Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 104

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 104

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could do, Mr. McCormick's popularity with the people and the esteem in which he is held by all, irrespective of political affiliations. This pop- ularity has not been a mere ephemeral growth, but has steadily increased throughout the long period of his public service.

In 1865 Mr. McCormick married Margaret, daughter of Isaac L. Hunt, Esq., of Rahway, N. J. She died at Prescott, Ariz., in 1867. In 1873, at Washington, D. C., he married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Hon. Allen G. Thurman, United States Senator from Ohio.

As a citizen Mr. McCormick has proved him- self public-spirited and patriotic, ardent in his support of our free institutions and generous in the aid which he has given to all enterprises hav- ing for their object the moral and material wel- fare of the community, state and nation. While engrossed by public duties, he has retained a fondness for social enjoyments, to which he brings a genial disposition and an unusually var- ied information gained by reading, travel and a wide acquaintance. The lineaments of his char- acter are marked and clear. Nature endowed him with an acute understanding, lively sensibility, executive energy and thoughtful judgment. Nothing in his life is artificial or pretentious, and his influence in Congress and as the incumbent of other official positions has not been the result of "luck" or "chance," but rather through the exercise of inherent qualities of mind and heart. His personal character is above reproach, and is notable alike for public virtue and private integ- rity.

A LOIS LAUX, a well-to-do and respected citizen of Astoria, is manager of Sohmer & Co.'s piano factory, which is located in Long Island City. He has been a resident of this section for the past twenty-five years and has followed his present occupation during the great- er part of that time.

Mr. Laux was born in Rheinpfalz, Germany. in 1849. His father, Henry Laux, was also a native of that place and there followed the occu- pation of cab maker until 1862, when he emigrated to America with his family. On landing in New York City he readily obtained employment at his trade and continued to make his home in the metropolis until he was ready to retire. He then came to Astoria and lived with our subject until his decease. His wife was Barbara Breinig, also

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a native of the Fatherland. They became the parents of seven sons and one daughter, whom they reared to occupy good and useful positions in life.

Alois, of this sketch, was educated in the model schools of his native land, and for a few weeks after coming to America he attended school in New York City in order that he might the more readily speak the English language. When ready to start out in life for himself he was apprenticed to a jeweler to learn the trade, and on mastering the business was given a position with Smith & Hedges, prominent jewelers of the city, with whom he remained for a period of eighteen years. In 1887, however, he resigned in order that he might become the manager of the piano factory of Sohmer & Co. He has made the manufacture of pianos a study since entering the employ of the present company and is now one of the most experienced in this line in the east. He is doubly interested in the business, since his only sister became the wife of Mr. Sohmer.

About the year 1870 Mr. Laux took up his residence in Long Island City. Genial manners and strict integrity of purpose are traits of char- acter which have made Mr. Laux very popular in the community. His judgment is excellent and he possesses a large amount of mechanical genius, which has aided him greatly in attaining his present high standing in the community.

Mr. Laux and Miss Sophia Leonard were mar- ried in Astoria in 1887. The latter, who was born in New York City, was the daughter of F. W. Leonard, a respected resident of the metropolis. Mr. and Mrs. Laux have a son and daughter, Hugo and Tillie. Our subject takes great pleas- ure in meeting with the Astoria Mannerchor, · of which he is a member. He was one of the or- ganizers of the Frohsinn and for many years was president of this society. In national affairs he is an ardent Republican, but during local elec- tions votes for the man regardless of party lines.

H ENRY A. VAN ALLEN came to Jamaica at the age of sixteen years and has since become an influential citizen of this village, bearing a worthy part in the battle of life as a private individual and serving with ability in po- sitions of trust and responsibility. He is one of the number before whom discouragements flee and who surmount obstacles that lie in their way without letting the world into the secret of their

existence. He has therefore gained a compe- tency where many would have failed and has pushed to a successful conclusion affairs that in other hands would have resulted far differently.

