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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01068 6472
GENEALOGY 974.7 P36H v.4
Historic Homes and Institutions
Genealogical and Family History AND
OF
NEW YORK
BY
WILLIAM S. PELLETREAU, A. M.
Member of Long Island Historical Society; Author of " Old New York Houses,' "Early Long Island Wills," "Records of Southampton, Long Island," " History of Smithtown, Long Island," etc., etc.
"It is a thing of no small importance to possess the relics of our ancestors, to practice the same sacred rites, and to be buried by their side."-CICERO.
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME IV
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY NEW YORK CHICAGO 1907
1146112
Genealogical and Family History.
OTIS LEROY FOWLER.
Otis LeRoy Fowler, one of the representative business men of West Farms, borough of Bronx, New York, proprietor of an extensive and select grocery establishment, is a native of the section in which he resides. His birth occurred Septem- ber 2, 1864, the sixth child and second son of Lawrence and Jane Ann (Thompson) Fowler, natives of West Farms, and grandson of Benajmin and Ann Fowler, residents of the same place.
Lawrence Glover Fowler (father) was born in West Farms, Westchester county, New York, October 9, 1814. He was edu- cated in the schools of the neighborhood, and was reared to manhood in the parental homestead. Upon assuming the prac- tical duties of life, he engaged in the hotel business, and was for many years the proprietor and owner of the Pelham Bridge Hotel, one of the leading hostelries of that day and place, and thus became favorably known to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was regarded by the patrons of the house as a most excellent host, his main thought and desire being to provide his gnests with everything requisite for their com- fort and entertainment. Mr. Fowler married (first) Hannah Hoyt, who bore him the following children: Sarah Jane, mar- ried Theodore Noxon, for many years the editor of the Rhine- beck Gazette. Josephine, married Alfred Pettit, now deceased. Libbie, married Rudolph Berrian, of Williamsbridge. Law- Vol. IV -- 1
Southern
un Book Co-27.50
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
rence G., Jr., who died at the age of twenty-one years. The mother of these children died February 14, 1848. Mr. Fowler married (second) Jane Ann Thompson, born December 22, 1829, daughter of Wade Hampton and Hannah Thompson, both na- tives of West Farms, and the issue of this union was eight children: Catharine Ann, born October 22, 1852, married Jolin Simpson. Emma Grace, born June 26, 1855, married John Pierce, and after his decease became the wife of Frank Decker. John Pierce, born October 19, 1858, died April 27, 1903. Hen- rietta, born January 14, 1860, became the wife of Samuel Pierce. Florence Edith, born December 9, 1862, married James L. Wells, a representative citizen of the borough of Bronx, an ex-tax commissioner, and also president of the tax board. Otis Le- Roy, referred to hereinafter. William Edgar, born July 1, 1868. Lillian Edna, born July 28, 1871, became the wife of William Nixon. Lawrence Glover Fowler died March 13, 1889.
Otis LeRoy Fowler was reared and educated in West Farms, attending the public schools adjacent to his home. He served an apprenticeship at the tinsmith's trade, and thereafter for a number of years worked as journeyman at the same. He then engaged in the real estate business in the employ of F. A. Fanning and Company, with whom he remained for a number of years, and subsequently was engaged for a short period of time in a clerical capacity with R. A. Havenor and Company. In 1888 he entered into partnership with his brother, John Pierce Fowler, under the style of Fowler and Brother, in the grocery trade at West Farms, having purchased the store and stock of William A. Mapes. In this line of enterprise the two brothers met with immediate success, this being credited to the facts that they were courteous to their patrons, prompt in the execution of their orders, and that their store was thoroughly stocked with a full line of desirable goods at all seasons of the
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
year. Upon the death of his brother, John Pierce Fowler, April 27, 1903, Mr. Fowler assumed the entire charge of the establishment, which he has since condneted in a highly ered- itable manner, thus testifying to his capabilities as a man of business integrity and ability. Since attaining his majority Mr. Fowler has taken an active interest in the local affairs of West Farms, and is an ardent supporter of all measures cal- culated to promote the welfare of the community. He is a staunch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and serves as a member of the county committee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly Distriet, president of West Farms Republican Club and also treasurer of Claremont Council No. 1655, Royal Ar- canum.
