Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 18

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 18

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

son, who continued the judicious management that had characterized the founder of the house. During the Civil War he dropped personal inter- ests in order to serve his country and enlisted in a New York regiment, with which he marched to the front and took part in a number of engage- ments. At the close of the Rebellion, he estab- lished his home in Jersey City. However, he still continued in business in New York, where he was a commission merchant. His death oc- curred in New Jersey.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Eleanor Gardner, was born in New York and now resides in Westchester County. Her father, William Gardner, a native of Long Island, was a merchant tailor of New York, but made his home first in Newtown and later in Hoboken, his death occurring in Jersey City. The parental family consisted of three children, of whom the subject of this notice was next to the eldest. His childhood years were passed in Long Island City and Jersey City, and his education was obtained principally in the New York City grammar schools. About 1865 he came to Long Island City, where he grew to manhood and has since made his home. For about five years he was with D. E. Culver, under whose supervision he gained a thorough knowledge of civil engineer- ing. He aided in the survey and construction of the old Midland Railroad between Walton and Jersey City, and also assisted in a number of other important contracts.

Turning his attention from civil engineering to a mercantile life, Mr. Terry accepted a position as salesman in a hat, leather and trimmings store in New York City, where he remained for ten years. From that he drifted into the real estate business and building. About 1883 he began to take contracts for building and since that time he has built twenty-four resi- dences on Webster Avenue and in that vicinity. These buildings are supplied with water from two artesian wells, the power being furnished by a hot air engine with a capacity of twelve hundred gallons per hour. The supply is practically in- exhaustible, as the houses require only four thou- sand gallons per day. While Mr. Terry has dis- posed of many of these dwellings, he still owns eight houses and many lots suitable for building. Not only does he take the contract for building, but he also designs the houses and is a skillful and practical architect, and excellent draughts- man. Among his real estate sales are some of the

182

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

largest that have been made either here or in New York, and he has been especially active in hand- ling sales in additions.

In this city Mr. Terry married Miss Mary E. Gardner, who was born in Webster Avenue. Her grandfather, Charles Gardner, owned a farm extending from Jackson Avenue to Ravenswood and including over one hundred acres. A por- tion of this property was inherited by her father, Thomas, a native of Long Island City, a farmer by occupation. Seeing the probable future value of the place, he platted it into lots, which Mr. Terry is now developing and selling. Mrs. Terry is a member of the Baptist Church, the services of which he attends and to the support of which he contributes. For a time he had an office in New York City, but the work became too heavy for him, so he discontinued it, and has since given his attention wholly to his interests in this city.

W ILLIAM A. SKIDMORE. The life of this gentleman has been one of unusual activity, and now, while in the strength of vigorous manhood, his work is crowned with most gratifying success. He is a native of the town of North Hempstead, and was born on a farm near Manhasset, his present home, March 4, 1834. His parents were William and' Martha (Burtis) Skidmore, well known to the residents of this vicinity, as the Skidmore family is one of the oldest on Long Island, the first settlement being made here in 1642. Grandfather Samuel Skidmore was born at Wading River, Suffolk County, which was also the birthplace of his son William. The latter was only three years of age when he was taken by his parents on their re- moval to Cow Neck. They made location on a tract of land which is now included in the Lu Quere farm, near Plandome Mills, and there lived for many years. The grandfather was advanced in years at the time of his death, and William Skidmore was eighty-eight years old when he departed this life.

The subject of this sketch was given a good common-school education. When only fifteen years of age he left home and, going to New York City, obtained a position as clerk in a whole- sale dry goods establishment where his work gave such satisfaction that he was retained for many years. January 28, 1857, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Edeliza R. Seaman, of Man- hasset. Her birth, however, occurred at Lake-

ville, L. I., where her parents, Leonard A. and Mary A. (Allen) Seaman, lived for many years, and were among the highly esteemed and sub- stantial residents of the place.

