Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 21

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 21

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The first marriage of Mr. Henderson took place in 1858, when Miss Jane Moore became his wife. The three children born of their union are named as follows: Mrs. Alice Wiggins; Robert J., a con- tractor and builder living at Oyster Bay ; and John E., who lives at Manhasset. Mrs. Jane Hender- son died in 1864, and the following year our sub- ject married Miss Anna M., daughter of Solo- mon and Catherine (Hyde) Cocks, and a native of Port Washington. There were five children born of this union, namely: George C., a car-

penter, who is married and lives at Port Washing- ton ; William S., who is married and has one child; Burton, Daniel C., and Ernest, who remain with their parents.

Mr. Henderson is proud of the fact that his first ballot was cast for John C. Fremont, and while he failed to secure the presidency, our sub- ject has never regretted casting a vote for him. In his political views he has always advocated Republican principles and can give a good rea- son for his advocacy of protection of American industries. Some years ago he was nominated for assessor of the town of North Hempstead, but as he has never sought nor desired office, he refused to work actively to secure election and did not go to the polls. Notwithstanding this he was defeated by only nine votes. Personally he is a man of honor and umblemished character and enjoys the friendship of his associates throughout the town.

R OBERT BURGESS, wholesale and retail dealer in meats at Westbury Station, was born in Mattituck, Suffolk County, N. Y., in 1854, to Thomas and Margaret (McGuy) Bur- gess. His father, who was a native of the North of Ireland, came to America in early manhood and settled in Brooklyn, where he was employed as a farrier. Later he went to Mattituck, and there he still follows his chosen occupation. Of his seven children, five are living, namely: Rob- ert; Margaret, wife of Austin Downs of River- head; John, who is in the hotel business at River- head; Susan, wife of Frank Warren, a druggist on Broadway, New York; and Thomas, a resi- dent of California and chief engineer of a Pacific line of steamships. Rebecca and William are de- ceased.

·At the age of seven years our subject left home and engaged to work on a neighboring farm for $5 per month. During the five following years he was employed at different places. After his mother's death, which occurred when he was about thirteen, he went to the home of D. M. Tuttle, of Oregon, Suffolk County, and there re- mained until sixteen, engaging in farm work and the butcher business. In 1870 he came to West- bury Station and for four years was employed in the meat shop of William Post, after which, with a capital of $60, he established a business of his own. He bought a wagon and a horse for $100, giving his note for the payment at the rate

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of $10 per month. From the first the enterprise prospered and he has gradually built up a large and profitable trade. In January, 1894, he opened a feed store in connection with his meat shop and this is now conducted by his son, Ellsworth T.

Politically Mr. Burgess always advocates Re- publican principles. For a number of years he was a member of the Republican District Com- mittee and at different times has represented his party in conventions. In 1887 he was elected overseer of the poor for the town of North Hemp- stead and served six successive terms. In 1885 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Queens Coun- ty, in which capacity he has since served. So- cially he is connected with Glencove Lodge, No. 580, F. & A. M .; Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F .; the Shield of Honor at Roslyn; the Roslyn Benevolent Society and the Hempstead Mutual Benevolent Society. January 1, 1875, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benja- min Post, of Westbury Station. They are the parents of an only son, Ellsworth T., who assists his father in the meat business and also carries on the feed business in connection therewith.

B ENJAMIN A. GRIFFIN, one of the ris- ing young business men of East Williston, where he has a well conducted mercantile establishment and also holds the office of post- master, was born in Westbury, L. I., September 18, 1867, to Abram and Eliza (Mollineaux) Griffin. His paternal grandfather, Abram Griffin, was born at New Lots, Queens County, and in early life followed the blacksmith's trade in Jamaica, but later bought a farm at Jamaica South, where the closing years of his existence were spent.

