Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 154

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 154

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Our subject and his wife remained in Bulgaria for five years, and while there three of their chil- dren were born, and died. Mrs. Lounsbury was also in very poor health during their stay there. and in December, 1886, they again returned to their home in the New World. Their visit here was a very short one, however, for in a few months they again took up their work as foreign missionaries, and the fall of 1887 found them again in Bulgaria. Two of their daughters were born there, Elfreda on September 20, 1890, at Rustchuk, and Irma Clare March 1, 1892, at Loftscha.

Rev. Mr. Lounsbury returned to America with his family in April, 1893, and preached until Sep-

tember of that year at West Farms, in New York City. He was then sent to East Meadow, in the town of Hempstead, this county, and filled a vacancy until conference should meet. He was then assigned to Farmingdale, and has been in charge of the congregation here since 1894.

Our subject was reared by a Republican father and cast his first presidential vote for Grant. He is now, however, a strong Prohibitionist, and does all in his power to extend the influence of this party in whatever community he may be placed.

P ROF. EPHRAIM HINDS. This finely educated gentleman stands at the head of Hempstead Institute, which is one of the best private schools on Long Island. He was born in the small village of Littleton, in the White Mountain region of New Hampshire, May 3, 1819. His father, Elisha Hinds, was born February 7, 1784, at West Boylston, Mass., which place was first settled by members of this family, led by B. J. Hinds.

The father of our subject was graduated from Williams College in 1805. He chose a profes- sional life, and in the section of country in which he lived was known as the "honest lawyer." For many years he served the people of Littleton as justice of the peace and also discharged the du- ties of postmaster in an entirely satisfactory man- ner. His voice was always to be heard on the side of progressive movements and the first pub- lic library in this place was founded by him. Indeed, few men of that day were more inter- ested and prominent in public affairs and in all measures which would in any way benefit the community, than Elisha Hinds. He was one in a large family of children, and about 1810, ac- companied by his brother Abraham, who was also an attorney, he started on horseback to make a tour of the then civilized portion of the United States, and it is said visited every impor- tant town in the country, penetrating far into the western wilderness. While on this trip, whether for profit or to become more familiar with the lay of the land, we are not informed, he became principal of an academy located in the state of Kentucky. He remained in charge of this institution for about a year, and then returned to his native village of Littleton and resumed his law practice with his brother Abra- ham, who was an attorney of much ability. The

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latter married the daughter of Judge Hapgood and made his home in after years in Marlboro, Mass.

Benjamin Hinds, the grandfather of our sub- ject, whom we have spoken of as the head of the West Boylston colony, took an active part in the stirring events preceding and during the Revo- lutionary War, and was a large contributor to- ward the support of the Continental army. The name of Hinds has been a prominent one in the history of our country, and while not all the members of the family have been wealthy, they have without an exception been people of refine- ment and culture.

The mother of Professor Hinds was Susan Learned, also born at Littleton, N. H. She was a lady possessing a fine education, and at the early age of sixteen years was engaged in teaclı- ing one of the schools in her native village. She was the daughter of Samuel Learned, whose birth occurred at Oxford, Conn. He was a mer- chant of high standing and also a wealthy lumber dealer in his community. About the time of the building of the Erie Canal he came to New York State and became prominently connected with its construction as a contractor, building the locks at Lockport.

The grandfather of Mrs. Susan Hinds, on her mother's side, was Capt. Nathan Caswell. He acquired his title in the War of 1812, in which conflict he was one of the most noted scouts. He chose for his wife Miss Hannah Bingham, and they were among the first to make their home in Littleton, N. H., the date thereof being May 14, 1770.

The mother of our subject was one of the greatest readers of her day and locality. She was a thorough Christian lady and her favorite book was the Bible, in which she was well versed. Her brother, William Learned, was interested with his father in the building of the Erie Canal. Her sister Sarah married William Hibbard, a well-to-do farmer of Vermont. Among their children was a son, George Hibbard, who be- came prominent during the Civil War for the brave and gallant service which he rendered his country. Some time after peace was established this son was interested in the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and later in the con- struction of the government buildings on Ellis Island. Miss Laura Learned, another sister of our subject's mother, married Charles Fuller, a prominent hardware merchant of Vermont.

