History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 39

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703

USA > New York > Queens County > History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals. > Part 39

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In 1820 the society erected an edifice on the site of the present church, which cost them, including lot, $1,500. It was dedicated December 31st 1822. Samuel Coch- rane, who rendered 38 years of effective service as a min- ister, greatly assisted in the work of building the new church. The first trustees were elected May 4th 1822, and were as follows: James Cooper, Isaac Wright, Ste- phen H. Skidmore, Richard Carman and Stephen C. Bedell. Stephen C. Snedeker was appointed treas. urer.

In 1827 Hempstead circuit was formed. In 1828 Isaac Snedeker was elected trustee and secretary of the board,

a position which he held over 50 years, until the time of his death.

In 1834 a lot adjoining the church was purchased, on which a parsonage was erected. The cost of lot. and parsonage was $1,400. In 1835 the church was moved back to the proper building line and enlarged, at a cost of $1,700. In 1838 the basement was furnished with four class rooms and a lecture room. The first stewards were chosen July 3Ist 1837, as follows: Benjamin Rush - more, Christian, Stephen C. and Isaac Snedeker and Smith Skidmore. Instrumental music was introduced March 29th 1852, and in 1872 the church was pre- sented with a beautiful organ, the gift of P. J. A. Harper.

The centennial of American and semi-centennial of Hempstead Methodism were appropriately celebrated, November 25th 1866. At this time $10,000 was raised for centenary and church extension purposes. As a re- sult of this offering the present Sunday school home was erected at a cost of $6,958; it was dedicated July 19th 1868. The Sunday-school was organized August 30th 1830, when Stephen C. Snedeker was appointed superin- tendent, a position which he filled to the time of his death, 30 years later. Isaac Snedeker was appointed secretary, treasurer and librarian at the same time, and has filled the position for over 50 years. From 12 teach- ers and an average attendance of 37 scholars the school has grown to be the largest on the island outside of Brooklyn, having an average attendance of over 400 members, and over 1,000 books in the library.

In 1854 the old church and parsonage were sold at public auction, and the present commodious edifice was erected. In 1856 a lot 747/2 by 200 feet was bought on Washington street and the present parsonage erected, at a cost of $3,896. The church edifice is 53 by 72 feet in size, and has a spire 160 feet high. There are class rooms and a lecture room adjoining. The total cost, in- cluding furnishing and bell, was $14,651. The new church was dedicated June 30th 1855, at which time the sum of $3,800 was raised, which left the church free from debt.

In 1875 the parsonage was enlarged, and a large re- flector placed in the audience room of the church, at a total expense of $2,367.

The following is a list of preachers from 1822 to 1880, inclusive: 1822, 1823, Elijah Hebbard, Horace Barttell; 1826, 1827, Daniel De Vinne, David Holmes, Barthol- omew Creagh; 1828, 1829, N. W. Thomas, Daniel Wright, Samuel Green; 1830, 1831, Jere Hunt, Gershom Pierce, Richard Wymond; 1832, 1833, Noah Bigelow, Alexander Hulin, Edward Oldrin; 1834, 1835, Bradley Sellick, Robert Travis, Ezra Jagger; 1836, 1837, Joseph Law, James Floy; 1838, 1839, Ira Ferris; 1840, 1841; Laban C. Cheney; 1842-44, W. K. Stopford, Seymour Landen; 1845, 1846, E. E. Griswold; 1847, 1848, W. F. Collins; 1849, William Dixon, who died, and William Lawrence was supply; 1850-53, Buel Goodsell, S. W. Smith; 1854, J. S. Gilder; 1856, Henry J. Fox; 1857, B. Pillsbury; 1859, 1860, Francis Bottome; 1861, 1862, M.

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HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

I. Scudder; 1863-65, J. B. Merwin; 1866, 1867, D. O. Ferris; 1868-70, George Stillman; 1871-73, George Lan- sing Taylor; 1874, B. M. Adams; 1875-77, C. E. Glover; 1878-80, C. E. Miller.

The church property is valued at between $40,000 and and $50,000.

THE PRESS OF HEMPSTEAD.

The town of Hempstead has three newspapers, two in Hempstead village and one at Rockville Centre. The first paper started here was the Schoolmaster, edited by Timothy Clowes previous to 1850. Only a few numbers were published. Zephaniah Thurston, foreman in the Observer office, is probably one of the oldest printers, if not the oldest, in Queens county.

