Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 147

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 147

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In 1869 Mr. Johnson became associated with the real estate and insurance firm of Roe H. Smith & Co., and when no longer having the postoffice to attend to gave his entire attention to the business. This enterprise, which is one of the oldest in this line in the city, was estab- lished by Mr. Smith in 1852, and on his death, in 1891, our subject assumed entire control and has since continued under the old name, although his eldest son, Henry C., Jr., is now his partner in affairs. They conduct a very large business, and both father and son are well known auctioneers, and are often called upon to sell property in this manner in New York City as well as throughout Queens County. They do a general insurance and brokerage business, and have their office located at No. 154 Fulton Avenue.

The marriage of Mr. Johnson occurred in As- toria in 1863, when Miss Mary E. Smith became his wife. This lady was born here and was the daughter of Roe H. Smith, a native of Flushing, this county. Mr. Smith was for many years a baker in his native village, but in 1852 branched out as an auctioneer and established what we have before stated as being the oldest insurance

and real estate business on Long Island, out- side of Brooklyn. He was at one time deputy internal revenue collector, and for many years was town collector of Newtown. He filled the office of trustee of Astoria, on the Republican ticket, of which he was an ardent supporter. Dur- ing his lifetime he was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which he died in 1891.

Educational matters in Long Island City have ever found a liberal supporter in Mr. Johnson, and for seven years he rendered valuable ser- vice as a member of the board, of which he was part of the time president. He afterward became president of the board of police commissioners of this city, filling this responsible office for a year and a half. In 1889 he was nominated for the assembly from the second district of Queens County and was elected by eight hundred plu- rality. He served during the session of 1890, during which time he was a member of the rail- road committee and the committee on privileges and elections. There his influence was powerful in promoting works of great importance to his constituents, and by his eloquence succeeded in having passed twenty-three of the thirty-one bills which he introduced. One of the most note- worthy of these bills was that amending the gen- eral laws affecting Union free schools in New York State, under the provisions of which the Flushing High School was the first one con- structed. Another which was passed provided for the building of a bridge across the river at Blackwell's Island. Through his perseverance what was known as the Newtown Burial Permit Bill was passed, which imposes a tax of $1 upon each interment of those who have resided out- side of Queens County, which gives Newtown a revenue of about $3,000. He also succeeded in giving to Long Island City a paid fire depart- ment.

In the fall of 1890 Mr. Johnson was again can- didate for the assembly, but was defeated on this occasion by less than two hundred votes. The measures which he introduced at the first legis- lature have many of them become laws now. In fraternal affairs he is master of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., and is past master of John Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W. In the latter order he has also been district deputy grand master workman for Queens and Suffolk Coun- ties and is an exempt fireman, having served as a member of Hook and Ladder Company No. I.

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As a leading Republican he has served as chair. man of the general committee of Long Island City and also belongs to Queens County Repub- lican committee. He was sent as a delegate to the state convention in 1895 and also previous to this time represented his party in like man- ner at its various conventions held in the state. In 1896 he was a delegate to the National Re- publican convention at St. Louis. Mr. Johnson always takes an active interest in whatever per- tains to the welfare and general advancement of his community and is greatly concerned by all things which may hinder its prosperity. His business methods are strictly honest and honor- able in every particular, and for that reason, and because of his uniform courtesy and friendliness, he has the friendship and respect of the best people of the island.

G EORGE POPLE, president of the Queens County Savings Bank. Whoever labors to secure the development of his country, striving to bring out its latent resources; who is devoted to the general welfare of the people; who seeks to promote the cause of justice, and to advance our civilization through financial, edu- cational or professional channels, becomes a pub- lic benefactor, and is worthy of mention on the pages of history.

