Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 153

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 153

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Catholic Church, with which his wife is connec- ted. In 1877 he married Celia, daughter of Joseph Landgraf, of Franklin Square, an estimable lady, who is affectionately devoted to the welfare of their children, Henry, Charlotte and Louisa, and shares with him in the esteem of neighbors and associates.

F ELIX FRITSCHE. Among the residents of Schuetzen Park, Long Island City, we mention Mr. Fritsche, who has assisted very materially in the prosperity and develop- ment of this particular locality. He has been a very active politician since his earliest days and has frequently rendered his party valuable aid by using his voice and vote in behalf of its candi- dates, as well as serving in positions of respon- sibility.

Mr. Fritsche is a native of Germany, and was born in Saxony January 14, 1848. His father, William Fritsche, was a merchant of that partic- ular locality and died there in early life. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Kuenster, was born in the same place, and some time after the death of Mr. Fritsche married Franz Froelich, a merchant tailor. The family continued to reside in the Fatherland until 1858, when they came to America, locating in New York City. There Mr. Froelich worked at his trade, with the exception1 of the time spent in the Union army during the late war, until his decease. He entered the ser- vice in August, 1861, as a member of Company B, Forty-fifth New York Infantry, and remained with his company during the entire period of the war. During that time he participated in many hard-fought engagements, always acquitting him- self with honor. On his return to the metropolis he resumed work at his trade and carried on a good business as merchant tailor until his de- cease, in 1882. Mrs. Froelich now makes her home in Brooklyn, residing with her eldest daughter.

By her union with William Fritsche Caroline Kuenster became the mother of three daughters and three sons, who grew to mature years, and of whom two are now deceased. The subject of this sketch attended school for a time in his native land, but after coming to America it was neces- sary for each member of the family who was old enough to lend a hand in its support. Accord- ingly Felix went to work, but the evenings being his own, he devoted them to study, attending a

night school in the neighborhood, thus in a short time acquiring a fair knowledge of the English language. In 1860 he was apprenticed to a cigar- maker, whose factory was located at No. 21 Cedar Street, New York. He was in this gentleman's employ until 1866, always being at his post of duty excepting when detained at home by illness. He had been in the factory three years when he accidentally fell down the hatchway from the third story, sustaining quite serious injuries, which necessitated his remaining at home for some time.

In 1866 Mr. Fritsche left the New York house and went to Philadelphia, but not being able to obtain a position at his trade, rented a small farm and for one season was engaged in truck farming in Germantown. This occupation was not at all congenial, and at the end of that time he returned to New York and went to work for his old em- ployer, remaining with him until 1876. In the meantime, in 1873, he built a home in Schuetzen Park, and three years later embarked in business here, manufacturing a very fine grade of cigars. His office and factory are located at No. 500 Broadway, where he does a large retail and wholesale business. Among his best brands are "Queen of Leaves," "Royal Seal," "White Ele- phant," "High Life," and "Purity."

Being a shrewd and thoroughly wide-awake business man, Mr. Fritsche knew that real estate would increase in value in this locality very rap- · idly, and in order that he might be prepared for the "boom" he purchased vacant property on the corner of Steinway and Broadway, one of the most desirable locations in the city, and with the assistance of Hon. William Steinway, erected a frame block, 40x50 feet in dimensions and three stories in height. This structure was completed in 1887 and since that time has been rented to good advantage and has indeed proved a very profitable investment. Mr. Fritsche was made clerk of the Schuetzen Park Postal Station in 1889 and has transacted the duties of this office ever since. He was married in New York City to Miss Eliza Schrader, a native of Hanover, Germany. To them have been born three chil -- dren, Felix G., George H. and Garfield H.

An influential politician, Mr. Fritsche was in 1885 elected alderman from the fourth ward on the Republican ticket, being the only candidate of the grand old party who received a plurality of votes in their respective wards. He held the office for one term only, refusing renomination.

REGULAR REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR President of the Borough of Queens,

FELIX FRITSCHE.

