USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 53
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Whereas, during the many years of his affiliation with the church he lived a bright, consistent Christian life; be it
Reformed and the North New York Congregational Church. He has every facility for the proper conduct of his melancholy, but indispensable offices, and may be relied on, as a man of long experience in the business, to perform his duties with due pro- priety-to execute them also, we may add, with a conscientious regard for the circumstances and pockets of the mourners.
JOHN A. YORK, undertaker, was born in what is now the Borough of the Bronx, January 10, 1859. During boyhood he attended Public School No. 60. Mr. York was engaged in the undertaking business at 606 East 145th Street, being senior mem- ber of the firm of York & Swift, who stood at the head of their profession in the Borough of the Bronx. He was a member of the Mott Haven Reformed Church, Lily Lodge, F. and A. M., Ivy Chapter, Harlem Lodge, I. O. O. F., and several other or- ganizations. He had been tenor soloist of the Mott Haven Re- formed Church for many years; was solo tenor of the Zetheus Male Quartette, one of the finest male quartettes in New York. On September 12, 1884, he married Miss Ida M. Drayton, Four children have been born to this union, viz. : Lydia R., John A., both of whom are deceased, and Lucy D. and Laura M., now living. Mr. York was one of the most popular men in the
Resolved. first. that we bow in submission to the divine will of our Savior, who, being wise and loving, worketh all things in accordance with His purpose beyond our understanding.
Resolved, secondly, that we cherish the memory and love of one of our most popular Christians, who was found regu- larly in his place as a devoted officer and as a member of the choir, and who, for months, submitted patiently to pain and suffering, leaving us a worthy example.
Resolved, thirdly, that we tender to the family of which he was a member, our sincere Christian sympathy in this their hour of sore bereavement, commending his aged mother, his wife and his young daughters to the care, love and comfort of our blessed Father, who gives His peace as the world cannot give.
Resolved, fourthly, that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the church and be sent to the family of our be loved brother, to the local papers, and to the "Christian Intelli gencer," and that the church be appropriately draped in honor of his memory.
JOHN FRANCIS DOBBS. I. HENRY HOLLOWAY, DAVID LAYTON,
Committee.
JOHN A. YORK
JOHN BARTELS
JOHN P. O'CONNELL
JAMES J BYRNES
375
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
JOHN HARTMAYER, one of the old and highly respected citizens of the Borough of the Bronx, who died March 20, 1903, was born July 15, 1835. in Germany, and was educated there He learned the trade of a weaver and dyer of woolen goods at his native home, and came to the United States, and finding no demand for his services as an experienced weaver and dycr, he took up the trade of carriage painting, and continued in this business until his death. He came to the Bronx in 1866, and started in the carriage painting business on his own account: lie built himself a residence at 2470 Third Avenue, where he lived for thirty years, and moved from there to 166 Lincoln Avenue, into a new builling he erested in 1869. Mr. Hartmayer during his long and successful business career in the Bronx was a public spirited citizen, and commanded the respect and confidence of the whole community. He was a gentleman of the strictest sense of honor and integrity, a useful and progressive citizen. He was a member of Rising Star Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor, and of the Arion Singing Society of North New York. His business, founded in 1866, is now conducted by his son, Edward Hartmayer, under the firm name of J. Hart mayer Son. Mr. Edward Hartmayer was born and raised in the Borough of the Bronx, was educated at the public school, and, at the age of thirteen, he entered the employ of his father, who trained him thoroughly in the business, founded nearly half a century ago. On June 25, 1890, Mr. Edward Hartmayer married Miss Catherine Seelinger, and has two children, May M. and Christina. His business is conducted on the same lines that his father carried out, but now located at 2541 Third Avenue, and. being one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the Bronx, it is one of the most successful. Mr. Hartmayer is 1 prominent and active member of the Building Trades Employers' Association.
