USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume IV > Part 22
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ROBERT DECKER.
Robert Decker represents in the present generation one branch of the Decker family that settled on Staten Island many.
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years ago. It is such sturdy stock as this which makes us look forward hopefully to the future of our country.
He was born at New Brighton, Staten Island, March 20, 1861. He attended the public schools of Staten Island, and though but nine years of age when compelled by circumstances to leave school, his industry in those few years had laid a solid foundation which has proved of the greatest value to him in later life. His first work was in a printing house and he re- tained this position for eight years, and then accepted work in a planing mill. He followed this occupation for several years, giving it up to accept a position with the Staten Island Water Supply Company, in whose employ he has been ever since, now holding the position of engineer. He is well liked by his employers and fellow workmen for accuracy in his work and for his cheerful and helpful disposition. He married Carrie Lawless, born at New Brighton, daughter of John and Catherine Lawless. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are the parents of six children : Edward, Robert, Mildred, Jolin, Caro- line and Ruth.
JOSEPII L. VANDERBILT.
Among the names of Dutch who emigrated to America many years ago, we find that of Vanderbilt. They settled in New York and its vicinty. Oliver Vanderbilt, father of Joseph L. Vanderbilt, was born in New York, and was a carpenter by trade. He married Sarah Levinless, and they had three chil- dren : Sarah. Oliver and Joseph L., see forward.
Joseph L. Vanderbilt, son of Oliver and Sarah (Levin- less) Vanderbilt, was born in New York city, September 19, 1821. He attended the public schools of New York city, where he received an excellent education for those days. After leav- ing school he entered into business with his stepfather, as an
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exchange broker. He continued in this for about twenty years and then entered the ship building of his brother-in-law, Charles M. Simonson. Here he was bookkeeper and general clerk until 1858, when he left him and entered into a business partnership with Mr. Ingleson, under the firm name of Ingelson & Vander- bilt Ship Building Company. This business was in existence for about five years, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and as the insurance company refused to pay the investment was a total loss. Mr. Vanderbilt then sold his half-interest, and accepted a position with the National Bank of Commerce, a position which he held for thirty-nine consecutive years, and then, in accordance with a clause in the by-laws of the bank, was retired on half-pay. Mr. Vanderbilt's energy, integrity and faithful attention to his duties, however trivial they might appear, earned for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he had business dealings. In the course of his long life he has made many friends, and is proud of the esteem of his townsmen, which is justly his due. In 1862 Mr. Vanderbilt moved to Brooklyn, New York, and lived in that city until 1875, when he removed to Clove Road, Richmond Turnpike, West New Brighton, Staten Island.
He married (first), October 6, 1849, Mary S. Cole, born December 20, 1826, Richmond, Staten Island, daughter of Abraham Cole. By this marriage Mr. Vanderbilt had two chil- dren: Louisa, born November 6, 1850; and Oliver, born Janu- ary 10, 1853. Mr. Vanderbilt's first wife died January 1, 1857, and he married (second), May 6, 1860, Cornelia S. Vredenburg, born June 20, 1830, at Close Road, Staten Island, on her father's old homestead. She was the daughter of Abraham and Maria (Flake) Vredenburg. By his second marriage Mr. Vanderbilt had one child, Joseph M., born March 20, 1867.
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ST. MATTHEW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The first application of the Dutch Lutherans of New Am- sterdam for permission to build a church and hold services is found in 1653. This petition was addressed to Governor Stuyvesant. The first Lutheran minister, John Ernst Goet- water, from Holland, arrived in New York in 1654, and preached under severe trials. In 1666 Rev. Arnold Lenderyk was called, and in 1667 the privilege of the church was confirmed by the gov- ernor. Rev. Jacob Fabricius was appointed pastor in 1668. In 1672 Rev. Benardus Arenzins became pastor. Two years later the colony reverted to the Dutch, and in that year the church was sold to the colony and a new house of worship erected. In 1703, Justus Faulkner became pastor, remaining until 1723, and was succeeded by Bernard Van Dieren, who was not an or- dained minister but by trade a tailor, yet served the church. September 25, 1725, Rev. William Christopher Berekenmeyer became the regular pastor and founded the first Lutheran Synod in the United States. He was pastor from 1725 to 1731 and was succeeded by Rev. Christian Knoll, who officiated from 1732 to 1749. The next two years the church had no pastor, but in 1751 Rev. Muhlenberg took charge and he was followed, in 1753, by Rev. Jolin A. Weygand, who remained until 1770 and was followed by Rev. Benard Michael Hawsihl. The last Dutch sermon was preached in November, 1771, and ever thereafter the sermons were in German.
