Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 142

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 142

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In the year 1863 Mr. Smith was appointed United States deputy marshal for Queens, and in 1864 the town hall was completed and opened, Mr. Smith becoming the first keeper, and hold- ing that position for eight years. Previous to this, in 1862, he was elected constable for the town of Flushing, and re-elected to that position over thirty times, thus showing the estimation in which his services were held. He served under Platt Carll, Joseph Curtis, Charles Sammis, Rush Moore, Olmstead Henry, A. Wright, Garret Fire- man, John Mitchell, M. J. Goldner, James Nor- ton, and Henry Doht. He is now the oldest deputy sheriff in the country, and has arrested more murderers, horsethieves, pirates, etc., than any other man. Mr. Smith arrested Delaney, who killed Captain Weeks, going to Philadelphia for him; and served as head man for District At- torney Downing, doing all the detective work for him.

Aside from these duties, Mr. Smith also did considerable private detective work for the citi- zens here, and made some long trips. He has had his share of adventures, too, and arrested a desperate negro here, who was six feet three inches in height. He has been shot at, stabbed at, and escaped other sleight of hand movements, but is alive and well today. Mr. Smith is pos- sessed of much personal courage and self pos- session, and a strong determination to go through with what he undertakes. He is probably the best officer ever in this part of the country. For years he was a railroad detective. In June, 1895, he was appointed janitor and keeper of the town hall.

In the city of New York Mr. Smith was mar-

ried to Miss Delia O'Brien, a native of New York, who died here in 1888. Of the twelve chil- dren born to this union, only eight are now liv- ing: Alfred J. is a stenographer of New York City; Kate married Mr. Wetherhead, the great hot-water healing man of New York City; Annie is now Mrs. Hoover, of Roselle, N. J .; William is an express agent in New Brunswick, N. J .; Charles is a machinist of New York City; Ed- ward is shipping clerk with Vogel Brothers, New York; George resides in Flushing; and Hortense is in St. Joseph's Convent, Bordentown, N. J.

Mr. Smith was married December 26, 1895, to Miss Mary McCormick, a native of Flushing, and daughter of Michael McCormick, who was foreman for E. A. Mitchell. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat, has served on the county central committee, and has frequently been a delegate. At one time he was candidate for the nomination of sheriff on the Democratic ticket, and came very near being elected. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, a member of Pacific Lodge No. 85. hav- ing joined that organization in 1862, and is a man who has the respect of all.

C HAUNCY T. SPRAGUE. This well known citizen of Freeport was born near this village May 17, 1838, to the marriage of Samuel and Mary L. (Terry) Sprague, natives of Long Island, where all their lives were passed. Early in life Samuel Sprague learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed with fair success for many years. He then turned his attention to ag- ricultural pursuits, and was following this time- honored calling at the time of his death, in 1879. Quiet and unassuming, all his interests were cen- tered in his home. Mrs. Sprague passed away in the year 1883. The parents were most estimable people, and had many friends.

During his youthful days Chauncy T. Sprague had only the advantages of the country schools, and as they were anything but good, at that time, much of his education has been received by self- study since. On the farm he grew to sturdy man- hood, and assisted his father in the duties on the same until nineteen years old, when he left home, and began learning the trade of black- smith, seven and a half years being thus eni- ployed. Afterwards he was engaged in sailing and fishing for about fifteen years, and in 1878 he engaged in the oyster business, which occupa-

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tion has claimed his attention ever since. His oysters are sold to hotels and restaurants in New York City, and he makes two shipments per week. He is a wide-awake, industrious citizen, who, by his perseverance and integrity, has ac- cumulated a fair share of this world's goods.

Mr. Sprague was married in the year 1864 to Miss Ann Augusta Duryea, daughter of Peter Duryea, who is a worthy citizen of this county. Two children were born to this union, Mary E. and Emma J., the latter now deceased. Mrs. Sprague and Miss Mary are earnest members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Sprague is a Republican, and an active worker for his party. He has been a member of the board of health of the village, and is a director of the Freeport Bank, also of the Freeport Land Company. He has ever been alive to the im- provements of the village, and he and family are among the best citizens of the place.