The Sentinel was established June ist 1858, by John H. Hentz, who was the publisher until September Ist 1863, when it was purchased by Lott Van De Water, the present editor and proprietor. Mr. Van De Water had been connected with the office two. years previous to purchasing it, and in fact has had control of the paper since 1861. The Sentinel is a thirty-two column sheet, nicely printed and carefully edited, the editor aiming to make it a journal for the family, in all that term implies. No advertisements of an objectionable nature are re- ceived, no matter what price is offered. The office is on Main street, near Fulton. In politics the Sentinel is in- dependent, treating both parties fairly.

when impaired health compelled him to relinquish edi- torial duties.

At that date the establishment was purchased by the Hon. Henry M. Onderdonk. Many improvements were made in the typographical appearance of the paper, which was enlarged and brought more prominently before the public. At this time (1881) it continues to be edited by. Mr. Onderdonk, is in a flourishing condition, and is con- ceded to be a leading paper in Queens county.

PUBLIC HOUSES AND HALLS.

Nehemiah Sammis built one of the early taverns of Hempstead, a part of which is now standing on Fulton street, near the railroad depot. After his death in 1802 his son Benjamin Sammis continued as "mine host," and he was succeeded by Harry Sammis, who was born De- cember 23d 1797, and died in August 1881. His son, ex-Sheriff Charles Sammis, is the present proprietor of the old hostelry. Harry Sammis remembered distinctly when a barn burned on the hill south, about 80 rods dis- tant, one Sunday in the year 1802, the same year in which his grandfather died. The sparks and burning shingles were carried by the wind to the hotel and Presbyterian church east, which was also destroyed. At that time there were only six houses in Hempstead village, and only three buildings within a circle of a mile, viz., the hotel, the church on the east and a farm house west. During the Revolutionary war the British were encamped in Hempstead, at that time making a horse stable of the old Presbyterian church, using the hotel as headquarters for the officers. After the war General George Washing- ton passed several nights in the old tavern.

The Hempstead Inquirer, published in the village of Hempstead, is one of the oldest papers on Long Island- the Corrector, of Sag Harbor, and the Republican Watch- Hewlett's Hotel, on Front street at the corner of Main, was built by Samuel Carman in 1840. It is a large, three- story building, well arranged and furnished for the ac- commodation of guests, and during the summer season is well filled with visitors. Up to 1847 it was conducted by the builder; but during that year came into the pos- session of Stephen Hewlett, whose family have conducted it until this time. C. A. Hewlett is the present propri- etor. man, of Greenport, both of Suffolk county, and the Long Island Farmer, of Jamaica, Queens county, being the only ones that antedate it. The Inquirer was established under the name of the Long Island Telegraph and Gen- eral Advertiser, on May 8th 1830, by Messrs. William Hutchinson and Clement F. Le Fevre. On November IIth 1831 its name was changed to that it now bears. It continued to be conducted by its founder until April 1833, when it was transferred to James G. Watts. On The Germania Hotel, on Main street, was established about twenty years ago by William Stoffel. The present proprietor, Anton Miltenberger, has been the owner for the last eight years, and has made it a pleasant place, having recently furnished and refitted it It is the only German hotel in the village, and is a large three-story building, the lower floor being occupied with store and office. It will accommodate 20 guests and eight horses can be provided for. Billiard tables are provided, and charges are as at other first-class houses. the 23d of June 1834 Mr. Watts died, and the paper went into the hands of his son, who bore his father's name. He conducted it until May 1838, when he sold out to John W. Smith. Under Mr. Smith's supervision the paper was successfully edited for three years. In 1841 Charles Willets became the editor, having purchased the property and good will from his predecessor. He edited it eight years, and in 1849 disposed of it to Sea- man N. Snedeker, who sold it in 1851 to Dr. Morris Snedeker. For eleven years it continued under the doc- The present Central Hotel was built in 1847, on the site of one of the early hotels of Hempstead, which was destroyed by fire in 1835. William Coons commenced building the present house, but died before it was com- pleted by his son Michael Coons. Among the land- lords were Benjamin Smith, Robert Anderson, Benjamin Curtis and A. Smith. John B. Pettit, the present propri- tor's management. In 1862 it was purchased by Jesse S. Pettit, who after a year's trial transferred it to Smith T. Willets in 1863. In 1866 Mr. Willets was succeeded by James B. Cooper, who in 1868 disposed of the con- cern to Thomas H. Rhodes and Daniel Clark. On the 16th of April 1869 Mr. Clark became the sole editor and proprietor, and he so continued until July 9th 1870, etor, purchased the property in 1854, and for the last

18r

SECRET SOCIETIES OF HEMPSTEAD VILLAGE.

twenty-seven years has conducted the business. It is centrally located, on Main street, and is one of the lead- ing hotels of the village. The hotel which was destroyed by fire was, before railroads were known on the island, the " stage house," and consequently a well known place.

