Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 145

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 145

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Mr. Williams was born in Nova Scotia, July II, 1842, the third son of Henry Williams, who was born in the District of Columbia. The grand- father, Henry Williams, Sr., was born in the Old Dominion, and was a Revolutionary soldier un- der George Washington. He was wounded and captured at Sandy Hook and was kept a prisoner in a ship in the old navy yards at Brooklyn. When the war was over he, with others, was transferred to Halifax by the English, and given land. Al- though he availed himself of the opportunity, he did not remain long, but soon after returned to the United States and settled in his native state. The land in Halifax is still held by the family.

Henry Williams, Jr., was reared principally in Virginia and became a prominent shipbuilder. He subsequently went to Nova Scotia, where, with his brother-in-law, he engaged in his former

occupation. From there he went to Boston, where he lived retired, but spent the closing scenes of his life in New York City. His wife. whose maiden name was Elizabeth Campbell, was born in the highlands of Scotland and was direct- ly descended from the Campbell clan. She died in Greenpoint, L. I., and was buried by the side of her husband in Cypress Hill Cemetery. A large family of children was born to them, all of whom lived to be over sixteen years old, and two sons and four daughters survive at the present time. One son, Alexander S., is ex-inspector of police in New York City, where he resides at the present time.

Our subject, who was the third in order of birth of these children, secured a good education in the schools of New York City, graduating there when fifteen years old, and later became an appren- tice in the ship yards of that city. After com- pleting the trade he entered a sawmill under his brother George, in New York, where he remained until the opening of the war, and there he began his inventions in various lines with successful re- sults. On the first tap of the drum he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment, for thirty days, as a private, and at the expiration of that time was mustered in at Washington, D. C., serving until the end of the war. At the battle of Antie- tam he was wounded in the leg. Being mustered out in 1864, he returned to his home. During his service he was riding orderly to General Aber- crombie and was tendered the commission of cap- tain of the Lincoln Cavalry by the Governor, but did not accept it. For some time afterward he was in the navy yard and was selected to take charge of twenty men and go to Cairo, Ill., where he was to keep the Mosquito fleet in repair. After remaining there about a year he returned to New York City, where he engaged in sawmilling with John R. Graham.

While with Mr. Graham he invented and pat- ented his first veneer machine, a large improve- ment on others, and put it up for Mr. Graham in his mills in New York City. Later he completed a superior machine, patented it, and started out in 1873 for himself in Long Island City, where he put it up and has had it in operation ever since. He has also invented other improvements and has eight different patents on veneer cutting machines, all far ahead of any other invention of the kind. The mill, three stories high, is 100X110 feet in dimensions and in it are four veneer ma- chines. One hundred and fifty thousand feet of

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veneers are turned out in a day, requiring four engines of one hundred and seventy-five horse- power, and all of the plant is heated by steam and lighted by gas.

About six months of the year Mr. Williams spends in the mountains of West Virginia and the Carolinas hunting for fancy figured wood, and in his mill has his own selections. His handsome resi- dence on Shore Road is his own design, and is presided over by his excellent wife, formerly Miss Grace L. Brodie, a native of Connecticut, and daughter of John Brodie, who is an old retired ship carpenter from Scotland. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Alexander S., who graduated from Packard Institute, was honored with the appointment of judge of awards in forestry at the World's Columbian Exposition, the only one in his department; he is now in part- nership with his father; Grace L. is a graduate of Rockland College; William H., Jr., is attending Pratt's Institute, Brooklyn; Harry, Reisen and Eleanore complete the family.

In 1889 Mr. Williams incorporated the Astoria Veneer Mills, of which he is president and man- ager, while his son is secretary and treasurer. Mr. Thatcher is vice-president. For a number of years Mr. Williams was police, fire and water com- missioner, and for some time was one of the gen- eral improvement commissioners of Long Island City, but resigned quite recently. He belongs to Advance Lodge, F. and A. M., Banner Chapter, R. A. M., Long Island City, to St. Elmo Com- mandery, K. T., Mecca Temple, New York City, and is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a charter member of the An- cient Order of United Workmen and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He attends the Dutch Reformed Church, in which his wife and children hold membership, and to which he is a liberal contributor. In politics he is a Republican. In all the improvements made in the city he has taken an active part, and while president of the street commissioners forced bills through the legislature to get the streets in good condition, the improved condition of the city bearing evidence of his success.

