Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 10

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1220

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P ROF. W. J. BALLARD, principal of the Jamaica schools, was born in the County of Kent, England, February 26, 1846. The family of which he is a member has resided in England as far back as the genealogy can be traced. His father, John, who was a shoemaker by trade, came to America in 1852 and settled near Cooperstown, Otsego County, N. Y., mak- ing his home on a farm until his death in 1881. Some years prior to leaving England he married Miss Mary Ottaway, a native of Kent County, and an estimable woman, to whose affectionate ministrations he owed much of his comfort and happiness. She is still living (1896), and though eighty years of age, is as bright and active, both mentally and physically, as many women twenty or thirty years her junior. She makes her home with a daughter in Otsego County, N. Y.

Eight children were born to John and Mary Ballard, of whom seven are living, all in com- fortable circumstances in life. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on a farm, where, by outdoor work, he gained a robust physique, and at the same time, by attendance at the public schools, laid the foundation of the broad knowledge he afterward acquired. For a short time his studies were conducted in a pri- vate school, but his advantages were few, com- pared with those now extended to boys and girls. However, diligent application brought favorable results, and at the age of seventeen he began to teach school, and while instructing others, his own mind was broadened and his intellect rip- ened. Teaching in the winter and working on a farm in the summer, the years passed by, hap- pily, busily and usefully.

In 1868, feeling the need of higher educational advantages and having saved from his earnings a sufficient amount to render such an undertak- ing possible, Professor Ballard entered the State Normal School at Albany. There he continued for two years, though his funds running short, he was obliged to incur an indebtedness of $600. After graduating in 1870, he went to New Ham- burg, Dutchess County, where for four years he filled the position of principal of the schools, demonstrating in that responsible position the fact that he was fitted for the calling he had chosen. While at that place he was largely in- strumental in securing the erection of a school- house, which cost $7,000. From that place he came to Jamaica, where for five years he served as principal. Through his efforts the school was reorganized and its usefulness largely enhanced, but some contention arose in the board of educa- tion regarding his salary and the expediency of continuing him in the position, it being the opin- ion of some that a less expensive man could con- duct the schools to their satisfaction; and it was so decided.

For a year Professor Ballard devoted his time to travel, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Wight, France and Switzer- land. His travels were made largely on foot, which gave him a better chance to see the coun- try and acquaint himself with the customs of the people. After his return to America he again taught two years in New Hamburg and in other places. In 1880, to his surprise, and without solicitation on his part, the Jamaica board of edu- cation tendered him the position they had asked

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him to vacate three years before. He accepted the call and has since remained at the head of the schools, having held the position for twenty years altogether.

During his incumbency of this place Professor Ballard has brought the schools to a high degree of efficiency and has been instrumental in secur- ing the erection of several new school-houses, including the high school building now being erected, and which, when completed, will be one of the finest in the state. As an educator and in- structor he is patient, thorough, interested in the advancement of his pupils, and devoted to their welfare. A man of broad and liberal views, he has been a promoter of public enterprises, ever ready to do his full share in matters pertaining to the welfare of the people.

Socially Professor Ballard is prominent among the Masons and Odd Fellows, to which orders he belongs. He is also connected with the School Masters' Club of New York City. In 1891 he married Miss Julia Deming Wickes, daugh- ter of William E. Wickes of New Hamburg, N. Y., and one of his pupils while he was principal of the schools at that place. They are the parents of one child, Wilfred.

L OUIS BRESLOFF has become widely known as a maker of choice cigars, his place of business being located at No. 13 Borden Avenue, Hunter's Point, Long Island City. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, December 24, 1843, to Elias and Mary (Savolof) Bresloff, also natives of the land of the Czar, the former being a quartermaster in the Russian ar- my. He came of a prominent old family, well known even in the time of Peter the Great, and as far back as known they have been members of the Greek Catholic Church. The mother is still living in the land of her birth. The home of Louis Bresloff continued to be in St. Petersburg until he was nine years of age, when he was sent to Hamburg, Germany, and there apprenticed to a cigarmaker until he had reached the age of thir- teen. America had for some time been the goal of his ambition and thither he came in 1856, and for one year thereafter lived in Boston. He then came to New York City, where he worked at his trade until the opening of the Civil War, when he volunteered in Major Cline's regiment of militia for three months. In August of that year he vol- unteered in a company made up mostly of Rus-

