USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume IV > Part 8
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
102
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
Thirty-fourth street, New York, in 1891, aged ninety-six years; his faithful wife and mother of his children passed away many years prior to her husband. They were both consistent Christian people, and were faithful communicants of the Roman Catholic church.
James Peter Collins, whose name introduces this review, received his elementary training in the public and parochial schools of New York city. On taking up the practical duties of life he became engaged with his father in the produce trade, which line of enterprise he continued for some time. He later became engaged in the hotel business at Sixth avenue and Thir- teenth street, New York city. In 1875 Mr. Collins removed to Gifford, now known as Great Kills, where he purchased land on the shore of Princess Bay, and here erected a large and commodious house, which he converted into a pleasure and fishing resort. In addition to his varied interests, Mr. Collins took an active interest in local and public affairs. He was an ardent supporter of the principles of Democracy, and served his party as road commissioner and as a member of the board of health. Mr. Collins was elected by his party to the office of justice of the peace, and held that position until the time of his demise. During his official career, Judge Collins always endeavored to harmonize the differences and contentions of the parties concerned and in every way aided in maintaining jus- tice and equity. During his residence in New York city, Mr. Collins was an active member of the Volunteer Fire Depart- ment. Fraternally, he was associated with the Free and Ac- cepted Masons of New York city. He passed away at his home at Great Kills, January 9. 1894.
James Peter Collins was married at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, in New York city, December 28, 1872, to Mary Jane Vansten, born April 2, 1845, daughter of Robert and Mary
103
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
(Lawler) Vansten. Of this marriage were born two children: 1. Ellen G., born December 7, 1875, married Adolph Barth, and has one son, Robert Collins Barth, born July 20, 1904. 2. James P., born May 10, 1882, a graduate of public school No. 23, borough of Manhattan. The Collins family are faithful communicants of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at Rich- mond.
MICHAEL FITZGERALD.
Michael Fitzgerald was for nearly thirty years a resident and leading and representative citizen of Great Kills, borough of Richmond, where he became actively identified with the ma- terial and social interests of the community. He was born in the city of Waterford, Ireland, about 1834, and was a son of Maurice and Margaret Fitzgerald, both of whom came from Waterford to the United States and upon their arrival here took up their abode in the then village of Williamsburg, now the Eastern District of Brooklyn, where they spent the remain- ing years of their life. They had by their marriage the fol- lowing children: 1. Michael, whose name introduces this re- view. 2. Patrick, who married and took up his abode in Long Island City. 3. Richard, who took up his abode with his brother Michael; he died in 1896. 4. Catherine. 5. Johannah, married John Hunt, of Long Island City. 6. Bridget, married Mahoney, also of Long Island City.
Michael Fitzgerald, whose name introduces this review, re- ceived but limited educational advantages with which to begin life. Being possessed with a laudable ambition and a desire to succeed in the world, he began life on his own account, and by his industry, thrift and economy saved a certain amount of capital, and in 1871 purchased land and shore rights at Great Kills, borough of Richmond, where he later made considerable improvements and established one of the leading pleasure re-
Vol. IV-7
104
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
sorts on the shores of Princess Bay. By his skill, enterprise and straightforward methods in all his affairs, he became pop- nlarly known as the father of Great Kills. He took an active interest as well in the public and social affairs of the neigh- borhood, and was a generous contributor to all enterprises that had for their object the good and welfare of the community. Mr. Fitzgerald was a consistent Christian gentleman and a communicant of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Rich- mond.
Michael Fitzgerald was married by the Rev. Father Syl- vester Malone, rector of St. Peter and Paul's Church of Will- iamsburg, borough of Brooklyn, to Margaret , and of this marriage were born seven children: 1. Edward, mar- ried and resides at Tottenville. 2. Maurice, married Catherine Gillies, daughter of Daniel and Christina (Gillies) Gillies, and has four children: Michael, who died aged two and a half years, Agnes, Manrice, Jr., and Mary. 3. Catherine, married Joseph Gillies. 4. Margaret, married John Barr; she died aged twenty-six years, leaving a family of four children. Mar- garet Fitzgerald, mother of the aforementioned children, died in 1890. She was a faithful communicant of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Richmond.
HORACE KENDON HILL.
