USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 33
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 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
THOMAS D. MALCOLM
£
237
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
he did not spare any money to make that tract of land one of the most beautiful spots in White Plains and Westchester County. Everything which he promised to do, when he first opened the property, was fulfilled, for Mr. Gainsborg's word is as good as gold. Mr. Gainsborg besides making these achievements in silver Lake Park, became well known through his being the orig- mator of the first trolley line in White Plains, which has been the embryo of a trolley system which now extends all over West- chester County, and which practically connects the Sound with thie lludson. The first line was started between White Plains depot and Silver Lake Park. It was indeed no easy matter to do that, as Mr. Gainsborg had to contend with local residents who did not wish to have their street spoiled (as they termed it) hy trolley cars; however, his zeal and energy finally enabled hin to succeed in accomplishing this undertaking. Through this medium White Plains is one of the biggest street railroad centers Mr. Gainsborg is at present president of the Bankers' Realty & Security Company, who purchased last year a tract of land be- tween Middletown Road and Eastern Boulevard. He is under- taking the improvement of this property in an "A No. I way,' having all the necessary equipments which go to make an aristo- cratic section. The success of that section is quite obvious since slr. Gainsborg is interested in that locality. He belongs to a great many prominent clubs and is also a high member of the Masonic organization. He has eight children, all of whom are well known in the musical world, and are members of prominent club. lle is preparing plans at present to build a magnificent house for himself and family on the Eastern Boulevard in Fremont Terrace.
THOMAS D. MALCOLM, one of the most enterprising and foremost builders in the Bronx, was born on August 4, 1860. at Strathinglo, Fifeshire, Scotland, and educated in the public schools of the latter place. On his entrance to the United States he at once became an active contractor and in a few years had developed himself into an important factor as a contractor of the first rank in supplying cut stone for a large number of the most important and expensive structures erected in our city, such as the Century Building, the City Hall improvement and a large number of great apartment structures on the West Side, which stand as permanent monuments to his integrity, his artistic skill and mechanical ingenuity. For sixteen years Mr. Malcolm has been one of the most active and industrious builders in the Bronx. He was the first that had the stamina and courage to inaugurate the crection of apartment houses in the Bronx, which was considered by well known experts in realty to be a rash movement and utterly an unprofitable undertaking. Not daunted he applied himself faithfully to his work and with such success that in all of his several undertakings shrewd investors eagerly watched his progress and relieved, him of his holdings at the completion of his work at his own prices. Inspired by his suc- ress he kept in motion rapid improvements in various districts of the Bronx and has to his credit the erection of innumerable buildings, all of which have instantly found a ready market. The Strathden at Westchester and Bergen Avenues, which is 10;x96, and that massive and imposing structure, the Strathallen, at 154th Street and Melrose Avenue, 50x100, both the most modern high class apartments in that valuable center. At the present time this enterprising builder is constructing a six-story high class modern apartment on the southwest corner of Melrose Avenue and Iboth Street, occupying an area of 49x100 feet and of the south side of thoth Street, 21 feet cast of Melrose Avenue. five story house, occupying a lot 50x100 feet, accommodating twenty-one families. Like all the other properties that Mr. Mal-
colin has constructed, these latter are up-to-date in every im- provement and artistic skill required in the work of first class properties. On December 24, 1883, Mir. Malcolm married Miss Annie Bissett, the result of this union being three children. Gilbert, Aleck and Thomas, one living and two deceased. In politics, which rarely disturbs the equanimity of Mr. Malcolni. he is a Democrat and is an active member of the organization of Employees, the North Side Board of Trade, the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association and the Jefferson Club. His family and himself are members of the Brethren Baptist Church and are held in the highest esteem by its pastor and congregation. On River Avenue, off Jerome Avenue, between 167th and 168th Streets, Mr. Malcolm erected a handsome pri- vate residence, which he presented to his estimable wife as one of the many laurels he has won by his ability, his probity and strict integrity in his dealing with his fellow men. Being only of middle age, equipped with all the resources of one who
JOHN G. BORGSTEDE
has by his own industry and natural ability pushed himself to the front rank of his honorable profession and successful in all his undertaking», Mr. Malcohn is one of the few men in the great Borough of the Bronx that has inrefibly stamped his im. press upon its progression and will be known and held as one of its first citizens.
JOHN G. BORGSTEDE. president of Ferncliffe Cemetery and real estate operator, was born in New York City, September 1. 1867. Hli, education was obtained in the public schools, after which he took a thorough course at Packard's Business College. After leaving college. Mr. Borgstede started in busi ness as an entry clerk in the house of 1. Franke & Co. Stk Importers, of No, HO Grand Street, with whom he remained for nine years. In ist he engaged in the real estate business
. .
