Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 106

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

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Until 1883 our subject was a student in the public schools. In that year he entered the De- garmo Institute at Rhinebeck, a preparatory school which he attended for three years. In the fall of 1886 he entered Cornell University, hav- ing received the state scholarship, and in 1890 he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philos- ophy. Going to New York City, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and con- tinued there until his graduation in 1893. After graduating, he entered Charity and Maternity Hospital on Blackwell's Island, where he re- mained for eighteen months, in that way adding to his store of theoretical knowledge by practical and varied experience. In October, 1894, he opened an office at No. 132 West Forty-fourth Street, New York City, and there carried on a general practice until May, 1895, when he came to Woodside and established himself in his pres- ent location. In addition to his practice here, he goes to the city three times a week as clinical assistant at the Vanderbilt Clinic, and for one year after leaving the hospital he was assistant to Prof. A. M. Phelps, of the Post-graduate Medical School and Hospital. Prior to leaving the city he

was a member of the New York County Medical Society.

In 1893 Dr. Barker was united in marriage with Miss Luella J. Herrick, of Staatsburg, Dutchess County, a graduate of Mount St. Vincent Acad- emy, and a lady of many accomplishments as well as attractive courtesy of manner. The Re- publican party embodies in its platform the prin- ciples which Dr. Barker believes to be most con- ducive to the prosperity of the country, and he therefore gives his ballot to its support. As a physician, he is unusually quick and skillful in his diagnosis of disease; simple, judicious and conservative in its treatment; gentlemanly and winning in his contact with his patients, a physi- cian who, when once known, is most valued, and respected alike by rich and poor.

R. FRANKLIN TITUS, a dealer in seeds and agricultural implements at West- bury Station, was born July 7, 1861, upon the family homestead which has been in pos- session of succeeding generations of that name since 1654. The original owner was Edmund, son of Robert Titus, who was born in St. Cather- ine's parish, Hartfordshire, near London, Eng- land, and grandson of Silas, who was a colonel in the army of King Charles. The line of descent from Silas was Robert, Edmund, John, Edmund, William, Robert and R. Franklin.

William Titus, grandfather of our subject, mar- ried Phoebe Willetts, and their children were Edmund, Daniel, Samuel, William, Henry; Amelia, who married Oliver Whitson; and Amy, wife of Joseph Shotwell. Robert Titus, father of our subject, owned and occupied the old home place until his death in 1872, meantime following farm pursuits. In religious faith he was a mem- ber of the Society of Friends, and in politics ad- hered to the Republican party. He married Esther, daughter of Townsend Rushmore, and in their family were the following children: Wal- ter, deceased; Emily, who died in childhood; An- nie, who passed away at an early age; and R. Franklin, the only survivor.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed on the home farm and his education was obtained in the common schools of his native town and in a boarding school in Connecticut, where he com- pleted his studies. In 1878 he took charge of the home place, and has since given considerable attention to its cultivation. In 1891 he embarked

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in his present business, and has since carried on a large trade among neighboring farmers. He carries only the best grades of seeds, which he supplies to farmers and gardeners, and also has in stock a complete assortment of mowers, bind- ers, plows, harrows and other farming imple- ments. With each year his trade has largely in- creased, until the business is now established upon a sound financial basis.

Actively interested in public affairs and a Re- publican in political views, Mr. Titus is vice-presi- dent of the Republican Club and has served his party upon different committees and in various positions of trust. Since 1892 he has been a mem- ber of the Long Island Farmers' Club and in 1895 was elected vice-president of the organiza- tion, also a member of the board of managers. At the World's Fair he was awarded a diploma for his exhibition of thirty-four different varieties . of seed potatoes. In company with Mr. Whitson he organized the Westbury Law and Order League for the purpose of preventing gambling and the illicit sale of liquor, and he is one of the executive committee of the league. Since 1893 he has held the office of inspector of elections. In religious belief he follows the faith of his an- cestors and holds membership in the Society of Friends. October 1, 1885, he married Phoebe, daughter of Jonathan Carpenter, of White Plains, and they are the parents of four children, Walter, Raymond, Robert and Dorothy.

