Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 105

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 105

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Dr. Michon was reared in Troy, and until he was twelve years of age attended the public schools of that place. He was then placed in La- val University, Quebec, and from this well-con- ducted institution of learning was graduated in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Soon after finishing his literary course he began the study of medicine, and after a thorough course he was graduated from the medical department of the University of the City of New York in 1887 as an M. D. He at once located in Yorkville, a suburb of New York, where he successfully prac- ticed his profession until January, 1895, when Astoria became his field of action. Although his professional career here has been very short, he is already winning golden opinions as a capable, skilled and conscientious practitioner, and it is

EDGAR DAVIS.

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a foregone conclusion that he will rise to emi- nence in his profession. He is a general practi- tioner, but makes a specialty of lung and throat diseases and in his treatment of the cases that have come under his care he has shown that he is re- markably competent and well posted. He has had considerable experience in contagious dis- eases and was physician in Riverside Hospital on North Brother Island, where for one year he at- tended many cases of typhus fever, smallpox, scarlet fever and diphtheretical cases, and thor- oughly understands all their symptoms and treat- ment. This position was a very dangerous as well as a trying one.

In New York Dr. Michon was married to Miss Mary Fallon, a native of this state, and they had one child, Godfrey, who died in 1894 at the age of two years. The Doctor is a member of several medical societies, is popular with his brother practitioners, and without doubt has a bright fu- ture.

E DGAR DAVIS, who comes of sturdy Eng- lish stock, has inherited many of the most worthy traits of that people. He was born in the village of Jericho, December 27, 1838, a son of Samuel J. and Mary (Seaman) Davis, the latter being a daughter of Isaac Seaman, a mem- ber of an old and prominent family of Queens County. The paternal grandfather, who was born on Long Island, was engaged in farming, and al- though he spent the most of his life in Oyster Bay, his last days were spent on his farm. In his family were three sons and three daughters, of whom Samuel J. was the second in order of birth. He was reared on the old homestead, received a common-school education and in early life learned the mason's trade, at which he worked in connection with farming throughout life. He died in 1894. His family consisted of five sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive.

When a small lad Edgar Davis began mak- ing his home with his maternal grandmother in Jericho, and there he was educated in the village school. At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to the mason's trade with his uncle, John M. Seaman of Jericho, with whom he re- mained for three years, then began doing jour- neyman's work, and followed this trade for a number of years. In 1865 he established a gen- eral mercantile business in Jericho, which he con- tinued for ten years. At the end of that time he

established a bottling business at Hicksville in partnership with S. P. O'Hara, under the name of the Davis & O'Hara Bottling Works, which business they conducted for two years. when Mr. Davis purchased his partner's interest and continued alone for about twelve years. Since that time he has given his attention to real estate and auctioneering, which he had followed in connection with his other business. He has filled a number of town offices, the first of which was commissioner of highways. He has since been assessor of Oyster Bay, excise commission- er for two terms and in 1865 was appointed post- master of Jericho, which position he held three years. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in this capacity eleven years, and for the past ten years he has been notary pub- lic. He carries on quite an extensive business as a dealer in real estate and in negotiating loans.

Mr. Davis has always been a Democrat in his political views and for twenty years has been a member of the Masonic order. He is also a char- ter member of the Royal Arcanum of Hicksville, Council No. 1159. In 1865 Mr. Davis was mar- ried to Miss Phoebe D. Smith, daughter of Cor- man Smith. She was born in Queens County and of her children we mention the following facts: Laura, an artist of more than ordinary ability, is a graduate of the art department of Cooper In- stitute, and is now located in New York City, where she is pursuing her studies and following her profession. Her talent in this line developed early and her father has spared no expense in giving her every opportunity to become pro- ficient; Frank is a successful business man of Brooklyn; Mabel is a student in the public schools.

March 3, 1887, the mother of these children was called from this life, and in November. 1892, Mr. Davis was again married, Miss Margaret La- ville becoming his wife. This union has resulted in the birth of one child, Sarah S. S., named for her grandmother, Sarah Starking Seanian1.

