USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 31
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Board of Brokers. He was one of the incorporators of the North Side Board of Trade and serves on two of its committees. He belongs to the City Club, the Reform Club, the Century and Harmonie Clubs, the Atlantic Yacht Club, Clubs of Fordham and Bedford Park, the Bronx Club and Schnorer Club, the Westchester Golf Club and Amateur Billiard Club and the North Jersey Country Club. He is a member also of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Horticultural Society, the Zoological Society. Free Craftsman Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Knights of Pythias and many other clubs and associations. He married October 22, 1902, Rosalie Loewi. Besides his Bronx office at Third Avenue and 149th Street, he has a branch in the borough at Jerome and Burnside Avenues, as well as Westchester and Prospect Avenues.
JOHN A. STEINMETZ .- This popular young real estate operator was born at West Farms, and educated in the public schools. His father, Adam Steinmetz, was one of the early settlers of West Farms, and for many years was known as the most prominent baker of that section. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of baker and was employed by his father and became one of the experts in that line. Later Mr. Steinmetz entered the wholesale grocery business and was suc- cessful for six years, in fact his success was far more than he expected he would meet with. Being ambitious and wanting to make a record for himself he entered the real estate field at West Farms and in three months sold fourteen flats, besides building a large number of smaller houses and lots, is certainly gratifying to say the least. He handles all kinds of property and makes a specialty of two-family houses. In addition to real estate he negotiates loans and manages estates, and also makes a feature of insurance. In 1894 Mr. Steinmetz married Miss Eliza- beth Borger, of Fordham, N. Y. They reside at West Farms, where the Steinmetz family have made their home for over fifty years. Socially Mr. Steinmetz is very popular and belongs to Wie- land Lodge. F. and A. M., and Odd Fellows, Morrisania Lodge 171, as well as several business and social organizations.
ROBERT INGRAHAM BROWN, retired, now a resident of Mount Vernon, was in his day one of the most active, ener- getic and progressive residents of what is now Bronx Borough. He was in the real estate business and was predecessor of the well known real estate firm of R. I. Brown's Sons. Mr. Brown was born in Philadelphia in IS24 and there went to school. He came to New York at 14. His first employment was in the marble business, which he mastered under his uncle and re- mained in until the early 60's. During the Civil War he was attached to the Provost Marshal's office in New York City. Just after the war in 1867 hie located in the old town of Morris- ania. Here, in old Fifth, now 167th Street, between Washington and Railroad Avenues, he opened a real estate office. This bu-i ness he conducted with success until 1803. when, at 70 years of age, he retired. Ile is now SI. He was married in 1848 to Miss Mary A. C. Raymond, a granddaughter of Jos. Skillman, and is the father of seven children, three daughters and four sons, of whom three, one daughter and two sons, survive. Mr. Brown was a member of the Board of Centenary M. E. Church, 166th Street and Washington Avenue, a great many years. His sons, Walter E. and Wm. I., who succeeded him in business, have a large and important patronage. They represent the Mutual Life Company's interest in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, the Win. H. Morris estate, and other large owners and investors, a large number of estates, owners and investors.
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RICHARD MUNCH
EMIL VON HERMANNI
1
CHARLES ALBERT WEBER
GEORGE PALEN
223
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
SAMUEL BRENER, a Russian by birth, born in that country in 1882, but brought up from boyhood in New York, is one of the prominent real estate men and builders of the Bronx. 'his place of business is in the Smith building, at Third Avenue and 148th Street. He has lived here twenty-two years, since It was a year old. He went to school here, in fact. Mr. Brener is something of a politician. He is a Republican, a member of the Republican Club and of the Republican District Committee. He is also a Mason.
RICHARD MUNCH, real estate broker by profession. He was born in Bremen, 1871, was educated in Germany and came to America in 1891. He was associated with the late August Hermanni in the real estate business, under the firm name of Hermanni & Munch, and is now carrying on the same business with the former's son, Emil Hermanni, under the same firni name, at 362 Willis Avenue. He is treasurer of the corporation, German Real Estate Company and as such and as member of the real estate firm of Hermanni & Munch, transacts an extensive real estate business.
