USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 41
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1
MICHAEL JOHN GARVIN
the architect of the Bronx Borough Public Buildings. He is a Tammany Hall Democrat, a member of the Jefferson, Schnorer and Tallapoosa Clubs, the Elsmere Bowling Club, the Bunker Hill Association, the "Gentlemen's Sons," the Brownson Catholic Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Property Owners' Asso- ciation of the Twenty-third Ward. He married, September, 1894. Miss Catherine Cronk and has two children, both sons.
FREDERICK FOLZ, deceased banker of the Bronx, was for fully twenty-five years before his demise, which occurred in 1901, one of the most distinguished citizens of this section of Greater New York. He was of note particularly among the German stock of this borough, as a worker for its material de- velopment, and as a School Trustee gave much of his time to the cause of education. He was born in New York and, as a gradu- ate of the public schools himself, took great pride in them. Hc was a staunch Democrat, active in the party councils and party organization, and had been a resident of this part of the city since 1866. Ilis sudden death occurred while driving with his wife near Cobleskill, N. Y., in the latter part of the summer of 1001; the cause was apoplexy. He was a Director of the Ger- inania Bank at the time of his death. A widow, who was Miss Susannah S. Kirkham before their marriage, and five children. William. Arthur, . Eleanore, Madeline, and Ilenry, survive him.
CHARLES FISILEY MINOR .- A lesson there is for as- mitg youth-a very excellent example of opportunity embraced and success achieved early in life, in the career of the Bronx Iunker, Mr. Charles Fishley Minor, a gentleman still on the mums side of 30, yet holding, not one alone, but a number of responsible places. Mr. Minor was born July 14, 1878, making Imm, at this writing, not long past 27. He was educated in
London at Kimberley House Schools and Stockwell College, and there received that thorough old country schooling which has stood him in such good stead, and doubtless been an important factor in his advancement. Mr. Minor began his business career as a youth in a sporting goods house. He abandoned that line to accept a position as private secretary. This place he held until February, 1899, and then resigned it to enter the employ- ment of the Knickerbocker Trust Co. at 66 Broadway. Here practically his experience of financial concerns began. In July, 1900, hardly a year and a half later, at the age of 22, he was offered the position of assistant cashier of the Washington Bank here and accepted it. In January, 1902, he was elected cashier of that institution, and when, in February, 1903, the Washington Bank was taken over by the Knickerbocker Trust Co., to be operated as its Bronx Branch, he was retained as assistant man- ager, which post he still holds. Mr. Minor is besides treasurer of the Willis Realty Co., secretary and treasurer of the Mott Haven Apartment Co., assistant manager of the Knickerbocker Safe Deposit Co., Bronx Branch, first vice-president of New York Chapter American Institute of Bank Clerks, a member of the North Side Board of Trade, and has been a notary public since 1903. He is a bachelor and affiliated as a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
W. R. MONTGOMERY, manager of the Tremont and Seventh Avenue branches of the Hamilton Bank of New York City, established in 1888, and one of the strongest financial in- stitutions in Greater New York; both of the above branches were opened by Mr. Montgomery. The substantial business of the Hamilton Bank and the high esteem in which Mr. Mont- gomery is held for his activity and conservatism in the Borough of the Bronx, speak for themselves.
GEORGE F. A. OLT, from School No. 60, College Avenue and 145th Street, under the tutelage of that famous Principal Jonathan D. Hyatt, to the general management of the Bronx Branch of the Germania Bank, capital $1,000,000, we find George F. A. Olt an example of what pluck, energy, strict integrity and close application to duty will accomplish. Born October 23, 1873, a resident of the Bronx for thirty-one years, Mr. Olt undoubtedly was the architect of his own fortune. After leaving the fostering care of Principal Hyatt at the age of 13, he entered the employ of that well known firm, Wilson, Adams & Co., one of the larg- est dealers in lumber of Greater New York. In 1887 he entered the employ of Charles Field Griffin & Co., on Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street, ard in 1890 became associated with the Germania Bank, of which he is now the general manager of the Bronx branch. The Germania Bank is one of the strongest financial institutions in the city. It first opened business in May. 1869, at 185 Bowery. In 1876 it moved its premises to 215 Bowery, and in 1800 its success was established and its officers erected the large and handsome building it now occupies at Nos. 190, 192 and 194 Bowery. In July, 1904, a branch was opened at First Avenue and Seventy-seventh Street, and in June, 1904, the Bronx braneli was opened at 155th Street and Third Avenue and Mr. Olt made its general manager. On June 10. 1901, Mr. O !: married Charlotte A. Lerch, only daughter of John Lerch, a well known and highly respected citizen of the Bronx. The gentleman has never aspired to any political or social prominence, although he is a member in high standing of Architect Lodge, No. 519, F. and A. M .. and Suburban Council, No. 1354. Royal Arcanum. Since the opening of the branch of the Germania in the Bronx. Mr. Oft's striking personality, his well known financial ability and his practical business methods have secured to the institu- tion an extraordinary amount of patronage in the line of sub- stantial deposits.
