Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 130

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374

USA > New York > Albany County > Landmarks of Albany County, New York > Part 130

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Smith, James E., M. D., son of Dr. C. H. and Lucy (Blair) Smith, was born in Al- bany, N. Y., October 5, 1867. He received his preliminary education in the Albany Academy, from which he was graduated in 1885, with high honors, being valedic- torian of his class. During the winter of 1885-86 he took a year's course at Union College, preparatory to the study of medicine, after which he studied for a time with Dr. A. Vander Veer. In the fall of 1886 he entered the Albany Medical Col- lege and was graduated in 1889, receiving the degree of M. D. ; he was the valedic- torian of the class and received one of the honors for the best graduating thesis. After leaving the medical college Dr. Smith spent a year in New York city, taking a post-graduate course at the New York Polyclinic and the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital. Since then Dr. Smith has practiced in Albany. He has been interested in military affairs since 1885 and is now inspector of rifle prac- fice on Colonel Fitch's staff. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society and was county physician for four years, from 1890 to 1893.

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Schneider, Charles N., son of Peter and Caroline (Hans) Schneider, was born in Albany, N. Y., March 6, 1869. Mr. Schneider is one of Albany's ablest musicians and inherits all those distinguishing traits that marked the career of his father, who was a music teacher and organist in St. Mary's church. Mr. Schneider attended the Christian Brothers' Academy and graduated from that institution in 1887. He studied music with his father and with Professor Monchel, organist of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It was not long, however, before his ability was recog- nized; from September, 1889, to November, 1891, he was organist of St. Mary's church at Sandy Hill, N. Y., and during the year 1892 held the same position in St. John's church, Albany. Mr. Schneider was bookkeeper for four years for the piano firm of Boardman & Gray, from 1892 to 1896. As a writer, Mr. Schneider has displayed great ability and genius; very few of his productions have been played before the publie, but of those that have, too much can not be said of the opera "Enid," the music of which he finished in 1894. The opera was produced in Albany in January, 1897, and in Troy, February 1, of the same year. Another production was given in Albany, February 22, as a testimonial to the composer, Mr. Schneider, and to the librettist, David J. Norton. The music of "Enid" is sure to last and remind its hearers of the author, Albany's young musical genius, Charles N. Schneider. February 18, 1896, Mr. Schneider married Mary Elizabeth Hopkins of Sandy Hill, N. Y.

Stephens, Thomas, son of Thomas and Jane (Christin) Stephens, was born on the Isle of Man, December 26, 1845. He received his education at a private school, after which he learned the trade of joiner. April 15, 1866, he came to America and settled in Albany, where he remained only fifteen months, leaving to go to Chicago, where he engaged in business for himself. He was compelled to return east because of sickness, and in 1870 he established himself in the business of carpenter and builder on Madison avenue, Albany. Subsequently he removed to Hamilton street, where he remained until 1880. In the same year he built and equipped his present large manufactory at Nos. 275 and 277 Lark street; this building contains all the latest and most improved machinery for fine building and architectural work Mr. Stephens gives the most attention to elaborate interiors. He built the Government building, Calvary Baptist church, Masonic Temple and many private residences in Albany, Troy, Lenox, Hoosick Falls and elsewhere. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Albany Club, and in 1885 was appointed city assessor by Mayor Wilson, but resigned. He has four sons, Fred J., Thomas, jr., Walter B., and Goldsmith C.

Schaefer, Frederick William, Ph. G., son of Philip and Margaret (Rau) Schaefer, was born in Albany, N. Y., September 22, 1866. He attended public school No. 12, from which he was graduated at the age of thirteen and spent one year in the High School. He then went into the employ of his brother, a druggist and pharmacist at No. 245 Central avenue, as clerk and remained with him until he graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy, March 8, 1887. After his graduation Mr. Schaefer accepted the position of head clerk in William R. Laird's pharmacy in Jersey City, N. J., where he remained two years. He thereupon returned to Albany and on October 10, 1891, succeeded his brother as proprietor of the pharmacy at No. 245 Central avenue. January 18, 1896, Mr. Schaefer moved his present handsome store

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to No. 251 Central avenue, where he carries on a successful business. He is a mem- bet of Guttenburg Lodge No. 737, F. & A. M., Mountaineer Lodge No. 321, I. O. O. F., New York Encampment No. 1, and Grand Canton Memo No. 1, P. M. I. O. O F. He is also the historian of the Alumni Association of the Albany College of Pharmacy. January 18, 1893, he married Elizabeth Henkes, and they have one son, Frederick J.

