Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 111

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 111

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Born in New Brunswick, N. J., August 24, 1842, our subject traced his ancestry through his mother, Catherine Voorhees, to Steven Cohert van Voorhees, a native of Holland, who, in April, 1660, emigrated to America, and became the founder of the family in this country. February 16, 1684, he settled in Flatlands, now Kings County, where he remained until death. Prior to coming to this country, he resided in front of the village of Hees, near Ruinen, in the prov- ince of Drenthe, Holland, and from this fact his name was derived, "voor" meaning "in front of." Later the prefix "van" was dropped by our subject's grandfather, Roelofor Ralph Voorhees. Some of the ancestors participated in the Revo- lutionary War, and the family has been noted for patriotic allegiance to the country of their adop- tion. The mother of our subject, who was eighth in descent from the original founder, died in New York City.

Our subject's father, John Williamson, was born in New Brunswick, N. J., October 24, 1814. His father, Isaac, was born in 1759 and was a builder by occupation, his home being at Six Mile Run, near New Brunswick, N. J. His pos- sessions were large and valuable, and he was financially well-to-do. Preceding him, in line of ancestry, was William, who served as captain under Colonel Nelson in the Revolutionary War. The first of the name to settle in America was

Lawrence, a native of Warden, Holland. John Williamson, who was a builder by trade, had a large sash and blind factory in Amity Street, New York, and remained in that city until his death at the age of seventy-seven. In religious belief he was connected with the Reformed Church and served his congregation as deacon. His wife died at the age of sixty-eight. Of their ten children, Henry V., the eldest, was major of a New York regiment in the Civil War, and since then has been employed in the postoffice in New York City; he is a member of the Order of Sons of the Revolution, the Holland Society, and the Order of Cincinnati.

The subject of this sketch, who was third among the children, was reared in the metropolis and received his education in the University of the City of New York. During the war he was in the government employ, holding a position in the quartermaster's department in New York City. In 1877 he came to Long Island City as clerk in the water department under Mayor De- Bevoise, and after three years in that connection, he took charge of the Steinway Avenue Improve- ment Commission. Of his work in that position, it is said that his books were the neatest and most accurate ever kept by an employe.

About 1883 Mr. Williamson turned his atten- tion to contracting and building, which he fol- lowed until his death. He was a volunteer fire- man of the old department in New York, with which he was connected until it was disbanded. Later he became a member of the Veteran Fire- men's Association, in which he was a trustee at the time of his death. Politically he upheld Re- publican principles. In fraternal relations he was a member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., at Astoria; John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W., at Astoria; and the Lincoln Club in Long Island City

In Steinway, October 9, 1878, Mr. William- so11 married Miss Mary A. Berry, who was born at Lake Providence, La. Her father, John Ivy Berry, a native of the same state, was a large planter at Lake Providence, where he died in 1861. His wife passed away one month prior to his demise. She bore the maiden name of Mar- garet D. Billbrough and was born in England. whence in girlhood she came to America with her parents and two sisters, settling in New York. but later going South, where she was married. Two children blessed her union: John C., who was born in New York, and now resides in New-

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town; and Mary A., Mrs. Williamson. The lat- ter lived with an aunt, Mrs. Lindsey, in Mobile, Ala., until thirteen years of age, then accom- panied her to New York, where she was edu- cated. She makes her home at No. 241 Purdy Street, and with her are her four daughters, namely: Florence M., a member of the class of '97, Long Island City High School; Sarah M., who is a member of the class of '98; Catherine May and Edith L. Another daughter, Jessie, died at the age of two years. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Steinway Dutch Reformed Church, and an active worker in the Ladies' Aid and Woman's Missionary Societies. Much of her time is devoted to the management of the estate left by her husband, which, through her judicious management, brings in handsome returns. In social circles she is known and esteemed for her worth of character and noble attributes, and with her daughters she occupies a high place in the regard of the best people of the place.