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During the season he was a member of the coun- cil he did all he could for the benefit of the tax- paying element and also used his wise discretion in the disbursement of the public money. On the expiration of his term he was appointed school commissioner by Mayor Gleason, but, although greatly interested in the cause of education, did not deem it best to accept the office. He has been a member of the Order of Odd Fellows since 1870. The Knights of Pythias of Astoria Lodge regard him as one of their most influen- tial members. In religious affairs he is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church in New York. He belongs to the Frohsinn, of which he was president, and is likewise connected with the Arion Singing Society. For many years he has been a member of the general Republican com- mittee for Long Island City, and is at present serving as one of the county committee. He has represented his party in both county and state conventions, and is at all times ready to do what he can to further its interests.

J I OHN J. HEALY. This well known real estate agent of Far Rockaway has been so successful in his line of human endeavor that any work of the character and scope of this that did not include proper biographical mention of such a citizen would be incomplete. For the most part he is engaged in handling his own property, building and renting, and has a large number of cottages to rent. He has been thus engaged to some extent for twenty-five years.

Mr. Healy was born in New York City March 9, 1846, to John J. and Jane (O'Meara) Healy. The father, who was a man of excellent judg- ment, bought land in the vicinity of Far Rocka- way about 1856, when by most persons it was considered of but little value. Time demon- strated the fact that his judgment was sound, and this property became very valuable. Mrs. . Healy was born in Ireland and was brought to this country by her parents when three years old. Here she was reared, educated, and here her death occurred in August, 1895, at the age of eighty-two years. She bore her husband seven sons and one daughter, and five of the family are living. Rev. Gabriel A. is pastor of St. Ber- nard's Church, New York City. It was through his instrumentality that this church was built about twenty-five years ago, and under his su- pervision he has built up the membership from

almost nothing until it now numbers ten thou- sand souls; James is deceased; Margaret is the wife of Thomas O'Kane; John J. is our subject; Edmund J., attorney-at-law and justice of the peace, is a man of fine mind; he has a magnificent property and is now traveling in Europe; Dr. Thomas F. was a medical practitioner of New York City for ten years and there his death oc- curred; Joseph is deceased; Augustine is in the men's furnishing business in New York.

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child born to his parents, and in his native city he was reared and educated, principally in St. Francis Xavier's school. For several years after finishing his education he was in the dry goods business with his father, and later was enabled to engage in real estate, by virtue of his inter- ests in that direction. His interests are consid- erable in Far Rockaway, and among his proper- ties is the fine brick building in Central Avenue, which has a frontage of one hundred and twenty- five feet, contains six stores, the village postoffice being located in one room. He has upwards of twenty houses to rent and is universally acknowl- edged as one of the most accommodating of landlords. His own home in Mott Avenue is pretty and comfortable and is well known for the hospitality which is there extended to all. Mr. Healy was married to Miss Elizabeth Flen- ing, of New York City, an excellent and accont- plished lady, who died about sixteen years ago, having become the mother of two children, John J. and Elizabeth M., twins. Mr. Healy is a Dem- ocrat of long standing, and in his religious views is a Catholic.

C APT. JOHN A. CORRIGAN. Among the men who have gained a reputation for shrewdness and courage, and as a good judge of the character and motives of men, may be mentioned Capt. John A. Corrigan, chief of the North Beach police. He is a native of Astoria, Long Island City, born in 1855, and the son of Michael and Elizabeth (McDermott) Cor- rigan. The father came to Astoria with his par- ents when about thirteen years old, and subse- quently became a contractor here and in New York City. He was one of the old settlers of the place and died here in 1880, when sixty-two years old. Mrs. Corrigan, the daughter of Alexander McDermott, was born in New York City, and is now a resident of Astoria.

