Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 141

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 141

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J I OHN W. AHLES, who is engaged in busi- ness in New York City and resides at Bay- side, was born in the former place April 2, 1848, being a son of George and Zoe (Chair- naud) Ahles. His father, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, came to America in early manhood and settled in New York City, where he married Miss Chairnaud, a native of the me- tropolis. For many years he was a successful merchant of New York and still makes his home there, being no v (1896) eighty-six years old.

When our subject was two years old his par- ents moved to Bayside, where he remained until fifteen, and then accompanied the other members of the family to Brooklyn. His first position was that of errand boy in a broker's office in Wall Street, New York, where he remained, receiving many promotions in the meantime, until the me- morable "Black Friday." His next employment was in Pearl Street with a produce merchant, for whom he was salesman about ten years. In 1880 he established a business of his own at No. 37 Pearl Street, and has since been a produce com- mission merchant, with headquarters at different parts of the city at various times.

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June 19, 1873, Mr. Ahles married Lillie Bell, daughter of Robert M. Bell of Bayside, where she was born. Mr. Bell was a prominent farmer of the town of Flushing, a member of the Society of Friends, and an influential citizen of this com- munity. Since his marriage our subject has re- sided in Bayside, where he owns a comfortable home. Feeling a warm interest in educational matters, he has at different times consented to serve as a member of the school board and is at this writing a trustee. Both he and his wife are members of the All Saints' Episcopal Church of Bayside, in the organization of which he took an active part, and since the building of the church he has been a member of the vestry, holding the office of junior warden. By his marriage he has three children: Robert, a graduate of Mt. Pleas- ant Academy at Sing Sing, where he took a com- mercial course, and now a business man in the city; Gertrude and Virginia, who are with their parents.

For two terms Mr. Ahles has been vice-presi- dent of the Queens County Agricultural Society, being a director for the town of Flushing. All public improvements have received his co-opera- tion and, so far as possible, he has aided in the carrying out of practical plans for the benefit of the people. In 1895 he erected two business buildings in Bayside, which contain halls on the upper floor and have all the modern improve- ments. In the New York Produce Exchange he is a member of the board of managers, and chair- man of the committee on admission. By his en- ergy and shrewd dealing he has accumulated a competency and is one of the well-to-do men of the county.

P ROF. JAMES D. DILLINGHAM. No resident of Corona has pursued a more honorable career or been of greater value as a public servant than the gentleman whose name introduces these lines, and who is well known as the principal of the public schools of this village. The success which he has gained in his chosen calling is especially commendable, when it is considered that he is still young, just at the beginning of his life work. Since coming to Corona he has advanced the grade of scholar- ship, deepened the interest in educational work, and brought the school to the front rank among the institutions of learning in the county.

The son of James D. and Lucinda P. (Harris) Dillingham, the subject of this sketch was born in Berkley, Bristol County, Mass., August 18, 1865. The rudiments of his education were ob- tained in the public schools of his native place, and at the age of fifteen he entered Bristol Acad- emy, where he was fitted for college. When sev- enteen, he became a student in Amherst College, and was graduated in 1887, standing fifth in his class, and winning the prizes for excellence in German, French, and Italian. While in college he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa.

On leaving college our subject began the study of law with Mayor Charles A. Reed, of Taunton, with whom he remained for two years. After- ward one year was spent with Judge Hiram P. Harriman, of Wellfleet, Mass., and he was ad- mitted to the bar at Barnstable in 1890, on mo- tion of Attorney-General Knowlton. Lack of funds had required him, while prosecuting his studies, to devote some time to work as a teacher, and among other positions he filled those of prin- cipal of the high schools at Granby and Scituate, Mass., and the grammar schools at Truro and Harwich. In 1889-90 he was chairman of the board of education in Berkley, his native place, and at the same time served as moderator of the town meeting. At different times he was hon- ored by his party by being chosen to serve as their delegate in county and state conventions. He was chairman of the town committee and served as justice of the peace from 1889 until he removed from the place. For a time he was also a notary public.

