USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 50
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proached with a tempting offer by them, he readily assented and gave them invaluable service for nearly three years. During all this period of active participation in the commercial struggles that he so successfully managed, Mr. Phelps had always con- sidered that his abilities and his tastes were better qualified for the handling and the management of property and property interests, than any other vocation he might engage in. This determination was so firmly established in his mind that in 1&)1 he disposed of all other business responsibilities and entered into the real estate business as a broker and manager of estates, and since the latter period, he has applied himself so diligently to his work, and so successfully to all the business entrusted to him by his large and influential clientage, that his name and his un- impeachable character and reputation is so firmly and so favor- bly established throughout the Borough of the Bronx and Man- hattan, that he stands second to none in the list of eminent names who are the leading real estate dealers of the Greater City. His knowledge of properties and their respective values. combined with his indomitable push and energy to secure for and to make profitable investments for his clients are the great characteristics that attract the attention of investors and own- ers, and that cause so many of them to place their purchases or their offerings in his charge. Mr. Phelps was married in 1900 to Miss Annie M. Mullen, of Philadelphia, and has one son living named Spencer. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and is of such a strenuous nature in his business, that he has not the time to join societies or organizations, though his inclinations are all favorable to them. He is an old and active member of that celebrated organization known as the "Governor's Foot Guard" of Hartford, Conn., who are crowned with the same lustre attributed to the "Ancient and Honor- ables" of Boston.
ALBERT F. VOLGENAU, secretary at present to the Fire Commission, and an ex-journalist. formerly connected with the dailies of the city and the Associated Press, is a Bronx resi- dent this past four years. He was born in Brooklyn, lived for a while when a child in Buffalo, and up to the time he moved to the north side of the river, was a resident of Harlem. He is 32 years old and a man of family. He was married, December 23. 1900, to Miss Grace L. Cloughen of Harlem. They have had two children, but one is dead. Mr. Volgenau is a public school graduate and Tammany Democrat. He is a member of the Jefferson Tammany Club, the Tammany General Committee. the Elks and Bronx Press Club.
HENRY BRUCKNER is well known in a business way as a mineral water manufacturer at 668 Fast toist Street. To the public at large his name is familiar as that of a man prominent in the Democratic organization, after whom the Henry Bruckner Association is named, and as a member of the House of Assent- bly of the State, which met at Albany in 1900, that of one who served the people of his constituency we may add, faithfully. intelligently and efficiently. As why, indeed, should he not? llc had every qualification. Ile is a native and has lived here all his life. He was born in the Bronx June 17, 1871-some thirty- four years ago. Ile graduated from the public schools of the district at 15 in 1886, and has been employed or engaged in bus !. ness here ever since. lle married here also, Miss Helen A. Zobel, November 17, 1904, and is the happy father of one child. Henry. Jr. a bouncing boy. Mr. Bruckner belongs to a number of organizations, among others the following: Lily Lodge. F. and A. M. Metropolitan, K. A. M., Constable Commandery. Merci Temple, Crescent Lodge, 1. O. O. F., Wambi Tribe, I. O. R. M. and Court Mott Haven, of the Foresters.
353
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
CHARLES J. REINHARDT, one of the most prosperous and important storage warehouse proprietors of the Bronx, lo- .ated at Wakefield, was born at the latter place, on March 10. 1858, and was educated in the public schools at Mount Ver- non. Growing to manhood Mr. Reinhardt became interested largely in public affairs, and aided materially in the develop- ment of Wakefield. His active efforts in the latter direction were rewarded by the public, who elected him Commissioner of Highways, a very responsible position, during which time he ac- complished wonderful results for the benefit of the village. The son of Jacob Frederick and Caroline Reinhardt, highly re- spected citizens of the village, he was raised and educated by them, to become what his whole progress in life has proved, an upright, useful and progressive citizen. In 1903 Mr. Reinhardt erected his present large and commodious storage warehouse, with a "esidence adjoining thereto, which has become a val- uable adjunct to the upper portion of the Borough and acts as a great convenience for the large and growing population north of Williamsbridge and adjacent cities and villages. The storage warehouse is large, commodious and fitted up with the latest modern improvements, providing for the safekeeping of valuable furniture, bric-a-brac, and other valuable house- hold furnishings. His vans are large, and of the latest and best patterns, and his extensive business is a guarantee of his popular methods in transacting his business for the public at large. On March 15, ISSS, Mr. Reinhardt married Miss Freese, a lady of high personal attainments, and the daughter of Frederick and Josephine Freese, of Wakefield, the result of this union being two sons, Charles F., and George Reinhardt. both of whom are living. With a striking personality, Mr. Rein- hardt occupies the position as one of Wakefield's first citizens. and enjoys the distinction of being one of its most popular business men.