Slingerland, William Harris, jr., was born in Slingerland, Albany county, N. Y., December 10, 1863, and is a son of Col. W. H. and Elizabeth (Wayne) Slingerland. At an early age he entered the office of his father, a civil engineer and surveyor in Mlbany, and he has followed that profession ever since. In 1883 he assisted in lo- vating the Albany branch of the West Shore Railroad, remaining with that company until the completion of its lines. In 1889 he made the preliminary surveys for the Troy & New England Railroad, since constructed as far as Averill Park. During the years 1891, 1892 and 1893, Mr. Slingerland was engineer of street improvements in East Albany and Greenbush, N. Y., and during those years work costing over a half million dollars was completed under his direction. Mr. Slingerland is a mem- ber of a family that was always active in political affairs, his father being member of assembly from the first district of Albany county in 1879, and his uncle, John D. Slingerland, member of Congress in 1860 and for several terms an assemblyman from the same county. He is a Republican, as were both of the above named gentlemen, and was appointed postmaster at Slingerlands, under the Harrison administration, holding that office from 1887 to 1892. In 1894 and 1895 he was a member of the Board of Supervisors from the town of Bethlehem, receiving at his election the largest majority ever given a candidate for that office in this town. In 1896 he married Alice Bullock, daughter of Charles C. Bullock of Saratoga, N. Y. He is an active member of Friendly Union Lodge No. 381 1. O. O. F., being past grand master of that body and also a member of the Holland Society of New York and several other organizations.

Vineberg, Archibald, M. D., son of Capt. Lozier and Malcha Vineberg, was born in Helena, Ark., September 18, 1862. Capt. Lozier Vineberg was in the Mexican war under General Taylor and served with Jeff. Davis and succeeded him as captain. In 1863 Dr. Vineberg went with his parents to Abrotis, Portugal, on the mouth of the Tagus River, where he remained from six to eight years and where he was taught by a private instructor. From there he went to Toweron, Posen, Germany, where he remained until he was fourteen years of age, returning to Madrid, Spain, where he attended the De Zabbo Medical College, from which he was graduated and re- ceived the degree of M. D. in 1879. In 1880 Dr. Vineberg came to New York city, where he remained about a year with Professor Lang. He then went to New Orleans, La., where he practiced medicine for three years. In 1883 he again went to Europe, traveling for a year and a half and returned to America from Japan by the way of San Francisco. From thence he went to New Orleans, where he started in the op. tical business, making a specialty of correcting errors of refraction. In 1886, being in ill health. he sold out his business and traveled extensively in Colorado and Cal- ifornia. He settled in Norfolk, Va., where he married Bettie Guttman Frankfort. From Norfolk he removed to Albany, N. Y., where he opened an optical store at No. 113 North Pearl street ; subsequently he moved to No. 65 North Pearl street and in

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1893 to No. 2 North Pearl street, where he is now doing business as an optician. Dr. Vineberg is a member of Temple Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., Capital City Lodge No. 440, I. O. O. F., Fort Orange Council No. 697. Royal Arcanum, Albany Council American Legion of Honor, of which he has been the district deputy for the past five years, and Gideon Lodge. He has four children: Hiram, Ray, Ruth and L. DeLezier.

Van Gaasbeek, Amos C., is descended from an old Dutch family which came from Amsterdam, Holland, to Kingston, N. Y., about 1660. Alexander B. Van Gaasbeek, his father, the son of an eminent physician, Dr. James, was born in Middleburg, Schoharie county, in 1816, and came to Albany in 1832 as a clerk for John Guernsey and later for William Bagley. In 1836 he engaged in the dry goodsand carpet busi- ness, but in 1849 sold out and went to Panama, where he was engaged in commerce for two years. Returning to Albany he re-engaged in trade, dealing solely in car- pets, a business he still continues. Amos C. Van Gaasbeck, born in Albany, July 29, 1852, received his education at the Boys' Academy, under private tutelage, at Professors Anthony's and Collins's Classical Schools (all in Albany), and at Mt. An- thony's Seminary in Bennington, Vt. When seventeen he became a clerk in the carpet house of John H. Pray, Sons & Co., of Boston, but four years later returned to Albany and entered his father's store, in which after one year he was made a part- ner under the firm name of A. B. Van Gaasbeek & Co. This continued for fifteen years. In 1889 he removed to New York city and with Bartlett Arkell formed the present firm of Van Gaasbeek & Arkell, opening a store at Broadway and 22d street and Fifth avenue, where they engaged in importing, wholesaling and retailing oriental rugs, carpets, etc., and after seven years are recognized as the leading firm in their line in the United States. They control more than one-half of the looms of India, and are the heaviest importers of rugs in America. Mr. Van Gaasbeek was largely instrumental in securing the funds and causing the erection of the V. M. C. A. building in Albany, serving as treasurer of the building fund and as a member and later as chairman of the building committee. He was an organizer of the Standard Emery Wheel Company of Albany, of which he has continuously been the president. He is a member of the Holland Society, the Uptown Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Albany Society, all of New York city, and the Essex County Country Club, of New Jersey. November 4, 1874, he married Helen W., daughter of Allen Comstock of Lenox, Mass.

