Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 144

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 144

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Mr. Karkheck then purchased a charcoal route, and for seven years drove his charcoal wagon, by which means he made about $6,000. With this money he went to Astoria and leased some land, which he farmed for seven years, but

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at the end of that time he purchased the farm on which he now lives. About 1891 Mr. Karkheck retired from the active duties of life, and a por- tion of his farm is in charge of his son Henry. His marriage with Miss M. C. Teachen took place in New York City in 1853, and resulted in the birth of nine children, four of whom are liv- ing. John H. married Annie Hoffmeir, and be- came the father of two children; he died Feb- ruary 5, 1896. Annie is the wife of Charley Steneck, by whom she has six children; Her- man C. is married, and has three children; Min- nie is the wife of Louis Heis, and has four chil- dren; and Henry, who is the youngest son, is farming in the town of Jamaica. He was born November 19, 1864, and in 1883 was married to Miss Mary E. Wahl, of Valley Stream. To them have been born four children: Annie J., Catherine, Peter J., and Mamie. Mrs. Kark- heck died December 25, 1894.

Mr. Karkheck has always been a Republican in his political views, and he and his family are members of the German Presbyterian Church. He has been a very useful citizen, and his up- right life has won him universal respect and es- teem.

J AMES M. CARRINGTON has been a po- tential element in the upbuilding of Astoria, having identified himself, heart and soul, with the interests of this section, particularly in religious matters, and has always been one of its most substantial, law-abiding, and pro- gressive citizens. He was born in New Haven, Conn., in 1837, and there his father, James W. Carrington, and his grandfather, James Carring- ton, were also born. The Carrington family came originally from England, and settled first in Massachusetts and later in Connecticut. The grandfather of our subject was a merchant and manufacturer in the latter state for many years.

The father, James W. Carrington, moved to New York City at an early date, and followed merchandising there until 1840, when he moved to Astoria, Long Island City, and embarked in the lumber business, although he also carried on business in New York City. He was a most in- fluential and worthy member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, a pioneer business man of the place, and a highly esteemed and influen- tial citizen. Aside from his deep interest in re-

ligious matters, he was at the head of all good work, and his humanity, natural kindness of heart, and earnest desire to benefit his fellows, endeared him to all. His death occurred in As- toria, when eighty-two years old. His wife, Grace (Townsend) Carrington, was born at New Haven, Conn., and was of English origin. Her father, Eli Townsend, was a ship owner, and a man of considerable prominence. Mrs. Carring- ton now finds a comfortable and pleasant home with her son, our subject, and, although eighty- six years old, enjoys fairly good health.

Our subject, the only child born to his parents, received a good practical education in his youth in the schools of New York City. Later he en- gaged in the lumber business with his father there, and subsequently embarked in business on his own responsibility in that city. He now oc- cupies the old homestead in Astoria, where, like his father, he is highly respected. An enthusias- tic church worker, he is senior warden of the Church of the Redeemer, and contributes lib- erally to the church, and supports all worthy movements.

Mr. Carrington was married in New York City to Miss Adelie Case, a native of New York City, and daughter of Rufus D. Case, who was a prominent merchant of that place. Three chil- dren have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Carrington, as follows: Grace, Adelie, and Edith, all at home. Mr. Carrington follows in the footsteps of his father, and is a stanch advo- cate of Republican principles.

J JOHN HENRY KELSEY. It is with grati- fication that we present to our readers a sketch of John Henry Kelsey, whose life in Queens County was such as to make his memory justly respected. He was an excellent business man, public-spirited and enterprising, and was well and favorably known throughout the sec- tion. Mr. Kelsey was born in Huntington, this county, August 16, 1843, and died April 2, 1884. He was one of eight children, five of whom are living, born to Jesse Brush and Rebecca (Cod- dington) Kelsey. The father was also a native of Huntington, L. I., and made his home in that village up to 1890, when he moved to New Haven, Conn., and resides there, retired from the active duties of life. The greater part of this worthy citizen's life was passed on the ocean, he being a

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ship owner, and for years was captain of a ves- sel, but later in life he turned his attention to mer- chandising, which he continued up to a short time before leaving Huntington.

