies in the Academy of
Albany, where he was prepared for college, our

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

IIOI

subject entered one of the best institutions at
Burlington, N. J, where he was a student for sev
eral years. While there he determined to lead a
professional life, and after attending Albany Med
ical College one year, he entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of New York, from
which he was graduated in 1865. At first he made
his home at Adams Center, Jefferson County, this
state, and the following year, in October, 1866,
was married to Miss Ellen H. Barton, a native of
Philadelphia, and the daughter of Lieutenant Bar
ton of the United States navy and Anna (Hol-
lingshead) Barton. The Doctor and his wife have
four children, Anna, William, Rutger and Ed
ward. In the year 1868 Dr. Bleecker located at White
stone, where he has ever since given his entire
attention to the practice of his profession. He
is recognized as a skillful and able physician, and
as a surgeon he is regarded as among the best
in the state, having been especially successful in
treating appendicitis. The Doctor is a member
of the Queens County Medical Society and is
president of the board of trustees of Flushing
Hospital, in which he is also one of the medical
staff. Although in i860 he supported Lincoln,
he is now independent in politics. For many
years he has been president of the board of village
trustees and his interest in educational affairs led
to his being placed on the school board, which
he has served as president for over twenty years.
Religiously he is an Episcopalian and is warden
of his congregation. The Doctor has secured a
substantial recognition of the genuineness of his
merits in his professional capacity, and by his con
scientious discharge of duty, his skill and abili
ties, has won the confidence of the people and
the respect of all with whom he associates.

JOHN L. B. NORTON. Having spent almost
his entire life in the southern part of the town
of Hempstead, Mr. Norton has gained a large
acquaintance among the people of this section
and is one of the most prominent men of Law
rence, where he is engaged in the real estate
business. His property transactions are exten
sive, and his deals in buying, selling and specu
lating have proved so remunerative to him that
he is now numbered among the wealthy men of
the county.
The father of our subject, Samuel R. B. Norton,
who was born in New York City and died in
Far Rockaway at seventy-two years of age, was

a large property owner of the latter village, where
he owned considerable valuable land; he mar
ried Ann Gipson of New York City, who died at
the age of seventy-nine. John L, our subject's
paternal grandfather, was a business man and
large land owner, who lived at Far Rockaway
when there were but three houses there, in 1807.
He owned all the land now comprised in what
is called Wave Crest, one of the most beautiful
and valuable properties along the entire coast,
now covered with elegant residences or summer
homes of wealthy New York people. In 1830,
during the great cholera epidemic, he had shan
ties along the beach and the dread disease never
appeared there.
The wife of John L. Norton was Sarah Frank
lin, whose father, Walter Franklin, formerly
owned the property now known as Franklin
Square, New York, also Washington's headquar
ters in New York and other pieces of property that
have since become worth millions. The genea
logical record shows that this Walter Franklin,
in company with three other brothers, came to
New York at a very early period and bought
large tracts of land, much of which subsequently
became very valuable and some has been the occa
sion of extensive litigation.
Our subject's great-grandfather was a watch
maker in England, whence he came to America
and acquired large possessions in New York.
His wife, Martha Burrege, was a niece of John
Leake, who owned what was called "The Her
mitage" in New York. In 1825 Mr. Leake, who
owned many acres of land on what is now Broad
way above Thirty-ninth Street, New York City,
sold by subscription forty lots at $150 per lot.
No subscriber could take less than four or more
than sixteen lots. He was connected with the
old Trinity Church and was buried under that
edifice, that being the only vault under the church.
At his death he left a legacy by which fifty loaves
of bread are distributed among the poor each
Sunday. In recognition of his liberality, in 1730
Trinity Church gave him his choice of pews in
the building and he selected the third pew from
the front, which is still owned by his descendants.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of eight children. He was born in Far
Rockaway on the 16th of April, 1832, and
received a limited education in a school two miles
from home, to which he walked each morning.
In youth he learned the carpenter's trade. Some
of the property left him by his father was con-

II02

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sidered of little value, and ten acres along the
beach was sold for $10. A part of the same beach
has since been sold at the rate of $1,000 per lot.
In 1862 Mr. Norton enlisted in Company A,
First Regiment New York Mounted Rifles, and
remained in the service nearly three years, being
stationed most of the time at Norfolk under
General Butler. About 1864 he was commis
sioned first lieutenant of the Thirteenth New York
Cavalry. Among the battles in which he took
part were those at Chickatuck, March 17, 1863;
Blackwater Bridge, March 31; Edenton Road,
April 15; siege of Suffolk, April 11 to May 4;
and Scott's Mills, May 17, and in the last named
engagement he was wounded in the hip. He was
honorably discharged March 8, 1864. He be
longs to B. F. Middletown Post No. 500, G. A. R,
and in national politics is a Republican. Socially,
he is connected with the Odd Fellows and in
religious belief is an Episcopalian. By his mar
riage to Mary I. Northrop of Dutchess County,
N. Y, he had four children, but Amy Augusta is
the only one now living.

RICHARD SCOTT, who has been keeper
of the Blissville and Newtown Creek
bridge since 1867, and whose residence
in Blissville covers a period of forty-two years, is
a native of Ireland, born in County Armagh, in
1831. His father, Francis, who was a native of
the same place, was a farmer by occupation, and
in religious belief was identified with the Episco
pal Church. Pie died in the county of his birth
in 1843, when sixty-two years of age. The fam
ily of which he was a member originated in
Scotland, but fled to Ireland during the days of
persecution in the former country.
The mother of our subject, who bore the
maiden name of Catherine Clark, was born in
Ireland, and brought her family to America,
where she remained until her death in 1864, at the
age of seventy-five years. Of her eight children,
four sons and two daughters attained mature
years, and four are now living. Richard was
reared in Ireland until fifteen years of age, but
as the schools of that country were conducted
on the subscription plan, and as the family were
poor, his advantages were few, most of the knowl
edge he now has being acquired by self-culture.
In 1847 Mr. Scott left Belfast on the sailing
vessel "Standard," and after a voyage of eight
weeks and three days arrived in New York. The

ship on which he made the voyage foundered
when returning to Europe. His first work in
this country was in the employ of a dairyman
at Greenpoint, with whom he remained for three
years. In May, 1852, he came to what is now
Blissville (then the town of Newtown), where,
for a few years, he was employed as a teamster
for a general contractor. Later he was in the
Queens County Oil Works, then coachman for
a wealthy gentleman, and afterward with a dis
tilling company. In 1867 he was given charge
of the Blissville and Newtown Creek bridge, be
ing appointed to this position by the supervisor
of the town of Newtown, Charles Covert. His
efficient service is shown by the fact that he has
held the position ever since his first appointment.
In a systematic manner he carries on all his
work, and superintends his men, so that no
trouble has ever arisen, and the bridge has al
ways been kept in good shape. Since he ac
cepted the position in 1867, two bridges have
been erected, and the present structure is a draw
bridge of one hundred and sixty-six feet. Dur
ing the first two years of his service he was alone,
but now he has seven men, one gang for days,
and the other for nights. Some of the men who
were first with him have died, and others are
decrepit, but he continues apparently as sturdy
and rugged as ever, and, wdth the exception of
one sickness, has never been off duty.
The residence of Air. Scott, now at No. 65
Greenpoint Avenue, was formerly on the bank
of the river, but when the new bridge was erected
it was removed to make way for the abutments
of the bridge. His first wife, whom he married
in Blissville, bore the maiden name of Ann
Rodgers. She was born in Ireland, and died in
Blissville, having been the mother of three chil
dren. One of these died in infancy; another,
Katie by name, passed away at seventeen years
of age ; and Eliza married James White, of Bliss
ville. In 1867 Mr. Scott married Bridget Stephens,
who was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, a
daughter of John Stephens, who died in that
county. The latter, who was a carpenter and
builder, had seven children, but only three are
now living, Mrs. Scott being second in order of
birth. She came to America at the age of twenty-
two years. Of her nine children, six attained
years of maturity, and five are living, namely:
Margaret, a teacher in the Second Ward school;

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 103

Richard, Jr., at home; John, Jennie, and Mary.
One son., William, died in 1892 at the age of
twenty-one. Mrs. Scott is a member of St.
Raphael's Church, but Mr. Scott is a Protestant
in his religious belief. Politically a Democrat,
he is a member of the Jefferson Club, and an
ardent admirer of the principles laid down by that
exponent of Democracy.

COL. WILLIAM REMSEN TAYLOR, A.
B, A. M, M. D, a prominent physician
of Astoria, Long Island City, is perhaps
the oldest practitioner in the place. He takes an
active part in the leading medical associations of
Queens County and the state of New York, keeps
himself thoroughly posted on all the latest dis
coveries' and is constantly extending his knowl
edge in the line of his profession. Educational
ideas and affairs in this city have few more en
thusiastic supporters than the Doctor. His beau
tiful home is located on the corner of Franklin
and Remsen Streets.
Since 1864 Dr. Taylor has been engaged in the
practice of his profession and has been a resident,
of Astoria since September, 1865. He was born
in Middletown, Monmouth County, N. J, Feb
ruary 4, 1840. His father, Dr. Edward, and
grandfather, Capt. Edward Taylor, were also na
tives of that county, as was likewise the great
grandfather, who bore the name of George Tay
lor. The family originally came from England,
but for many generations back this branch has
lived in America.
Dr. Edward Taylor was a graduate of the Col
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York
City, and after obtaining his diploma located for
practice in his home town, where he was one of
the most able practitioners until the day of
his death, when eighty-one years of age. He was
prominently connected with the New Jersey Med
ical Society and ranked among the most skillful
physicians of his day and locality. His wife, prior
to her marriage, was Catherine Louise Foreman,
a native of Freehold, Monmouth County, N. J,
where her father, Tunis Foreman, was a substan
tial farmer and large landowner. During- the
progress of the Revolutionary War he served as
a soldier in the ranks. Mrs. Taylor's mother was
the daughter of William and Agnes Remsen, the
former for many years one of the prominent mer
chants of New York City. Later he removed to
Freehold. "The mother of our subject departed
this life in 1889, at the age of eighty-one years.

With her husband, she was a member of the Re
formed Church in Middletown, and a most worthy
and consistent Christian woman. Dr. Edward
Taylor was a true blue Republican after the or
ganization of that party.
The parental household included five sons and
two daughters, of whom six are now living. The
eldest of the household, Edward F, is engaged
in the practice of medicine in Aliddletown, having
succeeded his father. During the late war he
volunteered his services in defense of the Union,
becoming a member of the First New Jersey In
fantry, and for three months was surgeon of a
regiment. At the first battle of Bull Run he was
taken prisoner and was confined in Libby Prison
until exchanged. Afterward he became brigade
surgeon and surgeon-in-chief of the Sixth Corps,
General Sedgwick's staff.
William R, the fifth in order of birth in his
parents' family, was reared in his native town,
where he was prepared for college. In Septem
ber, 1856, he became a student at Rutgers Col
lege, in New Brunswick, N. J, and after taking
a course of four years was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later
the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon
him. After finishing his collegiate education William
R. Taylor began the study of medicine in the
office of his father and older brother, and in the
fall of 1861 entered the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of New York City. He was very soon
thereafter compelled to abandon his studies on
account of the outbreak of the Civil War, and in
September, 1862, he enlisted, becoming a mem
ber of Company D, Twenty-ninth New Jersey
Infantry, which he organized at Middletown. Of
this he was unanimously chosen captain and was
placed in camp at Vredenburgh. The fall follow
ing, however, he was made lieutenant-colonel of
his regiment by Governor Olden, holding this
responsible position when a young man of only-
twenty-two years. He was then ordered to Wash
ington, D. C, arriving there September 28, 1862,
and encamped with his men on a site just east of
Capitol Hill. From there they were sent to Ten--
nallytown, remaining there until about the nth
of December. Their next move took them into
Maryland, whence they afterward crossed Aquia
Creek into Virginia and were ordered to guard
the railroads running from Aquia Creek to Fal
mouth. Just prior to the battle of Fredericksburg

1 104

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor and five companies of
his regiment were placed on provost duty at that
place under General Patrick, remaining there
until the city was evacuated. They were the last
to leave, and barely escaped capture by the troops
of the enemy. From Fredericksburg they went
back to guard the railroad, thence went to Belle
Plaine, where his regiment was made a part of
the First Brigade, First Division and First Army
Corps under General Paul; Division Commander
General Wadsworth, and Corps Commander
General Reynolds. The following January W. R.
Taylor was commissioned by Governor Parker
of New Jersey as colonel of the regiment. The
next spring he and his command took part
in the battle of Chancellorsville, crossing the river
five miles below Fredericksburg, and after two
days recrossed the river and marched to the ex
treme right of the army, a distance of about twenty
miles. They remained stationed there until the
whole army was ordered to fall back to their
former quarters. In June a forward march was
ordered to intercept Lee's approach towards
Gettysburg, but before reaching that place our
subject, with his regiment, received his honorable
discharge, his enlistment of nine months having
expired, and in July, 1863, he was mustered out
at Freehold, N. J.
On the establishment of peace Colonel Taylor
returned home and took up his studies, this time
as a student in Bellevue Medical College. After
a year spent in that institution he entered Long
Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, from which
he was graduated in June, 1864, as Doctor of
Medicine. Subsequently he located for practice
in Philadelphia, Pa, but in September, 1865, he
came to Astoria, Long Island City, which has
been his home ever since. His ability and skill
as a physician rapidly spread and it was not long
before he was in command of a lucrative practice,
which has increased from year to year until the
Doctor now commands the largest patronage of
any physician in the county. Through his influ
ence was established the Astoria Hospital, of
which he has been the visiting physician since its
completion. Dr. Taylor was married in this place to Aiiss
Mary L. Blackwell, a native of Astoria. Her
father, Robert M. Blackwell, was for many years
a commission merchant in New York City al
though he made his home in Astoria. Her mother
was Eliza (Payntar) Blackwell, also a native of
this locality. To the Doctor and his wife there

were born seven children, namely: Eliza Black-
well, now Mrs. Dickinson, of Astoria; Agnes
Remsen, at home ; William Remsen, Jr., engaged
in the insurance business in New York City;
Ernest Hagemeyer, a commission merchant of
New York; Lloyd Blackwell; and two children
who died young.
For one term the Doctor served as a member of
the board of health of Long Island City and for
the same length of time was police surgeon. Like
his father before him, he is a stanch Republican
in politics and takes great interest in the success
of his party. He is president of the Long Island
City Medical Society, of which he was one of the
organizers, and is also connected with the Medical
Society of Queens County. He is a prominent
Grand Army man, belonging to Benjamin Ring-
old Post of this city, and every year he attends
the meetings of the Veteran Association of the
Twenty-ninth New Jersey Volunteers, of which
he is onC of the old time members. The Doctor
is a Mason of high standing and is connected with
Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M, of which
he is past master. He likewise belongs to John
Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W, of which he is
examining surgeon, and of Sunswick Council of
the Roval Arcanum.

THOMAS L. WOOD, who was formerly
the popular and obliging cashier of the
Woodhaven Bank, is now treasurer and
manager of the Carbondale Fuel Company at
Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on Staten Is
land October 20, 1854. When a lad of thirteen
years his parents sent him abroad to be educated,
and in addition to other studies he was educated
in both the French and German languages in
Switzerland. He remained in Europe for three
years, and upon his return home entered the
office of the Equitable Life Assurance Associa
tion of New York.
Some time thereafter our subject went west to
Colorado in company with an older brother, B.
Frank Wood, now editor of the "Jamaica Stand
ard." Thomas L. remained in the West for thir
teen years, during which time he was engaged
in mining. For seven years of that time he was
superintendent of mining companies in which
he was interested. He returned to New York in
1885 and entered the business house of Auchin-
closs Iirothers, manufacturer's agents for J. & P.
Coats, spool cotton, where he continued as book
keeper until 1891, when, upon the organization

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 105

of the Wfoodhaven Bank, he was chosen its cash
ier. In this place he was a reliable and conserva
tive business man and it was largely due to his
influence and labors that the bank is now one of
the solid institutions of the kind on Long Island.
Mr. Wood was married in 1883 to Miss Wil
helmina Brenner, a native of Edinburgh, Scot
land, who came to America with her parents in
the year 1871. Her father, William Brenner, was
for many years a business man of Brooklyn. Six
children have been born to our subject and his
wife, who bear the respective names of Ernest,
Rufus, Edwin, Wilma, Raymond and Roswell.
Mr. Wood was one of the most prominent of the
citizens here who established and have since sus
tained a free reading room for those who are
not able to have the best magazines and books
in their homes. In religious affairs he is a mem
ber of the Congregational Church.
Fraternally Mr. Wood is a member of the
Royal Arcanum, with which order he has been
connected for some time. While he is an advo
cate of Republican principles, he is also inde
pendent in his views, and in local affairs votes for
the man, regardless of party lines. While living
in this village Mr. Wood occupied one of the
finest houses here, it being located in Woodhaven
Park. Should the readers of this volume wish to
find a complete history of the family, we refer
them to the sketch of B. Frank Wood, which
appears on another page.

LOUIS MULOT, M. D. The profession of
tlie physician and surgeon is one that has
drawn to it at all periods of its history the
brightest and most upright of men, and prom
inent in this respect is Dr. Louis Mulot, whose
cheerful confidence in the sick-room is often as
potent as his medicines, and he is at all times a
student in his profession, ever grasping after new
truths in science. He keeps himself thoroughly
posted in his profession, his diagnoses being al
most instantaneous and very seldom incorrect.
Since the year 1872 he has been practicing in
Long Island City and is one of the oldest and
most successful physicians here. The Doctor was
born in Germany May 18, 1820, and comes of old
French Huguenot stock, his ancestors being
obliged to leave France on account of religious
persecutions. The parents of our subject, Ettigen George

and Elizabeth (Bouchat) Mulot, were natives of
Germany and of prominent Huguenot families
there. The former followed the hatter's trade,
and both he and his wife were members of the
Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mulot's father, Jean
Bouchat, was a French Huguenot, and for many
years followed the hatter's trade. During the
latter part of their lives Air. and Airs. Mulot came
to America, made their homes with our subject,
and both died in New York City when seventy-
six years old.
Our subject, the only child of his parents, was
reared in Rodenburg, Germany, received his pri
mary education in the schools of that city, and
when sixteen years old entered the University
of Alarburg, where he completed the classical
course. Following that he entered the medical
department of that institution and was in his
senior year when the revolution of 1848 occurred.
Rather than be subject to military duty he left his
studies and crossed the ocean to New York City,
wdiere he landed in June of that year. He imme
diately entered the medical department of the
University of New York City and graduated with
the degree of Al. D. in 1852. Afterward he con
tinued to practice his profession in the Empire
City, on the east side of St. Mark's Place, until
1872, when he located in Long Island City, at
No. 8 North Henry Street.
In 1875, when Mrs. Ottendorfur started her
Isabella Home for Old Ladies, Dr. Alulot was
made the house physician and continued as such
until 1889, when he removed this institution to
New York City. Since his residence here the
Doctor has been engaged in the general practice
of his profession and has met with more than
ordinary success, having built up an extensive
practice. He was a member of the New York
Aledico-Legal Society, and for one term was
health officer of Long Island City. Socially he is
a member of the Germania Lodge No. 182, K.
T, of New York City, and is a charter member of
Enterprise Lodge No. 769, K. P, Astoria. He
is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church at
Astoria, and in politics is an ardent supporter of
Democratic principles
Dr. Alulot was married in New York City in
1864 to Aiiss Martha Hortmeyer, born near Stutt
gart, Germany, and the daughter of John W. B.
Hortmeyer, who was a business man of New
York and who came of a wealthy German fam
ily. He died in Brooklyn when eighty-six years
old. To Dr. and Mrs. Alulot have been born

no6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two children, Emil I, a druggist in Tama City>
Iowa, and Otto Louis, a graduate of the medical
department of the University of New York and
now a prominent practitioner of Long Island
City.

ISAAC HICKS, of the firm of Isaac Hicks &
Son, nurserymen of Westbury, L. I, is one
cf the pioneers in that line of business in
Queens County, having been engaged in it for
almost forty years. In the year 1838 he pur
chased one hundred and twenty acres of land,
which he has since converted into one of the
best improved and most valuable farms to be
found. All the buildings, including the spacious
and comfortable residence with the numerous and
well arranged farm buildings, have been erected
by Mr. Hicks and his son. In 1855 he first en
gaged in the nursery business, commencing with
a small lot of fruit trees, which he found sold
readily, and he gradually increased his business
until he now has one of the largest industries of
the kind east of Flushing. He has all kinds of
fruit trees, as well as ornamental trees and shrubs,
making a specialty of ornamental trees. For the
last thirty years he has imported them from
European countries, and this year received goods
from France and Prussia. Not content with pro:
during what others in this country do, Mr. Hicks
and his son have imported many choice varieties
and are live, energetic men. In the handling of
fruit trees, especially, they have spared no pains
to obtain the most hardy and satisfactory stock.
That they have met with success in their chosen
calling is a fact that needs no commenting on,
for they strive to please, and their constantly in
creasing and satisfactory business gives good evi
dence that they are successful. Connected with
Mr. Hicks in the business is his son, Edward,
and his grandson, Henry Hicks.
Isaac Hicks was born in Westbury, March 3,
1815, a son of John D. and Sarah (Rushmore)
Hicks. His mother lived to be one hundred and
two and a half years old, dying in June, 1891.
Isaac's early life was devoted to agricultural pur
suits and on the 26th of March, 1836, he wedded
Miss Mary F. Willis, daughter of John Willis.
She was the eldest daughter of the eldest daugh
ter for seven generations. This union resulted in
the birth of three children: Gilbert, Edward, a
member of the firm, and Mariana, wife of William
E. Hawxhurst, whose sketch is given elsewhere in

this volume. Mr. Hicks is a member of the Soci
ety of Friends, and in politics is a supporter of
Republican principles, although he has never
sought political honors. He is much interested in
educational matters, and for many years was
trustee of the school of his district, which office
his son Edward has held for the last thirty years.
The domestic tranquillity and happiness of the
Hicks household is aptly illustrated in the truth
of the psalmist, "How blest in harmony to dwell."
Here under the same roof are three generations,
the venerable subject and his aged companion,
who over ten years ago celebrated their golden
wedding; the son Edward and his family, con
sisting of his estimable wife, formerly Miss Emma
E. Jarvis, and one son, Henry, and three accom
plished daughters, Miss Grace, Marietta and
Emily. Edward Hicks has been active in the firm for
many years and his talent and genius have pro
duced a number of important inventions, among
which are two very useful machines for the re
moval and transplanting of large trees. By this
important device trees are removed at any time of
the year, while by others it is necessary that it
should be done while the ground is frozen. An
other important and useful invention is an ar
rangement for spraying vines, by which six may
now be sprayed at a time.

DANIEL J. HEGEAIAN, who is one of
the well-to-do and highly respected far
mers of Queens County, is the proprietor
of a neat little estate of one hundred and fifteen
acres situated in the town of Ovster Bay, two
miles from the village of Glenliead. He was
born August 21, 1852, and is a son of James A
and Catherine (Hegeman) Hegeman. For manv
generations the family has been identified with
the history of Long Island. His great-grand
father, James Hegeman, was born here and was
a substantial farmer of the town of Oyster Bav
Grandfather Daniel Hegeman was not onlv
prominent in agricultural circles but was well
known throughout the county as an official, hav
ing been elected to many positions of responsi
bility and trust in his locality.
The father of our subject was born in 1826
and departed this life in 1892, having remained a
resident of Long Island until death. In every
respect he was a valued and respected citizen

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 107

His family included four sons, of whom Daniel J.
was the eldest; William, the second born, died in
childhood ; Edward A. makes his home in Oyster
Bay, and Clinton D. is deceased. In boyhood
Daniel J. attended the common schools near his
home, after which he was sent to private schools
at Locust Valley and Glencove. November 20,
1878, he married Aiiss Louise, daughter of Wil
liam H. and Lydia A. (Snedeker) Downing, old
residents of Oyster Bay,
For several years after his marriage Mr. Hege
man continued to reside at the old homestead,
but later he leased a tract of land near Glencove
and this he cultivated very profitably for a per
iod of twelve years. In 1892 he located on his
present estate, which he purchased from his
father-in-law. Until recently he was extensively
engaged in the dairy business and general agri
culture, but is now raising garden produce for
the city markets. In this line of work he has
met with success and the products of his garden
are of the best quality and never fail to bring
a good price.
Fraternally Mr. Hegeman is identified witli
the Royal Arcanum, holding membership with
Seawanhaka Council No. 362, of Glencove. He
is a strong supporter of Democratic principles
and in 1880 was elected on that ticket to the office
of assessor of his town. So well and faithfully did
he discharge the duties of this position that he-
was made his own successor fof five consecutive
terms. The following named children are in
cluded in the family of our subject and his wife:
George D, Howard C. and Mary E. One daugh
ter, Edna C, died in infancy.

NATHAN STERN, well and favorably
known to the residents of Long Island,
is the representative in this place for the
Kips Bay Brewing Company, which brews one
of the best beers in the country, and O'Reilly,
Skelly & Fogarty, ale brewers. Air. Stern was
born in Ober-Hessen, Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger
many, September 1, 1858. His father, Rev. David
Stern, also a native of that portion of the Father
land, was graduated from the university at Got-
tingen, and for many years was rabbi of various
congregations. Later, however, he abandoned
the ministry and became one of the merchants
of the town of Alsfeld, making his home there
until his decease, in 1862.
The mother of Mr. Stern, whose maiden name

was Jette Levi, was also born in Hesse-Darm
stadt, and was the daughter of Loeb Levi, a
dealer in horses. During the Napoleonic wars
he served as a member of the Dragoons in the
German army. Mrs. Stern departed this life at
her old home in Germany in 1890. Her only
daughter, Sarah, also died there six months be
fore her death.
Nathan, of this sketch, was educated in the
gymnasium at Alsfeld, after which he began to
do for himself by clerking in a large mercantile
establishment, in which he learned almost every
department of work. He afterward became trav
eling salesman for a house, but, tiring of this
kind of work, he was made bookkeeper and later
correspondent for one of the largest export
houses in Rotterdam, Holland. On being taken
sick, however, he was compelled to resign his
position and returned home.
Mr. Stern next engaged in business for him
self at Giessen, where, as a manufacturer of men's
shirts and as a lady's outfitter he gave employ
ment to over one hundred hands. Although he
did a large business it was not a paying one, and
he was compelled to sell out, not, however, with
out paying one hundred cents on the dollar.
About May 1, 1881, Mr. Stern embarked on
a vessel, which landed him, May 14th, on Amer
ican shores. A short time thereafter he obtained
a position as clerk with Levi Brothers, clothiers,
of New York City, but did not remain in their
employ very long, when he went South to Ala
bama. Not liking that climate, he returned to
the metropolis and was engaged as a traveling
salesman by a large New York firm dealing in
men's furnishing goods. In this capacity he
traveled all over the United States, from ocean to
ocean and from the lakes to the gulf, working in
the interests of this firm until the dull season
of 1893 set in. He then severed his connection
with the house and became connected with the
Kips Bay Brewing Company. In this business
he has met with remarkable, success, and those
who two years ago had never heard of this com
pany use nothing else but the beer brewed by
them, and pronounce it excellent. Air. Stern's
office is located at No. 55 Borden Avenue, while
his pleasant residence occupies a site at No. 387
Lockwood Street.
The lady to whom Mr. Stern was married in
New York City in 1883 was Miss Lena Fried, a
native of Hungary, and to them have been born
four children, viz.: David S, Arthur H, Edna

no8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Sidony. Socially Mr. Stern is a member of
the Frohsinn and belongs to the Mannerchor
and the Long Island City Turn A^erein, of
which he is second speaker and trustee. He is
a stanch Democrat in politics, belonging to the
Fourth Ward Democratic Association and the
Jackson Club, being second vice-president in the
latter.

JOHN E. LOCKWOOD, a retired and well-
to-do citizen of Long Island City, has made
his home here since 1864. He was bom
in New York City in 1828 and is the son of
Andrew J. Lockwood, a native of Stamford,
Conn. This family were of Puritan stock and
for many generations made their homes in the
Nutmeg State. Grandfather Lockwood ren
dered efficient service as a soldier in the Revo
lutionary war.
Andrew J. Lockwood was a builder and large
owner of real estate, and when a young man
left his native state and came to New York, where
he was engaged in this department of work until
his decease, when over sixty years of age. He
was a prominent member and active worker in
the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man who
was in every way worthy of the respect which
was accorded him. He married Miss Sarah Cod
dington, a native of New York, and the daugh
ter of Abraham Coddington. For over fifty years
she was a member of the Alethodist Episcopal
Church, of which her father was also a very prom
inent member. For many years prior to his
death he lived retired from business.
The parental family included ten children,
seven sons and three daughters. Only one son
besides our subject is now living, Andrew J, a
resident of Wisconsin. John E, after carrying
on his studies for a time in the schools of New
York, became a student in Rutgers College of
New Brunswick, N. J. Upon completing the
course in that institution he supplemented the
knowledge gained there by attendance at Eras
mus Hall Academy of Flatbush, L. I, from which
he was graduated in due time.
When twenty years of age our subject began
life for himself as clerk in a commission establish
ment in New York City. In 1855 he began
business for himself, carrying on a large trade
as commission merchant in Front Street. He
later branched out in naval stores, continuing
to carry on this business, together with his oper

ations as a commission merchant, until 1864,
when he retired from active work of any kind and
located in Astoria, Long Island City. He still,
however, retains his office in the Times Build
ing. Mr. Lockwood during his more active ca
reer was a member of the Old Produce Exchange.
Prior to locating in this place he resided for a
time in the cities of New York and Brooklyn.
When he came to Astoria, over thirty years ago,
he found this now thickly populated portion of
the city to contain but few dwellings. He entered
heartily into the work of building up the com
munity and for many years rendered valuable
service as a member of the Village Board. For
a time he was President of the Board of Police
Commissioners, and in every position he held
so met the requirements of the situation that he
won only commendation from those concerned.
Air. Lockwood was married in New York in
1853 to Miss Julia Westlake, a native of that city.
To them was born a daughter, Julia A, a most
highly accomplished lady, who completed her
education in Aiiss Ranney's and Aiiss Harrison's
school of Brooklyn. She later married S. G.
Beals and they have two children, John Edgar
Lockwood and Granville Ames.
Socially our subject is a Mason of high degree,
belonging to Putnam Lodge No. 347, of New-
York City. He has been a member of the Church
of the Redeemer for a number of years and has
served his congregation for some time as vestry
man. In national politics he is a Democrat, al
though in local affairs he lays aside his preju
dices and votes for the man who he thinks will
best fill the office. Owing to the exercise of in
dustrious and persevering qualities he has risen
step by step to a position of affluence in the
community and is held in the highest respect by
a host of warm -friends and acquaintances.

LOFTUS P. MURRAY, senior member of
the firm of Murray & Bro, and one of the
influential citizens of Rockaway Beach,
Oceanus P. ( ), established his present" business
at this place in 1880, and has since carried on an
increasing and profitable trade in all kinds of
meats. His industry and enterprise have enabled
him to overcome the difficulties in his path, and
he is now the possessor of a comfortable com
petence, which numbers him among the substan
tial citizens of the community.
The parents of our subject are Daniel and Alar-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 109

garet (Fox) Murray, whose seven children are
named as follows: John R, member of the firm
of Murray & Bro, and the present postmaster at
Oceanus; Loftus P, the subject of this notice;
Daniel P. and Garret, both of whom live in
Oceanus; Joseph, whose home is in Cedarhurst;
George, a resident of Oceanus ; and Mary, wife of
M. E. Gustofferson, of this village. The subject
of this sketch was born in Cedarhurst, March 16,
1858. His opportunities for obtaining an educa
tion were somewhat limited, but he improved
such advantages as fell to his lot, and succeeded
in fitting himself for the management of busi
ness affairs.
When only twelve years of age Mr. Alurray
began working for his father in the butcher shop,
and continued thus engaged until he was twenty-
one, when he established a business of his own.
He has met with success, for from early life he
has been trained in the business, and understands
thoroughly every detail connected with his occu
pation. In politics a Republican, he advocates
with enthusiasm and fidelity the platform of his
chosen party, and supports its candidates with his ¦
ballot. His marriage united him with Aiiss Alary
Shiring, and they are the parents of three children,
Laura, Mary, and Loftus. Airs. Murray is identi
fied with the Catholic Church, and maintains a
deep interest in all religious and benevolent
work.

English language and the customs of the peo
ple. Subsequently he opened a shoe store of his
own and later he turned his attention to the fruit
and vegetable business, having at first a branch
store in Far Rockaway, but afterward moving to
this village, where he has met with commendable
success. By his marriage to Margaret Snyder, Mr.
Winkler had four children, of whom John and
George N. survive. The latter, who was born in
Woodhaven, April 28, 1873, attends to the busi
ness and, while not a partner, has, since old
enough, been his father's right-hand man. A
young man of good habits and education, he takes
charge of the affairs intelligently, and has sound
judgment upon all matters of business. They
built up a large fruit and vegetable business here,
but finally, when the business had become ex
tensive, they sold out, and gave their sole atten
tion to the livery and express trade. In their
stock they have several large moving vans, and
transfer household furniture from Brooklyn
and other places, also carry on a general truck
ing business. Politically father and son are stanch
Republicans.

J

OHN WINKLER, who is engaged in the
livery and express business at Far Rocka
way, is a native of Germany, and possesses
the thrift and perseverance characteristic of a
long line of German forefathers. His youth
ful years were passed in the land of his birth,
where he gained a good education in the pub
lic schools and laid the foundation of the knowl
edge to which he afterward added by experience
and observation. The idea of spending his entire
life in Germany was distasteful to him, for, al
though he loved his native land, yet he realized
clearly that a poor man had no opportunity to
rise above a position of poverty and dependence.
With little means, but with a brave heart and
a determined spirit, Mr. Winkler sought a home
in America, coming to this country at the age of
twenty-one. For five years he was employed in
a shoe store in Woodhaven, where he gained that
most essential requisite, a knowledge of the

J

OHN W. AHLES, who is engaged in busi
ness in New York City and resides at Bay-
side, was born in the former place April
2, 1848, being a son of George and Zoe (Chair-
naud) Ahles. His father, who was a native of
Hanover, Germany, came to America in early
manhood and settled in New York City, wdiere
he married Miss Chairnaud, a native of the me
tropolis. For many years he was a successful
merchant of New York and still makes his home
there, being now (1896) eighty-six years old. •
When our subject was two years old his par
ents moved to Bayside, where he remained until
fifteen, and then accompanied the other members
of the family to Brooklyn. His first position
was that of errand boy in a broker's office in Wall
Street, New York, where he remained, receiving
many promotions in the meantime, until the me
morable "Black Friday." His next employment
was in Pearl Street with a produce merchant, for
whom he was salesman about ten years. In 1880
he established a business of his own at No. 37
Pearl Street, and has since been a produce com
mission merchant, with headquarters at different
parts of the city at various times.

I no

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

June 19, 1873, Mr. Ahles married Lillie Bell,
daughter of Robert M. Bell of Bayside, where she
was born. Air. Bell was a prominent farmer of
the town of Flushing, a member of the Society
of Friends, and an influential citizen of this com
munity. Since his marriage our subject has re
sided in Bayside, where he owns a comfortable
home. Feeling a warm interest in educational
matters, he has at different times consented to
serve as a member of the school board and is at
this writing a trustee. Both he and his wife are
members of the All Saints' Episcopal Church of
Bayside, in the organization of which he took an
active part, and since the building of the church
he has been a member of the vestry, holding the
office of junior warden. By his marriage he has
three children: Robert, a graduate of Mt. Pleas
ant Academy at Sing Sing, where he took a com
mercial course, and now a business man in the
city; Gertrude and Virginia, who are with their
parents. For two terms Mr. Ahles has been vice-presi
dent of the Queens County Agricultural Society,
being a director for the town of Flushing. All
public improvements have received his co-opera
tion and, so far as possible, he has aided in the
carrying out of practical plans for the benefit of
the people. In 1895 he erected two business
buildings in Bayside, which contain halls on the
upper floor and have all the modern improve
ments. In the New York Produce Exchange he
is a member of the board of managers, and chair
man of the committee on admission. By his en
ergy and shrewd dealing he has accumulated a
competency and is one of the well-to-do men of
the county.

PROF. JAMES D. DILLINGHAM. No
resident of Corona has pursued a more
honorable career or been of greater value
as a public servant than the gentleman whose
name introduces these lines, and who is well
known as the principal of the public schools of
this village. The success which he has gained in
his chosen calling is especially commendable,
when it is considered that he is still young, just
at the beginning of his life work. Since coming
to Corona he has advanced the grade of scholar
ship, deepened the interest in educational work,
and brought the school to the front rank among
the institutions of learning in the county.

The son of James D. and Lucinda P. (Harris)
Dillingham, the subject of this sketch was born
in Berkley, Bristol County, Mass, August 18,
1865. The rudiments of his education were ob
tained in the public schools of his native place,
and at the age of fifteen he entered Bristol Acad
emy, where he was fitted for college. When sev
enteen, he became a student in Amherst College,
and was graduated in 1887, standing fifth in his
class, and winning the prizes for excellence in
German, French, and Italian. While in college
he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa.
On leaving college our subject began the study
of law with Mayor Charles A. Reed, of Taunton,
with whom he remained for two years. After
ward one year was spent with Judge Hiram P.
Harriman, of Wellfleet, Alass, and he was ad
mitted to the bar at Barnstable in 1890, on mo
tion of Attorney-General Knowlton. Lack of
funds had required him, while prosecuting his
studies, to devote some time to work as a teacher,
and among other positions he filled those of prin
cipal of the high schools at Granby and Scituate,
Mass, and the grammar schools at Truro and
Harwich. In 1889-90 he was chairman of the
board of education in Berkley, his native place,
and at the same time served as moderator of the
town meeting. At different times he was hon
ored by his party by being chosen to serve as
their delegate in county and state conventions.
He was chairman of the town committee and
served as justice of the peace from 1889 until he
removed from the place. For a time he was also
a notary public.
In 1890 Professor Dillingham was called to the
principalship of the high school at Tom's River,
N. J, a position which he filled so satisfactorily
that he was chosen to fill it at the two subse
quent elections by the board. While residing
there he was county examiner. Leaving the
place in 1893, he came to Corona, where he has
since had charge of the schools. In 1890 he
received the degree of A. M. from his alma mater,
and two years later the degree of Alaster of Peda
gogy was conferred upon him by the University
of the City of New York. In 1891 he received
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the
National University of Chicago. These various
degrees indicate to some extent the breadth of
his knowledge and scope of his information. In
1 893-94 he was principal of the evening high
school in Jersey City. His labors as an educator

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

un

have been quite successful. In his work he com
bines thoroughness in instruction with firmness
in discipline, so that order, which is Heaven's
first law, is naturally and easily combined with
rapid progress in studies and systematic advance
ment in every department.

JAAIES A. MACDONALD. The family
to which our subject belongs came originally
from Scotland, and first settled in Canada,
where Dr. Archibald Macdonald, the grand
father of our subject, was born. He was a
surgeon in the Revolutionary War, and after peace
was declared did not return to Canada, but set
tled at White Plains, N. Y, where the remainder
of his days was passed in practicing medicine
and in tilling the soil. His son, James, father of
our subject, was born in White Plains, and when
old enough to decide for himself selected medi
cine as his calling in life. He attended the Col
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York,
was graduated from that institution, and then be
gan practicing in New York City. He became
noted in his profession, being one of the ablest
practitioners of his day, and was sent by the gov
ernors of New York Hospital to visit all asylums
in Europe and study the treatment of nervous dis
eases. Returning to this country, Dr. Macdonald re
organized Bloomingdale Asylum, and was su
perintendent of the same for some time, but
gave it up to return to his practice. In 1845
he established Sanford Hall, at Flushing, one
of the most successful institutions of the kind
in the state, residing there until his death,
when forty-three years old. This institution,
which was private, was the only one of the
kind in the United States at that time. It was
incorporated in 1887. In public life he held
many positions of trust and honor, and was a
profound reasoner and thinker. Of five sons
born to his parents Dr. Macdonald was the
youngest and the only one that married. Fie
wedded Miss Eliza H. Miller, a native of New
York City, and the daughter of Silvanus Miller,
who was for years surrogate of New York and a
prominent attorney and politician. Mr. Miller
was born in East Hampton, and died when ninety
years old. Mrs. Macdonald passed away in 1890
at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. She
was a member of St. George's Episcopal Church.

The six children born to Dr. and Mrs. Alac-
donald were Flora M, Alargaret, James A. (sub
ject), Eliza, Archibald and Anna. James A. Alac-
donald was born in New York City and received
his early education in Columbia grammar school
of that place. Later he entered Yale, and gradu
ated from that institution with the degree of A.
B. and Ph. D. Since 1869 he has been engaged
in the insurance business, and is president of the
Queen Insurance Company, which was organized
in 1890, and is also president of the board of trus
tees of the village of Flushing. Socially he is a
member of the Niantic Club of Flushing and sev
eral of the leading clubs in New York City. Per
sonally he is very popular and has won many
friends.

PETER MATTHEWS. The trade of the
harness manufacturer is one that comes
within the bounds of daily opportunity to
manifest a humane spirit toward man's most
obedient and faithful friend, the horse. If the
theory of John Stuart Mill is correct, there is cer
tainly a heaven for this higher order of the dumb
animal. The harness-maker has many oppor
tunities of showing his regard for this noble brute
by giving the utmost care to the manufacture of
his goods, and one of the most successful en
gaged in this business is Peter Matthews, who
is the proprietor of a harness manufactory at
Glencove. In this village Mr. Alatthews was born October
22, 1864, to James and Bridget (Clark) Matthews,
both of whom were born in Ireland, where they
grew to maturity and were married. About 1850
they decided to seek a home in America, and soon
after their marriage came hither, and almost im
mediately made a location at Glencove. When
the starch works of this place were opened Air.
Matthews secured employment in them, and there
labored faithfully for a period of thirty-five years.
Of the seven children born to him and his wife,
the subject of this sketch is next to the youngest,
and three are living at the present time : John, a
resident of Glencove ; Mary, wife of Thomas Mc-
Donough, of this place; and Peter.
The subject of this sketch was given the ad
vantages of the public schools of Glencove in
his youth, but at the age of fourteen years he
found employment in the starch works, remain
ing there for two years. When he was seventeen

III2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he began working at his trade in New York City,
and after thoroughly learning the same, followed
that occupation in that city, Brooklyn, Jersey
City, and Yonkers for some seven or eight years.
In the fall of 1888 he started a shop of his own
in Glencove, and, although it was modest in ex
tent at first, the work turned out was so satisfac
tory in every particular that his business steadily
increased in proportion, and at the present time
he is enjoying an exceptionally large trade. He
has won the confidence of his patrons, and con
trols a liberal and profitable business, built up by
his own energy and careful attention to the
higher lines of his indispensable trade.
Air. Matthews has always been a Democrat,
and in 1888 he cast his presidential vote for
Grover Cleveland. He was reared in the faith of
the Roman Catholic Church, and was confirmed
at the age of fourteen years.

O'KANE BROTHERS. Queens County
is the home of many young men of fine
natural abilities, thorough education and
business energy, who in various fields of energy
are acquiring fine reputations and building up
successful business enterprises. Among these
John and Thomas O'Kane, Jr., comprising the
firm ,of O'Kane Brothers, at Far Rockaway, de
serve mention, as they combine the intelligence,
energy, and moral character which merit respect
and win success. November 1, 1895, they opened
an office near the depot and started in the real
estate and insurance business under favorable
auspices, having considerable property of their
own and of their relatives to manage.
Thomas O'Kane, Sr, father of our subjects,
has had his summer home in Far Rockaway for
thirty years, and is now living here. By his mar
riage to Margaret Healy he has three children,
John, Thomas, Jr., and Jane. John was born in
New York City June 22, 1871, and was educated
in the schools of his native place. Having a na
tural inclination for business, he sought employ
ment in a commercial house at an early age. For
three years he was engaged in the business of
musical merchandise with Stratton & Son, after
which he spent a year in the office of H. Rapp,
a real estate dealer at No. 198 Broadway. The
two years following were spent with other real es
tate firms in New York City, in which way he
gained a thorough knowledge of every detail con

nected with the occupation, so that he was thor
oughly prepared to embark in it with success.
The younger brother, Thomas, Jr., was born in
New York City July 8, 1874, and in boyhood at
tended the public schools, receiving a fair educa
tion. His first work was with his father in the
book business, after which he indulged his taste
for travel and went west, visiting northern Texas
and southern Oklahoma. In that way eighteen
months passed, after which he returned to New
York, and soon became interested with his
brother at Far Rockaway. He is not an entire
stranger to the business, having had consider
able to do in that direction prior to his entrance
into the firm.
Politically the brothers are Democrats, never
faltering in their allegiance to the party, but sup
porting it in local, state and national elections.
They are well informed regarding political affairs,
and have read extensively concerning the great
issues of the age and the best way to remedy the
evils that perplex our statesmen. In religious be
lief they are identified with the Catholic Church.
They bring to their chosen occupation youth, en
thusiasm, energy, intelligence and the prestige of
friends and relatives. With these qualities they
will undoubtedly achieve success. At this writ
ing they are building a commodious and com
fortable residence for a summer home.

ROBERT H. MOUNT. The condition of
the real estate market may justly be con
sidered as a barometer of the real sound
ness and stability of business affairs in the country
generally. It is gratifying to note the present
situation of real estate throughout Queens
County, and particularly in Glencove. Among
those engaged in this line of business is Robert
H. Mount, who is also engaged in the insurance
business there, and who is a public accountant.
He is a native of the island, born at Stonybrook,
Suffolk County, June 21, 1853, a son of Shepard
H. and Elizabeth (Elliott) Mount. The father
was a prominent artist and one of the founders
of the National Academy of Designs of New
York. He made a national reputation as a por
trait painter.
The first few years of his boyhood, our sub
ject attended the schools of Stonybrook, but later
entered the union school at Huntington, where
he remained about two years. When sixteen

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 1 13

years old he went to New Orleans, La, and se
cured a position as clerk in a clothing store, re
maining there three years. Returning to the
North, he located in Glencove, where he remained
until about the year 1879. For some time he
was cashier and bookkeeper in a hotel at Man
hattan Beach, N. Y, and since then he has been
manager and steward in various hotels in New
York City and Babylon. From 1890 to 1895 he
was one of the bookkeepers for the National
Starch Company. In the last named year he
opened his present office, and is meeting with
more than the average success.
In his choice of a life companion our subject se
lected Miss Lena W. Ackerman, of Huntington,
and their union was celebrated July 29, 1880. This
marriage has been blessed by the birth of one
daughter, Lena D, who was born in the village of
Glencove June 5, 1881. Our subject was reared
in the Democratic faith, and has always adhered
to the same. He is a local worker, but has never
aspired to office. His first presidential vote was
cast for S. J. Tilden in 1876. Fraternally, he is
a member of the American Legion of Honor, In
tegrity Council No. 1337, of Glencove.

EDWARD A. SLAVIN, deputy sheriff and
constable for the town of Flushing, was
born in Little Neck, March 22, 1856. He
is a son of Frank Slavin, a farmer at Bayside and
Little Neck, and later a resident of Flushing,
where he died in 1891 ; his wife, Rose McGuire,
also died in this village. They were the parents
of six children, all but one of whom are living.
Edward A, who is the eldest of the family, was
reared in Flushing, where he attended the public
and St. Michael's parochial schools. At the age of
fifteen he was apprenticed to the plumber's trade
under Thomas Elliott, with whom he remained
one year after the expiration of his term of service.
Later he was with Henry Lewis. In 1879 he
started in the plumbing business for himself,
which he carried on successfully until official du
ties demanded his entire attention.
In 1880 Mr. Slavin was appointed deputy sher
iff, which position he held for three years under
A. B. Wright, three years under Sheriff Mitchell
and three years under M. J. Goldner, also a simi
lar period under Sheriff Norton. In 1895 he was
again appointed to this position by Henry Doht,
the present sheriff. In 1892 he was elected con

stable for the town of Flushing, and the following
year was re-elected. In 1894 he was out of office,
but in 1895 was again chosen for the position,
which he has since filled. Since 1884 he has also
been a special police officer for the village of
Flushing. Politically a Democrat, he was presi
dent of the District Association in 1895, and is a
leading member of the Democratic Club.
During his term of office Mr. Slavin has done
much valuable work in the interest of law and or
der. At one time, during a circus here, he arrested
circus men who were abusive, and was obliged
to fight six or eight of them before he could
subdue them. However, he succeeded in arrest
ing them, and one of the leaders was sentenced
to the penitentiary for two and one-half years.
He was successful in ferreting out and capturing
John P. Williams and Thomas Bass, the men who
robbed the residence of Henry W. Baldwin, presi
dent of the New York Life Insurance Company.
They were captured October 17, 1894, and Wil
liams was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment,
but the sentence of Bass was suspended through
the intercession of the people.
Air. and Mrs. Slavin and their son, Edward J,
occupy a comfortable home at No. 22 Prince
Street, Flushing. Mrs. Slavin was born in New
York City, and bore the maiden name of Alary A.
Grogan. In religious belief our subject, with his
family, is connected with St. Michael's Church
and takes a warm interest in its progress. So
cially he is identified with the Foresters and
Knights of Pythias. As an officer of the law he
has been very efficient and successful, and is en
titled to the commendation which his meritorious
service has won from the people.

HEINRICH FRANCK SOHNE & CO. In
the summer of 1895 this company, which
had already established a wide reputation
and large business in Europe, determined to start
a factory in America, and accordingly on the ist
of August commenced business in that part of
Flushing known as Fowlerville. Here they have
a large building, the plant being operated by
steam power, and employment is furnished to
sixty or more hands.
The "Genuine Franck," which is manufactured
in the factory at Flushing, was first introduced in
America early in the '70s, when it was extensively
sold throughout the west, but since the location

ni4

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the factory on Long Island, the sales have
been pushed also in the eastern states. Undcr
the management of Eugene Beitter, the resident
member of the firm, a large trade has been built
up, and an increasing reputation has been gained
for the firm. Undoubtedly future years will bring
an enhanced prosperity, as the product becomes
more widely known among the people of this
country. The main factory of the company is located at
Ludwigsburg, Germany, where the founders of
the firm reside. Some idea of the extent of the
business may be gained from the statement that
the firm owns and operates fifteen factories in
Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Croatia,
Roumania, Switzerland, and Italy.. To run the
different plants thirty-four steam engines are
used, with a total of over one thousand horse
power. There are also three printing establish
ments, cooperage and box factories, paper dyeing
establishments, and other buildings for the proper
management of the business. To superintend
and carry out the plans of the heads of the firm,
employment is given to over three thousand
workmen and about three hundred and fifty clerks
and traveling salesmen.
"Genuine Franck" has been maufactured for
seventy-four years. To coffee, it gives body,
color, taste and a delightful fragrance. For ex
cellence it has won thirty-two medals. It is used
in every country on the globe, and fifteen factories
in Europe are needed to meet the demand of two
hundred and twenty million pounds a year.

JOSEPH RAIBLE, a merchant tailor, who
for years has carried on a successful busi
ness at Hunter's Point, Long Island City,
was born in Ergenzingen oberaut Rotten-
burg, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1845,
being a son of John and Barbara (Stopper)
Raible, also natives of that place, where the
father engaged in farming until his death.
The mother is still living, and is now very
aged, though quite hearty for one of her
years. Of her five children, four are living, Jo
seph being the oldest of the number, and the only
one who has made his home in the United States.
The childhood years of our subject were spent
on his father's farm, and, until fourteen, he was
a student in the common schools. At the age of
sixteen he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade

in his native village, remaining thus engaged un
til 1866, when, shortly before reaching the age
of twenty-one, he took passage at Havre on a
steamer, and after a voyage of thirteen days landed
in New York. For two months he worked at his
trade in that city, then went to Newark, N. J,
where he spent a year. Later he was similarly
employed in Albany, N. Y, for four years. Re
turning thence to New York City, he followed
his trade there until 1878, when he embarked in
the merchant tailoring business for himself, in
Hudson Street.
In 1880 Mr. Raible came to Long Island City,
where he opened a shop on the corner of Vernon
Avenue and Eighth Street. Two years later he
removed to No. 94 Third Street, where he has
since remained, carrying on an extensive trade
in custom work. As a workman he is reliable,
careful and painstaking, and his customers have
the utmost confidence in his ability as a merchant
tailor. In politics he inclines to Republican doc
trines, though independent in his vote. Socially
he is connected with the Improved Order of Red
Men in Long Island City. He was married here
in 1893, his wife being Miss Catherine Ann Dun
lap, a native of Long Island City.

