USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume IV > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
CLAUS HOLTERMANN.
Claus Holtermann, a progressive and enterprising German- American citizen of Richmond, borough of Richmond, where he has resided for a period of over twenty-five years, has be- come prominently associated with the material and social in- terests of the neighborhood. He was born in the village of
Vol. IV-12
184
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
Hepstedt, county of Zeven, province of Hanover, Germany, Jan- uary 31, 1845. His parents were Cord Henry and Tibke (Haase) Holtermann, both of whom were also natives of the same locality. These parents had by their union in marriage three children: 1. Claus, whose name introduces this review. 2. Margaretta, married Henry Shumacher; she died in 1889 in the Fatherland. 3. Tibke, married William Grobau, came with her husband to the United States in 1892 and took up their abode at Stapleton, borough of Richmond. They have three children, namely: Margaretta, Anna and Catherine Gro- bau. The mother of the aforementioned children, Tibke (Haase) Holtermann, passed away at their home in the Fatherland in 1888. Her worthy husband survived her up to 1891, when he too passed away. They were both consistent Christian people, and were highly respected in the neighborhood wherein they resided.
Claus Holtermann, whose name introduces this review, re- ceived his educational training in the schools of the Father -- land, and at the age of twenty began to learn the trade of baker in the city of Bremen, and at the age of twenty-two was drafted into the military service of his country, being mus- tered into a cavalry company and served in active duty during the Franco-Prussian war. He was honorably discharged from military duties in 1872, at which time he decided to come to the United States, hoping here to find better opportunities for his skill and labor. Upon arriving in New York city, he at onee sought employment and took up his trade with Mr. Fred- erick Egler in Bleecker street. After being employed at his trade in New York city, and Jersey City, New Jersey, until 1879, lie decided to begin business on his own account, having by his industry, thrift, and economy succeeded in aceumulating sufficient capital. He came to Richmond, where he purchased the baking establishment of Garrett Homan, and began busi-
1SẼ
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
ness, eontinning until 1882, in which year he purchased the prem- ises where he now resides. He met with immediate snceess in this undertaking, has made extensive improvements, and has by his thrift and enterprise done much to advanee the material welfare of the neighborhood wherein he resides.
Claus Holtermann was married in New York city by the Rev. Buse, December 15, 1880, to Catherine Moehrmann, born May 28, 1850, in the village of Bothel, county of Rothenberg, province of Hanover, Germany, daughter of John Henry and Mary (Gathmann) Moehrmann. Their seven children are as follows: 1. Clans Henry, born September 19, 1881. 2. Fred- erick William, born Angust 13, 1883. 3. William Henry, born August 16, 1885. 4. Catherine Adelheid, born July 29, 1887. 5. Charles Herman. born June 7, 1890. 6. Albert William, born August 7, 1893. 7. Freeda Tibke, born September 28, 1895. Mr. Holtermann and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.
GUSTAVE PENET.
Gustave Penet, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Grant City, borough of Richmond, where he has resided for a period of over twenty years, is engaged in building and eon- tracting. He was born in the Canton of Parde Calais, France, Mareh 20, 1857, son of Francois and Albertina (Quillot) Penet, who had a family of six children : 1. Irma, married Alexander Laderiere, resides in Franee. 2. Mary, married a Mr. Paget. 3. Francois, Jr., married and resides in his native land. 4. Gustave, died in infancy. 5. Gustave, whose name introduces this review. 6. Ashiel, married and had three children; he lost his life while resening children from a fire. Franeois Penet, father of this family, lost his life by accident in 1860.
1×6
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
His faithful wife and mother of his children passed away in 1891.
Gustave Penet was educated in the schools of his native land and there learned the carpenter trade, which occupation he followed up to 1885, when he decided to come to the United States, hoping here to find a broader field for his skill and labor. Upon his arrival in New York city, he at once found employ- ment with Webber Brothers, builders and contractors, with whom he remained about one year. He next became employed with a Mr. Keen, also a builder and contractor in New York city. In 1890 Mr. Penet began business on his own account at Grant City, borough of Richmond, and in this undertaking met with immediate success, this being the logical result of his ability and skill as well as the straightforward methods pursued in all his transactions. He has erected a number of modern residences and other buildings at Grant City, all of which have been constructed under his supervision and per- sonal management. Mr. Penet was married in his native land in 1879 to Albertine Robbe. daughter of Guilin Robbe, who was a native of the Canton Pardecalias. They have one daughter, Jennie. Mr. Penet has contributed mich to the material growth and development of the community where he resides.