John Henry Kelsey grew to manhood under the care of his parents, and received his school- ing in Huntington. When about nineteen years old he left home, and went to the city of New York, where, after a short time, he worked for the distillery firm of Louber, Parr & Co. Later he secured a position in the government employ as an inspector in the custom house, and after about three or four years in this important po- sition he was appointed an employe in the United States bonded warehouse. This position he re- signed at the end of two years to engage in the mercantile business in Queens, L. I. From the first he was unusually successful, and, being a man of sterling qualities, and upright and hon- est to a fault, he was well liked by all. Decem- ber 23, 1869, he married Miss Mary Creed, of Queens, the daughter of William and Phoebe Ann (Hendrickson) Creed, and one of four chil- dren, two of whom are living at the present tinie.

William Creed was born in Jamaica, L. I. March 27, 1810, and died August 26, 1892. He was a butcher by trade, and followed that call- ing during his entire life. His wife was born July 19, 1819, and died May 9, 1893. Their chil- dren were as follows: James, born October II, 1837, and died January 26, 1880; Gilbert; Mary, born December 6, 1846; and John S., born May 12, 1852, and died April 8, 1885. James left three children, William R., Laura A., and Alfred J .; and John S. also left three children, Elrena, William, and Florence, the latter being now de- ceased. William Creed's father, Gilbert Creed, was a veteran of the War of 1812. The latter's father, William, and his brother, were Revolu- tionary soldiers, and served throughout the en- tire war. William was a prisoner on one of the British vessels for a time. The Creed family is one of the oldest and best respected on the island. Its members have ever been upright and honorable citizens, and have ever reflected credit upon the community in which they lived.

Mrs. Kelsey's brother, Gilbert, was born in Queens December 25, 1840, was educated in the schools of Queens County, and, when twenty- one years old, embarked in the butcher's busi- ness with his father. One year later he suc- ceeded the latter in the business, which he has

conducted most successfully since. In 1863 he married Miss Marietta Lane, the daughter of Benjamin Lane of Queens. This union has re- sulted in the birth of one child, Louisa, who is the wife of Frank J. Lott. (See sketch.) In politics Mr. Creed is a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. For six years he was a member of the school board of trustees.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey were born four chil dren, all living: Irving J., now conducting the business established by his father; Evelyn C., Nellie C., and John Henry. Mr. Kelsey was a Democrat in politics, and a Presbyterian in re- ligion. Although often solicited to run for office, he as often declined, preferring to give his undi- vided attention to his business. However, he did not lose sight of his duties as a citizen, but gave freely of his means, and aided all enterprises of importance. For many years he was a member of the school board of Queens, and held other local offices.

W ILBUR LOTT. The life of Mr. Lott, in the business world, has been char- acterized by intelligence, sound judg- ment and persevering industry. Although one of the younger "sons of the soil," he is none the less one of its representatives, and is deservedly classed with the foremost farmers of the county. He is a native of the town of Jamaica, and was born just across the road from where he is at present living, on the 22d of October, 1867. He is a son of James H. and Sarah (Emmons) Lott, a notice of whom is embodied in the sketch of Frank J. Lott, who is a brother of the subject of this sketch. Under the shelter of the parental roof, and under the watchful care of his mother until her death, Wilbur Lott was reared, and in the district school in the vicinity of his home he acquired a sufficient education to fit him for the practical duties of life. Subsequently he at- tended Maple Hall Institute at Jamaica. Owing to the fact that he was left fatherless at the age of five years, he was obliged to commence the battle of life when quite young, and after his mother's death, which occurred when he was fif- teen years of age, he secured a position with the firm of W. H. Schieffelin & Co., which at that time was one of the largest wholesale drug houses in the country. After spending one year at this

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work his health failed him, and he was forced to burg. His estimable wife survived him many resign his position for an out-door life.

With a desire to improve his education, Mr. Lott spent one year in school in Jamaica, after which he began driving a market wagon for his brother, and up to the time he attained his ma- jority he was thus employed. At that time he removed to his present home, the greater portion of which had been bought by him while he was still a minor, and here he has since resided. His farm, which consists of fifty-two acres, is a valu- able one, and in its management he has shown the best of judgment, and has prospered.