Horace Kendon Hill, for many years a resident of West- chester county, New York, residing respectively at West Farms and Williamsbridge, is regarded as a progressive and enter- prising citizen, and the position of honor and usefulness which he attained was gained solely through his own ability and the exercise of energy and unconquerable determination. He was born in the town of Gilford, Belknap connty, New Hampshire, October 27, 1826.
105
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
His parents, Abraham and Hoppy (Gilman) Hill, were na- tives of the state of New Hampshire, and in the community wherein they resided were regarded with respect and esteem. Their family consisted of six children, as follows: Nancy, mar- ried Thomas Weeks; Sarah, married William P. Merrill, a resident of New Hampshire; Gilman, married Matilda Clem- ents; he spent the early years of his life in his native state, New Hampshire, and died at Dorchester, Massachusetts, and was a worthy and public-spirited citizen; Mary, married John L. Barnard, of New Hampshire, at present (1905) a resident of Lowell, Massachusetts; William, married Hattie Clements, now deceased; Horace Kendon, see forward. The deaths of Abra- ham and Hoppy (Gilman) Hill occurred in 1881 and 1871, re- spectively.
Horace Kendon Hill was educated in the schools of his native town, which he attended until sixteen years of age, when he left home in order to earn his own livelihood. He took up his residence in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where he was employed at varions occupations for a number of years. At the beginning of the Civil war, being prompted by a spirit of pa- triotism and loyalty to his flag, he enlisted in the nine months' service in Company C, Forty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. The regiment was sent to North Carolina and he served honorably to the end of his term of enlistment, being then discharged from the service of the United States govern- ment. Upon his return to civil life he once more resumed his residence in Boston, but in 1864, being desirous of acquainting himself with other sections of the great country in which he was born, he went to California by the way of Panama. He spent two years along the Pacific coast, engaged at mining and pros- pecting, in which occupations he met with a fair degree of suc- cess, and at the expiration of this period of time returned east
106
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
and once more made his home in Boston. After a short resi- dence in that city he removed to Williamsbridge, Westchester county, New York, and there entered the employ of L. H. Mace, successfully operating his farm for a number of years. His next undertaking was at Westchester, where for thirteen years he successfully operated a farm comprising the lands where the Morris Park race track is now located. In 1886 Mr. Hill re- turned to Williamsbridge and there engaged in building enter- prises, in which line of pursuit he has accomplished much for the development and improvement of this thriving village. Ile bore a full share in the promotion of community interests, and was a foremost agent in forwarding every material and moral undertaking. He has served a term of three years as road com- missioner, served two years as school commissioner, and during this period of time and since then has contributed largely toward the educational interests of Williamsbridge. Mr. Hill is a staunch supporter of the principles of Democracy as laid down by Thomas Jefferson.
Horace Kendon Hill married (first) Mary Leavitt, a native of the state of New Hampshire, and the issue of this union was one child, Clara A., born in 1852, became the wife of Titus K. Adee and their children are: James and Ada. Mr. Hill mar- ried (second), February 8, 1857, Hannah D. Clark, born No- vember 26, 1823, at Thornton, New Hampshire, died March 27, 1886, aged sixty-two years, four months, one day, daughter of Joshua Clark. Hannah D. (Clark) Hill was the widow of An- drew Springer and the mother of three sons: George W. Springer, born March 10, 1844. at Boston, Massachusetts, mar- ried Sarah P. Morrill; Charles A. Springer, born in New York city June 22, 1847, died April 22, 1866; and Nathaniel B. Springer, born October 22, 1849, married Veronica Dale.
107
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
ADOLPH W. ENGLER.
Adolph W. Engler, a representative of the foreign-born citizen of the city of New York, who has been identified with the financial and commercial interests of his adopted country, is a descendant of an old and honored family of Germany.
William G. L. Engler, father of Adolph W. Engler, was born in the city of Brunswick, Germany, September 9, 1794. He was educated in the high school, and at a suitable age engaged in a mercantile business, with which he was occupied until his death. He was Democratie in his political views, a member of the militia during the revolutionary period in Brunswick in 1830, but never held public office. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He married Wilhelmina Ahren- beck, born April 7, 1800, danghter of Wilhelm Ahrenbeck, who held the position of merchant tailor and purveyor to the ducal conrt.