. WILLIAM RICHARD EHLER, born December 3, 1870, in Germany and educated at the public schools of the home of his nativity, came to the United States at the age of 17, in 1887, as a mere boy, unattended and alone, to seek his fortune in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Inspired by the news coming to his fatherland of those who gave glowing ac- counts of their great success in the "land of liberty," he came, he saw, and after several years of toil, like many others of his great countrymen, "he conquered." His first engagement was that as a porter; this he filled successfully until he was offered a position as waiter in a prominent restaurant and coffee house of this city. Month by month, and for a period of at least two years he successfully filled this position and by his suave and diplomatic manners and methods in the conduct of his position won from the patrons of the house and his employers the distinction of an honest, upright and loyal employee and one of its most intelligent attaches. On these lines, young Ehler conceived the idea of entering business on his own account. Having surrounded himself with a phalanx of friends who knew and appreciated his moral standing, he felt sure of his future success. He purchased and opened the premises in 1898 on the corner of 147th Street and Brook Avenue. From the very start, where others had failed, this first venture was an absolute success ; so much so, that one year later he purchased the well known hotel on the northwest corner of 138th street and Third Avenue, which was the most popular resort in the Bronx, and has been so successfully managed by Mr. Ehler for the past six years that it is known and considered one of the best hostelries in the great Borough of the Bronx. Mr. Ehler's success has . not been from the standpoint of waiting for something to turn . up, but it has been from the close and sturdy application that he has given to his business affairs. Coming here to his country
of adoption, a perfect stranger, in a strange land, dependent upon his own resources, without an aid of comfort or chcer, he has fought his battle and won. What a noble lesson this is to others who are placed upon the world without aid or assistance from others. llow many young men under these conditions "go down," but those made up of the "Ehler" material "never fail."
MARTIN HOFFMAN, prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in this city and throughout the State of New York, and the popular proprietor of Hoffman's Park at West- chester, Borough of the Bronx, was born March 11, 1853, at Tauberbischofsheim, Baden, Germany, and received his education there. lle learned the trade of blacksmithing and at the age of 18 he came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, where he continued his trade until 1885, when he turned his attention to other business affairs and after several years of success as a merchant, he came to Westchester Village in 1898. Mr. Hoff- man is one of Westchester's leading citizens and is always active and prominent in the advancement and improvement of the vil- lage, and the borough. His park is one of the features of West- chester, where societies and organizations of the Bronx and Man- hattan go for recreation and amusement, where they have large and spacious grounds for picnics, with a large dining room in the building proper capable of seating upwards of 400 people, and also a magnificent ball room, all of which are thoroughly equipped with every convenience for the comfort and amuse- ment of the guests, and has made the place one of the most accessible and popular resorts at Westchester. As a member of the I. O. O. F. he has rendered distinguished service to the latter and has held various posts of honor and trust in the great society. As a member of Justicia Lodge, No. 370, he was ap- pointed a delegate to found the present Odd Fellows Home at Westchester, which is located in close proximity to his park. He was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of District, Kings No. 4, Past Chief of the 1. O. O. F. Encampment, Cadiz, No. 63, and Mayor of the Patriarch Militant. He is also a mem- ber of the Masonic Order, being a Past Master of Van Monch Lodge No. 765, having served as Master of this lodge for the years 1895, 1896 and 1897. He is a Democrat in politics, having served as Democratic leader of the Sixteenth Ward in Brooklyn for two years before coming to Westchester and is at present one of the active members of the Chippewa Club, the Derno- cratic General Committee organization of his assembly district. Mr. Hoffman is also an active director in the North Side Brew- ery. On October 11, 1874, he was married to Miss Teresa Volz, of Brooklyn, an cstimable lady, who died October 12, 1895, leaving two daughters, Louise M. and Lizzie M., both of whom are now married. On July 14, 1898, Mr. Hoffinan was married to his second wife, Mrs. Lena Polepka. The gentleman is distinguished for his uniform courtesy, gentlemanly conduct, and his well known personal integrity to all with whom he may have professional or personal dealing.
PETER JEROME STUMPF, former Alderman for the Fortieth District, was born in Jersey City, September 3, isot, but has lived in Bronx Borough pretty much all his life. As a boy he grew up and went to school here. He is a strong Democrat and a nian of family and property. Ile belongs to a mimber of organizations, among others the Jefferson, Schmorer and Talla- poosa Clubs and Modern Woodmen of the World. He married February 12, 1884. Miss Katherine Jeannette Tyrrell. They have ene son, Peter J. Stumpf. Jr., aged o years. Mr. Stumpf is a baker by trade, but in the coal business at present.
