Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 133

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

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THOMAS KINSELLA.

THOMAS KINSELLA, editor of the Eagle .- Among the names of the really great men whom Brooklyn has delighted to honor, none stand forth more prominently than that of Thomas Kinsella, the editor of the Eagle, whose career was as intimately associated with her public interests as with that of the newspaper whose prosperity was linked with his fame. His death, at the comparatively early age of fifty-two years, was the supreme test by which his value to the city of his adoption was established. Tried by this ordeal, the great soul of Thomas Kinsella stood forth before his fellow men, larger and nobler and wiser than in life it had been permit- ted to reveal itself. Every principle for which he had con- tended with pen and voice was proved to have been defended from motives that had for their foundation the best interests of the greater number, and the rights of all races and creeds. The man was greater than his works, and the depth and breadth and the height of the sum total of his character the world realized when death had unveiled his life, and the higher nature was exhaled from the material form that had hidden it from the general view. It was then realized that Brooklyn had lost a true son, whose unselfish love for her was a part of his patriotic love for free institutions and governments founded on the truest ideals of freedom.

lieved that, in that far-off land there were fortunate Isles on whose shiniug shores were peace, happiness and a larger future for both mind and body. The biography of this man is of an ideal self-made man. Au ancient philosopher has said, that a man is his own friend aud also his own enemy, aud should try to raise himself by his own means, for if raised by the means of another, the power of the enemy in himself is not weakened. Thomas Kinsella instinctively knew this, and preseuts in his life and character an example of one who has raised himself solely by his own means. He came to America unknown, au orphan, a foreigner ; and lie left it when death came upon him, one of the best known men in the nation; identified with its laws, its cities, its gov- ernment and history. More than all this, he was beloved by all who rightly knew his greatness of heart, his nobility of nature.

A characteristic incident is related of hin during his early work iu Cambridge, New York, which shows what was in the man, and how not even pleasure could divert him from the improvement of his mind. It was in the year 1857. A few friends made up a trout-fishing party, and Thomas, as he was called, was invited. They proceeded to the piscato- rial shambles aud threw in their "flies," but very soon " Thomas " was observed lying upou his back, with the rod in one hand and a volume of Burns' poems in the other, which he was industriously reading, oblivious of his sur- roundings.

Thomas Kinsella was an adopted citizen of the United States, having been born in the county Wexford, Ireland, in December, 1832. He came to this country so early in life, that while the basis of his character was Irish, its develop- ment and embellishment were wholly American. His entry We cannot picture him going through any academy, or show him at the head of any class, or as the writer of vale- dictories and theses; but he must be looked for at all times in his life battling with circuinstances, while he imbibed learn- ing and acquired culture. Such a man never fails to make his mark in the times in which he lives, and lie very fre- quently occupies a much larger share of the attention of the world, thau one who has been favored by fortune or born in the lap of a happy inheritance. Mr. Gardiner, who published in the United States was through the Bay of New York, and he has often said that it remained always for him a vision of heaven, typical of the cultivation and advancement that his character was to receive in the new country which opened her arms to him, as she had done to so many of his race be- fore. America was at that time the El Dorado of all Irislı youth, and while they scarcely believed the wild traditions that the precious metals could be picked up in the streets, all of Thomas Kinsella's friends, as well as he himself, fully be- , the Washington N. Y. Post in 1851, aud for whom Mr. Kin-