Mr. Lott's marriage with Miss Elmira De- Bevoise occurred November II, 1885, and has resulted in the birth of two children: James Harmon and Arthur Leroy. Mr. Lott has al- ways supported Republican principles, and for seven years was a member of the board of trustees of his school district. Five years of this time he was President of the board, and was the prime mover in the erection of the fine new school building in 1893. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodhaven.

A BRAHAM D. COVERT. Self made in the broadest sense of the term, the career of Mr. Covert illustrates in an admirable manner what may be accomplished by unflagging industry, perseverance and good management. We find him the possessor of a comfortable home in Seaford, which in all its appointments fulfills the modern idea of culture and taste. For many years he was actively engaged in agricultural pur- suits, but, being afflicted with rheumatism, he has been obliged to abandon labors of this kind.

Our subject was born in Bushwick in 1823, and is the son of William and Helena (Duryea) Co- vert, natives of Long Island, where they were content to pass their entire lives. During his lifetime the father was prominently identified with agricultural pursuits in this neighborhood, and in this industry met with good results. He was quiet and unassuming in manner, and, although not seeking or even desiring political honors, was elected justice of the peace of his town, transacting the duties of this office in a thor- oughly competent and satisfactory manner. He was a shrewd business man, and for many years prior to his decease, which occurred in 1858, was interested in the First National Bank of Williams-

years, departing this life in 1877.

As soon as old enough, our subject was sent to the district school, attending regularly until a lad of fifteen or sixteen years, when he entered a private school in Durham, Greene County, where he conducted his studies for a time. Sub- sequently he became a student in Erasmus Hall Academy at Flatbush. After completing his ed11- cation he assisted his father in the management of the home place until 1854, in which year he left home, and, coming to Queens County, en- gaged in farming on his own account. He was thus employed on the northern side of the island until he was stricken with muscular rheumatism, which so thoroughly disabled him for this kind of work that he was obliged to dispose of his farm, and returned to the south side, where he has been greatly benefited. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Covert is past seventy-two years of age, he looks many years younger, and is of that cheerful disposition which makes him a pleasurable companion.

The marriage of Mr. Covert united him with Miss Adeline Collier, who, on her decease, left one son, A. D. Covert, Jr., now of Mt. Vernon, N. Y. The lady whom he chose as his second companion was Mary R. Mollineux, who is also deceased. This union resulted in the birth of four children, namely: William V. and Henry M., residents of Seaford; Jesse, who makes his home in Freeport; and Margaret Helena, the wife of John W. Baylis, of Seaford.

In 1871 Mr. Covert was married to his pres- . ent wife, Hannah M., daughter of Smith Hicks, of the town of Hempstead. In politics he is a believer in and supporter of Democratic princi- ples. He has very creditably served the citizens of the town of Oyster Bay in the capacity of assessor and justice of the peace. He is a man universally respected in his community, and in his pleasant home is enjoying the many comforts of life.

M RS. MARTHA W. (SMITH) COR- NELIUS is a native of Freeport, where she has resided all her life, and where she is surrounded by many warm friends. She is the daughter of Raynor R. and Elizabeth (Dixon) Smith, the former of whom was born at Raynor- town, now Freeport, and was a bayman in his

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early life. Later he took up the occupation of farming, and was a successful and progressive tiller of the soil. His death occurred in Freeport in the year 1869, and in his demise that village lost one of its most exemplary citizens. The mother of Mrs. Cornelius was born in the city of New York, but later became a resident of Freeport, where she resides at the present time.

Mrs. Cornelius secured a fair schooling in Free- port, and was first married to Charles A. Powell, a most worthy citizen of Hempstead, where for many years he was successfully engaged in mer- chandising. Later he served as superintendent of the county poor. He was a man of unusual ability, and one who was at the head of all good work. A very promising career was opening be- fore him, when he was stricken down by disease, and died at the early age of thirty-eight years. The two children born to this marriage were as follows: Fannie B., wife of Harvey B. Smith, who is the popular teller in the Freeport Bank in Freeport; and Charles S. Powell, who is post- master at Freeport.

