USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 37
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LOUIS REITER, real estate broker and insurance agent. of Westchester and Jackson Avenues, has been resident and established in business in the borough seventeen years and owns
the Reiter Building at above address. He is naturally one of the best known men in his line. He has been one of the most successful also. He is a Bavarian by birth, a native of Hoch- stadt, now 41 years old. He is a graduate of the Government High School at the famous Wagnerian town of Bayreuth. Mr. Reiter is a Republican, a Mason and Knight of Pythias, and represents, as Bronx manager, American Central Fire Insurance Co., Scottish Union & National Fire Insurance Co. and Phila- delphia Casualty Co. He married in January, 1888, Miss Ray Cower. They have three children.
DANIEL ALLYNG REXFORD, a member of the firm of Molloy, Rexford & Co., prominent among the largest con- tractors on the Atlantic coast, at present engaged in the great improvement of widening White Plains Road in the Bronx, was born January 1, 1857, at Norwich, New York. After at- tending the public schools of his native place. he was sent to the Hopkins Grammar School at New Haven, Connecticut. and was prepared there to enter Leicester Military Academy at Leicester, Massachusetts, where he graduated with honors, and thereupon chose the profession of contractor as a business, and has continued at the same successfully both in Canada and the United States since 1873, principally being engaged in the erection of public works, railroads and power plants, many of them among the largest and most important in both countries. In politics Mr. Rexford has always been a consistent Republi- can. although he has never held any public office. He is a meni- ber of the Congregationalist Church, and is prominently identi- fied with the Chenango County Society, of New York City, and the Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Rexford attends to the financial interests of the firm, besides giving a great deal of his attention to the development of its manifold interests, which extend to various parts of the country. The contract for widening White Plains Road was granted the firm, not so much from the fact that they were the lowest bidders, but largely from the fact of their thorough reliability and the satisfactory results the city would derive therefrom. Mr. Rex- ford is as popular as he is widely known. He is public-spirited, unselfish and is highly esteemed and respected by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.
JAMES MATHEW MOLLOY, senior member of the firm of Molloy, Rexford & Co., general contractors, was born at Chester, Pennsylvania, Junc 3, 1844. He was educated at the local schools of his native place, after which he entered busi- ness as a contractor in building railroads, bridges, opening of streets and sewers of various municipalities. In his connec- tion with the present firm, he acts as the general superin- tendent and supervisor of all construction work, and is widely known as one of the most successful managers of men and work of this character on the roster of American contractors. A gentleman of large and vigorous frame, thoroughly equipped with all the fundamental principles and resources of his voca- tion, kindhearted and generous to his large army of employees. he enjoys the distinction of being capable of executing more work according to plans and specifications, than any other oi our largest contractors, as the widening of the White Plains Road bears ample testimony. In politics, Mr. Molloy is a Democrat, but has never sought or held public office. He is a Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
JOHN F. COGAN, a member of the firm of Molloy, Reviord & Co., the prominent contractors, was born in New York City, December 23, 1860. After attending the public schools he en-
DANIEL ALLYNG REXFORD
JAMES MATHEW MOLLOY
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JOHN F. COGAN
MICHAEL SEXTON
265
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
lered Mount St. Mary's College at Emmetsburg, Maryland, and graduated therefrom in June, 1880. Acting nuder the same im- files that governed the other members of his firm, he colli- menced his business career as a contractor, and with but limited mens, but plenty of pluck and indomitable courage, forced his way to the front rank of his profession. Eminently successful in all of his undertakings, he became an active partner with Molloy. Rexford & Co., and assumes large responsibilities in the management of the firm's extensive operations. In his busi- ness relations with financiers and large corporations, be ex- hibits the highest order of intelligence appertaining to his vo- cation, which is sustained by the many victories he has won over competitors, for the construction of railways, bridges, streets, sewers and . other important works throughout the United States and the Canadas. Mr. Cogan, in politics, is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type; has never held or sought public office. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to no societies, clubs or organizations, with the ex- ception of the Knights of Columbus.
MICHAEL SEXTON, of the well known firm of Molloy, Rexford & Co., general contractors, was born in Ireland, June 4. 1847. He emigrated to the United States in 1860, settled in Virginia, where he was properly educated. He commenced business as a contractor with very limited means and by dint of untiring energy and close application to his business, he met with remarkable success. In the Southern and New Eng- land States, he has built railroads, and for various muni- cipalities has widened streets and perfected their sewerage sys- tem. Mr. Sexton is a valuable contingent to the famous firm of which he is a member, and in the position he occupies is one of its most active members. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and occupies a prominent position in the Knights of Columbus.