W. R. MONTGOMERY
FREDERICK FOLZ
GEORGE F. A. OLT
CHARLES FISHLEY MINOR
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CHAPTER XLIII
MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
The Bronx a Center of Commercial Activity-Marvelous Growth Shown in the Leading Channels of Manufactures
CENTRAL UNION GASLIGHT COMPANY .- It is fitting that in the history of the borough should be told the doings of its industries. The growth of a community and its progress depend in no little degree upon the push, energy and broad minded policies of the men at the head of its great eor- porations. And this is especially true of such as administer to the necessities of the publie at large-to its transportation and lighting facilities. The growth of the lower end of Westehes- ter County is in a large measure due to the organization of the Westchester County Gas Light Company. This company was incorporated June 30, 1859, and secured a charter which
continuous supply of gas to the consumers of its district; the "Gas Company" therefore, is one of the very oldest of incorpo- rated companies now doing business in the Borough of the Bronx. It has had as officers and directors, as well as stock- holders, men whose names have been prominent in the affairs of the old county, and later of the wards and borough. Its first president was Robert Campbell, and its first secretary J. D. Corlies. About 1866 the company secured the services of Mr. William R. Beal, as secretary. Later Mr. Beal became presi- dent and for many years continued to be the president and man- ager of the company. Under his direction and energetie over-
1.
Central Union Gaslight Company's Office Building, 142d Street and Alexander Avenue
was filed with the Sceretary of State July 18, 1859. The five men mentioned as directors are as follows: Benjamin M. Whit- lock, James M. Rogers, Charles Bathgate, John M. Beck. Robert Campbell. The object of the corporation, as mentioned in its charter, is "For the purpose of manufacturing and sup- piying gas for lighting the streets and public and private build- ing, in the town of Morrisania, or in any or all other towns of the said County of Westehester, under the regulations of the said company." Beginning the erection of a gas plant as soon after incorporation as possible, the new and en ergetic company was speedily supplying gas to the community. In all the years that have , followed since its inception, this company and its successors have furnished an unfailing and
sight the company rapidly built up a reputation in the gas fraternity for efficiency and progressiveness. It has always been foremost in the march of improvements, not only within its own works and office, but in the outside community as well. Not only has it striven to secure business in all the settled streets, but it has continually pushed out its mains into outly- ing territory, inviting the erection of houses and stores by its presence with the needed and necessary supply of light and fuel. It may be justly said that the rapid growth of the Bronx is largely owing to this energy and foresight in providing an advance supply of gas. In 1875. when the town of Morrisama and West Farms were annexed to the City of New York, the name of the company. "Westchester County Gas Light Com-
293
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
pany," became obsolete, and it was changed by order of the Supreme Court to "The Central Gas Light Company of New York City." This name was given because the territory then supplied by its mains, viz., the Twenty-third Ward, was longi- tudmally considered the centre of New York City. This name the company bore until August, 1897, when it was again changed to the one it now bears, "Central Union Gas Com- pany." The company has for many years pursued a very lib- eral policy in connection with the rental and loan of gas ranges, as well as selling them upon the instalment plan to its consumers. This feature has proven popular with the company's many customers who have availed themselves of it and has re- sulted in a substantial increase in the use of gas for fuel, with a corresponding advantage to the consumers. In view of the present epoch of high prices for everything we eat, wear and enjoy, in rents, breadstuffs and clothing, it is refreshing to look down through the ledgers of the gas company and note the steadily decreasing prices which they have asked for their pro- duct ; the original cost of five dollars per thousand cubic feet, makes the present price of one dollar seem modest indeed. In no other necessity of daily living has there been so marked a reduction. The officers of the company at present are: James Jourdan, president; Charles G. Francklyn, vice-president ; Walter C. Phelps, secretary and treasurer; Arthur H. Hall, as- sistant secretary.