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Of the nine children born to them, four are living, and all are residing in Long Island City: John A., our subject; James J., on the police force at North Beach; Mrs. Lange, of Long Island City; and Mrs. Sheridan. John A. Corrigan spent his childhood days in the old fourth ward school, and afterwards worked with his father until September 9, 1876, when he was appointed on the Long Island City police force as patrolman. Later he became roundsman, and in about 1883 was acting sergeant. He never had any trouble, but soon after being made ser- geant he was suspended with Captain Woods and nine others, but was finally ordered back to duty by the police courts. Although on the North Beach police force he returned as rounds- man for forty days, and then obtained an unlim- ited leave of absence. He returned to North Beach as chief of police, and in March, 1884, was solicited by Mr. Steinway to organize the North Beach police force. This he did, and was the chief from the organization. He has thirty men under him and has taken care of the beach all along. Captain Corrigan superintends the laying out of the different grounds and setting out trees, etc. He has had some thrilling experiences dur- ing his career as an officer. He caught the burg- lar, Charles Walter, who had robbed a house, and while taking him to the station house the latter managed to get loose and started to run. Our subject ordered him to stop, but the burglar turned and attempted to shoot, but the Captain was too quick and brought him to the ground with a wound in the leg. This man was sen- tenced to ten years in the penitentiary, and there subsequently died. This is the only shooting affair in which he has participated. The Captain was married in Astoria to Miss Lizzie Manning, a native of this place and daughter of John Man- ning, who is a gardener here. In politics Cap- tain Corrigan is a Democrat, and fraternally is a member of John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W.

M ICHAEL P. HOLLAND. This well known real estate insurance agent of Rockaway Beach has made such a suc- cess in his enterprise that this book would be in- complete were not mention made of him. The importance of the real estate business is well known, and fire insurance, as a business, has, in the hands of shrewd and original men, developed into a profession and has attracted to it during

recent years talent that would have made itself known in any of the higher walks of life. One of the most accomplished real estate and fire in- surance agents of Long Island is Michael P. Holland, who has been a resident of this place since 1857. He was born in Jamaica, July 12, 1849, to Michael P. and Fannie R. (Brush) Hol- land, the former of whom was a hotel keeper at Jamaica and later at Rockaway Beach. He died at the last mentioned place at the age of fifty-four years. His wife was born in Cherry Street, New York City. Her father, Thomas Brush, estab- lished the first tobacco factory on Long Island and for a long time supplied almost the entire island with chewing tobacco. His old mill is still standing at Queens. Mrs. Holland died in 1893 at the age of seventy-three years. Six of the twelve children she bore her husband are still living: Jane B .; Susan L., Mrs. Lefferts; Willian C., Michael P .; Theresa P., Mrs. Lambert; and Eugenie N., Mrs. Cole, of No. 149 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn. Fannie E., Mrs. Parcells, died in 1892, leaving two children, who live with their father in New York City.

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child born to his parents, and since 1857 has been a resident of Rockaway Beach, with the exception of 1860, when the family resided in Jamaica. His opportunities for acquiring an education were limited and he was also rather disinclined to study, so the principal part of his education was acquired during the year that his father person- ally employed a man to teach his and his neigh- bors' children. The greater part of Mr. Hol- land's education has been acquired through ob- servation and contact with the business affairs of life. He, however, could learn readily and when six years old his sister offered him twenty-five cents as an incentive to learn the multiplication table, and this he soon accomplished. When quite young he began assisting his father in the hotel, one of his duties being to care for the boots of the guests. Also when a lad he learned to sail boats and spent much time in fishing, crabbing and clamming, in fact he was an active, wide- awake boy, and even at the age of nine years (when his father died) he was capable of assum- ing much of the care and responsibility of the family. They kept many boarders and he as- sisted every way in his power at home, raising chickens, fishing, etc. After a time this life proved very unattractive to him and accordingly he went to New York City, where he secured

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employment in a tin shop, and during the two years that he remained there he obtained some knowledge of life.