Such is the character and such the record of Mr. Pople, who has been identified with the history of Flushing for more than a half century and who has himself been no unimportant factor in securing the development of the best interests of the place. The family of which he is a member originated in Normandy, but was represented in England at a very early day. For several gen- erations their home was in Dorsetshire, famous throughout the world for its fine sheep. There his father, William, and grandfather, John, fol- lowed the trade of a butcher, the former dying there when about seventy years old. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Bullen and was one among the nine daughters of Dr. William Bullen, a surgeon in the British navy. Through information oh- tained by our subject upon a visit to England in 1881 and to the old Pennsylvania castle still standing a few miles from the site of the old home, and about two miles from the city of Wey- mouth, he learned positively that the Bullen

family was first represented in America by Major Bullen, who accompanied William Penn to this country.

At an early age our subject left his Dorset- shire home and, going to London, was employed as an office boy in a mercantile establishment for three years. He then engaged to go with a gen- tleman to Bombay and would have carried out that plan, thus totally changing his entire future career, had not his uncle, Richard Purchase, ap. peared on the scene. This gentleman, a resi- dent of New York City, had recently lost his wife, who was buried in St. Mark's Cemetery in the Bowery. After her death Mr. Purchase went to England, and during his visit there prevailed upon his nephew to accompany him to America. They crossed the ocean in April, 1840, when George was a youth of less than eighteen (he having been born November 23, 1822), and landed in New York City after a voyage of thirty- one days. At once he came to Flushing, where his uncle owned a farm and where his cousin was engaged in the meat business. This trade he soon learned, and in 1846 bought the business from his cousin, since which time he has con- ducted it, having built up a fine trade at No. 61 Broadway.

About 1870 Mr. Pople became connected with the Queens County Savings Bank as trustee, later was made vice-president, and since 1891 has served in the capacity of president. The bank was established about 1860 and is one of the largest and most substantial financial institutions of the county. Mr. Pople was an original stock- holder, later a director in the Flushing Bank, and when this concern changed hands and was re- organized he was retained as director, afterward becoming second vice-president, which position he now holds. For thirty years he has been a trustee of the Flushing Cemetery. Aiding in the organization of the Business Men's Association of Flushing, he became its first and has been its only president.

In Flushing Mr. Pople married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William B. Smith, a cooper at this place, and for twenty-one consecutive years col- lector of taxes. This lady was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church and was very popular in the best circles of society. At her death. Janu- ary 18, 1880, she left an only son, George W .. who is interested in business with his father. Since 1863 Mr. Pople has been a vestryman in St. George's Episcopal church; for a time he was

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junior warden and since 1888 has served as senior warden.

For four years Mr. Pople was a member of the board of trustees of Flushing, of which he was president one year. In April, 1894, he was nomi- nated and elected supervisor of the town of Flush- ing on the Republican ticket. As a member of the board his services are in constant demand, and at this writing he is officiating as chairman of the committees on armory, sheriff and cont- stables, laws and legislation; also member of the committees on public printing and advertising, court house and jail, county clerk's and surro- gate's offices, county treasurer's office, county roads, resolutions and bounties. At Flushing November 18, 1844, he was initiated into Pacific Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he filled all the chairs, and has for thirty-two years been its repre- sentative to the grand lodge. He is now past master of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., which he has represented in the grand lodge of New York. On the fiftieth anniversary of his connection with the Order of Odd Fellows he was presented with a fifty years' jewel by the grand lodge of New York, being the only re- cipient of this medal for fifty years' continuous membership in one lodge. He also received the past master jewel from the Masonic fraternity, of which he is one of the oldest representatives in this locality. Politically he was an old-line Whig and voted his maiden vote for Henry Clay. On the organization of the Republican party he be- came one of its stanch supporters. He has al- ways been an admirer of the "New York Tri- bune," and has read it from the day of its first issue to the present time.

W ILLIAM A. MAHER, county super- intendent of the poor and overseer of the poor for the town of Flushing, was born in 1863 in the village of Flushing, where he still resides. His father, John Maher, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, emigrated to America in early manhood and settled in Flushing, where he became an employe in Parson's nursery, in time receiving a promotion to the position of foreman. His death occurred in 1885 at the age of sixty years. He married Margaret Coughlin, a native of the same county as himself, and at present a resident of Flushing. They became the parents of four sons and two daughters who are now living, and all but one reside in Flushing.

