Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 176

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

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. > Part 176

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The Long Island Life Saving Association was organized March 13, 1879, for the purpose of encouraging meritorious conduct in the saving of life, to grant rewards, douations, and premiums in uioney and medals, and to perform any similar service of benevolence and charity. The MANAGERS are : G. B. McGrath, G. L. Fox, Jas. C. Eadie, Rev. M. May- nard, A. Hencken, Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, A. C. Hockemeyer, W. E. Horwill, and James Rodwell. This association has thus far presented 18 gold or silver medals in recognition of bravery. The head-quarters are at 45 Broadway, Brooklyn, E. D. The original BOARD OF OFFICERS have been continued to the present time: Geo. B. McGrath, Pres .; G. L. Fox, Vice- Pres .; Jas. C. Eadic, Treas , and A. C. Hockemeyer, See.

BICYCLING CLUBS.

The Kings County Wheelmen .- This chib was organized at the residence of Geo. T. Brown, 144 Wilson st .. Brooklyn, E. D , on March 17, 1881. Its object is to further the interests of Bicycling and Tricycling, and to protect the rights of wheelmen. The original membership was six ; the present number, 40 active, 16 veteran, and 10 honorary. OFFICERS : R. F. Hibson, Pres .; A. C. D. Loucks, Sec .; J. M. Sorzano, Treas. This club is recognized throughout the country as one of the most enterprising of the fraternity. Three race meetings are given annually, which, together with the yearly Ball and Reception, held at the Brooklyn Bicycle Company's rooms, at 161 and 163 Clymer st., entitle this or- ganization to the social prominence which it has secured.

The Heights Wheelmen of Brooklyn was organized April 18, 1883, by eight amateur bicyclists. The first OFFICERS were : E. J. Milhau, Pres .; F. E. Dunnell, Sec. and Treas .; J. C. King, Capt. The present membership is 24, officercd by E. J. Milhau, Pres .; F. L. Dunuell, See .; Jacob W. Dun- nell, Treas., and T. G. Condon, Capt. The club-rooms, which are in the Hamilton Building, are handsomcly fitted up to mcet the requirements of the members of this growing organiza- tion, which stands to-day second to none of its kind.

ATHLETIC CLUBS.

Turn Vereins von Brooklyn, E. D., was organized in 1853, at 68 Meserole st., with about 20 members. The first OFFI- CERS were : Heury Garms, Pres .; Adolph Stellin, Treas .; Ilerman Law, Sec. The object of this organization, which numbers at present nearly 200, is physical development. OFFICERS are : Robt. Sneider, Pres .; Louis Kroder, Vice- Pres .; Wm. Baum, Sec., and F. Walters, Treas. The society still occupy the original quarters, which have been largely improved lately, and now offer exceptional accommodations for physical training and development.

Williamsburgh Athletic Club, organized Jan. 21st, 1879; incorporated Nov. 17th, 1879. The business and object of this club is the establishment and maintenance of athletic grounds, and of a gymnasium; the general conduct of athletic games, sports and exercises; and in every lawful and proper way to improve and develop the social, physical and moral condition of its members. The membership is limited to male persons, who shall be amateurs, at least sixteen years old at the time of their election to membership.

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SPORTING AND ATHLETIC CLUBS.

" An amateur is any person who has never competed in an open competition, or for a stake, or for public money, or for gate money, or under a false name; or with a professional for a prize, or where gate money is charged; nor has ever, at any period of his life, taught or pursued athletic exercises as a mean's of livelihood."

The club has occupied grounds on Penn st., near Wythe ave., but, in the spring of 1884, an extensive enclosure, be- tween DeKalb and Classon aves. and Graham st., was fitted up with a Club House, gymnasium and track, and formally opened on Decoration Day. OFFICERS, 1884 : Gilbert H. Badeau, Pres .; Frank M. Price, Viee-Pres .; Walter G. Hege- man, See .; Jos. G. Liddle, Treas .; George R. Smith, Capt .; Ed. Brown, Jr., First Lieut .; Samuel L. Sweezy, Second Lieut. BOARD OF TRUSTEES : Gilbert H. Badeau, Frank M. · Price, Walter Hegeman, Jos. G. Liddle, George R. Smith, Wm. C. Bryant, William Gaetz, E. P. Murray, D. C. Morrell, W. T. Pelletier, B. H. Tobey, B. W. Wilson, Jr. Club House, Gymnasium, Track and Grounds, DeKalb ave., Classon ave. and Graham sts., Brooklyn, N. Y.