Adolph W. Engler, son of William G. L. and Wilhelmina (Ahrenbeck) Engler, was born in the city of Brunswick, Ger- many, September 23, 1824. His education was acquired in the Real-Gymnasium, a high school, in his native city, and he served in the capacity of clerk in several large mercantile houses in Germany before coming to this country. He arrived at New York on the steamer "Washington," Captain Crabtree, April 7, 1850, and went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he resided for thirteen years. There he was engaged in business as a foreign exchange and money broker until 1863, in which year he re- moved to the city of New York and established the firm of Kremelberg & Co., a branch of the firm of F. L. Branns & Com- pany, exporters of leaf tobacco in Baltimore, Maryland. Dur- ing the progress of the civil war, New York was the principal market for leaf tobacco, and the new firm soon commanded a leading position in this branch of commerce. This firm estab-
108
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
lished another branch about 1875, in the city of Louisville, Ken- tucky. It was a purchaser of Kentucky tobacco for European markets, and since 1865 has regularly supplied Austria. Mr. Engler accepted the trusteeship for Dutch bondholders of the Jacksonville, Pensacola & Mobile railroad in Florida, which had defaulted. This was in 1876. He also represented a Dutch syndicate which handled many millions of dollars in stocks and bonds in some of the principal railroads in this country, and was a member of the board of directors of three of them. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the New York Produce Exchange, and of the Deutscher Verein, the latter a social organization. He was one of the organizers of the Cot- ton Exchange and of the German-American Bank, and for twenty-eight years one of the trustees of the English-Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. He is an independent Democrat in his political views, has never desired or held public office, and is a contributor to charitable and civic organizations. All the members of his family are strict Evangelical Lutherans.
Mr. Engler married (first), November, 1858, Julia E. Spileker, born July, 1839, died March, 1873, daughter of Charles W. Spilcker, an importer of lamps and lamp supplies. She left children: 1. William Spilcker, born in Baltimore, Mary- land, October, 1859. 2. Minna Fredericka, born in Baltimore, Maryland, March, 1861, married, July, 1886, J. W. Lieb, Jr., an electrician, and a protege of Mr. Edison, who sent him to Milan, Italy, to establish the first electric plant in that country. He was recalled to New York in 1893, and is now (1907) one of the vice-presidents of the New York Edison Company, and associate manager. 3. Julia Elizabeth, born in Baltimore, Mary- land, December, 1863, received an education in several private institutions. 4. Adolph, Junior, born March, 1869, in New York city; his earliest instruction was obtained in a German
109
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
school, and later he entered the New York College. After one year's attendance in this institution, he left and entered upon his business eareer. 5. Henry Rocholl, born in New York city, November, 1871. received his preparatory education at a Ger- man school, and later at the Columbia School. He is now hold- ing an office position in the Louisville branch of his father's business. Mr. Engler married (seeond), April 13, 1876, Eliz- abeth Brauns, born November 8, 1836, died November 15, 1906, daughter of F. L. Brauns, of Baltimore, Maryland. She left one child: Ferdinand Branns, born in New York city, Au- gust 7, 1880. He was educated at the Rugby Military Academy, and upon the completion of his education entered business. At the age of eighteen years he became a member of the New York State Artillery, Second Battery, and was soon advanced to the rank of corporal, and later to that of sergeant.
EDWARD WINCHESTER HOWELL.
E. Winchester Howell, sales manager for MeEwan Bros., paper-board manufacturers, whose offiees are located at No. 277 Broadway, New York city, was born at Highland, Ulster county, New York, March 31, 1879, son of Jesse Conkling and Jennie Margaret (Cookingham) Howell, and grandson of Syl- vanus B. Howell, who was a miller by trade, owning and operat- ing a mill at Galeville, New York, where he was a prominent and influential eitizen. Sylvanus B. Howell was one of three brothers, one of whom was an officer in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war.
Jesse Conkling Howell (father) was born at Galeville, Orange county, New York, 1852. In early life he learned the trade of miller, then worked at minor positions for several years; was manager for a department of the Gail Borden Milk Company, at Wallkill, New York, later served as bookkeeper in
110
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
the city of Newburg, New York, subsequently cashier for depart- ment store of Suckey, Platt & Co., of Poughkeepsie, New York, after which, in order to recuperate his failing health, he went to California. His wife bore him three children: E. Winchester, mentioned hereinafter: Lena S. and Clara Sylvia, who died in infancy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Howell are active and zealous workers in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which body they are members.