WILLIAM R. BEAL .- The subject of this sketch was born in Newark, New Jersey, Mav 13. 1838. His father. Joseph Rey - nolds, a gentleman by birth and education, and his mother, Eliza- beth Austin, came to this country from England about 1830. When eight years old he was an orphan with three sisters, two older, one an invalid, and a younger brother ; without an inherit- ance or relatives in America, he was compelled to be a bread- winner at an early age. Such success as Mr. Beal has won is largely due to the devotion and self-sacrifice of his older sisters. to his rare fortune in being for a time under the influence of a great educator, gentleman and friend, John Lockwood. Jr., prin- cipal of Grace Church School, Newark, in the carly fifties, and to the good offices of an eminent business man, churchman and philanthropist of the same city and date, Jeremiah C. Garthwaite, President of the Newark Gas Light Company, etc. Such helps. with the habit of hard work during the long hours every day. with enforced economy for a definite purpose outside one's own needs, and a usually cheerful spirit, are valuable aids in laying a foundation for success in life. Mr. Beal graduated from Grace Church . School, and was awarded first and only prize. After about two years of sixteen hours work per day in a grocery store, he was employed in the office of the Newark Gas Light Company for a time. He was then employed to assist the con- tractor for building the gas works at Elizabeth, New Jersey. In 1855, when seventeen years of age, he made a contract for two years with this contractor to superintend the business of the Yonkers Gas Light Company. He managed this business with success for eleven years and left it in a very prosperous con- dition. While in Yonkers, he started the movement which led- to the building of St. Paul's Church, of which he was made a vestryman before attaining legal age. Here, in 1853. he married Eleanor Lonise Bell. In the same year he went with the 17th Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., in the service of the Government dur- my the Gettysburg raid. Ile is a member of Alex. Hamilton Post, G. A. R. In the early fall of 1866. Mr. Beal drove from Yonkers through Melrose and North New York to the gas works At Port Morris. AAt that date Courtlandt Avenue was fairly well built up with small houses, but along the balance of the
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route there was little but open fields. Port Morris was known as Stony Island, but was connected with the mainland by a nar- row causeway. The ga, plant was small, and situated some distance from the Sound. As so little of the indifferent apparatus at the works was in use, it was plain that the business was con- ducted at a loss. The general effect of the trip upon most mind> would have been of depression and di-couragement. But one could see from the high land along the route the improvement. upon Manhattan Island, and it called for little of good judgment and of venturesome spirit to determine that all this new and un- occupied country must share in the prosperity of the great city of the country, then already assured. Mr. Beal saw in the single-handed control of the gas business an opportunity to aid in the growth and prosperity of the district. The capital of the
WILLIAM R. EEAL
Westchester County Gas Light Company at that date was $So,- coo; its district included the towns of Morrisania and West Farms. The manufacturing apparatus was poor, the main pipes were in such a bad condition that fifty per cent. of the gas made was lost, and the price to consumers was $5.00 per thou- sand cubic feet. The capital of the company was increased. necessary improvements were made, the price to the public re- duced. and the business largely increased and put upon a self- sustaining basis: The company succeeded in securing proper legislation to enable the lighting of the streets of the district. and in this way was enabled to lay pipes into new neighborhood- and make them attractive to home-seekers employed in the neighboring city. For many years all the profits of the company were put into its property, and while a strictly conservative policy was adopted and maintained down to the sale of the company, it's dealings with its consumers were always character- ized by the most liberal methods. The Central-Union, when sold to the New Amsterdam Gas Company had a capital of
JOHN EICHLER
295
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
