Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 16

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 16

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T HOMAS FAY, of Port Washington, is superintendent of the Supply Company of Messrs. Murray & Reed, No. 39 South Street, New York City. Of foreign birth, he is intensely American in sentiment, an ardent pat-

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riot, and though still cherishing an affectionate remembrance of his native land, feels that it was a fortunate day for him when he bade it fare- well and sought a home in the New World.

The son of John and Eliza (McDonald) Fay, the subject of this record was born in County Meath, Ireland, September 1, 1827, and grew to manhood in his native place, receiving a fair com- mon-school education. At the age of about fif- teen he secured a position as waiter at a table in a gentleman's residence, where he remained for three years. At the expiration of that time he had about $15, all he had been able to save from his small wages. Next he secured employment on the government works, being thus engaged at the beginning of the famine. In 1848 he left Ire- land for America, and after a voyage of five weeks arrived in New York City, whence he soon made his way to Port Washington with a friend. For four years he was employed on a farm here, dur- ing which time he saved $200, and this amount he invested so it would draw interest. After a few months in New York City he shipped as an ordinary seaman on the packet "St. Nicholas," and took a trip to Havre, France, spending three months on the water. This concluded his experi- ence on the high seas. His next position was on a small packet from New York City to Port Washington, where he was employed for one year. Later he was with another party in the coast trade and up the Hudson, being engaged in that way until 1854.

August 24, 1854, Mr. Fay was united in mar- riage with Miss Catherine Callahan, who was born in County Meath, Ireland, but at the time of her marriage resided in Port Washington. Having saved a little more than $400, Mr. Fay bought his present home, and for two years was employed near here, after which he began to work at the clam and oyster business in Port Washington. Each year he laid aside a small sum of money, until finally he was able to begin to plant oysters, and starting in that occupation, he continued it with success for twenty-five years. In 1882 he accepted his present position, in addi- tion to which he has acted as agent for parties owning property in the vicinity but living in other places. The investments which he has made have in the main been successful, and he is now financially well-to-do.

Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Fay we note the following: Eliza, wife of Patrick O'Con- nor, has five children and lives in this village:

Thomas, also a resident of Port Washington, is married and has four children; John Henry, who is married and has three children, is a dealer in fruit in New York City; Joseph, who has one child, is a carpenter, living in Newark, N. J .; Christopher lives in Port Washington, and Jen- nie, the youngest, is with her parents.

Politically a Democrat, Mr. Fay voted for Buchanan in 1856 and has supported each suc- ceeding Democratic candidate. In 1869 he was elected inspector of weights and measures and served for one term. In 1870 he was elected con- stable, which position he filled for five terms. His parents being Catholics, he was reared in that faith and was confirmed at the age of eight years. At this time he holds membership with the church at Manhasset, of which he is a trustee.

S AMUEL S. CARMAN. Among those who fought the battle of life bravely and has been called from the strife and turmoil of this life is Samuel S. Carman, who was born near Freeport, L. I., September 25, 1821, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Smith) Carman, the for- mer of whom was an energetic and successful tiller of the soil during the greater part of his career, or until his removal to Brooklyn, N. Y. He after- wards returned to Freeport, where he died. At the time of the removal of the family to Brooklyn, Samuel S. Carman was but a lad, and therefore nearly all the educational advantages which he re- ceived were acquired in that city. His father had engaged in the mercantile business upon locating there, and in this establishment young Samuel began clerking when quite young. At the age of eighteen years he accompanied his parents to Freeport, and as his father again returned to farming, Samuel assisted him for a number of years. He then decided to turn his attention to other pursuits and soon after opened a lumber yard here, to the success of which he devoted his time, thought and energy, until his career was closed by death in the spring of 1891. As a busi- ness man he showed himself to be prudent, far seeing and practical, and all his operations were conducted on the soundest business principles, the result being that an extended and lucrative patronage was built up, and a reputation for hon- esty and integrity acquired which was by no means local. A useful career closed with his death, and his loss was deeply felt by the community, as well as by his own immediate family.

