Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 119

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 119

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The mother of our subject, Margaret Elliott, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, but was brought to America at the age of three years by her parents, who settled in New York. Her father, Robert Elliott, a native of County Tyrone, was a drover's son and on coming to the United States engaged in business in Sixth Street, New York, where Cooper Union now is. He died there in 1868 at the age of about sixty years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Tag- gart, was born in County Tyrone, and died in New York City the year after the family came to America. Both the Elliott and Taggart families were of Protestant faith and Scotch descent. Mrs. Margaret McNulty was reared and married in New York, but for some years has lived in Long Island City.

The parental family consists of three living children, two having died in childhood. The surviving sons are George A., and Robert J. and William T., who are employed as pressmen on the "New York Sun." The first-named, our subject, was educated in the granimar schools, from which he was graduated. In June, 1886, he became an employe of the "New York Sun," his first work being that of fly boy, but after nine months in that capacity he was promoted to pressman, and still fills that position.

In 1893 Mr. McNulty was nominated on the Gleason ticket as alderinan from the first ward, his opponent being James Comisky, but he was defeated because deprived of official ballot. In the fall of 1895 he was again nominated for that

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office against the same opponent, and was elected by a majority of five hundred and twenty-two votes, this being the largest majority for alder- man ever polled in the first ward. He assumed the duties of the office in January, 1896, and will without doubt give satisfaction in the discharge of the responsible duties connected with the po- sition. For four years he has been a member of the Democratic general committee of Long Island City. He has frequently represented the Democratic party as delegate to various conven- tions, and is regarded as one of the rising leaders of his political organization.

P ETER GUENSCH, a prosperous dealer in all kinds of meats, vegetables and country provisions, has become known for the ex- cellence and high grade of his stock. He is a na- tive of the city of New York, and was born in 1860. Ernest Guensch, his father, was born in Germany, but in early manhood came to the United States to seek his fortune. By trade he was a merchant tailor, and established himself in this business in New York City, continuing suc- cessfully engaged in the same until his death in 1873, at the age of seventy-six years. He was always patriotic and true to the flag of his adopt- ed country, and during the progress of the Civil War served the Union in a New York regiment. His wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth Schmidt, now a resident of Newark, N. J. Of a family of eight children born to this worthy couple, only three reached maturity. Edward, who was a sol- dier in a New York regiment during the war, was wounded and died after the cessation of hos- tilities in Norfolk, Va.

The subject of this sketch was reared in his native city, where he completed a good grammar school education. In 1873 he became shipping clerk in a furniture store owned by F. Mohr & Co., of New York, remaining with them until 1885, when he went to Brooklyn and established himself in the butter, egg and cheese business at No. 57 Atlantic Avenue. After three years he formed a co-partnership with P. Scherer in the grocery business at Orange Valley, N. J. One year later he located in Long Island City and opened a meat market at No. 95 Webster Ave- nue, which is one of the best of which the city can boast. In 1893 he erected his present store building, a two-story structure, which has a frontage of thirty-two feet and is ninety-eight

feet long. It is fitted up with every convenience and one delivery wagon is kept constantly em- ployed.

In 1881 Mr. Guensch was married in Long Island City to Miss Annie Diemer, a native of New York City and a daughter of Michael Die- mer, formerly a successful meat merchant at No. 95 Wilbur Avenue, but who is now retired, his business being now conducted by his son-in-law, Mr. Guensch, at No. 298 Webster Avenue. The latter and his wife have two children, William and Walter. In the spring of 1893 Mr. Guensch was appointed a member of the board of health by Mayor Sanford, and this position he held up to December 2, 1895, when he resigned. Socially he is a member of Advance Lodge, F. & A. M., of Astoria, and politically is a Democrat and has been a member of various conventions. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of New York City, while his wife belongs to the Episcopal Church of Ravenswood.