EMIL VON HERMANNI is a lawyer by profession. He was born in New York City, Borough of Manhattan, July 17, 1883, graduated from New York City Public School No. 19, studied at the College of the City of New York 1898 to 1901, and at the Law School of New York University 1901 to 1904. He graduated therefrom June, 1903, with degree of LL.B. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1904, and has carried on an active independent law practice since. He is president of the corporation of "German Real Estate Co." and in this capacity, and as a member of the real estate firm of Hermanni & Munch, of 362 Willis Avenue, controls substantial and steadily growing real estate interests.
GEORGE PALEN, an enterprising real estate operator in the Bronx, was one of the founders of the Port Morris Market, at 134th Street and East River, and is president of the company operating it. This market is located at the ferry to College Point and North Beach, and between the trolley and New Haven Railroad tracks. It is intended to be a wholesale produce market for the service of Bronx Borough and adjacent parts of Long is- land, Harlem and Washington Heights. It has stores for produce merchants, stands for 150 wagons, and the usual concomitants of hotel, restaurant, etc. It was opened for business July 12 last, ind has been a success from the start. Mr. Palen has other large interests here besides this. He is a New Yorker, born here in 1847, and a graduate of the University of New York. lle is a Democrat, but he mingles little in politics. He leads also in a social way a very quiet life.
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CHARLES ALBERT WEBER, real estate and insurance broker, auctioneer and appraiser, of 633 East 149th Street, Bronx, ha- a most substantial standing in that line, and enjoys a lu- crative business. He was born in New York in June, 1875, and ha lived in the borough some twenty years now, from early youth in point of fact. He is a public school product, and an example of a man who has made his way by his own ef- fort -. Ile is a commissioner of deeds and notary public, a mem- Wwer of the Association of Bronx Real Estate Brokers and the Bronx Auctioneers' Association, and belongs to the Clifton Bowling Club, and Suburban Council of the Royal Arcanum. He is a Republican in national affairs, but an independent in enty and state politics, and "heart and soul for the Bronx." He is, we may add, one of the bachelor contingent of business men vi the Bronx still.
MAX H. NEWMAN, real estate man and auctioneer. with a fine and profitable patronage, is a native brought up in New York and educated in the public schools of the city. Ile entered this line of business immediately on leaving school, and has been in it ever since. He was connected with L. Reiter at Westchester and Jackson Avenues, some eight years and has been in it alto- gether over ten years. He is 27 years old. still a bachelor and devoted to business. He eschews politics and belongs to but one organization of importance, that is Shakespeare Lodge of Masons. No. 750. His place of business is at Westchester and Jackson Avenues, in which vicinity he operates extensively.
LAWRENCE KRONENBERGER .- One of the most active dealers in real estate, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Zetzen- heim, Rhine Hessen, Germany, on June 10, 1872, and graduated from the public schools of the latter place. For some time after his graduation he assisted his father in the vineyard, cultivat- ing and raising grapes, quite an industry in Zetzenheim. He came to the United States in 1888, rolled up his sleeves and com- menced the battle of life. In 1890 his first venture was the butcher business, which he conducted with his brother up to 1893. then removed to the Bronx and started in business as a wine merchant in partnership with his brother. During that time he suffered many hardships; he continued, however, until 1&x). when he and his brother dissolved partnership. The three years that followed brought great financial and property losses, at times he was without money. In 1902 he finally succeeded and immediately engaged in the real estate business again on his own account in the Bronx. He was bound he would succeed. after having lost all his savings. In all of his undertakings he was eminently successful; as a real estate agent he has the con- fidence of an extensive clientage, among which are numbered many of the largest builders, owners of estates and wealthy investors in improved and unimproved properties. His business methods are very systematic, void of cumbersome details, but up- to-date in every particular. He executes his orders for his clients with promptness in all of its details; keeps his appoint- ments and seldom fails to accomplish the desired results for them. He is a gentleman of the strictest integrity and upon this latter he has made himself a brilliant reputation in the Bronx besides building up a large and remunerative business. In estab- lishing the "Bronx Realty Exchange," with main office located in Mckinley Square and a branch at 1021 Boston road, he gave a vigorous impetus to his business; accomplishing large results for his customers. He carries a vast amount of both improved and unimproved properties for investors, who always obtain through him profitable results. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and independent in politics. Mr. Kronenberger married Miss Christina Amann, of the Bronx, and has one very promis- ing son, Lawrence Frederick.
