Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 54

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 54

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kept by him are still extant, and bear witness to the neatness and systematic habits which formed part of his character.

Soon after the close of the war, Mr. Rapelye removed to Charleston, South Carolina, and entered into business there. In July, 1816, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of State of the State of South Carolina. On the 9th of September, 1818, he married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Gilbert Van Mater. Mr. Van Mater lived near what is now known as No. 21 Fulton street, Brooklyn, and held a lease froin the corporation of the city of New York for the ferry between that city and Brooklyn.

In 1819, Mr. Rapelye became a member of a co-partner- ship, to which a brother of Governor Bennet, of South Caro- lina, also belonged. The firm name was Napier, Rapelye & Beunet, and the firm carried on a very extensive and suc- cessful business. During his residence in Charleston, Mr. Rapelye was placed, by the Governor of the State, upon a committee appointed to investigate the negro insurrection which was then in progress, and report upon its causes, ex- tent, and purposes. The insurrection had obtained formida- ble proportions, and according to a writer of the day, an entire people was never more thoroughly alarmed than were the people of Charleston. The committee's report showed that from six to nine thousand negroes were engaged in a plot to seize the arsenals, fire the city in several places, and make a universal massacre of the white inhabitants. The report, however, was drawn up in such a manner as to pro- duce a powerful effect in allaying the excitement which pre- vailed in Charleston.

About the year 1825, Mr. Rapelye returned to Brooklyn. aud soon after entered into business with Mr. Charles Hoyt. He labored for the widening and improvement of Atlantic avenue, and for the establishment of the ferry from the foot of that avenue to New York. In 1837, he contrived a ma- chine, which was intended for sweeping the streets of New York. Upon its trial, he was glad to escape under cover of the dust raised by his own machine, from the hands of an infuriated mob, who, believing that its use would take the bread out of their mouths, destroyed it. Afterwards, in connection with Mr. Cornelius J. Bergen and Alexander Bergen, Mr. Rapelye took an active part in the opening and improvement of that part of South Brooklyn which is in the neighborhood of Carroll Park. In 1853, he purchased a farm of 96 acres iu Newtown, L. I., and gave it the name of Laurel Hill ; he erected a liouse and resided in it until his death, which occurred August 21, 1867, in the 79th year of his age. He left surviving him a widow, five daugliters and two sons. Of the latter, the eldest, Gilbert Van Mater Rapelye, is a resident of Staatsburg, Dutchess county, and the youngest, Augustus Rapelye, resides in this city.

While Mr. Rapelye displayed great energy, and a bold and enterprisiug spirit in all his business undertakings, he had much refinement of taste and fondness for simple pleasures, his seuse of humor was keen, his repartee was quick, aud he loved mirth and drollery. His kiudly dispositiou made him charitable and benevolent, and he was noted for his social qualities and hospitality. As a kind, gentle and loving father, he is endeared to the memory of his children. As a staunch Episcopaliau, he did much to promote the building of St. Luke's, aud the first St. John's and Eunnanuel churches of this city; his religious views were, nevertheless, broad and liberal.

LEONARD MOODY was born September 28, 1839, in the vil- lage of East Pittston, which nestles among the mountains of Maine, within sight of the Kennebec river, and on the banks of the Eastern river. He stayed on his father's farm until

860

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

he was 12 years of age, when he went to sea, and, after four years of life before the mast, he returned to East Pittston and purchased a farm, which still remains in his possession. In 1857, he went to Virginia to deal in white oak timber, for use in building ships, and, after remaining there two years in pursuit of his business, he once more repaired to Maine, on the Penobscot river, near Canada, and stayed there until the first call for volunteers for the defense of the Union. when he hurried to Fortress Monroe.

After McClellau made his famous retreat, Mr. Moody helped to raise the 21st Maine Regiment, and with them came to New York on the way to the front. Ile was discharged in 1863 on account of fever contracted in the Virginia swamps.

Subsequently, he met Miss Marianna Henrietta Quantin, a lady of French descent, the daughter of Henri Quantin, an importer of French commodities, and was united in mar- riage with her, in New York city, in 1864. He visited his native State on his bridal tour, and concluded to settle there on his farm. In January, 1869, desiring a larger field of action, he returned to New York, and, seeing that Brooklyn was to be the great place in the future, he engaged in the real estate business, opening an office in Flatbush avenue.

