Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume III, Part 37

Author: Bailey, Paul, 1885-1962, editor
Publication date: 1949
Publisher: New York, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 922

USA > New York > Nassau County > Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Suffolk County > Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume III > Part 37

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Butler takes an interest in the activities of his home community and of Long Island, and he is treasurer and director of the Garden City Corporation. In 1923 he was elected supervisor of the town of Smithtown. He takes satisfaction in the manage- ment of his four-hundred-acre farm at St. James.

Professionally, Mr. Butler is a member of the bar associations of New York City and of New York State, and with the New York Law School chapter of Phi Delta Phi. He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, and of the Union Society of the Civil War. His clubs are the Downtown Associa- tion, the University Club, the Harvard Club, and the Church Club. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

NORTHROP D. GEER-During nearly half a century of successful operations, the firm known as Geer Brothers Real Estate and Insurance has con- solidated its position as one of the most constructively influential, as well as one of the oldest, organizations concerned with the phenomenal development of those areas of Long Island which are suburban to metro- politan New York City.

The late J. Eugene Geer, who was born at Stam- ford, Connecticut, on July 16, 1873, and was brought to Hempstead in Nassau County as a child in 1879, entered the field of real estate development in 1898, and organized the firm, in partnership with his brother Samuel. At that time, when Nassau and Suffolk counties were placid rural areas served only by chugging steam-driven trains of the Long Island Railroad, which stopped short at the East River, years before a tunnel was dug to Manhattan; when the automobile was only an experiment which level- headed people regarded with amused skepticism, and hard-surfaced roads were undreamt of, it required a rare quality of vision and business foresight to be- lieve in the coming vast development of Long Island. J. Eugene Geer's confidence has paid off in rich dividends during the decades of fabulous develop- ment since 1898.

J. Eugene Geer, who died in March of 1940, mar- ried Alice Bertha Dawson, a native of Washington, D. C., who was born on March 21, 1875, and is still living. Of this union Northrop D. Geer was born on December 2, 1907. Washington was his birthplace, but he was educated in the public schools of Hemp- stead, graduating from the Hempstead High School in 1926. Attracted to business as a career, he entered the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in that state, but after one year there he transferred his studies to the Wall Street Division of the New York University School of Commerce in New York City, where he remained for one year also, during which time he

worked for the Bankers Trust Company. Thereafter he was associated for six months with Clokey and Miller, a firm trading in bank stocks in New York City.

In January, 1930, Northrop D. Geer returned to Hempstead and became associated with Geer Brothers Real Estate and Insurance, then operated by J. Eugene Geer, his father, and formed a partnership with his brother and father, as Samuel H. Geer had died in 1926. The firm name of Geer Brothers has continued to be used without change from the begin- ning. In 1942 Northrop D. Geer bought his brother John E. Geer's interest in the business, and since that time has been sole owner.

With offices at 23 High Street in Hempstead, Geer Brothers Real Estate and Insurance employs two real estate brokers, one insurance broker and eight salesmen, in addition to office assistants, in handling the large volume of business which the firm's long successful record and high reputation bring to it. It is well prepared to deal with the increased demand for property and for insurance which is expected in the postwar period.

The late J. Eugene Geer set an example of partici- pation in civic affairs in which he is emulated by his son. The older man served for six years as a member of the village board of trustees of the village of Hempstead, and at one time was a candidate for the office of commissioner of public welfare of Nassau County. He was also for a time chairman for Nassau County of the campaign to raise funds for the fight against the dread scourge of infantile paralysis or poliomyelitis. Northrop D. Geer, in addition to active membership in the Hempstead chapter of the Long Island Real Estate Board and in the National Associa- tion of Real Estate Brokers, finds time for participa- tion in the work of the Hempstead Chamber of Com- merce and of the Kiwanis Club of Hempstead, as well as of the Long Island Association. His eminent stand- ing in his own field of business is illustrated by the fact that he is a member of the board of governors of the Long Island Real Estate Board and serves as president of the Hempstead chapter. For recreation he belongs to the Hempstead Golf Club, and his hobbies are golf and horseback riding. In religion he is a communi- cant of the Episcopal Church, and in politics he takes an independent stand.

