Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 11

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 11

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P AUL C. BRENNAN is superintendent of machinery and head of the drafting de- partment of the Barber Asphalt Paving Company of Long Island City. He is one of the best posted engineers of the country and a man who stands in the front rank among his associ- ates in the business world, being noted for his ability, both technical and practical. He was born in Greenport, Suffolk County, April 5, 1865, to the marriage of Paul and Mary (Magee) Bren- nan, both natives of Ireland. At one time the father was in the employ of the Long Island Rail- road as track foreman, afterwards was with the Erie Railroad in the same capacity, and for some time was on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad as assistant roadmaster. After returning to Long Island he purchased a brick yard at Pipes Cove, in the town of Southold, where he remained until 1878. He then bought a farm at Pipes Cove and made his home there until 1881, when he gave up agricultural pursuits and became fore- man in the park department of New York City, and held that position in four or five different parks. Later he became night watchman for the Long Island Railroad Company, and is now with the Barber Asphalt Paving Company.

To the marriage of Paul and Mary (Magee) Brennan were born ten children, seven of whom survive at the present time. The sons are: John, a business man of this county; Paul C., our sub- ject; James, an engineer on the Long Island Rail- road; Joseph, an engineer in the paving depart- ment of this company at Newark, and Frank, a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, who is located in Long Island City. The daughters are: Sarah, at home, and Frances, now Mrs. Philips of Brooklyn. Our subject remained in Green- port, L. I., until 1881, and attended the public schools and Southold Academy, graduating from the latter institution. Later he came to New York as foreman on a steam yacht and was thus occupied until 1884, when he was licensed as an engineer and subsequently served in that capacity

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on the "Fra Diavolo." He passed his examina- tion as constructing engineer in Bridgeport and afterwards was assistant instructor in the Nation- al Institute of Steam Engineers in New York City, where he remained for one year.

In the spring of 1886 Mr. Brennan came to Long Island City to construct the plant for the Barber Asphalt Paving Company, being chief en- gineer of construction, and continued in that ca- pacity until 1891. In April of that year he was made superintendent of the works. This is the largest plant of the kind in the United States, giving employment to from one hundred and for- ty-three to one hundred and fifty men, and is ably superintended by Mr. Brennan, who is a genius and the inventor of numerous appliances. He is frequently called on to inspect and adjust engines and valves and to perform other neces- sary and difficult undertakings.

Mr. Brennan was married to Miss Alice T. Wright, a native of Suffolk County, L. I., and daughter of Robert Wright, a general railroad contractor residing in Long Island City. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, Paula. Mr. Brennan is a member of the Na- tional Association of Engineers, and in politics is a Democrat.

H F. QUINN & SONS. In Long Island City one cannot help noting that it has proved a fruitful field for the exercise of the highest order of talent in the line of mod- ern architecture, for the evidences of that skill, talent and energy that have reared premanent monuments of constructive effort are to be seen. In reviewing the progress of architecture in this vicinity the firm of H. F. Quinn & Sons will at once suggest itself to hundreds of citizens. The members of this firm are known as prominent men in the field, and in a city that is progressing as rapidly and growing as fast as Long Island City, the business of building and contracting oc- cupies a leading place. This firm, consisting of H. F. Quinn and his two sons, James W. and Joseph, has met with unusual success and is one of the leading ones of the city.

H. F. Quinn was born in County Longford. Ireland, and there learned the carpenter's trade. While still single he came to the United States, settled in New York City and there worked at his trade for some time. Later he engaged in contracting and remained there until 1871, when

he located in Long Island City, which has since been his home. However, he carried on business in New York City until 1885, when he joined his sons in contracting and building in Long Island City, under the firm name of H. F. Quinn & Sons. Though now sixty years old, Mr. Quinn is active and hearty. He married Miss Mary Biglin, a native of Queens County, L. I., who died about 1883. She was related to Burnett Biglin, the New York Republican politician, as is also Mr. Quinn. Of their seven children three are now living: James W., the eldest, and Joseph H., the second in order of birth, are partners in the above mentioned firm, and Mary E. is a resident of Long Island City.