Mr. Fowler married, June 11, 1890, Lena B. Lurch, born February 17, 1868, daughter of Edward and Lena Lurch, and their children are: Jane M., born March 24, 1891; Ruth LeRoy, born July 29, 1896; and Byron Otis, born September 14, 1905. Mr. Fowler and his family attend the Episcopal Church at West Farms, in which body he has served as vestryman for a period of almost fifteen years.
JOHN F. MONKS.
Jolin F. Monks, deceased, for many years a highly es- teemed resident of New York city, also one of its progressive and successful business men, a member of the firm of Monks & Campbell, manufacturers of high grade carriages and coaches, was a native of England, born in 1822, a son of George and Eleanor F. (Lucas) Monck, this being the early form of spell- ing the name.
John F. Monks was reared, educated, and learned the trade of carriage building, presumably under the tuition of his father, in his native land, where he remained up to the year 1848, when
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
he decided to come to the United States in order to find a better field for his skill and labor, and during his residence of over half a century here proved himself to be a most loyal and pa- triotic citizen, conforming in every way to the rules and regn- lations of his adopted country. Shortly after his arrival he secured employment with J. B. Brewster, who was for many years known as the leading carriage manufacturer in New York city, and after serving as journeyman several years, by means of perseverance, industry and economy, he succeeded in saving sufficient capital to enable him to begin business on his own account. He formed a partnership with James Camp- bell, and under the style of Monks & Campbell they established themselves on Fifty-fourth street, New York, where they en- gaged in the manufacture of high grade carriages, coaches, etc. In due course of time the products of their establishment, being of superior style and workmanship, became well and favorably known to the trade, also to private. individuals, they having among their patrons many members of the best families in the city of New York, and this enterprise was condneted for many years, during which time they achieved a large degree of suc- cess. Beginning life humbly, withont capital, and nnaided by influential friends, Mr. Monks attained to a position of honor and usefulness solely through his own ability and the exercise of energy and unconquerable determination. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity, and that sentence "his word is as good as his bond" can with propriety be used in characterizing him.
Mr. Monks married, in 1848, Mary C. Reardon, a native of Limerick, Ireland. Their five children, all of whom attained years of maturity, are as follows: Georgina, deceased, was the wife of John Dunphy, of New York city; Eleanor F., referred to hereinafter; Mary C., deceased, was a graduate of the New
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
York Normal College, and for fourteen years served in the capacity of teacher in New York city; Jennie, deceased, was also a graduate of the same institution, and also engaged at teaching in New York city; Sara, died December 5, 1891; she sacrificed a college education to devote herself to her parents. Mr. Monks died December 16, 1899, and his wife, Mary C. (Reardon) Monks, passed away February 16, 1888.
Eleanor F. (Monks) O'Connell, second daughter and only surviving child of John F. and Mary C. (Reardon) Monks, was born in New York city, November 29, 1854. She was educated in public school No. 37, and in the Normal College, from which institution she was graduated, and for several years thereafter taught school in the city of New York. On May 3, 1877, she became the wife of William O'Connell, who was born in Ireland, son of Maurice and Mary (McCabe) O'Connell, natives of the Emerald Isle, and with his brother John and sister Julia emi- grated to the United States about 1863, settling in the city of New York. Here William O'Connell learned the art of deco- rating and painting, in which line of enterprise he later became engaged with his brother, John O'Connell, under the firm name of O'Connell Brothers, and they made for themselves a name among the leading firms in that line, numbering among their patrons many of the best business houses in the city. William O'Connell died April 2, 1905. He left, besides his widow, six children, two of whom, John F., born June 18, 1878, and Daniel, born Jannary 19, 1885, are successful business men today. The four daughters are as follows: Emma, born June 19, 1882; Eleanor F., born August 7, 1886; Sadie, born August 19, 1889; and Julia, born December 16, 1891. The faithful wife and mother resides in Wakefield, where she maintains a pleasant and comfortable home with her children, and enjoys the estate of her worthy father, she having been his residuary legatee.
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
VALENTINE KILIAN.
Valentine Kilian deceased, was a worthy representative of the German-American citizens, who, by their characteristics, thrift, industry and perseverance, make themselves valued members of whatever community they become a part of, and whose loyalty and devotion to the interests of their adopted country is beyond question. Family tradition states that the name Kilian is of Irish origin, the first ancestor of the family having emigrated from Ireland to Germany at an early period.
