USA > New York > Queens County > Long Island City > History of Long Island City, New York. A record of its early settlement and corporate progress. Sketches of the villages that were absorbed in the growth of the present municipality. Its business, finance, manufactures, and form of government, with some notice of the men who built the city > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
GEORGE H. WILLIAMSON (deceased) was born in New Brunswick, N. J., August 24, 1842, and was a son of John and Catherine (Voorhees) Williamson. Mr. Williamson was educated at the University of the City of New York. In 1877 he located in Long Island City, and was a clerk in the water department under Mayor Debevoise, and after serving three years in that connection, he took charge of the Steinway Avenue Improvement Commission. In 1883 he engaged in contracting and building, in which he continued until the time of his death, which occurred May 20, 1894. He was a volunteer fireman of the old department in New York, with which he was connected until it disbanded. Later he became a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association, in which he was a trustce at the time of his death. He was a member of Advance Lodge, No. 635, F. and A. M., at Astoria; John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W., and Lincoln Club of Long Island City. On October 9, 1878, Mr. Williamson married Miss Mary A. Berry, who was born at Lake Providence, La. Mrs. Williamson now resides at . No. 241 Purdy street, with her four daughters, viz., Florence M., Sarah M., Catherine May and Edith L. Another daughter, Jessie, died at the age of two years.
JOSEPH CASSIDY, formerly Alderman from the Second Ward, and Treasurer of the Board of Excise Commissioners of Long Island City, is one of the prominent politicians of Queens County. He was born and reared in Long Island City and received his education here and in Brooklyn. His first position was in the wholesale house of Arnold, Constable & Co., New York City, where he was employed in the fur department. Such was his efficiency that within two years after taking a position with that firm, he had entire charge of the manufacturing department. After five years he started in business for himself, on Broadway and Thirty-seventh street, New York, where he engaged in the sale and manufacture of fur. From that time until 1889 he was general manager of the wholesale house of Freysted & Sons. Returning to Long Island City, Mr. Cassidy, in 1889, became a partner with his father in the florist and gardening business, which has since been carried on under the name of Cassidy & Son. 4
In Hulst street, where Mr. Cassidy owns sixteen lots, he erected a fine residence, and here he and his wife make their home. Mrs. Cassidy, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Casey, was born in Connecticut. In 1893 Mr. Cassidy was appointed excise commissioner, by Mayor Sanford, and from the start he was treasurer of the board. He was elected Alderman in 1893 from the Second Ward, taking his seat Jannary 1, 1894. His time of office as Alderman and Excise Commissioner, expired December 31, 1895, and while serving his last day in that capacity he was appointed a Health Commissioner, which office he still retains. He virtually held one elective and two appointive positions in one day, something rarely heard of. During his term he worthily represented his constituents, who have the greatest confidence in him. He was a charter member of the Jefferson Club. Both in business and in political circles he has made many friends and is held in high esteem for his sterling worth and the excellencies of his character.
JOSEPH DYKES, of Flushing, Treasurer of Queens County. The subject of this sketch was born in New York City, and is the oldest son of Captain William Dykes. His younger days were passed in East Williamsburg, town of Newtown, where he attended the old Fresh Pond school. From the age of thirteen Mr. Dykes had charge of his father's farm at Westbury. In 1867 he married the eldest daughter of William Phillips, of Flushing, and in 1868 he moved to Flushing and took charge of the farm of his father-in-law.
1 72
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
Mr. Dykes engaged in the produce commission business in Long Island City in 1872. This business he conducted until 1891. His methods of carrying on business were such that, it is said, a customer never left him.
In1 188r he was elected Supervisor of the town of Flushing, and held the office for ten consecutive years. For six years out of the ten he was chairman of the Board.
In 1890 he resigned the office of Supervisor to enter upon the duties of Treasurer of Queens County, of which office he took possession on January 1, 1891.
To Mr. Dykes, more than to any other, should credit be given for the benefits soon to be derived from the system of macadamized roads throughout Queens County. It was he who introduced and pushed through the resolution for the improvement of Jackson avenue, in the town of Newtown, started in 1883 and continued with perseverance until 1886, when the necessary resolution was passed. At that time he predicted that in less than ten years every town in Queens County, through its proper officers, would ask the Board to pass similar resolutions. The allotted ten years have not yet passed, and every town in the county is at work macadamiz- ing its main thoroughfares.