$500,000, and outstanding certificates of indebtedness of $225.000. It, plant was in the highest state of efficiency. Much of its apparatus was designed by Mr. Beal-this description of ap- paratus has been generally adopted in the United States. Its product was sold for $1.00 per thousand cubie feet. The recent investigation of gas and electric matters in New York City elicited the fact that the company sells its gas to the parent com- pany at a lower rate than is charged by any other company in the system-a convincing proof of the efficiency of its works. The company was sold for cash to the New Amsterdam Gas Company, which created and sold $3.500,000 5 per cent bonds and made $3.500,000 capital stock. The bonds have always sold at a premium. The stock remained in the treasury of the company, and has passed with the company into the control of the Con- solidated Gas Company. Mr. Beal organized and built the works of the Northern Union Gas Company, and was for many years a director, and for several years president of this company. While managing the business of the Central Gas Light Company, Mr. Beal was interested in the work of the American Gas Light As- sociation, served as a member of its council and as its president, and is now a trustee and treasurer of its educational fund. The management of a company so closely in touch with the interests and prosperity of a community as is a gas company compels identification with most of the serious efforts to advance the growth of the town, and to make it an attractive place to live in. The records show Mr. Beal to have been active in the or- ganization of the Twenty-third Ward Bank and of the Wash- ington Bank, now Bronx Branch of the Knickerbocker Trust Co., of both of which he was a director. He was a trustee of the Twenty-third Ward Public School, and for a few years chairman of the board, and is donor of the "Beal Medal" to several of the schools. He was Chairman of the Building Com- mittee of St. Mary's P. E. Church when its church building was erected, and of St. Ann's Church when its fine chapel was built. One of the organizers of the North Side Board of Trade, he has always been one of its vice-presidents. He purchased the land and organized the William R. Beal Land Improvement Com- pany; recent sales of lots on this property amount to more than half a million dollars. Mr. Beal was one of the organizers of the Young Men's Christian Union, and was its Vice-President until its work was taken on by the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion and became the Union Branch. He is one of the trustees of the branch. Raised in Lily Lodge, he is one of the charter members of Gavel Lodge, F. and A. M. Mr. Beal resigned his position in the Central Union Gas Company a year or two after the expiration of his contract with its new owners. He is now living in Harlem, where he is a Warden and Treasurer of Holy Trinity Church, a Trustee of the Y. W. C. A., and until re- cently of the Empire Savings Bank. He is a past president of the Harlem Club, president of three gas and electric companies, a director of several other companies, and is also a member of several clubs and other organizations.
WILLIAM F. HIERS, prominently identified with the West- chester County Gas Light Co., now Central Union Gas Co., for a great number of years, and well known by all old residents in Tremont and West Farms, hails from old revolu- . tionary stock, and of a very patriotic family. His grand- fathers were Isaac Pitcher and Olendrick Obiers, continental soldiers who served under Washington during the entire revo- lationary war of 1776. llis own father, Capt. Garret llier-, ยท served his country during the Mexican war, also war of 1812, and the gentleman himself served three years in the great civil
war of our own country. His own son, Win., Jr., was a soldier in the late war with Spain and is at present connected with the United States Navy. Mr. Hiers was born at Matawau, N. J., October 22, 1843. Ile was educated at the Trenton Academy. Trenton, N. J., and in 1862 joined the army. Coming home at the closing of the war, he took a position of trust with Duncan. Sherman & Co., prominent bankers of the city. In 1869 he be- came associated with the Westchester County Gas Co. and has remained ever since one of their most trusted and confidential associates. He has filled very important positions with the company, the first being that of secretary, but owing to defective hearing, probably the result of his civil war service, he resigned in 1880 and was created cashier and chief bookkeeper of the con- cern, a position he retains at present. Fraternally and socially he belongs to Mecca Temple and Old Gavel Lodge, F. and .1.
WILLIAM F. HIERS
M., and had the distinction of being the first candidate raised in the latter lodge April 29, 1870. Like many of the older resi- dents of the Bronx he is a member also of the Schnorers. Suburban Council, Royal Arcanum, Adelphic Lodge, 14S. Knights of Pythias, and North Side Board of Trade Or January 17, 1871, he married Miss Anna E. Houston. Her father was editor of the New York "Herald" in 1848 and well known in Washington, being one of the best stenographers in the United States. He has five sons, William F. J., now in the United States Navy, Harry H., confidential man with the firm of Robert Crooks & Co .. of this city, Eugene Houston, en. ployed in the City Department of the Municipal Governnien :. Reynolds Beal and Garrett, who go to Leonia High School. all worthy sous of a noble sire. Died February 26, 1886. Was one of the most prominent men in the State. Served in Legis- lature but refused candidate of Governor. Was connected with the New Jersey State Pilot Commission for many years unt.l his death. War Governor Joel Parker was his personal friend and companion from boyhood.
