USA > New York > Queens County > History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals. > Part 101
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570
HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.
FORT NECK.
Fort Neck was bought from the Marsapeague Indians in 1693, for £15 current silver money, by Thomas Town- send, who gave the same to his son-in-law Major Thomas Jones and his daughter Freelove, the wife of Jones, on the 29th of June 1695. This neck was the principal dwelling place of the Marsapeague Indians. There were two Indian forts here, for which reason the English gave it the name Fort Neck. The forts were nearly quadran- gular. The breastwork or parapet of the first is of earth; a ditch or moat extended around the outside, ap- pearing to have been about six feet wide. The other fort, situated at the most southern point of the salt meadow, adjoining the bay, consisted of palisades set in the meadow. The tide has worn away the meadow where it stood, and it is now covered with water. Between the beach and the meadows are the Squaw Islands. Tradi- tion says that the Indians erected these forts a long time ago to protect themselves from their enemies, and in times of battle the squaws and papooses were sent over to these islands. Thomas Jones came to Rhode Island from Strabane, Ireland, in 1692. He very soon came to Oyster Bay, married and settled on his new estate. Here he built "the old brick house " from bricks burned on his own land. This old relic, the subject of many le- gends, was taken down in 1837 to make way for more modern improvements, after standing more than 140 years. This part of the estate is called Massapequa, and is now occupied by
WILLIAM FLOYD-JONES.
William Floyd-Jones, second son of General Thomas Floyd-Jones, and at the present time the oldest living member of the Floyd-Jones family, was born March 10th 1815, at the family mansion on Fort Neck, South Oyster Bay. Preferring a commercial to a professional career, he left school in 1831 and entered the old and highly respected wholesale hardware house of Tredwell, Kis- sam & Co., of New York. He became a partner therein in 1837, upon the retirement of Seabury Tredwell. He continued in the business, prosecuting it with close ap- plication and energy, always in association with his friend and fellow clerk William Bryce. In 1855, having by the death of his father become the owner by inheritance of a large and valuable estate at South Oyster Bay, he re- tired from business, and, making that his future residence, devoted his time and attention to its care and cultivation. For a time he was engaged in the breeding of thorough- bred cattle, with what success the premium lists of the Queens County Agricultural Society bear honorable record. One of the greatest attractions of his country home was in the opportunities it afforded for his two favor- ite amusements-casting the fly for trout in the spring, and duck hunting in the fall. As to the former-being the fortunate owner of Massapequa Lake, a beautiful sheet of water near his residence, covering about 60 acres and known by all fishermen as probably the finest trout pre-
serve in the State, and being also the owner of Massape- qua River, flowing for about four miles through his prop- erty-he possessed unusual facilities for its enjoyment. As for quail shooting, his large domain furnished an ample field for the pleasure sought in that direction.
For political position he has had no taste whatever, there- in differing widely from his elder brother David R. l'loyd- Jones, who entered political life almost immediately after leaving college and continued more or less in connection with State affairs until his death, in 1871, having occupied all the prominent positions from that of lieutenant-gov- ernor down; and differing also from his younger brother Elbert Floyd. Jones, who for several years creditably represented the first Assembly district of Queens county in the State Legislature. The subject of this sketch, though often solicited, never under any circumstances would permit his name to be used in connection with any elect- ive political position, prefering independence of thought, speech and action to the trammels and obligations with which such positions are necessarily encumbered.
He was one of the earliest and most energetic movers in the construction of the South Side Railroad of Long Island. While to Charles Fox, its president, the great honor of its construction under the adverse circumstan- ces of limited means and the bitterest opposition is most- ly due, yet the subject of this memoir, for several years its vice-president, was his confidential friend, adviser and co-worker for the successful completion of this en- terprise, so much needed and so important to the south side of Long Island.
