Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 124

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 124

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In his life George Sebald furnished an illustra- tion of what persistent industry and application will do for a man in securing his success, for the exercise of these qualities was the potent factor in raising him from poverty to prosperity, and from a position of obscurity to one of influ- ence. His death, which occurred January 15, 1888, was a loss to the village, for he was one of the best representatives of the German-American element resident here. He was loyal to his adopted country, interested in every enterprise for the growth of his place of residence, and true to every duty, public or private.

In the parental family there were five sons, the others besides Charles H. being Fred, John, George and Henry, and it is a noteworthy fact that all are engaged in the grocery or gardening business. Our subject was associated with the others until 1892, when he started out for him- self and has since been in charge of an increas- ing business. From his father he inherits a love of music, and for fifteen years he has played the organ in the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. In March, 1892, he married Miss Bar- bara Elflein of Flushing, and they are the par- ents of two children, Magdalena and George C.

J OHN R. BEDELL. The name borne by this well-known resident of Hempstead is one that is honored throughout the entire extent of Queens County. The family is one of the oldest on Long Island, where successive gen- erations have resided, each contributing to the growth and development of local interests, and giving to the world men of energy, industry and wise judgment. Alike in times of war and peace they have borne their part as loyal, law-abiding citizens, whose aim it has been to promote the welfare of state and nation.

Sylvanus Bedell, father of our subject, was an only son and followed farming as his life calling. During the War of 1812 his father, Stephen Bedell, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the American army and was stationed at Ft. Green. Sylvanus had two sisters, namely: Eliza- beth, widow of Benjamin Burt, of North Hemp- stead, and now living near Mineola; and Lydia, whose son, Chauncey Bedell, is vice-president of the First National Bank of Hempstead. Our subject's mother, Fannie, was born in the town of Hempstead, near what is now the village of Greenwich Point. She was a daughter of Micajah Raynor and also had a brother bearing that name. In religious belief she was a Presbyterian, adher- ing to that doctrine before the denomination had a church in Freeport, and when the few members met in private houses and school buildings.

In the family of Sylvanus and Fannie Bedell there were two sons and one daughter. The latter, Jane Ann, married Elisha B. Baldwin, formerly a merchant at Baldwinsville, two miles from Freeport, and also for two terms clerk of Queens County; at their death they left a daughter, Sarah F., who first married Edwin Raynor and after his death became the wife of

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Mr. Drake, her present home being in Glens Falls, N. Y. Elbert A. was for many years a farmer and store keeper at Freeport, where he is now the owner of a sash and blind factory, and is also engaged in the real estate business.

On the old Bedell homestead at Freeport, the subject of this sketch was born March 7, 1828. He remained on the farm until seventeen years of age, receiving his education in the local schools. At that age he came to Hempstead, where he secured a clerkship in a grocery. Later he was for three years employed as a grocery clerk in New York City. On his return to Hemp- stead, he embarked in the business of a butcher, which he followed until 1889. He then retired and was succeeded by his son, John F. In social affairs he is identified with the Odd Fellows and has been past grand of his lodge. Politically he is a Democrat, and upon that ticket was elected town collector, which he filled for two years.

The marriage of Mr. Bedell, October 25, 1854, united him with Mary L., daughter of Richard Place, of Amityville. Their family consists of five children, namely: Sylvanus; William K., member of the real estate firm of Whitaker & Bedell, of Hempstead; John F., who succeeded his father in the meat business; Chauncey, who is employed in his brother's butcher shop; and Ida N., wife of William J. Minshull and mother of one child, Frances. The son, John F., married Carrie Davidson, of Hempstead, and two children bless their union, Madeline and John F.

While Mr. Bedell has led a comparatively un- eventful life, it has not been an idle or useless existence. The village has felt the impetus he has given to progressive enterprises; the poor have had the advantage of his practical assistance, and his wife and family have been blessed by his counsel and affection. His business life was characterized by integrity of action and sound- ness of judgment, and the comforts which now surround him represent the hard and judicious labor of former years.