James W. Quinn was born in New York City, September 25, 1860, and graduated from the Christian Brothers School when sixteen years old. After that he began learning the carpen- ter's trade under his father and was connected with him in business until he was twenty years old. In 1881 he started out as contractor for himself and continued alone until 1885, when he and his brother and father joined together under the above-mentioned title. They have erected some of the most prominent residences in the city, viz .: St. Mary's Church, the First and Third Ward school buildings, Kelly's Block, Hettner's resi- dence, Michael Kane's residence, Daniel McCar- ty's residence, and many others too numerous to mention. From thirty to forty hands are em- ployed during the busy season. They manufac- ture their own finishing material in their shops and are doing an excellent business. James W. was president of the Tammany Society of Long Island City during its existence, and in politics has always been a Democrat. Religiously he is identified with St. Mary's Church.

W ILLIAM MUTHER. In presenting a biographical sketch of this gentleman it is but fair to say that he is one of the representative men of the county and that he is a man of sound judgment and unimpeachable honesty. His life has had many thrilling experi- ences, and during his seafaring days he visited almost every port in the world, where, being a man of quick and close observation, he gained an insight into the customs of the people. While his education was limited, he has in the school of experience gained a knowledge broader and deeper than that possessed by many a college-

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bred man. Since leaving the sea he has given his attention to the occupation of a contractor and builder, in which he has met with deserved success.

The Muthers are an old Prussian family. David, the grandfather of William, was a hunter and for the most of his life was employed as gamekeeper for Prince Putbus. Ludwig and Dorothea (Haes) Müther, parents of our subject, were natives of the province of Pommern, Prus- sia, and there both died, the former at the age of fifty-six and the latter when ninety-one. In religious views they were devoted Lutherans. They were the parents of four children, all sons, of whom the two survivors are in America, Wil- liam and Julius, the latter being a resident of Mississippi.

October 23, 1836, was the date, and Pommern, Prussia, the land, of our subject's birth. At the age of fourteen he was confirmed, and soon after- ward went to sea on a sailing vessel, devoting his summers to that occupation, while in the winter he was employed as a ship carpenter. His voy- ages took him to almost every port in Europe, America and 'Africa, his first visit to America being in 1852, when he landed at Brooklyn. Four times he saw the midnight sun around North Cape, and on one occasion his ship was lodged in the ice for six weeks. Twice the vessel was wrecked in the North Sea off the coast of Scot- land, and at one time he narrowly escaped with his life. From a very humble position he worked his way up until he became second mate, his pro- motion being the result of his faithful service for many years.

In 1871 Mr. Muther retired from a seafaring life and came to America, determined to make this his home. He settled at Hunter's Point, Long Is- land City, and built up a trade as carpenter in that vicinity. Two years after he came his pros- pects seemed so flattering that he brought his family, and they continued to live on the Point until 1884, when he built and located at No. 15 Prospect Street, Dutch Kills. For a time he worked in the employ of Hugh Thomas, after which he was for ten years carpenter for the Standard Oil Company, and was then with Mr. Smith one year. In 1887 he began contracting, and has since built many residences for others, also five for himself on Prospect Street, of which he still owns three.

While still in Prussia Mr. Muther married Miss Wilhelmina Handt, daughter of Joachim Handt,

and a native of that country. She was a woman of industrious, kindly disposition, devoted to her husband and children, and her death, January 12, 1891, at the age of fifty years, was a heavy be- reavement to the family. Of her seven children, only three attained years of maturity. They are Emma, wife of Harry V. Ackerman, and mother of three children; William, who resides on Free- man Avenue, and is, interested in carpentering with his father; Alexander, also a carpenter with his father.

In regard to politics our subject is independ- ent, giving his ballot to the best man for any given office. Socially he is connected with Long Island City Lodge No. 395, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Dutch Kills Maennerchor. He follows the faith of his forefathers religiously, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. By his upright and honorable business career he has won the respect of his fellow citizens and he is esteemed as an honest man and an accommodat- ing friend.