Susan, the youngest member of the family, be- came the wife of Mr. Baldwin, one of the most distinguished lawyers in Barton, Vt.

Elisha Hinds, the brother of our subject, was wounded while on a gunboat during the Civil War, and died from the effects of this injury. William Learned Hinds was for many years in the employ of William Claflin, one of the largest merchants of New York City, but at the present writing makes his home at Highgate, Vt. Au- gusta Hinds became the wife of Mr. Lyon, and for many years they made their home in Balti- more, Md., where Mrs. Lyon died. Although she was known to her friends as Augusta, her full name was Thankful Howe Tabitha Holland Augusta Hinds Lyon. Another sister, Grace Morse Marlboro Susan Hinds, became the wife of Chauncey Whittlesey, whose father was at one time mayor of the city of Washington, and whose cousin, Charles A. Dana, is proprietor of the New York "Sun." They make their home at Topeka, Kas., where he is at the head of a fine business. Ellen Percy Hinds became the wife of Henry Roth, and her home is also in Topeka. Hannah has never married, and for the greater part of her life has been engaged in teaching. She was for many years employed in the schools of Brooklyn, but is at present one of the corps of teachers employed by our subject.

Elisha Hinds and his wife came to Brooklyn about the year 1845. There they made their home until their decease, the father passing away in 1854 and the mother some years after. Ephraim, of this sketch, received his education principally under the guidance of private tutors and in Haverhill Academy of New Hampshire. When he was a lad of fourteen his parents re- moved to Hinsdale, N. H., where was located the estate of a deceased uncle, of which Elisha Hinds had been appointed to take charge. After a residence there of about three years they made their home in New Salem, Mass., where Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Hinds had charge of the home de- partment of the Salem Academy. Young Eph- raim was a student in this school, and upon com- pleting the course there entered the preparatory department of Amherst College.

Soon after attaining his majority the subject of this sketch began teaching school, his first position being at Warwick, Mass. From there he went to Troy, N. Y., where he was engaged to teach, and later we find him the assistant of Professor Baquet, teacher in a French academy

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at Paterson, N. J. He remained in this boarding school for four years, after which he accepted the position of professor of French in the Tarry- town Institute. Later we find him connected with the Normal Academy at Sand Lake, N. Y .. near Albany. While residing in that place he was married, in 1849, to Miss Catherine Maria Shepard. Mr. Hinds is the author of a French grammar and system of teaching that language, which he prepared while at Sand Lake.

In the year 1851 Professor Hinds accepted the position of principal of a newly established acad- emy at Blackwood, Camden County, N. J. From that time until 1859 he was connected with vari- ous institutions of learning in the East, but since the latter year he has made his home in Hemp- stead. For the first two or three years he was principal of this school, which was then known as the Hempstead Seminary, but soon after his purchasing the building the name was changed to that of Hempstead Institute. It ranks among the very best private schools on the island, and is well patronized by the wealthy residents of the surrounding cities. Professor Hinds is consid- ered one of the most thorough educators in the state, which is accounted for in a measure from the fact that his whole soul is in the work.

To Professor and Mrs. Hinds there have been born six children, named, respectively, Grace, Ada, Arthur, Jessie, Lily and Lincoln.

Politically the Professor was first a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party be- came a member of that party, to which he yet firmly adheres.

J UDGE CHARLES W. BILLINGS,a prom- inent resident of Glencove, was born at Hatfield, Hampshire County, Mass., De- cember 18, 1821. He is the son of Israel and Hepsey (Partridge) Billings, and passed his boy- hood days in the village of his birth. He com- pleted his education in the public schools the year before attaining his majority, and spent the following two years at work on his father's farm.