The father of our subject was born at Cypress Hill in 1841, and since the age of twenty-two has resided in Westbury, where he has followed agricultural pursuits, owning a large and well improved place. A prominent citizen, he was for many years highway commissioner of North Hempstead. By his first marriage he had five children, namely: Martin M., of Roslyn; Wil- liam H., formerly a member of the firm of Oak- ley & Griffin; Benjamin A .; Emma, at home; and Irving L., who has a position in the Bank of the Republic, New York. The second marriage of Mr. Griffin was to Huldah Tyrrell, by whom he has two children, Frank and Sadie E.

The first eighteen years of our subject's life were spent under the home roof, after which he

was employed for four years by Hetfield & Duck- er, Nos. 40-42 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. At the expiration of that time he and a brother, William, established a general mercantile store at East Williston, the firm name being Griffin Brothers. One year later the brother retired, our subject buying his interest in the store, which he has since conducted alone. Since 1888 he has been deputy postmaster but has had entire control of the office since 1889. In addition to the large and well selected assortment of merchandise which he car- ries, he also has a feed store.

Politically Mr. Griffin is a Republican. Though not a member of any denomination, he attends services at the Presbyterian Church of Roslyn. Socially he is connected with Protection Lodge, No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn, and is a charter member of Mineola Encampment, No. 121. At this writing he is foreman of East Williston Hook and Ladder Company No. I, of which he is a char- ter member. March 18, 1891, he married Mar- garet, daughter of M. S. Covert, a prominent citizen of East Williston. A daughter, Helen, blesses their union and brightens the pleasant family residence. Mr. Griffin is recognized as one of the progressive citizens of the village, to the prosperity of which he contributes by his energy and business ability.

G EORGE L. LAMBERT. The thought which presents itself to the far-seeing and conservative mind when the ques- tion is propounded as to what essentials are nec- essary to a man's success in business is that they are industry, economy and honesty, and this fact the history of all well established men of business will corroborate. Among the prominent and suc- cessful business men of Rockaway Beach may be mentioned George L. Lambert, who is en- gaged in hotel-keeping, his hostelry being known as Lambert's Hotel. He was born in Brooklyn June 1, 1863, a son of John and Barbara (Münch) Lambert, the latter a native of Germany. The father, a carpenter by trade, was for eighteen months a soldier of the Civil War, and when he had reached the age of fifty-four years died from the effects of a sunstroke. His family consisted of two children, George and Katie, the latter Mrs. Schroll, of Brooklyn.

In the city where his birth occurred the sub- ject of this sketch was reared, and there he re- ceived the advantages of the public and the Ger-

J. H. SMEDLEY.

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man Lutheran schools. In early manhood he served an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's trade, and having a natural taste for mechanics, he afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked with his father for about two years. He then came to Rockaway Beach and erected the hotel of which he is now the proprie- tor. His services as a carpenter and builder have frequently been called into requisition in the surrounding neighborhood. To him was en- trusted the building of some beautiful buildings at Arverne and his work has always been consid- ered first class and has always proven satisfac- tory. For seventeen years he has been a resi- dent of Rockaway Beach and until within two years he has worked at his trade.

Mr. Lambert has always taken an active inter- est in local enterprises, has advocated public im- provements and as regards the protection of Rockaway Beach from fire has been particularly active. He was one of the organizers and charter members of the Volunteer Hose Company and of the Fire Department. Three times he was elected assistant chief of the latter, which position he is now filling, and he was also a member of the board of representatives until new laws were made and some changes effected in the rules and regulations of the department. The department is very efficient and much of this is due to the efforts and intelligence of Mr. Lambert, who takes great pride in its success.

January 15, 1886, Mr. Lambert married Miss Tressai P. Holland, by whom he has two chil- dren, Frank Michael and Emma Parcels. Politi- cally Mr. Lambert has always supported the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and socially he is a member of Star of Hope Lodge, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn, and of the Turn Verein of that city.