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The marriage of our subject with Miss Eliza Raynor was celebrated in 1842, she being a daugh- ter of Daniel and Mary Ann (Bedell) Raynor, na- tives and life-long residents of Long Island. Dan- iel Raynor was a prominent business man and a progressive and useful citizen, who commanded universal respect. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Carman resulted in the birth of three children, Bergen R., Mary Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Denton, of Freeport, and Edna V., wife of George V. Bushnell, of Richmond Hill. Mrs. Carman lives in her comfortable and pretty home in Freeport, in the enjoyment of an ample income and fair health. She is not a member of any church, but is very charitably inclined, is sympathetic and kind-hearted and is an attendant of the First Presbyterian Church. Her friends are many and true, and unbounded respect is bestowed upon her.

E DWARD L. KELSEY, who is engaged in the general mercantile business at West- bury Station, was born here January 2, 1857, to Jesse P. and Catherine A. (Lewis) Kelsey. His father, a native of Huntington, Suffolk Coun- ty, born in 1821, came to this locality in boyhood and became a clerk for Elias Lewis, Jr., at Old Westbury. Afterward he bought the business, which he conducted up to the time of his death, January 31, 1896. He was prominent in public affairs, for many years acted as notary public, and was an honored and respected citizen. After the establishment of the postoffice he held the posi- tion of postmaster. He was also active in church and Sunday-school work In his family there are two children, Edward L. and William P., the latter now being proprietor of the store formerly owned by his father. The widowed mother still resides at the old home.

The education of our subject was completed in the military academy at White Plains, N. Y. In 1877 he came to Westbury Station and took charge of the store which had been established as a branch of his father's business. Here he has since remained, having become prominent in busi- ness and public affairs. In 1882 he was appointed the first postmaster here and held the position two terms. It was largely through his efforts that the postoffice was established, and he was also instrumental in securing other needed improve- ments. In 1883 he was elected collector of taxes for the town of Hempstead, serving two terms.

In his political views he adheres to the policy adopted by the Republican party and uniformly votes that ticket. Socially he is a Mason and holds membership in Morton Lodge No. 63, at Hempstead. His marriage, May 25, 1881, united him with Sarah, daughter of Jotham Post, of Westbury, and unto their union was born one daughter, who died in infancy.

W ILLIAM E. HAWXHURST, of West- bury, was born here in 1838, and is a son of Ephraim C. and Charity (Titus) Hawxhurst. He traces his ancestry back to Chris- topher Hawxhurst, a native of England, who crossed the ocean in 1665 and settled in what is now Locust Valley, Queens County,L. I., becom- ing one of the first settlers of the town of Oyster Bay, and in time one of its largest land owners. His children were William, Mary and Sampson. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Timothy and Margaret (Titus) Titus, both de- scendants of Edmund Titus, the first of that name who settled in Queens County. The family home- stead, where our subject was born, became in 1832 the property of his father, who continued to reside there until his death, in 1859.

The boyhood days of the subject of this notice were passed on the home farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted. For a time he attended a private school in his neighborhood. When but a boy he took up the study of civil engineering and in it he was especially interested. Under his father, who was a civil engineer, he continued his studies until he had acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the work. At the death of his father the home place came into his possession, and after- ward he engaged in its cultivation for a number of years, but finally abandoned agriculture in order that he might give his entire attention to surveying. However, he continued to reside on the farm, which was cultivated under his super- vision.

For the past twenty-five years Mr. Hawxhurst has devoted almost his entire time to surveying. For ten years past he has also dealt quite exten- sively in real estate, conducting the sale of land purchased by wealthy residents who have re- cently located here. He has completed a fine map of Westbury, showing the original purchases and subsequent owners. His surveying has been principally in the towns of Oyster Bay, Hemp- stead and North Hempstead. He has laid out

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over one thousand acres in town lots and has opened roads and fixed boundary lines. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln. In 1885 he was appointed notary public and served five successive terms. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

In September, 1869, Mr. Hawxhurst married Miss Marianna Hicks, daughter of Isaac and Mary F. Hicks. To them have been given six children, namely: Mary W., wife of Edward C. Tyson; Caroline, wife of Prof. Frederick Sharp- less; Wallace, who is engaged in business witlı his father; Florence, Harold E. and Bertha. Mr. Hawxhurst has given his children good educa- tional advantages. In 1895 he sold a portion of the home farm, on which was situated the old family dwelling, but this he moved to its present location and had it completely remodeled, put- ting in steam heating apparatus and other mod- ern improvements that have made of it a commo- dious and comfortable residence.

