History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 96

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 96

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Captain James S. Carpenter was distinguished chiefly for his long and unbroken connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, which extended through a period of seventy-one years; and for the valuable services he rendered the church, both in its material and spiritual in- terests. He held the offices of class-leader, steward, trustee and Sunday-school teacher and superintendent, and was honored by being made the first superintendent of the first Sunday-school ever organized in his neigh- borhood. Cautious in his utterances, conciliatory in his spirit, gentle in his manners and punctual in his business relations, he secured the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Such were his strictness in the observ- ance of the public and social means of grace and the uprightness of his daily life that he was regarded by all who knew him as the type of a genuine Christian. The infirmities of age gradually impaired both his physical and mental energies, until he was finally compelled to relinquish attention to business and attendance upon the public services of religion; and in the quiet of his home and the society of his wife and children, who were ever ready with loving hearts and willing hands to minister to his needs and his comforts, he patiently waited and watched for the time of his departure. Mr. Carpenter constituted one of the few remaining links which con- nected the early with the present generation of Method- ists. It is a remarkably interesting fact that he lived to see the Methodists, in this country alone, increase

from 163,000 in 1809 (the year he joined the church) to over 3,300,000 in 1880. With the advance of time there came increasing debility, until without any perceptible disease the heart ceased its pulsations, "the golden bowl was broken," and Father Carpenter was no more an in- habitant of earth.

Thus closed a life of rare excellence. He lived as we all should live, and left the world as we should all be prepared to leave it.

DR. ALT-MÜLLER.

Detler George Christoph Alt-Müller, doctor of med- icine and surgery, was born October 4th 1808, at his mother's old homestead in Schwartan, Germany, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. His father was a merchant of Lübeck. Müller was the origi- nal family name. Alt was prefixed to it to distinguish it from others of the same naine. His mother, whose maiden name was Anna Wilhelmine von Buchwald, was the youngest daughter of Johannes von Buchwald, who for his chemical and literary attainments was twice hon - ored by a call from Catherine the Second, Empress of Russia, to visit St. Petersburg. The father of the doc- tor died young, leaving two daughters and three sons to the care of a young mother, to whose influence our sub- ject attributes all the good that he in after life may have been instrumental in achieving. He attended a private school from his fifth until his ninth year. From this tinie until his fifteenth year his mother entrusted him, for guidance and education, to Head Master George Blume and Frederick Richter, of the Dom Platz Institute. He left the institute, third in the highest class, for Hamburg, to profit by the literary advantages of that city. There he studied under the special supervision of Eckmeier, Phy. Dr., and his uncle Adolph von Buchwald, M. D., an eminent surgeon, in whose family he resided. En- couraged by his uncle, he at that early age frequently at- tended the anatomical lectures of Prof. Von Spangenberg and Dr. Fricke, and with his cousin often visited the dissecting rooms in the anatomical theater, where his taste for anatomy was developed. In 1830, in order to pursue the study of medicine and surgery, he became a student of the University of Copenhagen. Upon leaving, after a full two years' course, in 1832, he received from Prof's. Saxtorph, Thale, Herhold, Svitzer, Eschericht, Withusen and others very flattering testimonials of indus- try and diligence in attending special lectures on anat- omy, general physiology, pharmacology, chemistry and fractures and luxation.

During a visit to his home in 1832 the first cholera epidemic broke out, affording him an excellent oppor- tunity of studying this new Asiatic plague. The post- mortem examinations and pathological investigations in the hospital, which he voluntarily made in the presence of the sanitary committee, evinced such proficiency that the members thereof unanimously chose him assistant to the resident physician, Dr. Frederick Liebold, until the cessation of the epidemic. In 1832, in order to pursue his studies, he went to the Frederick William University

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, GLEN COVE.