William A., who is the youngest of the family, was reared at the parental home in Washington Street and attended St. Michael's parochial school. His first work was in the employ of E. J. Robinson in the grocery business, after which he clerked for others here and in Brooklyn and Newark. In April, 1893, while engaged in the grocery business in Flushing, he was elected overseer of the poor, on the Democratic ticket, by a majority of three hundred. The following year he was again elected to the position. In the fall of 1895 he was nominated for county super- intendent of the poor and received the election, taking the oath of office in January of 1896. He is a member of the board of three, representing Long Island City and towns of Newtown and Flushing, and his duties require his constant attention. His office is situated at No. 3 Main Street, where he may usually be found.

The Democratic party has always had a stanch adherent in Mr. Maher, and he has often repre- sented it in town, county and state conventions, being an active worker in the party interests. He belongs to the Flushing Democratic Club and is one of its leading members. Socially he is a charter member of the Ancient Order of Hiber- nians, and in religious belief is identified with St. Michael's Church.

J I AMES H. McCORMICK. An active, well- trained, vigilant and excellently equipped fire department is something of which any city may well be proud, and Flushing may well take first rank in this respect. The history of the measures for fire prevention in Flushing in times past is an interesting one and much of the im- provement made in this respect is due to the efforts of James H. McCormick, who is the most efficient chief of the fire department. He has been active in fire tournaments as judge, and is a life member of the New York State Firemen's Association. Mr. McCormick is a native of this place, born in February, 1857, but is of Irish parentage, his father and mother, Daniel and Winifred (Tracy) McCormick, being natives of the Emerald Isle.

The father was a marble cutter by trade and when a young man came to America. He suc- cessfully conducted a marble yard at Flushing, and from the Queens County Agricultural So- ciety Fair received the first award for ornamental marble work. For some time he was treasurer

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of the hook and ladder company, and his son James has his original badge. This worthy citi- zen died in 1883, following his wife, who had passed away in 1864. They left twelve children. three of whom are living at the present time. Our subject received his primary education in St. Michael's school and after growing up worked at marble cutting. Beginning in 1869 he was em- ployed for two years by the Western Union Tele- graph Company here. After this he was in school for a time and then clerked in Mr. Vandewater's grocery for about a year.

From 1873 to 1880 our subject was with Bow- man, also in the grocery business, and in the lat- ter year engaged in marble cutting with his father, remaining with him until the death of the latter. He then took charge of the business, and after continuing it a short time, opened the Mc- Cormick Hotel, which he has conducted most successfully ever since. In the year 1880 Mr. Mc- Cormick married Miss Belle Haig, a native of New York City, and five interesting children have been born to this union: Agnes, James, Katie, Gertrude and Josephine.

Mr. McCormick was elected trustee for the town of Flushing for three terms on the Demo- cratic ticket, and has held other responsible posi- tions. In May, 1875, he began his career as a fireman, joining Rescue Hook and Ladder Com- pany No. I, and has been a member of this ever since. For two years he held the office of secre- tary, was second assistant foreman for one year and for the same length of time was first assist- ant foreman. After this he was foreman six months and then was elected second assistant chief, which position he held for two years. In the year 1884 he became chief of the fire depart- ment and has been re-elected ever since with the exception of two years. In all he has served ten years as chief of the department and during this time many important improvements have been made.

In twenty-one years Mr. McCormick has missed but seven fires, being ill or absent at the time, and he has always been extremely fortunatc, though earnest and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Engineers, attending the meetings nearly every year; is also a member of the Order of American Firemen, and is a charter member of Flushing Council No. 6. He has been president of the latter organization two terms, being its first president, and he is now its treas-

urer. In polities our subject is a Democrat and takes an interest in his party's welfare. Since be- coming chief of tlic fire department he has added two hosc houses and two new companies have been organized. He has the Gamewell fire alarm system of seventeen street boxes and has the tapper in his room. The Holly system of water power is used, and two pumps, with a capacity of two million gallons daily, throw two streams one hundred and fifty feet from one hydrant.