E LWOOD ROSZEL, the successful con- tractor and builder of College Point, was born in Hightstown, N. J., February 4, 1853, and is sixth in order of birth among the twelve children of George and Helen (Brown) Roszel. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and received such advantages as the neighborhood schools afforded. At the age of nineteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade in Elizabeth, N. J., and on the completion of his term of service remained there, following his chosen occupation.

In the spring of 1874 Mr. Roszel came to Col- lege Point, where he first worked for Mr. Tibbs, and afterward was employed by Mr. Wright for five years. For seven years he was engaged as carpenter in the rubber factory, and then, in 1886, became a partner of his brother, J. H., the two establishing the firm of Roszel Brothers. He built his residence on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eleventh Street, and has a shop in the rear. As a contractor he is keen, careful and shrewd, and his success is the result of painstaking effort. He was united in marriage in this village to Miss Eva Wright, who was born in Tarrytown, N. Y., but has spent her life principally in College Point, where she is highly esteemed for her many noble attributes of character. She is a sincere Christian, and a member of the Reformed Church. Her father, Cornelius Wright, was for many years

actively engaged in building here, and still makes this place his home. Three children comprise the family of our subject and his wife: Herbert, Clar- ence and Ella. Socially our subject is connected with the Order of Foresters and the Steube Kosse.

F RANKLIN CLINTON NORTON, a rep- resentative of one of the old families of Far Rockaway, is pleasantly located near Nor- ton's Creek, where he and his accomplished wife welcome to their pleasant home their large circle of visiting acquaintances. The family of which he is a member has been identified with the his- tory of this locality for many generations. His paternal grandfather, John L. Norton, who was a man of great tenacity of purpose and sound judgment, resided here prior to the founding of the village and owned a large tract of land in the immediate vicinity, as well as considerable prop- erty in other states. Among his possessions was the now valuable property occupied by the United States Hotel.

Among the many ancient documents now in possession of Mr. Norton is a deed bearing date of January 5, 1775, recorded in the state of New York, "In Liber Deeds," page 413, August 2, 1816, II o'clock a. m. It was a deed transferring to Walter Franklin, the father of our subject's grandmother, much of the land now occupied by Far Rockaway. Samuel R. B., father of our sub- ject, was born in New York City and owned prop- erty there, besides land in Delaware County, Ohio, and elsewhere. Until his death at the age of seventy-three, his attention was devoted mainly to the management of his estate. By his marriage to Ann Gipson of Jamaica he had eight children.

Born on Long Island, April 24, 1838, the sub- ject of this notice spent his boyhood years here, attending the common schools and the academy at Jamaica. Being an industrious youth, he learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1873 he began the study of law at Titusville, Pa., and later pursued a legal course in Far Rockaway. Meanwhile his parents were growing old, and having large busi- ness cares in consequence of the advance in real estate and the demand for lots, they needed his assistance and desired him to come to their relief. His studies had fitted him in great measure to intelligently manage the affairs and he went to their assistance. He was not admitted to the bar, although his preparation was sufficient to

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have enabled him to pass the required examin- ation, and being thus called to business, he never took up the practice of law. However, he has often defended the needy, but never for money, and he has been of material assistance to those in need of legal advice and help. He continued to manage the business until the death of his parents, and since that time he has managed his own share of the estate, selling off portions for $38,000, $55,000 and $70,000. There still remains in his possession a valuable property, both beach and upland, and on the assessment roll this is esti- mated at over $100,000.

April 15, 1895, Mr. Norton was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah, the accomplished daugh- ter of Abram Lott, and a young lady well and favorably known in the social circles of the town of Hempstead. Her gifts are versatile, including skill in needlework embroidery, considerable tal- ent as a pianist and superior ability as an artist, a fact evidenced by the beautiful pictures that adorn the walls of her home. Their wedding tour in- cluded a trip to Niagara Falls, the northern lakes and other points of interest in our country. They are the parents of one boy, born January 31, 1896.

