Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 109

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 109

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H ENRY KESSELRING, proprietor of a grocery at College Point, and member of a well known family of this village, was born here February 22, 1864. He is the son of John C. Kesselring, a native of Germany, who came to College Point about 1856 and has since resided here, having witnessed the growth and development of the place from a straggling, un- important hamlet to a thriving village. Not only is he familiar with the progress of the place, but has himself largely contributed thereto, having by his business attributes and public spirit been a potent factor in attaining the present results. In various ways he has been associated with the business interests of the community, and at this writing is employed in the Enterprise mill. Some years ago he purchased the grocery store of which his son, Henry, is the manager. Politically he has always been identified with the Democratic party and a devoted adherent to its principles.

By his marriage to Miss Mary Kutruff, who was born in Germany and came to America in girlhood, John C. Kesselring became the father of nine children, of whom the six here named sur- vive: Susan, whose home is in New York; Mary, Minnie, Bertha, Henry and Clara, all residents of College Point. The subject of this sketch, who is the only son of his parents, was reared to man-

hood in this village and received his education in the schools of College Point and New York. His first employment was that of telegraph operator at the station here, which position he held for one year. The occupation, however, did not prove congenial and he turned his attention to other lines of work. For eight months he was employed in a drug store, after which for one year he engaged as clerk for his brother-in-law in the grocery business. Later, when his father purchased the concern, he remained as manager of the business, which he has since conducted successfully. Socially he is identified with the Foresters and is secretary of Court Fregang here.

L EONARD W. LAMBERSON, who was formerly successfully engaged in the gro- cery business, now conducts a feed estab- lishment in Jamaica. He is a native of Spring- field, N. Y., and was born July 24, 1841, to Remsen and Sarah (Smith) Lamberson, he and his brother John, a resident of Springfield, being the only surviving members of a family of three children. Remsen Lamberson was also born in Springfield, his natal ycar being 1812, and here he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, but he finally turned his attention to farming, following the sante until his death, which occurred Septem- ber 17, 1895. He was first married to Miss Sarah Smith, and for his second wife he married Miss Hannah E. Smith, her sister, by whom he had two children, of whom Howard is the only survivor. His third wife was Miss Adaline Johnson. The grandfather, Derrick Lamberson, was a miller and hotelkeeper of Fosters Meadow the greater portion of his life.

Under the shelter of the parental roof the sub- ject of this sketch grew to manhood, and in the comnion schools in the vicinity of his rural home he acquired a fair education. After he had at- tained the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself as a farmer, but in a short time de- cided to devote his attention to other pursuits and for two years was a stage driver under William Durland between Jamaica and New York City. He then became a member of the Brooklyn po- lice force, but after two years spent in this man- ner, he removed to his present location and opened a grocery, which for thirty years he con- ducted very successfully, but in 1895 he disposed

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ge congregation was present at St. s cburc i last Sunday afternoon to ate in the annual service of St. Gui'd, the womens parish organ The nsual evening prayer was theli Rev. G. Wharton McMullin, i charge, and the anniversary ser- 8 preached by the Rev. Henry C. el, D. D. rector of St. Luke's Brooklyn Dr. Swentzel delivered ful address on the work of woman hurch showing how from the be- of the christian church women n the most faithful and devoted to vice of Christ. The music was ully rendered by the choir, Mrs Flockhart presiding at the organ. kers of the Guild are: President, Vllliam Braddon: vice president, Illiam Callister; treasurer, Miss L. n; Secretary, Miss Stella Callister. order of services at St. Joseph's for ISunday, November 13th, is as : Litany, sermon and a celebration oly communion at 10:30 a. m. It inted that the common

THOMAS PATTERSON. County Clerk of Na-siu. (

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of his stock of goods, leased his store property and is now devoting his attention solely to the feed business, which he had previously conducted in conjunction with his grocery business.

