USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 52
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MICHAEL J. BERGEN
HERRMAN J. LEVY
JOHN HENRY BERGEN
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THOMAS WILLIAM TIMPSON
367
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
THOMAS WILLIAM TIMPSON, son of Thomas W. Timpson, whose family owns a farm at Westchester purchased 111 1752-Thos. W. Timpson bought the property now occupied by Thos. W. Timpson, Jr., in 1848, and is still in the possession of the family-Thos. W. Timpson, Sr., one of the old trustees of the town of Morrisania, died in November, 1885. John Timp- son, father of Thomas, Sr., was one of the founders of Tam- many Hall, and alderman from first ward of this city; in 1804 was lieutenant of old artillery in war of 1812. The corps of artillery was afterward made Seventh Regiment of New York City, his record being mentioned in General Clark's History of the Seventh Regiment. The subject of this sketch is cashier of the Nassau News Company, is a prominent real estate in- vestor in the Bronx, his native place, where he was born on March 15. 1866, at No. 1251 Franklin Avenue. After graduating at the grammar schools of the Bronx. he entered and completed his classical course at the College of the City of New York, where he graduated with honors. In the National Guard of the State he manifested a deep interest, joining the Twenty-second Regiment in 1884 and through meritorious service was commis- sioned as second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain in the Seventy-first Regiment, and captain and acting major in the Ninth New York Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish War, and is at present a lieutenant in the Old Guard of New York. In 1899, he was appointed and served honorably as a commis- sioner of the Board of Education for that ensuing year. A Democrat in politics, he is an active member of a large number of influential, social and fraternal organizations, viz .: The Sons of the Revolution, Society of Foreign Wars, Spanish Veterans, Ninth Regiment Veterans, Seventy-first Regiment Veterans, Jefferson, Bronx and Schnorer Clubs, and an emi- nent and instructive member of several masonic bodies, up to and including the thirty-second degree, Knight Templars and the famous Mystic Shriners. Mr. Timpson married April 13, 1902. Miss Mary Broome, a Southern lady, and the accomplished daughter of the well known jurist of Florida, Judge J. D. Broome. Alexander Striker and Thomas William Timpson, two most promising sons, are the result of this happy union.
ANTON RAGETTE, deceased, was born at Biala, Austria, January 23, 1851, and died in New York City after a brief ill- ness of heart disease December 21, 1902. Mr. Ragette came to America at the age of twenty-three, having obtained a thorough education at a military college in Vienna, Austria. His mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Brennig, of Worms, Rhinehessen, oc- curred June 18, 1879. Mr. Ragette located in the Bronx in 188.1, where he engaged in a general steamship and banking business. In 1895 he engaged in the contracting and building business. as well as that of real estate, all of which he was very successful in. At the time of his death he was one of the mnost substantial citizens of the Bronx, all due to his good judgment and wise investments. Mr. Ragette was one of the most beloved men in this section of New York. He was ex- tremely popular with all classes, irrespective of race, religion or politics. It is said of hint by those who knew him, that he never had an enemy, and his untimely death has caused a deep void in this community that will not soon be filled. Mr. Raget- . te was an extensive traveler, having made a number of voyages across the ocean with his wife and family, and, at the time of his death, he had been planning an extensive tour of the world to occupy about two years time to complete. He was purely a self made man, and his success in life was entirely due to his high integrity and as a close observer of the Golden Rule. In
his family he was greatly beloved as the good husband and father, the hearthstone never being complete without his presence. He was liberal to a degree in all matters regarding religion or politics, and his hand was ever extended to render any worthy cause his support. He was essentially a home man more than the club man. He was, however, a member of the Royal Arcanum. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ragette are Johannah, now Mrs. Henry E. Esthmer, Frank Joseph, Ru- dolph Richard, William Robert, Amelia Elizabeth, Henry Hans and Robert Raymond. Mrs. Ragette resides in an ele- gant mansion at 509 East 149th street.