BASE BALL ASSOCIATIONS.

During the period from the year 1850 to the break- ing out of the War of the Rebellion, out-door sports and athletie games had in this country a wonderful re- vival and development. Ball-playing, boat-racing and horse-trotting were the more prominent forms assumed by this growing desire for trained and skilled competi- tion in open-air exercise. Base ball was the favorite, rapidly taking the lead after the modern regulations were adopted. Pitehing originated in 1852. The first swift piteher was Crayton of the Excelsiors, in 1859. Just where the old-fashioned game of base ball origin- ated it is difficult to tell. The oldest elub in the United States is the Kniekerbocker, of New York, which was organized about fifty years ago, and has kept up a series of annual games ever sinee. The next elnbs, in date of organization, were the Empire, Gothams and Eagles of New York, and the Atlantics, Excelsiors, Putnams, Continentals, Eekfords and Stars of Brooklyn. It was not long before every city, vil- lage, college, and almost every school district had one or more base ball clubs.

The benefits derived, especially by the sedentary classes, from this special training in severe and eontin- ned physical exercise, are, and were, undoubtedly, of high value to the general health. Competent observers have attributed mueh of the extraordinary average of endurance and good healthı of our young men as sol- diers, through the fatigues and hardships of the late war, to the exeellent preparation they received while active members of gymnasiums, base ball and rowing elubs.

Base ball elubs were organized as follows :

Knickerbocker, (N. Y.), organized September 3, 1815. Gotham (N. Y.), organized 1852.

Eagle (N. Y.), organized April, 1852. Empires (N. Y.), organized October 12, 1854.

Excelsior (Brooklyn), organized December 8, 1854.

Newark (N. J.), organized May 1, 1855. Eckford (Brooklyn), organized June 27, 1855.

Union (N. Y.), organized July 17, 1855.

Atlantic (Brooklyn), organized April 14, 1855. Star (Brooklyn), organized October 18, 1856. Mutual (N. Y.), organized June 24. 1857. Hudson River (N. Y.), organized May 1, 1859. Eureka (N. J.), organized January 3, 1860. Athletic (Phila.), organized April 7, 1860. New York (N. Y.), organized November 2, 1860.

The first convention of base ball players was held in New York city in May, 1857. The following clubs were represented, each by three delegates: Knickerbocker, Gotham, Eagle, Empire, Putnam, Baltic, Excelsior, Atlantic, Harmony, Har- lem, Eckford, Bedford, Nassau, Continental, Union, Olympic.

The second convention was held 10th March, 1858. At the ninth convention, held at Clinton Hall, Astor Place, New York, December 14, 1864, the " fly " game was adopted by a vote of thirty-two to nineteen.

Atlantics *- Up to 1857, the old game called "twenty-one up," was played; "twenty-one up" meaning that the club first securing twenty-one runs after even innings was winner. In the winter of 1857 the present nine-inning rule was adopted.

The Atlantic Club was practically the club to first popu- larize base ball in America. Among its original members were Caleb Sniffen, 3d B .; Thomas Powers, 1st B .; - Whit- son, C .; Isaac Loper, C. F .; Wm. Babcock, P .; Tice Hamil- ton, 2d B .; Wm. Bliss, L. F .; John Holder, C. F .; A. Gilder- sleeve, R. F. Its games were many and its ratio of success very high. They own a case containing two hundred and twenty-two balls, trophies of part of their victories.

Over half of the original members (then numbering fifty) are now dead.

The struggles of the old Atlantic Club with such rivals as the Empires, Mutuals, Excelsiors and Gothams are yet a pleasant reminiscence of the old base-ballites.