E DWARD RICHARDSON came to Flush- ing in 1871, and two years later began work as a contractor and builder. In 1874, however, he removed to Providence, R. I., where he was engaged in stair building for three

years, then, returning to this place, resumed work here. Among the buildings for which he had the contract may be mentioned the Armory, public school at Newtown, MacDonald's house, and the Reformed Church on the corner of Amity Street and Bowne Avenue, which is the finest edifice in the city. To his efforts was due the opening of Lincoln and the upper part of Amity Streets. In the latter street he built a block of fourteen residences, all of which he sold. He also built five residences in Lincoln Street, two in Percy Street, one in Sanford Avenue, and four in Barclay and Central. About 1888 he erected the first residence in Murray Hill, and laid out a block, which he built up, being among the first to open that place.

The birth of Edward Richardson occurred in Carnarvon, North Wales, December 25, 1848, and he is a member of an old family in that locality. His paternal grandfather, Rev. Evan Richard- son, withdrew from the Episcopal Church, and became one of the first advocates of the doctrines of Calvinism, founding a church of that denomi- nation at his home. While devoting much of his time to teaching school, he never neglected religious work. Through his efforts three of the largest churches of North Wales were estab- lished at Carnarvon. While comparatively young he was called from earth, but his name is still remembered with affection by the people of his parish.

The father of our subject, Nehemiah, was born in Carnarvon, and was stationed there, in the government employ, until his death. He mar- ried Jane Morris, a native of that place, and they became the parents of thirteen children, of whom ten attained years of maturity. All remain in their native land except Edward and Prof. William, Ph. D., who is an instructor in the laboratory of Cooper Institute. Our subject was reared in Carnarvon, where he attended school, though his education was principally ac- quired by his unaided efforts. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, at which he served for three years. He then went to Liverpool, where he continued at the trade until the time of his emigration to America in 1870. At the age of twenty-two he came to New York City, and after three months there, went to Newark, thence proceeded west- ward to Chicago, where he spent.one summer. Again crossing the Atlantic, he spent a winter

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working at his trade in Scotland, In March, 1871, he returned to the United States, where he worked in New York for six months, and then came to Flushing, his present place of residence.

The first marriage of Mr. Richardson took place in this place, his wife being Sarah Owen, who at her death left two children, Rodman and Albert E. The present wife of our subject was Miss Mary J. Hughes, a native of Canada, who presides hospitably over the family residence at No. 45 Percy Street. In everything tending to build up the interests of the community Mr. Rich- ardson takes an active part, and among other en- terprises he is associated with the Flushing Building and Loan Association. With Fred- erick Sheffield, of Flushing, and John Story, of Bayside, he is interested in the Century Electro Engraving Company, which was established in 1894, and now has office at No. 6 Park Place, New York.

C HARLES H. CLEMENT, M. D. Among the citizens in the town of Hempstead whose names are connected with pro- gressive movements, and who have promoted the material progress of the place, mention should be made of this gentleman. Although preparing himself for a professional life, he abandoned it in order that he might pass the remainder of his life on his beautiful farm. He was born in Hempstead in 1831, the son of Samuel and Mary (Cornwell) Clement, natives of Long Island, where their entire lives were spent. In early life the father learned the trade of a cabinetmaker, but followed this business only a short time, when he engaged in farming. He gave his attention entirely to his own affairs, was industrious and frugal, and at the time of his death, December 14, 1873, left his family well provided for. His estimable wife preceded him to the better land by several years, passing away May 21, 1860.