JAMES W. SMITH. For thirty-three years
this excellent citizen has been deputy sheriff
of Flushing, and many are the interesting
adventures and narrow escapes he has had dur
ing that eventful period. He is at present keeper
of the town hall in this place, and as a detective he
has done valuable work, being one of the most
celebrated officers here. Mr. Smith was born in
England, in the city of London, Alay 31, 1831, a
son of Thomas and Louisa (Wright) Smith, both
natives of the same country. The father, who ran
a mail coach from London to Cambridge, died in
London.' Our subject's maternal grandfather,
Richard Wright, was a landscape gardener. He
was under Wellington at Waterloo. Of the chil
dren born to Mr. and Airs. Smith, we mention the
following: George H, now deceased, was an
attorney of New York City; Thomas was deputy
sheriff of New York for fifteen years, and took
prisoners from that city to Sing Sing; he is now
deceased; Louisa resides in Brooklyn. The eld
est son, William, died when young.
Our subject, who was the youngest of the pa
rental family, was reared in his native city, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

m:

there received his education, attending the mili
tary institute and later Greenwich school. He
was drafted from London on board "Windsor
Castle," an East India man-of-war, and had a
chance to study navigation. He went to Madras,
Calcutta, and rounded the Cape of Good Hope.
He made two trips, back and forth, and visited
the Isle of St. Helena. While at Cape of Good
Hope, where they put in for repairs, he thought
of going to Grahamstown, where he had an uncle
living, but gave that up. After the second trip
he came to America, and located in New York
City, where he followed the painter's trade, which
he had learned in youth. After following this in
the Empire City until 1852, he moved to Flush
ing, where he followed his trade until about 1862.
In the year 1863 Mr. Smith was appointed
United States deputy marshal for Queens, and
in 1864 the town hall was completed and opened,
Mr. Smith becoming the first keeper, and hold
ing that position for eight years. Previous to
this, in 1862, he was elected constable for the
town of Flushing, and re-elected to that position
over thirty times, thus showing the estimation in
which his services were held. He served under
Piatt Carll, Joseph Curtis, Charles Sammis, Rush
Moore, Olmstead Henry, A. Wright, Garret Fire
man, John Mitchell, M. J. Goldner, James Nor
ton, and Henry Doht. He is now the oldest
deputy sheriff in the country, and has arrested
more murderers, horsethieves, pirates, etc, than
any other man. Mr. Smith arrested Delaney,
who killed Captain Weeks, going to Philadelphia
for him; and served as head man for District At
torney Downing, doing all the detective work
for him.
Aside from these duties, Mr. Smith also did
considerable private detective work for the citi
zens here, and made some long trips. . He has
had his share of adventures, too, and arrested a
desperate negro here, who was six feet three
inches in height. He has been shot at, stabbed
at, and escaped other sleight of hand movements,
but is alive and well today. Mr. Smith is pos
sessed of much personal courage and self pos
session, and a strong determination to go through
with what he undertakes. He is probably the
best officer ever in this part of the country. For
years he was a railroad detective. In June,
1895, he was appointed janitor and keeper of the
town hall.
In the city of New York Mr. Smith was mar-
46

ried to Miss Delia O'Brien, a native of New
York, who died here in 1888. Of the twelve chil
dren born to this union, only eight are now liv
ing: Alfred J. is a stenographer of New York
City; Kate married Air. Wetherhead, the great
hot-water healing man of New York City; Annie
is now Mrs. Hoover, of Roselle, N. J.; William
is an express agent in New Brunswick, N. J.;
Charles is a machinist of New York City; Ed
ward is shipping clerk with Vogel Brothers, New
York; George resides in Flushing; and Hortense
is in St. Joseph's Convent, Bordentown, N. J.
Air. Smith was married December 26, 1895, to
Miss Mary McCormick, a native of Flushing,
and daughter of Michael AlcCormick, who was
foreman for E. A. Mitchell. In politics Mr. Smith
is a Democrat, has served on the county central
committee, and has frequently been a delegate.
At one time he was candidate for the nomination
of sheriff on the Democratic ticket, and came very
near being elected. Fraternally he is an Odd
Fellow, a member of Pacific Lodge No. 85, hav
ing joined that organization in 1862, and is a
# man who has the respect of all.

CHAUNCY T. SPRAGUE. This well
known citizen of Freeport was born near
this village May 17, 1838, to the marriage
of Samuel and Mary L. (Terry) Sprague, natives
of Long Island, where all their lives were passed.
Early in life .Samuel Sprague learned the carpen
ter's trade, which he followed with fair success for
many years. He then turned his attention to ag
ricultural pursuits, and was following this time-
honored calling at the time of his death, in 1879.
Quiet and unassuming, all his interests were cen
tered in his home. Mrs. Sprague passed away in
the year 1883. The parents were most estimable
people, and had many friends.
During his youthful days Chauncy T. Sprague
had only the advantages of the country schools,
and as they were anything but good, at that time,
much of his education has been received by self-
study since. On the farm he grew to sturdy man
hood, and assisted his father in the duties on
the same until nineteen years old, when he left
home, and began learning the trade of black
smith, seven and a half years being thus em
ployed. Afterwards he was engaged in sailing
and fishing for about fifteen years, and in 1878 he
engaged in the oyster business, which occupa-

ni6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tion has claimed his attention ever since. His
oysters are sold to hotels and restaurants in New
York City, and he makes two shipments per
week. He is a wide-awake, industrious citizen,
who, by his perseverance and integrity, has ac
cumulated a fair share of this world's goods.
Mr. Sprague was married in the year 1864 to
Miss Ann Augusta Duryea, daughter of Peter
Duryea, who is a worthy citizen of this county.
Two children were born to this union, Mary E.
and Emma J, the latter now deceased. Mrs.
Sprague and Miss Mary are earnest members
of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr.
Sprague is a Republican, and an active worker
for his party. He has been a member of the
board of health of the village, and is a director
of the Freeport Bank, also of the Freeport Land
Company. He has ever been alive to the im
provements of the village, and he and family are
among the best citizens of the place.

ELWOOD ROSZEL, the successful con
tractor and builder of College Point, was
born in Hightstown, N. J, February 4,
1853, and is sixth in order of birth among the
twelve children of George and Helen (Brown)
Roszel. He was reared to manhood on his
father's farm, and received such advantages as
the neighborhood schools afforded. At the
age of nineteen he began to learn the carpenter's
trade in Elizabeth, N. J, and on the completion
of his term of service remained there, following
his chosen occupation.
In the spring of 1874 Mr. Roszel came to Col
lege Point, where he first worked for Air. Tibbs,
and afterward was employed by Mr. Wright for
five years. For seven years he was engaged as
carpenter in the rubber factory, and then, in 1886,
became a partner of his brother, J. H, the two
establishing the firm of Roszel Brothers. Fie
built his residence on the corner of Fifth Avenue
and Eleventh Street, and has a shop in the rear.
As a contractor he is keen, careful and shrewd,
and his success is the result of painstaking effort.
He was united in marriage in this village to Miss
Eva Wright, who was born in Tarrytown, N.
Y, but has spent her life principally in College
Point, where she is highly esteemed for her many
noble attributes of character. She is a sincere
Christian, and a member of the Reformed Church.
Her father, Cornelius Wright, was for many years

actively engaged in building here, and still makes
this place his home. Three children comprise the
family of our subject and his wife: Herbert, Clar
ence and Ella. Socially our subject is connected
with the Order of Foresters and the Steube
Kosse.

F

iRANKLIN CLINTON NORTON, a rep
resentative of one of the old families of Far
Rockaway, is pleasantly located near Nor
ton's Creek, where he and his accomplished wife
welcome to their pleasant home their large circle
of visiting acquaintances. The family of which
he is a member has been identified with the his
tory of this locality for many generations. His
paternal grandfather, John L. Norton, who was
a man of great tenacity of purpose and sound
judgment, resided here prior to the founding of
the village and owned a large tract of land in the
immediate vicinity, as well as considerable prop
erty in other states. Among his possessions was
the now valuable property occupied by the United
States Hotel.
Among the many ancient documents now in
possession of Mr. Norton is a deed bearing date
of January 5, 1775, recorded in the state of New
York, "In Liber Deeds," page 413, August 2,
1816, 11 o'clock a. m. It was a deed transferring
to Walter Franklin, the father of our subject's
grandmother, much of the land now occupied by
Far Rockaway. Samuel R. B, father of our sub
ject, was born in New York City and owned prop
erty there, besides land in Delaware County,
Ohio, and elsewhere. Until his death at the age
of seventy-three, his attention was devoted mainly
to the management of his estate. By his marriage
to Ann Gipson of Jamaica he had eight children.
Born on Long Island, April 24, 1838, the sub
ject of this notice spent his boyhood years here,
attending the common schools and the academy at
Jamaica. Being an industrious youth, he learned
the trade of a carpenter. In 1873 he began the
study of law at Titusville, Pa, and later pursued a
legal course in Far Rockaway. Meanwhile his
parents were growing old, and having large busi
ness cares in consequence of the advance in real
estate and the demand for lots, they needed his
assistance and desired him to come to their relief.
Flis studies had fitted him in great measure to
intelligently manage the affairs and he went to
their assistance. He was not admitted to the
bar, although his preparation was sufficient to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1117

have enabled him to pass the required examin
ation, and being thus called to business, he never
took up the practice of law. However, he has
often defended the needy, but never for money,
and he has been of material assistance to those in
need of legal advice and help. He continued to
manage the business until the death of his parents,
and since that time he has managed his own share
of the estate, selling off portions for $38,000,
$55,000 and $70,000. There still remains in his
possession a valuable property, both beach and
upland, and on the assessment roll this is esti
mated at over $100,000.
April 15, 1895, Mr. Norton was united in mar
riage with Miss Sarah, the accomplished daugh
ter of Abram Lott, and a young lady well and
favorably known in the social circles of the town
of Hempstead. Her gifts are versatile, including
skill in needlework embroidery, considerable tal
ent as a pianist and superior ability as an artist, a
fact evidenced by the beautiful pictures that adorn
the walls of her home. Their wedding tour in
cluded a trip to Niagara Falls, the northern lakes
and other points of interest in our country. They
are the parents of one boy, born January 31, 1896*
Mr. Norton is a member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church and gives liberally to religious enter
prises. He gave to the Free Gospel people three
lots in Far Rockaway upon which to erect their
church and parsonage. In his social relations he
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. His views in politics have led him to
avow independence of action in elections, his
support being given to the man whom he deems
best qualified for any given office and who will
best represent the interests of the people.

BENJAMIN B. MOTT is one of the oldest
residents of Far Rockaway as well as one
of its most influential business men. He
is well known throughout the country as a pub
lic-spirited citizen who has been variously identi
fied with its interests for many years. By his en
ergetic and resolute force of character and talent
for affairs, he has given an impetus to the growth
of this section of country, and is still actively for
warding its advancement in important directions.
The father of our subject, John Mott, a native
of Long Island, was a man of prominence in local
affairs, and held the office of justice of the peace
for thirty years. His judgment and advice were
sought by the people, who reposed the greatest

confidence in his sagacity as a justice and his
honesty as a man. His landed possessions were
very large, aggregating at one time more than a
thousand acres in this locality. He married Lucy
Nicols, whose great-grandfather, Admiral Nicols,
took North Amsterdam from the Dutch. Her
father, William Nicols, formerly resided in Smith-
town, L. I, but died in the village of Hempstead,
being the owner of a portion of the old Nicols
patent, which originally comprised the present
towns of Bay Shore and Islip.
The history of the Mott family is clearly traced
back to a very early date in the settlement of
America, when three brothers from England
landed on these shores in company with a large
party of French Huguenots. Henry Mott, one
of the brothers, settled on Long Island and be
came the progenitor of this branch of the family.
He was twice married and had sixteen children.
In religious faith he was a Quaker, but aside from
these few facts nothing can be gleaned from the
records concerning his life and character.
John Alott passed his entire life on Long Island,
and here he died in 1828, aged eighty-one years.
Of his marriage eight children were born, namely:
William, who is eighty-seven years old and re
sides in Inwood, L. I.; Richard, living at Bays-
water; Calvin, Elizabeth and John, deceased;
Benjamin Birdsall, the subject of this sketch ; Lu
cinda and Samuel, deceased. Our subject, who
was the sixth in order of birth, was born in Far
Rockaway February 19, 1820, and was reared to
manhood on a' farm. Early in life he became
familiar with the duties incident to that occupa
tion, for, although his father was well-to-do, the
children were brought up to habits of diligent in
dustry, idleness being shunned as a sin. The best
educational advantages of the locality were given
him, and while working on the farm he accumu
lated a large fund of general information, becom
ing well posted on most subjects. He was a na
tural mechanic and could construct houses or
build boats, turning his hand to almost any kind
of work. This last trait — mechanical ability — is
a family characteristic, and without learning a
trade, they have become experts in it.
Inheriting a considerable portion of the old
farm, Mr. Mott platted it into town lots, which
he has since sold as a favorable opportunity was
presented, and which now comprises some of the
most valuable property in Far Rockaway. His
affairs he has always managed with judgment,

Hi!

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

leading in most cases to flattering success. He
was instrumental in securing the money to build
the railroad from Valley Stream to Far Rocka
way, and gave the company seven acres of land,
besides the right of way through his land. Fie
has assisted largely in building up the village by
furnishing the means to build and still holds mort
gages on a large amount of Far Rockaway real
estate. The advance in prices of property is due
not a little to his constant efforts. Land which
thirty years ago was worth but $40 per acre is
now worth thousands of dollars an acre, and this
satisfactory result may be attributed to the labors
of such men as he.
'¦ The lady who became the wife of Air. Mott was
born at Hewlett, this county, and bore the maiden
name of Theodora Pearsall, being a daughter of
Colonel Pearsall, formerly a prominent citizen of
Hewlett. She has one brother, Edwin F, living
in Brooklyn, and a sister, Emma, wife of Robert
Crocker, also of Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Mott
are the parents of three children, namely : Lillian
M, wife of S. S. Guy, a dentist of Far Rockaway,
and the mother of one son, Harold; Eveline Cole,
who married Samuel Althouse, Jr. ; and Guy Carl
ton, who is at home. Politically Mr. Mott is a
Jeffersonian Democrat, free trade and equal rights
being his platform. He was reared in the Quaker
faith,but is liberal in religious matters, and usually
attends the Episcopal Church, to which his wife
belongs.

HUGH HAGAN, senior member of the
firm of Hagan & Daly, proprietors of the
Queens County Boiler Works, is one of
the oldest practical boilermakers in this locality.
He has been remarkably successful in his under
takings, and is justly regarded as one of the
prominent and influential men of Long Island.
Mr. Hagan is a native of Ireland, and was born
in County Tyrone in 1846. His father, Patrick
Hagan, was also born in the Emerald Isle, where
he was engaged as a cooper until his decease,
which occurred in early life. He married Miss
Ann McQuigan, who departed this life in Long
Island City. She became the mother of two sons
and one daughter, of whom our subject was the
youngest, and the only one now living.
Hugh Hagan was reared on a farm in his
native land, and also obtained a good educa
tion in the schools near his home. He emi

grated tO the United States in 1863, and,
finding it necessary to be employed, appren
ticed himself to a boilerma'ker in Brooklyn.
He remained with the man to whom he was
first engaged for three years, and then came
to Long Island City and obtained work with
Robert O'Harra, proprietor of the boiler works
here. He remained in his employ until 1882,
when that gentleman desired to sell out his busi
ness. Mr. Hagan purchased the plant, and im
mediately formed a partnership with Air. Daly,
the firm being known as Hagan & Daly. The
original building was 50x100 feet in dimensions,
but as their business increased Mr. Hagan added
a wing to the factory, which is now 100x125 fee*
in size. It is fitted, out with a fifty-horse power
engine and all the necessary machinery for car
rying on the extensive boiler works.
The marriage of Mr. Hagan and Miss Eliza
beth Campbell took place in Long Island City
in the year 1874. The lady was also born in Ire
land, and by her union with our subject became
the mother of eleven children, four of whom are
now living: James, a clerk in his father's office;
Elizabeth, Annie, and Katie. Air. Hagan, sev
eral years ago, was a member of Live Oak Com
pany No. 2, and is now connected with the Ex
empt Firemen's Society. (Messrs. Hagan and
Daly belong to the Business Men's Association of
Brooklyn, in which they are prominent factors.)
Mr. Hagan is identified with all movements re
lating to the general good of the public, and his
influence is a power for good wherever he is
known. The family occupy a pleasant home at
No. 18 Pearson Street, Hunter's Point, and are
identified with the Catholic Church. Air. Hagan
is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Asso
ciation, in which he takes, an active interest.

FE. WINSLOW, V. S. The proper care of
that noble animal, the horse, has ever
• been one of great importance and the
men are by no means numerous who have become
proficient in this humane calling. F. E. Wins-
low, of Flushing, is a skillful veterinary surgeon,
and has made a decided success of his calling.
Pie was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, April 3,
1867, to James F. and Louisa (King) Winslow|
natives respectively of New York City and Phila
delphia, Pa. His father was for some time em
ployed with Waydell & Co, but left them to enlist

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1119

in the service of the Union during the Civil War.
Upon his return-he resumed his position with the
company, and remained with them until about
1890, when he became freight agent for the Cam
pania Trans- Atlantic Espanola in New York City.
The Winslow family originated in England ; the
ancestor of our subject came over in the "May
flower," landing at Plymouth Rock. The grand
father of our subject, John C. Winslow, was born
in Massachusetts, whence he removed to New
York City, and there engaged extensively in busi
ness as a cooper, remaining there until his death.
The subject of this sketch was the only child
born to his parents. His mother died in 1889.
He was reared and educated in Whitestone, and
completed his education in Trinity College at the
head of Wall Street, New York, but left this insti
tution at the close of his senior year on account
of ill health. Upon his recovery he decided to fol
low veterinary surgery and entered New York
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and after a three
years' course, graduated in March, 1893, with the
degree of V. S. He at once began practicing his
profession at Whitestone, but since 1894 has been,
located in Flushing, where he has become widely
and favorably known professionally. His serv
ices are often called into requisition at White
stone, Bayside, College Point, Great Neck, Lit
tle Neck, East Williston, Newtown, and numer
ous other places. His residence is No. 219 Madi
son Avenue, and his office is at the livery stable at
the corner of Madison Avenue and Union Street.
Mr. Winslow was married in Whitestone to
Miss Grace I. Smith, a native of that place and a
daughter of John Alorrell Smith, a retired farmer
of that place, and a member of a fine old family of
Long Island. His wife was Mary Meers, a na
tive of New York City. Mr. Winslow belongs to
the Alumni Association of the New York College
of Veterinary Surgeons.

RICHARD A. W. NUGENT. The Chilton
Manufacturing Company, which Mr. Nu
gent represents at College Point, and
which has its main office at No. 147 Fulton Street,
New York, was organized directly through his
personal efforts, and from its inception he has
been the principal factor in promoting its prog
ress. In June, 1885, he established the works at
College Point, and of these he has since been su
perintendent. Under his direction they manu

facture strictly pure linseed oil and paints, which
are branded "Chilton," and are used all over the
east, west, north, and south. He has allowed
the manufacture of nothing except that wdiich
is pure, and the company has built up an
enviable reputation for the quality of the prod-r
ucts. The trade increased with the passing
years, and the plant was enlarged to accom
modate the enlarged demand, until a capacity
of one hundred and fifty thousand gallons of oil
was reached.
The first building occupied by the company
was a comparatively small wooden structure, the
old Ansonia Rubber Works. In May, 1887, the
plant was destroyed by fire, and the demand for
Chilton paints making it necessary that there be
no delay in the business, Mr. Nugent, without
loss of time, removed to Hartford, Conn, where
the Chilton Manufacturing Company bought out
the London White Lead Company, continuing
the business there until the present commodious
building was ready for occupancy. Into this they
moved August 1, 1889, and from here they ship
daily to all parts of the country the pure goods
for which they are justly renowned from Maine
to California.
The man to whose efforts the success of this
concern is due was born in New York City Octo
ber 9, 1846, and spent his boyhood years largely
in Taunton, Mass, where he was educated in the
grammar school and the institute. Under his
father, Pierse Nugent, who was experienced in
the paint business, he early gained a thorough
knowledge of the occupation. He married Aiiss
Jennie E. Smith, ofi Wisconsin, and they have had
three children, of whom Percy A. and Alice L.
are living. Politically he is a Democrat.
At this writing Mr. Nugent is serving his sec
ond year as a member of the board of trustees of
College Point, in which position his sound busi
ness judgment is of the greatest value. In all
public matters his advice and opinion are sought,
and carry great weight. Doubtless he would be
come a leading politician if he allowed himself
to turn his attention in that direction, but he pre
fers to devote himself to his private affairs, and
has so far refused to enter politics. However, he
is interested in local affairs, and favors every
thing that will promote the best interests of the
village, for the development of which he has done
much. During his residence in South Brooklyn,
he wielded a large influence in local politics, and

II20

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

represented the eighth ward on the city com
mittee. At the time he went to that place, a few
unscrupulous men were shaping political af
fairs to suit their demands, and the better
class of citizens were much discouraged, but
through his labors a radical change was ef
fected in public affairs, much to the benefit
and satisfaction of the people. He is a man
of large executive ability, and his opinion re
garding the company's affairs, and his de
cision in important matters, are relied upon with
confidence by the others connected with the com
pany, and by the president himself, Waldo P.
Clement, of New York City. As superintendent
of the works at College Point, he is discharging
his duties with efficiency, and in a manner that
proves satisfactory and remunerative to the stock
holders of the concern.

J

OHN R. HINKSON, M. D. Within the
limits of this volume it will be impossible
to give a detailed account of the services
Dr. Hinkson has rendered mankind, for he has
been a philanthropist in the broadest sense of the
word, and is justly entitled to be classed among
the most distinguished- surgeons of Queens
County, and is recognized as such by the medical
profession. He has performed hundreds of the
most difficult operations successfully, and has ac
quired a reputation in this department of work
which extends throughout the east. He is an
earnest and energetic citizen, thoroughly devoted
to the duties of his profession. The Doctor has
a beautiful home at Blissville, one of the suburbs
of Long Island City, although his practice often
takes him many miles from his place of residence.
The subject of this sketch is a native of the
Emerald Isle, and was born in Dublin July 3,
1861. After acquiring a good common school
education he began the study of medicine at Led-
wich School of Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery,
which was located in his native city. In July,
1882, he matriculated at the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland, and studied in the Mercer
and Coombe hospitals. In 1884 he passed the
examination in anatomy, physiology, and chem
istry in the College of Physicians and College of
Surgeons in Edinburgh. In January, 1885, he
went to England, where he acted as assistant to a
physician in Birmingham, and afterward in
Norfolk.

In 1886 Dr. Hinkson came to America, and
for three years devoted his time principally to
teaching private classes in anatomy. He then en
tered Bellevue Hospital, and was graduated from
its medical department in 1889, after which he
opened an office in Hunter's Point Avenue, Long
Island City, where he soon built up a lucrative
practice. He is highly educated, and is a student
and scholar of great depth. While engaged in
general practice, he makes a specialty of surgery,
and stands very high in the profession. Feb
ruary 12, 1 89 1, he successfully performed the
operation of laparotomy on a child ten hours
old, for the cure of congenital umbilical hernia.
Ether was administered to the child, who was
under its influence for one hour and forty min
utes, the only case on record where ether had
been administered to a child so young.
Dr. Hinkson is a member of the Queens County
Medical Society, and is also associated with the
Long Island City Aledical Society. He contrib
utes many articles to the various medical jour
nals, which are of interest and importance to the
profession, and has read numerous papers of
which he is the author, before the societies to
which he belongs. He belonged to the visiting
staff of St. John's Hospital, and is the late senior
surgeon to the Astoria Hospital. Indeed, few
physicians and surgeons of Queens County rank
higher than Dr. Hinkson. His chief aim in life
is to do what he can to benefit humanity, and
he is conscientiously and intelligently carrying
out this conviction of his dutv.

C

APT. SYLVANUS AIOTT. The history
of Queens County would be incomplete
without mention of Captain Alott, one of
its old and highly respected citizens, wdio now
makes his home in Freeport. He was born near
this place in 1822, his parents being Joseph and
Susanna (Gautier) Alott, natives of Long Island
and New York City, respectively. The father
for many years followed the trade of a mason,
and subsequently engaged in the hotel business
at Greenwich Point until his decease, wdiich oc
curred in 1834. His good wife departed this
life in 1852.
As soon as old enough our subject attended
the schools in his home district, but when only a
lad of thirteen years was compelled to make his
own way in the world. His first employment

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

II2I

was as clerk in a mercantile establishment in
Babylon, L. I, afterwards at Hempstead and East
Rockaway, in which capacity he remained al
together for four years. His love for the water
then overcame every other desire and he went
to sea, following this kind of life for twenty-seven
years, during all of which time, with the excep
tion of the first two years, he was master of a ves
sel which plied between New York and foreign
ports. While in command of his vessel he vis
ited the West Indies and Alexico. In 1868 he re
tired, continuing his residence in Brooklyn until
the spring of 1878, when he located upon the old
homestead in the suburbs of Freeport, where he
has resided ever since.
Captain Mott was united in marriage in 1844
to Miss Rebecca R, daughter of Israel and Char
lotte (Clarke) Howell, natives of Sag Harbor.
Only one son survives of their union, William Har
vey, who makes his home in Brooklyn. He mar
ried Augusta Porterfield and they have a daugh
ter, Leola R. Captain and Mrs. Mott hold mem
bership in the Presbyterian Church, with which
they have been connected for several years. In,
politics the former is at all times and under all
circumstances an uncompromising Democrat.
The kind of life which he led for over a quarter of
a century prevented his holding any positions of
public trust and honor, although he would doubt
less have proved a satisfactory official.
May 13, 1894, the Captain and his wife cele
brated their golden wedding, and many of their
old-time friends were present to congratulate
them. Although seventy-three and seventy years
old respectively, they are enjoying excellent
health.

CHARLES W. HAYES. This substantial
citizen of Rockville Center is now pass
ing the sunset of his life in a comfortable
and attractive home within its borders. Honor
able and upright in every walk of life, his long
career has been without a blot or blemish to mar
its whiteness. Although well advanced in years
he is still active and vigorous and many more
years of usefulness are promised him. He was
born in Connecticut in 1830, to Solomon and
Deborah Ann (Lyon) Hayes. The latter came of
a prominent old Revolutionary family, who for
many years made their home in Westchester
County, N. Y. Connecticut was the native state

of Solomon Hayes, and from the time he
reached man's estate until his career closed by
death, he followed the trade of a hatter. He was
a quiet, unassuming citizen, and after a useful
and well spent life died in 1880. His worthy
wife closed her eyes in death about 1833. Ruth
erford B. Hayes, President of the United States,
was descended from the same family as was
our subject.
In the public schools of New York City, Charles
W. Hayes received his early educational training.
He was reared in the thirteenth ward, and in
1850 he went to Williamsburg, now a suburb of
Brooklyn, and there engaged in paper hanging
and decorating, occupations to which his atten
tion was successfully given in that place for
thirty-five years. In this line he executed a vast
amount of work, and such was the able manner
in which it was performed that universal satis
faction was expressed. He thoroughly famil
iarized himself with the art of interior decorating,
and became recognized as among the leading
exponents of the art in that city.
In 1867 Mr. Hayes purchased property at
Rockville Center, where he resided a few years,
then changed his residence to Bayport, where he
resided until 1888, when he returned to Rock
ville Center, and here he intends to spend the
remainder of his days. He is one of the most
progressive and thorough-going citizens of the
place, and was one of the most active workers
for the incorporation of the village, but at that
time declined the office of president of the board,
which had been proffered him. In 1894, how
ever, he was unanimously chosen to this office,
was again elected in 1895, and is now discharg
ing the duties of this position. In 1895 a fine
water-works plant was built, which is now ready
for use, and the success of this venture has been
in a great measure owing to the push and en
ergy of Air. Hayes and his associates.
By an early marriage Air. Hayes has a son
and daughter: Charles H, who resides in Kan
sas City; and Ella L, a resident of Brooklyn.
In 1890 he married Catherine A. (Cotte) Allen,
daughter of John B. Cotte, one of the most pro
gressive citizens of Brooklyn, and one of the di
rectors of the Butchers and Drovers' Bank. Mrs.
Hayes is a worthy member of the Episcopal
Church, and fraternally Mr. Hayes is a member
of the Free and Accepted Masons. In 1863 he
assisted in the organization of the Forty-seventh

1 122

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Regiment of Brooklyn (N. Y.) Militia, which
was in active service for some time during the
Civil War and of which Mr. Hayes was com
missioned first lieutenant and later commissary,
holding the latter position until 1877, when he
resigned. At one time he was an active mem
ber of the New York Fire Department, Phoenix
Hose Co. No. 22; for fourteen years was also a
member of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Good
Intent No. 3, and was likewise foreman of Zephyr
Hose Company No. 4 of that city. He is a
member of Harry Lee Post No. 21, G. A. R, of
Brooklyn, and. politically has always been a
stanch Republican, but in local affairs is rather
conservative. He is a useful citizen and has
many friends.

JOHN HANSON. It is a rule, with indeed
few exceptions, that the prosperous and rep
resentative men of all flourishing cities are
rarely ever natives of the same. It is likewise a
notable fact that vast numbers of the successful
men who do business in the states are foreigners
by birth. This thought is brought about by the
personality of John Hanson, a native of Armagh,
Ireland, and now a prominent member of Long
Island City's business circles. He was born on
the Emerald Isle April 14, 1834, and his parents,
Edward and Margaret (Gray) Hanson, were na
tives of that country also. The paternal grand
father was a native of Ireland, but of Danish
origin. The father was a man of more than ordinary
activity and ability, and was interested in many
enterprises. He was engaged in farming, was
also in the grocery business, and, being a turner
by trade, was interested in the manufacture of
spinning wheels. Later he turned his attention
almost wholly to agricultural pursuits and the
grocery business, following both with much suc
cess until his death. He was a member of the
Scotch Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hanson's
father, John Gray, was a native of Ireland, and
he married a Miss Simpson, daughter of Joan
Simpson, who was quite well-to-do. Mrs. Flan-
son died in Ireland. Of the six children included
in the parental family, one son and three daugh
ters are now living, and our subject is the eldest
of the family.
The youthful days of young Hanson were
passed on his father's farm and in the subscrip

tion schools. He remained with his parents until
eighteen years old, and then came to America,
crossing from Liverpool, England, to New York
City on the vessel "Empire State" in 1852. Two
years he remained in Harlem, N. Y, learning
wood turning and scroll sawing, and then went
to Chicago, where he followed his trade in Wells
Street and State and Randolph Streets for some
time. Later he was employed in the wagon mak
ing trade, and remained in that city for two and
a half years.
Returning to Harlem Mr. Hanson followed
his trade there until 1863, after which he branched
out in business for himself. This he continued
for some time, and was then engaged by Spring-
meyer Brothers, and continued with them for
eighteen months, after which he returned to the
old business. After his shop was burned he lo
cated in Eighty-fourth Street, and built a shop ¦
of his own. This he later sold, and built a plan
ing mill in Ninety-first Street near the avenue,
and still later built a two-story mill with seventy-
five foot front in Ninety-third Street, where he
was actively engaged in planing, sawing, and
turning. This business was then incorporated as
the East River Mill and Lumber Company, he
being a trustee in the same. He continued with
this company, and carried on his old business at
224 Ninety-second Street until 1892, when he re
moved his shop here, erecting a two-story mill,
34x58 feet, on Broadway, and has all the modern
improvements and machinery. He manufactures
mouldings and band and scroll sawing of every
description, also dressers, wardrobes, washtubs,
wainscoting and panel work, and employs about
ten skilled workmen. This is the only planing
mill in Astoria, and the largest in Long Island
City. In 1870 Mr. Hanson located in Long Island
City, at Astoria, and built a good residence at
No. 56 Halsey Street, although at the present
time he resides at No. 987 Boulevard. He has
erected residences all over the city, and furnished
trimmings for most of the finest residences here.
Mr. Hanson was married in Twentieth Street,
New York City, to Miss Letitia Painter, a native
of Armagh, Ireland, who came, with her parents,
to this country when but a girl. Nine of the
eleven children born to this union are now liv
ing. Mary B. and George were drowned when
eight and three years old respectively; James is
in charge of the business in Long Island City;

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

112:

and the others are Martha J, Robert, David, Al
fred, Edwin, Letitia, Violet M, and Arthur R.
Since 1894 Mr. Hanson's son, James, has car
ried on the business. Air. Hanson is a demitted
Mason, and has been a member of Architect
Lodge for many years. In politics he is a Re
publican, and in religion is a member of the
Ravenswood Presbyterian Church. For many
years he was a deacon and trustee in the church
at Astoria.

CHARLES W. HALLETT, a well known
and public-spirited citizen of Long Island
City, has been engaged in business here
for many years, during which time he has made
many sincere friends in the various walks of life.
He was reared in Astoria, and is a representa
tive of one of the oldest and most prominent
families of this section, his forefathers owning the
site once known as Hallett's Cove and Hal-
lett's Point. This tract of land was purchased
by them from the Indians, who then inhabited
the island, and was held by each succeeding gen-_
eration of the family for a long period of years.
The subject of this sketch is one of the most
substantial and successful business men of the
city. He is the proprietor of a very fine under
taking establishment, and by attending strictly to
his own affairs and by the exercise of industry
and correct principles, has acquired a fortune.
He was born July 16, 1831, in New York City,
while his father, William Hallett, was a native
of Hallett's Cove, now known as Astoria. Grand
father Samuel Hallett was also born here, and
was engaged in farming in what is now one of the
beautiful suburbs of Long Island City. As far
back as we have any record the family were agri
culturists of prominence, and people of weight in
their community. The first of the name to come
to America was one William Hallett, who chose
Long Island as his future home, and was success
ful in effecting a trade with Chief Mattano. Our
subject now has in his possession a copy of the
deeds given by this noted Indian, and is also the
owner of the only piece of land now held by any
member of his family which was formerly in
cluded in the original tract.
William Hallett, father of our subject, was a
carriage manufacturer of New York City, where
his death occurred soon after the birth of Charles
W. His wife was, in her maidenhood, Wilhel

mina Fredericks, a native of Germany, and was
brought to America when a babe by her par
ents. They made their home in the metropolis,
where Wilhelmina made the acquaintance of her
future husband. She died of cholera in 1832.
Her family included seven children, five of
whom grew to mature years, and only two are
now living, Charles, of this sketch, and Adam
F, a resident of Westchester County, N. Y.
Orphaned when only eighteen months old, our
subject was brought to Astoria, and taken care
of by his grandparents until their death. He
then made his home with a paternal uncle, at
tending the private schools of this locality until
a lad of sixteen years. Then, finding it necessary
to look out for himself, he went to New York
City, and clerked in a grocery store until 1854.
About this time his brother-in-law, Richard
Davies, of this city, died, and he was summoned
hither to take charge of his business, with which
he has been connected ever since. He continues
at the old stand, No. 127 Fulton Avenue, Astoria,
although he has found it necessary, owing to his
increased trade, to erect more commodious quar
ters. He now occupies a building 25x100 feet in
dimensions, containing three stories and a base
ment. Although when he first assumed charge
of the business he handled only furniture and un
dertaking supplies, he now keeps a large and
varied stock of hardware, and is recognized by
one and all as among the most successful busi
ness men of the county. His is the leading un
dertaking establishment in the city, as well as
the oldest and most reliable.
Mr. Hallett is trustee of the Long Island City
Savings Bank, and, during his long and useful
career, has been one of the foremost citizens of
the community. He occupies a delightful home
at No. 95 Remsen Street. His wife, prior to her
marriage, was Miss Christina C. Ellison, a na
tive of New York City. To them were born six
children, namely: Charles W, Jr., associated
with his father, in business, as is also Frederick
T. ; Walter Ellison, clerk in the Bank for Sav
ings in New York City; Alletta M, now Mrs.
John A. Stead, of Princeton, N. J.; Christina, at
home; and May E, who died when eight years
of age.
In his political affiliation Mr. Hallett is a stanch
Republican, and in 1876 was elected alderman
from the Fifth ward, which contains a large
Democratic majority. So well and faithfully did

1 124

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he discharge the duties of the position that he was
retained in office the following term, serving in
all four years, and during two years of this time
was president of the board. Under the first term
of Mayor DeBevoise's administration he was ap
pointed a member of the board of water com
missioners, filling this position with great effi
ciency. Socially our subject is an Odd Fellow, belong
ing to Astoria Lodge No. 155, of which he is
past officer. Twice he has been past master of
Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M, at Astoria,
and in this order takes great interest. He is one
of the influential members of the First Presby
terian Church of the above place, and has been
president of the board of trustees for many years.
He has been president of various political clubs,
and has been appointed a member of various im
portant committees, working for the good of his
party. Mr. Hallett possesses a clear, keen intel
lect, and is a man of wide experience and extended
information.

FREDERICK J. FEHN, who has been en
gaged in the bakery business at College
Point since 1871, was born in Kehlbach,
Bavaria, Germany, in 1834, to Joseph and Mary
(Bauer) Fehn, natives of Kehlbach and Stem-
bach respectively. His parents spent their entire
lives upon a farm in Bavaria, where they died
advanced in years. Of their six children, two are
living, both in America. Frederick J, who was
the youngest of the family, remained in his na
tive land until seventeen and one-half years of
age. In 1852 he left Bremen on the sailing ves
sel "Alex. Edmunds," and after a voyage of forty-
one days landed in New York, May 11, 1852.
The first employment secured by Air. Fehn was
in the bakery business, to which he served an
apprenticeship, and in which, in 1856, he em
barked for himself, opening a shop in Hudson
near Watt Street. Later he bought a bakery in
Sixth Avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets,
and this he carried on for ten and one-half years.
In 1 87 1 he came to College Point, and bought
his present place at No. 62 Thirteenth Street,
where he has since conducted a large and profit
able business, furnishing employment to two
bakers, and catering to the best trade of the
community. The first marriage of Mr. Fehn took place in

New York in 1856, when Miss Theresa Brobeil,
a native of Germany, became his wife. She died
in New York, leaving five children: Frank
J, Jr., of College Point; Sophia, who died here;
Barbara, Mrs. Emil Witzel, who resides in this
village; Henry, of New York City; and George,
who is living here. In November, 1865, in New
York City, Mr. Fehn married Miss Barbara Neus-
baum, who was born there of German parentage.
They had fourteen children, of whom the follow
ing survive: William, Louise, Alphonso, Jo
sephine, and Gussie, who reside in College Point.
Mrs. Fehn is next to the eldest of three children,
two now living, and at the age of eight years,
in 1854, she accompanied her parents to College
Point. There were then but twelve houses here,
theirs being the thirteenth. Her parents, Joseph
Frank William and Margaret (Beck) Neusbaum,
were born in Bavaria, the former being a shoe
maker; the latter died in College Point at the
age of seventy. Her father was one of the early
settlers of College Point, and manufactured the
first beer made here.
Politically, while not active in public affairs,
Mr. Fehn always votes for Democratic candi
dates. He is a Catholic in religious belief, and
holds membership in St. Fidelis' Church. Fond
of sports, he excels as a marksman, and is one
of the best shots in the Schuetzen Club of Col
lege Point.

WYCKOFF VAN SICLEN, who, with
his brother, John R, is one of the
largest farm gardeners of Queens
County, was born in the town of Jamaica, on the
tract of land which he is now cultivating, Feb
ruary 21, 1863. He has five brothers; Abraham
D. is a veterinary surgeon of Jamaica; James C.
is a prominent attorney of New York City; S.
Remsen is in the employ of our subject; and
Richard is bookkeeper in the office of Hendrick
son & Co, lumber merchants of Jamaica. Our
subject also has two sisters, Maggie, who has
never married, and is living with her mother in
Jamaica; and Gertrude C, the wife of George
Van DeWater, a banker of New York City,
whose home is in Clinton Avenue, one of the
finest streets in Jamaica.
The father of the above family, Ditmars Van
Siclen, was born in New Lots, and about the time
the Civil War broke out, came to the town of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

112:

Jamaica, purchasing the property which our sub
ject and his brothers are now cultivating. He
was very prosperous in all his undertakings, and,
at the time of his decease, May 6, 1878, left a
large estate to be divided among his children.
Of his brothers and sisters we mention the fol
lowing: Abraham is living in East New York;
Cornelia married Gilbert Eldert, and is now de
ceased; John W. is a retired farmer, making his
home in Brooklyn; Albert H. W, who was for
many years supervisor of New Lots and com
missioner of charities, is now vice-president of
the Twenty-sixth Ward Bank of Brooklyn;
James C. never married, and passed away about
the year 1888; Jacob T, who was also a farmer
of this county, is now living retired at New Lots ;
Maggie died in girlhood.
Grandfather Abraham Van Siclen was one of
the old and influential residents of the island. In
deed, the family has lived here for many genera
tions, and many of those who bear this name are
among its wealthy and honored residents. Abra
ham seems to have been a favorite name among
the Van Siclens, for on Long Island they are*
about as numerous as the John Smiths in other
parts of the country.
Mrs. Cornelia (Remsen) Van Siclen, mother of
subject, was the daughter of John and Catherine
(Schenck) Remsen, of Flatlands. Theirs was
one of the old Dutch families of that locality,
and its various members were honored with the
confidence of the people in their respective lo
calities. Mrs. Van Siclen had four brothers.
John, who is a retired farmer, is living in Flat-
lands; T. Schenck, who made a decided success
in tilling the soil, 'is very wealthy, and is now
living retired from the active duties of life, in a
pleasant home in Flatlands; Richard is living on
a nice tract of land in Flatlands; and Peter, who
is also a farmer of that locality, is meeting with
success in his vocation.
Shortly after the death of her husband, Mrs.
Van Siclen built a fine residence in Bergen Ave
nue, Jamaica, where she now resides with her
daughter. Her sons, Wyckoff and John R, have
the management of the large estate left by their
father, and in its cultivation give constant em
ployment to some fifty or sixty men. They are
thorough-going business men, in personal man
ner courteous and affable, and readily win and
retain friends. The products of this estate are
marketed in New York and Brooklyn, and the

Van Siclen brothers bear the reputation of doing
the largest business in this line on the island.
They are both single, and are wholly devoted to
building up a name and a fortune for themselves.
Wyckoff is a member of the Jamaica Club, and
uses his influence in the promoting of all leading
movements which have in view the upbuilding
of his community. In politics he is a Repub
lican.

JOHN P. KARKHECK. Place the native
German where you will, and he will make
a living for himself and those depending on
him, for in him are ingrained those qualities which
go to make the successful man, chief among which
may be mentioned energy, perseverance and un
doubted honesty. Although he was born in Han
over, Germany, October 10, 1830, and there made
his home until twenty-two years of age, he is in
every essential a loyal American citizen, and has
identified himself with the interests of his adopted
country as,far as it has been possible for him to
do so. His parents were John P. and Mary (Kan-
selmeier) Karkheck, the former of whom was, a
farmer of his native province of Hanover. He
was born in 1794, and died in 1836.
The subject of this sketch was one of five chil
dren born to his parents, and like the great ma
jority of German youths, he was given the ad
vantages of the common schools of his native
land, where he made the most of his oppor
tunities. At the age of sixteen years he began
working as a farm hand, continuing thus em
ployed up to the time he was twenty-two years
old, when, being possessed of considerable pluck
and ambition, he concluded that America af
forded him opportunities for rising in the world,
which his native land could not do, and thither
he came in 1852. He took passage on a sailing
vessel on the 19th of May, and arrived in New
York after a voyage of forty-nine days, and here
soon found employment in a sugar refinery. At
the end of fourteen months he began working for
a brother-in-law, who was in the grocery busi
ness, with whom he remained for about fifteen
months. Mr. Karkheck then purchased a charcoal
route, and for seven years drove his charcoal
wagon, by which means he made about $6,000.
With this money he went to Astoria and leased
some land, which he farmed for seven years, but

1126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at the end of that time he purchased the farm on
which he now lives. About 1891 Mr. Karkheck
retired from the active duties of life, and a por
tion of his farm is in charge of his son Henry.
His marriage with Miss M. C. Teachen took
place in New York City in 1853, and resulted in
the birth of nine children, four of whom are liv
ing. John H. married Annie Hoffmeir, and be
came the father of two children; he died Feb
ruary 5, 1896. Annie is the wife of Charley
Steneck, by whom she has six children; Her
man C. is married, and has three children; Min
nie is the wife of Louis Heis, and has four chil
dren; and Henry, who is the youngest son, is
farming in the town of Jamaica. He was born
November 19, 1864, and in 1883 was married to
Miss Mary E. Wahl, of Valley Stream. To
them have been born four children: Annie J,
Catherine, Peter J, and Mamie. Mrs. Kark
heck died December 25, 1894.
Air. Karkheck has always been a Republican
in his political views, and he and his family are
members of the German Presbyterian Church.
He has been a very useful citizen, and his up
right life has won him universal respect and es
teem.

JAMES M. CARRINGTON has been a po
tential element in the upbuilding of Astoria,
having identified himself, heart and soul,
with the interests of this section, particularly in
religious matters, and has always been one of
its most substantial, law-abiding, and pro
gressive citizens. He was born in New Haven,
Conn, in 1837, and there his father, James W.
Carrington, and his grandfather, James -Carring
ton, were also born. The Carrington family
came originally from England, and settled first
in Massachusetts and later in Connecticut. The
grandfather of our subject was a merchant and
manufacturer in the latter state for many years.
The father, James W. Carrington, moved to
New York City at an early date, and followed
merchandising there until 1840, when he moved
to Astoria, Long Island City, and embarked in
the lumber business, although he also carried on
business in New York City. He was a most in
fluential and worthy member of the Episcopal
Church of the Redeemer, a pioneer business man
of the place, and a highly esteemed and influen
tial citizen. Aside from his deep interest in re

ligious matters, he was at the head of all good
work, and his humanity, natural kindness of
heart, and earnest desire to benefit his fellows,
endeared him to all. His death occurred in As
toria, when eighty-two years old. His wife, Grace
(Townsend) Carrington, was born at New
Haven, Conn, and was of English origin. Her
father, Eli Townsend, was a ship owner, and a
man of considerable prominence. Mrs. Carring
ton now finds a comfortable and pleasant home
with her son, our subject, and, although eighty-
six years old, enjoys fairly good health.
Our subject, the only child born to his parents,
received a good practical education in his youth
in the schools of New York City. Later he en
gaged in the lumber business with his father
there, and subsequently embarked in business on
his own responsibility in that city. He now oc
cupies the old homestead in Astoria, where, like
his father, he is highly respected. An enthusias
tic church worker, he is senior warden of the
Church of the Redeemer, and contributes lib
erally to the church, and supports all worthy
movements. Mr. Carrington was married in New York
City to Miss Adelie Case, a native of New York
City, and daughter of Rufus D. Case, who was a
prominent merchant of that place. Three chil
dren have blessed the union of Air. and Airs.
Carrington, as follows: Grace, Adelie, and
Edith, all at home. Mr. Carrington follows in
the footsteps of his father, and is a stanch advo
cate of Republican principles.

JOHN HENRY KELSEY. It is with grati
fication that we present to our readers a
sketch of John Henry Kelsey, whose life in
Queens County was such as to make his memory
justly respected. He was an excellent business
man, public-spirited and enterprising, and was
well and favorably known throughout the sec
tion. Mr. Kelsey was born in Huntington, this
county, August 16. 1843, and died April 2, 1884.
He was one of eight children, five of whom are
living, born to Jesse Brush and Rebecca (Cod
dington) Kelsey. The father was also a native of
Huntington, L. I, and made his home in that
village up to 1890, when he moved to New Haven,
Conn, and resides there, retired from the active
duties of life. The greater part of this worthy
citizen's life was passed on the ocean, he being a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 127

ship owner, and for years was captain of a ves
sel, but later in life he turned his attention to mer
chandising, which he continued up to a short time
before leaving Huntington.
John Henry Kelsey grew to manhood under
the care of his parents, and received his school
ing in Huntington. When about nineteen years
old he left home, and went to the city of New
York, where, after a short time, he worked for
the distillery firm of Louber, Parr & Co. Later
he secured a position in the government employ
as an inspector in the custom house, and after
about three or four years in this important po
sition he was appointed an employe in the United
States bonded warehouse. This position he re
signed at the end of two years to engage in the
mercantile business in Queens, L. I. From the '
first he was unusually successful, and, being a
man of sterling qualities, and upright and hon
est to a fault, he was well liked by all. Decem
ber 23, 1869, he married Miss Mary Creed, of
Queens, the daughter of William and Phoebe
Ann (Hendrickson) Creed, and one of four chil
dren, two of whom are living at the present time.
William Creed was born in Jamaica, L. I.
March 27, 1810, and died August 26, 1892. He
was a butcher by trade, and followed that call
ing during his entire life. His wdfe was born
July 19, 1819, and died May 9, 1893. Their chil
dren were as follows: James, born October 11,
1837, and died January 26, 1880; Gilbert; Alary,
born December 6, 1846; and John S, born May
12, 1852, and died April 8, 1885. James left
three children, William R, Laura A, and Alfred
J.; and John S. also left three children, Elrena,
William, and Florence, the latter being now de
ceased. William Creed's father, Gilbert Creed,
was a veteran of the War of 1812. The latter's
father, William, and his brother, were Revolu
tionary soldiers, and served throughout the en
tire war. William was a prisoner on one of the
British vessels for a time. The Creed family
is one of the oldest and best respected on the
island. Its members have ever been upright and
honorable citizens, and have ever reflected credit
upon the community in which they lived.
Mrs. Kelsey's brother, Gilbert, was born in
Queens December 25, 1840, was educated in the
schools of Queens County, and, when twenty-
one years old, embarked in the butcher's busi
ness with his father. One year later he suc
ceeded the latter in the business, which he has

conducted most successfully since. In 1863 he
married Miss Marietta Lane, the daughter of
Benjamin Lane of Queens. This union has re
sulted in the birth of one child, Louisa, who is
the wife of Frank J. Lott. (See sketch.) In
politics Mr. Creed is a Democrat, and in religion
a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. For
six years he was a member of the school board
of trustees.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey were born four chil
dren, all living: Irving J, now conducting the
business established by his father; Evelyn C,
Nellie C, and John Henry. Mr. Kelsey was a
Democrat in politics, and a Presbyterian in re
ligion. Although often solicited to run for office,
he as often declined, preferring to give his undi
vided attention to his business. However, he did
not lose sight of his duties as a citizen, but gave
freely of his means, and aided all enterprises of
importance. For many years he was a member
of the school board of Queens, and held other
local offices.

WILBUR LOTT. The life of Mr. Lott,
in the business world, has been char
acterized by intelligence, sound judg
ment and persevering industry. Although one
of the younger "sons of the soil," he is none the
less one of its representatives, and is deservedly
classed with the foremost farmers of the county.
He is a native of the town of Jamaica, and was
born just across the road from where he is at
present living, on the 22d of October, 1867. He
is a son of James H. and Sarah (Emmons) Lott,
a notice of whom is embodied in the sketch of
Frank J. Lott, who is a brother of the subject of
this sketch. Under the shelter of the parental
roof, and under the watchful care of his mother
until her death, Wilbur Lott was reared, and in
the district school in the vicinity of his home he
acquired a sufficient education to fit him for the
practical duties of life. Subsequently he at
tended Maple Hall Institute at Jamaica. Owing
to the fact that he was left fatherless at the age
of five years, he was obliged to commence the
battle of life when quite young, and after his
mother's death, which occurred when he was fif
teen years of age, he secured a position with the
firm of W. H. Schieffelin & Co, which at that
time was one of the largest wholesale drug houses
in the country. After spending one year at this

1 128

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

work his health failed him, and he was forced to
resign his position for an out-door life.
With a desire to improve his education, Mr.
Lott spent one year in school in Jamaica, after
which he began driving a market wagon for his
brother, and up to the time he attained his ma
jority he was thus employed. At that time he
removed to his present home, the greater portion
of which bad been bought by him while he was
still a minor, and here he has since resided. His
farm, which consists of fifty-two acres, is a valu
able one, and in its management he has shown
the best of judgment, and has prospered.
Air. Lott's marriage with Miss Elmira De-
Bevoise occurred November n, 1885, and has
resulted in the birth of two children: James
Harmon and Arthur Leroy. Mr. Lott has al
ways supported Republican principles, and
for seven years was a member of the board of
trustees of his school district. Five years of this
time he was President of the board, and was the
prime mover in the erection of the fine new school
building in 1893. He and his wife are members
of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodhaven.