sians, called the First United States Lancers, and was stationed at Staten Island, but at the end of three months he volunteered in the Fourth New York Cavalry, Company I, with which he served the country of his adoption for three years. He was a participant in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac up to September, 1863, and while his command was located at a ford on the Rapidan and he was serving on picket duty, he received a severe cut on the back of the head by a sabre, was knocked senseless and taken prisoner. He was sent to Libby Prison and there endured all the horrors of Southern prison life for six weeks, although his wound was dressed by the prison surgeon. He was finally sent to Annapolis, Md., on parole, and there remained until his wound was well and he was exchanged. He rejoined his regiment in Virginia and took part in the en- gagement at Winchester, when the Union forces were rallied by the resolution and courage of General Sheridan. Mr. Bresloff was mustered out of the service November 25, 1864, but on the 2d of January, 1865, his patriotic spirit led him to again enlist in the Union service, and he became a member of Company I, Sixth New York Cavalry, and was with the Army of the Potomac in its numerous raids, his commander being General Sheridan. He was in front of Petersburg and was at Appomattox Court House when Lee surrendered. Soon after the war closed he was sent to Louisville, Ky., as a member of the Second New York Provisioned Cavalry, to quell the election riots there, remaining some two weeks, after which he returned home and for eighteen months worked at his trade.

Our subject first engaged in the manufacture of cigars at No. 180 Essex Street, New York City, later at No. 194 Avenue A, in 1888 at No. 15I Avenue A and in January, 1892, he took up his residence in Long Island City, at No. 13 Borden Avenue, where he still holds forth. He has been a very successful cigar manufacturer and his best brands are the "Park View," the "Clear Valleys" and the "Cupido." In connection with this es- tablishment he has a confectionery and ice cream parlor, which is patronized by the best people of the city. He is a very prominent Mason and is a member of the Veteran Association of the Fourth New York Cavalry.

Mr. Bresloff was married in New York City to Miss Margaretta Dall, a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, and daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Dall, who came with their family to the United States

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when Mrs. Bresloff was but two years old. Here the father died six months later and his widow reared her family in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Bresloff have eight children: John Louis, who is in the cigar business with his father; Mary, Mrs. Goepfert of Lebanon, Ohio; Philip, who is a confectioner of New York City; Charles, who is successfully engaged in the insurance business; August H., who is a druggist of Astoria; Carrie, Georgie and Josie.

G EORGE J. TURNER, a member of the firm of Turner Brothers, is a gentleman whose sound judgment and progressive methods have contributed much towards the suc- cess of the firm. Although for many years he has been a worthy resident of the United States, he was born in London, England, December 6, 1855. On the 9th of July, 1869, he came to this country and has here made his home up to the present time, being now a most loyal citizen of the states. While in London young Turner at- tended the private schools, but after coming here he turned his attention to making a living. He was first employed as clerk by his cousin, Mr. Dalmore, who owned a large grocery in Long Island City, but a short time afterwards he en- tered the employ of others and for a year was in the sash and blind factory here. In 1872 he began working for George Petry in the manufac- ture of assorted tin work, and was with that gen- tleman for about a year.

Later Mr. Turner began clerking in a grocery for Joseph New, remaining with him about three years, and then returned to the employ of George Petry, who was then in the hardware business, and who was also engaged in the manufacture of varnish cans. For eighteen months Mr. Turner was in the manufacturing department, and after that was on the Long Island Railroad for about three years as a tinsmith. Returning to the em- ploy of Mr. Petry, he continued with him for some time and then was with William Brodie for five years. In November, 1891, he and his broth- er, Richard T., formed the partnership of Turner Brothers, which has continued up to the present time. He and his brother are both geniuses in their calling; they are upright and conscientious in business matters and merit the success to which they have attained.