E. Winchester Howell was educated in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, New York, prepared for college at Riverview Military Academy of Poughkeepsie, New York, and later at- tended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Boston, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1900. The following year he was salesman for the firm of H. J. Heinze & Company, the well known manufacturers of the "57" varieties of pickles, after which he served as clerk in a Wall street firm for a short period of time. He then pursued a course of short- hand in the Eastman Business College, graduating therefrom in 1902. He then accepted a position as stenographer with the Chemical Paper Company, and was advanced to that of general sales agent, in which capacity he served nearly four years, resigning in the summer of 1906 to accept the broader work as sales manager for McEwan Bros., which position he now holds. He is a most energetic and enterprising man, always looking for and taking advantage of new methods of making paper. For the past two years, at his own expense, Mr. Howell has had associated with him a practical chemist, who has been experimenting along these lines and who has made some very valuable discoveries. Mr. Howell has recently organized the A. W. Harrington Company, of which he is manager and treasurer.
Mr. Howell married, April 8, 1903, Grace Adams, daughter
111
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
of Myer and Mary Ellen Adams. They reside in the borough of Brooklyn, New York. They are members of the Central Congregational Church.
PETER M. GREGORIE.
Peter M. Gregorie, for many years a well known resident of the city of New York, is at present extensively engaged in the real estate business with offices at No. 108 West One Hundred and Fourth street, where his reliability in business is highly appreciated. He is a descendant of an honored family, whose earlier members were among the first settlers of the United States. One of his great-grandmothers attained the advanced age of one hundred and three years and six months.
Richard M. Gregorie, son of Richard and Amelia (Mathews) Gregorie, was a contractor and carpenter by occupation. He was prominent in social and business circles, and held the of- fice of county commissioner in Charleston, South Carolina. He married Sarah E. Mathews, and had children: Peter M., see forward; Mary, deceased; Claudia, deceased; Sarah Ann; Amelia, deceased; Richard D., deceased; and Ann Elizabeth.
Peter M. Gregorie, eldest child of Richard M. and Sarah E. (Mathews) Gregorie, was born in Charlestown, South Caro- lina, May 22, 1842. His tuition was received in private schools, and upon the completion of his education he was apprenticed to the trade of brick-laying in order to acquire a practical knowl- edge of the trade of contracting and building. He was engaged in building and contracting in Charleston, South Carolina, until 1896, when he removed to Boston and for five years held the position of engineer in Harvard College. He removed to the city of New York in 1901, and two years later established himself in the real estate business, in which he has been remark- ably successful. He has filled a number of public offices, among
112
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
them being that of warden of the town of Somerville, South Carolina, and also that of street inspector. He is a member of the following associations: Somerville Lodge, No. 2852, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows; Hayden Lodge, No. 2, Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Masons ; True Reform- ers, U'nity and Friendship Society for forty-eight years, Pine- land Charitable Association, of Somerville, South Carolina. He is a consistent member of the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes an active and intelligent interest in the affairs of city, state and country, and is a man of considerable influence in the community.
He married (first) Jane Blaney, and had children: Mary M., Peter M., Richard, who died in childhood, and Maude E. He married (second), October 16, 1890, Rebecca M. Bruber; no family by second union.
THE FAMILY OF CAMPBELL.
The Campbells are among the most famous and oldest of the clans of Scotland, and represented by the Dukes of Argyle, so famed in song and story. The various branches of this noted race are found in every land, and wherever they have gone they have held a commanding position and their influence has met the recognition so well deserved.
Among the representatives of that family in New York is Frank E. Campbell, whose business reputation, and the great enterprise he has founded, of which he is the head, has made him well known as one of our foremost citizens. Mr. Campbell was born at Campbell Point, Adams county, Illinois, July +, 1872, a son of George S. and Melvina T. (Frazell) Campbell, the former named having been a son of Alexander and Eliza- beth Campbell, followed the occupation of mechanical engineer- ing, and died at Quincy, Illinois, and the latter a descendant of
113
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
a French ancestry. George S. and Melvina T. (Frazell) Camp- bell were the parents of the following children: Catherine, wife of William Lavini, now residing in London, England; Charles C., died at the age of twenty-seven years; Frank E., of whom later; and Flora E.