Upon his return to Long Island at the end of the two years, our subject resumed the hotel business, and as he had inherited considerable property he gradually drifted into the real estate business, to which he later added insurance, and has since been prosperously engaged in this work. In 1855 his father had purchased at Rock- away Beach sixty-five acres of land at sheriff's sale, for which he paid $350, and on this land there was a moderate sized house, which they later remodeled and improved. There was no railroad there then, but steamboats stopped there, and later when the railroad was built Mrs. Holland donated the land for the depot and the name of "Holland's Station" was given it in her honor. Mr. Holland has always taken an active interest in local enterprises and is much inter- ested in the improvement of his section. He was made the first postmaster of Oceanus and was one of the first to favor the changing of the name of the office to Rockaway Beach, but the name Oceanus was finally settled on. Soon after this Mr. Holland took the contract for carrying the mail from Jennings Corners, for which he re- ceived the sum of $12 per year, which sum in- cluded his salary as postmaster. In 1883 a money order department was established and the office was in a flourishing condition when Cleveland was inaugurated President, but he was soon after deposed. When the affairs of the office became entangled later, his interest in the welfare of the place manifested itself, and he did all he could to unravel and straighten out matters. He was again appointed postmaster under President Har- rison in 1891 and served acceptably until 1895. He has held the office of roadmaster also and has been instrumental in the construction of some of the finest roads on the island, not the least of which is the fine macadam boulevard which is one of the features of the Beach for many miles, the appropriation for which was secured mainly through his efforts.

Mr. Holland has been a patron of education also, and assisted in the formation of his school district in 1878. His wife was the first school teacher here, before a regular school building had been erected. The school soon grew too large for her to manage alone and other teachers were hired and a large school house erected in 1880. This is now also inadequate to the requirements

and Mr. Holland is a member of the advisory committee to make arrangements for more school room. This school, which was modestly established by Mrs. Holland, now numbers three hundred pupils, the services of nine teachers are required and the school is under the manage- ment of the state board of regents. The above facts are given merely to show the kind of a man Mr. Holland is-energetic, pushing, enterpris- ing and of sound and practical judgment. He has succeeded and he has deserved to succeed, for his life has been worthily spent and mainly for the good of others than himself. He is a stanch Republican, and a member of Jamaica Lodge No. 546, F. & A. M. Though not members, both he and his wife attend the Congregational Church. He was married to Miss Julia Hugh- son, of Milton's Ferry, N. Y., about four miles from Poughkeepsie, and to them one child has been born: Fannie R., who is a bright miss of fourteen years.

W ILLIAM E. HEWLETT is one of the enterprising residents of the town of Hempstead, and from boyhood has been interested in agricultural pursuits. He has spent many years of his life tilling and cultivating the soil, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He was born upon the tract of land which is still his home, in 1827. His parents were John J. and Jane (Hewlett) Hewlett, natives of Long Island, who passed their entire married life on this farm.

The father of our subject was very successful in his labors and became one of the substantial men of his community. He was a devoted mem- ber of the Episcopal Church, and as such occu- pied a high social position, and was closely iden- tified with all matters pertaining to the upward growth and advancement of his home locality. He departed this life in 1872, respected by all who knew him. He was at that time advanced in life, being fourscore years and seven. His estimable wife had closed lier eyes in death sev- eral years before.

William E. Hewlett, the subject of this sketch, had the advantages of a district-school educa- tion in his youth, and as soon as old enough began working on the home farm. On the death of his father he came into possession of the estate, and of late years has divided the acreage up into building lots, and so valuable is the

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property that he has disposed of a number of them.

The marriage of our subject and Miss Mary E. Middlebrooks was celebrated March 25, 1873. The lady was the daughter of Samuel Middle- brooks, a resident of Bridgeport, Conn. Of the children born to them, four survive, namely; Florence M., Edith W., Bertha and Arthur E .. all students in the Freeport schools. Mrs. Hew- lett is a most estimable lady and a working mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. In politics our subject is a stalwart Republican, but has never aspired to official honors, as all his time was needed in attending to his farm work. He is a life member of the Queens County Agricultural Society and is regarded as one of the enterpris- ing and prosperous citizens of his community.

S. FOSTER SPRAGUE. It is doubtless entirely owing to the industrious and persevering manner with which Mr. Sprague has adhered to his chosen calling that he has met with such substantial returns, for he is one of the most prominent oystermen of the village of Freeport. His entire life has been passed within the confines of Queens County, and as a natural result he is much interested in the progress and development of his section, and has done his full share in making it the mag- nificent industrial region that it now is. He was born near Freeport March 5, 1843, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Terry) Sprague, who were also natives of Long Island, where they spent their entire lives.