J. HARVEY SMEDLEY is one of the old settlers and leading business men of Long Island City. He has also been prominently identified with the Long Island City Savings Bank since its organization and is at present secretary and treasurer of this institution. In all local enterprises he takes great interest and has promoted in a most substantial way many industries which have become very successful, largely through his instrumentality. He was one of the first manufacturers to locate where there are now scores of establishments, and as a busi-

ness man of ability and success he enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

Mr. Smedley was born at Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y., in 1840. His father, James W. Smedley, was a native of Brattleboro, Vt., and was orphaned by the death of both parents when a lad of seven years. He managed to acquire a fair education, and while yet young in years ap- prenticed himself to a good machinist in order that he might learn the trade. During his young manhood he moved into the western portion of New York State and continued his business for a time in Niagara County. Later he took up his abode in Rochester, working during this time as a machinist, but after his return to the above county he located at Suspension Bridge and gave his attention to conducting a general mercantile business, living at that place until his decease, which occurred in 1873, when he was fifty-seven years of age. He stood high in the ranks of the Republican party in his community and at one time was superintendent of the village board. In religious matters he was a devoted member and liberal contributor toward the support of the Congregational Church.

Mrs. Fannie (Martin) Smedley, the mother of our subject, was born at Ft. Ann, N. Y., and was the daughter of Jarvis Martin, also a native of that portion of the Empire State. The latter served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father was a patriot in the Revolutionary Army. Grand- father Martin was a general contractor and had charge of the building of the dam at Ft. Edward. He was also a large landowner and was one of the first to settle in Buffalo. The trip to that now flourishing city was made overland, three teams and wagons being necessary to convey his effects to that place, and there he engaged in the mer- chandise business and was one of the pioneers of the place. Later he removed to Cattaraugus County, where for many years he gave his atten- tion to farming and stock-raising. In this busi- ness he was very successful, and on his return to Rochester was enabled to spend the declining years of his life in peace and plenty. His wife, the grandmother of our subject, was, prior to her marriage, a Miss Mason, and was descended from one of the old and honored families of Ft. Ann. Mrs. Fannie Smedley lived to be seventy- three years of age and died at the residence of her son, J. H., in Long Island City. She was the mother of three children, of whom J. Harvey was the only one to grow to mature years.

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J. Harvey Smedley was more favored than most youths of his day, for, after sending him to the district and public schools of Suspension Bridge, his parents paid his way through Roch- ester Institute, in which college he completed his education. He then returned home and engaged in business with his father, during which time he was appointed assistant postmaster of Suspen- sion Bridge, holding this office for one year dur- ing Lincoln's administration. In 1862 he bade good-bye to his parents and friends and started for Chicago, which great city was then in its in- fancy. There he was chosen by N. K. Fairbank as superintendent of his manufacturing establish- ment, having charge of his factory for two years. About 1865 he returned East with an uncle, this time locating in Long Island City, where he erected the first lard oil manufacturing plant in the city. This stood on Tenth and Canal Streets and was known as Smedley & Co.'s Lard Oil Works. Later he became general manager for the manufacture of lubricating and burning oils for the government.

The business flourished until coal oil was found to answer the same purpose and could be fur- nished at a much cheaper rate. Mr. Smedley then closed out the business and took charge of the banking enterprise with which he has been connected ever since its organization. He was elected its first secretary and treasurer, and so ably has he filled these combined offices that he has ever since been retained as the incumbent. The concern began in a modest way on the cor- ner of Third Street and Jackson Avenue, but its deposits now amount to $1,000,000. In 1894 the various officers and directors found it necessary to have more commodious and convenient quar- ters and accordingly selected a location on the op- posite corner, and on the completion of their fine stone and brick building took possession. This structure, which is four stories in height, is one of the most imposing buildings in the city and will doubtless satisfy the wants of the banking institution for years to come.

The marriage of Mr. Smedley to Miss Frances Pierce occurred in 1861 in Niagara Falls, of which place the lady was a native. She departed this life in her native city in 1885, leaving four children: Newell D., a graduate of Trinity Col- lege, New York, and now bookkeeper for D. S. Jones & Co., of Long Island City; Edith A., who married E. K. Barlow, and makes her home in Syracuse, N. Y .; Mason O., who is also a grad-

uate of Trinity College, and an expert account- ant of Long Island City; and Mabel F., who is completing her musical education at Syracuse. In 1888 Mr. Smedley married Henrietta M. Whidden.