Williams, E. P., was born in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson county, N. Y., June 3, 1860. He attended the village school and later learned telegraphy. In 1880 he moved to Minneapolis, Minn., and for three years was a telegraph operator in the employ of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad; he then moved to Albany, N. Y., where he started in his present business, that of produce commission merchant. Mr. Williams is a thirty second degree Mason, a member of the Acacia Club and president of the Capital City Cold Storage Warehouse Company. He is also a di- rector of the United States Building, Mutual Loan and Accumulating Fund Asso- ciation. In 1886 he married Ida G. Buchland of Whitehall, N. Y.

Michel, Fred G., M. D. S., son of Dr. Frederick W. and Saloma (Bergman) Michel, was born in Boonville, N. Y., July 16, 1851, and was educated in the public schools

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of Usida, where the family settled about 1853. He first learned the trade of manu- fachiring jeweler with Jeremiah Gumph of Utica. March 8, 1871, he came to Al- Laty and entered the employ of H. G. Gumph, manufacturer of fine tools, with whom he remained until 1883. He then began the study of dentistry with Dr. S. W. Whitney, also mechanical dentist for Dr. E. C. Baxter from 1885 until the time of his death , and in 1889 he associated himself with Dr. H. L. Whitbeck. In 1892 he received the degree of M. D. S. from the State Board of Examiners and in April, 193. began the practice of dentistry alone. He is a member of Wadsworth Lodge No. 417, F. & A. M., a charter member of William Macy Lodge No. 93, I. O. O. F., and was a charter member and is past chancellor of Flower Lodge No. 336, K. P., and was a charter member and is now commander of Albany Tent No. 363, K. O T. M. ; also charter member of Albany Senate No. 641, K. A. E. O., and a member of the Albany City Curling Club. In 1878 he married Charity, daughter of Alanson Hitchman of Howe's Cave, N. Y., and they have had two children: Emma and George C., both deceased. Dr. Michel is treasurer and trustce of All Souls Uni- versalist church.

Lochner, Dr. George Emory, was born in Albany, July 19, 1867, and is a son of Jacob L. Lochner, who for thirty-five years was engaged in the fruit business at the corner of South Pearl and State streets. On the maternal side Dr. Lochner is descended from Revolutionary stock, his mother being Nellie J. Best of Schoharie. When Dr. Lochner was eight years of age his mother died. His early education was received at private schools and in Public School No. 11, and was graduated from the High School in 1885. He then registered with Dr. Albert Vander Veer, under whose care he studied medicine for three years. He had previously attended clinics at the City Hospital. While with Dr. Vander Veer he attended the Albany Medical College, graduating in March, 1888, being honored by selection as historian of the class. At the competitive examination which followed for appointment to the Al- bany Hospital, Dr. Lochner outstripped all competitors and the result entitled him to the place. During the summer of 1888 he continued his studies in New York city. In September, 1888, he entered the Albany Hospital and served twenty months as ambulance surgeon and house physician and surgeon. His term expired in April, 1890, and upon retirement he received a diploma from the staff, gift of surgical instruments from matron and associates, and a letter of commendation from the Board of Governors. Leaving the hospital, he began the practice of his pro- fession at No. 1 South Hawk street. In 1890 he was appointed by Dr. J. M. Bigelow as an instructor in the Albany Medical College in larnygology and rhinology and the following year by Dr. J. P. Boyd, as instructor in obstetrics and gynæcology and in anatomy by Dr. S. R. Morrow, which place he still holds. In October, 1891, he re- ceived the appointment of physician to the Albany Hospital Dispensary for diseases of women and children. As a member of the Albany County Medical Society he was, in October, 1891, chosen as its secretary and served as censor in 1893 and 1894. In 1892 he was appointed physician to the Albany Fire Department. Dr. Lochner is a member of the alumni associations, of the Albany High School, of which he is now serving as president, and Medical College, and of the executive committee of the High School; he also belongs to the Press Club, A. K. P. and P. E. K. fraternities ; is also a member of Masters Lodge No. 5, F. & A. M. On May 1, 1897, he re- moved to No. 196 State street, where he is now located.