To Mr. Dykes, also, is due the credit of intro- ducing into the villages of Flushing and College Point the electric railroad now in operation in those villages; also the electric light through Flushing village. He has been president of the railroad company since its beginning, and manager of that and the Electric Light Company also.
Mr. Dykes reorganized the Flushing Bank, putting it on a firm and popular basis, and is now president of that institution.
Mr. Dykes is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Niantie Club and the Flushing Fishing Club of Flushing.
In politics Mr. Dykes is a Democrat, but one of those individuals who believe that every man has the right to think for himself.
JUDGE JAMES INGRAM, who is at present Justice of the Peace of Long Island City, was born in the city of New York, May 6, 1866. His father, David Ingram, is a prominent business man of New York and Astoria, L. I., and a manufacturer and dyer of cotton yarns. His mother was a 4 Miss Violet Patterson, a native of Greenock, Scotland. Judge Ingram resided in New York until 1872, and then WILLIAM W. WRIGHIT. came with his parents to Long Island City, where he received his education in the public schools. When he was fourteen years of age he left school to engage with his father in business, and soon thereafter took charge of the financial department of the business. Since the age of nineteen he has had charge of the business in the New York office, at No. 96 Spring street, and although business is carried on in Long Island City, the principal office is in New York City. In the fall of 1893 Mr. Ingram was nominated on the Democratic ticket (though a Republican) to the office of Justice of the Peace. He was elected by about fiftcen hundred plurality, far ahead of the ticket, and he has discharged the duties incumbent mpon that position in a very able manner. He was appointed Police Commissioner in 1893, and served until he resigned to accept the position of justice. Mr. Ingram is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the eonsistory of New York. He is also a member of the Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine Advance Lodge, 635, F. and A. M., the Astoria Athletic Club, Ravenswood Boat Club, Lincoln Club, Union League, and of the First Presbyterian Church of Astoria. He is one of the youngest justices ever eleeted in Long Island City.
JOHN T. WOODRUFF was born in Elizabeth, N. J., May 16, 1857. When he was six years of age
I73
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
his parents removed to Long Island City, where he received an education in the public schools. He has for many years been engaged in the business of a contractor and builder, and is well and favorably known. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is independent. . On October 28, 1880, he married Miss Mary MacFayden, to whom four children have been born.
CHARLES CURTIS WOODRUFF was born in Elizabeth, N. J., July 9, 1861. When he was sixteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a brick mason, working for his uncle, John B. Woodruff. After learning the business, and when only nineteen years of age, he was made foreman on the various buildings which his uncle was engaged upon, and continued in his employ until 1889, when he begun contracting on his own account. He formed a partnership with James S. Carpenter, under the firm name of Carpenter & Woodruff. The firm continued until 1895, at which time it was dissolved and our subject continued alone. He now hashis office at No. 209 Tenth street, Long Island City. Mr. Woodruff has held contracts for the erection of some of the largest public and private buildings in Long Island City and vicinity. In 1883 he married Miss Emma Sandene, a native of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and a daughter of Captain Andrew P. Sandene. One child, Adaline, has blessed their union. Socially, Mr. Woodruff is a member of Reliance Lodge No. 776, F. and A. M., at Greenpoint. He is an exempt fireman, having served with Hunter Engine No. 4. He is a Re- publican and a member of Lincoln Club, of Long Island City.
FREDERICK C. TROWBRIDGE, a popular and well-known real estate dealer of Long Island City, was born in Astoria, November 14, 1859. He received a careful education, and was graduated from Columbia Grammar School in 1876. After completing his education, he engaged with the Celluloid Brush Co., of New York City, with whom he remained for ten years, from 1877 to 1887, filling the position of head clerk from the start. In January, 1890, he became a partner in the firm of Trow- bridge & Stevens, real estate dealers and insurance agents. Mr. Trowbridge is a Republican in politics. He is a charter member of the Astoria Athletic Club, and has been a member of the govern- ing committee several times.
