USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 55
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WILLIAM DODGE PULLIS, the accomplished private secretary to the Commissioner of Parks, Borough of the Bronx, was born on January 19, 1863, in the old Ninth Ward of the City of New York, and received his education in two of the grammar schools of the city, No. 3 and No. 68, in West 123th Street. Harlem. On December 19. 1892, Mr. Pullis married Miss Flora W. Winnans, of this city, and as the result of this union there is one son, a very promising youth, Master William Benton Pullis. Mr. Pullis is a Democrat in politics, and is a practical orgarivation man. He has worked hard and faith-
Henry W. Boettger Silk Finishing Works
venture the industry was born. The art of piece finishing then inaugurated in America, soon became, under their manage -. ment, a valuable addition to the industries of the country. It is an old one now, with many persons interested and many mul-, lions invested, but they were its pioneers. Briefly explained, that industry is this: The fabric is dyed in the piece and not in the skein, consequently the manufacturer of silk goods suffers no loss by changes in fashion, for his goods can be dyed when and in what color he, catering to the public, may please. Boettger & Hinze started in a small way on Duane Street, New York, and afterward moved to a place built by them on 144th Street in the Bronx. This platit has been greatly enlarged since, and now employs 30 hands and turns out 2,000 to 2,500 pieces of finished silks daily. It finishes silks as they come from the loom, and the goods come to it from all parts of America where there are silk manufactures. Mr. Boettger is head also of the great Bocttger Piece Dye Works at Lodi, New Jersey, making this the largest concern of its kind in the land. Ile is
fully for his party, and his clerical and other abilities have been properly recognized by the leaders who regard him as an indispensable part of their organization-the Wampanoag Club of the Thirty-fourth Assembly District -- of which asso- ciation he is one of the active and successful members. In the Park Department his ability as private secretary is warmly praised by all of the heads of the department, and by the numerous persons who come in contact with him through their business with the commissioner, as he has the complete control of the minor details of the parks, and receives all callers before they can obtain entrance to the commissioner's office. He is a member of the Delando Club, the Order of Eagles, No. 4on. Broux, the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and the Win panoag Club, of which latter organization he is the secretary. lle is very popular with all of the heads of departments in the Borough of the Bronx, and gives promise to occupy very im- portant positions of trust in the near future with the municipal
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Scenes at Clason Point Inn. the Favorite Amusement Resort
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
government of the Bronx Borough. By nature of a kind dis- position, he makes friends easily, and what is more to the point, when he makes a friend he keeps him, and this faculty is so well recognized by all who come in contact with him, that a simple introduction suffices to place on terms of intimacy the most bashful stranger; in fact, it must surely come, that every man in this great and growing borough will be in a very short time enrolled in the host of friends who will wish every kind of good luck to William D. Pullis.
JEROME F. HEALY was Secretary and Treasurer of Typographical Union No. 6 ("Big Six"), for a number of years, filling the position with credit and honor, resigning the same to accept an appointment under Register Frank Gass, after his unsuccessful canvass for Coroner on the Democratic ticket, has been a resident of the Bronx for fifteen years. He was born in New York City, August 7. 1858, and is a graduate of the public schools. He is a Democrat politically, a member of the Tammany Hall General Committee, the Jefferson Club and A. H. Murphy Association; also the Buskins, the Elks, the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and Red Men, and besides Typographica! Union No. 6. the Printers' Bencvolent Union. He is a man of family-married in 1890 with a wife and four children. He lives at 1835 Bathgate Avenue.
FRED. WILLETT LUDLUM, D.D.S., of 2868 Third Ave- nue, Bronx, was born at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., January 24, 1870. He acquired the preliminaries of a professional edu- cation in the public schools of Port Jervis, N. Y., and after study and practice in dentistry in the office of the late H. Frank Dobbs, of Port Jervis, finished his course at the New York Col-
FRED. WILLETT LUDLUM, D.D.S.