After years of toil and attention to business, he is now able to stand as the most successful real estate operator in the city, leasing houses to over one thousand of the citizens of Brooklyn. Under his supervision was built the largest apartment house in the city, called "The Fougera," which brings in an annual rental of over $60.000.

Mr. Moody also selected the site for the Federal Building, in Brooklyn, which has been accepted by the commissioners appointed by the United States government.

Although refusing to accept any gift of a political charac- ter from his adopted city, he is known as a power in the Re- publican party, and takes an active part in political councils and in the performance of his duty as a citizen.

JAMES C. EADIE .- A distinctive feature of Brooklyn, and one of which her citizens are justly proud, is the high char- acter, as a rule, of the men who constitute her business circles. No city is richer in men of education, save Boston, perhaps, and none, without exception, numbers more busi- ness men of refinement, social standing and character. No city can show a more happy union of employment and cul- ture, or a larger proportion of men who are " fervent in busi- ness" and at the same time, social and refined, cultivating the amenities of life. An excellent representative of the Brook- lyn men of affairs and of society is he whose name heads this sketch. No gentleman is a better man of business, and no business-man is a more thorough gentleman in all his rela- tions; and as such, no man is more widely or favorably known in his section of the city than he.

Mr. Eadie is a native of Scotland, born in Hogganfiekl Cot- tage, near Glasgow, in the year 1841. Ile comes of good ancestry, and those of his family still residing in Glasgow and its vicinity, ocenpy high positions in social circles. His father was a man of ability, by trade a bleacher, the ok bleachery being still in existence; but he died when his son was five months okl. The latter received his education in the Collegiate School of Glasgow, and on arriving at a suitable age, was placed as a boy in the Bank of Scotland in that city.

By the death of his mother, in 1856, he was left alone with " all the world before him where to choose." Ambitions for his future and hoping for a more active and enterprising career in the New World, he embarked for the Dominion of Canada, in April, 1858, locating at Clinton, with Geo. Brown, for a couple of years. The far-reaching influence of the

metropolis drew him, as it has drawn so many other young men, and there he sought a beginning for his life-work, which was then an uncertain, untried experiment. His first situation was with Samuel Sneden, a ship-builder, at Green- point ; a year later, he went into the tobacco brokerage business, for a time, and did well. Foreseeing that the rapid growth of Brooklyn made it a desirable field for the real estate business, he opened an office at 43 Broadway, E. D., in 1869.

As yet unacquainted with the details of the business, much spirit, determination and energy were requisite to enable him to gain a foot-hold. But these essential qualities he had in large measure, united with a kindly manner which would not permit him to treat anyone except with courtesy; in con- sequence, he soon became known and liked, prospering in a financial way, and held in yet greater esteem for his many good qualities. In 1873, his office was removed to 45 Broadway, which has since become as well known a location as any in the city. It is elegantly and tastefully fitted up, and is the scene not only of large real estate transactions but also of many pleasant reunions of the Burns Ami- ciation, and of other social gatherings at which Mr. Eadie has entertained his friends. Among these guests have been several Mayors of the city; William Cullen Bryant, Bayard Taylor, Jolın G. Saxe, and other literary men; Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and other eminent divines; the foremost in the professions; notable people from abroad, as well as local celebrities. Mr. Eadie also has a large number of letters of friendship from distinguished men in Great Britain and America, very interesting in themselves and in the associa- tions connected with them.

Mr. Eadie has always been loyal to the land of his birth. Years ago he was a prime mover in organizing the "Burns Association," at first an organization for the purpose of caring for worthy and needy Scotchmen in this city, and helping them to employment, as well as with the object of preserving the traditions and national honor of "Auld Scotia." It is still most flourishing, under the presidency of Mr. Eadie, who has occupied that office for twenty years, and annually celebrates the birthday of Robert Burns, with a "feast of reason (and of the old Scottish dishes) and a flow of soul." Mr. Eadie was also one of the originators of the Empire Club, so well known in the eastern part of the city. He was likewise one of the foremost in organizing, and the first and only Treasurer of the Long Island Life Saving Association, whose beneficent work is mentioned elsewhere.