ABRAHAM D. COVERT. Self made in
the broadest sense of the term, the career
of Mr. Covert illustrates in an admirable
manner what may be accomplished by unflagging
industry, perseverance and good management.
We find him the possessor of a comfortable home
in Seaford, which in all its appointments fulfills
the modern idea of culture and taste. For manv
years he was actively engaged in agricultural pur
suits, but, being afflicted with rheumatism, he has
been obliged to abandon labors of this kind.
Our subject was born in Bushwick in 1823, and
is the son of William and Helena (Duryea) Co
vert, natives of Long Island, where they were
content to pass their entire lives. During his
lifetime the father was prominently identified with
agricultural pursuits in this neighborhood, and
in this industry met with good results. He was
quiet and unassuming in manner, and, although
not seeking or even desiring political honors,
was elected justice of the peace of his town,
transacting the duties of this office in a thor
oughly competent and satisfactory manner. He
was a shrewd business man, and for many years
prior to his decease, which occurred in 1858, was
interested in the First National Bank of Williams

burg. His estimable wife survived him many
years, departing this life in 1877.
As soon as old enough, our subject was sent
to the district school, attending regularly until
a lad of fifteen or sixteen years, when he entered
a private school in Durham, Greene County,
where he conducted his studies for a time. Sub
sequently he became a student in Erasmus Hall
Academy at Flatbush. After completing his edu
cation he assisted his father in the management
of the home place until 1854, in which year he
left home, and, coming to Queens County, en
gaged in farming on his own account. He was
thus employed on the northern side of the island
until he was stricken with muscular rheumatism,
which so thoroughly disabled him for this kind
of work that he was obliged to dispose of his
farm, and returned to the south side, where he
has been greatly benefited. Notwithstanding
the fact that Mr. Covert is past seventy-two years
of age, he looks many years younger, and is of
that cheerful disposition which makes him a
pleasurable companion.
The marriage of Air. Covert united him with
Miss Adeline Collier, who, on her decease,
left one son, A. D. Covert, Jr., now of Mt.
Vernon, N. Y. The lady whom he chose as his
second companion was Mary R. Alollineux,
who is also deceased. This union resulted in the
birth of four children, namely: William V. and
Henry M, residents of Seaford; Jesse, who makes
his home in Freeport; and Margaret Helena, the
wife of John W. Baylis, of Seaford.
In 1871 Air. Covert was married to his pres
ent wife, Hannah Al, daughter of Smith Hicks,
of the town of Hempstead. In politics he is a
believer in and supporter of Democratic princi
ples. He has very creditably served the citizens
of the town of Oyster Bay in the capacity of
assessor and justice of the peace. He is a man
universally respected in his community, and in
his pleasant home is enjoying the manv comforts
of life.

M

RS. MARTHA W. (SA1ITH) COR
NELIUS is a native of Freeport, where
she has resided all her life, and where she
is surrounded by many warm friends. She is the
daughter of Raynor R. and Elizabeth (Dixon)
Smith, the former of whom was born at Raynor
town. now Freeport, and was a bayman in his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 129

early life. Later he took up the occupation of
farming, and was a successful and progressive
tiller of the soil. His death- occurred in Freeport
in the year 1869, and in his demise that village
lost one of its most exemplary citizens. The
mother of Mrs. Cornelius was born in the city
of New York, but later became a resident of
Freeport, where she resides at the present time.
Mrs. Cornelius secured a fair schooling in Free-
port, and was first married to Charles A. Powell,
a most worthy citizen of Hempstead, where for
many years he was successfully engaged in mer
chandising. Later he served as superintendent
of the county poor. He was a man of unusual
ability, and one who was at the head of all good
work. A very promising career was opening be
fore him, when he was stricken down by disease,
and died at the early age of thirty-eight years.
The two children born to this marriage were as
follows: Fannie B, wife of Harvey B. Smith,
who is the popular teller in the Freeport Bank
in Freeport; and Charles S. Powell, who is post
master at Freeport.
In 1880 Mrs. Powell was married to Carman
Cornelius, who for many years was engaged in
blacksmithing. In connection with that trade
he also followed agricultural pursuits and survey
ing, in which lines he was very proficient. He
was a man of superior education, and took a deep
interest in the politics of Queens County. At
the time of his death, in the year 1893, he was
deputy treasurer of the county. Mrs. Cornelius
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
a lady whose estimable qualities have endeared
her to all. In social matters she and her chil
dren stand very high at Freeport.

EDWARD E. SCHEURER A well kept
hostdry is an institution of the utmost
benefit and convenience to any commun
ity, and is especially appreciated by those whose
business calls them abroad, and who are tem
porarily without homes. The establishment of
which Edward E. Scheurer is the proprietor,
known as the Elite Hotel, and located at No.
522 Flushing Avenue, Astoria, is conducted very
efficiently, and many home comforts and con
veniences can be had there. Mr. Scheurer was
born in School Street, Brooklyn, May 6, 1856,
a son of Christian Scheurer, a native of Baden,
Germany. There he learned the baker's trade,
and in 1848 became a soldier and officer of the

German Army. Previous to this, however, he
had been in the army, having joined at the time
he was fourteen years old, and served eighteen
months. He enlisted, in all, three times, and be
came a drum major.
In 1848 the father came to America, and set
tling in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, entered the
employ of a contractor, with whom he re
mained for some time. He then worked in the
Glasgow Brick Works, at Haverstraw, and finally
became a clerk in a New York City hotel. From
this place he accompanied Rev. Dr. Peters to
Astoria, and was here made superintendent of St.
Michael's Cemetery, April 1, 1857. At that time
it consisted of but six acres, but it afterwards be
came incorporated, and he continued its efficient
superintendent until his death in 1869, when a
little over fifty years of age. In religious be
lief he was an Episcopalian, and belonged to the
Church of the Redeemer. He was married to
Miss Eva Emeline Nicholas, who was born in
Bavaria May 25, 1825, and who still survives him,
being a resident of Long Island City.
To this worthy couple six children were given,
four of whom are living: Edward E. ; William
H; Theresa, Mrs. Riker, of Astoria; and Lillie,
Mrs. Becker, also of that city. The subject of this
sketch was the eldest of the family, and was
reared in Astoria, Newtown, and Long Island
City. He first received private instruction un
der Rev. C. D. F. Steinfuhrer, of Astoria, but
after the death of his father, and owing to the
fact that he was the eldest of the family, he was
obliged to assist his mother in the management
of the cemetery. On the 26th of October, 1879,
he was made its superintendent, and this posi
tion he filled until January 1, 1895, when he re
signed and retired. He then decided to erect a
hotel on some lots which he owned at the corner
of Baldwin and Flushing Avenues. The Elite
Hotel, of which he was the architect and build
ing superintendent, is a substantial two-story
structure, 50x70 feet, heated by steam and
lighted by gas, and has other modern improve
ments. It is just one block from St. Alichad's
Cemetery. While he was superintendent of the
latter he built the greenhouses in the rear of his
hotel, four in all, and a pretty dwelling house.
During this time he also embarked in the marble
and granite business, in which he was success
ful, but he finally sold his stock, and now rents
the property.

1130

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Air. Scheurer was married in St. Michael's
Church, New York City, by Dr. Peters, to Miss
Anna A. Flick, a daughter of Peter and Eliza
beth (Girt) Flick, natives of Germany, the for
mer a baker by trade. He is now deceased, but
his widow still lives in New York. To Mr. and
Mrs. Scheurer four children have been born:
Benjamin Butler, Emeline, Elizabeth, and Doro
thea. Socially Air. Scheurer is a member of Ad
vance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M.; Astoria,
Lodge No. 155, 1. O. O. F.; Hermann Lodge No.
341, A. O. U. W.; and Astoria Lodge No. 186,
K P. While superintendent of the cemetery he
was special deputy sheriff, under Messrs. Wright,
Firman, and Goldner. He belongs to the AIu-
tual Benefit Association of Astoria, and has long
been connected with the Church of the Re
deemer. In national politics he is Democratic.

JAAIES S. CARPENTER, who has followed
contracting and building perhaps longer
than any other resident of the county, was
born on the farm formerly owned and occupied
by Latting Carpenter, at Seacliff, September 23,
1819. He is the son of John Searing and Sarah
S. (Hawkshurst) Carpenter, the former born at
Seacliff December 4, 1797. He in turn was the
son of Latting Carpenter, a native of Glencove,
who conducted a fine farm at Seacliff. The an
cestors of our subject were among the original
settlers of Glencove, the first of whom we have
any record being Joseph Carpenter, who with
Nathaniel Coles had the original grant of land.
Our subject's grandfather was named after his
mother, who was a A.liss Latting, and it is sup
posed that the great-grandfather bore the name
of Coles Carpenter.
John S. Carpenter learned the carpenter's trade
when a young man, and was also interested in
later years in the coasting trade Pie made his
home at Roslyn. Being industrious and eco
nomical he accumulated a snug sum of money,
which he invested in a stock of merchandise.
This business not meeting with his expectations,
he sold his store, and returned to work at his
trade, as this was more profitable. During the
later years of his life he purchased a pleasant
home at Searington, where he lived in peace and
comfort, enjoying the good things of life, which
his years of hard toil had made possible. In
politics he was a stanch Democrat, although in

no sense of the word an office seeker. Fie was
converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church when a boy, and from that time until his
death in February, 1 876, was a true Christian.
The parental family included seven children,
of whom our subject was the eldest, and four
are now living. James S. attended school in
Roslyn, and later was sent to New York, receiv
ing instruction under James P. Dixon, who had
been his father's teacher in Glencove. After
completing his education he obtained employ
ment as clerk in a grocery in New York, hold
ing this position from the age of fourteen until
sixteen years old. The man for whom he worked
handled liquor, and, as James was very much op
posed to the use of this beverage in any of its
various forms, he petitioned his father to let him
leave, and learn a trade. He accordingly came
home, and began working at the carpenter's
trade, in which his father was engaged, assisting
him in his labors until a young man of mature
years. He well remembers the first building on
which he was engaged, the same being located
on the road from Roslyn to Mineola, and is now
owned by a Air. Albertson.
Mr. Carpenter, of this history, was married
October 6, 1840, to Miss Ann E. Pearsall, of
Searington. She was the daughter of Abijah and
Elizabeth C. (Searing) Pearsall, worthy residents
of that place. Mr. Carpenter made his home in
Searington for a time after his marriage, but
later took up his abode at Manhasset, whence he
afterward removed to Ravenswood, living there
from 1877 to 1895, when he came to Port Wash
ington. While living in Alanhasset he was very
unfortunate in a business way, and lost nearly
all his property. In order to gain a start he be
gan work in John B. Woodruff's office, where
he remained for five years, and was then enabled
to again start in business for himself, which he
did in 1886. He is an experienced workman,
and has been given the contract for erecting many-
buildings in Long Island City.
To our subject and his estimable wife there
were born nine children, seven of whom grew-
up, and five are living at the present time. They
are Josephine Elmore; Henry W, who married
Mary W. Lawrence, and is the father of one son;
Emma Louise, who is the wife of Oldfield Ber
gen Burtis, and makes her home at Great Neck-
Eugene E, the fourth in order of birth, who is'
spoken of at length on another page in this vol-

Missing Page

Missing Page

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"33

time; Mary is the wife of William H. Burtis, who
has one son.
Our subject is a Democrat, and cast his first
Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1840.
He has never sought or desired to hold office,
and when nominated for the position of justice
of the peace, refused to let his name appear on
the ticket. Fraternally he is a Mason of promi
nence, and is also influential in the order of Sons
of Temperance.

WILLIAAI H. WILLIAMS. The pres
ent age is undoubtedly one of the great
est progress, and every year witnesses
new triumphs in the world of invention. Among
those whose names are well known in this respect
is William H. Williams, who was the first man
to invent a machine for the manufacture of veneers
that would pass the standard necessary for first-
class work. He has invented and improved on
his original machine until he now has, without
exception, the finest veneer mill in the world. The

occupation. From there he went to Boston,
where he lived retired, but spent the closing
scenes of his life in New York City. Flis wife.
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Campbell, was
born in the highlands of Scotland and was direct
ly descended from the Campbell clan. She died
in Greenpoint, L. I, and was buried by the side of
her husband in Cypress Hill Cemetery. A large
family of children was born to them, all of whom
lived to be over sixteen years old, and two sons
and four daughters survive at the present time.
One son, Alexander S, is ex-inspector of police
in New York City, where he resides at the present
time. Our subject, who was the third in order of birth
of these children, secured a good education in the
schools of New York City, graduating there when
fifteen years old, and later became an appren
tice in the ship yards of that city. After com
pleting the trade he entered a sawmill under his
brother George, in New York, where he remained
until the opening of the war, and there he began
his inventions in various lines with successful re
sults. On the first tap of the drum he enlisted

capacity of the improved machine is from four to
six times as large as that of any other, producing* in Company A, Ninth Regiment, for thirty days,
from a log in one minute thirty-two veneers of the as a private, and at the expiration of that time

same size, of regular thickness, and an unfractured
grain. Success has followed his efforts, for he is
a genius in his line, and the products of the As
toria Veneer Mills of Long Island City go to
nearly all parts of the world. He has ever had
the interests of this city at heart and it is princi
pally due to his efforts that the citizens are in
debted for the paved roads, good water supply
and the improvements in the police force.
Mr. Williams was born in Nova Scotia, July 11,
1842, the third son of Henry Williams, who was
born in the District of Columbia. The grand
father, Henry Williams, Sr, was born in the Old
Dominion, and was a Revolutionary soldier un
der George Washington. He was wounded and
captured at Sandy Hook and was kept a prisoner
in a ship in the old navy yards at Brooklyn. When
the war was over he, with others, was transferred
to Halifax by the English, and given land. Al
though he availed himself of the opportunity, he
did not remain long, but soon after returned to the
United States and settled in his native state. The
land in Halifax is still held by the family.
Henry Williams, Jr., was reared principally in
Virginia and became a prominent shipbuilder.
He subsequently went to Nova Scotia, where,
with his brother-in-law, he engaged in his former
47

was mustered in at Washington, D. C, serving
until the end of the war. At the battle of Antie
tam he was wounded in the leg. Being mustered
out in 1864, he returned to his home. During
his service he was riding orderly to General Aber-
crombie and was tendered the commission of cap
tain of the Lincoln Cavalry by the Governor, but
did not accept it. For some time afterward he
was in the navy yard and was selected to take
charge of twenty men and go to Cairo, 111, where
he was to keep the Mosquito fleet in repair. After
remaining there about a year he returned to New
York City, where he engaged in sawmilling
with John R. Graham.
While with Mr. Graham he invented and pat
ented his first veneer machine, a large improve
ment on others, and put it up for Mr. Graham in
his mills in New York City. Later he completed
a superior machine, patented it, and started out
in 1873 for himself in Long Island City, where
he put it up and has had it in operation ever
since. He has also invented other improvements
and has eight different patents on veneer cutting
machines, all far ahead of any other invention of
the kind. The mill, three stories high, is 100x110
feet in dimensions and in it are four veneer ma
chines. One hundred and fifty thousand feet of

"34

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

veneers are turned out in a day, requiring four
engines of one hundred and seventy-five horse
power, and all of the plant is heated by steam
and lighted by gas.
About six months of the year Mr. Williams
spends in the mountains of West Virginia and the
Carolinas hunting for fancy figured wood, and in
his mill has his own selections. His handsome resi
dence on Shore Road is his own design, and is
presided over by his excellent wife, formerly Miss
Grace L. Brodie, a native of Connecticut, and
daughter of John Brodie, who is an old retired
ship carpenter from Scotland. Six children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Alexander
S, who graduated from Packard Institute, was
honored with the appointment of judge of awards
in forestry at the World's Columbian Exposition,
the only one in his department ; he is now in part
nership with his father; Grace L. is a graduate of
Rockland College; William H, Jr., is attending
Pratt's Institute, Brooklyn; Harry, Remsen and
Eleanore complete the family.
In 1889 Mr. Williams incorporated the Astoria
Veneer Mills, of which he is president and man
ager, while his son is secretary and treasurer. Mr.
Thatcher is vice-president. For a number of
years Mr. Williams was police, fire and water com
missioner, and for some time was one of the gen
eral improvement commissioners of Long Island
City, but resigned quite recently. He belongs to
Advance Lodge, F. and A. M, Banner Chapter,
R. A. M, Long Island City, to St. Elmo Com
mandery, K. T, Mecca Temple, New York City,
and is a charter member of the Knights of
Pythias. He is also a charter member of the An
cient Order of United Workmen and a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
attends the Dutch Reformed Church, in which
his wdfe and children hold membership, and to
which he is a liberal contributor. In politics he
is a Republican. In all the improvements made
in the city he has taken an active part, and while
president of the street commissioners forced bills
through the legislature to get the streets in good
condition, the improved condition of the city-
bearing evidence of his success.

EDWARD RICHARDSON came to Flush
ing in 1 87 1, and two years later began
work as a contractor and builder. In
1874, however, he removed to Providence, R. I,
where he was engaged in stair building for three

years, then, returning to this place, resumed
work here. Among the buildings for which he
had the contract may be mentioned the Armory,
public school at Newtown, MacDonald's house,
and the Reformed Church on the corner of
Amity Street and Bowne Avenue, which is the
finest edifice in the city. To his efforts was due
the opening of Lincoln and the upper part of
Amity Streets. In the latter street he built a
block of fourteen residences, all of which he sold.
He also built five residences in Lincoln Street,
two in Percy Street, one in Sanford Avenue,
and four in Barclay and Central. About 1888
he erected the first residence in Murray Hill, and
laid out a block, which he built up, being among
the first to open that place.
The birth of Edward Richardson occurred in
Carnarvon, North Wales, December 25, 1848, and
he is a member of an old family in that locality.
His paternal grandfather, Rev. Evan Richard
son, withdrew from the Episcopal Church, and
became one of the first advocates of the doctrines
of Calvinism, founding a church of that denomi
nation at his home. While devoting much of
his time to teaching school, he never neglected
religious work. Through his efforts three of
the largest churches of North Wales were estab
lished at Carnarvon. While comparatively
young he was called from earth, but his name is
still remembered with affection by the people of
his parish.
The father of our subject, Nehemiah, was born
in Carnarvon, and was stationed there, in the
government employ, until his death. He mar
ried Jane Morris, a'native of that place, and they
became the parents of thirteen children, of
whom ten attained years of maturity. All remain
in their native land except Edward and Prof.
William, Ph. D, who is an instructor in the
laboratory of Cooper Institute. Our subject
was reared in Carnarvon, where he attended
school, though his education was principally ac
quired by his unaided efforts. At the age of
thirteen he was apprenticed to the carpenter's
trade, at which he served for three years. He
then went to Liverpool, where he continued at
the trade until the time of his emigration to
America in 1870. At the age of twenty-two he
came to New York City, and after three months
there, went to Newark, thence proceeded west
ward to Chicago, where he spent one summer.
Again crossing the Atlantic, he spent a winter

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"35

working at his trade in Scotland. In March,
1871, he returned to the United States, where he
worked in New York for six months, and then
came to Flushing, his present place of residence.
The first marriage of Mr. Richardson took
place in this place, his wife being Sarah Owen,
who at her death left two children, Rodman and
Albert E. The present wife of our subject was
Miss Mary J. Hughes, a native of Canada, who
presides hospitably over the family residence at
No. 45 Percy Street. In everything tending to
build up the interests of the community Mr. Rich
ardson takes an active part, and among other en
terprises he is associated with the Flushing
Building and Loan Association. With Fred
erick Sheffield, of Flushing, and John Story, of
Bayside, he is interested in the Century Electro
Engraving Company, which was established in
1894, and now has office at No. 6 Park Place,
New York.

CHARLES H. CLEMENT, M. D. Among
the citizens in the town of Hempstead
whose names are connected with pro
gressive movements, and who have promoted the
material progress of the place, mention should
be made of this gentleman. Although preparing
_ himself for a professional life, he abandoned it
in order that he might pass the remainder of his
life on his beautiful farm. He was born in
Hempstead in 183 1, the son of Samuel and Mary
(Cornwell) Clement, natives of Long Island,
where their entire lives were spent. In early life
the father learned the trade of a cabinetmaker,
but followed this business only a short time, when
he engaged in farming. He gave his attention
entirely to his own affairs, was industrious and
frugal, and at the time of his death, December
14, 1873, left his family well provided for. His
estimable wife preceded him to the better land
by several years, passing away May 21, i860.
Charles H, of this history, received his edu
cation in Louis Chichester's grammar school in
New York City, and subsequently took a course
in medicine and surgery in the Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, from which he was graduated
in 1864. Soon thereafter he purchased his pres
ent beautiful home, and has since given his at
tention largely to superintending its cultivation
and improvement. The buildings on the estate
are of modem design, and are well suited to the

uses for which they were erected. Prior to set
tling on this place, however, he was en
gaged in the shoe trade in New York City, but
abandoned this business in order that he might
spend his entire time on his farm.
The marriage of our subject with Aiiss Sarah
E, daughter of James Matlock, of Philadelphia,
occurred in 1852. To them has been born a son,
Stephen P, who is still at home. Both Dr. and
Mrs. Clement are members in excellent standing
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his
congregation the former is steward and trustee.
For a period of thirty-five years he has been
identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a
stanch Republican in politics, and has an abiding
faith in the purity of his party. While not an
aspirant for official honors, he has efficiently
served his fellow citizens in the capacity of super
visor of his town for four terms. For a period
of ten years he was superintendent of the insane
asylum of Queens County, during which time he
practiced medicine and surgery. By all who
know him Dr. Clement is looked upon as a sound
business man, a Christian. gentleman, and a citi
zen of the highest standing.

W

ILLIAM H. JONES. In this sketch
we present to our readers a short rec
ord of the life history of a man who
is well known in the town of Oyster Bay, where
he has lived nearly all his life. He is one of the
most experienced farmers of this section. He
has made a study of his calling and is meeting
with the success which he deserves. In 1855 he
was born in New York City, the son of Walter
R. Jones, who departed this life when sixty-two
years of age. The latter was also born in the
above town, which was likewise the birthplace
of the grandfather, William H. Jones. The latter
followed farming all his life and was the owner
of a goodly property.
The Jones family have been for many genera
tions numbered among the best agriculturists of
the county, and have been identified with this
immediate locality for over two centuries. The
first of this branch to come to America was one
Maj. Thomas Jones, a native of Ireland, who
emigrated hither some time in 1692 and located
in what afterward became the town of Oyster
Bav. He was delighted wdth the country, and
deciding to make his home in this locality, pur-

1136

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chased a tract of land which has been handed
down from father to son until it is now in the
possession of our subject.
Walter R. Jones chose for his wife Miss Vir
ginia Warwick, a native of Virginia, who de
parted this life at the age of forty years. There
were born to them two children, Virginia, now
the wife of O. J. Woodhull, of San Antonio,
Tex, and William H, the subject of this sketch.
The latter was brought by his parents to this
town when an infant of nine months, and has
ever since continued to make it his home, with
the exception of five years, when he was engaged
in the lumber business in Albany. Air. Jones has
been remarkably successful in everything which
he has undertaken, and this fact is in a measure
accounted for by the unusual amount of perse
verance and business energy which he possesses,
and which he knows how to use to the best ad
vantage. The marriage of our subject with Miss Lucy
Dumont occurred in 1879. This lady departed
this life about 1885, and Mr. Jones chose for his
second companion Agnes Smith, of Islip, Suffolk
County. By his union with Miss Dumont there
was born a daughter, Henrietta, who is now liv
ing in Albany, N. Y. His marriage with Miss
Smith also resulted in the birth of a daughter,
bearing the name of Virginia.
The tract of land which Mr. Jones owns and
which he devotes to farming is two hundred
acres in extent and is very justly spoken of as
one of the best located and best cultivated in the
county. In his political convictions he affiliates
with the Democratic party and has been active
in the interests of his party here for many years,
at present filling the office of highway commis
sioner. He is an attendant of the Episcopal
Church and contributes liberally toward its sup
port.

JOHN WILLIAM GOSMAN, of Flushing,
was born in Sunnyside, Long Island City,
February 22, 1853, being a member of a
family that has been identified with American his
tory from a period antedating the Revolution.
He is a grandson of William Gosman, of whom
mention is made in the biographical sketch of
his son, George McA, of Long Island, presented
on another page of this volume. Richard
Bragaw, father of our subject, was a son of Wil
liam and Margaret (Bragaw) Gosman, and was

one of a family of two sons and six daughters,
all of whom are living except himself. He was
born in Dutch Kills, and grew to manhood on
a farm there that was afterward sold to Foster
and Thompson. On that place he continued to
reside until his death in 1892, at the age of sixty-
five. The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Mary Humpston, and was born in New
York City; she died some time during the '50s
while yet a young woman. Her father, William
Humpston, a native of England, emigrated to
the United States, and settled in New York City,
carrying on a milk business on what is now Union
Square. The second marriage of our subject's
father was to Miss Catherine H. Burnet, who
was born in Newark, N. J, her father, Aaron L,
having been the president of the Mechanics'
National Bank from the time of its organization
until his death. The latter's second marriage
united him with Eliza, daughter of Richard
Bragaw, Esq, a well known Whig, residing in
Dutch Kills at the time of the Revolution. Airs.
Catherine H. Gosman died in 1887 at the age of
sixty-one years, leaving an only child, Eliza
Bragaw, who resides with her brother, our sub
ject. The old family homestead, at the time of the
Revolutionary War, was owned and occupied by
Andrew Bragaw, who was a Tory, and sympa
thized with the British cause. His house became
headquarters for Hessians, under Lord Corn
wallis, and the British soldiers often gathered
there for consultation, or to while the hours away
in pleasure. One night, while in the midst of
their revelry, one of them with his scabbard
struck the table, in which a dent was made. Our
subject now has the table in his possession; it is
round, substantial, polished and in fine condition.
The old house is still standing in Long Island
City. Among the other old heirlooms is a solid
mahogany desk that has been in the family since
some time before the Revolution; also a num
ber of cannon balls and other relics found on the
old place. One of the oldest souvenirs in the
possession of our subject is a knife made from
an old Highland sword, and brought from Glas
gow before the French and Indian Wars by his
great-great-grandfather, James Duncan, who,
when marching at the head of a regiment of
Highlanders in Glasgow, had carried this sword,
which his ancestors had carried during the reign

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"37

of King James. This sword was made into a
knife for carving and butchering about 1824 by
William Gosman, and was on exhibition at the
Sanitary Fair in New York City in 1864.
In his political belief Mr. Gosman is a Demo
crat, cherishing the utmost loyalty to the prin
ciples of that party. Since coming to Flushing
in September, 1895, he has made a large mum
ber of acquaintances, and has won the regard
of all with whom he has been brought into con
tact. His father was a Presbyterian, and his sis
ter belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church of
Newtown, being active in the ladies' societies and
various departments of church work. Socially
he is connected with Island City Lodge No. 586,
F. & A. M, at Hunter's Point, in which he has
served as past master and representative to the
grand lodge.

EDWARD KELLY. One of the most
forcible and lasting recommendations
that the beautiful town of Flushing has
received is that which grants it the credit of
being one of the most perfect in relation to its'
plumbing. Few persons realize the magnitude
and importance of this business or its relation
to the general good health of the community. In
reality the importance of this trade cannot be
overestimated, and is the calling of all others
which will permit none other than the most
skilled workmen to engage in it. A man partic
ularly worthy of note in this line is Edward Kelly,
who is very reliable and trustworthy, and whose
trade is constantly growing larger. Mr. Kelly
was born in Oneida, Madison County, N. Y, in
1853, to the marriage of Alartin and Rosanna
(Mahardy) Kelly, both natives of New York
State. The father was employed on the New
York Central for many years, but later settled
in Utica, where he resided for a number of years,
and then moved to Mohawk, where his last days
were spent. His wife died in 1865. Of their
nine children, four are living at the present time.
Edward Kelly, the eldest of the above men
tioned children, attended the public schools of
Utica until about twelve years old, when he had
to start out to fight his own way in life. He first
engaged as a tow boy on the Erie Canal, and
during the last year on the same, 1871, was
steersman. In 1872 he came to New York City
and served a five years' apprenticeship under
William McKenzie at No. 38 West Thirtieth

Street. From there he went to St. Louis, and
after working there awhile went to Terre Haute,
Ind. In the latter city he remained about a year,
after which he returned to New York, where he
followed his trade until about 1885. In May of
that year he came to Flushing, and for six years
was in the employ of Lewis Brothers. In 1891
he began business for himself at No. 29 Main
Street, and in 1895 he located with Don-
court Brothers at No. 11 Main Street, and has
been engaged in the plumbing and general gas
fixture business since. He has completed some
of the finest residences in the village, putting on
tin and galvanized roofing, etc.
Mr. Kelly was married in New York City to
Miss Margaret Agnes Higgins, a native of Gen
eva, N. Y. Three children have been born to
this marriage, Reginia Catherine, Margaret Mary
and Edward, Jr. Mr. Kelly and family hold mem
bership in St. Michael's Catholic Church. While
in Utica he was torch boy for four years and nine
months in the Excelsior Engine and American
Hose Company No. 2 and was the first one who
drove the engine with a team. Mr. Kelly is a
member of the Business Men's Association, is a
charter member of the Foresters, and also holds
membership with the Red Men and the Catholic
Benevolent Legion.

R

EV. AMBROSE SCHUMACK, rector of
St. Fidelis' Catholic Church at College
Point, was born in Vienna, Austria, July
31, i860. His primary education was begun in
the land of his -birth and later his studies were
prosecuted in the United States, whither he came
at the age of fourteen years. It being his ambi
tion to enter the priesthood, he gave close atten
tion to his literary work in order that he might
establish a solid foundation for theological study.
On completing his literary education, he at once
took up' theology and continued in its study in
St. Charles Seminary at Cincinnati until the com
pletion of his course. He was ordained by Arch
bishop Elder, of Cincinnati, May 31, 1885. His
first active experience in church work was as as
sistant pastor of St. Augustine Church at Min
ster, where he rendered acceptable service during
the period of his connection with it.
The first regular charge accepted by Father
Schumack was at College Point, to which place
he came in 1888. On his arrival he found that
the church was not in a prosperous condition,

n38

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

but through his indefatigable and unwearied la
bors he has made of it a strong congregation,
three hundred families being represented in the
membership. Under his supervision a commo
dious and substantial building has been erected
as a house of worship, and a good parsonage has
been built, the entire work being superintended
by himself. The result of his efforts is that he
has a large working congregation, harmonious
in action and generous in contributions, and in
addition he has the oversight of the parochial
school and convent, which are taught by the
Dominican Sisters. He is always ready to
minister to the spiritual wants of the people, and
his parish find in him a faithful leader and kind
friend. Among people of other religious belief
he is respected for the uprightness of his life
and the energy of his disposition. He is a true
citizen, loyal to the country of his adoption, and
seeking in all things the promotion of its best in
terests.

PAUL H. GRIMM, superintendent of the
Glencove branch of the National Starch
Manufacturing Company, of which he is
also the consulting engineer, is one of the promi
nent and influential citizens of this place. He is
the son of Col. Andrew Grimm, who obtained his
title while serving in the German army.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ger
many, and as his parents moved frequently from
one place to another it was impossible for him
to make much progress in school, hence his ed
ucation was superintended for the most part by
his father and private instructors until he was
a lad of some fourteen or fifteen years. Coming
to America about that time he made his home
with an uncle at Dover, N. J, and during his
three years' residence with him worked in the
machine shops of the Morris & Essex Railroad
Company, spending his evenings in the nighr
school of that place in order that he might be
come thoroughly conversant with the English
language. At the expiration of the time above mentioned
our subject found himself in the great city of
New York, where he readily secured a position
as engineer, having previously obtained a license
to hold this responsible position. For two years
he was thus engaged, first in the metropolis and
then in Brooklyn, in the meantime availing him
self of every leisure moment to study, as it was

his ambition to become an expert engineer.
While living in Brooklyn, and before attaining
his majority, Mr. Grimm was married to Miss
Maria F. Gilchrist. This lady was born at New
castle-upon-Tyne, England, and was the daugh
ter of Dr. G. C. Gilchrist, a prominent physician
and skilled surgeon of that place for many years.
Shortly after establishing a home of his own
Mr. Grimm came to Glencove, where he was
made engineer in the starch factory, working in
this capacity from 1880 to 1892. During the lat
ter year he received the appointment of chief
engineer of the National Starch Company, and
in their interest was sent to Des Moines, Iowa,
in order that he might superintend the building
of the company's plant in that city. He has mas
tered every department of the work with which
he has been connected, and in 1895 was made
superintendent of the branch at Glencove, and
now gives the greater portion of his time and
attention to promoting and enlarging the busi
ness of the company here. In 1885 Mr. Grimm
was made consulting engineer, and since 1891
has held that position with W. Wheeler & Smith,
architects of New York, and during the erection
of the Metropolitan Realty Building designed
the machinery and heating apparatus now used
in that structure. This work has all been done
in connection with the business in which he first
engaged when coming to Glencove. Several
years ago Mr.' Grimm was the designer for the
power plant of the Vosburg Manufacturing Com
pany of Brooklyn and the machinery used by the
Franklin Electric Company at Seacliff was also
made after his design.
Our subject took out his naturalization papers
after attaining his majority, and since that time
has voted for Republican candidates. Fraternally
he is a member of Glencove Lodge No. 580, F
& A. M, with which he has been associated ever
since twenty-one years of age, and has been mas
ter of this lodge for many terms. He is likewise
connected with the chapter. In Scottish
Rites he has taken the thirty-second degree and
is regarded as one of the most influential mem
bers of his lodge. He is also a member of the
Royal Arcanum at Glencove, in which body he
has filled all the chairs. About 1891 he became
identified with the American Society of Mechan
ical Engineers, which is both national and inter
national in its scope.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a
soldier under Napoleon and was under his com-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"39

mand during the campaign into Russia. Many
who left their native land to fight reached Mos
cow, but the ancestor of Mr. Grimm was one of
the very few who ever lived to return. It had
been the intention of our subject's father that he
should enter the army as soon as old enough,
hence his trip to America was considered in the
light of a visit to his uncle. Paul H, however,
was of a peace loving disposition and he had not
remained long in America before he had con
cluded to make the "land of the free" his per
manent abiding place.

BENJAMIN MOORE, JR., is a native of
Astoria, born in Grand Avenue January
27, 1853, but his father, Benjamin, and his
grandfather, Joseph Moore, were born in Chesh
ire, England. The latter came, with his family,
to the United States when his son Benjamin was
a mere youth. After following the calling of a
florist in New York City and Flushing he came
to Astoria, and here made his home until death
called him hence. Benjamin Moore learned the*
trade of a baker in Silliman's bakery, at Flush
ing, then came to Astoria, and until 1853 had
charge of R. H. Smith's bakery in Main Street.
He then started a bakery of his own in Grand
Avenue, built a residence and shop, and con
ducted a very successful business until his retire
ment from active life, when he was succeeded by
his son Benjamin. In his early manhood he was
united in marriage with Miss Ann M. Parks, who
was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her father left
a flourishing business in that country to come to
America, and became. a merchant in New York
City. In 1849 he died of cholera in Flushing.
Mrs. Moore was called from this life in August,
1892, having become the mother of five children,
four of whom are living in Astoria, and are use
ful. and respected citizens.
Benjamin Moore, Jr., the subject of this sketch,
was educated in the public schools of the fourth
ward, and when about nineteen years of age fin
ished his education. Previous to that time he
had decided to follow in his father's footsteps and
become a baker, and as a means to this end, he
began at the bottom and thoroughly learned the
details of every department, so that at the time
of his father's retirement, in 1880, he was in every
way fitted to take the management of the estab
lishment into his own hands. In 1887 he became

the sole proprietor of the business, and continued
at the old stand until 1890, when he bought the
vacant lot at the corner of Main and Remsen
Streets, and designed and put up the fine brick
business block in which he is now doing business.
It has a frontage of forty-two feet in Main Street,
extends back 120 feet, and comprises three stories
and a basement, in the latter of which the baking
is done. The retail business occupies the first
floor, the rear of which is used for the delivery
wagons. On the second and third floors Air.
Moore has his residence. The building is one
of the most sightly in the village, and the front
and sides are of pressed brick from Philadelphia.
Only first-class goods are turned out, and neat
ness and order are the first laws. There are four
large ovens, with the latest improvements, 12x14
feet. The output per day is enormous, and twen
ty-five hands are given constant employment.
His business is mainly wholesale, and he deals
largely with New York and Brooklyn retail
houses, as well as with those of College Point,
Flushing, Corona, Woodside, and Long Island
City. Ten teams are kept constantly busy, and
a very extensive and paying business is done by
this wide-awake man of affairs. He is one of the
trustees of the Long Island City Savings Bank.
Mr. Moore was married in Astoria to Miss Ella
J. Bartlett, a daughter of Rev. Philip Bartlett,
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Astoria for some time, but now retired. He is
eighty-five years of age, but is still hale and
hearty.. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore five children
have been born: Nellie, Philip, Benjamin, Mar
garet, and Alex. Air. Aloore is a member of Ad
vance Lodge, F. & A. M, and is one of the trus
tees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has
always been a true-blue Republican, but never
an official aspirant.

CAPT. CHARLES HANCE is one of the
old settlers of Flushing, and has been
chief of police for the past thirteen years.
The duties of this responsible position he has
discharged in a most able and satisfactory man
ner, and he seems admirably fitted for the office,
being fearless, determined, and a correct judge of
human character. During the thirteen years he
has been chief of police he has made numerous
arrests, the most noted being Fink and Tieman,
Aluller and Steiner, Augustine, John Smith,

1 140

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Harris, Watson, Hamilton, and numerous oth
ers, all of whom were arrested at different times
and sent up for many years. Captain Hance has
made a most excellent officer, and since holding
that position he has introduced many measures
of discipline and training calculated to improve
the force and the police. He is a native of As
toria, Long Island City, and the son of Benjamin
and Annie (Hoover) Hance, the former a native
of Germany, and the latter of New Jersey.
Grandfather Benjamin Hance was the first of
the family to come to America, and he settled in
Westchester County, where for some time he was
engaged in farming. Later he settled in Brook
lyn, afterwards in Newtown, and finally in Hal
lett's Point and Astoria, where he cultivated the
soil until his death. Benjamin Hance, Jr., was
but a small boy when he came with his parents
to America, and his early life was passed in as
sisting on the home places. After marriage he
located in Astoria, later removed to Winfield, and
there died of palsy, when seventy-six years old.
His wife died when about the same age. Their
four children were as follows : Alexander, a flor
ist of Winfield; Charles, our subject; Eliza, now
Mrs. Kenna, of New York City; and Benjamin,
who is a resident of Far Rockaway, this county.
Until the age of fourteen our subject remained
in Astoria, and received his education in the pub
lic schools. Later he began learning the brick
layer's and plasterer's trade in Brooklyn, and fol
lowed this until 1857. He then went to Aurora,
111. ; thence to St. Paul, Minn. ; Galena, Dubuque,
Davenport, Rock Island, Galesburg, and for
eighteen months was engaged in erecting Lom
bard College. Returning home, he married and
subsequently settled in Brooklyn, where he fol
lowed his trade until 1861. About that date he
moved to Flushing, and in connection with his
trade he engaged in contracting and building.
Scores and scores of buildings in Flushing are
the monuments of his handiwork. In 1874 he
began his career in public life, and was appointed
deputy sheriff, serving three years under Rush-
more, three years under A. B. Wright, and was
chief of Far Rockaway Beach. After this he was
deputy sheriff under Garry Truman for three
years. In the year 1881 our subject was made chief
of police of Flushing, being the first to hold that
position, and started with two men besides him
self. He has about eight men at the present

time. For twenty-two years, or up to 1895, Cap
tain Hance had charge of the town hall of Flush
ing, but at that date he resigned. The trustees
passed resolutions of the highest commendation
to Mr. Hance, and presented him with a large
framed copy, in which he takes great pride. The
captain devotes all his time to the duties of his
position, and performs them in a most efficient
manner. He was chief engineer of the fire de
partment for six years, was a member of Brook
lyn and Long Island shooting clubs, and also
of Flushing Shooting Club. At present he is a
member of Whitestone Gun Club, has made a
fine score, and on the 7th of March, 1894, won a
silver water pitcher for best score, killing thirty-
nine out of forty birds. He is considered the best
shot in this section, and has won fourteen out of
fifteen matches.
Captain Hance owns property in Flushing, and
a fine residence in Linden Avenue, which is kept
in excellent condition through the efforts of his
wife, formerly Miss Maria Elizabeth Smith, a na
tive of Troy, N. Y. The following children have
been born to them: Minnie, now Airs. Miserole,
of Flushing; William E.; Florence E, now Mrs.
J. Eckard; Alfred E. and Albert E. (twins); and
Jessie E, who died in 1895, when nineteen years
old. For thirty-three years the captain has been
an Odd Fellow. In politics he is a Republican.
The family attends the Dutch Reformed Church.

J

OHN JAMIESON, of Rockaway Beach, is
a member of the firm of Jamieson & Bond,
dealers in ice, coal and wood. These gen
tlemen came to this locality from Williamsburg
about 1874, and about 1875 established their pres
ent business, which they have since continued suc
cessfully. The subject of this sketch was born in Dun
dee, Scotland, November 22, 1851, a son of James
and Jane (Taylor) Jamieson, and when but three
years old was brought by them to this country,
and for many years thereafter his home was in the
city of Brooklyn. Pie is one of the eight children
born to his parents, but four of whom survive:
Thomas, of Brooklyn; Walter, of Bath, N. Y;
Mary, Mrs. Wood, of Brooklyn; and John. The
early education of the last mentioned was se
cured in the public schools of his adopted city, and,
upon reaching a suitable age, he began learning
the carpenter's trade. In March, 1874, he came

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1141

to Rockaway Beach, having taken the contract to
build Hammel's Hotel, and here he followed the
occupation of contracting and building for three
years. In the meantime he became interested
in the ice business, and in 1875 formed a partner
ship with John Bond, an able and honorable busi
ness man, with whom he has been harmoniously
connected in a business way up to the present
time. They first began in a very modest way,
but as their interests developed they increased
their facilities, and now have a large and flourish
ing establishment. Both Mr. Jamieson and Mr.
Bond possess excellent business qualifications,
and are withal strictly upright and honorable
gentlemen to deal with, and have become well and
favorably known in their locality. Politically
Mr. Jamieson is a stanch Republican, has taken
a decided interest in local politics, but has never
been an official aspirant. Socially he belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and
his worthy wife, formerly Miss Fannie Sturges,
are members of the First Congregational Church
of Oceanus, and he is superintendent and one of
the teachers of the Sabbath-school. His family
consists of three interesting children, Addie, Lil
lie, and Ella.

CAPT. EDWIN WALLACE. Among
the men of Rockville Center who have
made their home on the ocean most of
their lives may be mentioned Capt. Edwin Wal
lace, who, by following a fixed purpose to make
the most and best of himself, has overcome many-
difficulties, and risen step by step to a place of
influence and honor among public-spirited and
high-minded men. He was born in Millbridge,
Me, in 1835, to the marriage of James and Nancy
A. (Upton) Wallace, both natives of the Pine
Tree State, where they spent their entire lives.
The first members of the Wallace family to settle
in Maine were Maj. Benjamin and Joseph Wal
lace, who located there about 1760. James Wal
lace, son of Benjamin, and grandfather of our
subject, resided in that state all his life, and was
a man of influence and importance,
James Wallace spent his early life on the sea,
but during the latter part of his life was engaged
in mercantile pursuits. Respected and honored
by all, he passed away in 1883. His wife is still
living (1895) at the advanced age of eighty-four
years, and enjoys fairly good health. During his

boyhood days Capt. Edwin Wallace had limited
educational advantages, but being possessed of
superior abilities and a desire to make some
thing of himself, he has improved every oppor
tunity, and, while not a "college man," is well
informed on all topics of interest, for by his own
efforts he obtained a liberal education. When
fourteen years old he went to sea, and when nine
teen years old was promoted to be master of a
vessel. With the exception of one year spent on
shore, he passed all his time on his vessels up to
1886. During that time Captain Wallace made thirty-
eight voyages to Europe, and forty-two voyages
to the tropics, one being to the East Indies, one
to the Cape of Good Hope, and one to South
America. Since 1886 he has resided on his farm
in the suburbs of Rockville Center. He was mar
ried in 1855 to Miss Hannah Foster, a native of
Maine, and a daughter of Warren Foster, who
was also a native of that state. One son survives
this union, James W. Wallace, who is a promi
nent attorney of the state of Washington. Mr.
Wallace attends the Alethodist Church, and takes
an interest in all good work. Fraternally he is
a Mason, and also a member of the Knights of
Pythias. In politics he is a Democrat, but votes
for the best man at local elections. He is one
of the wide-awake, public-spirited citizens of his
locality, and manifests a deep interest in its
growth and progress. At present he is a mem
ber of the board of trustees of Rockville Center,
and treasurer of the board of water commission
ers.

HENRY M. W. EASTMAN, attorney, coun
selor at law and banker of the village of
Roslyn, is one of the county's representa
tive men, and the firm of Eastman & Eastman
is well known in New York City and Roslyn. Mr.
Eastman is a son of Henry W. and Lydia (Alacy)
Eastman, and is a descendant of Roger Eastman,
who was the first of the family to settle in Ameri
ca. Jacob C. Eastman, the grandfather of our
subject, was a native of New Hampshire, but at
an early date located in the village of Roslyn,
where he followed the carpenter's trade. Mrs.
Eastman's family is an old and prominent one
in the East, and the first one to settle in this coun
try was Thomas Macy, who came here about
1635 from near Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

1 142

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The father of Henry W. was a native of Roslyn,
born in 1826, and in the common schools he se
cured a fair education. Later he took up the
study of law and followed this through life, his
death occurring at his home in Roslyn in 1882.
He was one of the most prominent men of the
county. His widow, who is seventy years old,
and remarkably well preserved for her years, now
resides in Flushing. Of their children we men
tion the following: Frederick is a resident of
Roslyn; Eliza L, deceased, was the wife of G. J.
Garretson, who has been judge of Queens County
for the past ten years; Henry M. W. is our sub
ject; George W. is in partnership with our sub
ject; Grace E. is the wife of Edward T. Payne,
of Glencove; Mary P. is the wife of John B. Hy
att, living in Stamford, Conn.; and Margaret C.
is the wife of Augustus E. Haward, of Newtown.
The boyhood of our subject was spent under
the parental roof, and he had good educational
advantages, which he improved. In the year
1873 he entered the Columbia Law School of
New York City, was graduated from that insti
tution in 1875, and at once began practicing with
his father. He is now one of the most successful
attorneys in his section, and his business is di
vided between Roslyn, Jamaica Brooklyn and
New York City. In 1876 the father established
the Roslyn Savings Bank, which has flourished
ever since, and Mr. Eastman is the first vice-presi
dent of the institution.' Politically he is a Repub
lican, and in religious belief an Episcopalian,
having held many offices in that church. Pie is
an active member of the Roslyn Benevolent So
ciety, is a member of the Shield of Honor, Roslyn
Lodge No. 2, and is also trustee and-. treasurer of
the Bryant Circulating Library Association.
Mr. Eastman was married in September, 1878,
to Miss Gussie Rushmore, daughter of William
T. and Helen A. Rushmore, of Brooklyn. Two
sons have been born to this union: Henry W.
and William.

WILLIAM H. HOAG, M. D. It is much
to achieve success, but it is infinitely
more to win the gratitude of the suf
fering and afflicted. In Manhasset there is per
haps no one who in this regard has greater rea
son for content than William H. Ploag, who has
been engaged in practice in this place for the past
twenty-eight years. His father, Casper F. Hoag,

was a wealthy business man of Schenectady, this
state, owning and operating a large iron foundry.
He was born in Dutchess County and when he
had reached mature years was married to Miss
Annie Clute, whose birth occurred in Schenec
tady. Mrs. Hoag was of Holland-Dutch extrac
tion and her ancestors for several generations
back were residents of the latter city. The father
departed this life when seventy-eight years of age,
while his good wife was in her sixty-fifth year at
the time of her demise.
The parental family included seven children, of
whom William H. was the eldest. Carrie is now
the wife of Ansel Mackey and makes her home in
Geneva, N. Y. ; Casper, Jr., makes his home in
Judsonia, White County, Ark.; Annie, Mrs. War
ren, departed this life while residing at Elmira,
N. Y. ; Eleanor married Riggs Olmstead and is
living at Schenectady; Alice M. also makes her
home in that city; and Pierre C. is a practicing
physician of Alanhasset. His biography will also
appear in this work.
The subject of this sketch was born in Schenec
tady, January 16, 1840. There he received a
good academic education and pursued his studies
in the lyceum when Chester A. Arthur and other
noted men were students there The study of
medicine seemed to come naturally to him, and
wdien only twenty years of age he began reading
with Dr. Alex Vedder, a well known physician of
his native town, with whom he remained for three
years. During this time he spent one year in
college at Albany, and two years in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City. It
was his intention to graduate from this institu
tion, but the Civil War breaking out about this
time, he was desirous of doing his part toward
sustaining- the Union, and, being examined by
the State Board of Regents, entered the service
of his country as assistant surgeon of the One
Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York
Infantry. During the three years of his enlist
ment he had abundance of practical experience,
being called upon to perform operations of all
kinds, many cases under his charge being of the
most difficult kind. After this experience, which
was worth more than years of study, he returned
to college and was graduated with the class of '65.
Our subject began practice as the partner of
Dr. Vedder, his former instructor. The latter
had such confidence in his ability to care for
his patients that he took an extended vacation,
and on his return found his business to be in ex-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"43

cellent condition. Dr. Hoag later took charge of
Dr. M. R. Vedder's practice in Flushing, during
the latter's absence in Europe, where he remained
for six months. On his return Dr. Hoag came to
Manhasset, where he opened an office and began
practice. Many years of the most devoted labor
have placed him among the few of whom it may
be said they stand at the head of the profession
in their community.
Dr. Hoag was married in 1871 to Miss Sarah
E. Post, a native of Passaic, N. J. To them have
been granted a son, Percy L, and daughter,
Grace M. He is a Republican in politics and in
religious matters is a devoted member of Christ's
Church at Great Neck.

CHARLES E. HADDEN, who passed
from this life February 2, 1896, was one
of the most skillful architects and builders
in Seacliff, whose office was located at No. 102
South Fifth Avenue. He was born in the city of
New York, November 22, 1826, to John S. and
Martha (Gedney) Hadden, the former of whom
was also a contractor and builder of New York-
City. There our subject grew to manhood, and
was given the advantages of the public schools,
and later that of boarding schools at White Plains
and Tarrytown, N. Y, spending about five years
at these two places. After finishing his literary
education, he, at the age of sixteen years, began
serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter and
builders' trade, continuing thus for about five
years, during which time he acquired a most
practical and thorough knowledge of the busi
ness. After working independently as a journey
man for a few years, he started in business for
himself in New York City and to this occupation
his attention was devoted until the time of his
death. He erected some magnificent structures,
the finest of which are the Manhattan Hospital,
the Home for the Aged at One Hundred and
Fourth Street and Tenth Avenue, New York,
Sheltering Arms in Harlem, the Washington
Square Church, besides the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Seacliff and many of the finest business
buildings and residences of the place.
In 1879 Mr. Hadden built a beautiful home
in Seacliff, having, in 1872, become identified
with the Seacliff Grove and Metropolitan Camp
Ground Association of New York and Brooklyn,
which had for its object the holding of camp
meetings. This was really the commencement

of the development of Seacliff, which has become
a famous summer resort. Soon after this asso
ciation was started Mr. Hadden became one of
the trustees, and this position he held until his
death. Four times he was president of the village
board of Seacliff. In early life he was a Whig in
his political views and voted for Taylor in 1848,
but in 1856 John C. Fremont received his support
and from that time on he was a strong sup
porter of Republican principles. While residing
in New York City he was tendered the nomi
nation of alderman from his ward, but refused
it, also refusing to become a -candidate for the
general assembly of the state. In fact, the strife
and turmoil of the political arena had no charms
for him and he was more than content to devote
his attention to his business interests.
In 1853 the marriage of Mr. Hadden with Miss
Caroline Harker, of New York City, was cele
brated, she being a daughter of Abel Harker,
and a native of that city. To this union three
children were given. John G, a produce dealer
in New York, is married and has two children;
Emma A. is the wife of Marion T. Reed, who is
at the head of the Weed Glass Works of New
York City, and has one child; and Louie Bell is
the wife of Egbert Leaycraft, who is a successful
house decorator of New York City. They have
one child. Mr. Hadden was a member of Wash
ington Square Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which he had been identified since 1843. P°r
about seven years he was president of the board
of trustees, was one of the trustees for nearly
fifteen years, and served as class leader for thirty
years. He held these positions in the Seacliff
Methodist Episcopal Church also. For many
years he was an active worker for the cause of
Christianity and lived an upright life, well worthy
of emulation.