On the 29th of March, 1888, Mr. Turner was married in Hoboken, N. J., to Miss Clara Godden,

a native of that place, and daughter of Henry Godden. Three children have blessed this un- ion, Clara G., Grace H. and Beatrice. In spite of his many business enterprises Mr. Turner has not lost sight of his duties as a citizen and has held numerous offices in the city. He is secretary of the Fifth District Republican Association in the first ward, has been a delegate to city conven- tions, and in politics adheres firmly to the princi- ples of the Republican party. He is a member of Long Island City Council No. 17, Order of American Firemen, of which he is a charter mem- ber. For one year he was also foreman of the Franklin Engine Company and assistant foreman for the same length of time. Mr. Turner is a Mason, a member of Island City Lodge, in which he is past junior deacon. Since 1881 he has been a charter member of Charles W. Havemeyer Lodge No. 321, A. O. U. W., at Brooklyn, and was its master one year, financier for four years and is now recorder, serving his third term. For five years in succession he was a delegate to the Grand Lodge of the above-mentioned order. He is one of the city's most reliable citizens and rep- resentative business men.

I SAAC B. STRANG is one of the oldest living residents and native-born citizens of Astoria, and it is a pleasure to chronicle here the events that mark his life as one of usefulness. Material wealth should not exclude the riches of character in recounting the life work of any man, and he who has by his intelligence and eminence in the higher walks of life, assisted in raising the standard of morality and thought in the com- munity in which he lives, is a benefactor to man- kind. No one has probably done more in this line than Isaac B. Strang, whose long residence in Queens County has been marked by a love of his fellow-man and a desire to be in every way a model citizen. He was born in Astoria, L. I., in the house now owned by P. Bartlett, January 17, 1820, to Garrett S. and Susan (Bragaw) Strang, natives of Astoria also. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Strang, was a native American, of French extraction, his parents hav- ing come to this country from France a number of years prior to his birth. He became a loyal American citizen, and when the great struggle with the mother country came up in 1775 he joined the American forces and fought bravely for the freedom of his native land. In after years

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he became an honest tiller of the soil, and by the sweat of his brow accumulated a competency. He became the owner of the old Brill farm, which he later sold and afterwards purchased a farm in Astoria, where he closed his eyes in death. This farm was subsequently purchased by his son.

Garrett S. Strang followed in the footsteps of his worthy father and became a tiller of the soil, his farm lying in what is now the heart of As- toria. This land he sold in 1835 for $6,000, after which he bought land four miles from Newtown and there made his home until his death, at the age of seventy-eight years. For many years he had been a Jacksonian Democrat. His wife was the daughter of Isaac Bragaw, who owned a farm of eighty acres between what is now Broad- way and Jamaica Avenue, Astoria. He was of Holland-Dutch descent and passed from life on this farm. The earthly career of Mrs. Strang was closed in 1825, after she had become the mother of three sons, all of whom reached hon- orable manhood: Solomon, a blacksmith and car- riage manufacturer, died in Jamaica; Isaac B. is our subject, and Charles, who became a con- tractor and builder, died on the old home place. After the death of their mother the father married again, and to his second union four children were given, two daughters and one son of whom reached maturity, but all are now passed to that bourne whence no traveler returns.

In the town where he first saw the light of day Isaac B. Strang was reared and educated, his schooling being acquired in the subscription schools in vogue at that time. Up to the age of fifteen years he was made familiar with farm labor on the old home place, and then was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade under a Mr. Daboll in Astoria. After some years thus spent, he be- gan work on his own account. He continued contracting and building until about 1861, when he turned his business over to his brother Charles and for some time devoted his attention to the manufacture of packing boxes for the Govern- ment. Subsequently he invested his savings in a farm in the vicinity of Jamaica, and after tilling the land for eight years returned to Astoria, al- though he still owns the farm of eighty acres, which he rents.