JOHN MESSENGER, of the firm of Clonin & Messenger, was born in New York City, May 4, 1854, where he was educated in the public schools. He is a son of the late William F. Messenger who was a prominent manufacturer of New York. After completing his education Mr. Messenger filled the position of corresponding clerk for a number of New York firms and for twelve years was the confi- dential clerk for Reiche Brothers, animal importers. He then became superintendent of an aquarium at Coney Island, a position he retained for four years. After filling a number of other responsible positions he engaged in the butter and eggs business in New York. In 1890 Mr. Messenger removed to Astoria and formed his present partnership with Mr. Clonin. On October 31, 1876, he married Miss Eleanor Clark, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, who has borne him three children: John, Jr., Gertrude E. and Leslie A. Mr. Messenger is a member of Alma Lodge, No. 728, F. and A. M., and Alma Council, No. 191, R. A., of New York City. He is also identified with the American Legion of Honor, Amity Council, No. 576, of New York. 4
EDWIN F. WHITE who is prominent in real estate and insurance circles of Long Island City, was born in Bradford, England, August 10, 1863, where he received a careful education in the public schools and Bradford College. Mr. White has resided in Astoria for the past fourteen years and is well and favorably known. He is a member of Astoria Athletic Club and of Sunswick Council, R. A.
JOHN W. FORSSELL, a popular young dental practitioner of Long Island City, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 12, 1872, where he received a careful education in the University of that city. In 1888 he began the study of dentistry, and in 1892 entered the Philadelphia Dental College and was graduated from that institution in 1895, with the degree of D. D. S. On September Ist of that year he located in Long Island City for the practice of his profession and has succeeded in attaining a posi- tion among his fellow practitioners that he may feel proud of. On September 15, 1894, Dr. Forssell married Miss May Felker, of Woodstock, Maine. They reside in a comfortable home at No. 24 Stevens Street, Astoria, where the Doctor also retains his office. Dr. Forssell's father is A. Theodore Forssell, a prominent banker of Salt Lake City.
GEORGE E. CLAY was born in New York City, February 17, 1851, being the son of George and Mary (Martine) Clay, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New York City. The subject of this sketch received his rudimentary education in the public schools of his native city, after which he attended the College of the City of New York, graduating therefrom in 1870, with the degree
.
174
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
of B. S. In 1876 he eame to Long Island City where for several years he followed his profession, that of civil engineer. In 1880 he embarked in his present business, real estate and insurance. Mr. Clay is a member of City College Club, Salmagundi Club and St. John's Episcopal Church. He is also Trustee of the Long Island City Publie Library. Politieally he is a Republican. On October 18, 1882, Mr. Clay married Miss Margaret Olivia Hunter, to whom three children have been born, viz., Mary, George Hunter, and Edna.
ALFRED L. NEW .- There is in the business world only one kind of a man who can sueeessfully eombat the many trials of life. That is the man of force of character, and liberal mind toward his fellow beings. This, combined with industry and intelligence, make up the character of the person of this sketch. Alfred L. New was born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, N. Y., September 2, 1844. Up to the age of twelve years he attended the publie schools, then his early life, after the close of his school days, was spent in the drug business in Greenpoint. In 1869 Mr. New went as junior elerk in the old established drug business of Jesse M. Sands, Avenue C and Eleventh street, New York. Years of active work and elose attention to affairs was rewarded by his promotion to take charge of business. After ten years of suecess- ful life in the drug business, our subject came to Long Island City, that part then known as Hunter's Point, to engage in the grocery business, under the firm name of Smith & New Brothers. Later, the business became the property of the New boys, and has been from that day to this, J. N. New & Bro. The store now is the oldest established in Long Island City.
In 1885 he began dealing in coal and wood in connection with his grocery business, with office and yard foot of East avenue, on Newtown Creek. Mr. New is classed among the prosperous business men of this eity. The eoal is unloaded by steam ยท derrieks, and handled by self-dump- ing and self-regulating cars. His PROF. F. Q. DULCKEN. father, James L. New, was reared in England, and engaged there in the dairy business, which he successfully earried on until 1837, when he came to America, and located in Greenpoint, where he, for a time, followed his former occupation. Giving this up, he established the first stage route between Greenpoint and Williamsburg, and later the first stage line on Atlantie avenne, from Bedford to Fulton ferry. Having sold his stage lines, in 1857, he emigrated to California to engage in gold mining. From there he went to Montana, and resides in the latter State to this day, engaged in stock ranching. His mother, Harriett Webb, is also a native of England. Mr. New's brothers are James N., who is his partner in business, and Levi W., a grocer in Long Island City, and his sister, Gertrude, married and living in Brooklyn. Mr. New's residence, at 92 Third street, is presided over by his estimable wife, who was formerly Miss Amanda M. Smith, daughter of the late J. Andrew Smith, who was a grocer of Long Island City, and a pioneer settler of the place, having settled here in 1860, on the spot where our subject's grocery store now stands.
