Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 174

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

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DANIEL M. TREDWELL .- In our sketch of this gen- tleman's library and writings, on page 1322, we should have stated that he is a native of Long Island; and that lie also published, in 1874, a work entitled Literature of the Civil War between the North and South. He has been a large contributor of literary and scientific mat- ter to thic local press and magazines, and for ten years past has devoted much time to preparing and delivering Icetures on popularized scientific matters, in Brooklyn, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

1333

BIOGRAPHIES.

JULIUS E. MEYER.

JULIUS E. MEYER, the distinguished voice-builder of New York and Brooklyn, was born at Altenburg, Ger- many, on the 15th of September, 1822. He comes of a musical family, his father being then the city organist of the largest churches in that city.

Of seven children he was the third son, and began his musical studies at nine years of age, becoming a member of the church choir where the music of Handel, Haydn, Beethoven and the other great masters was in- terpreted by a picked chorus and carefully selected orchestra. Notwithstanding his surroundings, keen per- ception and quick appreciation, Julius did not intend to become a musician. Music had upon him, strange to say, a depressing and melancholy effect, and when well rendered completely overcame him at times. Yielding, however, to the force of circumstances, he finally changed his mind, and set about his studies with the zeal and earnestness of purpose which have ever since characterized him in his brilliant career. He mastered several instruments, including the bassoon, trombone and trumpet, but the violin being more to his taste, he took it up under its then acknowledged master, Ferdi- nand David.

When the great Conservatory was founded by Men- delssohn, at Leipsic, Julius was one of its first pupils, and among his fellow-students were Tausch, who suc- ceeded Schumann as Chapelmeister at Dusseldorf, Kal- liwoda, Otto Goldschmidt, who subsequently married Jenny Lind, and others of merit and renown. On the death of Mendelssohn, Julius was chosen among the twelve most distinguished scholars to bear the laurels- wreaths which were laid at the feet of the illustrious dead. For seven years Meyer played first violin in the celebrated Gewendhaus Concerts, which correspond to our own Philharmonic Society, and sustained both vocal and instrumental solos, for which, in the meantime, he had been fitting himself. His voice was a clear, high, ringing baritone, of great compass, flexibility and vol- ume, and much admired.

He became an intimate friend of Mendelssohn, and spent much of his time at the house of the great composer, singing his songs and playing his music from manuscript, as did also Julius' sister, whom Mendelssohn likewise held in high esteem for her musical proficiency and rare attainments.

All of Julius' brothers and sisters were more or less distin- guished musically, his eldest brother having been for 25 years past the Chapelmeister at Munich, a position he still holds. Last year the Gold Medal of Arts and Sciences was bestowed upon him by the King of Bavaria. Mendelssohn's recogni- tion of Julius' genius was most marked. On one occasion he took him from the orchestra in St. Paul's Church, in Leipsic, to sing the baritone solos in the oratorio, without re- hearsal, before a large and exceedingly critical audience, and the result more than justified the high appreciation and con- fidence thus manifested.

Mendelssohn brought to his aid in his Conservatory the ablest talent of continental Europe; and we find Julius' stu- dies prosecuted under the immediate and personal direction and supervision of Moscheles, Hauptmann, David and Schu- mann, under the last of whom he studied musical composi- tion and string quartet instrumentation.

It was Mendelssohn himself who first suggested to Julius that he should become a teacher of the voice. After hearing

Jul. B. Hayes

one of his own exquisite songs interpreted [by Meyer, he turned to him and said, "You are a born singing teacher; you have the finest ear I ever came across." He acted upon the suggestion, and commenced his vocal instruction at Leipsic, where a musician had to stand or fall solely and entirely by his own merit, and only the most skillful and most talented musician could obtain position. He was signally successful from the outset, and remained in Leipsic eleven years, where he was married to Miss Emma Teeg, the daughter of the organist of a neighboring city, in St. Thomas' Church, where Sebastian Bach played. Among others sent to him for vocal culture was a niece of Hauptmann.

From Leipsic, Julius went to Frankfort-on-the-Main to teach, and met with renewed success, bringing out Ida Vogt as a prima donna (after she had been discharged from the chorus of the opera) in the course of a year and a half, at one of his celebrated concerts, which were attended by the wealth and nobility of Frankfort, among them the Roths- childs. In consequence of this signal triumph, the Baroness Rothschild sought Mr. Meyer's personal instruction for her- self, and had but just completed arrangements therefor at the time of her death, when she left him a handsome present in gold in recognition of his distinguished services to art.