Mr. Eadie has often visited his old home on the other side, so that he is welcomed there by numbers of relatives and friends who are among the best people. His departure on such an excursion in June, 1873, was made the occasion of a farewell dinner, given in his honor by some two hundred of his friends, which was a brilliant gathering. They, with the 47th Regiment full band, also accompanied him down the New York Bay, in the steamer Geo. Fletcher, to wish hiện bon voyage. This incident, unexpected and unsolicited, an honor not before bestowed on a private citizen, testifies to the esteem and regard in which Mr. Eadie is held in the community. He owes none of this kindly feeling to political or interested motives, inasmuch as he has never cared to take an active interest in politics, beyond depositing his ballot in behalf of good government, but it is a -1krl- taneons tribute to manly worth. Like all good citizens, he favors the cause of education. Possessing a fine literary taste, he has accumulated a choice collection of the last books; and is also a liberal patron of art, music and the drama. Occasional conversaziones at his parlors are musical and literary treats, which his friends are delighted to attend.

James & lade

FLO

861

ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

In person, Mr. Eadie is tall and well built, with features of the Scottish type, as his portrait shows. This sketch would be incomplete without mention of Mr. Eadie's busi- ness ability, his shrewdness and farsightedness, which have been a source of great practical benefit, not only to himself, but to the Eastern District, in investing and inducing others to invest in real estate; and has built up that section of the city, drawing population, and thus adding to the material wealth and prosperity.

Says an intimate friend, Rev. Newton Maynard, D. D .: " I do not know a more upright and honorable, cultured and kind-hearted man, or a more polished gentleman of the old school, than Mr. Eadie. He is universally liked here and looked up to as a friend by all. Though not a church mem- ber, he contributes liberally of time and means to help church work, in which his practical aid is of much advantage. When any worthy organization is to be started or helped, no one is more public-spirited than he to assist, and no one so ready to entertain friends or public guests. He is the very prince of hosts. Mr. Eadie is modest and unassuming withal, not thinking of himself more highly than he ought, but pre- fers to let his acts speak rather than his own words. He exerts a strong influence for good here, not only in the way of business, but also socially; always on the side of religion, good morals and refinement."

WILLIAM O. SUMNER, a successful and prominent gentle- man in Brooklyn business circles, whose real estate office is at No. 68 Broadway, was born in the town of Stockbridge, Madison county, N. Y., in 1843. Mr. Sumner's father, after whom he was named, was a native of Gilead, Tolland county, Conn., son of Rev. Henry P. Sumner, one of the Sumners of Massachusetts. When a young man he removed to Stock- bridge, N. Y., where he married Adaline C., daughter of John H. Warren of that town, who, with his son, Wm. O., and two daughters, survive him. Mr. S. was one of the influential men of the town. As a citizen he was generous and public- spirited. He was a man of extensive reading, and on local history was regarded as an authority. In political affairs he took a deep and intelligent interest; he was no office-seeker, although for several years Postmaster at Minnsville. He died at Muunsville, in his adopted State, in July, 1883, at the age of 79.

Young Mr. Sumner, the subject of this sketch, having re- ceived his education in the schools of Madison county, en- gaged in the book trade for a time, but in 1867 removed to Brooklyn. For about two years he was in the mercantile business, and then opened a real estate and insurance office on Broadway, near 4th street. His good character made friends, and his manner of dealing rapidly built up a large business, which assumed such dimensions after a few years that hè was compelled to give up the insurance department, and his branch office in New York, and confine his attention to real estate and investments exclusively. He published the first Real Estate Journal in the Eastern District.

Mr. Sumner has become one of the best known men in the city. He is a member of the New York Board of Trade, also of the Long Island Historical Society, the Williamsburgh Benevo- lent Society, the Brooklyn Civil Service Reform Association; A director of the Brooklyn Library, The Eastern District Hos_ pital and Dispensary, and formerly of the Dime Savings Bank. A gentleman of literary tastes and habits, Mr. Sumner is prominently connected with the leading literary and musical societies. His church relations are with Plymouth Church. Though not an office-holder or office-seeker, he is a politician in the best sense; believing it to be every man's duty to pro- mote the public welfare. He is a Democrat of the inde-

pendent type, and is active in interesting business men in political affairs, in this respect inheriting his father's temper- ament and qualities. A man of untiring energy, always earnest in promoting charitable interests, his benevolence is widely felt. He is also a zealous friend of education, and is amongst those practical and careful observers who believe there is room for, and that the public needs demand, radical improvements and reforms in this department; and that, in the administration of its affairs, the fullest liberality within reason is true economy. It is to such citizens as Mr. Sumner, deeply interested in all that affects the welfare of the com- munity in which they dwell, and alert to render it such per- sonal services as their influence, means and time may enable them, that the city is indebted for its vigorous growth and prosperity.