J OHN P. MAHN. In 1886 this gentleman came from New York City to College Point and here he has since engaged in business as a wholesale and retail dealer in butter and eggs, imported and domestic cheese, and all kinds of fine delicatessen. His place of business is at the corner of Thirteenth Street and Second Ave- nue, where he receives daily large shipments of

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fresh Long Island eggs and sweet butter. Through care in the purchase of goods and the reliability of his business transactions, he has built up a large trade, and is known as an efficient, capable man.

In Germany, where he was born June 5, 1861, the subject of this record received a good educa- tion in the excellent public schools. At the age of seventeen he left his native land and sought a home in the United States, believing that he could more easily attain a competency here than in the Fatherland. His first employment was in a gro- cery store of New York City. After a short time, however, he proceeded westward to San Fran- cisco, Cal., where he visited for a few months, but not wishing to be idle, he soon embarked in the grocery business, being thus engaged for one year. He then continued his travels, returning to Europe, where he visited not only Germany, but other points of interest on the continent. After a year he came back to New York and later settled in College Point, where he has since re- sided. He has established domestic ties, his wife being Katie Happeisberger, a native of Germany.

Mr. Mahn attends closely to business, which he finds demands his careful attention, and leaves him little time for public affairs. However, he is loyally devoted to the institutions of this country and has never regretted that he left his native land. In youth he was trained in the Lutheran religion, which was the faith of his forefathers, and he inclines to that denomination, though not an active worker in it. Socially he is connected with the Improved Order of Red Men, Temple of Liberty.

C HARLES FUCHS, superintendent of the water works at College Point and a well- known architect, surveyor and civil en- gineer at this place, was born in Germany Sep- tember 14, 1857. From a long line of German forefathers he inherited qualities of energy, thrift and prudence, added to which he has the Amer- ican characteristic of pluck. The first thirty years of his life were spent in his native land, where he had excellent educational advantages in the com- mon schools. In early manhood he learned the business of a surveyor and civil engineer, of which he acquired a thorough, practical knowledge; then, seeking a wider field of labor, he came to the United States, landing in New York City. For a time he was employed as a mining engineer

in Pennsylvania, and thence came to College Point, without money or friends, but possessing courage, determination and energy.

Soon after coming to this place Mr. Fuchs had an opportunity to demonstrate his ability as an engineer, and at once started on the road to success. In 1890 he was elected superintendent of the water works, which are owned by the vil- lage, and in this position he has since rendered effective service. The painstaking energy with which he has devoted himself to the work has won him the confidence of the community and a high place in the regard of all with whom he is associated. As a surveyor and civil engineer he is fully equipped for successful work, and the contracts which he has taken have always been carried out honorably and to the letter. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of Work- men and the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Gertrude Eckert, whose parents, Fred and Mary Eckert, were born in Germany, but are now dead. A son, Charles F., blesses their union.

C HRISTOPHER HACKETT was born in Kings County, Ireland, July 31, 1846, and comes of an honorable ancestry. His father, Christopher, who was a native of Erin and an expert shoemaker by trade, died at the age of eighty-five; his mother, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Lyman, was also a native of Ireland and died at the home of her son, Chris- topher, in Long Island City. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Hackett came to America, having received a good education in his native land. He had thoroughly mastered his father's trade and for several years carried on the busi- ness in New York City.

The store of which Mr. Hackett is now the proprietor is the largest on Long Island, outside of Brooklyn. It is very spacious, elegantly ap- pointed and ably managed. It fronts on three streets-Third Street, Vernon and Jackson Ave- nues, two of the principal thoroughfares in Long Island City. The store is 50x117 feet, and is di- vided into three departments, namely, dry goods. boots and shoes, and house furnishings. Mr. Hackett commenced his business career in New York City, and quickly saw there would be an. opening in the near future for a first-class general store across the East River, in what was then known as Hunter's Point. After successfully conducting a shoe business for about eight years.

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in First Avenue, New York, he moved to Long Island City, and laid the foundation of his present large and successful business. Starting on a small scale with a few clerks, his business pros- pered under his skillful and able management until the present time, when he has in his employ- ment eighteen to twenty-five clerks to attend to the wants of his numerous patrons. His store is the emporium for residents, not only of Long Island City, but all the outlying districts, includ- ing every station on the Long Island Railroad within a radius of twenty miles. Mr. Hackett is a respected resident of Long Island City, and has the implicit confidence of all business people with whom he daily comes in contact. With his fam- ily he resides in his own house in Eleventh Street. His business career has been one of honorable success in the past and bids fair for a long and prosperous future.