Valentine Kilian was born in the village of Viernheim, dis- triet of Hesse Darmstadt, province of Hessian Germany. Be- ing left an orphan at the tender age of eighteen months, he was reared under the guidance of a guardian as were also three other children of his parents. He received his education in the schools of the fatherland, and later gave his attention to farm- ing. He was united in marriage to Anna Maria Huber, who was born in the village of Viernheim, 1810, daughter of Peter Huber, a native of the same place. Their children were: Fran- cis, an infant who died in early life; George, see forward; Eva; Apolonia; Elizabeth; Sybilla; Mary; Lena, who died at the age of two years. In 1852, Valentine Kilian, his wife, and seven surviving children crossed the Atlantic ocean, landing in New York city, August 13, and they took up their residence on Thir- ty-second street, between Seventh and Eighth avenues. Mr. Kilian was an industrions and energetic man, straightforward and upright in all his affairs, and he and his wife were devout Christian people, communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Kilian, after an active and useful life, died January 15, 1859. He was survived by his wife, who passed away April 12, 1888, esteemed and beloved by all for the many noble traits of character displayed in her daily walk and conversation.
George Kilian
LiBa 11 1542
bilionu
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
George Kilian, third child of the late Valentine and Anna Maria (Huber) Kilian, was born in the village of Viernheim, Gennany, May 12, 1838. He received a practical education in the schools of his native land, and in 1852 accompanied his par- ents to the United States. He remained under the parental roof until the age of twenty-one and subsequently went to Jefferson county, New York, where he engaged in the manufacture of cheese and continued along that line until 1862, when he re- turned to New York city. He pursued various occupations up to 1866, when he engaged in the grocery trade, and by his in- dustry and practical economy achieved a fair degree of suc- cess. In 1887, being desirous .of improving his opportunities, he removed to Williamsbridge, borough of the Bronx, and there engaged in the same line of trade, building his present store and residence in 1896-97. He has not only established a profit- able business, the result of industry and perseverance, but by his enterprise, progressiveness and good business judgment has contributed materially to the growth and development of the neighborhood wherein he resides.
Mr. Kilian married, in New York city, June 17, 1866, Eliza- beth Ranch, born December 26, 1842, daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Leib) Ranch, and their children are: George, Jr., born April 19, 1867, married Catharine Brandensteen and has children: Elizabeth and Walter Kilian; Henry Frederick C., born May 30, 1872, married Emma Brandt, and has one child, Helen Catharine Kilian; Frederick William, born May 6, 1876; Magdalena, born March 25, 1878, died December 27, 1884. Mr. Kilian and his family attend St. Valentine's Roman Catholic Church.
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
GEORGE REISS.
George Reiss, a progressive and enterprising German- American citizen of Bronxdale, borough of the Bronx, New York, in which community he has contributed materially toward its progress and development, is a native of the city of Olden- burg, in the province of Oldenburg, Germany, his birth occur- ring August 13, 1846.
Nicholas Reiss, grandfather of George Reiss, was a native and resident of the city of Preuss Minden, in the province of Hanover, where he was engaged in the manufacture of tin ware. He married a Miss Van Schlaubanm, a descendant of a family of nobility, and five children-two sons and three daugh- ters-were the issue: Fritz, see forward; Bernhard, born 1824, came to the United States, enlisted in the Union army and has never been heard of since by his family, the supposition being that he was killed while in service; Louisa; Doris; an in- fant who died in early life.
Fritz Reiss, father of George Reiss, was born in the city of Oldenburg, Germany, October 18, 1820. Upon attaining to man's estate he took up art study and fresco painting, which line of pursuit he followed in the principal large cities of cen- tral European states, and became well known and recognized as a skillful artist in his profession. He served military duty in the German army, rising from the ranks to a commissioned officer, this fact attesting to his efficiency and faithful perform- ance of duty. Hoping to find better opportunities for his pro- fession in the new world, he accordingly emigrated thither, ar- riving in New York city May 19, 1853. He enlisted in the Union army, New York Volunteers, in 1863, but shortly after enter- ing upon his duties was taken sick and therefore was incapaci- tated for active service. He returned to his home, where his
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
death occurred a few years later. Mr. Reiss married Katrina Schoenert, born July 30, 1823. Her mother attained the ex- treme old age of one hundred and four years and seven months. The issne of this marriage was as follows: George, see for- ward; Wilhelmina, wife of Augustus Miller of New York city; William, married Amelia Baner; Matilda, wife of D. H. Dos- cher, of New York city; Magdalina, wife of Edward Plenge, of New York city; August, married Mary Kahn; Louisa, wife of Henry Doesch, of New York city. The mother of these chil- dren passed away October 31, 1905, having attained the vener- able age of more than four score years. Mrs. Reiss was an ad- herent of the Lutheran faith, in which her husband was also reared and the tenets of which he followed throughout the ac- tive years of his life.