C HARLES W. KESPERT. For eighteen months after coming to Rockaway Beach, his present place of residence, Mr. Kespert worked in the employ of others, after which, in 1892, he opened a grocery store, and this he has since conducted with increasing success. In his business transactions he is methodical, energetic, industrious and honorable, and these qualities have brought him a high degree of popularity among the people of Oceanus and the neighbor- ing community.

Prior to coming to Oceanus the subject of this notice resided in New York City, where his father, Charles, a native of Germany, followed the occu- pation of a carpenter and builder until his death, at the age of sixty years. The wife and mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Brady, was born in Ireland and died in New York at the age of fifty-three. Of her four children, three are now living, namely: Frances, who re- sides in New York; Joseph, and Charles W. The last named was born in New York Sep- tember 17, 1863, and there attended the public schools. When a mere child he commenced, under his father's instruction, to learn the car- penter's trade, but that occupation not being en- tirely congenial, he sought other employment. For two years he was employed in a broker's office, after which he worked for some of the best firms in the city in the grocery business. His

adaptability for that line of work soon became apparent and he was regarded as one of the best grocerymen in the state, understanding the busi- ness thoroughly in all its details.

Accumulating some money, Mr. Kespert nat- urally desired to engage in business for himself, and succeeded in establishing in Rockaway Beach a good business with his father-in-law. Later that partnership was dissolved and he built the store in which at present he conducts business. In addition to this he has a branch store, well equipped, at Arverne, and has many men and wagons employed in soliciting and delivering orders along the Beach.

In 1889 Mr. Kespert married Miss Isadora, daughter of William Holland of Rockaway Beaclı. They are the parents of three children, namely. Charles, Edna and Isabel. Socially our subject is connected with the American Legion of Honor at Brooklyn. A Republican in his political be- lief, he is active in local work, firm in his principles and enthusiastic in his support of the candidates of the Republican party. He served as delegate to the county convention of 1895, and to the town convention in 1896, and is now president of the Local Republican Association. He has done good service for his party and has never failed in his defense of its platform and principles.

H I ENRY KLAPPER, proprietor of the Waverley House at Rockaway Beach, Oceanus P. O., is also engaged in the bot- tling business, the two enterprises securing for him the receipt of a steady and substantial in- come. For nine years (since 1887) he has been engaged in his present business, prior to which he was with Jamieson & Bond in the ice business for three years. Before coming to this place he made his home in New York City, where he was born January 2, 1867.

The parents of our subject, both of whom are deceased, were William and Josephine (Kuestner) Klapper, natives of Germany. In their family there are four children, named as follows: Susan, who now lives in Brooklyn; William, a resident of Hempstead; Henry, of this sketch, and Charles, whose home is in Rockaway Beach. Our subject, who was next to the youngest among the chil- dren, was reared to manhood in New York City, where he received an excellent education in the public schools. His first position was that of cash boy at Lord & Taylor's, for which he re-

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ceived a salary of $1.50 per week. He was an ambitious boy, anxious and determined to suc- ceed, and whatever his work was endeavored to discharge his duties in a satisfactory manner.

After leaving the firm of Lord & Taylor Mr. Klapper took a position with a jewelry case manu- facturing company, and later he was assistant delivery clerk in a flouring mill. By that time he had gained considerable knowledge of business affairs so that his services were of value to his employers. On coming to Rockaway Beach in 1885 he first secured work in the employ of Jam- ieson & Bond, after which he established the busi- ness in which he is now engaged. He is married, his wife having been Miss Emma Coggins of Brooklyn. Politically he advocates Republican principles and supports the candidates of that party. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Star of Hope Lodge No. 430, F. & A. M. He is a member of the Volunteer Hose Company and takes a lively interest in local affairs and enter- prises of the vicinity.