ยท
JAMES G. RILEY
CHRISTIAN HENRY HARTMAN
JOHN HARTMAYER
WILLIAM RICHARD EHLER
377
HISTORY OF; BRONX BOROUGH
WILLIAM SIMPSON, well known to many New Yorkers through his downtown money lending business, is not so well known to the public in another capacity, namely, that of one of the most extensive breeders of fine horse stock in the country. Turfmen, road drivers and other lovers of the trotter, however, are well acquainted with his Empire City Stud. This important establishment, strange to say, is and has been for many years well within the limits of the metropolis, at Southern Boulevard and the East River, Hunt's Point, in the Bronx, where it has been conducted successfully by Mr. Simpson for forty years. The famous John R. Gentry, record 2.001/2. comes from this establish ment, and its auction sales have been the resort of horsemen for very many years. But first a word concerning Mr. Simpson personally. He was born in May, 1837, in this city, that is sixty-eight years ago, and has practically spent his entire life within the confines of New York. His father was Wm. Simp- son, a native of England, and his mother Ximenia Haines, of New York. He was admitted in New York schools and ac- quired the money lending business from his father, its founder. lie is a Republican in politics, and by religious faith Protestant Episcopal. His first wife, Sarah J. McGraw, of Dryden, New York, died in 1876. His second. Teresa L. Allen, in 1904. He
"Foxhurst," Residence of Wm. Simpson
has two sons, William J., born in 1867. and F. B., who manages the stud for him, in IS74. Both are married. William J. has two children, a son and daughter. The Simpson farm at Hunt's Point covers 120 acres. It was established originally for the breeding of trotting horscs. Of late, however, considerable at- tention is given also to the breeding of Shetland ponies, a superior strain of which it possesses. On the place are commodious build- ings and a miniature covered track, 25 by 1,200 feet, for the train- ing of colts in winter, and here have been bred, as we have said, stock of the best trotting blood in the country. Such men as Tom Lawson, of Boston, have sent their mares here to be bred to the Simpson stallions. The place is, however, soon to be abandoned, and the stock transferred to a new up-state location. The city has grown up to the old farm, and it is shortly to be cut up into city lots. The new place is at New Hudson, Alleg- heny County, N. Y., nine miles from Cuba on the Erie road, and six from Canada on the Western New York. It contains 1,000 acres, a quarter mile training track and all the necessary equip- ment of stabling, etc. Over $50,000 has been expended here 'and many extra facilities provided, such as heat from natural
.
. gas, so as to bring out foals in March or April. There is ex- cellent stabling and a mile track at Cuba also, for the "gradu-
ates," so called. As a bee-man likewise, Mr. Simpson has dis- tinction. He has long been engaged in the breeding of queen bees, and shipping them over the country. He is also an author of note on bees and kindred subjects. One fallacy he has fully exploded, namely, the tin-pan method of swarming theni.
GEORGE W. FENNELL .- Among the notable busines- concerns drawn to the Bronx by the prospect it unfolds in its phenomenal growth and development, not least in importance is that of George Fennell & Co., which, on May i last ( 1905) opened up in a style befitting the reputation it has established in the furniture and house furnishing business, a place at Third Avenue and 149th Street-to be exact. Nos. 2860 and 2862 Third Avenue. This is a location unsurpassed in he borough. one considered by many the heart of the North Side in a business way and destined long to remain so. Nearly three months were required to refit and remodel this "up to the standard" of the Fennell Company. It is a five-story fire-proof brick building. with expansive show rooms, in which is displayed the largest, mos: complete and most varied stock of the kind in the borough. This, with the courtcous and liberal treatment accorded customers. l'as brought the house a patronage beyond even the highest expectations of the company and made its venture already an assured and unqualified success. George Fennell & Co. have two other establishments, one at 107 Avenue A, Manhattan, and the other in Mount Vernon. Mr. Fennell resides in Manhattan.
GEO. W. O'CONNOR (deceased) .- Few men were better known or better liked in the Bedford Park district, where he lived and exercised the Democratic leadership for many year .. than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Winchester. VI and was raised in the Old Dominion, in which State also he re ceived his schooling. From Virginia he went as a young man to Rockland County, New York, and from therc, in 1885, to Wi :- liamsbridge. There he went into the hotel and saloon business and continued in that until his death, March 5, 1905. He was barely fifty when he died. He had been Tammany leader for ten years, and was also connected with the Park Department. He belonged to the Jefferson Club, and was the leading spirit in the Pedford Park Club and in his own organization, the Geo. W. O'Connor Association. He was also a member of the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Benevolent Legion and other associations. social and fraternal. He was a live man, what is known as a good "mixer." whole-souled and charitable, and sincerely mourned by a host of friends. He ma: - ried. February 13, 1885, Miss Jane Byrnes, of Piermont, Rock- lond County. Three daughters, Mary, Nora and Georgiana, sur- vive him.