George Reiss, whose name appears at the head of this brief memoir, was educated in the old Christie street school in New York city, and at the age of fifteen took up the practical duties of life on his own account. His first employment was in the gro- cery trade; later he was employed in a wholesale liquor store, where he was engaged in testing and compounding liquors, re- maining until 1868, in which year he turned his attention to the express and trucking business in New York city, his office being located at Reade and Church streets. In this line of en- terprise he met with a marked degree of success, this being the logical result of his punctuality and careful attention to the management of his business affairs. He has become well and favorably known in business and social circles, and is highly respected and honored by all who know him. In 1888 Mr. Reiss located in his present home in Bronxdale, and in 1890 pur- chased a tract of land in that section comprising about five acres, which he has since had surveyed and laid ont into city lots, the value of which has been considerably enhanced by the
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
many improvements added thereto in the past few years. Mr. Reiss is an active member of the United States Council No. 639, Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Reiss married (first), in New York city, June 13, 1867, Augusta Sandman, born Angust 16, 1846, daughter of Herman Sandman, a native of the city of Hamburg, Germany, and their children are: 1. George, Jr., born February 16, 1869, married Annie Becker and has children: George and Henry. 2. Lulu, born July 4, 1870, married Rudolph Schaeffer and has one son, George Schaeffer. 3. Herman, born March 2, 1872. married Kate Obarshimer and has children: Henrietta and Henry Reiss. 4. William, born October 30, 1879, married Lulu Goodenough and has one child, Lillian Reiss. Angusta (Sandman) Reiss. the mother of these children, died December 26, 1878. Mr. Reiss married (second), April 4, 1880, Anna Meyer, born July 19, 1852, daughter of Henry and Lney (Schwitje) Meyer, of the town of Lesum, province of Hanover, Germany, and their chil- dren are: Frank, born January 29, 1881, died September 11, 1884; Arthur, horn Angust 19, 1882; Lucy, born December 25, 1883, died February 13, 1884; Emilie, born February 9, 1885; Angust, born Angust 9, 1887; Clara, born April 29, 1895.
GEORGE HERMANN SUNDERMANN.
George Hermann Sundermann, a worthy and representative citizen of Wakefield borough of Bronx, where he has become well and favorably known, was born in the town of Hambargen, which is located near the city of Bremen, in the province of Hanover. Germany, February 20, 1853, and is the son of Her- mann and Meta (Hencken) Sundermann.
Herman Sundermann, the father of George H. Sundermann, was a miller by trade and occupation, and pursued the same line throughout the active years of his life. He died in his
George Herman Gundermann
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
native land April 10, 1887, and his wife passed away in the fatherland July 2, 1904, aged over fourscore years. They were both of the Lutheran faith, and were highly respected by all their friends and acquaintances. By their union in marriage they had born to them a family of ten children, as follows: Adelheid. Frederick. Henry, George Hermann, Rebecca, Martin, Annie, and three who died in early life, two having been twins. The first five of the above mentioned children came to the United States and took up their residence here. Frederick came to Wakefield. Westchester county, New York, in 1874, and there purchased the establishment on the White Plains road known as the "Half Way House." In 1877 he sold the same to his brother, George Hermann, and then returned to the fatherland, where he died July 19, 1887.