In 1862 Mr. Lamberson's marriage with Miss Mary E. Smith occurred, and to them have been born two children: Anna Augusta, wife of John L. Boyd, and the mother of six children; and Remsen D., who is married and the father of four children. The latter is a successful grocer of Springfield. Mr. Lamberson is a Republican politically and for four years was a member of the town board of trustees. He has also been a trustee of his school district for some nine years, in fact, he is a public-spirited man and has al- ways been a useful and substantial citizen.

T HOMAS PATTERSON, who is num- bered among the progressive and enter- prising residents of Mineola, where he is extensively engaged in the real estate business, was born in the city of Brooklyn in 1861, being the son of John and Margaret (Williams) Patter- son. His boyhood days were spent in Brooklyn, where he was a student in the common schools, laying there the foundation of learning necessary for the successful management of business affairs. In youth he was employed at different times by various manufacturing companies of New York, but it was not his intention to continue in the employ of others, this work being used merely as a stepping stone to a business of his own.

In 1889, having saved an amount sufficient to justify the venture, Mr. Patterson embarked in the real estate business, and three years later he came to Mineola, where he has since conducted general work in his chosen line. In this village he erected a commodious and comfortable resi- dence, of artistic design and desirably located; this place has since been his home, and is regard- ed as one of the most attractive private dwellings in the village. A large part of his work consists of platting village lots and he has laid out an addition to Mineola, thus enhancing the progress of the community and the business interests of the people. He has a city office located in the Ar- buckle building.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Patterson has been identified with the Republican party, and has never failed to support by his vote the prin- ciples for which this organization stands. In 1895 he received the nomination, on the Republican

ticket, for the position of justice of the peace in the town. He was united in marriage, in April, 1887, with Miss Alice Phelan, daughter of Daniel Phelan, of Brooklyn, and unto them have been born four children: Ella, Thomas, Martha and Roger.

B ENJAMIN G. STRONG, M. D., coroner of Queens County, is a very prominent physician and stands high in the opinion of his professional brethren, and has been suc- cessfully engaged in practice for many years. The Doctor is highly educated in general and is a student and scholar of great depth. He comes of good old Puritan stock and is a member of the seventh generation from John Strong, the first of the family in America. The Doctor is a native of Michigan, and was born in Hillsdale County in 1860. His father, Dr. Ashal V. Strong,was born at Huntsburg, Ohio, whence he later removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he carned a well-merited place among the prominent physicians of that county.

In tracing the ancestry of our subject back to John Strong we first make mention of his grand- father, Amasa Strong, born in Westhampton, Mass. The father of the latter, who also bore the given name of Amasa, was likewise a native of Westhampton, where he was engaged in farm- ing. His wife was a Miss Sarah Noble of West- field, Mass. Amasa Strong, Sr., was in turn the son of Bela Strong, and the latter the son of Jere- miah Strong.

John Strong was born in Taunton, England, and with one hundred and forty others embarked on a sailing vessel, which was seventy days cross- ing the Atlantic. They were landed at Nantasket, Mass., May 30, 1630. The Strongs then settled at a place called Dorchester, where they lived for five years and then removed to Hughhorn. Mass. Their residence there was of short duration, how- ever, for the record tells us that they soon made their home in Taunton, that state. In 1669 John Strong, with his household, settled in Windsor. Conn., which place he aided very materially to develop, and where he resided until his decease. He was a tanner by trade and followed this call- ing after coming to America.

The first of the family to leave the East was the great-grandfather of our subject. who upon reaching mature years made his home in Ohio. where he successfully followed farming. His son.

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the grandfather of Benjamin G., succeeded him to the old homestead and he too accumulated a good property.

Ashal V. Strong was given every advantage for gaining a good education and after deciding to take up the medical profession became a student in Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated as Doctor of Medi- cine with the class of '49. He determined to make his home in the West, and accordingly opened an office at Reading, Hillsdale County, Mich., where he was engaged in practice until his decease. He became one of the most successful physicians of the county and was a prominent member of the various local medical societies.

During the late war Dr. Ashal Strong was made assistant surgeon of the First Michigan Sharpshooters, serving acceptably until receiv- ing his honorable discharge on the expiration of his period of enlistment. He was fifty-seven years of age at the time of his decease, in Febru- ary, 1884. After his army experience and the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, he became identified with the post nearest his home and was an active worker in this body dur- ing his lifetime. He also ranked high in Masonic circles and was well known to his brethren in the Odd Fellows fraternity, as he was also a mem- ber of that order.