In 1868 the Atlantics practically ceased playing, althoughi the organization as a club has never been disbanded, and their yearly meetings are attended by all the old members yet living.

The Atlantic Club used to play in the old lots on York street, where the station house now stands.

Introduction of the game in California .- In 1858, Win. Babcock, of Brooklyn, went to California. With him he had two balls, and a copy of the by-laws. He took these to the editor of the California Clipper, explaining tlie game to him, and in October of that year the first game of base ball on the Pacific coast was played at San Francisco. Each side played two men short, the players being: H. Henry, C .; J. G. Clauson, 1st B .: S. J .Clair, C. F .: Mr. Saunders, 30 B .; Mr. Williams, 2d B .; Mr. Gilard, 3d B .: Jolm Foote, P .: vs. Wm. Babcock, C .; John Baulsir, 1st B .; H. Cossius, 2d B .; Nimrod Baulsir, Sd B .; Mr. Pettit, C. F .; Robert Brower, R. F .; A. G. Babcock, P. Owing to darkness, but five innings were played, the first club winning by a score of 19 to 18.

Recent History .- The American Association of base ball clubs is composed of the following: Toledo, Washington, Baltimore, Athletic (Phila.), Brooklyn, Louisville, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Metropolitan (N. Y.), Allegany (Pa.), Columbus (Ohio).

Ten games are played by each club, making one hundred aud twenty the total number of championship games.

The League Clubs are as follows: Buffalo, Chicago, Phila- delphia, Boston, New York. Providence, Detroit, Cleveland: fourteen games played by each club.

All championship games commence the first of May.

* Facts furnished by Ww. Babcock.

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

In 1883, the Brooklyn Amateur B. B. Association was organized, six clubs being members. Each member pays an initiation fee, and is subject to an assessment for ex- penses. The names of the clubs are as follows: Prospects (won the championship in 1883), Resolutes, La Fayette, Ver- non, Ivanhoe, Atlas. They play schedule games for. the championship of Kings Co., the prize being a silver ball; games are played on Saturday of each week. The grounds are on Prospect Park. The OFFICERS of the Association are: Edward Cook, Pres .; N. A. Tapscott, Sec .; Edw. Brand, Treas. The ycarly outlay will not exceed $1,500.

The clubs not named in the preceding pages. now in exis- tence, are the Dauntless, Commercials and Waverly. These clubs have no chartered existence.

Brooklyn Base Ball Association was started in Feb., 1883, to supply a long-felt want of the city. The association was

started by Messrs. F. A. Abell, Joseph J. Doyle, C. H. Byrne, and Geo. J. Taylor, who expended $30,000 in fitting up the grounds, which arc acknowledged to be the finest in the coun- try. They leased the Litchfield property, between 4th and 5th aves. and 3d and 5th sts., celebrated in history as the scene of the battle of Long Island, and having in the north-east corner the old Dutch farm house, known as the " Vechte- Cortelyou " House. The OFFICERS of the club are: C. H. Byrne, Pres. and Treas .; Geo. J. Taylor, Sec. and Manager; F. A. Abclì and Joseph T. Doyle, Directors. The club is a member of one of the leading associations of the country-the American Association-and will compete with the other clubs of that association for its championship honors and also with the National League clubs. The club is incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. In 1883 it won the Inter-State Association championship.

JOHN A. VOORHEES.