There are two halls in Hempstead village used for town purposes and meetings, lectures and amusements. Liberty Hall is a large three-story building, with man- sard roof, situated on Front street. The first floor is di- vided into three stores. The second story is well ar- ranged for an amusement hall, having a fair sized stage with its attachments, and being well seated, accommodat- ing 450 people. The third story is also a hall, used for different purposes. Washington Hall, or the Town Hall, situated near Liberty Hall, was built by the Ladies' Washington Association, and purchased by the town au- thorities for village purposes. Aside from the larger rooms it contains the lock-up.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Morton Lodge, No. 63, F. and A. M. dates back to June 23d 1797, when a charter was granted, appointing David Richard Floyd Jones to be the master, Jacob Sea- man Jackson senior warden, and Thomas Carman junior warden of a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be formed at Hempstead. From that date communications were held in the lodge rooms in Hempstead for about half a century, when the building in which the rooms were situated was destroyed by fire, the charter, jewels, Bible, etc., being saved. The lodge was resuscitated in 1859, since which time stated communications have been held on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. The present number of active members is about ninety; and the lodge rooms are on the third floor of the Cornelius building on Main street; three in number, they are appropriately fitted up and furnished. A large fire- proof safe contains the records, the original charter, the old silver jewels, and the Bible, on the fly leaf of which is the following: "Presented to the worshipful master, wardens and brethren of Morton Lodge, No. 63, by their affectionate brother Jacob Morton, deputy grand master of masons of the State of New York .- New York, Jan. 8th 1798."

The following is a list of officers for 1881: Master, Benjamin A. Haff; S. warden, Robert A. Davison; J. warden, Daniel Shields; treasurer, P. J. A. Harper; sec- retory, Ebenezer Kellum; S. deacon, John W. De Mott, of Alfred; J. deacon, Lewis H. Clowes; chaplain, Rev. C. C. Lasby; S. M. C., Henry Heutz; J. M. C., H. L. Weeks; tyler, John Crampton; trustees-Benjamin A. Haff, Samuel C. Seaman, B. Valentine Clowes.

The masters since 1859 have been as follows: 1859, Daniel Raynor; 1860, John Charlick; 1861, Carman Smith; 1862, 1865, 1866, D. A. M. Smith; 1863, A. R. Griffin; 1864, John W. De Mott; 1867-71, 1876, 1877, Samuel C. Seaman; 1872-74. 1880, 1881, Benjamin A. Haff; 1875, 1878, 1879, B. Valentine Clowes.

Odd Fellows .- A charter was granted to Hempstead | and cisterns.

Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F. February 18th 1845, and it

was instituted March 5th 1845. The charter members were Willet Charlic, William Cornwell, Thomas S. Dor- lon, Hiram A. Whittaker and William Curtis. Up to 1880 288 persons had signed the constitution of the lodge, and the present membership is about eighty-five. The lodge room, which is neatly carpeted and furnished, is on Front street and regular meetings are held every Thursday evening. The following are the officers: F. 1). Bedell, N. G .; I. Horsfall, V. G .; V. Clowes, P. S .; A. R. Roads, R. S .; J. B. Curley, R. S. to N. G .; W. H. Haw- kins, L. S. to N. G .; Thomas Bact, R. S. to V. G .; S. F. Sprague, L. S. to V. G .; S. H. Minshull, War .; J. Ham- let, Con .; R. O. Gildersleeve, Chap .; J. A. Bedell, I. G .; W. B. Pettit, R. S. S .; J. Raynor, L. S. S .; J. R. Bedell, Treas.

Sons of Temperance .- This society was organized in Au- gust 1869, and has nicely furnished rooms over the post- office, at the corner of Main and Front streets, where regular meetings are held each Monday evening. Chris- topher Snedeker is W. P. and J. S. Snedeker is R. S. The following were the first officers of the organization: John Hammond, W. P .; R. C. Campell, W. A .; J. E. Snedeker, R. S .; Edward Searing, A. R. S .; Thomas Rhodes, F. S .; Thomas F. Gilbert, Treas .; E. L. Prey, chaplain; T. B. Hogan, conductor; J. F. Rhodes, assist- ant conductor; Samuel Snedeker, inside sentinel; James H. Campbell, outside sentinel.