. During his youthful days Samuel Sprague learned the carpenter's trade and followed this for many years. He subsequently began farm- ing, and was actively engaged in this calling at the time of his death, in 1879. Honorable and upright to a fault, he attended strictly to busi- ness, and was well respected in the community. His wife received her final summons in 1883. Owing to the poor schools of his day, S. Foster Sprague received only a limited education, but his natural ability and observation have made up for that in a great measure. His early life was spent on his father's farm, and he was engaged with the duties of the same until twenty-three years old, when he came to Freeport and en- gaged in the oyster industry. Under his per- sistent efforts this has grown to vast proportions and he is to-day one of the most successful oys-

termen on the bay. He plants his own oysters, carries on his own business, and ships twice a week to New York City. He owns several boats and employs many men throughout the year. In 1885 the first steamboat ever built in Freeport was constructed by him for freighting purposes, and this he used for several years. It was called the "S. F. Sprague." In 1896 the first steamer used in that bay for dredging oysters by machin- ery was built by him, gasoline and electricity furnishing the power. This was named "Alpha."

In the year 1865 Mr. Sprague was wedded to Miss Abbie Jane Cox, a native of Freeport, and the daughter of Elbert Cox, who is a most wor- thy citizen of the place. Three children were the fruits of this marriage, but all, with the mother, are now deceased. Fraternally Mr. Sprague is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and is a member of the funeral benefit association of the order. Twice he has been through all chairs of this organization, was the first noble grand of Freeport Lodge, and has represented his lodge at the grand lodge. For more than twenty years he has been identified with the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. Politically he is an active Republican and an earnest worker for his party, having been presi- dent of various campaign clubs. He is a mem- ber of the board of trustees of Freeport and is public-spirited and progressive to an unusual degree.

R EV. ELFORD F. LOUNSBURY, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Farmingdale, was born at Bethany, New Haven County, Conn., October 17, 1845. His parents were William H. and Charity (Bucking- ham) Lounsbury, the former of whom was also a native of the Nutmeg State. There he was a farmer and reared his son, our subject, on the home place. The latter attended the country schools until nineteen years of age, when he en- tered the academy at Wilbraham, it being his intention to prepare himself for college. His father being unable to help him pay his board and tuition at this time, he could not take the entire course.

The subject of this sketch began to teach school when twenty-one years of age. His first charge was in the country district of New Haven. He was converted about this time and began to preach, and was soon thereafter licensed as an

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exhorter. While engaged in teaching, he began to prepare for the ministry, and as soon as able took a five years' course at Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, N. J., preaching as occa- sion demanded. He was graduated from that institution in 1875 and then entered the New York Eastern Conference and was at once ap- pointed as missionary to Bulgaria. He went to Rustchuk, thence to Sistova, later to Tirnova, during which time he was studying the Bulga- rian language.

While in the foreign field the war between Rus- sia and Turkey was declared and Rev. Mr. Lounsbury, being then stationed at Tirnova, which was captured by the Russians, was compelled to leave, and returned to Sistova. Later he was called to Buda Pesth, Austria, in order that he might confer with the superin- tendent of missions, who was residing there. It was then thought best that he should return to America, and in September, 1877, he arrived home.

In January of the above year our subject was appointed to take charge of the congregation at Farmingdale, over which he presided for more than a year, when he was again sent to Bulgaria, and during the two years in which he remained there preached at Rustchuk. In 1881 he returned home, and October 12, 1881, was married to Miss Adelia Seaman, of Brooklyn. This lady was born in the town of Oyster Bay, this county, and was the daughter of Enoch and Eliza (Box) Seaman. Mrs. Lounsbury was educated at Bor- dentown, N. J. ' Immediately after their mar- riage the young people went to their far-off home in Bulgaria, and during their passage across the Atlantic encountered a storm which came very near wrecking the vessel.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 153

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