At the age of twenty-two our subject went to Troy, Walworth County, Wis., where he pur- chased a farm and was engaged in its cultivation for three years. Previous to his removal to the Badger State, however, Mr. Billings was mar- ried at Hatfield to Miss Mary H. Hubbard, also a native of that village. At the expiration of the three years Charles W. sold his share in the farmi

to his brother and returned to New York, where he soon secured a position as clerk for the firm of Woodruff & Robinson, and shortly thereafter, so valuable were his services to his employers, he was made manager of their storage de- partment. He remained with the firm of Wood- ruff & Robinson for a period of three years, when he resigned and embarked in the same kind of business for himself in Brooklyn. This proved to be a very successful venture and he continued to operate a storage warehouse for ten years. His health began to fail about this time and he deemed it advisable to get away from the city. He therefore disposed of his interests in Brook- lyn and came to Glencove, shortly afterward pur- chasing a farm near this place. He paid $20,000 for this property in 1868, and when he sold it in 1891 could only obtain $5,500 for his estate. In the last named year the Judge moved into Glen- cove, with whose interests he has been associated ever since.

Mrs. Billings died after eleven years of happy married life. She became the mother of six chil- dren, all of whom died when young in years. The second union of our subject was with Miss Catherine L. Lowe, a native of New Jersey, in which state the marriage took place. To them were born ten children, eight of whom are still living.

Judge Billings cast his first presidential vote in 1844 for James K. Polk. Since the organiza- tion of the Republican party, however, he has supported its candidates both by voice and ballot. He has never been an office seeker in any sense of the term, but in 1894 was prevailed upon by his friends to run for the position of justice of the peace and was elected by a majority of sev- enteen hundred votes.

Fraternally Mr. Billings is a Mason of high degree and was one of the charter members of Commonwealth Lodge No. 409, of Brooklyn. Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Glencove, and gives liberally of his means toward its support. Prior to coming here he was treasurer of his congregation in Brook- lyn for a period of four years.

Edward C. Billings, the eldest son of our sub- ject, is engaged in the mining business out West. his home being in Denver, Colo. George D .. another son, is one of the prominent merchants of Brooklyn. Charles I. is also engaged in busi . ness in that city. Mary H. makes her home with the brother of our subject, Edward C. Billings,

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a resident of New Orleans, La. Adelaide is still at home. The next in order of birth were John and Catherine, twins. The former is deceased, and Catherine is now the wife of a Mr. Howell, and makes her home in Anthony, Fla. Augus- tus H. has traveled extensively in foreign lands, spending some years in the gold region of South Africa; he is now living in Glencove. Samuel P. is a resident of Glencove, where he is carrying on a thriving business as grain merchant.

W HITEHEAD H. HEWLETT, the owner of a beautiful farm in the town of Hempstead, is living retired in Mer- rick. This tract of land has been handed down in the Hewlett family since its first occupancy in 1640. Our subject, who was born in Rocka- way in 1816, is one of the oldest residents of Queens County. His parents were George M. and Elizabeth (Hewlett) Hewlett, also natives of Long Island, where they were content to pass their entire lives.

George M. Hewlett followed farming all his life, and in the prosecution of this vocation met with success. He was a quiet, unassuming citi- zen, devoting his time and attention almost en- tirely to his private affairs. He departed this life May 17, 1870, mourned by all who knew him. His wife preceded him to the land beyond by many years, closing her eyes in death March 7, 1857.

Whitehead H., of this sketch, had only the advantages of a district-school education in his youth. Upon leaving school he settled down at Rockaway, where he remained until the age of thirty, when he removed to the old Hewlett homestead at Merrick, and has ever since de- voted his time to its cultivation. It is one of the best tracts in the county and is under advanced improvement. It is very conveniently located, and as we stated in our opening paragraph, was first settled upon in 1640. The paternal grand- parents of our subject were Daniel and Mary (Mott) Hewlett, people of prominence in their day and locality.

Our subject was married October 15, 1845, to Mary E., daughter of John and Sarah (Hewlett) Clowes, natives of Long Island. John Clowes was in turn the son of Joseph and Hannah (Van Wycke) Clowes, respected residents of Queens County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead Hewlett resulted in the birth of four children:

Frances Moore and Julia Hart are deceased; Joseph Titus married Eleanora Hewlett and died December 27, 1891, leaving one son, Frederick Clowes; George Mott Hewlett was married March 1, 1893, to Emma Hewlett, a sister of his brother's wife. The wife and mother departed this life March 19, 1892, aged sixty-six. In relig- ious affairs our subject is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, with which denomination he has been connected for many years.