THOMAS J. JENKINS
EDWARD J. CAHILL
GUSTAVE EULENSTEIN
JOHN FREES
239
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
on his own account, opening an office at 207 East Fifty-fourth Street, with a branch in the Twelfth Ward Bank Building in 125th Street for the handling of Broux property. In 1896, Mr. Borgstede opened his present offices at No. 3273 Third Avenue, discontinuing his down town branches. Owing to the extensive real estate operations carried on by him, he employs a large office force for the transaction of his affairs. In the selection of his forces. Mr. Borgstede invariably requires that they shall #+.all times be courteous and polite. Mr. Borgstede is a con- sistent Republican, always standing for good government. He is a member of the Union Republican, the Schnorer and Ford- ham Clubs, the North Side Republican Club, Taxpayers' As- sociation, Bethany Lutheran Church; a member of the North Side Board of Trade, being one of the charter members, and a trustee of the North Side Savings Bank. On September 18, 18&). Mr. Borgstede was united in marriage with Miss Josephine S. Klenke. They have five children, all daughters, respectively : Sophia A. H., Anna J., Louise E., Dorothy J., and Mildred E. Mr. Borgstede is distinctively a self-made man. The high posi- ton he has attained in both business and social walks of life are entirely due to the correct principles he has employed since boy- hood.
WILLIAM SCHMITZ was born in Germany in 1850. Being the son of a railroad contractor and builder, he received a good school education, and was associated with his father for several years. After his father's death, he followed up that business to 1880. In 18SI he came to New York City. worked for several firms, and in 1893 started in business for himself
WILLIAM SCHMITZ
under the firm name of Schmitz & Eulenstein, and for the past twelve years has been engaged in the building business in the Bronx, where he has erected many buildings in various parts of thir Borough, and has a good name among his colleagues in the trade. He is a member of the Building Trade Employers' As- cation of the Borough of the Broux, and of the K. O. S. i' whing Club.
.
GUSTAVE EULENSTEIN, of the prominent firm of .Bronx builders, Selimitz' & Eulenstein, was born in Germany
in 1860. He came to New York City in 1882, and was engaged as foreman by prominent builders of this city. He entered into partnership with W. Schmitz, known for years past as Schmitz & Eulenstein, Builders and Contractors. Mr. Euienstein has the reputation that the buildings he erects, when completed, are easily disposed of owing to the reputation of his firm for first class construction. He is a member of the Wieland Lodge, an active member of the K. O. S. Bowling Club, and of the Aurora Liederkranz.
JOHN FREES, a prominent Bronx builder and old time resident of this section, was born in Germany, February 14th. 1841. He received a common school education in his native town and came to the New World in 1857 when he was but sixteen years of age. He came immediately to the section now known as the Borough of the Bronx, and was engaged with his brothers in the building business for about eleven years. He then severed connections with his brothers and entered the field alone as a building contractor in 1868. From the beginning his undertaking was marked with success and during his ex- tended career he has built many of the representative buildings of the Bronx. At the present time he holds a prominent posi- tion among the representative builders of this section. He is a member of the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' As- sociation and a trustee of the Dollar Savings Bank. He married in 1863 Katherine Lanzer and has a family of eight children, three daughters and five sons, each of whom are equipped with lucrative professions. Mr. Frees was the pioneer builder of the Melrose section of the Borough. He took a prominent part in securing many of the public improvements which that part of the borough now enjoys.
THOMAS J. JENKINS, an architect and builder. forty- five years resident in the Bronx, and long successfully engaged in that line of business, has been interested in his time in more than one important project. Just now he is one of the principals in the establishment of the new Port Morris Wholesale Produce Market at the ferry foot of 134th Street, which has been recently opened for business and promises to be a success and great con- venience also. He is, in fact, the secretary of the company operating it. He is a Democrat but not often forward politically, business chiefly and strictly absorbing his attention.
PHILLIP FREUDENMACHER, one of the most succes- ful and substantial mason-builders and general contractors of the Bronx, and head of the firm of Phillip Freudenmacher & Son, is located at 567 East 154th Street, near Courtlandt Avenue. Mr. Freudenmacher was born in Bavaria March 28, 1851, and at- tended school there. He has been a resident of the borough nearly twenty years. He built the first synagogue in the Bronx. the "Hand-in-Hand;" the Fairfax Building. Mt. Vernon; the Ricca Piano Factory at 134th Street and Southern Boulevard and other important structures. He is well known and ranks high among the German element of the borough. He is a member of a number of organizations, the following among them are: North Side Board of Trade. Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association, Jefferson Tammany Club, Selmor- er Club. Arion Liedertafel Singing Society, of which he is treas- urer and was builder of their hall: the Melrose Turn Verein. Arion and other bowling clubs, the Odd Fellows, Masons and St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church, also the Building Trades Employers' Association of the Bronx, which originated with him. Mr. Freudenmacher married the 21st day of September.