1334

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Mr. Meyer then came to America, where he has since remained and built up a great reputation as a vocal instructor. He has twice declined the chair of vocal culture in the Conservatory at Leipsic, preferring, for the present, to remain in America.

As a teacher of the voice, he has no superiors, and few, if any, equals in this country, while, as a composer, lie towers above his fellows. To him, Miss Thursby owes all she is, or has been, or ever can be, having studied with him five years; and to him, likewise, are many of our best churches in- debted for their finest soloists. Taught by a natural and ra- tional method, his pupils sing with ease what speedily fatigues an improperly-cultivated voice, and he gives them a deptlı, fullness and clearness of tone, and compass of voice, which is impossible by any other method.

Mr. Meyer has 5 sons and 4 daughters, who all inherit un- mistakable musical and artistic talents. His sons, Paul and Walter, are in Para, Brazil. Paul is the foremost photo- grapher in that country. Walter put the first steamboat on the Rio Sinu river, U. S. of Columbia; and is acting U. S. Consul at Para. Arnold has his father's love for music; has made it the pursuit and profession of his life. He studied in Leipsic, Germany, under two of his father's old teachers of the piano-forte and organ practice and theory. He has a de- servedly high reputation as a concert pianist, and as a church organist and teacher. Has recently been recalled as organist of the New Grace M. E. Church, corner 7th avenue and St. Jolin's Place. He devotes all available time to musical com- position and the study of vocal culture.

The oldest daughter, Emmie, returned in June, 1883, from a year in Germany, where she went for rest after several years' constant labor in the cultivation and development of her voice under her father's tuition; while in Berlin her friends insisted on hearing her in public. She sang at the Singakademy of Berlin, and on other occasions, with remark- able success. The critics agreed that " she surprised the audience by the great range and flexibility of her beautiful voice. The ease and grace and exquisite quality of her head tones were especially adinired. The opinion was unanimous that her training had been faultless, and that her powers and performances assured her a glorious future." At a soiree at the house of Frau Dr. Breiderhoff, in Berlin, which was ar- ranged for the purpose, she met her father's old friend Prof. Joseph Joachim, at present the greatest of living violinists. The same evening the celebrated string quartette, Joachim, De Alena, Wirth and Hansmann, were present. Miss Meyer was heard, for the first time since her return, at the Mozart Musical Union in Chickering Hall, New York, in the ever popular "Shadow Dance" from Dinorah, and the " Casta Diva" from Norma, two selections widely different in style and seldom attempted by one singer. Miss Meyer's excep- tionally fine training, resembling more that given to the lamented race of great singers whose names and methods are only a tradition, enables her to attempt this difficult feat with impunity. Her accomplishments fully justify the predictions for a brilliant future made by some of Berlin's most cele- brated musicians.

ALBERT DAGGETT.

In the list of distinguished citizens who have represented the County of Kings in the State Senate is the name of Albert Daggett, present Senator from the Third Distriet of the State. There have been few among his predecessors more naturally capacitated for a servant of the people in that body than he. If he is strong with the masses it is because he is conspicuously one of the people; moved by their impulses, imbued with their sense, inspired by their rights, and sharing their convietions. He brings these endowments largely into politics ; for, aside from being an accomplished business man, he is a politician, well versed in politics. But he is uncompromising in his fealty to his party; acting on the principle that a man who is not a partisan is without convictions, or, if he has convictions, he is false to them.

Mr. Daggett is a Republican, believing in those principles upon which that party was founded, and which now constitute the cohesive power which forins it. His clear view of politics causes him to regard the principles of the Republican party as essential to the best results in government, whether local, state or federal.

He is a man of thought and action, of firm convictions versed in the logic of common sense, with a mind of mueh quickness and energy. Although Mr. Daggett is an ardent partisan, with the faults which attach to such men, hc has corresponding redeeming traits that cause him to stand well as a politician and a citizen. In the collisions of party strife Mr. Daggett's in- dependence of thought and action, his skill and success as a party manager, have stimulated envious rivalry among his own fellow.partisans, and occasionally brought upon him their acri- inonious attacks. But all this is the natural result of a sue- cessful politieal career, for such has been the carcer of Mr. Daggett, and such, it is apparent, will be his career in the future.