The present pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of New York city, Rev. Otto Sieker, son of Rev. John Henry and Julia (Streisguth) Sieker, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, May 7, 1871, and came to New York with his parents when five years of age. His primary education was obtained in the St. Matthew's Academy and at the New York Progymnasium. Subsequently he entered the Northwestern University of Wis-
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consin, from which he was graduated in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and then pursued his theological studies in the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri. He was ordained to the ministry at St. Matthew's Church, New York, July 8, 1894, after which he became assist- ant to his father in that church, performing the duties devolv- ing upon him up to the death of the latter, after which he was acting pastor until April 2, 1905, when he was appointed to the pastorate made vacant by his father's death. In addition to his duties as pastor he devotes much time to missionary work on the west side in New York city, in Newark, New Jersey, and eastern Long Island. In addition to his clerical duties he is the secretary for the New York German Missionary Board; mem- ber of board of the Lutheran Hospital, East New York, and is an active member of the Alumni Association of the Northwest- ern University, and president of the Alumni Society of Con- cordia Progymnasium. He married in New York, July 7, 1896, Adelheid Wiechmann.
BETHANY ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Bethany English Evangelical Lutheran Church, situated at No. 14 Teasdale Place, was founded December 5, 1895, by Rev. J. Frederick W. Kitzmeyer, services being held at No. 3225 Third avenue. The cornerstone of the present church was laid November 8, 1896, and the church was dedicated Feb- rnary 28, 1897. The founder of the church served as its pastor until April 17, 1904, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. William Freas, Jr., March 22, 1905. The building is a frame structure and has a seating capacity of abont two hun- dred. The societies connected with this church are: The Ladies' Aid Society with thirty members; Luther League, with
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seventy-five members. The membership of the church is twe hundred and seventeen; average attendance of Sunday school, two hundred and twenty-five.
Rev. William Freas, Jr., was born in Hughesville, Penn- sylvania, October 5. 1880, son of Rev. William S. Freas, D. D., a minister of the Lutheran church, now pastor of the Grace Evangelical Church of Baltimore, Maryland, and Ella Streeper, his wife. Rev. William, Jr., was educated at the public schools of York, Pennsylvania, supplemented by a course in York academy, being graduated in 1897. He was graduated from Gettysburg College in the spring of 1901, and from the Gettys- burg Theological Seminary in 1904. He was ordained in St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church of New York city, October 14, 1904, and was first licensed to preach October 25, 1903, at Williamsport, Maryland, by the Maryland Synod.
CHARLES L. HOWELL.
Charles L. Howell, a well known business man of New York city, with offices at No. 37 Wall street, who has been en- gaged in the brokerage business for upward of thirty years, is a representative of a family which was prominent among the carly settlers of Long Island.
Daniel Howell, son of Joseph Howell, was born in Bays- port, Long Island, and was a resident of Long Island during his entire life. He was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits during the active years of his life. He married Lydia N. Raynor, a native of New York, who survived him, and re- sides with her son, Charles L. Their children were: Willtam H., married Addie Perry, of Long Island, and resides in Brook- lyn, New York; Charles L., see forward; and Emery D., who married Ida Wicks.
Charles L. Howell, second son and child of Daniel and Lydia
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N. (Raynor) Howell, was born in Baysport, Long Island, No- vember 27, 1859. His education was acquired in the schools of his native town, and his early life was spent in assisting his father in the cultivation of the homestead farm. He then en- gaged in business in the city of New York, establishing offices for the carrying on of brokerage. In this line he has been engaged for the past thirty years, as previously stated, and his honest, practical business methods have commended him to all with whom he has been brought in contact. He is enterprising and progressive and has been very successful. He married, June 4, 1879, at Blue Point, Long Island, Julia E. Hallock, and they have had three children born to them.
COURTLAND READING HOWELL.
Courtland Reading Howell, stock broker, with offices at No. 60 Broadway, New York, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, January 23, 1851, a son of Courtland David and Lavina Emerson (Williamson) Howell, and grandson of Courtland and Eliza (Macruen) Howell.