JOIN EICHLER .- When this well known and high'y esteemed citizen of the Bronx passed away every new-paper in New York paid a tribute of respect to his memory. John Eichler was a self made man; he built up and established a
ADOLPH G. HUPFEL
297
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
great business by his own energy and perseverance; he was a man of the people; he knew their worth and trusted them and they trusted him; he toiled with them in the ranks and when fortune smiled upon him he still remained their friend. Mr. Eichler was born at Rothenburg, Bavaria, October 20, 1829, and after leaving school entered the brewery of Wolff & Out in his native place, where he served his apprenticeship, after which he went to the Wertheim brewery in Baden, and later to the Hlazen brewery in Berlin, where he mastered every detail of the business and became an expert in his chosen feld. At the age of 29 years young Eichler salled for America, landing in New York in 1853. where he secured employment as brewmaster in the Franz Ruppert Brewery (known then as the Turtle Bay Brewery ). The industrious young brewer worked hard and saved his money and in 1861, with Mr. M. Solan as partner, went irto business for himself. In a short time Mir. Eichler acquired Mr. Solman's interest and continued the business until 1865, when he bought the Kolb brewery, which was located on the present site of the magnificent establishment now operated by the John Eichler Brewing Co., at Third Avenue and 169th Street. When Mr. Eichler purchased the present piant it was a very small affair and hardly worthy of the name of a brewery. but by hard work and honest business methods he met with unparalleled success from the start, though he had to overcome great financial difficulties which would have staggered nine men out of ten, but as his sales increased and the business grew, he was encouraged to greater efforts and finally laid the corner- stone of his immense fortune. Mr. Eichler never stood still, he was continually improving, building and adding on to his hold- ings. Every new invention and improvement found a place in the John Eichler brewery and to-day the John Eichler Brewing Company's plant is conceded to be one of the best equipped in the United States. When Mr. Eichler's health began to fail in 1888, he consented to the organization of a stock company to be known as the John Eichler Brewing Company, with himself as president, Jacob Siegel as vice-president and treasurer. Louis J. Heintz as secretary and John C. Heintz as trustee for the stockholders. In 1890 when la grippe made its first appearance in New York, Mr. Eichler was one of the first to be attacked by it, and he never fully recovered from its effects. This, with a general breaking down, is thought to have been the cause of his death, which occurred at Gollheim, Rheinphalz, Bavaria, August 4. 1892. Mr. Jacob Siegel, Mr. Eichler's brother-in-law, went to Germany and brought back the remains for burial in the family plot in Woodlawn. In 1857 Mr. Eichler was united in marriage to Miss Mary Siegel, of Gollheim. Rheinphalz, Bavaria, who proved a worthy helpmate and a valuable adviser in building up one of the principal basiness enterprises of the Bronx, and during his last illness she nursed and watched over him night and day, never permitting anyone to take her place at his bedside. Mr. Eichler was a prominent member of many social and business organizations who miss his friendship and generous co-operation. He was a member of the United States Brewers' Association and also of the Brewers' Board of Trade of New York and vicinity, the Brewers' Exchange, the New York Produce Exchange, Die DeutscheGesellschaft, the lieder- kranz, Arion Society, Beethoven Maennerchor, the Eichenkranz. Freiemaurer Sangerbund, the Schnorer Club. Morrisania Maennerchor, Harmonie Singing Society, Wieland Lodge. F. and A. M., and Ivy Chapter, F. and A. M., New York Inde- p. n.lent Schuetzen Verein, the Morrisania Schuetzen Verein, Rhein Pfalzer Maennerchor and the Five O'clock Club of Morrisania. Everyone of the above organizations took appro- priate action at the time of Mr. Eichler's demise and in most cases attended the funeral in a body. The life of John Eichler
is a lesson in economies and shows what may be accomplished by industry, frugality and honesty.
THE HUPPELS .- Among the pioneers in the brewing industry which has made the Bronx noted, the Ilupiel- were among the foremost, and the founder. Anton, has pent that that which is bred in the bone is sure to manifest itself in the flesh, as his sons have creditably carried on the business which he founded. and now has become one of the prominent ones north of the Harlem River. The buildings occupied to this industry have stood so long on St. Ann's Avenue and 161 -: Street, that they have become known as landmarks in the Br. as.
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