J OHN T. SUYDAM, a well known resident of the town of Jamaica, was born near Woodhaven, January 29, 1856. His father was Daniel R. Suydam, whose birth occurred February 22, 1809, in Norwich, Queens County. For eighteen years he commanded a vessel, and when settling down to life on terra firma he pur- chased a farm in the above town and was engaged in its cultivation until his death, March 10, 1878. The mother died in March, 1885.

Daniel R. Suydam married his cousin, Miss Sarah Suydam, and immediately settled on the tract of land which we have spoken of above. A portion of this property is now in the possession of our subject, who has cultivated it in a very profitable manner. The father of Daniel R. was in turn the son of Cornelius Suydam and his only child. The last named was the only son of John Suydam, well known to the old-time residents of this community. The Suydams were one of the old Dutch families of Queens County, of which we have but little information, other than it was one whose various members occupied good and useful positions in life and with very few excep- tions were people of considerable means.

The parental family included six children, of whom those living besides our subject are Sarah, who became the wife of Charles Lott, a retired farmer living near the home of John T., and Ida

FRANKUNO FNG CI

E. A. GOODRIDGE, M. D.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C., the wife of John A. Vanderveer, a farmer in Flatlands.

The subject of this sketch, who was the only son of the household, adopted the calling of an agriculturist when ready to embark in life, and continued to be thus engaged for many years, or until he accumulated a handsome competence, when he retired and is now living in ease and comfort in his pleasant home on the Jamaica plank road near Woodhaven. February 21, 1877, he married Miss Anna J. Debevoise, of Jamaica, who is also related to one of the old and respected families of the county. Their union has been blessed by the birth of the following-named sev- en children: Warren R., Daniel R., Sadie V., Charles D., Jennie S., Anna J. and John T., Jr. Mrs. Suydam is an active member of the Re- formed Church of Jamaica, which is one of the largest congregations in the village.

In social affairs our subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which he takes great in- terest. In political matters he is a stanch sup- porter of Republican doctrines and candidates and on this ticket has held numerous minor of- fices.

E DWIN A. GOODRIDGE, M. D., of Flush- ing, is a descendant in the eighth genera- tion from William Goodridge, who came to this country from Bury St. Edmunds, England, in 1636, and settled at Watertown, Mass. His brother John, who came in the same year, settled at Hartford, Conn. These brothers were de- scended from John Goodridge, D. D., of Devon- shire, England, who graduated from Oxford in 1509. The Doctor's great-grandfather, Benjamin, was one of three brothers who with their father, Benjamin, Sr., participated in the battle of Bunk- er Hill and other engagements of the Revolu- tionary War.

Ira Goodridge, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Keene, N. H., and removed from that town with his father to West- minster, Vt., when still a mere lad. From West- minster he removed to Sutton, Vt., and thence in 1825 to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he re- mained until his death a few years ago. During his residence in Vermont he was prominent in the politics of the state, serving in various civil capacities, and several times was elected to the legislature. He was distinguished for his patri- otism, intelligence and religious devotion, as well

as for the high value he always placed upon edu- cation. These qualities, with other strong New England characteristics, made him conspicuous in the early history of St. Lawrence County.

The Doctor's father, Horace Goodridge, was born in Vermont and removed at the age of four- teen with his father to their home in northern New York. At this early age he manifested a lively interest in educational matters, and grad- uated from Ft. Covington Academy, then the only available educational institution in that part of the state. After his graduation he was identified with educational interests, having been for many years a teacher in the schools of northern New York. He married Levonia Colby, a native of Leh- anon, N. H., and who, through her mother, Sallie Page, was connected with the numerous family of that name conspicuous in the early colo- nial affairs of New England, as well as in its later history. Levonia Colby's father, Jeremiah Colby, was a native of Maine, but was descended directly from Isaac Colby, who settled in Massachusetts about 1630. Ancestors of the Doctor's mother both in the Page and Colby line rendered con- spicuous service to the cause of the colonists dur- ing the Revolutionary period, having been repre- sented in most of the important military organi- zations of New England during that time.