527

George Alt- Miller

in Berlin, whose medical faculty was at that time con- sidered one of the best, if not the very best. Here on the 24th of October he was matriculated as student of medicine and surgery, and his abiturient certificates from the rector and senate, after two years' faithful applica- tion to the study in all branches of medical and surgical science, demonstrate that he was an attentive 'student during that time. To this his alma mater, and to the many friends he made there, he is much attached. The most noted among his professors there were Ehren- berg, Von Grafe, Rust, Dieffenbach, Horn, Busch, Hufe- land, Johannes Muller, Schlemm, Rose, Link and Mits- cherlich. At the lectures and experiments in natural philosophy of Mitscherlich he had the pleasure of occu- pying a seat near Alexander von Humboldt, who, in his advanced years, refused the seat of honor assigned to him, preferring to mingle with the students, an attentive listener and observer of the professor's lectures and ex- periments. At the end of the summer simester of 1834 he wished to perfect himself in general hospital and clinical practice, and, to accomplish this, he went to Rostock's University, where he profited by the teachings of Dr. Von Vogel, Stremple, Kraul, and others. This completed his medical studies. From Rostock he went as doctorant to the University of Kiel, where in May 1835 he received his diploma as Doctor Medicine et Chirurgia from the Christian Albert University. His dissertation was Nonnulla de Epilepsia. It is gratifying to him that some of his investigations, made nearly fifty years ago and expressed in his dissertation, have stood the test of time. In the same year (1835) he commenced

to practice in Lübeck, where, by constant application to his duties, he soon acquired a large and lucrative prac- tice.

From boyhood he had possessed an ardent desire to visit America; so, after practicing eleven years, he em- barked for this country in the company of a younger brother, and landed at New York in September 1846, in- tending to remain three months. But, prolonging his visit to fifteen months, he had learned to like the liberty, customs and institutions of this country so well that he decided, in January 1848, to return to Europe and arrange his affairs preparatory to becoming a citizen of the United States of America. Returning in May 1848, he speculated largely in real estate, in and near Hicks- ville, with no profit except in experience, verifying the old adage Ne sutor ultra crepidam. In April 1850 he married Miss Charlotte Vietch, of New York city, and moved to his farm in Manetto Hill, intending to spend the summer there; but the loss, by fire, of his house in- duced him to settle in Jericho, where he earnestly prac- ticed his profession, and soon enjoyed a large patronage. By this marriage he has had eight children, three sons and five daughters. Two sons and a daughter died in infancy, and in 1879 he was greatly bereaved by the death of his only remaining son, who had reached the age of 16, a lad of rare promise and ability. Four daughters are living, one of whom is married to Dr. C. F. Clark, of Brooklyn.

In 1853 Dr. Alt-Müller became a member of the Queens County Medical Society, and after filling several offices was elected president in 1867. In 1854 he re- ceived his naturalization papers, and in 1860, in response to repeated calls from many friends, he removed to Glen Cove, where he now resides. By keeping up with the age, and by familiarizing himself with all the discoveries and improvements in the science of medicine, he has won the confidence of his many patients, and his practice ex- tends over a large area in Queens county. Although not a specialist he delights in difficult cases. The time un- occupied by professional duties he devotes to the study of botany, geology, numismatics, etc., and he has made quite extensive collections in these branches. He is especially fond of electricity and microscopy, and at an early hour daily he may be found investigating the many phenomena of electricity, or the wonders revealed by the microscope. It is his custom every night, before retiring, to spend thirty minutes or more reviewing his daily work. His large library, to which he is constantly adding, contains some valuable medical works.

WILLIAM MUDGE.

The Mudge family of Long Island traces its ancestry back to 1637, when Jarvis Mudge came from England and settled in Boston, Mass. From there he removed to Pequot (New London), where he died in 1653. His son Moses, born in 1652, came to Oyster Bay and became the progenitor of the present generation. He died in 1729, leaving a son William, who subsequently settled at what is now Glen Cove. Here he raised a prosperous family,

528

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

William @Hudge

Filleand Makes

and at his death left the homestead to his son Coles Mudge, who in turn left it to his son Jacob.

Jacob Mudge married Hannah Titus, and their family consisted of one son and one daughter. The daughter, now deceased, was the wife of John Valentine, and the son, now occupying the same old homestead, is William Mudge whose portrait accompanies this sketch. He was born August 17th 1812. His wife, Martha T. Willets, a daughter of Richard Willets, was an estimable woman, whose death he was called to mourn January Ist 1872. Their two sons, William J. and Henry W., are well situated in life. Henry W. was married in 1879 to Jessie C. Jackson, and is now a practicing attorney in New York city. His brother William J. is on the home- stead with his crippled father.