Albert Daggett was born at Troy, N. Y., March 19, 1845. He comes from one of the most distinguished families in the country, of English descent, whose ancestry extend back into the earliest days of Colonial history. His father was Dr. Joseph Daggett, of Troy, a man of refined taste, a gentleman and a scholar, whose natural love of study was a dominant feature of his character. He was, in a measure, dependent upon his own exertions for attaining an education; but these were sufficient. Before his indomitable energy and perseverance every obstacle gave way, and the treasures of classic lore, in their plenitude, were open to him. Like many other young men of limited mcans, the young student supported himself by teaching. After a thorough preparatory course, he entered Middlebury College, Vt. From this institution he, in due time, graduated, with highly respectable scholarly standing.

He was accomplished in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Spanish and Italian, There was that in his nature which gravitated direetly towards the medical profession, and immediately after graduat- ing he began the studies of a physician and surgeon, and in due time took his degree as an M. 1). But failing health prevented his practieing in the profession. Utilizing his knowledge of chemistry and of medicine, he adopted the calling of a druggist and opened a drug store at Troy. Suceess in this oceupation was assured to him from the beginning. His scholarly attain- ments, his accomplishments as a gentleman, his undoubted in- tegrity and honor, as a eitizen and a man of business, gave him many friends and an extended reputation.

From a druggist he became a wholesale dealer in drugs, oils, turpentine and glass, extending his trade throughout the northern scetion of the State and Vermont. His devotion to his business and his integrity in conducting it, was rewarded by a large fortune, mueh of which was invested in real estate in and about Troy. Few men were better acquainted with the value of real

1335

BIOGRAPHIES.

estate than Dr. Daggett. Although he was a Democrat, he was for several successive years -owing to his practical knowledge of real estate-elected an assessor of the City of Troy, without op- position. A constitution, always delicate, at length broke entirely down, never to rally again; and, in 1852 Dr. Daggett died, leaving his son, the present Senator, at the age of seven, without a father's guidance, but with the memory of a father's teachings and a father's virtues.

Senator Daggett's first, and perhaps his best tutor, was his father, who taught him the rudiments of an English education; taught him French with such success that the boy was re- garded as a better French than English scholar. Soon after his father's death, young Daggett was sent to a celebrated school for boys, taught by Rev. Dr. John Ireland Tucker, an Episcopal clergyman, a man possessing few equals as a teacher. Dr. Tucker was young Daggett's godfather in baptism, and between this eminent clergyman and Christian gentleman, and Senator Daggett, there has always existed the warmest friendship. Dr. Tucker is still preaching in 'Troy. It was the intention of Mr. Daggett to enter Union College, and lie prepared to enter the Sophomore class of that institution, but he received such injuries from a fall in the gymnasium that he was unable to con- fine himself to study for a long time, and on his recovery he decided not to enter upon a collegiate course. This was in 1861.

The war for the Union was then summoning not only the middle-aged, but the youth, to the defense of the country. None entered more enthusiastically into the cause of his country than young Daggett, although he was only in his seventeenth year. It was his ambition by day, and his dream at night, to become a soldier in the army of the Republic. But being an only son, and as he could not gain his mother's consent, he could not be ac- cepted as a soldier by the recruiting officers. He endeavored in vain to join the 2d N. Y. Volunteers, under General Carr, which was the first regiment that moved from this State to the seat of war. Still determined to enter the service of his country, he made an effort to enlist under General Gildersleeve, and General Ketchum, but with no better success. Finally, he reluctantly abandoned all thoughts of becoming a soldier. In 1864, he received an appointment as confidential clerk in the Department of State at Washington. At this time the illus- trious Seward was Secretary of State, and Mr. Daggett soon won the confidence and esteem of that great man. He remained in this department until the latter part of 1869, when he was ap- pointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, under Collector Bailey. A few months elapsed, and this gentleman was suc- ceeded by General Pleasanton. Mr. Daggett continued to dis- charge the duties of deputy collector for eleven months, when Mr. Harlow succeeded to the collectorship. During his term of office Mr. Daggett handled stamps, for liquors and tobacco, to the amount of more than $11,000,000. When Mr. Harlow entered upon his duties, the young deputy's books were subjected to the closest inspection, but as they were found to be correct to a cent, he was retained in the position which he had filled so acceptably. Mr. Harlow's successor was Mr. Treadwell, who

retained Mr. Daggett as his deputy until May, 1873, when the departments were consolidated and Daggett retired.