The Livingston Social Club .- This body of young men was organized March 27th 1877. The following were the officers in 1880: President, H. L. Parsons; vice-pres- ident, John Griffin; secretary, Henry Miltenberger; treasurer, Henry Agnew.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The first organization of which there are any data goes back to December 15th 1831, when we find that the su- pervisor and justices appointed the following firemen: Charles Baldwin, Jarvis Bedell, Thomas D. Carman, Ja- cob Coles, Richard De Mott, Samuel E. Marvin, Samuel J. Raymond, Elbert Rushmore, Robert Seabury, Alex- ander W. Seaman, Joseph D. Gildersleeve, Joseph B. Gildersleeve, Stephen Hewlett, Nelson Jennings, John Kellum, Lattin Smith, Isaac Snedeker, Floyd Southard, James Stephenson and William Van Nostrand. Isaac Snedeker was chosen foreman of the company, and an old-fashioned fire engine, " No. 1," formerly "No. 4" in Brooklyn, was bought in that city.

The engine house was on Main street, near the site of Nostrand's carriage manufactory; it has since been re- moved to the rear of the firemen's building on Ful- ton street, where the original fire apparatus of Hemp- stead may yet be seen. Several years after the forma- tion of the engine company a hook and ladder company was formed, the truck being made in the village. The rooms of the company were on Fulton street, nearly op- posite the Episcopal church. It was a volunteer com- pany. The water supply was obtained from private wells

During the time of these companies a large fire took

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HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

place, destroying the block at the corner of Greenwich and Front streets, and causing a loss of several thousand dollars. By the exertions of the firemen the buildings west of Main street were saved. The burning of the Stage House was the next fire of any importance. At that time other buildings were saved through the efforts of the companies.

June 23d 1862 Protection Fire Engine Company, No. 3, was organized; it was composed of many of the lead- ing citizens, some of whom are still members of the organization.

Harper's Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, is a fine organization, with rooms on Fulton street.

Enterprise Hose Company was organized August 14th 1872, and the following officers were elected: Foreman, stead village, which was settled in 1777 by Eliphalet

Ebenezer Kellum jr .; assistant foreman, A. F. Rushmore; treasurer, S. B. Mersereau; secretary, J. Davison; stew- ard, T. W. Snedeker. Mr. Kellum was foreman five succeeding years. S. W. Willets was elected in 1878, B. Carpenter in 1879, and M. R. Smith in 1880, with other officers as follows: Assistant foreman, G. Lowden; sec- retary, G. W. Willets; treasurer, J. Simoson; stewards, E. Abrams and B. Carpenter. The company has two rooms in the building on Fulton street, the lower used for the carriage and the upper beautifully furnished for a parlor.

Protection Hose Company, No. 3 .- This company was organized August 11th 1874. The following were the first officers: Foreman, Augustus Cruikshank; assistant foreman, John Mimno; secretary, Benjamin Campbell; treasurer, Robert Cruikshank. During the years 1875- 79 John Mimno was foreman, when he resigned, and Charles Akley and John Box have since held that office until the following officers were elected: Foreman, Charles De Mott; assistant foreman, John Box; secre- tary, Charles Agnew; treasurer, William Plyer. The Mr. Paff's first wife, to whom he was married in Au- rooms of the company are on Prospect street, and, gust 1861, was Charlotte Leonard, a granddaughter of like others of the department, are nicely furnished. Thomas Leonard, a captain in the Revolution. His father When first organized the company had no rooms, but held their meetings in Protection engine room. The present house was built in 1875, by P. J. A. Harper.

There are other organizations, but data concerning them were not furnished.

GEORGE N. PAFF.

born November 15th 1831. His father, George Patf, and his grandfather, Andrew Paff, were descendants of John Paff, of Wurtemburg, Germany. His mother was a daugh- ter of General Robert Henderson, a Scotchman, who was killed at Yorktown, Va., in the Revolutionary war. The family have been residents of Long Island since April 1836.

During his early days the subject of this sketch was employed as a clerk, as an apprentice to a baker, as a daguerreotype operator and as a painter. After the usual course of the district school he was a student in the Hempstead Seminary, under Professor Dockarty, and in a private school under Timothy Clowes, D. D., LL. D). He is now working a fine farm of 50 acres near Hemp-

Seaman.

Before he became so exclusively engaged in farming he was interested in the mineral water business, and acted as real estate agent for some time. He has also traveled quite extensively in the west, and has been in business in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dubuque, and was trading at one time with the Indians of Minnesota.

Mr. Paff is a gentleman whose advice is not unfre- quently sought by his townsmen in business affairs, and even in litigations in the minor courts he has frequently appeared as an advocate. He has also been called to the duties of several offices of importance in his town. In 1860 he was elected constable, and subsequently served as special deputy under several sheriffs. In 1877 he was elected commissioner of excise, and in 1880, at the expi- ration of the term, he was re-elected by 500 majority over George A. Mott, the Republican candidate. In the dis- charge of the responsible duties of this office Mr. Paff has exercised excellent judgment, and his administration has made him very popular with his constituents.

was John Leonard, of Freehold, N. J .- a brother of Judge Thomas Leonard, who gave all the lands for the site of Princeton College. Her mother was a daughter of Thonias Hewlett, of the old and honorable pioneer family. Mr. Paff's present wife, to whom he was mar- ried December 17th 1877, is Sarah A., a sister of Mrs. Paff deceased.