HON. HENRY C. JOHNSON, ex-assem
blyman and ex-postmaster of Astoria, has
with efficient ability occupied these offi
cial positions, and as one of the old residents of
Queens County is well known and highly re
spected. He is a native of this state and was
born in Granville, Washington County, Septem
ber 19, 1839. His father, Thomas Johnson, was
also a native of that locality, where he carried
on the business of a tanner for the greater part
of his life, and where his decease occurred.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was

"44

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Harriet Emmons, the daughter of Capt. Elihu
Emmons, who was captain of the Federal troops
in the War of 1812, commanding his company
at the battle of Plattsburg. He was a native of
Vermont and one of the leading men of his state.
Mrs. Harriet Johnson is now living, at the age of
eighty years, making her home with our subject.
The parental family included nine children,
five of whom grew to mature years, and of this
number two now survive, the sister of Henry C.
being Mrs. C. C. Ellsworth, a resident of Astoria.
Our subject passed the first two years of his life
in his native county, also living for a time in
Saratoga County and western Massachusetts. In
1852 he came to Long Island City, where he at
tended school, receiving instruction in both the
public and private schools of Astoria. After fin
ishing the course here he entered the law office
of William Brooks, now deceased, but then a resi
dent of New York, reading under his instruction
for several years. He did not apply for admis
sion to the bar, although fully qualified to do so,
and in 1869 was appointed postmaster of Astoria
by President Grant. Such satisfaction did he
give to the people of his community that he was
retained in office until the second year of Cleve
land's first term, making in all seventeen years
and four months.
In 1869 Mr. Johnson became associated with
the real estate and insurance firm of Roe H.
Smith & Co, and when no longer having the
postoffice to attend to gave his entire attention
to the business. This enterprise, which is one
of the oldest in this line in the city, was estab
lished by Mr. Smith in 1852, and on his death,
in 1891, our subject assumed entire control and
has since continued under the old name, although
his eldest son, Henry CJr, is now his partner in
affairs. They conduct a very large business, and
both father and son are well known auctioneers,
and are often called upon to sell property in this
manner in New York City as well as throughout
Queens County. They do a general insurance
and brokerage business, and have their office
located at No. 154 Fulton Avenue.
The marriage of Mr. Johnson occurred in As
toria in 1863, when Miss Mary E. Smith became
his wife. This lady was born here and was the
daughter of Roe H. Smith, a native of Flushing,
this county. Mr. Smith was for many years a
baker in his native village, but in 1852 branched
out as an auctioneer and established what we
have before stated as being the oldest insurance

and real estate business on Long Island, out
side of Brooklyn. He was at one time deputy
internal revenue collector, and for many years
was town collector of Newtown. He filled the
office of trustee of Astoria, on the Republican
ticket, of which he was an ardent supporter. Dur
ing his lifetime he was a prominent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of
which he died in 1891.
Educational matters in Long Island City have
ever found a liberal supporter in Mr. Johnson,
and for seven years he rendered valuable ser
vice as a member of the board, of which he was
part of the time president. He afterward became
president of the board of police commissioners
of this city, filling this responsible office for a
year and a half. In 1889 he was nominated for
the assembly from the second district of Queens
County and was elected by eight hundred plu
rality. He served during the session of 1890,
during which time he was a member of the rail
road committee and the committee on privileges
and elections. There his influence was powerful
in promoting works of great importance to his
constituents, and by his eloquence succeeded in
having passed twenty-three of the thirty-one bills
which he introduced. One of the most note
worthy of these bills was that amending the gen
eral laws affecting Union free schools in New
York State, under the provisions of which the
Flushing High School was the first one con
structed. Another which was passed provided
for the building of a bridge across the river at
Blackwell's Island. Through his perseverance
what was known as the Newtown Burial Permit
Bill was passed, which imposes a tax of $1 upon
each interment of those who have resided out
side of Queens County, which gives Newtown
a revenue of about $3,000. He also succeeded
in giving to Long Island City a paid fire depart
ment. ^ In the fall of 1890 Air. Johnson was again can
didate for the assembly, but was defeated on this
occasion by less than two hundred votes. The
measures which he introduced at the first legis
lature have many of them become laws now. In
fraternal affairs he is master of Advance Lodge
No. 635, F. & A. M, and is past master of John
Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W. In the latter
order he has also been district deputv grand
master workman for Queens and Suffolk Coun
ties and is an exempt fireman, having served as
a member of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"45

As a leading Republican he has served as chair
man of the general committee of Long Island
City and also belongs to Queens County Repub
lican committee. He was sent as a delegate to
the state convention in 1895 and also previous
to this time represented his party in like man
ner at its various conventions held in the state.
In 1896 he was a delegate to the National Re
publican convention at St. Louis. Mr. Johnson
always takes an active interest in whatever per
tains to the welfare and general advancement of
his community and is greatly concerned by all
things which may hinder its prosperity. His
business methods are strictly honest and honor
able in every particular, and for that reason, and
because of his uniform courtesy and friendliness,
he has the friendship and respect of the best
people of the island.

nEORGE POPLE, president of the Queens
- County Savings Bank. Whoever labors
^ — -*" to secure the development of his country,
striving to bring out its latent resources; who is
devoted to the general welfare of the people?
who seeks to promote the cause of justice, and to
advance our civilization through financial, edu
cational or professional channels, becomes a pub
lic benefactor, and is worthy of mention on the
pages of history.
Such is the character and such the record of
Air. Pople, who has been identified with the
history of Flushing for more than a half century
and who has himself been no unimportant factor
in securing the development of the best interests
of the place. The family of which he is a member
originated in Normandy, but was represented
in England at a very early day. For several gen
erations their home was in Dorsetshire, famous
throughout the world for its fine sheep. There
his father, William, and grandfather, John, fol
lowed the trade of a butcher, the former dying
there when about seventy years old. In religious
belief he was an Episcopalian.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Bullen and was one among the
nine daughters of Dr. William Bullen, a surgeon
in the British navy. Through information ob
tained by our subject upon a visit to England in
1881 and to the old Pennsylvania castle still
standing a few miles from the site of the old
home, and about two miles from the city of Wey
mouth, he learned positively that the Bullen

family was first represented in America by Alaj or
Bullen, who accompanied William Penn to this
country. At an early age our subject left his Dorset
shire home and, going to London, was employed
as an office boy in a mercantile establishment for
three years. He then engaged to go with a gen
tleman to Bombay and would have carried out
that plan, thus totally changing his entire future
career, had not his uncle, Richard Purchase, ap
peared on the scene. This gentleman, a resi
dent of New York City, had recently lost his
wife, who was buried in St. Mark's Cemetery in
the Bowery. After her death Air. Purchase went
to England, and during his visit there prevailed
upon his nephew to accompany him to America.
They crossed the ocean in April, 1840, when
George was a youth of less than eighteen (he
having been born November 23, 1822), and
landed in New York City after a voyage of thirty-
one days. At once he came to Flushing, where
his uncle owned a farm and where his cousin was
engaged in the meat business. This trade he
soon learned, and in 1846 bought the business
from his cousin, since which time he has con
ducted it, having built up a fine trade at No. 61
Broadway. About 1870 Mr. Pople became connected with
the Queens County Savings Bank as trustee, later
was made vice-president, and since 1891 has
served in the capacity of president. The bank
was established about i860 and is one of the
largest and most substantial financial institutions
of the county. Mr. Pople was an original stock
holder, later a director in the Flushing Bank, and
when this concern changed hands and was re
organized he was retained as director, afterward
becoming second vice-president, which position
he now holds. For thirty years he has been a
• trustee of the Flushing Cemetery. Aiding in the
organization of the Business Men's Association
of Flushing, he became its first and has been its
only president.
In Flushing Mr. Pople married Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of William B. Smith, a cooper at this
place, and for twenty-one consecutive years col
lector of taxes. This lady was a devoted member
of the Episcopal Church and was very popular
in the best circles of society. At her death, Janu
ary 18, 1880, she left an only son, George W,
who is interested in business with his father.
Since 1863 Mr. Pople has been a vestryman in
St. George's Episcopal church; for a time he was

1 146

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

junior warden and since 1888 has served as senior
warden. For four years Mr. Pople was a member of the
board of trustees of Flushing, of which he was
president one year. In April, 1894, he was nomi
nated and elected supervisor of the town of Flush
ing on the Republican ticket. As a member of
the board his services are in constant demand,
and at this writing he is officiating as chairman
of the committees on armory, sheriff and con
stables, laws and legislation; also member of the
committees on public printing and advertising,
court house and jail, county clerk's and surro
gate's offices, county treasurer's office, county
roads, resolutions and bounties. At Flushing-
November 18, 1844, he was initiated into Pacific
Lodge, I. O. O. F, in which he filled all the
chairs, and has for thirty-two years been its repre
sentative to the grartd lodge. He is now past
master of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A.
M, which he has represented in the grand
lodge of New York. On the fiftieth anniversary
of his connection with the Order of Odd Fellows
he was presented with a fifty years' jewel by the
grand lodge of New York, being the only re
cipient of this medal for fifty years' continuous
membership in one lodge. He also received the
past master jewel from the Masonic fraternity, of
which he is one of the oldest representatives in
this locality. Politically he was an old-line Whig
and voted his maiden vote for Henry Clay. On
the organization of the Republican party he be
came one of its stanch supporters. He has al
ways been an admirer of the "New York Tri
bune," and has read it from the day of its first
issue to the present time.

WILLIAM A. MAHER, county super
intendent of the poor and overseer of
the poor for the town of Flushing, was
born in 1863 in the village of Flushing, where he
still resides. His father, John Maher, a native of
County Tipperary, Ireland, emigrated to America
in early manhood and settled in Flushing, where
he became an employe in Parson's nursery, in
time receiving a promotion to the position of
foreman. Flis death occurred in 1885 at the age
of sixty years. He married Margaret Coughlin,
a native of the same county as himself, and at
present a resident of Flushing. They became
the parents of four sons and two daughters who
are now living, and all but one reside in Flushing.

William A, who is the youngest of the family,
was reared at the parental home in Washington
Street and attended St. Michael's parochial
school. His first work was in the employ of E. J.
Robinson in the grocery business, after which he
clerked for others here and in Brooklyn and
Newark. In April, 1893, while engaged in the
grocery business in Flushing, he was elected
overseer of the poor, on the Democratic ticket,
by a majority of three hundred. The following
year he was again elected to the position. In the
fall of 1895 he was nominated for county super
intendent of the poor and received the election,
taking the oath of office in January of 1896. He
is a member of the board of three, representing
Long Island City and towns of Newtown and
Flushing, and his duties require his constant
attention. His office is situated at No. 3 Main
Street, where he may usually be found.
The Democratic party has always had a stanch
adherent in Mr. Maher, and he has often repre
sented it in town, county and state conventions,
being an active worker in the party interests. He
belongs to the Flushing Democratic Club and is
one of its leading members. Socially he is a
charter member of the Ancient Order of Hiber
nians, and in religious belief is identified with
St. Michael's Church.

JAMES H. McCORMICK. An active, well-
trained, vigilant and excellently equipped
fire department is something of which any
city may well be proud, and Flushing may well
take first rank in this respect. The history of the
measures for fire prevention in Flushing in times
past is an interesting one and much of the im
provement made in this respect is due to the
efforts of James H. McCormick, who is the most
efficient chief of the fire department. He has
been active in fire tournaments as judge, and is a
life member of the New York State Firemen's
Association. Mr. McCormick is a native of this
place, born in February, 1857, but is of Irish
parentage, his father and mother, Daniel and
Winifred (Tracy) McCormick, being natives of
the Emerald Isle.
The father was a marble cutter by trade and
when a young man came to America. He suc
cessfully conducted a marble yard at Flushing
and from the Queens County Agricultural So
ciety Fair received the first award for ornamental
marble work. For some time he was treasurer

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 147

of the hook and ladder company, and his son
James has his original badge. This worthy citi
zen died in 1883, following his wife, who had
passed away in 1864. They left twelve children,
three of whom are living at the present time. Our
subject received his primary education -in St.
Michael's school and after growing up worked at
marble cutting. Beginning in 1869 he was em
ployed for two years by the Western Union Tele
graph Company here. After this he was in school
for a time and then clerked in Mr. Vandewater's
grocery for about a year.
From 1873 to 1880 our subject was with Bow
man, also in the grocery business, and in the lat
ter year engaged in marble cutting with his
father, remaining with him until the death of the
latter. He then took charge of the business, and
after continuing it a short time, opened the Mc
Cormick Hotel, which he has conducted most
successfully ever since. In the year 1880 Mr. Mc
Cormick married Miss Belle Haig, a native of
New York City, and five interesting children have
been born to this union: Agnes, James, Katie,
Gertrude and Josephine.
Mr. McCormick was elected trustee for the
town of Flushing for three terms on the Demo
cratic ticket, and has held other responsible posi
tions. In May, 1875, he began his career as a
fireman, joining Rescue Hook and Ladder Com
pany No. 1, and has been a member of this ever
since. For two years he held the office of secre
tary, was second assistant foreman for one year
and for the same length of time was first assist
ant foreman. After this he was foreman six
months and then was elected second assistant
chief, which position he held for two years. In
the year 1884 he became chief of the fire depart
ment and has been re-elected ever gince with the
exception of two years. In all he has served ten
years as chief of the department and during this
time many important improvements have been
made. In twenty-one years Mr. McCormick has
missed but seven fires, being ill or absent at the
time, and he has always been extremely fortunate.
though earnest and faithful in the discharge of
his duties. He is a member of the International
Association of Fire Engineers, attending the
meetings nearly every year; is also a member of
the Order of American Firemen, and is a charter
member of Flushing Council No. 6. He has been
president of the latter organization two terms,
being its first president, and he is now its treas

urer. In politics our subject is a Democrat and
takes an interest in his party's welfare. Since be
coming chief of the fire department he has added
two hose houses and two new companies have
been organized. He has the Gamewell fire alarm
system of seventeen street boxes and has the
tapper in his room. The Holly system of watei
power is used, and two pumps, with a capacity of
two million gallons daily, throw two streams one
hundred and fifty feet from one hydrant.

BENJAMIN E. HICKS, a banker of New
York City and member of the firm of
Hicks Brothers, in business at Nos. 59-61
Wall Street, New York, was born in Dey Street,
that city, January 12, 1843. His parents, George
E. and Mary Morrell (Hicks) Cock, were both
natives of the island, and Mrs. Cock was the
daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Alorrell
Hicks. In the year 1875 our subject's name was
changed to Hicks in order to perpetuate the
name of Hicks, as the only son, Benjamin Hicks,
had died in childhood. The father of our subject
was engaged in the wholesale dry goods busi
ness in New York under the firm name of E. &
W. Cock & Co, and carried on one of the most
extensive enterprises of the kind in the city. In
1863 Mr. Cock retired from the active duties of
life and made his home in Great Neck, L. I.
Our subject's boyhood days were passed in
New York City during the winter and on the
old home place of the Hicks family in the sum
mer season. He was educated at the Friends'
Institute in New York, also Columbia grammar
school, and the school taught by Mr. Quacken-
boss. He took a classical course and later began
clerking in an importing dry goods store to learn
the business, getting no salary the first year.
While still clerking he was sent to Manchester,
England, and assumed full charge of the busi
ness of buying for the firm by which he was
employed as clerk. He made over sixty trips
across the ocean, the first in 1866. In less than
five years he was a partner, but in 1875 the firm
dissolved partnership, and after that he embarked
as a wholesale dealer in domestic goods.
In 1883 or '84 Mr. Hicks and his brother,
George Embnee Hicks, formed the present part
nership. In politics our subject is a Republican
of the stanch protective kind, but he has never
cared to hold office. He is a birthright Friend,
but attends the Episcopal Church at Great Neck,

1 148

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

though holding to the views of the former. Fra
ternally he is a Mason, a member of Crescent
Lodge No. 402, New York City. He has never
married, but his brother, who is with him in busi
ness, wedded Miss Louise Firth, of Bradford,
England. Our subject, his brother, George, and
his sister, Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Stewart), are
the only living grandchildren of Benjamin Hicks,
for whom our subject was named.
Benjamin Hicks was born at Hempstead, L. I,
June 14, 1 79 1. About 1823 he bought the old
Hicks property from the Morrells, and made his
home on the same the remainder of his days. He
was married in 1817 to Miss Morrell and this
union resulted in the birth of seven children, five
of whom reached mature years, but only two are
now living. Mary M, the mother of our subject,
died in 1892, leaving three children; Sarah Titus
died in 1879; Susan M. died in 1851; Caroline,
widow of Dr. Amos W. Rogers, resides on the old
homestead; and Phoebe, who is single, also lives
on the old homestead.
Benjamin Hicks, Sr, was an earnest, upright
citizen who despised public display and who im
pressed all with whom he came in contact as a
man of great energy and public spirit. No worthy
movement was allowed to fail for want of sup
port on his part and he was a strong believer in
the principles of the Society of Friends, as was
also his estimable wife, and they were well and
favorably known for their benevolence and hos
pitality. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks died in 1883 and
1878, respectively, and they are interred in the
Friends' Cemetery at Manhasset. Mr. Hicks was
a near relative of Elias Hicks, who led in the
division of the Society of Friends, and Sarah
Cook, our subject's paternal grandmother, was
clerk of the woman's branch of the meeting at the
time of the separation. They were members of
the Hicksite Society of Friends.

JAMES K. HICKS was born in Jericho and
with the exception of a few years has spent
his entire life in this village, where he is
owner and proprietor of a blacksmith shop. His
birth occurred March 30, 1845, his parents be
ing James and Hannah Hicks, natives respec
tively of the towns of Flushing and Oyster Bay.
The former, after his marriage, moved to Jericho,
where he bought a farm and carried on agricul
tural pursuits, in connection with which occupa
tion he engaged in business until within a few

years previous to his death. An honest, upright
man, he was liked by all with whom he had busi
ness or social relations. While still comparative
ly young, he was called from earth April 6, 1856.
His widow resides at the old homestead and re
tains her faculties to a remarkable degree, though
now ninety-three years old.
The parental family consisted of nine children,
of whom seven are still living. Of these we note
the following: Elizabeth married John Seaman
of Jericho; John J. lives in this village, as does
Catherine, widow of Jackson Duryea; Caroline
is the wife of Benjamin Nevins of Jersey City;
Charles C. is engaged in mining at Cripple
Creek; James K. is next in order of birth, and
Sarah A, a successful school teacher, has taught
for twenty-two consecutive years in Lakeville.
Queens County.
Until twelve years of age our subject attended
the common schools and remained with his pa
rents, after which he made his home wdth his
brother-in-law, John Seaman, then in New York
City, assisting him in his business and during
leisure times attending private school. Later he
served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's
trade with William Wright of Jericho, remaining
here for five years. Returning then to New
York, he took a position as shipping clerk and
spent five years with one company.
March 27, 1869, Mr. Hicks married Aiiss Mar
tha W. Russell, daughter of James Russell,
who for forty years was a custom house
official in Brooklyn, where she was born and
educated. In 1871 our subject resigned his
position in the city and returned to his native vil
lage, where he built a steam mill for the purpose
of grinding feed and in connection with it had a
blacksmith shop. After ten years he gave up the
milling business and bought the smithy from his
old employer and master, since which time he has
conducted a large trade, and his skill as a me
chanic brings him many customers. In politics
he is a Republican and takes an active interest in
public affairs, often representing the party at
town, county, state and senatorial conventions.
For ten years he has been a member of Pem
broke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O F, at Glencove.
Since 1886 he has served as inspector of elections
and at other times he has held local offices of
trust. Of the first marriage of Mr. Hicks there were
born five children, all of whom are living, name
ly: Roy, a machinist at Jericho; Edna, wife of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPPIICAL RECORD.

1 1 49

Charles Miller, a wheelwright living in Roslyn;
Daisy, who is married and lives in Syosset; Irene,
who is making her home with her aged grand
mother; and Charles C, now employed in Brook
lyn. The second wife of our subject was Mrs.
Mary (Weeks) Robbins, the widow of Daniel
Robbins. For his third wife he chose Miss Annie
E, daughter of Daniel Lawrence, and a native of
Greenvale, town of Oyster Bay. Four children
have been born of this union, namely: Daniel
Lawrence; James K, his father's namesake;
Edith and Harry. In addition to the other or
ganizations with which he is identified, Mr. Hicks
is a member of Hicksville Council No. 1159, R
A, in which he has filled the office of orator.

SELAH B. UPHAM. For many years this
gentleman was engaged as a druggist in
New York City, and by attending strictly
to his financial interests, built up a fine trade and
accumulated a sum of money which enables him
to live in a most comfortable manner, retired
from business of any kind. He occupies with
his family one of the pleasant homes of Wood
haven. Mr. Upham was born at Highgate, AT, in May,
1837, and was the son of Samuel V. Upham, like
wise a native of the Green Mountain State, Mont
gomery being the town of his birth. Early in life
he became interested in the manufacture of wool
ens, having learned the trade in Johnson, that
state, and up to the time of coming to New York,
in 1852, was the proprietor of a large mill. Af
ter locating in the metropolis he was in the em
ploy of the New York Central Railroad Company
until his decease, which occurred in 1861. The.
grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in
the Revolutionary War and was present at the
battle of Burlington.
Mrs. Julia N. (Clow) Upham, mother of Selah
B, was born at Highgate, Vt, and departed this
life in New York in 1885. She was descended
from one of the old Long Island Dutch families,
who during the period of the Revolution were
Tories. On this account they were obliged to
leave the island and going to Canada passed
many years in St. Johns and on returning to the
States located at Highgate, Vt.
The subject of this sketch was the only son
born to his parents, and had three sisters, of
whom Sarah E. married George L. Hitchcock,
who is now assistant cashier of the Woodhaven
48

Bank ; Celia became the wife of Joseph D. Nutt,
a jeweler of New York, and they are the parents
of Dr.- Nutt, well known to the residents of
Woodhaven and vicinity. Abby is a maiden
lady. Selah B. Upham accompanied his parents on
their removal to the metropolis in 1852 and after
completing his education in the public schools,
became clerk in a drug store. He continued to
be thus occupied until 1865, when he established
a store of his own at the corner of Fifty-eighth
Street and Eighth Avenue, which in that early
day was considered to be almost the finest in
the country. He had very little means with
which to begin life, and although a comparatively
young man, he soon built up an enviable reputa
tion in this locality, owing to his superior knowl
edge in compounding medicines and the indus
trious spirit which he manifested in his affairs.
The store which he occupied at that time was
rented from the noted "Boss" Tweed.
In 1885 Mr. Upham purchased property in
Woodhaven and erected the first building in
what is now Ozone Park. Two years there-
' after he moved here and made permanent loca
tion, having in the meantime disposed of his busi
ness in New York to good advantage. Although
not tied down to any particular business, he is
largely interested in Queens County property,
owning many of the finest dwellings and business
blocks in the Park, besides some three hundred
acres of land in another portion of the county.
He has honorably borne his part in sustaining
the interests of Woodhaven since coming here
and his intelligence, good citizenship and fine
character- entitle him to the esteem of his ac
quaintances.

HENRY P. TITUS conies of a well known
and honorable ancestry, being descended
from the Titus and Hicks families. He
was born in Market Street, New York City,
February 3, 1848, a son of Hon. Peter and Ma
tilda (Sulger) Titus, wdio were born in New York
City in 1804 and Philadelphia, respectively. The
father received a practical education and after
reaching the age of sixteen years clerked for a
time in New York, and upon reaching his major
ity embarked in the wholesale lumber business
with a cousin, but later became a wholesale
grocer in Water Street. At the age of forty
years he withdrew from active business life and in

"5°

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1859 purchased his home at Astoria for a country
seat, but was so pleased with the place that he
located here permanently. He passed from life
in 1893, when nearly ninety years old, having en
joyed excellent health up to within a short time
prior to his death. In 1848 he was the Whig rep
resentative from the old seventh ward of New
York City, in the general assembly of the state.
For some years he was connected with the New
York fire department. Although he came of
Quaker stock, he was not an active member of
that society. His wife was a daughter of Jacob
Sulger, a native of Germany and a Lutheran in
religious belief. She was reared and educated
in Philadelphia, and died in July, 1894, in her
eighty-fourth year.' Her union with Mr. Titus re
sulted in the birth of two children: Mrs. Alice
Morris, of Astoria, and Henry P, the subject of
this sketch.
The Titus family tree, so far as known, first
took root on American soil in 1635, at which
time Robert and Hannah Titus, the former aged
thirty-three and the latter thirty-one years, em
barked on the good ship "Hopewell" at London
for America, accompanied by their two sons,
John, aged eight, and Edmund, aged five years.
Edmund came to Long Island, settled at Hemp-
Stead, where he engaged in farming, and was the
founder of the family in this section. He married
Martha Washburn, and their son Peter in due
course of time married Martha, daughter of Col.
John Jackson, of Jerusalem, L. I. Their son,
Richard, wedded Mary, daughter of Dr.
Charles Peters, and their son Peter married Eliz
abeth, daughter of Michael Mudge. Michael,
the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Mudge) Titus,
and grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was born at Old Westbury Station, L. I. He
learned the harness makers' trade and opened
a shop at the old home place, which had
been built about 1646 or 1648. After a time he
located in the city of New York and became a
member of the firm of Hicks & Titus, where he
remained in business until his death. Fie was
married to Miss Alice Hicks, a member of the
prominent old Hicks family of this region. Rob
ert Hicks was the first of the family to come to
this country. He embarked at London on the
ship "Fortune" for the New World and landed on
the shores of Massachusetts November 11, 1621.
In 1640, with his wife Margaret, he removed to
Rhode Island, and from that state, in 1642, John
and Stephen Hicks came to Long Island. Thev

settled in the vicinity of Flushing, John being the
lineal ancestor of Henry P. Titus. The Hicks
and Titus families were of Quaker stock.
At the time Henry P. Titus was born his father
was a member of the state assembly and his birth
was announced in that body by the famous Mike
Welch, who made an amusing speech when ask
ing for the absence of Mr. Titus to return home.
Henry P. was educated in a private school of
New York and the Flushing Institute and then
entered the law department of Columbia Col
lege, from which he graduated in May, 1872, with
the degree of LL. B. The next day he was ad
mitted to the bar, but did not at once take up the
active practice of law, for his time was fully oc
cupied in looking after his various interests. His
father was very fond of outdoor sports, particu
larly fishing, and much of his leisure time was
spent on the water. Henry P. is partial to hunt
ing and angling and has caught trout in the
mountains of Pennsylvania and New York and
has shot deer in the Adirondacks.
Mr. Titus has been an exceptionally public-
spirited citizen and for six years was a member
of the board of education and one year its presi
dent. During this time he was the chief promoter
in the building of the Steinway public school.
He was one of the original members of the
Steinway Hose Company No. 7, as was also his
father, and he held the position of secretary. He
was a director of the Queens County Agricultural
Society for twelve years and did much to make
the society the prosperous organization that it
now is. He was one of the trustees of the Stein
way Reformed Church, and was one of those to
attend to the erection of the fine new church in
which he has since been a trustee. Not only has
he been active in church work, but political cir
cles have also felt his influence, although he is
not an official aspirant. He has ever been a
stanch Republican and has been a leader in num
erous county and state conventions, as well as
in various enterprises that have come up, and
his influence has ever been on the side of prog
ress, justice and right. He has a fine residence
at the corner of Shore Road and Purdy Street.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Titus was married in Flushing to
Miss Mary Moore Riker, a native of Brooklyn,
N. Y, and a daughter of Joseph H. and Martha
(Moore) Riker, granddaughter of Henry Riker,
a native of New York City, and great-grand
daughter of Peter Riker, who was a cooper by
trade and was a member of the British army dur-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"Si

ing the Revolutionary War. He afterwards lo
cated on Riker's Island, which his father, Andrew,
had purchased from the Indians. Henry Riker
was a farmer on the island, but later sold this land
and located at Painesville, Ohio, where he died.
His wife, Deborah Cromwell, was born in West
chester County, and to them five children were
born, and three are still living. George L. was
captain of the One Hundred and Fifth Ohio In
fantry and now resides near Painesville. J. H.
Riker was reared in New York and on the island
and after learning the trade of a sash and blind
maker, he went to Riker's Island and engaged in
farming. Later he spent five years in Painesville,
then farmed in the vicinity of Newtown, but since
1877 has been a resident of Long Island City.
Mrs. Riker was a daughter of David Moore, a
farmer of Long Island. She had only one child,
Mary Moore, the wife of Henry P. Titus, who,
with her husband, is a leader in the social circles
of Long Island City.

JOHN MACKEY. Born near the beginning
of the present century, Mr. Mackey has
lived, until almost the period of its close, a
long and useful life, all of which has been spent in
Queens County. As might be expected, he has a
large acquaintance throughout this part of the
island. Many of those who were associated with
him in his active years have passed away; some
have removed to other localities, and few remain
to enjoy with him the improvements of the pres
ent generation. However, while his confreres
have mostly passed away, he is well known
among the younger men of the community,
whom he has watched from childhood and in
whose prosperity he has always shown great
interest. Now a resident of Port Washington, our sub
ject was born May 7, 1814, at Dosoris, nortn of
Glencove, in the town of Oyster Bay. He is a son
of James and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mackey, and a
brother of George Mackey, whose sketch appears
in this volume. Of the surviving members of the
family, he is the oldest now living. In boyhood
he accompanied his parents to Port Washington,
where for a short time he attended a private
school. Under the instruction of his father, who
was a cooper, he learned that trade, at which he
worked for a few years, but not caring to make
it his life calling he turned his attention to
oyster farming. He was a pioneer in the industry

and being careful and energetic, made a suc
cess of the business, accumulating a sufficient
amount to enable him to build a residence and
lay aside a snug sum for future needs.
The marriage of Mr. Alackey, January 10,
1838, united him with Miss Jane Wright, who
was born at Glencove November 20, 1817, being
a daughter of Elijah and Freelove (Merritt)
Wright. Nine children were born of the union,
named as follows: Elijah, a carpenter, living in
this village; Anna, who died at the age of twenty-
three ; Mary, wife of William Post, of Port Wash
ington, and the mother of five children; John, of
Brooklyn, who has been twdce married, but has
no children; Freelove, Mrs. Jesse Lewis, who
lives in this village and has four children; Jacob,
who makes his home with our subject, is married
and has five children; Alice, who has five chil
dren by her marriage to Robert West, of this
village; Edgar, who lives here and is the father
of five children by his marriage; and Ellen, Mrs.
Samuel Johnson, of Brooklyn, who is the mother
of a son, -Noble.
When Andrew Jackson was the presidential
, candidate, Mr. Mackey cast his ballot for that
renowned general and was delighted at his suc
cess. Adhering to the principles of the Demo
cratic party, he kept himself posted upon ques
tions of local importance or those affecting the
welfare of the nation. At one time he was elected
assessor and served with fidelity in that position.
In his younger years he held membership in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was an
active worker in the home lodge. In his old age
he is enjoying the fruit of years spent in useful
ness and in well-doing. Those who know him
best respect him most, and in the community of
which his family is so prominent a factor, the
family are held in the highest esteem.

PORT WASHINGTON WOAIAN'S
CLUB, for the entertainment and improve
ment of its members, and for philanthropic
purposes, was organized in January, 1892, with
twelve members. The officers elected were: Miss
Carolyn Hicks, founder and president; Airs. I. P.
Tredwell, vice-president; Miss Charlotte Onder
donk, secretary, and Mrs. Amelia Cornwell, treas
urer. The club met at the houses of the members
and began their work by founding a circulating
library of twenty-five books, contributed by mem
bers. The library was first established at the resi-

1152

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dence of the librarian, Miss W. M. Mitchell, who
is assisted by Mrs. Lizzie S. Mitchell. In April,
1892, rooms were rented in the Baxter home
stead for the club meetings, and the library
moved to them.. An increase of books to over
five hundred led to an application to the state
for a free library charter, and a provisional one
was granted in November, 1895. The library
trustees are: Miss Carolyn Hicks. Miss W. M.
Mitchell, Airs. Ellen Stannard, Mrs. Adelia
Weeks, Mrs. Ella Davis, Mrs. Catherine Nos
trand and Miss Charlotte Onderdonk.
The establishment of a relief fund by the club
for the poor of the village and the furnishing of
work for those desiring it led to an exchange
for woman's work opened May 11, 1892, with
Miss W. M. Mitchell as president and a board of
managers. Sales for the benefit of consigners
amounted the first year to $500.37. Annual mem
bers of the exchange pay a fee of $2. There
are at present (May, 1896,) thirty exchange mem
bers, and over sixty consigners. The club has
met its expenses and maintained the relief fund
by the dues of its members ($2- annually), by
donations and by entertainments in which or
iginal plays were performed. There are in the
present year, 1896, twenty-eight members, and
the officers are: president, Mrs. Anna Mott; first
vice-president, Mrs. Kittie Alessenger; second
vice-president, Mrs. Ellen Stannard; recording
secretary, Mrs. M. Eleanor Smull; correspond
ing secretary, Mrs. Amelia Cornwell, and treas
urer, Miss Margie Tredwell.

EARL A. GILLESPIE. The business in
terests of Woodhaven have a capable and
successful representative in the subject of
this biography, who is at the head of the lumber
interests in the place. He was born at Watkins
Landing, on the banks of the Hudson River,
February 22, 1850. His father, Lewis Gillespie,
was a native of Schenectady County, N. Y, born
in 1 82 1, and was a prominent lumber dealer of
West Troy up to the time of his decease, in i88q.
Through years of industrious and honest toil he
secured a good income and the respect of those
who had business dealings with him from time to
time. He was an active member of the Reformed
Church and for many years was elder of his con
gregation. He had three brothers, of whom
James went South prior to the outbreak of the
late war and was never more heard from; Georoe

was for many years a builder in Schenectady, N.
Y.; and W. C, who started in life as a boat-
builder at Havana, N. Y, was at the time of his
demise president of the bank at that place.
The grandfather of our subject, James Gil
lespie, was one of the prominent agriculturists
of Schenectady County and a leader in the Re
formed Church. The family is of Scotch origin,
although the first of this branch to come to
America, in 1760, emigrated from Belfast, Ire
land. They immediately made their wayr to the
above county in this state, among whose resi
dents they became prominent.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Ellen Valentine. Her grandfather, prior to the
Revolution, was a blacksmith in the village of
Jamaica, L. I. When volunteers were called for
he entered the service and won distinction for his
brave and fearless conduct. When peace was de
clared he settled in Saratoga County, and there
passed the remaining years of his life. Airs.
Gillespie had two brothers and one sister. Mark
was a carpenter and builder by trade; William
ran away from home when a boy, and, going to
sea, made a trip around the world; in 1849 he
joined the train of gold-seekers and crossed the
plains to California, where he made his perma
nent home.
Earl A. Gillespie, who was the only child of
his parents, was educated in the schools of Troy,
N. Y, after which he entered the office of his fa
ther's wholesale lumber yard and became thor
oughly acquainted with every branch of the
business. In 1881 he removed to East New-
York, and, forming a partnership with his wife's
brother, established a lumber yard and built up
a large business, in which he is still interested.
Our subject remained in East New York for
four years, when he left the management of the
business to his partner, and, coming to Wood
haven, opened up another yard and is now at the
head of one of the largest concerns of this kind
on Long Island. In addition to the two lumber
yards, he has recently established one of the most
extensive ice manufacturing plants in the coun
try. It is located not far from his lumber yards
at Ozone Park, and is said to be one of
the most complete ice plants of its kind
now in operation. There is probably no gentle
man in Queens County who has met with greater
success than has rewarded his efforts. He is in
terested in many other enterprises of importance
in the city, being director of the Woodhaven

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"S3

Bank and the owner of much valuable real es
tate in this place and East New York. He is a
member of the Reformed Church in East New-
York and has been elder in this congregation for
many years. He was one of the leaders in the es
tablishment of the Young Men's Christian Asso
ciation of the twenty-sixth ward, Brooklyn. ,He
contributes largely of his time and means toward
making this a success and is one of its board of
managers. In 1882 Mr. Gillespie married Miss Isabella
Curtis, granddaughter of Captain Curtis of Revo
lutionary fame. This lady was born in Saratoga
County, N. Y, and by her union with our sub
ject has become the mother of two children. The
family occupy one of the finest residences in
Woodhaven.

T T 7 ILLIAM E. KIRK. The record of the
\/\ / life of Mr. Kirk is that of an honest, in-
' * dustrious, persevering man, who has
followed his chosen occupation for a very long
period and is still carrying it on in an energetic
and methodical manner. His home is situated
one mile west of the village of Locust Valley, in
the town of Oyster Bay, where for twenty years
or more he has followed the blacksmith's trade,
and for the twenty years previous he was simi
larly engaged in the village. In addition to that
trade, until recently he was engaged in wagon
making and repairing.
The father of our subject, John Kirk, was born
in Glencove, Queens County, and in early life
learned the trades of millwright and shipbuilder,
which he followed for a number of years in the
navy yard of New York. By his marriage to
Mary Albertson, also a native of the island, he
had three children who attained mature years,
namely: William E, who was born in the city of
New York on the 4th of July, 1822; Degrove and
George, both deceased. When our subject was a
mere child his mother returned to Long Island
and here, as soon as old enough, he hired out to
work on a farm. His educational advantages
were exceedingly limited, but he managed to gain
a fund of general information that has been of
great assistance to him in business affairs.
At the age of sixteen Mr. Kirk entered a shop
in Glencove, where he was employed for two
years, and afterward he spent a similar period
in the shop of Mr. Cox. For several years after
ward he worked for Mr. Weeks. On entering

business for himself, he opened a shop at Locust
Valley, where he remained about twenty years,
and then moved to his present location, one mile
west of the village, where he built a shop and re
modeled the house. He has been three times
married, his first wife being Jane Weeks,
daughter of his former employer, and mother
of one child that died in infancy. By his second
wife, Sarah E. Underhill, he had two children, but
both died young. His present wife is a member
of an old family of Long Island. Her father
was born and reared in the town of Oyster Bay,
where he followed the occupations of farmer and
weaver. She is one of eight children, of whom
four are still living, and by her marriage she is
the mother of four children, namely: Isabelle;
Jane; Annie, wife of Benjamin Downing of Glen-
head; and William E, wdio for some years has
been his father's right-hand man in the manage
ment of the shop.
In former years Mr. Kirk was connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politi
cally he votes the Democratic ticket in national
elections, but in local matters is inclined to be in
dependent. He is liberal in his views, conceding
to others the right to their opinions, which he
claims as his birthright. At no time in his life
has he sought office, as his tastes and inclinations
lead him to prefer a private life. He is indus
trious and persevering, and deserves the compe
tency which he has accumulated by hard work.

JMAYNARD KISSAM. This public-
spirited citizen of the village of Queens
• holds the position of justice of the town
of Jamaica, to which office he was elected in the
fall of 1894. He is a native of this county, born
at Flushing, August 15, 1865. His father, John
R. Kissam, was also born in that beautiful old
town and for many years prosecuted farming with
success. He is now living in ease and comfort
in the village of Queens. The Kissam family is
one of the oldest and most highly respected on
Long Island and its various members have al
most, without an exception, taken a leading part
in the affairs of Queens County.
The mother of our subject, who bore the
maiden name of E. Amanda Remsen, was a mem
ber of a family that traced its ancestry to the early
settlement of the island. Her union with John
R. Kissam resulted in the birth of three sons and
one daughter. Eleanor A. married W. P. Fos-

"54

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ter, who, at his death, left her with a daughter.
Ethel; Richard A. and William A. are both living
in this village.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
schools of Queens and in Brown's Institute,
Brooklyn. In 1882 he accepted a position with
the Imperial and Northern Insurance Company
of New York, remaining in their employ until
January 1, 1886, when he resigned and became
connected with the Lancaster Insurance Com
pany, working in the interests of this concern
until January 1, 1889. He then formed a partner
ship in the insurance business, having his main
office in New York with a branch office at
Queens, where he spends a portion of his time.
Judge Kissam is a leading Republican of the
county and has always taken a very active part
in local politics. He has been collector of school
taxes of the village of Queens since 1890, and is
at present treasurer of the fire department and
secretary of the building and loan association.
In the fall of 1894 his friends urged him to be
come a candidate for the office of justice of the
town of Jamaica. He did so and was elected by
a majority of nine hundred, that, too, in a Demo
cratic district. This fact speaks well for his pop
ularity as a citizen, and since entering upon the
duties of the office he has given no less satis
faction as an official. He is prominent in Ma
sonic circles and is a member of the Royal Ar
canum, American Legion of Honor, of which he
is a past commander/and the Shield of Honor, in
which organization he is past senior master. He
was one of the charter members of the Chub Club
of Jamaica and also takes an active part in other
leading clubs on Long Island. He has never
married, and makes his home with his parents in
Queens.

PETER N. PHILLIPS. Of the many citi
zens of Long Island City who have chosen
contracting and building for their life
work, none is meeting with more success than
Mr. Phillips, who, though still a young man, has
had the contract for the erection of some of the
most substantial buildings in this locality. Much
of his time is spent in New York, where he has
an office at No. 143 Liberty Street, and in addi
tion he also has an office in Brooklyn. Fie has
made a particular study of the construction of
public buildings, and his familiarity with everv
detail is largely the secret of his success.

The. business founded by his father and now
conducted by Mr. Phillips has assumed large pro
portions, and its management requires his
thoughtful oversight. Among the buildings he
has erected may be mentioned the addition to
the College of the City of New York and about
sixteen large alterations in the public schools in
New York City. In Brooklyn he had the con
tract for two houses for the fire department and
the largest part of the buildings in block 3 of the
Wallabout market. He also built the Newtown
water works for the Citizens' Water Supply Com
pany. In Long Island City he had the contract
for the fire engine house in Jackson Avenue, first
ward; the two fire department houses in Flush
ing Avenue, near Steinway Avenue; the Fourth
Ward school; and the rebuilding of the large
brick chimney at the city water works, which is
one hundred and fifteen feet in height.
The Phillips family originated in England.
Our subject's father, John M, was born in Lan
cashire, and was the son of a contractor there.
In youth he learned the mason's trade, serving
an apprenticeship under the largest contractor
of the shire. After his marriage he came to the
United States and settled in New York, wdiere he
first followed his trade, but later became con
tractor for the W. H. Ellis estate. In 1877 he
located at No. 112 Academy Street, Long Island
City, but continued contracting, with his son as
partner, under the firm name of J. Al. Phillips &
Son. In 1890 he accidentally fell from a building
in Brooklyn and the injury resulted fatally. He
was then fifty years of age. For many years
before his death he was chairman of the general
committee of the independent Democratic party.
He was a Catholic and one of the leading mem
bers of St. Patrick's Church.
The mother of our subject, Margaret Newell,
was born in Ireland, but reared in England,
wdiere her father, Andrew Newell, was a large
contractor. At this writing she resides in Long
Island City. Of her ten children seven are living,
all of whom are sons and all masons, working in
the employ of their oldest brother. The subject
of this notice was born in West Seventeenth
Street, New York City, September 7, 1866. In
early boyhood he attended Grammar School No.
14, in East Twenty-seventh Street, and later was
a student for two years in the College of the City
of New York. From the age of eleven years he
has resided in Long Island City, where he now
has his home at No. 112 Academy Street. In

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"55

1891 the accidental death of his father, with
whom he had been associated in business, threw
the entire responsibility of the firm's affairs upon
himself. His present prosperity proves that he
was equal to the emergency.
A man of strong opinions, on no question
are Mr. Phillips' ideas more pronounced than on
politics, and we find him a stanch advocate of
united Democracy and a leader in his party. He
is a member, among other organizations, of the
Mechanics and Traders' Exchange of Brooklyn,
the Manhattan Athletic Club of New York City
and the Lotus Club of Brooklyn.

JAMES M. HIGGINS, a successful young
business man of Flushing, was born here
January 15, 1868. He is of Irish descent,
his grandfather, Michael Higgins, having been
a native of County Kerry, whence in early man
hood he emigrated to America and settled in
Flushing, being the second Irishman to seek a
home in this village. He was employed as a land
scape gardener until the arrival of his brother
Daniel, when the two established the Higgin?
nursery. After a short time, however, Michael
went to Whitestone, where he took a position as
gardener. Later he was proprietor of a grocery
store in Main Street, Flushing. In 1872 he re
moved to New York City, where he carried on
a grocery trade on the East Side. His death
occurred there in 1879.
The father of our subject, William D. Higgins,
was born in Whitestone and in early life engaged
in farming, but after a time gave his attention to
the express business in Flushing. About 1872
he embarked in the grocery business, and during
the years that have since elapsed he has gained a
reputation as an upright and honorable business
man. He is still proprietor of a store in Broad
way, and is numbered among the industrious and
energetic men of his community. By his mar
riage to Ann O'Brien, a native of Queens
County, Ireland, he has three children.
James M, who is the only son and youngest
child, was educated in St. Michael's parochial
school and the high school. At the age of four
teen he became news agent on the Long Island
Railroad, but followed that occupation only a
short time. April 1, 1884, he entered the real
estate office of J. E. Carll, where he remained for
five years, and then, with the assistance and en
couragement of that gentleman, he started a real

estate and insurance business of his own in 1!
This he has since successfully conducted. April
1, 1890, he was elected assessor of the town of
Flushing for three years, and in 1893 he was
elected town clerk on the Democratic ticket for
one year. For two years, while serving as as
sessor, he acted as deputy receiver of taxes. In
1896 he was again chosen assistant receiver and
collector of taxes. At his office, No. 1 Jaggar
Avenue, he carries on a general real estate and
insurance business, representing the American,
Pennsylvania and Hanover of Philadelphia. In
addition to this, he does considerable business as
an auctioneer.
Mr. Higgins was a member of St. Michael's
Church and at one time was vice-president of the
Catholic Benevolent Legion. He served his time
in Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, and later
was a member of the Flushing Hose Company
No. 3. Fraternally he is identified with Council
No. 6, A. O. F, is treasurer of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians and at one time belonged to the
Flushing Boat Club. All local matters receive
his support, and while he always votes the Demo
cratic ticket, he is not a partisan in his views, but
gives to others the freedom of opinion he claims
for himself. He is connected with the West End
Building and Loan Association, the Flushing Im
provement Society and Flushing Protective Gun
Association.

RICHARD H. WILLIAMS. College Point
numbers among its rising young business
men the subject of this sketch, who is a
successful contractor and is also filling the posi
tion of assessor. He is a son of Robert and Mar
garet Williams, the former of whom, a native of
Ireland, emigrated to America in early man
hood and settled in Flushing, but removed thence
to College Point in 1840. At that time the vil
lage was in its infancy, and gave few indications
of its present thriving condition. He was one of
its early settlers and remained closely associated
with its growth until he died at the age of
sixty-three. Throughout life he followed the oc
cupation of a mason and builder, in which, while
not .gaining wealth, he accumulated a compe
tency. His wife is still living and makes her
home in Twelfth Street.
The six children comprising the parental fam
ily were named as follows: Alary, wife of Richard
E. Tracy, who is a builder by occupation ; Lizzie,

"56

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mrs. Fred Bux; Maggie, who lives with her
mother; Robert, deputy sheriff of Queens Coun
ty; Richard H, of this sketch; and Thomas, a
builder by trade, and a resident of College Point.
Our subject was born in this village August i,
1863, and was educated in the common schools
and St. Francis College, New York City. Hav
ing a natural ability as a mechanic, he began
to learn the machinist's trade in Flushing, but
abandoned it to enter the building business,
which he believed would prove more profitable.
He continued thus engaged for a time, after
which he turned his attention to his present busi
ness of contracting, his contracts including num
erous orders for excavating, road grading, etc.
By his marriage to May Hargreave, of Yonk
ers, N. Y, Mr. Williams has three children, Rob
ert Vincent, Richard Ambrose and Alary Irene.
He is a Catholic in religious views and holds
membership in the Catholic Benevolent Legion.
In politics he is a leader in the Democracy,
and for ten years has served as secretary of the
Democratic Club. In 1891 he was elected as
sessor, which office he has since held. He is con
nected with the Foresters and is an honorary
member of the Junior Hose Company.

JUDGE GEORGE T. BOWMAN, during
his incumbency of the office of justice of the
peace, has seen opened and broadened be
fore him a grand field of work for the good of his
fellow-men. By means of his thorough study of
the cases that have fallen within his jurisdiction
and of the statutes of New York and the rulings
of the common law, he has adjusted satisfactorily
many cases that might otherwise have resulted
in tedious, expensive and harassing suits at law,
and he has thus exerted a beneficent influence
in his community.
Now a resident of Winfield Junction, our sub
ject was born in Newtown December 31, 1854,
and is one of five survivors among the eight chil
dren originally comprising the family of Peter
and Bridget (Hay) Bowman. His father emi
grated from Europe to America in youth and set
tled in Newtown, where he engaged in gardening
until his death in 1872. George T. grew to man
hood in his native place, and prior to the age
of twenty-two was engaged in farming, but at
that age he secured employment with the firm of
Howard & Moss, wire weavers, in Brooklyn, with
whom he remained for eighteen consecutive

years, receiving a gradual increase of salary in
recognition of his faitnlul and valuable services.
His resignation was caused by his election to the
office of justice of the peace, to fill the unexpired
term of one year and nine months caused by the
death of the former justice. At the expiration
of this term, in January, 1895, he was again
elected to the position, which he has since filled
with honor to himself and satisfaction to his con
stituents. The marriage of our subject and Miss Barbara
Weber, of Newtown, occurred in 1876, and re
sulted in the birth of seven children, of whom
four are living: George L, Anna E, Arthur F.
and Lucy. The wife and mother died in 1889.
Mr. Bowman was again married November 14,
1895, his wife being Miss Louisa Timmes, of
Newtown. The family are connected with the
Roman Catholic Church and regular attendants
at its services. Mr. Bowman is chancellor of the
Catholic Benevolent Legion as well as state de
partment chancellor, and for six years served as
president of Winfield Council N. 126.
The Democratic party ftas in Mr. Bowman one
of its loyal supporters and local leaders. For
many years he was president of a Democratic or
ganization in this district, and at this writing is
treasurer of the town central committee. At the
election in 1895 he headed the ticket and every
candidate, with the exception of one constable,
was elected by a handsome majority. For about
six years he was a member of the board of educa
tion, and served for four years as its president,
rendering in that position efficient service in the
interests of the schools.

WILLIAM H. DELAHANTY. Of the
various divisions into which the opera
tions of the municipality are divided,
there is none of which the citizens feel more
justly proud than the active, well-trained, vigi
lant and excellently equipped fire department.
William H. Delahanty, who is chief of the fire
department of Long Island City, has served in
his present capacity since 1893, and the notable
efficiency to which the department has attained
is in a large measure due to his thorough knowl
edge of the business and his careful training of
the men engaged with him. He was born in
Astoria, Long Island City, in 1856, and inherits
much of his determination and energy from his
Irish ancestors. His father, Dennis, was born

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

it-57

in Ireland and came to this country in boyhood,
subsequently becoming superintendent for the
E. C. Smith Vrarnish Company. He continued
with that concern until his death in 1869, when
thirty-eight years of age.
The mother of our subject, wdio still resides in
Astoria, bore the maiden name of Mary A. Too-
mey and was born in Albany, N. Y, being a
daughter of Michael Toomey, who learned and
followed the trade of a varnish maker in Albany,
removing thence to Astoria, where he held the
position of superintendent in the Smith Varnish
Works until his death, at eighty-eight. In this
position he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Mr.
Delahanty. Of the latter's family of eight chil
dren five are living, William H. being second in
order of birth. He passed his childhosd years
in Astoria, receiving his primary education in the
First Ward and completing his studies in the.
Fourth Ward school.
The first position held by Mr. Delahanty was
that of starter for the Steinway Railroad Com
pany, but later he became assistant superinter.-
dent and afterward for four years served as su
perintendent. After one year as supervisor 01
the city, in 1893 he was appointed chief of the fire
department by Mayor Sanford and the board of
fire commissioners. When he accepted this po
sition there were but two fire companies and two
bouses, but at this writing there are nine com
panies and seven houses and the department has
been reorganized, equipped and enlarged. Five
new engines have been added, the number of
men has been increased from fourteen to forty-
two, and there are two of the latest improved
trucks. Each house has an electric system and
there are twenty street boxes, the system having
been perfected through the efforts of Chief Dela
hanty, who devotes all of his time to the duties
of the office and each day inspects all of the
houses. In Long Island City Mr. Delahanty was mar
ried to Miss Emma Hartel, a native of this city,
and they are the parents of seven children: Kate,
William, Emma, Mary, Nellie, Grace and James.
From 1882 to 1886 Mr. Delahanty filled the po
sition of alderman and in the last named year he
was president of the board. He was chairman of
the fire and water committee and was active in
the department. In the improvement of city
property he is deeply interested. Fraternally he
is a member of Long Island City Council No. 17,
Order of Firemen, the International Board of

Fire Chiefs, and the Veteran Firemen's Associa
tion. Pie was assistant foreman and foreman and
served as assistant engineer for two years under
Chief Camisky. In politics he is a Democrat,
is a charter member of the Jefferson Club and for
a number of years before being made chief of the
department served on the general committee.