The mother of our subject was Cornelia (Grin- nell) Strong, a native of Evans Hills, N. Y., and the daughter of Ezra and Catherine Grinnell. Her father lived to the remarkable age of ninety- four years, departing this life at the home of Dr. Strong in Michigan in 1885. During his younger years he had been a farmer of prominence in the Empire State and took an active part in the Ma- sonic fraternity, with which he has been con- nected for many years. The mother of our sub- ject is still living on the old home place in Michi- gan. Benjamin G. is her only son, and his sis- ter, Carrie, is now Mrs. Curtiss of Reading, Mich.

When eighteen years of age our subject gradu- ated from the high school of Reading. He at once began his own support by clerking in a drug store in his native place, being thus occu- pied until 1880, when he entered the medical de- partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated as a physician three years thereafter. He then entered into business with his father, and when the latter died he suc- ceeded to his practice. He continued to make his home in the Wolverine State until 1889, when he

came East and opened an office in Long Island City. In the spring of that year, wishing to gain more information relating to his profession, he took a course in the Post-Graduate School of New York City, and in June of that year succeeded to the practice of Dr. Hitchcock and has since con- tinued at the old office, No. 434 Jackson Avenue.

In the fall of 1893 the Doctor was elected county coroner on the Republican ticket by a very large majority. In January of the suc- ceeding year he took the oath of office, and in discharging the duties of this responsible posi- tion gives entire satisfaction. He is one of the busiest men in Long Island City and in addition to his extensive practice he had last year two hundred cases as coroner.

Dr. Strong and Miss Alice Bartholomew of In- dianapolis, Ind., were united in marriage in 1884. Mrs. Strong was born in Michigan and by her union with our subject has become the mother of a daughter named Blessing. The Doctor is an Odd Fellow and holds membership with Island City Lodge and Encampment. He is also a Mason of high degree and belongs to Banner Chapter. He is likewise a Royal Arch Mason and was made Knight Templar in Hillsdale. The Knights of Pythias claim him as one of their most able sup- porters and he also belongs to the Order of Sons of Veterans. As we have already stated; he is an influential and enthusiastic Republican and is a member of the county Republican central com- mittee. He reads papers from time to time be- fore the Long Island City and Queens County Medical Societies and as one of the most skillful physicians of the island his advice is often sought and followed by those even older in the profes- sion than himself.

J OHN D. HALVORSON. The merchant tailoring establishment of which this gen- tleman is the proprietor and which is one of the well known business houses of Flushing, stands at No. 89 Main Street, occupying a loca- tion that is advantageous for the purposes of the trade. By those who are in a position to be in- formed in regard to the matter, it is said that Mr. Halvorson has no superior in this locality in his special line of work. He makes a specialty of imported cloth, of which he carries a full assort- ment, adhering strictly to the latest styles in Lon- don and Paris.

A Swede by birth, Mr. Halvorson learned the

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merchant tailoring trade under competent in- structors in his native land. In 1881 he came to the United States and after traveling through different parts of the country, he located in New York City, where for a time he was in the employ of Averill Brothers. Later he was with M. Rock, the well known tailor of Fifth Avenue, and the value of his services may be recognized by the fact that he was retained as cutter by that gentle- man, who has for years been regarded as one of the finest merchant tailors in the world. He used the Bell system of cutting, the leading system in the country, and remained in M. Rock's estab- lishment for seven years.

In the meantime, in 1890, Mr. Halvorson es- tablished his home in Flushing, where he built a commodious residence at No. 118 Central Ave- nue. In March, 1896, he opened his present es- tablishment, where he has since had a large trade as an importer of suitings and as merchant tailor. He is well and favorably known among the peo- ple of this part of the county, and his knowledge of the merchant tailoring trade has brought him the confidence of those with whom he has had business dealings.