Mr. Paff is a member of the Episcopal church, and in the community is esteemed as a worthy citizen, willing to aid his fellow men less fortunate than he. In the bus-

George N. Paff, one of the prominent citizens of iness relations of life he enjoys the reputation of a man Hempstead, is a native of New York city, where he was | of unquestioned integrity.

George or Gaff

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE N. PAFF, HEMPSTEAD, QUEENS CO., L.I.

From Photograph hy Bogardus.

Lavis Wolgerne

LEWIS W. ANGEVINE.

Mr. Angevine, of Hempstead, the gentleman whose portrait and autograph appear at the head of this page, was born in New York city, May 31st 1807.

His early days were spent in the store of his father, Lewis Angevine, who was for years engaged in mercan- tile pursuits in the city. When he was about 19 years of age the younger Lewis came to Newtown, where, until 1831, he was engaged in farming. In that year he was married and removed to Hempstead, locating on a farm about two miles west of Hempstead village. For five justified in affirming years he resided there and in the meantime he purchased property in the village of Hempstead.

Mr. Angevine would not shrink from the application In 1836 he began the business of butchering, and to of even this severe rule of judgment. He has had a just pride in seeking to have all feel that his word was as good as a bond.

that business he devoted a large portion of his active years until he finally retired, about 1862.

Mr. Angevine came into politics in 1851 as the Demo- cratic candidate for county treasurer. To this office he was triumphantly elected, and how well he discharged his duties was sufficiently commented upon at the polls in 1857, when he was again elected to the same office. This election was the beginning of nine consecutive years of service in that position, he being re-elected in 1860 and 1863. This period, extending to and including 1866, covered that important time when such large sums of money were raised by Queens county in the prosecution of the civil war. Mr. Angevine's period of service in this office was therefore not only longer than that of any other incumbent, but the duties were more important than ever before or since.

In the business ventures of his lifetime Mr. Angevine | longs.

has been successful beyond the lot of most men, and here, in the town where he has lived for over half a cen- tury, he is enjoying in his pleasant home the afternoon of his years, respected by all who know him. A com- munity is usually correct in its judgment of the moral qualities of any man who has long lived and held pub- lic trusts in it. If there be any defect in his character, any obliquity in his life, he cannot fail to disclose it to the eyes of his intimates. To be strictly upright, especially to those beset by the temptations of power and office, is a thing so difficult that the poet felt

"An honest man's the noblest work of God."

When, during the war of the Rebellion, it fell to him to disburse immense sums of money, he came forth from the trials and temptations incident to the unusual trust with the verdict of the supervising officials that he had lawfully and appropriately expended every dollar.

Of a kindly and benevolent spirit, widows and orphans have gladly resorted to him as one in whose integrity, caution and wise counsel they could securely trust.

Public spirited and generous, all sound enterprises have met from him a prompt and hearty support.

As a member of the Protestant Episcopal church he has befriended its clergy and contributed freely to all judicious efforts to benefit the parish to which he be-

186

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

EDWIN WEBB, M. D.

Doctor Edwin Webb, of Hempstead, is an eminent physician, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, and whose honorable record is as follows: He was born in Devenport, Devonshire, England, September 2nd 1804. His father and mother, John and Catherine Webb, came to New York before he was three years old, and soon after his arrival his father was appointed chief clerk of the Brooklyn navy yard, which position he filled for sev- eral years. He resided a few years in the upper part of the city of New York, convenient to his place of business. During this time young Edwin was taught the rudiments of his education privately, and about the age of 9 or 10 years was sent to the academy of the Rev. Mr. Jolinson, in the upper part of Broome street, New York. Here he continued his studies until his father moved to Brooklyn, where he was again taught privately.

He commenced the study of medicine with Drs. Ball and Wendell, who were in partnership and were then the principal physicians of Brooklyn. After being with these distinguished men for three years, and attending each year a course of lectures in the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in New York city, he left their pre- ceptorship, and entered the office of John W. Francis, professor of obstetrics in the college he first attended. After completing his full course of lectures and term of study, he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York in the year 1825, and received his diploma, conferring the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

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History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 39

Author: Publication date: 1882 Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co. Number of Pages: 703

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703