LEOPOLD HUTTER is a well known figure at aucti ... sales of realty. Ile has made a big fortune by speculating in realty, particularly in the Bronx, and not speculation altogether. for his judgment, based upon information acquired, is seldenil at fault. Ile was a butcher formerly and first embarked in this line in Yorkville, which was daring enough according to the opinion of that day, but the next year. when in '83. he began operating in the then far away wilderness of the Bronx, hrs friends voted him mad. It took no long time, however, to controvert them. In four years he had amassed a fortune "? this dubious Bronx dirt. And so he has gone on buying upon his own judgment, with confidence in the forward march ci
MAX H. NEWMAN
LAWRENCE KRONENBERGER
1
LEOPOLD HUT: ER
GEORGE PROVOST FOGAL
225
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
New York and thus made himself, so it is said, a millionaire. Mr. Hutter is a Bohemian by birth, 63 years old. He came to this country in 1866, when he was 24, and began life in the new land as a butcher's boy at $1 a week. Here he remained for thirteen months and then, with more nerve than capital (3 quality which by the way, he has shown he possesses in large measure) he started a place for himself. So successful was he that, in a few years, about the time he began to interest himself in real estate, he had seven stores. But by no means a rude and unlettered character though so fortunate, is he. He is a graduate of the high school of his native city. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow and lives in style on West Fiftieth Street in the fashionable heart of Manhattan. He is a bowler. a sharpshooter and a liberal contributor to charities. He was one of the founders of Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx, and has been its treasurer from the beginning to date. He has been married twice and has children by both wives, two by each, three daughters and a son. Finally, he is a Democrat of lifelong conviction, but has never held office, or for that matter, wanted it.
GEORGE PROVOST FOGAL, one of the oldest, that is to say longest, established real estate men of the Bronx, has distinction also as one of the oldest residents of this part of the city. He was born in New York in 1828 and has been living in the Bronx since 1862, a matter of forty-three years. He began that year as a merchant of this section, and remained in that line for eight years. He had at the time, three different stores in these parts. In 1872, thirty-three years ago, he abandoned merchandising and went into real estate, a line in which he has remained ever since. Needless to say, he has seen many changes in that period, vastly for the better in the main, toward which betterment he has contributed in his time his full share. Mr. Fogal was educated in the public schools of New York and in the old Broadway College. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church. He married Adeline Cur- tis in 1863, and is the father of eight children, seven of whom are living-five daughters and two sons.
HERBERT WILLIAM CLARK, real estate operator, was born in New York City January 6, 1876. He received his pre- liminary education in the public schools, after which he entered the College of the City of New York, and later Centenary Col- legiate Institute. After leaving college in 1894, Mr. Clark en- gaged in the manufacture of paper boxes with his father and brother. The partnership was continued until 1897. at which time the firm incorporated under the name of T. B. Clark Com- pany, of which Herbert William Clark became secretary. In 1900 the establishment was destroyed by fire, and the cor- poration went out of business. Mr. Clark, the subject of this ketch, then engaged in the thread business which he continued until 1902, at which time he began as a real estate operator at 161st Street and Third Avenue. His increasing business soon com- i" lled him to seek larger quarters; he then removed to his pres- eut location, No. 3164 Third Avenue. Mr. Clark has negotiated 4 number of extensive real estate transactions in the Bronx and is rgirded as one of the foremost operators in this section of New York. Being possessed of a pleasing personality as well as "wh integrity, and a correct method of doing business has won m many friends. Mr. Clark is a grandson of the late George Ditchett, one of the founders of the old town of Morrisania, " a large real estate operator in this section in his day.