In 1880 Mrs. Powell was married to Carman Cornelius, who for many years was engaged in blacksmithing. In connection with that trade he also followed agricultural pursuits and survey- ing, in which lines he was very proficient. He was a man of superior education, and took a deep interest in the politics of Queens County. At the time of his death, in the year 1893, he was deputy treasurer of the county. Mrs. Cornelius is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a lady whose estimable qualities have endeared her to all. In social matters she and her chil- dren stand very high at Freeport.

E DWARD E. SCHEURER. A well kept hostelry is an institution of the utmost benefit and convenience to any commun- ity, and is especially appreciated by those whose business calls them abroad, and who are tem- porarily without homes. The establishment of which Edward E. Scheurer is the proprietor, known as the Elite Hotel, and located at No. 522 Flushing Avenue, Astoria, is conducted very efficiently, and many home comforts and con- veniences can be had there. Mr. Scheurer was born in School Street, Brooklyn, May 6, 1856, a son of Christian Scheurer, a native of Baden, Germany. There he learned the baker's trade, and in 1848 became a soldier and officer of the

German Army. Previous to this, however, he had been in the army, having joined at the time he was fourteen years old, and served eighteen months. He enlisted, in all, three times, and be- came a drum major.

In 1848 the father came to America, and set- tling in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, entered the employ of a contractor, with whom he re- mained for some time. He then worked in the Glasgow Brick Works, at Haverstraw, and finally became a clerk in a New York City hotel. From this place he accompanied Rev. Dr. Peters to Astoria, and was here made superintendent of St. Michael's Cemetery, April 1, 1857. At that time it consisted of but six acres, but it afterwards be- came incorporated, and he continued its efficient superintendent until his death in 1869, when a little over fifty years of age. In religious be- lief he was an Episcopalian, and belonged to the Church of the Redeemer. He was married to Miss Eva Emeline Nicholas, who was born in Bavaria May 25, 1825, and who still survives him, being a resident of Long Island City.

To this worthy couple six children were given, four of whom are living: Edward E .; William H .; Theresa, Mrs. Riker, of Astoria; and Lillie, Mrs. Becker, also of that city. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of the family, and was reared in Astoria, Newtown, and Long Island City. He first received private instruction un- der Rev. C. D. F. Steinführer, of Astoria, but after the death of his father, and owing to the fact that he was the eldest of the family, he was obliged to assist his mother in the management of the cemetery. On the 26th of October, 1879, he was made its superintendent, and this posi- tion he filled until January 1, 1895, when he re- signed and retired. He then decided to erect a hotel on some lots which he owned at the corner of Baldwin and Flushing Avenues. The Elite Hotel, of which he was the architect and build- ing superintendent, is a substantial two-story structure, 50x70 feet, heated by steam and lighted by gas, and has other modern improve- ments. It is just one block from St. Michael's Cemetery. While he was superintendent of the latter he built the greenhouses in the rear of his hotel, four in all, and a pretty dwelling house. During this time he also embarked in the marble and granite business, in which he was success- ful, but he finally sold his stock, and now rents the property.

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Mr. Scheurer was married in St. Michael's Church, New York City, by Dr. Peters, to Miss Anna A. Flick, a daughter of Peter and Eliza- beth (Girt) Flick, natives of Germany, the for- mer a baker by trade. He is now deceased, but his widow still lives in New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Scheurer four children have been born: Benjamin Butler, Emeline, Elizabeth, and Doro- thea. Socially Mr. Scheurer is a member of Ad- vance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M .; Astoria, Lodge No. 155, I. O. O. F .; Hermann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W .; and Astoria Lodge No. 186, K. P. While superintendent of the cemetery he was special deputy sheriff, under Messrs. Wright, Firman, and Goldner. He belongs to the Mu- tual Benefit Association of Astoria, and has long been connected with the Church of the Re- deemer. In national politics he is Democratic.

