USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 40
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most responsible position. As superintendent of buildings, Mr. Reville's administration is characterized by a conscientious and efficient discharge of his public duties. Builders and property owners commend him for his fair and impartial methods and for the promptness with which the business of his department is transacted. The Bronx boom of the past eighteen months has more than doubled the operations of the Building Bureau, but so well is the superintendent's staff of clerks, examiners and inspectors organized, that the augmented volume of business is handled without irritating delays and in a manner which merits the praise that is bestowed by the architects and builders of the borough. During 1904. 2.336 plans were filed with the bureau for new buildings and alterations, of an ag-
PATRICK J. REVILLE
fregate estimated cost of $23.923.418. This is by far the largest volume of building business in the history of the Bronx, and not a reasonable complaint has been heard of favoritism, delay or obstruction in passing on the plans or in applying the building laws and ordinances. Superintendent Reville brings to the dis- charge of his duties a combination of rugged honesty, rare ex- ecutive ability and practical knowledge of architecture and building that greatly facilitates the work of his department and accounts in a large degree for his success. An evidence of the esteem in which Superintendent Reville is held was afforded when on Tuesday evening, January 30. he was the guest of honor at a banquet given at the llotel Astor by the architects and builders of the Bronx. and was presented with a massive silver service as a token of appreciation of the impartiality, integrity and efficiency which characterize his administration. Mr. Re ville is married and is a resident of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District. Without being in the ordinary sense a politician he is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, who believes in his party and in every legitimate way labors for its success. He is
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a member of the Brownson Club, Bronx Council. K. O. C., Jefferson Club, Bricklayers' Union No. 33. '98 Club, Elsmere Club, Bricklayers and Masons International Union, Schnorer Club, Tilden Democratie Club and the Tammany Hall General Committee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District.
GEORGE VON SKAL, residing at 1817 Prospect Avenne, was born in Silesia, Germany, July 30, 1854, and was educated at the Royal Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1871 He served in the army as second lieutenant until 1877. In Feb- ruary, 1877, he came to America where he taught languages, After obtaining a good knowledge of English he got employment as a bookkeeper in a woodenware house in Manhattan, and re- mained in that occupation until 1885. In 1881 he moved up to the Borough of the Bronx. From 1885 to 1888 he was employed in a large export and import commission house, and later on went with a Japanese importer of silks. He became attached to the editorial staff of the "New Yorker Staats Zeitung," and in 1899 was made managing editor. He was employed in that capacity until his appointment by Mayor Mcclellan to the office
GEORGE VON SKAL
of Commissioner of Accounts in March, 1906. In 1885 he moved from the Bronx to Staten Island, later removing to Ma !!- hattan, where he resided until 1905, when he purchased his present residence in Prospect Avenue, in the Bronx, where he has since resided. In politics he is a Democrat of independent proclivities. In social life he is active, being a member of the German Liter- ary Society of Morrisania, Arion Society, Liederkranz, Eichen- kranz, New York Turn Verein, German Press Club -- of which lie was president four years-honorary member of the German Society, Columbia University, the German Veterans' Society. the Staten Island Council, R. A. On August 4, 1881, he married Miss Johanna Minholz, of Philadelphia. Pa., the result of the union being two children. George and Richard. Mr. Von Skal has written many essays on American conditions for the German people both here and abroad-in papers, magazines, and short stories. He has recently published a collection of short stories by himself, which he called "Flashhghts," and which is now running through a second edition. At present he is writing a book on the United States, the American people, and American
JAMES BUCKHOUT, educator and one of the famous principals of the public schools in the Bronx, was born in New York City November 14, 1833. He attended school in the Mot Haven district, walking back and forth for three miles from his home, finally entered the New York State Normal School, Al- bany, where at the age of 19 he graduated with high honors, excelling in mathematics and chemistry, and immediately went to Poughkeepsie, where for two years he taught school. 