LEANDER AIORTIMER DE LA MAT
ER, secretary of the John Stephenson Co,
Limited. From a perusal of the life records
of successful men may be gleaned much that is
interesting and profitable to readers of mature
years, as well as many lessons worthy of emula
tion by the young. Mr. De La Mater's success
proves what one may accomplish who is indus
trious, conscientious and determined. The re
sponsible position which he holds has been ob
tained through the exercise of sound judgment
in business matters and through his efficient dis
charge of every duty in life. While his business
requires his daily presence in New York City, he
has, since 1875, made his home in Flushing,
where he is an influential and leading citizen.
The family of which Mr. De La Mater is a
representative is of mingled French and Dutch
stock. The name was originally, in France, Le
Alaitre, meaning "The Master," but has been
changed to its present form since the settlement
in America. The first of the name to come to
this country was Claude Le Maitre, who, in 1652,
settled in Flatbush (then Harlem) and there mar
ried, for his second wife, Hester Du Bois, of Am
sterdam, Holland. Since his time the descend
ants have been identified with the history of this
part of the state and have been known as pa
triotic, honorable and law-abiding citizens.
The grandfather of our subject, Isaac De La
Mater, was a resident of Sing Sing, N. Y, and
had a family of twelve children by his wife, Abi
gail, who died at the age of ninety-two. During
the war with England he entered the colonial
service and fought valiantly for independence,
being a member of the company to which be
longed John Paulding and Isaac Van Wart, the
captors of Major Andre. During his service he
fell into the hands of the British, by whom he
was for some time imprisoned in the old sugar
house in New York City.
Edward D. De La Mater, father of our subject,
was the youngest of twelve children and was born
in Sing Sing, N. Y. Engaging in the sash and
blind manufacturing business, he was located first

"58

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Ninth, later in Twenty-third Street, New York-
City. He was a man who kept well posted upon
current events and possessed a large store of in
formation, not only along business lines, but in
almost every department of knowledge. In his
early years he was identified with the Methodist
Protestant Church and later became a member of
the Methodist Episcopal denomination. After
having been an invalid for three years, the re
sult of a stroke of paralysis, he died June 29, 1895,
aged eighty-five years. His wife, Jane (Cheshire)
De La Mater, was born near Oyster Bay, Queens
County, daughter of Samuel Cheshire, and died
in 1888 at the home of her son, when seventy-
three years of age. Of her three children two
attained years of maturity: Leander Mortimer
and Jane M, Mrs. J. W. Tompkins, who died in
New York City.
Born in New York October 5, 1835, the sub
ject of this record as a boy attended Ward School
No. 2, located on the corner of Ninth Street and
First Avenue. In 1849 he entered the New York
Free Academy, of which he was one of the first
pupils, and there he remained for three and one-
half years. From the time he left school until he
was twenty years old, he assisted his father in the
sash and blind business. In 1855 he entered the
office of John Stephenson, the street car builder,
located then, as now, at No. 47 East Twenty-
seventh Street. In 1867 he became a member of
the firm of John Stephenson & Co, which con
cern was in 1875 incorporated as the John Steph
enson Co, Limited, and a few years later he was
made secretary.
At the time of the war, Mr. De La Mater, who
was then a resident of New Rochelle, was orderly
sergeant of the Seventeenth New York National .
Guard and was called out for thirty days' service
about the time of the battle of Gettysburg in
1863. The time was principally spent in guard
ing Rebel prisoners at Ft. McHenry. From the
rank of acting adjutant Mr. De La Mater was
promoted to be adjutant, and later was commis
sioned lieutenant-colonel by Governor Morgan,
serving from 1861 until the regiment was dis
banded at the close of the war.
The first marriage of Mr. De La Mater took
place in New York City and united him with
Miss Mary T. Stephenson, who died in 1870. Of
their eight children, only three attained mature
years, namely: Annie S, who died at twenty-two
years; Jennie L, Mrs. Austin Hicks, of Great
Neck, L. I.; and Lillie Grant, who died at the age

of twenty-seven. The father of Mrs. De La Ma
ter, John Stephenson, was a man of such remark
able character that he deserves especial mention
in this connection. Born in Ireland of humble
parentage, starting in life without the prestige of
wealth or the aid of influential friends, he never
theless attained a financial success that brought
him world-wide renown. At the age of four years
he was brought to America by his parents and
grew to manhood in New York City, with the
history of which his own was ever afterward
identified. In early manhood he began to manu
facture omnibuses, making the first in the city.
In 1 83 1 he built the first street car line in New
York and became the pioneer street car builder
of the place. His factory was first in Elizabeth
Street, later was removed to Harlem, and about
1842 was started in Twenty-seventh Street, where
it has since remained. So rapidly did his busi
ness increase that in a few years he was filling
orders from other parts of the world, and his
cars were sent to every country on the globe ex
cept China. While engrossed with the responsi
bilities attached to his immense business, he did
not forget religious duties, but ever maintained
an interest in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
to which he belonged for many years. He at
tained an advanced age, dying in July, 1893, at
the age of eighty-five.
During the Rebellion Mr. Stephenson sus
pended street car building to do government
work and his factory was under government in
spection. In it he manufactured gun carriages,
caisson and pontoon wagons. At one time an
order was received for seventy pontoon wagons.
There was no lumber in the shop, but he at once
sent to New Brunswick, N. J, for logs, and in
seventeen days a train of seventy pontoon wagons
was sent to the headquarters of the army. The
company now has the distinction of being the
oldest manufacturers of street cars in the world
and the largest in the East. Their facilities are
unsurpassed for turning out first-class work in a
short time, the capacity of their plant being about
six hundred per annum. Employment is furn
ished to a large force of men, varying from three
hundred to three hundred and fifty.
The present wife of Mr. De La Mater, with
whom he was united in marriage at Jericho,
Queens County, was Miss Sarah E. Duryea, a
native of Brooklyn, and daughter of George Dur
yea, a farmer and builder of Jericho. Three sons
blessed their union, namely: Merton Erving, Ros-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

11 59

well Alger, and Mortimer Sterling, who died at
the age of seven years.
For eight years Mr. De La Mater was a mem
ber of the board of education and served as its
president for one year; during the time of his
connection with the board, the large addition to
the high school was built. In 1852, at the age of
seventeen, he united with the Methodist Episco
pal Church, in which he has since been an active
worker, having been a teacher or officer in the
Sunday-school for forty years, and a member of
the official board and class leader for thirty-eight
years. His membership was first in the Rose
Hill Methodist Episcopal Church in Twenty-
seventh Street, New York ; later he was connected
with St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church at
New Rochelle, and in 1875 joined the First
Church of Flushing. Here he has been president
of the board of trustees and superintendent of the
Sunday-school. On four different occasions he
has served as lay delegate to the conference of the
denomination. A Republican in politics, Mr. De La Mater cast
his first vote for J. C. Fremont in 1856 and h^g
since given his active allegiance to all the meas
ures of this party. He was one of the first pro
moters of Flushing Hospital and was president
of the board of trustees at the time the corner
stone was laid. In former years he served as
president of the Queens County Sunday-school
Association, of which he is still a member.

HENRY O. AND GEORGE R. SUT-
PHEN, operating under the firm name
of Sutphen Brothers, are far-seeing and
intelligent business, men of Little Neck, which
fact is shown by the success which has crowned
their efforts. They are not only the proprietors
of a large general merchandising establishment
in this place, but are also prominent in both
social and commercial circles. They are men of
much practical and financial ability, and by ju
diciously investing their money have become
well-to-do. The brothers were born in New York City to
Charles S. and Elizabeth (Whittle) Sutphen. Of
their household of six children four now survive.
Charles J. is manager of the Brooklyn branch of
the H. J. Heinz Pickle Company; and Annie L,
the only daughter, is the wife of R. Ellard, a resi
dent of Great Neck.
The father of our subjects was born in New

Brunswick, N. J, in 1831, this being the native
state of his ancestors for many generations back.
After attending school for a short period he be
gan very early in life to work at the carpenter's
trade, which he mastered after attaining his nine
teenth year and began building and contracting
on his own account in New York City. His shop
at that time was located in Fortieth Street, where
now stands the Metropolitan Opera House. The
first contract of importance which was given him
was the building of a row of dwellings in Twenty-
third Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues.
Succeeding in giving satisfaction, his efforts from
that time on were accompanied by the most
pleasing results, and for a period of thirty years
he was one of the most prosperous contractors
and builders of the metropolis, erecting many of
its best business blocks and handsome residences,
among the latter being that of a Mr. Bostwick,
located on the corner of Sixty-second Street and
Fifth Avenue, and the Knickerbocker residence,
which stands on the corner of Sixty-fourth Street
and Fifth Avenue. In the year 1875 Air. Sutphen
came with his family to Great Neck, with whose
interests he has been identified ever since. His
father, Grandfather Steadman Sutphen, and the
great-grandfather, were also builders of prom
inence in their day and locality, so that Charles
S. comes very naturally by his knowledge of car
penters' tools and the materials used in building.
Steadman Sutphen constructed the first bridge
which spanned the Raritan River and was known
as the three-mile bridge.
Henry O. Sutphen, the senior member of the
firm of Sutphen Brothers, was born February 25,
1 860, while George R. is four years his junior and
was born February 24, 1864. They both acquired
good educations in the public schools of New
York City and later learned the carpenter's trade
under their father's instruction. Henry, after
completing his apprenticeship, secured a position
in a law office as copyist and for over six years
devoted every spare moment to the study of law,
which it was his intention at that time to follow.
Withdrawing from the office at the expiration of
that time he turned his attention to acquiring a
knowledge of architecture and one year later we
find him engaged in business for himself in
Brooklyn. In this business he was remarkably
successful and continued to make his home in the
City of Churches until about one year ago, when
he came to Little Neck and entered into partner
ship with his brother.

n6o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

George R. Sutphen became a resident of this
place in 1885, soon after completing his appren
ticeship at the carpenter's trade. He secured em
ployment as clerk in the store of Peter Walters
and was his efficient assistant in business until
1895, when, with his brother, he purchased the
stock of goods. By their enterprise and progres-
siveness they have built up a paying patronage
and are among the most prominent and influen
tial men of the place. They carry a stock of
goods valued at $12,000, which they retail at
popular prices, and are so thoroughly conscien
tious in the conduct of their affairs that their cus
tomers are invariably numbered among their
best friends. '
The senior member of the firm was married in
1889 to Miss Alice Ida Smith, a member of one of
the old and honored families of Great Neck. To
them was granted a family of four children, all
of whom are now deceased. George R. Sutphen
was married in 1891 to Miss Nellie, the daughter
of Peter Walters, his former employer. They
have two children, Harold Steadman and Hazei
Elizabeth. Religiously he is a devoted member
of the Reformed Church, in which he has been
deacon for the past three years. Henry O, while
not a member of any religious body, attends wor
ship at the Episcopal Church. Fraternally the
younger brother is a Mason of good standing,
belonging to Cornucopia Lodge No. 563 of
Flushing.

JOHN LACKNER. The nineteenth century
will for all time be considered as the most
remarkable era in the history of the sub
jugation of natural laws to the needs and require
ments of man. In the list of brilliant scientists,
inventors and practical demonstrators to whom
remarkable results are due, America is well rep
resented, better represented, perhaps, than any
other country on the face of the globe. This
great work of development is still going on, and
in Long Island City we have several practical
and experienced men who have devoted much of
their time to such pursuits. Among them is John
Lackner, the well known inventor and paper
manufacturer whose genius brought forth the
machine with which he manufactures his paper
goods. Mr. Lackner is a native of the Empire State,
born in New York City in 1866, and is the son of
John C. Lackner, who was born in Austria.

The family name was originally de Lackner, a
Belgium title. His grandfather was a native of
Belgium, but moved to Austria at an early date
and held the position of surveyor of Pressburg.
In the Hungarian Revolution he, being an inti
mate friend of General Kossuth, took a very im
portant part. He was dissatisfied with the form
of government in kingdoms in general, claiming
that most of the imperial houses were descended
from robber barons and it was no honor to claim
the ancestry. He renounced his allegiance to the
crown and cast away his title and went into the
fight for liberty. When success was within sight,
all their plans were betrayed and with the help
of Russia the Austrians defeated them. Most of
the Hungarians were taken prisoners, among
them Grandfather Lackner, wdio subsequently
escaped. All of his property was confiscated and
he had to travel under an assumed name. A
number of years later he was recaptured and im
prisoned. After repeated appeals for his pardon,
his wife met the king out driving and broke
through the guards, demanding an audience
with the king, who promised her that he would
pardon her husband. She started home rejoic
ing and was congratulated on every side, but
when she reached the place she found a message
informing her of the death of her husband, who
passed away before the supposed pardon reached
him. He was called away by a higher tribunal,
but it has never been the belief of his descend
ants that he died of natural causes.
The father of our subject, wdio was in business
under an assumed name, shortly after the war
was also captured, but owing to his age and title
was confined for one year only. On his release
he engaged in the' paper business, waiting for the
pardon of his father, and when the latter's death
was made known to him, he sold out and came to
America about 1863, vowing never to have any
thing to do with the monarchy, nor to seek any
redress nor claim any right to a title from any
royal government. He was a freeman there and
he is a freeman here. In Austria he had carried
on the manufacture of artificial flowers, and
on arriving in New' York City he began to
manufacture paper flowers and paper goods
of all kinds, being the first to introduce this
industry in the United States. He built up
an extensive business and became wealthy and
influential. At the present time he lives in Asto
ria, retired from the active duties of life. His
wife, whose maiden name was Anna de Buday,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1161

was a native of Silesia, Austria, and daughter of
Judge de Buday who was a prominent man in
that country. She died in February, 1895. Of
their nine children, five sons and four daughters,
all survive at the present time.
John Lackner, the fifth in order of birth of
these children, attended the grammar school of
New York City, later the College of the City of
New York, and finished in the commercial
course. Later he learned the paper goods busi
ness of his father, but had become familiar with
his work when a boy, when all the goods were
handmade. In 1887 he branched out in business
for himself in New York City and established a
plant in West Thirtieth Street. Here he invents
ed a machine for manufacturing these goods by
electric power. This concern was subsequently
burned out and he lost everything. After this he
and his father were in business together until
1894, when the father retired and our subject suc
ceeded to the business. He erected a building in
Astoria and moved the factory from New York
to that place. The concern is 25x50, two stories
in height and run by steam power. The manufac
turing establishment is one of the largest of ite
kind in the United States and the patents he has
originated have been the foundation of his suc
cessful career. He sells wholesale to jobbers,
makes his own designs, and attends strictly to
business. Mr. Lackner is a member of the Long Island
City Building and Loan Association, also the Re
publican General Committee of Long Island City
and Union League Club, and has been a delegate
to different conventions. Fraternally he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, Enterprise
Lodge, and the Arion Singing Society. In re
ligion he is an Episcopalian and in politics a Re
publican. The Lackner family is a thoroughly
musical one and the mother of our subject was
noted in that respect.

CHARLES JULIUS FREYGANG (de
ceased). It is often difficult to advise
even personal friends on tne subject of
hotel accommodations, for "different people have
different tastes," and what may suit you may-
prove objectionable to another, and vice versa,
but still we have no hesitation in recommending
Freygang's College Point Hotel, Park and Pa
vilion in Second Avenue, between Sixth and
Seventh Streets, for the simple reason that it is

a city hotel, run on metropolitan principles, and
the policy of its management is consequently ac
ceptable to all classes of patrons. This noted
hotel was established in 1874 by Charles J. Frey-
gang and its excellent reputation soon called onlv
the best class of people to it.
Mr. Freygang was born near Leipsic, Saxony,
Germany, August 22, 1830, and was the son of
Daniel G. and Wilhelmina (Deitz) Freygang,
both natives of Saxony. The father was a tanner
by trade and passed his entire life in the old
country. After the death of her husband, Airs.
Freygang joined her children in America. This
was in 1864, and she died in New York City when
eighty-nine years old. Of her four children, three
sons and one daughter, all are now living with
the exception of our subject, who was the eldest.
He was reared and educated in the gymnasium
in his native country, and learned the machinist's
trade in Saxony. In 1853 he came to America,
located in New York City, and became foreman
for Mitchell & Wentz. Later he was with the
Singer Manufacturing Company as foreman, but
soon after ex-Mayor Wentz sent for him and he
again became foreman. He was an expert me
chanic and could always find employment.
In the month of September, 1862, our subject
removed to Whitestone, uought Wolf's Hotel and
renamed it Freygang's Hotel. This he conduc
ted successfully until Alay 23, 1874, when he lo
cated in College Point, bought the place now
owned by his widow, and built it up, making the
bowling alley in 1876, dancing pavilion and danc
ing hall, also the residence in 1879. He also
owned and ran Point View Island until his death,
February 13, 1888. For three years he was su
perintendent of the water works, but he then
resigned on account of his business. He was a
charter member of Company G, Fifteenth Regi
ment of Flushing, National Guard, State of New
York, joining that organization in 1863, and was
called out for thirty days' service to Ft. Rich
mond. Later he started the first hook and ladder
company in Whitestone. Mr. Freygang was a
member of Trinity Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M,
of New York. He was also identified with the
Odd Fellows' lodge in College Point and was
a charter member and past noble grand of the
same. In politics he advocated the principles of
the Democratic party.
Mr. Freygang was married in New York, Oc
tober 1, 1859, to Miss Alaria Knab, a native of
Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, born October 1, 1834. Her

Il62

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

father, Franz Knab, was a farmer in the old
country and died there when seventy-five years
old. Her grandfather, Franz Knab, died early in
life and his widow married a Mr. Wittemeyer,
who was a soldier in Napoleon's army in its
march to Moscow. Mrs. Freygang's mother,
whose maiden name was Catherine Schoeffer,was
a native of Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, and daughter of
Adam Schoeffer, an agriculturist there. The
mother died when seventy-three years old. Mrs.
Freygang, the eldest of eight children, five of
whom grew to mature years, came to America in
1855, on the sailer "Helvetia," settled in New
York City and there resided until her marriage
to Mr. Freygang.
Six children were born to this union, five of
whom grew to mature years : Hermina, now Mrs.
Charles P. Wragner, of College Point; Julius, who
died in childhood; Hugo W, a manufacturer of
Brooklyn; Paulina, Airs. Charles Michel, of Col
lege Point; Charles J, assistant chief engineer of
the fire department and in the hotel business with
his mother; and Henry. The last named is in
Enterprise Company No. 2, is also a member
of Freygang's Court No. 177, and the College
Point Station Life Saving Corps since its or
ganization. He and his brothers are good swim
mers, and his father also excelled in that line.
Henry is a member of Aztec Tribe of Red Men
No. 255; Flora Lodge, A. O. U. W, No. 428; O.
A. Freemen Council, College Point, and is an
active member of the Arion Singing Society,
Long Island City. In politics he is a Republican.
Airs. Freygang is a member of Ladies' Circle of
Pride of Woodland, a sister lodge of Court C. J.
Freygang, and is also a member of the Lady
Forester and Burial Fund Society. She is
a member of St. Fidelis' Catholic Church.
After the death of her husband in 1888, Mrs.
Freygang assumed control of the business.
The hotel is nearly new, being built in 1890, and
is run on the European plan, rooms being had by
the day, week, or month. A first-class restaurant
is run in connection, where meals can be served
at any hour, and with the very best the market
affords, while guests are served with a prompt
ness and politeness that might very profitably
be imitated at other places. The hotel is located
on the water, fronting on Flushing Bay, and is
surrounded by a beautiful park. Here may be
found the best dancing hall in the place, 60x75
feet, and the dining-room is the same size. There
are also bowling alleys, billiard rooms and a

shooting stand, and, taken all in all, it is one of
the nicest places on the bay, and has the reputa
tion of being the coolest place in College Point.
It has large accommodations for private parties
and picnics, and there are plenty of pleasure
boats for rent. Employment is given to from
ten to forty assistants.

DANIEL ALLEN CORNWELL, one of
the substantial and well known citizens of
the town of North Hempstead, inherited
three hundred acres of land from his father's
estate. The greater part of tnis, however, he has
subdivided into building lots and disposed of at
good prices. He was born on the north side of
Cow Bay, June 5, 1827, his parents being Walter
J,, and Sarah (Allen) Cornwell. The father, who
was also born near that body of water, was the
son of Hewlett Cornwell, a descendant of John
Cornwell, who located on the island early in the
sixteenth century.
The subject of this sketch, who was the young
est of four children born to his parents, was earlv
taught to be useful on the farm. During the
winter months he carried on his studies in the
district school and in this manner gained a good
education. His brother, Charles W, was born
January 17, 1820, and died February 9, 1888; he
never married and passed his entire life in farm
ing in this town. Walter J, who was born Au
gust 18, 1822, was also an agriculturist of good
repute and died September 26, 1846. Hewlett,
whose birth occurred July 29, 1824, died Decem
ber 21, 1865; he too chose farming as his occu
pation in life. The father of the above family was
born April 17, 1795, and was therefore in his
seventieth year at the time of his demise, Alarch
3, 1865. His good wife, whose birth occurred
November 20, 1791, survived him until October
3, 1874.
Daniel Allen Cornwell and Miss Emeline Skid
more were married December 4, 1850. This lady
was born at Roslyn September 20, 1829, and was
the daughter of William and Alartha (Burtis)
Skidmore. At her death, October 20, 1879, she
left three children. Alartha was born in her
mother's old home at Roslyn, May 27,1856. June
27, 1883, she became the wife of Robert L. Mor
rell, and they have one son, Allen Cornwell, who
was born March 15, 1885. Walter J. was born in
the old house where our subject still lives, June
10, 1864. After pursuing a course in the com-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 163

mon schools he became a student in Swarthmore
College, remaining a student in that institution
for two years. He was married February 3, 1885,
to Miss Amelia Godard Powell, of Brooklyn,
where she was born January 26, 1864, her parents
being William J. and Helen (Godard) Powell.
Their union has resulted in the birth of a daugh
ter, Lillian Emeline Cornwell, born November
30, 1886. William Skidmore was born July 27,
1866. When fifteen years of age he entered
Swarthmore College, carrying on his studies
there for two years. June 1, 1887, he mar
ried Julia Estelle Smith of Port Washington,
who was born at Tarrytown, N. Y. They have
one son, Daniel Skidmore.
On the death of his father, the mother of our
subject made her home with him until she, too,
was called to the land beyond. As we have stated,
the farm which he inherited originally included
three hundred acres, but the greater part of it he
has sold to those wishing choice building lots in
this place.
In politics our subject has always affiliated with
the Democratic party, on which ticket he was
elected commissioner of highways, serving ac
ceptably for two terms. His son, Walter J, is
very prominent in his neighborhood and for five
years was road master. Fraternally he belongs
to Seawanhaka Lodge, I. O. O. F. Our subject
and his family attend the Episcopal Church, of
which Walter J. and his sister are members, while
the wife of the son belongs to the Dutch Re
formed Church.

RW. FUECHSEL is one of the most popu
lar young business men of Farmingdale
• and ranks high among his associates and
fellow-citizens. He is one of the proprietors and
stockholders in the Central Park Pickle Works,
which has a branch factory at this place. Asso
ciated with him in business are his brothers, Ed
ward A. and George H. The company was incor
porated in 1894, although the brothers have op
erated together since 1891.
The subject of this sketch was born at Mt.
Vernon, Westchester County, N. Y, November
7, 1866, and is the son of George E. and Mary
(Schaad) Fuechsel. The former, who was born
in Germany, came to America when a lad of six
teen years and not many years thereafter located
at Mt. Vernon, where he was engaged in manu
facturing a fine brand of pickles.

George E. Fuechsel landed on the shores of
the New World with only $6 in his pocket. With
little difficulty he found work clerking in a store
and after a few years thus employed began the
manufacture of ladies' hair nets. This business he
was obliged to abandon in order to take charge
of the pickle works, he having been compelled to
take this property in payment of a debt which
the proprietor owed him. From 1864 until the
day of his death, April 25, 1891, he was thus en
gaged, after which the works were carried on by
his sons.
R W. Fuechsel spent his boyhood days in
Westchester County, where he attended school.
After completing the grammar course he took a
course in Packard's Business College, and when
about fifteen years of age began assisting his
father in the pickle works. He grew up in this
business, and on the death of his father and the
division of the estate, he and his biouiers took
this as their portion of the property.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Mary
Louise Ketcham, of Farmingdale, was celebrated
June 18, 1889. They have a family of three chil
dren, namely: Clara Louise, born December 19,
1890; Lillian Viola, April 11, 1892; and George
Edward, November 29, 1894. Mr. Fuechsel is in
dependent in politics and in 1888 supported
Cleveland. He is a young man of integrity in
his business efforts and numbers many warm
friends in this locality.
The Central Park Pickle Works have a capa
city for making thirty-five million pickles per
year and also manufacture into sauerkraut from
six hundred to seven hundred tons of cabbages in
the same length of time. The brothers have two
factories, one being located at Central Park, from
which it derives its name. They are both in a
very flourishing condition, and during the busy
season give employment to twenty-five men.

JOSEPH W. HICKS. This gentleman, who
is making a success of farming and market
gardening, lives on the old homestead, near
Little Neck, where his birth occurred December
3, 1853. He is the son of Joseph W. and Eliza
beth A. (Remsen) Hicks, the former of whom
was a native of the town of North Hempstead.
He, too, was a farmer of considerable prominence
in his community, but his life of usefulness was
cut short when in the full bloom of manhood, as
he died about the time of our subject's birth,

1 164

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

leaving besides him a widow and daughter. The
wife and mother died when Joseph W. was about
eighteen months old, and the latter was then
taken into the home of his grandfather, Jacob
Remsen, who occupied the farm which our sub
ject now calls home. While a member of his
household he was given an opportunity for ac
quiring a good education, his indulgent grand
father even -being willing to send him away to
school had he cared to do so. He was, however,
content with a common-school education and
after gaining this he occupied his entire time in
assisting in the management of the farm. He
continued to make his home with his grandfather
until the latter's death, and afterward lived with
an uncle to whom the property was wdlled. His
uncle, at the time of his decease, left him a por
tion of the old place, the same on which he still
makes his home.
Our subject was an inmate of his uncle's house
hold until the time of his marriage, February 27.
1879. The lady to whom he was united was Aiiss
Delia Williams, of Mineola, daughter of Joseph
and Marion (Piatt) Williams. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hicks there have been born four children, named
respectively George P, Elizabeth, Alice and Ade
laide. Although never desirous of holding public
office, Air. Hicks is much interested in the suc
cess of the Republican party, whose candidates
he has supported by his voice and vote since
1876, when he cast a ballot for President Hayes.
Religiously he is a member of the Zion Episco
pal Church of Little Neck, wdiich he has served
as vestryman for five years, senior warden one
year and treasurer for one year. He is at present
junior warden of the congregation. He has al
ways been especially interested in the Sunday-
school and for several years has taught a class.

HON. JOHN P. MADDEN, assemblyman
from the First District of Queens County,
is justly regarded as one of its most lib
eral and public-spirited men. He has been of
great benefit to his community since taking his
seat in the assembly, and one of the most impor
tant measures which he has secured for Long
Island City is the reduction of gas, the residents
now being able to have that commodity at the
same price it is supplied to the citizens of the
metropolis. Mr. Madden was born in Scio, Allegany Coun

ty, N. Y. His father, Walter Madden, was for
many years a general contractor of the above
place. He is in business there at the present
time and is regarded as one of the most public-
spirited and influential residents of the place.
His wife was a Miss Mary Brown, and of the
eight children born of their union, John P., of
this history, was the third eldest. Five of the
family are now residents of Long Island City.
Our subject passed the first fifteen years of his
life in Scio, after which he came to New York
City and carried on his studies in the public
schools. He began to make his own way in the
world when eighteen years of age, and having
learned the art of telegraphy was given a posi
tion with the Standard Oil Company, having
charge of the delivery of the crude oil to the
refineries in this section. He continued in that
capacity until 1889, when he became reporter on
the "Daily Star." Three years later, however,
he accepted the position of secretary for Senator
Edward Floyd Jones and clerk for the senate
committee on cities at Albany. After filling these
positions for two years he was nominated on the
regular Democratic ticket for the assembly. Dur
ing the election which followed he was defeated
by just one hundred votes. Later he was ap
pointed chief clerk of the water department and
held this position until January 1, 1895, when he
resigned. In the fall of 1894 we again find Air. Aladden
in this city and for the second time he was chosen
by the Democrats of the county to represent them '
in the state assembly, and was elected by a plu
rality of three hundred and twenty-five. January
1 he took his seat in the assembly and during
his term was a member of the committee on
banks, gas, water supply and electricity and vil
lages. While there he originated and introduced
the bill providing that no gas company, corpora
tion or individual should charge the residents of
Long Island City more than $1.25 per thousand
feet for the gas consumed, thus securing for them
the same benefits accorded New York City. This
was hotly contested by those whose interest it
was to have the gas companies receive a large
price, but after a long fight the bill was passed.
The next bill which Hon. Mr. Madden intro
duced provided for the raising of money in order
that the water mains might be extended and the
water supply increased. This also became a law.
He next tried to have passed a bill causing the
owners of Thirty-fourth Street Ferry to reduce

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

116;

the fare from three cents to one cent during the
commission hours, from 5 :30 to 8 a. m. and from
5 to 7:30 p. ni, and charge two cents during
all other hours of the day. Although this was
passed in the assembly it was defeated in the
senate. Mr. Madden is interested in the Electrical Sup
ply Company, doing business in New York City,
and he is publisher of an electrical paper there.
The John P. Madden Association, which is a
large and popular outing club, was named in his
honor. It takes no stretch of the imagination to
say that Mr. Madden is one of the most influen
tial and prominent Democrats in the state. He
was instrumental in organizing the regular or
Jefferson Democratic Club, of which he was the
first secretary, and has held the office ever since.
Through the efforts of this club the three dif
ferent branches of the Democratic party have
been amalgamated into the regulai Democratic.
and they elect one general committee instead of
three. It is now the strongest party in the cit}
In religious affairs Mr. Madden is a devout
Catholic. In the fall of 1895 Mr. Madden was nominated,
by his party for mayor. There were three can
didates in the field and the result between Mr.
Madden and Mr. Gleason was so close that the
matter was thrown into the courts. After two
months' litigation the courts decided in favor of
Mr. Gleason, declaring Mr. Madden defeated by
thirty votes.

JOHN DOWDEN. While looking up the
business men of Glencove, the writer called
upon the manager of the John Dowden es
tate. After stating the nature of the forthcoming
Record, a request was made for a short account
of the life of his father. After frequent interrup
tions (for Mr. Dowden is always busy, following
the advice of Benjamin Franklm, "When you
want anything done well, do it yourself; other
wise send some one,") the following recital of
events of his life was obtained from his son :
"Father was one of nine children and was born
at Coldspring Harbor in 1835. His father, Pat
rick Dowden, who was born in Dublin, Ireland,
learned the trade of weaving, which I am told was
a very profitable employment, receiving from £5
to £6 weekly, and about 1800 or 1805 came to
Queens County; he was employed in the Jones
woolen mills until they were permanently closed.
49

At the age of about nine years father also went
to work in these mills, remaining two years,
after which he entered a general store conducted
by Samuel Jones. It was then the idea among all
country families that, if the boys were placed in a
store, their fortunes were made and besides they
became the heroes of their households. My father
did not think so. He remained in the store about
three years and then, deciding to try his fortune
in New York City, he left Coldspring Flarbor by
boat (the railroad not having yet reached there).
I think he said the fare was about six cents and
it took six or seven hours to cover the distance,
some thirty-two miles; you can see time was
not considered as valuable as it is now.
"Arriving in New York City, he did not find
the kind of employment he was looking for, his
original intention being to learn the trade of a
wheelwright; so he accepted a position with a
Mr. Wallace, a large hardware merchant in the
Bowery. With the position in the city, of course.
he sought a place to board, never having been
away from home before. He found accommoda
tions in the home of a motherly old lady, who had
a boy of her own. Father being older than
Johnny, her son, was instructed by the fond
mother to keep the sad-irons near the boy at
night, as he was troubled with cold feet. After
one night of this father had enough, so the next
night he tied the irons to the boy's feet and in
the morning early he left the boy, irons, moth
erly old lady and all. How long he remained with
Mr. Wallace I do not know, but still wishing to
learn a trade and no place as a wheelwright being
available, he began to learn the trade of a car
riage painter, in which he succeeded. At differ
ent times he was employed as foreman for a num
ber of the most extensive and prominent car
riage builders in the city.
"Unfortunately, father started south with large
expectations to Washington, D. C. It was then
in the middle of the summer, when trade was dull.
Unable to find work there and having very little
money left, he walked down to Alexandria, Va,
with no better results. Everything looked blue
and discouraging, and his misfortunes seemed to
reach a climax when his money gave out. On
the advice of a builder, who thought work could
be had in Richmond, he started to walk there, a
distance of one hundred and fifty miles. He did
not know what the distance was, and after walk
ing one day and almost all night, he expected to
find Richmond in view, but was disappointed.

n66

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Seeing a darkey, he inquired the distance to Rich
mond. 'Wall, boss, I reckon it is nigh on ten
mile' About an hour later, he inquired of an
other gentleman of color, and was told he 'Reck
oned it was two hundred and seventy-five mile'
Father concluded either there were wheels in that
negro's head or Richmond was on wheels. Pres
ently another darkey came along and he asked
him if he knew the distance between Alexandria
and Richmond. 'Yes, yes, boss, five, mile to the
notch.' Just before, he reached Richmond he
came to a toll bridge and the fare was five cents.
Father not having the money tried to explain
matters, but without result. A gentleman loaned
him the money with the advice, 'Never spend
your last $5 until you know where the next is
to come from.' Father always remembered that.
"After a tramp of four days, father reached
•Richmond and found work at once. He remained
there, with the exception of an occasional visit
to the North, until the war broke out, when he
came back to New York and married, and mother
not liking the South he never went back. While
there he worked both in Washington and Alex
andria, according to the season. While I was in
the South, he wanted me to look up an old friend
of his in Alexandria. I entered a barber shop
and after getting comfortably seated, inquired of
the colored knight of the razor how far it was to
Richmond. He was honest and said he did not
know, but asked another barber, who said it was
thirteen miles. I knew better than that from
what father had told me. He then asked a gentle
man whom he addressed as 'Doctor' (I thought
everyone down there was a colonel, but it seems
not), and he replied it was ninety-eight miles by-
rail and that was the shortest route. The 'thir
teen-mile' negro 'done thought,' as he expressed
it, 'there was another way to go.' I think father
must have had that class of intelligence while
en route to Richmond.
"On returning North, he was employed for a
short time in Brooklyn, but the close confine
ment in the varnish room soon told on his health.
He opened a cigar store in the same city and
was successful, but the desire to travel was still
strong in him, so he took Greeley's advice and
went West. After a short time with his brother,
William, in Saginaw, Mich, he went to Lyons.
Mich, where he afterward purchased some prop
erty that proved a disastrous investment, not
bringing one per cent, on the purchase price.
From Michigan he went to Orange, N. J, where

I was born. In that place he started his brother,
Joseph, in the manufacture of drum and banjo
heads in i860, a business that is now one of the
largest of the kind in the state, if not in the entire
country. In 1868 he came to Glencove and dealt
largely in wool, being successful until 1872, when
he met with heavy losses. He then started a car
riage shop here, but met with indifferent success.
In 1873 he purchased his present property and
opened a general store, seven years later opening
the one adjoining, whicn he carried on success
fully until his death.
"He was a member of the board of education
when the movement was on foot to erect the
present $50,000 school building. Not only while
a member of the board but at all times he took
great interest in school work, and as he said in
a talk to the children, 'They should be thankful
they had such opportunities, for when he was a
boy, he could attend school only three terms.'
About that time he became affected with heart
trouble, which eventually caused his death and
which was due to the shock he received when
on the burning ferry boat 'Garden City.' In
politics he was always a Democrat, having cast
his first vote, I believe, for Buchanan. He died
as he had lived, a strict adherent to the Church
of Rome. He was buried from St. Patrick's
Church, of which he was a member. Mother,
my brother Joseph and I are all that are left out
of a family of nine children. Often I have heard
father addressing mother say, 'Alother, if onlv
we had all our children here, how grand it would '
be,' but bowing in submission to Him who ruleth
all. God's will be done."

JOHN STOTZKY is self-made in the truest
sense of the term, as he arrived in this coun
try with only $1.25 in money, and is now
the well known and popular proprietor of Belve
dere Park, which is located at North Beach. He
has done much toward enhancing the prosperity
of his community in embarking in this enter
prise, and by his unceasing application to busi
ness he has secured a competency.
Mr. Stotzky is a native of Bohemia, and was
born February 12, 1859. His parents were
Charles and Josephine (Lank) Stotzky, to whom
there were granted fourteen children, of whom
only five survive. The parents were also born
in Bohemia, where the father is still living at the
advanced age of eighty-seven years.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 167

In early life Charles Stotzky was engaged in
the manufacture of woolen goods, but later dis
posed of his factory and, purchasing a stock of
dry-goods, was for many years the proprietor of
a flourishing business in this line in Piaek. His
son John, of this history, was reared to manhood
under the parental roof and acquired a good edu
cation in the public schools. When a lad of sev
enteen years he bade his relatives and friends
good-bye and set sail for America, landing in
New York City after a tedious voyage. He had
no difficulty in obtaining employment, and for
some two years worked at gardening. He then
gave the gentleman for whom he was working
due notice of his intention to leave and began
learning the cigar business, four years later open
ing a cigar store of his own. After conducting it
for about a twelve-month he disposed of his stock
and went to Tower City, Mich, where he became
the proprietor of the same kind of an establish
ment. His stay in the Wolverine state was of six
years' duration, and upon his return East he de
cided to locate in Astoria. Shortly thereafter he
opened Belvedere Park, a popular resort for pic
nic parties. Three years later he purchased trie
place and has since made many improvements, so
that it is now one of the most beautiful spots on
the island. Mr. Stotzky has accomplished this
result by unceasing industry and he is now reap
ing the profit of his years of sacrifice and hard
labor. In 1882 our subject was united in marriage
with Miss Kittie Bachinsky, of New York City,
and to them were born eight children. Of these
five survive, namely: Tillie; Bertie and Tony,
twins ; Josie and Jennie. In politics Mr. Stotzky
is Democratic, and always supports with his voice
and vote the candidates of this party. Fraternally
he is a member of the Foresters' Lodge No. 212,
of New York City, and also belongs to Bohemia
Lodge of the C. S. P. S.

PROF. F. W. ZEINBR. A well known in
stance of genius not to be quenched and
ambition not to be defeated is furnished
by the career of Prof. F. W. Zeiner, one of the
celebrated composers of music in the East. This
talented gentleman has a conservatory of music
in Brooklyn, also one in Flushing, and is the
author of an instrumental book. He has been un
usually successful in this his chosen calling, and
his ideas on the subject are clearly and ably de

fined. He is a native of the land that has pro
duced many great composers, Germany, and was
born in Breslau in 1840. His parents, John and
Johanna (Gismaun) Zeiner, were born in the old
country and both were well known in musical
circles. The father was a merchant and far
mer, but was not so taken up with those pur
suits that he had no time for music. He was quite
a genius in that line. The professor's maternal
grandfather, John Gismaun, was a grand organ
ist (concert organist), and was also a teacher of
music. The great-great-grandfather, Anton
Gismaun, was a celebrated musician and concert
leader. Mrs. Gismaun was also an excellent
musician and vocalist.
Professor Zeiner, the only musician of the chil
dren born to his parents, grew to mature years in
Breslau. He was educated in the gymnasium
and seminary, and after graduating took up music
under some of the best teachers, receiving in
struction from imperial music, Der Schuabel, and
also played a violin in the orchestra of the cele
brated composer, Carl Faust. He holds a certifi
cate to be able to play on all organs. When
nineteen years old young Zeiner began teaching
in Breslau, and was thus occupied until 1866,
when he crossed the ocean to America. He be
gan teaching in Long Island City, but one year
later became first organist in the Presbyterian
Church. Later he was organist in the Church of
the Redeemer for five years, then in the First
Reformed Church, and still later in St. Anthony's
Church in Brooklyn. He then gave this up and
started on his career as a teacher of music.
In 1890 Professor Zeiner started the conserva
tory of music in Brooklyn, at No. 706 Leonard
Street, and in 1892 started the one in Flushing,
in Main Street. He devotes his time to the two
and has pupils from New York and New Jersey.
In this he is assisted by his daughter, who re
ceived her musical education under her father,
and who has inherited a decided taste for music.
Success has followed the Professor in his chosen
calling, and his class of one hundred or more
pupils give annual concerts, which have become
noted. He has been unusually successful in com
posing service masses, hymns, instruction books,
practical instructors for the piano forte, violin
instruction book, and he gives lectures on di
dactics at the New York Music Teachers' Con
vention, of which he was the first president. He
is now a charter member.
Professor Zeiner was leader of a number of

n68

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

singing societies until his throat gave out. Once
a week he has assembly playing by his pupils in
Flushing and in Brooklyn. He is known far and
wide for his great musical ability, and his papers
on didactics are published in the reports of the
Teachers' Convention, and are read with interest
by all lovers of music. Professor Zeiner was mar
ried in Long Island City to Miss Georgia Fay, a
native of New York and the sister of ex-Alder
man M. E. Fay of Loag Island City. (See sketch.)
Five children have been born to this union: Ed
ward J, organist of Grace Church, New Bed
ford, Alass.; Maria L, who assists her father;
Eugene, a successful pharmacist; Francis and
Henry, the last two in school. All are musically
inclined and play different instruments. In re
ligion the Professor is a Catholic, a member of
St. Anthony's Church.

PETER KELLY. Long Island is fortunate
in the possession of one of the shrewdest
and most successful detectives of which
this country can boast, one who has been the
means of tracking down and bringing to justice
many noted criminals of this and other coun
tries. Mr. Kelly is wily and shrewd and the
possessor of an iron constitution and the strength
almost of a Hercules. Although heavily built,
he is said to possess the lightness and activity
of a panther when necessary. In fact, it may be
said that he was made for his calling.
Mr. Kelly was born in Cherry Street, New
York City, November 4, 1854. His parents were
natives of Dublin, Ireland, and were there reared,
educated and married, and brought one child
with them to this country. The father, Mat
thew, had learned the trade of a printer in
his native land, and after his arrival in New York
became superintendent of the printing establish
ment of Francis Hart & Co, which position he
held until his death, at the age of sixty-one years.
During the Rebellion he enlisted in the Twenty-
fifth New York 'Infantry and was sent to the
front. He was in the seven days' fight, in which
his regiment was almost annihilated. As a con
sequence he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and
Fiftieth New York Infantry, with which he served
until the close of the war, when he returned home,
bearing the scar of a wound which he received
in the knee at Richmond, and a sergeant's com
mission as the reward of his valor. He located
in Dutch Kills after the war, and continued in

the printing business until his death, which re
sulted from a cold contracted in the army. His
wife, whose maiden name was Annie Rooney,
died in Astoria in 1891, at the age of sixty-two
years. The marriage of this worthy couple re
sulted in the birth of nine children, only the fol
lowing of whom grew to maturity: Mrs. Annie
Maskell, a resident of New York City; Peter; and
Henry, who was a member of the Afolunteer Life
Saving Crew at Rockaway Beach and then at
Bowery Beach. The many brave and noble deeds
performed by this man are worthy of a more
extended notice than can here be given; suffice
it to say that in the discharge of his duties he
saved fifty-four lives, the last one being that of
the son of a millionaire hotel keeper of North
Beach. Air. Kelly dived for him in thirty feet
of water, found him at the bottom and brought
him to the top apparently dead. After working-
over him for an hour and a half he restored him
to animation, but had himself received severe
bruises and scratches which resulted in blood poi
soning and he died in Astoria in November, in
the thirty-first year of his age. Thus was cut short
a useful and highly promising life, and had his
death not occurred in some such manner he
would in all probability have lived to old age,
for he had a magnificent constitution. He was a
noted swimmer, powerful and rapid, and pos
sessed wonderful staying power. In mourning
his untimely death his mother undermined her
own health and she soon followed him to his
long home.
Peter Kelly's home was in New York City until
he was nineteen years old, during which time
he obtained a good grammar school education.
He was afterwards apprenticed as a machinist in
a shop in East Twenty-third Street, after leaving
which he entered the employ of the Singer Sew
ing Machine Company. HI health caused him
to seek other employment, which he found in a
wholesale commission house, remaining there
seven years. In 1880 he came to Long Island
City and entered the employ of Sylvester Gray,
with whom he remained as driver, for the benefit
of the outdoor life, until November 8, 1883, when
he was made a policeman of Long Island Citv,
and as such remained for nine years. He was
then a commissioned officer for one year, and in
1893 was appointed detective sergeant of the po
lice department of Long Island City, and during
this time was put on many important cases, in
nearly all of which he was remarkably successful.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 109

By special request of William F. Hazen, he set
his wits to work to capture the noted gang of
counterfeiters, among whom was the notorious
Dr. Dale, and in this was successful. This was
a very neat piece of detective work, for it took
him but three months to bring his men to justice,
while the civil service men had worked for the
same end more than ten years. He has captured
more burglars, horsethieves and criminals of all
classes than perhaps any otner officer on Long
Island, one of the secrets of his success being, no
doubt, that he is strictly temperate in his habits,
his mind being unclouded with liquor or the
effects of other bad habits. Although he has been
frequently shot at, he has thus far escaped mi
raculously, and it is to be devoutly hoped for
the good of the people, as well as for his own
sake, that his good work will long continue.
Mr. Kelly was married in New York City in
1874 to Miss Mary Morgan, a native of England,
and a daughter of John Morgan, who is a con
tractor and builder of Harlem, N. Y. The union
of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly resulted in the birth
of ten children, six of whom are living: Annie,
a graduate of the Long Island City high school;
John, who is in the employ of the Long Island
Railroad; Albert, who has saved two boys from
drowning; Lillie, who is in the high school;
Peter, Jr., and Edward. Mr. Kelly is a member
of John Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W, at
Astoria; the Exempt Firemen's Association, and
he and his family are Catholics. He has a com
fortable home at No. 678 Second Avenue. Politi
cally he is a Democrat.

THE TOWNSEND FAMILY on Long Is
land was first represented by three broth
ers, John, Henry and Richard, who emi
grated hither from Norfolk County, England,
about the year 1645. That year Governor Kieft
granted a patent of the town of Flushing to the
brothers. The eldest brother had previously
taken up land near New York, but alarms from
the Indians and other difficulties caused him to
leave his improvements and commence the set
tlement of Flushing, where he was soon joined
by Henry.
The Townsends were Friends and were soon at
variance with the Dutch authorities, both as to
religion and politics. On this account they left
Flushing and went to Warwick, R. I, where they
were all three members of the Provincial As

sembly, besides holding municipal offices. In
1656 they determined to once more attempt a
settlement on Long Island, and with other parties
obtained a patent of Jamaica, then called Ras-
dorp. Their religion and political zeal soon
brought them into trouble again.
In 1657 Henry was sentenced to pay eight
pounds Flanders or leave the province in six
weeks, for having "called together conventicles."
The people of Flushing addressed a remon
strance to the governor, written by the town
clerk and signed among others by Tobias Feake,
sheriff, and Noble Farington, both magistrates,
and presented it to the sheriff. The clerk and
magistrates were then arrested, together with
John Townsend, upon the charge of having in
duced the magistrates to sign, and he was ordered
to find bail in twelve pounds to appear when
summoned. He was brought before the council
January 15, 1658, and condemned to pay one
hundred pounds Flanders, and to remain arrested
until it was paid. Just how these matters were
settled is not stated, but Henry's signature, as
wdtness, on an Indian deed, proves that he was in
Oyster Bay the same year. He seemed to be
much more involved in troubles coming from
"countenancing Quakers" than his brother John;
yet in January, 1661, two of the magistrates furn
ished the names of twelve persons, including
John and Henry Townsend and their wives,
"who countenanced Quakers."
John Townsendjsettled in Oyster Bay between
the middle of January and the 16th of September,
1 66 1, and Henry must have settled there previous
to that date, although he was not admitted as a
townsman until the 4th of November. Nothing
is known of Richard Townsend, the youngest of
the three brothers, until he appears in Jamaica in
1656; his first wife was a sister of Henry's wife
and daughter of Robert Coles. The descendants
of these brothers have since been very numerous
in the town and have held many positions of trust
and honor.
We next have to do with one Solomon Town-
send, who was born at Oyster Bay October 8,
1805. He was a grandson of Samuel, who in turn
was the great-grandson of the first John Town-
send, the direct line being John, John, James,
Jacob, Samuel, Solomon, Solomon. Samuel, who
was born at Oyster Bay in 1717, was the head
of the great shipping house of Samuel and Jacob
Townsend, who carried on an extensive trade
with England and the West Indies prior to the

1 170

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Revolutionary War. He took an active interest
in all the affairs of state, being a member of the
first Provincial Congress, ana a delegate from
Long Island to New York State's first constitu
tional convention in 1777, and was one of the
committee of thirteen appointed to draft the con
stitution. He was also state senator, and for
thirty years before the Revolution had been jus
tice of the peace of Queens County. He died
November 24, 1790. He was a zealous patriot
and did not hesitate in the part he was to act in
the great struggle between the mother country
and his own.
Solomon Townsend, the eldest son of Samuel,
was born in Oyster Bay in 1746. He early en
gaged in navigation and in his twentieth year was
put in charge of a brig belonging to his father.
When the war of the Revolution broke out he
was in command of the ship "Glasgow," belong
ing to Thomas Buchanan, but owing to the in
terruption of trade between the colonies and
England, she was left in London. Obtaining per
mission to leave England, Captain Townsend
went over to France, and while at Paris made
the acquaintance of his celebrated countryman,
Dr. Franklin, by whom he was introduced at
court, and when he was ready to leave France
for his native land obtained a certificate of pro
tection signed "B. Franklin," which is now in
possession of the family at Oyster Bay. Captain
Townsend was also commissioned by Benjamin
Franklin as a volunteer midshipman in the Con
tinental Navy, and for this purpose he obtained
the neccessary equipments in Paris and sailed
soon afterward for Boston.
Capt. Solomon Townsend followed the sea un
til thirty-four years of age, crossing the Atlantic
thirty-six times without accident. After leaving
the sea he engaged exclusively in the manufac
ture of iron, his works being at Augusta, River
head and a large anchor forge in New York City.
He was married February 1, 1782, to Annie,
daughter of his cousin, Peter Townsend, son of
the fourth Henry Townsend, who resided in Ches
ter, Orange County. Peter Townsend was also
largely interested in iron, his works being at
Stirling, a few miles from his home. In his fac
tory the celebrated chain was made which was
drawn across the Pludson River to prevent the
British ships of war from going above the High
lands. Captain Townsend was a member of the con
stitutional convention of 1801, and represented

New York City in the assembly of the state for
six years. He died of apoplexy March 27, 181 1,
while still a member of that body.
The children of Solomon Townsend were:
Hannah, Anne, Mary, Phebe, Samuel, Jacob,
Peter and Solomon. It was with his brother-in-
law, Edward H. Nicoll, the husband of Mary, that
Solomon Townsend, the youngest son of the
family, began his business in life. About 1820 the
firm of Smith & Nicoll conducted the most im
portant and extensive grocery business in the city
of New York, their yearly transactions amount
ing to about $3,000,000. Here for four years
Solomon was taught all that pertained to com
mercial life, and when nineteen years of age was
sent as supercargo on the largest American ship
of the day, the "Washington," to Canton, China,
where he aided in the purchase and shipment of
the largest cargo up to that time imported from
China, which was valued at $700,000. In 1828 he
embarked in business for himself in a commission
and distributing grocery trade.
When the financial disasters of 1836-37 came
a large part of Mr. Townsend's accumulations
were swept away, although his credit remained
unimpaired and his aptitude for unraveling the
twisted and tangled affairs of finance not only
made him successful in later days in his headship
of the old house, to which his earliest services
were given, but also pointed him out to the com
munity as a man well qualified to represent the
rapidly increasing interests of the metropolis in
the state legislature. The office therefore sought
the man and without solicitation or expectation
he was placed in nomination for the assembly
in 1838 by the almost unanimous vote of the
Democratic convention. The intrusion of four
hundred Philadelphia "pipe-layers," and their un
checked "repeating" at the polls, defeated the en
tire ticket. In 1840, his popularity having grown
meanwhile, he was elected by a very flattering
vote. He served during- the sessions of '41, '42,
'43. and held a leading position on the banking
and insurance committees.
In 1846 Solomon Townsend, Jr., was chosen a
member of the convention for the revision of the
constitution of the state of New York. He was
an earnest advocate of free public education, free
homesteads, free banking. He was regarded
among his colleagues in public life of thirty-five
years ago as a radical, so that he encountered
much opposition even among his closest personal
friends. He was twice elected a commissioner of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1171

education in New York City, and was chairman
of the finance committee of the board. It was he
who negotiated the purchase of the site for the
erection of the New York Free Academy, which
has since become the College of the City of New
York. Many other school sites were purchased
and buildings erected under his advice.
On the outbreak of the Rebellion Solomon
Townsend changed his residence to his native
village, while continuing his business connection
in the city. He had freely used his forcible pen
in the endeavor to arrest the calamity of the civil
strife, but when it came he bent every energy to
meet it, and in season and out of season worked
strenuously to restore the supremacy of law and
order. Among the mementoes of this stirring
period most prized by the family is the rough
draft of a resolution prepared by him and adopted
by his townsmen at a meeting held in East Nor
wich, in which those present pledged their in
dividual properties and fortunes to sustain the
county supervisors in any measures taken in ad
vance of necessary legislation to raise means to
furnish the county's quota for the patriot army.
To the very close of the terrible struggle Mi*
Townsend devoted his large experience, his in
telligent judgment and his great force of char
acter, to the public service, as a member of com
mittees of safety, of vigilance and of relief. In
1867 he was again chosen a member of the con
vention called, in pursuance of the requirements
of the organic law of 1846, which he had helped
to frame, to revise the constitution of the state.
In this convention he was as active as in the years
of his earlier vigor, when he had forced his radical
ideas upon the attention of the leaders of public
affairs in the state.
Solomon Townsend was the first to organize
and put in practical operation the workings of the
free school system in his native village and was
the first president of the board of education. In
1872 he retired from active business, and in the
old home, which from time to time he had beau
tified and enlarged, he lived until his death, which
resulted suddenly from apoplexy, April 2, 1880.
His was a name that had been honored for gen
erations and there seemed to be ever abiding
with him a sort of "noblesse oblige" which made
him reverence the home traditions and with chiv
alrous devotion maintain and perpetuate what lie
held to be his family's honor and fame, so that
he treasured with, warm filial devotion the relics
of his father's and grandfather's day. So far did

he carry this respect for ancestry that it was play
fully said of him that "he built a house to pre
serve a door," and the saying was not without a
fragment of truth. The old homestead presents
nothing very peculiar at first glance, but one
finds it on examination to be a well harmonized
structure of five different frames, each represent
ing some period in the family history.