In church matters Mr. Floyd-Jones took an active and leading interest, having always since 1855 been either warden or vestryman of Grace Church, South Oyster Bay. He was also among the earliest movers in the effort to withdraw Long Island from the old diocese of New York, and erect it into a separate diocese, which being accomplished, every diocesan convention since that time has found him numbered among the attending del- egates, and for the last six years he has been annually elected a member of the standing committee. This, as is known among churchmen, is the highest and most honorable position in church organization to which a layman can attain, as the standing committee is canon- ically the bishop's adviser, and in his absence becomes the episcopal authority of the diocese.
In personal appearance Mr. Floyd-Jones is of full medium height, fair complexion and good physique; he has robust health, being almost a stranger to ailments of any kind.
In 1847 he married Caroline A., daughter of the late Robert Blackwell, a prominent merchant of New York, and a granddaughter of James Blackwell, formerly owner of Blackwell's Island, which takes its name from [ him. Their family consists of five sons and three daughters, the hand of Death having up to this time been mercifully withheld from this family circle; and, although now somewhat scattered, all still bear with them the most charming memories of and cling with the fond- est affection to "Massapequa," their happy island home.
573
MAJOR JOHN BIRDSALL.
Among the earliest settlers of the town of Oyster | moved to Brooklyn (where John was educated), and from Brooklyn he moved to Glen Cove.
Bay was Nathaniel Birdsall, who, judging from the nu- merous conveyances made by him, was one of the largest At the breaking out of the Rebellion, John, then scarcely having attained his majority, was commis- sioned as lieutenant in the 13th regiment of New York volunteer cavalry, and was promoted to a captaincy on landholders in the young settlement. After residing for a time at Oyster Bay, on the north side of the island, he moved to the south side in the neighborhood of Jeru- salem, where he had purchased, in connection with a few entering upon service in the field. The regiment was
Very truly yours John Birdsall
others, a large tract of land, a portion of which he and ordered to Washington, D. C., and did very active work his descendants lived upon for several generations, and where was born Seaman Birdsall, grandfather of Major John Birdsall, the subject of this sketch. Seaman Bird- sall with his family removed from Jerusalem to Flatbush, Kings county, when his son James Birdsall, the father of John, was about 15 years old. James Birdsall married Elizabeth Jackson and lived at Flatbush, where his son Major Birdsall was born. James Birdsall afterward
in guarding the approaches to the capital, as well as making effectual sallies within the rebel lines in Virginia and along the Shenandoah Valley. In 1864 he was pro- moted to the rank of major. At the close of the war he was, without any solicitation and upon the recommenda- tion of General Grant, appointed by President Johnson captain of cavalry in the regular army. Having seen enough of military life he declined the appointment, and
574
HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.
soon after entered on the mercantile business, which he prosecuted for some time. It was during this period, in 1868, that he was married to Annie, daughter of Samuel Frost. Afterward he held several responsible positions in the customs service, from which he resign- ed in 1879.
During that year his name was brought before the public as the probable Republican candidate for the office of State senator, which nomination he received. The comments of the press during the campaign that followed, after all necessary allowance is made for parti- san bias, constitute a tribute to the substantial and agree- able qualities of Major Birdsall of which any man might be proud. The New York Times said: "Major John Birdsall, the Republican candidate in the first Senate dis- trict, comes from one of the oldest Long Island families, his ancestors having occupied property in Oyster Bay for about 230 years. In the war he made a magnificent record for so young a man, becoming, though barely of age, a major of cavalry, and at the end of the war he was appointed a captain of cavalry in the regular army, for specially gallant services, but this he. declined. For many years he has been prominent in the politics of Queens county, generally being the representative of his county in State conventions. Major Birdsall is a man of fine physique, generous to a fault, and exceed- ingly popular."