J OHN HALEY, superintendent of the Har- way Dyewood Extract Manufacturing Company, at Flushing, was born in County Galway, Ireland, being a son of Michael and Bridget (Grady) Haley, natives of the same coun- ty. The parental family consisted of six children, of whom five are living, John being fourth in or- der of birth. The father spent his entire life in Ireland, and after his death the widowed mother joined the remaining members of the family in America, where she continued to reside until her death in Brooklyn.

The first eighteen years of the life of John Haley were spent in his native land, and he was the first of the family to seek a home in the United States. In 1866 he crossed the Atlantic and soon after landing in this country he went to Dane, Wis., where he had friends. Not caring, however, to locate there permanently, he re- turned East after a year's experience of western life. In 1867 he entered the employ of the New York Dyewood Company, at Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and continued with it until 1882. His ability was recognized by his superior officers and he was promoted from an unimportant posi- tion to one of responsibility. Subsequently he came to Flushing and aided in fitting up the works of the Harway Dyewood Extract Manu- facturing Company at this place. Here he at different times was employed in every department

and in 1891 was chosen superintendent of the works, which place he has since filled.

In New York City, Mr. Haley was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Madden, a native of Ireland, and they have a cozy and comfortable home at No. 36 Pine Street. Their family con- sists of one son and three daughters, Thomas, Catherine, Mary and Ellen. In religious belief Mr. Haley is connected with St. Michael's Catho- lic Church, and is a member of the Catholic Be- nevolent Legion. In his chosen business he is well versed and his experience renders his serv- ices very valuable to his employers, whose confi- dence in him is shown in their selection of him to fill the position of superintendent.

P ETER W. KOUWENHOVEN, who is en- gaged in farming on a productive piece of land near the village of Jamaica, was born in Flatlands, April 17, 1856. His father was William I. Kouwenhoven, of Holland-Dutch de- scent, and for many generations back the family have been residents of Long Island. The father formerly followed the vocation of a farmer, but is now living in good circumstances in Brooklyn.

Our subject's mother, formerly Abigail Baxter, was also born in Flatlands, but was of Scotch- Irish ancestry. She was well educated for the day and locality in which she lived and proved herself to be a helpmate indeed during the years in which her husband was trying to gain a foot- hold in life. She reared a family of seven chil- dren, including three sons and four daughters. Of these John J. is now a resident of New Jersey, while William manages the old homestead in Flatlands.

Peter W., of this history, who was the youngest of the family was given the advantages for gain- ing a common-school education. When ready to start out in life for himself he chose the vocation of a farmer, and in 1882 rented a tract of land near Woodhaven, which he cultivated for two years. He then rented the place on which he is living at the present time, and so well and profitably did he manage affairs that after three years he was enabled to purchase a portion of it. As the years passed by and he became more prosperous he kept adding to his little property until he now owns a place of forty-nine acres which is conced- ed by all to be one of the best improved tracts in the town of Jamaica.

Mr. Kouwenhoven was married May 5, 1880,

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to Miss Sarah E., daughter of John J. Ryder, of Flatlands. To them have been granted two chil- dren, Harry W., a lad of twelve years, and Har- riet Ethlyn, who is in her fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. Kouwenhoven are devoted members of the Dutch Reformed Church, with which he has been connected for many years as one of its dea- cons. In political matters he is an ardent admirer of Republican principles and is interested in the success of that party. He has never held public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs, and let them serve the peo- ple who have more desire and ambition to do so.

J OHN W. SELOVER. One mile south of the village of Jamaica, on the Rockaway road, stands a neat, well-appointed home, surrounded by well-cultivated fields which pre- sent, in season, an attractive appearance with the broad rows of golden grain or ripening fruit. This is the property of Mr. Selover, to whose en- ergy and industry its thrifty appearance is due, and who, while securing a competency from its cultivation, has also gained a place among the prominent farmers of the town.

