USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume IV > Part 16
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Johan Adolph Grafe received his elementary educational training in the schools of the Fatherland, where he also learned the weaver's trade, which line of occupation he pursued up to 1901, when he came to the United States and upon his arrival here took up his abode with his son, Moritz Emil Grafe. Johan Adolph Grafe was married November 8, 1868, to Amelia Aurora Freudenberg, born July 9, 1843, at the village of Ober Steinau, near the town of Pulsnitz, a daughter of Carl Dudley Gottlieb and Caroline ( Kebbler) Freudenberg, and of this marriage were born three children: 1. Emil Moritz, born February 11, 1872. 2. Ida Lina, born July 14, 1877, married Oscar Nagle, no issue. 3. Gustave Irwin, born August 28, 1882, came to the United
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States in 1899, and took up his residence with his brother, Emil Moritz, of Rossville, where he is engaged in fruit growing.
Emil Moritz Grafe, eldest child of Johan Adolph and Ame- lia Aurora (Freudenberg) Grafe, was educated in the schools of the Fatherland, and at the age of fourteen, according to custom, graduated from the district school. He then attended a preparatory school at the city of Pulsnitz for a period of three years. He also served an apprenticeship of three years in the same city, learning the dyeing and printing trade, which line of work he pursued up to the time he came to the United States in 1890. Upon his arrival here he located at Rossville, borongh of Richmond, where he engaged in the fruit culture, which line of work he has since pursued, and by his skill and careful study has done much to improve the numerous species of fruit that he has cultivated. Mr. Grafe has become known as the leading fruit grower of Staten Island and is regarded as one of the use- ful citizens of his neighborhood.
Mr. Grafe was married at Rossville, borongh of Richmond, November 9, 1897, to Marie Meyer, born June 22, 1874, danghter of Johan and Genevieve (Meyer) Meyer, both of whom were natives of Utten Hofen, in the court district of Engen, the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, and of this marriage has born to him the following children: 1. William Wolf, born September 2, 1898. 2. Herbert Adolph, born June 28, 1900. 3. Emil Erwin, born March 15, 1902. 4. Freida Amelia, born October 31, 1903. 5. Hilda Marie, born November 15, 1904.
CASPER SCHMIEG.
Casper Schmieg, a useful and highly respected German- American citizen of Kreischerville, where he has resided since 1875, a period of thirty-one years, is a native of the village of Windeschbush, county of Bocksberg, in the Grand Duchy of
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Baden, Germany, born December 4, 1840, son of Sebastian and Victorie (Weber) Schmieg. Sebastian Schmieg was twice mar- ried; his first wife bore him two daughters, and his second wife two sons, namely: Casper and Joseph.
Casper Schmieg, the only member of the family to emigrate to the United States, received his educational training in the schools of the Fatherland, and upon attaining manhood years learned the milling trade, which he pursued for some time in his native land. In 1866, having decided to come to the United States, hoping to find there a broader field for his skill and labor, he left his native land, arriving in the city of New York, November 22. He resided in New York until 1875, a period of nine years, in which year he removed, accompanied by his family, to Kreischerville, where he entered the employ of Balt- hazer Kreischer, continuing thus employed until 1898. Through- out his active and useful life he has displayed the characteristics of thrift and enterprise, and accordingly has accumulated a competence for his declining years, which will enable him to enjoy a well-merited rest from labor. In 1883, his wife, who possesses excellent business ability of a high order, engaged in the milk trade, which line of enterprise she has successfully de- veloped and is conducting at the present time (1906). Among her patrons are many of the leading families of Tottenville and vicinity.
Mr. Schmieg married, August 22, 1866, Caroline Zeigler, born May 6, 1841, daughter of Michael and Johanna (Drefler) Zeigler, natives of the kingdom of Wurtemberg, and residents of the village of Leinrodtten, in the court district of Orlen. Mrs. Schmieg was the youngest of a family of six children, and the only one to come to America. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmieg are as follows: Frank, born March 20, 1867, died May 22, 1894; he married Odena Hofstedt, and had children: Henry,
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Joseph, deceased. Rose, born January 11, 1868, married Philip Baker, and has children: Caroline and William Baker. Henry, born May 31, 1871. Caroline, born October 28, 1874, married Anton Warnier, and has two children : Agnes and Edith Warnier. Lena, born March 25, 1877, married Ernest Benninghoff; one son, Ernest. Ernest Benninghoff, Sr., died November 2, 1904. Freeda, born September 27, 1878. Edith, born November 30, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Schmieg are consistent members of St. Peter's German Lutheran Church of Kreischerville.