On June 24, 1930, Northrop D. Geer was married to Elizabeth L. Duffield of Port Washington, Nassau County, who is a daughter of John R. and Louise (Nestel) Duffield. Of this marriage there are three children: I. Sandra N., who was born on January 31, 1935. 2. Deborah D., born on June 17, 1937. 3. John E. II, born on March 16, 1941.

ROBERT L. SMITH-Among the far-sighted real estate operators who have guided the development of the great suburban areas of Long Island, Robert L. Smith holds a prominent place; and while many of these enterprising realtors came to Long Island from distant parts of the United States or even from abroad, Mr. Smith is of Long Island ancestry in both family line. His paternal grandfather John Smith was a harness maker in Hempstead in the days before the advent of the automobile and the motor parkway, when Dobbin and the old grey mare jogged leisurely over the dusty roads between the rich farms that then comprised most of the territory of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Mr. Smith's maternal grandfather George Rider

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was engaged in another of Long Island's earliest in- dustries, the oyster business. John Smith's son Al- bert G. Smith, who was born in Hempstead and be- came a factory shoe representative, married George Rider's daughter Lina, a native of Freeport. To this couple Robert L. Smith was born in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City, on December 14, 1901. His father is now deceased, but his mother is still living.

Robert L. Smith attended public school and the manual training high school in Brooklyn, graduating from the latter in 1920, and going on to Columbia University in New York City, where he studied for two years. His first employment was as a member of the sales force of the O'Sullivan Rubber Heel Company, with which he remained for one year. At this time his career seemed to be destined to lie with the footwear industry, for his next association was with the A. S. Beck Shoe Company as a buyer. However, Mr. Smith noted the exceptional possi- bilities of a useful and profitable career in Long Island real estate development, and in 1925 he en- tered that field as a salesman and broker with Cadman H. Frederick, who maintained offices in New York City and in Babylon, Long Island. Associated with the Frederick firm until 1927, in that year he joined the Buckley and Horton Real Estate firm at Jamaica, remaining with them until the following year, when he entered the real estate field in his own right at West Hempstead. With his office on the Hempstead Turn- pike, Mr. Smith has continued in business under his own name since that time with great success. He is a charter member and president of the Hempstead chapter of the Long Island Real Estate Board.

Active in general business and civic affairs in Nassau County, Mr. Smith presides as president of the West Hempstead Board of Trade and is a director of the Cathedral Garden's Civic Association. During the second World War his great business ability and his outstanding civic leadership were recognized by his selection as chairman of the War Finance Com- mittee of West Hempstead, which he headed for four years. In politics he is a member of the Re- publican party and sits on the board of directors of the West Hempstead Republican Club. A religious man, he attends the Cathedral of Incarnation at Garden City. He is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, Bedford Lodge No. 574, of Brooklyn, New York. For recreation he belongs to the Stony Brook Yacht Club, but his hobbies are horseback riding and gardening.

On June 18, 1924, Robert L. Smith was married to Miriam Fradenburgh of Brooklyn, a daughter of Adelbert and Julia (Edson) Fradenburgh. Of this marriage there are three children: I. Robert L., Jr., who during the second World War served in the United States Navy, held the rank of ensign in that branch of the service and is now in the Naval Re- serve. 2. Willard F., who, like his older brother, enlisted in the United States Navy during the late war. 3. Miriam Ann.

RUSSELL L. BAUKNEY-Transportation in Long Island in the vicinity of Hempstead has been developed to a large extent by the efforts of Russell L. Baukney, who is the president of the Hempstead Bus Corporation. A large company serving a large extent of territory in the vicinity, this business has been built up since 1925, when it began on a very modest scale. Mr. Baukney also takes part in the

civic and fraternal affairs of this region of Long Island.

Russell L. Baukney was born at Hempstead, Sep- tember 21, 1892, the son of George H. and Evelena (Lewis) Baukney. His father was born in Hempstead, June 7, 1866, and was engaged in the newspaper busi- ness in Hempstead for many years. Later he was president and one of the organizers of the Second National Bank of Hempstead, and was holding the position of president at the time of his death in August, 1925. His mother was born in Hempstead, July 31, 1866, and died July, 1929.