In July, 1873, Mr. Daggett was appointed Under-Sheriff of Kings County by Sheriff Williams, serving in that capacity dur- ing the years 1873-'4 and '5. In the autumn of 1875, Mr. Dag- gett was promoted to the office of Sheriff by the electors of Kings County, retiring from the office at the expiration of his term, January 1, 1879. During the year 1880, he was awarded the weighing contract in the Customs Department, New York, which he retained till June, 1882, when the contract system was abolished.

We have already spoken of Mr. Daggett's connection with the Republican party. It is proper to say that he occupies a pro- minent position in the Republican party of the State, one of its acknowledged leaders, whose counsel and influence is justly and widely appreciated. He has been present at every Republican State Convention since 1868 ; his presence and wholesome in- fluence there is indicated by the warm greetings he receives, and by the deference which is always paid to his advice and counsel.

Though not always successful in the advocacy of his own measures or policy, in regard to his party, he accepts the decision of the majority as the only rule in politics. No man understands the vicissitudes of success and defeat that await all politicians better than he.

In the autumn of 1883, he received the nomination from the Republicans of the Third Senatorial District for State Senator, and he was elected over his opponent-a highly popular man- by a very flattering majority. He took his seat in the Senate on January 1, 1884, and was honored by the chairmanship of the Committee on Engrossed Bills, Insurance, Cities, Militia, Roads and Bridges.

Although Senator Daggett makes no effort at distinction, and is unassuming in his manners, yet he is regarded as one of the ablest members of the State Senate. He is a practical, useful, profound, rather than a brilliant legislator.

The differences in men are rarely to be measured by difference in natural and purely intellectual endowments ; they exist more commonly in the differences in zeal, energy- physical energy- perseverance, devotion to duty, to friends and country, integrity, love of honor, and self-respect. Senator Daggett possesses most, if not all, of these endowments to a degree that happily balances whatever faults enter into his character. He does not often ad- dress the Senate, but when he does he speaks boldly and plainly up to his convictions, and he is always listened to with respect and consideration.

Senator Daggett was united by marriage to Miss Tremere, of Brooklyn, October 25, 1866. His family consists of one son, born in 1869, and a daughter, born in 1877.

As the Senator is now in the prime of life, ripe in experience, possessing those courtesies and those amenities which form the character of a gentleman and give large scope to abilities and acquirements, as he ranks favorably with the legislators and poli- ticians of the State, it is no exaggeration to say that a bright and successful future, opening to still higher honors, is before him.

THE

SPORTING AND ATHLETIC CLUBS

KINGS COUNTY.

SPORTING CLUBS .*

The Long Island Shooting Club was the pioneer organiza- tion of the gun elnbs of this country. Originally it was simply an association of gentlemen who had enjoyed trap shooting in England, their mother country, and wished to perpetuate a pastime which furnished them the practice of wing shooting at comparatively small expenditure of time and money.

It was in existence prior to 1842. Robert Carter was its Secretary as early as 1847, when its roll consisted of about 25 members, including such "old time sportsmen " as Harry Russell, Samuel Parker, John Thompson, John Maitland, Frank Palmer, Humphrey Hartshorn and Robert Robinson. Their place of meeting was " The Woodcock," then kept by Harry Russell and afterwards by Palmer, in Adams st., near Willonghby, on about the site of the present iron works of Howell & Saxtan. All business meetings were at the call of the President, and were held about three or four times a year, to arrange for a trap shoot which depended upon the possi- bility of obtaining a sufficient supply of wild pigeons, which were generally used for that purpose. They had no regular club ground but held contests in the vicinity of the old Oil Cloth factory, near the present Sackett st. boulevard, which was then in commons, and also at Sutton's Prospect Hill Hotel, then known as "Sam Vunk's," and located on about the site of the Distributing Reservoir, at the entrance to Prospect Park. The novelty of these "shoots" attracted such a crowd of spectators that the members ceased to hold them in the old places, and adopted the system of chartering a tug-boat and sailing to some of the islands near the city, where they could enjoy themselves without interruption.