HENRY EGBERT.
Henry Egbert, a well known resident of Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, son of William and Mary Ann ('Lake) Egbert, was born in Graniteville, Staten Island. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, and at a suitable age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a considerable portion of his life. About five years prior to his death he received an appointment in the engineering department of the Sailor's Sung Harbor, Staten Island, and this he filled very efficiently and satisfactorily until his death, which was greatly regretted. He was a man of most exemplary habits, never drinking intoxicating liquors and never using tobacco in any form. He was of a kindly, helpful disposi- tion, and took an intelligent interest in the public affairs of his day. He married Elizabeth A. Blake, a representative of one of the old families on Staten Island.
William Blake, grandfather of Mrs. Henry Egbert, was born on Staten Island, and followed the occupation of farming. He married Ann Corson and they had children: William, John, Elizabeth, Richard, Daniel C., Edward, George, Ann.
Daniel C. Blake, son of William and Ann (Corson) Blake, was born on Staten Island. When quite a young lad he learned
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how to manage a steamboat under the personal direction of old Commodore Vanderbilt, and was in command of the first steam- boat that made the trip across New York Bay. Subsequently he turned his attention to the treking business in the city of New York, continning for a number of years, residing there during that period. He then came to Staten Island and settled on the Simonson farm, which had been handed down to fonr genera- tions of Simonsons. The dwelling house, which was standing during the Revolutionary war, is still standing, but has been somewhat remodeled. He married Ann B. Simonson, a native of New Springville, Staten Island, daughter of Eseck and Eliza- beth (Barnes) Simonson, who had four children: George, Abi- gail, Dorothy and Ann. Eseck Simonson was a farmer by occu- pation. Elizabeth (Barnes) Simonson was the danghter of George Barnes, who came to America many years ago, in com- pany with his brother Robert. After a trial residence in this conntry of six months' duration, they determined to settle here, and decided upon Staten Island as a place of permanent resi- dence. George was prominently identified with the public af- fairs of the town in which he lived, and was elected probate judge, an office he filled very capably for many years. The chil- dren of Daniel C. and Ann B. (Simonson) Blake were: Daniel, see forward; Mahala S .; and Elizabeth A., married Henry Eg- bert, as previously stated.
Daniel Blake, son of Damel C. and Ann B. (Simonson) Blake, was born in New York city, April 9, 1841. He is of an active, energetic nature, and is possessed of great force of char- acter. When still quite young he joined the police force, and for earnest attention to the details of his calling he has had very few equals. He rose, step by step, until he had attained the rank of captain, an office which he filled efficiently for several years, then Vol. IV-14
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resigned from the force in 1901, and is now (1906) living in re- tirement in his home in Staten Island.
He married, 1866, Peninna Jewesson, danghter of George Walter and Emeline (Hewlett) Jewesson, the latter- born at Far Rockaway, Long Island, 1810. George Walter and Emeline (Hewlett) Jewesson had children: Virginia M., Milton H., Je- mima, and Thomas J. George Walter Jewesson was born in Virginia, March 4, 1805, and was gradnated from the College of George, where he had studied medicine. He came to New York city, and then settled on Staten Island, where he pursued the practice of his profession for a period of twenty years. At the end of this time he removed to New York city and continued the practice of medicine in that city. He was the son of George W. Jewesson, who was born in London, England, and came to the United States in 1805. He was a lawyer, with a lucrative practice in the city of New York, and married Mary Ellis, born in Lon- don, England, and they had children: George Walter, Thomas, William, Jeremiah and Jane. The children of Daniel and Peninna (Jewesson) Blake were: George W., born May 20, 1867. Virginia A., born October 3, 1876. Alfred, born September 8. 1886. Florence M., born January 31, 1887, died February 15. 1889.
JOHN H. NUSSKERN.
John H. Nusskern, sexton of St. John's Evangelical Lu- theran Church, in Christopher street, New York city, is a member of a respected family, who came to this country from Germany.
Jacob F. Nusskern was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, emi- grated to the United States in early life, and settled on Long Island. For a period of twenty-seven years he was connected with the cemetery at Middle Village, Long Island. He died No- vember 27, 1899, at Middle Village, where his widow still lives. He married Emma Bailer.