B ENJAMIN E. HICKS, a banker of New York City and member of the firm of Hicks Brothers, in business at Nos. 59-61 Wall Street, New York, was born in Dey Strcet, that city, January 12, 1843. His parents, George E. and Mary Morrell (Hicks) Cock, were both natives of the island, and Mrs. Cock was the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Morrell Hicks. In the year 1875 our subject's name was changed to Hicks in order to perpetuate the name of Hicks, as the only son, Benjamin Hicks, had died in childhood. The father of our subject was engaged in the wholesale dry goods busi- ness in New York under the firm name of E. & W. Cock & Co., and carried on one of the most extensive enterprises of the kind in the city. In 1863 Mr. Cock retired from the active duties of life and made his home in Great Neck, L. I.

Our subject's boyhood days were passcd in New York City during the winter and on the old home place of the Hicks family in the sum- mer season. He was educated at the Friends' Institute in New York, also Columbia grammar school, and the school taught by Mr. Quacken- boss. He took a classical course and later began clerking in an importing dry goods store to learn the business, getting no salary the first year. While still clerking he was sent to Manchester, England, and assumed full charge of the busi- ncss of buying for the firm by which he was employed as clerk. He made over sixty trips across the occan, the first in 1866. In less than five years he was a partner, but in 1875 the firm dissolved partnership, and after that he embarked as a wholesale dcaler in domestic goods.

In 1883 or '84 Mr. Hicks and his brother, George Embnee Hicks, formed the present part- nership. In politics our subject is a Republican of the stanch protective kind, but he has never cared to hold office. He is a birthright Friend. but attends the Episcopal Church at Great Neck,

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though holding to the views of the former. Fra- ternally he is a Mason, a member of Crescent Lodge No. 402, New York City. He has never married, but his brother, who is with him in busi- ness, wedded Miss Louise Firth, of Bradford, England. Our subject, his brother, George, and his sister, Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Stewart), are the only living grandchildren of Benjamin Hicks, for whom our subject was named.

Benjamin Hicks was born at Hempstead, L. I., June 14, 1791. About 1823 he bought the old Hicks property from the Morrells, and made his home on the same the remainder of his days. He was married in 1817 to Miss Morrell and this union resulted in the birth of seven children, five of whom reached mature years, but only two are now living. Mary M., the mother of our subject, died in 1892, leaving three children; Sarah Titus died in 1879; Susan M. died in 1851; Caroline, widow of Dr. Amos W. Rogers, resides on the old homestead; and Phoebe, who is single, also lives on the old homestead.

Benjamin Hicks, Sr., was an earnest, upright citizen who despised public display and who im- pressed all with whom he came in contact as a man of great energy and public spirit. No worthy movement was allowed to fail for want of sup- port on his part and he was a strong believer in the principles of the Society of Friends, as was also his estimable wife, and they were well and favorably known for their benevolence and hos- pitality. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks died in 1883 and 1878, respectively, and they are interred in the Friends' Cemetery at Manhasset. Mr. Hicks was a near relative of Elias Hicks, who led in the division of the Society of Friends, and Sarah Cook, our subject's paternal grandmother, was clerk of the woman's branch of the meeting at the time of the separation. They were members of the Hicksite Society of Friends.

J AMES K. HICKS was born in Jericho and with the exception of a few years has spent his entire life in this village, where he is owner and proprietor of a blacksmith shop. His birth occurred March 30, 1845, his parents be- ing James and Hannah Hicks, natives respec- tively of the towns of Flushing and Oyster Bay. The former, after his marriage, moved to Jericho, where he bought a farm and carried on agricul- tural pursuits, in connection with which occupa- tion he engaged in business until within a few

years previous to his death. An honest, upright man, he was liked by all with whom he had busi- ness or social relations. While still comparative- ly young, he was called from earth April 6, 1856. His widow resides at the old homestead and re- tains her faculties to a remarkable degree, thoughi now ninety-three years old.