THOS. F. O'RORKE, of 692 Union Avenue, the Bronx, is one of the solid men of the borough-the owner of valuable property. He was one of the first to discern what lay in the future for that part of the country, and, as he deserves, has profited by his discernment. We can say of him also without offense that he is a fighting character. He has fought his way t:p from poverty to affluence. He has fought as a soldier in war- ume; he fought his way also as a policeman, fought to a final victory for order and peace in "Battle Row," where he was stationed, earning thereby the sobriquet of the "Mayor" of that lelectable district. He fought even that strenuous personage Theodore Roosevelt, when the President was just an ordinary police commissioner, and is, like enough, the only man that ever had the better of him. Mr. O'Rorke is, as the name implies, of Irish extraction, and proud of it. lle was raised as a boy in New Haven and went to school there. The Civil War came on and he enlisted. He was accepted as a drummer boy, but in bis very first battle, at Baton Rouge, La., true to his fighting proclivities, discarded the drum for a musket. He served through ont the war, and was an orderly on Hancock's staff, and made his escape from the Confederates while they were taking him to Libby Prison. After the war, in 1870, he was appointed to the Freedmen's Bureau, and in that capacity served as far South as Corpus Christi and Brownsville, Texas. In 1874 he was ap- ' pointed on the New York police force, and after a service of twenty-one years, during which he was distinguished for courage and attention to Anty, was retired. He was known even then 1s one of the wealthiest men on the force, the possessor of a for- tune gained, not as now by grafting methods, but by economy
and native shrewdness. He first came into the Bronx to live in 1900. His investments now, including several apartment houses. are said to total fully $250,000. Mr. O'Rorke is a Democrat in politics and a Catholic in religion. He married in 1872 Miss Margaret A. Ryan. She died in 1805, leaving six children living- one son and the rest girls. He married again, in 1895, a Miss Catherine Netley. By her he has one child, a boy, Thomas V.
WILLIAM C. BERGEN, real estate operator, of 2110 An- thony Avenue, was born at Kingston, N. Y., March 9. 1861, where he received an education at the public schools. For the past twenty-three years Mr. Bergen has resided in Bronx Bor- ough. When at the age of twenty-two he was employed as gardener by J. B. Brown, of Morris Heights, and the late ex- Mayor Franklin Edson of the same place. He also served in a like capacity for other well known people. Later he entered the police department. In 1886 Mr. Bergen. when at the age of forty-five years, retired from the force after a faithful ser- vice covering a period of nearly twenty years. During that period he was attached to the Central Park station for twens years. For two years he was detailed by Park Commissioner Mc Millan as detective for all the parks of the Bronx. Wien the amalgamation of the Greater New York police force took prace, ne was assigned to the Forty-first Precinct ( Bronx Park station.) The last four years of his service he was attached to the Twenty-fifth Precinct in East Sixty-seventh Street. ror ten years prior to his retiring from public duty, Mr. Bergen be- callle interested in real estate transactions, and during that period outamed a practical knowledge of building construction, which served him well later on. After his retirement from the force he began to speculate in Bronx real estate as well as en- gaging in constructing high class private and two-family awellings. He has had phenomenal success, and is to-day one of the Heaviest real estate operators and builders in this bor- ough. In the construction of his buildings, Mr. Bergen ha- the well-earned reputation of using only first-class materials. this being easily proven from the speedy sale of all the houses le erects. The following is a partial list of some of the opera- tions carried on by Mr. Bergen: Six brick dwellings at 170th Street and Topping Avenue; five brick dwellings at 173d and 179th Streets and Topping Avenue; seven frame dwelling, at 179th Street and Cliton Avenue; three brick dwelilngs at 18Ist Street and Anthony Avenue; twelve frame dwellings at Bain- bridge Avenue; three brick dwellings at Bainbridge Avenue and 192d Street; five frame dwellings at Marion Avenue and 197th Street ; five frame dwellings at Valentine Avenue and co2d Street: forty to fifty frame dwellings at Mosholu Park- way and Perry Avenue; one mansion of twenty rooms for James Cunnion. Mr. Bergen holds many high-class parcels of real estate in the finest sections of the Bronx, which he is hold. ing for advancement in values. Among some of his holdings are the following: 176th Street and Fulton Avenue, opposite Crotona Park; two corner plots corner of Grand Concourse and ISist Street; corner 1,6th Street and Morris Avenue: cor- nur of ryoth Street and Topping Avenue; corner of 173d Street and Topping Avenue, and many others. The latest acquisitions to his holdings, and one of which he is rightly proud, is the purchase of the three-acre plot. where he was first employed by J. B. Brown, who at that time paid him the enormous salary of twenty dollars per month. This plot con- tains about fifty city lots and has been part of the Camp estate for about thirty years, Mr. Bergen is a Democrat. He is : member of the Arthur H. Murphy Association. Fordham Ch !! Fiks. Knights of Columbus and a member of the Jeffer-on Cl. On June 6, 1900, Mr. Bergen married Miss Mary L. O'Too'e.
