Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 101

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

USA > New York > Queens County > Long Island City > Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York > Part 101

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The first position held by Mr. Beers was that of clerk for a freighting line on the North River. For six years he was bookkeeper for a large firm in Jersey City, and in 1877 came to Jamaica, where, as before stated, he has since established a large trade and a reliable reputation as a busi- ness man. In 1872 he married Miss Ozemma F., daughter of John Smith, of Suffolk County. They occupy a commodious residence on Clinton Place, on the hill. Three children came to bless their union, but one died in infancy. The others are Eugene F., a graduate of the New York Den- tal College, and Bessie A., a bright child of eight years.

Since 1889 Mr. Beers has held the position of village treasurer, and is numbered among the most popular of the village officials. He aided in founding the Jamaica Building and Loan Asso- ciation, of which he is now a director. Socially he takes a warm interest in the Odd Fellows Lodge, to which he belongs. In religious con- victions he is a Methodist and belongs to the church of that denomination in Jamaica. A Re- publican in his political views, he has the greatest faith in the future prosperity of the country un- der the execution of the laws as enacted by his party.

F RANCIS P. HAMLET, D. D. S. In every line of activity Hempstead has had its rep- resentatives. There is no village in the county that, in proportion to its population, has a larger number of talented, successful men than it has, and among this class may be mentioned the name of Dr. Hamlet, a rising young dentist of the place. While he is known as a skilled and capable dentist, yet in outside towns he is perhaps better known through his musical talent and compositions, some of which rank among the best yet produced in this country.

In the village where he still resides, Dr. Hamlet was born August 31, 1863, being a son of John and Catherine (Livingston) Hamlet, natives of England. His father, whose birth occurred No- vember 12, 1825, came to America in early man- hood and for forty-one years has made his home in Hempstead, where for a long time he engaged in mercantile pursuits. In the work of St. George's Church he is deeply interested, and for ten years he was leader of the choir, also for twelve years served as superintendent of the Sun- day-school. He is a man of marked ability, hon-

orable character and generous disposition, and has many friends among the people of Hemp- stead.

The family of which Dr. Hamlet is a member consists of six brothers and one sister. The eld- est, Samuel, was born in England and graduated from Meadville (Pa.) College; he became a law- yer, but soon abandoned that profession for the ministry, and is now pastor of the Unitarian Church at Wolfboro, N. H. John R. is engaged in business in New York. Winifred is the wife of G. P. Leggett. Charles S. and Edward have a printing and engraving establishment at No. 82 Nassau Street, New York. William H. M., a graduate of the New York College of Dentistry, has an office in Jamaica.

After having attended school for some years at Hempstead and Flushing, our subject entered the Baltimore College of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 1884. He has been constantly engaged in active practice since that time. In boyhood his musical genius displayed itself, and being developed carefully, has brought him a rep- utation as a skilled composer and musician. Among his compositions, the one which has at- tracted greatest attention is the comic opera, "Seven Times One," which had a most remarka- ble run and received favorable notice, not only from local papers, but also from the press of New York City. Many of his other compositions have received favorable notice. He has been organist of St. Luke's Church, Brooklyn, and also the church at Oyster Bay and one in New York, but of late years his growing professional duties have kept him closely confined to his office.

October 3, 1888, Dr. Hamlet was united in mar- riage with Edith Hutcheson, of Brooklyn. Two children, Milton and Anna H., bless their un- ion. Dr. Hamlet, in his social connections, is identified with the Royal Arcanum and the Legion of Honor. He is a member of St. George's Church, in which he has held the position of ves- tryman.

F RED W. TOLEMAN. While a resident of Far Rockaway for a comparatively short period only, Mr. Toleman has a large ac- quaintance throughout Queens County and has already established an enviable reputation as a reliable business man among the people of this place, where he is proprietor of the boot and shoe store in Central Avenue, in the Jennings

DAVID D. M. MASTER.

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Building. He is starting out in this business with every prospect of success, equipped with a thorough knowledge of the trade gained by a clerkship of ten years in the store of A. A. Wicks at Bay Shore, and there is every ground for be- lieving that future years will bring him an ever- increasing success.