The Selover family was represented among the early settlers of Queens County and its members have been men of honor and energy, mainly be- longing to the agricultural class. Details with reference to the family history are given in the biographical sketch of our subject's brother, Will- iamson R., presented on another page. The son of Cornelius J. and Margaret (Ryder) Selover, our subject was born in the town of Jamaica, Febru- ary 28, 1836. His youthful years were passed in a manner similar to other farmer boys, alternating attendance at the common schools with labor on the home place. As he approached manhood he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, and on the expiration of his time he began to work at this occupation, following it for four years. It was, however, not entirely congenial, and be- lieving that the life of a farmer would be more to his taste and probably bring in better profits, he turned his attention to agriculture, settling on a farm two miles west of his present home.

Prior to 1880 Mr. Selover farmed as a renter, but in that year he purchased the place where he has since resided. June 12, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E., daughter of Matthew Bacon, of Patchogue. Nine children were born of this union, of whom six are living,

namely: Ella L., who married Seymour W. Tarr, of Newtown, and has three children; Frank W., a carpenter, who married Miss Emma Wood, has three children, and resides in Lawrence, this coun- ty; Cornelius J., Sadie, Anna and Estelle, who are with their parents.

Some years ago, dismayed with the corruption of machine politics, and realizing that but one party openly takes a stand against the saloon, Mr. Selover became a Prohibitionist, and to this faith he has since adhered with firmness. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is serving as president of its board of trustees. A worthy citizen, intelligent, high-minded and strict- ly honorable, he stands high in the community, and his estimable wife is equally well regarded by those to whom she is known.

G EORGE HESS, who is engaged in the real estate business at Nos. 36-38 Fif- teenth Street, near Sixth Avenue, College Point, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 22, 1831, and received good educational advantages in his native land. In early youth he served a three years' apprenticeship to the butcher's trade, for which he was obliged to pay $100, re- ceiving nothing in return for his services. He was diligent at his work and learned his trade well. At the age of sixteen he came to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel, which cast anchor in New York after a tedious trip of fifty- five days. On arriving in that city, he at once se- cured work at his trade, which he followed unin- terruptedly for a number of years, meeting with fair success in return for his labors.

In 1870 Mr. Hess came to College Point, where he has since resided. After a short time he became well known for his proficiency in the manufacture of bologna sausage, in which he was and is still considered an expert. For years he made a specialty of this, and, in fact, to this day, many of his old customers insist upon his filling their orders for sausage. In 1887 he en- tered the real estate business, which he has since carried on successfully, making a specialty of the sale of property and renting of houses.

While living in New York City, Mr. Hess married Elizabeth Ecka, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom the only sur- vivors are Maggie, wife of John P. Hamn of Brooklyn; and Lizzie, Mrs. George Leonard, also a resident of Brooklyn. The present wife of Mr.

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Hess bore the maiden name of Dora Oleridge and was born in Baden, Germany, but has spent her life principally in the United States. In prin- ciple a Democrat, he shows no partisan spirit and in local matters votes for the best men irrespec- tive of their party attachments. In religious be- lief he and his wife are Protestants.

C HARLES L. HINGLE, a contractor and builder residing in Mineola, was born near Garden City in the town of Hemp- stead, September 7, 1864, and is a son of Martin and Mary Hingle. His father, who was a native of London, England, came to America in 1837, and settled near Garden City, where he bought a farm and remained for fourteen years. Then sell- ing out to A. T. Stewart, he moved to a location southeast of Hempstead and purchased a farm, where he continued to reside until his death in 1882. His wife, who was also a native of Eng- land, was married to him in this county and still lives on the old homestead, which is now owned by her son, Edward H.

Ten children comprised the parental family and all are living, namely: Martin, who is in Alabama; Edward, proprietor of the home place; Mary, wife of Minor Way of Hempstead; Cath- erine, who married William Ashdown of Hemp- stead: William, whose home is in New Jersey; Martha, who is married to William Johnston of Detroit, Mich .; Sarah, wife of David Hunter of Hempstead; Albert, who lives on Long Island; Richard, who is engaged in the carriage business at Merrick; and Charles L., of this sketch. The last named was educated in the public schools and remained at home until seventeen, when he entered the shop of Albert Hingle, his brother, with the intention of learning the trade of a wheelwright. One year later he entered the shop of Albert Thomas of Westbury, with whom he re- mained one year. For the three ensuing years he followed his trade and assisted in the work on the home farm, after which he spent a year at East Rockaway, working at the carpenter's trade. His next position was at Hempstead, where he worked for eighteen months with John McLean, and afterward engaged in business for himself two and one-half years.