C APT. GEORGE MACKEY, of Port Washington, was born in Glencove, L. I., October 29, 1824, being a son of James and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mackey. The first repre- sentative of the family in America was his grand- father, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to this country during the Revolutionary War and settled at Glencove, where his son, James, was born. The latter was a cooper by trade, and about 1835 came to Port Washington (then known as Cow Neck), where he followed his oc- cupation, making barrels for the mill. He died in this village about 1852, aged seventy-five. By his marriage he had twelve children, and he lived to see ten of the number married; only four are now living, one of the others, John, being repre- sented elsewhere in this volume.

George, who was next to the youngest of the family, grew to manhood in Port Washington, tc which place he accompanied his father when eleven years old .: His education which was lim- ited, was obtained in a pay school here. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the coop- er's trade under the instruction of his father, but after completing the trade he began to work at the oyster business, being one of the pioneers in this industry. About the time he was twenty-one, and shortly before he was to have been married, he was seriously injured by an accident while hunt-

ing. The wound was of such a nature as to neces- sitate the amputation of the right arm at the shoulder and it was thought by everyone that he would not recover; however, a young physician, Dr. Treadwell, refused to give him up, but worked with him until the crisis was passed and his life saved.

Upon recovering sufficiently to go to work again, Mr. Mackey drove a wagon through vari- ous parts of Long Island, selling tobacco. For three years he was not connected with the oyster business, but afterward resumed that work, in which he has since engaged. In connection with it he became interested in freighting and also started the business of making oil from the men- haden fish, which enterprise he continued for a few years. His freighting was principally from New York City to Port Washington, along Long Island Sound. When it became too much of a tax upon his energy, he put a man in charge of his schooner of sixty tons capacity, and the busi- ness is still carried on in that way. His oyster farming started on a small scale, but now he has an extensive business, in charge of his sons. They used to catch their own seed to plant but now buy of those who make a business of raising it.

At the time of coming to Port Washington there were but few houses here, and Mr. Mackey has seen the place grow from an insignificant hamlet to its present proportions. He and his brother built the first house on the street where they now live, it having formerly been called Steamboat Road, but now known as Flower Hill .Avenue. His first ballot was cast for James K. Polk in 1844. He still supports Democratic prin- ciples, though not so active in politics as he was formerly. For two years he served as collector of taxes for the town of North Hempstead. Other offices have been offered him but he has stead- fastly refused to allow his name to be presented for any position, and now, in his declining years, cannot identify himself as thoroughly with local affairs or assist as much in the development of the village interests as he did when in the prime of life.

His marriage, which Mr. Mackey's unfortu- nate accident postponed, took place February '5, 1845, the bride being Sarah A., daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Wilson) Henrickson, and a native of Glencove, but residing in Port Wash- ington at the time of her marriage. Of their eight children, five are living, namely: Isabel; George, Jr., who married Miss Addie Seaman of

HON. A. T. PAYNE.

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Sand's Point, and has one daughter, Grace S .; Elizabeth (one of a pair of twins), Mrs. Aaron Thatcher, of Port Washington, and the mother of two sons, Fred and Christopher; Clarice, who married Elias Velsor, of this village, and has one child, Sarah Belle; and Charles K., who is un- married and resides with his parents.

H ON. ALVAN THOMAS PAYNE is the leading attorney and one of the most progressive citizens of Long Island City, who for years has been identified with its develop- ment and prosperity. In political affairs, partic- ularly, he has been very active in serving the pub- lic, and in 1875 was elected to the New York As- sembly from the second district on the Democrat- ic ticket and served during the session of the Centennial year, 1876. While a member of that body he was instrumental in securing the pas- sage of only such bills as best served the people, and was aggressive in preventing much bad legis- lation. He is now engaged in law practice in this city, having as partner his son, A. T., Jr. He bears the reputation not only of being the most prominent attorney, but one of the city's oldest professional men.

