Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 107

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 107

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1877, and has been a union of mutual helpfulness and happiness. They are the parents of a son and daughter. The former, John J., was born April 19, 1878, and is now a student in Flushing Institute. The daughter, Susie Eleanor, was born November 11, 1880, and is a pupil in the Schuler Academy at Flushing. Though Mr. Wright has never actively identified himself with politics, he has strong opinions on the subject and is a pronounced Republican. His forefathers were Friends and he clings to that faith, holding membership in the society.

B ENJAMIN F. EVERITT, who is a well known business man of Jamaica, was born in this village in 1848. The name of Ever- itt is pioneer on Long Island and for generations to come will maintain its prominent place among the first families of Queens County. Reference to the ancestral history appears in the sketch of our subject's brother, William E. Everitt, also of Jamaica.

Educated in the public schools of the village, the subject of this notice began his active busi- ness career at an early age, when he became an employe of the government in the postoffice. In 1868 he entered the office of the county clerk, where he remained about ten years, and the length of his service in that place proves his ability and faithfulness. Desiring to enter business with his father and brother, he resigned from the office and became connected with the management of the undertaking establishment, to the ownership of which he succeeded at the death of his father and the contemporaneous retirement of his brother from the concern.

A public-spirited citizen, Mr. Everitt always lends his aid and influence to the advancement of measures which he believes will be conducive to the public welfare. In local affairs he takes an active part, and both in county and national elections casts his ballot for the principles of the Democratic party. In 1883 he was chosen cor- oner of the county and served in that capacity until January 1, 1895. He has also held other positions of trust and responsibility. In religious connections he is identified with the Reformed Church of Jamaica, and for fifteen years has been its sexton. Socially he is connected with the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders and the Royal Arcanum, and for ten years served as district deputy of the Odd Fellows. He was also a mem-

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ber of the grand council of the state of the Royal Arcanum.

The marriage of Mr. Everitt took place De- cember II, 1868, when Miss Mary E. Baylis be- came his wife. She is a daughter of Selah Baylis, and a member of one of the old Quaker families of Long Island. They are the parents of three children, of whom the eldest, Carrie E., is the wife of George L. Adams, who is associated in business with Mr. Everitt. The other daughters, Nettie R. and M. Anna, are students in the vil- lage schools.

A LBERT J. BOGART. To the contractor and builder in effect, conjointly with the architect, belongs the task of imparting to a city that appearance of solidity, wealth, refine- ment and comfort which at once stamps its citi- zens as progressive and enterprising. Among the most successful architects and builders of Far Rockaway stands the name of Albert J. Bogart. whose exceptional business abilities, reliability and promptness in carrying out his undertakings, and the liberal methods he employs in dealing with the public, have secured him wide recog- nition and an influential patronage. Mr. Bogart has been a resident of Far Rockaway for eleven years and has been engaged in his present busi- ness for the past five years. He is endorsed by leading architects and owners as never exceeding his estimates, while most faithfully following out plans and specifications.

Mr. Bogart's father, Isaac Bogart, is a native of the Keystone State, born in Wayne County, and although formerly engaged in the lumber business, is now a most successful agriculturist. He married Miss Phoebe Jane Tyler and to them were given three children, two sons and one daughter, as follows: William P., of Washington ; our subject; and Hannah, of Sullivan County. Albert J. was born in Wayne County, Pa., No- vember 9, 1864, and was reared in the lumber business. He received but limited educational advantages, having been kept out of school after he was twelve years of age, but as he has been observing has made up for what he lost in ear- lier years. He remained with his father until six- teen years old, and then went to the western part of the state, where he was in the lumber business for one year.

From there Mr. Bogart went to Michigan, and, being a natural mechanic, began working at the

carpenter's trade. He did not spend the usual time in learning the trade, as it came naturally to him, and he displayed unusual ability from the start. When but a small boy he observed con- struction, and when he saw a building erected he immediately imitated it on a small scale. A sawmill he imitated perfectly, had it in running order, and the details were carefully worked out. Later in life Mr. Bogart moved to Islip, and after working at the carpenter's trade for a year and a half went to Westchester County, remaining one year. Then he began contracting and building on his own responsibility, making his own plans. He has met with the best of success and is doing considerable business in Far Rockaway. His marriage united him with Miss Maud Wheatley, of New York City. In national affairs he is a Democrat, but in local affairs he votes for the best man.