Mr. Hackett was first married in New York City to Miss Jane Dempsey, who died in Long Island City, three children surviving her: Mrs. Mary Hart, of Long Island City; Joseph, who as- sists his father in the store, and Lillie, who re- mains at home. Mr. Hackett's second marriage occurred in this city and united him with Miss Margaret Singleton, who was born in Long Is- land City. They have one child, Helen. Their home is pretty, comfortable and commodious and has become well known for the hospitality which is extended to all.

J ACOB BECKER, senior member of the firm of Becker Brothers, contractors and build- ers at College Point, was born in Obern- kirchen, Prussia, August 13, 1835. He is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Thil) Becker, also natives of Prussia, the former of whom, in the spring of 1854, brought his family to America, taking pas- sage on a sailing vessel at Havre and landing in New York after a voyage of twenty-eight days. Settling in Brooklyn, he worked for a short time at his trade there. June 5, 1855, he came to Col- lege Point, where he was employed as a carpenter and builder. In 1866 he started out for himself as a contractor, in which way he was occupied until his death in July, 1879. He was then nearly seventy years old; his wife died here at the age of eighty.

Of four sons now living, the subject of this record is second in respect to age. He attended the parish schools of his native land, and in 1851

began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under his father, continuing until he came to America. He also followed this occupation in Brooklyn, and in 1855 accompanied the other members of the family to College Point. where he worked at his trade for a few months. When work became slack, in the dull season, he secured employment in the hard rubber department of the rubber works, but in 1865 returned to his trade. About 1866 he formed a partnership with his father, and the following year John was taken into the firm, which is now the oldest of its kind in the village. Among the residences which they have built may be mentioned those owned by Christopher Seitz, J. Operist, John Haley and Mr. Golsner; also the drug store occupied by Mr. Hart. In the busy season about fifteen or twenty hands are employed and every contract is pushed vigorously through the efficient efforts of trained assistants. Each brother has a shop in the rear of his residence, our subject's being in Tenth Street.

By his marriage to Christine Bittenbender, a native of Germany, who died in College Point, Mr. Becker had ten children, of whom eight are living, namely: Mrs. Mary Kopp and Mrs. Liz- zie Konzet, both of this village; John, Jr., who is a carpenter in business with his father ; Mrs. Chris- tine Rhinehardt, of College Point; Wilhel- mina; Henry, a silk weaver: Jacob, Jr., who is a carpenter by trade and works in the employ of his father; and Joseph, a silk weaver. For his second wife Mr. Becker married Theresa Beham. Politically the Democratic party receives the stanch support of our subject. In St. Fidelis' Catholic Church he serves as a member of the board of trustees, and he is also connected with St. Fidelis' Society and the Steube Kosse. He served four years as a member of Enterprise En- gine Company No. 2, but is not at present con- nected with that organization.

B ENJAMIN W. CRAFT. proprietor of Mat- inecock horse farm, and a well known ag- riculturist of the town of Oyster Bay, was born July 13, 1831, and is a son of Simon and Temperance (Craft) Craft. His parents, though bearing the same name, were members of differ- ent families that bore no relation to each other. His father, who was a descendant of one of the pioneers of Long Island, was born and reared