In 1890 Professor Dillingham was called to the principalship of the high school at Tom's River, N. J., a position which he filled so satisfactorily that he was chosen to fill it at the two subse- quent elections by the board. While residing there he was county examiner. Leaving the place in 1893, he came to Corona, where he has since had charge of the schools. In 1890 he received the degree of A. M. from his alma mater, and two years later the degree of Master of Peda- gogy was conferred upon him by the University of the City of New York. In 1891 he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the National University of Chicago. These various degrees indicate to some extent the breadth of his knowledge and scope of his information. In 1893-94 he was principal of the evening high school in Jersey City. His labors as an educator

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have been quite successful. In his work he com- bines thoroughness in instruction with firmness in discipline, so that order, which is Heaven's first law, is naturally and easily combined with rapid progress in studies and systematic advance- ment in every department.

J AMES A. MACDONALD. The family to which our subject belongs came originally from Scotland, and first settled in Canada, where Dr. Archibald Macdonald, the grand- father of our subject, was born. He was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War, and after peace was declared did not return to Canada, but set- tled at White Plains, N. Y., where the remainder of his days was passed in practicing medicine and in tilling the soil. His son, James, father of our subject, was born in White Plains, and when old enough to decide for himself selected medi- cine as his calling in life. He attended the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, was graduated from that institution, and then be- gan practicing in New York City. He became noted in his profession, being one of the ablest practitioners of his day, and was sent by the gov- ernors of New York Hospital to visit all asylums in Europe and study the treatment of nervous dis- eases.

Returning to this country, Dr. Macdonald re- organized Bloomingdale Asylum, and was su- perintendent of the same for some time, but gave it up to return to his practice. In 1845 he established Sanford Hall, at Flushing, one of the most successful institutions of the kind in the state, residing there until his death, when forty-three years old. This institution, which was private, was the only one of the kind in the United States at that time. It was incorporated in 1887. In public life he held many positions of trust and honor, and was a profound reasoner and thinker. Of five sons born to his parents Dr. Macdonald was the youngest and the only one that married. He wedded Miss Eliza H. Miller, a native of New York City, and the daughter of Silvanus Miller, who was for years surrogate of New York and a prominent attorney and politician. Mr. Miller was born in East Hampton, and died when ninety years old. Mrs. Macdonald passed away in 1890 at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. She was a member of St. George's Episcopal Church.

The six children born to Dr. and Mrs. Mac- donald were Flora M., Margaret, James A. (sub- ject), Eliza, Archibald and Anna. James A. Mac- donald was born in New York City and received his early education in Columbia grammar school of that place. Later he entered Yale, and gradu- ated from that institution with the degree of A. B. and Ph. D. Since 1869 he has been engaged in the insurance business, and is president of the Queen Insurance Company, which was organized in 1890, and is also president of the board of trus- tees of the village of Flushing. Socially he is a member of the Niantic Club of Flushing and sev- eral of the leading clubs in New York City. Per- sonally he is very popular and has won many friends.

P ETER MATTHEWS. The trade of the harness manufacturer is one that comes within the bounds of daily opportunity to manifest a humane spirit toward man's most obedient and faithful friend, the horse. If the theory of John Stuart Mill is correct, there is cer- tainly a heaven for this higher order of the dumb animal. The harness-maker has many oppor- tunities of showing his regard for this noble brute by giving the utmost care to the manufacture of his goods, and one of the most successful en- gaged in this business is Peter Matthews, who is the proprietor of a harness manufactory at Glencove.

In this village Mr. Matthews was born October 22, 1864, to James and Bridget (Clark) Matthews, both of whom were born in Ireland, where they grew to maturity and were married. About 1850 they decided to seek a home in America, and soon after their marriage came hither, and almost im- mediately made a location at Glencove. When the starch works of this place were opened Mr. Matthews secured employment in them, and there labored faithfully for a period of thirty-five years. Of the seven children born to hiim and his wife, the subject of this sketch is next to the youngest, and three are living at the present time: John, a resident of Glencove; Mary, wife of Thomas Mc- Donough, of this place: and Peter.