Dr. Goodridge received his preparatory educa- tion in the schools of St. Lawrence County, teach- ing and attending school alternately as was the custom in those New England communities. About the time he was prepared for college the War of the Rebellion broke out, and he respond- ed to the call for volunteers, enlisting in the One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry. He participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry and other important engagements. In the fall of 1863 he was wounded at the battle of Mine Run and transferred to the Wolfe Street Hos- pital, Alexandria, Va., where, under the direction of Dr. Stewart, of Eric, Pa., then surgeon in charge of that hospital, he began his medical stu- dies. Being discharged in the spring of 1864 at his own request, he again took up the work of teaching, pursuing in the intervals his college studies. He received the degree of A. M. from Princeton College in 1888 and of M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia College, where he grad- uated, valedictorian of his class, in the spring of 1871. Immediately upon graduating lie began his practice in Flushing, twenty-five years ago.

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He has been at different times visiting physician to the New York Infant Asylum, consulting phy- sician to the same institution, counselor of the Alumni Association of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated, a mem- ber of the Queens County Medical Society and visiting surgeon to the Flushing Hospital. In 1866 he married Miss Anna M. Field, a native of New England, and they have two children, Lena, now the wife of Allen Wardner Harrington, and Malcolm, at present attending the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Almost from the time of his graduation Dr. Goodridge has enjoyed a large and lucrative prac- tice both as a physician and surgeon. In politics he is a Republican, and his views and sympathies have brought him into active co-operation with the best ideals of government and civil order. He is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution and is also a Grand Army man, hold- ing membership in the George Huntsman Post, of which he is surgeon. For ten years he was a member of the board of education of Flushing, six years of which time he was president of that body. His religious affiliation is with the Con- gregational Church.

E DWARD SPRINGMANN, a successful cigar manufacturer and dealer in tobacco at Glencove, was born in Paris, France, October 23, 1842. His parents were Edward and Louise (Brauner) Springmann, the former of whom was a native of Germany, born in July, 1812. He was left a widower when the subject of this sketch was quite young, and when the latter was about nine years of age he came to the United States, but left young Edward and his brother in Paris under the care of an uncle. After coming to this country the father plied his trade, that of a piano maker.

About one year later the children came to this country with their uncle, and in New York City the subject of this sketch made his home until the opening of the Civil War. He espoused the cause of his adopted country and in 1862 enlisted in Company I, Forty-fifth New York Infantry, in which he remained a little over a year, par- ticipating in the battle of Cross Keys and several sharp skirmishes. Owing to disabilities he re- ceived honorable discharge in 1863, and in the early part of 1865 he enlisted in the navy. He was transferred from the receiving ship "Ver-

mont" to the "Susquehanna," the flagship of the Brazilian squadron, and sent to Brazil. During the two years he was in the navy he was on va- rious vessels and touched at Havana and other foreign ports. Before entering the army he had worked at wood carving, and while at home, after his discharge from the army he learned cigar- making. After his naval service was concluded the followed the latter calling in various states of the East, particularly Massachusetts.

Subsequently Mr. Springmann returned to New York, and while there he was married, No- vember 20, 1870, to Miss Augusta Peter, a native of Prussia and a daughter of Frederick and Fred- ericka (Fenner) Peter. In 1874 he removed to Hicksville, N. Y., and there he began manufac- turing cigars on a small scale. This occupation he has since continued, and after his removal to Glencove in 1884, began dealing in all kinds of tobacco. He is one of the substantial business men of the place, his trade is firmly established and he is doing well financially. His marriage resulted in the birth of three children. Edward, a resident of Glencove, is married and has one child; Carrie is the next in order, and Henry is now in San Francisco, Cal., with his paternal grandfather, who has reached the advanced age of four-score and three years.