Several generations of this family have been mem- bers of the Society of Friends, and the survivors still live in the faith and practices of that sect. Politically, Mr. Mudge is identified with the Republican party, as the successor of the Whig party, to which his father also belonged. In the business world he is regarded as a successful man, and in the community as a useful citizen.

WILLIAM M. WEEKS.

a thicket of trees and bushes. Here he commenced his business career by establishing a small grocery in a part of the old house standing on the place, keeping "bach- elor's hall" and devoting his spare time to grading and improving his place.

After five or six years he removed to Mosquito Cove, now Glen Cove, leased a small store and commenced trade, living and sleeping in his store in single life for a few years. Here he gradually increased his business, and, taking a lively interest in local enterprise, he built shops and otherwise aided mechanics, such as carriage makers, blacksmiths, tailors, and shoemakers, in starting their respective kinds of business. He also acted in the capacity of auctioneer in different parts of the country, and became well known as well as popular in that branch of business. Soon after his coming to the village and commencing business the movement for starting a steam- boat line between that place and New York city was or- ganized, and Mr. Weeks caused the wharf to be built at Cape Breton, as the point was then called. A small hotel was erected here to meet the wants of the visitors who now began to come from the city in quest of summer board. The name of the place was changed to the new and more attractive appellation Glen Cove-the old name, Mosquito Cove, having a certain suspicious sound to would-be visitors, who feared lest the name and nature of the locality might be one.

William M. Weeks was born November 6th 1803, at Red Spring, near Glen Cove, L. I. He was reared on the farm of his ancestors, where he remained, aiding in After the great fire in New York in December 1836 Mr. Weeks conceived the plan of a mutual insurance company. This resulted, after many meetings and much Mutual Insurance Company, which began business in the duties of the farm, until he arrived at the age of 21 years. He then left the farm and purchased a small place, called Cape Breton, lying about a mile south of exertion, in the establishment of the present Glen Cove his former home. The access to the place was through

529

SEA CLIFF.

1837. After Mr. Weeks's mercantile business had suf- ficiently increased he took his brother Willet Weeks as partner. They continued in business together until 1852, when William M. was succeeded by his son, Jacob M. Weeks. In January 1848 Mr. Weeks became a partner of A. J. Bleecker in the auction and commission business in New York city.

In 1855, at the solicitation of Wright Duryea, he be- came the financial support of the then new starch manu- facturing company at Glen Cove.

Mr. Weeks still resides at Glen Cove, and enjoys the esteem and respect of his townsmen. Although seventy- eight years of age he remains at his desk in the insurance company's office. He has been a director of this com- pany since its organization, and was elected a number of years since, by unanimous vote, to the position of assist- ant secretary-a position which he now holds. History enrolls William M. Weeks as one of Glen Cove's most useful citizens.

SEA CLIFF.

The "Sea Cliff Grove and Metropolitan Camp-ground Association of New York and Brooklyn" was first organ- ized and became a body corporate, under the laws of the State of New York, October 12th 1871. During the en- suing session of the State Legislature a special charter was obtained (bearing date April 24th 1872) confirming and extending its rights, privileges and franchises as a corporation. The object for which the corporation was formed was declared to be " the erection of buildings for meetings for religious purposes, and for the accommoda- tion of those who shall attend them; the acquiring of the necessary ground and land therefor, and the erection thereon of suitable buildings, cottages, and improvements for meetings, dwellings, boarding-houses, shelter and other purposes connected with the general objects of such society."

The plan was to provide a select, healthful and delight- ful seaside summer resort for Christian families, where such families could, with ample privileges of camp-meet- ing and other religious services, spend a few weeks during each season free from the large expense and objection- able associations incident to most of the fashionable summer resorts throughout the country. Costly or per- manent residences were not anticipated, and provision was made only for accommodating families in the use of tents or inexpensive cottages. To this end the grounds were laid out into small lots of 40 by 60 feet, and, except a few business streets, the avenues were narrow, in most cases being scarcely more than lawn avenues. No pro- vision was made for barns on the portion of the grounds set apart for tents and cottages. A great open taber- nacle and large open dining-halls were erected, all ar- ranged for use only during the heated season of summer. Provision for water was made, also, for a brief season, and the supply pipes were laid without protection from the frosts of winter. The expense of furnishing water

was to extend only for about three months of each year.