NICHOLAS COOPER was born in Brooklyn in 1829, in an an- cient farm house, on the old turnpike, leading from old Brooklyn to Flatbush, which was torn down at the time the improvements of Prospect Park was begun, the property on which it stood now being included within the borders of that famous pleasure ground. Here he was reared, working on the farm, as his ancestors had done before him, generation after generation. Richard Cooper, his father, lived and died in Flatbush. His mother, a daughter of John Blake, one of the earliest settlers of New Utrecht, was born in the old house which is now the parsonage of the old Dutch Church of New Utrecht.

Of an active temperament, and having a strong desire for mercantile pursuits, young Cooper found farm life distasteful to him. At the age of sixteen he apprenticed himself for three years to learn a trade at which he was employed a year after having served his time, and then opened, opposite the City Hall (then in course of erection), a store, which soon be- came extensively known as the N. Cooper house-furnishing and toy emporium. His first sale was of one dozen clothes pins for two cents. He continued the business for 19 years, his few closing sales aggregating many thousand dollars.

Having disposed of his business, Mr. Cooper determined to retire from active life; but he soon found time hanging so heavily on his hands that he opened a real estate office. Having seen Brooklyn grow from City Hall eastward, and knowing the value of real property, he felt confident of suc- cess, which he has won. He has ever been eager to improve the city and advance its general interests. As a merchant, conscious of the insufficiency of the old style many-paned windows to display goods, he was the first in Brooklyn to in- troduce a plate-glass front, which rendered his establishment an object of interest to all visitors. He has since put in many of them, and has been one of those foremost in making improvements in the business portions of the city. Aware of the beauty of Flatbush and its desirability as a place of suburban residence, he early determined to open that section for building purposes. Negotiating for large farms, he cut streets through them and made other improvements, which resulted in numerous and advantageous sales to home seekers and the development of what must now be regarded as one of the most attractive portions of Brooklyn. Diamond street, the only paved street in that locality, was laid out and im- proved by Mr. Cooper, who, in 1880, formed the Flatbush Water Company, which supplies water to the town and also to the county buildings.

Never seeking notoriety as a public man, Mr. Cooper, in a quiet way, has been in more than one sense a public bene- factor, and long after he shall have closed his earthly career, the improvements he has made in the City of Churches will stand as monuments to his memory.

862

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

of Davenport

JULIUS DAVENPORT .- The branch of the Davenport family in America, to which the subject of this sketch belongs, traces its descent in an unbroken line from Ormus de Daune- porte, who was born in England in 1086, and who assumed the local name of Dauneporte or Devonport, a sequestered town- ship in the Hundred of Northwich, county of Chester. The family in England included many who were eminent in their time as clergymen, members of parliament, sheriffs and mayors. Prominent among the clergy was Rev. John Davenport, born in Coventry in 1597, educated at Oxford, who preached with great acceptance in London, but by the persecution of Archbishop Laud was driven with the Puritans to America in 1637. He was one of the little band that founded the colony of New Haven in 1638, and was its first pastor. To him Connectient is largely indebted for her con- mon schools and colleges. His energy, probity, devotion to duty and religious zeal have been inherited by his descendants, and have enabled the members of the Davenport family to take the commanding position which they have enjoyed in the communities where they have resided.

Mr. Julins Davenport, whose portrait is given herewith, is the son of William and Abigail Davenport, and was born in New Canaan, Ct., May 26th, 1821. His father, born in 1781. lived in New Canaan and in Brooklyn, and died June 19, 1860, in his 79th year, widely honored and revered. Mr. Daven- port's mother was Abigail Benedict, a woman of great force of

character, blended with mildness and gentleness. Her death occurred in 1839. Mr. Davenport received his education in the common schools of his native place, and at the New Ca- naan Academy, under Prof. Thacher. of Yale. At the age of seventeen he began life for himself by engaging in teaching school. He taught five years in Connecticut and then removed to Brooklyn, where for ten years he was Principal of a private school.

On the fourth of June, 1846, he married Miss Mary .A. Bates, of New York, and their family consists of two sons and one daughter.