CHARLES KNAUF
MRS. CHARLES KNAUF
ARTHUR W. WALL
NILS OLSEN
241
-
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
1872, Miss Helena Hof, also a native of Bavaria. They have five living children and several deceased. His son is engaged in business with him.
FREDERICK M. MELLERT, well known in the Bronx as a successful builder and contractor, was born in New York City, May 17, 1859. After graduating from the public schools he entered the employ of the old New York clothing firm. Brown- ing, King & Co. as a clerk in 1879. His aptitude for business and his cleverness in advancing the interests of the firm were promptly recognized by them; when after a few years of active service as a clerk, they advanced him to the position of buyer of trimmings. This position he maintained successfully for over 15 years, until 1898. Being of a progressive nature and recognizing the very great future of the Bronx, he then entered upon a field to which he had given many years of quiet study,
FREDERICK M. MELLERT
viz. ; the construction of buildings. From the start, to the present time, Mr. Mcllert has been successful in all of his under- takings, which have been on some occasions of stupendous pro- portions. A staunch Republican in politics, lie has held only one public office, when he was appointed a commissioner of condemnation procecdings for the taking of property for the city on Park Avenue West. He is a member of the Union Repub- lican Club, of the Fordham Club, a trustee for over 14 years of a very successful building and loan association, president of the Monroe Bowling Club and a few other popular associa- nons. Those who know Mr. Mellert thoroughly consider his word as good as his bond. September 22, 1884, he married !. mma M. Bernhardt of Manhattan, and has three children, viz. : Frederick H., Bertha L .. , and Emma J.
CHARLES KNAUF, builder and promoter of Van Nest Park. in the Bronx, has certainly exhibited, during his career flere, the qualities that command success. Mr. Knauf was born
in Albany County, this state, October 21, 1858. At 5 years of age he was taken to Rensselaer County, 200 there, at"Castleton, was sent to school. His youth was passed with his parents on a farm; he remained on the old place, in fact, until he was 31 years old. He then came to New York City and was first em- ployed by John Clark, president of the Ridgewood Ice Co., for five years. He had full charge of one depot, and it was in this capacity that he first visited the scene of his present activities, progressive Van Nest. He began there by purchasing two lots, and building himself a house. He had worked at carpentering about a year and was induced to enter the building line by H. P. Rose, and although he commenced under rather trying circum- stances, he has made of it an unqualified success. He has built since over 200 houses, all of them sold, and has more under way, and has earned fairly the name of a wise, as well as enterprising man. Mr. Knauf has a farm near the old place in Rensselaer and occasionally visits it for relaxation. He is a man of family, having married Miss Bertha Fernekes, of the Bronx, in 1884, and has one daughter, who is married. He sticks closely to business and is identified with but a single organization, the Royal Arcanum.
NILS OLSEN, a practical builder of the Bronx, was born in Sweden September 15, 1861. He was educated at the public school of his native country, and attended a full course of in- struction at the Trade School of his locality, after which he served a full apprenticeship to the builders' trade. He emi- grated to this country in 1884, worked at his trade as journey- man and in a short time was advanced to the position of fore- man and superintendent of construction. He has visited dif- ferent parts of the United States and Alaska, and returning to the Bronx in 1890, he commenced operations as a builder on his own account, and has been eminently successful in all of his important operations. Mr. Olsen has never manifested any in- terest in political affairs, but is an active member of Wyoming Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Building Trades Employers Association, and a member of the Westchester Exempt Fire- men's Association. He was married to Miss Margarett Doell December 19, 1891, has two children living, Anna M. and Nil- WV. Mr. Olsen is thoroughly domestic in his tastes and a reader of all the works of the great masters.