Mr. Norton is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and gives liberally to religious enter- prises. He gave to the Free Gospel people three lots in Far Rockaway upon which to erect their church and parsonage. In his social relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His views in politics have led him to avow independence of action in elections, his support being given to the man whom he deems best qualified for any given office and who will best represent the interests of the people.

B ENJAMIN B. MOTT is one of the oldest residents of Far Rockaway as well as one of its most influential business men. He is well known throughout the country as a pub- lic-spirited citizen who has been variously identi- fred with its interests for many years. By his en- ergetic and resolute force of character and talent for affairs, he has given an impetus to the growth of this section of country, and is still actively for- warding its advancement in important directions.

The father of our subject, John Mott, a native of Long Island, was a man of prominence in local affairs, and held the office of justice of the peace for thirty years. His judgment and advice were sought by the people, who reposed the greatest

confidence in his sagacity as a justice and his honesty as a man. His landed possessions were very large, aggregating at one time more than a thousand acres in this locality. He married Lucy Nicols, whose great-grandfather, Admiral Nicols, took North Amsterdam from the Dutch. Her father, William Nicols, formerly resided in Smith- town, L. I., but died in the village of Hempstead, being the owner of a portion of the old Nicols patent, which originally comprised the present towns of Bay Shore and Islip.

The history of the Mott family is clearly traced back to a very early date in the settlement of America, when three brothers from England landed on these shores in company with a large party of French Huguenots. Henry Mott, one of the brothers, settled on Long Island and be- came the progenitor of this branch of the family. He was twice married and had sixteen children. In religious faith he was a Quaker, but aside from these few facts nothing can be gleaned from the records concerning his life and character.

John Mott passed his entire life on Long Island, and here he died in 1828, aged eighty-one years. Of his marriage eight children were born, namely: William, who is eighty-seven years old and re- sides in Inwood, L. I .; Richard, living at Bays- water; Calvin, Elizabeth and John, deceased; Benjamin Birdsall, the subject of this sketch; Lu- cinda and Samuel, deceased. Our subject, who was the sixth in order of birth, was born in Far Rockaway February 19, 1820, and was reared to manhood on a farm. Early in life he became familiar with the duties incident to that occupa- tion, for, although his father was well-to-do, the children were brought up to habits of diligent in- dustry, idleness being shunned as a sin. The best educational advantages of the locality were given him, and while working on the farm he accumu- lated a large fund of general information, becom- ing well posted on most subjects. He was a na- tural mechanic and could construct houses or build boats, turning his hand to almost any kind of work. This last trait-mechanical ability-is a family characteristic, and without learning a trade, they have become experts in it.

Inheriting a considerable portion of the old farm, Mr. Mott platted it into town lots, which he has since sold as a favorable opportunity was presented, and which now comprises some of the most valuable property in Far Rockaway. His affairs he has always managed with judgment,

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leading in most cases to flattering success. He was instrumental in securing the money to build the railroad from Valley Stream to Far Rocka- way, and gave the company seven acres of land, besides the right of way through his land. He has assisted largely in building up the village by furnishing the means to build and still holds mort- gages on a large amount of Far Rockaway real estate. The advance in prices of property is due not a little to his constant efforts. Land which thirty years ago was worth but $40 per acre is now worth thousands of dollars an acre, and this satisfactory result may be attributed to the labors of such men as he.

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Mott was born at Hewlett, this county, and bore the maiden name of Theodora Pearsall, being a daughter of Colonel Pearsall, formerly a prominent citizen of Hewlett. She has one brother, Edwin F., living in Brooklyn, and a sister, Emma, wife of Robert Crocker, also of Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Mott are the parents of three children, namely: Lillian M., wife of S. S. Guy, a dentist of Far Rockaway, and the mother of one son, Harold; Eveline Cole, who married Samuel Althouse, Jr .; and Guy Carl- ton, who is at home. Politically Mr. Mott is a Jeffersonian Democrat, free trade and equal rights being his platform. He was reared in the Quaker faith, but is liberal in religious matters, and usually attends the Episcopal Church, to which his wife belongs.