While Mr. Strang was engaged in contracting and building he put up many residences in Long Island City, among which were those of R. M. Blackwell, Mr. Freeman and General Hopkins. He also built his own residence, a beautiful and

stately one, prior to coming here. In Brooklyn, November 26, 1846, he was first married to Miss Ann Bragaw, a daughter of John Bragaw, who was a farmer in the vicinity of Long Island City. She died December 3, 1885, leaving one child, Charles G., who was educated here and in the City of New York. He is farming near Chat- ham, N. J .; is married and has a family of three children.

Mr. Strang's second marriage occurred in Lockwood Street, Astoria, November 15, 1887, uniting him with Mrs. Mary J. (Rowland) New- ton, who was born in New York City, a daugh- ter of William Rowland, a native of Huntington, L. I. Her grandfather, John Rowland, was a native of Connecticut, and at Middle Island, L. I., was a carpenter, blacksmith and farmer. He was in the American navy during the War of 1812. William Rowland was an attorney-at-law and died in Brooklyn at the age of seventy-two years, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he was an enthusiastic old- line Whig. His wife, Mary Worsham, was born in New York City, a daughter of John Worsham, who was born in England, and who became an engraver in New York City. He was prominent in Masonic circles. Mary (Worsham) Rowland died in Brooklyn at the age of sixty-seven years, having become the mother of eight children, four sons and four daughters, seven of whom reached maturity. Two sons and two daughters are still living, the former of whom, Sidney L. and John, reside in Brooklyn.

Mrs. Strang was educated in Patchogue, L. I., and at the early age of fifteen years began teach- ing school, following this occupation at Ball Hills, Corham and New York City, where she first taught three years and was then principal of a primary school four years. For eleven years thereafter she was principal of the primary de- partment of the Astoria schools, after which she lived in Brooklyn five years and then returned to Astoria. She was first married in New York in 1850 to William Newton, a native of England, who came with his mother to New York when a boy and became a salesman in different stores. He died in Astoria February 16, 1884, leaving a widow and three children, one of the latter sur- viving, Anna A., wife of William A. Peel. She was educated here and in Brooklyn and is the mother of seven children. In 1880 Mrs. Strang was elected a member of the board of school trus- tees from the fourth ward on the Republican tick-

REV. EDMUND D. COOPER, D. D.

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et, and she has been re-elected every three years since that time, the last time being elected on the Democratic ticket. She has taken a prominent part in educational matters and was the first and only woman ever elected to an office in Long Island City. She is remarkably well informed . the schools there. Early in life he evinced a and has done much to raise the standard of the city schools. She has been secretary of the fourth ward board all this time and has also kept the minutes of the meeting. During her term of office there have been erected the new first ward, second ward, fourth ward and fifth ward school houses and the high school building, the latter of which she was very active in building up.

Mr. Strang is a charter member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Astoria, also belongs to the Sons of Temperance and has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been trustee, steward and class-leader, besides superintendent of the Sun- day-school. He is a Republican politically. Mrs. Strang is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Astoria, has been treasurer of the Ladies' So- ciety for twenty-three years and also of the Mis- sionary Society. Mr. Strang is the oldest living settler of Astoria and can remember many inter- esting events connected with its early history. He has always been a useful citizen, and now in the autumn of his life is surrounded by a host of warm friends.

R EV.EDMUND DRURY COOPER, D.D., the able and distinguished rector of the Church of the Redeemer as Astoria, and archdeacon of Queens County, is one of the most prominent pastors of Long Island City. He is well educated, possesses a fine and original mind, and is a fluent and eloquent speaker. As a pastor he keeps in close touch with his people, and has ever sought to develop the highest type of social life of the church. He was born near Hastings, England, about the year 1834, and is a son of Edmund and grandson of Edmund Cooper, Sr., who came of an old and prominent English fam- ily. Both the father and grandfather were iron mongers by trade.