The father of our subject, Andrew Toleman, was born in England, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Emily Gale, their union being blessed by two children, of whom Fred W. is the older; the only daughter is the wife of Oscar Gevrodete, of Patchogue. Our subject was born in Bridgeport, England, September 4, 1869, and was a child of one year when his parents came to America and settled at Bluepoint, Suffolk County, N. Y., which place has since been the family home. In boyhood he worked on the farm and the bay, but in 1883 went to Patchogue, where he was employed in the stationery and mu- sic store of George Ackerly for two and one-half years.

In 1885 Mr. Toleman accepted a position with the firm of Wicks & Smith, dealers in dry goods and groceries at Bay Shore, and being capable and trustworthy, was soon given the management of the establishment. To him was entrusted the buying of dry goods, boots and shoes, and he had entire charge of the stock during the last five years of his residence in Bay Shore. The value of his services was recognized and his resignation was accepted with regret when in 1895 he decided to enter business for himself. May I, of that year, he opened his present estab- lishment, where, in addition to boots and shoes, he keeps in stock a full line of hats and men's furnishing goods. By his marriage to Mabel Gordon, he has a son, Harold F., born in 1893. Socially he belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He was formerly connected with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, but there being no church of that denomination at Far Rockaway, he has identi- fied himself with the Presbyterians and is an ac- · tive worker in that society.

D AVID D. M. MASTER of Flushing is president of the Flushing Electric Light and Power Company, also a dealer in real estate and the representative of many leading insurance companies, including the Imperial; Liverpool, London and Globe of England; the German-American of New York; Continental;

Agricultural; Northwestern of Milwaukee; Dutchess County Mutual of Poughkeepsie, be- sides others. Starting in life as he did with little capital, he has by force of character and deter- mination risen to an enviable position among his fellowmen. He deservedly ranks as one of the best citizens of the community, one who, by his strict sense of probity and his unwearied energy, has won his present position for himself.

The English home where our subject was born February 19, 1829, was situated fourteen miles north of London, and was known as Cheshunt, one of the ancient suburbs of the metropolis-a place where the illustrious Oliver Cromwell had his country home and where stood the manor house of Cardinal Wolsey. The family were en- gaged in business in Greenwich, Waltham-Ab- bey, Ponders End and Epping, suburbs of Lon- don, and John, our subject's father. and Wil- liam, his grandfather, were merchants during their business lives. Our subject was the fourth among the seven children of John and Mary (Field) Master, and of that family two sons and one daughter are living, David being the only one who settled in America. The mother died young and the father married for his second wife Miss Mary Ann Champneys, who was a good mother to her step-children and reared them carefully and devotedly for positions of honor in the world.

At the age of fourteen our subject was appren- ticed to the cooper's trade in Epping, and, after completing his apprenticeship, he worked at that occupation in London. In 1858 he crossed the Atlantic on the steamer "City of Washington," which reached New York City August 18, after a voyage of fourteen days. On leaving Eng- land, it had been his intention to proceed to the gold mines of California, but on the voyage he became acquainted with Samuel Carpenter of Flushing, who induced him to abandon his haz- ardous project. The two have since remained in- timate friends, and every year on the anniver- sary of that summer day of 1858 when the ship cast anchor in New York they visit the seaside together.

For six months Mr. Master followed his trade in Brooklyn, but gave it up to engage in the clothing business, and later added merchant tail- oring. He built the store at No. 53 Main Street, Flushing, which he still owns. At first his prog- ress was slow, and there were many obstacles in the path to success, but he persevered and

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finally attained prosperity. After twenty-five years he retired from business, expecting not again to resume trade, but he was a man of too much energy to close the active labors of life. and after a year, in 1885, he began in the real estate business, which he has since continued. He built the store at No. 69 Main Street, which he still owns and occupies.