After attending the public schools of his birthplace and being graduated from high school in 1909, Mr. Baukney followed the occupation of title searching for five years. For another five years he was asso- ciated with the Title Guarantee Company in Mineola. Then he became a clerk in the town clerk's office, in the town of Hempstead, and he held this position un- til 1925. In that year he started the Hempstead Bus Corporation, with three buses. Starting June 5, 1925 these buses operated from Hempstead to Bald- win and from Hempstead to Lynbrook. The business grew through the years and in 1926, when the trolleys were discontinued, Mr. Baukney took over the fran- chise and ran buses from Mineola to Freeport. In 1930 he extended the Baldwin-Lynbrook line to make a circle taking in East Rockaway and Oceanside. In 1930 the East Meadow Line was merged into the corporation. It was then owned by Henry C. Bick- meyer, who has been a partner in the corporation since 1925. The present officers of the corporation are R. L. Baukney, president, H. C. Bickmeyer, vice president and treasurer. The corporation owns and operates forty-three buses.

Indicating his interest in the affairs of the vicinity, Mr. Baukney is president of the Benevolent Associa- tion of Hempstead, treasurer of the Union Engine Company of Hempstead, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Morton Lodge No. 63, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1485. He is a Republican in politics and an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. His favorite hobby is fishing.

On August 5, 1915, Russell L. Baukney married Katharyn Meddis, of Hempstead, the daughter of John and Letitia (Willis) Meddis. They are the par- ents of three children: I. Letitia. 2. Clyde G., served in World War II in Africa and Europe. 3. Russell, Jr., served in the United States Army Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands.

L. BARRON HILL-A native of the Middle West, L. Barron Hill began the practice of the law in Central New York State and came to Suffolk County only a little more than twenty years ago, but he has long been acknowledged one of the ablest legal minds among the many brilliant lawyers of Long Island, and has been kept in public service continuously since 1930.

Judge Hill's father, the late John Hill, was a native of Wisconsin, and after a lifetime as a successful farmer, rests in the soil of that state. He married Annie Barron, who was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, and is still living. Of this marriage, L. Barron Hill was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, on June 16, 1896. He was educated at the Christian Endeavor Academy in Endeavor, Wisconsin, from which he graduated with the class of 1914, at Carrol College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and at the Uni-

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versity of Syracuse, in Syracuse, New York, where, having set his course toward a legal career, he took his degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1923. He was ad- mitted to the bar of the state of New York in 1924, and the United States district court, northern district of New York after he had already begun the practice of his profession in 1923 at Syracuse, where he re- mained until 1927.

In that year he became a resident of Southold, Suffolk County, where he engaged in the general prac- tice of the law until his appointment in 1930 as assis- tant district attorney. The abilities he displayed in this office led to his election to the district-attorney- ship of Suffolk County in 1932. After five years as a prosecutor he was elevated by election to the post of county judge in 1937 and continued to serve on that bench. On January 1, 1947, by virtue of his election, on November 5, 1946, he became a justice of the Supreme Court of the state of New York. He is also a judge of the children's court of Suffolk County. The correction of juvenile delinquency and other legal problems affecting children have been a subject of his particular interest, being a past presi- dent of the New York State Children's Court Judges' Association. His organizational affiliations within the legal profession include the Suffolk County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

During the first World War Judge Hill served in the United States Army Air Forces, and during World War II he was chairman of the war council of Suffolk County. He is a member of the Griswold Terry Glover Post, No. 803, of the American Legion, of Southold.

Judge Hill is an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Southold, and a member and Past Master of Green- port Lodge No. 349, Free and Accepted Masons, and a past district deputy Grand Master of the Suffolk district. He is also identfiied with local fraternal affairs as a member of Lodge No. 1323, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Patchogue. His favorite recreation is golf, and he is a member of the North Fork Country Club.

At Southold, Suffolk County, on November 20, 1929, L Barron Hill was married to Adelaide Harper, a daughter of George and Estelle (Skillman) Harper. Mrs. Hill is actively interested in church work and in civic affairs in her community. Of this marriage there is one child, a son, Edward R., who was born on June 23, 1939.

KONSTANTY STEFAN POMIERSKI-One of the outstanding citizens of Polish extraction in the Nassau County section, Konstanty Stefan Pomierski devoted his activities extensively to various efforts during World War II, including his important service as Nassau supervisor of the National Youth Ad- ministration.