J OSEPH STEINERT. To gain success in the legal profession an abundance of energy is necessary, together with a keen insight into human nature and mental powers of a high order. These qualities have combined to secure for Mr. Steinert an enviable reputation as a law- yer. He has a natural legal mind, is a close stu- dent and well versed in his profession. As an advocate, either before court or jury, he is forci- ble, clear and concise in presenting his cases, and is convincing in argument. His office is in New York City, but he makes his home in Hicksville, where he is known as a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen.

The Steinert family is of German origin. The father of our subject, Herman, is a son of Her- man Steinert, Sr., who died at the early age of twenty-five. The former, a native of Prussia, came to America and settled in New York, where he engaged in legal practice. To this profession

he has devoted his attention throughout life, not having taken much interest in public affairs or political matters. October 10, 1844, he married Rosetta Levy, who was born in Prussia, and whose parents, Louis and Caroline Levy, died in New York City at the respective ages of eighty- seven and ninety-eight. Unto their union were born seven children, Joseph, Henry, Max, Mau- rice, William, Jacob and Sarah, all of whom are . living except one son.

The subject of this sketch was born in New York City June 10, 1846, and attended the pub- lic schools of that city until fifteen years of age, at which time he entered the law office of his maternal uncle, the late David Levy, and re- mained there until he was admitted to the bar. at the May term of the supreme court in 1868. He has since engaged in general practice, with the exception of three years, during which he was clerk of the seventh judicial district court in New York City. To this office he was appointed in June, 1872, and after filling it for three years he restimed the practice of law, which he has since continued.

May 8, 1867, in New York City, Mr. Steinert was united in marriage with Miss Agnes B. Machen, daughter of James Machen, who died in New York City from wounds received in the War of the Rebellion. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Steinert, of whom the fol- lowing are living: Joseph H., who received his education in the public schools of New York: Louis, who attended Packard's College in New York City; Samuel, William, David, Jerome, Ida and Kate.

In 1882 Mr. Steinert took up his residence in Hicksville, where he has since made his home. In 1883 he was elected justice of the peace and the following year was chosen justice of the ses- sions of Queens County. In 1887 he was re- elected justice of the peace, which position he filled with efficiency. In 1892 he was selected to represent the town of Oyster Bay on the board of supervisors of Queens County, and the next year was re-elected to the position, but in 1894 refused a renomination for the same office, and has since held no public position. Politically he has always adhered to the platform of the Democratic party and it is safe to say that the organization has no member in Queens County more loyal to its inter- ests than is he. January 1, 1892, he was ap- pointed counsel to the sheriff of Queens County. which position he held under James Norton, then

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sheriff, until January 1, 1895, when he was suc- ceeded by the present incumbent of the office, a Republican in politics.

In whatever position Mr. Steinert has been placed, whatever duty he has been called upon to perform, in all his social and professional con- nections, his course has been one of honor and integrity, and his success is the legitimate result . of his exemplary life. On questions of law he is regarded as an authority, and he is held in the highest regard as a safe counselor and a man of profound judgment.

A LBERT L. BOYD, the well known hatter of Long Island City, was born in Flens- burg, Schleswig, Denmark, February 20, 1847, being a son of Albert Erasmus and Maria Catherine (Witt) Boyd, natives of the same place as himself. His father, who was a man of ener- getic and industrious disposition, was a sailor by occupation, and while out on a whaling expedi- tion was lost at sea, being then still a young man. The widowed mother afterward married Chris- tian Lauritz, a sailor, who accumulated consider- able money in the West India trade, and who, in 1857, brought the family to America, settling on the corner of West Eleventh and Waverley Place, New York. He opened a grocery there, which he conducted for many years, gaining a compe- tence sufficient to provide his children with ex- cellent educational advantages. He died in New York in February, 1891, and his wife passed away in February, 1875.

Our subject and his older brother, John, a resi- dent of New York City, are the only children of his mother's first marriage. To her second union seven children were born, but the only survivor is Frederick, who is a buyer for LeBoutiler Broth- ers. The daughter, Annie, Mrs. W. E. A. His- cox, of New York, died in 1882; Christian H., a traveling salesman, died in 1880; and Charles, who was first tenor in an opera company, also was connected with a wholesale grocery house, and died in New York City in 1885. Our sub- ject's step-father had by his first marriage a son, John, who went through the entire period of the Civil War as a member of the United States navy and afterward died in the naval hospital, and was buried in the navy yard at Brooklyn.