J AMES S. CARPENTER, who has followed contracting and building perhaps longer than any other resident of the county, was born on the farm formerly owned and occupied by Latting Carpenter, at Seacliff, September 23, 1819. He is the son of John Searing and Sarah S. (Hawkshurst) Carpenter, the former born at Seacliff December 4, 1797. He in turn was the son of Latting Carpenter, a native of Glencove, who conducted a fine farm at Seacliff. The an- cestors of our subject were among the original settlers of Glencove, the first of whom we have any record being Joseph Carpenter, who with Nathaniel Coles had the original grant of land. Our subject's grandfather was named after his mother, who was a Miss Latting, and it is sup- posed that the great-grandfather bore the name of Coles Carpenter.

John S. Carpenter learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and was also interested in later years in the coasting trade. He made his home at Roslyn. Being industrious and eco- nomical he accumulated a snug sum of money, which he invested in a stock of merchandise. This business not meeting with his expectations, he sold his store, and returned to work at his trade, as this was more profitable. During the later years of his life he purchased a pleasant home at Searington, where he lived in peace and comfort, enjoying the good things of life, which his years of hard toil had made possible. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, although in

no sense of the word an office seeker. He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when a boy, and from that time until his death in February, 1876, was a true Christian.

The parental family included seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest, and four are now living. James S. attended school in Roslyn, and later was sent to New York, receiv- ing instruction under James P. Dixon, who had been his father's teacher in Glencove. After completing his education he obtained employ- ment as clerk in a grocery in New York, hold- ing this position from the age of fourteen until sixteen years old. The man for whom he worked handled liquor, and, as James was very much op- posed to the use of this beverage in any of its various forms, he petitioned his father to let him leave, and learn a trade. He accordingly came home, and began working at the carpenter's trade, in which his father was engaged, assisting him in his labors until a young man of mature years. He well remembers the first building on which he was engaged, the same being located on the road from Roslyn to Mineola, and is now owned by a Mr. Albertson.

Mr. Carpenter, of this history, was married October 6, 1840, to Miss Ann E. Pearsall, of Searington. She was the daughter of Abijah and Elizabeth C. (Searing) Pearsall, worthy residents of that place. Mr. Carpenter made his home in Searington for a time after his marriage, but later took up his abode at Manhasset, whence he afterward removed to Ravenswood, living there from 1877 to 1895, when he came to Port Wash- ington. While living in Manhasset he was very unfortunate in a business way, and lost nearly all his property. In order to gain a start he be- gan work in John B. Woodruff's office, where he remained for five years, and was then enabled to again start in business for himself, which he did in 1886. He is an experienced workman, and has been given the contract for erecting many buildings in Long Island City.

To our subject and his estimable wife there were born nine children, seven of whom grew up, and five are living at the present time. They are Josephine Elmore; Henry W., who married Mary W. Lawrence, and is the father of one son; Emma Louise, who is the wife of Oldfield Ber- gen Burtis, and makes her home at Great Neck; Eugene E., the fourth in order of birth, who is spoken of at length on another page in this vol-

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ume; Mary is the wife of William H. Burtis, who has one son.

Our subject is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1840. He has never sought or desired to hold office, and when nominated for the position of justice of the peace, refused to let his name appear on the ticket. Fraternally he is a Mason of promi- nence, and is also influential in the order of Sons of Temperance.

W ILLIAM H. WILLIAMS. The pres- ent age is undoubtedly one of the great- est progress, and every year witnesses new triumphs in the world of invention. Among those whose names are well known in this respect is William H. Williams, who was the first man to invent a machine for the manufacture of veneers that would pass the standard necessary for first- class work. He has invented and improved on his original machine until he now has, without exception, the finest veneer mill in the world. The capacity of the improved machine is from four to six times as large as that of any other, producing from a log in one minute thirty-two veneers of the same size, of regular thickness, and an unfractured grain. Success has followed his efforts, for he is a genius in his line, and the products of the As- toria Veneer Mills of Long Island City go to nearly all parts of the world. He has ever had the interests of this city at heart and it is princi- pally due to his efforts that the citizens are in- debted for the paved roads, good water supply and the improvements in the police force.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 144

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