C HARLES AUGUSTUS POST. Among prominent railroad men of Long Island stands the name of Mr. Post, who is a very efficient freight agent on the island. He was born in Ravenswood, December 20, 1867, and is the son of William and Sarah A. (Areson) Post, both natives of Flushing. The paternal grand- father, William Post, was born on Long Island

and for years was a contractor and builder on a large scale, under the firm name of William Post & Co., his sons comprising the company. He died when seventy-three years old. The Post family is of Holland-Dutch origin and its mem- bers were early settlers of the island. The father of our subject was also a builder by occupation and died in 1883, when forty-seven years old. His wife now lives with her son, our subject. .

Mr. Post's maternal grandfather, James H. Areson, was born in Brooklyn in 1817. His father, John Areson, was a native of Flushing, as was also the grandfather, William, who was a successful farmer in the vicinity of that village. The Areson family came originally from Holland. When James H. Areson was about six months old he was left fatherless. His mother, whose maiden name was Ann Tallman, was the daughter of John Tallman, who was of English extraction. She was the mother of four children who were named in the order of their birth as follows: William, John, Benjamin and James Hendrickson. The latter was named after his maternal grandmother's family. Mrs. Areson died in 1835.

James H. Areson grew to manhood in Flush- ing, received his education in the subscription schools, and in 1830, when a litttle over twelve years old, entered the employ of William Prince, in the nursery business. This was the first nursery in the United States and was established in 1780. Mr. Areson was engaged in this busi- ness until 1837, and then went to Smithtown, Suf- folk County, where he followed the same industry from 1839 to 1843. He then returned to Flushing and here he has since made his home. He is now retired from the active duties of life and has a comfortable residence at No. 68 Lincoln Street. He was married in Newtown to Miss Matilda Van Wicklen, a native of that place, and the daughter of Garrett Van Wicklen. She died in 1878. Their six children were as follows: Sarah, now Mrs. Post, of Flushing; Josephine and Imogene, both of whom are at home, and Augustus, Mary and William F., who are dead. In politics Mr. Areson is a stanch Republican and an ardent supporter of his party. His first presidential vote was cast for W. H. Harrison. Although well along in years, Mr. Areson is well preserved, time having dealt very leniently with him, and his memory is extraordinary. He is one of the county's repre- sentative and esteemed citizens.

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Charles A. Post, the only one of the two chil- dren born to his parents now living, spent his boyhood in Flushing, attended the grammar and high school, and in 1883 entered the freight office of the Long Island Railroad, at Long Island City, as clerk. After that he was in the auditing department, later in the express and passenger departments, and then in the freight department a's chief clerk, a position he held for six months. On the 15th of June, 1889, he was appointed terminal freight agent of the company and has since held that position. There are one hundred and fifteen men in the department, twenty of ivhom are clerks, and he has charge of the move- ments of all the float freight of the Long Island Railroad. In politics Mr. Post advocates the principles and policy of the Republican party and is an earnest worker for the same. He is a mem- ber of the Flushing Republican Club, has been its secretary and has been on the general house committee. Until 1895 he was a member of the boat club, of which he was one of the organiz- ers. He is one of the original members of the Long Island Railroad Mutual Relief Association, is a member of the New Manhattan Athletic Club, the Young Men's Christian Association and is treasurer of the New York branch of National Freight Agents' Association of the United States. He has been delegate to various conventions at St. Louis. Milwaukee, Pittsburg and Louisville, and is a young man who commands the respect of all.

R OBERT WILSON. We do not measure a man's life by years, but by intensity. If we measure the life of Mr. Wilson by the work he has accomplished then he is the most venerable of men, although his birth occurred October 17, 1835. Editor of the "Long Island News" of the flourishing village of Roslyn, and one who has done much for its growth and ad- vancement, it gives us pleasure to present the main facts of his life to the public. Mr. Wilson is a native of Roslyn, and the son of William and Mary E. Wilson, the former born in Scotland, and the latter in New York City. The father came to this country when a young man, settled in New York City and followed the occupation of a glass cutter. Later he moved to Roslyn, and died there when about fifty years old. His wife died in the same village. Of their seven children but three are living at the present time. One son,

Charles C., resides in California, and a daughter, Emma S., is on the island.