WM. J. WAGER, JR., is Superintendent of the Department of Parks, Bronx Borough. To him largely the splendid condition and attractiveness of these play grounds of the public are due. lle is a strong and uncompromising Democrat-"firm in ti.c faith" -- is chairman of the Tammany Hall General Committee. Thirty-fourth District; was one of the organizers of the Eugene J. McGuire Association, member of the Eagles, president Wampa- noag Club. Mr. Wager is a Brooklynite by birth ; he was born there April 16, 1864. In his youth he attended Grammar Sch; No. 20, graduating from it in 18;8. He then went into business with his father ( who is still living but retired) in the painting and flag pole line at 42 West Houston Street. In this business he remained until appointed under Commissioner Schmitt in 1 94. to his present place. He has lived in the Bronx now some " re years. He married April 27. 1884. Miss Mary Fuest, of het York City, and is the father of five children living; by raste Edward, Mary, Irene, George D, and Eugene J.
4
CHARLES H. SPROESSIG, JR.
GEORGE W. FENNELL
----
JOHN L. BURGOYNE
CHARLES A. D. MEYERHOFF
379
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
HON. WILLIAM WARNER PENFIELD. of Wakefield, was born July 5, 1858, in New Rochelle, New York. Through both of his parents, George J. and Louisa A. Penfield, he comes from the best old Westchester County stock. On his father's side he is a descendant of the De Milt and Warner famihes, and on his mother's of the Pells and Disbrows. He was educated in the local public schools and graduating in 1869, took a one year's course of study at Betts' Academy at Stamford, Conn., and later on a four-year course in D. S. Everson's Preparatory School, which qualified him for admittance to Yale College, from which he graduated in 1879, receiving his B. A. degree.
HON. WILLIAM WARNER FENFIELD
111 1883 he engaged in the insurance business and later accepted a position in the United States Custom House. During this time he studied law and in ISS9, received his degree from the New York University Law School. He immediately began an en- ergetic and successful law practice, identifying himself at the same time with the civic and political interests of the village of South Mount Vernon (afterward called Wakefield), of which he was one of the incorporators. In his associations with this village he filled niany prominent positions, and was instrumental in securing many needed reforms and improvements. Known as the outspoken foe of corporations, his three terms as presi- dent of the village were marked by conspicuous victories for the village, and recorded signal concessions from such corpora- tions as the Westchester Water Company, the Electric Light Company and the New York & New Haven Railroad, which last corporation he forced, through successful litigation, to build bridges across the tracks at both Becker and Demilt Avenues. On retiring from the office of president, he was appointed cor- poration counsel to the village, which office he held until the annexation of Wakefield to the City of New York. With . . .
characteristic zeal and determination, he never spared hint-elf in his public work and was successful in every case which he managed in behalf of the village. He was also active in fire department matters in Wakefield before annexation, and was
one of the organizers of the Wakefield Fire Department and at one time its chief-the department consisting of five companie -. Judge Penfield fought the annexation act, believing that more local improvements should be first secured. In IN he was chest- ed justice of the Municipal Court for the First District of t .... Bronx, having the endorsement of both the Citizen- Union and Democratic party in his candidacy. He has always been an earnest and active supporter of the Democratic Party in politics and unswerving in his devotion and loyalty to its time humored traditions. He is a Mason, being a member of Hebron belge, Jerusalem Chapter and Coeur de Lion Commandery. Ile is also a member of the New England Society, Delta Kappa Epsilon and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the Westchester and New York State Firemen's Association, Bronx Bar Association and tx North Side Board of Trade, besides various local and benefit orders. Judge Penfield is a member of the Presbyterian Church: and one of its officers. He was married on December 15, 18 ;. to Miss E. Jean Nelson, of Greencastle, Ind. Two children were the result of this union, but both died in infancy. Judge Pen- field resides at the old family homestead, which was erected more than a century ago, and which is pleasantly situated on the old White Plains Road at its junction with what was formerly known as Demilt Avenue, but which is now officially known as 242d Street.