CHARLES F. MEHLTRETTER, real estate and insurance j'ett. with brokerage a specialty, of 1962 Clinton Avenue, near
Tremont, is a grandson of Charles Mehltretter, who was in busi. ness many years ago as a custom shoe manufacturer at Broad- way and Astor Place. His maternal grandfather, Adelbert Weiner, was a builder who constructed the first house built for lease by the great Astor estate. He himself is a New Yorker born and bred; in fact, he has lived here always, except a few years spent abroad at school. He was born at Broadway and Astor place in 1875. He attended at first the public school on Twelfth Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and then St. John's College at Fordham and graduated at the gymnasium at Winzburg, Bavaria. He is a Democrat, a member of the Bronx Board of Real Estate Broker, and Auctioneers, of the East Tremont Taxpayers' Association, of the Knights of Co- lumbus and Golden Star Lodge, I. O. O. U, North Side Lodge, A. O. U. W. Mr. Mehltretter is one of the successful operators in Bronx real estate. Christmas day, 1892, he was married to Miss Caroline T. Krueger, daughter of C. I. Krueger. Mr. Mehltretter has been identified with the real estate market for the last ten years.
CLEMENT HADDEN SMITH, real estate operator, and a prominent man of the Bronx, was born September 25, 1872, . at Cuddebackville, Orange County, New York, where he re -. ceived his education in the district schools. About nine years ago Mr. Smith located in the Borough of the Bronx, and erected what might be termed the first modern office building, (the Smith Building), which is even now the finest structure of that character in the borough, and will stand for many years lo come as a monument to him. Mr. Smith is reckoned as one of the best posted, as well as one of the highest authorities in the local real estate field. His thorough knowledge of values has brought him clients from all sections of the country. His high standing in this community is a guarantee that requires no further recommendation. In politics Mr. Smith is a staunch Republican, although not an office secker, his time being fully occupied with his ever increasing business affairs. On June 6, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice B. Mat- thews. Two children, J. Hadden, Jr., and Dorotha Moore Smith, have been born to the union. Mr. Smith is located in business at No. 726 Tremont Avenue. Socially, as well as in business circles Mr. Smith has many friends. It has been his motto in business matters to always treat the competitor in the fairest manner possible. He is not a club man, preferring to spend his leisure moments in the family circle.
LOUIS F. KUNTZ, a prominent Real Estate Broker of the Borough of the Bronx, was born in the borough. He is the son of the late Major Louis F. Kuntz, former owner of the J. & L. F .Kuntz Brewing Co., at 168th Street and Third Avenue, now known as the North Side Brewing Co. Mr. Kuntz was educated at Grammar School No. 61. He selected real estate operations as his profession, and has applied himself diligently to the business, and is at present one of the active real estate brokers in the Bronx. His clientele represents a large number of our leading citizens, among which are numerous investors, owners and managers of extensive properties. His office is thoroughly equipped with all facilities necessarily required of a first class real estate office, and his sales and purchases invari- ably proved remunerative to the buyer or seller. Mr. Kuntz con- ing from such a highly respected and well known family of the Bronx, who for years were among the foremost brewers in the community, occupies an enviable position among the citizens of the Bronx. lle is active and industrious and a worker in his profession. In October, 1900, he married Miss Laura C. Sielken,
HERBERT W. CLARK
CHARLES F. MEHLTRETTER
CLEMENT HADDEN SMITH
LOUIS F. KUNTZ
£
227
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
of the Bronx. He is a Democrat in politics, but never held or aspired to any public office, devoting his business life to his profession, and takes a great interest in all questions and actions taken for the improvement and development of the Bronx. He 1. an active member of the North Side Board of Trade.
JOSEPH HARRIS . JONES .- The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland in the carly sixties. He is a member of a characteristic Irish family as to numbers -- eight boys and four girls -- six of the boys thinking well enough of the United States to make their homes here. At the age of fourteen he started out to seek his fortune and at once saw the advantages of railroad financing, so he became conductor on a bus in Liverpool, Eng- land. It was in Liverpool that the foundation of his building experience was laid, he being for some time in the employ of his uncle, who was a prominent builder in that city. He arrived 11 New York in 1883. For ten years succeeding this time he w!, in the employ of one of the largest firms who make a spe-
JOSEPH HARRIS JONES
calty of structural iron work for buildings. He took up his re-blence in the Bronx in 1885, in the days when it was not only the privilege but the duty of the passengers to assist in lifting the forward end of the "Old Huckleberry" on the track. while the ladies were requested to go "to the other end. please." In 18)3 he was married to Miss Fannie L. Morell of this city. Mir. Jones has two daughters (both living), Grace Percival and Elizabeth Frances. Mr. Jones has for many years devoted his ettergies to building in the Highbridge section, his reason for the lection of this location being, to use his own words, on the : rxciple that "Nothing is too good for the Irish."