Courtland David Howell was born in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, and spent his entire life in that city. After complet- ing his literary education he studied civil engineering and for a number of years served as civil engineer with the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company under George B. Roberts, late presi- dent of the road. About the year 1839 he was appointed re- ceiving teller of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank, Philadelphia, and for the long period of forty-five years served in that ca- pacity, faithfully discharging the duties assigned him. He died in Philadelphia, August 24, 1884. His wife, Lavina E. (Will- iamson) Howell, survived him and is now (1907) a resident of New York. Their children are: Eugene N., married Josephine Whitehouse, resides in Philadelphia; Courtland Reading, men-
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tioned hereafter; Williamson, married Lilian Kerns, resides in Philadelphia; Charles L .; John M., died 1900.
Courtland Reading Howell was educated under private tuition in his native city. Philadelphia, and after completing his education was engaged in various positions in the Philadel- phia banks for a period of ten years. He then became a mem- her of the stock exchange, and since 1885 has been a continuous resident of New York. He is a member of the Consolidated Stock Exchange.
JAMES OSWIN SHULTES.
James Oswin Shultes, whose life has been devoted to news- paper work, and who is now connected with a newspaper in the Bronx, was born in Buffalo, New York, October 19, 1850, son of George W. and Mary Adelia (Billings) Shultes.
The Shultes family is of Holland extraction, and some of its members were mayors of the city of Dresden, Saxony, under appointment by the crown. The American branch of the family was planted by a Shultes who emigrated about 1652, locating in New Amsterdam (New York), and taking grants of land at Bergen Point and on Staten Island. The family is mentioned in the State Archives and in the "History of Kingston, New York," and variously appears in the forms of Shultes, Shul- tates, and also Van Sholin. David Shultes, and at least one other brother, as is supposed, settled at Esopus, New York, early in the seventeenth century, and the members of the fam- ily (fourteen in number) who are mentioned in connection with the Revolutionary war, are supposed to have been direct de- scendants of this David.
David, great-grandfather of James O. Shultes, was a resi- dent of Esopus, and died there in 1789. He was a farmer by
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occupation, and served as a private soldier in the patriot army during the Revolution.
David, his son, was born at Esopus, on the day of the sign- ing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. He was a farmer, and served in the war with Great Britain in 1812. He was very popular in the neighborhood in which he resided, and was affectionately called "Uncle David" by all his friends and acquaintances. He married Lucy Walker, at Brookline, Ver- mont, and ten children were born to them, among them being: 1. Eliza, married one Reynolds, and attained the age of ninety years. 2. Eveline, married Jacob Seybold, and died at the age of eighty-two years. 3. Emily, died in early womanhood. 4. Jane, died young. 5. George W., of whom later. 6. Welling- ton, who saw service during the Civil war, and was taken pris- oner and confined at Salisbury, North Carolina, and died soon after his return home. 7. Charles, died at sea, in young man- hood. Another son was killed by Indians.
George W. Shultes, son of David and Lucy (Walker) Shultes, was born in Springfield, Erie county, New York, June 13, 1811. He spent his early life on the homestead farm, and was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, 1835-36. He subsequently took up the study of medicine, but abandoned it on account of failing eyesight, and devoted himself to architecture, in which he became proficient and highly successful, following his pro- fession in Buffalo, New York, until 1876, since which time he has resided in California. He was three times married. His first wife, Johanna Rosina Stoehrer, bore him three children: Ellen, married Philip P. Bock, deceased; Cecelia, wife of Will- iam W. Winchester, residing in Saratoga, New York; and David a farmer and miner, who died in Arizona, at the age of thirty- six years. Mr. Shultes married (second) Mary Adelia Billings, and their children were: Ada, widow of Robert Rossboro;
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Jennie May, wife of R. T. Lampert, of Brooklyn, New York; and James Oswin, to be further referred to. Mr. Shultes mar- ried (third) Miranda Van Ransalaer, who bore him one child, Ida.
James Oswin Shultes, only son of George W. and Mary Adelia (Billings) Shultes, received his preliminary education in the public schools, and completed his studies in Griswold College, Davenport, Iowa. He then learned the printing trade, and has devoted himself constantly to newspaper work. He was editor of the Johnstown (New York) Journal for two years; was connected for a time with the St. Augustine Press; was reporter for the Commercial Pathfinder; reporter and proofreader on the New York Daily Advocate; served in like capacities on other important newspapers; and is now con- nected with a newspaper in the Bronx.