HERMAN F. TREETZ.
Herman F. Treetz, a leading and highly respected German- American citizen of Richmond, borough of Richmond, where he has resided for a period of thirty years, has by his skill and enterprise done much for the material development of the neigh- borhood wherein he resides. He was born in the town of Die- men, county of Pommeren, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, April 30. 1853. His parents were Christian and Fredericka (West- pfal) Treetz, who had by their union in marriage a family of
187
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
fourteen children, seven of whom attained to years of maturity. Christian Treetz was an extensive grain and flour merchant, became well known in the locality wherein he resided and was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He died in the Fatherland in 1851, aged fifty-six years. His widow survived him and passed away in 1873, aged sixty-nine years. The children of the aforementioned parents who attained to years of maturity were as follows: 1. Carl, married and re- sides in the Fatherland. He has children: Ernst, Karl, Wil- helm, Meda, Bertha. 2. Robert, who came to America in 1862 and took up his abode in the borough of Richmond; he mar- ried but has no issue. 3. Ernst, married and has one son, Karl. 4. Meta, married William Benzine and has children: Martha, Louisa, Freda, Bertha, William and Ernst Benzine. 5. Will- iam, who came to America in 1870; he married and has five children. 6. Herman F., whose name introduces this review. . 7. Bertha, deceased; she married William Benzine after the death of her sister Meta and had by her marriage four children.
Herman F. Treetz, whose name introduces this review, re- ceived his educational training in the schools of the Fatherland. When he was fifteen years of age he became an apprentice to learn the confectionery trade. Upon completing his appren- ticeship, he worked at his trade as journeyman in the various large cities of central Europe until 1872, in which year he de- cided to come to America, hoping here to find better opportun- ities for his skill and labor. Upon his arrival in New York city in 1872, he at once found employment at his trade, in which he continued for a period of two years. He next took up a sea- faring life, which line of ocenpation he followed until 1876. In 1878 he engaged in the meat and provision trade in New York city. in which undertaking he met with immediate snecess as the logieal result of his thrift and enterprise. In 1879 he took
188
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
up his location in West New Brighton, borough of Richmond, where he engaged in the same line of pursuit, and in 1899 pur- chased the old Guyon farm in the town of Richmond. In 1902 he engaged in the meat and provision business at his present location in the village of Richmond, where he has successfully continued up to the present time (1906). In that year he en- gaged in the manufacture of concrete building block, which promises to become universally used for building and founda- tion purposes. He takes an active interest in fraternal and social affairs, and is a member in good standing of the Order of Independent Foresters, at West New Brighton.
Herman F. Treetz married, in New York city, July 25, 1881, Fredericka Schmitt, born December 24, 1854, in the town of Landau, in the Rhine Pfalz, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, daughter of Jacob and Louisa (Schermer) Schmitt. Their chil- dren are: 1. Herman Franz, Jr., born May 21, 1883. 2. Meta, born September 30, 1889. Mr. Treetz and his family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran church.
JOHN D. GILLIES.
John D. Gillies, a representative and honored citizen of the town of Southfield, borough of Richmond, where he has re- sided for over fifteen years, and in 1905 represented the Sev- enty-second Aldermanie District of the borough of Richmond in the Board of Aldermen of Greater New York, was born at Wingham, province of Ontario, Canada, March 1, 1856, a son of Daniel and Christina (Gillies) Gillies.
John D. Gillies received his educational training in the schools of his native town. At the age of twenty he took up the practical duties of life, turning his attention to farming, which line of work he pursued up to 1884, when he decided to come to the United States. Upon his arrival here he took up
189
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
his residence in Brooklyn, where he hoped to find a broader field for his skill and labor. After spending a number of years in the employ of his uncle, John Gillies, who was a successful contractor in the seventeenth ward, borough of Brooklyn, Mr. Gillies removed to the town of Northfield, borough of Richmond, in 1889, and resided there for five years. In 1895 he removed to New Dorp, where he has resided up to the present period (1906). He is engaged in general contracting, in the construc- tion of docks and bridges, foundation work, general repairs, ete., and in this line of undertaking has met with a well merited degree of success, which has been the logical result of his straightforward and honorable methods of conducting all his business affairs.