A DOLPHUS DONCOURT, of the firm of Doncourt Brothers, dealers in hardware and house furnishing goods at Flushing, was born in Port Washington, Queens County, and is a son of Alfred and Amelia (Allen) Don- court, natives respectively of New York City and Long Island. His father, who was proprietor of a grist mill for some years, but is now living re- tired at Seacliff, is a son of Ellory Doncourt, who emigrated from France to America in early man- hood, having previously served in the war under Napoleon; he first engaged in the manufacture of wall paper at Hempstead, after which he pur- chased a farm at Lakeville, where his death oc- curred. Our subject's mother, who was a daugh- ter of David Allen, died at Great Neck in 1896. Of her marriage four sons and one daughter were born, namely: John H., who resides at Seacliff; David H., and Adolphus, comprising the firm of Doncourt Brothers; August, who lives at Man- hasset, and Mrs. Mary Anna Lane, whose home is at Great Neck.

The childhood years of our subject were spent in the town of North Hempstead, in the vicinity of the village of Hempstead. At the age of sev- enteen he began a three years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade at Great Neck, and upon the completion of his term of service he spent three years in journeyman work, being employed prin- cipally by J. H. L'Hommedieu. In 1884 he came to Flushing, where he was employed in the hardware department of Clement & Bloodgood,

WILLIAM H. SIEBRECHT.

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of which his brother was manager. In 1889 he resigned his position in order to engage in busi- ness on his own account, opening a small store at No. 35 Main Street. The following year he was joined by his brother and they opened a larger store at No. 29 Main Street, embarking in busi- ness under the firm name of Doncourt Brothers. In 1895 Adolphus Doncourt bought the present property at No. II Main Street and erected a large three-story frame building, 25x100, of which the firm occupy the first floor and basement, the second floor being devoted to offices and the third to residence flats. Not only is the location the best in the village, but the building itself surpasses in design and finish anything before attempted here. The stock is large, consisting of a com- plete assortment of hardware and house furnish- ing goods, as well as a stock of bicycles.

In Haverstraw, Rockland County, Mr. Don- court married Miss Elizabeth R. Sharp, who was born in New York City. They are the parents of two sons, Howard and Carlton. Mrs. Doncourt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which our subject contributes, though not identified with it. In national politics he inclines to Republican principles. Socially he is associ- ated with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., of which he is past master. He is also a mem- ber of Pentalpha Chapter. As a business man he is able, efficient, energetic and industrious and abundantly deserves the large success which he has gained by his unaided efforts.

W ILLIAM H. SIEBRECHT. This suc- cessful and popular florist of Astoria, Long Island City, and prominent member of the fire and water board of this place, is a native of Germany, born in Berka, province of Hanover, December 27, 1852, a son of Henry and Georgina Siebrecht, both natives of the same province. In his native land the grandfather fol- lowed farming and his son Henry, after his mar- riage, followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, tilling the soil nearly all his life. In addition to this he also followed weaving. About 1880 he came to this country and now lives retired on a place adjoining our subject's. He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Their children, four in number, are all living, and are in the order of birth as follows: Louisa, Mrs. B. Wolf of Long Island City; Henry A., a well- known florist of New Rochelle, N. Y .; Willian1

H., our subject; and Lena, Mrs. Meyer of New York City.