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Wolfe, Andrew J., was born in Coeymans in 1841. He is the son of Anthony and the grandson of John T., who came from Greene county with his father, Teunis, to Coeymans about 1790. Mr. Wolfe has been actively engaged, most of his life, on Hudson River, being both owner and captain of steamers until 1885, when he re- tired. Mr. Wolfe's mother was Henrietta, daughter of James Selkirk, one of the prominent early families of Albany and Bethlehem. Mr. Wolfe has two sons: Calvin, who is a mechanical engineer, and Walter S., who is a graduate of River View Military College, and also the Albany Business College.

Hatt, George J., was born in Morristown, N. J., and is a son of Rev. Josiah Hatt and Mary Ball Hatt, both of whom died when he was in infancy. He attended the district and select schools in New Jersey, and was graduated from the Fort Ed- ward (N. Y.) Collegiate Institute in 1876. He became a resident of Albany in 1881, at first securing a position as bookkeeper with C. Van Benthuysen & Sons, where he remained until 1886, when he formed the copartnership of Underhill & Hatt in the grocery business, which continued until May 1, 1897, during which time the firm built up and successfully maintained a business second to none in the city. On May 1 he became a stockholder in and secretary of the F. N. Sill Company, one of the largest coal companies in Albany. Mr. Hatt is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to office, although he has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the city. He is largely interested in church and benevolent work, is a member of the Emanuel Baptist church, and has been president of the local union of the Y. P. S. C. E., and was chairman of the hall committee of the State Convention when held in that city. He married Carrie L. Clark, daughter of Dr. George W. Clark, the noted commentator.

Young, Henry W., son of Peter and Rebecca (Austin) Young, was born in the town of New Scotland, (Voorheesville) April 14, 1839, and was educated there in the public schools. In 1855 removed to Albany, N. Y., where he served an apprenticeship under John Bridgford, mason and builder. Heremained with Mr. Bridgford for eleven years, at the end of which time, he established himself in business as a contracting mason and builder, in which business he is still engaged. He was elected supervisor of the Sixteenth ward for one term, and in 1895 was appointed city assessor by Mayor Wilson, and held that office till spring, 1897. He is a member of Ancient City Lodge No. 452, F. & A. M., De Witt Clinton Council No. 22, R. & S. M., Capital City Chap- ter No. 242 R. A. M., Temple Commandery No. 2, K. T., of all the Scottish Rite bodies and Cyprus Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being a thirty second degree Mason. He is also a P. M. of the Ineffable Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection of Albany. In 1886, during Albany's bi-centennial, he was chosen vice president (and the following year became president) of the Master Builders Exchange. He is also Past Grand of Phoenix Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Young became a member of Trin- ity M. E. church in 1856, since which time he has served for twenty-five years as a member of the board of trustees being president of that board for twelve years. He is also a member of the Board of Directors, of the local branch of the New York Mutual Savings and Loan Association, and of the Republic and Loan Association of New York city. In 1856 he married Johanna Gates of Schenectady, N. Y., and they have two children: Ella and Edgar L.

Langan, John R , is a son of Michael and Kate (Fitzpatrick) Langan, both natives of Albany, and a grandson of John Langan, who came here from Athlone, Ireland, In 1829, settling permanently in 1832, and died in April, 1881. John Langan was a wholesale potato dealer, and married Margaret Tracey, who was born in Ireland in 1810, and who died in 1887. (Mrs. Kate Langan was a daughter of William Fitz- patrick, who was a native of the north of Ireland.) John R. Langan, born in Albany, October 19, 1865, was graduated from the high school in 1884, read law with the late John B. O'Malley, and with Newcomb, Bailey & Nusbaum, took the degree of LL. B. from the Albany Law School in 1885 and was admitted to the bar in 1887. Since the spring of 1858 he has been in the active practice of his profession at Albany, N. Y. November 27, 1895, he married Celia M. Lavella Hayes, daughter of John Hayes, of Syracuse.

MacAllaster, William, was born in Albany, N. Y., on May 31, 1865, and is a son of Charles E. and Harriet (Roberts) MacAllaster. William was educated in the public schools at Albany, after which he served his apprenticeship in the drug busi- ness, in the store of Joseph Nellegar. In 1884 he passed the State Board of Phar- macy, and later entered, and was graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy, and still later took a course in the Albany Medical College. In 1885 he established Is present business as druggist and apothecary in which he has been successful. Mr. MacAllaster is a member of Wadsworth Lodge No. 417, F. & A. M., of American Lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F., and of the Unconditional Republican Club, all of Albany, N. Y.