Mr. Hewlett has never aspired to political hon- ors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests. However, he supports Re- publican candidates. He is now living in ease and quiet retirement in a commodious dwelling well suited to the needs of the family. George M., the only son now living, is engaged in man- aging the farm.

C LARENCE B. WHITTEMORE, well known to the residents of Queens County, is the son of Edward A. Whittemore, who during his lifetime was accounted one of the successful and aggressive business men of New York City. The grandfather, Homer Whitte- more, was a descendant of one of the old and influential families of York State. He was also a prominent business man, and when looking about him for a quiet place in which to pass the last years of his life, located in Astoria.

Edward A. Whittemore was a shrewd business man, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1880, at the age of sixty-five, he stood at the head of a large wholesale dry goods business at No. 346 Broadway. He, however, made his home in Astoria in a beautiful residence at the head of Boulevard, on East River, which he erected in 1851. In a great many ways he showed his sub- stantial interest in the welfare and development of this locality, having forwarded many enter- prises, both by his means and influence. He amassed a large fortune, which enables his fam- ily to pass life pleasantly and happily, surrounded with comforts and many luxuries. Religiously he was a consistent member of St. George's Epis- copal Church and contributed very liberally of his means toward its support. In politics he at all times supported Republican candidates.

Our subject's mother was formerly 'Mary W. Barton, a native of New Rochelle, N. Y. Her father, Jacob Barton, departed this life soon after moving to Astoria. Mrs. Whittemore's death

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occurred in October, 1894, when she was over seventy-three years of age. Her family included six children, and four are yet living: Edward A., Jr., who is carrying on a profitable business as a wholesale dry goods merchant in New York; Gertrude, Mrs. Charles Benner, of Long Island City; Charles A., who also makes his home in that city; and Clarence B., of this history.

The subject of this sketch was engaged in busi- ness with his father until the death of the latter, since which time he has retired from business cares, though still looking after his various in- vestments. He has been in many ways connected with the active progress of Astoria, by whose citizens he is held in the highest regard.

J OHN B. MERRILL, formerly school com- missioner for the second district of Queens County, is well known throughout Long Island as the "school builder." During his in- cumbency of the office he did more to advance the cause of education than was accomplished during any previous decade. Professionally he is an attorney, who has made a name for himself by reason of pluck, energy and sterling qualities of heart and mind. In the discharge of public duties he has been thoroughly conscientious, and while serving as school commissioner de- voted much of his time to the welfare of his constituents. The building of the new school- houses in this district, with their modern im- provements and increased facilities for a higher education, is to a great extent due to his efforts. When he found a schoolhouse insufficient for the proper and healthful accommodation of the chil- dren, his efforts were untiring until the evil was remedied. He holds that the schoolhouses can- not be too good, and that only the best teachers should be employed; that nothing, indeed, so tends to attract people to a community as the reputation of having excellent schools.

Now a resident of Woodhaven, Mr. Merrill was born in Plainville, Conn., January 7, 1857. His father, Squire Gregg Merrill, was an only son, but had two sisters, one of whom, Frances, was a missionary for many years in the Sand- wich Islands, and died at Honolulu. He was one of the first to answer President Lincoln's appeal for soldiers, in 1861 enlisting in Company E, Fifth Connecticut. Infantry. His wife died on the 16th of April of that year, and on the 19th, three days later, he was on his way to the front.

He was wounded at Point of Rocks, Md., and after his recovery was assigned to duty at the old Capital Prison in Washington. Since the war he has been connected with the adjutant- general's office at Washington. His wife, Lucy M., was a daughter of Bryant Porter, a well-to- do farmer of Plainville, Conn., and they were the parents of two children, John B. and Lucy F., the latter being the wife of Daniel Drennan, private secretary to General Schofield at Wash- ington.

John H. Merrill, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Maine, born in 1799. On the outbreak of the Mexican War he volun- teered in the service and became captain of a company that fought bravely and well. He at- tained the age of ninety-five, and departed this life in Washington in 1894. He had eight broth- ers, six of whom served as soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, and of this number three yet survive.