175
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
Four children have been born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. New, William G. and Howard C., now dead, and Alfred N., a traveling salesman in the wholesale coal house of F. A. Potts & Co., New York City, and Miss Gertrude E., at home. Mr. New has always been active in the various interests of the city, having served in the old Volunteer Fire Department as a member of Franklyn Engine Co. No. 3 for many years. He has for years been an active member of the East Avenue Baptist Church, is president of the Board of Trustees, and Superintendent of the Sunday School, to which position he has been elected annually for eighteen consecutive years. Fraternally, Mr. New is a mem- ber of Island City Lodge 586, F. and A. M., of which he is past master. Also a member of Banner Chapter 214, R. A. M., of this city, and Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Brooklyn. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, ever ready to stand by the principles of his party.
JAMES N. NEW was born in Newtown, L. I., November 14, 1842. When he was four months of age his parents removed to Greenpoint, now a part of Brooklyn. For the past thirty-four years he has been a resident of Long Island City, where he is now engaged in the grocery business. When he was twelve years of age he began in that business in the store of John F. Allen, in Greenpoint. He remained in his employ for seven years, at which time he accepted a similar position with J. Andrew Smith, of Long Island City. After serving a clerkship in that gentleman's employ, he, in 1865, entered into a co-partnership with Mr. Smith and a brother of our subject, at 39 Vernon avenue, under the firm name of Smith & New Brothers. In 1868 Mr. Smith withdrew from the firm; from that date up to the present time it has been known as J. N. New & Brother. In 1887 the firm, in connection with their grocery business, added coal, the same being under the supervision of A. L. New, while J. N. New manages the grocery department.
On December 25, 1867, our subject married Miss Eliza M. Gibson, to whom six ehildren have been born. Mr. New is a member of Grace M. E. Church of Long Island City, and of Island City Lodge, F. and A. M.
WILLIAM W. WRIGHT was born in Astoria, Long Island City, where he has resided all his life. He received a common school education, after which he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Wright has always taken much interest in public matters. He was a member of the Board of Police Com- missioners under Mayor Sanford's administration, and was treasurer of that body during the time. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Masons, and St. Thomas' Episcopal Church.
On October 20, 1883, he married Miss Anna E. Cornell, now deceased. Two sons were born to the union.
THE FIRM OF I. & J. VAN RIPER was established in Hunter's Point in 1861, and continued until 1891, when Francis G. and George T., sons of Mr. Isaac Van Riper, were admitted to the firm, making it I. & J. Van Riper & Co. This was continued until 1894, when the senior members retired, leaving the business under the name of F. G. & G. T. Van Riper. From the time the concern was first established they have been one of the leading building firms of the city. They have erected many of the prominent buildings, not only in this city, but in Brooklyn, New York City and through- out Long Island. Among some of the most prominent are the West Shore Railroad buildings, at Weehawken, N. J. ; the main wing of the New York Architectural Terra Cotta Company, in Long Island City; the Masonic Temple in Greenpoint; Fleischmann & Co.'s stables at Brooklyn and Hemp- stead, L. I .; the Long Island City Police Station; the Freeport Public School, and the factory building of W. J. Matheson & Co., Long Island City. The firm are now erecting a six-story ware- house on Hudson street, New York City; St. Mary's Lyeeum in Long Island City; the Mutual Insurance building in Glen Cove, L. I. ; and the Children's Home in Yaphank, L. I.
GEORGE E. PAYNE, eldest son of Alvan T. Payne, born at Corning, Steuben County, N. Y., Septem- ber 2. 1861. He come to Long Island City in 1867 with his parents where he received his early education at the First and Fourth Ward Public Schools. He afterwards attended the State Normal School at Mansfield, Pa., for two years, and from there went to Professor Hollock's famous school at Bridgehampton, L. I., where he finished.