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sella worked as a compositor, wrote that, observing the lat- ter's fondness for study, he gave him the free use of his library of 300 volumes, every one of which Kinsella read. His adoption of journalism may very clearly be traced to a train of accidental circumstances. He said, in a letter to a friend, that while a compositor on the Post, at the time of Henry Clay's last sickness, the editor was compelled to go away, but wrote a leader, and left instructions for Kinsella, i co-operation with a lawyer of the village, to write an arti- cle upon the great Whig. Clay died, but Kinsella took pains to write the article alone and then submitted it to the lawyer, who gave it unstinted praisc. This elated the young com- positor, and he then and there resolved to take up journalism. Whether he had or had not any prophetic vision of his future at that time, and of the way it was realized, is not known, but we find him covering a great deal of territory in wandering before his final settlement in Brooklyu. Leaving the Cam- bridge Post, lie went to Troy, N. Y., working there as eom- positor and occasional contributor, for a time not exceeding a year. From Troy he came again to New York, from whence he went in 1854 to the Southern States. Alternatiug betweeu New Orleans and Vieksburg, he worked at his trade, and at the same time diligently studied the burning question of slavery upon its own ground and in its very presence. This he declared was his chief objeet in going South. The Jeffer- sonian principles had been early adopted by him, and his ex- perience in the South confirmed his hostility to the " peculiar institution," and made his soul revolt at the enormity of put- ting up for sale a human body, the tenement of a living spirit.

Therefore, wlien in 1858, he returned Northi to Brooklyn, he was fully aroused against the giant that had so long raised its horned head unmolested in the fairest portion of our country, and was ready to join those fearless fighters for human brotherhood, who were resolved uot to tolerate the secession of the South, nor to permit slavery to gain a foot- lrold in the Western States.

Up to this time he had been, so to say, in a nebulous eou- dition, unfixed, unpermanent; not defimtely attached to any point from which he might grow in any direction and shed whatever light was vouchsafed to him. But liere we are to look for the beginnings of his " future;" for, as his lristory afterward showed, this was the moment when his wanderings were to cease, and his active, concentrated work as journalist, citizen, statesman, editor, was to begin. He had always aspired to be an editor, for justly he looked upon the editor as the greatest educator, the most efficient moulder of men and events alike; and had he written in the order of his esti- mation, the various avocations, he would have put that of editor highest and first. He idealized the press and the type- stick. The mere mechanical view of them he could not abide, for they were to him not only the chief instrument of modern thought, but the almost conscions ministers of intelligence. lle said himself, "only a born dunce can be a printer and not learn to love literature;" and thus we see that he ad- vanced from the composing-stick to the editor's chair of the most powerful and well-conducted afternoon journal in the United States, through his high ideal of the vocation of a printer, and a prophetie view of his own future.

llaving pitched his tent in Brooklyn, he applied to Isaae Vun Anden, and obtained employment upon the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, which was then a fair paper, but did not possess the nuportance to which it uttained under his management. At first his duties were mechanical, but he speedily wrote hmrelf into another position, one step toward his final goal. He began with short notices of current events, then reviews of books, and at last the attention of the editor-proprietor was attracted to lum, resulting in his appointment as head | efficient clerks and departmental red tape.

of the then rather limited reportorial staff of the paper. The editor was Henry McCloskey, a trenchant writer, and an ac- complished scholar, with a warm heart, but convictions as strong as they were sometimes erroneous. He remained in his position from 1853 until September, 1861, when the Civil War evolved the juncture which was destined to give Thomas Kinsella his great opportunity. McCloskey believed in the right of secession, while Kinsella did not, but insisted upon the right of the government to put it down. Van Anden counselled moderation, while he upheld the freedom of his editor. The government, however, interdicted the Eagle as a treasonable sheet, unless a loyal uran was ap- pointed its editor. MeCloskey, unable to give up his e n- victions, which he claimed as his own possession, resigned, and Mr. Van Anden immediately appointed Thomas Kinsella to his vacant ehair, who at this moment could see stretching before him, the wide road to fame, wealth, and a command- ing influence and power as a journalist. The light breaks elearly, and Thomas Kinsella can see before him the fruitre of his earliest lopes; they were realized, and before long h became the controller, the guide, the censor, the preserver of a journalistic property worth one million of dollars, and that has lately paid annual dividends of $125,000. A man of his large powers and trained ability, joined to a splendid physique, and who drew strength from perennial fountains of true Irish wit, sentiment and olieerfulness, could not be at the head of a journal like this and fail to reach a high posi- tion in the community. At the same time, like all earnest men, he was sure to make enemies. These he always had, but they never succeeded in accomplishing aught to his in- jury. Upon his paper all were his friends, from the met insignificant boy to his associate editors, and he commanded from each a loyalty and devotion which is ever sure to be accorded to a loyal heart.