1; 1854 he came to the Bronx and was appointed principal of the old Fordham District School, where he successfully taught until 1875, and was then placed in charge of School No. 65 at West Farms, where he remained until his sudden death from pneu- monia, which took place April 28, 1904, after only a five days' illness. In his death Westchester County lost one of its most popular and brilliant educators. His manly physique, gentic voice, generous heart, but firm and resolute character, couple ! with his great success as an educator is enshrined in the hearts of hundreds of his old pupils who have grown to manhood and womanlood and now occupy positions of trust and conducting business in the mercantile branches of the Bronx. His father and grandfather were both born in New York City and came with them to Westchester County in 1835, securing for farm purposes a tract of land bounded on the east side of Webster Avenue and by 179th Street and Burnside Avenue on the north. which is now Monroe Avenue on the West and 176th Street on the South. The old homestead, a two-story frame building of twelve rooms, was located in Echo Park. Professor Buckhout was a devout man and attended the Tremont M. E. Church. He was married November 22, 1864, to Miss Sarah E. Fisher, now his estimable widow, who survives him. There were seven chil- dren of this marriage, viz .: Maria, now Mrs. Brenkerhoff. James. Frank C., William H., Abbie L. now Mrs. E. W. Mans- field ; Charles S., who died January 19, 1881, five and a half year: old, and Sadie E., now Mrs. Eugene Stevens. He was a mem- ber of the Botanical Society, charter member of the North Site Board of Trade and a Knight Templar. The homestead occu- pied by the professor at 615 Tremont Avenue, where his family still resides, is a two and one-half story building, colonial architecture, contains twenty rooms, the first story being of granite and its dimensions 40x60, was designed by his son, wi. is one of the most promising architects in the Bronx.
HON. JOHN B. HASKIN .- Among the political leaders of Westchester County a prominent place must be given to the late John B. Haskin, who was descended from a long line of true American ancestry. His grandfather, Benjamin F. Has- kin, was a native of Sheffield, Mass., where he was born in 1767, and removed when a young man to Poughkeepsie, where he entered a store as clerk and became partner. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Gilbert Cromwell, who lived at Nine Partners, and removing to New York became largely connected with shipping interests and the owner of several vessels. His children were Henry B., Benjamin F., a sea captain, who set- tled in Peru, where his descendants are still found; William E., of Davenport, Iowa, who died in ISS4; Harriet, wiie uf Collins: Maria, wife of Graham: J ::. Caspar Trumpy, now living at Greenwich, Conn. ; and Caroline, wife of William Brown, of Yonkers, who died in 1835. Henry R. Haskin, the oldest son, was born October 27, 1794. and died January 24, 1848. He was educated at St. Mary's College, Mary- land; was a midshipman in the war of IS12; was with Commis- dore Chauncey at the battle of Sackett's Harbor, and was wounded there. He was a man of good education and ability and established business in a store on Varick Street, New York
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City. In 1816 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Bussing, who lived near Williamsbridge, and was a descendant of Aaron Bussing, who came from Holland, and settled at Harlem. He was the owner of a farm of four hundred acres in the Manor of Fordham, which he left to his two sons, Johannes and Petrus. It remained in the hands of their descendants for one hundred and fifty years, and a portion of it now is Bedford Park. The children of this marriage were Henry R., who died in California; John B. and William E., treasurer of the Board of Excise in New York City. After the death of Mrs. Haskin, Mr. Haskin was married a second time to Anna, daughter of Benjamin F. Lowe, and they had two children- Harriet, wife of R. Ridgely Wheatley, of New York, and Ben- jamin F., a member of the Excise Board of New York, who died, greatly jamented by his many friends. March 1. 1884. John B. Haskins, the second son, was born at the mansion house in Fordham, August 27, 1821, the place of his
HON. JOHN B. HASKIN
birth being now a portion of Woodlawn Cemetery. His mother, whose name he never failed to mention in terms of the ut. most respect and affection, was a woman of great energy and determination, qualities which she transmitted to her son. His early education was received at the public schools, and when fourteen years old he entered the law office of George Wilson. His natural quickness and ability were such that in four years he was sufficiently expert to take charge of the law office of John M. Bixby. From his earlier days he was brought in constant contact with politics and politicians, and having passed the requisite examination he was admit- ted to the bar May 16, 1842, his certificate being signed by Hon. Samuel Nelson, Judge of the Supreme Court. Five years later he was elected to the office of civil jus- tice and held court at the corner of Bowery and Third Street, continuing in this position until 18449, when the office was abolished. He seemed naturally destined for active political ilfe, and his influence and ability were soon felt in the coun-