FLOYD WEEKES, who is busily and
profitably carrying on a large business as
general blacksmith in the village of Hemp
stead, is one of its most worthy citizens and is
held in the highest estimation by those about
him. He was born here September 10, i860, and
is the son of Walter N. Weekes, whose birth
likewise occurred in Hempstead, in the year 1826.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
blacksmith when a boy and embarking in busi
ness for himself was for fifty years the most thor
ough workman in this line in this locality. He
was a prominent member and vestryman of St.
George's Episcopal Church and at the time of his
decease, September 24, 1894, there was universal.
mourning in Hempstead. A loyal citizen and a
public-spirited man, he was ever ready to do his
share in all matters of general welfare. For a
number of years he was trustee of the village and
was also connected with the fire department. His
father, John Weekes, a harness maker by trade,
was a son of Hendrickson Weekes, who served
as a colonel in the Continental Army during the
Revolutionary War.
Caroline (Southard) Weekes, mother of our
subject, was born in Brooklyn and departed this
life when Floyd was a lad of eight years. The
latter had one sister, Emma Weekes, who became
the wife of George D. Suydam, of Hempstead.
The first wife of Walter N. Weekes was Augusta,
a sister of Caroline Southard. He chose for his
third wife Amy A, daughter of Capt. John Ed
wards, of the life saving station, and they became
the parents of a daughter.
The subject of this sketch, after completing his
education in the schools of Hempstead, took a
course in Flagler's Business College of Brooklyn.
He then entered his father's shop, desiring to
learn the business, and on the death of the latter
became proprietor of the establishment. He is an
expert in every department of this work and is
patronized by the wealthy New Yorkers who
make their homes in and about Hempstead. He

1 172

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

also has a fine new shop at Westbury, where the
Hunters' Club get much of their work done.
Our subject, who is one of the enterprising and
progressive residents of the place, was for three
years trustee of the village and for four years was
assistant chief of the fire department. He is en
ergetic, honorable and cordial, and all who know
him esteem him for his sterling worth. Frater
nally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and
is one of the members of the Hempstead Bay
Yacht Club, in which he is rear commodore. The
yacht "Carrie W," of which he is the owner, is
one of the most beautiful which sails the bay.
He is a talented musician and for over sixteen
years was a leading singer in the Methodist
Church in this village.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Ella J,
youngest daughter of Lockwood Abrahams, oc
curred in 1878. To them have been granted four
children, namely: Carrie E, Floyd A, Edith M.
and Florence A.

ALBERT MEISEL. Land has been bought
and sold among all nations from time
immemorial ; but the business has reached
its climax in the United States, where the gen
eral distribution of realty and the spirit of specu
lation, incited by advancing values, combine to
give great activity. A great deal of real estate
business is done on Long Island, and among the
large number of men who turn their attention to
this line of work is Albert Meisel, of Rockaway
Beach, who came here from Brooklyn in 1878.
He was born in the city of New York November
24, 1850, to Daniel and Flora (Scherer) Meisel,
the former of whom was a native of Germany,
and came to America in 1849 m company with
Carl Schurz and others. Pie was a tailor by
trade, and upon locating in Brooklyn followed
that occupation. To himself and wife six chil
dren were born: Charles, deceased; Albert;
Maggie; Caroline; Elizabeth, living in Brooklyn;
and Lettie, deceased.
Albert Meisel was reared in his native city
and in its public schools received a good educa
tion. His first work was as bookkeeper in a
Main Street box manufactory, when he was but
sixteen years of age, and there he remained three
years. In compliance with his father's desire that
he should learn a trade, he entered the employ of
a firm engaged in the manufacture of jewelry, but
the business proved very uncongenial to him,

and after two months' trial he gave it up. He
then entered the employ of A. J. Coy, of Park
Place, where he made himself useful in washing
glasses at the bar for some time. In 1869 he
left Brooklyn for San Francisco, Cal, and re
mained for one year in that state. Upon his re
turn to Brooklyn he became a letter carrier in
that city, and later was confidential clerk of the
sheriff of Kings County. Later he became dep
uty in the money order department of the Brook
lyn postoffice, and after filling that position for
one year he came to Rockaway Beach, and until
1880 was general manager of Capt. John
Kruescher's business at this place.
At the above mentioned date Mr. Meisel be
came ticket agent at Holland Station, Rockaway
Beach, being the first man to hold the office,
and September 15, 1880, leased the property
where Charles Frey is now doing business, and
continued in business there until 1886. In 1887
he opened the Belvidere Hotel in Grove Avenue,
but one year later formed a partnership with
Fred Bessler in the real estate business and
opened the Real Estate Exchange. An office was
later opened at Arverne, of which Air. Meisel
took charge, and as he is a clever office man and
an adept at clerical work, he has been successful
in his present occupation. He is an expert in
writing deeds, conveyances, and in making ab
stracts, and has never needed the services of an
attorney in carrying on his business. His time
has not been wholly occupied with this work,
however, for being an ardent Republican, he has
found time to take part in the political affairs of
his section. In 1888 he was elected excise com
missioner by the largest majority ever received
by a Republican at this place, and in March of
that year was made district school clerk, having
been the prime mover in the organization of the
first school district here. He assisted in the
organization of the Oceanus Hook and Ladder
Company, Volunteer Hose Company No. 1, and
the Arverne Engine Company, for all of which
he obtained charters and attended to the clerical
work in connection therewith.
For a time after his return from California Mr.
Meisel was assistant superintendent of the Met
ropolitan Life Insurance Companv. His wife
is the daughter of Capt. John Kruescher and a
niece of Hon. J. Worth. Five children comprise
their family : Emma, who was for five years post
mistress at Arverne; Elizabeth; James A. Gar
field; Chester Arthur and Mamie. The eldest

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

child, Albert, died at the age of seven years.
Fraternally Mr. Meisel is a member of Star of
Hope Lodge No. 430, F. & A. M.; Lodge No.
394 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
and Lodge No. 7970 of the Ancient Order of
Foresters of America.

FRED A. H. DEUTSCHAIANN. The gen
tleman whose name heads this sketch is
the proprietor of the Silver Springs and
Sanford's Point Bathing Pavilions on North
Beach. He was born at Hessen Nassau, Steinau,
Germany, June 12, 1867. His great-grandfather,
Fred Deutschmann, was born in Saxonv, became
a soldier in the German army and was under
Napoleon in his war with Spain, and with him
marched to Moscow and back. He died at the
age of ninety-six. His wife accompanied the
army to Moscow as a sutler, and eventually
passed from life at the extreme old age of ninety-
nine years. The family have been Lutherans
from the time of the Reformation.
Fred, the son of this worthy couple, and grand
father of the subject of this sketch, was a prison*
inspector until retired and pensioned. He was
in the Revolution of 1848 as a member of the
German army and held the rank of sergeant. His
son Charles became a landscape gardener in Ger
many and in 1881 came with his family to the
United States and settled in New York City,
where he first secured employment in a dry goods
store. He subsequently became a gardener on
Jersey City Heights, later followed the same busi
ness in Yonkers, and as gardener for William
Steinway he laid out North Beach. He had charge
of St. Michael's Cemetery, the magnificent park
of George Steinway, and was with the Robin
son family as gardener at Long Branch. He is
now with Mr. Beard at South Norwalk, and it
can be said of him that there are few finer land
scape gardeners. His wife was formerly Caro
line Mtiller, a native of Steinau, by whom he has
three sons and two daughters: Fred A. H. ; Carl,
in business in New York City; Bernhard, a resi
dent of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Elsie and Anna.
The subject of this sketch received his early
education in the public schools and gymnasium,
and after he came to America attended night
school in New York. He was at once appren
ticed to a wig maker and completed the trade in
five years. The season of 1886 was then opening
and he was appointed manager of the Silver

"73
Springs Bathing Pavilion on North Beach, but
in the fall he returned to his former occupation.
After following this business for four years he
gave it up altogether and began dealing in mas
querade costumes, and for five seasons his atten
tion was thus occupied. In 1888 he became the
proprietor of the Silver Springs Bathing Pavilion,
and in 1895 he also leased Sanford's Point Pavil
ion, and now conducts both of these places very
satisfactorily. In 1895 he built a photograph gal
lery, which has proved attractive and remunera
tive. During the summer months North Beach
is very attractive and the large pavilions owned
by Air. Deutschmann are the finest in the vicinity
of New York City. The bathing houses at Sil
ver Springs number four hundred, and those at
Sanford's Point three hundred, the two places
accommodating five thousand people. During
the busy season he has about thirty employes,
and he has a volunteer life-saving crew, of which
he is first lieutenant.
In addition to this business Air. Deutschmann
is interested in life and fire insurance and repre
sents the Hancock Life and several fire insur
ance companies. He was married in New York
City to Miss Sophia Weiersheuser, a native of
Frankfort-on-the-Main, and their union has re
sulted in the birth of three children: Charles,
Elsie and Sophia. Mr. Deutschmann is a mem
ber of the Chosen Friends, the Astoria Manner
chor, the Arion Singing Society and the Har
mony Society, besides several other German
societies.

T

HOMAS JEFFERSON CORNING is a
fair representative of the excellent class of
men who began life's battle at the lower
rounds of the ladder, and through his own efforts
he has gained a substantial place near the top.
Practically speaking, he is today in comfortable
financial circumstances, and the position he now
occupies is direct evidence that he possesses the
confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
It is a pleasure to review the career of a man
whose efforts have been crowned with success
and whose life has been honorable in every par
ticular, as has that of Thomas J. Corning. He is
now engaged in the wholesale and retail milk
business at Rockaway Beach, where he has re
sided for the past twenty-two years, and where
he is classed among the representative citizens.
John Corning, the father of our subject, was a

"74

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farmer of New Hampshire and lived to be seven
ty-six years old. He was of Scotch origin, his
ancestors, many generations back, having been
natives of that country. The grandfather, John
Corning, was born in Newburyport, Mass. John
Corning, Jr., the father of our subject, married
Miss Lydia Richardson, who lived to be eighty
years old. Diey became the parents of seven
children, six sons and one daughter, of whom
only two are now living. The eldest child, Gil
man, represented his section in the Massachusetts
Legislature in 1862 and 1863, was a man of edu
cation, and lived to be eighty years old; James,
Phineas and Nathaniel are deceased; Mary Eliza
beth resides in Salem, N. H. ; and John S. is also
deceased. Our subject, who is next to the youngest of
these children, was born in Londonderry, N. H,
March 8, 1830, and when six months old was
taken to Salem, that state, where he remained
until fifteen years old. At that early age he started
out to fight his own battles in life, and, being a
boy of ambition and determination, he made his
way to Boston, where he soon found employment,
running a steam engine on a pile driver, which
was the commencement of his subsequent ex
tensive work in railroad building. His educa
tional advantages during youth were limited, but
he made up for this to a great extent in later
years. For four years he was engaged as a pile
driver and then began contracting on the Hud
son River Railroad, building from Poughkeepsie
to Albany. When but nineteen years old he con
tracted to drive four thousand piles in that place.
He had no money, and after accomplishing this
work could get no settlement. Not the least dis
couraged, however, he next went with thirty-five
men to the Isthmus of Panama, where he was
engaged in pile driving and bridge building on
the Panama Railroad. He remained there but
six months and a half, and only four of the thirty-
five men were alive at the end of that time. He
escaped the fever and returned to Bridgeport,
Conn, where he was engaged in a grocery for
some time.
Hearing of an opportunity to make another
contract of driving piles he followed this for some
time and was engaged one winter on an engine.
The next summer he was engaged in bridge build
ing from New Haven to Barnesville and after
that drove piles for the Flushing Railroad, from
Hunter's Point across Flushing Meadows. Dur
ing the fall he superintended the laying of track

and when this was completed became road mas
ter and conductor, and was thus engaged for
nearly four years. In June, 1859, he went to
' Virginia, where, during the summer, he superin
tended laying the track on the Alexandria, Lou
don & Hampshire Railroad. In fall he put up a
grocery store and butcher shop at Arlington Sta
tion and soon built up a trade, having a route to
Fairfax Court House and vicinity.
In the spring the war commenced and he was
ordered by the Southern so-called minute men to
either join the Confederate Army or leave Vir
ginia inside of twenty-four hours. He left with
his family and what they could carry with them,
and made his way to Washington, D. C. On
the way he met United States Congressman
Louis McKinzey, an officer of some authority,
who inquired where he was going. When told
why he was leaving, the congressman said: "Go
back to your property and home and I will see
that you are protected." Our subject, who was
fully aware that he had a better knowledge of
the situation than McKinzey, used his own judg
ment and continued his journey.
Our subject was full of enthusiasm when war
was declared and upon the call for seventy-five
thousand men he immediately raised a company.
Going to the Secretary of War (Cameron) he of
fered the services of himself and command, but
was met by the information that they had more
men than they wanted, etc. After this he engaged
as a sutler in the army and in June, 1864, he en
listed in Company A, Eleventh Maryland Regi
ment. He was discharged June 15, 1865, as
a member of Company D. Although not com
missioned, Air. Corning assumed and performed
the duties of quartermaster-sergeant. Having
lost about $2,000 in raising a regiment in Balti
more during the Alaximilian trouble in Alexico,
he again started out to make his way in life with
very little of this world's goods. He came to
Long Island and succeeded in getting a position
on the railroad, where he received $1.75 per day.
This pay was increased in six months to $60 per
month. After this he was conductor a year and a half
on the Long Island South Side Railroad, and
later had charge of the construction of the South
Side track as it was extended. For two years he
was road master and two years assistant super
intendent. He had a contract for constructing
sixteen miles of railroad from Patchogue to
Speonk, removing about forty thousand yards

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"75

of earth, and had one-quarter of a mile of bridge
building. From there he went to Rockaway
Beach and has been engaged in the milk busi
ness for the most part since. During his career
as a soldier he had quite a number of exciting-
adventures. Soon after the battle of Gettysburg
he sold out the sutler business and he and his
brother-in-law, who had about $1,700 on his per
son, started for Fairfax Court House on their way
to Washington. They were captured by Mosby,
the guerrilla, but the brother-in-law succeeded in
dropping his roll of greenbacks in a bunch of
ferns without being detected. Soon after they
were rescued by Union forces, and although our
subject lost a fine horse and his brother-in-law
a good team, they found the roll of greenbacks
all right.
Mr. Corning selected his wife in the person of
Miss Susan Roads, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y, and
they have two children. John is at Rocka
way Beach; Lydia has been twice married, first
to Mr. Jamieson, and after his death to Charles
Dashway. Mr. Corning is known familiarly among his
neighbors as "Uncle Tom." His appearance at
any time or place is hailed with delight by every
man, woman and child. He is a mountain of in
tegrity and fair dealing, honesty and reliability —
a man whose word is as good as his bond, one
who is universally respected, always a friend in
need and deed to the poor and suffering, glad of
an opportunity to help with a liberal hand those
who are unfortunate, the first to encourage in a
substantial manner the disheartened, one who
sends succor to the helpless and sick quietly and
in generous, portion, one who has only friends
and no enemies, one whom all have learned to
admire and love, a good and glorious old gen
tleman of the old school, one of God's noblemen.
He has often been asked to seek public offices
within the gift of the people, but always de
clined, willing only to appear as their representa
tive to assist them in obtaining what they wished
politically. A stanch Republican, he is the ex-
chairman of the Republican Association of this
district. He is frequently a delegate to town and
nominating conventions and was a delegate to
Buffalo when Harrison was nominated. During
the life of James G. Blaine, he was one of his
warmest friends and supporters. He is the key
stone to the Grand Army societies of this locality,
bdng commander of the John Coming Post No.
636, which bears the name of his father, as well

as a member of the staff of the state department
commander, E. J. Atkinson. His comrades de
pend upon him absolutely for guidance in their
affairs and look up to him as their dearest and
most substantial friend. During the Maximilian
War he, in conjunction with one Captain Win
ters, raised a regiment in Baltimore at their own
expense, but the regiment never went into com
mission, owing to the failure of receiving the
necessary financial support from the Mexican
minister, Romero; he did, however, advance $28,
which sum was divided between Corning and
Winters. The regiment was to be officered with
Winters as colonel and Corning as lieutenant-
colonel.

J

ACOB LAUER. Though not a native of
America, the subject of this record has spent
almost his entire life here and is thoroughly
American in his ideas and opinions. He ranks
among the highly respected citizens of the town
of Hempstead, where he is engaged in general
farming and also follows the trades of roofer and
» tinner, his place of residence being near Franklin
Square. In all matters affecting the public wel
fare he is well informed, having gained an ex
tensive knowledge through reading and obser
vation. The parents of our subject, Henry and Mary
Lauer, were natives of Bavaria, where their son,
Jacob, was born November 21, 1842. In 1850
they came to the United States, where the father
followed his trade, that of shoemaker, until his
death in the town of Hempstead in 1894. Of
his five children, Jacob and Fred are the only
survivors. Henry, who enlisted in a company
of volunteers from New York at the age of
eighteen, marched with his regiment to fight in
defense of the Union; he was never heard of
afterward and his fate is unknown.
Coming to the United States at the age of
eight, our subject was educated in the schools of
New York. At the age of fifteen he began a
five years' apprenticeship to the tinner's trade,
which he followed in the city until twenty-six.
Meantime his father had purchased a small place
in the town of Hempstead, and hither he moved
from New York. Since then he has added to
the property and has engaged in its cultivation,
in connection with work at his trade. Politically
a Democrat, he has taken an active part in local
politics. He contributes to the support of the

1 176

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Catholic Church, with which his wdfe is connec
ted. In 1877 he married Celia, daughter of Joseph
Landgraf, of Franklin Square, an estimable
lady, who is affectionately devoted to the welfare
of their children, Henry, Charlotte and Louisa,
and shares with him in the esteem of neighbors
and associates.

FELIX FRITSCHE. Among the residents
of Schuetzen Park, Long island City, we
mention Mr. Fritsche, who has assisted
very materially in the prosperity and develop
ment of this particular locality. He has been a
very active politician since his earliest days and
has frequently rendered his party valuable aid by-
using his voice and vote in behalf of its candi
dates, as well as serving in positions of respon
sibility. Mr. Fritsche is a native of Germany, and was
born in Saxony January 14, 1848. His father,
William Fritsche, was a merchant of that partic
ular locality and died there in early life. His wife,
whose maiden name was Caroline Kuenster, was
born in the same place, and some time after the
death of Mr. Fritsche married Franz Froelich, a
merchant tailor. The family continued to reside
in the Fatherland until 1858, when they came to
America, locating in New York City. There Mr.
Froelich worked at his trade, with the exception
of the time spent in the Union army during the
late war, until his decease. He entered the ser
vice in August, 1 861, as a member of Company
B, Forty-fifth New York Infantry, and remained
with his company during the entire period of the
war. During that time he participated in many
hard-fought engagements, always acquitting him
self with honor. On his return to the metropolis
he resumed work at his trade and carried on a
good business as merchant tailor until his de
cease, in 1882. Mrs. Froelich now makes her
home in Brooklyn, residing with her eldest
daughter. By her union with William Fritsche Caroline
Kuenster became the mother of three daughters
and three sons, who grew to mature years, and of
whom two are now deceased. The subject of this
sketch attended school for a time in his native
land, but after coming to America it was neces
sary for each member of the family who was old
enough to lend a hand in its support. Accord
ingly Felix went to work, but the evenings being
his own, he devoted them to study, attending a

night school in the neighborhood, thus in a short-
time acquiring a fair knowledge of the English
language. In i860 ne was apprenticed to a cigar-
maker, whose factory was located at No. 21 Cedar
Street, New York. He was in this gentleman's
employ until 1866, always being at his post of
duty excepting when detained at home by illness.
He had been in the factory three years when he
accidentally fell down the hatchway from the
third story, sustaining quite serious injuries,
which necessitated his remaining at home for
some time.
In 1866 Mr. Fritsche left the New York house
and went to Philadelphia, but not being able to
obtain a position at his trade, rented a small farm
and for one season was engaged in truck farming
in Germantown. This occupation was not at all
congenial, and at the end of that time he returned
to New York and went to work for his old em
ployer, remaining with him until 1876. In the
meantime, in 1873, he built a home in Schuetzen
Park, and three years later embarked in business
here, manufacturing a very fine grade of cigars.
His office and factory are located at No. 500
Broadway, where he does a large retail and
wholesale business. Among his best brands are
"Queen of Leaves," "Royal Seal," "White Ele
phant," "High Life," and "Purity."
Being a shrewd and thoroughly wide-awake
business man, Mr. Fritsche knew that real estate
would increase in value in this locality very rap
idly, and in order that he might be prepared for
the "boom" he purchased vacant property on
the corner of Steinway and Broadway, one of the
most desirable locations in the city, and with the
assistance of Hon. William Steinway, erected a
frame block, 40x50 feet in dimensions and three
stories in height. This structure was completed
in 1887 and since that time has been rented to
good advantage and has indeed proved a very
profitable investment. Mr. Fritsche was made
clerk of the Schuetzen Park Postal Station in
1889 and has transacted the duties of this office
ever since. He was married in New York City
to Miss Eliza Schrader, a native of Hanover,
Germany. To them have been born three chil
dren, Felix G, George H. and Garfield H.
An influential politician, Mr. Fritsche was in
1885 elected alderman from the fourth ward on
the Republican ticket, being the only candidate
of the grand old party who received a plurality of
votes in their respective wards. He held the
office for one term only, refusing renomination.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"7;

During the season he was a member of the coun
cil he did all he could for the benefit of the tax-
paying element and also used his wise discretion
in the disbursement of the public money. On the
expiration of his term he was appointed school
commissioner by Mayor Gleason, but, although
greatly interested in the cause of education, did
not deem it best to accept the office. Pie has
been a member of the Order of Odd Fellows
since 1870. The Knights of Pythias of Astoria
Lodge regard him as one of their most influen
tial members. In religious affairs he is a mem
ber of the German Lutheran Church in New
York. He belongs to the Frohsinn, of which he
was president, and is likewise connected with the
Arion Singing Society. For many years he has
been a member of the general Republican com
mittee for Long Island City, and is at present
serving as one of the county committee. He has
represented his party in both county and state
conventions, and is at all times ready to do what
he can to further its interests.

JOHN J. HEALY. This well known real
estate agent of Far Rockaway has been so
successful in his line of human endeavor
that any work of the character and scope of this
that did not include proper biographical mention
of such a citizen would be incomplete. For the
most part he is engaged in handling his own
property, building and renting, and has a large
number of cottages to rent. He has been thus
engaged to some extent for twenty-five years.
Mr. Healy was born in New York City March
9, 1846, to John J. and Jane (O'Meara) Healy.
The father, who was a man of excellent judg
ment, bought land in the vicinity of Far Rocka
way about 1856, when by most persons it was
considered of but little value. Time demon
strated the fact that his judgment was sound,
and this property became very valuable. Mrs.
Healy was born in Ireland and was brought to
this country by her parents when three years old.
Here she was reared, educated, and here her
death occurred in August, 1895, at the age of
eighty-two years. She bore her husband seven
sons and one daughter, and five of the family are
living. Rev. Gabriel A. is pastor of St. Ber
nard's Church, New York City. It was through
his instrumentality that this church was built
about twenty-five years ago, and under his su
pervision he has built up the membership from

almost nothing until it now numbers ten thou
sand souls; James is deceased; Margaret is the
wife of Thomas O'Kane; John J. is our subject;
Edmund J, attorney-at-law and justice of the
peace, is a man of fine mind; he has a magnificent
property and is now traveling in Europe; Dr.
Thomas F. was a medical practitioner of New
York City for ten years and there his death oc
curred; Joseph is deceased; Augustine is in the
men's furnishing business in New- York.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth child
born to his parents, and in his native city he
was reared and educated, principally in St.
Francis Xavier's school. For several years after
finishing his education he was in the dry goods
business with his father, and later was enabled
to engage in real estate, by virtue of his inter
ests in that direction. His interests are consid
erable in Far Rockaway, and among his proper
ties is the fine brick building in Central Avenue,
which has a frontage of one hundred and twenty-
five feet, contains six stores, the village postoffice
being located in one room. He has upwards of
twenty houses to rent and is universally acknowl
edged as one of the most accommodating of
landlords. His own home in Mott Avenue is
pretty and 'comfortable and is well known for
the hospitality which is there extended to ail.
Mr. Healy was married to Miss Elizabeth Flem
ing, of New York City, an excellent and accom
plished lady, who died about sixteen years ago,
having become the mother of two children, John
J. and Elizabeth M, twins. Mr. Healy is a Dem
ocrat of long standing, and in his religious views
is a Catholic.

CAPT. JOHN A. CORRIGAN. Among
the men who have gained a reputation
for shrewdness and courage, and as a
good judge of the character and motives of men,
may be mentioned Capt. John A. Corrigan, chief
of the North Beach police. He is a native of
Astoria, Long Island City, born in 1855, and the
son of Michael and Elizabeth (McDermott) Cor
rigan. The father came to Astoria with his par
ents when about thirteen years old, and subse
quently became a contractor here and in New
York City. He was one of the old settlers of the
place and died here in 1880, when sixty-two years
old. Mrs. Corrigan, the daughter of Alexander
McDermott, was born in New York City, and is
now a resident of Astoria.

1 178

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Of the nine children born to them, four are
living, and all are residing in Long Island City:
John A, our subject; James J, on the
police force at North Beach; Mrs. Langc,
of Long Island City; and Mrs. Sheridan. John
A. Corrigan spent his childhood days in the old
fourth ward school, and afterwards worked with
his father until September 9, 1876, when he was
appointed on the Long Island City police force
as patrolman. Later he became roundsman, and
in about 1883 was acting sergeant. He never
had any trouble, but soon after being made ser
geant he was suspended with Captain Woods
and nine others, but was finally ordered back to
duty by the police courts. Although on the
North Beach police force he returned as rounds
man for forty days, and then obtained an unlim
ited leave of absence. He returned to North
Beach as chief of police, and in March, 1884, was
solicited by Mr. Steinway to organize the North
Beach police force. This he did, and was the
chief from the organization. He has thirty men
under him and has taken care of the beach all
along. Captain Corrigan superintends the laying
out of the different grounds and setting out trees,
etc. He has had some thrilling experiences dur
ing his career as an officer. He caught the burg
lar, Charles Walter, who had robbed a house,
and while taking him to the station house the
latter managed to get loose and started to run.
Our subject ordered him to stop, but the burglar
turned and attempted to shoot, but the Captain
was too quick and brought him to the ground
with a wound in the leg. This man was sen
tenced to ten years in the penitentiary, and there
subsequently died. This is the only shooting
affair in which he has participated. The Captain
was married in Astoria to Miss Lizzie Manning,
a native of this place and daughter of John Man
ning, who is a gardener here. In politics Cap
tain Corrigan is a Democrat, and fraternally is a
member of John Allen Lodge, A. O U. W.

M'

ICHAEL P. HOLLAND. This well
known real estate insurance agent of
Rockaway Beach has made such a suc
cess in his enterprise that this book would be in
complete were not mention made of him. The
importance of the real estate business is well
known, and fire insurance, as a business, has, in
the hands of shrewd and original men, developed
into a profession and has attracted to it during

recent years talent that would have made itself
known in any of the higher walks of life. One
of the most accomplished real estate and fire in
surance agents of Long Island is Michael P.
Holland, who has been a resident of this place
since 1857. He was born in Jamaica, July 12,
1849, to Michael P. and Fannie R. (Brush) Hol
land, the former of whom was a hotel keeper at
Jamaica and later at Rockaway Beach. He died
at the last mentioned place at the age of fifty-four
years. His wife was born in Cherry Street, New
York City. Her father, Thomas Brush, estab
lished the first tobacco factory on Long Island
and for a long time supplied almost the entire
island with chewing tobacco. His old mill is
still standing at Queens. Mrs. Holland died in
1893 at the age of seventy-three years. Six of the
twelve children she bore her husband are still
living: Jane B.; Susan L, Mrs. Lefferts; William
C, Michael P.; Theresa P, Mrs. Lambert; and
Eugenie N, Mrs. Cole, of No. 149 Rockaway
Avenue, Brooklyn. Fannie E, Mrs. Parcells,
died in 1892, leaving two children, who live with
their father in New York City.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth child
born to his parents, and since 1857 has been a
resident of Rockaway Beach, with the exception
of i860, when the family resided in Jamaica. His
opportunities for acquiring an education were
limited and he was also rather disinclined to
study, so the principal part of his education was
acquired during the year that his father person
ally employed a man to teach his and his neigh
bors' children. The greater part of Mr. Hol
land's education has been acquired through ob
servation and contact with the business affairs of
life. He, however, could learn readily and when
six years old his sister offered him twenty-five
cents as an incentive to learn the multiplication
table, and this he soon accomplished. When
quite young he began assisting his father in the
hotel, one of his duties being to care for the boots
of the guests. Also when a lad he learned to sail
boats and spent much time in fishing, crabbing
and clamming, in fact he was an active, wide
awake boy, and even at the age of nine years
(when his father died) he was capable of assum
ing much of the care and responsibility of the
family. They kept many boarders and he as
sisted every way in his power at home, raising
chickens, fishing, etc. After a time this life
proved very unattractive to him and accordingly
he went to New York City, where he secured

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"79

employment in a tin shop, and during the two
years that he remained there he obtained some
knowledge of life.
Upon his return to Long Island at the end of
the two years, our subject resumed the hotel
business, and as he had inherited considerable
property he gradually drifted into the real estate
business, to which he later added insurance, and
has since been prosperously engaged in this
work. In 1855 his father had purchased at Rock
away Beach sixty-five acres of land at sheriff's
sale, for which he paid $350, and on this land
there was a moderate sized house, which they
later remodeled and improved. There was no
railroad there then, but steamboats stopped
there, and later when the railroad was built Mrs.
Holland donated the land for the depot and the
name of "Holland's Station" was given it in her
honor. Mr. Holland has always taken an active
interest in local enterprises and is much inter
ested in the improvement of his section. He was
made the first postmaster of Oceanus and was
one of the first to favor the changing of the name
of the office to Rockaway Beach, but the name
Oceanus was finally settled on. Soon after this*
Mr. Holland took the contract for carrying the
mail from Jennings Corners, for which he re
ceived the sum of $12 per year, which sum in
cluded his salary as postmaster. In 1883 a money
order department was established and the office
was in a flourishing condition when Cleveland
was inaugurated President, but he was soon after
deposed. When the affairs of the office became
entangled later, his interest in the welfare of the
place manifested itself, and he did all he could to
unravel and straighten out matters. He was
again appointed postmaster under President Har
rison in 1891 and served acceptably until 1895.
He has held the office of roadmaster also and has
been instrumental in the construction of some of
the finest roads on the island, not the least of
which is the fine macadam boulevard which is
one of the features of the Beach for many miles,
the appropriation for which was secured mainly
through his efforts.
Mr. Holland has been a patron of education
also, and assisted in the formation of his school
district in 1878. His wife was the first school
teacher here, before a regular school building had
been erected. The school soon grew too large
for her to manage alone and other teachers were
hired and a large school house erected in 1880.
This is now also inadequate to the requirements

and Mr. Holland is a member of the advisory
committee to make arrangements for more
school room. This school, which was modestly
established by Mrs. Holland, now numbers three
hundred pupils, the services of nine teachers are
required and the school is under the manage
ment of the state board of regents. The above
facts are given merely to show the kind of a man
Mr. Holland is — energetic, pushing, enterpris
ing and of sound and practical judgment. He
has succeeded and he has deserved to succeed, for
his life has been worthily spent and mainly for
the, good of others than himself. He is a stanch
Republican, and a member of Jamaica Lodge No.
546, F. & A. M. Though not members, both
he and his wife attend the Congregational
Church. He was married to Miss Julia Hugh-
son, of Milton's Ferry, N. Y, about four miles
from Poughkeepsie, and to them one child has
been born: Fannie R, who is a bright miss of
fourteen years.

WILLIAM E. HEWLETT is one of the
enterprising residents of the town of
Hempstead, and from boyhood has
been interested in agricultural pursuits. He has
spent many years of his life tilling and cultivating
the soil, and is now in comfortable circumstances.
He was born upon the tract of land which is
still his home, in 1827. His parents were John J.
and Jane (Hewlett) Hewlett, natives of Long
Island, who passed their entire married life on
this farm.
The father of our subject was very successful
in his labors and became one of the substantial
men of his community. He was a devoted mem
ber of the Episcopal Church, and as such occu
pied a high social position, and was closely iden
tified with all matters pertaining to the upward
growth and advancement of his home locality.
He departed this life in 1872, respected by all
who knew him. He was at that time advanced
in life, being fourscore years and seven. His
estimable wife had closed her eyes in death sev
eral years before.
William E. Hewlett, the subject of this sketch,
had the advantages of a district-school educa
tion in his youth, and as soon as old enough
began working on the home farm. On the death
of his father he came into possession of the
estate, and of late years has divided the acreage
up into building lots, and so valuable is the

n8o

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

property that he has disposed of a number of
them. The marriage of our subject and Miss Mary
E. Middlebrooks was celebrated Alarch 25, 1873.
The lady was the daughter of Samuel Middle
brooks, a resident of Bridgeport, Conn. Of the
children born to them, four survive, namely:
Florence M, Edith W, Bertha and Arthur E..
all students in the Freeport schools. Mrs. Hew
lett is a most -estimable lady and a working mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church. In politics our
subject is a stalwart Republican, but has never
aspired to official honors, as all his time was
needed in attending to his farm work. He is a
life member of the Queens County Agricultural
Society and is regarded as one of the enterpris
ing and prosperous citizens of his community.

S FOSTER SPRAGUE. It is doubtless
entirely owing to the industrious and
• persevering manner with which Mr.
Sprague has adhered to his chosen calling that
he has met with such substantial returns, for he
is one of the most prominent oystermen of the
village of Freeport. His entire life has been
passed within the confines of Queens County,
and as a natural result he is much interested in
the progress and development of his section, and
has done his full share in making it the mag
nificent industrial region that it now is. He was
born near Freeport March 5, 1843, and is a son
of Samuel and Mary (Terry) Sprague, who were
also natives of Long Island, where they spent
their entire lives.
During his youthful days Samuel Sprague
learned the carpenter's trade and followed this
for many years. He subsequently began farm
ing, and was actively engaged in this calling at
the time of his death, in 1879. Honorable and
upright to a fault, he attended strictly to busi
ness, and was well respected in the community.
His wife received her final summons in 1883.
Owing to the poor schools of his day, S. Foster
Sprague received only a limited education, but
his natural ability and observation have made up
for that in a great measure. His early life was
spent on his father's farm, and he was engaged
with the duties of the same until twenty-three
years old, when he came to Freeport and en
gaged in the oyster industry. Under his per
sistent efforts this has grown to vast proportions
and he is to-day one of the most successful oys

termen on the bay. He plants his own oysters,
carries on his own business, and ships twice a
week to New York City. He owns several boats
and employs many men throughout the year. In
1885 the first steamboat ever built in Freeport
was constructed by him for freighting purposes,
and this he used for several years. It was called
the "S. F. Sprague." In 1896 the first steamer
used in that bay for dredging oysters by machin
ery was built by him, gasoline and electricity
furnishing the power. This was named "Alpha."
In the year 1865 Mr. Sprague was wedded to
Miss Abbie Jane Cox, a native of Freeport, and
the daughter of Elbert Cox, who is a most wor
thy citizen of the place. Three children were the
fruits of this marriage, but all, with the mother,
are now deceased. Fraternally Mr. Sprague is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel
lows, and is a member of the funeral benefit
association of the order. Twice he has been
through all chairs of this organization, was the
first noble grand of Freeport Lodge, and has
represented his lodge at the grand lodge. For
more than twenty years he has been identified
with the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company.
Politically he is an active Republican and an
earnest worker for his party, having been presi
dent of various campaign clubs. He is a mem
ber of the board of trustees of Freeport and
is public-spirited and progressive to an unusual
degree.

REV. ELFORD F. LOUNSBURY, pastor
of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Farmingdale, was born at Bethany, New
Haven County, Conn, October 17, 1845. His
parents were William H. and Charity (Bucking
ham) Lounsbury, the former of whom was also
a native of the Nutmeg State. There he was a
farmer and reared his son, our subject, on the
home place. The latter attended the country
schools until nineteen years of age, when he en
tered the academy at Wilbraham, it being his
intention to prepare himself for college. His
father being unable to help him pay his board
and tuition at this time, he could not take the
entire course.
The subject of this sketch began to teach
school when twenty-one years of age. His first
charge was in the country district of New Haven.
He was converted about this time and began to
preach, and was soon thereafter licensed as an

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1181

exhorter. While engaged in teaching, he began
to prepare for the ministry, and as soon as able
took a five years' course at Drew Theological
Seminary at Madison, N. J, preaching as occa
sion demanded. He was graduated from that
institution in 1875 and then entered the New
York Eastern Conference and was at once ap-
pointed as missionary to Bulgaria. He went to
Rustchuk, thence to Sistova, later to Tirnova,
during which time he was studying the Bulga
rian language.
While in the foreign field the war between Rus
sia and Turkey was declared and Rev. Mr.
Lounsbury, being then stationed at Tirnova,
which was captured by the Russians, was
compelled to leave, and returned to Sistova.
Later he was called to Buda Pesth, Austria, in
order that he might confer with the superin
tendent of missions, who was residing there. It
was then thought best that he should return to
America, and in September, 1877, he arrived
home. In January of the above year our subject was
appointed to take charge of the congregation at
Farmingdale, over which he presided for more •
than a year, when he was again sent to Bulgaria,
and during the two years in which he remained
there preached at Rustchuk. In 1881 he returned
home, and October 12, 1881, was married to
Miss Adelia Seaman, of Brooklyn. This lady
was born in the town of Oyster Bay, this county,
and was the daughter of Enoch and Eliza (Box)
Seaman. Mrs. Lounsbury was educated at Bor-
dentown, N. J. Immediately after their mar
riage the young people went to their far-off home
in Bulgaria, and during their passage across the
Atlantic encountered a storm which came very
near wrecking the vessel.
Our subject and his wife remained in Bulgaria
for five years, and while there three of their chil
dren were born, and died. Mrs. Lounsbury was
also in very poor health during their stay there,
and in December, 1886, they again returned to
their home in the New World. Their visit here
was a very short one, however, for in a few
months they again took up their work as foreign
missionaries, and the fall of 1887 found them
again in Bulgaria. Two of their daughters were
born there, Elfreda on September 20, 1890, at
Rustchuk, and Irma Clare March 1, 1892, at
Loftscha. . .
Rev Mr. Lounsbury returned to America witn
his family in April, 1893, and preached until Sep-
5o

tember of that year at West Farms, in New York
City. He was then sent to East Aleadow, in the
town of Hempstead, this county, and filled a
vacancy until conference should meet. He was
then assigned to Farmingdale, and has been in
charge of the congregation here since 1894.
Our subject was reared by a Republican father
and cast his first presidential vote for Grant. He
is now, however, a strong Prohibitionist, and
does all in his power to extend the influence of
this party in whatever community he may be
placed.

PROF. EPHRAIM HINDS. This finely-
educated gentleman stands at the head
of Hempstead Institute, which is one of
the best private schools on Long Island. He
was born in the small village of Littleton, in the
White Mountain region of New Hampshire, May
3, 1819. His father, Elisha Hinds, was born
February 7, 1784, at West Boylston, Mass, which
place was first settled by members of this family,
led by B. J. Hinds.
The father of our subject was graduated from
Williams College in 1805. He chose a profes
sional life, and in the section of country in which
he lived was known as the "honest lawyer." For
many years he served the people of Littleton as
justice of the peace and also discharged the du
ties of postmaster in an entirely satisfactory man
ner. His voice was always to be heard on the
side of progressive movements and the first pub
lic library in this place was founded by him.
Indeed, few men of that day were more inter
ested and prominent in public affairs and in all
measures which would in any way benefit the
community, than Elisha Hinds. He was one in
a large family of children, and about 1810, ac
companied by his brother Abraham, who was
also an attorney, he started on horseback to
make a tour of the then civilized portion of the
United States, and it is said visited every impor
tant town in the country, penetrating far into
the western wilderness. While on this trip,
whether for profit or to become more familiar
with the lay of the land, we are not informed,
he became principal of an academy located in
the state of Kentucky. He remained in charge
of this institution for about a year, and then
returned to his native village of Littleton and
resumed his law practice with his brother Abra
ham, who was an attorney of much ability. The

Il82

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

latter married the daughter of Judge Hapgood
and made his home in after years in Marlboro,
Mass.
Benjamin Hinds, the grandfather of our sub
ject, whom we have spoken of as the head of the
West Boylston colony, took an active part in the
stirring events preceding and during the Revo
lutionary War, and was a large contributor to
ward the support of the Continental army. The
name of Hinds has been a prominent one in the
history of our country, and while not all the
members of the family have been wealthy, they
have without an exception been people of refine
ment and culture.
The mother of Professor Hinds was Susan
Learned, also born at Littleton, N. H. She was
a lady possessing a fine education, and at the
early age of sixteen years was engaged in teach
ing one of the schools in her native village. She
was the daughter of Samuel Learned, whose
birth occurred at Oxford, Conn. He was a mer
chant of high standing and also a wealthy lumber
dealer in his community. About the time of the
building of the Erie Canal he came to New York-
State and became prominently connected with its
construction as a contractor, building the locks
at Lockport.
The grandfather of Mrs. Susan Hinds, on her
mother's side, was Capt. Nathan Caswell. He
acquired his title in the War of 1812, in which
conflict he was one of the most noted scouts. He
chose for his wife Miss Hannah Bingham, and
they were among the first to make their home in.
Littleton, N. H, the date thereof being May 14,
1770. The mother of our subject was one of the
greatest readers of her day and locality. She
was a thorough Christian lady and her favorite
book was the Bible, in which she was well versed.
Her brother, William Learned, was interested
with his father in the building of the Erie Canal.
Her sister Sarah married William Hibbard, a
well-to-do farmer of Vermont. Among their
children was a son, George Hibbard, who be
came prominent during the Civil War for the
brave and gallant service which he rendered his
country. Some time after peace was established
this son was interested in the building of the
Northern Pacific Railroad, and later in the con
struction of the government buildings on Ellis
Island. Miss Laura Learned, another sister of
our subject's mother, married Charles Fuller, a
prominent hardware merchant of Vermont.

Susan, the youngest member of the family, be
came the wife of Mr. Baldwin, one of the most
distinguished lawyers in Barton, Vt.
Elisha Hinds, the brother of our subject, was
wounded while on a gunboat during the Civil
War, and died from the effects of this injury.
William Learned Hinds was for many years in
the employ of William Claflin, one of the largest
merchants of New York City, but at the present
writing makes his home at Highgate, Vt. Au
gusta Hinds became the wife of Mr. Lyon, and
for many years they made their home in Balti
more, Md, where Mrs. Lyon died. Although
she was known to her friends as Augusta, her
full name was Thankful Howe Tabitha Holland
Augusta Hinds Lyon. Another sister, Grace
Morse Marlboro Susan Hinds, became the wife
of Chauncey Whittlesey, whose father was at one
time mayor of the city of Washington, and
whose cousin, Charles A. Dana, is proprietor of
the New York "Sun." They make their home
at Topeka, Kas, where he is at the head of a
fine business. Ellen Percy Hinds became the
wife of Henry Roth, and her home is also in
Topeka. Hannah has never married, and for
the greater part of her life has been engaged in
teaching. She was for many years employed in
the schools of Brooklyn, but is at present one of
the corps of teachers employed by our subject.
Elisha Hinds and his wife came to Brooklyn
about the year 1845. There they made cheir
home until their decease, the father passing
away in 1854 and the mother some years after.
Ephraim, of this sketch, received his education
principally under the guidance of private tutors
and in Haverhill Academy of New Hampshire.
When he was a lad of fourteen his parents re
moved to Hinsdale, N. H, where was located
the estate of a deceased uncle, of which Elisha
Hinds had been appointed to take charge. After
a residence there of about three years they made
their home in New Salem, Mass, where Mr. and
Mrs. Elisha Hinds had charge of the home de
partment of the Salem Academy. Young Eph
raim was a student in this school, and upon com
pleting the course there entered the preparatory
department of Amherst College.
Soon after attaining his majority the subject
of this sketch began teaching school, his first
position being at Warwick, Mass, From there
he went to Troy, N. Y, where he was engaged
to teach, and later we find him the assistant of
Professor Baquet, teacher in a French academv

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i iS?

at Paterson, N. J. He remained injthis boarding
school for four years, after which he accepted
the position of professor of French in the Tarry-
town Institute. Later we find him connected
with the Normal Academy at Sand Lake, N. Y,
near Albany. While residing in that place he
was married, in 1849, to Miss Catherine Maria
Shepard. Mr. Hinds is the author of a French
grammar and system of teaching that language,
which he prepared while at Sand Lake.
In the year 185 1 Professor Plinds accepted the
position of principal of a newly established acad
emy at Blackwood, Camden County, N. J. From
that time until 1859 he was connected with vari
ous institutions of learning in the East, but since
the latter year he has made his home in Hemp
stead. For the first two or three years he was
principal of this school, which was then known
as the Hempstead Seminary, but soon after his
purchasing the building the name was changed
to that of Hempstead Institute. It ranks among
the very best private schools on the island, and'
is well patronized by the wealthy residents of the
surrounding cities. Professor Hinds is consid
ered one of the most thorough educators in the
state, which is accounted for in a measure from
the fact that his whole soul is in the work.
To Professor and Mrs. Hinds there have been
born six children, named, respectively, Grace,
Ada, Arthur, Jessie, Lily and Lincoln.
Politically the Professor was first a Whig, and
on the organization of the Republican party be
came a member of that party, to which he yet
firmly adheres.

JUDGE CHARLES Wr. BILLINGS,a prom
inent resident of Glencove, was born at
Hatfield, Hampshire County, Mass, De
cember 18, 1821. He is the son of Israel and
Hepsey (Partridge) Billings, and passed his boy
hood days in the village of his birth. He com
pleted his education in the public schools the
year before attaining his majority, and spent the
following two years at work on his father's farm.
At the age of twenty-two our subject went to
Troy, Walworth County, Wis, where he pur
chased a farm and was engaged in its cultivation
for three years. Previous to his removal to the
Badger State, however, Mr. Billings was mar
ried at Hatfield to Miss Mary H. Hubbard, also
a native of that village. At the expiration of the
three years Charles W. sold his share in the farm

to his brother and returned to New York, where
he soon secured a position as clerk for the firm
of Woodruff & Robinson, and shortly thereafter,
so valuable were his services to his employers,
he was made manager of their storage de
partment. He remained with the firm of Wood
ruff & Robinson for a period of three years, when
he resigned and embarked in the same kind of
business for himself in Brooklyn. This proved
to be a very successful venture and he continued
to operate a storage warehouse for ten years.
His health began to fail about this time and he
deemed it advisable to get away from the city.
He therefore disposed of his interests in Brook
lyn and came to Glencove, shortly afterward pur
chasing a farm near this place. He paid $20,000
for this property in 1868, and when he sold it in
1891 could only obtain $5,500 for his estate. In
the last named year the Judge moved into Glen
cove, with whose interests he has been associated
ever since.
Mrs. Billings died after eleven years of happy
married life. She became the mother of six chil
dren, all of whom died when young in years.
The second union of our subject was with Miss
Catherine L. Lowe, a native of New Jersey, in
which state the marriage took place. To them
were born ten children, eight of whom are still
living. Judge Billings cast his first presidential vote
in 1844 for James K. Polk. Since the organiza
tion of the Republican party, however, he has
supported its candidates both by voice and ballot.
He has never been an office seeker in any sense
of the term, but in 1894 was prevailed upon by
his friends to run for the position of justice of
the peace and was elected by a majority of sev
enteen hundred votes.
Fraternally Mr. Billings is a Mason of high
degree and was one of the charter members of
Commonwealth Lodge No. 409, of Brooklyn.
Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Glencove, and gives liberally of his
means toward its support. Prior to coming here
he was treasurer of his congregation in Brook
lyn for a period of four years.
Edward C. Billings, the eldest son of our sub
ject, is engaged in the mining business out West,
his home being in Denver, Colo. George D,
another son, is one of the prominent merchants
of Brooklyn. Charles I. is also engaged in busi
ness in that city. Mary H. makes her home with
the brother of our subject, Edward C. Billings,

n84

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a resident of New Orleans, La. Adelaide is still
at home. The next in order of birth were John
and Catherine, twins. The former is deceased,
and Catherine is now the wife of a Mr. Howell,
and makes her home in Anthony, Fla. Augus
tus H. has traveled extensively in foreign lands,
spending some years in the gold region of South
Africa; he is now living in Glencove. Samuel
P. is a resident of Glencove, where he is carrying
on a thriving business as grain merchant.

WHITEHEAD H. HEWLETT, the
owner of a beautiful farm in the town
of Hempstead, is living retired in Aler-
rick. This tract of land has been handed down
in the Hewlett family since its first' occupancy
in 1640. Our subject, who was born in Rocka
way in 1816, is one of the oldest residents of
Queens County. His parents were George M.
and Elizabeth (Hewlett) Hewlett, also natives of
Long Island, where they were content to pass
their entire lives.
George M. Hewlett followed farming all his
life, and in the prosecution of this vocation met
with success. He was a quiet, unassuming citi
zen, devoting his time and attention almost en
tirely to his private affairs. He departed this life
May 17, 1870, mourned by all who knew him.
His wife preceded him to the land beyond by
many years, closing her eyes in death March
7, 1857.
Whitehead H, of this sketch, had only the
advantages of a district-school education in his
youth. Upon leaving school he settled down at
Rockaway, where he remained until the age of
thirty, when he removed to the old Hewlett
homestead at Merrick, and has ever since de
voted his time to its cultivation. It is one of the
best tracts in the county and is under advanced
improvement. It is very conveniently located,
and as we stated in our opening paragraph, was
first settled upon in 1640. The paternal grand
parents of our subject were Daniel and Mary
(Mott) Hewlett, people of prominence in their
day and locality.
Our subject was married October 15, 1845, t0
Mary E, daughter of John and Sarah (Hewlett)
Clowes, natives of Long Island. John Clowes
was in turn the son of Joseph and Hannah (Van
Wycke) Clowes, respected residents of Queens
County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead
Hewlett resulted in the birth of four children:

Frances Moore and Julia Hart are deceased;
Joseph Titus married Eleanora Hewlett and died
December 27, 1891, leaving one son, Frederick
Clowes; George Mott Hewlett was married
March 1, 1893, to Emma Hewlett, a sister of his
brother's wife. The wife and mother departed
this life March 19, 1892, aged sixty-six. In relig
ious affairs our subject is a devoted member of
the Episcopal Church, with which denomination
he has been connected for many years.
Mr. Hewlett has never aspired to political hon
ors, preferring to give his undivided attention to
his farming interests. However, he supports Re
publican candidates. He is now living in ease
and quiet retirement in a commodious dwelling
well suited to the needs of the family. George
M, the only son now living, is engaged in man
aging the farm.