Mr. Smedley is a true-blue Republican in poli- tics and cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln. Socially he is a Mason of high standing, holding membership with Island City Lodge and Banner Chapter. He is a member of the New York Association of Secretaries of Sav- ings Banks, in the workings of which he takes an active part. He is one of the influential and consistent members of St. John's Episcopal Church and has been warden of his congregation. A man of great public spirit, his influence is suffi- cient to bring success to various undertakings, both of a public and business character.

E LIAS A. LEEK is one whose business ca- reer is decidedly interesting, showing the shrewdness, executive ability and compe- tency which can be attained by one determined to succeed. Among all the industries that are carried on in the flourishing village of Oceanus, L. I., none succeeds so well as those conducted by practical men. An instance in mind is the suc- cess attained by Mr. Leek, one of the prominent and influential citizens of that village. He is now actively engaged in the hardware business, carry- ing a full line of house furnishing goods, paints, oils, and bicycles, and has a commodious and well filled store at Boulevard and Division Avenue. There are few men in business circles who show as much fitness for their avocation-in that they are wide-awake, reliable, experienced and energetic- as does Mr. Leek.

For nine years Mr. Leek has been a resident of Oceanus, and eight years of that time he has been actively engaged in business. His parents, Harvey and Phoebe (Barto) Leek, were natives of Babylon and Islip respectively. The former was a carpenter by trade and followed that call- ing until his death, when forty years old. His children were in the order of their births as fol- lows: Elias A., our subject; Diadame; Joseph, of Islip; and Elizabeth and Annie, both deceased. Our subject first saw the light in Islip, Suffolk County, December 26, 1856, and remained there until twenty-one years old. Although he had limited educational advantages he was a close observer and possessed more than average ability,.

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and is now considered a well informed man. After came the father of two daughters and two sons, all living in this vicinity, and three residing on the death of his father he lived on a farm with his grandfather for a time, after which he turned. the old homestead. Sarah is the wife of Town- his face toward the setting sun.

Mr. Leek first made his way to Texas, thence to Kansas, Colorado, and other sections, remain- ing principally in the Western states, and soon gained a good knowledge of human nature. When but seventeen years old he learned the trade of carpenter and contractor and that was his principal occupation up to the time he engaged in his present business. When he started in busi- ness in Oceanus his capital consisted of $400, but by close application to his duties and fair dealing he has met with unusual success and is one of the foremost business men of his section.

Although actively engaged in the duties that devolve upon him as a business man, Mr. Leek does not lose sight of his duties as a citizen, and takes a deep interest in all local affairs. In poli- tics 'he is a supporter of Republican principles, and socially he is an Odd Fellow. He married Miss Josie V. Seaman and they have lost three children. Honest and upright in all his dealings with the public, Mr. Leek is classed among the representative men of Oceanus.

J' OHN and ROBERT LUDLUM. The name of Ludlum has been associated with the his- tory of the town of Hempstead from a period very early in its settlement. During all the years of their residence here the family have been known for their scrupulous honesty, patriotic spir- it and unflagging industry, and their record is singularly free from blemish or stain. The first representative of the family who settled in this country came from England and chose his home in the town of Hempstead, purchasing a farm which has since descended from father to son in unbroken succession.

The grandfather of our subjects, Capt. John Ludlum, gained his title through his service in the War of 1812, during which he was stationed at Ft. Green. He was a man of prominence in his day and held an influential position in the town of Hempstead, where he served as assessor for a number of years and also filled other positions. Nicholas Ludlum, our subject's father, was born on the old homestead and for a number of years served as colonel of a regiment of militia. By his marriage to Sarah Van Nostrand, who was a descendant of Holland-Dutch ancestors, he be-

send C. Hendrickson, a prominent farmer of El- mont, while Miss Mary, John and Robert occu- py the family residence where they were born. The mother departed this life in 1881 and the father in 1890, leaving behind them the memory of honest and upright lives, devoted to the welfare of their children.