In order to protect the grounds for the occupants, and to arrange permanently for meeting the current expenses of keeping up the grounds, the lots were disposed of by restricted leases instead of deeds, and the annual rental was permanently limited to a maximum charge of only $10 per year. As a protection against business or specu- lative monopoly the stockholders were limited to a max- imum of twenty shares each (in a total of 1,500 shares), and the early lot purchasers to the selection of only two lots each.

With these objects, plans and restrictions the Sea Cliff enterprise was inaugurated and conducted during its early stages. Large sums of money, received from stock and lots, were spent in building docks and roads, provid- ing a suitable water supply, erecting commodious build- ings and furnishing convenient transportation for res- idents and visitors.

The lands of the association embrace a total purchase of 240 acres. The original cost of the land, together with the association buildings and furniture, the tents, docks and piers, the water-works, the cost of laying out and mapping the grounds, building of streets and avenues, aggregated the sum of $270,000. Add to this the sum since expended in repairs, interest, taxes and improvements, and the total is several hundred thousand dollars greater. The association purchase embraces about a mile of water front.

The proximity of Sea Cliff to New York (twenty miles in a straight line from the City Hall, and only about twenty-five by the boat or cars) and its beauty and health- fulness of location have led to a marked change in the plan of temporary residences. Instead of the tent and cheap summer cottage, to be occupied only for a few weeks, permanent homes were arranged for, and cottages and grounds have been fitted up at a cost varying from $1,000 to $20,000 each. Avenues have been widened, the water-pipes have been enlarged and laid deep, so as to be protected from the frosts of winter, and barns have been erected, under proper restrictions, for the convenience of those desiring to keep horses and car- riages. The trustees have also arranged for selling larger plots of ground, and to give deeds instead of leases to those who prefer them.

The trustees determined to turn over the municipal management to the lot owners and residents as soon as they (the trustees) were relieved from the financial ob- ligations which they assumed in conducting the affairs of the association. At a meeting of the lot owners, held a few years ago, and largely attended, a resolution was adopted approving of this changed plan as to the man- agement, and agreeing to accept the transfer of the cor- porate authority. In accordance with this plan, and as a necessary preliminary step to its earliest possible con- summation, the trustees funded the debts of the associa- tion by the issue of bonds amply secured by mortgage upon all its unsold property. About fifty thousand dol- lars' worth of these bonds was immediately taken at par.

530

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

EAST NORWICH.

This small village was formerly called Norwich, by James and George Townsend, sons of John Townsend Ist. The word East was prefixed to designate the post- office. The brothers owned a tract of land here about 1680, and named the place in honor of their father's birth- place, Norwich, England. Andrew C. Hegeman (an of- ficer in the war of 1812) is credited with having done much for the prosperity of the village. It contains a hotel; a general store, where the post-office is kept; a small grocery; a tailor's establishment, John N. Remsen proprietor (who has been town clerk over 25 years); a wagon shop; a printing office and a church; also the res- idences of several active business men. It is situated about two miles south of Oyster Bay, on the turnpike leading through Flushing to New York.

A few gentlemen residing at East Norwich contributed about $1,000 to purchase a hand press and necessary ap- purtenances, and issued on the IIth day of September 1880 the first copy of the East Norwich Enterprise, a weekly newspaper, with Halsted H. Frost as manager. The Enterprise has met with marked success.

THE EAST NORWICH M. E. CHURCH.