In 1869, he was appointed Commissioner of the old Brook- lyn Water Board, where he served one year and a half, then returned to his editorial duties. He was a warm advocate of President Johnson, who appointed him Postmaster of the eity for a short time. In 1870 he was elected to represent the Second Distriet in Congress. Mr. Kinsella was one of the earliest advocates of a union between the Democrats and th Liberal Republicans; and, in the nomination of Hora Greeley for President, he was, of the Democratic leaders, the one most active aud influential. In this, his own city, no man, save perhaps Mr. Hugh MeLoughlin, has exercised as much influence upon its politics as Mr. Kinsella.

For years he opposed the one-mau power, and storul fear- lessly in the path of all " bosses." This, of course, made for hin many political enemies. But he loved the city of kla adoption. No citizen of ancient Venice had more atfecti for the Bride of the Sea than Mr. Kinsella had for Bror key and thus no party politics or mean expedients of hack politi- cians could make him waver from the course he deemed th best for Brooklyn. He lilled the office of Bridge Trust and was also a member of the Board of Education. H positive nature and really patriotie feeling for Brooklyn. j nl to great administrative and organizing ability, drove huur al ways into politics, but not for profit. Far from that, for spent much money and time in going to Albany whenever any measures concerning the city were before the Legislatur Ile could not bear to see his own city hurt by ad vermed. narrow legislative action, and was willing to spend of h= substance for her benelit.

It was the same with him when in Congress, Il heart was ever ready to move him into action for widw. orphans, whose just claims for pensions were delayed by

Meester

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THE PRESS.

In many instances he has worked night and day to procure for some of the needy citizens of his city who could not em- ploy counsel, the distribution at an early date of what money was their due. After leaving Congress, Mr. Kinsella devoted himself to the Eagle and local politics, taking an active part in the latter. He was a hearty supporter of Mr. Tilden in 1876; and, in 1880, was largely instrumental in the selection of Gen. Hancock for nomination, as the Eagle was the first paper that mentioned his name for the Presidency. There were hardly any political conventions of his party held in the city that did not see Mr. Kinsella a delegate.

A slight difference occurred, in 1882, between him and the owners of the paper, growing out of an interference witlı his policy as editor and freedom of action, so that he made a threat to purchase a rival paper and leave the Eagle alto- gether, unless he was left untrammeled. This threat was currently taken in Brooklyn for definite action, and many expected to see the Eagle's prestige decreased. But the un- pleasantness was healed over, and Mr. Kinsella recovered undisputed sway.

But constant work, both of body and mind, told on his iron constitution, so that he was compelled to go to Europe in the summer of 1883, to recuperate, returning much im- proved in some respects. But, as usual, the restless Irish spirit drove him again, and threw him into the centre of the political battle during the municipal election of 1883, and that, coupled with subsequent hard work in Washington, where his efforts were instrumental in the election of Mr. Carlisle for Speaker, broke him down again in the month of November of that year. He went home from his office one rainy afternoon, to return no more. His illness, not alarm- ing, continued through three months ; his disease, an aggra· vated form of jaundice.

The estimation in which he was held was vividly brought out during his battle with death, as all classes of people in- quired daily for him, watching the papers and bulletins for news of his condition ; and when, at last, on the afternoon of the 11th of February, 1884, the relentless hand of the de- stroyer could be no longer averted, and he passed away from

the scene of his busy and useful life, all Brooklyn inourncd him, and the flags at half mast throughout the city bore mute testimony that an honored and regretted soul had fled away.

The chief characteristic which endeared Mr. Kinsella to his friends was his kindly, humane interest in his fellow beings. The trials and sorrows of his friends bore with heavy weight upon his sensitive heart. Where he could not alleviate misery, he suffered with an intensity often screened by an as- sumed roughness of exterior. As he advanced in life, his sympathies became more keenly sensitive, while his larger charity and benevolence were constantly remarked by those about him. His finest trait, perhaps, was his gratitude to those who had ever befriended him or his. Towards those who had won his regard through real or fancied service, his friendship was unalterable; and, though the bond was often strained by selfishness on the part of others, it was kept in the fullest fidelity by him.