FREDERICK HALL. dry goods merchant, of 985 Tremont Avenue, Bronx, was born in Denmark, thirty-six years ago. He has been located in this borough about three years. He came here from Manhattan, and is more than pleased with the change and presages great things for the borough when its waste places are all reclaimed, built up and settled. Mr. Hall is a good Democrat and a strong Catholic. He married September 5, 1896. in the Ninth Ward, Miss Della Fay. It has proven a happy match, but one thus far unblessed with children.
THOMAS F. KIERNAN, born in Ireland December 22, 1846, but a resident of this city for thirty-five or thirty-six years, is one of the best-known denizens of the borough. He is a plastering and building contractor. a good, staunch Democrat, and member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kiernan married in 1871 Miss Elizabeth Brophy. He has had nine children. Of these seven, six daughters and one son, are living. The son. Thomas, Jr., is an artist on the staff of the "North Side News." and a young man of decided talent with the caricaturist's pencil.
W. GUY CARY. D. D. S., formerly located at No. 2020 Third Avenue, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Sheboygan. Wis., September 12, 1873, and during his early youth attended the public school of his native town, and at the age of twelve ยท finished his preliminary studies in Manhattan. Having a natural aptitude for a professional career. he chose that of dentistry. and after having successfully passed his high school examination at Syracuse, N. Y .. he entered the College of Aural and Dental Surgery, located in West Forty-second Street. After close
application and diligent study for three years he was graduated in 1902, receiving his degree D. D. S. with exceptionally high honors, being elected valedictorian of his class. His success :: career began immediately upon opening a dental parlor in Man- hattan, and after one year's practice in that borough decided to move to the Bronx; this was in 1903, and he established oft- of the finest and most complete dental parlors north of the Harlem River, locating at No. 2929 Third Avenue. It was no: long before he sought one to share his success and incidentally assist him in his work. A partnership was decided upon, and in 1903 he entered into same with Mrs. Estelle Sutton. of the Bronx, who had had twelve years' experience in this profes -: 7.1. and was instrumental in increasing the practice to what it i- 3. .lay. Dr. Cary's specialty was that of porcelain inlay wo-%. and his new method of extraction of teeth, which rendered operation painless and harmless by the compounding of his own original prescription for local anaesthesia of the gums. tire use of which gave him a wide reputation in his particular line of dental work. It is needless to say, judging from the iarc. patronage, that all other work is kept up to the highest standa-i
W. GUY CARY. D.D.S.
After a brief illness. Dr. Cary died in December. 1905. leavrs an immense practice to be cared for by his widow. forme:" Mrs. Estelle Sutton, whom he married on August 30. 194 and her busy application to all the doctor's affairs and her know- edge of the business enabled her to continue along the same Fines as before. On May I. Ion, Mrs. Cary moved to a more spacious parlor located at No. 2937 Third Avenue, where the has installed everything tending to the comfort of the pater .. and is ably assisted by two competent graduates. In poiese. Dr. Cary was a National Republican, but locally he was affiliate i with the Democratic party, taking a deep and active intere -: .: all, mitters pertaining to public benefit; his support was always liberally given when desired. He had many influential friend. but never sought political favors, nor was he ever an off" seeker. He was a member of Wyoming Lodge. No. 42 wear deacon ), F. and A. M. Ivy Chapter. R. A. M., at Bronx Ters's. Secretary of the Mummi of the College of Antal Jul 1 Surgery, a member of the Willis Avenue M. E. Church, and " enthusiastic member of the Y. M. C. A. De. Cary W .. 119 survived by any children.