Our subject remained in Berka, Germany, u11- til ten years old, and then removed with his parents to Göttingen, Hanover, where he fin- ished his education. Later he was apprenticed to a florist in Cassel (Hesson) and after com- pleting his apprenticeship, in 1870, crossed the ocean to America, hoping to find a wider field for his business. For two years he remained in New York City, working at his trade in the employ of his brother, Henry A., who had come to this country some time before. After remaining a year with his brother, William H. started out for himself, and with what money he had saved in- vested in eighteen lots in Broadway between First and Second Avenues, one of the finest pieces of property in Astoria. Starting with four houses he soon added to this, and at the present time has twelve green houses, covering about thirty thou- sand square feet, all nicely arranged and kept in the best of condition. There is a large shed for storage which is used every day, and in this one can drive a team and wagon. The coal cellar is under the shed and five boilers furnish hot water heat to the houses. An engine is used to pump water from-the artesian well and a cistern of fifty- eight thousand gallons furnishes the houses with plenty of water. An elevated tank, holding thir- teen thousand gallons of rain water, supplies the houses, for Mr. Siebrecht prefers this water to any other and will only use the water from the ar- tesian well when obliged to.

Mr. Siebrecht makes a specialty of bulbous plants, lilies of the valley, hyacinths, tulips, daf- fodils, narcissus, etc .; also carnations and chrysan- themums, asparagus, and all kinds of lilies in their season. These bulbs and plants he imports every year fresh from the regions where they grow, and he has many choice plants. In 1893 he took a trip abroad partly for pleasure and partly for busi- ness, and visited his native place. Later he vis- ited Belgium, Holland, France and Italy, re- mtaining abroad about three months. He is a member and stockholder of the building and loan association, and in national politics is a Repub- lican, although independent in local affairs. Not long since he erected a fine residence adjoining his greenhouses, and this is presided over by his excellent wife, formerly Miss Annie R. Heim, a native of New York City, where she was reared and educated. Their four children are nanted as follows: Pauline, Henry, William and George.

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In 1894 Mr. Siebrecht was appointed a mem- ber of the fire and water committee by Mayor Sanford. He is president of the New York Cut Flower Exchange, of which he was one of the principal organizers, and was its treasurer until appointed to his present position. He is also a member of the New York Florist Club and a trus- tee of the Long Island City Savings Bank. For some time he has been a prominent member of the Second Reformed Church of Astoria.

P ROF. GEORGE W. EMMERICH, pro- fessor of music at College Point, and or- ganist at the German Lutheran Church, was born here April 22, 1865. His father, George, who was a native of Germany, came here early in the settlement of the village and was em- ployed in the Enterprise rubber mills, where his industry and energy brought him the good will of his employers. Unfortunately, the work af- fected his eyesight, and being advised to change his occupation, he established a milk business in 1866, to which he has given his attention during most of the time since. By his marriage to Wil- helmina Schultz he had seven children, of whom the following survive: George W .; Elizabeth and Annie, who reside in College Point; Louie, who is learning the machinist's trade, and Mamie.

The subject of this article was educated in the common schools and Dr. Bowsher's College. Early in life he evinced a remarkable aptitude for music, and his talent being recognized, he was given the advantages of the best instruction the village afforded. Since 1889 he has been an instructor in vocal and instrumental music, both piano and organ, and is the principal musical di- rector here, having charge of the singing societies, Harmonie Maennerchor, Harmonie Damenchor, and Concordia Mixed Choir. On different occa- sions he has given concerts of high grade, at some of which his own compositions have been rendered. For fourteen years he has been the organist at the German Lutheran Church.

While Professor Emmerich did not have the opportunity of study with remarkable foreign ar- tists and is not a graduate of noted European conservatories, nevertheless his rendition of the composition of the old masters and his thorough grasp upon the whole science are fully equal to those who have had superior advantages. One of his compositions was given under his super- vision at a concert in College Point, by a chorus

of eighty voices and an orchestra of twenty pieces, which for conception, theme, harmony and exe- cution would have reflected credit upon any of the great professors, ancient or modern.

A Republican in political opinions, Professor - Emmerich is not active in public affairs and avoids official preferment, having sufficient to occupy his time in professional work. He attended school until he was nineteen, after which for three years he aided his parents on the home farm, being of great assistance to them then, as he is now. His ready ear for musical sounds made telegraphy very easy for him to learn, and he worked at it for four years, but in the meantime his musical ability became so apparent that, upon the solicitation of many, he gave up telegraphy and engaged in teaching music. In religious be- lief he is a Lutheran and for years has had charge of the choir in the church of which he is organist. He stands well in College Point, where everyone knows and respects him, and while other teachers meeting with indifferent success have left for other places, he remains to the satisfaction of his patrons and pupils.