cils of his party. Fortunately for himself and the public, he was not a man to be bound by party trammels or to be the ob- sequious slave of party rule. In 1848 Mr. Haskin removed from New York and settled at Fordham, near the scenes of his early childhood. The Democracy of his native county had to some extent escaped the corrupting influences which had made the party in New York a disgrace to the city and State. Here he came in contact with a class of politicians who were more able to appreciate his true position and ready to join their forces to his own. In 1850 he was elected Supervisor, and was re-elected, and one of his many acts for the public benefit was his successful effort to erect a free bridge over the Harlem River. In 1853 he was appointed corporation attorney and held office until 1856. In that year he was elected Member of Congress for the Ninth District on the regular Democratic ticket. It was soon evident that he was not the man to sit in the back seat. His first speech attracted at once the atention of the House, being made in opposition to the attempt of Alexander H. Stephens to disgrace Admiral Hiram Paulding for causing the arrest of the noted filibuster, William H. Walker. This speech inarked Mr. Haskin as one of the accomplished orators of the House. In the fierce political strife which followed the at- tempt to introduce slavery into the territory of Kansas, he took at once a prominent position, and was one of the first to raise his voice against the Lecompton fraud, among the most active of the adherents of Senator Stephen A. Douglas, and an untiring organizer of the Democrats in the House against the administra- tion. As a matter of course, a man who ventured to kick over the traces of party discipline was speedily denounced as a traitor to his party, but his opposition to Jamies Buchanan has been more than justified by the impartial verdict of history. In 1858 Mr. Haskin was an independent candidate for Congress, his op- ponent being Gouverneur Kemble, of Cold Spring. This was probably the most exciting political contest ever witnessed in the district, and resulted in the election of Mr. Haskin by a majority of thirteen votes. His nature showed itself when he stated from his seat in Congress, "I come here with no party collar on my neck." His independence was too plain to be mis- understood, and an attack upon him in the personal organ of President Buchanan was nurtured by him in an able speech on the floor of the House, in which his position and relation to the Democratic party were fully explained. "I am a Democrat- a Democrat in essence, in substance, and not in mere form; Democracy, according to my reading, is the rule of the people under the laws." In the Thirty-sixth Congress he was chair- man of the committee on public printing and organized the re- search into current corruption known as the "Covode Investiga tion." Among his most intimate friends was Senator Brod- erick, of California, who had been his early schoolmate, and the friendship then begun continued until the day when the Senator fell the victim of a duel occasioned by political animosity. It devolved upon Mr. Haskin to deliver a fitting tribute to the inemory of his friend, which was a masterpiece of pathetic elo- quence. His last speech in Congress was delivered February 23. 1861. It was a characteristically bold and clear review of the agitation which led to the great crisis in our history ; expressed his belief that the perilous condition of the country was direct- ly traceable to the conduct of President Buchanan, and con- tained a scathing denunciation of the treasonable acts of his cabinet. During the course of the war a weaker man in his po- sition would have been a "copperhead." but in Mr. Ilaskin the Union found a strong supporter. In 1863 he was elected super- visor of the town of West Farms, and conducted with suc- cess the measures for raising troops and assisting the govern- ment in its efforts to subdue rebellion. Prominently identified
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with all local improvements, his most active efforts were devoted to the establishment of the public school in his district on a sure foundation. In the face of bitter opposition on the part of many of the wealthy men in the vicinity, he succeeded in pro- curing the erection of the present school building at Webster Avenue and Welsh Street, Fordham, at a cost of $70,000, which mest ever remain a monument to his energy and public spirit. Mı. Haskin married Jane, daughter of Peter Valentine, a repre- seutative of one of the oldest families in the county. Their children are Elizabeth, wife of E. V. Welsh; Emma, wife of Colonel J. Milton Wyatt; John B., Jr .; Adele Douglass, wife of Joseph Murray; and Mary. The estate of Mr. Haskin, at Fordhanı, though now a part of the great city, has not yet lost 14 rural beauty. Here, surrounded by all that could make life enjoyable, he passed his lite in the society of his family and friends. The visitor found there as his host one who wa- thor- oughly versed in the ways of the world, and whose intimate ac- quaintance with politics and politicians made the name "Tuscarora llaskin" one of the best known in Westchester County. As a politician Mr. Haskin was remarkably successful, but the secret of his success and influence may be stated in a few words. Ut- terly fearless in the expression of his views, his friends knew him as one upon whom they could depend, while his enemies found in him a man who could neither be frightened nor cajoled. A weak politician of an inferior grade will truckle to his adversaries and strive to conciliate by unworthy means. Mr. llaskin was the type of politician who boldly defied his oppo- nents and challenged them to a contest which they generally had the prudence to avoid. Among the notable instances of his traits may be mentioned his fearless letter to the authorities of St. John's College of Fordham, representatives of a power to which weaker politicians would have yielded with obsequious leverence, while his bold and scathing rebukes of many of the prominent politicians of the present time are too well known to require mention, and his firm self-reliance has shown by its success the truth of the saying "They can conquer who be- lieve they can."