WILLIAM C. BERGEN
JAMES P. SONNEBORN
JAMES JOHN MC GUIRE
THOS. F. O'RORKE
267
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
daughter of James O'Toole, a prominent Broux builder, who constructed the Municipal Building, the Bronx Building, and many other important structures, both publie and private. Mr. Bergen has three children, viz. : James, Loretta and Anna. Ile is a self-made man and his friends are legion. . His entire career has been governed through honorable motives, and as a good citizen he ranks among the best in the Bronx.
JOHN H. METZLER was born in West Forty-second Street. New York City, July 20, 1848, and came to Melrose with lis parents in 1851. Hle was one of the oldest residents of the
JOHN H. METZLER
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Bronx at the time of his death, which occurred on January 6. 1902, when the Bronx lost one of its most enterprising cuize ..... Mr. Metzler was known far and wide for his unquestionable ability and sterling integrity. During the early years of his life he attended Publie School No. 61, of Morrisania, and at eleven years of age he went to work as a grocery elerk. After working six years as clerk he went to work for his father, John P. Metzler, who was a carpenter and builder, and learned his trade, which equipped him thoroughly for the enterprising work he performed successfully in after years. When twenty-two years of age, however, he concluded to open a grocery store, which he did. and was succeeding very well for a few years when a disastrous fire destroyed his store and erippled him financially so that he dropped the grocery business and entered into the employ of Mr. E. Gustaveson, a prominent builder of that period. being foreman and superintendent for about fifteen years. In 1888 he started in the building and construction business on his own account, which marked the era of the first forward movements in the building up of the Bronx-at which he continued until the time of his death. Mr. Metzler married twice. His first wife was Miss Eva Vielbig, of Melrose, to whom he was married in 18;1, and - who died in October, 188t. There were five children of this union, three of whom are now living, two daughters and a son.
in 1883 Mr. Metzler married the second wife, Miss Annie M1. Smith ( still living) who belonged to one of the oldest and highly respected families of West Farms. There were two children of this union, a daughter and a son, both living. In polities Mr. Metzler was a Republican, but never sought political favor .. He was one of the old volunteer firemen of Melrose, belonging to Engine Company No. 5, and was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was also a member of the Presbyterian. Church of West Farms. In the death of Mr. Metzler, which was seriously regretted by all who knew him, the Bronx lost a pro. gressive man who had kept in advance of the era of improvement - in which he was interested. His son, Ilarry Metzler, has been, and i- now, conducting the business on the same lines as his father.
HARRY METZLER, earpenter and builder, of 2143 Mape- "venue, was born in the Bronx August 6, 1878. He lives in a fine (Il home built by his father, who was also a builder and con- tractor. Our subject was, in his youth, a pupil of Public Sehoo: No. 61, but left it at fourteen to go to work for his father. and so continued up to the time of the old gentleman's death in 1902. Then he succeeded to the business and took up Bronx real estate operations also "on the side." He has been more thar
HARRY METZLER
measurably successful and has splendid prospects ahead. I. politics and society and all that. Mr. Metzler takes but little interest. He is unmarried and belongs to but one organization
JOHN CUNNINGHAM RODGERS, JR., the youngest ant most prominent and successful contractor in Greater New York. was born at La Chien, Canada, June 14, 1870. Ile graduated a the public schools and is an undergraduate of St. John's College. Fordham. He hails from a distinguished family, his father. John C. Rodgers, being one of the most influential contractor- of municipal work in the Gremer New York, While a member of the powerful firm of John C. Rodgers & Co, he has developed such a trait of push and energy on his own individual account that he was awarded the contract by the municipality of the Bronx to widen Westchester Avenue from the Bronx River, 0% of the largest and most important improvements that the borong! has provided for during the year 1904. This work was en-
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JOHN CUNNINGHAM RODGERS. JR.