Henry W. Wolf
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John H. Nusskern, son of Jacob F. and Emma (Bailer) Nusskern, was born in Middle Village, Long Island, December 15, 1881. His education was acquired in the public schools of the town and in the school connected with the Lutheran church of the place. He has been engaged in the undertaking business for more than eight years, and for the last two years has filled very capably the position of sexton of St. John's Evangelical Lu- theran Church, as successor to T. F. Asmussen. He is a man of sterling worth and has won many friends among the members of the congregation.
HENRY WILLIAM WOLF.
Henry William Wolf, a venerable and highly respected German-American citizen of Rossville, borongh of Richmond, where he has resided for over fifty years, and has become prom- inently associated in the material and social interests of the community, was born in the village of Oberlichtena, near the city of Pulsnitz, province of Saxony, Germany, February 22, 1827, a son of Gottfried and Johanna (Grafe) Wolf.
His father, Gottfried Wolf, was a farmer by occupation, which line of work he followed throughout the active years of his life. Gottfried and Johanna (Grafe) Wolf had by their marriage born to them a family of ten children: 1. Carl, mar- ried and spent his life in the Fatherland. 2. Gottlieb, married and remained in the Fatherland. 3. Johanna, married a Mr .. Guhr. 4. Gottloeb, who did not marry, and died in the Father- land, aged twenty-seven years. 5. Elenora, married a Mr. Mischbach. 6. Gotthelf, who married and spent his life in the Fatherland. 7. Caroline, married Gottlieb Grafe, of whom a sketch appears in this work. 8. Christiana, married a Mr. Loentze. 9. Henry William, whose name introduces this sketch. 10. August, married and spent his life in the Fatherland. The
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mother of the aforementioned children, Johanna (Grafe) Wolf, died in the Fatherland in 1833. Her husband married (second) , and of this union had born a family of three children : 1. Amelia, married a Mr. Obitz. 2. Henry, who mar- ried but has no issue. 3. Ernst, married and spent his life in the Fatherland. John Gottfried Wolf died in 1870.
Henry William Wolf, whose name introduces this review, received his educational training in the schools of the Father- land. Upon leaving school he became apprenticed to the shoe- maker's trade, serving a term of three years, after which he took up his trade as a journeyman, traveling throughout the various states of central Europe and visiting the larger cities thereof, where he worked at his trade. In 1851 Mr. Wolf de- cided to come to the United States, hoping here to find better opportunities and broader fields for his skill and labor. After working at his trade in New York city for two years, he came to Rossville, in 1853, where he again took up his trade on his own account, continuing the same successfully for a period of twenty years. By his thrift and enterprise, Mr. Wolf has con- tributed much towards the material growth and development of the neighborhood where he resides. He is a self-made man in the true sense of the word, having begun life without any finan- cial aid. but by his industry, thrift and economy has accumulated an ample competence for himself and family. In addition to the many interests in which he is concerned, Mr. Wolf has given of his time and substance for the advancement of educational and other interests of the community. He has served three years as a member of the school board, during which time he aided materially in advancing the educational interests of the town. He is an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church at Ross- ville, and has served for a number of years on the board of trustees of the same.
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Henry William Wolf was married at Rossville, borongh of Richmond. September 12, 1853, to Christiana Kierschner, born in 1824, daughter of Carl and Fredericka Kierschner, who were uatives of the town of Plonkenheim, province of Saxony, Ger- many. Of this marriage there was no issue. Mrs. Wolf died July 3, 1898. She was an active member of St. Luke's Epis- copal Church. Mr. Wolf married (second), May 20, 1902, Eliza- beth Matthies, widow of Henry Matthies, daughter of Edward and Johanna (Apfel) Schunburg. Both of the latter were natives of the city of Hamburg, Germany. Mrs. Wolf is also a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
CARL H. KRULL.
Carl H. Krull, a valued and well known citizen of New York city, who for a period of seventeen years was the faithful and efficient sexton of St. Paul's German Evangelieal Church, was a native of Germany, but had resided in this country for many years, and died in New York city, December 13, 1904.
He was born in the province of Mecklenburg, Germany, July 25, 1863, and his education was acquired in his native land, where he also learned his trade of baking. He emigrated to the United States in early youth, settling in New York, where he worked at his trade until 1888. He was appointed sexton of St. Paul's Church in March of that year, and filled that office very acceptably until the time of his death. About the same time he established himself in the undertaking business on West Seventeenth street, and later removed to No. 330 West Twenty- second street, where the business is still conducted by his widow. He was an exemplary citizen in every respect and all his actions were honorable. In friendship he was sincere, in his home af- fectionate and devoted. He was publie spirited and helpful in his intercourse with his fellowmen, and his manner was genial,
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courteous and refined. He was a member of the New York Undertakers' Association, and United Brothers' Lodge, No. 356, Free and Accepted Masons, and other fraternal organiza- tions. He was married, October 8, 1889, in St. Paul's German Evangelical Church, Rev. Leo Koenig officiating, to Johanna Siebenborn, a native of Rhenish Prussia, daughter of Sebastian and Johanna Siebenborn.