Their last excursion of this character was to Riker's Island, in 1850, when 700 birds were killed. At that time no reg- ular trap rules had been adopted, except such as had been in vogue in England for at least a century. One ground trap only was used, which the club imported from England.

All disputes were settled by submission to Bell's Life, and frequently large sums were wagered on the result of the decision, which would remain undetermined pending the six weeks' delay necessary to receipt of the paper from London containing the "answer." The amount of shot allowed was one and a half ounce. Soon after the Riker's Island meeting the club moved its headquarters to the tavern corner of Main and York sts., kept by Russell & Stainsby, and still later it followed Harry Russell to his place, then in Fulton st., about

opposite York st. In 1855 the club was re-organized and its membership was limited to 24 members, and applicants for membership were required to await a vacancy.

About 1868 a further re-organization was effected, and the limit of membership increased to fifty, and, for the first time, a formal constitution and by-laws and shooting rules were adopted. Its OFFICERS, then elected, were: William M. Parks, Pres .: Robert Robinson, First Vice-Pres .; Charles W. Rod- man, Second Vice-Pres .; Captain Sealy, Treas .; J. Foulke, Jr., Sec. Its Executive Committee were: Frank H. Palmer, Benja- min L. DeForest, Robert Robinson, Dr. S. W. Bridges and Geo. S. Lanphear.

Shooting grounds were selected at Jolin I. Snediker's, on the old Jamaica plank road. The club then included among its members Benjamin W. West, George Lorillard, Howard Jaffray, and many other men of means and sporting tastes, who united in rendering each meeting at the trap peculiarly festive.

A dinner on the grounds was a feature of those days, and was served frequently at the expense of the losing team of those selected at the commencement of the contest. In 1874 another re-organization was had. Again, in 1876, an ineffect- ual attempt was made to incorporate the club under the club act of 1875. A certificate was filed in Queens county, which stated its object to be " The enforcement of all laws and ordi- nances against the killing and sale of game out of season and the encouragement of a gennine sportsmanlike spirit among its members." The limit on membership was removed, but a unanimous vote was required to elect a member.

Finally, on June 3, 1876, the club filed with the Secretary of State a copy of a further certificate of incorporation, which had been filed in Kings County Clerk's office on May 24, 1876. and the incorporation became complete. This final certifi- cate states as the " object " of the organization, "Protection and preservation of game and the shooting of pigeons front traps; to practice and improve in the use of the gun in shoot- ing birds on the wiug, for which suitable grounds have been provided in the county of Queens."

The number of the directors was certified to be seven, "who, with the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, shall form an Executive Committee." It has about 50 members. OFFICERS: Theodore Linington, Pres .; John Akhurst, Vice-Pres .; John H. Chasmar, Sec .; Robert Robin- son, Treas.

The Phoenix Gun Club .- As its name denotes, the Phoenix sprung from the ashes of its original Association, the Blue Rock Pigeon Club which was organized February 4, 1866,

. We are indebted for this very complete history of the Sporting Clubs of the city, to Mr. ABEL, CROOK, of the Fountain Gun Club.

1337

SPORTING AND ATHLETIC CLUBS.

The "Blue Rock " founders were: A. H. Glahn, Adam Glahn, M. McMahon, Owen Larkin, Austin Appleyard, Samuel McGaw and John H. Chasmar. Its first meeting was at the residence of A. H. Glahn, Flushing ave., near Classon ave., Brooklyn; but subsequently the meetings were at the residence of Austin Appleyard, at the corner of High and Bridge sts. It was limited to fourteen members. The offi- cers were held peculiarly to the performance of their duties by the imposition of a fine of one dollar for any neglect. Non- attendance at a business meeting subjected a member to a fine of twenty-five cents: and if not present at roll call, ten cents was imposed as a penalty. Profanity and personalities were especially abhorred and payment of fifty cents for such indulgence was exacted. The trap contests were monthly, and the trophy for the winner was a sterling silver cup, thirteen inches in height, in a glass case; which was retained until won by some other member at a subsequent contest.

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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 174

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