Mr. Shultes married, at Richmond, Staten Island, Febru- ary 15, 1885, Miss Mary A. Moss, of Newdorp, Staten Island, and their children are: Hannah Beatrice, born February 25, 1886; Geraldine Grace. born April 8, 1888; Harold Oswin, born January 4, 1891, died in infancy; Gladys Marguerite, born September 15, 1892; Gerald Moss, born June 14, 1894, died Jannary 29, 1896.
OUR SAVIOUR'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (NORWEGIAN).
This church (Vor Freisers Norsk Lutherske Kirke), lo- cated at 237 East One Hundred and Twenty-third street, Man- hattan, has developed from a mission begun in the interest of Norwegian families in 1866, by the Rev. C. S. Everson, who is now pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, 630 Henry street. Services were held in St. John's Lutheran Church, One Hun- dred and Nineteenth street, until the beginning of the year 1901,
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when the congregation removed to the edifice which it now occu- pies, and which it had purchased the previous year. The church membership is about two hundred, and the average Sunday school attendance is abont seventy-five. The services are con- ducted entirely in the Norwegian language, and the music led by a mixed choir of males and females, is almost entirely re- stricted to the ancient tunes bronght from the Fatherland. Use- ful adjuncts to the pastor in his work are a Ladies' Aid Society and a Young People' Society which meet twice each month. In 1896 Mr. Everson was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. Christian Hoode, who ministered until Jannary, 1897, and his successors were the Rev. P. A. Dietrichson, from Jannary, 1897. to August 15, same year; the Rev. J. G. Nelson from Septem- ber 15, 1897, until June, 1899; and the present incumbent of the sacred office, who was indneted July 16, same year.
The present pastor, the Rev. Kristen Kvamme, was born in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, February 17, 1866. He acquired his elementary education in his native land, and in 1882, at the age of sixteen years, came to the United States. He completed a classical course in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1894, and then entered upon a theo- logical course in the Lutheran Seminary at Minneapolis, Min- nesota. In 1896 he returned to the Lutheran College at De- corah, Iowa, where he taught classes in the Norwegian lan- guage, Latin and religion until the antumn of 1898, then re- suming his theological studies in the Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which he completed in June, 1899, the date of his graduation. Coming to New York city, he was or- dained to the ministry by the Rev. C. S. Everson, July 16, 1899, and at once entered upon his ministerial work with Our Sav- jour's Church, also having charge of the Scandinavian mission at Greenpoint, Long Island, until March, 1891, when it became a
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separate parish. Mr. Kvamme is a man deeply devoted to his church and people, untiringly industrious, and his influence is potent not only in his own congregation, but in the neighbor- hood, which has had ample knowledge of the sterling qualities of his little flock, qualities which, aside from the religious life, mark them as excellent representatives of a race alien by birth, but in spirit thorough Americans and irreproachable citizens.
THE SECOND ST. PETER'S GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Second St. Peter's German Evangelical Lutheran Church of New York city, whose edifice is at No. 628 East Four- teenth street, was organized by the present pastor, Rev. Hugo Richter, in 1898. At first services were held in a small hall in One Hundred and Forty-second street, the present premises be- ing purchased for seven thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, and a chapel was built in the rear of the lot. The congregation re- moved in 1893 to their new place of worship, and services have been held regularly there ever since. The seating capacity of this chapel is two hundred. The Sunday school attendance is now five hundred; it is held mornings and afternoons. Connect- ed with this parish, in which there are one hundred and fifty families, are Ladies Aid Societies and a Young Ladies Society. A school for general instruction is held on Saturdays. Confir- mation classes are held every year from October to Palm Sun- day. In view of the growing demands of the congregation for more space in which to worship, another plot of ground has been purchased in One Hundred and Fortieth street, between Willis and Brook avenues, where it is designed to erect a spacious church, also a parsonage.
Rev. Hugo Richter was born in Brandenburg, Germany, 1850, and acquired his primary course of study in his native
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land. He served one year during the Franco-Prussian war, com- ing to America in 1874. He at once began to study for the min- istry under the auspices of the Buffalo Synod, and was or- dained in Zion's Church, Brooklyn, by Rev. C. Gram, president of the Buffalo Synod, in 1881. Previons to his ordination, how- ever, he was assistant to Rev. Christian Hennireka. He organ- ized St. Paul's Congregation in 1882, in the Bronz borough, and ministered to that people for nine years, during which time he purchased land and erected the present church edifice and brought the congregation into a flourishing condition. In April, 1891, he resigned the pastorate of St. Pauls and since that time has ministered to his present parish, which is a part of the New York Synod.