Mr. Skidmore, of this sketch, continued to make his home in the metropolis until about 1885, when he came to his present location. He is now living retired. Personally he is a man possessed of many estimable qualities. Warm-hearted and generous to a fault, high-minded, conscientious and genial, he is the center of a large circle of close friends and acquaintances. In political af- fairs he is independent, although he cast his first vote for Fremont and afterward supported Lin- coln and Grant. In 1889 he was elected trustee of the Jones Institute, and for five years was one of the active members of the board. In 1896 he was re-elected for a term of two years. He has also been school trustee in his district and in every local position to which he has been elected he has discharged the duties falling upon him in an efficient and able manner. Mrs. Skidmore is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, which her husband also attends.

G EORGE M. RANDALL. The calling of the farmer is as old as the world, and the majority of the men who have fol- lowed it have led upright and blameless lives, and the career of George M. Randall is no exception to this rule. He was born in the town of Brook- haven, Suffolk County, in 1848, his parents being Jehial and Maryetta (Morehouse) Randall, who were respectively citizens of Suffolk County and Fairfield, Conn. George M. was reared on his father's farm and while growing up became famil- iar with hard work, but his vigorous outdoor life strengthened and improved a constitution sound from his birth. During this time he was given such advantages for acquiring an education as the schools of his day afforded, and although they were of an inferior kind he acquired a practical education.

It was but natural, perhaps, that when starting out to fight life's battle for himself that he should engage in that occupation to which he had been reared and for which he had a liking. He con- tinued to till the soil on the old home farm for forty-two years, but in 1890 came to Freeport and here he has been superintendent of Randall & Miller's business ever since, caring for their lands, buildings and general business interests.

REV. EUGENE J. DONNELLY, A. B., A. M.

185

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Randall is a director in the Freeport bank, and is also a stockholder in the land company of this village. All in all, Mr. Randall is a broad- gauged man of highly cultivated tastes and of superior intelligence and public spirit. He has long been connected with the worthy order of Odd Fellows, and in his political views has al- ways been Democratic. During his long resi- dence in Suffolk County he held several official positions.

The 25th of December, 1869, witnessed the cel- ebration of Mr. Randall's marriage with Miss Rowena Burnett, daughter of Stephen and Sophia (Bishop) Burnett, both natives of Southampton, Suffolk County. Three children were given to this union and were named as follows: Evelyn, George Howard and Florence, all of whom are intelligent and accomplished, worthy scions of a worthy father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Ran- dall are communicants of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Randall is one of the trus- tees. The Randall home is well known for the hospitality which is extended to all and the family is considered an acquisition to the social circles of the village of Freeport.

F ATHER EUGENE J. DONNELLY, A. B., A. M. It is with pleasure that we recount the experiences of this worthy gentleman, who is one of the most popular ministers in the city of Flushing, his frank, pleasing countenance and personal magnetism drawing people to him. As a pastor he gets very near to his people, and has ever sought to develop the highest type of social life of the church. He was born in Brook- lyn, October 26, 1852, to the marriage of Owen and Ann (O'Brien) Donnelly. About the year 1835 the father located in Brooklyn and resided there until his death, when seventy-two years old. He was one of the fourteenth ward leaders and was an influential Democratic politician. The mother now resides in Brooklyn. Of the six chil- dren born to this estimable couple, four are liv- ing at the present time, three sons and one daugh- ter: Bernard, foreman of the fire department in Brooklyn; Mary, now Mrs. Crawford, and John P., an attorney, both of whom also reside in Brooklyn.

Father Donnelly attended public school No. 17, then under Mr. Woodworth, the first principal of the school. When thirteen years old he com-

pleted the entire course there, and in September, 1866, entered St. Francis Xavier College in New York City. From this college he graduated with high honors in 1872, when, wishing to become a priest, he repaired to Rome and entered the American College, where he remained five years. While in Rome he attended the lectures of the celebrated Propaganda College, having as class- mates representatives of all the nations of the world. Having completed the theological course, he passed a brilliant examination and was or- dained in the Church of St. John Lateran, May 26, 1877. Previous to his return home, for four months he traveled extensively through Italy, France, Belgium, Wales, England and Ireland. On his arrival in his native land he was sent to Flushing.