JOHN L. DOUGHERTY.
The new world has always had a great attraction for the residents of the old, and this proved to be the case with Will- iam L. Dongherty, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1818. He emigrated to America and, finding profitable employ- ment, determined to remain here. He married Jane E. West- fall, born in 1820, in Milford, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Clark) Westfall, and granddaughter of Captain William Clark, of the American Revolution. John Westfall was born in New Jersey and was a lumberman; his wife was born in Hampton, Orange county, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. John Westfall had seven children : James, William, who was at varions times treasurer, judge, and representative of Pike county, Pennsylvania; Solomon, Gabriel, John, Maria, Cath- arine. William L. Dougherty and his wife were the parents of five children: John L., see forward; Clark, William, Alva, Solomon.
Jolin L. Dougherty, eldest son and eldest child of William L. and Jane E. (Westfall) Dougherty, was born July 18, 1842, in West Falls, Pennsylvania, and received his early education in the public schools of Lackawaxen township, Pike county, Pennsylvania. He followed the occupation of farming and lumbering. When the Civil war broke out it was his earnest wish to serve his country, and when but twenty years of age he
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enlisted. He joined the army October 6, 1862, as a private, and served two years. He was in the Eighteenth Cavalry of Penn- sylvania and was wounded during the battle of Hagerstown, Maryland, July 6, 1863. As a result of that wound one of his legs was amputated. He had been taken prisoner at the battle of Hagerstown, Maryland, and was held for seven days; on the 13th of July, 1863, he was recaptured by the Kilpatrick Cavalry. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant, December 26, 1864. While he was in service he showed great bravery and would undoubtedly have made a notable record had his wound not incapacitated him for further service. After his discharge he remained in Philadelphia for the remainder of the winter and pursued a course of study there. In 1865 he went to his home in Pike county, Pennsylvania.
He married, February 10, 1866, in Pike county, Pennsyl- vania, Margaret Helen Ferguson, daughter of Joseph A. and Mary Agnes (Hall) Ferguson. Joseph A. Ferguson was born April 12, 1827, in the city of Dublin, Ireland. He was a linen weaver by trade, emigrated to America, in 1847, and settled in Forestburg, Sullivan county, New York. He married Mary Agnes Hall, born July 30, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Fer- guson were the parents of five children: Margaret Helen, mar- ried John L. Dougherty; Mary E., William, Charles C., and Edwin H. Mrs. John L. Dougherty's grandfather was David Ferguson, who was born in Ireland, and was a noted physician in that country. Mr. and Mrs. John L. Dougherty have had seven children born to them: May, born December 14, 1868; Howard II., born January 2, 1871, died April 16, 1883; Inez, born July 20, 1874; Alice, born October 9, 1879; William, born October 22, 1882, died January 12, 1885; Grace, born March 26, 1885, died August 18, 1894; Edwin J., born July 29, 1887.
John L. Dougherty may well be termed one of the prominent
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citizens of Castleton Corners, Staten Island. He is always foremost in the ranks of those who work to promote the public welfare. The love for his country which led him as a youth to enter the ranks of her defenders has not left him, and when any matter concerning the public interests of the community in which he lives is to be considered, his voice is ever a deciding one. He is pleasant and genial in his demeanor and has a host of friends.
JOHN W. HOUSEMAN.
The family of Houseman has been represented on Staten Island for many generations. The earliest member of the fam- ily of whom we have any definite information is John W. Houseman, the grandfather of John W. Honseman. He was born on Staten Island and spent his whole life there. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-three years. He followed the occupation of a carpenter and general contractor. He married Mary Peterson, and they had the following children: James W., Albert, John Wesley, George W., Willard, Isabella, Ida, Alice, Mary.
John Wesley Houseman, father of John W. Houseman, was the son of John W. and Mary (Peterson) Honseman, and was born at West Brighton, Staten Island, March 31, 1852. He followed in the footsteps of his father as a carpenter and added to this the trade of painting. The combination was attended with a marked degree of success from a business point of view. He married Josephine Cochran, born in the city of New York, Oc- tober 27, 1851, daughter of James and Josephine Cochran, and they had three children: James Nelson, John W. and Robert Nelson.