The brothers are classed among the most sub- stantial citizens of the community, and, with their sister, live contentedly in retirement in their pleas- ant home. From their father they have inherited a sufficient amount to prevent the necessity of active labor on their part, but they superintend the place and oversee its cultivation, also direct the investment of their capital, thus finding plenty to occupy their time and attention. Politically the brothers are Republicans.

C HARLES H. LUDLUM, M. D., a suc- cessful physician of Hempstead and presi- dent of the Board of Education in this vil- lage, was born in the town of Jamaica, near what is now the village of Hollis, February 21, 1843. His father, Daniel, who was born on the same place, devoted his entire active life to agricultural pursuits and now lives retired in the village of Jamaica. In religious connections he is identi- fied with the Presbyterian Church.

The family of which our subject is a member was one of the first to settle on Long Island, hav- ing come hither from England in an early day. The first of the name of whom we have any au- thentic information was William Ludlum, who died in 1766. His third son, Nicholas, was born in 1732 and died in 1788, having been a captain in the British Army prior to the Revolution. His grandson, Nicholas, was a prominent and wealthy merchant in New York, and it was he who erect- ed the cemetery chapel in Jamaica. Since the period of their settlement on the island the fam- ily has been represented by men of ability and in- telligence, who have been prospered in their va- rious callings.

The Doctor's mother, Judah Smith, was born in the town of Jamaica, at what was called One Mile Mill, her father, Thomas Smith, being the owner of this mill. She died in Jamaica in 1893. Her brother Thomas lives two miles south of that place. Our subject was the only child of

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his parents who attained mature years. He ob- tained his education in the district schools and in Union Hall Academy, after which he entered the University of New York, and graduated from the literary department with the degree of A. B. in 1863. Two years later he graduated from the medical department, after which he spent two years in Bellevue Hospital, where was added to his theoretical knowledge a broad fund of pro- fessional information gained from practical ex- perience.

On severing his connection with the hospital the Doctor opened an office in New York City, where he carried on a general practice for seven years. Later, for three years, he was engaged in active practice at Boonton, N. J. In 1878 he came to Hempstead, where he at once took a leading position in his profession and here he has met with marked success in practice. He has also taken an active part in local affairs and has done his full share to make Hempstead the thriv- ing and beautiful place it now is. Warmly inter- ested in educational affairs, he has been for seven years a member of the Board of Education and is now its president. While a stanch Republican, he has never sought political honors, preferring to give his time to his private interests.

In 1868 Dr. Ludlum was united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel White, of Brooklyn. They are the parents of five children, namely: Clinton W., who is with the Franklin Trust Company of Brooklyn; Herbert A., who is employed in the First National Bank at Dray- ton, N. Dak .; Walter D., a graduate of the Uni- versity of New York and now a medical student; Marion C. and Alice C., who are at home. So- cially the Doctor is connected with the Royal Ar- canum, in which he is past regent. He is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and for a num- ber of years has filled the position of elder. A man of broad and humane impulses, he is by na- ture and education fitted for the profession which he has so successfully followed for thirty years and in which he has established a reputation for painstaking skill.

T HOMAS J. McKEE, postmaster and gen- eral merchant at Port Washington, was born May 16, 1854, in the house where he now lives and does business. His father, Thomas, was born in Jamaica, Queens County, and thence removed to Port Washington, where he bought

out the only general store in the place, and this he carried on, being for some years the only mer- chant in the village. It was largely through his instrumentality that the postoffice was established here, and he it was who gave the name Port Wash- ington. In recognition of his efforts, and also on account of his prominence, he was appointed the first postmaster, and continued in the office until the administration of General Grant, but was again appointed to the position under the first administration of President Cleveland. A firm Democrat in politics, he frequently represented his party as a delegate to various conventions, and on that ticket was elected to numerous local of- fices, including that of Coroner, in which capacity he served for twenty-one years.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 21

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