Mr. Gillies is a progressive and enterprising man, and takes an active interest in the public and civil affairs in the community wherein he resides. Upon the consolidation of the borough of Richmond with Greater New York, Mr. Gillies was appointed one of the electric light inspectors of his district and served in that position up to 1903, in which year he was elected a member of the board of aldermen, representing the seventy-second aldermanic district. In 1905 he was again chosen the nominee of his party for the office, again received a sub- stantial majority, and served in that capacity up to Jannary 1, 1906. Mr. Gillies is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and at the time of his election was the only candidate on his party ticket to receive a majority of votes for office, which is an eloquent testimonial of his popularity. Mr. Gillies has at all times contributed generously to church and charitable enterprises regardless of creed or sect, and has frequently given of his time and substance for the advancement of the educational and material interests of the community.
John D. Gillies married, in the province of Ontario, Canada,
190
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
February 15, 1882, Mary Cameron, born November 6, 1860, danghter of Alexander and Catharine (Cameron) Cameron, both natives of Scotland. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Gillies are: Alexander, born November 1, 1882, at Montreal, Canada. Dan- iel, born May 27, 1884, at Montreal, Canada. Mary, born March 12, 1888, at Brooklyn. John born February 11, 1893, at borough of Richmond. Florence, born October 1, 1894. Francis, born November 6, 1896. Mr. Gillies and his family are faithful com- municants of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at Rich- mond.
CHARLES M. EGER.
Charles M. Eger is a progressive and enterprising citizen of the borough of Brooklyn, where he has become prominently known as the vice-president of the Hecla Bronze and Iron Works.
Mr. Eger is a native of the "land of the Midnight Sun," his birth having occurred in Christiana, Norway, on the 7th of December, 1843. His family were prominent and influential in public affairs of the kingdom, and his father, Lawrence Eger, served many years in an official capacity as comptroller, and was a highly respected and useful citizen in his community.
Charles M. Eger, of this review, received his educational training in the schools of his native land and in Germany. Upon attaining to his twentieth year, having decided with landable ambition and a desire to improve his opportunities in life, he came to the United States. Soon after his arrival the young man sought employment, being dependent upon his own efforts, and he pursued various occupations in New York and Brooklyn, having been employed in the latter city as a laborer in Prospect Park. In 1870 Mr. Eger secured employment in an architectural iron foundry in New York city, of which Niels Poulson (his
191
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
present partner, and president of the Hecla Bronze and Iron Works), was the head draftsman. Mr. Eger continned in the employment of this establishment up to 1876, when the concern failed, and both Mr. Eger and his friend Mr. Poulson found themselves without employment. But the two ambitious and future draughtsmen were not to be dismayed or discouraged. Mr. Poulson having embarked in business on his own account, Mr. Eger entered his employ as a draughtsman. In this under- taking the young architect displayed marked aptitude and genins in his work, and in 1877 Mr. Eger was admitted into partner- ship. With the united efforts and skill of the two principals, the business of the firm rapidly increased, the products of their establishment having become everywhere recognized for their superiority and originality of design, and the demands for their work becoming so great that the interests of the firm were in- corporated under the name of Heela Bronze and Iron Works, of which organization Mr. Eger was made vice-president, in addition to managing the ornamental department of the insti- tution. During this period of nearly thirty years of uninter- rupted activity and usefulness, Mr. Eger has rendered import- ant services to the establishment, and the success he has attained is the result of his indefatigable energy and perseverance.
In 1870 Mr. Eger was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Anderson. While their union has not been blessed with chil- dren, they have brought up an adopted daughter, Josephine, who is a niece of Mrs. Eger. Mr. Eger is a man of generous and benevolent spirit, and his contributions to the Norwegian Hos- pital and other institutions have been liberal, while his many private charities are unknown to the public, as in his giving he is entirely free from ostentation. He deserves his success, and the most envions cannot grudge him his prosperity, so honorably has it been won and so worthily is it used.
192
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
WARREN KELSEY.
Warren Kelsey was for many years a useful and highly respected citizen of Woodrow, borough of Richmond, where he resided for a period of twenty years. He was born in the town of Bristol, Maine, August 23, 1814, and was a son of James and Esther (Wentworth) Kelsey, and was one of a family of thirteen children. (See Wentworth family genealogy, Vol. 1, page 271-2.)