LARENCE B. WHITTEMORE, well
known to the residents of Queens County,
is the son of Edward A. Whittemore, who
during his lifetime was accounted one of the
successful and aggressive business men of New-
York City. The grandfather, Homer Whitte
more, was a descendant of one of the old and
influential families of York State. He was also
a prominent business man, and when looking
about him for a quiet place in which to pass the
last years of his life, located in Astoria.
Edward A. Whittemore was a shrewd business
man, and at the time of his death, which occurred
in 1880, at the age of sixty-five, he stood at the
head of a large wholesale dry goods business at
No. 346 Broadway. He, however, made his home
in Astoria in a beautiful residence at the head of
Boulevard, on East River, which he erected in
1851. In a great many ways he showed his sub
stantial interest in the welfare and development
of this locality, having forwarded many enter
prises, both by his means and influence. He
amassed a large fortune, which enables his fam
ily to pass life pleasantly and happily, surrounded
with comforts and many luxuries. Religiously
he was a consistent member of St. George's Epis
copal Church and contributed very liberally of
his means toward its support. In politics he at
all times supported Republican candidates.
Our subject's mother was formerly Mary W.
Barton, a native of New Rochelle, N. Y. Her
father, Jacob Barton, departed this life soon after
moving to Astoria. Mrs. Whittemore's death

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

118=

occurred in October, 1894, when she was over
seventy-three years of age. Her family included
six children, and four are yet living: Edward
A, Jr., who is carrying on a profitable business
as a wholesale dry goods merchant in New York ;
Gertrude, Mrs. Charles Benner, of Long Island
City; Charles A, who also makes his home in
that city; and Clarence B, of this history.
The subject of this sketch was engaged in busi
ness with his father until the death of the latter,
since which time he has retired from business
cares, though still looking after his various in
vestments. He has been in many ways connected
with the active progress of Astoria, by whose
citizens he is held in the highest regard.

JOHN B. MERRILL, formerly school com
missioner for the second district of Queens
County, is well known throughout Long
Island as the "school builder." During his in
cumbency of the office he did more to advance
the cause of education than was accomplished
during any previous decade. Professionally he
is an attorney, who has made a name for himseli
by reason of pluck, energy and sterling qualities
of heart and mind. In the discharge of public
duties he has been thoroughly conscientious,
and while serving as school commissioner de
voted much of his time to the welfare of his
constituents. The building of the new school-
houses in this district, with their modern im
provements and increased facilities for a higher
education, is to a great extent due to his efforts.
When he found a schoolhouse insufficient for the
proper and healthful accommodation of the chil
dren, his efforts were untiring until the evil was
remedied. He holds that the schoolhouses can
not be too good, and that only the best teachers
should be employed; that nothing, indeed, so
tends to attract people to a community as the
reputation of having excellent schools.
Now a resident of Woodhaven, Air. Alerrill
was born in Plain ville, Conn, January 7, 1857.
His father, Squire Gregg Merrill, was an only-
son, but had two sisters, one of whom, Frances,
was a missionary for many years in the Sand
wich Islands, and died at Honolulu. He was one
of the first to answer President Lincoln's appeal
for soldiers, in 1861 enlisting in Company E,
Fifth Connecticut Infantry. His wife died on
the 16th of April of that year, and on the 19th,
three days later, he was on his way to the front.

He was wounded at Point of Rocks, Md, and
after his recovery was assigned to duty at the
old Capital Prison in Washington. Since the
war he has been connected with the adjutant-
general's office at Washington. His wife, Lucy
M, was a daughter of Bryant Porter, a well-to-
do farmer of Plainville, Conn, and they were
the parents of two children, John B. and Lucy
F, the latter being the wife of Daniel Drennan,
private secretary to General Schofield at Wash
ington. John H. Merrill, grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was a native of Alaine, born in 1799.
On the outbreak of the Mexican War he volun
teered in the service and became captain of a
company that fought bravely and well. He at
tained the age of ninety-five, and departed this
life in Washington in 1894. He had eight broth
ers, six of whom served as soldiers in the War
of the Rebellion, and of this number three yet
survive. In the schools of Washington, D. C, John B.
Alerrill received his education. When a youth
of seventeen years he enlisted in the signal corps,
United States army, in which he devoted nine
years to the study of meteorology. In 1879 he
was detailed as instructor in meteorology, mili
tary signaling and tactics in the University of
West Virginia. Two years later, under the di
rection of the chief signal officer of the army,
he investigated the tracks and causes of the dis
astrous cyclones in the western states, and in
1882 he was placed in charge of the weather bu
reau of New' York City. Four years later he
began the study of law with ex-District Attorney
Benjamin W. Downing, and in due time was
admitted to the bar.
Upon the organization of the South Side
Ball League, in 1889, Mr. Merrill was elected
president, and re-elected the following year.
Politically a stanch Democrat, he was selected
in 1890 by the Democratic county central com
mittee to explain the new ballot reform act to
voters, and in doing so delivered thirty-two ad
dresses. In the same year he was elected school
commissioner of the second district, and during
his incumbency of the office wrought many re
forms in the public schools. A uniform course
of study has been adopted, certificates and di
plomas are now furnished to deserving pupils
and the standard of instruction has been raised.
Thirty-five new school buildings were erected
during his administration, seven were remod-

1 186

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

eled, hew furniture and free books have been
generally introduced, and school libraries replen
ished. In one year he delivered fifty-two public
addresses on school work, lecturing a portion of
this time in the central part of the state under
the auspices of the department of public instruc
tion. During his incumbency of the office the
value of school property has increased from
$I93.7I5 to $315,146, and in addition there was
in 1893 more than $150,000 cash in the hands
of the trustees awaiting disbursement for land
and new buildings. The official school directory
shows the condition of the schools in this local
ity to be most satisfactory in every respect.
The number of high-grade teachers increased
thirty-one per cent within one year, so that at
this writing (1896) over seventy per cent of the
entire number hold state normal or first-grade
certificates. In December, 1880, Mr. Merrill married Miss
Ida K. Gibson, of Washington, daughter of John
H. Gibson, chief engraver in the bureau of en
graving and printing. They are the parents of
four children, Edna Porter, Clinton Whitlock,
Mabel Gibson and Evelyn. Fraternally Mr!
Merrill is a prominent Mason and holds member
ship with Brooklyn Lodge No. 288. He also
belongs to Woodhaven Lodge No. 204, I. O. O.
F Fond of outdoor sports, he is actively con
nected with the Jamaica Bay Yacht Club. In
his profession he has been remarkably success
ful and stands high among the attorneys of the
county, being at the present time a director in
the Queens County Bar Association.

ALBERT E. GOSLING. Among the pop
ular musicians of Flushing no name
stands higher than that of Prof. A. E
Gosling, who is organist at St. Michael's Church
and a teacher whose name is well and favorably-
known. He was born in Flushing September
1, i860, and here grew to manhood and received
his education. His father, Thomas Gosling, has
been a resident of Flushing since 1851, and is
one of the representative men of the place. His
birth occurred in Lincolnshire, England, August
14, 1827.
Mr. Gosling was married in Flushing to Mrs.
Sarah Nichols, a native of London, Eng
land, and the only living child of this union Is
Albert E, the subject of this notice.
Albert E. Gosling began the study of music

when twelve years old, and from the start
displayed unusual ability in that direction. He
received instruction from some of the best teach
ers, and at an early age began teaching. For
four years he was organist of the Methodist
Church in Flushing; he filled the same position
for four years in the Congregational Church,
four years in St. George's Episcopal Church, but
left the latter on account of the introduction of
the boy choir. In 1894 he became organist and
choir master for St. Michael's Church, and has
made a specialty of the concert vespers Sunday
evenings. Mr. Gosling teaches in Flushing and
vicinity, also in Brooklyn, where he has regular
days. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of
Cornucopia Lodge No. 563; Pentalpha Chapter,
R. A. M.; Oak Lodge, K. of P.; St. George's
Brotherhood, and is an honorary member of the
Alutual Engine Company. He served five years
and seven months in the Seventeenth Separate
Company of New York, and was corporal when
he resigned. He has been giving organ recitals
in Brooklyn, New York State, on Long Island,
and in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a
member of St. George's Episcopal Church.

CHARLES HENRY YERRINGTON,
M. D, physician and surgeon of the
regular school of medicine at Farming-
dale, was born at Jamaica May 8, 1849. Dis par
ents were Charles and Sarah (Weeks) Yerring-
ton, natives of Connecticut and Long Island, re
spectively. The former was at one time a noted
educator on Long Island and subsequently was
called to Jersey City, where he was installed as
principal of public school No. 2. He presided
over this school for a period of thirty years, wdiich
speaks in a very flattering manner of his effi
ciency as a teacher.
The education of Charles Henry was acquire. 1
in the schools of Jersey City. On attaining his
eighteenth year he began the study of medicine
under the instruction of Dr. Isaac N. Quinby of
Jersey City. When prepared to enter college he
became a student in the University- of New York,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in 1870. He then returned
home and opening an office began the practice
of his profession, remaining in Jersey City for a
period of twenty years, during which time he
built up an enviable reputation as a learned and
successful physician and surgeon.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 187

The marriage of Dr. Yerrington occurred in
the above city May 5, 1870. The lady on this oc
casion was Miss Cecelia Cranmer, a native of
Jersey City, and their union was blessed by the
birth of a son, Charles F. In the year 1893, Dr.
Yerrington came to Farmingdale, where his skill
soon became known and he is now in command
of a large and lucrative patronage. His wife
departed this life just a short time prior to his
removal hither. In politics he is a stanch sup
porter of Republican principles and in social
affairs meets with the Knights of Honor, of which
order he is a member.
Prof. Charles Yerrington, the father of our sub
ject, was born in Preston City, Conn, February
14, 1822. He was the son of Joseph A. and Mary
Park (Meech) Yerrington, who moved to Nor
wich, Conn, when he was three years of age.
There Charles grew to manhood on the farm
which his father purchased, and after pursuing
and completing- the course in the public schools
of his locality, went to Norwich and was gradu
ated from the high school of that place. In 1840
he taught his first school at Lebanon, New Lon
don County, Conn. After conducting four de
ferent country schools for a term, he came to
Jamaica, this county, and for four years was
teacher in one of the schools of that city. At the
end of that time he moved to Jersey City, as we
have stated above, where for thirty years he pre
sided as principal of one of the public schools.
Since resigning his position there and coming to
Long Island, he has been petitioned by the board
of education to return, as the five principals
which they have tried since that time have failed
to give satisfaction.
Professor Yerrington was married at Mannetto
Hill, now known as Plainview, November 27,
1844, to Miss Sarah Weeks, who was born on
Long Island. To them were born five children,
of whom the eldest, Alonzo, lived to be about
twenty-one years of age; he was to have been
married ten days later. Dr. Charles H, of this
sketch, was the next born. Mary Powell mar
ried Amos C. Sherwood and makes her home at
the present time in Jersey City. Sadie died in
infancy; and William departed this life when in
his third year.
The father of our subject experienced religion
in 1840 and became a member of the Congrega
tional Church. Later he united with the Method
ist Episcopal Church and became a local preacher
and was ordained deacon in Jersey City by

Bishop Baker. While still a resident of that city
he presided as president over a preachers' asso
ciation held there. Professor Yerrington con
tinued to teach school and preach at such places
as he was called upon to fill until 1866, when he
retired from the former occupation and came to
his present home at Farmingdale. He was a
Whig in politics until the organization of the
Republican party, since which time he has sup
ported its candidates.

W

ILLIAM FOREMAN. Alany of the
most prominent and successful busi
ness men of America received their
early education in the superior institutions of
other countries. Freeport contains many such
men, and among them is William Foreman, who
was born in Tunbridge Wells, England, in 1847,
and who has been a resident of this country since
1857. He has made his way to the front in busi
ness circles and his adopted country has reason
to feel proud of his ability and enterprise. His
parents, William and Mary (Kitchenham) Fore
man, were natives of England, and there spent
their entire lives. The father was what was
known in England as a whitesmith, and followed
that avocation very successfully until the time
of his death, in 1856. His wife preceded him to
the grave in 1855.
William Foreman, Jr., left his native country
when but ten years old and received the rudi
ments of an education in the schools of Canada.
Subsequently he entered the normal school in
Toronto and graduated from this school with
honors, being the only one out of a class of one
hundred and twenty who received a first-class
grade A certificate. Later he took up the pro
fession of teaching, and was engaged in the
same in Canada for five years. Early in the
year 1871 he came to the States and began
teaching in January of that year, following this
for three years at Merrick, Freeport, and the vil
lage of Hempstead, L. I. Following this he
embarked in the lumber business at Freeport,
and has steadily carried on this industry up to
the present time. He is perhaps the most ex
tensive lumber dealer in the town of Flempstead,
and is a thoroughgoing and progressive busi
ness man.
In 1873 Mr. Foreman was united with Miss
Jennie Hewlett, daughter of George Hewlett,
who comes of one of the oldest families of Long

m

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL' RECORD.

Island, its members settling here over two cen
turies ago. To Air. and Mrs. Foreman have
been born three children, as follows: Charles
Milton, Stella and Nellie H. Mr. and Mrs. Fore
man hold membership in the Presbyterian
Church and the former is an elder and a trustee
in the same. Republican in his political views,
Mr. Foreman never aspired to office, yet takes
a deep interest in the welfare of his party. He
is vice-president of the Freeport Bank and a di
rector of the Freeport Land Company. He is
thoroughly interested in the affairs of the com
munity which he has helped to build, is a gen
tleman of honorable principles, and possesses
the full trust of his patrons.

WILLIAM SIMPSON HALL. The
Freeport Bank, of which the subject
of this sketch is the efficient and trust
worthy cashier, is a solid financial institution, is
filling a long-felt want, and is reflecting the high
est credit upon its officers, directors and stock
holders. Mr. Hall is a young man well qualified
to fill his present position, for he possesses a fine
education and keen commercial instincts. He
was born in New York City, August 15, 1862, to
Robert and Agnes E. (Simpson) Hall, also na
tives of that city, where they have always made
their home. Robert Hall has for many years
been a prominent liveryman, and in this business
has accumulated a comfortable competency. He
has been quite prominent also in ward politics
and has discharged the duties of alderman.
William Simpson Hall was placed in the public
schools of New York City as soon as he had
reached the required age and there he pursued
the paths of learning until he was fourteen years
of age, at which time he was in the grammar
school. He was then placed in the Pennington,
(N. J.) Seminary, where he remained two years.
At the end of that time he left school to become
his father's bookkeeper, a position he retained
until he had acquired considerable experience,
then accepted a like position with a Wall Street
firm, and later was in Chambers Street. Follow
ing this he became assistant cashier of the Hemp
stead Bank, and discharged the duties incumbent
upon this position wdth credit to himself and to
the entire satisfaction of the bank officials for
about four years. In 1892, after the organiza
tion of the Freeport Bank, he was offered and
accepted the position of cashier, and his work

has been universally satisfactory, as it could
hardly fail to. be, for his former experience has
been of material benefit to him and his natural
aptitude is undoubted.
The 6th of April, 1883, witnessed the celebra
tion of Mr. Hall's marriage with Miss Jeannette
E. Wood, daughter of Martin V. Wood, a promi
nent citizen of Hempstead. One son was born
of this union, Martin V. W. Mr. Hall is a local
preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the
teacher of a Bible class of twenty scholars, and is
treasurer of the Sabbath-school. He "has always
been socially inclined and has shown his ap
proval of secret organizations by becoming a
member of Merton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M,
and of Freeport Lodge No. 600, I. O. O. F. He
is treasurer of the Freeport Land Company, sec
retary of the board of education and is treasurer
of the town of Hempstead, in which capacity he
has charge of the Steward fund, amounting to
$400,000. In filing his bonds for this position he
had over $100,000 more than was required, prof
fered by his friends. This is significant of the
estimation in which he is regarded and speaks
eloquently of his numerous admirable qualities.
His citizenship has ever been above reproach, and
in business and social, as well as in the home
circle, he is loved and respected.

CHARLES P. FREY. As a usual thing
age and experience are essential to suc
cess in whatever branch of human en
deavor a man may see fit to devote his life, but
special adaptability to any particular calling will
often carry one successfully along the stream
of life even though youth is at the helm. This
adaptability is the one necessary adjunct to suc
cess and is exemplified in the career of Charles
P. Frey, proprietor of the Bayside House of
Rockaway Beach, Oceanus. He was born in
New York City February 2, 1856, and for fifteen
years has been a resident of Rockaway Beach.
He served in one capacity or another, in the dif
ferent hotels here, and became familiar with all
the phases of hotel life. His father, Jacob Frey,
was a resident of Brooklyn for many years and
died when sixty-four years old. He married
Miss Henrietta Heckscher, and their five chil
dren were, in the order of their births, as follows:
Louis M, of Brooklyn; Charles P, our subject;
Josephine, Emma and Louise, all residents of
Brooklyn except our subject.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 1 So

The last named received his education in the
schools of New York, but at an early age dis
played unusual business acumen and soon ac
cepted a position as errand boy in a store. After
wards he served in different capacities until
twenty years old, when he engaged in business
for himself in Oceanus, conducting a hotel, which
has continued to be his chosen calling since.
Success has rewarded his efforts, and he has one
of the most popular houses in this section. Politi
cally Mr. Frey is a Republican, and has been
chairman of the Republican Association here.
He is active in local politics and all enterprises
of moment receive his utmost attention. He is
a good worker for the interests of the place, and
contributes liberally of his means to every meas
ure calculated to advance the best interests of
the vicinity.
Our subject was one of the organizers of the
Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company and was
foreman three years. He has grown up with
Oceanus, for he spent his summers here until
fifteen years old, and then settled here perma
nently, and is a factor in its growth and develop
ment. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Forester*
Mr. Frey's marriage with Miss Mary Noon, of
Brooklyn, resulted in the birth of four children,
as follows: Emma, Charles, Mary and John.

JOHN B. WELWOOD, M. D, a skillful
physician living in Great Neck, has acquired
in his chosen profession a reputation that
is very flattering. He has been engaged in prac
tice here since 1890, although he received the
degree of Doctor of Medicine ten years prior to
that time.
Arthur W. Welwood, the father of our subject,
was of Scotch extraction, while on his mother's
side he is of English origin, both of his parents,
however, having been born in Ireland. Mr. Wel
wood, Sr, was for many years engaged in manu
facturing in Brooklyn and New York, but later
purchased and operated a productive tract of land
near Hempstead, this county. He departed this
life in 1 89 1, when seventy-eight years of age. By
his first marriage, which united him with Miss
Mary Owens, he had three children, of whom
Julia, Mrs. Samuel J. Jones, and Margaret, are
living. By his marriage with Frances Baldwin,
a native of South Hempstead, six children were
born, one of whom is deceased. Arthur was the
eldest of the household; George is deceased;

Ambrose W. was the third in order of birth; Tohn
B. is the subject of this narrative; and Charles A.
and Frances T. conqplete the number.
The subject of this sketch was born in Brook
lyn, March 7, 1858. He was reared on the farm
on which his parents lived, and after acquiring
an academical education, began to read medicine.
When a lad of only ten years he had determined
to follow his profession and when the time ar
rived when he could begin his studies he en
tered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from
which he was graduated about the time he
reached his majority, his diploma bearing date
of September 1, 1880.
The Doctor then went West to Larned, Paw
nee County, Kan, and after residing there about
two years he returned to the state of his birth.
After a time, however, he again went West, this
time locating in Douglas County, Kan, where
for three years he was in command of a lucrative
practice. At the expiration of that time he closed
out his business there and for the second time re
turned to New York, establishing himself at
Manhasset, which he considered a good field for
his business. He entered upon a most successful
career, having since built up a large practice in
the county, and has given special attention to the
study of surgery; while in the West he gained
an enviable reputation in this line.
The lady to whom Dr. Welwood was married
in 1885 was Miss Louise E, daughter of Nehe
miah Hayden, one of the oldest residents and
most successful merchants of Great Neck. The
business which he carried on so successfully for
many years was established by his father, who
was a shrewd business man and most exemplary
member of the community. To Dr. and Mrs.
Welwood there were born three children: Kate,
who died when seventeen months old; Arthur,
and George. In politics he is a stanch Democrat
and in religious matters attends services at the
Episcopal Church, of which he is a member.

HARVEY STEWART McKNIGHT, ed
itor and proprietor of the "North Shore
Review," at Bayside, and one of the well-
known and influential men of this section, was
born in Jackson Hall, Franklin County, Pa,
October 20, 1864. His parents were John and
Sarah (Maxwell) AIcKnight, to whom were
granted 'six children, Harvey Stewart being
the eldest. The others are : Ira T, registrar of

1 190

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

accounts for the New York Central & Hudson
River Railroad; Calvin J, private secretary to
Charles W. Hackett, who is chairman of the Re
publican State Committee; Maxwell A, official
stenographer of the New York Produce Ex
change; Scott E, private secretary for R. A.
White, auditor of the New York Central &
Hudson River Railroad; and Margaret Grace,
who is living at home.
John McKnight is also a Pennsylvanian and
was born at McKnightstown, Adams County, in
the year 1834. There he grew to mature years,
completing his education in the Pennsylvania
College at Gettysburg, of which his brother, Dr.
Harvey W. McKnight, is now president. After
leaving school John went to Jackson Hall, where
he conducted a very successful general mer
chandise business until 1868. While at that
place he was appointed postmaster under Presi
dent Lincoln, fulfilling the duties of this office
in a trustworthy manner.
From Jackson Hall Mr. McKnight removed
to Charlestown, W. Va, and entering into part
nership with his brother, C. H. McKnight, built
the Jefferson County Saw and Planing Mill. This
they conducted with marvelous success until the
father of our subject retired from business in
1892. That year he moved his family to Bay-
side, L. I, and took possession of a very beauti
ful home. Mrs. McKnight was the daughter of
Dr. Thomas B. Maxwell, a prominent physician
of Jackson Hall, Pa, who was in turn the son of
Hugh Alaxwell, the founder of the "Lancaster
Intelligencer." His father, the great-great-grand
father of our subject, was Hugh Maxwell, the
youngest son of the Earl of Nithsdale, of Scot
land, who was banished from his country on ac
count of his having been one of the insurgents
against King George III. The earl fled to
France, while Hugh and two older brothers were
brought to America by the Binghams, which is
one of the oldest families of Philadelphia.
The subject of this sketch after studying in
the common schools of Chambersburg, Pa, and
at the academy of that place, entered Pennsyl
vania College, at Gettysburg, and completed hi.s
education with a three years' course in the Co
lumbian Law School of Washington, D. C, tak
ing the Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He was
admitted to the bar April 1, 1892, and for one
year thereafter was engaged in active practice at
Washington. D. C, and Charlestowrf, W. Va.
During that year he was the candidate of his

party for the office of prosecuting attorney ot
Jefferson County, W. Va, of which Charlestown
is the county seat, but he was defeated. In
the spring of 1893, he came to Bayside and
shortly afterward established the "Bayside Re
view." In January, 1895, this paper was con
solidated with the "Great Neck League" and the
name of the publication changed to the "North
Shore Review."
In April, 1894, Mr. McKnight was elected to
the office of justice of the peace, being the first
Republican to ever hold this office in the town.
Pie is an influential politician, and while in West
Virginia was chairman of the Republican County
Committee of Jefferson County for two years, and
during his residence at the capital was secretary
of the Republican State Association. Judge
McKnight has never married.

REV. THOMAS E. CARROLL. This able
and distinguished divine, who has charge
of St. Agnes' Parish at Rockville Center,
was born in Brooklyn, N. Y, in 1862. His par
ents, David and Margaret (Rice) Carroll, were
born in Ireland, but came to the United States
some time in the '50s, and for the most part the
remainder of their lives was spent in Brooklvn.
They were worthy people, useful citizens and
faithful Catholics.
Our subject obtained his early educational
training in St. Mary's School, Brooklyn, and later
he entered St. John's College there, finally finish
ing his education in Villanova (Pa.) College. To
fit himself for the noble and useful calling of the
minister he entered the seminary of the Lady of
Angels, at Suspension Bridge, N. Y, wdiere he
pursued his theological studies very profitably
for four years, at the end of wdiich time, or on
the 19th of June, 1886, he was ordained a priest
of the Catholic Church, after which he went to
St. Mary's Church, Brooklyn, as assistant priest,
and remained for a period of eight years.
July 1, 1894, our subject came to Rockville
Center and has since had control of his present
charge. Father Carroll has shown great energy
in discharging his pastoral duties, and since his
residence here has made many improvements,
and adjoining the church has caused to be erected
a fine rectory, lighted by gas, fitted up with hot
and cold water and heated by steam, in fact a
modern and elegant building in all its appoint
ments. He has also greatly improved the church

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1191

building and has increased its membership very
greatly, in fact his parish is a flourishing one
and in a prosperous condition. The church, a
commodious structure, has been established here
about eight years. The congregation numbers
between three and four hundred and is annually
increasing. Father Carroll's genial disposition
makes him a general favorite and he is one of the
most charitable and kind hearted of men, sincere
in his friendships and devotedly attached to the
church with which he is connected. He is rich
in the love of his people, and of him it may be
said: "Well done, thou good and faithful
vant."

ser-

JOHN J. SIMMONS. No city in the country
has buildings which have been brought to
a greater state of perfection than those in
Flushing. The vast amount of capital invested
here and seeking proper field of operations at
this point has led to the erection of numerous
magnificent edifices and stimulated all the other
branches of business connected with it. One of
the successful builders and contractors of this <
place is John J. Simmons, who has carried on
business in Flushing since 1875, during which
time the people have had every opportunity to
judge of his character and qualifications. He is
a young man, full of energy of purpose, and un
derstands the business details of his calling in
every particular. Mr. Simmons was born in
Flushing February 11, 1854, and is a son of
Hugh and Alice (Mulcahy) Simmons, both na
tives of Ireland.
Hugh Simmons was a young man when he
crossed the Atlantic to seek home and fortune in
the New World, and he first settled in Westches
ter County, N. Y. There he followed farming
until 1849, when he came to Flushing and here
obtained employment with Parsons & Co, with
whom he remained for nearly forty years. He is
now retired from the active duties of life and en
joys a hearty and contented old age. The com
panion of his joys and sorrows passed away two
years ago. The three children born to them are
living at the present time.
John J. Simmons, the second child, grew to
manhood here, attended St. Michael's School, and
when sixteen years old he began serving an ap
prenticeship as carpenter, under John Donald,
with whom he remained five years. In 1875 he
began contracting for himself and this has con

tinued to be his chosen calling since. He has
met with well deserved success in this, as may be
seen in the high class of his custom and the ex
cellent character of his work. He built Rescue
Hook and Ladder House, added to the Flushing
water works, also the opera house, built Fitz-
patrick's residence, Tewhys' residence, also the
Woodruff and Prigge residences, and many
others, and employs from eighteen to twenty
men. He owns considerable property in Flush
ing and his residence at No. 271 Lincoln Street is
superintended with the greatest neatness by his
wife, formerly Miss Alary A. Dougherty, a native
of Flushing. By his first union, which united him
with Mary E. Delahunty, there were born three
children: Mary, who is at home, and two boys
who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Simmons is a member of th?
Royal Arcanum and Catholic Benevolent Legion.
He is a charter member of the Seventeenth Sep
arate Company of Flushing National Guard,
which organization he entered as private, and
after serving fifteen years, resigned, retiring as
first lieutenant. He was a commander in the
company for about nine months after Captain
Miller resigned. For attendance in the Seven
teenth Separate Company he has the best record
and has received more badges and medals than
any other officer or citizen. For eighteen years
he served in the Rescue Hook and Ladder Com
pany. Mr. Simmons is also a member of the
Flushing Boat Club. In politics he is Demo
cratic, but is not radical. He and his family
are members of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

C

HARLES H. GARRETSON. This suc
cessful druggist of Flushing is descended
from one of the oldest and most respected
families of Queens County, and traces his an
cestry back to Gerritzen Wollfet Kouwenhoven,
who came to this country from Holland and set
tled on the Flatlands, Brooklyn. For a further
history of this family see the sketch of F. D.
Kouwenhoven, of Long Island City. The father
of the subject of this sketch, Garret R, was born
in Somerville, N. J, and his brother, John, who
was also born in New Jersey, was for many years
judge of the Somerset County Court.
Garret R. remained in New Jersey until he
was sixteen years of age, when he came to Nevr
York and became overseer in the nursery owned
by William R. Prince and later had charge of

1 192

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Prince's nursery, the largest in the world. In
1836 he started in the seed business for himself,
at which time there were but three other men in
the business in the country. He had a fine seed
farm of one hundred acres half way between
Flushing and Jamaica and also a small farm in
the former place. His seeds were sent all over
the world, and particularly to all points in the
United States. He died in 1887, at the age of
eighty years, after which his son, Alonzo, became
his successor and had charge of the business until
his death, which occurred in July, 1893. Charles
H. then assumed the management of the business
and continues it at the present time. The mother,
whose maiden name was Eliza Bloodgood, was
born at Flushing, a daughter of Daniel Blood
good, who was born and reared here. His moth
er's farm comprised the oldest part of Flushing,
but through fraudulent means she was cheated
out of her property, which has since become very
valuable. Mr. Bloodgood was a goldsmith, den
tist and jeweler, and he and his wife and eight
sons are buried under St. George's Church, of
which he was warden and his family active mem
bers for many years. He was descended from
Franz Bloodgood, a French Huguenot, who first
removed to Holland and from there to this coun
try in 1658. He died here and was buried at
Whitestone. Mrs. Garretson, mother of the sub
ject of this sketch, died February 16, 1896, at the
age of eighty-six years. At that time she was the
oldest resident of Flushing and probably the old
est member of St. George's Church. Seven chil
dren were born to herself and husband, six of
whom reached maturity. Alonzo was a lieutenant
in a battery during the Civil War and was se
verely injured at the battle of Petersburg; Susan
B. is married and living in Flushing. Imogene;
Charles H; Jane, Mrs. Fred Leavitt, of Flush
ing; and Frank, who died at the age of nineteen,
complete the family.
Charles H. Garretson received a good high
school education and at the age of sixteen years
he began the study of pharmacy in Flushing,
first with James L. Coutant and then with J. B.
Whitson, and after a rigid examination was
granted a diploma from the College of Pharmacy
of New York City. In January, 1882, he estab
lished himself in the drug business in Flushing
and here has since successfully continued. He
keeps a general line of drugs, makes a specialty
of retail trade and his establishment is the hand
somest and most completely fitted up in the place.

He has always been a stanch Republican in poli
tics and fraternally is a member of Cornucopia
Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M. Since 1882 he has
been a member of the Alercurv Wheel Club, and
also a member of the Queens County Druggists'
Association. He keeps thoroughly abreast with
the progress made in his profession and is a care
ful and accurate pharmacist. His place of busi
ness is located at No. 87 Alain Street. Religiously
he is a member and vestryman in St. George's
Episcopal Church.

JOHN B. GARNER is engaged in general
farming and market gardening on his de
sirable farm, which is situated in the town
of Hempstead. Here the family have resided
for many years and are noted for their sterling
qualities and high principles. John B, of this
history, was born in this community October
29, 1826, the son of John and Sarah (Birdsell)
Garner, the former of whom was a native of
Ireland. He was well educated in the Emerald
Isle and remained there until attaining mature
years, when he decided to try his fortunes in
America. Coming hither he made his home on
Long Island, and for many years was engaged
in teaching school, being very successful in this
vocation. He became well known and promi
nent throughout the town, and his death, which
occurred when our subject was a lad of about
eight years, was the occasion of universal mourn
ing. His estimable wife was a native of Long
Island. She survived him a few years, when she
too was called to the land beyond.
John B. Garner was thus deprived of the
care of both parents when young in years, and
as he had his own way to make in the world he
took advantage of the opportunity given him to
acquire a good common-school education. He
was reared on the farm which his father owned,
and has always been identified with agricultural
pursuits. He had one brother and three sisters,
all of whom, after the death of father and mother,
were cared for by an uncle, John Birdsell, until
that good man departed this life, when they be
gan in the world for themselves. All the mem
bers of this family with the exception of our
subject have passed away.
By the practice of thrift and industry Mr.
Garner soon found himself able to become a
landowner on his own account, and purchased
the farm which has since been his property, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"93

on which he is still living. This is one of the
largest tracts in Queens County, being two hun
dred acres in extent, and under his toil and
attention has been made a model place in every
respect. Mr. Garner takes great pride in keep
ing a high grade of stock and in making im
provements on his farm. He keeps constantly
on hand about twenty-five cows, besides a num
ber of blooded horses. He is without doubt one
of the most prominent and substantial farmers
on the island, which result has been accom
plished by his own efforts. He is in no sense
of the word a politician, although he supports
the candidates of the Republican party in na
tional affairs. He is a very busy man, as he
personally superintends the carrying on of his
large estate, but is never so taken up with his
own affairs that he is not ready and Willing to
assist those who have not been so fortunate in
life.

JOHN B. HARTWELL, M. D. The genial
and health-invigorating climate of Queens
County induced Dr. Hartwell, after having
spent a week in Woodsburg, town of Hempstead,
to select this place as__ his home, and here he has
since remained, engaged in the practice of his
profession. In addition to his work here, he still
retains his practice in New York City, where
he spends two or three days of each week. He
is a talented physician, accurate and conscien
tious in professional work, and has gained a rec
ognized place in the medical fraternity of the
county. The father of our subject, David Hartwell,
was born in Massachusetts in 1802, and engaged
in the manufacturing business at Mansfield until
his death, in i860. His wife, Johanna Drew, of
Dover, N. H, died at the age of ninety, and her
father and mother attained the age of ninety-
eight and ninety-nine respectively. Their five
children were named as follows: Catharine, wife
of E. Perkins, of Mansfield, Mass.; Mrs. Mary
L. Bennett, and Emma, who reside in Washing
ton, D. C; John B, of this sketch; and Helen,
who lives in Washington with her sister. Our
subject was born in Mansfield, Alass, February
21, 1845, and passed his boyhood years there
until fourteen. He was attending school in
Dover, N. H, when his father died, and it was
then necessary that he should become self-sup
porting, so he was sent to Lowell to learn the

trade of a machinist. This not proving congen
ial he returned home on the second day, intend
ing to give up the work. His mother, who was a
woman of great firmness of character, told him
he could remain at home until morning, but must
then go back to the factory, which he did, re
maining three years. He developed into an effi
cient man in the business, and at times had
charge of four hundred men, showing large ex
ecutive ability in this work, in which he con
tinued nearly ten years.
While a lad in his teens our subject lost his
health and, being in a precarious condition,
started out to travel, in the hope that a change
would prove beneficial. He visited Greenland,
Labrador, and other countries in the far north,
and spent a year there, being among the Es
quimaux most of the time. At the time of the
great Chicago fire he was in Logansport, Ind,
and ran the engine from that place conveying
the firemen to the burning city — a trip that is
still considered remarkable owdng to the un
precedented rapidity of the run. For some time
he was clerk in the treasury department in
• Washington, D. C, and while thus engaged he
devoted his leisure hours to the study of medi
cine, in which he made rapid progress. In 1876
he graduated from Howard University, and it
was his intention to begin practice at once, but
on the very day of his graduation he received
word that the bank in which his money was de
posited had failed, and he was utterly penniless.
The spirit of his Puritan ancestors, who had
breasted the waves of the unknown ocean in the
"Mayflower," had descended to the young Doc
tor, and he refused to become discouraged, even
in the face of such a sudden disaster. He ac
cepted the first opportunity for work that was
presented to him, which was that of selling spring
beds. He went from door to door at first, but
in six weeks engaged in the business on a larger
scale. By degrees he built up a large business,
and in one year he sold over five thousand in
the city of Washington, including the furnishing
of the White House. At the end of a year he
had saved some money, and retired from the
work and entered the profession which he now
follows. He made a tour of the Southern States,
and later practiced in New York about a year.
Failing health induced him to come to Woods
burg, where he has made his home since 1884.
By his marriage to Carrie Gatchell, of Massa
chusetts, Dr. Hartwell has two children, Fred

"94

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Emma. Socially he is a Mason and is con
nected with the Royal Arcanum, the Knights
of Honor and Legion of Honor. His present
position in life he has acquired by his own un
aided efforts, and in the face of great obstacles
and many hardships, but his indomitable spirit
has enabled him to attain a success of which he
may well be proud.

WILLIAM H. FITZPATRICK is the
junior member of the firm of T. F.
Tuohy & Co, general contractors of
Flushing. He is a native of this place, his birth
occurring in Lincoln Street November 24, 1853,
a son of John and Margaret (Ryan) Fitzpatrick,
who were born in County Tipperary, Ireland,
and came to America at about the same time,
in 1836, when twenty years of age. Mr. Fitzpat
rick located in Flushing, and was later joined
by his mother, brother and sister. He soon be
gan driving a stage between Flushing and New
York for Benjamin Byrd, but later turned his
attention to the nursery business, and was in the
employ of different men thus engaged until he
retired from the active duties of life at about the
age of seventy years. He died in 1890 at the
age of seventy-five years. All his life he had
been a Democrat, and during his residence here
was a member of St. Michael's Church. He was
left a widower in 1888. His wife bore him six
sons and one daughter: Patrick, who died in
childhood ; John J, who died at the age of thirty-
five, in New York City; Daniel, who was acci
dentally killed in Flushing at the age of seven
teen; Annie; James, who died young; William
H; and Michael, who also died young.
William H. Fitzpatrick was reared in Flush
ing and was educated in public and private
schools. At the age of seventeen he was ap
prenticed to a carpenter, and after thoroughly
learning the business, worked at it successfully
for about fifteen years, after which he engaged
in the wholesale and retail liquor business in
Flushing, and conducted two stores successfully
for about eleven years. In 1889 he sold out and
engaged in general contracting with T. F.
Tuohy, as junior member of the above men
tioned firm, and they soon became the largest
general contractors of the place. Not only have
they done important work of various kinds. in
Flushing, but also in surrounding villages and
in the city of Brooklyn. Much of their attention

has been given to sewer work. In the fall ot
1895 they purchased the coal business of E. F.
Harris, and have since been engaged in a whole
sale and retail business in Lawrence Street, often
selling many hundreds of tons by cargo. They
keep from twenty-five to forty-five teams con
stantly at work and employ three foremen, one
for coal and two for general contract work, but
the greater part of the office work is done by
Mr. Fitzpatriok, who has proved himself thor
oughly competent and a reliable and accurate
bookkeeper. Mr. Fitzpatriok has a beautiful and commo
dious residence at No. 288 Lincoln Street, with
well kept grounds one hundred and forty feet
square. He is largely interested in real estate
and has more than twelve valuable pieces of
residence property. He is also a stockholder in
the Flushing Bank, and from 1883 to 1889 was
a member of the board of trustees. He has
served as chairman of the street committee, and
also as chairman of the water committee, to all
of which positions he was elected by a large
majority each time. He is a member of the dis
trict, county and township central committees,
and for years has been a delegate to county,
congressional and senatorial committees. Politi
cally he has always supported the principles of
Democracy. He was one of the organizers of
the Seventeenth Separate New York National
Guard, was a private in the Grays for five years,
was commissioned first sergeant, and with his
command was called out for service during the
Hornellsville (Pa.) strikes.
Mr. Fitzpatrick was married here to Miss
Eliza Brennan, a native of Flushing and a daugh
ter of James Brennan, who was one of the early
settlers here, and died many years ago. Mr.
Fitzpatrick and his wife are members of St.
Michael's Church.

J

OSEPH H. DOUD, holding the responsi
ble position of postmaster of Farmingdale,
was born at Colchester, Conn, March 10,
1848. He is a son of Joseph D. and Abigail A.
(Holdridge) Doud, who removed from their na
tive state to Brooklyn when our subject was
four or five years old. They made their home
in that city for a short time, when the records
tell us they settled at Farmingdale, where the
father, who was a hamessmaker, engaged in
business.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"95

After completing his studies in the village
school of this place, our subject went to Middle-
town, Conn, and was graduated a few years
later from the high school there. He then be
came a student in Chase's Academy at Middle-
town, continuing in that institution for one term.
His father being sick about this time he was
called home in order that he might look after
the business. On the convalescence of his father
he returned to Middletown, where he obtained a
position as clerk for E. F. Chafee & Bros. He
remained with this firm for two years, during
which time, in addition to waiting on customers,
he kept their books. Sustaining- an injury about
this time, he returned home and began working
in his father's harness shop, remaining with him
for a period of six or seven years. There was a
Dr. George E. Bell, who boarded with his par
ents, and Joseph H, becoming interested in
medicine, spent his nights in studying text books
which the Doctor lent him, and often went out
as his assistant in cases where help was required.
Although very desirous of doing so, our sub
ject did not adopt the medical profession, but
after leaving his father's employ began driving*
over the island selling drugs by the wholesale
to the various houses which dealt in medicines.
He continued thus for five or six years, when he
abandoned this business for something better.
Mr. Doud was married in 1870 to Miss Emily
A. Colyer, of Plain Edge, now Centralpark, L. I.
Having been interested in selling drugs and
medicines for so many years, upon leaving the
road Mr. Doud opened a first-class drug store.
This he continued to manage very successfully
nntil 1894, when he turned the business over to
his son. He has other interests which occupy
his time and attention, perhaps the most impor
tant of which is his real estate business. He has
handled property since 1884, and through num
erous speculations has reaped handsome profits.
Mr. Doud has always voted the Democratic
ticket, and in 1872 supported Greeley. He has
been inspector of elections and has also served
as commissioner of highways, holding that office
for the town of Oyster Bay for a period of twelve
years, during which timemarvelouschangeswere
wrought in the roads of the district. Mr. Doud
has served the people as notary public for many
years and has transacted much legal business.
He was appointed postmaster of Farmingdale
in 1893 and is fulfilling all the requirements of
.this responsible position in a most satisfactory

manner. His political party recognizes in him
one of its most active and influential workers,
and as an earnest and public-spirited citizen he
commands the confidence and respect of all his
friends and neighbors. Mr. Doud has been
greatly interested in schools, and has served as
a member of the board of education ever since
its organization.
Religiously our subject is an Episcopalian,
and has represented his congregation as treas
urer for a period of years. He also held the
same position for St. Thomas' Mission under
Dean Cox for a time. For four years he was
the incumbent of the office of assessor of Oyster
Bay, and it was the wish of the voters of the
community that he should hold it longer, but he
refused to do so. Fraternally he is a member
of Farmingdale Lodge No. 613, I. O. O. F, of
which he was one of the organizers. He has
filled all of the chairs in this body and is now
serving as noble and past grand. He is like
wise connected with the Mutual Benefit and Re
lief Association of Suffolk County.
Air. and Mrs. Doud are the parents of three
children, of whom the eldest, Clarence C, is in
charge of the drug store; Ella A. married Percy
Everetts and makes her home in Brooklyn; May
is still with her parents.

DR. ROBERT SIMMEN is a native of
Switzerland, born in Berne, in August,
1848. His father, Jacques Gabriel Sim-
men, M. D, was also a native of Switzerland and
a graduate of the University of Berne. He prac
ticed his profession in Switzerland all his life and
was one of the most eminent physicians of the
country. He was also a prominent botanist and
mineralogist and gained a wide-spread reputa
tion. He passed away when sixty-six years old.
Grandfather Simmen was an attorney and coun
sellor at law and a man of unusual learning. The
mother of our subject, Sophia Simmen, was a
native of Berne, where she passed her last days.
Her father was a prominent attorney. To Dr.
and Mrs. Simmen were born four children, all
of whom are living, but only one in this country.
Our subject, the only son born to his parents,
received his primary education in the public
schools and when eleven years old attended the
gymnasium and the agricultural school near
Berne. After this he attended school at Zurich,
then the veterinary school, and still later the Uni-

1 196

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

versify of Berne, graduating with the degree of
veterinary surgeon in 1869. Following this he
practiced medicine at Val d'Ruz for two
years, or until 1871, and then crossed the ocean
to New York City. He immediately began learn
ing the language and at the same time was in
the hospital for a short time. Later he was on a
farm in Queens County, near Glencove, and in
1874 began practicing his profession at College
Point. About the year 1877 he located at Flush
ing, and has been engaged as a veterinary sur
geon here ever since. He has practiced his pro
fession all over the northern part of Queens
County, and has also practiced in New York
City and Brooklyn.
In the year 1880 Dr. Simmen was married in
Flushing to Miss Louisa Stelz, a native of
Queens County, and the daughter of George
Stelz, who was a soldier in the Civil War. At the
present time Mr. Stelz resides in College Point,
and is a watchmaker and jeweler. To Dr. and
Mrs. Simmen have been born three children:
Robert, Jr., Louisa, and George. Fraternally
the Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pyth
ias and the German-American Veterinary So
ciety. His parents were members of the Luth
eran Church and he also is a believer in that
doctrine.

STEPHEN W. POST, of the well known
firm of S. & J. Post, at Westbury Station,
is a native of Middlesex County, N. J,
born in 1845, a son of Henry and Elizabeth C.
(Wood) Post, both natives of New York. The
paternal grandparents, Edmund and Mary (Rush-
more) Post, were natives of the Empire State, as
was also the great-grandfather, Edmund Post.
On the mother's side the grandfather of our sub
ject was- Rev. John Wood, a prominent clergy
man. The father of our subject was born in the
town of North Hempstead, November 21, 1816,
but at the time of his marriage he moved to New
Dover, N. J, purchased a farm, and was engaged
in agricultural pursuits for fourteen years. Sell
ing out he returned to New York and bought
another farm near Wheatley, where he made his
home for thirteen years. Since then he has been
retired from the active duties of life. In politics
he has been connected with the Republican party
and in religion he is a member of the Society of
Friends. To his marriage were bora the fol
lowing children: Stephen, John, Martha, Ed

mund; Charles, now deceased; William and
Mary. The latter, who is a minister in the So
ciety of Friends, is also active in missionary
and temperance work and is president of the
local Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Mrs. Post passed away' in 1885.
Stephen Post remained in Middlesex County,
N. J, until thirteen years old, when he moved
with his parents to Queens County, L. I. He
secured a fair education in the common and
select schools and finished at a boarding school
in western Pennsylvania. After that he remained
under the parental roof until twenty-one years
old and then went to live with an uncle, Ed
mund Post, with whom he remained until the
latter's death, in 1876. Subsequently our subject
and his brother John purchased the farm and
conducted it for some time, at the same time
carrying on a dairy and following market gar
dening, disposing of the milk and garden prod
ucts in the city market. In politics Air. Post is
a stanch Republican and is in favor of prohibi
tion. He has ever taken an interest in public
matters, and as a rule has refused office. He
is interested in educational matters and has held
the office of school trustee. By birthright he is
a member of the Society of Friends.
John Post, the junior member of the firm, was
born in New Jersey in 1847, and in addition to
a common-school education received thorough
instruction in the Friends' School at Providence,
R. I. He began business in the place now owned
by himself and brother Stephen when a young
man, and has ever been industrious and enter
prising. He married Miss Phoebe Hicks, daugh
ter of Stephen R. and Hannah (Underhill) Hicks,
and to them have been born three children, Her
bert, Arthur and Elizabeth. Like his brother,
Mr. Post is interested in educational matters and
has been school trustee. He is also a member
of the Society of Friends.

SMITH COX, of Freeport, has risen to his
present position as a business man by strict
devotion to the interests of patrons. In all
cases he endeavors to give satisfaction, and his
storage house is one of the most reliable and re
sponsible in the village. He is a native of Free-
port, born in January, 1845, and is the son of El
bert and Ann (Valentine) Cox, both natives of
Long Island.
Elbert Cox was a manufacturer of shoes dur-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1 1 97

ing his lifetime, and was a man whose upright
ness and integrity were well known. He held
a number of local positions, but the latter part
of his days was spent in retirement. Respected
and highly esteemed by all, this worthy citizen
passed away in January, 1894. Mrs. Cox is still
living (1895), and is now seventy-eight years old.
Their son, Smith Cox. received limited educa
tional advantages during his youth, and when
fourteen years old left home and made his way
to Flempstead, where he engaged as a clerk in
a general store. There a number of years of his
life were passed, and then he and an associate
clerk went to Brooklyn, N. Y, where they en
gaged in the express business. Eight years
later Mr. Cox's partner died and he continued
the business alone, being in it altogether about
twenty-five years. Disposing of that he em
barked in the storage business, and although he
suffered a severe loss by fire in 1892, he is still
conducting the business with all his old-time
fervor, at the corner of Fulton Street and Flat
bush Avenue, and at No. 445 Carlton Avenue
Mr. Cox was married in the month of Novem-«
ber, 1879, to Miss Alice B. Raynor, a native of
Brookhaven, Suffolk County, and the daughter
of Edmond S. Raynor, also of that village. In
1893 Mr. Cox moved his family to Freeport, and
here he resides, going to and from his business
every day. In political belief he is a supporter
of Republican principles, and although he has
never aspired to office, he is serving his second
term as a member of the board of trustees of the
village of Freeport. He is a man whose career
is above reproach and who is an ardent sup
porter of all movements of importance.

WILLIAAI E. STEWART. There is
probably no citizen of Queens County
whose name is connected with more
progressive enterprises or whose efforts have
more largely promoted the material progress of
the place than the gentleman who forms the sub
ject of this sketch, and who is corporation coun
sel for Long Island City. For many years he
has conducted an extensive law practice, and
the success wdiich has come to him is not the
result of fortuitous circumstances, but of energy,
determination, force of character and decision
of purpose.
Mr. Stewart was born in New York City
November 9, 1852. His father, Charles Stewart,

a natiye of Glasgow, Scotland, was a successful
cattle dealer in his native land. In 185 1 he de
cided to come to America, and that year crossed
the Atlantic with his family and located in the
metropolis, where he continued to operate as a
cattle dealer until about 1875, when he retired
from active life and has since made his home
with our subject. • He has now reached the age
of eighty-six years. The family name was form
erly spelled Stuart.
The wife of Charles Stewart was in maid
enhood Miss Margaret McCully, a native of
Lanarkshire, Scotland, and. the daughter of John
McCully, a well-to-do boot and shoe dealer of
Glasgow. The wife and mother reared a family
of seven children and departed this life in New
York when fifty-seven years of age. Of this
family, four sons and two daughters are now
living. William E, of this history, completed the
grammar course in school No. 3, in Grove and
Hudson Streets, New York, after which he be
gan to earn his own money by working at the
trade of a hatter. He was thus engaged until
about twenty-five years old, when he became dis
satisfied with the business and, abandoning it,
began the study of law in the office of N. A.
McBride, in Wall Street. He was admitted to
the bar in New York City in 1883 and became
a partner of his former employer, Mr. McBride,
at No. in Broadway. The connection was dis
solved in 1888, and our subject later engaged in
the general practice of law at No. 19 Liberty-
Street. After his admission to the bar Mr. Stewart
was special counsel for the United States • Gov
ernment in both the prosecution and defense of
claims under the French and American treaty.
He held this position in New York, New Jersey
and Connecticut, and was special counsel under
ex-Governor Boutwell until the commission
ended its work.
In December, 1892, our subject located in
Astoria, Long Island City, and in January of
the following year was appointed corporation
counsel, with office in this place. While giving
his attention to this work his New York office,
at No. 19 Liberty Street, is in charge of his
brother, John Ale.
Mr. Stewart was married in the metropolis to
Miss Harriet M. Godefroy, a native of Havre,
France. This lady was, however, educated in
New York City, and by her union with our sub-

1 198

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ject has become the mother of three children,
Harriet, William E, Jr., and Dorothy. In politics
Mr. Stewart is a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles and has been a member of Tammany
Hall general committee and represented his
chosen party at its various county and state con
ventions. In religious affairs he is a member
of the Presbyterian Church located in Fifty-fifth
Street and Fifth Avenue, New York City.
Fraternally Mr. Stewart is a Mason, belong
ing to Advance Lodge No. 635, of Astoria, and
also belongs to Manhattan Chapter, R. A. M.
The Columbian Commandery of the Knights
Templar of New York City regard him as one
of their most influential members, as do also
Consistory, Mecca Temple, Legion of Honor,
Royal Arcanum of New York, and John Allen
Lodge, A. O. U. W, of Astoria, During his
professional career in Long Island City Mr.
Stewart has made many warm friends and is
highly esteemed as a lawyer of more than ordi
nary ability.

ISAAC COLES was born January 7, 1817,
in the village of Glencove, where he still
resides. Through the long period in which
he has been identified with the history of this
place he has maintained an. honorable position
among the business men of the locality and has
always been held in high esteem by those with
whom business or social relations brought him
in contact. In public life he was, in his younger
years, quite prominent and influential, and was
chosen by his fellow citizens to represent them
in various positions of trust, the duties of which
he discharged with efficiency.
Mr. Coles is a member of the seventh genera
tion in descent from Daniel Coles, who in 1668
came to this place, then called Mosquito Cove.
He was the son of Robert Coles, who came from
England about 1630 and established his home
in Providence Plantation, now Rhode Island.
The father of our subject was Thomas, born in
Glencove in 1782, a farmer throughout life,
dying here at the age of seventy-six years, nine
months and seventeen days. November 15, 1808,
he married Amelia Hewlett, who was born in
Coldspring Harbor, Suffolk County, N. Y, Sep
tember 28, 1789, and they became the parents
of the following-named children: Ann C,
Kezia W, Sarah H, Isaac, Divine Ii, Thomas!
Sarah A, Elizabeth H. and William PL Of this

family, three sons and two daughters are living.
Our subject's paternal grandparents were Isaac
and Kezia (Whitson) Coles, the former of whom
died when seventy-two and the latter when about
forty years. The maternal grandparents were
Divine and Anne (Coles) Hewlett, who died re
spectively in 1846 at the age of seventy-nine
years and eight months, and in 1855, aged
eighty-six years and eight months.
The education obtained by the subject of this
sketch was such as the common schools afforded.
At the age of seventeen he secured a clerkship
and continued thus engaged until his marriage.
From 1847 nntil 1861 he was engaged in the
mercantile business in Glencove, and in 1862
was elected to represent his fellow citizens in the
New York legislature. Since that time he has
followed the occupation of a civil engineer and
surveyor. In religious belief he adheres to the
faith of the Society of Friends. Politically in
earlier years, during the existence of the Whig
party, he advocated its principles, and since its
disintegration has been a Republican.
In Glencove, November 20, 1845, Mr. Coles
was united in marriage with Aiiss Mary Willits,
whose ancestors settled at Jericho, L. I, about
1685. Of their seven children, four are living,
namely: Thomas H, who was educated in the
district school and a boarding school at Pough
keepsie, N.Y, and who married Sarah Pancoast,
they being the parents of one child, Isaac R,
who is a graduate of Swarthmore (Pa.) College;
Franklin A, a graduate of Cornell University!
and Oscar L, who attended the schools here
and the Friends' Academy at Locust \ 'alley;
the last named married Grace Anita Schenck.