JOHN F. FREES, of 608 East 156th Street. is one of the rising lawyers of Bronx Borough. He is a native of the Bronx. having been born November 10, 1873, at 612 East 156th Street. and has resided here all the time. He received his early edu- cation at Public School 62, and graduated in 1889, when he en- tered the Col- lege of the City of New York, where he took a three-year course, after which he took a course in the New York Lax School. He has proved his in. terest in the welfare of his native borough by taking an active part in everything that would tend to its up- building. Mr. Frees is a man of family hav- ing married on; April 30. 193-, Miss Edith Sei- iert, oi City JOHN F. FREES Island. The result of this union was two daughters, Edith an : Dorothy, both living. Mr. Frees, notwithstanding his extensive legal practice, finds time to participate in the meetings of the v. rious clubs and societies of which he is a member, among which may be noted the Schnorer Club, Bronx Lodge, of B. P. O Elks. Madonna Council of Knights of Columbia. Tall ;. na Club, Jefferson Club, K. O. S. Bowling Club, Hatten 1 .. . pendent Schutzen Club, Melrose fin Club, Salat'in of Royal Arcanin, General Committee of Tammany 1E.M. Ewen ty-third Ward Property Owners Association, and the Cry Is land Board of Trade. He also was a member of the Local Ss : Board in the Borough of the Bronx.
380
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
MICHAEL J. BERGEN, father of John H. Bergen, chief bookkeeper of the Department of Parks, Borough of the Bronx, was the first trustee of the old Village of Morrisania, and for years was its chief of the Fire Department. He was born at Roscrea, County of Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United States alone at the age of 18. He was full of ambition, had decided push and extraordinary ability for a young man of his age; he was never idle, but engaged in various business enter- prises, in which he was successful. He erected a two-story brick building, 28x36, at Third Avenue, when Willis Avenue and 148th Street was opened; this building and land on which it was located was purchased by the City of New York; he be- came a very public spirited citizen and was highly esteemed by the community as one of its most enterprising business men, and at an election for Town Clerk of Morrisania, in which he was a candidate, Mr. Bergen was elected by an overwhelming majority, he receiving 1,300 votes, and twenty-nine cast against him; he held this office for ten years, part of the service was during the Civil War, and as he handled all the monies of the township, which was very large, at no time was there one cent but what was accounted for. Previous to his election to the latter office he had been appointed and was fulfilling the duties of Commissioner of Survey and Grading. He was a member of Hook and Ladder Fire Company of Morrisania and finally became a member of Jackson Four Engine Company, at the request of all the members of the company, and after a few months service, he was unanimously clected foreman, occupying this position for five years, when he resigned, as he was elected Chief Engineer of the Morrisania Fire Department, and re- mained in this responsible position until his death, which oc -. curred on June 9, 1869. In politics Mr. Bergen was a sterling Democrat and a thorough organization man. He was well edu- cated, being an inveterate reader, and was very liberal minded in all matters pertaining to religious or social affairs. For his numerous distinguished services in the Bronx, Bergen Avenue was named after him. In 1862 Mr. Bergen married Miss Brid- get McGrath and had two children, John H., and Mary Francis. His death was mourned by the entire community, to whom he was so well known and highly respected for his ability, his philantrophy and the eminent services he rendered to them in the discharge of his duties as a public officer and faithful servant of the people.
JOHN HENRY BERGEN, chief bookkeeper of the Park Departinent, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Mott Haven, town of Morrisania, Westchester County, February 17, 1864. He attended St. Jerome's and St. Mary's parochial schools, and the public school and was an undergraduate of the latter. At the age of 15 years he was employed by Lord & Taylor as cash boy in their dry goods store, Broadway and Twentieth Street. After a short period of service he was employed by Benziger Brothers, the Catholic book publishers, with whom he remained for five years, with the New Haven Railroad Company he served one year as office clerk, but resigned to accept an ap- pointment as clerk of the Library Committee of the House of Representatives, at Washington, D. C. He later was appointed Clerk of the Board of Aldermen of New York City, and was later appointed clerk in the Building Department of New York City, where he served in a clerical capacity until 1898, when he was made chief bookkeeper for the Park Department, Bor- wngh of the Bronx, where he still holds this responsible posi- tion, having served under the past four administrations. In pohtics Mr. Bergen is and always remained a staunch and
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