At the close of his engagement as Principal, Mr. Daven- port entered the real estate and insurance business on Fulton street, corner of Oxford; and from small beginnings, by his energy and industry, he has built up a large and prosperous business.

In 1859, when that portion of the city contained many va- cant lots. he erected the handsome building which he now ocenpies, on the north-east corner of Fulton and Oxford streets. Among business men, Mr. Davenport is every- where known and esteemed for his sagacity, enterprise and nprightness. He has been connected with the Clinton Avenne Congregational Church for over 30 years, and has filled the office of Deacon. He is known as a public-spirited citizen, and as a warm friend and liberal supporter of educational, charitable and religious institutions.

863

ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

Among the best known Real Estate Brokers, we may nention the following:

George L. Ayers. .. 109 Flatbush avenue.

Real estate; established 1867.

Thomas C. Abbott . Coney Island.

V. B. W. Bennett. 525 Fifth avenue.

Daniel Bradley 92 Bridge street.

1. P. Bailey

11 Sands street.

C. C. Bradey 203 Montague street.

J. Burrill 289 Ninth street.

L. E. Brown. 126 Herkimer street. L. O. Brown (Brown Bros.).40 Fifth avenue and 1187 Fulton street.

Real estate, insurance and building; established 1878; succeeded his father in building business in 1882.

Martin Breen 236 Baltie street.

L. Blumenau . 161 Smith street.

W. H. Barker 189 Montague street.

E. D. Bushnell . . 207 Berkeley place.

I. H. Carry, Jr 196 Fulton street.

Samuel D. Clark 113 Franklin street.

F. W. Carruthers 1357 Fulton street.

G. S. Carpenter 1273 Fulton street.

Ralph L. Cook 810 Fulton street.

Real estate broker; established 1868, under the firm name of Candee & Cook, Mr. Cook succeeding to the bus- iness in 1878, at the death of Mr. Candee.

Stephen Clark 278 Manhattan avenue.

C. W. C. Dreher Wyekoff avenue, near Ful- ton avenue, E. N. Y.

Real estate and insurance; commenced business in the Post Office building, removing to the above address in 1872; founder of a German weekly newspaper, the East New York Laterne; member of the Board of Education. A. B. Davenport . 367 Fulton street.

Julius Davenport Oxford and Fulton streets. (See Biography, page 862.) E. P. Day. 55th street and Third avenue.

J. H. Doherty 280 Flatbush avenue.

J. V. Dorland. Broadway and 4th street.

George Damen 88 Luqueer street.

James C. Eadie 45 Broadway, E. D.

Norris Evans & Son .391 Bedford avenue.

Norris Evans 449 Bedford avenne.

Real estate; born 1824, Brooklyn; established 1877, 391 Bedford avenue.

Edward Egolf . 123 11th street.

Real estate; established 1873, at 13 Willoughby street; was Supervisor of the 22d Ward from 1877 to 1881.

Jos. J. Eiseman. Bushwiek ave. and Grand st.

Ernest J. Eiseman 527 Grand street.

Clarenee C. Fleet Bush wiek ave. and Grand st.

1I. T. Frost 302 Henry street.

Paul C. Grening. .363 Fulton street.

Wm. Gubbins. .20 Seventh avenue.

E. Grening . . 1161 Fulton avenue.

John J. Hardy 788 Third avenue.

Henry Hauselman 106 Graham avenue.

James P. Hall & Son ..... 349 Franklin avenue.

Real estate and insurance; established 1867, on Mon- tague and Fulton streets, under the firm name of Hall & Fowler, Mr. Hall succeeding the firm in 1870, when he removed to his present address.

Edward T. Hunt . 179 Montague street.

J. M. Hildreth .

726 Fulton avenue.

H. Hauselman ..

160 Graham avenue.

Andrew Harrison

1107 De Kalb avenue.

John F. James

189 Montague street.

Real estate; established 1866, at 365 Fulton street; in 1871, formed a partnership with Wyckoff & Little, at 203 Montague street, Mr. Little retiring from the firm soon after, when the firm became Wyckoff & James; in 1874, Mr. James became sole proprietor, removing to his present location.

Harry O. Jones

171 Sehermerhorn street.

Ira A. Kimball.

. 346 9th street.

Real estate; established 1867.

E. C. Litehfield

Ninth avenue and 3d street.

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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 54

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