JOHN F. NORMOYLE, the prominent and active real ,Atte agent of West Farms, was born in New York City, Jan- Paty 20, 1804, and was educated at Grammar School No. 62.
After his graduation he sought the real estate business as a future profession, and has gained wonderful proficiency in the business. His methods employed have been and are of the most systematic character, and give universal satisfaction to his large clientage. Ever alert for the interest of his customers, he is indefatigable in his energies to secure for them excel- lent remuneration from their investments. Thoroughly con- versant with properties and values in all localities of the Bronx, and keeping constantly on his books the cream of Bronx and other properties, and having a practical knowledge of all appraised values, he is largely sought by investors for information and advice as to their purchases and holdings. As a real estate encyclopedia, Mr. Normoyle stands second to no other real estate operator or agent in the great Borongh of the Bronx. His knowledge is invaluable to those who seek it, and it is highly appreciated by those who have received and used it. In 1889 Mr. Normoyle married Miss L. Green, of New York City, a well connected and highly accomplished young lady, the result of this union being five children, Mary ( deceased), Clara, Eugene, John F. Jr., and Anthony Normoyle. Mr. Nor- moyle has no social or political affiliations ; he is strictly a real estate agent, attending to the wants and business affairs of his clients, and after business hours devotes his time with his happy and interesting family at home. He is a genial and courteous gentleman, and among his business associates is admired for his strict integrity and thorough business qualifications.
GEORGE J. STRICKER .-- As a real estate operator, fire insurance agent and man of affairs, the name at the head of this biographical review is highly esteemed and respected. Mir. Stricker comes from good sturdy German-Bavarian stock. His father, Jacob Stricker, was born in Gollheim, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, and came to America in 1840 and settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he engaged in the bakery business and by close attention to every detail he soon made a name for himself, and better still, a competence. He resided in the city of churches for fifty years. Mr. Stricker married Miss Elizabeth Rung, of Bamberg. Rheinpfalz, Bavaria. They had a family of seven children. George J. Stricker being the oldest of the sons. The subject of this biography was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he re- sided, and received his early education in the private schools of that city. After leaving school young Stricker entered the importing wholesale drygoods house of Levi Bros. in Greene Street, New York City, where he remained for eighteen years, making his home on Jersey City Heights. Being ambitious and desiring to improve his condition and get into business for himself, he decided to give up his position with the Levi Bros. and in April, 1823. moved to the Bronx, where he opened a real estate office at 30448 Third Avenue, and remained there for nine years. Ilis business prosperity increased until he had to move into larger quarters which he found at 3050 Third Ave- nue, where he now is, and where he does a general real estate business, handling a large amount of Broux property. As a fre insurance agent he stands among the best in the borong's. Mr. Stricker has charge of some very large estates, among which may be mentioned the Wicks block on Third Avenue, between 156th and 157th Streets. On November 23, 1882. Mr. Stricker was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Wick. of the well known Wick fauly, of Manhattan ( Yorkville). The fruits of their union are two sons, George J. and Haroll Stricker. Mr. Stricker is a member of Wieland Lodge. No. 714. F and A. M. Hle is popular socially and is always willing to do bis share to advance the development of the Bronx.
1
JOHN F. NORMOYLE
GEORGE J. STRICKER
1
THOMAS T. UREN
WALTER WHEWELL
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--
229
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
WALTER WHEWELL, actually and successfully engaged in the real estate business of the Bronx, Manhattan and all the Boroughs of the Greater City, was born August 31, 1876, at Man- chester, England. In his teens he came to New York City with his parents, some 22 years ago, and graduated at Public School, vold 63) at 173d Street and Third Avenue. After leaving school he chose the real estate business as a profession. Carefully and cautiously he entered into the business, and by close application to all its details, he became after a few years experience, a master of its many and most intricate surroundings. As a successful operator for his large clientage, he stands second to none in his favorite profession. A steadfast Republican in politics, he has hever courted political favors or ascendencies. As a public spirited citizen, he has always identified himself with every pub- lic enterprise that meant progress for the Borough of the Bronx. His latest move in this direction was to organize the Real Estate Brokers of the Bronx into an association for self-protection, and for the benefit of the Bronx property owners.
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