C HARLES B. AMBERMAN. It would be difficult to find among the farming population of the town of Jamaica, a man who has greater personal popularity or who wields a more potent influence than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. His life is being spent in the peaceful pursuits of his calling as a farmer and in a share of the local affairs. He is known not only as a first-class farmer, but he also has a high reputation as a man of upright character, earnest and public spirited, and cordial in his associations with his fellow-men.

The farm which Mr. Amberman operates is situated on the Rockaway road-about two and one-half miles from Jamaica. Our subject is a native of Springfield, L. I., and was born July 29, 1861, being one of seven children (all of whom survive), comprising the family of Cornelius and Mary (Valentine) Amberman. His father, also a native of Springfield, was born about 1824 and grew to manhood in his native place. Selecting as his calling the occupation of a farmer, he con- tinued thus engaged until his death, which oc- curred in 1893. Interested in educational mat- ters, he served with efficiency as a member of the Board of School Trustees. He was the son of Nicholas Amberman, also a native of Spring- field, and for many years a general merchant, but later an agriculturist.

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After having spent a number of years in attend- ance upon the common schools, our subject at the age of sixteen engaged on a coasting vessel plying between Freeport and New York. A few months of that life was, however, sufficient to gratify any craving he may have had for the sea, and he returned to land, content to live the quiet existence of a farmer. He found employment, after a short period devoted to farm work, in the hardware factory of Grosjean, at Woodhaven, where he worked for five months. The confine- ment of factory work proved detrimental to his health, so he resigned his position and resumed agricultural work, which he has since followed.

November 18, 1885, Mr. Amberman married Miss Ida M. Martin, and unto them were born five children, Phoebe, Edna and William, Mabel and Charlie, the two latter deceased. Well in- formed on political questions, Mr. Amberman is a firm Republican in principle, but has not taken an active part in elections and has never been an office-seeker, preferring to give his at- tention to his personal affairs.

J OHN F. NESBETT. The names of those who, during the dark days of the Rebellion, offered their services and imperiled their lives that the unity of the states might be pre- served, deserve to be placed upon the nation's deathless roll of honor. Among the many thou- sand heroes who fought valiantly through the long and weary struggle may be mentioned the name of John F. Nesbett, who, though a mere youth at the time of the opening of the war, gave up his business aspirations and the society of loved ones and friends, to assist in a glorious cause. He has lived to see peace reigning throughout the land, the nation reunited and free- dom established forever.

A record of the life of this war veteran will be of interest to our readers. He was born in the village of Old Town, Penobscot County, Me., Au- gust 30, 1844, being a son of John F. and Eliza- beth (Symonds) Nesbett. The family originated in Scotland, whence a number went to Ireland during the religious persecutions in that country and later emigrated to America. Grandfather Nesbett owned a farm near Woodstock, Me., on the line between Maine and the British provinces. Our subject's father lived on a farm, which he assisted in cultivating, and in addition he was a mechanic, having a shop on his farm, and also

followed the occupation of a millwright. Later he moved to Biddeford, where he became inter- ested in the manufacture of carriages. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union service and held the rank of lieutenant. Captured by the Con- federates, he perished in a Rebel prison and was buried in New Orleans.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent principally in Biddeford; where he attended the public schools. April 21, 1861, when little more than sixteen, he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Maine Infantry, for three years, and was pro- moted from the ranks to be Corporal. Among his first engagements were those at Bull Run, West Point, Yorktown, the Peninsular campaign, the second battle of Bull Run, and Gaines Mill, where he was slightly wounded in the left leg. At Rappahannock Station he was injured in the right leg by a bayonet thrust. After having served for three years, he re-enlisted at Brandy Station under a call for veteran volunteers, and was Sergeant in Company B, First Maine Veter- an Volunteers. With his regiment he took part in all the battles of the Wilderness, also the' en- gagements at Fredericksburg, Meyer's Heights, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Shenan- doah Valley, Stephen's Fort (just outside of Washington), Gettysburg, Berryville, Winches- ter, Fisher's Hill, Leesburg, going from there through the valley to Harrisonburg, returning and going into quarters at Cedar Creek, where the enemy was held in check until General Sheri- dan made his famous ride.

