Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 12

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 12

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both parents were members of the Lutheran Church. Of their five children, three sons and two daughters, two sons and two daughters are living at the present time, and the two sons are in America.

Of these children John Redlefsen was third in order of birth. He received his education under the tuition of his father until sixteen years old, after which he was apprenticed to learn the car- penter's trade, and was thus occupied for four years. When twenty-one years old he entered the army and participated in the war between Germany and Denmark, serving in all about three years. After this he spent two years at home, and in 1867 came to America and began working at his trade in New York City. In the year 1873 he located in Astoria, the flourishing suburb of Long Island City, and has erected some of the finest residences here. He has also built many fine houses in New York City and has an established reputation.

Mr. Redlefsen was married in New York City to Miss Ida Noack, a native of Dresden, Saxony, and daughter of August Noack, a successful lum- ber merchant, who came of an old and prominent German family. Mr. Redlefsen's mother, Mary Simingen, was a native of Saxony, and died there. Both parents were members of the Lutheran Church. Of their five children, two daughters are living in America. To Mr. and Mrs. Red- lefsen were born four children: Richard, an en- gineer and machinist in New York City, makes his home in Long Island City ; Jennie is at home; Martha became the wife of G. T. Raabe, who is in the United States mail service; and George is a machinist of New York City but a resident here. In politics Mr. Redlefsen is a Republican, but he attends strictly to business and does not care to hold office. He was one of the first to buy land and locate where he now resides. Socially he is a member of Astoria Lodge, K. of P., and also belongs to Arion Singing Society.

E DWARD STEINER, of Hunter's Point, is the capable and efficient superintendent of the Emil Calman Varnish Works, a po- sition which has been gained by personal worth and unquestioned integrity. He is a native of Germany, born in the eastern part of Prussia in 1830, but his ancestors came from Austria, being driven out of that country on account of their

religious views, and settling in Germany. They were Protestants.

Michael Steiner, father of Edward, and his ancestors were prominent people in Germany, and Michael was an agriculturist by vocation. Our subject, next to the youngest of seven chil- dren born to his parents, is the only one of the family in America. He was reared and educated in his native country and when fifteen years old was apprenticed in a wholesale grocery in Welou. In the year 1853 he decided that he could better his condition in the New World, and, taking pas- sage on the sailing vessel "Robert Kelley," he reached New York City after a five-months' trip. During this trip the ship was wrecked off the coast of Ireland and the crew was taken off in fishing- smacks and sent to Liverpool, England. Later Mr. Steiner took passage on the "John Wright" and reached New York in safety.

For two years following this he was engaged in various business enterprises in that city, and in 1855 entered the employ of Fred Vanderpool, manufacturer of varnish, and soon became a prac- tical varnish maker. Subsequently for thirteen years he was in the same business with the Min- ette Company, in New Jersey, as varnish maker, and for three years after this was with Parker & Gellispie, New York. In 1874 he came to Long Island City as foreman, and has served in that capacity and as superintendent for twenty-one years. He is a worthy example of the self-made American citizen and a grand exemplification of the progress that ambitious foreigners can make in this country of unbounded opportunities.

Mr. Steiner's fine residence at No. 67 Fifth Street is presided over by his excellent wife, for- merly Miss Rosanna Berry, a native of Utica, N. Y. Seven children have blessed this union. Louisa married George Dryden and resides in Jersey City; Alice is now Mrs. Stehl of Long Is- land City; George is a varnish maker of Chicago; Edward, Jr., and Henry, also varnish makers, are in their father's employ; Mary is Mrs. Mornsy of Long Island City, and Nellie completes the list.

Socially Mr. Steiner is a Mason and has been Treasurer of Long Island City Lodge for nine years. He is a member of Hermit Lodge I. O. O. F. of New York, of which he is Past Noble Grand, and is a charter member and Past Master of the Red Men, organized in 1878. For seventeen years he has been Treasurer of Pocahontas Lodge F. O. R. M., and Past Grand Sachem of the

JUDGE WILLIAM HANDY ONDERDONK

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United States Grand Lodge for two years. He is also Past Sachem of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and for ten years has been Grand Treasurer of the same. During the Civil War, in 1865, he was a volunteer in the United States navy, and is a member of Ringold Post, G. A. R.