J UDGE LUKE J. CONNORTON, attorney- at-law and one of the leading Democrats of Flushing, was born in this village Novem- ber 21, 1853, and is a son of Luke and Hannah (Curley) Connorton, deceased, the former of whom was engaged in the livery business here for many years before his death. Luke J. is the older of two children and was educated in the Flushing Institute, graduating in 1872. After- ward, having resolved to become an attorney, he took up the study of law under J. W. Covert, ex- member of Congress, and was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn in 1877. After Mr. Covert went to Congress he remained in his office for a short time.

In 1878 Mr. Connorton was elected town clerk upon the Democratic ticket, which position he held by successive annual election for a period of twelve years, meantime continuing the practice of law. In 1889 he was elected justice of the peace for Flushing, being the only justice in the village. In 1893 he was re-elected for a period of four years. He has civil jurisdiction in the town and holds court daily in his offices in the town hall and at No. 11 Main Street. Such time as may not be needed for official work is devoted

to the practice of law, in which he has been suc- cessful.

One of the leaders of the Democratic party in this section, Judge Connorton, does all in his power to advance party interests. He has fre- quently served as delegate to local and state con- ventions, and in 1884 was an alternate to the na- tional convention. At this writing he is a mem- ber of the town committee. For fifteen years he has been clerk to the board of town trustees. In every position to which he has been called, he has rendered able and efficient service, and as an official has few equals in the town. Fraternally he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and master of finance of the Knights of Pythias. He is also identified with Rescue Hook and Ladder Com- pany. In this village he married Miss Kate E. O'Brien, who was born here, and they are the parents of a son, William.

P RESTON B. SEAMAN. Among those who have acquired a wide reputation for their great skill and artistic conception as architects in Long Island City is Preston B. Seaman. In Astoria he is regarded as a ris- ing young man of marked professional attain- ments and great promise. He was born at No. 927 Boulevard, Astoria, July 11, 1868, to the marriage of Allen and Mary M. (Kenzel) Sea- man, both natives of the Empire State. The grandfather, Hampton Seaman, was of French origin and of an old and prominent family, many of whose members were Quakers. The father of our subject was born in Orange County, but when a young man went to New York City and was there engaged as a marine engineer, erect- ing steamboats and other machinery for F. W. Devoe. In 1850 he came to Astoria, but his work carried him to different parts of the island. He is now retired from active business and re- sides at No. 927 Boulevard, where, although sev- enty-four years old, he enjoys fairly good health. To his marriage were born six children, five daughters and a son, two daughters and the son now living.

Our subject, the youngest of this family, re- ceived a good, practical education in Astoria, first in the public schools and then in Trinity Church school, graduating from the latter institution in 1887. Later he began the study of architecture in Jersey City, N. J., and from there went to Brook- lyn, N. Y., where he was with Parfett Brothers,

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architects, for about two years. From there he went to New York City, and after remaining with C. True for three years, in 1892 opened an office in Astoria. While residing in New York City he was a member of the New York Sketch Club, and joined several evening classes and there studied different drafting and panelings. Since locating in this city he has continued his study and is well posted in all that pertains to his profession. He completed the Astor Hotel, Mrs. Campbell Wool- sey's residence, the Presbyterian parsonage, and many other residences and buildings. He also has had much work in Flushing and in Jersey City.

Mr. Seaman is treasurer of Astoria Athletic Club, of which he was one of the organizers, and is filling his second term in that position. For one year he was secretary of the club. He is a member of the Church of the Redeemer, is mem- ber of the choir, and although assistant superin- tendent of the Sunday-school is acting superin- tendent, and is also secretary and treasurer. Po- litically he advocates the principles of the Demo- cratic party.