The regiment to which our subject belonged formed the extreme left wing of the Union army and was stationed on the turnpike; it was to their efforts that the enemy was held in check and the day won. After devastating the valley they re- turned to Petersburg, where they witnessed the surrender of the Confederate troops, our subject being only about two hundred yards from the principal participants in the surrender. The last battle in which he took part was that at Sailors' Creek, after which he was sent to Danville and put in charge of the patrol of a portion of the city. Not being able to reach Washington in time for the grand review, his regiment was re- viewed later, after which he was sent home and mustered out of the service. He had enlisted from Biddeford, Me., and was mustered out at Portland, having served throughout the entire war.

After a short visit at home Mr. Nesbett went

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to Boston, where he worked in a pork packing establishment for two years, after which he came to New York and engaged in the same line of business. In 1881 he entered business for him- self, and continued thus engaged until failing health induced him to turn the management of his affairs over to his son. August 1, 1871, he married Miss Lizzie E. Doyle, who was born on Prince Edward Island, but at the time of her mar- riage was living in New York. They have three children, Mabel C., John F., and Addie B., all born in New York, but now living in Corona, to which village the family came in 1891. Mrs. Nesbett and the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

A Republican in politics, Mr. Nesbett was elected Assessor for the town of Newtown and has held other local offices. Socially he is a mem- ber of Americus Lodge No. 535, F. & A. M., New York City. As would be expected, he is a Grand Army man. He organized the A. S. Williams Post No. 394, G. A. R., in which he served as senior vice-commander and was also commander for two terms. His membership has since been transferred to a post in Newtown. For five years, while in New York City, he served as marshal, and was also a staff officer of the national and department staff.

D ANIEL MURRAY. Among the many productive and extensive farms in Queens County, the one of which Daniel Mur- ray is the owner is one of the most valuable, and under his intelligent care its broad acres yield abundant harvests. Mr. Murray was born in Springfield, Queens County, on the anniversary of George Washington's birthday, February 22, 1835, and has spent his entire life in this vicinity. An energetic farmer, his career has been both honorable and upright. He is a son of Daniel Murray (see sketch of Isaac Murray), and re- mained under the parental roof until his mar- riage, which occurred in the year 1861, to Miss Caroline Foster, of Springfield.

After this union Daniel purchased a farm of his father, the place where he now lives, and en- tered actively upon his career as an agriculturist. His marriage resulted in the birth of four chil- dren, three of whom survive at the present time: Robert, who is married and has two children, is farming with his father; Eugenia became the wife of E. H. Thompson, and Nettie became the

wife of William A. White, who is employed by the wholesale grocery house of Austin Nichols & Co. They have one child.

Mr. Murray is an ardent supporter of Repub- lican principles and has ever been active in his support of that party. In religion he is a Metho- dist and is one of the trustees of the church. For some time he has been a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge and is one of the well known and highly esteemed men of the county. He takes a deep interest in all the affairs of the county that are of moment, and is stirring and progressive.

A UGUST MAASS is well known in musical circles, as he has been for some time presi- dent of the Harmonic Singing Society of Steinway, Long Island City, and he is also a prom- inent and successful business man, being engaged in the wholesale tea and coffee business in New York City. He was born in Germany in 1855, and his father, Anton, was also a native of that country. The latter was a musician of note and was director of the military band of the Ninety- first Regiment, German army, until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years old. He was a soldier for thirty years and was in the Revolutions of 1848 and '66. In religion he was of the Lutheran belief. His wife, formerly Miss Wilhelmina Maass, is now a resident of New York City. Of their six children all are living and three make their homes in America.

The youthful days of August Maass were passed in the land of his birth, and until fourteen years of age he attended the public schools. Soon after he took passage in the ship "Columbus" and went to Italy, where he remained some time, and then made several trips to America, being on the ocean about three years. At the age of seventeen he entered the German army, being in the same regiment with his father, and served his country faithfully from 1874 to 1881. He was Sergeant of the Tenth Company, but resigned to come to America in the last named year.