Before the writer lies the draft of a letter, one of the last he ever wrote at his desk before leaving it forever, which eloquently attests his appreciation of kindness shown him. In this letter he asks of a prominent business man in New York employment in some lowly position for a fellow-conn- tryman, apologizing for making the request in these words : " When I was a friendless boy, Dennis did me a favor." Fortunate "Dennis," who had won the gratitude of this " friendless boy," who never forgot or passed by an old friend. The letter goes on to explain that the writer is in a position to repay the debt, but not in the way that will best serve the recipient, and then follows a eulogy upon the man whose cause he makes his own. No better tribute to his nobility of character could be paid than is portrayed in this letter, written to a friend and designed for no other eye.

Over the narrow plot of earth that holds all that remains of this self-made mau, far-seeing statesman and patriotic citizen, Brooklyn has paid her last tribute of respect, and no more fitting inscription can be placed above it than those words of Abou Ben Adhem : "One who loved his fellow men." LAURA C. HOLLOWAY.

COL. WILLIAM HESTER.

COL. WILLIAM HESTER, President of the Brooklyn Eagle Association, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in December, 1835. His father, Mr. Samuel Hester, now of Kingston, comes of good old English stock; his mother was a sister of the late Isaac Van Anden whose name will always be identified with the Eagle. Col. Hester, therefore, represents two of the stur- diest and most enterprising European nationalities, the English and the Dutch. His early education was received at a Poughkeepsie public school, from which, as he grew older, he was transferred to the Rhinebeck Academy, where he was prepared for the business career in which he has been so suc- cessful. Early in 1852, while he was in his seventeenth year, he left home to begin life on his own account, and not unnat- urally, with strict injunctions to place himself under Mr. Isaac Van Anden's care. His uncle was a thorough business man, and entertained old-fashioned and conservative ideas upon the subject of giving young men a start in life. Favoritism was especially abhorrent to him. Mr. Van Anden had begun at the foot of the ladder, and he was determined that if his nephew rose to distinction, it should be through his own efforts and capabilities. The young gentleman from Pough-

keepsie was therefore put to work with the boys in the office, doing such work as fell to an apprentice. In a short time he had mastered the intricacies of the composing-room, and awaited his turn of recognition as a compositor. At the age of twenty-one years, he was setting type at his case with other gentlemen who have attained eminence in this city. The Eagle was rapidly growing in importance, and the staff was increasing with its needs in all the departments. It was young Hester's ambition, when a vacancy occurred in the fore- manship of the composing room, to win that distinction, but Mr. Vau Anden could not bear even the suggestion of favorit- ism, and another candidate won the coveted position. Shortly afterward a vacancy occurred in the clerical force of the counting-room. It was a step higher and the young compositor determined, if possible, to secure the appointment. There was no question here of superior merit, and Mr. Van Anden with a clear conscience was enabled to place liis nephew behind the counter, in which he speedily justified the wisdom of his appointment. From being book-keeper he worked his way up to the head of the department, and while Mr. Van Anden controlled the business of the Eagle, his nephew became the

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manager and attended to all the details of the office. In 1870, Mr. Van Anden sold the Eagle to a number of gentlemen who formed a stock company the following year. Both he and his nephew became stockholders, and Mr. Van Anden was elected President, Col. Hester occupying the position of publisher.