Father Donnelly is a fine linguist and is pro- fessor of Latin in St. Joseph's Academy for young ladies in Flushing. Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Spanish and Italian are languages with which he is familiar, while Spanish and Italian he speaks as fluently as a native. The church in Flushing, which is of gothic design, was repaired and handsomely and artistically decorated under his direction and immediate supervision. The architectural work was by Lyons, of Brooklyn. Father Donnelly is passionately fond of music and is always present when it can be enjoyed in Flushing. He is himself a musician and possesses a sweet tenor voice of great compass. Through his efforts the church has a fine new organ worth $3,000, and has been noted for its music since he took charge. He is at the head of the St. Michael's Parochial School. although he does not teach there. That he is charitable and good, many a poor family in Flushing can attest, and he never turns a deaf ear to those in want.

The congregation is now very large, numbering about three thousand, and there are three masses on Sunday. The societies of the church are as follows: Holy Rosary, Altar, St. Vincent De Paul, Sacred Heart and the Catholic Benevolent Legion. Father Donnelly is a member of the alumni of St. Francis Xavier College and the alumni of the American College of Rome. A few years ago he visited Cuba for his health and in 1895 took a trip to Europe, visiting Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Scot- land and Ireland. He has a select library of over two thousand volumes and has a valuable cabinet of relics gathered from all parts of the earth. With a pleasing address, a fine presence, a rich and

186

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

musical voice, a clear head and generous heart, he has succeeded in his calling and has reached a prominent position in his church.

E LBERT J. SCHENCK, a carriage manu- facturer of Great Neck, was born at Cold- spring Harbor, L. I., February 1, 1849, a son of Simeon and Mary A. (Darling) Schenck, the former of whom was born and reared at Syosset. The paternal grandfather was a farmer by occupation, and although he was of German descent, it is thought that his birth occurred in America. For many years he cultivated a small tract of land at what was known as Wallabout market, but this place he later traded for a larger farm at Syosset, where the remaining years of his life were spent, he departing this life when in his eighty-fifth year. His wife outlived him a num- ber of years, dying at a good old age. Grand- father Schenck served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and after his decease his wife was given a pension by the government. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but was in no way ambitious to hold office, as his entire time was given in cul- tivating his farm.

Simeon Schenck worked as an apprentice at carriage-making in Jericho and Port Washington, and about the time he was ready to work for wages married and located in Oyster Bay. Later he took up his abode at Coldspring Harbor, where the family made their home until Elbert J., of this history, was a lad of ten years. They then became identified with the interests of Huntington, but not liking this location as well as Coldspring Har- bor, returned to the latter place. Mr. Schenck also found a greater demand for his work in this place and as an inducement to return he was offered the rent of his shop free for a year, and when he accepted had his household goods and family moved back without any expense. Our subject was at this time fifteen years of age and had already begun to work in his father's shop. After four years spent at Coldspring Harbor, the senior Mr. Schenck moved to Port Washington, where he departed this life in 1880. He, too, was a supporter of the Democratic principles in poli- tics. For many years he had been a member in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which denomination he had joined in early life, but he afterward became identified with the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon.

The parental family included thirteen children,

eight of whom grew to mature years. Adaline. married William Nichols, a carpenter by trade, and they are living at Port Washington; Joseph, who also follows that business, is living at Brook- lyn; Martha became the wife of John Mackey, who is also a resident of that city; our subject was the next in order of birth; Moses, his younger brother, is engaged in the carriage business with him; Emma is now the wife of William G. Smith and makes her home in Great Neck; George is a resident of East Williston; and Agnes, the wife of Rev. William G. Wedemeyer, is living in New Jersey, her husband being pastor of a church at Lakewood.

The subject of this sketch obtained a fair edu- cation by attending school during the winter months and working in the summer season. When a lad of fourteen years he was put to work at the bench, and a year later was pronounced a good workman. After working for his father until attaining his majority he was taken into partnership, but a few years later sold his inter- est in the business to his brother and, purchasing another shop, carried on a thriving business as carriage manufacturer for two years. At the end of that time he moved to Brooklyn and after a residence there of three years came to Great Neck. This was in 1882, and that year he formed a partnership with his brother, Moses R., and they are now in command of a splendid business. From the first the venture met with success, and they are classed among the shrewd, progressive business men of the place. They have made ad- ditions to their shop and both are owners of the comfortable dwellings in which they live.