While residing at Hempstead, Mr. Hingle was united in marriage, February 3, 1892, with Mary E. Walker, daughter of William and Phoebe Walker of Mineola. Shortly after his marriage he

came to Mineola and built his pleasant home at this place. His work is principally in this village, Hempstead and Floral Park, he having erected many houses in each place. As a workman he is efficient, skillful and accurate, and his services are in demand for buildings of superior style and finish. In this immediate vicinity he has erected about thirty-five buildings, among them the fire department building and the public hall at East Williston. Politically he is a defender of Republican principles and an advocate of party measures both at the polls and by his influence in private affairs. He and his wife are the parents of one daughter, Laura E.

J OHN GREAFLIN, superintendent of the Rhenania Mills at College Point, was born in Switzerland, November 1, 1857, and re- ceived a good education in the schools of his na- tive republic. At an early age he entered a silk factory, where he soon gained a knowledge of the business and his services thus became proportion- ately valuable. Five years were spent in the fac- tory in Switzerland, when, having resolved to cross the ocean to America and try his fortune in this newer republic, he left the home of his birth and the associations of his youth for the untried scenes of America.

Arriving in this country, Mr. Greaflin secured employment in a silk mill in New York City,, where he remained for four years, his work be- ing very satisfactory to his employers. In 1878 he came to College Point, where he has since resided. In 1884 he entered the Rhenania Mills, first occupying a humble position, but soon re- ceiving promotion on account of excellence and ability. After six years he was made superin- tendent in 1890 and this responsible place he has since filled with efficiency. He has the confidence of the company, by whom he was sent to France in 1894 for the purpose of inspecting and investi- gating the modes of silk manufacture there and the improvements that have been made in the business. While this position was one of great responsibility, he was successful in securing the desired information, of which he has availed him- self in the management of the mills here.

By his marriage to Lucy Smith of College Point, Mr. Greaflin is the father of four children, Adolph, Annie, Elsa and Charlie, all of whom are receiving good educations in the public schools. He has never identified himself with

JOSEPH BERMEL.

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any political organization, but has maintained an independence of thought and action in his ballot and in the discussion of public enterprises. While not a member of any denomination, he inclines to the Lutheran Church, which was the religious belief of his ancestors. He is connected with a number of social and singing societies, and is actively identified with the Knights of Pythias.

J JOSEPH BERMEL. Although only in the prime of manhood and vigor, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch has attained the high standing in business circles that his unceasing efforts, united with sterling worth and high sense of honor, deserve. He is proprietor of one of the leading marble and gran- ite works of Middle Village. While his business interests occupy much of his time, he gives in- terested attention to public affairs and is a prime mover in every measure for the benefit of the community. His pleasant home is the rendezvous for the best people of the place, his wife second- ing his efforts in all that tends to the elevation of social life and the welfare of the people.

The father of our subject, Charles Bermel, was born and reared in Germany, where he learned the tailoring business. About 1850 he emigrated to America, where for some time he followed his trade in New York City, and later was similarly engaged in Brooklyn until his death in 1885. By his marriage to Elizabeth Cohn he had seven children, of whom all but one are living. Joseph was born in Brooklyn, April 8, 1860, and acquired his education in the public schools of that city. At the age of sixteen he apprenticed himself to the trade of a stone cutter, at which he served for four years. In 1880 he came to Middle Village, where for two years he was employed as a journeyman stone cutter with John Sutter. He then estab- lished himself in the business, having as his part- ner, Anton Timmes, under the firm name of Timmes & Bermel. After one and one-half years in that connection Mr. Bermel retired from the business, and two years later purchased the mar- ble and granite works of which he has since been proprietor.