The subject of this sketch was given the ad- vantages of the public schools of Glencove in his youth, but at the age of fourteen years le found employment in the starch works, remain- ing there for two years. When he was seventeen

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he began working at his trade in New York City, and after thoroughly learning the same, followed that occupation in that city, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Yonkers for some seven or eight years. In the fall of 1888 he started a shop of his own in Glencove, and, although it was modest in ex- tent at first, the work turned out was so satisfac- tory in every particular that his business steadily increased in proportion, and at the present time he is enjoying an exceptionally large trade. He has won the confidence of his patrons, and con- trols a liberal and profitable business, built up by his own energy and careful attention to the higher lines of his indispensable trade.

Mr. Matthews has always been a Democrat, and in 1888 he cast his presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, and was confirmed at the age of fourteen years.

O 'KANE BROTHERS. Queens County is the home of many young men of fine natural abilities, thorough education and business energy, who in various fields of energy are acquiring fine reputations and building up successful business enterprises. Among these John and Thomas O'Kane, Jr., comprising the firm of O'Kane Brothers, at Far Rockaway, de- serve mention, as they combine the intelligence, energy, and moral character which merit respect and win success. November 1, 1895, they opened an office near the depot and started in the real estate and insurance business under favorable auspices, having considerable property of their own and of their relatives to manage.

Thomas O'Kane, Sr., father of our subjects, has had his summer home in Far Rockaway for thirty years, and is now living here. By his mar- riage to Margaret Healy he has three children, John, Thomas, Jr., and Jane. John was born in New York City June 22, 1871, and was educated in the schools of his native place. Having a na- tural inclination for business, he sought employ- ment in a commercial house at an early age. For three years he was engaged in the business of musical merchandise with Stratton & Son, after which he spent a year in the office of H. Rapp, a real estate dealer at No. 198 Broadway. The two years following were spent with other real es- tate firms in New York City, in which way he gained a thorough knowledge of every detail con-

nected with the occupation, so that he was thor- oughly prepared to embark in it with success.

The younger brother, Thomas, Jr., was born in New York City July 8, 1874, and in boyhood at- tended the public schools, receiving a fair educa- tion. His first work was with his father in the book business, after which he indulged his taste for travel and went west, visiting northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. In that way eighteen months passed, after which he returned to New York, and soon became interested with his brother at Far Rockaway. He is not an entire stranger to the business, having had consider- able to do in that direction prior to his entrance into the firm.

Politically the brothers are Democrats, never faltering in their allegiance to the party, but sup- porting it in local, state and national elections. They are well informed regarding political affairs, and have read extensively concerning the great issues of the age and the best way to remedy the evils that perplex our statesmen. In religious be- lief they are identified with the Catholic Church. They bring to their chosen occupation youth, en- thusiasm, energy, intelligence and the prestige of friends and relatives. With these qualities they will undoubtedly achieve success. At this writ- ing they are building a commodious and com- fortable residence for a summer home.

R OBERT H. MOUNT. The condition of the real estate market may justly be con- sidered as a barometer of the real sound- ness and stability of business affairs in the country generally. It is gratifying to note the present situation of real estate throughout Queens County, and particularly in Glencove. Among those engaged in this line of business is Robert H. Mount, who is also engaged in the insurance business there, and who is a public accountant. He is a native of the island, born at Stonybrook, Suffolk County, June 21, 1853, a son of Shepard H. and Elizabeth (Elliott) Mount. The father was a prominent artist and one of the founders of the National Academy of Designs of New York. He made a national reputation as a por- trait painter.