In the schools of Washington, D. C., John B. Merrill received his education. When a youth of seventeen years he enlisted in the signal corps, United States army, in which he devoted nine years to the study of meteorology. In 1879 he was detailed as instructor in meteorology, mili- tary signaling and tactics in the University of West Virginia. Two years later, under the di- rection of the chief signal officer of the army, he investigated the tracks and causes of the dis- astrous cyclones in the western states, and in 1882 he was placed in charge of the weather bu- reau of New York City. Four years later he began the study of law with ex-District Attorney Benjamin W. Downing, and in due time was admitted to the bar.

Upon the organization of the South Side Ball League, in 1889, Mr. Merrill was elected president, and re-elected the following year. Politically a stanch Democrat, he was selected in 1890 by the Democratic county central com- mittee to explain the new ballot reform act to voters, and in doing so delivered thirty-two ad- dresses. In the same year he was elected school commissioner of the second district, and during his incumbency of the office wrought many re- forms in the public schools. A uniform course of study has been adopted, certificates and di- plomas are now furnished to deserving pupils and the standard of instruction has been raised. Thirty-five new school buildings were erected during his administration, seven were remod-

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eled, new furniture and free books have been generally introduced, and school libraries replen- ished. In one year he delivered fifty-two public addresses on school work, lecturing a portion of this time in the central part of the state under the auspices of the department of public instruc- tion. During his incumbency of the office the value of school property has increased from $193,715 to $315,146, and in addition there was in 1893 more than $150,000 cash in the hands of the trustees awaiting disbursement for land and new buildings. The official school directory shows the condition of the schools in this local- ity to be most satisfactory in every respect. The number of high-grade teachers increased thirty-one per cent within one year, so that at this writing (1896) over seventy per cent of the entire number hold state normal or first-grade certificates.

In December, 1880, Mr. Merrill married Miss Ida K. Gibson, of Washington, daughter of John H. Gibson, chief engraver in the bureau of en- graving and printing. They are the parents of four children, Edna Porter, Clinton Whitlock, Mabel Gibson and Evelyn. Fraternally Mr. Merrill is a prominent Mason and holds member- ship with Brooklyn Lodge No. 288. He also belongs to Woodhaven Lodge No. 204, I. O. O. F. Fond of outdoor sports, he is actively con- nected with the Jamaica Bay Yacht Club. In his profession he has been remarkably success- ful and stands high among the attorneys of the county, being at the present time a director in the Queens County Bar Association.

A LBERT E. GOSLING. Among the pop- ular musicians of Flushing no name stands higher than that of Prof. A. E. Gosling, who is organist at St. Michael's Church, and a teacher whose name is well and favorably known. He was born in Flushing September I, 1860, and here grew to manhood and received his education. His father, Thomas Gosling, has been a resident of Flushing since 1851, and is one of the representative men of the place. His birth occurred in Lincolnshire, England, August 14, 1827.

Mr. Gosling was married in Flushing to Mrs. Sarah Nichols, a native of London, Eng- land, and the only living child of this union is Albert E., the subject of this notice.

Albert E. Gosling began the study of music

when twelve years old, and from the start displayed unusual ability in that direction. He received instruction from some of the best teach- ers, and at an early age began teaching. For four years he was organist of the Methodist Church in Flushing; he filled the same position for four years in the Congregational Church, four years in St. George's Episcopal Church, but left the latter on account of the introduction of the boy choir. In 1894 he became organist and choir master for St. Michael's Church, and has made a specialty of the concert vespers Sunday evenings. Mr. Gosling teaches in Flushing and vicinity, also in Brooklyn, where he has regular days. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563; Pentalpha Chapter, R. A. M .; Oak Lodge, K. of P .; St. George's Brotherhood, and is an honorary member of the Mutual Engine Company. He served five years and seven months in the Seventeenth Separate Company of New York, and was corporal when he resigned. He has been giving organ recitals in Brooklyn, New York State, on Long Island, and in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a member of St. George's Episcopal Church.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 154

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