In 1857, with the other members of the family, our subject took passage on a sailing vessel that reached New York after a passage of forty-six

days. He was educated in Grammar School No. 4I, in Greenwich Avenue, New York City, and afterward was apprenticed with Warnock & Co., No. 519 Broadway, with whom he remained for eight and one-half years. At one time he had the pleasure of selling a hat to ex-President U. S. Grant, then commander-in-chief of the army. Many of the most prominent men of the city were among his customers, and he also had consider- able patronage from well known men of other places. While with this firm he was personally requested by A. T. Stewart to solicit subscriptions opposing the Broadway Railroad. After spend- ing a week at the task and securing many names, he was requested to show the list to Mr. Stewart personally, which he did. The multi-millionaire looked over the names, expressed his gratifica- tion and thanked him very kindly.

Upon leaving Warnock & Co. Mr. Boyd be- came connected with John H. Day, a hatter at No. 33 Park Row. Later he was with Schindler, of No. 1179 Broadway, for eighteen years, as head salesman, remaining with him until the business was closed out. Meantime, in October, 1874, he located his residence in Long Island City. In 1892 he was appointed a clerk in the treasurer's office of this city, where he remained until April I, 1895. While in the office he opened a hat store at No. 454 Broadway, where he has since carried on business, keeping the latest and most approved styles in the market. In addition he also has a complete stock of men's furnishing goods.

April 12, 1868, in New York City, Mr. Boyd married Miss Caroline E. Zinser, a native of that place. Her father, Benjamin Zinser, who was born in Alsace, came to America at the age of nineteen and settled in New York City, being employed as a barber in the old Chelsea village, now Ninth Avenue and Eighteenth Street. Later he was on Eighth Avenue. In 1874 he came to Long Island City, where he still resides. He was a member of the old Continental Guard and the New York Militia. During the Civil War he was called out for one hundred days' service, enlist- ing as a private in Company D, Eleventh New York Infantry, and being promoted later to be first lieutenant. His wife, Caroline (Kieffer) Zin- ser, was born in Alsace, and was a daughter of Godfrey Kieffer, who emigrated to America and was an interpreter in New York for some time, being known there as a fine linguist and educated man. He died in 1868 at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. Zinser passed away in Long Island City in

THOMAS VALENTINE.

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1891. Both were Lutherans, which was the re- ligious belief of the family. Mrs. Boyd, who is the only living child of her parents, was reared in New York and attended Grammar School No. 25 in Seventeenth Street. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have had four children, namely: Benjamin Z., who is foreman of Engine Company No. 5; Mrs. Minnie Hahn, who died in 1890 at the age of nineteen, leaving one child, John: Albert, who died at seven years of age; and Magdalene.

Always interested in political affairs, Mr. Boyd is an active Republican. Notwithstanding the fact that his party is in the minority, he led the ticket when nominated for supervisor, and also for alderman. Socially he is identified with En- terprise Lodge No. 228, K. of P., in which he has held the different chairs, and is now past district deputy. For seven years he was con- nected with the Protection Engine Company No. 2, of which he was treasurer for five years, and while a member he rendered especially valuable service by his work on the records. He is also a charter member of Arion Singing Society.

T HOMAS VALENTINE. In tracing the genealogy of this family in Long Island we find that it is one of the oldest and most prominent here. The first members of this fam- ily of whom we have any record were Thomas and Robert Valentine, brothers, who lived on the old farm of their father's in the town of Oyster Bay. This farm consisted of about one thousand acres and was divided between the two sons. It is not known whether Robert married or not, but Thomas wedded Miss Elizabeth Hewlett, sister of Capt. Charles Hewlett of Revolutionary fame, and ten children were the fruits of this union, six daughters and four sons. These sons were: Obadiah, Absalom, Hewlett and Jeremiah. The last named, the grandfather of our subject, was born June 21, 1762, and in May, 1784, he married Miss Mary Van Velsor. His death occurred June 15, 1850. Their children were as follows: Obadiah, James, Samuel, Thomas, John H., Mary A., Elizabeth and Rachel.