The first few years of his boyhood, our sub- ject attended the schools of Stonybrook, but later entered the union school at Huntington, where he remained about two years. When sixteen

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years old he went to New Orleans, La., and se- cured a position as clerk in a clothing store, re- maining there three years. Returning to the North, he located in Glencove, where he remained until about the year 1879. For some time he was cashier and bookkeeper in a hotel at Man- hattan Beach, N. Y., and since then he has been manager and steward in various hotels in New York City and Babylon. From 1890 to 1895 he was one of the bookkeepers for the National Starch Company. In the last named year he opened his present office, and is meeting with more than the average success.

In his choice of a life companion our subject se- lected Miss Lena W. Ackerman, of Huntington, and their union was celebrated July 29, 1880. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Lena D., who was born in the village of Glencove June 5, 1881. Our subject was reared in the Democratic faith, and has always adhered to the same. He is a local worker, but has never aspired to office. His first presidential vote was cast for S. J. Tilden in 1876. Fraternally, he is a member of the American Legion of Honor, In- tegrity Council No. 1337, of Glencove.

E DWARD A. SLAVIN, deputy sheriff and constable for the town of Flushing, was born in Little Neck, March 22, 1856. He is a son of Frank Slavin, a farmer at Bayside and Little Neck, and later a resident of Flushing, where he died in 1891; his wife, Rose McGuire, also died in this village. They were the parents of six children, all but one of whom are living. Edward A., who is the eldest of the family, was reared in Flushing, where he attended the public and St. Michael's parochial schools. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the plumber's trade under Thomas Elliott, with whom he remained one year after the expiration of his term of service. Later he was with Henry Lewis. In 1879 he started in the plumbing business for himself, which he carried on successfully until official du- ties demanded his entire attention.

In 1880 Mr. Slavin was appointed deputy sher -- iff, which position he held for three years under A. B. Wright, three years under Sheriff Mitchell and three years under M. J. Goldner, also a simi- lar period under Sheriff Norton. In 1895 he was again appointed to this position by Henry Doht, the present sheriff. In 1892 he was elected con-

stable for the town of Flushing, and the following year was re-elected. In 1894 he was out of office, but in 1895 was again chosen for the position, which he has since filled. Since 1884 he has also been a special police officer for the village of Flushing. Politically a Democrat, he was presi- dent of the District Association in 1895, and is a leading member of the Democratic Club.

During his term of office Mr. Slavin has done much valuable work in the interest of law and or- der. At one time, during a circus here, he arrested circus men who were abusive, and was obliged to fight six or eight of them before he could subdue them. However, he succeeded in arrest- ing them, and one of the leaders was sentenced to the penitentiary for two and one-half years. He was successful in ferreting out and capturing John P. Williams and Thomas Bass, the men who robbed the residence of Henry W. Baldwin, presi- dent of the New York Life Insurance Company. They were captured October 17, 1894, and Wil- liams was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, but the sentence of Bass was suspended through the intercession of the people.

Mr. and Mrs. Slavin and their son, Edward J., occupy a comfortable home at No. 22 Prince Street, Flushing. Mrs. Slavin was born in New York City, and bore the maiden name of Mary A. Grogan. In religious belief our subject, with his family, is connected with St. Michael's Church and takes a warm interest in its progress. So- cially he is identified with the Foresters and Knights of Pythias. As an officer of the law he has been very efficient and successful, and is en- titled to the commendation which his meritorious service has won from the people.

H EINRICH FRANCK SÖHNE & CO. In the summer of 1895 this company, which had already established a wide reputation and large business in Europe, determined to start a factory in America, and accordingly on the Ist of August commenced business in that part of Flushing known as Fowlerville. Here they have a large building, the plant being operated by steam power, and employment is furnished to sixty or more hands.

The "Genuine Franck," which is manufactured in the factory at Flushing, was first introduced in America early in the 'zos, when it was extensively sold throughout the west, but since the location

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of the factory on Long Island, the sales have been pushed also in the eastern states. Under the management of Eugene Beitter, the resident member of the firm, a large trade has been built up, and an increasing reputation has been gained for the firm. Undoubtedly future years will bring an enhanced prosperity, as the product becomes more widely known among the people of this country.