269
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
tered into at once energetically by Mr. Rodgers and notwith- standing its enormous proportions and its herculean task, Mr. Rodgers has accomplished and performed astonishing results with the work. Ilis progress has been so rapid that the taxpayers and property owners of the community are more than delighted with the energy and ability of the young contractor, who gives fair promise of completing the great improvement before the contract limit. Mr. Rodgers is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, belongs to no societies or organizations, giving his entire time to the prosecution of his large contracting interests. He was married April 4, 1899, to Miss Sophia Frances Rodgers, a young lady highly esteemed in social circles for her culture and refinement.
FREDERICK DAMM, the well-known contractor and house mover of the Bronx, was born in Denmark, Sept. 16th. 1865. and was educated there. In 1885 he came to the Bronx, and estab- lished himself in the contracting of removing houses from one locality to another, and has become the leading representative of that branch of business throughout the Borough. He lis consummated a large number of difficult tasks in the house- moving line, where others of his competitors have signally failed. and for this reason he has made for himself a reputation that has extended over Greater New York. Mr. Damm married January 26, 1896, Miss Glockner, who died June 26, 1905, leaving two children, Rena and Emma, both of whom are living. In polities Mr. Damm has always been a consistent Democrat, but has never aspired to political honors. He belongs to no socie- ties, elubs or organizations, but has a seore of influential friends among the leading citizens of the Bronx, and is admired for his substantial business habits, his staunch integrity, and the promptness with which he fulfills his agreements.
WM. T. AUSTIN, residing at 760 East 140th Street, is Chief Clerk in the Coroner's office, Tremont. Mr. Austin was born April 8, 1868, in England, Great Britain, and was educated at Queens College, South America. He came to this country at the age of 17 in 1885 and has been a resident of the borough for fifteen years. Though born abroad of an English father, his mother was an American. His wife is a sister of Coroner Mc- Donald and a daughter of Col. Joseph MeDonald, a veteran of the Civil War and members of Lafayette Post, G. A. R. Mr. Austin was before he took office an insurance man and account- ant. In politics he is a Republican and is Captain of the 57th Distriet organization of that party. He is active in the North Side Republican Club and is a member of the Brownson Catho- lic Club and the Royal Arcanum. He married, July 20, 1892, as mentioned above, Miss Mary C. MeDonald. They have four children living, Catharine IT., Marie S., Wm. T., Jr., and Flor- ence R.
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LYDIA A. SCOFIELD, widow of the late Charles Scofield, was born in City Island August 4. 1846, and during her early youth attended the local public school; her education was com- pleted at the Bolton School. located at Pelham Manor and at Bedford, Westchester County. Mrs. Scofield, before her mar- riage was Miss Lydia A. Pell, sister of Henry S. Pell. the well known real estate operator of City Island. The Pell family is looked upon as one of the oldest and most respected of that part of the borough, where they settled many years ago and have been identified right up to the present time with the upbuilding of City Island. Mrs. Scofield has operated extensively in Bronx real estate, and has been very successful, showing in every instance a marked ability. She has one son. Fletcher P., who resides in , the Borough of Brooklyn, where she also resides at the present time.
PHILIP J. KEARNS, of the well known contracting firm of Cunningham & Kearns, main offices, 438 East Ninety- first Street, was born in Yorkville, on the 8th day of August, 1870. In 1873. his parents moved to the Bronx and he has resided in that seetion continuously since such date, acquiring his early education in both parochial and public schools. MIr. . Kearns' highly successful career in his chosen field of business. contracting, rests on the foundation he laid by acquiring a practical knowledge of the details of the separate branches there- of. A mention of the following contraets, accomplished or under way, will give some idea of his high reputation for thorough workmanship and of his ability for shrewd calcula- tion on bid specifications: The Bungay outlet sewer, where skill alone overcame difficulties; paving Westchester Avenue.