The parental family consisted of nine children, of whom seven are still living. Of these we note the following: Elizabeth married John Seaman of Jericho; John J. lives in this village, as does Catherine, widow of Jackson Duryea; Caroline is the wife of Benjamin Nevins of Jersey City; Charles C. is engaged in mining at Cripple Creek; James K. is next in order of birth, and Sarah A., a successful school teacher, has taught for twenty-two consecutive years in Lakeville. Queens County.

Until twelve years of age our subject attended the common schools and remained with his pa- rents, after which he made his home with his brother-in-law, John Seaman, then in New York City, assisting him in his business and during leisure times attending private school. Later he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade with William Wright of Jericho, remaining here for five years. Returning then to New York, he took a position as shipping clerk and spent five years with one company.

March 27, 1869, Mr. Hicks married Miss Mar- tha W. Russell, daughter of James Russell, who for forty years was a custom house official in Brooklyn, where she was born and educated. In 1871 our subject resigned his position in the city and returned to his native vil- lage, where he built a steam mill for the purpose of grinding feed and in connection with it had a blacksmith shop. After ten years he gave up the milling business and bought the smithy from his old employer and master, since which time he has conducted a large trade, and his skill as a me- chanic brings him many customers. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in public affairs, often representing the party at town, county, state and senatorial conventions. For ten years he has been a member of Pem- broke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., at Glencove. Since 1886 he has served as inspector of elections and at other times he has held local offices of trust.

Of the first marriage of Mr. Hicks there were born five children, all of whom are living, name- ly: Roy, a machinist at Jericho; Edna, wife of

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles Miller, a wheelwright living in Roslyn; Daisy, who is married and lives in Syosset; Irene, who is making her home with her aged grand- mother; and Charles C., now employed in Brook- lyn. The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Mary (Weeks) Robbins, the widow of Daniel Robbins. For his third wife he chose Miss Annie E., daughter of Daniel Lawrence, and a native of Greenvale, town of Oyster Bay. Four children have been born of this union, namely: Daniel Lawrence; James K., his father's namesakc; Edith and Harry. In addition to the other or- ganizations with which he is identified, Mr. Hicks is a member of Hicksville Council No. 1159, R. A., in which he has filled the office of orator.

S ELAH B. UPHAM. For many years this gentleman was engaged as a druggist in New York City, and by attending strictly to his financial interests, built up a fine trade and accumulated a sum of money which enables him to live in a most comfortable manner, retired from business of any kind. He occupies with his family one of the pleasant homes of Wood- haven.

Mr. Upham was born at Highgate, Vt., in May, 1837, and was the son of Samuel V. Upham, like- wise a native of the Green Mountain State, Mont- gomery being the town of his birth. Early in life he became interested in the manufacture of wool- ens, having learned the trade in Johnson, that state, and up to the time of coming to New York, in 1852, was the proprietor of a large mill. Af- ter locating in the metropolis he was in the em- ploy of the New York Central Railroad Company until his decease, which occurred in 1861. The grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was present at the battle of Burlington.

Mrs. Julia N. (Clow) Upham, mother of Selalı B., was born at Highgate, Vt., and departed this life in New York in 1885. She was descended from one of the old Long Island Dutch families, who during the period of the Revolution were Tories. On this account they were obliged to leave the island and going to Canada passed many years in St. Johns and on returning to the States located at Highgate, Vt.

The subject of this sketch was the only son born to his parents, and had three sisters, of whom Sarah E. married George L. Hitchcock, who is now assistant eashier of the Woodhaven

Bank; Celia became the wife of Joseph D. Nutt, a jeweler of New York, and they are the parents of Dr. Nutt, well known to the residents of Woodhaven and vicinity. Abby is a maiden lady.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 147

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