Charles H., of this history, received his edu- cation in Louis Chichester's grammar school in New York City, and subsequently took a course in medicine and surgery in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1864. Soon thereafter he purchased his pres- ent beautiful home, and has since given his at- tention largely to superintending its cultivation and improvement. The buildings on the estate are of modern design, and are well suited to the

uses for which they were erected. Prior to set- tling on this place, however, he was en- gaged in the shoe trade in New York City, but abandoned this business in order that he might spend his entire time on his farm.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah E., daughter of James Matlock, of Philadelphia, occurred in 1852. To them has been born a son, Stephen P., who is still at home. Both Dr. and Mrs. Clement are members in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his congregation the former is steward and trustee. For a period of thirty-five years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has an abiding faith in the purity of his party. While not an aspirant for official honors, he has efficiently served his fellow citizens in the capacity of super- visor of his town for four terms. For a period of ten years he was superintendent of the insane asylum of Queens County, during which time he practiced medicine and surgery. By all who know him Dr. Clement is looked upon as a sound business man, a Christian gentleman, and a citi- zen of the highest standing.

W ILLIAM H. JONES. In this sketch we present to our readers a short rec- ord of the life history of a man who is well known in the town of Oyster Bay, where he has lived nearly all his life. He is one of the most experienced farmers of this section. He has made a study of his calling and is meeting with the success which he deserves. In 1855 he was born in New York City, the son of Walter R. Jones, who departed this life when sixty-two years of age. The latter was also born in the above town, which was likewise the birthplace of the grandfather, William H. Jones. The latter followed farming all his life and was the owner of a goodly property.

The Jones family have been for many genera- tions numbered among the best agriculturists of the county, and have been identified with this immediate locality for over two centuries. The first of this branch to come to America was one Maj. Thomas Jones, a native of Ireland, who emigrated hither some time in 1692 and located in what afterward became the town of Oyster Bay. He was delighted with the country. and deciding to make his home in this locality, pur-

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chased a tract of land which has been handed down from father to son until it is now in the possession of our subject.

Walter R. Jones chose for his wife Miss Vir- ginia Warwick, a native of Virginia, who de- parted this life at the age of forty years. There were born to them two children, Virginia, now the wife of O. J. Woodhull, of San Antonio, Tex., and William H., the subject of this sketch. The latter was brought by his parents to this town when an infant of nine months, and has ever since continued to make it his home, with the exception of five years, when he was engaged in the lumber business in Albany. Mr. Jones has been remarkably successful in everything which he has undertaken, and this fact is in a measure accounted for by the unusual amount of perse- verance and business energy which he possesses, and which he knows how to use to the best ad- vantage.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Lucy Dumont occurred in 1879. This lady departed this life about 1885, and Mr. Jones chose for his second companion Agnes Smith, of Islip, Suffolk County. By his union with Miss Dumont there was born a daughter, Henrietta, who is now liv- ing in Albany, N. Y. His marriage with Miss Smith also resulted in the birth of a daughter, bearing the name of Virginia.

The tract of land which Mr. Jones owns and which he devotes to farming is two hundred acres in extent and is very justly spoken of as one of the best located and best cultivated in the county. In his political convictions he affiliates with the Democratic party and has been active in the interests of his party here for many years, at present filling the office of highway commis- sioner. He is an attendant of the Episcopal Church and contributes liberally toward its sup- port.

J OHN WILLIAM GOSMAN, of Flushing, was born in Sunnyside, Long Island City, February 22, 1853, being a member of a family that has been identified with American his- tory from a period antedating the Revolution. He is a grandson of William Gosman, of whom mention is made in the biographical sketch of his son, George McA., of Long Island, presented on another page of this volume. Richard Bragaw, father of our subject, was a son of Wil- liam and Margaret (Bragaw) Gosman, and was

one of a family of two sons and six daughters, all of whom are living except himself. He was born in Dutch Kills, and grew to manhood on a farm there that was afterward sold to Foster and Thompson. On that place he continued to reside until his death in 1892, at the age of sixty- five.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Humpston, and was born in New York City; she died some time during the '50s while yet a young woman. Her father, William Humpston, a native of England, emigrated to the United States, and settled in New York City, carrying on a milk business on what is now Union Square. The second marriage of our subject's father was to Miss Catherine H. Burnet, who was born in Newark, N. J., her father, Aaron L., having been the president of the Mechanics' National Bank from the time of its organization until his death. The latter's second marriage united him with Eliza, daughter of Richard Bragaw, Esq., a well known Whig, residing in Dutch Kills at the time of the Revolution. Mrs. Catherine H. Gosman died in 1887 at the age of sixty-one years, leaving an only child, Eliza Bragaw, who resides with her brother, our sub- ject.