MR. JOIN A. VOORHEES. - One of the oldest and best preserved men, in mind and in body, in the town of Flat- lands, is JonN A. VOORHEES. The writer of this ap- plied to Garret Bergen, another old and exceedingly well posted townsinan, for information concerning early settlers and their families. In the course of the conver- sation he said: "Have you seen John A. Voorhees. IIe has always been an active, observing inan, intimately familiar with the people and events of his times, and he has an exact memory of everything he has ever known." A visit to the old Voorhees homestead, gave evidence to the correctness of this estimate. The door bell was answered by a thin spare man, apparently about seventy-five years of age, a little lame in one leg, but moving with a noticeable quickness and ease. His gray eyes were elear, and his rather sharp features which wore an inviting animation, belonged to an elastic frame, a little under the average size. His face beamed with intellect and that brightness that denotes in an elderly countenance an active, well-spent life. With great readiness he furnished the following leading occurrences of his history. He was born in the house in which we were sitting in the year 1798, September 27th; one of the few living men in Kings county, who were born in the 18th century. His father's name was Abraham, and he was born July 3, 1763. His grandfather was also named Abraham, born Jume 8, 1725, died Nov. 16, 1807, aged 82 years, 6 months. His great-grandfather was John Lucas, and his great-great-grandfather, was Lucas Stephenson Voorhees. His brothers and sisters were: Abraham, born October 14, 1790, died when 1 months okl; Abraham, born November 15, 1792, died Decem- ber 25, 1833; he was a fur merchant in New York, and spent several years in the far west, buying furs for

John Jacob Astor; Adriana, born June 27, 1803; Peter, born June 14, 1806, farmer. John A. enjoyed the ad- vantages of the average farmer's son, who ininds the eows and horses, milks, does chores, light farm work, and attends the common school. At the age of 14, he went as elerk in the country store of his uncle John Lott, Jr., at Flatbush. Here he staid five years; then in 1817 went to New York for six months. At this juneture, his muele Lott failed in trade, and his father bought the stock, and put his son back as sole manager of the business he had thoroughly learned as clerk. This arrangement took effeet December 10, 1817, and lasted 8 years. In the meantime he had taken a wife, Plebe, danghter of Jacoba and Johanna Rider, the event being celebrated February 11, 1823. In 1825, he quit the store and they went to New York, where they kept a vietualing and lodging house, including a bar with liquors; first, a year at Dry Doek, and then at 82 West street, till 1833. During this period his father had died in 1826, and his mother, in 1831. The old farm possessed attractions that drew him at this period back to it at the age of 35. IIc had successfully completed several terms, and won several prizes, in the sharp competitions of the fierce school of life, for which all other schools and nuiver- sities are but the preparation.

Between that day and this, the most important half century the world every saw has rolled its great events into the history of the ages, during all of which John A. Voorhees has stuck to the quiet home of his fore- fathers. But his fellow men have, through all tliese years, been making demands on his time and services. In 1823 he was appointed Captain in the New York State Militia, receiving his commission from Governor

1343

BIOGRAPHIES.

Joseph C. Yates. This he held four years. He was elected Coroner next year, after the Constitutional Convention of 1821, the only citizen of Flatlands who has ever held this office. After serving in the various positions of Road Commissioner, Assessor and School Trustec, he was, in 1844, elected Supervisor of his town, and annually thereafter for nine consecutive terms. In 1845 he was elected to the State Assembly, taking his seat in 1846, when that magnificent pillar of the Democratic party, Silas Wright, was Governor. This was the last year in which Kings county was rep- resented in the State Assembly by but two members. These were primitive days in modes of conveyance. Winter had come, the boats on the Hudson had stopped running, and there were no railroads along its banks, nor free passes by any route. Mr. Voorhees had to take the Sound boat to Bridgeport, Conn., and the Housatonic Railroad from there to Albany. The pay was the old rate of three dollars per day, and a traveling fee of ten cents per mile for one trip each session. But board was in proportion to even this small compensa

tion. The member from Kings county says he had good accommodations for a dollar a day. In 1857, hc was again elected to the same office, serving in 1858. The last Census had entitled Kings county to seven members, and railroads and free passes were in full blast. Mr. Voorhees has always been an unswerving Democrat of the true Jeffersonian type. For nineteen years he has taken the daily New York World. In 1834 lie joined the Reformed Church, in which he has served repeatedly as deacon and elder, and as treasurer forty consecutive years, from 1838 to 1878, when he resigned.