George Hermann Sundermann received his educational training in the schools of his native place, which he left at the age of thirteen, after being confirmed under special examina- tion. and then came to the United States with his brother-in-law, Hermann Voos. He settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, where he became engaged in the grocery and provision trade, continuing in this employment up to 1877, when he en- gaged in the bottling business. May 1, 1877. he became pro- prietor of the "Half Way House." on the White Plains road, Wakefield. town of Eastchester, and in 1885 he purchased the property where he has continued to reside to the present time (1905). During this period of over a quarter of a century Mr. Sundermann has done mneh in a material way for the progress and advancement of the neighborhood wherein he resides. He has at all times taken an active interest in such local enterprises as had for their object the good and welfare of the neighbor- hood. Fraternally, Mr. Sundermann is an active member of Hebron Lodge, No. 813, Free and Accepted Masons. He was
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
a member of the Fifth Regiment National Guard of New York, under Colonel Spencer, until 1880, when he was honorably discharged. He has served as volunteer fireman in Nereid Engine Company, No. 1, up till the time of annexation. He is now an active member of Einheidt Lodge, No. 461, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Mt. Vernon, New York. He has taken an active interest in local public affairs and has served as a member of the Board of Village Trustees of Wakefield for two years, up to the time of annexation.
On May 3, 1877, he was married at his present residence to Adelheid Wellbrock, born July 28, 1854, daughter of Martin and Catharine Wellbrock, both of whom were natives of the province of Hanover. Germany, and of this marriage have been born the following children: 1. Matilda, born May 7, 1880. 2. George Hermann, born February 16, 1882, died in infancy. 3. H. Frederick, born April 29, 1883. 4. George Hermann (2d), born April 8, 1886. 5. Meta C., born June 25, 1888. 6. Herman, born June 25, 1890. Mr. Sundermann and his family attend the Lutheran church at Mt. Vernon, Westchester county, New York.
FREDERICK WILLIAM SCHWIERS.
Frederick William Schwiers, a highly respected and enter- prising German-American citizen, is engaged in the coal trade in Woodlawn, borough of the Bronx, New York.
Frederick Henry Ludwig Schwiers, father of Frederick William Schwiers, was born in the city of Bremen, Germany, and was for many years engaged as a sampler of tobacco, at which he was an expert, by some of the leading merchants of Bremen. The latter years of his life were spent in cultivating a garden farm. He was a just man, conscientious in all his dealings, and was highly respected by all his friends and ac- quaintances. He married Anna Tillman and their children
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
were: Johan Frederick, unmarried. 2. Annia, married Au- gustus Hollman and resides in the province of Oldenberg, Ger- many. 3. Frederick William see forward. 4. Frederick Henry Louis, married and resides in the city of Bremen. 5. Arndt, unmarried. 6. Fredericka, married Carl Jantzen, of the prov- ince of Hanover, Germany. 7. Adelheit, married Henry Kuhl- man, of Goetheburg, Sweden. 8. Henry, came to the United States and settled at Greenville, South Carolina; he married and has a family of sons and daughters. 9. Harmonie, who married twice and resides in the city of Bremen. Of the above mentioned children, John Frederick, Frederick, Arndt and Henry Fred- erick, came to the United States. Arndt did not marry and took up his residence in Lake county, California, where he owns and cultivates a large fruit ranch. Frederick Henry Lud- wig Schwiers died 1899, aged ninety-two years, and his faith- ful wife passed away in 1901.
Frederick William Schwiers, son of Frederick Henry Lud- wig and Anna (Tillman) Schwiers, was born in the city of Bremen, Germany, March 28, 1842. He was educated in the schools of his native city and, after finishing his education, he commenced the practical duties of his life as assistant to his father in his garden farm. When Mr. Schwiers had attained his twenty-second year he decided to come to America, hoping to find here better opportunities for his skill and labor. Upon his arrival in this country, in 1865, he took up his residence in New York city and for some time his occupation was a varied one. In 1868 he engaged in the milk business, in which under- taking he met with immediate success as the direct result of his straightforward and reliable methods of doing business. In 1888 he commenced a coal business with offices on Forty-eighth street, between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues. In 1890-91 he went to the Pacific coast and spent some time in Lake county,
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
California. While there he purchased a large tract of land up- on which has been planted a great number and variety of fruit trees. Upon his return he took up his residence in Union conn- ty, New Jersey, where he lived for about three years, and in 1896 removed to Williamsbridge, where he has become ex- tensively engaged in the coal trade, with yards and offices at Bedford Park and at Woodlawn. In this line of enterprise he has met with a remarkable degree of success. Mr. Schwiers is a member of several German organizations, and since taking up. his residence at Williamsbridge has always contributed to charitable and worthy enterprises.
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