W ILLIAM CONNORS has been a resi- dent of College Point for twenty-six years, since 1870, and since 1881 has carried on his present business, that of manufac- turer of improved mineral waters. The business of manufacturing and bottling aerated waters is a very important one, and few have been more successful in it than has he. His establishment is situated in Twelfth Street, between Second and Fourth Avenues, and he also has a branch at Great Neck, supplying all the hotels and picnic grounds there and at Roslyn, Port Washington and Sand's Point. The place covers an area of 150x150 feet and the general equipment is very complete, consisting of all the necessary appli- ances for manufacturing and bottling soda and mineral waters, ginger ale, tonic beer and other drinks. He is also agent for and bottler of Bead- leston & Woerz's ales, porter and imperial lager beer, which is sold at both wholesale and retail. Employment is furnished to a number of men, and wagons are kept for the delivery of orders to customers.

Born in Ireland March 1, 1857, Mr. Connors came to America at an early age and joined some relatives at College Point, where he has since resided. His first work here was in the Enter- prise rubber mills, where he was employed for

three years. For a similar period he was en- gaged in the hotel business, after which he em- barked in the enterprise which he has since suc- cessfully conducted. Under his efficient manage- ment the business has grown to large propor- tions, his trade extending to Oyster Bay and Ja- maica towns and through the town of North Hempstead. By his marriage to Mary Cashen of Whitestone, he has five children, all at home, namely: Edward, William, Margaret, Mabel and Raymond. Believing thoroughly in the advantages gained by an education, he is giv- ing his children excellent opportunities, so that they may become fitted for useful positions in the world. He is a member of the Catholic Benevo- lent Legion and the Order of Foresters. A Dem- ocrat in politics, he is serving as town trustee and is chairman of a very important committee -- that which inquires concerning the disposal of lands under water. 2

G EORGE HENRY JORGEN WULFF. Among the worthy residents and respect- ed citizens of Schuetzen Park is this gen- tleman, who bears the distinction of being the oldest contractor in house painting and deco- rating in Long Island City. He has been remark- ably successful in this business and his income has been such that he has been enabled to travel through various portions of the United States sight-seeing.

Mr. Wulff, who located in this city in 1870, is a native of Germany, having been born in Lübeck, October 7, 1842. His father, Jorgen Wulff, was a marine engineer and died in his na- tive land when forty-eight years of age. He mar- ried Miss Johanna Rassof, who lived to the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years. Both parents were Protestants. Of their family of six children. five are now living, three making their home in America.

George Henry Wulff attended the public schools of Hanover until a lad of fourteen, when he was apprenticed to a painter and during the years he served thus became familiar with every department of the painter's trade. Later he traveled as a journeyman through various parts of his native land, and also worked in the cities of Petersburg and Moscow and many of the important towns of England and France. In 1868, however, he decided to come to America. The vessel on which he took passage landed him

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in Quebec, where he remained for a time and then he crossed over into the States and found work in New York City. In May, 1870, he came to what is now Schuetzen Park and made his home. He erected the first residence in the place and opened a shop where he received contracts for house and sign painting, also doing the most beautiful fres- coing. He soon became known as an expert in his line and many of the public buildings all over the island owe their beautiful decorations to his genius. Mr. Wulff has erected three residences in North Avenue, two on Broadway, near Stein- way, which are among the finest in the place, be- sides his place of business at No. 517 Broadway. At one time he was the largest contractor in the city, but of late years he has practically retired from active work.

Mr. Wulff was married in Long Island City in 1871 to Miss Wilhelmina Russof, whose birth also occurred in Lübeck, Germany. To them four children have been granted, namely: Hannah, now Mrs. Suss of this city; Lizzie, Olga and Felix, at home with their parents. In 1876 our subject visited the Centennial Exposition in Phil- adelphia and in 1893 spent several weeks at the World's Fair in Chicago. He has made two trips back to his native land, first visiting his old home in 1874 and again crossing the Atlantic in 1890.

In national politics Mr. Wulff is a Democrat, but in local affairs he votes for the best man re- gardless of party lines. Socially he is a member of the Turners' Society, the Odd Fellows order and the Red Men, holding membership in the lat- ter body with Pocahontas Lodge No. 14. He has an interest in the Long Island City Building & Loan Association, and in every walk of life his chief aim has been to do what he could to benefit humanity. In the German Second Reformed Church of this place he is one of the most active and influential members and is very justly num- bered among the best citizens of Queens County.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 109

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