PETER GOETZ, retired, and one of the best known men in the Borough of the Bronx, was born January 4. 1830. at Cassel, Germany, where he received a liberal education in the public schools. After leaving school he entered the army where he served seven years with the rank of lieutenant. Mr. Goetz located in the Bronx about eight years ago. For many years he was engaged in the tailoring business, which he conducted until 1885, at which time he retired. In politics he is a staunch Republican, having first voted for President Lincoln. He has never sought or held any public office, but has con- fined his time to the prosecution of his business affairs. He is a prominent member of the German Protestant Church, and has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of that congrega- tion, being ever ready to extend whatever financial aid the church re- quired. He is not a member of any clubs or other organiza- tions. In 1860 Mr. Goetz married Miss Elizabeth Hausler, who died in 1885; one son, Frederick, was born to the union; he is now located at Munich, Germany. In 1888, Mr. Goetz again married, his second wife having been Mrs. Caroline Trup, and whose death occurred in 1896. Mr. Goetz has always enjoyed the reputation of being a highly public spirited citizen, is generous and kind to a fault. He is a man of commanding and dignified appearance, with a strong military bearing. He is universally esteemed and respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his friends are legion. For his years he is one of the best preserved men in the Borough of the Bronx.
JOHN THOMAS JORDAN, a popular Boniface of that famous summer and fishing resort, City Island, was born in Ireland .. April 24th, 1857. In his early youth he came to the United States, settled in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, and was educated there in its public schools. Years ago Mr. Jordan was a unique character as a fruit dispenser on the old Harlem Bridge. The older residents of Harlem patronized him liberal- ly, and to such an extent that the basis of his present fortune was virtually formed. For thirty-seven years a resident of the Bronx, and for the past fourteen years one of the most popular residents of City Island. Mr. Jordan enjoys the con fidence and patronage of all the older residents of Harlem and the new generation of their former ancestry, than any other of the many worthy places of entertainment on the old and popular resort. Occupying. as owner of the oldest road house on the line of City Island, his patronage has become famous throughout the Bronx Borough. A Catholic in faith, a Demo- crat in politics, and an active and influential member of the General Committee of Tammany Hall, of the Second Assembly District, prominent in the commeils of the party. Mr. Jordan. being a self-made man, is worthy of the distinction he enjoys among his fellow citizens,
MARTIN HOFFMAN
PETER JEROME STUMPF
WILLIAM SIMPSON
GEO. W. O'CONNOR
369
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
THOMAS DALZIEL DINWOODIE, one of the leading and prominent citizens of Westchester, Borough of the Bronx, was born December 2, 1852, at Kirkton Village, Kirkmahoe- Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and was educated at the Kirkton School of his native village. On March 1, 1873, he left Glasgow, Scot- land, for the United States, arriving here March 15, on Saturday evening, but was detained in the river at Castle Garden until Monday the 17th of March, St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Dinwoodie came immediately to Westchester, where for the past thirty-two years he has been the village blacksmith and horseshoer. His patrons are legion throughout the surrounding country, which includes the very best and wealthiest families, besides the United States Government for whom he does all the work required at Fort Schuyler and the Post Office Department horses used for special deliveries in the vicinity of Westchester Village. As a master mechanic he is one of the most skillful in his profession and one of the most successful in the Bronx Borough. In politics Mr. Dinwoodie is a Republican and has always taken an active part in all the campaigns of Westchester County for the past twenty-five years. His popularity and influence among the leaders and rank and file of his party, for his loyalty and active work in the organization, has been recognized on many occasions by his party, of which he is known and recognized as the absolute leader in Westchester Village. He is close to the people of his community and is highly respected as one of its first citizens. As a member of the Masonic fraternity he enjoys the confidence of his fellow craftsmen. On January 9, 1876, he married Miss Armie Amelia Johnson, daughter of James John- son and Ann Campbell, and has seven children, namely, William, Mary, Alice, Catherine, Thomas McKitrick, James Johnson, Annie Amelia and Janet. He is the son of William Din- woodie and Mary Dalziel, from whom he inherited all of the estimable qualifications that has made him so popular among his fellow citizens.