The Flushing Times, then occupying a neutral posi- tion in politics, spoke as follows: "While an active and earnest Republican, yet no one is more generally popular among the Democrats-his frank manners, generosity, and never-failing readiness to assist others making friends in all quarters. He was far from seek- ing this nomination; in fact it was forced upon him by the weight of general public opinion." An opposition journal was compelled to say: "In selecting Major John Birdsall for their senatorial nominee the Republi- cans and independent Democrats have chosen a gentle- man of immense political strength. Personally unassail- able, his only drawback is his party proclivities."
Major Birdsall was elected by a very large majority. As senator he had the confidence and esteem of his col- leagues; and his course as a legislator was such as to be highly satisfactory to his constituents.
He was a member of the county committee a number of years, as well as of the State committee. He has been a delegate to numerous State conventions, and has always exercised a marked influence in them. He was also a delegate to the national convention held at Chicago that nominated the lamented Garfield, and was active in bringing about the final result in that body.
THE FIRST LAND PURCHASE.
The following deed for land in Oyster Bay, older than any mentioned in the foregoing history of this town, was discovered by William S. P'elletreau, of South- ampton, Suffolk county, and furnished by him for publi- cation after our account of early real estate transactions in the town was printed:
"Know all men whom this p'snt writeing may concearne that 1, James ffarrett, gent., Deputy to the right Honor- able the Earle of Starelinge, doe by these p'sents, in the name and behalfe of the said Earle, and in my own name as his deputy as it doth or may any way concerne myselfe, give and graunt free leave and liberty unto Mathew Sinderland, Seaman at Boston in New England, to possesse and ymprove and enjoy two little necks of Land, the one uppon the East side of Oyster Bay Har- bour, and the other uppon the west side of the said Har- bour, w'ch two necks, and every part of them, and all belonging thereunto or that the aforesaid two necks may afford, to remain unto the said Mathew Sinderland, his heires and assignes for now and ever, with full power to the said Mathew to dispose thereof at his own pleasure. But, forasmuch as it hath pleased our Royall King to grant a patent of Long Island to the said Earle, in con- sideration thereof it is agreed upon that the said Mathew Sinderland shall pay or cause to be paid yearely to the said Earle or his deputy tenn shillings lawfull money of England, and the first payment to bee and beginn at our Lady day next ensuinge, in the year of God one thous- and six hundred and fforty yeares, and so to continue. And it shall bee lawfull for the said Mathew to com- pound and agree with the Indians that now have the pos- session of the said necks for theire consent and good will. "In witness I have sett my hand and seale this day, beinge 18th of June 1639.
" ROBERT TURNER. JAMES FARRETT."
" Whereas Mathew Sinderland, seaman, hath apporcon of Land at Oyster Bay on Long Island from one James Farrett, in the name and behalfe of the Earle of Stare- linge, and the said Mathew is to pay for the said propor- tion tenn shillings a yeare to the said Earle or his dep- uty, Know you that I James ffarrett to have received from the said Mathew twenty shillings, and that for the rent of the said land for the first yeare of his possession, beinge from thirty-nyne unto the fortieth, w'ch I reseaved and graunt the receipt thereof.
" Witness my hand the 4th of September 1639. " JAMES FARRETT,
" Recorded the Ist of March 1660, by me.
"WILL: WELLS, Recorder."
575
OLIVER CHARLICK.
The subject of this sketch was born on Long Island, assistant alderman of the first ward and elected. Subse- near Hempstead, Queens county, in the year 1813. His quently he was chosen alderman, and for three terms represented that ward with credit and fidelity in the common council. In the latter part of his official career he was president of the board, and acting mayor during the absence of Mayor Havemeyer. This latter patriotic and public-spirited magistrate, whose name is still synonymous with the best era in New York municipal affairs, conceived a friendship and respect for Mr. Char- lick, from this official relation, which, surviving all the mutations of party strife, continued uninterrupted until his death. Mr. Charlick was tendered the nomination for mayor; but, having resolved to retire from politics, he declined the honor and returned to mercantile pur- suits. parents gave him a good common school education, and being naturally ambitious he profited to the full extent of his opportunities. At the age of 15 he entered as clerk the wholesale grocery house of Gardiner & Howell, New York, and at 19 he had risen to be chief clerk of an importing house in Broad street. His employers, sus- taining heavy losses, became bankrupt; and so high was young Charlick held in the estimation of the mercantile community for integrity and ability that at this early age he was selected by the creditors (among whom were Victor Bardalow, E. H. Nicoll and Scribner & Hick- cock, leading merchants) to close out the business and divide the assets.