H UGH HAGAN, senior member of the firm of Hagan & Daly, proprietors of the Queens County Boiler Works, is one of the oldest practical boilermakers in this locality. He has been remarkably successful in his under- takings, and is justly regarded as one of the prominent and influential men of Long Island.

Mr. Hagan is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Tyrone in 1846. His father, Patrick Hagan, was also born in the Emerald Isle, where he was engaged as a cooper until his decease, which occurred in early life. He married Miss Ann McQuigan, who departed this life in Long Island City. She became the mother of two sons and one daughter, of whom our subject was the youngest, and the only one now living.

Hugh Hagan was reared on a farm in his native land, and also obtained a good educa- tion in the schools near his home. He emi-

grated to the United States in 1863, and, finding it necessary to be employed, appren- ticed himself to a boilermaker in Brooklyn. He remained with the man to whom he was first engaged for three years, and then came to Long Island City and obtained work with Robert O'Harra, proprietor of the boiler works here. He remained in his employ until 1882, when that gentleman desired to sell out his busi- ness. Mr. Hagan purchased the plant, and im- mediately formed a partnership with Mr. Daly, the firm being known as Hagan & Daly. The original building was 50x100 feet in dimensions, but as their business increased Mr. Hagan added a wing to the factory, which is now 100x125 feet in size. It is fitted out with a fifty-horse power engine and all the necessary machinery for car- rying on the extensive boiler works.

The marriage of Mr. Hagan and Miss Eliza- beth Campbell took place in Long Island City in the year 1874. The lady was also born in Ire- land, and by her union with our subject became the mother of eleven children, four of whom are now living: James, a clerk in his father's office ; Elizabeth, Annie, and Katie. Mr. Hagan, sev- eral years ago, was a member of Live Oak Com- pany No. 2, and is now connected with the Ex- empt Firemen's Society. (Messrs. Hagan and Daly belong to the Business Men's Association of Brooklyn, in which they are prominent factors.) Mr. Hagan is identified with all movements re- lating to the general good of the public, and his influence is a power for good wherever he is known. The family occupy a pleasant home at No. 18 Pearson Street, Hunter's Point, and are identified with the Catholic Church. Mr. Hagan is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Asso- ciation, in which he takes an active interest.

F E. WINSLOW, V. S. The proper care of that noble animal, the horse, has ever · been one of great importance and the men are by no means numerous who have become proficient in this humane calling. F. E. Wins- low, of Flushing, is a skillful veterinary surgeon, and has made a decided success of his calling. He was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, April 3. 1867, to James F. and Louisa (King) Winslow, natives respectively of New York City and Phila- delphia, Pa. His father was for some time em- ployed with Waydell & Co., but left them to enlist

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the service of the Union during the Civil War. Upon his return he resumed his position with the company, and remained with them until about 1890, when he became freight agent for the Cam- pania Trans-Atlantic Espanola in New York City.

The Winslow family originated in England; the ancestor of our subject came over in the "May- flower," landing at Plymouth Rock. The grand- father of our subject, John C. Winslow, was born in Massachusetts, whence he removed to New York City, and there engaged extensively in busi- ness as a cooper, remaining there until his death.

The subject of this sketch was the only child born to his parents. His mother died in 1889. He was reared and educated in Whitestone, and completed his education in Trinity College at the head of Wall Street, New York, but left this insti- tution at the close of his senior year on account of ill health. Upon his recovery he decided to fol- low veterinary surgery and entered New York College of Veterinary Surgeons, and after a three years' course, graduated in March, 1893, with the degree of V. S. He at once began practicing his profession at Whitestone, but since 1894 has been located in Flushing, where he has become widely and favorably known professionally. His serv- ices are often called into requisition at White- stone, Bayside, College Point, Great Neck, Lit- tle Neck, East Williston, Newtown, and numer- ous other places. His residence is No. 219 Madi- son Avenue, and his office is at the livery stable at the corner of Madison Avenue and Union Street.

Mr. Winslow was married in Whitestone to Miss Grace I. Smith, a native of that place and a daughter of John Morrell Smith, a retired farmer of that place, and a member of a fine old family of Long Island. His wife was Mary Meers, a na- tive of New York City. Mr. Winslow belongs to the Alumni Association of the New York College of Veterinary Surgeons.