D ANIEL DeMOTT comes of a line of sturdy and industrious farmers, who have witnessed the development and upbuild- ing of Queens County, and he has not been inac- tive in the accomplishment of this result. The farm which he occupies is thirty-seven acres in extent and has been the scene of his labors for many years. The place is pleasantly and favora- ply located in the town of Hempstead and is well improved in every particular, having on it a set of substantial buildings and all the needful ma- chinery for the carrying on of a first-class farm.

Mr. DeMott was born in this town in the year 1818. His parents were John and Ann (Snede- ker) DeMott, who were likewise born in this portion of the county and here passed their en- tire lives engaged in farming. The father was successful in his various undertakings and be- came well-to-do in this world's goods. His death occurred several years after the death of his wife.

Daniel, of this sketch, like most of the youth of his day and locality, attended the district school, where he made the most of his meager opportunities and became well informed in the common branches of study. He chose the occu- pation of a farmer for his life work and in the

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pursuance of this calling has met with signal suc- cess.

In 1840 Mr. DeMott was married to Miss Har- riet V., daughter of Michael Combs, a worthy citizen of the town of Hempstead. Six children were granted them, three of whom are now liv- ing, namely: Harriet, the wife of John Snedeker, of Hempstead; Anna E., Mrs. Daniel D. Smith, of Oyster Bay; and Daniel, who still lives on the home farm, which he helps to cultivate. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which they have taken a very active and prominent part. Though not an office seeker, Mr. DeMott is great- ly interested in the success of the Republican par- ty, whose candidates he never fails to support. Although now past seventy-eight years of age, he is hale and hearty and is remarkably well pre- served. He is prepared to take life easy, and as one of the oldest citizens of the town commands the respect and confidence of the entire com- munity.

A DAM GAUCH. Since 1868 this gentle- man has occupied the same place of busi- ness in College Point, and he is therefore well known to two generations of residents here. He has worked industriously and patiently, pro- viding for his family, educating his children and laying aside a portion of his earnings for the pro- verbial "rainy day" when work is no longer pos- sible. From 1861 until 1868 he was engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes in New York, and since that time has been similarly engaged 'n College Point.

Corn in Bavaria, Germany, May 17, 1840, Adam Gauch was thirteen years of age when he left his native land, having previously gained a fair common-school education. In 1854 he land- ed in New York City, where he apprenticed him- self to a brother-in-law, who was a shoemaker by trade. He soon acquired a good knowledge of the manufacture of shoes, and has since devoted his attention to this occupation. In New York, in 1863, he married Miss Christina Keppler, a native of Germany, but a resident of this country since childhood. They are the parents of two daughters and one son, named as follows: Katie, wife of Richard Scmitz, of New York City, and the mother of three children, Freda, Emma and Carrie; William A., who lives in College Point; and Emma, who is attending school in this vil-

lage. The family are attendants at the services of the Episcopal Church and are held in high es- teem by all to whom they are known.

For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Gauch has been actively identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he takes a warm interest. His residence and store are situated at No. 76 Second Avenue, where he has remained uninterruptedly for a period of twenty-eight years. During this time he has wit- nessed many changes in the community and the growth of the village. His acquaintanceship is large, including not only all the people of Col- lege Point, but many from adjoining villages, by all of whom he is esteemed as an honest, indus- trious man.

N ILLIAM A. PITT, the well known en- gineer and inventor, residing at Man- hasset, was born in New York City, June 8, 1844, to William and Annette (Burtnette) Pitt. His grandfather, Charles Pitt, and father were natives of Croydon, England, whence they came to America and settled in New York, being the first plumbers of that city. Charles Pitt was the inventor of the water back for hot water pur- poses, but he did not take out letters patent for his invention. He and his son followed plumbing throughout life and moved from the city to Stam- ford, Conn., where they died.