Frank E. Campbell obtained his preliminary education in the public and high schools of his native town. In early life he be- came interested in the manufacturing of brick ; later for a period of five years was an extensive dealer in building materials, be- coming very expert in the grading of lumber, and subsequently became extensively engaged in the coal business. In 1892 he came to New York and since that date has been continuously en- gaged in the undertaking business, during which time he has been the organizer of four large undertaking institutions, which are today the finest and best equipped in the United States. He is a specialist in various parts of the undertaking business, es- pecially that of embalming, and has also experimented at vari- ous times with cremation both by electricity and heated air. Mr. Campbell is the United States government official under- taker and contractor for ambulance service, Port of New York. The magnitude of this contract is readily appreciated consider- ing that he has to care for the sick and wounded among about one million emigrants and thousands of government officials and attachés. His name is displayed from many prominent churches as undertaker, and under this appears: "No deserv- ing poor refused." He is a member of Sagamore Lodge No. 371, Free and Accepted Masons; Union Chapter No. 180, Royal Arch Masons; York Commandery No. 155, and Mecca Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Undertakers' Association of New York and Woodmen of America. He is a member and trustee of the Twenty-fourth Street Methodist Epis- copal Church. As a citizen Mr. Campbell is public-spirited and
114
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
helpful, and in all the relations of life has ever followed a con- sistent course, which has made him deservedly popular.
Mr. Campbell married, June 15, 1905, Amelia K. Klutz, of Brooklyn, New York. Their wedding, which was one of the events of the season, was celebrated in the Marble Collegiate Church, at Fifth avenue and Fifty-ninth street, New York, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Dr. Burrell, and Rev. Dr. Mascer, "the most excellent Prelate of the New York Com- mandery."
CAMPBELL BURIAL & CREMATION CO.
This institution, located at Nos. 241-243 West Twenty-third street, New York, of which Frank E. Campbell is president, was founded by Mr. Campbell in 1898 and incorporated the same year. Its original purpose, which has been carried out to the fullest extent, was to provide a place for the care of the dead and to lend comfort to the bereaved, as neither of these things had ever been fully provided in New York. It is a mod- ern seven-story fireproof building, especially adapted to un- dertaking requirements and presenting an impressive appear- ance. The officials and assistants, in each and every depart- ment, are men and women expert in their profession, and care- fully schooled burial directors of matured years. Frank E. Campbell, under whose personal supervision are all depart- ments, stands pre-eminent in the profession, possessing exten- sive experience and broad observation in Europe and America. Associated with Mr. Campbell are Messrs. John Schreyer, the wealthy, retired real estate operator; James R. Floyd, formerly of Herring & Floyd Safe Company, and many years trustee of the Emigrant Savings Bank; Matthew L. Ritchie, prominent in church, Masonic and temperance work, and F. A. Garner. How- ard A. Comfort, long identified with the wholesale department,
115
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
is superintendent of the embalmers' department, and is a man of mature years, and an expert in the art of embalming. A name synonymous with the highest art of funeral directing is that of S. L. Buckingham, F. D., who stands pre-eminently at the head of his profession. The interior decorations of the es- tablishment are white and green, removing all gloom possible and giving the surroundings a cheerful appearance. Business is conducted day and night, there being both a day and night staff.
Prominent features of the establishment are funeral chap- els for holding services (minister and music provided if re- quired), parlors, show rooms, retiring rooms, also marble vaults for the retention of the body not yet embalmed or awaiting ship- ment or burial. The funeral chapel is practically a miniature church; it has stained glass windows, a large pipe organ, ma- hogany pews seating two hundred and sixty-five, with camp chairs seating nearly two hundred more. It was designed and erected for the benefit of friends of those who die suddenly at sea or in the city of New York. At the dedication of the chapel, November 1, 1905, addresses were made by Rev. Dr. David Bur- rell, of the Marble Collegiate Church, Rev. Dr. Charles L. Good- dell, of the Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. Dr. Cadman, of Brooklyn. Their shipping department is equipped with every facility and is a very necessary adjunct to their establishment, and the correspondence department is also a very large and important one, connecting the establishment with all parts of the world. The telephone equipment is a miniature central office, the various departments, residences of officials and heads of departments being all connected. There is also an operating room equipped with all kinds of surgical instru- ments for the use of surgeons or coroners who wish to hold post- mortem examinations. The personal service bureau is also a
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.