In the achievement of financial success Mr. Van Allen has been unassisted, and what he has and what he is may be attributed to his own perse- verance and determination. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 19, 1841. At the age of seven he was orphaned by his father's death and soon afterward he began the struggle for a livelihood. When sixteen, he came to Jamaica and secured work on a farm, receiving his board in exchange for his services. Three years later he took a piece of land to cultivate on shares, in which way he was engaged several years. He was very frugal in his expenditures and saved his earnings until he was enabled to purchase a place on the old South Road. There he engaged in preserving fruit, which he put into glass jars, being one of the first to adopt this plan. In it he was successful and accumulated considerable money.

The next enterprise in which Mr. Van Allen embarked was that of supplying the Long Island Railroad with ties, and in this, too, he was pros- pered. The profits were invested in real estate, which, increasing in value, enabled him to rea- lize largely from the investments. He still con- tinues the railroad tie business, in addition to which he has also been an extensive dealer in hard lumber and in fertilizers. Wealth has come to him as the result of his judicious management, and for years he has had a large bank account, at one time drawing his check for $30,000.

Mr. Van Allen has been called upon to fill va- rious official positions and has honored every position which he has filled, by proving capable, faithful and eminently trustworthy. For twelve years he has been a member of the village board, and in this capacity he has labored for the welfare of the people, fearlessly opposing every measure which he believes will be detrimental to their in- terests. He never hesitates to express his opin- ion on any subject, no matter what the opposi- tion may be. In the Queens County Agricul- tural Society, of which he is a life member, he takes an active interest.

By his marriage to Catherine Tasker, a native of Jamaica, Mr. Van Allen has a son and daugh- ter. The latter, Emma, is the wife of George Roeckel, a merchant at Foster's Meadow, Queens County, and also a partner with his father-in-law

ALFRED W. PRATT.

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in the fertilizer business. The son, S. M., early displayed the aptitude for business which is a family characteristic; at the age of seventeen he began in the coal business and has built up a large trade and won a flattering degree of success. He married Miss Gussie, daughter of Dr. Bell, of Jamaica.

A LFRED W. PRATT. To the one who ap- plies himself diligently and tirelessly to any branch of business, success will al- most invariably come. The life of Mr. Pratt of Flushing furnishes no exception to this rule. Though beginning without capital, he has been enabled, through industrious and judicious effort, to accumulate a handsome competency, and since 1894 has lived retired from active business enter- prises, retaining, however, his interest in the works with which his name has long been con- nected.

Born in Watertown, near Boston, Mass., in 1833, the subject of this sketch is a son of Asa and Eliza (Stone) Pratt, both natives of Massa- chusetts and of English descent. The father, who was a man of integrity, inherited from his Revo- lutionary ancestors a patriotic spirit that charac- terized him throughout his entire life; he was a public-spirited citizen and a hard-working man, his trade being that of a cabinet-maker. Of his eleven children, only five are living, our subject being the next to the oldest. He passed his childhood years in Watertown, Mass., where he attended the public schools, and where, under his father's instruction, he worked at the cabinet- maker's trade. In 1856 he went to New York City, and took a position with C. T. Reynolds & Co., No. 108 Fulton Street, the oldest house of the kind in the metropolis. His efficiency led to his promotion to the position of superintendent of the works, in which capacity he was employed until 1867.

Meantime having gained a thorough knowl- edge of the manufacture of paints and varnishes, Mr. Pratt resolved to start in business for him- self. Accordingly, in 1867, he built his varnish works in Fifth Street, Long Island City, later re- moving to Fourth Street, where he secured more commodious quarters, having a frontage of one hundred and fifty feet. Two years were spent alone, after which he took in a partner and the firm name became Pratt & Lambert. The con- cern was incorporated with Charles Pratt, a

brother of our subject, as president, while he filled the position of superintendent. It was largely due to his efforts that they established the largest varnish works in Long Island City, and although he retired from active business in 1894, he is still financially interested in the Pratt & Lambert Manufacturing Company. He invent- ed and patented the celebrated Pratt's Patent Liquid Dryer, which is still manufactured exten- sively in the works. In addition to the plant in Long Island City, the firm has a branch factory in Chicago and two in Long Island City, and at one time had a factory in Newark, N. J., but this has been discontinued. The volume of business is very large, and the sales aggregate an amount equal to those of any other similar concern, the superior quality of the products having secured a national reputation for the firm.