Wickham, Richard, jr., was born in Albany, N. Y., on October 7, 1874, and was ed- ucated in the public schools of his native town and St. Izeier College, near St John, B. C. At the age of nineteen he learned his father's trade, that of carpenter and builder, and has ever since continued in that business. He has made a special study of architecture, and at the present time draws all the plans for the buildings that he erects. In 1895, Mr. Wickham, sr., practically retired from the business, and since that time Richard has successfully carried it on alone. He is a member of Mt. Her- mann Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F., of Albany, and as a business man he commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

Sauter, Louis, jr., was born in Albany, N. Y., on March 17, 1858, and was educated in the Boy's Academy, of that city. He entered upon his business career at sixteen years of age, learning the drug business with his father, and has ever since remained in that business, buying out his father's interest in 1894, at which time Mr. Sauter, sr., retired. Louis is a practical business man and has been eminently successful. 1 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Leyboldt, a daughter of Fred Leyboldt, the leader of the 12th Regiment Band of New York City, and they have two children. Mr. Sauter is a member of the local K. P. and of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M .. of Albany.

Ronan, Parker C. was born in Albany, N. Y., on July 22, 1868, and is a son of the late Patrick Ronan, who was, for a great many years, the sole proprietor of the ". Ronan Line" of Steamers, plying between Albany and New York City. Parker attended the " Boys Academy," at Albany, and when twenty years old, entered his father's office, as book-keeper, and remained as such for several years. He was

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later made superintendent of the line, and upon the death of his brother, John D., (in 1893) he succeeded to the proprietorship of the entire business, which his father, Patrick, had bequeathed to the brothers shortly before his decease, (in 1888). Mr. Ronan was united in marriage. in the autumn of 1888, to Miss Isabelle M. McQuade, of Albany, and they have one child, a son, Samuel M. Mr. Ronan is treasurer of the Albany Lodge, No. 49, B. P. O. E., a member of the Albany Club, and Albany Yacht Club, and a life member of the Catholic Union. He is a man of sterling worth and successfully maintains the business left him by his father.

Leavy, Mark S., M. D. and surgeon, was born on January 1, 1862, at Fort Edward N. Y., and is a son of Michael and Ann (Donohue) Leavy. Michael Leavy is a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America about 1846, settling at Fort Edward, N. Y., where he resided for a number of years, later removing his residence to Al- bany. Mark S. attended private school, and early developed a liking for medicine. He took a course in the Medical Department of the University of Wooster, at Cleve- land, Ohio, and was graduated therefrom, with honors in 1888. He then returned to the home of his parents, at 217 Madison Avenue, Albany, N. Y., where, in the same year, (1888) he began the active practice of his profession. He has been eminently successful, and justly deserves the high esteem in which he is held, in both profes- sional and social circles. Dr. Leavy is a member of the Catholic Union, and Knights of Columbus, of Albany, and of the Albany County Medical Society.

Harrigan's Sons, John, undertakers and embalmers. John Harrigan came to Al- bany, N. Y., from county Limerick, Ireland, in 1847; (1852 business established,) in 1862 he was elected coroner for a term of three years, and re-elected in 1865. Ile also served in the Rebellion, enlisting in Co. G, 25th Regt., in 1861. John J. (died 1893), Harvey T. V., Daniel S. and Joseph F. composed the firm. From a small be- ginning at No. 22 Canal street, the business in 1861, was moved to the building No. 21 Canal street and finally to the business block, corner of Canal and Chapel streets, which they erected in 1890. The building comprises seven lots and has a large stable in the rear. This firm has the finest assortment of burial cases always on hand

Dyer, William S., son of Zebediah A. and Lucy Esther (Gallup) Dyer, was born in the town of Berne, Albany county, March 19, 1863. James Dyer, great-grand- father of William S., was one of five brothers who came from England, date un. known. He married Mary Marcy of the family of Governor Marcy, by whom he had nine girls and five boys. James served seven years in the Revolution died in 1833, and was buried in Whipple Cemetery. Bradbury, son of James, was born in Massachusetts and went to Jefferson, Schoharie county, with his father at the age of twelve and later to the town of Knox, Albany county, where he bought the Van Vranken farm, after living for a time in Shingle Bush, Schoharie county, where Zebediah A., the father of William S., was born. Zebediah A. was supervisor of the town of Berne during 1858 and 1859, and at two different periods was school commissioner of the towns of Berne, Rensselaerville and Westerlo. He was active in politics, being a prominent Democrat, and a lawyer. Lucy Esther Gallup, mother of William S. Dyer, the subject of this sketch, was the daughter of Nathaniel Gallup, who was the eighth in descent from John Gallup, who came to America from

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Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 130

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1374

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374