PHILIP J. KEARNS
from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, both in the Bronx : in Manhattan, sewer on Fifth Avenue, from Washington Place to Fifty-ninth Street, and outlet sewers the entire leng :!: of West and South Streets; regul .ting of Delancey Sirce: ( Bowery to Clinton Street entrance Williamsburg Bridger: construction of the Brooklyn Plaza of said bridge and the re- paving of Elm Street, Manhattan, and Kent Avenue ( Broadway to Ilewes Street) Brooklyn. Mr. Kearns has ever been a staunch Democrat, but never an office seeker, and is an honored member of the Jefferson Club and the Tammany General Com- mittce. In club life he holds membership in the Taxpayers Alliance. Schnorer Club, New York Athletic Club. Knight- of Columbus. Contractors' Association, Elks and a charter member of the Brownson Catholic Club. Mr. Kearns is of the Catholic faith and unostentatiously provides liberals to the maintenance of its many charities. On October S. ING. he was married to Miss Honora Veronica White. and . children, four of them sturdy boys, grace Mr. Kearns' home near 183d Street on the Grand Concourse and Boulevard.
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FRANZ BRAUN
AUGUSTUS A. IRELAND
FREDERICK DAMM
LOUIS REITER
271
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
EDMUND BARRY O'CONNELL was born in New York City, in the old Nineteenth Ward, on January 22, 1875. He received his education in the Cathedral Parochial School and in Grammar School No. 74, Manhattan. Early evincing a desire to learn architecture, he took a special course in that study at Columbia College. Mr. O'Connell is the senior partner in the well known firm of O'Connell-Piper Company, extensive marble and tile contractors, at Concord Avenue and 15Ist Street. Bronx. During his thirteen years' residence in the Bronx, Mr. ()'Connoll has won an enviable reputation for probity and good citizenship in both business and social circles. He is a member of St. Roch's Catholic Church, as well as numerous Catholic organizations. On April 21, 1903, he married Catharine H. Ryan, and two daughters, Sarah Marie and Elizabeth C, make their home life cheerful.
AUGUSTUS A. IRELAND, is Assistant Superintendent of the Tenement House Department, Bronx Branch, and one of the active Democrats of the borough. He is a native born in New York City (Manhattan) November 19, 1867, and a resident of the Bronx since his 12th year. He is a product of the public schools and was formerly until 1904 engaged in the brokerage business in Wall Street. He belongs among others to the follow- ing clubs and associations of the district: The Tallapoosa Club, Louis F. Haffen Association, West Morrisania Club, Mel- rose Turn Verein, the Elks, the Schnorer, etc. He married September 30, 1892, Miss May A. Haffen, daughter of John Haffen. They have two children living, John M. and Augustus P
THOMAS BOWNE WATSON, contractor and stevedore, was born October 28, 1868, in the Bronx, when that section (of what is now one of the boroughs of New York City) was a part of Westchester County. He attended the public schools, and at the age of fourteen graduated therefrom with high honors. After leaving school he secured employment, and in 1903 went into his present business on his own account. He was success- ful from the start, and is to-day one of the substantial citizens of Bronx Borough. Mr. Watson has built up an extensive busi- ness as a general contractor and stevedore. His main office is
located at Fordham Road and Gerard Avenue. Politically, M .. Watson is a staunch Democrat. He is extremely popular and has a large circle of influential friends who have repeatedly urged him to become a candidate for Alderman and Assembly- man. Ilis extensive business has always prevented him from accepting. He is a prominert member of Chippewa Club.
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THOMAS BOWNE WATSON
Thomas H. O'Neil Association; he was an Exempt Fireman, and is the standard-bearer of the Thomas B. Watson Association. He is also an influential member of St. Peter's Church of West- chester. On July 12, 1899, Mr. Watson married Miss Daisy M. Lane. Four children blessed the union, George W. and Israel Honeywell, living : Daisy and Dorothy, deceased. Mr. Watson is the last descendant of the old and well-known Watson family of Westchester. His father was a captain of one of the Ericson monitors during the Civil War. He was a brave man and saw service throughout the entire period of strife.
CHAPTER XLII
IN THE PUBLIC EYE
Some of the Men Who Have Figured in Developing the Borough, and Have Attained More Prominence Than is Accorded Most Men
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