October 21, 1884, Mr. Bermel married Miss Mary A. Timmes, and unto them have been born five children, namely: Eva, Joseph, Mary, John and Lizzie, all of whom are with their parents. The political opinions of Mr. Bermel are em- bodied in the platform of the Democratic party,

to which he adheres with fidelity. He was elected to the important position of supervisor in 1896 and is now filling that position with ability. Re- ligiously he is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church and is active in promoting the prosperity of religious causes and institutions. Socially he is connected with the Knights and Ladies of Hon- or and Lodge No. 301, Order of Foresters, at Newtown.

E LIAS A. FAIRCHILD, A. M., proprietor and principal of Flushing Institute. Per- haps there is no state in the Union that is more advanced than New York in the atten- tion paid to the interests of the young; all over the state there are earnest, disinterested workers in the good cause, men and women who have devoted their lives to the progress of the coming generation and whose highest reward is to see the advancement of the race. In this good work no one has taken greater interest or devoted him- self more untiringly than the subject of this ar- ticle, who for more than fifty years has been connected with Flushing Institute.

The institute owes its origin to an association of men in Flushing, headed by Rev. Dr. Muhlen- berg of New York City, who erected the original building in 1828 and founded it as a school for boys. In 1845 Ezra Fairchild, an educator of considerable note, succeeded to the principalship of the school, which he carried on until his death, and since that time it has been under the present management. The grounds occupied by the in- stitute extend from Main to Union Street, a dis- tance of one thousand feet, and from Amity almost to Madison Street, thus furnishing a very large campus. The main building is adapted to the re- quirements of a boarding school, with doors open- ing from the private part to the school-rooms. Here boys and young men are prepared for the Government schools, college, or for the great world of business. In his work Mr. Fairchild is assisted by his brother-in-law. Mr. Northrop, as associate principal, the latter being a graduate of the college at Middlebury, Vt., and a teacher here since 1850.

The father of our subject, Ezra Fairchild. was born in Mendham, Morris County, N. J. His father, Ebenezer, a farmer, was born in Morris- town, N. J. He was a descendant of English ancestors who first settled in Connecticut, but afterward removed to New Jersey. After gradu-

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ating from Amherst College, Ezra Fairchild de- voted himself to educational work in New Jersey until 1845, when with his family and school he came to the institute, which he conducted until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Stites, was born in New Jersey and died in Flushing. Their three children are Rev. Elijah S., a minister residing in Chicago, Ill .; Emily H., wife of A. P. Northrop, of Flushing; and Elias A.

The last named, who is the eldest of the three, was born in Mendham, N. J., and prepared for college under his father's training. He then en- tered Rutgers College, from which he graduated in 1845 with the degree of A. B., that of A. M. being conferred upon him later. The same year. 1845, he came to Flushing to assist his father and has since made this place his home, being the oldest educator here. His attention has been de- voted to his chosen work, to the exclusion of all extraneous matters. He is, however, well posted concerning public affairs, and in national politics is a firm Republican. He is a member of the Reformed Church of Flushing and a regu- lar contributor to religious and charitable en- terprises. After coming to this place he mar- ried Miss Laura de Mauriac, daughter of J. O. de Mauriac, a native of Bordeaux, France, who emigrated thence to America, and for some years was connected with Flushing Institute as a teacher of French. Three sons complete the family circle, Clarence, Fred and Harold, all graduates of Flushing Institute and business men of New York City.

J AMES SARVIS, chief detective of the Long Island Railroad, and one of the well-known residents of Long Island City, is a veteran of the late war, in which he rendered brave and faithful service, though at that time but a youth in his teens. He was born in New York City, September 4, 1847, his parents being James and Isabella (Trumphur) Sarvis, the former of whom died before the war, while the latter passed away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two years.

The parental family consisted of four children, two of whom are still living. Our subject, who was the eldest of the family, was reared in New York City, where he attended the public schools. After his father's death he went to Orange Coun- ty and made his home near Cuddebackville, from which place, at the breaking out of the rebellion, he went to take a place among the defenders of

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 111

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