His first business venture was with Col. Sage (who filled and graded the streets of the First Ward of Long Island City), in Ohio, where he had charge of the work of constructing the road bed of western extension of the Erie R. R. from Marion, Ohio, to Chicago, and was known as Chicago and Atlantic R. R. He remained with Col. Sage one year and returned to Long Island City in 1893, and became private secretary of Mayor Petry, and Mayor's clerk and continued in that position until Mr. Petry
176
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
retired from office in 1887. He then entered the real estate and insurance business in which he has been quite successful. He resides with his family, consisting of his wife, Julie B. Payne, who is the eldest daughter of Felix D. Bertlet, an old resident of Astoria, and his three children, Margaret, Dorothy and George, at 257 Nott avenue, in a house built by him in 1894.
PROFESSOR FERDINAND QUENTIN DULCKEN .- There is probably no citizen of Long Island City who has achieved in music a success more remarkable than that which has brought a national reputation to the subject of this sketch. Inheriting a talent for the art, he has cultivated this to the fullest extent, and both as pianist and composer of music, deserves the high position he holds in the estima- tion of the people. He has been musical director for some of the greatest musical artists of the day, both here and abroad. From his paternal and maternal ancestors he inherits a love for music. Ilis father's grandmother, who was born in France, was a gifted pianist, and her fondness for the art was also cherished by her husband. During the French Revolution they were obliged to flee from their homes, disguised as peasants; went to Munich, Bavaria, where he founded a pianoforte factory, under the patronage of the Prince of Bavaria. The latter became a warm friend of this talented couple, in whose welfare he showed a deep interest. Recognizing the superior ability of Mrs. Dulcken, he gave into her charge the musical training of his daughters, one of whom afterward became the wife of Nicholas, Czar of Russia; another became the wife of William, King of Prussia; and the third, Queen of Saxony. A correspondence was maintained by these three ladies with Mrs. Dulcken until her death, when, in accordance with her will, the letters were returned to the writers. The Duleken family originated in Holland, and its members have been prominent in the various countries whither they have gone.
From his mother he inherits no small degree of musical ability. She was born in Hamburg, Germany, and early in life displayed the talent for music which was a family characteristic. Her education was thorough, and she became so proficient in the profession that she was chosen pianist to Queen Victoria, which honored position she filled until her death. Her brother, Ferdinand David, was also a noted musician, his specialty being the violin. The only one of her children who inherited her artistic tastes was Ferdinand Quentin Duleken. A portion of his childhood years were passed in London, England, where he was born. From there he went to Leipsic, Germany, in order that he might have the advantages of a musical training. He became a pupil of Mendelssohn, and also studied under Moseheles, under whose supervision his technique was perfected, and his knowledge of music broadened.
In 1876 Ferdinand Quentin Dulcken came to America, and has since starred the country with a number of the most famous artists of the world, including Essipoff, many great singers, and Ole Bull, among the violinists.
He has his headquarters in Steinway Hall, where he has given instruction to some who are now famous in the musical world. His ability as musical director, accompanist, pianist and composer is universally recognized. His compositions include both vocal and instrumental numbers, and are widely known and admired. He has gained many triumphs in large assemblies and critical gatherings.
Some years ago he spent several seasons at Warsaw, where he was one of the professors in a con- servatory, but the bigotry and oppression of Russian nobility became unbearable, and he sought a more congenial abode. For a number of years he has made his home in Astoria.
On Jannary 24, 1884, at her home in Bowery Bay, he married Mary Catharine, youngest daughter of Ann Eliza Rapelye and Jacob Suydam Totten. Her maternal grandparents were Margaret Polhemus and Isaac Rapelye, the former of Holland Dutch forefathers, and the latter, French Huguenot, two of the oldest and influential families of Long Island. Her father was Jacob Suydam, son of Catharine Monfort and Joseph Totten, who died March, 1845, leaving his widow, Ann Eliza Totten, with six small children. Nobly she led them in the right path, and lived to see them all grown up, and died in her eighty-first year.
Mrs. Dulcken has one sister and two brothers, Gertrude Rapelye Totten, formerly of Bowery Bay, now living in Astoria in their comfortable home on Debevoise avenue; Abram, living at Wood- side, also of Bowery Bay; and William Totten, of New York City, who is married and has one child. Many mementoes of these old families have been preserved. Old Bibles, printed in the Holland tongue, with name of " Monfort " on fly leaf and engraved on silver clasp; a marriage certificate, on parchment, of Sarah De Blanck to Pietor Monfort, at Amsterdam, Holland, dated June 11, 1630,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.