The political proclivities of Mr. Springmann have always been Republican and his first presi- dential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church and has served as trustee of the same at Hicksville. Fraternally he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Seawanhaka Lodge of the Royal Arcanum and is also identified with Daniel L. Downing Post, G. A. R. He attended the national reunion at Washington, D. C.

J OHN A. GRAY, one of the most popular and enterprising young business men of Long Island City, is the senior member of the firm of Sweeney & Gray, general machinists and manufacturers of artesian and oil well supplies. They command a fine trade, the result of their per- severance and business activity. Mr. Gray was born in New York City, March 4, 1866. His fath- er, John Gray, was a native of England, as was also the grandfather, James Gray, a member of an old and aristocratic English family. The lat- ter came to America many years ago and depart-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ed this life in New York. His son, John, was reared in Ireland, whither his parents had re- moved when he was a child, and where he re- ceived a good education. When a young man he crossed the Atlantic, and after reaching the me- tropolis of the United States was hired by John Mathews, a manufacturer of soda fountains. He remained with that gentleman for many years and was promoted from one position to another until he became manager of the business.

About 1878 the father of our subject located in Long Island City, which was his home until his death in March, 1895, when fifty-six years of age. He married Ellen Pendergast, a native of Ireland, who was at that time residing in New York City, but now makes her home in Long Island City. Their family included a son and two daughters, of whom John was the eldest.

The subject of this sketch was reared in New York City and there obtained a good education in Grammar School No. 14, which was located in Twenty-seventh Street. At the time of the re- moval of his parents to this city he accompanied them hither and for six months following went to school. The summer months during his school life had been spent with his father in Mr. Mathews' business in New York, principally in the machin- ist's department, which kind of work he liked very much. After acquiring his education he was regularly apprenticed to a machinist and worked for Mr. Mathews for six years. He next ob- tained the position of engineer and machinist in the Schermerhorn building on Broadway, and after six months resigned and accepted work in the Eagle Pencil Works. He remained here but six months, when we find him working in the Pierce Artesian and Oil Well Supply Company in Long Island City. He continued with this company for a period of seven years, and in 1892 formed a partnership with George J. Sweeney. They have been remarkably successful in this venture and occupy a building located at No. 29 Sixth Street, which is 50x70 feet in dimensions. It is fitted ont with a forty horse-power engine and all the machinery necessary for the manu- facture of the goods of which they make a special- ty. This firm is known all over the United States and they have also made many shipments to Aus- tralia and other foreign lands. Although they are engaged as general machinists they devote the greater part of their time and attention to the manufacture of artesian and oil well tools.

Mr. Gray was married in Long Island City to

Miss Annie Rooney, a native of this place, and the daughter of Patrick Rooney, one of the old residents of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have three children: Mabel, John and Raymond. The elder son has been president of the Star Ath- letic Club, which he also represented as captain for four years. He is very fond of outdoor sports, and as the captain of the Ravenswood Boat Club has plenty of opportunities during the summer season for enjoying this pastime.

Our subject is president of Board No. 42 of the National Association of Stationary Engineers of Long Island City and was the principal organizer of this body and one of its most active members. He is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Church.

A NTHONY GOLDNER is the proprietor of the oldest and largest granite works on Long Island. He has been blessed with prosperity ever since establishing his works in Long Island City, in the year 1866. He employs the best of workmen and has one of the finest equipped marble works in the east.

A native of Germany, Mr. Goldner was born on the Rhine, near Metz, Prussia, in 1834. His father was Nicholas Goldner, a sculptor by trade. Our subject was a lad of fifteen years when he left school and began to learn the business in which his father was engaged, remaining with him for five years, when he determined to try his fortunes in America. In 1854 he came hither and worked at his trade in New York City until 1866, the year of his starting in business in Long Island City. His works occupy ten building lots and the plant has been fitted out with all the latest appliances for cutting, drilling and polishing. Mr. Goldner handles marble in the rough, which he has shipped to him from foreign countries, as well as granite from Maine and Massachusetts. When he first began for himself he worked from marble only, but now he fills a large number of orders which are made up from granite. He has a twenty-five horse-power engine and gives em- ployment to from thirty to forty men. He has telephone connections in his office and all the modern conveniences which are used by pro- gressive business men. The marble works are located in Bradley Avenue, and adjoining the same Mr. Goldner has erected a large, handsome residence, which is occupied by his family.