After establishing his plant in Long Island City, Mr. Pratt selected Flushing as his place of residence and here he has remained since 1868. He was married in Boston to Miss Sarah Hills, who was born in that city, and they became the parents of six children, all but two of whom are living. Politically he was originally a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he became identified with it and has since been a stanch supporter of its principles. Fraternally he is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M. . While in his youth he had only a common-school education, yet, with his strong mind and great love for reading, he keeps him- self thoroughly posted on the events of the day, and can always speak intelligently upon ques- tions of a public nature.

D ANIEL MCCARTHY, who is engaged in the grocery business at No. 78 Fifth Street. Long Island City, was born in Ahabologue Parish. County Cork, Ireland, in 1857. His father, who, though bearing the name of Eugene, was usually called Owen, engaged in farming pursuits throughout his entire active life. but in his old age lived retired from business cares. He died in 1890 at the age of ninety years. One of his brothers, Daniel. settled in Long Is- land City about 1863 and some years afterward opened a grocery store, which he conducted until his death in 1891.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Sullivan and was born in the par- ish of Ahabologue, County Cork, Ireland. Now

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ninety-two years of age (1896), she makes her home at the old place in Donoughmore, and is in fair health considering her advanced age. Her family consisted of three sons and three daugh- ters, but the daughters are all deceased, and of the sons, Daniel, who is the youngest, is the only one in the United States.

In his boyhood our subject attended the na- tional schools of Ireland, but his studies were dis- continued at the age of seventeen, when he began to do for himself. He remained at home the most of the time until he was nearly twenty-four, and then, in 1881, he took passage at Queenstown April 13 and landed in New York April 22. From New York he came direct to Long Island City, and for the four and one-half years following he was in the employ of the Warren Chemical Com- pany. Later he took charge of his uncle's gro- cery store, to the possession of which he suc- ceeded at the death of the owner. He is carrying on a general trade in staple and fancy groceries, together with such other articles as are to be found in a first-class store of this kind. He owns the three-story building at No. 78 Fifth Street, and also owns Nos. 70-72 Fifth Street.

Since coming to this country Mr. McCarthy has aimed to become familiar with the institutions of the government and has manifested the deepest loyalty to his adopted home, though by no means forgetting the land of his birth. Politically he supports the platform of the Democratic party. He is a Catholic in religious belief, trained in that faith from boyhood, and now holds member- ship in St. Mary's Church. His wife, formerly Miss Maggie Mahon, is a daughter of John Ma- hon, an old settler of Pittston, Pa., where she was born, reared and married.

N ICHOLAS LOTT, a retired farmer of the town of Jamaica, was born October 26, 1844, on the old homestead, which is but a short distance from his present comfortable home, which is located on the plank road. His father, Stephen N. Lott, who was also born on the old place, July 20, 1820, was an only child and upon attaining mature years adopted the call- ing of a farmer for his life work. He was a prom- inent member of the Dutch Reformed Church and was a teacher and assistant superintendent in the Sunday-school for many years. He was likewise one of the deacons of his congregation.

The great-grandfather of our subject, also

named Nicholas, was born August 9, 1779, and was a soldier during the War of 1812. When ready to establish a home of his own he was mar- ried to Adrianna Snediker, whose birth occurred July 27, 1794. Nicholas Lott, Sr., departed this life July 16, 1828, while his good wife survived him until July 13, 1836. The Lott family were the original settlers of Flatbush and New Lots.

The father of our subject was married De- cember 13, 1843, to Miss Cornelia Vanderveer, daughter of Charles and Maria (Van Siclen) Vanderveer. The mother died February 20, 1854, and of those beside our subject we mention the following facts: Charles V., born October 19, 1846, is spoken of elsewhere in this volume; Maria Gertrude married H. J. Stockpole, who is now de- ceased, and she makes her home in Jamaica; Ad- rianna married Peter Rapalje and at the time of her demise left a family of four children, who are now living with their father in New Lots. Ste- phen N. Lott was a second time married, the cere- mony which united him with Phebe Johnson being performed October 31, 1856. This lady was the daughter of George and Maria (Lott) Johnson, and was his second cousin.