lege of Dentistry and graduated, an honor man, in 1889. He "has since been practicing steadily, and has been located for four years of the interim in the Bronx. On January 8, 1906. Dr. Ludlum incorporated under the name of the Princeton Dental Parlors, and at a meeting of the board of directors, upon the receipt of the articles of incorporation from Albany, he was elected the general manager; Theodore Ludlum, of Port Jervis,
N. Y., president; Thomas H. Branch, of Port Jervis, N. Y., vice-president; William H. Cranc, of Brooklyn, secretary and treasurer, and Miss Anna Eberle, of the Bronx, as cashier. The company maintain a fully equipped dental office, with all the modern and up-to-date appliances, with three competent assist- ants. Since Dr. Ludlum took hold of the management of this company the increase in business has been steady-or to get a
Princeton Dentai Parlors
better idea, since May, 1905, there has been altogether 5,000 people attended to satisfactorily. The specialty of the company has mainly been in the quality of the gold work, of which Dr. Ludlum has made a thorough study throughout his experience of twenty-one years in dentistry. The other branches of the work produced at the Princeton Dental Parlors is maintained at the same standard. Dr. Ludlum is an ardent Republican, He has held various minor political positions, but has never aspired to elective office, his interests being entirely devoted to his profession. He belongs to several fraternal bodies, among them the Knights of Pythias, of which he is Past Vice Chancellor ; the Independent Order of Heptasophs, of which he is Past Archon; and the Odd Fellows. He was formerly che of the Governors of the Deer Park Club of Port Jervis, N. Y., and is associated with the Greenwood Baptist Church at Seventh Avenue and Sixth Street, Brooklyn. He married. January 23. 1895, Miss Cordelia Florence Brauch. They have two children. Dorothy Branch and Theodore Thomas.
JOHN JOSEPH MEAGHER, the prominent and well known sexton and undertaker of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, was born in New York City November 5, 1858, and graduated from both St. Peter's School and Grammar School No. 29. He was a bright and attentive student and always occu- pied the leading position in his classes. His ability was quickly recognized after leaving school by receiving the appointment of assistant clerk to the Warren Court of Inquiry, which was held at Governor's Island, serving in this capacity until the final disso- lution of the court, when he was appointed superintendent of asphalt construction work in the city, a position of greit re- sponsibility which he successfully hell for nine years. In 18-9 over sixteen years he moved to the Bronx with his in dis . laid the foundation of his large and successful business as an undertaker and embalmer. In this latter business he has always ranked as one of the leading and most popular undertakers in
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
the borough. His business methods employed in the preparation and management of the care and final disposition of the de- parted are so methodical and practical that his services are in constant demand, not only from his own parishioners, but from all parts of the Bronx. The gentleman is particularly fitted for liis profession, having such a striking personality, a genial na- ture, sympathetic feelings, courteous in all his manners and promptness in the execution of the business entrusted to his care. Mr. Meagher was married on November 24, 1885, to Miss Carrie Roth, of New York City, daughter of Peter and Mar- guerctta Roth, the former deceased, the latter living, and has four children to bless the result of this happy union; Julia, Mabel, Gertie and Florry Meagher. The son of Thomas and Julia Meagher, both of whom are deceased, he is highly respected by the clergy and laymen of St. Augustine's Church as one of its most useful assistants and for the satisfactory manner lie con- ducts his services as sexton of the well known church. Mr. Meagher is a large taxpayer in the borough and is known and considered as one of its first citizens. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Mutual Benevolent Society, Royal Arcanum, Ancient Order of United Workmen.