J UDGE WILLIAM HANDY ONDER- DONK. To become distinguished at the bar requires not only capacity, but also sound judgment and persevering industry. These qualifications were combined in no gentleman at the Queens County bar to a greater extent than in William H. Onderdonk. A careful adviser and an earnest and conscientious advocate, his suc- cess at the bar was achieved by the improvement of opportunities, untiring diligence and by close study and correct judgment of men and niotives. He was born probably in New York City, March 5, 1820, and his boyhood days were spent there and on Long Island. He attended Trinity School, and after preparing for college, entered the law office of Joseph Blunt in New York City when but sixteen years old. In due time he was admitted to the bar, and afterwards remained in Mr. Blunt's office and in the city until his marriage June 7, 1843, to Miss Harriet S. Mott, of North Hemnp- stead, who was born at Lloyd's Neck, L. I. About 1846 he moved to the old residence now occupied by his widow, which commands one of the most beautiful views on the sound and bay. He iden- tified himself with the interests of Queens County, and served as district attorney a number of terms. Later he was elected as surrogate, serving one term in that capacity. To him and his wife were born two children, Harriet Cogswell and Robert Mott, the latter of whom died when eleven years old. After the daughter had become old enough to attend school, Mr. Onderdonk and fam- ily spent their winters in New York City, but al- ways considered Long Island their home.

The daughter, Harriet, married Samuel Vernon Mann, of Flushing, and became the mother of three children, Edith, Alice (deceased), and S. Vernon. Edith married Francis M. Simmonds and resides in Flushing. She has two children, Eleanor Hearn and Francis May. S. Vernon resides in Flushing. Judge Onderdonk was a member of the old Whig party and in war times was a firm believer in and supporter of the Un- ion. In politics he was independent.

Judge Onderdonk had a great love for his pro-

fession and was honored and respected by all the members of the same. He was noted for always winning the friendship of opposing parties before he would take a case. As a citizen no man stood higher in the estimation of the people. For many years he was a member of Christ Episcopal Church at Manhasset and for some time was ves- tryman of the same. In his death, which occurred December 11, 1882, the county lost a most worthy citizen and the bar one of its brightest lights. The following testimonials of respect were tendered Mrs. Onderdonk:

"The members of the Bar Association of Queens County have heard with feelings of pro- found sorrow the announcement of the death of the Honorable William H. Onderdonk, one of its members, and one of the oldest and most re- spected practitioners at the bar of this county. With bowed heads and sad hearts the members of this association accept the decree of that Provi- dence which has stricken down from among us one who was devoted to his chosen profession, faithful to the interests of his clients, safe and wise in council, and loyal always to the obligations of duty.

"Sadly recognizing the great loss the whole people of this county have sustained in the death of an eminent citizen who discharged faithfully and fully large and important public trusts, we re- alize with a nearer and deeper grief the more per- sonal loss to be sustained by this association in the removal from it of one of its best loved mem- bers, whose unaffected frankness, deep sincerity and abiding gentleness had bound him warmly and closely to the hearts of his professional as- sociates.

"Our circle has again been invaded, and the place is vacant now of one who was not only a wise and conscientious advocate, but who was also a faithful friend and an honorable, genial gentleman. Our late associate was very tolerant and considerate of the feelings and opinions of others. He was not unduly moved by his many and well deserved professional successes. He fought the greater battle of life manfully and bravely, while all its lesser duties had from him full and patient performance.

"Such was William H. Onderdonk, who, in his life, was respected for his manly qualities and loved for his gentle virtues, and whose death the Bar Association of Queens County most sincerely and most deeply deplores. The members of this association send to the broken family circle of

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our late associate-to those who loved him best of all-the expression of our deepest sympathy, in this, the season of their supremest sorrow. Gently as we may, we desire to remind them, as we are ourselves reminded, that the great mystery of death, and the deeper and sometimes sadder mystery of life, are alike in the keeping of that God, who, while He wounds at times most griev- ously, yet always His mercy wounds to heal. Re- solved, that the Court of Sessions and the ap- proaching Circuit Court be requested to cause this memorial to be placed upon their minutes and that the president and secretary cause the same to be engrossed and transmitted to the family of our late associate.