R ICHARD A. W. NUGENT. The Chilton Manufacturing Company, which Mr. Nu- gent represents at College Point, and which has its main office at No. 147 Fulton Street, New York, was organized directly through his personal efforts, and from its inception he has been the principal factor in promoting its prog- ress. In June, 1885, he established the works at College Point, and of these he has since been su- perintendent. Under his direction they manu-

facture strictly pure linseed oil and paints, which are branded "Chilton," and are used all over the east, west, north, and south. He has allowed the manufacture of nothing except that which is pure, and the company has built up an enviable reputation for the quality of the prod- ucts. The trade increased with the passing years, and the plant was enlarged to accom- modate the enlarged demand, until a capacity of one hundred and fifty thousand gallons of oil was reached.

The first building occupied by the company was a comparatively small wooden structure, the old Ansonia Rubber Works. In May, 1887, the plant was destroyed by fire, and the demand for Chilton paints making it necessary that there be no delay in the business, Mr. Nugent, without loss of time, removed to Hartford, Conn., where the Chilton Manufacturing Company bought out the London White Lead Company, continuing the business there until the present commodious building was ready for occupancy. Into this they moved August 1, 1889, and from here they ship daily to all parts of the country the pure goods for which they are justly renowned from Maine to California.

The man to whose efforts the success of this concern is due was born in New York City Octo- ber 9, 1846, and spent his boyhood years largely in Taunton, Mass., where he was educated in the grammar school and the institute. Under his father, Pierse Nugent, who was experienced in the paint business, he early gained a thorough knowledge of the occupation. He married Miss Jennie E. Smith, of Wisconsin, and they have had three children, of whom Percy A. and Alice L. are living. Politically he is a Democrat.

At this writing Mr. Nugent is serving his sec- ond year as a member of the board of trustees of College Point, in which position his sound busi- ness judgment is of the greatest value. In all public matters his advice and opinion are sought, and carry great weight. Doubtless he would be- come a leading politician if he allowed himself to turn his attention in that direction, but he pre- fers to devote himself to his private affairs, and has so far refused to enter politics. However, he is interested in local affairs, and favors every- thing that will promote the best interests of the village, for the development of which he has done much. During his residence in South Brooklyn. he wielded a large influence in local politics, and

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represented the eighth ward on the city com- mittee. At the time he went to that place, a few unscrupulous men were shaping political af- fairs to suit their demands, and the better class of citizens were much discouraged, but through his labors a radical change was ef- fected in public affairs, much to the benefit and satisfaction of the people. He is a man of large executive ability, and his opinion re- garding the company's affairs, and his de- cision in important matters, are relied upon with confidence by the others connected with the com- pany, and by the president himself, Waldo P. Clement, of New York City. As superintendent of the works at College Point, he is discharging his duties with efficiency, and in a manner that proves satisfactory and remunerative to the stock- holders of the concern.

J OHN R. HINKSON, M. D. Within the limits of this volume it will be impossible to give a detailed account of the services Dr. Hinkson has rendered mankind, for he has been a philanthropist in the broadest sense of the word, and is justly entitled to be classed among the most distinguished surgeons of Queens County, and is recognized as such by the medical profession. He has performed hundreds of the most difficult operations successfully, and has ac- quired a reputation in this department of work which extends throughout the east. He is an earnest and energetic citizen, thoroughly devoted to the duties of his profession. The Doctor has a beautiful home at Blissville, one of the suburbs of Long Island City, although his practice often takes him many miles from his place of residence.

The subject of this sketch is a native of the Emerald Isle, and was born in Dublin July 3, 1861. After acquiring a good common school education he began the study of medicine at Led- wich School of Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery, which was located in his native city. In July, 1882, he matriculated at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and studied in the Mercer and Coombe hospitals. In 1884 he passed the examination in anatomy, physiology, and chem- istry in the College of Physicians and College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. In January, 1885, he went to England, where he acted as assistant to a physician in Birmingham, and afterward in Norfolk.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 142

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