JACOB STAHL, JR., of Jacob Stahl, Jr., & Co., cigar manu- facturers, was born in New York City December 6, 1865. He received a careful and thorough education in the public schools graduating therefrom with credit and honor. After completing luis education he immediately engaged in business. Mr. Stahl is descended from an old and well known New York family who came to this country from Bavaria, Germany. In 1858 Jacob Stahl, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, founded the business, which, to-day is known as Jacob Stahl, Jr., & Co. The success of the business has gone far beyond what the founder cver anticipated. It grew to such enormous propor- tions that, in ISgo, Stahl City, N. Y., was developed. To-day it is a bustling town of 2,500 inhabitants, with churches, schools, stores, hotels and a theatre. Many fine dwellings adorn the place. Stahl City covers three hundred and fifty acres of ground, the factory occupying a large portion of the plot, in which five hundred people are employed. The buildings and equipment are of the most modern character; the firm also have a main office and factory located at Nos. 155 and 157 East Forty-second Street, New York City, this being the distributing depot for the famous "Brunswick" cigar. The clear Havana factory and office is at No. 82 Bowery, at which place the celebrated "St. Regis" clear Ilavana cigar is manufactured. The above brands are famous throughout the entire country for excellence of quality. The Company's business operations are only limited by the broad expanse of territory extending from Maine to California, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Stahl has been an honored resident of Bronx Borough since 1876. He lias never sought or held any political office. fle is a prominent member of the Schinorer and Jefferson Clubs of Bronx Borough. In 1883 Jacob Stahl, Sr., built the factory at No. 3189 Third Ave- live, which was occupied by the firm and also the dwellings ad- joining, Nos. 3491-93-95-97, corner of 168th Street and Third Ave- nue. These buildings were the first five-story flats constructed in the Bronx.
EDWARD I. GOEB .- Among there who have been in-tre mental in the upbuilding of this now progressive section of Greater New York, the subject of this sketch has given Iii- hearty support, not only in an imlustrial way, but has given
considerable time and energy to all matters pertaining to the development and welfare of Bronx Borough. Mr. Goeb was born in Hessen Cassel, Germany, on September 1, 1856, and is proud of the fact that he hails from that hearty German stock which has done so much for American industry. His father, Bardo Goeb, was one of the prominent builders on Long Island. and he inculcated in his son all the honorable methods which he had followed, and to which he laid his success. Young Goeb received his early and only schooling in the German public institutions, which are even to-day noted for their thoroughness, and at the age of thirteen graduated from same. For three years he was an apprentice in the building trade, and was employed upon work of a high character, such as the construc- tion of first-class structures in Frankfort-on-Main. In 1872 he came to America with great ambitions and a desire to make a success of his chosen trade, and upon his arrival he went to Long Island City, joined forces with his father, and remained with him until his death, which occurred in 1800. From that time Mr. Goeb has been alone in his building transactions, and uite excellent training he received from his early experiences. his father's careful rearing, and his own indomitable perser- verance has resulted in his success. His building operations have not been limited to one section, but have spread over a considerable territory. In 1887 he built the original penny . bridge between Blissville and Greenpoint, L. I., and was one of the first men on the Blackwell's Island committee of forty to erect the Blackwell's Island Bridge, and was instrumental in bringing the matter to an issue. This alone took up a great deal of his time, and, on several occasions he represented these interests in Albany. Later on he was elected secretary of the above committee. His public and private structures number about three hundred. some of the most prominent being the large pier at Long Branch, the pavilion at North Beach, the Sqc.coo club house at Amityville, L. I., twenty-four stone and frame houses constructed for E. J. Woolsey, of Long Island, the pavilion in Washington Park, Brooklyn, N. Y., which meas- ures two hundred feet wide and four hundred fect deep During his three years residence in the Bronx, he has built over seventy-two houses, and is now constructing thirty first- class dwellings for the American Real Estate Company, twenty of which have been finished up in the last few months; these houses are located in Faile Street, and the ten now under construction are located in Simpson Street. Mr. Goeb has fol- lowed but one rule in regard to building material, and the Freedy sale of all his houses tells the whole story. His affilia. tion with local organizations is limited, as his extensive building operations require all his time: his leisure moments are hap pily spent with his family. He is an ardent bowler and belongs to the Bronx Bowling Club; is a member of the Jefferson Club, the Foresters, C. B. L., No. 204. the Crotona Fishing Cib. the Singing Society of Crotona, and is a worshipper of the Catholic faith. On July 12, 1879, he married Miss Mary Welke, of New York. He has raised a most interesting family. and has given them all the advantages of a thorough education. The names of the children are as follows: May, now the wife of Burdis Pinkham, of New York : Augusta, Amelia and Franci- who attend Miller's College, of New York City, and Edward B. 11., who is receiving the benefit of his father's training in the building line, although at present attending school: he also Belongs to one of the leading choirs of the Bronx. Mr. Goel's test son, Theodore, died from overexertion in 1002. while Giving an exhibition race on a bicycle: his death occurred up" his arrival home. He was a graduate of the New York High School and was taking up a law course at the time of his demise.