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on the old homestead now owned by Benjamin W., and on reaching manhood selected agricul- ture as his life occupation, becoming a prominent and successful farmer and an influential citizen. For many years before his death he was a direc- tor of the Glencove Mutual Insurance Company. He also served as school and road commissioner for a long time, and received the nomination for legislature on the Prohibition ticket. At the time of his death he and his brother Oliver owned two farms in this vicinity, besides property in Brooklyn, all of which was acquired through in- dustrious and judicious efforts. He was born of Quaker parentage and trained in that faith, which he always favored, though not a member of the society. In his family there were four children, namely: Milton O., who was a farmer and lum- ber dealer of Glencove; Benjamin W .; Emma E., who married H. C. Coles, of Glencove, and is now deceased; and Sarah C., who resides in Glencove.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the home farm, where he was born and where he has spent the principal portion of his life. He was educated in the public and private schools of Glencove, and on completing his studies took charge of the homestead, which fell to him at the death of his father. The latter, during his life, had given some attention to the horse business, and this our subject has increased until he now has accommodations for seventy-five horses, the most of which come from New York City. Among the horses in his charge are some that are valuable and noted, including "Aubine" and "Zembia," that for some time held the record for a double team. This business has been established for sixty years, and our subject has carried it on for forty years. He uses on his farm all the grain he raises and is obliged to buy large quantities besides in order to properly carry on the stock business.

In 1875 Mr. Craft was elected commissioner of highways, which office he held for a number of terms. For some time he was assessor of the town of Oyster Bay, and served as collector for one term. Politically he favors the Democratic plat- form. October 2, 1860, he married Miss Martha, daughter of Ebenezer and Jane Bull, of Hampton- burg, Orange County, N. Y. Mrs. Craft's mother was a daughter of Waite Pearsall and was reared principally in Locust Valley, accompanying her parents from here to Orange County, where she married Mr. Bull. Afterward, when the family visited the old home, Mr. Craft met the daughter

and their friendship ripened into an affection that resulted in their marriage.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craft, of whom five are living, namely: Anna W., a successful professional teacher; John T., who went to Montana in 1883 and is now a suc- cessful ranchman of Ekalaka, where he has held many prominent official positions; Edward E., who remains on the home farm and assists in carrying on the business; and Harvey C. and Laura F., who are with their parents.

C E. CORNELL. A walk through the business streets of Hempstead soon brings one to the undertaking estab- lishment of which Mr. Cornell is the owner and proprietor and which, through his energetic ef- forts, has been placed on a sound financial basis. Not alone is he recognized as an enterprising business man, but in the dark hours when death enters a home his tact, delicacy and kindness in making all necessary arrangements have brought to him the esteem and regard of the people.

In the village of Mineola, one mile north of Hempstead, the subject of this sketch was born December 5, 1850. The family of which he is a member is one among the oldest on Long Island. His grandfather, Hallock Cornell, was born at Manhasset in 1773 and followed the occupation of a farmer, dying when ninety-six years of age. His sons were William, Isaac, Jeffrey, Stephen and James G. The last named, who was our subject's father, was born at Manhasset in 1803, and engaged in farm pursuits until 1865, when he went to Brooklyn and embarked in business; he died in that city in 1875. In religious belief he was a prominent member of St. George's Church. For a time he served as under-sheriff of Queens County, his father-in-law, Thomas Treadwell, being sheriff.

Our subject's mother, Lydia, daughter of Thomas Treadwell, was born in 1820 and died in 1890. Her brother, William, succeeded their father as sheriff of Queens County; her sister, Catherine, married Benjamin F. Rushmore, who was also sheriff of Queens County and the lead- ing druggist of Hempstead, as well as one of the most prominent citizens of the place. In the fam- ily of James G. and Lydia Cornell there were three sons, of whom James E. was a real estate dealer at No. 44 Court Street, Brooklyn, but died in 1888; his wife, whose maiden name was Anna

FRANKENG THIE CL

JOHN POLHEMUS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Suydam, is still living in Brooklyn, as are their five children, Miriam, Ella, Carrie, Elizabeth and James. The other son, Elbert, who is engaged in the lumber business at Richmond, Va., mar- ried Julia Barr, of Brooklyn, and they have one child, Cora.

Alternating attendance in the public schools with work on the home farm, our subject grew to manhood. For three years he was employed as a grocery clerk and later for two years was clerk for Treadwell, Jerome & Slate, in New York, after which he was for five years cashier in his father's large restaurant in Brooklyn. Thence, in 1883, he came to Hempstead and here he has since carried on a successful business as an undertaker. In 1872 he married Miss Alice, daughter of Thomas C. Weeks, of Hempstead. They are the parents of two living children, Lulu N. and Fred E., and also lost two in infancy.