The town of Southold, Suffolk County, where Mr. Payne was born, February 16, 1840, was also the birthplace of his father, Thomas, and grand- father, Capt. Benjamin Payne. The latter was a well-to-do farmer in that locality and followed his peaceful calling until the outbreak of the Rev- olutionary War, when he volunteered his services in defense of the colonies. From the ranks he rose to the position of captain of his company, and was present at many hard-fought engage- ments, taking a very prominent part in the battle of Long Island. The great-grandfather of our subject was Rev. Thomas Payne, M. D., who was born in Columbia County, N. Y., and completed his literary studies in Yale College, where he gained a fine education. In addition to engag- ing in the practice of medicine, he also held the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in the town of Southold, thus ministering to the wants of the soul as well as those of the body. Rev. Thomas Payne was a son of Abraham Payne, a native of eastern Massachusetts and a son of Abraham Payne, Sr. In early manhood he re- moved from the place of his birth to Columbia County, N. Y., where he married an Indian maiden. The family was numbered among the

earliest settlers of New England and was conspic- uous for patriotism and ability.

The early years of Thomas Payne, father of our subject, were passed on the old home farm, but upon attaining manhood he went to New York City, where for several years he conducted one of the finest livery stables of the metropolis. Later, however, he returned home, and after giving his attention for some time to the cultivation of farm lands, he opened a general mercantile establish- ment. All these years he had been a great lover of horses, and at different times owned many fine animals. Handling horses and knowing their needs led him to devise a certain shoe which he manufactured and sold in large numbers. The later years of his life were passed in Riverhead, where he died in 1879, at the age of seventy-eight years. Personally he bore an excellent reputation for strict veracity, upright conduct and general good qualities, which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact.

The mother of our subject, who bore the maid- en name of Martha Maria Haynes, was born in the town of Southold and was a daughter of Rev. Mr. Haynes, a Presbyterian clergyman, and a native of Columbia County, N. Y. One of her uncles, Dr. Haynes, was a distinguished physician of Chatham, this state. Mrs. Martha M. Payne died at the age of fifty-eight, having become the mother of four sons and one daughter. The eld- est son, Oliver N., was for many years a promi- nent lawyer of New York City, but is now de- ceased.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest son and fourth child in the family. He passed the first twelve years of his life in the town of South- old, after which he was sent to Brainerd Academy, at Old Haddam, Conn., and later became a pupil in the private academy kept by Miss Elizabeth Mapes, considered at that time the best instructor on Long Island, and of whom it was said that no lady of that period surpassed her in mental acumen. It was the ambition of himself and the earnest wish of his parents that he should enter Yale College, but about the time he should have entered, his father met with reverses and he was compelled to abandon all hope of taking a college course.

At the age of sixteen Mr. Payne began the study of law under George B. Bradley, now Judge of the Supreme Court at Corning, N. Y. After the prescribed course of reading he was admitted to the bar in 1862, and the following year opened

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an office and began the practice of his profession at Addison, in connection with Henry Sherwood, then Assemblyman. In 1864 they removed to Corning, N. Y., and continued practice there for some time under the firm name of Sherwood & Payne. During this time Mr. Payne was ap- pointed a United States Commissioner for the Northern District of New York by the United States Circuit Court, the duties of which position he transacted in connection with his law practice.

On the retirement of Mr. Sherwood from the business Mr. Payne continued alone until 1867, when he removed to New York City and formed a partnership with his brother Oliver, who at that time had an office in Pine Street. Later they changed their location to Warren Street. Having his residence in Long Island City, Mr. Payne in 1873 opened an office here and his practice soon increased to such proportions that he was obliged to give up his New York business and devote his attention to the work here. After the part- nership with his brother was formally dissolved in 1870, he continued alone until his son, A. T., Jr., was admitted into the firm.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 16

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