He is a direct descendant of an ancient Polish noble family and was born September 2, 1893, at Lubawa, Pomorze, Poland, son of Dr. Francis A. and Marta Konstancja, nee Piwonka Wierzbicka Pom- ierski, the former of whom was a medical officer and surgeon and professor of medicine. Konstanty Pom- ierski received his earlier education in elementary and high schools, the seminary, and attended the University of Leipzig. His business career has in- cluded the import and export business, an administra- tive position with the United States government. and at present he conducts a real estate and general insurance business at Glen Cove, with a branch office

in Hempstead, being a member of the Long Island Real Estate Board. During the first World War, he was a finance officer for the United States Ship- ping Board of the Merchant Marine, and his out- standing services during the second World War in- clude county supervisor of the National Youth Ad- ministration, and supervisor in charge of personnel of the War Manpower Commission, New York Training Center. Mr. Pomierski further manifested his civic interest in the affairs of his community by his service on the board of price administration, on the war council of the city of Glen Cove, and in his official capacity as leader of the Youth Administration, ini- tiated the establishment of the first defense school in Long Island. He was also vice chairman of the New York State War Finance Committee, Polish Division. He is chairman of the council of citizens of Polish extraction of Nassau County, vice president of the New York State Conference of Polish Clubs, director of the Glen Cove Neighborhood House Association, member of the General Casimir Pulaski Society, and of the Polish War Veterans. A member of St. Hya- cinth's Church, Mr. Pomierski is listed in "Who's Who In Polish America," a biographical directory of Polish-American leaders and distinguished Poles resident in the Americas, third edition, by the Rev- erend Francis Bolek, Master of Arts.

Konstanty Pomierski married in New York, April 30, 1920, Anna Agnes Celic, now associated with her husband as real estate broker. They are the parents of Joseph J., born April 23, 1921, now with his father in the real estate and insurance agency, for- mier United States officer and aircraft observer of a B-29, participated in the bombing of Japan, and is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and other decora- tions. He is a lieutenant in the Air Corps Reserve and a member of the Reserve Officers' Association.

JOSEPH J. ULMER-In the days when Joseph J. Ulmer was a boy, one of the most popular writers was Horatio Alger, who repeatedly told the story of the poor boy who started his career in a humble capacity but who, through diligence, loyalty and patience, rose to the presidency of his firm. Like all boys, Mr. Ulmer dreamed he might become one of these Alger heroes, but in the light of cold reality he did not really believe it could happen to him. But time passed and Mr. Ulmer, beginning in the minor capacity as told in the stories, rose little by little, as he proved his capacity to assume ever more responsibility, until today he is president of the Bank of Hicksville as well as a member of the board of directors. And, in addition to his impor- tance as a banker, he is a trustee of Jones Institute at Hicksville and a leader in Trinity Lutheran Church there.

Mr. Ulmer was born in Hicksville on May 20, 1893, the son of Jacob and Dorothy (Sattelmeier) Ulmer. Both his parents, long deceased, were born in Germany. They came to the United States in 1885. Joseph J. Ulmer was educated in the public schools of Hicksville, graduating from the high school in IQII. He then joined the staff of the Bank of Hicks- ville in a humble role, rising continually thereafter until in 1943 he became president. As long ago as 1926 he was named to the board of trustees of Jones Institute. At that time he was already an officer of the bank and an influential citizen in the entire area of Hicksville. He is also on the official board of the

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Trinity Lutheran Church and is a member of the Manetto Lodge No. 1025, Free and Accepted Masons, at Hicksville. In politics he is a Republican and his hobby is golf.

Mr. Ulmer married Jessie L. Gordon of Hicksville on April 12, 1919. Mrs. Ulmer is the daughter of Peter M. and Helen (Taylor) Gordon. Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer are the parents of a son and daughter; J. Gordon, who in World War II was with the United States Navy, and Evelyn, now Mrs. Philip H. Schaaf, of Hicksville.

JOSEPH STERN-Aside from his prominence in the private practice of law, Joseph Stern is village counsel of Farmingdale. He is also attorney for the First National Bank of Farmingdale. He gives lead- ership to various community activities.

Mr. Stern was born in New York City on April 12, 1909, the son of Aaron and Anna Stern, the latter deceased. Aaron Stern, a native of Austria, came to the United States prior to 1900 and now operates Stern Pickle Products in Farmingdale.