The old family homestead, at the time of the Revolutionary War, was owned and occupied by Andrew Bragaw, who was a Tory, and sympa- thized with the British cause. His house became headquarters for Hessians, under Lord Corn- wallis, and the British soldiers often gathered there for consultation, or to while the hours away in pleasure. One night, while in the midst of their revelry, one of them with his scabbard struck the table, in which a dent was made. Our subject now has the table in his possession; it is round, substantial, polished and in fine condition. The old house is still standing in Long Island City. Among the other old heirlooms is a solid mahogany desk that has been in the family since some time before the Revolution; also a num- ber of cannon balls and other relics found on the old place. One of the oldest souvenirs in the possession of our subject is a knife made from an old Highland sword, and brought from Glas- gow before the French and Indian Wars by his great-great-grandfather, James Duncan, who, when marching at the head of a regiment of Highlanders in Glasgow, had carried this sword, which his ancestors had carried during the reign

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of King James. This sword was made into a knife for carving and butchering about 1824 by William Gosman, and was on exhibition at the Sanitary Fair in New York City in 1864.

In his political belief Mr. Gosman is a Demo- crat, cherishing the utmost loyalty to the prin- ciples of that party. Since coming to Flushing in September, 1895, he has made a large num- ber of acquaintances, and has won the regard of all with whom he has been brought into con- tact. His father was a Presbyterian, and his sis- ter belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church of Newtown, being active in the ladies' societies and various departments of church work. Socially he is connected with Island City Lodge No. 586, F. & A. M., at Hunter's Point, in which he has served as past master and representative to the grand lodge.

E DWARD KELLY. One of the most forcible and lasting recommendations that the beautiful town of Flushing has received is that which grants it the credit of being one of the most perfect in relation to its plumbing. Few persons realize the magnitude and importance of this business or its relation to the general good health of the community. In reality the importance of this trade cannot be overestimated, and is the calling of all others which will permit none other than the most skilled workmen to engage in it. A man partic- ularly worthy of note in this line is Edward Kelly, who is very reliable and trustworthy, and whose trade is constantly growing larger. Mr. Kelly was born in Oneida, Madison County, N. Y., in 1853, to the marriage of Martin and Rosanna (Mahardy) Kelly, both natives of New York State. The father was employed on the New York Central for many years, but later settled in Utica, where he resided for a number of years, and then moved to Mohawk, where his last days were spent. His wife died in 1865. Of their nine children, four are living at the present time.

Edward Kelly, the eldest of the above men- tioned children, attended the public schools of Utica until about twelve years old, when he had to start out to fight his own way in life. He first engaged as a tow boy on the Erie Canal, and during the last year on the same, 1871, was steersman. In 1872 he came to New York City and served a five years' apprenticeship under William McKenzie at No. 38 West Thirtieth

Street. From there he went to St. Louis, and after working there awhile went to Terre Haute, Ind. In the latter city he remained about a year, after which he returned to New York, where he followed his trade until about 1885. In May of that year he came to Flushing, and for six years was in the employ of Lewis Brothers. In 1891 he began business for himself at No. 29 Main Street, and in 1895 he located with Don- court Brothers at No. 11 Main Street, and has been engaged in the plumbing and general gas fixture business since. He has completed some of the finest residences in the village, putting on tin and galvanized roofing, etc.

Mr. Kelly was married in New York City to Miss Margaret Agnes Higgins, a native of Gen- eva, N. Y. Three children have been born to this marriage, Reginia Catherine, Margaret Mary and Edward, Jr. Mr. Kelly and family hold mem- bership in St. Michael's Catholic Church. While in Utica he was torch boy for four years and nine months in the Excelsior Engine and American Hose Company No. 2 and was the first one who drove the engine with a team. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Business Men's Association, is a charter member of the Foresters, and also holds membership with the Red Men and the Catholic Benevolent Legion.