Warren Kelsey was educated and reared to manhood at Bristol, and there also learned the ship carpenter trade, which line of work he pursued for a number of years. Later he came to Woodrow and here purchased land which was formerly a part of the old Eddy farm, upon which he made considerable improvements and spent the remaining years of his life. He died October 16, 1877. Mr. Kelsey became well and favorably known by all his friends and neighbors, and took an active part in the material and social interests of the community where- in he resided.
Warren Kelsey married, in New York city, August, 1843, Magdalene Butler, born November 10, 1823, daughter of Cap- tain Henry and Frances (Swaim) Butler, both of whom were descendants of old Staten Island families. Of this marriage Mr. Kelsey had born to him a family of eight children: 1. Mary Frances, born January 17, 1844, married James Edward Moore and has children: Frederick, Warren Clinton, Jessie and Harry WV. Moore. 2. Esther A., born June 16, 1845, not married. 3. Abram Riker, born December 27, 1846, married Antoinette Duff; no issue. 4. Martha Jane, born February 25, 1849, died aged thirteen years. 5. Henrietta, born April 31, 1852, mar- ried Richard Lunt, no issue. 6. Helen Augusta, born July 20, 1854, married John Frederick Sickels and has children: Helen
193
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
A., Frederick Warren, George Russell, Eloise, John Raymond and Ellsworth Sickels. 7. Ida Virginia, born October 20, 1856, married Norman Brown and has one daughter, Leslie Demarest Brown. 8. Harry Walter, born February 9, 1864, see forward.
Harry Walter Kelsey, eighth child of Warren and Magda- lene (Butler) Kelsey, was born at the family homestead at Woodrow, borongh of Richmond. His educational training was acquired in the schools at Rossville. At the age of sixteen he began to take up the practical duties of life on his own account. His first employment was with the S. S. White Dental Manu- facturing Company at Princess Bay, where he was for some time engaged in the mechanical department. Mr. Kelsey next engaged in business on his own account, in the oil distributing trade at Woodrow, which line of pursuit he successfully fol- lowed for a period of two years, and next spent about nine years in the dairy business. In 1897 he engaged in the coal trade at Green Ridge, in which undertaking he met with im- mediate success as the logical result of his straightforward and honorable methods of conducting his business. In 1901 he estab- lished himself at Great Kills, where he has become engaged in the coal trade in connection with building materials. Since his establishment here Mr. Kelsey has by his thrift and enterprise done much for the material development of the neighborhood, and in other ways has contributed to the public and social good of the community.
Henry W. Kelsey married, December 31, 1889, Lney Spring- stead, born October 29, 1864, danghter of William and Margaret (Dolson) Springstead, and of this marriage were born three children: 1. Marguerite, born June 8, 1897. 2. Mildred, born October 8, 1903. Helen Louise, born December 29, 1905. The family attend the Woodrow Methodist Episcopal Church.
194
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
FRANZ WOLFGANG.
Franz Wolfgang, a leading architect of the Bronx, is a native of Saxony, Germany, where were also born his parents, John and Christiana Wolfgang, who there passed their entire lives.
Franz Wolfgang was born November 19, 1860, and came to the United States in 1881, the year in which he attained his majority. He came with ample preparation for the occupa- tion to which he has devoted himself, and in which he has won well deserved approbation. He had obtained his literary edu- cation in an academic institution in his native land, where he had also studied in technical schools, his course including thor- ough training in architectural drawing. He followed his call- ing industriously for his first nine years in New York city, mak- ing for himself a reputation which was of high value when he engaged in business on his own account, in 1900, in the Bronx, with offices in the Bronx Building, No. 787 East One Hundred and Seventy-seventh street and Third avenue. Among the large edifices which he has planned, and of which he has superintended the construction, are the lace factory of Schweizer & Trabors, on Prospect avenue; the ice plants on Ninety-seventh street, between First and Second avenues, Manhattan, and in Brook- lyn, a block of seven residences at the southwest corner of Wash- ington avenue and One Hundred and Seventy-first streeet, Bronx ; four houses at the corner of One Hundred and Sixtieth street and Cauldwell avenue; three houses on the southwest corner of One Hundred and Sixtieth street and Trinity avenue; and many other prominent buildings in the Bronx. During 1906 Mr. Wolf- gang drew the plans and superintended the building of the apartment house running from Webster to Clay avenues, seven stories on Webster avenue and five stories on Clay avenne, with entrances on both avennes; size of building, sixty by one hun-
195
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
dred, with stores on Webster avenne and apartments for six families on floors above.