Nicholas, of this history, followed farming on the old homestead until the property became so valuable that it was divided into city lots and sold. He now owns and occupies two acres ad- joining the place of his brother Charles, where he is leading a quiet life retired from business of any kind. He was married September 5, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth B. Gilbert, who was born in Hamilton, Canada West. She was the daughter of George Gilbert, whose birth occurred in Lei- cestershire, England, which was also the birth- place of her mother, Elizabeth Bellema. After coming to America, Mr. Gilbert located at Flat- bush, Brooklyn, where he embarked in the hard- ware business, making a success of this venture from the first. He still makes his home in the City of Churches. His good wife departed this life about 1845.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lott there were born nine children, of whom one is deceased. George Gilbert makes his home at Woodhaven; he is the father of two children, George and Elizabeth Mary. Phebe Ella Lott married Aaron T. Hall, who is engaged in the milk business and makes his home in Brooklyn; his family includes Allen H., Eliza- beth B. and Russell S. Emma Gilbert became the wife of Herbert Truman, an electrician of New York. Maria Gertrude became the wife of

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Wilbur B. White of Orange, N. J .; Stephen N., Eliza Jane, Ethel Adrianna and Florence Edna are all at home with their parents.

The home of our subject and his wife is one of the most pleasant in the town of Jamaica. Among its furnishings the writer noticed an old-fashioned clock, and upon making inquiry was told that it had been in the family for one hundred and seven- ty-five years and was a good time-keeper. Mr. and Mrs. Lott are members in excellent standing ,and active workers in the Reformed Church.

JOSEPH J GEISER, who represents the fifth ward of Long Island City upon the board of aldermen, is one of the enterpris- ing young business men of Steinway, where for some time he has been engaged as a contractor and builder. During the busy season of 1895 he gave employment to fifty men, a record which he will equal and perhaps outrival in 1896. Among the substantial residences of the place are many for which he held the contract and which in accuracy of finish and elegance of de- sign reflect the highest credit upon his ability in his chosen occupation.

The parents of our subject were Anton and Mary (Schetzen) Geiser, of whom the former, for some years engaged in business in New York City, removed in 1869 to Astoria, where he es- tablished his home in Debevoise Avenue. He carried on business here, and also retained to some extent his interests in New York City, until his death in 1877. His widow is still living on the old homestead in Astoria. They were the parents of six children, who attained manhood and womanhood, and of these four are still liv- ing-Joseph being the youngest of the family.

Born in New York City in 1861, the subject of this notice spent the first eight years of his life in the metropolis. In 1869 he was brought by his parents to Astoria, Long Island City, and for some time afterward was a student in the Fourth Ward school. At the age of fourteen he became an employe in the veneer mill of William H. Wil- liams, where he remained about five years. He then went to New York, where for three years he followed his father's occupation of a framer. Hav- ing gained a thorough business experience, he felt that the time had come to embark in an in- dependent enterprise, and with this purpose in view, he began as a contractor and framer, later taking up the work of a builder. In 1895 he

built the grand pier and bathing house at North Beach for Steinway; also Mr. Marfilius' residence on Shore Road, as well as many other houses. His shop is situated at No. 835 Albert Street, while his residence adjoins at No. 837.

The family of Mr. Geiser consists of his wife and three children. Katie, James and William. He was married in New York City to Miss Sophia Weisenstein, daughter of George Weisen- stein, a butcher of Astoria, where she was born. Politically Mr. Geiser is a Jeffersonian Democrat and has represented his party in ward, city and county conventions. He has been on the gen- eral committee from the fifth ward and also on the ward committee. In the fall of 1893 he was elected game constable for Long Island City and served from January, 1894, until January, 1896. In the fall of 1895 he was elected alder- man from the fifth ward and took his seat on the board January 1, 1896. Socially he is con- nected with the Order of Chosen Friends. His integrity and industrious habits have gained the confidence of the people, while his social quali- ties have brought him many friends.