John W. Honseman, second son and child of John Wesley and Josephine (Cochran) Houseman, was born at Northfield, Staten Island, October 4, 1874. He was educated in the public
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schools in Graniteville, Staten Island, and after leaving school took a position as a driver of teams. He followed this occupa- tion for some time and then determined to learn a trade. He accordingly entered a factory for the manufacture of jewelry boxes, and worked at the above business for eighteen years. He is considered one of the rising young men of his district, and his energy and ambition are carrying him along the high road to prominence and prosperity.
He married, October 29, 1895, Grace Vanbuskirk, born at West Brighton, Staten Island, February 17, 1873, daughter of Benjamin and Phoebe (Mullin) Vanbuskirk. Mr. Vanbuskirk was born on Staten Island and was a painter. Mr. and Mrs. Vanbuskirk have had four children: John B., Archibald W., Thomas M. and Grace H. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Houseman have one child, Leroy Nelson, born March 30, 1900.
JOSEPH FRANZ.
Joseph Franz, who has been a resident of Staten Island for more than a dozen years, is of German descent. His father, George A. Franz, born at Carlstadt, Bavaria, Germany, 1815, was a gardener. He married Barbara Overmeyer, born in Stadtelschwarzach, Germany, and they had three children: Michael, who lives in Germany; a child who died in infancy ; Joseph, of whom later.
Joseph Franz, youngest child and son of George A. and Barbara (Overmeyer) Franz, was born at Wurzburg, Germany, November 25, 1857. He received his education in Germany and learned the trade of a blacksmith there, which he followed for some years. He came to America in 1893, and settled on Staten Island, where he bought a home in Port Richmond, on Newark avenue, where he resides at the present time. In common with most of the German-Americans, he has retained his habits of
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thrift and industry and is considered a prosperous man by his fellow townsmen. He married, June 22, 1894, Sophie Winge- feld, born in Fauerbach, Germany, March 28, 1860, daughter of Peter and Amelia (Wagner) Wingefeld. Peter Wingefeld married (first) Anna Seum, and they had one daughter, Louisa. He married (second) Amelia Wagner, by whom he had two children : Augusta and Sophie. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Franz are the parents of two children: Amelia, born December 11, 1894; Joseph, born September 23, 1895.
JAMES LOWE COTTIER.
James Lowe Cottier, who has for many years been a resident of Linoleumville, Staten Island, is a native of Isle of Man, Eng- land. His father, Thomas Cottier, was also born in the Isle of Man, England, and was in business as a linen draper and out- fitter. He married Harriet Clucas, and they were the parents of four children : Henry, James Lowe, Harriet and Julia.
James Lowe Cottier, second son and child of Thomas and Harriet (Clucas) Cottier, was born in the Isle of Man, England, August 10, 1852. He was educated at Cheltenham, England, where he proved himself an apt and studious pupil. In 1883 he decided to come to America, and upon arriving here he went to Newark, New Jersey, and settled there. He obtained employ- ment as night clerk for the Herald News Delivery Company, and held this position for about four years, when, in 1889, he came to the conclusion that Staten Island was a more desirable place for a residence. He accordingly went there and accepted a posi- tion as shipping clerk in the linoleum factory at Linoleumville. He holds this position at the present time, and has decided to make Staten Island his permanent home. His faithful attention to his duties and his accuracy with regard to the details of his business have made him an invaluable person to his employers.
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HIe is ever ready to lend a helping hand to any one in need, and has in consequence made a host of friends.
Mr. Cottier married, November 14, 1875, Mary Agnes Carr, born February 18, 1855, in Hornby, Lancashire, England, dangl- ter of George and Mary (Bainbridge) Carr. Mr. Carr was born in England in 1823, and his wife was born in England in 1825. Their home was at Gowan Hall, Lancashire. Mr. Carr was de- scended from the famous border family of Carrs. The ancestral home of the Bainbridges was Bainbridge House, at Carnforth, Lancashire, and has been in the family from prior to 1100, and is now occupied by one of its members, Mr. Francis Bainbridge, a cousin of Mrs. James L. Cottier. To Mr. and Mrs. Carr were born three children: Elizabeth A., Sarah E. and Mary Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. James Lowe Cottier have one child, a son, James F., who was born in Liverpool, England, July 5, 1877, and is unmarried. He is an engineer by occupation.
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