All movements for the welfare of the con- munity receive the hearty endorsement of Mr. Master. He was one of several who started the Flushing & College Point Street Railroad and was its president for two years, when he resigned. He also aided in the organization of the Flushing Electric Light and Power Company, a success- ful concern with a capital stock of $30,000, of which he is the president. Politically he is a Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the party of his choice. He is an elder in the Re- formed Church of America and aided generously in the erection of the present house of worship in Flushing. For a time he was one of the vil- lage trustees, but resigned to give his attention to other matters. Fraternally he is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No. 653, F. & A. M., and Pentalpha Chapter, R. A. M.

In London in 1851 Mr. Master married Miss Naomi Larter, who was born there and died in Flushing. Of their seven children five are living, namely: David, Jr., a druggist of Brook- lyn; Clara, Mrs. Charles A. Mapes of Harlem, N. Y .; Mrs. Naomi Levick of England; Samuel, who is a real estate and insurance broker of New York City; and William, who is engaged in the jewelry business in Brooklyn. The present wife of Mr. Master was Miss Kate M. Sands, daughter of Capt. Treadwell Sands, an old resident of Flushing. Three sons and one daughter blessed this union: J. Edward, who carries on a whole- sale and retail jewelry business in Flushing, with office in New York City; Lewis C., who is inter- ested in business with his father; Dr. Clarence M., a graduate of the New York College of Den- tal Surgery and a practicing dentist at Flushing; and Emma, who is deceased.

P ATRICK DALY is a very successful busi- ness man of Long Island City and one of the most influential residents of Queens County. He is junior member of the firm of Hagan & Daly, proprietors of the Queens Coun- ty Boiler Works, which is well known throughout

this portion of the state. He is secretary of the board of police commissioners and since his resi- dence here has been greatly interested in what- ever tended toward the development of his com- munity.

Mr. Daly was born in Ireland, in County Lei- trim, which was also the birthplace of his father, Francis Daly. The latter followed the occupa- tion of a farmer, being the proprietor of a goodly tract of land in Ireland, on which he and his wife, Mrs. Ann (McGushin) Daly, still reside. Of the seven sons and two daughters born to them, sev- en are now living and of this household our sub- ject is the only one to make his home in Ameri- ca. He was born March 13, 1847, and is the oldest child of his parents now living.

Patrick attended the common schools of his native isle until a lad of seventeen years, and a year later determined to come to America. He remained in New York for a time in the employ of the Long Island Express Company. When those who were at the head of this business closed out, Mr. Daly established a livery and boarding stable in Twenty-fourth Street, and for thirteen years was the proprietor of a thriving business. He came to Long Island City in 1877, at which time he built a residence at No. 117 Seventh Street, near which he opened a grocery, contin- uing this business together with his livery stable until 1881. That year Mr. Daly became associ- ated with Mr. Hagan in the manufacture of boil- ers. In May, 1893, he disposed of his grocery and now devotes the greater part of his time and attention to his other business. The firm receives orders from various parts of the world, often mak- ing large shipments to South America and Ger- many. Their shops occupy one hundred and sev- enty-five feet in Seventh Street, and extend in the rear to Sixth Street. The firm give constant em- ployment to from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty men and are operating on a most successful basis.

The marriage of Mr. Daly and Miss Kate Can- non occurred in New York, January 2, 1867. Mrs. Daly is also of Irish birth and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two children, Frank, now a clerk in his father's office, and Anna, the wife of James J. Conway, of Long Island City. Mr. and Mrs. Daly occupy a pleas- ant residence at No. 20 Pearson Street, Hunter's Point, in addition to which they also own much other valuable real estate in the city.

Our subject is interested in the Long Island

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City Building and Loan Association. In 1887 he became a member of the police commission, and during the two and one-half years which he served at this time he "pulled" the pool rooms. This was very much against the mayor's wishes and Mr. Daly then resigned. In 1893, however, he was appointed a member of the police commission by Mayor Sanford and is the present secretary of the board. In religious matters he is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Church. Politically he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, belong- ing to the Jefferson Democratic Club. He served as a member of the general committee, also on the county, congressional and senatorial com- mittees. Socially he is associated with the order of Foresters and is very popular in the various organizations to which he belongs.