The children of John and Phebc Voorhees have been: James, born July 2, 1824; died May 14, 1863. Abra- liam, born May 30, 1826; died when one year old. Joana K., born July 7, 1828; married Ditmas Jewell, now Supervisor of New Lots. Abraham, born August 31, 1831, now farmer at old home. Phebe Maria, born August 10, 1834; died at the age of seven. Harriet, born May 29, 1836; died which three years old. Wil- liam K., born May 10, 1838, now flour and feed dealer

1344

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

in Flatbush avenue and Raymond street, Brooklyn. Adriana, born May 27, 1840; married David Doxey, of Brooklyn. Hannah M., born July 8, 1843; married John J. Hageman, of Flatlands. Peter, born January 11, 1847; died seven months old. The mother of this large family is still blessed with unusual alert powers

of body and mind, moving about the house with almost the ease and speed of girlhood. Old in years, but still young in spirit, this interesting and worthy couple are nearing the sunset of life, under brightest skies, and amid pleasantest surroundings of family and friends.

JAMES SCHENCK.

JAMES SCHENCK, of Canarsie, is believed to be the oldest representative of that name in Kings county. Ile was born on the old home farm April 19, 1800, where several generations of his forefathers had lived and died. His father and his grandfather were both named Nicholas; his great-grandfather's name was Stephen, and he was the son of John, the original Sehenck on Long Island, who, with his brother Roeloff, settled in the town of Amersfort, now Flatlands, in 1650.

John Schenck bought land, on which he built a resi- dence and a mill, the former of which is still standing, in that locality known as "Crook's Mill." This house was built over 230 years ago, and has been continu- ously occupied as a residence ever since. It still re- tains many of the Dutch characteristics of architecture. Around the fire-place are the old-fashioned pictorial tiles, then in common use. The immense beams, with their side braces, are a curiosity, evidently hewn from the then plentiful big trees of the forest. Its existence to-day is ample proof of the excellent quality of material and construction.

" Uncle Jimmie," as he is familiarly known, has passed a quiet farmer's life, living in the house, still in a good state of preservation, built by the first Nicholas in 1772, who was a man of weight and position in his time, being a surveyor, and serving his town as super- visor. Some years ago, the Canarsie Railroad took a strip of land from one side of the old farm, on a part of which the hotel at the landing now stands. Mr. Schenck, who has never married, has one brother living in Brooklyn-Abraham, two years his junior-and they are the last of the family. " Unele Jimmie's " place, at present, contains about 70 acres.

The first inhabitant of Canarsie Point, tradition says, was Fisherman Horn, who had a cabin on the present Schenck farm about 1660, and the locality was called Fisher's Hook.

We append as much of his genealogy as can be obtained by the careful researches of Garret Bergen, who is excellent authority in such matters, as follows:

JonN SCHENCK emigrated, in 1650, from the Nether- lands, and settled in Flatlands. (His father's name was Martin Schenck.) Married Jannetje (Jane), the daughter of Stevense Van Voorhees; (supposed) died

in 1689. Bought, December 29, 1657, of Elberte Elbertse Stoothoff, the one-half of the mill, and the island on which the mill is located in Flatlands, near Bergen's Island, lately known as Crook's Mill. August 20, 1660, he obtained a patent of 10 morgans (20 acres) in New Amersfort (Flatlands), and in 1687 took the oath of allegiance in said town. January 28, 1688-'9, he made a will, in which he devised to his son Martin the old land and small island and mill and dependencies thereof; to his son Stephen, the lot at Canarsie, with the meadow at Hogg's Neck, etc., as per page 140 of liber 1 of conveyanees.

Issue .- Jane, born about 1673, married, May 20, 1692, Gar- rett, the son of John Dorlant; Martin, born 1675; Wellemtje Janse, born about 1677, married Pieter Wyckoff, of Mon- mouth county, New Jersey; Stephen, born October 2, 1681, died young; Johannas, baptized November 5, 1682, died young; Neeltje, baptized November 23, 1683, married, Octo- ber 5, 1712, John Wyckoff, of the Raritan, New Jersey; Steven, born February 2, 1685; Aaltje (or Alletta) ; Antje (Anna) Schenck.