FRANK ARMINGTON SPENCER
CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. HODGINS
1
CHARLES J. REINHARDT
FREDERICK HALL
355
-
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
M. OPPENHEIM, the leading and most prominent gents' feraishing merchant in the Borough of the Bronx, was born : lloffenheim, Germany, November 14, 1870. He came to the C'inted States while very young and was cducated in the public schools, after which he was employed in a gents' furnishing store, where he labored incessantly for the meagre pay of $1.80 per week. This employment was continued until 1897, when he opened a store in the Bronx on his own account, in a small way and by his industry and business acumen he succeeded in establishing a business in the Bronx that is recognized by the great community as the palace of fashion in men's furnishing goods of every description, and of the best quality manufactured by the leading firms of the United States and Europc. The rapid growth of the Bronx and the large and substantial patron- age received by Mr. Oppenheim required further development of his business, so that in 1903 he opened one of the largest and finest stores in Tremont, krown as No 764 Tremont Avenue, his main and original store being located at No. 2777 Third Ave- nue. For seven years he has been a merchant of the Bronx and has the entire confidence of leading citizens of the borough, who
JOSEPH EDWARD CHAUVET, D. D. S., one of the most progressive residents of Bronx Borough, was born in New York City, August 22, 1869. His preliminary education was obtained in the public schools, and upon completing this course, he was sent to Europe, where he spent two years mastering the French tongue. On his return he entered the New York College of Dentistry and graduated thercfrom in 1889. Dur- ing the same year he opened an office in the Haskin Build- ing and entered actively upon the practice of his profession. He is at present located at Webster Avenue and Kingsbridge Road. Dr. Chauvet has resided in Bronx Borough since 1887; before that he lived in Manhattan. He is a member of, and has held office in the Royal Arcanum; he belongs to the Friday Afternoon Bowling Club, and he is a prominent member and one-time official of the Fordham Club. In 1889 Dr. Chauvet became a member and acting secretary of the Bedford Park Local Improvement Club. The object of this organization and of its auxiliarics throughout the Bronx, was to elect to office men of independent politics and to advance the interests of the borough generally. It soon came to be an influential and
extend to him a liberal patronage for his enterprise, his abso- lute integrity and gentlemanly qualifications. On Thanksgiving Day, 1900, Mr. Oppenheim married an cstimable and highly re- fined lady, Miss Julia Bachrach, of this city, and has two most promising children, Ernestine and Monroe. One of the youngest and most successful merchants in the borough, keeping up with the rapid pace of advancement and improvement, Mr. Oppen- heim gives promise to become in the near future the most im- portant adjunct of its mercantile community.
WM. H. ROBINSON, plumber, of Victor Street, Van Nest Park, is a Philadelphian by birth, 47 years old, and a live and successful business man. He was brought up in this city and was educated in the public schools here. The Bronx has been hits place of residence and of business also, for about ten years, and he has profited by its unexampled building prosperity. Mr. Robinson married in 1800, Miss Mary Crimmin. They have three children living and one dead. The living children are : Mary L., Willie J. and Geo. B. He is a member of the Corona Club, and is usually of Democratic proclivities politically.
most efficient body. Dr. Chauvet is the owner of the celebrated Poe cottage, Kingsbridge. He is a Catholic and resides in the parish of Our Lady of Mercy. Professionally and socially, le is one of the best known gentlemen of the borough. His pras- tice is a lucrative one. He counts among his clientele many of the prominent people of this part of the city.
EDGAR GEORGE INGRAM, a leading dentist of the Bronx for the past fifteen years, was born at London, England. in 1871. He received a practical education in England. an 1 after coming to New York City, entered and graduated at the head of his class in the New York College of Dentistry, Dr. Ingram has a very large practice among the leading families of the Bronx, and enjoys the confidence both of his patients and his numerous colleagues of the profession. On December ;. 1802, he married Miss Ermina Adelaide Van Iderstine, and has one son, Everett Stanley. The doctor and his family members of the Tremont Baptist Church and occupy . ' ' standing among the devotees of this well known house of wor. ship.
JOSEPH EDWARD CHAUVET, D. D. S.