ARTHUR W. WALL, the youngest real estate operator and builder in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in New York City on December 16, 1882, and was educated at the pub- lic schools and the New York Preparatory School. After his graduation preparation for the battle of life, he chose real estate and building as a profession, and applied himself so diligently to his work that at the age of 21 years he built a magnificent five-story apartment house on the north side of 155th Street, near Elton Avenue, and at the present time is erecting two six-story apartment houses, 50x100 each on the north side of 158th Street, 100 feet west of Elton Avenue, which will supersede in beauty of architecture and modern improvements most of the many similar structures now being erected in the borough. In his real estate operations he has been wonderfully successful by finding and disposing of to his numerous clients at good prices to the seller, and exceedingly remunerative figures to the former. Mr. Wall is one of the most active young men in the Bronx. lle individually superintends the construction of his buildings, giving his orders to the various mechanics like an old veteran, inspects every particle of material that goes into the work, and unliesitatingly sends back any of the latter that proves defective. or in any manner not to be of the first and best quality. There are few men in the Bronx that have developed and exhibited
242
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
such extraordinary talent for the business in so short a period as Mr. Wall, and it is predicted of him that his future will be the most brilliant and successful of the active young men of to-day, who are investing their means and lending their best energies to develop and beautify the present great borough. Mr. Wall belongs to the Republican Club of the Thirty-fourth Dis- trict.
JULIUS FIGLINOLO, contractor and builder, was born at Rome, Italy, July 10, 1862, where he received his early edu- cation and training. Julius Figlinolo is essentially a self-made man, having by necessity had to shift for himself. Julius was always of a romantie nature, and artistic to a high degree. In
latest apartment house, Villa Court, situated at 723 Union Ave- nue, is a credit to that beautiful thoroughfare, and conceded by builders and architects to be one of the most perfectly ap- pointed in the borough. On the same avenue he erected Nos. 717 and 715, and many others in different parts of the city. At the present time he is building the magnificent stables of C. K. G. Billings, the gas magnate of Chicago, at 195th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. Mr. Figlinolo's own residence at 719 Union Avenue is one of the most attractive in the Bronx. and the artistie side of his nature is shown in the architecture and in the Italian gardens which practically surround the house. He has imported lemon and fig trees from Italy and de- lights in their culture and preservation. In 1886 and again in
JULIUS FIGLINOLO AND FAMILY
early youth one of his fondest dreams was to visit the land of the Stars and Stripes; night after night he would dream of America, that wonderful country across the seas. In 1882 his dreams were realized; he saved enough money to pay his pas- age, and when he landed in New York had twenty dollars left to begin life in his new Arcadia. Young and ambitious, this turdy son of sunny Italy looked around for something to do. and soon found it in the building trade, which he had studied att In . native place. The Bronx was a good field for his opera- ar, and believing in its future made up his mind to settle in Or borough and make it his home. Mr. Figlinolo has built a !age. number of flats and private houses in the Bronx. His
1892 he spent his vacations in his native land, visiting en route Paris, France, and other continental cities. He studied the ar- chitecture of the various capitals of Europe and spent several weeks touring through France, Naples, Milan, Venice, and re- newing old friendships and acquaintances in Rome, the eternal city; returning to America, architecturally invigorated and re- freshed, but in his Italian heart a better American than ever. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Livea Desanda, of Naples, Italy. They have been blessed with three children Elizabeth, Amelia and Antonio. Mr. Figlinolo has made many warm friends in the Bronx, and is rated as one of its substan- tial and progressive citizens.
243
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
THOMAS JOSEPH QUINN, one of the most successful and practical builders in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in New York City February 24, 1872, and was educated at the public schools. The son of Andrew and Mary Quinn, a well known family in the city of the highest respectability and stand- ing. they carefully trained their son to become a useful and up- right citizen. After his graduation he received a position with the famous dry goods house of H. B. Claflin & Co., and there re- ceived that methodical business training that has characterized
THOMAS JOSEPH QUINN
his successful career so pronounced by his masterful building operations in the Bronx. After three years service with Claflin & Co., he gave four years of valuable time as purchasing agent for Naughton & Co., a responsible position, meeting with signal necess in the latter venture. In 1900 he realized that in the building trade there was an unusual opening for one of strict executive requirements and special adaptability to all its intri- vate details. From the start his success has been phenomenal. Confining himself strictly to the erection of modern private houses containing all the latest and most improved appliances for purchasers, beautiful in architecture and substantiality con- tructed under the requirements of the building laws. On Jack- .on Avenue and 166th Street he built that beautiful row of two-story privates and also the entire row of similar beauties on Forest Avenue. These magnificent houses attracted such general attention from their striking architecture, their substantial construction and their thorough equipment with every modern appliance that Mr. Quinn ' had them all sold in many cases before they were completed, to private individuals anxious to secure in advance of their finish, th desirable property. Mr. Quinn has confined himself strictly to this pattern of private houses and has built for himself an 'viviable reputation in the Bronx as among its foremost and com-
petent builders. He was married August 8, 1900, to Miss Amy McDonnell, a highly accomplished young lady of New York City, and daughter of James and Marion McDonnell, a well known family of New York City; the result of this happy union being two interesting and promising children, James and Andrew Quinn, both living. Mr. Quinn and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church; he has no affiliations with politics; belongs to no societies or organizations, devoting his time to the conduct of his large building interests and to his family interests in his pleasant home.