C APT. RICHARD VAN WICKLEN. The title of "Captain," by which this gentle- man is familiarly known, was gained through his service in the coasting trade, an in- dustry which he followed successfully for many years. His experiences as a seafaring man were many and varied, and he endured all the hard- ships and faced the perils which attend "life on the ocean wave." Since 1886 he has not been actively engaged in the trade, but has lived in comparative retirement at his home in Port Washington.

Near Jamaica, L. I., October 24, 1834, the sub- ject of this record was born to Garrett and Ann Elizabeth (McKee) Van Wicklen, natives of Long Island. The Van Wicklen family is one of the oldest on the island and was first represented in America by three brothers, who emigrated from Holland in the seventeenth century, and settled, one near Flatbush, another at Jamaica and the third at Oyster Bay. The Captain is a descend- ant of the Jamaica settler. Since the time of the original settlement the family has been honorably and intimately associated with the growth of this section and the development of its material re- sources.

The father of our subject was born in 1808 and followed the occupation of a farmer, in addition to which he was interested in the coast trade. He attained an advanced age, dying when past seventy-nine. By his marriage to Miss McKee he had seven children, of whom five are still liv- ing. Richard, who was the eldest of the family, spent his youthful years on the farm and until

seventeen he attended the district schools a few months of each year. On starting out for him- self, he secured a clerkship in a store near Port Washington, his father having previously moved to Sand's Point, where he was engaged in farming. Three years were spent as a clerk, after which he bought a one-third interest in a vessel, and three months later, his partner and captain selling out to another party, he succeeded to the captaincy. Until 1886 he carried on the coast trade along the shores of Long Island and the eastern states.

In this village in 1854 Captain Van Wicklen married Miss Maria Robbins, of the town of Oys- ter Bay, an estimable woman who has been his helpmate in every enterprise and has worked by his side in all his undertakings. Reared in the faith of the Democratic party, he has since sup- ported its principles in the national campaigns, but is liberal in his views. At one time he was candidate for the position of overseer of the poor, but was defeated at the election. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Pembrook Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F.

D ALMAR L. STARKS. The following is a brief sketch of the life of Mr. Starks, whose present substantial position has been reached entirely through his own persever- ance and whose success shows what can be ac- complished by determination and intelligence. He is the owner and proprietor of the hardware establishment in Far Rockaway, where he car- ries a complete and varied assortment of house furnishing goods and hardware, ranging in size from a tack to an anchor, and valued at nearly $30,000. The business is the largest of the kind in the locality and has been brought to its pres- ent large proportions through the honest meth- ods and indefatigable endeavor of the proprietor.

The parents of our subject were Elijah and Lucinda (Wheeler) Starks, the former of whom, a shoe manufacturer for many years, died at the age of sixty-one, while the latter is still living at the old home in Spencertown, Columbia County. N. Y. In the family there were three children, namely: William, now deceased; Dalmar L., and Clara, who is with her mother. Our subject was born in Spencertown, January 27. 1861. and was reared on a farm, attending the district schools and the academy near his home. At the age of fourteen he started out for himself and was first employed in a butcher shop at Chatham. after

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which he worked for one year on the farm. In 1877 he went to New York City and for two years was employed by a butcher, afterward drove a wagon on a milk route for one year and one for the Vienna bakery about the same length of time. The two following years were spent as clerk in Purssell's great establishment.

During that time, realizing the need and im- portance of a better education, he attended night school two winters. Early in life he had neg- lected his opportunities, not appreciating the value of knowledge, but experience had taught him this lesson, and he now gave close attention to study, gaining as a result more actual knowl- edge during this short time than he had secured in all the schools of his boyhood. In 1881 he came to Far Rockaway, having in his possession $95. With a partner who furnished a portion of the stock, he opened a small fruit and cigar store where the Hinkel building now stands. The first year the trade was small and the profits corres- pondingly low, but he was able to come out even, having paid $125 rent. He persevered and bought out his cousin, who was his partner, later adding to the trade oysters served in all styles, shapes and sizes. He was the pioneer cigar and tobacco merchant here and had all the trade in that line, which increased as the place grew.