IRA M. CLAPP, a private detective, is one
of the most successful in his line of business,
and has gained an enviable reputation. He
is a native of New York City, born July 21, 1836,
and the son of Peter and Sarah (Archer) Clapp'
both natives of New York. The name was for
merly klapp, but was changed to its present
spelling for convenience. The paternal grand
father, Henry Clapp, was born in Holland. He
was one of the officers of the Hessian army dur
ing the Revolution, coming to this country to
hght for England. While here he learned
enough of the American cause to believe in it
and he persuaded a comrade to hide him under

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"99

a hogshead, or puncheon, in the streets of New
York City, where he remained while the Eng
lish troops marched out of the city. Later he
sought a place of residence on Staten Island,
took up land from King George and met with
extraordinary success, owning large tracts on the
island and becoming very wealthy. He married
Miss Rebecca Wyckoff, and these children were
born to them: Clarissa, Henry, John, Jacob,
Peter, William and Barbara.
Peter, the father of our subject, was reared on
Staten Island, and his death occurred in 1840.
He was an old line Whig in politics. Mrs.
Clapp's father, Ananias Archer, was born in
England and came to America, when a young
man. He was possessed of considerable means,
and was on the point of going into business with
Astor when he died, the result of an injury re
ceived accidentally. He had married Miss Cath
erine Van Allen and was the father of four chil
dren, Sarah, Gertrude, James and Leonard. Mrs.
Clapp reared the children and remained in New
York City until her death, when eighty-eight
years old.
Our subject was one of thirteen children, six
of whom grew to mature years, and all became
representative citizens of this part of the Union.
They were named as follows: George, Euphe-
mia, John (deceased), Gertrude, Catherine and
Ira M. The last named was reared in New York
City, in the Old seventh ward, received his educa
tion in the grammar school, and when but a boy
entered a printing office. Later he was in Bar
clay shipyards and worked on every part of the
ship from keel to rigging, being thus engaged
from 1850 to 1867. On the 2d of August, 1867,
he was appointed on the police force, fifth pre
cinct, and in 1870 was made detective, with head
quarters at the central office. Mr. Clapp served
in that capacity until 1888, when he was honor
ably retired on a pension. He was in the riot
of Elm Park, also Orange riot of 1871, and in
the last had several narrow escapes from death.
Mr. Clapp was the first man in the house of
Nathan, the murderer, and was the important
detective in that case. In 1888 he moved to
Flushing, where he had purchased a home at
No. 205 Amity Street. He still devotes some
time to private detective work, and in 1891 was
elected overseer of poor for the town of Flush
ing, serving two years. During that time he was
made agent for the Society for Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, and has been reappointed

since. On the 17th of September, 1861, Mr.
Clapp was married to Miss Anna C. MacDonald,
a native of Nova Scotia, and daughter of Ken
neth MacDonald, who was also a native of
Nova Scotia, born in Cumberland County. The
father died there in 1870, when sixty-two years
old. The grandfather, Malcolm MacDonald,
was born in Scotland, and when a young man
went to Nova Scotia, where he followed farming.
He married Margaret Murray, of Stornaway,
Scotland. The great-grandfather, Malcolm
owned a large cooper establishment in the old
country. Mrs. Clapp's mother, whose maiden
name was Mary McKenzie, was a native of
Nova Scotia, but her father, Collin McKenzie,
was born in Scotland. He married Annie Stew
art, of Inverness, Scotland. Mrs. Clapp's great
grandfather was Sir Roderick McKenzie, a
wealthy and noted Scotchman, and on the ma
ternal side she is descended from Mary Queen
of Scots. She is one of these children: Malcolm,
Petef, Anna, Collin, Isabella, Cecelia, Kenneth,
Daniel, William and Mary M.
Mrs. Clapp was reared in Nova Scotia and
while on a visit to New York City met, and was
subsequently married to Mr. Clapp. One child,
Anna Belle, has been born to this union. She
graduated from the Twelfth Street High School
of New York, and is now Mrs. O. J. Griffin, of
Flushing. She became the mother of four chil
dren: Anna Belle Clapp, Lucretia Cameron
(deceased), Norma Louise and Orange Glen-
dale. Mr. Clapp is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and in politics is a stanch Republican
and an active member of the Republican Club.
Mrs. Clapp was a member of the Presbyterian
Church.

SENATOR THEODORE KOEHLER, who
represents the Second Senatorial District of
the state of New York, is descended from a
brave and noble ancestry, his grandfather having
been knighted by Frederick VII. , King of Den
mark, for valuable services rendered to the state;
while his father was decorated with the Iron
Cross for brave conduct in the field of battle.
They were both noble and true men, and it is
not to be wondered at that their direct descend
ant should possess the same sterling qualities,
which he is manifesting upon another soil and
under far different conditions.

1200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Koehler' s birthplace was in the province
of Schleswig-Holstem, Denmark, before it came
under the domination of Germany. He first saw
the light of day on the 30th of July, 1856. He
was the eldest of six children, and obtained his
education in the schools of Ahrensboeck and
Luebeck. In April, 1871, he entered upon an
apprenticeship with one of the largest and most
extensive business houses at Luebeck, which con
tinued until November, 1875, and afterward he
served as clerk for six months. At this time the
military spirit ran high throughout the province,
and he became infected, in common with many of
his companions, with the army fever, and although
not quite twenty years of age, volunteered and en
listed as a sharpshooter in the Emperor's service.
Just about this time Mr. Koehler received a
letter from a young friend of his who had emi
grated to this country about two years before, urg
ing upon him to make his way to America and
meet him in his new home in Philadelphia. In
order that the way might be made clear for him
to do so consistently with honor, he at once applied
for and received a release from his enlistment,
which threw him upon the world, literally, as "a
man without a country," all right of protection
being immediately withdrawn, he being permitted
only six months to find a home and citizenship
under another flag, in default of which he would
then be considered a subject of Germany. He
at once crossed the sea and made his way to
Philadelphia, where he looked in vain for his
friend, concerning whom he subsequently learned
that he had been cruelly murdered in South Amer
ica. Here he was, a stranger in a strange land,
friendless and alone, knowing little or nothing of
the prevailing language; but a boy in years, yet
full of ambition and indomitable pluck. With no
capital but his hands and brains, he began the up
hill fight against fearful odds, resolved to do or
die, to fight, to struggle, willing to do anything
that was honorable in the way of toil in order
that he might gain the position that naturally be
longed to him by virtue of his heritage, birth,
education and past experience. No task was so
menial but what he was willing to perforin it ; no
toil so arduous but what he took hold of it with
undaunted energy; no position so lowly but what
he stooped in order to conquer adversity; until at
length, after a few years of endurance, he had
thoroughly mastered the language, learned the
ways of the people, and was initiated into their
methods of doing business.

In 1884 the attention of an extensive English
firm was drawn to Mr. Koehler from hearing of
his struggle with adverse fortune and of his pluck
in winning a good position, and it was decided
that he was just the man to represent them in
South America. In answer to their overtures, he
joined an exploring expedition to the southern
continent, during which he had many thrilling
experiences, twice facing what seemed to be cer
tain death, but both times being miraculously
rescued from imminent peril. At the end of his
engagement he returned to the United States, being
satisfied that this country would prove more to
his taste and desire than life south of the equator.
On his return he immediately took a position in
New York City as manager of a large wholesale
house, with which he remained until the fall of
1885, when he was offered the head bookkeeper-
ship of one of the most important industries of
both Long Island City and New York City. This
most lucrative position he held for about ten
years, and such a reputation did he gain as more
than an ordinary expert in the science of accounts,
that he was called upon, in his leisure hours, to
adjust the accounts of many firms within the
boundaries of the Greater New York, and also to
teach private classes the art of bookkeeping.
When the books of the various departments of
the city of his home needed a thoroughly com
petent expert for their examination, the common
council called upon him to undertake the work,
which he did, and to the entire satisfaction of the
city officials.
In looking over Mr. Koehler' s business life, it
will readily be seen that he has been enabled to
make a success of his life from a financial stand
point, which led his fellow-citizens to ask the
question four years ago, "Why would not such
a man be a good representative for us on the
board of supervisors for the county of Queens?"
Up to that time he had not been regarded as be
ing "in politics," but his unmistakable merits as
a keen, shrewd business man were recognized,
and he was placed in nomination as the most fit
ting man to represent Long Island City in the
county legislature; and although brought into
sharp competition with two able men, one of
whom occupied the office, he was triumphantly
elected. As soon as he took his seat he was ac
corded, by common consent, a foremost place in
the councils of the board, although the youngest
member thereof. Throughout his entire term he
proved himself to be a faithful, painstaking,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1201

hardworking supervisor, accomplishing among
other things that which earned for him the last
ing gratitude of the entire city, as well as the
whole county, viz. , the transforming of a painful
eyesore, which had long been the disgrace of the
county, the unsightly spot of ground immediately
in front of the court house, which now blossoms
as the rose, and in the center of which plays an
elegant fountain. When he first commenced his
agitation ofthe matter, the subject was jocularly
termed "Koehler's folly," while now it is only
referred to as "Koehler's pride." Another mat
ter in which he took a deep interest and worked
hard to accomplish was the construction of a tun
nel under Newtown Creek as a means of permanent
communication between Brooklyn and Long Isl
and City. Near the end of his first term of office
the question ofthe success of this project became
the burning issue in the minds of the people, and
it was taken to the polls, when he had been re
nominated for a second term, this time for two
years, being pitted against a man who was op
posed to the tunnel. The result was a most
triumphant election, being not only a vindication^
of his course in the past, but also an inspiration
to continue on in the same line in the future.
This he did, so that he was instrumental in the
passage of a bill by the legislature of the state of
New York, which would have become a law, and
the tunnel would have been built, but for the veto
power of the Governor. These two examples are
but fair samples of work done by him in other di
rections for the well-being of the city and county,
for which he gave three of the best years of his
life. On the subject of good roads he was "up-
to-date," reducing the whole matter to one sys
tem, which, if carried out, would make the coun
ty the envy of the entire state. In the board,
made up of the leading men of the county, he
was regarded as a safe leader and one who could
be implicitly trusted with the laboring oar upon
any and all questions. As a debater and speaker
upon matters that concerned the county, he always
displayed masterly ability, so much so as to win
the approbation and consent of his colleagues,
who again and again showed their confidence in
the wisdom of his course.
So well did Mr. Koehler serve his constituents
in the office to which he had been twice elected,
that when, in the autumn of 1895, their thoughts
were bent upon electing a successor to the Re
publican representative in the senate, they at once
turned to him as the man of all men best fitted to

serve them in the highest body of the Empire
State. He was elected by a united Democracy,
and by a splendid majority, over his Republican
competitor, who was a candidate to succeed him
self. He succeeded to an honor which, on ac
count of its three years' duration, makes him the
only senator from the Second Senatorial District
who will ever have a term of the same duration.
The constitutional convention of that year de
cided that all senators then elected should serve
that length of time, but in the future for only
two years, as heretofore. In that important body
of law-makers he was recognized as a rising man,
and was assigned by President Saxton, the
lieutenant-governor, to membership in three of
the most responsible committees, of which he be
came an active working member. Representing
one of the most populous and intelligent districts
in the entire state, made up of many and diversi
fied interests, it was natural that he should be
called upon to present and champion many bills
in which they were interested, so that no more
busy man could be found at Albany than Sena
tor Koehler. Considering that he belonged to
the minority party in the senate, he was eminently
successful in being able to have the major portion
of his bills considered and favorably acted upon.
He has made a favorable beginning in his new
life as a state legislator, and it is believed by those
who know him best that his future in public life
is an assured one.
It will be seen from this outline of Mr. Koehler's
life that he is eminently a man of the people,
being thoroughly self-made, with a large share of
determination, push and pluck, all of which goes
to make a man of mark, and one not easily
daunted by obstacles, which to men of less
resolute mould would prove insurmountable bar
riers to success. If he had been to the ' 'manor
born," so that as a native American citizen he
could have risen from poverty to his present com
manding position as a state senator of the great
est state in the land, it would be saying much;
but when it is remembered that about one-half
of his life was spent upon a foreign soil, and that
here he began with less than nothing, and that
for years he had to wage a hard battle with pov
erty, obscurity and prejudice, he is a marvel
among men. To-day he is a thorough-going
American, in sympathy with everything that
bears the stamp of progress and independence.
By the people of his district he is regarded as
one to be thoroughly trusted, holding sacred his

1202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

word once given, never having been known to
break it in a single instance. He would scorn to
lie, or be untrue to friendships, political or other
wise. Thoroughly fearless and independent, he
cares nothing for consequences, only to do right.
In Steinway, Mr. Koehler has a beautiful home,
surrounded by lovely lawns, bedecked with shrub
bery and flowers, where, with his most estimable

and gifted wife, he spends that portion of his
time not engrossed with his many cares in the culti
vation of flowers and fruits, which beautify his
grounds, showing to the eye of the observer that
he is a man of taste and refinement. Here he
entertains with liberal hand his large circle of
friends and admirers. His fellow-citizens are
justly proud of him and delight to do him honor.

<*£»_--_, •-*==- _ __— — -»v ~^.. a_A^l

INDEX. gj

Abrams, Christopher E  662
Abrams, Henry N  605
' Adams, John  23
Adams, John Q  39
Aery, Charles H  365
Ahles, John W  1x09
Ahrens, George C  .-581
Ahrens, "William  128
Albertson, Thomas W  416
Aliesky, Charles F  596
Allen, Henry W  425
Allen, Joseph  919
Allen, William H  718
Althof, Herman  546
Amberman, Charles B  138
Amberman, William P  127
Anderseh, Christian  236
Anderson, John  610
Anderson, Otto  127
Andrews, Francis E  751
Andrews, George C  240
Andrews, Joseph H  784
Andrews, John  119
Ankener, Ernest  232
Applegate, Andrew G  594
Archer, Theodore F  629
Armstrong, Joseph D  431
Armstrong, Richard  118
Arthur, Chester A  99
Ashmead, Benjamin A  623
Askey, John L  402
Augustin, Julius  497
Avenius, David T  763

B

Backus, John E  853
Badenhop, D  539
.Baker, William C  34°
Baldwin, David  616
Baldwin, Robert H  470
Ballard, Prof. W. J  129
Bamber, Richard  643
Bannon, John  595
Barker, Charles H., M. D. .560
Barker, Herbert L-, M. D. .835
Barnum, Joshua W  987
Barrody, John B  1088
Batterman, Dr. F. H  445
Baumann, Henry  582
Bayles, Alfred C  ,575
Baylis, Franklin P  584
Beard, Daniel C  1012
Beckel, Charles  255
Becker, Jacob  831
Becker, John  813
Bedell Chauncey  97°
Bedell, David  1073
Bedell, John R  982
Beers, Alfred H  795
Beiderlinden, Edmund H. .428
Belden, Rev. Charles M. . . .576

Belden, John A  611
Beldin, Clinton A., M. D . .259
Bell, Capt. Frank N  996
Bell, Richard M  359
Bennett, George  1061
Bennett, Joseph H  403
Bergen, Benjamin T  504
Bergen, Elmer E  643
Bergen, George W  681
Bergen, Jacob S  388
Bergmann, Franz  396
Bermel, Joseph  883
Besold, Christopher  426
Bigoth, Eugene  382
Billings, Charles W  1 183
Bisbee, Capt. John F  661
Blackwell Family, The  352
Blanchard, Capt. Alvah P. .321
Bleckwenn, Julius  141
Bleecker, Edward, M. D. .1100
Bleier, Ben  233
Bloodgood. J. F., M. D  487
Boardman, J. L  1024
Bodine, Frank V  197
Boettcher, Prof. Herman. ..382
Bogart, Albert J  844
Bogart, Elbert H.  993
Bogart, Joseph H., M. D. . .735
Bogen, Frederick  235
Bogert, Henry A.  977
Bokee, Alfred: W  802
Boll, John  760
Boiler, William C  540
Boothe, Franklin, M. D...1042
Borges, August  424
Borges, Henry J  424
Bowers, Peter N  344
Bowley, Frederick  234
Bowley, George H  377
Bowman, George T  1156
Bowne, Richard M  690
Bowne, R. Frank  472
Bowron, W. H  1099
Boyd, Alberts  S38
Boyd, Benjamin Z  242
Brace, Charl es W  411
Brennan, Francis E-, M. D 769
Brennan, Paul C  136
Bresloff, Louis  130
Brick, Edward  80S
Brick, John  788
Bridge, William  475
Briell, David  1074
Briell, Theodore  1062
Brinkerhoff, Isaac E  422
Brown, Charles  1026
Brown, George L  5°°
Brown, Capt. Joseph  241
Brown, Capt. Richard  3S1
Brown, Wyman S  494
Browne, Jesse, Jr  504
Buchanan, Alexander D. .1006
Buchanan, James  75
Buhler, John  428
Bumster, P. H,, M. D  700
Burden, Theron H  389
Burdett, John A  360
Burger, Ernst T  394
Burgess. Robert  201
Burghoff, William  972
Burk, Fred W  539
Burns, Alexander S  465
Burtis, Joseph H  240

Cain, James L  334
Cain, James W  360
Caldwell, M. Stuart, M. D. .167
Callister, Thomas  1091
Camden, Heury W  254
Camden, John T  254
Carll, Seymour  357
Carman, Bergen R  148
Carman, Coles  431
Carman, Isaac N  1078
Carman, Samuel S  169
Carman, Theodore A  453
Carpenter, Eugene E  729
Carpenter, James M  612
Carpenter, James S  1130
Carpenter, John R  889
Carrington, James M  1126
Carroll, B. L  958
Carroll, Rev. Thomas E...1190
Carter, Michael J  965
Casey, George  492
Cassidy, John  578
Cassidy, Joseph  583
Chamberlain, Charles M. . .789
Clancy, Frank J  460
Clapp, Ira M  1198
Clark, James P  984
Clark, John M  5S7
Clark, W. Everett  387
Claven, Mrs. Henrietta  568
Clay, George E  303
Cleary, John  623
Clement, Charles H. M. D.1135
Cleveland. Grover  103
Cobl eigh, Herbert A  1066
Cock, Hon Townsend D.. .406
Cocke, William I., M. D  739
Cocks, George W  688
Coles, Isaac  1198
Collins, W illiam  1096
Colton , Samuel  784
Colyer, Richard C  399
Combs, M}Ton C  242
Comstock, Charles E  1043
Conklin , Ezra W  573
Connors, William  866
Connorton, Luke J  865
Conzet, Nicholas, Jr  813
Conway, Michael E  561
Cooper, Edward  978
Cooper, Rev. Edmund D ... 135
Cordtmeyer, Frank H  1014
Cornelius, Mrs. Martha W.1128
Cornelius, Thomas T  1020
Cornell, C. E  832
Cornell, W. L  358
Corning, Thomas J  1173
Cornwall, John H  963
Cornwell, Austin  689
Cornwell, Daniel A  1162
Cornwell, Wallace H  957
Corrigan, Capt. John A...1177
Corwin, Franklin H  715
Covert, Abraham D  11 28
Covert, John  606
Cowper, John B  529
Cox, Alfred  617
Cox, Smith  1196

Craft, Benjamin W  831
Crawford, John W  740
Cromwell, Hon. Morton. . .689
Crosby, John D  162
Cyriax, Frederick  578

D

Daly, Patrick  800
Darcy, Thomas F  498
Davis, Edgar  829
Davis, James K  161
Davison, Robert A  704
Davren, John W  467
De Bevoise, Charles R. . . . 1067
De Bevoise, Frederick J ..995
De Bevoise, John 1  245
De Bevoise, William G  994
Decker, Dr. Elbert  954
Decker, Lucas E  645
Decker, Smith N  151
Delahanty, William H  1156
De La Mater, Leander M.1157
Demarest, James, D. D  338
DeMott, Daniel  848
De Mott, Samuel  691
De Mott, William  771
Dengler, Johu  552
Dennett, A. K. P  684
Dennis, John  433
Dennison, Rev. Michael J. 1087
Dennler, Mrs. Zachariah P. 244
Denton, Augustus  928
De Ronde, H. Melville  393
De St. Legier, James  246
Detheridge, Frederick E- - .438
Deutschmann, Fred A. H.1173
Dickey, Dr. George H  723
Dietz, Louis  358
Dietze, Franz  453
Dillingham, Prof. J. D. ...1110
Ditmars, Hon. Abram D...151
Ditmis, George 0  1035
Ditmis, J. Adrian  675
Dixon, Capt. J. W  1036
Doht, Henry  388
Doncourt, Adolphus  844
Donnelly, Father E- J  185
Donnelly, John E  510
Donnelly, John J  443
Donnelly, John T. D  645
Donnelly, Joseph M  874
Dooley, Frank  494
Dorval, Victor S  1092
Doscher, Nicolaus  - 781
Doud, Joseph H  1 194
Doughty, Dr. David B  1025
Dowden, John  1165
Downing, Charles  378
Downing, George S  269
Downing, Richard  qSi
Du Bois. Smith H  531
Duffy, Charles T  243
Dulcken, Prof. F. Q  733
Dunn, John F  1019
Dunton, Fred W  355
Durland, Willet C  384
Duryea, William H  615

1204

INDEX

E

Earle, Bernard  162
Eastman, Henry M. W. . .1141
Eberhardt, August H  356
Eldert, John H  915
Eldert, Luke  559
Eldert, Samuel E  649
Emmerich, Prof. George W. 848
England, Edward Z  374
Everitt, Benjamin F  843
Everitt, William E  383

Faber, Bernhard L  927
Fairchild, Elias A.-  883
Fay, Lawrence  167
Fay, Michael E  297
Fay, Thomas  168
Fehn, Frederick J  1124
Feil, Henry  788
Felio, David J  412
Ferris, Philip  885
Fillmore, Millard  67
Finn, C. G. J., M. D  328
Fitch, Hon. Jcseph  437
Fitch, Neil O., M. D  618
Fitzpatrick, William H. . .1194
Flanagan, Andrew  646
Flanagan , Peter S  590
Fleischbein, August  166
Fleischer, Martin, Jr  681
Fleming. Hon. John  1059
Fletcher, Joseph S  362
Flynn, T. J.,M. D  301
Foley, John  126
Foley, Thomas  302
Forbes, George, M. D  940
Foreman, William  1187
Fosdick, Hon. Morris  125
Foster. Dr. Amaziah  642
Fowler, Joel  343
Frahm Brothers  622
Frame, William  587
France, Henry A., M. D... .152
Franck Sohue, Heinrich. .1113
Frew, Walter E  655
Frey, Charles P  1188
Freygang, Charles J  1161
Fritsche, Felix  1176
Fuchs, Charles  830
Fuchs, Rev. Lawrence  1029
Fuechsel, R. W  1163
Furlong, James M  644

Gaiser, Louis C, Jr  752
Gallagher, James  697
Gardner, Miss Mary J  933
Garretson, Charles H  1191
Garfield, James A  95
Garner, John B  1192
Garrison, Cornelius V  1018
Garrison, Howard  350
Gauch, Adam  849
Geipel, Paul A  572
Geiser, Joseph  825
Gemuuaer, George  304
Gemunder, George, Jr  867
Georgi, Charles H  373
Gerken, John D  546
Gillen, William W  421
Gillespie, Earl A  1152
Gittens, John K  734
Glickman, Max  432
Goeller, Charles  251
Golder, William E  730
Goldner, Anthony  .947
Golduer, Matthew J  921
Golsner, George J  748
Goodridge, E. A., M. D  945
Goodwin, John W  1083
Gosling, Albert E —  1186
Gosman, George McA  149
Gosman, John W  1136
Gould, Prof. Charles W  914
Grady, Alexander  677
Grant, Ulysses S  87
Gray, Eugene W  1067
Gray, John A  946
Gray, Sylvester  1017

Greaflin, John  880
Green, Frederick L'.  678
Gregory, Matthew H  741
Griffin, Benjamin A  202
Grimm, Paul H  1138
Grinsted, David  528
Gruman, Carmi B  528
Guensch, Peter  942
Guernsey, Samuel B  250
Gulick, Rev. U. D  346

H

Hachtel, George  855
Hackett, Christopher  .830
Hadden, Charles E  "43
Haff, Frank E  675
Hagan, Hugh  1118
Hageman, Abram C  763
Haggerty, John F  668
Hahn, Anton  856
Haley, John  878
Hall, Charles J., M. D  372
Hall, Henry D., M. D  345
Hall, William S  1188
Hallett, Charles W  1123
Hallett, Charles W., Jr. . . . 1078
Hallett, Elbert  1025
Hallock, Rev. Frank M  598
Hallock, Nicholas  699
Halpin, John A  885
Halvorson, John D  862
Hamlet, Dr. Francis P  796
Hance, Capt. Charles  1139
Hansmann, George  641
Hanson, John  1122
Hardenbrook, William  668
Harmer, Alonzo T  252
Harms, Gustave  380
Harris, Charles H  313
Harrison, Benjamin  107
Harrison, Daniel A., M. D.1030
Harrison, William H  51
Hart, Hugh  253
Hartmann, Joseph  584
1 Hartwell, John B., M. D. .1193
Haslam, Robert C  367
Haubeil, Jacob F  1096
Hauber, Rev. Joseph  727
Hauck, Gustav A  886
Hauser, Ingnatz August. . .168
Haviland Family, The  1053
Haviland, George W., Sr. .1031
Haviland, Henry M  1056
Hawxhurst, William E  170
Hayden , George W  374
Hayes, Charles W  1121
Hayes, Rutherford B  91
Haynes, A. Conroy  236
Healy, John J  1177
Heany, George  996
Heeg, John  330
Hegeman, Daniel J  1106
Hegeman, Maj. Elbert  910
Heinbockel, Charlie  669
Heinze, William  368
Hellwarth, Christian  891
Hemlein, Valentine  491
Henderson, Edwin  201
Henderson, Thomas  199
Hendrickson, Elias C  312
Hendrickson, Hendrick. . .306
Hendrickson, Isaac C  305
Hendrickson, Oldfield  901
Hepburn, John  811
Herold, Christian  262
Herriman, M. W., M. D  177
Hess, George  879
Hewlett, Israel  432
Hewlett, Whitehead H.. . .1184
Hewlett, William E  1179
Hewlett, William H  368
Hicks, Benjamin E.  1147
Hicks, Eugen e P  350
Hicks Family, The  493
Hicks, Maj. George A  308
Hicks, Isaac  510
Hicks, James K  1148
Hicks, Joseph W  1163
. Higbie, George H  314
Higgins, James M.  1155
Higgins, William D  657
Hilbers, Gustave W  334
Hilderhof, Stephen  908
Hill, Capt. Edward  728
Hinds, Prof. Ephraim  1181
Hingle, Charles L  880
Hinkson, John R., M. D...1120
Hiscox, David  249
Hoag, Pierre C, M. D  954

Hoag, William H., M. D.. .1142
Hobbs, Rev. J. Howard  179
Hochstadter, Frederick  250
Holland, Michael P  1178
Holland, William C  1001
Holmes, Samuel R  260
Homeyer, Christian D  640
Homeyer, Richard A  503
Hopkins, George K  467
Hopkins, William  931
Horton, Albert J  710
Horton, Samuel J  966
Hults, William H  746
Hummel, Charles  698
Hunt, William L  736
Hunter, Jacob  155
Hunter, Jacob B  543
Husson, Charles E  545
Hutcheson, J. Ensor, M. D.301
Hutcheson, Robert F., M.D.255

Ilch, George  315
Ilch, Herman  776
Ingram, David  253
Ingrain, James  262
Ives, Prof. Alfred E  1084

Jackson, Andrew  43
Jamieson , John  1 140
Jarvis, David  989
Jarvis, Robert  261
Jarvis, William L • ¦ • ¦ '  709
Jefferson, Thomas  27
Jeffrey, Richard P  373
Jervis, George S  636 .
Jeuch, Michael  842
Jockers, John  769
Johann, C. & Sous  470
Johnson, Andrew  83
Johnson, F. L., M. D  908
Johnson, Hon. Henry C. . .1143
Johnson, Martin G  1005
Johnson, Peter  404
Johnson, Wilbur F  856
Johnson, William  400
Johntra, J. Albert  886
Johntra, Joseph A  256
Jones, Adelbert  260
Jones, Watkin W  969
Jones, Col. William A  195
Jones, William H  1135
Jones, William H  421

K

Kadien, Thomas C  312
Kane, Richard E  622
Karkheck, John P  1125
Kastner, Maximilian F. . ,307
Kearney, Rev. P  447
Kellum, Ebenezer  264
Kellum, John  165
Kelly, Edward  11-17
Kelly,Peter  U68
Kelly, William C  aa*
Kelsey, Edward L  170
Kelsey, Jesse W  694
Kelsey. John Henry  u26
Kennahan, John C  604
Kepner, Sanford H  446
Kern, Fred  u6
Kespert, Charles W  171
Kesselring, Henry  860
Ketcham, David  $Qr
Kiesel, Henry  6«
Killilea, Thomas R., M. b!6oo
Kinsey, David  ' %%o
Kirchner, Hugo  JL
Kirk, William E  i_m
Kissam, J. Mayuard  1153
Kissam, Judge J. Mayuard. 682
Klapper, Henry  I?I
Kuapp, Lucien  \L
Knauer, Edward J  «5
Koch, Ferdinand..  '2«
Koehler, Theodore  ' nog
Korfmann, Henry C... 263
Kouwenhoven, F. D, 721

Kouwenhoven , Peter W  87S
Kraebel, John P  907
Kraemer, Herman  867
Kreuscher, Capt. John  179
Krombholz, Franz  444
Kron, John  448
Krudop, Martin  329
Kunasek, William  264
Kyle, Prof. Paul  952

Lackner, John  1160
Lamberson, Leonard W...860
Lambert, George L  202
Laney, David H  896
Lankow, Carl  814
Larsen, Magnus  466
Latimer, G. Byron  1030
Lauer, Jacob  , . .1175
Laufer, Edward H  745
Laux, Alois  819
Lawrence, Charles D  610
Lawrence, Edwin S  939
Lawrence, Joseph A., Jr. ..324
Lawrence, Wilson  891
Layton, Thompson  902
Leavitt, Frederic W  727
Leavitt, G. Howland  371
Lebkuecher, Philip  736
Leek, EHas A  206
Lehr, William  915
Leibrock, Louis  329
Leininger, Peter A  770
Lepage, Matthew  873
Lever, J. Howard, M. D.. .459
Leys, Peter D., M. D  265
L'Hommedieu, George A.1097
L'Hommedieu, Samuel... 448
Libby, Henry P  200
Lincoln, Abraham  79
Linkletter, Justus O  423
Lockwood, John E  1108
Longenecker, Dr. D. R  598
Lott, A. V. S  805
Lott, Charles V  868
Lott, Dow S  188
Lott, Franklin J  699
Lott, Nicholas  824
Lott, Peter  571
Lott, Wilbur  1127
Louusbury, Rev. Elibrd F.1180
Ludlum, Charles H., M. D..207
Ludlum, John  207
Ludlum, Robert  207
Lusk, Obed L., M. D  270
Luyster, Peter  624

M

McArdle, Peter  434
McCarthy, Daniel  823
McCarthy, William  433
McCook, "John B  825
McCormick, James H  1146
McCormick, Hon. R. C  818
McDermott, John J  273
McKee, Thomas J  208
McKenna, Francis  266
McKenna, Judge Francis. .318
McKenna, Hon. James A. 1090
McKeown, William J  850
McKinney, Francis N  934
McKnight, H. Stewart  1189
McLaughlin, James F  907
McLaughlin, John J  ...940
McLaughlin, Joseph  455
McNena, Francis  621
McNicholl, Thos. A., M.D. .311
McNulty, George A  941
Maass, August  140
Macdonald, James A  nil
Macfarland, R. L., M. D. . .471
Macfarlane, R. F., M. D...379
MacKenna, Thomas C  530
Mackey, Elbert H., Jr  272
Mackey, Capt. George  172
Mackey, John, Sr  1151
Mackey, John Henry  549
MacPherson, John D.,M.D.4_8
MacQuesten, Rev. R  752
Madden, Hon . John P  1 .64
Madison, James  31
Mager, Martin, Jr  628
Maher, William A  1 146
Mahn, John P  829

INDEX

1203

Manahan, Thomas . . : . . . .:92s
Manley, Hon. Lucius N. . . .450
Mark, Robert  872
Marvin, Richard W  323
Marviu, Robert  -••754
Master, Dr. Clarence M. . . .621
Master, David D. M  799
Master, J.Edwards  1041
Mathews, George  426
Matthews, Peter  11 11
Maure, George  698
Medero, Fred  855
Meisel, Albert  1 172
Mencken, Henry . . .  916
Merrill, John B  1185
Messenger, John  932
Methven, Capt. William. . .892
Meyer, Herman  ".  754
Meynen, George K., M. D.765
Michon, Godfrey L., M. D.826
Miller, Dr. C. H., N. A . . . .693
Miller, Philip J  209
Miller, William G  525
Mills, George C  931
Mitchell, Alfred  1047
Mitchell, Samuel M  209 '
Mitchill, Singleton L  566
Monroe, James  35
Moore, Benjamin, Jr  1139
Moore, Harrison S  1065
Moore, Jacob John  335
Moore, Michael  617
Moore, William K  449
Morrell, Henry C  427
Morrison, David G  271
Morrison , John  270
Mott, Benjamin B  1117
Mott, Richard, Sr  988
Mott, Capt. Sylvanus .... 1120
Mount, Andrew  460
Mount, George W  440
Mount, Robert H  11 12
Mulot, Louis, M. D  677
Murphy, John  439
Murray, Daniel  140
Murray, Isaac  826
Murray, Loftus P  110S
Murray, Sanford  274
Muther, William  137

N

Nason, William  787
Nehrbauer, Nicholas  953
Nelius, Arnold  590
Nelson, Eli E  410
Nesbett, John F  139
Nevin, Robert H  916
New, Alfred L  1089
New, James L., M. D  757
Nickolaus, Henry J  276
Niederstein, John, Jr  317
Noble, Judge Daniel  291
Norton, Carroll F  1023
Norton , Franklin C  1116
Norton James  543
Norton, John L. B  1 101
Nostrand, Henry L  217
Nugent, Richard A. W. . . 1119
Nutt, Samuel D., M. D. . . .933

o

Oakley, Foster L  958
Oberglock, /Herman  1053
Odholm, Gustavus  412
O'Donnell, Augustus T  318
O'Donnell, John  279
O'Donnell, William  1089
O'Kane Brothers  "12
O'Keefe, Edward  764
Oldrin, John M  526
Onderdonk, Judge W. H.. .145
Ott, Louis C  io29
Owen, Van Nest  323

Packard, Monroe  758
Parsons, Samuel B  627
Patterson, Thomas  861

Paul, Ralph  1036
Payne, Hon. A. T  175
Payne, Edward T  639
Payntar, George H  599
Payntar, Thomas S  576
Pearce, Capt. Jacob F  211
Pearsall, Alexander A. . . . 527
Pearsall, Benjamin  210
Pearsall, Josiah L  667
Pearsall, Lewis  211
Peasell, Carman  281
Peck, George Lyman  393
Peck, Rev. Isaac  274
Peck, Rev. W. J., M. D. . . .468
Peck, Prof. William M  549
Peer, William H., M. D...1041
Penchard, Charles  705
Perpall, P}. A  990
Peters, John J  606
Peterson, Henry  700
Petit, Coles  842
Petry, George  776
Petry, John W  703
Phillips, John M  1026
Phillips, Peter N  1154
Phillips, Capt. Samuel F. . .551
Pierce, Franklin  71
Pine, Benjamin J  789
Pine, D. Wesley  275
Pinkham, George W  990
Pitt, William A  849
Piatt, Clarence N., M. D...948
Platte, Mrs. Emma  416
Plump, Brun  1008
Plyer, William  758
Polack, Gustav H  530
Polhemus, John  835
Polk, James K  59
Poole, Richard W  692
Pople, George  1145
Port Washington Woman's
Club  1151
Post, C. Augustus  983
Post, Jotham  212
Po=t, Stephen W  1196
Post, William  275
Pratt, Alfred W  823

Q

Quinn, H. F. & Sons  137

R

Raible, Joseph  1114
Randall, George M  182
Randall, John J  239
Rapelye, Cornelius  951
Rasquin, William, Jr  859
Rath, Edward H  1001
Rath, Henry C  1044
Rathjen, Jurgen  515
Rau, Christian  901
Rave, Adolph G., M. D  281
Rave, Edward G., M. D  218
Raymond, Francois  913
Raynor, William  176
Reboul, John B  276
Redlefsen, John  141
Redman, Elmer S  344
Reidy, M.J  147
Reilly, John  747
Remsen, Isaac B  1071
Remsen, I.Cornell  717
RemsSn, John F  212
Renart. Peter  854
Richardson, Edward  1134
Ring, Charles E  1083
Ring, Frederick  1083
Ripperger, George  1002
Robbins, Richard H  531
Roberts, Hamilton K  5°°
Robinson, John T  533
Rocker, Jacob  1019
Roeckel, George  7'7
Rogers, John F  603
Rose, M. Arthur  219
Rosenthal, Dr. Adolph D.. .664
Roszel, Eiwood  1116
Roszel, Joseph H  1080
Roulett, Patrick J  722
Roullier, Col. G. A  1079
Ruhl, William  9°3
Russell , Charles E  1008
Ryan, John F  196
Ryan, Michael F  728
Ryder, Nicholas  952

St. Patrick's Church  477
Salathe, Jacob  , .850
Sammis, Adelbert H  1000
Sammis, John M  589
Sappelt, Robert  716
Sarvis, James  884
Scheiber, August  218
Schenck, Benjamin W  316
Schenck, Elbert J  186
Schenck, Moses R  896
Scheurer, Edward E  1129
Scheurer, William H  540
Schilling, Charles A  190
Schleicher, Frank J  106S
Schlepegrell, John H  190
Schmall, John A  715
Schnurr, George P  283
Schoenfeld, Rev. William. .807
Schuler, Prof. Hans  729
Schumacher, Gustav  533
Schumack, Rev. Ambrose.1137
Schwalenberg, William H.871
Schwau, John  222
Schwarz, Charl es H  777
Schwicker, Christian  782
Scott, Philip P  284
Scott, Richard  1102
Scudder, Townsend  1077
Seabury, Edwin D  1094
Seabury Family, The  651
Seaman, Cornelius V  805
Seaman, Frank P  751
Seaman, Oscar J  987
Seaman, Preston B  865
Seaman, Rowland  560
Seaman, Samuel J  499
Seaman, William H  534
Searing, Hon. Samuel V. . .959
Sebald, Charles H  982
Seitz, Michael  377
Selover, John W  879
Selover, Williamson R  710
Sharkey, Henry W  562
• Sharkey, Patrick F  759
Sheehan, John J  778
Sherwood, Isaac  1097
Shimer, Edgar D., Ph. D. .156
Shipley, W. Augustus  1002
Siebrecht, William H  847
Siebs, J. N. F  :  581
Silbersdorf, Charles A  658
Simmen, Dr. Robert  1195
Simmons, John J  1191
Simonson, Daniel H  747
Simonson, F. De Hass  612
Skeuse, Thomas  971
Skidmore, Samuel T  575
Skidmore, William A  182
Skinner, Erasmus D., M.D.904
Slavin, Edward A  1113
Sluiter, A. C  1073
Smallwood, S. B., M D  627
Smedley, J. Harvey  205
Smith, Carman  189
Smith, Prof. Cyrus E  604
Smith, Epenetus  316
Smith, Frederick N  890
Smith, George D  411
Smith, George W  220
Smith, Henry C  775
Smith, Prof. Herbert  409
Smith, Hiram R  663
Smith, H. DeWitt  630
Smith, James Ezra  222
Smith, James W  1114
Smith, Jarvis E  692
Smith, John H  283
Smith, John M  177
Smith, Joseph L  1032
Smith, J. Carpenter, S.T.D.117
Smith, Leonard C. L  553
Smith, Matthew J  640
Smith, Morrell  221
Smith, Raynor R  199
Smith, S. Alonzo  770
Smith, Thomas D   417
Smith, Valentine W  443
Smith, Wesley B.  189
Smith, William  79°
Smith, William A., M. D.. .794
Smull, L. Burdette  976'
Smyth, George H  960
Smyth, Idus J  1085
Snedeker, J. Seymour  652
Sniffen, Irving C  188
Southard, John w  191
Spaeth, George F  742
Spalding, Harvey G  7"
Sprague, Charles W  178
Sprague, Chauncy T  1115
Sprague, S. Foster  1180

Springmann, Edward  946
Springsteen, David  975
Stahl, Hon. Jacob  920
Starke, Fritz  514
Starks, Dalraar L  801
Steffen, Rev. Aloysius  333
Steiner, Edward  142
Steiuer, Gus  220
Steinert, Joseph  837
Steiufuhrer, Rev. C. D. F. .793
Steinway, C. F. T  516
Steinway, Henry F,  521
Steinway, William  517
Stelz, George  989
Stern, Nathan  J107
Sternberg, John  282
Stevens, Adam C  806
Stevens, Kerby  187
Stevenson Louis T  1086
Stewart, John  538
Stewart, William E  "97
Stillwaggon, George A  724
Stocking, Rev. S. S  925
Stoehr, Christian  538
Stoothoff, Wyckoff  534
Story, Charles B., M. D  658
Story, Elmer G  308
Stotzky, John  1166
Strang, Isaac B  131
Strong, Benjamin G.,M.D 861
Sullivan, Daniel J  909
Sullivan, Dennis  898
Sullivan, Michael  554
Sundling, A. E  1085
Suss, Prof, Otto  545
Sutphen, George R  1159
Sutphen, Henry 0  1159
Sutter, Frederick  1087
Sutter, John  314
Sutter, Judge William  1032
Suydam, John T  942

T

Tallon, John  555
Tator, John E  192
Taulman, Capt. Daniel W. 633
Taylor, Francis B  286
Taylor, Henry J  469
Taylor, John H  337
Taylor, Col. W. R., M. D. .1103
Taylor, Zachary  63
Terry, George W  712
Terry, J. Rufus  181
Tewes, Herman  1093
Thielbahr, Diederich  150
Thiry, John H  481
Thomas, Charles W  192
Thomas, H. M  488
Thomas, Thomas  191
Thomas, William  1100
Thomas, William M  S97
Thomson, Edward H  4S3
Thornton, Thomas H  745
Thurston, Thomas  760
Tier, John E  483
Tierney, Rev. Matthew J. .481
Tilley, Daniel  775
Tilly, George E  489
Tingley, Hilbert B., M. D. .649
Tisdale, Robert B  198
Tisdale, Samuel B  231
Titus, Ellwood V  223
Titus, Henry P  1149
Titus, R. Franklin  836
Titus, Samuel M  224
Titus, S. Townsend  231
Toleman, Fred W  796
Tompkins, Joseph J  588
Townsend Family, The. ..1169
Tracy, Richard  902
Traphageu, Thomas  656
Trapp, George, Jr  1050
Trapp, John J  ion
Trowbridge, Frederick C..120
Trudden, Frank  555
Tuohy, Thomas F  1044
Turner, George J  131
Turner, John A  284
Turner, Richard T  286
Twombly, Charles E  147
Tyler, John  55

IT

Udall, Capt. Arch  1074
Underhill, Samuel J  349
Upham, Selah B  1149

1204

INDEX

V

Valentine, EH wood  783
Valentine, Isaac W  705
Valentine, Jacob  999
Valentine, Thomas  841
Valentine, William E  603
Valentine, William M  812
Van Allen, Henry A  820
Van Bergen, Peter A  765
Van Buren, Martin  47
Van de Water, Lott  221
Van Iderstine, Charles A. .491
Van Nostrand, Albert  782
Van Nostrand, Charles A. .611
Van Nostrand, David L  817
Van Nostrand, William H.624
Van Osten, James B  2S5
Van Pelt, Peter  490
Van Riper, Francis G  478
Van Riper, George T  351
Van Riper, Isaac  366
Van Riper, John  461
Van Siclen, Abraham  922
Van Siclen, Abraham  565
Van Siclen, Wyckoff.  1124
Van Sise, Israel W  361
Van Til, Jacob  478
Van Vechten, Francis H. . .146
Van Wagner, Alfred E  552
Van Wickel, John P  6S3
Van Wicklen, Capt. R  801
Verity, Elbert  230
Vincent, John  335
Volkmar, Charles  706
Von Hunerbein, Julius . . . .292

w

Wadley, Charles A  294
Wagner, Frederick  600
Wagner, William J  1068
Wakefield, Thomas  506
Waldron, James 1  1006
Walker, Samuel  650
Wallace, Charles L  532
Wallace, Capt. Edwin  1141
Wallace, George  687
Walter, Louis T., Sr  418
Walz, Fred  396
Wambsganss, Prof. John.. 572
Warnock, William A  514
Warshing, Sigmund  423
Washington, George  19
Watts, J.Tyler  365
Webb. Capt. Thomas E  293
Weber, Edward H  772
Weed, Charles W  657
Weekes, Floyd  1171
Weeks, Edward M  367
Weeks, Harry T  484
Weeks, Thomas C  630
Weller, Hon, Augustus N. .327
Welwood, John B., M. D. .1189
Whitcomb, James M  462
White, Arthur M  511
White, Coles W  740
White, Henry R  454
White, Hon. P. J  438
Whitney, Darling B.. M.D. 722
Whitney, Scudder V  476
Whittemore, Clarence B. .1184
Widmayer, Fred  635

Wieners, Jacob F., Jr  1062
Wigle, George  ¦ • 683
Wiley, Frank  817
Willets, Charles A  537
Willets, Charles A., Jr  1098
Willets, Thomas S  336
Willey, Charles A  120
Williams, Gabriel W  296
Williams, Richard H  1155
Williams, William H  1133
Williamson, George H  877
Williamson, William S  512
Willis, Oscar B  513
Willis, Samuel C  223
Willis, Valentine  556
Wilson, Francis F  670
Wilson, Peter  1094
Wilson, Robert  984
Wilson, Rev. William T.. . .976
Wingrove, Benjamin  401
Winkler, John  1109
Winslow, F. E  1118
Witzel, Joseph  1079
Wood, B. Frank  505
Wood, John  778
Wood, John, Jr  509
Wood, J. Lawrence  415
Wood, Lewis M  512
Wood, Martin V  663
Wood, Philip M., M. D  781
Wood, Thomas L  1104
Wood, William L  229
Woodruff, C. Curtis  456
Woodruff, John B  395
Woodruff, John T  1095
Woods, Col, Anthony S. . . .405
Woolley, Benjamin  676
Woolley, John T  349

Wright, Fred A., M. D  783
Wright, Higbie W  403
Wright, John J  898
Wright, Jordan  337
Wright, Samuel A., D.V.S.903
Wright, Thomas S  843
Wright, William W  597
Wulff, George H. J  866
Wyckoff, John L  972
Wysong, D. Preston, M. D.298
Wyss, Jacob  616

Yerrington, C. H., M.D  1186
York, Mrs. M. M., M. D.. .1007
Young, Willis H  633

Zabriskie, W. H., M.D  472
Zehden, Max  1018
Zeiner, Prof. F. W  1167

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Adams, John  22
Adams, John Q_  38
Allen, Joseph  918
Arthur, Chester A  98
Augustin, Julius  496
Avenius, David T  762
Backus, John E  852
Beldin, Clinton A. , M.D  258
Bergen, George w  680 -
Bermel, Joseph  882
Bisbee, Capt. John F  660
Blanchard, Capt. A. P  320
Bloodgood, J. F., M. D  486
Bogart, Elbert H  092
Brennan, F. E-, M. D  768
Bridge, William  474
Buchanan, James  74
Burns, Al ex. S  464
Carman, Coles  430
Carman, Theodore A  452
Carpenter, John R  888
Clark, John M  586
Clark, William Everett. . . .386
Cleveland, S. Grover  102
Cocke, William I ., M . D . . . . 738
Colyer, Richard C  398
Cooper, Edmund D., D. D. .134
Cornwall, John H  962
Cornwell, Wallace H  956
Corwin, Franklin H  7T4
Davis, Edgar  828
Ditmis, George 0  1034
Ditmis, John  673
Ditmis, J. Adrian  672
Donnelly, Rev. Eugene J. .184
Don nelly, Joseph M  874
Downing, George S  268
Downing, Richard  980
Dulcken, Ferdinand Q  733
Dunton, Fred W  354

Duryea, William H  614
Eldert, G. V. W  558
Fillmore, Millard  66
Fitch, Hon. Joseph  436
Fleming, Hon. John  T058
Fosdick, Lewis L  123
Fosdick, Hon. Morris  122
Fowler, Joel  34.2
Frew, Walter E  654
Gallagher, James  696
Garfield, James A  94
Gillen, William W  420
Goodridge, E. A., M. D  944
Grant, Ulysses S  86
Gray, Sylvester  1016
Harrison, Benjamin  106
Harrison, William H  50
Hauber, Rev. Joseph  726
Hayes, Rutherford B  90
Hendrickson, Oldfield  900
Hepburn, John  810
Hiscox, David  248
Homeyer, Richard A  502
Hopkins, John B  930
Hunter, Jacob  154
Hutcheson, J. Ensor, M. D 300
Jackson , Andrew  42
Jefferson, Thomas  26
Johnson, Andrew  82
Jarvis, William L  708
Johnson, Martin G  1004
Jones, Watkiu W  968
Jones, Col. William A  194
Kellum, John  164
Ketcham, David  894
Knapp, Lucieu  592
Kouwenhoven, F. D  720
Laufer, Edward H  744
Lawrence, Edwin S  937
Lawrence, William A  936

Leavitt, G. Howland  370
Lever, j. Howard, M. D  458
Lincoln, Abraham  78
Lott, A. V. S  804
Lott, Peter  570
McLaughlin , James F  906
McNicholl, T. A., M. D....310
Mackey, John Henry  548
Madison, James  30
Manahan, Thomas  924
Master, C. M., D. D.S  620
Master, David D. M  798
Master, J. E  1040
Miller, William G  524
Mitchell, Alfred  1046
Monroe, James  34
Moore, Harrisons  1064
Nason . William  786
New. James!,., M. D  756
Noble, Judge Daniel  289
Noble, Solomon B  28S
Norton, Carroll F  1022
Norton, James  542
Nostrand, George  214
Nostrand, Henry L  215
Oberglock, Herman  1052
O'Donnell, John  278
Onderdonk, Judge W. H. ..144
Parsons, Samuel B  626
Payne, Hon. A. T  174
Payne, Edward T  638
Pearsall, Josiah L. ...... . .666
Peck, George L  392
Petry, John W  702
Pierce, Franklin  70
Polhemus, John  834
Polk, James K  58
Pratt, Alfred W  82?
Randall, John J  238
Rapelye, Cornelius  950

Raymond, Francois  912
Remsen, Isaac B  1070
Ring, Frederick  1082
St. Ignatius Church  1028
Schwalenberg, William H.. 870
Seaman, Oscar J  986
Seitz, Michael  376
Siebrecht, William H  846
Siebs, J. N. F  580
Smedley, J.Harvey  204
Smith, Henry C..."  774
Smith, Prof. Herbert  408
Smith, J. C, S. T. D  116
Smith, Valentine W  442
Springsteen, David  974
Steffen, Rev. Aloysius  332
Steinfuhrer, Rev. C. D. F. ..792
Taylor, Zachary  62
Tierney, Rev. Matthew J. .480
Tingley, H. B., M. D  648
Trapp, John J  1010
Tyler, John  54
Underhill, Samuel J  348
Valentine, Jacob  998
Valentine, Thomas  840
Valentine, William E  602
Van Buren, Martin  46
Van Nostrand, David L. . . .816
Van Siclen, Abraham  564
Wallace, George  686
Washington, George  18
Watts, J. Tyler  364
Weller, Hon. A. N  326
Willets, Charles A  536
Williamson, George H  876
Wood, Alfred M  226
Wood, John, Jr  508
Wood, J. Lawrence  414
Wood, Philip M., M. D  780
Wood, William L  227