In 1872 Mr. Schenck and Miss Thela Jones, of Port Washington, were united in marriage. This lady was born on Staten Island, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of a daughter, Annie, who is now the wife of Jacob Henry Lahr, and they make their home in Great Neck. Their household includes three children, Elbert J., Annie E. and Jacob H. Mrs. Schenck died in 1875 and one year later our subject was married to Miss Henrietta Bunce, a daughter of Washington and Emily Bunce. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Schenck was a resident of Port Washington, although her birth occurred in New York City.

In politics Mr. Schenck is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. At various times he has been a delegate to county conventions and has always taken an active part

187

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in politics. In 1887 he was the successful candi- date for the office of coroner of the county, serv- ing the people acceptably for three terms. Mr. Schenck conducted the case at the time Frederick Baker of New York was found drowned, soon after the robbing of the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York, in which the insurance com- panies were interested. The manner in which he handled the case was spoken of in a highly com- mendable manner in the New York papers at the time. Socially he is a member of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., with which he has been connected since 1887. He also belongs to the Roslyn Benevolent Society.

K ERBY STEVENS. In tracing the gen- ealogy of the Stevens family we find that the subject of this sketch comes of a fine old family of Revolutionary fame. His great- grandfather, Ebenezer Stevens, rose to the rank of general in the struggle of this country for in- dependence, and was second in command of the colonial forces at the battle of Saratoga, N. Y., his superior officer being the famous General Gates. General Stevens was a native of Massa- chusetts, was very jealous of the rights of the Colonists and was one of those who masqueraded as an Indian at the historical "Boston tea party." In the last struggle with the British, during the War of 1812, he built Ft. Stevens, at Hell Gate, on Hallett's Point, which he commanded during that war. Previous to this, however, in 1797, he had taken up his summer residence at Astoria, his permanent home being in the city of New York. He became an importer of and wholesale dealer in wines, and after a long and prosperous business career he died in New York City. His son, Byam Kerby Stevens, was born in that city and was there eventually married to the only daughter of Albert Gallatin, an American citizen born in Geneva, Switzerland, and descended from one of the oldest families of Europe. He was a man of brilliant attainments and rose to eminence in this country and filled with distinction the of- fices of Minister to England, Minister to France, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State. Many cities and towns throughout the United States were named for him, and John Quincy Adams wrote his life. He died in Astoria after a life of honor and distinction at the home of his son-in-law, Byam Kerby Stevens.

Rev. Mr. Stevens, the founder of the Stevens

family in this country, came here from England between 1600 and 1630, settling at Salem, Mass. He was a minister of the Congregational Church and preached the gospel in the vicinity of Boston. Gen. Ebenezer Stevens was his grandson. A daughter of the General married a Mr. Schemmer- horn; another daughter became Mrs. Rhinland- er; a son, Dr. Alexander H., was the first presi- dent of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City and became one of the most eminent surgeons of his day. Another son, Sam- uel, was one of the aldermen whose name is on the Forty-second Street aqueduct; he became a very successful business man and the owner of large interests in Astoria, while another son, Aus- tin, was president of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Bank of Commerce, and was a man of fine business capacity and intellect. Byam Kerby Stevens, still another son, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, followed in his fath- er's footsteps and became an importer of wines, his residence in New York being at No. 31 Lafay- ette Place, old Colonade Row, the most aristo- cratic part of the city at that time. He died at his summer residence in Astoria in 1870, at the age of seventy years. He was a director in the Gallatin Bank, which was organized by Albert Gallatin at No. 36 Wall Street, and is one of the most solid banking institutions of that section to- day. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His son, Frederick W. Stevens, is a lawyer and formerly practiced in New York; he is probably the largest property owner of the Stevens family.