Robert Wilson passed his boyhood and youth in his native village and at an early age began learning the printer's trade on the "Roslyn Plain- dealer." In 1854 he came to Flushing and was on the "Journal" for a number of years, then on the "Times" as foreman, etc. On Christmas Day, 1883, he started the "Long Island News,“ a weekly eight-column quarto, devoted to news of Long Island and Flushing. This bright, newsy sheet is independent in politics. His office is at No. 112 Broadway, where he carries on job print- ing as well.

Mr. Wilson selected his wife in the person of Miss Hannah Young, a native of the village of Flushing, and daughter of John Young, who was one of the old settlers here. Three children were born to this union: Fred, who died when twenty- one years old; Charles C., who is with his father and is sexton of St. George's Episcopal Church, and Ella L., at home.

J AMES P. CLARK, who is busily and profit- ably engaged in carrying on a grocery in the village of Jamaica, is also the efficient excise commissioner of the place. He was born in Jamaica March 1, 1862, and is the son of Patrick Clark, whose birth occurred in County Meath, Ireland. The latter made his home in his native land until some time in 1848, when he boarded a vessel bound for American shores and, on being landed in New York, made his way almost directly to Jamaica. Here for more than twenty years he was in the employ of the Long Island Railroad Company. Now, however, he is retired from the active duties of life and makes his home in a pleasant residence in this village.

The lady to whom Patrick Clark was married was Miss Eliza Boland, also a native of Ireland. She came to the United States about 1848 and soon after meeting Mr. Clark they were married. The parents now make their home in Prospect Street. Their family originally included seven sons, but three died when young. Of those now living our subject is the eldest. His brother, Michael, is a resident of Brooklyn and is foreman of the Edwin Flower Electric Type Foundry in New York; Edward R. assists our subject in the store, and John resides in Jamaica.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Jamaica, completing his studies in the

OSCAR J. SEAMAN.

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high school, which was then, as now, presided over by W. J. Ballard. For one season there- after he was engaged as baggage master at Long- beach, but resigned at the end of that time in order to enter the large grocery house of J. & T. Adikes, of Jamaica. He was in their employ for a period of eight years and then embarked in the same line of business for himself, in 1890. He has a well-stocked store and commands a good trade among the best people of the place.

Mr. Clark has always taken an active interest in politics and in 1890 was the successful candi- date for the office of excise commissioner. So well and faithfully did he transact the duties of this position that he was retained in office for the ensuing term. In 1894 he was the Democratic nominee for the General Assembly, but went down with his party in the great land slide of that year, which resulted in making of Queens a Republican county, although it had heretofore been largely Democratic.

The marriage of Mr. Clark and Miss Anna M. Bourke occurred in this village in 1893. Mrs. Clark is the sister of Edward Bourke, a well known contractor of this section and assessor of the town of Jamaica. Their union has resulted in the birth of two children, Mary and Joseph.

O SCAR J. SEAMAN, a prosperous and enterprising merchant of Glenwood, was born February 23, 1848, in Jericho. His parents were Jeremiah and Marilda (Stockings) Seaman, the former born in the city of New York, while the latter's birth occurred in Jericho; she was the daughter of Benjamin Stockings, well known to the old time residents of this county.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed at the old home in his native place and as soon as old enough he was sent to the common schools, acquiring a good education. He began in life for himself first as a farmer, cultivating the tract of land owned by Benjamin Stockings. Novem- ber 30, 1871, he was married in the city of Brook- lyn to Miss Cory, daughter of William Cory, a well-to-do business man of that city. They cont- menced life together on the old Stockings farm, where they made their home until 1873, when they moved to Freeport, and there Mr. Seaman en- gaged in shipping oysters to New York. Two years later we find them making their home in Roslyn, where our subject was given a position

in the grocery and dry goods store of William U. Nostrand, for whom he worked for a period of five years.

In 1881 Mr. Seaman moved to his present loca- tion in Glenwood and embarked in the general merchandise business. His trade increased from year to year, and in order that he might display his goods to better advantage he erected a new building in 1891, and now has one of the best equipped establishments of the kind in the place. In connection with this business he is proprietor of a flour and feed store and is also largely in- terested in real estate in this vicinity and near his old home in Jericho. Without doubt he is one of the most substantial men of Glenwood and is honored with the confidence and good will of all who know him.