Of these children, Thomas was the father of our subject. He was born August 1, 1794, and was married April 1, 1819, to Miss Sarah Brooks, daughter of Daniel Brooks of New York City. His death occurred December 1, 1872. Of the children born of his marriage, three died in in- fancy. The others were as follows: Sarah, Thom-

as, Elizabeth A., Jeremiah and John H. Soon after his marriage, the father of our subject engaged in the grocery business in New York, on borrowed capital, at first on a small scale, and meeting with success in this venture he carried on business for a number of years. He made his home in the city until he was fifty years old, after which he returned to his father's large farm and assumed its management. In cultivat- ing the land he used improved methods, and thus made a success of the calling. In politics he was a radical Whig and an active worker for his party. During his nine years' residence on the farm he was twice elected to the office of high- way commissioner, school trustee, justice of the peace and associate judge of the county. In the building of the Flushing and Bayside plank road he took an active interest and was president of the corporation. After his removal to Williamsburg, where he spent the remainder of his days, he was elected trustee of the Williamsburg Bank, filling that position for fourteen years. He was also very prominent in church matters and an active member of Grace Episcopal Church of Jamaica.

Thomas Valentine, our subject, was born Sep- tember II, 1827, in the city of New York, and there remained until fifteen years old, receiving his education in the school of All Saints, New York City, and Union Hall Academy, Jamaica. He then moved with his parents to the farm and gave his undivided attention to cultivating the same until within the last few years, during which time he has been retired, although he still re- sides on the homestead. In politics he is a Re- publican and has ever been interested in the wel- fare of his party. For years he has been con- nected with the educational interests of his sec- tion and for fifteen years he was inspector of elec- tions and delegate to county conventions. For years he has been a worthy membr of Zion Epis- copal Church of Little Neck.

On the 20th of March, 1851, Mr. Valentine married Miss Cornelia E. Cornell, a native of . Little Neck, and the daughter of William Cornell, who was a prominent citizen of that section. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Val- entine: Sarah, wife of John R. Wright of Ja- maica; John, a merchant and contractor of Ja- maica; Emma, wife of James H. Remsen of Ja- maica; Thomas, in Dutchess County, N. Y .; Charles, a farmer of Flushing; Nellie, wife of Charles H. Tilten, who carries on the old farm; and Lincoln, who is a contractor of Great Neck.

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Mrs. Valentine died on the old home place March 8, 1885, and since then Mr. Valentine has made his home with his daughter Nellie. Our subject is a man whose character is above reproach and whose honorable career through life has gained him the respect and esteem of all. In his posses- sion are deeds for the old farm, conveying it first to the grandfather, Jeremiah, March 28, 1815, and this has been preserved in the family up to the present time.

M ICHAEL JEUCH, who resides at Nos. 57-59 Thirteenth Street, College Point, was born near Strasburg, Alsace, then in France, 1834 being the year of his birth. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Ashelmann) Jeuch, were also natives of Alsace, where the former was a wine merchant and an extensive vine grower. The family consisted of two daugh- ters and three sons, namely: John, who was wounded five or six times during the Franco- Prussian war, and died here after its close; Jacob, who died in College Point; Michael, Mary and Catherine, who reside in Europe. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Jeuch, was a farmer.

In the schools of Alsace Michael Jeuch ob- tained a good French and German education, after which he served a two years' apprentice- ship to the mason's trade. In 1850 he took pas- sage on the sailer "Zurich" at Havre, and after a voyage of ten weeks landed in New York, Feb- ruary 2, 1851. For three years he worked at his trade in New York, after which, in 1854, he came to College Point and assisted in erecting the En- terprise works. The following year he estab- lished his home here, and since 1856 has been engaged in building and contracting. He had the contract for Oppenheimer's silk mill, the town hall, Kunze's silk mill, the addition to the Enterprise rubber works, Kleinert's Bank, the buildings of the Mutual Brewing Company and many residences, both here and in Whitestone, Bayside and Flushing. Formerly, during the busy seasons, he employed from fifty to sixty men, being the largest contractor here. He still owns about fifteen houses and other valuable property.