Politically Mr. Goldner is a stanch Democrat,

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taking an active part in politics. In 1872 he was elected alderman from the second ward, ren- dering very efficient service for one term. He always took an active part in all questions com- ing before the council and was well posted on the issues of the day. While a member of the body he served as chairman of the police, fire and water committees and it was at this time the building of the water works was commenced, although it was not completed during his term. Although he was earnestly solicited by his friends to run for a second term, he refused to do so and since that time has declined all official honors. Prior to the incorporation of Long Island City Mr. Goldner was school trustee, and later, when made a commissioner, resigned his position in order to run for alderman. Religiously he is a devout Catholic.

Our subject is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, ever ready to do his full share in matters of public welfare, and is therefore numbered among the leading men of Queens County. He is descended from a family of sculptors and so wide a reputation has he won in his line that he receives orders from the states of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and. indeed, is well known all over the country.

C LARENCE N. PLATT, A. B., M. D., an able physician of Astoria, received a fine general and medical education and is a student of his profession, having also contributed articles of great value to the various medical jour- nals. He resides in a beautiful residence at No. 152 Franklin Street. As he is the only homeo- pathic physician in Long Island City he com- mands an extensive practice.

Mr. Platt was born in New Haven, Conn., and is the son of Charles N. Platt. The grandfather was a substantial farmer of Westhaven, Conn., where his death occurred. For several genera- tions the Platt family have been prominent mem- bers of whatever community they have resided in, and although they are of English origin, noth- ing definite is known of the first to come to Ameri- ca, when settlement was made in Milford, Conn.

Charles N. Platt was for many years a carriage manufacturer of New Haven, Conn., where he is now living retired from business of any kind. He took an active part during his younger years in the affairs of his community, rendering accep- table service as alderman of his ward. Relig-

iously he is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected for many years as an active worker, and personally is a man of strict integrity and true worth. He married Abigail Prindle, a native of Westhaven, Conn., and the daughter of Samuel Prindle, a farmer of that locality. This family is of Scotch descent and was first represented in America by two brothers, who, on coming hither, settled in Connecticut, the locality being known then as Pringle Hill, as the name was originally spelled. Now, however, it is called Prindle Hill.

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Platt there were born three children, of whom our subject was the second child and only son. He spent his boy- hood days in attendance at the public schools of his native city preparing for college. In 1880 he entered Yale and four years later was graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was very prominent in musical cir- cles of New Haven, and from his earliest years had been noted for his talent in this art. After completing his college course he desired to per- fect himself in vocal music, and going to New York City, studied under some of the best teach- ers there.

In 1885 Mr. Platt became a student in the Homeopathic Medical College in New York and after completing the course in 1888 had con- ferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. He spent a short time thereafter engaged in practice in Brooklyn, but in the spring of 1889 we find him located in Astoria, where he suc- ceeded to the practice of Dr. Vandenberg, and where his success was assured from the first. During the years that have since elapsed he has acquired an enviable reputation as a man of abili- ty in his line, and his practice, which is large and lucrative, is constantly increasing. His office is at his residence, to which he built an addition for this purpose. The Doctor is a skilled surgeon as well as general practitioner and his services in this line are greatly in demand.

The lady to whom our subject was married in Bridgeport, Conn., was Miss Catherine Meeker, a native of that place, and the daughter of Capt. Benjamin Meeker, who met his death during the late war while engaged in the battle of Cold Har- bor. The Doctor is a member of the Royal Ar- canum and is examining physician of Astoria Council. He is a devoted member of St. George's Episcopal Church, in which he is ves- tryman, and has had charge of the music for the

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 119

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