In politics Mr. Seaman is a stalwart Repub- lican. He is a member of Pembroke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., and is at all times loyal to the interests of this order. He is a member of the board of education in District No. I, and uses his influence at all times toward securing every advantage for the schools of this neighborhood. Together with his excellent wife he is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church of Glen- wood, and for many years past has been elder of his congregation, also trustee and clerk of the board. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman became the par- ents of four sons and three daughters. Howard departed this life November 30, 1875, when three years of age; Herbert B., after completing his education in the private schools of Jamaica, en- tered the West Farmington College, wliere he is now a student; William E. is attending school at Farmingdale; Warren C. is carrying on his studies in Blair's Presbyterian Academy at Blairs- town, N. J .; Cora M., Edith and Florence are at home with their parents.

J OSHUA W. BARNUM. Whatever the natural resources of a country, or its busi- ness facilities, still the history must depend chiefly upon the men who have resided there, and who by their energy and ability have added to the natural attractions and wealth. The subject of this biography figures prominently antong such men. He is a resident of the town of Hempstead, where he has passed the greater part of his life. and has one of the finest country seats on Long Island.

Mr. Barnum was born in 1847, and is the son

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of Peter Crosby and Sarah Ann (Baldwin) Bar- num. The father was born in Putnam County, this state, and there continued to make his home until about eighteen years of age. He then went to the metropolis, and there established a business in which he was interested until 1878. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he was thoroughly devoted to the interests of his family, and at the time of his death, which occurred March 14, 1889, was deeply lamented. For a time he served as president of the Queens County Agricultural Society. Although the father of our subject was engaged in business in New York City he made his home in this town, locating here in 1846, and here continued to reside until his decease.

The subject of this sketch was educated in New York and when a young man of nineteen years engaged in the clothing business in that city. He carried on a profitable trade in this line until 1878, when, with his father, he decided to dispose of his interests and locate in this town. The handsome country seat is about two and one-half miles from the village of Hempstead and twenty-four miles distant from New York.

The mother of our subject was the daughter of Thomas Baldwin, one of the most prominent residents of Queens County, who figures in the early part of the nineteenth century. Mrs. Bar- num fell heir to one of the largest estates on the island, owning and managing a farm of over two thousand five hundred acres. It was mainly through her efforts that the present poor farm, which was named Barnum's island, was secured to Queens County, and the penurious system of farming out the labor of the dependent poor was abolished. Learning that a syndicate was about to purchase the island for a summer resort, Mrs. Barnum drove several miles in the face of a severe storm, saw all the owners of the property and purchased it for $13,000. A few days there- after the syndicate offered $75,000 for the property, but she refused the offer and turned it over to the county at the same figure which she had paid for it. The place is now valued at $150,000. It was also owing to the energy of activity of Mrs. Barnum that the sale of the com- mon lands of the town of Hempstead to the late A. T. Stewart for $400,000 was made possible. The taxpayers of the town were intensely opposed to the proposition to sell the lands, but Mrs. Bar- num made a house to house canvass, and after explaining to the farmers that the interest on the money would reduce their taxes, they readily con-

sented, and when the election to decide the ques- tion was held, the proposition was carried almost unanimously. Mrs. Barnum was one of the most earnest advocates of the County Agricultural Society, which was organized over fifty years ago. She was made president of the Ladies' Aid Society and the local visiting committee of Queens County, and in this manner proved of great assistance to the organization. Her estate was valued at a half million dollars.

The lady to whom Joshua W. Barnum was married in 1879 was Mary Richmond Taylor, daughter of Joseph B. Taylor, a native of Albany, but who for many years was engaged in business in New York. The latter was the son of John Taylor, at one time mayor of Albany and a wealthy and prominent resident of that city. One daughter survives of the union of our subject and his wife, Mary Richmond. They are members in excellent standing of the Episcopal Church, having been reared in that faith.