ADOLPH TROELLER, director of the Troeller Mando- lin Circle, was born in Bronx Borough, July 14, 1866. He was a pupil of Public School No. 62, which he attended up to the time of graduation. After leaving school he joined the Idlewild Minstrel Troupe, in which he toured the country until 1882. He then decided to settle down and confine his attention to giving musical instruction on the banjo, and succeeded in obtaining many of the public men of to-day as pupils, later adding that of the mandolin and guitar. As an instructor in these lines, Mr. Troeller is an artist and has but few equals. So thorough is hc. that in but a short space of time, his pupils make rapid progress under his tutorship. For many years he has devoted his entire time to his art. As an example of his methods, Mr. Troeller some time since had a blind girl applicant for instruction. She had been refused by several well known New York teachers. After a few lessons under Mr. Troeller he obtained unlooked for results. This pupil is now one of the well known public play- ers of a leading theatrical company, appearing in the various vaudeville theatres throughout the country. He has a class of forty pupils, who reside within a radius of fifty miles of New York City. Mr. Troeller has accommodation for about seventy pupils at one time. His reputation is a guarantee in itself as to results to be obtained through his method of instructing. His residence and office is located at 569 East 153d street, Bronx. Mr. Troeller is a member of the Foresters, and at one time was a member of the Buckley-Blake Concert Company and the Troeller Mandolin Circle. In 1800 he organized the Liberty Banjo Club, and in 1903 was the director of the Imperial Mu- sical Circle. Both of these organizations arc now disbanded.
Since 1890, Mr. Troeller has been giving an annual concert and ball at various first-class places throughout the borough, at which all his pupils appear. The entertainments are well patron- ized, and the selection of the music receives his personal at- tention. On May 4, 1802, Mr. Troeller married Miss Lillian Schantz, of New York City. One child, Gilbert (now deceased ), was born to the union.
KIESLING BROTHERS, William and Charles, printers, of 623 East 148th Street, are examples of what ambition and ca- terprise can accomplish, and their establishment is an excellent illustration of what a splendid field for business the Bronx af- fords. They are both young men, energetic and capable, and have reached the road to success practically unaided. Being born in Philadelphia-William, December 28, 1870, and Charles, June 17. 1873, their schooling was acquired in the public schools of the Quaker City, coming to the Bronx as boys twenty years ago. From 1886 to 1894 they were employed in the printing busi- ness, and during that time devoted their studies to the mastery of "the art preservative," as printing is called, at both the case and press. In 1894 a partnership was formed and a place of busi . ness was opened at 504 Willis Avenue; success attended thei. venture to such an extent that it was necessary to find new and larger quarters. The plant is now located in their own building, 623 East 148th Street, which was especially constructed to meet the requirements of a thoroughly modern equipped printing office. Reputation is freely accorded this firm as one producing neat, attractive and correct work. They are members of the North Side Board of Trade and New York Master Printers' Association. Both are married, each having one child. Mr. William Kiesling married Miss Anna Nusbaum, November 26, 1893, and Mr. Chas. Kiesling married Miss Anna Hank, Febru- ary 24, 1897.
ALBERT H. LIEBENAU .- One of the popular and ag- gressive young business men of the Bronx is Albert H. Liebenau, whose activity in the business, social and political life of the borough has gathered around him a wide circle of friends. Al- though still a very young man Mr. Liebenau is a most success- ful business man, and his friends predict for him a brilliant political future. Mr. Liebenau is a product of our public schools, being a graduate of No. 61. He was born in this borough on December 23, 1873, and has always lived there. Immediately after finishing his public school education he joined his father in the tallow business, the elder Liebenau being one of the pioneer men in this line and one of the most successful. . When his father died the conduct of the busines, devolved upon the son. He has carried it on most successfully, and to-day is one of the leading men in that trade. He is honest and straight- forward in all his dealings, and as a result none of his compe titors make inroads on his trade. Ever since his majority Mr. Liebenau has been an active worker in the ranks of Democracy and has donc yeoman service for the regular party organization in his district. His friends have often urged him for political honors, but his business interests made it impossible for him to accept. Ile is a member of the Schinorer Club, the Jefferson Club, treasurer of the Bronx Press Club. the Elks, Eagles and the Tallapoosa Club. Ile also takes a very active part in the affairs of the National Guard, being a very prominent member of the Seventh Regiment. In all matters pertaining to the pro- gress and development of the borough Mr. Lichenan takes an energetic interest, and in charitable circles Ins name is widely known for his quiet and muostentatious benefactions.
1
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WM. J. WAGER, JR.