After reaching New York City our subject was employed as salesman for a large wholesale gro- cery house for one year and afterwards was with a distilling company as salesman for about ten years. After this he resigned and engaged in the wholesale coffee and tea business, but in the mean- time, in May, 1885, he located at Steinway, Long Island City, where he has made his home since.

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He is a farseeing, wide awake business man and has met with excellent success.

In the year 1884 Mr. Maass was married to Miss Fredreka Petre, a native of Hanover, Ger- many, and daughter of Frederick Petre, who was a prominent mason and builder. Mrs. Maass' mother, Margaret Petre, died in the old coun- try. Mr. and Mrs. Petre were the parents of five children, three of whom are living and all in America. Mrs. Maass was the oldest of these children and came to America in 1883. Four children have been born to our subject and wife, as follows: William, Freddie, Freda and Henry.

Since the year 1893 Mr. Maass has been presi- dent of the Harmonic Singing Society, and, being a fine baritone singer, often leads the society. He is also identified with Hermann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W., and Bowery Bay Benefit Society, besides numerous other organizations.

J ULIUS BLECKWENN is busily and profit- ably engaged in the real estate business in Astoria. His father, Frederick W. Bleck- wenn, is one of the most influential and promi- nent residents of Long Island City, which he rep- resented as treasurer and receiver of taxes from October, 1882, until January, 1895, being elected to this office on the Democratic ticket.

The father of our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1839. In 1858, when about nine- teen years of age, he determined to try his for- tune in the New World and accordingly took passage on a vessel bound for America. On ar- riving in New York City he found employment with William Radde & Son, publishers, and dur- ing the twenty-two years he remained with them worked his way up from the lowliest position in the office to a responsible post, where he com- manded good wages. In the spring of 1866, how- ever, he came to Long Island City and made his home in Astoria, although retaining his position with Radde & Son until some time in 1880. He was then employed by Keuffel & Esser, also of New York, and it was while in their employ, in 1882, that he was appointed city treasurer to fill a vacancy. Election occurring that same fall, he was retained in office and elected three times thereafter, serving in all a period of twelve years as city treasurer. He was exceedingly popular with the people and on one occasion had no oppo- nent in the field.

Julius Bleckwenn was born in Long Island City July 1, 1868. He first attended the third ward school here, and was graduated from the school in the fourth ward in June, 1883. Being anxious to begin life for himself he entered the employ of a grocer at Hunter's Point, remaining with him as clerk for four or five years. About this time he became an employe in the city treasurer's department, acting as his father's clerk from 1889 to 1894. At the expiration of his twelfth year of office holding the elder Mr. Bleckwenn retired and with our subject engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which they are carrying on in a successful manner under the firm name of F. W. Bleckwenn & Son. They handle prop- erty in Long Island City, and those who have property to sell or wish to purchase never fail to call at their office in Astoria before deciding. They are agents for the German-American and Lancashire Fire Insurance Companies, giving considerable time and attention to building up this department of their business.

Julius Bleckwenn was married in Long Island City in 1891, to Miss Mamie E. Korfman, the sister of Henry C. Korfman, the present super- visor of the city, and whose sketch will appear in detail on another page in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Bleckwenn reside at No. 198 Lockwood Street. Our subject is a member of the Arion Singing Society of this city, and in religious affairs belongs to the German Second Reformed Church. He is a Jeffersonian Democrat in poli- tics and takes an active part in the meetings of the Jefferson Club of this city.

J OHN REDLEFSEN. By a most thorough knowledge of his trade, gained step by step under one of the most reliable of workmen, and through his own experience, John Redlefsen has made one of the widest reputations and has a patronage of very satisfactory proportions. He is one of the most successful contractors and builders of Long Island City, where he has re- sided many years, and where he has seen the re- markable growth that has taken place in the last quarter of a century. Like many of the represen- tative men of this city he is a native of Germany, born August 8, 1839; a son of Professor Redlefsen, who was a well-known educator in the old coun- try for many years, but who subsequently retired to a farm. His mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Souksen, was born in Germany, and

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 11

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