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
ALPHONSE W. WEINER, the leading jeweler of the Bronx, was born June 6, 1852, at Breslau, Germany. He was educated in the public schools at London, England. His parents and his antecedents were strong, vigorous people, who instilled into their children Christian fortitude, and an absolute reliance upon the duties they owed to the Great Creator. Equipped with this Christian spirit, young Weiner came to this country eighteen years ago and having heretofore obtained a general knowledge of the jewelry business, opened a store in the Bronx, at that time a poorly inhabited part, of what is now known as Greater New York. As the Bronx grew, so did the business of Mr. Weiner. and as it is noted, he is to-day the Tiffany of the Bronx. His first stock of goods displayed in his improvised window eighteen years ago, absolutely represented his entire capital and stock in trade, say $500. To-day those of the Bronx who desire to pur- chase jewelry or precious stones of any character, or value are now accommodated at Weiner's. The gentleman has always manifested a deep interest in the advancement of public improve- ments. He has strictly kept himself aloof from political affairs and controversies. In 1884 he married Catherina A. Seaton, of Birmingham, England, the result of this happy union being five children, all living, viz .: Alfred W., Marie S., Evelyn S., Ar- thur Randolph, and Alice E. Mr. Weiner is one of the oldest members of the North Side Board of Trade, chairman of House Committee and also member of Executive Committee of the Schnorer Club and other prominent organizations in the Bronx.
JAMES G. RILEY, the pioneer and most prominent truckman in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in Ireland in 1835, and attended school at the latter place where he applied himself studiously to the advantages offered him, and receiving a practical education, he came to the United States and 37 years ago settled in the Bronx. At this period, Harlem was a mere village and all north of the Harlem River was a wild and open country, which offered poor inducements to a young man, upon entering business with the expectations of being even moderately successful. But Mr. Riley had resolved to enter the field with a solid and stubborn determination to suc- ceed. He worked hard and laboriously, and in a short time he discovered an opportunity to increase his income by other methods. He started the Bronx Cooperage business, the first cooperage, and from this the trucking business on a very small scale, and in a few years, as the North Side (as it was unknown in those days), began to develop and increase in population, his business kept pace with it, and the result of his judgment was gratifying. to him. In 1865 Mr. Riley was married to Miss Elizabeth Murray in New York City, this union having been blessed by six children, all of them educated at St. Jerome's parochial school and prominent among them, James T. and Edward R. Riley, the latter now composing the firm of James G. Riley & Sons. Along the lines of rapid progression in the population, and rapid business development of the Bronx. Mr. N.ley's business developed accordingly, not only throughout the Bronx, but Manhattan, and as the yellow sere of life began to tell upon him, and after his two sons hliad completed their school education, he trained them carefully in his business, and when they became practical in all of its details, he made them equal partners, which resulted in the changing of what is now known throughout Greater New York, as the firm of James Riley & Sons. Practically retired from the business himself, James T. Riley and Edward R. conduct the large business in- terests, which extends into all the branches of heavy and light trucking of greater or less importance. The firm is exten- sively known, and are equipped with all the latest, best and
THOMAS F. KIERNAN
most improved methods for the safe and proper conveyance of the heaviest materials. The United States government and many of the largest corporations are clients of this active, ener- getic and responsible firm. Mr. James G. Riley in his ripe age looks with pleasure upon the great results, accomplished through his early struggles, and for the firmness of his convic- tions in maintaining and sticking to his first and decided views, which has resulted so successfully to him and his family. Him- self and family are strict members of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church. He is a Democrat, but never aspired to any public of- fice, is a member of St. Vincent De Paul and Holy Name Society.