FRANKLIN M. VAN HORN.
Franklin M. Van Horn, well and favorably known in the theatrical world as the proprietor of one of the pioneer and also of the best conducted places of business for theatrical cos- tuming in New York city, is very popular in his particular line of work.
Alfred Van Horn, father of Franklin M. Van Horn, passed his early life in Philadelphia where, for some time, he was en- gaged in the theatrical profession with a considerable amount of snecess. He abandoned this, however, to establish himself in the theatrical costuming business, and his intimate knowledge of stage business and its necessities, was of great service to him. He established the present business in 1850, and was one of the first to engage in this line. He was a member of the American Legion of Honor, and of the Weekly Dramatic As- sociation. His death occurred July 31, 1891. He married (first) Eliza Jane Hamilton, and had children: 1. Kate S., deceased, November 27, 1904, married William Magee, who died in 1886; they had two children: Franklin M. and William. 2. Addie,
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married Harry B. Fairchild, and has one living child: Edith. 3. Franklin M., see forward. 4. Emma, married Charles Mes- senger, and had two children who died in childhood. Alfred Van Horn married (second) Jennie Sophia Miller, and four children of this marriage are now living: Florence May, mar- ried Robert Patrick; Rollin Weber, married Helen Wilson; Alfred R. and Horace.
Franklin M. Van Horn, third child and only son of Alfred and Eliza Jane (Hamilton) Van Horn, had the advantage of an excellent education which was acquired in the public and private schools. While still quite young he commenced his busi- ness career as assistant to his father in the theatrical costum- ing business, and is at present in sole charge and proprietor of the theatrical costuming business established by his father in 1850. This is at present conducted at No. 30 East Twenty-fifth street. He is an energetic, enterprising man of business, pos- sessed of those characteristics which tend toward success. His personality is pleasing, his manners courteous, and he has a host of friends among those connected with his line of business, as well as in social circles. He married, May 15, 1891, at Den- ver, Colorado, Minerva Lemon.
EDWARD H. HALL.
Edward H. Hall, a prominent and well known resident of the city of New York, secretary and treasurer of the Greater New York Conference and Tract Society of the Seventh Day Adventists, was born in this city November 1, 1851. He is the son of Wilbur T. and Caroline (Wallace) Hall, both deceased. He filled the responsible position of cashier with the firm of Arnold, Constable & Company very acceptably for a period of twenty-five years, but was obliged to resign this because of fail- ing health. For more than four years he was unable to under-
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take any active business occupation, and then from 1900 to 1903 was engaged in mercantile pursuits. In the latter year he en- tered upon the duties of his present office, and the efficiency of his management and his executive ability became immediately apparent. His business methods are admirable and the system which he introduces into every detail of his work is conducive to the best results. He married, August 5, 1874, at Stamford, Connecticut. Ida A. Ketelmum, daughter of Captain Oliver and Jane Ketchum, and their children are: Harrison E., married Ella MacDonald, and has one child; Edward H .; Gordon V., married Elizabeth Sherewood, and has one child; Gordon Wal- lace; Warren Birch; and Oliver Wilbur.
JOHN RODENBURG, SR.
John Rodenburg, Sr., a prosperous and retired business man, for many years a resident of the city of New York, was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, March 6, 1823. He is a son of Henry and Hebbel (Webel) Rodenburg, both na- tives of Hanover, Germany, where their entire lives were spent. He had the advantage of a good education in the schools of his native province, and his early years were occupied with agri- cultural pursuits. He emigrated to the United States in 1845, settling in the city of New York, where he has since resided. His first business occupation in this country was that of clerk in a grocery store, a position which he held for four years, and then established himself in the grocery business at the corner of Howard and Crosby streets. In this venture he was very successful, carrying on the business on a sound financial basis until 1858, when he sold out and went to his native coun- try, remaining there for more than a year. At the end of this period he returned to New York, re-engaged in the grocery busi- ness, at Ninth avenue and Forty-ninth street, and his experi-
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