"John Fleming, President.". "Robert Townsend, Secretary."

"Mrs. H. S. Onderdonk:

"Madam-I herewith send you the resolutions of the Bar Association upon the death of your husband. They extol his learning and his worth, but in no degree beyond what the members of the bar sincerely felt were due to him who ranked us all.

"Believe me, very respectfully, "John Fleming."

Mrs. Onderdonk answered as follows: "John Fleming, Esq.

"My Dear Sir-The gratitude and sad pleasure with which I receive the gift of your association are only equaled by my own sense of what I have lost, and of all the modest virtues and noble traits possessed by your friend and my husband. He did strict and impartial justice, loved mercy with his whole nature, and ever walked humbly with his God. Permit me to say that your generous tribute to him reflects honor upon yourselves.

"Very respectfully, "Harriet S. Onderdonk."

F RANCIS H. VAN VECHTEN. No citizen of Jamaica is better known throughout Queens County than the subject of this article, who, in addition to a large legal practice here, also has an office at No. 108 Fulton Street, New York City. With but limited means when a young man, and with no influence to assist him, he nevertheless, by indefatigable energy and tire- less determination, has gained a position of prom- inence among the professional men of the local-

ity and occupies an influential place in the legal fraternity of the county.

Before presenting in detail the events that have given character to the life of Mr. Van Vechten, some mention of his ancestors may be appropri- ately made. The family has been identified with the history of America for a number of genera- tions, the first representative here having come from Holland in 1631, and its members have in- variably been patriotic and honest men. In the court of appeals in Albany hangs a life-size por- trait of one ancestor, Abraham Van Vechten, who was known as the "father" of the Albany bar; he was district attorney of Albany County, served as State Senator and as Attorney-General of the state two terms, and was a Regent of the State University. For generations the ancestors have adopted the legal profession, the only exception being in the case of our subject's father, who chose a business career.

Jacob Ten Broeck, a son of Abraham Van Vechten, was a native of Albany County, where he was a prominent attorney; at the time of his death, which occurred in 1837, he was Grand Mas- ter for the state of New York in the Masonic order. His son, Junius Roorbach Van Vechten, was born at Albany, N. Y., and was engaged in commercial pursuits during the greater part of his life, being for many years connected with the New York Custom House. He married Helen C. Roorbach, daughter of Orville A. and Ann E. Roorbach, and a native of New York City.

The subject of this sketch was born in Brooklyn July 26, 1856, and received his education in the public schools and Brooklyn Polytechnic. He fitted for college, but the financial reverses of his father rendered it necessary that he should be- come self-supporting. Entering a law office in New York as office boy, he worked his way up- ward until he became managing clerk, and through the exercise of strict economy was en- abled to attend the law department of Columbia College, his legal studies being carried on at night. In 1878 he passed the general term examination in New York City and was admitted to the bar, his high standing being evidenced by the fact that, of a class of seventeen, he was one of five who successfully passed the examination. Re- maining in New York he became a reporter and for nearly seven years was engaged in the news- paper business, holding various positions from police court reporter to managing editor. At the age of twenty-three he was managing editor of

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the "New York Truth," and had forty men under his direction. On leaving the newspaper work he returned to the practice of law and has since built up a large clientage.

In 1886 Mr. Van Vechten came to Queens County, where he has since resided. For three years he was attorney for the Queens County Board of Supervisors, retiring in the spring of 1895. During that time the county had some of the most important cases in its history, aggre- gating more than $200,000, and it is a noteworthy fact that he never lost but one case during the entire period of his service. He is attorney for Mayor Patrick J. Gleason, of Long Island, in all his important cases. For three years he was associated in practice with Supreme Court Justice Roger A. Pryor, but with that exception was alone until recently, when he became senior mem- ber of the firm of Van Vechten, Youngs & Dela- van.