CHRISTIAN VONDRAN .- The well known house mover of the Borough of the Bronx, was born in Germany, July 25, 1840, where he received his early education. He came to this city in 1863, and for two years worked as a laborer. In 1866 he engaged in business as a carpenter, having learned the trade in Germany, and in 1870 he went into business for himself as a house mover, which profession he has sucessfully conducted for the past thirty-four years. Among the notable perform- ances in house moving that Mr. Vondran successfully carried out, may be mentioned the following : The old William H. Webb homestead at Fordham Heights, a building 97 feet front by 109 feet deep; the Children's Home at Spuyten Duyvil. 90x27, moved
CHRISTIAN VONDRAN
202 feet. Built the Brothers' and Sisters' House for St. Mary's Catholic Church, dug the cellar and furnished sand and stone for the above. Moved a three-story brick and two four-story brown stone houses located on north side of 149th Street, between Mott ind Walton Avenues. In 19co moved the old Morgue at Belle - vite Hospital. after several other experts had declined the work. This latter he moved 100 feet and turned it around. Moved the buildings at the northeast corner of Westchester and Thir i Avenues, owing to the widening of the street. Mr. Vondran is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Chippewa and Talla-
PHILLIP FREUDENMACHER
C. C. HOTTENROTH
cain
TIMOTHY J. KELLY
F. VINTON SMITH
£
245
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
iowa Clubs, and the Building Trades Employers' Association. He was married June In, 1800, to Miss Catherine Gorman, of the Bronx, and has four sons and one daughter, Adam, John, Vexaunder 11., Henry H. and Francis Vondran. The four sons te associated with Mr. Vondran in his large and active busi-
CHRISTIAN C. HOTTENROTH .- In these days of change and stress the lives and personality of some of our most valna- lle citizen- are little known. They come and go about their business, doing their duty as they see it by their families, their ineuds and neighbors, the community and country, appreciated at their true worth only in that small knot of business or social quanttance in which they move. This class constitutes in the Bronx, as everywhere, a main stay; such a character we have at all events in our subject, nearly fifty years a resident of this city, and now at 67 years of age-nigh three score and ten -- approaching the patriarchal stage. Mr. Hottenroth was born in. Allendori, Hessel-Cassel, Germany, Dec. 11, 1838. There, too, in his youth he went to school, and was employed for a time in the Burgomaster's, or as we have it, the Mayor's office. On his arrival here in 1857 he engaged in the harness business and followed it successfully many years. In 1890 he embarked in the real estate business in the Bronx, with a location near the liarlem Bridge. Later he acquired the property now occupied by him for the same purpose at 2563 Third Avenue, junction of Morris Avenue and 138th Street. He owns there also a piece of property which is in one particular unique. It is probably the smallest piece in the five boroughs upon which taxes are regu- larly assessed, and paid. This piece of property is 18 by 17 by 8 inches, a triangle only 72 inches square! itow it came about is a long story that may, however, be summed up in this: In 1874 Mr. flottearoth bought the southwest corner of Third Avenue and 139th Street. In 18So Morris Avenue was opened from Third Avenue to 156th Street. A change of grade was made also on Third Avenue from Harlem River north to 147th Street. By these improvements there was left a very small gore, just about enough in fact on which to plant a 60-foot flag-pole. Mr. Hottenroth was never half compensated for the damage done his property; and it was the fact that he failed to find a lawyer competent to secure it for him that decided his son, the well known attorney, A. C. Hottenroth, in the choice of a pro- fession. Mr. Hottenroth, senior, succeeded the North Side Real Estate Bureau at the old location at the Third Avenue Bridge, ilis present location is an exceedingly promising one. It is a great transfer point for the surface lines and there is strong probability that a subway station will be placed there as well. lle first came to the Bronx to live, settling in Melrose in 1860. He has taken an active interest in the success of the Democratic party and was captain of his district in 1885, but he has always been satisfied with a place in the ranks and has never aspired to public office. He married in Inne, 1863. Miss Catherine Sandrock, also a native of Allendorf. She has borne him five children, three daughters, Emily ( Mrs. Clark), Anna (Mrs. Grossman), and Julia ( Mrs. Goosen ), and two sons, Adolph C., the lawyer referred to alove, and Frederick W., who is a partner of his brother at 160 Broadway.
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.