A thoroughly equipped practical architect, and holding to high standards of professional and personal integrity, giving close personal attention to the task, and a genuine enthusiasm, he has built up a most prosperous business, each product of his brain and hand testifying so highly to his capability and hon- esty as to prove the means of bringing to him other and more important contracts and commissions, and is recognized as among the foremost of those who have during the past quarter century contributed in largest degree to the upbuilding and beautification of the Bronx and its outlying territory.
Mr. Wolfgang married, in New York city, in 1883, Amelia Kirchner, whose death occurred in 1895, after she had borne to her husband seven children: Wa'demier, Marie, Amelia, Gertrude, deceased; Tilly, Clara and Franz. The family are Lutherans in religion, and attend St. Paul's Evangelical Lu- theran Church, One Hundred and Eighty-first street.
JAMES H. HARIGAN.
The Harigan family has been represented on Staten Island for some generations. John Harigan, grandfather of James HI. Harigan, was born in Ireland in 1837, and came to America when eighteen years of age. He decided to settle on Staten Island and took up the occupation of farming, which he followed all his life, as well as engaging in doek building. He purchased a large tract of land and cultivated it, and it is even now in the possession of the family. Mr. John Harigan married Cath- arine Cronin, who was born in 1825, in Ireland, and came to America when a very young girl. They have had two children : James, and Mary, who died in 1899.
James Harigan, son of John and Catharine (Cronin) Har-
196
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
igan, was born on Staten Island and still lives there on or near the old homestead.
James H. Harigan, son of James Harigan, was born at Graniteville, Staten Island, May 27, 1857, and received his edu- cation in the public schools of Staten Island. He was attentive and studious, and after leaving school was apprenticed to a blacksmith. He worked there for three years, learning the trade in all its branches, and then commenced business for himself in that line. He was very successful in his undertaking, and has followed this occupation up to the present time and has amassed a very confortable fortune. He is a man well known for his industry, honesty and ability in his trade.
He married, July 2, 1876, Theresa Lonigan, who was born in 1861, in Port Homand. She is the daughter of Richard and Catherine (Rafter) Lonigan. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Harigan have had five children: Jessie, Margaret, Mary, Annie, and John; Jessie is the only one living.
JOHN TIETJEN.
John Tietjen, a progressive and enterprising German-Amer- ican citizen and a member of the firm of Tietjen Brothers, whole- sale milk dealers in New York city, was born in the Fatherland, in the village of Lehnstedt, connty of Hagen, province of Han- over, Germany, October 15, 1871, son of Henry and Meta (Steilon) Tietjen, both natives of the county of Hagen, province of Hanover.
Henry Tietjen (father) was a farmer by occupation, and both he and his wife were frugal and industrions people. Henry Tietjen died at the family homestead in Lehnstedt, November 6, 1891; his faithful wife survived him and resides on the fam- ily homestead with her daughter Matilda. Henry and Meta (Steilen) Tietjen were the parents of eight children, as fol-
-
John Tiefer
197
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
lows: 1. Adaline, born December 18, 1864, came to the United States in 1881, became the wife of Christian Von Weiding and resides in Brooklyn, New York. 2. Diedrich, born January 8, 1866, came to the United States in 1883 and settled in New York city; he married Fredericka Havemeyer, born February 20, 1869, daughter of Bernhardt and Hedwig Havemeyer, and they are the parents of three children: Henry, born February 19, 1893; Alfred Bernhardt, born June 27, 1895; and Elizabeth Christine, born October 8, 1898. The mother of these children, Fredericka (Havemeyer) Tietjen, died April 28, 1905. 3. Meta, born November 7, 1869, came to the United States in 1886 and resides in New York city. 4. John, born October 15, 1871, see forward. 5. Katrina, born January 1, 1873, came to the United States in 1892; she married William Fick and resides in Brook- lyn, New York. 6. Henry, born February 16, 1877, came to the United States in 1892; he married Louisa Loddigs and they are the parents of two children: Elizabeth, born November 6, 1899, and Martha, born January 31, 1901. 7. Anna, born May 17, 1879, came to the United States in 1892 and resides in New York city. 8. Matilda, born August 17, 1885, resides with her mother on the family homestead in Lehnstedt.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.