HARRY B. HASKIN
FRANK S. HOLAHAN
FREDERICK HITCHCOCK
357
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
ALPHONSE GERMAN CARON, one of the prominent undertakers and practical embalmers of the Borough of the Bronx, was born at Cherbourg, France, January 4, 1861, and came with his parents to New York City at the age of two years. The son of Joseph Caron, who was one of Europe's most famous clowns and pantomimists and his mother, who was a premier datisene and a member of the famous Zanfretta family, he was trained to the profession and his professional career has ex- tended over the greater part of his life, thirty years of it at least under the circus tents, was the only habitation he knew. He was but three years old when he first made his American debut. With his father and brothers they came with the original Han- lons, and "Al" was known as the property baby. Their coming to this country was the signal of success for the mustering of all the families' circus connections from half the capitals of Europe From Austria, Hungary, England and South America flocked the Martin Eddys, who were famous clowns and showmen, the entire Zanfretta family who were dancers and patnmimists, the Seagrists who were clowns, the Ravels of the Ravel Pantomimie Company, and Marie Vanoni, singer and mimic, all of the former being related by blood or marriage to the famous Carons. Mr. Caron was with Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson's circus for six- teen years, with Charine's circus travelling through Cuba and all South American States, and also with Sells Bros.' circus for five years. During the latter part of his professional life, dis- covering that he was becoming too stout and heavy to do his famous acts, he commenced the study of anatomy and embalm- ing between his celebrated trick acts. Securing the best au- thorities and authors' standard works on this subject, he ap- plied himself diligently to his studies. His acrobatic studies taught him a great deal about anatomy, and after a serious acci- dent he concluded to withdraw from his old profession and become an undertaker and embalmer. His careful studies en- abled him to secure a clear and comprehensive knowledge of the business. His wife, who was a good actress, he taught to be a bareback rider and one day her horse fell, hurting her severely, and it was then that Mr. Caron gave up the business and started in on his own account in the undertaking business. From the start his success has been equal to that of any other of his colleagues in the Borough of the Bronx. His reputation for attending to the most minute details of his calling is of the very highest order and has brought to him a large clientage of the best citizens of the borough. Systematic and methodical in all his business affairs and a practical professor of anatomy his embalming process is of the highest order and is practically acknowledged to be deserving of the highest praise. His facili- ties for conducting funerals and his methods of doing so are both equal to any other first class undertaking establishment in the borough. He was educated at the public schools of Bleecker and Mott Streets and finished his curriculum at Williamsbridge He was married January 26, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth Peterson, who vas a prominent and successful actress. Mr. Caron is a promi- nent member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Royal Arcanum, the Foresters and Old Dutch Five Association, and ore of the highly respected citizens of the Bronx, who has made it his home for nearly forty years and who aids in every possible way all public .improvements that are advantageous to the great and rapid development of the borough ; he enjoys the confidence of liis fellow citizens and a liberal patronage front theni, as an enterprising and reliable undertaker and embalmer.
JOHN NIMPHIUS, owner and builder of the extensive North Side Storage Warehouse, was born in New York City. October 1, 1857, and is a resident of the Bronx since 1850. llis father, John Nimplius, was an old and well known resident
of the Bronx, coming to New York in 1840 from Germany, and opened a bakery, but later entered the grocery business at t49th Street and Third Avenue, where he resided for many years When the younger Nimphius left school, he assisted his father for a few years, then commenced the express business on his own account, and retiring in 1884. became connected v. ::: the Custom House under Cleveland's administration. He was also connected with the Highway Department of the Bronx from its inception. His general activity and push brought him into contact with a large number of the most eminent mer- chants of New York, for whom he conducted their exclusive and extensive trucking business. H. B. Claflin & Co. Sweaver. Pembroke & Co., Halstead, Haines & Co., Bates, Reed & Chy- ley, Dunham Buckley, George Bliss & Co .. John Spellman & Bros., and this business he held for a number of years. With all of his large business interests, Mr. Nimphius had time to devote to the Volunteer Fire Department of the Bronx. of which he was one of the chief engineers up to the period of annexation. In 1870, he married Miss Elizabeth Hutzler, of the Bronx, and has now a happy and promising family of six children, namely, William G., Henry. A .. Peter J .. Jan. .. Amelia and Gertrude. He is a Democrat in politics, has never held any public office, but is a member of the Jefferson Club. the Schnorers, Tallapoosa, Bronx Borough Club and Exemip: Firemen's Association. In 1904. Mr. Nimphius erected that large and commodious storage and warehouse structure from 521 to 525 Bergen Avenue, near Third Avenue and 140th Street. The building is six stories, with a frontage and den: : of 50x100, containing six hundred rooms for storage of furni- ture and other valuables, and is the best equipped storehouse in the Bronx. In a short time two additional stories will be added to the structure, making it the largest and tallest built- ing in the Bronx at the present writing. The rapid growth of the Bronx demands increased facilities for storage pur- poses, and Mr. Nimphius, with his usual enterprise, has pro- vided this magnificent building.