Joseph Stern received his entire education, includ- ing his legal training, in New York City. In 1926 he was graduated from Boys High School. Four years later he took his degree of Bachelor of Science at New York University and in 1932 that of Juris Doctor from the Law School of New York Uni- versity. In June, 1933, he was admitted to the bar. Since January 1, 1934, he has been in continuous practice at Farmingdale. He became village counsel in 1942. Mr. Stern is president of the Board of Trade of Farmingdale, past regent of the Royal Ar- canum and vice president of Farmingdale Jewish Center. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Nassau County Bar Association.

On July 2, 1933, at Brooklyn, Mr. Stern married Mildred Cagen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Cagen of that borough. Mr. and Mrs. Stern have two children; Howard M., born on May 31, 1937, and Barbara Ruth, born on June 27, 1941.

JOSEPH V. KELLY-In the activities of Suffolk County, Joseph V. Kelly is regarded as one of the leaders and a perusal of his interests indicates the truth of this observation. At present the supervisor of the town of Riverhead, he has held this post ever since 1941, with the exception of a short time spent in military service in World War II. In addition, he is actively engaged in Boy Scout work, the work of the Democratic party and many other civic and social organizations.

Joseph V. Kelly was born in Mahanoy City, Penn- sylvania, August 9, 1905, the son of James and Annie E. (Joyce) Kelly, both deceased. His father was connected with the school system of Mahanoy City and is a native of Joplin, Missouri.

Attending the public schools of Atlantic City, Mr. Kelly was graduated from the Atlantic City High School in 1922. Subsequently he attended Temple University at Philadelphia. From 1924 to 1926 he taught physical education at parochial schools at Atlantic City, and then until 1933 he was engaged in professional Boy Scout work at Atlantic City and Ocean City, New Jersey, and Suffolk County. From 1933 to 1936 he was the sales manager of the Long Island Ice Corporation and then from 1936 to 1941 he held the position of justice of the peace of the town of Riverhead. In the fall of 1941 he was elected

supervisor of the town of Riverhead and took office January, 1942. Since that time he has been re- elected in 1943 and 1945.

He holds important memberships and offices in a number of organizations. Mr. Kelly is president of the Eastern Suffolk Community Concert Associa- tion, chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, past president of the St. John's Holy Name Society, member of the Knights of Columbus, president of the Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts, past president of the Riverhead Rotary Club, and past president of the Suffolk County Associa- tion. He worships at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Riverhead. Swimming, canoeing and Boy Scout work are his major pleasures.

JOHN S. THORP-One of the most important political figures in Nassau County, John S. Thorp is also a leading real estate and insurance man, with headquarters at 66 North Village Avenue, in Rockville Centre. He has been police justice of the village, county clerk of Nassau County and is now county commissioner of jurors and chairman of the Democratic county committee.

Mr. Thorp was born in New York City on Septem- ber 14, 1882, the son of the late Thomas and Mary A. (Smith) Thorp. Thomas Thorp, born in West- mead, Ireland, was brought to the United States when he was three months old. Educated and reared in New York City, he became a retail grocer in the metropolis. He died at Rockville Centre in 1907. His wife, a native of New York, survived him by nine- teen years. She died in May, 1926.

John S. Thorp was educated at Holy Cross Acad- emy, De La Salle Institute, and Columbia University, New York City. He was member of the varsity foot- ball and basketball teams at Columbia. From 1908 to 1920 Mr. Thorp was a traveling salesman for the New York City underwear house of Brown and Durrell Company. He then established his real estate and insurance business in Rockville Centre, where he has operated ever since.

Mr. Thorp had made his home in Rockville Centre in 1907 even when he was still traveling for the New York firm. In 1918. he was elected police justice and this office he held until 1934, serving four terms in all until he resigned to become county clerk. The county position came as an appointment by Governor Herbert Lehman and Mr. Thorp held it nine months. Since 1936 he has been county com- missioner of jurors. Since 1933 he has been chair- man of the Democratic county committee. He is a member of Theta Delta Chi Fraternity Club of Col- umbia, and the Varsity "C", as well as other organiza- tions. Since 1907 Mr. Thorp has been a communicant of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Rockville Centre. His hobby is philately, and he has one of the finest stamp collections on Long Island.

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Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume III, Part 37

Author: Bailey, Paul, 1885-1962, editor Publication date: 1949 Publisher: New York, Lewis Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 922

Author: Bailey, Paul, 1885-1962, editor
Publication date: 1949
Publisher: New York, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 922