Nearly one hundred years ago (1784) the Rev. Philip Cox, a Methodist minister belonging to the Jamaica cir- cuit, preached in this place. Services were held at pri- vate houses. From 1784 to 1822 traveling ministers of the Jamaica circuit officiated here. In 1822 the Rev. Joshua Burch was located here, and held services at the residence of Thomas Cheshire. During the summer of 1833 a grove meeting was held at Muttontown, then called Christian Hill. This grove meeting was a memor- able one; out of it grew a well organized and efficient working Methodist society in this place, and the erection of a suitable building. About forty persons were con- verted upon this occasion, and among them we find the name of James Vernon. The first thought of this good man after his conversion was to devise plans for a suita- ble place of worship. He aroused enthusiasm among a few neighbors. They held a meeting in a barn now standing, drew up a paper stating their object, and Mr. Vernon started the list of subscribers with $40, a very large sum in those days. Attached to this paper are seventy-four names, with the amount promised. George Peters, Thomas Cheshire, Henry Cheshire, John Nos- trand, Abraham Remsen, Catherine, Mary and Sally Pe- ters and Andrew C. Hegeman gave $25 each; Thomas Cheshire and William Duryea, $20 each; John Van Cott, $15; Jackson Vernon, George Remsen, John Jackson, John Layton, John Cheshire, Charles Cheshire, Joseph White, C. & J. Stores, Samuel Mott, Gideon Wright and Townsend W. Burtis, $10 each; and others from five dol- lars down to one as they were able. The members of the Society of Friends also contributed liberally.

The church was built in 1834, and it has been of great use and benefit to the entire neighborhood. It is 31 by 37 feet, located just south of the village, and is worth,

with the ground attached, about $2,500. The site was a gift from James Vernon. The parsonage, situated a short distance north of the village, is a two-story structure, built in 1866 or 1867, and, with the plot of ground, worth perhaps $1,500.

The Sabbath-school was started during the year 1834. and George Remsen, father of John N. Remsen, had much to do with its organization. Joseph Latting was its first superintendent. Rev. George Hollis (now liv- ing) is credited with starting this school. At present there are 75 scholars and Io teachers and officers.

Joseph C. Thomas was stationed here as preacher in 1875 and 1876, and under his ministry forty new mem- bers were added to the church. A younger class of men now controls its management, and its future usefulness is well assured.

GEORGE S. DOWNING.

[BY H. II. FROST, OF THE " EAST NORWICH ENTERPRISE."]

George S. Downing was born in the village of East Norwich, Queens county, N. Y., on the 30th of March 1815. His father, Richard Downing, resided in his early life in Littleworth, now Sea Cliff, L. I., with his father, George Downing, who was the grandfather of George S., and also of William H. Downing, now of Greenvale, and of Benjamin W. Downing, of Flushing, who has been district attorney of Queens county during the last six- teen years.

The facilities afforded by the district schools half a century ago for obtaining an education were limited, and Mr. Downing's opportunities in this respect were not ex- tensive. The lack of early advantages, however, in this particular has not impaired his usefulness as a public servant, nor detracted from his standing as a citizen. Early in life evincing an interest in politics, he was in 1844 chosen constable and collector of taxes of his native town, and held the position four years. At the expiration of his term he was elected town clerk, and he held that office five years. When Robert S. Seabury took the office of sheriff of the county, January ist 1850, Mr. Downing was made under sheriff, which posi- tion he held until January Ist 1853, when he succeeded Mr. Seabury as sheriff. At the expiration of his official term, in January 1856, he accepted the position of under sheriff, under his successor, Bernardus Hendrickson, and this office he retained until the close of the term of Sheriff Hendrickson, in 1859, when he returned to his native village, locating upon the homestead purchased of the estate of Townsend U. Franklin.

The next year, 1860, he was chosen supervisor of the town, and for seven consecutive years thereafter he was re-elected, and in several instances without opposition. This period covered the four years of the great Rebel- lion. The varied and responsible duties that devolved upon him as the financial officer of the town during this troublous period Mr. Downing discharged in such a man- ner as to win the approval and elicit the indorsement of an appreciative constituency.

hilf

Leo S. Downun

owning

533

GEORGE S. DOWNING.

War has been said to be the father of all things; for it is only in the strife of strong passions, and amid the sudden and pressing demands which arise in a state of war, that fine qualities, noble impulses, and superior abilities find opportunity for their action, and come to the light of day and the admiration of men. No war was ever so sustained by the persistent devotion and zeal of the home population as was this great civil conflict. Aside from the regular and enormous expenditures of the government nearly $80,000,000 were raised and ex- pended by the loyal citizens in providing for the soldiers, and the widows and orphans of those who died in de- fending the Union. While the town of Oyster Bay raised its full share of money with which to pay liberal bounties to its volunteers it did not forget to afford relief to the needy wives and children, and in some in- stances to the aged and infirm parents, of those who had left their homes at their country's call.

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History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 96

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