ALFRED C. GILMORE is engaged in the upholstery line at 1020 Boston Road, enjoying there a highly pro-perou. business. He is a native of New York, 34 years old, a resident of the borough since he was 14. He has never held any poll ::- cal office-never sought one for that matter-but is conspicuoa. in church and Sunday school matters. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prospect Avenue and Mady Place, has been connected with it, in fact, for the fourteen years, that is from its organization. He was elected Superintendent of the Sunday school of that congregation six years ago and still retains that position. He has been a iem ber and treasurer of the Bronx Sunday School Association for some years. Mr. Gilmore is a widower. lle . married Juks Hankinson in 1892, and has two boys, Evereti, aged it, at the present time, and Julian, 9.
JOIIN MONAGHIAN, clerk of the Second District Man cipal Court, under Judge Tierney, has lived here in the Bronx all his life. He was born on 152d Street, near Fourth Avents, in February. 1862. lle is a well known Democrat of the Bronx and a member of the principal party organization of the me ough. the Tallapoosa. Jefferson and others among them. Hi- belongs also to the Elks. the Royal Arcanum, the Bunker H !! Association, and the Brownson Catholic Club. He has Free clerk of court eight years. He married November, ISSO. M ... Mary Campbell. They have four children, Kare, Josephine. Ardell and Paul Kruger.
ALFRED C. GILMORE
JOHN MONAGHAN
EDGAR GEORGE INGRAM
WM. H. ROBINSON
359
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
HANDEL VICTOR PHASEY, Bandmaster, Composer, Eu- phonion Virtuoso .- Handel Phasey comes from a celebrated family of English musicians. His father, the late Alfred James Phasey, was the inventor of the euphonion, and held the exalted position of Musician-in-ordinary to her late Majesty Queen Victoria. His brother, Alfred, was soloist in Patrick Gilmore's band for ten years. The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Banbury (celebrated for its cakes), Oxford, England, in IS64; therefore, he is in his fortieth year. He received his educa- tion at Ardingly College, Sussex, England, and his father, in- tending that he should follow a commercial life, apprenticed him to William Whiteley, a firm similar to Macy's and Siegel- Cooper. Mr. Ilandel at once joined a brass band, which had been formed in this firm, and took up and studied the euphonion and brass trombone; after eightecn months he descrted the firm and enlisted in the Royal Horse Artillery Band. He was then sent to the military training school of music, known as" Kneller Hall, and after two years' study rejoined his regiment. He made a great reputation as an euphonion soloist, and soon forged his way to the front rank of his profession. He held the most enviable positions in England; among them we may men- tion the world-wide known Crystal Palace Orchestra, under the leadership of Sir August Manns. Among the many prominent leaders' batons he has played under, we may mention Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir A. Mckenzie, Lieut. Dan Godfrey, etc. Mr. Phasey toured Canada and the United States in 1898, being starred throughout the tour. Both the Canadian and American press were unanimous in declaring his performances highly artistic. Mr. Phasey was long the bandmaster of the Royal Artillery Band at Southend, England, holding the commissioned rank of lieutenant. He relinquished this position to become Musical Director of Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. The band was known as "Phasey's Band." Whilst here he fulfilled several engagements at garden parties given by the celebrated novelist, Marie Corelli. Mr. Phasey says he found English ways too slow for him (and any one knowing Mr. Phasey's hustling nature can readily believe him), and he became anxious to return to the land of his adoption. It may be of interest to mention that four of the Phasey family are naturalized American citizens, viz., Alfred, Handel, William and Reginald, and all are in the musical profession. Mr. Phasey was the recipient of an il- luminated address, accompanied by an ivory gold-mounted baton and gold-enamcled medal when he retired from his Leamington engagement, and only recently the great musical firm of Boosey & Co. presented him with a silver euphonion. Mr. Phasey has fulfilled some important engagements in this country and Canada. among them two most successful concerts at Herald Square Theatre, Willow Grove Park, Philadelphia, Pa., Toronto, Mon- treal, Quebec, Winnipeg, etc. The New York "Herald" said of the band performances at Herald Square Theatre: "No higher compliment can be paid a band than to say it is as good as Sousa's, and this can be said of Phasey's .. He much resembles Victor Herbert in appearance; therefore, he is stout and jovial looking." Mr. Phasey has many interesting remini- scent anecdotes which he tells in a very pleasing manner, caus- ing much laughter. He is a host in himself, and I found that . the time slipped by too quickly when I was in his society. He has certainly made many friends in the Bronx Borough by his band performances at Claremont Park, and his most cheerful acquiescence to the great demand for encores. Ile has pur- .chased a nice house at Clay Avenue, Bronx, where he enjoys the cheerful society of his wife and three children. fle is a mem-
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