At the trades of plumber, steam fitter and ma- chinist, our subject served successive apprentices. At the age of twenty-six he began to invent. He originated the idea of lighting gas by the electric spark. He invented and introduced many im- provements in sanitary plumbing and also for the ventilation of buildings in New York, all of which were patented. In 1869 he became an engineer of the chief of staff of the fire department and furnished the instruction and lectures for the men. Another of his inventions was a system for the carrying of the sewage to land for its improve- ment, without contaminating the rivers. Since 1884 he has been contending with the scientific world for innovations in the steam engine, which is the greatest improvement yet effected in that line, and as a result has secured a method to save loss of power, making a practical saving of no less than one-half the applied force. He has pub- lished the only book of two hundred pages in reference to the steam engine crank, as against a half page by anyone else. The scientific have ac-

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cepted his inventions, recognizing their great val- ue. He has never allowed any man to take the advantage of him in his inventions or deprive him of the profit therefrom. For his latest invention he has been offered $100,000.

The first marriage of Mr. Pitt took place in 1876. His second marriage, December 29, 1880, united him with Miss Emma Tracy, who was born in New York City, being a daughter of Capt. Prescott Tracy. Two daughters bless the union, Florence S. and Louise Elder, the former of whom was born in New York, and the latter in Glen Brook, Conn. The family are attendants at and members of the Episcopal Church of Man- hasset.

When our subject was about eight years of age his parents moved to Stamford, Conn., where he attended the public schools. Later he prosecuted his studies in the Moravian school at Nazareth, Pa., where he completed the course. To the in- formation obtained in schools he has added by ob- servation and self-culture and is now a man of broad knowledge and extended information upon all topics. In 1868 he cast his first presidential ballot for General Grant, and since then has al- ways supported Republican candidates. Socially he is a member of Enterprise Lodge No. 228, F. & A. M., of New York City.

J I ACOB SALATHE. While Switzerland has not contributed as large a number of citizens to the United States as have some other countries of the Old World, yet it may truthfully be said that no land has sent better, braver or more honest hearts than has the mountain-ribbed home of William Tell. In the list of the Swiss who have sought in the United States a wider field of labor than was offered by their own coun- try, mention belongs to Jacob Salathe, of Col- lege Point, superintendent of the silk mills of William Openhym & Sons at this point.

Mr. Salathe was born in Switzerland, Septem- ber 3, 1849, and, being early obliged to earn his own living, he had meager educational advant- ages, his present information having been mainly gained by. practical experience. At the age of eighteen he crossed the Atlantic and settled in New York. From an early age he had been fa- miliar with the trade of a silk weaver, and on ar- riving in the metropolis he soon secured work at that occupation, which he has since followed. He proved so efficient and capable that he was grad-

ually promoted until he filled a position of re- sponsibility and trust. In 1892 he came from New York to College Point, where he has since resided; filling the position of superintendent of the mills of William Openhym & Sons, the main office of which firm is at Nos. 42-50 Green Street, New York.

W ILLIAM J. McKEOWN, the active, popular and efficient deputy sheriff and sergeant of the Queens County police, has made a reputation as a brave and faithful officer. May 19, 1864, he was born in the village of Jamaica, being the elder of two children born to his parents, and is now the only survivor of this family. His parents were John and Mary (Rigney) Mckeown, the former of whom was born on the Isle of Erin, where he acquired a fair education up to the age of nineteen years, when he decided to seek his fortune in America. Soon after his arrival in this country he obtained employment with the Van Siclens in the village of Jamaica and became an overseer on one of their farms. Later in life he settled down to farming for himself on the place where the sub- ject of this sketch now lives, and this has been his home ever since. His life has been a quiet and useful, if uneventful, one, and he is univer- sally esteemed.

Under the guardianship of his parents, the sub- ject of this sketch grew up, and while he was re- quired to perform the usual duties of the farmer's boy, his education was not neglected and he ac- quired a practical knowledge of books in the common schools. When he had reached the age of fourteen years he began driving a market wagon for Charles G. Strang, and at the end of three years he commenced farming for himself on the place where he now lives, of which he be- came the owner in 1892, having previously rented it for about ten years. In the management of this place he has shown good judgment, and the nat- ural result has been that he has prospered finan- cially.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 107

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