JAMES P. DUNN
THOMAS DALZIEL DINWOODIE
ADOLPH TROELLER
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371
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
CHARLES WILLIAM VETTERMAN, the General Man- ager of Brewer Schlitz's magnificent hotel and restaurant at West Farms, was born at Lennfeldt, Baden, Germany, October 3. 1867, and was educated at Lennfeldt, the town or province of Baden, graduating with the honors of his class. He arrived in the United States on April 11, 1882, and immediately commenced his career as a boniface, fighting his way single-handed, until ISO1, he opened a first-class hotel on Eighth Avenue and 54th Street, which he conducted with signal success. This property he disposed of advantageously. and opened another hotel in Harlem, on 125th Street, near Park Avenue, and remained there until 1900, when he assumed the entire management of Schlitz's Hotel and Restaurant at West Farms. During his exclusive management of this first-class establishment, Mr. Vetterman, through his striking personality, his courteous manners to his guests, and his practical knowledge of the business, has built up a very extensive patronage for the liotel, and has made the place exceedingly popular among the best class of citizens in the Bronx, for the excellent menu, its perfect culinary department, its neatness and cleanliness, and the notable courtesy extended to its patrons by its accomplished manager and Itis experienced employees. Mr. Vetterman was married May 25. 1892, to Miss Margarette Hoerner, of New York City, and has three children, viz., Charles George, Jr., Arthur Herbert and Alma Eliza Vet- terman, all living. Himself and family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a prominent and active member of the following clubs and societies: The Worrynot, Franz Schu- bert Singing Society. Wyoming Lodge. No. 492, F. and A. M .. and Standard Lodge, No. 19, A. O. U. W.
JOHN BARTELS, who conducted at 975 East 169th Street. the Crotona Casino, the Delmonico of the Bronx. had the repu- tation as the great caterer of this part of the city. He opened his place February 1. 1905, and being a man thoroughly versed in all the details of the business, at once made a success of it. It embraces, besides the cafe and restaurant, the latter serving meals at all hours, a palm garden, four bowling alleys, and a ball room 6,000 square feet in area. Its character is indicated in the fact that a number of fine church entertainments have been held in the hall by the principal congregations of the bor- ough. Mr. Bartels is a native of Bremen, Germany, about 35 years old. He is a graduate of the University of the City of Hanover, and is a man of polish, culture and refinement. He has lived in the Bronx about twelve years, and is therefore no stranger to its people. He married here in New York in April, 1893, Miss Charlotte M. Feise, of the City of Hanover. They have three children, two boys and a girl. Mr. Bartels is a Demo- crat in politics, though not at all a bitter one. He belongs to several singing and beneficial orders. .
JOHN P. O'CONNELL .- The well-known proprietor of the Golf House at Van Cortlandt Park, was born in Ireland. Janu- ary 29, 1861, and was there educated at the Christian Brothers' School. His father, Patrick O'Connell, was a well-known and prosperous carpenter and builder, and while attending school during his leisure hours from study, young O'Contiell was learn- ing the carpenter trade from his father. Upon graduating he de- .voted himself assiduously to the latter work, and after serving a full apprenticeship, he received his credentials as a first-class mechanic. In 1887 lie came to New York City, and owing to his natural ability and proper fitness for the position. he was em. ployed to take charge of construction work, and for several years filled this important post with thorough satisfaction to his
employer. lu 1899 Mr. O'Connell resolved to become a boniface, and consequently the lease from the city to open the present well- known and popular Golf Hotel at Van Cortlandt Park, and in this connection he also opened the Leonard Cafe, 91 Leonard Street, Manhattan, which is considered one of the best in the vicinity. The Golf Hotel, which is memorable in the annals of the Bronx as a police station, was thoroughly remodeled and fitted up in its present first-class appointments by this city, and the success of this establishment is entirely due to Mr. O'Connell. and, through his practical and most liberal management, it has become famous throughout the Bronx, the Greater New York and adjacent suburban cities and villages, as one of the most fashionable resorts throughout Manhattan or Westchester. Standing on an eminence in the midst, and overlooking the pic- turesque and lovely Van Cortlandt Park, and adjacent to the railroad, and then surrounded by a stretch of the finest golf links in this or any other State of the Union. it has become the favorite resort of the leading families and most enthusiastic goli players of Manhattan and Westchester. Mr. O'Connell manu- factures all kinds of golf goods, and keeps constantly a corps of teachers and instructors for the benefit of his patrons, who de- sire to enjoy the famous fashionable and healthful amusement. Mr. O'Connell was married on August 16, 1801, to Miss Johanna Moran (now deceased), the result of this union being two chil- dren, John James is dead ; Ella May Francis O'Connell. In June, 1900, Mr. O'Connell solemnized his second marriage to Miss Lucy Gaynor, an estimable lady, and active in the management and large business interests of Mr. O'Connell. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, Division No. 27, A. O. H .; the Celtic and Clan-na-Gael, and a director in the North Side Brew- ing Company. Ile is also interested in and financially connected with the well-known Miller Pure Rye Distilling Company of Pennsylvania, and the Central Consumers' Wine and Liquor Company, as well as the Central Cigar Manufacturing Company Mr. O'Connell has a striking personality, is quick, active and sys- tematie in his large business affairs; is popular with the host of patrons who visit his hotel and golf links daily, and is known and recognized as one of the leading golf players on the links. The father of this prominent gentleman was one of the foremost and enterprising citizens of his native place in Ireland. His mother, who still survives her beloved husband, is a lady of stern, yet noble character, and gave to our country a patriotic son, Patrick O'Connell, who was a member of the 35th Volun- teer Infantry in the late Spanish-American War, and was at the famous battle of Luzon, and under general orders dated April 20, 1901, issued by the commanding general of Governor's Island, received only on day of ltis funeral, was buried with all the pomp and honors of war, due to such a noble patriot. Three other brothers. Daniel, Morris, Frank, and two sisters. Mary Ann and Francis, including Mr. J. P. O'Connell, now living. con- stitute the family of Mr. O'Connell's worthy and patriotie parents.
JAMES J. BYRNES is a native, born and brought up here, as the saying is, through his business, and by reason of his political connections. Mr. Byrnes, to use a hackneyed phrase. is "well and widely known." lle was born in Mott Haven, at 1339th Street and Third Avenne, January 19. 1864. and attended old Public School No. 60 under the able and popular Prof. Hyatt. a fact to old residents in itself a mark of distinction signifying thorough schooling. Mr. Byrnes represents George A. Kessler & Co .. leading wine merchants and importers in the Bronx and Westchester. and is one of their most successful salesmen and agents. He is a Tammany Democrat, a member of Broax 1. Nice of Elks, No 8;1, of the "Merry Five Association" and a worship. per at St. Jerome's R. C. Church.
WILLIAM S. GERMAIN
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THOMAS A. LYNCH
PROF. GEORGE FRIEDGEN
And mot de
PATRICK J. TRACY
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373
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
PATRICK J. TRACY, Supervisor of City Record, was born in New York City October 3, 1866, where he was educated in the public schools, graduating from the grammar grade, and later from the College of the City of New York. Being a printer by trade he is thoroughly qualified for the position he now holds, having been appointed thereto January 19, 1904. Mr. Tracy has Leen a resident of Bronx Borough for the past eight years, and is affiliated with the Jefferson Club, the Tammany Society and the General Committee of the latter organization. He is also a mem- ber of the Eagles, Elks, the Bronx Press Club, Typographical Union No. 6, and of other organizations, social, political and fra- ternal. He married September 2, 1896, Miss Margaret Fitzpatrick.
WILLIAM HENRY SWIFT, undertaker and embalmer, ot 606 East 145th Street, is a life-long resident of the Bronx. He was born in the borough over fifty years ago, and was a pupil in his youth of the Mott Haven Public School. He married here, also, in 1800. His wife was Miss Cornelia Fitzgerald before the married. They have one son, Irving by name. Mr. Swift is identified, through his business, with two churches, St. Paul's
Bronx ; of a kindly disposition ; disliked by none; loved by many ; true to a friend in adversity and wishing well to those in attlu- ence. He was a public spirited man; was generous to a fault, and was always foremost in extending encouragement to all causes whereby this borough was to be benefitted. Mr. York died February 9, 1905, after an illness of six months. During all this time he bore his sickness with much patience that was characteristic of him. His widow will continue to keep an inter- est in the business. The consistory of the Reformed Church of Mott Haven, New York City, record with deep sorrow the death of John A. York, for twelve years a deacon of this church, from which he was called to the church triumphant in February 9, 1905. In special session the following resolution was unanimously passed :
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father who in His providence doeth all things well, to remove from us one whom we loved as fellow officer, as faithful church member, and as a loyal citizen ; and
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