MATTHEW J. HARRINGTON, a prominent politician and business man, was born in New York City on April 11, 1867. and received a public school education, after which he started business life as an inspector for the Law Telephone Company, which was absorbed by the Metropolitan Telephone Company and which is now known as the New York Telephone Company. lle remained in their employ for a long time. He discovered himself to be the possessor of a rare talent which fitted him for a stage life, which he followed successfully for a number of year .. Ile was well liked and looked up to by his professional a wiates and in May, 1894, to better their conditions and to put a check on unscrupulous managers, he organized the Actors' National Union of America. In 1895 he was elected the general organizer of the United States for the American Federation of Labor. He resigned in 1896 to become the head of the Labor Bureau of the Republican National Committee. There Mr. Harrington showed himself to be worthy of his trust. Hc put the department through a thorough reorganization and his good work was in no small way responsible for the result of the presi- dential elections of 1900 and 1904. Early in 1807 he became the manager of the Legate Stone Company, which had its yards and headquarters in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. Four . mars later he entered into partnership with Mr. C. D. Caram the business of general contractor. In February, 1903, Mr. 's im retired and Mr. Harrington reorganized the business and lamed a corporation known as the Harrington Contracting and Supply Company, of which he is now the president. Mr. Har-
rington did a large portion of the cement work on the new sub- way system and is recognized to be an expert on cement as well as being an adept in all the details pertaining to that line of business. He is also identified with several other business enter prises. Mr. Harrington is very popular and prominent in poli- tics. In 1900 he was nominated for the office of State Senator from the Twenty-first Scnatorial District, New York, on the Re- publican ticket and was defeated only after a very close and exciting contest in a Democratic stronghold. In the same year he was elected president of the Republican Speakers' League of the United States, an organization with a membership of several thousand, representing every section of the country. Dur- ing the 1905 election, Mr. Harrington did some strenuous work in behalf of Mayor Mcclellan and President Haffen. He mar- ried Miss Carrie F. O'Brien on the 12th of October. 1896, by whom he became the father of two children. Both died in in-
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MATTHEW J. HARRINGTON
fancy. Mr. Harrington is a member of the St. Roch's Church and St. Roch's Lyceum, of the North Side Board of Trade. K. and P., the Bunker Hill Club and the Republican Club of the Thirty-fourth Assembly District. He has been a resident of the Borough of the Bronx for over eight yaers and takes an active interest in everything that is propagated for the public welfare. He is a man of exceptional qualities and has never been known to break a promise.
ROBERT C. WOOD is a banker and broker of the Wall Street district, established at 30 Broad Street. He lives in the Bronx-in fact, has been a resident of the borough about all his life. lle was born in New York Dec. 7. 1800, and received his early schooling in private institutions. He passed his academic years at Lawrenceville. New Jersey, and proceeded from there to Harvard University, where he received his degree in 1802. Since then he has been engaged in business as aforesaid. Mr.
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Wood is a bachelor. He gives his allegiance to the Democratic party in politics, though he has never been an aspirant for office. He belongs to the Schnorers, the Fordham and other Bronx. organizations, to the Democratic Club, the Manhattan Club down town, and to a number of other organizations.