After this he went into business on his own account and prospered until the great fire of 1835, which devas- tated the first ward, then the business center of New York, almost ruined him. But he rose superior to dis- aster. Opening a grocery and ship chandlery he engaged in the supplying of coastwise and seagoing vessels with stores. He gave the closest attention to business, being personally on hand early and late to meet the wants of nis customers. By this means he prospered abundantly for those days, and soon became recognized as a rising and successful merchant.
In 1843, although still young, he was drawn into poli- tics, being nominated as an independent candidate for
The gold excitement in 1849 was the golden oppor- tunity of many an enterprising man, and Mr. Charlick was not slow to see the advantages which it offered. In connection with Marshall O. Roberts and others he took an interest in an opposition line of steamships on the Pacific, and went out and gave the business his closest personal supervision. Such were his energy and fore- sight that in fifteen months, from the most meagre be- ginnings and with quite inadequate resources, he had placed his enterprise on such stable foundations that the old line gave way and a consolidation took place.
When success was assured he returned to New York and entered upon the construction of the Eighth avenue
576
HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.
railroad. For seven years he had the sole management of this line; and when he retired he turned over to the stockholders a road built at an expense of $800,000 and already paid for out of the earnings, after paying 12 per cent. dividend in the interim.
In 1860 he disposed of his stock in horse railroads, and went into steam lines. Taking the Flushing Rail- road, which was sold under foreclosure, he renovated it, developed its resources, and sold it again. He also in- vested largely in Harlem, Hudson River, Vermont, and other lines, taking an active part in the management.
But his main achievement was in the resuscitation of the Long Island Railroad, then a sadly dilapidated and dangerous concern. When it became apparent to the managers that he would get the control of the road they contrived to hamper the property with all sorts of con- tracts for extensions, supplies, etc., before he got it into his possession, and when he finally took it there was not a pound of spikes on hand, not a cord of wood, and hardly a sound rail or tie on the track, while the rolling stock was rickety and almost worn out. Judicious and economical management enabled him to relay the track with new ties and rails, extend the branch roads, and re- new the rolling stock, and now there is no safer or sounder road in the country. Mr. Charlick's forte as a railroad manager appears to have been to develop and improve a great property and then turn it over for public use. Many of our roads are indebted to him for their present proportions.
As a man Mr. Charlick was close in his bargains, but
rigid in the fulfillment of his obligations to the uttermost. To those whom he knew and could trust he was liberal and confiding to a degree, and many young men of New York city now rising in the world can date their start in life at the time when he lent them a helping hand. He was ready to forgive an enemy, and he never deserted a friend. He was free, frank and outspoken, was an in- veterate foe to pretenders of all sorts, and never con- sidered his personal popularity when a question of duty was involved. In short, Oliver Charlick was emphati- cally a self-made, self-reliant, thoroughly trustworthy, progressive man of his day.
PERRY BELMONT.
Hon. Perry Belmont, son of August Belmont, was born in New York city, December 28th 1851; graduated at Harvard College in 1872; was admitted to the bar in 1876, and has since been engaged in the practice of law. In 188r he was nominated for member of the House of Representatives in the XLVIIth Congress by the Demo- crats of the first district of New York, consisting of the counties of Suffolk, Queens and Richmond; and was elected over the Republican candidate, John A. King, by a vote of 20,815 to 18, 163. As a young man, in his first term of Congressional service, he has taken remarkably high rank and attracted unusual attention, especially in connection with the foreign relations of the United States government.
Perry Belmont
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