R EV. AMBROSE SCHUMACK, rector of St. Fidelis' Catholic Church at College Point, was born in Vienna, Austria, July 31, 1860. His primary education was begun in the land of his birth and later his studies were prosecuted in the United States, whither he came at the age of fourteen years. It being his ambi- tion to enter the priesthood, he gave close atten- tion to his literary work in order that he might establish a solid foundation for theological study. On completing his literary education, he at once took up theology and continued in its study in St. Charles Seminary at Cincinnati until the com- pletion of his course. He was ordained by Arch- bishop Elder, of Cincinnati, May 31, 1885. His first active experience in church work was as as- sistant pastor of St. Augustine Church at Min- ster, where he rendered acceptable service during the period of his connection with it.

The first regular charge accepted by Father Schumack was at College Point, to which place he came in 1888. On his arrival he found that the church was not in a prosperous condition,

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but through his indefatigable and unwearied la- bors he has made of it a strong congregation, three hundred families being represented in the membership. Under his supervision a commo- dious and substantial building has been erected as a house of worship, and a good parsonage has been built, the entire work being superintended by himself. The result of his efforts is that he has a large working congregation, harmonious in action and generous in contributions, and in addition he has the oversight of the parochial school and convent, which are taught by the Dominican Sisters. He is always ready to minister to the spiritual wants of the people, and his parish find in him a faithful leader and kind friend. Among people of other religious belief he is respected for the uprightness of his life and the energy of his disposition. He is a true citizen, loyal to the country of his adoption, and seeking in all things the promotion of its best in- terests.

P AUL H. GRIMM, superintendent of the Glencove branch of the National Starch Manufacturing Company, of which he is also the consulting engineer, is one of the promi- nent and influential citizens of this place. He is the son of Col. Andrew Grimm, who obtained his title while serving in the German army.

The subject of this sketch was born in Ger- many, and as his parents moved frequently from one place to another it was impossible for him to make much progress in school, hence his ed- ucation was superintended for the most part by his father and private instructors until he was a lad of some fourteen or fifteen years. Coming to America about that time he made his home with an uncle at Dover, N. J., and during his three years' residence with him worked in the machine shops of the Morris & Essex Railroad Company, spending his evenings in the night school of that place in order that he might be- come thoroughly conversant with the English language.

At the expiration of the time above mentioned our subject found himself in the great city of New York, where he readily secured a position as engineer, having previously obtained a license to hold this responsible position. For two years he was thus engaged, first in the metropolis and then in Brooklyn, in the meantime availing him- self of every leisure moment to study, as it was

his ambition to become an expert engineer. While living in Brooklyn, and before attaining his majority, Mr. Grimm was married to Miss Maria F. Gilchrist. This lady was born at New- castle-upon-Tyne, England, and was the daugh- ter of Dr. G. C. Gilchrist, a prominent physician and skilled surgeon of that place for many years.

Shortly after establishing a home of his own Mr. Grimm came to Glencove, where he was made engineer in the starch factory, working in this capacity from 1880 to 1892. During the lat- ter year he received the appointment of chief engineer of the National Starch Company, and in their interest was sent to Des Moines, Iowa, in order that he might superintend the building of the company's plant in that city. He has mas- tered every department of the work with which he has been connected, and in 1895 was made superintendent of the branch at Glencove, and now gives the greater portion of his time and attention to promoting and enlarging the busi- ness of the company here. In 1885 Mr. Grimm was made consulting engineer, and since 1891 has held that position with W. Wheeler & Smith, architects of New York, and during the erection of the Metropolitan Realty Building designed the machinery and heating apparatus now used in that structure. This work has all been done in connection with the business in which he first engaged when coming to Glencove. Several years ago Mr. Grimm was the designer for the power plant of the Vosburg Manufacturing Con- pany of Brooklyn and the machinery used by the Franklin Electric Company at Seacliff was also made after his design.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 145

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