Mr. Van Vechten was one of the incorporators of the Holland Society of the State of New York and takes a great interest in its welfare. He is a member of the Masonic order and the Royal Arcanum. His home in Hollis is one of the finest residences in the village. May 25, 1880, he married Miss Jennie H. Murray, member of an old Long Island family; they have four children, Elva, Howard, Eunice and Roger A. Pryor.

Reidy has achieved as a contractor and builder is the logical sequence of talent rightly used, together with energy and in- dustry never misapplied. He is one who im- presses even those who meet him in a casual way as thoroughly understanding his business and who is thoroughly at home in the position which he occupies. Mr. Reidy was born in Astoria, Long Island City, in 1857, and no doubt has the push and energy of his Irish ancestors in his blood. His father, Maurice Reidy, was born on the Emerald Isle, and after crossing the Atlantic to America, settled in Canada, where he followed his trade as contractor and builder. About the year 1840 he came to Astoria, Long Island City, and continued his trade until his death, in 1888, when seventy-four years old. He was married in his native country to Miss Mary Donnelly, also a native of Ireland, and she is now a resident and an old settler of Astoria. Their six children are now living and of these, M. J. was third in

order of birth. One son, Peter, is on the police force, and another son, Maurice, is in the post- office department of Long Island City.

During his youth, spent in his native city, our subject attended the Fourth Ward School until the age of sixteen and then entered the govern- ment employ at Hell Gate during the blasting out of Hallett's Point, and was employed for about three years as drill boy, measurer and machine hand. Later he gave this up and engaged as car- penter in the employ of various contractors until 1891, when he started in business for himself in partnership with William Couch, the firm being known as Couch & Reidy, general contractors and builders. They erected a new two-story shop on Main and Woolsey Streets and have since had all the work they could manage. They built the Marks & Kaleski building, Jacob Baab building on Boulevard and Fulton Street, private resi- dences for Fred Hallett, William Smith and Ed Foster; also four residences for Mrs. Emily Men- singer, and the carpenter work on the new Fourth Ward School building.

Mr. Reidy was married in New York City to Miss Helen Burke, a native of that city, and to them were born five children, viz .: Thomas, Lucy, Adelaide, Helen and Anna. The family resides at No. 76 Hoyt Avenue, in a modern residence erected by Mr. Reidy. For eight years he served on the Jackson, or Old Hickory Engine Com- pany No. I, and was foreman for one and secre-

M J. REIDY. The success which Mr. . tary for three years. Mr. Reidy was one of the

organizers of the Veteran Firemen's Association and was a member of the first board of trustees. At present he is chairman of the board and has also held the position of secretary. He is a char- ter member of the American Firemen, Long Island City Council No. 17, and is a worthy mem- ber of the Catholic Church. He is Democratic in national politics, but is not radical.

C HARLES E. TWOMBLY. Many a man who is now prosperous and successful be- gan life as did the subject of our sketch, without capital, and with no endowments except those of his own personality. In boyhood Mr. Twombly was the possessor of sturdy health, in- domitable energy, pluck and perseverance; and with these characteristics he has achieved a suc- cess which is an honor to himself. He is one of the well-known residents of Jamaica and at pres- ent holds the position of president of the board

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of village trustees, in which capacity he has been instrumental in advancing the welfare of his fel- low citizens.

A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Twombly was born in Durham, August 15, 1848. His educa- tion was such as could be obtained in the village schools of his home town, but while his knowledge of text books was limited, he gained a broad knowledge through experience and observation. At the age of fifteen he started out in life for him- self, and going to Maine, secured work on a farm. The tilling of the soil, however, was an occupa- tion not entirely congenial to him, and he used it but as a stepping stone to other lines of work.

From Maine Mr. Twombly went to Massachu- . them he inherited the qualities of energy, thrift setts, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In and perseverance that characterized his entire bus- iness career. Now retired from active labors, he still, however, retains his interest in public events and gives his sympathetic co-operation to meas- ures projected for the benefit of the people. His home is in Hempstead, where he is surrounded by the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances and by the comforts which enhance the pleasures of life. 1869 he became connected with the Long Island Railroad as foreman, which position he held for about four years. Having gained a thorough knowledge of every detail of the trade and having saved a sufficient amount of money to render such a project feasible, he embarked in business for himself, and has since made a specialty of con- tracting for the construction of public roads. The macadamized roads which lend so much to the convenience of the people and the value of prop- erty are largely his work. During the past few years Queens County has expended $400,000 in the building of these roads, and the results are a source of pride to every citizen. Since 1891 Mr. Twombly has been in partnership with John H. Eldert, and in addition to their large business on Long Island they have extensive stone quarries in Pennsylvania which they are operating.