Taking an active interest in politics, Mr. Cor- nell gives his vote to the candidates of the Repub- lican party. For seven years he was collector of Hempstead, but retired in 1894, refusing a re- nomination. His service in that capacity, as in every other to which he was called, was marked by consistent integrity and efficiency. In relig- ious belief he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is identified with the Mutual Benefit Association of the village, and socially holds membership in the Royal Arcanum and the Shield of Honor.

J OHN POLHEMUS, who died in Flushing December 14, 1894, was one of the oldest and most successful printers in New York City. He was born near Haverstraw, Rockland County, N. Y., December 15, 1826, and was a self-made man in all that the words imply. He was first employed in a cotton factory and was afterwards on the Morris and Lehigh Canal, but later he went to New York City, and in 1842 be- gan learning the printer's trade. He distinguished himself by his skill, and in 1852 formed a part- nership with John De Vries, under the firm name of Polhemus & De Vries, but this was later dis- solved.

Mr. Polhemus then took up his quarters at No. 102 Nassau Street, on the top floor, but as business increased he occupied the floors below it and began at once to accumulate type so that he might be prepared for emergencies. One year the firm used over twenty thousand pounds. He

accomplished the feat of printing "Gaulding's New York Directory" in eleven days. Lately the office has been removed to No. 121 Fulton Street. Mr. Polhemus was a member of the Typothetae, founded in 1863, and on its revival in 1883 he again became a member. Besides serving as its treasurer, he was also chairman of the executive committee and was a delegate to all the annual conventions except the first. In 1891 he visited Europe, and in New York was handsomely en- tertained by his friends at a banquet September 22, 1891.

Our subject made a complete success of the printing business and it is claimed that there is more type in his office, or building, than in any other office in the United States outside of the government printing office at Washington, D. C. In 1874 Mr. Polhemus located in Flushing, first at No. 136 Barclay Street, but later removed to the corner of Bowne and Madison Avenues.

Three children were born of our subject's first marriage: Horace G., Charles T. and Minnie B., the latter of whom is deceased. The two sons continue the business as The John Polhemus Printing Company and occupy six floors, this be- ing one of the largest enterprises of the kind in New York City. In Michigan our subject mar- ried his second wife, formerly Miss Emma C. Crispe, a native of Kent, England, and daughter of Edward T. and Elizabeth (Munn) Crispe. The father was a merchant in that country, but later came to the United States and settled in Plain- well, Mich. Mrs. Polhemus was first married to George E. Needham, a resident of Chicago, and a member of the Stock Exchange. She is quite a traveler, having spent much of her time in Europe and on the Pacific Coast, and is a lady possessed of more than ordinary attainments. She is a leader in the aristocratic circles of Flushing, where she has made her home for many years, and is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Polhemus' ancestors came from Holland, and his father, Theodore Polhemus, was a soldier in the War of 1812. In politics our subject was a stanch Republican.

H ERBERT LUTHER BARKER, M. D. The young professional men of Queens County are an element in the develop- ment of its interests and a centralizing force in drawing within its boundaries influences of an uplifting nature. By their character and skill they

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are adding to the reputation of the county and giving it a high standing in other parts of the state. Dr. Barker is one of the young physicians whose influence is already felt, not only in pro- fessional, but also in social circles. His office is in Woodside, and his practice extends through- out the surrounding locality, besides which he is frequently called to assist in clinics in New York.

A native of Antrim, N. H., born August 27, 1866, the subject of this sketch is a son of Henry M. and Mary J. (Colburn) Barker. He is the eld- est of three sons, his brothers being Harry C., a practicing attorney of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Fred M., who until recently was connected with the Elektron Manufacturing Company. The fam- ily for five generations were natives of New Hampshire and prominent people in the vicinity of Antrim. The Doctor's father was born in Antrim in 1838, grew to manhood in his native place, and selecting agriculture for his occupa- tion, followed that calling until the spring of 1876, when he removed with his family to Dutch- ess County, N. Y. Shortly afterward he took charge of what is now the Ogden Mills estate at Staatsburg, and for seventeen years has acted in the capacity of superintendent of this place. He is a highly esteemed citizen and is now serving his second term as supervisor of his town.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 105

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