J I OHN B. McCOOK, town clerk of Jamaica, was born in the city of New York Septem- ber 5, 1858. The family of which he is a member originated in Ireland, and was for many successive generations very prominent through- out the northern part of that country. The vil- lage of Cookstown in County Tyrone was named after one of its most influential representatives. Another of the family was Major-General Mc- Cook (a second cousin of our subject), the great Indian fighter, whose history is familiar to every- one in the United States.

Alexander McCook, our subject's father, was born in Cookstown, and there spent the years of his boyhood and youth. In 1848 he crossed the Atlantic and settled in New York, where for many years he carried on business. For fourteen years he was a member of the Ninth Regiment New- York militia and enlisted for service in the Re- bellion, in which conflict his brother, James, was killed. His death occurred at his home in Har- lem in 1891. The lady whom he married bore the maiden name of Rebecca Boyd and is a native of New York City: she is now living in Harlem. Of their twelve children eight are still living.

Educated in the common schools of New York City, our subject at an early age assisted his

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father in the management of his cracker business, and later took a position with a large silk manu- facturing house in New York, where he remained for fourteen years. When the firm failed in busi- ness he turned his attention to other lines of activity. Going to Woodhaven, he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which he followed exclusively until his election to the of- fice of town clerk in the spring of 1894. He still gives some attention to business, combining it with his official duties.

Of a genial, social nature, Mr. McCook holds membership in various fraternal clubs and or- ganizations. In his political belief he is an ardent champion of Republican principles, which he never fails to support at the polls. He still makes his home at Woodhaven, though his official duties demand his almost daily presence in Jamaica. December 2, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Ada, daughter of John Berchiell, for- merly superintendent of the Harlem Railroad. Two children bless their union, John B. and Ken- neth G. A public-spirited citizen, Mr. McCook is respected for his kindness to his fellow-men, and his honest dealings with all business brings him into contact with as well as his generous and manly attributes as a neighbor and friend.

SAAC MURRAY. This worthy and influen- tial citizen is descended from one of the old and prominent families on the island. He is a native of Springfield, Queens County, born December 19, 1838, and was one of ten children born to Daniel and Mary (Hendrickson) Murray. Five of these children now survive, viz: Daniel, Isaac, Henry; Lettie, now the wife of Theodore Pettit; and Amy, wife of George Stevens. Daniel Murray, the father of our subject, was a native of Foster's Meadow (now Elmont), born about 1805, and the son of Daniel Murray, Sr. During his youthful days he followed the sea for a few years, but finally settled down to farming near Springfield, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1890.

Isaac Murray passed his early life in active duties on the farm and in attending the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. After his union with Miss Mary E. Bayles, in 1860, he purchased his present property of his father, and soon after located on it. On this tract of land he has re- sided for the past thirty-five years and has made

many and vast improvements, for he has ever been industrious and persevering. Mrs. Murray was the daughter of William and Mary (Carpen- ter) Bayles, well-known and prominent citizens of this section.

Mr. and Mrs. Murray have had born to their marriage eight children, six of whom now sur- vice: Alice L. is the first of this number; John H., a prominent farmer of Springfield, is mar- ried and has three bright children; Irving W. is next; George S., also farming near Springfield, is married and has an interesting little child; Wil- liam J. and Jennie M. complete the list, the lat- ter being the wife of R. D. Lamberson, and the mother of three children. In his politics Mr. Murray is a Republican and is one of the well known men of the county.

G ODFREY L. MICHON, A. B., M. D. Among the number of skilled physicians of Long Island is Dr. Godfrey L. Michon of Astoria, Long Island City, who was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, in 1863, while his mother was visiting there. His father, Peter. Michon, was also born there and was descended from a fine old French family. He was a mechan- ic in iron and a machinist of more than ordinary ability. About 1854 he located in Troy, N. Y., where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Cleopha Picard, lived until their death. The lat- ter was also a Canadian by birth. They have seven children living, all of whom were born in the state of New York, with the exception of the subject of this sketch, who was the third of the family in order of birth.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 104

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