In 1875, Mr. Isaac Van Anden died, and at the next meeting of the directors of the Eagle Association, Col. Hester was elected President. In his earlier days he had a share in public affairs: was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department: the National Guard of the State, and later was Quartermaster upon Gen. Dakin's staff, serving rather more than five years. In these circumstances it was not singular that the leaders of the Democratic party, to which Col. Hester always belonged, should have turned to him as the most available candidate, through his popularity. to contest with the Hon. Darwin R. James, the Third Congressional District of the State in 1882. That district commands, naturally, the highest respect in Congress. It is doubtful if a more intelli- gent and wealthy constituency exists in the country. It was Republican, up to Col. Hester's candidacy, by a majority of 7,000 votes. To reduce this majority was all that could be reasonably expected, and the compliment was paid the Presi- dent of the Eagle Association of making him the standard- bearer in a forlorn hope. In an editorial article commenting on his acceptance, the Hon. Thomas Kinsella, who was a fellow-compositor on the Eagle, and who has been in almost constant intercourse with Col. IIester for over thirty years- in fact, the business life of both has passed within the bound- ary of the four walls of the Eagle office, although those limits during the time have expanded from 18x40 feet, to an area of over 12,000 square feet-among other words of praise, paid

the following hearty and characteristic tribute to his friend and associate: "The writer of this article began life with him at ' the case' and from an acquaintance of thirty years bears testimony to the fact that he is a considerate employer, a helpful and genial friend, and as honest a man as lives. If he should be elected to Congress, he will represent the Third District intelligently, and in a conservative spirit. This much may be relied on: wealth has no attraction and power no blandishment adequate to turn him from supporting what he conceives to be right. Of course he did not seek this nomi- nation; it sought him. He is not desirous even of political honors. He has been well content with a faithful perform- ance of all the duties and obligations devolving on him as a private citizen. If the voters of the Third District desire to be represented in Congress by an intelligent, upright business- man who has no sinister ends to subserve, and who will make a personal sacrifice by accepting a public trust, they might assiduously seek through a long summer day and fail to find a better man than William Hester."

Col. Hester was a stronger candidate than even his friends had ventured to hope, for the majority against his party of 7,000 was reduced to 2,400. This was his first appearance on the stage of politics, and was far more gratifying to his friends, and more honorable to himself, than many a victory upon which famous men have been congratulated. He ac- cepted the call as a matter of party duty. With the cares of so important an enterprise as the business management of the Brooklyn Eagle constantly pressing upon his attention, and the obligation to his fellow-citizens irrespective of party involved in his position, Col. Hester is more than content to remain in private life as the head of a great, beneficent and prosperous concern.

ANDREW MCLEAN.

ANDREW MCLEAN, the present Chief Editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, is a native of Scotland. He was born in the vil- lage of Renton, in Dumbartonshire, on the banks of the river Leven, on the 7th of August, 1848. In his fourteenth year, he came to the United States, and made his home in Brook- lyn with his uncle Andrew, who was then a dry goods merchant in Myrtle avenue. In this city, he prepared himself for journalism, to which hus active life has been devoted. He attended Brown's Commercial College till his eighteenth year: when, equipped for work with a sonnd English educa- tion, and a knowledge of the art of short-hand writing, he began operations on the press. After bohemianizing for sev- eral months on the New York papers, he went west, and re- mained there for something over two years; during which time he worked on the Chicago and Cincinnati papers; served as a stenographer in the Legislature of Illinois; started a weekly paper in the village of Harrison, near Cincinnati; and had a variety of experiences in journals devoted to labor interests in special departments of trade. Ill health

compelled him to return east. After a sickness of many months, he got employment on the Brooklyn Times, from which he transferred his services to the New York Times, representing that paper in Brooklyn for about two years. From the Times he passed to the Union; and from the Union (1874) to the Eagle, where he has remained ever since, as managing editor. On the Eagle he has done every kind of writing which a reporter or editor can be called upon to do. He is a writer of undeniable ability, nervous force, and has made a reputation as a journalist which is remarkable con- sidering his years, for in point of age, he is, perhaps, the youngest managing editor of a daily newspaper in the country. Mr. McLean is intense in his political feelings, and as an anti-machine Democrat has made himself widely known in Brooklyn. His views on all questions of the day command respect; while as a writer he is able and compre- hensive. Those who know him best, and have watched his course most closely, feel assured that the brightest por- tion of his journalistic career is but just opening before him.

WILLIAM HERRIES.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 133

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360