JOHN H. KNOEPPEL, a noted business and public man of the Mott Haven district of the Bronx, was born in this city in 1848. He was educated in Public School No. 1, Mott Haven. which, at the time, pursued a course of study almost equivalent to the present high school course. Mr. Knoeppel is of Peter
JOHN H. KNOEPPEL
Schneider's Sons & Co., 231 and 233 Fourth Avenue, leaders in that line here with trade all over the Union. He is a Bronx pioncer, having settled, with his parents, in that section as long ago as 1850. A Republican on national issues, he is accorded the following non-partisan public services: As a member of the "Joint Committee" took prominent part in arousing publie senri- ment in favor of abolishing the control of the Department of Pub- lic Parks over the public improvements in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards ( Bronx), and in lodging its powers, so far as they related to these wards, in the hands of Commissioner of Street Improvements : was one of the leading speakers before the Legislative Committee in 1889 and 1890 on that subject, re- sulting in the passage of Chapter 545, Laws of 1890, which pro- vided for the election of a Commissioner of Street Improve- ments: was .the chairman of the Citizens' Local Improvement Party, resulting in the election in 1890 of its candidate, Louis J. . Heintz as the first Commissioner of Street Improvements; is the author of many laws affecting the public welfare of the Broux, notably that for the Willis Avenue Bridge: that for the liying ont of the Grand Boulevard and Concourse: that provid- ing for discontinuing and closing streets, alleys, lanes, etc., this later law being more generally known as the "Strip Bill." because
it also provided for the disposition of strips of land that were left lying in front of property when the lines of old streets were changed. Mr. Knoeppel has held no public office, except that of commissioner in condemnation proceedings of the Grand Boulevard and Concourse, and this appointment he was only in- duced to accept at the general request of the citizens of the Bronx. Mr. Knoeppel is a member of the Schnorer and Ford- ham Club, and the North Side Republican Club, the Melrose Turn Verein, the F. and A. M., and Knights of Honor. He was married in 1871 to Miss Louise M. Hornberger. They have been blest with four children, all boys.
EUGENE J. McGUIRE .-- Who does not know Eugene Mc- Guire? Not to know of him in the Bronx argues one's-self. to say the least, "unknown." Not a Democrat at all events, in cr out of the organization but knows him; nobody, man, woman or child in the Thirty-fourth District, North Side, but can tell you he is leader there, though he holds no official position himself. The private station for him, for, though a leader, Mr. McGuire does not court notoriety. Briefly, then, a word concerning hin. Ile was born in Harlem in 1864-say forty years ago. He at- tended public school in that division of the city, and having graduated therefrom, went directly into business. At present he is proprietor of the cafe at 618 East 138th Street, one of the popular resorts of the Bronx. He has lived in the borough about eight years. He is a man of family, with a wife. Mrs. Ellen Rose, whom he married in July, 1903. and three children. Edward and Jenne stepchildren, and Florence. He belongs, of course, to a number of organizations, the Engene J. McGuire .A+~>- ciation, which is named after him and tor which he stands
EUGENE J. MC CUIRE
sponsor, and the Executive Committee of Tammany Hall. the Elks and the Eagles, the Schnorer Club of the Bronx, the Most Haven Athletic Club, the Brownson Catholic Club and it's more. Many and varied are the requisites of leadership. It :s a position not easy to attain and difficult to hold. He must be shrewd who accepts it we know; a man of brams, courage. energy-tireless in point of fact: a good fellow with! wifes. generous, self sacrificing. Ale all he must have the in . ship, confidence and respect of his following. And it me .. because he possesses these very qualifications for leadership 2 ... Eugene J. MeGuire is what he is.
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MICHAEL JOHN GARVIN. architect, of 3307 Third Ave- nue, is the son of Patrick and Ann Garvin, natives of Ireland, both now deceased. He himself was born at Grove Hill, Mor- risania, January 31, 1861, and has been a life-long resident of the city. He is a graduate of the borough public schools, and of Manhattan College. After leaving school he was, for some time, connected with Joseph M. Dunn, who had been with Ren- nick & Sands, architects of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Mr. Garvin has been secretary to the President of the Borough and was the tir-t Commissioner of Buildings for the Bronx. He was also
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