From his native place, near Hastings, England, our subject's father came to America about 1840, accompanied by his family, and settled in Albany, N. Y., where he carried on business until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Drury, was born at Cranbrook, Kent, England, and

passed away in that country. The only child of this union, except a babe that died soon after birth, was the subject of this article, who as a young lad came to America with his father. He was reared in Albany and began his education in

strong desire to enter the ministry and took a preparatory course for college in a private insti- tution in Albany. In 1847 he went to a church school in Wisconsin and there prepared himself for the General Theological Seminary, New York, which he entered in the fall of 1851, graduating three years later. In July, 1854, he was ordained in Trinity Church, New York, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Wainwright, Bishop of New York, Bishop Mun- tain, of Quebec, preaching the ordination sermon.

Soon after his ordination Rev. Mr. Cooper be- came rector of St. John's Church, Essex, N. Y., and after two years there was induced to go to California as rector of Trinity Church, Nevada City. He remained there and at Marysville for three years, after which he returned to the East. In 1859 he became rector of Trinity Church, Sharon Springs, N. Y., and three years later re- signed that pastorate to return to his first charge at Essex. In 1865 he resigned, having decided to spend a year abroad on account of throat trou- ble. The most of the year he spent in France and Italy, and after returning to this country was called to Astoria, in 1866, as the first rector of the Church of the Redeemer, which had just been organized by some of the prominent men of the city. They worshiped first in Mr. Umschlag's store, but soon afterward the present church was built, to which additions have been made as deemed necessary. This is a fine building, of dark granite, and is one of the best in the city. From a charter membership of about seventeen it has increased to about three hundred and fifty, with a Sunday-school of seven hundred scholars. The church has a fine organ and a chime of ten bells, the latter being a bequest from the late Cornelius Rapelye Trafford, whose remains lie interred in the church yard.

"His earth-day work is over, he takes his evening rest. Light lie the turf that covereth his true and kindly breast,

His memory cannot perish; it must pass to future times,

And who can tell what souls in heaven will bless the Trafford chimes."

Dr. Cooper devotes his entire time to his church and congregation and is rich in the love

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of his people. He has an excellent vested choir of thirty members under the directorship of Charles Seibert, of New York, the organist. For eighteen months this choir received instruction from that master of his profession, Professor Stubbs, of St. Agnes Chapel, New York City. For twenty-six years Dr. Cooper has been assistant secretary of the convention of the diocese, and at ·the convention of 1895 the following resolutions were passed:

Whereas, The Rev. Edmund Drury Cooper, D. D., has served this convention as its assistant sec- retary for twenty-six successive years, or from the date of our diocesan organization, and has done so with conspicuous faithfulness and unvarying courtesy to all; therefore,

Resolved, That this convention hereby grate- fully recognize Dr. Cooper's official and valuable services, and beg to assure him of its best wishes for his health and happiness during many years to come.

Resolved, That the unanimous expression of the gratitude and affection of the convention towards Dr. Cooper be suitably engrossed and presented to him, duly signed by our president and secre- tary.

On motion these resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

Dr. Cooper is chairman of the diocesan church building fund commission, trustee of the general church building fund of the Episcopal Church of the United States, trustee of the General Theo- logical Seminary, member of the ecclesiastical court of the diocese, and one of the managers of the Church Charity Foundation of Brooklyn. In 1882 he received the degree of D. D. from the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn. His genial disposition makes him a general favorite and he is one of the most charitable and kind- hearted of men, sincere in his friendships and de- votedly attached to the church with which he is connected. He never forgets a kindness and never stoops to resent an injury.

In St. John's Church, Essex, N. Y., June 20, 1861, Dr. Cooper married Miss Susanna McLean Ross, a native of Salem, N. Y., but who was reared in Essex, that state. She was a daughter of Judge McLean, of Salem, and an adopted daughter of Gen. Henry H. Ross, of Essex. She died May 14, 1893. In 1894 Dr. Cooper made his second trip to Europe and was absent about four months, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium and other countries. October 23, 1895, his brethren,

both of the clergy and laity, conferred upon him the distinguished honor of nominating him to the bishop as archdeacon of Queens County, which nomination was immediately confirmed by the bishop, and he is now the incumbent of that of- fice. He is active in all good work, and of him it may truly be said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 10

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers Publication date: 1896 Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1220

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1220