STEVEN SCHENCK was born (on the farm of his father, commonly called " the Mill Farm," in the south- east part of Flatlands), February 2, 1685; died Novem- ber 6, 1767. He married Ann, daughter of Nicholas Wyckoff, October 23, 1712, who was born August 29, 1693; she died July 15, 1766. Steven Schenck built the first house in Canarsie.

Issue .- Jane, born June 27, 1715; died March 20, 1778; mar- ried Folgert Sprong, who was born January 18, 1718, and died October 25, 1807; resided in Flatlands. John, born May 23, 1718; died December 15, 1775; resided at Oyster Bay, Queens county; had children. Sarah, born November 24, 1720: died December 3, 1797; married Abraham Emmons; residence, Gravesend. Ann, born June 1, 1723; died Angust 1, 1803; married Abraham Duryee, who was born April 5, 1720, and died September 7, 1785; resided at Fishkill Plains, Dutchess county. Wilhelmina, born October 15, 1726; died December 18, 1802; married Peter Ammerman, of Flatlands. Nelly, born April 28, 1730; died October 9, 1784; married Nicholas Williamson, of Jamaica, L. 1 .; no issue. Nicholas, born September 4, 1732; died April 3, 1810. Margaret, born January 17, 1736; died April 8, 1814; married Peter I. Mon- fort, of Fishkill Plains, Dutchess county, N. Y .; he was born March 12, 1731: died September 20, 1791. Maria, born March 28, 1739; died May 13, 1813; married Samuel Stryker, who was born October 19, 1736; died February 7, 1828; resided in Gravesend.

BIOGRAPHIES.

1345

JAMES SCHENCK.

NICHOLAS (second son of Stephen and Ann) SCHENCK, married, March 11, 1767, Willemtie (Wilhelmina) Wyckoff, who was born December 23, 1736, and died September 12, 1779; resided at Canarsie Point.

Their children were : Stephen, born July 18, 1758; died De- cember 14, 1787. John, born October 7, 1760; died March 28, 1823. Anna, born March 19, 1763. Nicholas, born February 23, 1765; died September 10, 1836. Wilhelmus, born February 19, 1767; died September 28, 1767. Adriana, born August 22, 1768; died September 1, 1830. Wellemtie, born June 3, 1771; died August 2, 1776. Nelly, born February 13, 1776; died August 8, 1776.

NICHOLAS (son of Nicholas Schenek and Wilhelmina Wyckoff), married, April 20, 1788, Alletta Remsen, who was born December 3, 1768, and died May 6, 1855.

Their children were : Anthony Remsen, born February 7, 1790; died September 15, 1871. Jane, born March 19, 1792; died May 28, 1843. Jane Schenck married Ralph Malbone. Wilhelmina, born December 30, 1794; died January 18, 1816. Wilhelmus, born August 20, 1797; died March 16, 1832. James, born April 19, 1800. Abraham, born September 12, 1802. Maria, born May 31, 1805; died December 27, 1814. Stephen, born June 30, 1808; died May 15, 1842.

COL. ANDREW HARRISON.

Mr. ANDREW HARRISON, a veteran of six wars, was born in New York city, in 1824. He was a soldier from pure love of military excitement and adventure. His first experience was, at the age of sixteen years, in the Florida war; next, in Texas, under Gen. Sam Houston, against Santa Anna; then he served in the Mexican war; next, in the campaign against the In- dians, in Oregon; then he accompanied Col. Walker, the " grey-eyed man of destiny," in his Nicaraguan cam- paign; and, lastly, was in service in the war of the Civil Rebellion, first in the Department of the Potomac,

and later in the Department of the Gulf. Col. Har- rison has testimonials from Gen. Wool (the last letter he ever wrote), and from many well-known military men nnder whom he has served in the United States army. He is the last survivor of the old guides aeross the plains.

Returning to Brooklyn, in 1870, he is now engaged in law and the real estate business; and has delivered many public lectures upon his military life and ad- ventures, in which he has wrecked his health and strengtlı.

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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 176

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