Albert Gallatin Stevens, son of Byam Kerby Stevens, first saw the light of day in New York City, in which city he practiced law during his early manhood. Later in life he spent five years in Europe, and while at Cadiz had one son born, and a daughter in France. Upon his return to his native land he did not resume the practice of law, but took up his residence in Astoria and became one of the incorporators of Long Island City. He finally returned to New York City and has a comfortable home at No. 33 West Thirty-fifth Street. He is a Democrat politically. He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia L. Cornell, a native of the city of New York, and daughter of John Cornell, cashier for years of the Me- chanics' Bank in Wall Street. To Mr. and Mrs. A. Gallatin Stevens eight children were born: John, who graduated from the medical depart- ment of Harvard University, and died in the West; Frances Gallatin, who died in Astoria:

188

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Louise Newbold, Mrs. Brown of Boston; Kerby; Albert, who died at the age of fifteen months; Bertha E., a resident of New York; Josephine Ledyard, and Frederick, who died at the age of nine years.

Kerby Stevens, the subject of this sketch, was born in Astoria, May 18, 1862, and received the greater part of his literary education in private schools, but graduated from St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. After traveling in Europe for about twelve months he returned to the United States and became a clerk with a Wall Street firm, but upon the failure of his employer he came to Astoria. In 1890 he began dealing in real es- tate here as a member of the firm of Trowbridge & Stevens, and had charge of the large real estate interests of the Stevens family at this place. Po- litically he is a mugwump or independent and has been a member of various committees.

D OW S. LOTT, who is one of the well-to- do residents of the town of Jamaica, was born on the old homestead at Wood- haven August 14, 1849. He is the son of Henry S. Lott, of whom a more extended notice will be found in the sketch of Peter Lott, published else- where in this volume. The history of our sub- ject's mother, Caroline Eldert, will appear in the biography of Samuel E. Eldert, of Woodhaven.

Dow S. Lott has two brothers, the elder of whom, Eldert, is connected with a large whole- sale hardware house in Duluth, Minn .; Stephen H. is one of the justices of the town of Jamaica and makes his home at Ozone Park. Our subject grew to mature years on his father's farm and ac- quired a splendid education in the local schools. While a boy he clerked for one year in a store and was then for four years in the employ of his cousin in New Lots, who was a farmer and dairy- man. Having gained a full knowledge of the latter industry, he began in business for himself on the home place and has made dairying his principal occupation since that time. His beauti- ful home in Woodhaven is surrounded by nine and one-half acres of land. In 1871 he was mar- ried to Miss Ruth A. Bedell of Farmingdale. She comes of one of the old and respected fam- ilies of the county, her ancestors having lived in Farmingdale for several generations.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born seven children, Caroline E., Sarah L., Elizabeth D., Loretta, Henry S., Dow

S., Jr., and Clarence E. Mr. Lott has always taken an active interest in local politics and is a leading Democrat. He has served as a mem- ber of the Board of Education, and rendered val- uable aid on the Board of Health. He was elected town assessor in April, 1894, and is now serv- ing as president of that body. Prominent in Ma- sonic circles, he is a member of Jamaica Lodge. He is likewise connected with the Odd Fellows lodge of Woodhaven, of which he was one of the charter members, and belongs to the Royal Ar- canum of Jamaica. Both himself and wife are members of the Woodhaven Presbyterian Church and the former is president of the Board of Trus-

I RVING C. SNIFFEN. Long Island may well be proud of her stores and markets, and among those which have the distinction of being standard and up to the times is that of Irving C. Sniffen. A large and choice line of gro- ceries, in fact everything which recommends itself to the practical and busy housewife, may always be found in Mr. Sniffen's commodious establish- ment. The head of this thriving establishment was born in Katonah, Westchester County, N. Y., August 2, 1870, to Aaron T. and Addie C. (Ray- mond) Sniffen, the former of whom was a manu- facturer of sash, doors and blinds, and removed to Seacliff, L. I., with his family when the sub- ject of this sketch was about five years old. After locating here he at once embarked in the grocery business, which was one of the first stores in the village. His trade increased very rapidly, but he did not live long to continue this work, his death occurring January 13, 1880. His widow and two sons survive him, the brother of our sub- ject being Charles Wesley Sniffen, who is the elder of the two and a successful liveryman of Seacliff.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 18

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