CHRISTIAN HENRY HARTMAN, the famous Bronx jeweler and optician, was born at London, England, August 29th. 1869. where he attended school and graduated. He has been a resident of the Bronx since 1892. and conducts one of the larg- est jewelry stores in the Borough, besides having aided largely every effort on the part of public spirited citizens to advance and promote the development of the Borough. Mr. Hartman is known as one of the leading jewelers of the Bronx, he enjoys the confidence and extensive patronage of the influential resi- dents, and is connected prominently with Radiant Lodge No. 739, F. and A. M., Ivy Chapter No. 238. York Commanderp. K. T. No. 55, New York Consistory, 320, Mystic Shrine, Mecca Temple, Foresters of America, Morris Yacht Club, Stuyvesant Club, the New York State and New York City 'Optical Societies. On December 24th, 1893, he married Miss Louise Beatrice As- cott. Politically, Mr. Hartman is a Democrat, but not an office seeker. He is popular commercially and socially with all classes irrespective of politics or religious creed.
FRANK S. HOLAHAN .- Mr. Holahan is Superintendent of Water Supply, Sixth District. He lives at Elliott Avenue and 208th Street, Williamsbridge, has been resident there in fact since the fall of '94. Being an active Democrat and working member of the organization, he is widely known, and is popu- lar as well. Ile was born in New York City, March 25, 1So2, at Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street. He began life as cash boy with A. T. Stewart & Co. (now Wanamaker's), and remained there five years, during which period he rose to be stock clerk and salesman. Then he went with Stern Bros. and with R. H.
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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
Macy, being in the business altogether fifteen years. In 1883 he was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Early Closing Retail Dry Goods Association, still existing, and which secured the custom first and then the law, for 12 o'clock closing. He was secretary of that body and on two occasions Grand Marshal of its parades, 1884 and 1888, the campaigns of Pres. Grover Cleveland. He left the dry goods business in 1885, when he was appointed by Commissioner Gilroy, Inspector of Pave- ments. He served the city later as Assistant General Inspector. He is a man of family, with three children living and two dead Two sons are now students at Fordham University. He married in February, 1885, Miss Helena Walsh. He is a trustee of West- chester Exempt Firemen's Association, one of the "Good Fel- lows" of Williamsbridge, a member of the Chippewa Club, and Taminany General Committee, of Empire Council, National Union, of the Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight of Guiding Star Council, No. 212), of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Holy Name Society of St. Mary's Church, and belongs to a num- ber of other organizations, social and fraternal. Mr. Holahan was a member of Co. G. Eighth Regiment, N. Y. N. G., and served for seven years, and was elected first lieutenant under Col. Geo. W. Scott, and was associated with Theo. Roosevelt. who was an officer of the regiment at the same time.
L. S. VAN GUNS .- The subject of this sketch was born in London, England, August 15, 1874, where he attended school, and on his arrival in this country also attended the public schools in New York City as well as Buffalo. In 1890 he en- tered a law office with the intention of studying law, but a serious accident with which he met forced him to abandon this purpose. Afterward he took up the work of life insurance, and continued it for some years, when perceiving the possi- bilities that were to be attained in the advertising linc, he entered that field, and his progressiveness, acumen and dis- cernment were soon rewarded with a large and profitable clientagc. During his residence in the Borough of the Bronx he has made himself very popular. His political affiliations inight be said to be independent, seeking the success of the best men in guiding the helm of State. During the last muni-
cipal election he was an ardent supporter of Hon. Frank Gass, for Register of the county of New York, and saw his efforts crowned with success. Ile has never held any political office. but has been very prominent in commercial circles. He is a
L. S. VAN GUNS
inember of Shakespeare Lodge, No. 750. F. and A. M. On January 16, 1898, he married Miss Lillian Brandon, of Yon- kers, a well known society belle, and the result of the happy union has been two daughters.
Police Station, 41st Precinct, Webster Avenue and Moskolu Parkway
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CHAPTER XLV
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES
Colleges-Seminaries-Public Schools-High School-Commercial Schools
In keeping and in harmony with its business and home de- velopment, the Bronx has not been backward in its educational improvement. The emergence from the local country schools with their humble housings to the present advanced state is highly commendable, and demonstrates that the Bronxite has adopted in verity the motto "Excelsior." From the conglo- merate school over which presided one teacher assisted by a ยท monitor," the present advanced condition has been reached.
No longer is the Bronx paterfamilias content with having the crude rudiments of education imparted to his offspring, but insists upon the highest standard of education obtainable under New York City's admirable system.
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