Miss Mary Klein, who was born in Alsace, be- came the wife of Mr. Jeuch in New York City and died in College Point. Of their eight chil- dren four are living, namely: Michael, a mason here; Mrs. Annie Rheinhardt, of New York; Kate; and George, a mason working for his father.

In addition, there is an adopted daughter named Katie Weir. For four years Mr. Jeuch was a trustee of College Point and served on the street, light, police and assessment committees. For eight years he was overseer of the poor for the town of Flushing, and for two years he was fire commissioner. He is a charter member of St. Johannes Lutheran Church and one of its prin- cipal workers. He has frequently represented his party-the Democratic-as delegate to local and state conventions.

For three years before coming to College Point Mr. Jeuch was a member of an engine company in Melrose, and afterward he was foreman of the Union Bucket Company and later became fore- man of the James Smith Engine Company No. I. With several others he purchased the engine and built the engine house. On the incorporation of the village the engine was sold and a hose car- riage purchased. For two years he was foreman of the Union Hose Company, after which he joined the Enterprise Hose Company, and later became connected with the Eagle Hook and Lad- der Company, for which he built the houses, and in which he is still an honorary member. He served for two years as chief engineer of the fire department of College Point, which he organ- ized, and he is to-day the oldest fireman in this vicinity. On several occasions he has had nar- row escapes with his life, but he has always been fortunate in avoiding serious accident. He is a member of the Order of American Firemen at this point. His record as a fireman is an honora- ble one, of which he may well be proud.

C OLES PETIT. The name of this gentle- man has been usefully and honorably identified with the best interests of Queens County for many years, and he is at present liv- ing at Milburn, where he conducts a general mer- cantile establishment. 'He was born in 1841 to Asa and Susan (Seaman) Petit, both natives of the town of Hempstead. The father was a far- mer by occupation, following this business until his advancing years made it necessary for him to retire. He is now in his eighty-ninth year and is living in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life, surrounded by a host of warm and admiring friends. During his boyhood days he was a crack shot and spent much of his leisure time in tramp- ing about the town of Hempstead hunting for game, of which there was an abundance. His

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estimable wife is still living and is now eighty-one years of age.

Our subject was given every opportunity for gaining a common-school education, and, being reared as a farmer, followed this occupation until twenty-five years of age. His ambitious spirit, however, drove him into the oyster business, and, purchasing a sloop, he was employed in this in- dustry for three and a half years. Retiring from the latter himself, he hired a captain to take charge of the vessel, and when that gentleman died several years later, he sold out his business in this line and came to Milburn. Here he in- vested his money in a stock of general merchan- dise and his interests in this business are now of quite extensive proportions.

In 1872 Mr. Petit was married to Miss Phebe F., daughter of John Hageman, a worthy citizen of Long Island, and to them have been granted three children, namely: Irving C., Alice and Winant B. In local affairs Mr. Petit is conserva- tive, but during national elections he supports the candidates of the Democratic party. He is one of the most popular residents of his com- munity, and with his family moves in the best circles of society on the island.

T HOMAS S. WRIGHT, whose home is sit- uated at the junction of Chrocheron Ave- nue and Whitestone Road, town of Flush- ing, is a native of this place and was born April

22, 1845. Upon another page of this volume will be found mention of his parents, Jordan and Mary P. (Willets) Wright, under whose training he was prepared for an honorable position in the commercial world. His education, which was commenced in a private school at Bayside, was later carried on in Flushing Institute, where he was a student for some time.

At the age of twenty years Mr. Wright went to New York City and entered a broker's office, where he remained for a period of twelve years. He finally resigned in order to accept a clerkship in the Mechanic's Bank of New York City, where he has been a trusted employe for seventeen years. During this long period he has proved faithful to every trust reposed in him, and well deserves the high regard in which he is held by the officials of the institution.

The marriage of Mr. Wright to Miss Martha C. Cadness, daughter of John Cadness, a promi- nent horticulturist of Flushing, occurred July II,

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 106

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