The main factory of the company is located at Ludwigsburg, Germany, where the founders of the firm reside. Some idea of the extent of the business may be gained from the statement that the firm owns and operates fifteen factories in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Croatia, Roumania, Switzerland, and Italy. To run the different plants thirty-four steam engines are used, with a total of over one thousand horse- power. There are also three printing establish- ments, cooperage and box factories, paper dyeing establishments, and other buildings for the proper management of the business. To superintend and carry out the plans of the heads of the firm, employment is given to over three thousand workmen and about three hundred and fifty clerks and traveling salesmen.

"Genuine Franck" has been maufactured for seventy-four years. To coffee, it gives body, color, taste and a delightful fragrance. For ex- cellence it has won thirty-two medals. It is used in every country on the globe, and fifteen factories in Europe are needed to meet the demand of two hundred and twenty million pounds a year.

J OSEPH RAIBLE, a merchant tailor, who for years has carried on a successful busi- ness at Hunter's Point, Long Island City, was born in Ergenzingen oberaut Rotten- burg, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1845, being a son of John and Barbara (Stopper) Raible, also natives of that place, where the father engaged in farming until his death. The mother is still living, and is now very aged, though quite hearty for one of her years. Of her five children, four are living, Jo- seph being the oldest of the number, and the only one who has made his home in the United States.

The childhood years of our subject were spent on his father's farm, and, until fourteen, he was a student in the common schools. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade

in his native village, remaining thus engaged un- til 1866, when, shortly before reaching the age of twenty-one, he took passage at Havre on a steamer, and after a voyage of thirteen days landed in New York. For two months he worked at his trade in that city, then went to Newark, N. J., where he spent a year. Later he was similarly employed in Albany, N. Y., for four years. Re- turning thence to New York City, he followed his trade there until 1878, when he embarked in the merchant tailoring business for himself, in Hudson Street.

In 1880 Mr. Raible came to Long Island City, where he opened a shop on the corner of Vernon Avenue and Eighth Street. Two years later he removed to No. 94 Third Street, where he has since remained, carrying on an extensive trade in custom work. As a workman he is reliable, careful and painstaking, and his customers have the utmost confidence in his ability as a merchant tailor. In politics he inclines to Republican doc- trines, though independent in his vote. Socially he is connected with the Improved Order of Red Men in Long Island City. He was married here in 1893, his wife being Miss Catherine Ann Dun- lap, a native of Long Island City.

J AMES W. SMITH. For thirty-three years this excellent citizen has been deputy sheriff of Flushing, and many are the interesting adventures and narrow escapes he has had dur- ing that eventful period. He is at present keeper of the town hall in this place, and as a detective he has done valuable work, being one of the most celebrated officers here. Mr. Smith was born in England, in the city of London, May 31, 1831, a son of Thomas and Louisa (Wright) Smith, both natives of the same country. The father, who ran a mail coach from London to Cambridge, died in London. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Richard Wright, was a landscape gardener. He was under Wellington at Waterloo. Of the chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, we mention the following: George H., now deceased, was an attorney of New York City; Thomas was deputy sheriff of New York for fifteen years, and took prisoners from that city to Sing Sing; he is now deceased; Louisa resides in Brooklyn. The eld- est son, William, died when young.

Our subject, who was the youngest of the pa- rental family, was reared in his native city, and

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there received his education, attending the mili- tary institute and later Greenwich school. He was drafted from London on board "Windsor Castle," an East India man-of-war, and had a chance to study navigation. He went to Madras, Calcutta, and rounded the Cape of Good Hope. He made two trips, back and forth, and visited the Isle of St. Helena. While at Cape of Good Hope, where they put in for repairs, he thought of going to Grahamstown, where he had an uncle living, but gave that up. After the second trip he came to America, and located in New York City, where he followed the painter's trade, which he had learned in youth. After following this in the Empire City until 1852, he moved to Flush- ing, where he followed his trade until about 1862.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 141

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