Year by year prosperity rewarded Mr. Starks' efforts. Good judgment characterized his in- vestments and the money earned was made to double itself in his hands. He bought a piece of ground in Central Avenue, for which he paid $650. At the time it was regarded by many as a large price, but here he demonstrated his sound judgment, as subsequent events proved. Bor- rowing $1,200, he erected a building, the first store of any proportions in Central Avenue, and he still owns the property, which has enhanced in value many times over. It was not long until he paid off the $1,200 used for building, and made judicious investments besides. Then he cast about for a substantial business, and bought the store he now owns from Thomas Henderson, who had built up a large trade. To the enterprise he brought a practical knowledge of business and an indefatigable determination, so that he in- creased the trade and placed himself in rank among the shrewd business men of the village.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Starks mar- ried Miss Mary Pettit, of Inwood, L. I., and they became the parents of five children: Clara, one that died in infancy without name, Charles, Mary

Eveline and Arthur. The children are being given excellent advantages, both literary and musical, and are being prepared for positions of honor and usefulness in the world. Politically Mr. Starks is a Democrat. Socially he is one of the charter members of Olympia Lodge. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer since its or- ganization, a member of Corinthian Chapter, R. A. M., and Ivanhoe Commandery. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church, which the family attend, and to which he contributes. He takes great interest in the local fire department and has been a member of the Protective Hook and Ladder Company since its organization, hav- ing held in it all the offices from private to fore- man.

J UDGE ALFRED W. BOKEE. The study of the careers of those who have been the architects of their own fortunes in the va- rious departments of business furnishes lessons of inestimable value to youths just entering their chosen occupations and encourages them to greater efforts for success in life. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch and who is a member of a business firm of New York City, has been successful in the best sense of the word, for he has not only accumulated a competency, but has also gained that which is better, the es- teem of his large circle of acquaintances and the regard of everyone with whom he has business or social relations.

Judge Bokee was born in Brooklyn, March 8, 1859, and was the only child of David A. and Jennie (Knight) Bokee. His elementary educa- tion was acquired in the public schools of Brook- lyn, but the necessity of gaining a livelihood obliged him to discontinue his studies at an early age. When fourteen years old he secured a po- sition as office boy with the stationery firm of Martin Roberts, and as he was diligent, obedient, honest and attentive to every duty, he was grad- ually promoted, rising from one position to anoth- er until he became a partner in the firm. In 1882 the name of the concern was changed to Roberts & Bokee, which is its present title. Their office is located at No. 126 Front Street, New York, where they have a large printing, lithographing and stationery establishment.

In 1884 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Ella L., daughter of Jacob S. Bergen, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Of the two

ABRAHAM V. S. LOTT.

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sons born to this union only one survives, Alfred B., a bright boy of ten years. After three years of wedded life Mrs. Bokee was taken by death, July 22, 1887, leaving to mourn her loss not only her immediate family but also a large number of warm personal friends. In 1890 our subject was elected on the Republican ticket to fill the office of justice of the peace, and it is worthy of note that he was the only Republican elected on the ticket that year. For a time he also served as a member of the board of health and the Queens Fire Company. At present he is connected with the New York Stock and Petroleum Exchange. In all works of advancement and progress he is found in the front rank, doing all in his power to promote the general welfare. His career has been marked by rare energy, stability of character and systematic business habits, and in his labors he has been directed by shrewd judgment, close cal- culation and a resolute will that overcame all ob- stacles in the pathway to success.

A BRAHAM V. S. LOTT, who resides two miles south of Flushing in the town of Newtown and is engaged in agricultural pursuits, is a member of one of the old and highly respected families of the island; but not alone on this account is he held in high esteem, for by perseverance and much hard work on his part he has made for himself an honorable name and has accumulated a substantial portion of this world's goods. A native of this county, he was born at Woodhaven September 5, 1829, and is a son of Stephen I. and Cornelia (Rapalje) Lott. The family of which he is a member consisted of four children, of whom besides himself two survive, namely: Gertrude R., wife of James Van Siclen, and Stephen S.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 101

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