In politics Mr. Barnum is independent, reserv- ing his right to vote for the man whom he con- siders the best qualified to hold the office. He is both liberal and public-spirited and is always ready to contribute of his time and means for the advancement of enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare.

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, Joshua Barnum, was in turn the son of Dr. Stephen Barnum, born in Putnam County, N. Y. The latter was the son of one Joshua Barnum, of Revolutionary fame, in which conflict he won the commendation of those in command by his brave and fearless discharge of duty. He was captured by the British soldiers and was for a time a prisoner in the famous sugar house in New York City.

R ICHARD MOTT, SR. Having spent his entire life in Far Rockaway, the subject of our sketch has an extensive acquaintance through this portion of the county. His long residence here, together with his active participa- tion in all worthy measures for the development of the resources of the community, has made him prominent in social and business circles. It may truly be said that few residents of the village have been more closely identified with its history than has he, and certainly none have resided here for a longer period. It is to the efforts of such men as he that the community owes a debt that can

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never be repaid. Through their labors, continued unweariedly for a long period of years, is due the present high standing of this section alike in com- mercial and agricultural affairs. Having borne the heat of the conflict, many of his co-laborers have passed to their final reward, but a few re- main to witness and enjoy the fruition of their early hopes and aspirations.

The Mott family is one of the oldest on the island, where our subject's grandfather, Henry Mott, was a large landholder a hundred or more years ago. The father of our subject, John, was born on Long Island, where he engaged in farm pursuits until his death. His wife, Lucy, was a daughter of William Nicols, of Islip, who owned much of the land formerly known as the Nicols patent and which originally comprised many thousands of acres. They were the parents of eight children, one of whom died in infancy. William, the eldest, resides at Inwood and is now eighty-seven. Richard was the second born. Calvin, John and Lucinda have passed away. Benjamin B. is represented elsewhere in this volume; and Samuel W., the youngest, is de- ceased.

At Far Rockaway, where his life has been spent, the subject of this notice was born October 15, 1810. He has always followed farming and is almost the only one left in this vicinity who is thus engaged. Early in life he began to assist his father, who was an extensive farmer and stock raiser, owning about one thousand acres, and usually having forty or fifty calves o'n hand each spring. To each of the boys he gave a farm, thus ensuring for them a satisfactory start in life. Richard is the next to the eldest of the three sons still living. He never married, but in his declining years is the recipient of kindly and affectionate attention from his brothers' families. In earlier years he was a great reader and still keeps well posted upon events of the day, being especially familiar with the history of this part of the country.

G EORGE STELZ, the well known jewel- er, optician and watchmaker of College Point, was born in Germany, April 27, 1839, and was educated in his native land, where he learned the trade of a watchmaker under his father's instructions. He is the sole survivor of the family, which originally consisted of four children. At the age of fifteen, accompanying

his parents, he crossed the Atlantic and settled in New York City, where his father, Martin, died at the age of fifty-six, and his mother, Mary (Deal) Stelz, when sixty-two.

After coming to the United States our subject was employed in a jewelry store in Essex Street, New York, for one and one-half years, and while there learned the jeweler's trade, at which he subsequently worked until 1863. Having con- siderable natural and cultivated talent in music, in 1863 he enlisted as a musician in the Fourth Regiment of New York State and remained for five years in the service, meantime being called to many places during and after the Civil War and having a varied experience.

On the expiration of his period of service in the army, Mr. Stelz went back to New York and in 1869 came to College Point. Here he embarked in his chosen occupation and has since built up a large trade, his place of business being situated in Fourth Avenue, between Fourteenth and Fif- teenth Streets. During the many years that he has resided here, he has come to be known as an industrious, painstaking man, anxious to please his customers and reliable in his dealings with all. Prior to his enlistment in the army he married Louisa Kost, who died after having become the mother of four children, of whom two survive, Louisa, of Flushing, and George, of College Point. His second marriage united him with Maggie G. Flanigan, who is of Irish descent and a member of the Catholic Church. Of this mar- riage a son was born, Robert William, now a student in school. In politics Mr. Stelz is a Re- publican and never fails to support the principles of that party.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 124

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