It might be supposed that with such important business matters in hand Mr. Twombly would take little interest in public matters, but not so; no citizen is more interested than he in all mat- ters pertaining to the welfare of the village of Jamaica. In local politics he is a leader and a stanch adherent of Republican principles. For some years he has served on the board of trustees and in the spring of 1895 he was unanimously chosen president of that body. He assisted in the organization of the Chub Club of Jamaica, of which he is still a leading member. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all the chairs in the lodge at Jamaica.

The home of Mr. Twombly, pleasantly located in the western part of the village, and surrounded by grounds covering an entire block, forms an agreeable center of social life. It is presided over

by his wife, formerly Miss Susan A. Smith, and a native of the town of Hempstead. The family con- sists of nine children, of whom Sarah is the wife of W. A. Shipley, chief of the Jamaica fire depart- ment.

B ERGEN R. CARMAN. Many of the most influential citizens of Long Island are members of families early established here and long identified with the history of this section. Such is the case with the subject of this sketch, whose forefathers for successive generations were honorably and intimately associated with the de- velopment and prosperity of the island. From

A native of Long Island, Mr. Carman was born at Freeport, August 14, 1846. His father, Samuel S., was born in the same place as himself and there he spent his active life, engaged in business pur- suits. He was a prominent citizen of the place and his death in 1891 was regarded as a public loss. The wife and mother was Eliza (Raynor) Carman, who was born in Freeport, and still makes that village her home. There were only three children in the family, a son and two daugh- ters. The former, who forms the subject of this notice, was given good educational advantages in the public schools and at Union Hall Academy, Jamaica, acquiring a broad fund of information through diligent use of his opportunities.

The ability of Mr. Carman as a financier is abundantly proved by his long and successful connection with the old Atlantic Bank in Brook- lyn. Finally, having accumulated an ample for- tune, he closed out his business interests and has since given his attention to the oversight of his personal investments. While he has never dis- played any partisan spirit, yet he is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party, and always votes that ticket. At one time he held the posi- tion of village trustee and is now a member of the Board of Education. He aided in the organiza- tion of the Building and Loan Association of Hempstead and is serving as one of its directors.

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In St. George's Church, of which he is an active member, he holds the office of treasurer.

The marriage of Mr. Carman took place Sep- tember 19, 1870, and united him with Miss Jean- nette Davis, daughter of B. W. and L. A. (Philip) Davis, of Brooklyn. They are the parents of one son. Charles W., a graduate of St. Paul's, at Gar- den City. He also spent two years at Cornell University and is now at home. Mr. Carman and his family occupy a commodious residence on Ful- ton Street, surrounded by beautiful and well-kept grounds. and containing within evidences of the refined tastes and culture of the inmates.

G EORGE MCALLISTER GOSMAN. The Gosman family is very well known in Queens County, as ancestors of the pres- ent generation settled here prior to the Revolu- tionary War, when, besides a few white settlers, Indians were the inhabitants of Long Island. From that time until the present they have been actively engaged in the upbuilding and progress of their county. The subject of this narrative owns and occupies a fine place which is located near Blissville, Long Island City.

Mr. Gosman was born in Long Island City. in Skillman Avenue. while his father, William Gos- man, was born at No. 2 Cortlandt Street. New York. Grandiather George Gosman vas a na- tive of Glasgow, Scotland, whence he emigrated to America in 1760. locating in the metropolis. He was a mason by trade. working at this from the time he came to America until Revolutionary times. when he abandoned his trade and entered the service, fighting bravely and well until the establishment of peace. He made his home in New York until his death, which occurred when he was three score years and ten. Religiously he was of the Presbyterian faith and left his native land on account of religious persecution.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 12

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