Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 22

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 22

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In religious belief Thomas McKee was a de- voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with the early history of which in this locality he was identified. In his fraternal connections he was associated with Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., at Hempstead, and at one time was an active worker in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Twice married, by his first wife he had three children; by his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia Allen, he had two chil- dren, of whom Thomas J. is the older. He at- tained a venerable age, dying in July, 1894, at the age of eighty-one.

In the public schools of Port Washington the subject of this notice gained the rudiments of his education, after which he attended the Fairchild Institute at Flushing for one year. While quite young he began to assist his father in the store and postoffice, and soon gained a thorough knowledge of both lines of business. May 5, 1887, he married Miss Sarah J. Carpenter, who was born in Great Neck and was a daughter of James M. Carpenter. Receiving an excellent edu- cation, she fitted herself for the profession of a school teacher, and it was while thus occupied at Port Washington that she became acquainted with her future husband. They have three chil- dren, two sons and a daughter: James Elmer, Gracie and Harold.

Since casting his first presidential ballot for Samuel J. Tilden our subject has been active in politics and has represented his party-the Dem- ocratic-in county and state conventions. The first year that he voted he was elected a trustee of the Jones Institute, which position he held for one year, and then resigned on removing from the village. Going to Little Neck, he engaged

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in the hotel business. After his return to Port Washington he served for two years as tax col- lector and was a candidate for nomination for sheriff, but lacked one vote of receiving the nom- ination. Shortly after Cleveland was elected for a second term he was made postmaster, and this position he has since satisfactorily filled. So- cially he is a member of Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., at Hempstead, also the Chapter and Royal Arch degree at Long Island City, and is a charter member of Seawanhaka Lodge No. 670, I. O. O. F.

S AMUEL M. MITCHELL, commissioner of highways for the town of North Hemp- stead and an influential resident of Port Washington, was born August 25, 1847, in the house now occupied by Captain Stennard in this village. His father, Charles W., who was born

in the same house November 11, 1816, was reared on a farm and in boyhood attended the district schools, later turning his attention to agriculture, which he made his occupation for many years. Later, however, he took up the stage line business, and ran a coach from the dock at Port Washing- ton to Sand's Point. For ten years he was not connected with the business, but later resumed it and still retains an interest in it. His entire life has been spent in Port Washington, where he still resides. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah E. Covert and was born in New York City, April 10, 1816.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, White- head Mitchell, was born in the town of North Hempstead, and as soon as old enough took charge of a sloop, of which he was captain for many years, but later he engaged in farm pur- suits. His death occurred in 1862, at the age of about eighty. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret E. Cornwell and was a daughter of Hewlett Cornwell, a descendant of the Cornwells who were the first settlers at Sand's Point. Our subject's great-grandfather, John Mitchell, Jr., was born in the town of North Hempstead, and attained the venerable age of four score years, dying in 1823. Twice married, his second union was childless, and it was his first wife, Rebecca Hewlett, who was the ancestor of our subject.

Tracing the family lineage back another genera- tion, we find that our subject's great-great-grand- father, John Mitchell, Sr., was born in the town of North Hempstead in May, 1716, and chose as his wife Deborah Prince, who attained the age

of eighty-nine. The great-great-grandiather, Robert Mitchell, Jr., was twice married, both times to widows, his first wife being the progeni- tor of this branch of the family; she bore the maiden name of Phoebe Denton. This Robert Mitchell, Jr., was a son of Robert, Sr., of Eng- land, a descendant of Sir Humphrey Mitchell, of Old Windsor, County of Berks.

The boyhood years of Samuel M. were passed on a farm, and he was the recipient of common school advantages. September 29, 1877, he mar- ried Miss Lizzie S. Robinson, who was born in Maine, but at the time of her marriage lived in Port Washington. Her parents were Rev. Will- iam and Miranda (Pierson) Robinson, the latter dying at Brooklyn before the family came to Port Washington. Two children bless the union, both born at Port Washington, and named Hannah E. and John Greenleaf, born respectively in 1878 and 1884. While engaged in general agricultu- ral work, Mr. Mitchell has made a specialty of truck farming, in which he has been very suc- cessful. A Republican politically, he cast his first presidential ballot for General Grant in 1868. In 1887 he was elected commissioner of highways, was re-elected in April, 1896, and is now serving his fourth term. His father cast his first presi- dential vote in 1840 for General Harrison, and has always been a Whig or Republican. Fraternally Samuel Mitchell is a Mason and holds member- ship in Morton Lodge No. 63, at Hempstead.

P HILIP J. MILLER, proprietor of the Hyde Park Hotel at New Hydepark since 1867, was born in Nassau, Germany, No- vember 23, 1842, and received a collegiate edu- cation at Frankfort-on-the-Main. Leaving home at the age of fourteen, he entered upon a four years' apprenticeship to the trade of a tinsmith, and on the completion of his term of service he began to work as a journeyman, which he fol- lowed in different parts of Europe for four years. In 1866 he emigrated to America and settled in the city of New York, where he followed his trade for one year. In 1867, in partnership with J. C. Christ, also a native of Nassau, he established the Hyde Park Hotel, erecting the building and open- ing it for the accommodation of travelers and summer visitors. In connection with the hotel a general store was conducted. The partnership continued until the death of Mr. Christ, since which time, in 1885, our subject has been alone.

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Through the efforts of Messrs. Miller and Christ, after three years of earnest, untiring ef- fort, in 1871 a postoffice was established at New Hydepark, Mr. Christ becoming the first post- master and Mr. Miller taking the position as as- sistant. This position our subject has since filled, making twenty-five consecutive years of official life. In 1888 he built a new store and retired from the mercantile business, renting out the building. In his political views he is independ- ent, and while he has taken an active part in pub- lic matters, has declined public positions. In 1886 he was appointed notary public, which office he has since held without interruption. It was through his efforts largely that the present school house was built and he was also instrumental in the building of the railroad station. In every en- terprise for the public good he has been foremost, contributing of his time and means to the com- mon welfare.

Socially Mr. Miller is a charter member of Shield of Honor No. 3, of New Hydepark, in which he has been grand senior master, record- ing secretary since 1888 and is the present district deputy senior master. A Catholic in religion, he assisted in building the Church of the Holy Ghost at New Hydepark, and is a member of the Cath- olic Benevolent Legion. He is an honorary mem- ber of the American Legion of Honor and was grand senior member of Lodge No. 1325, New Hydepark. In addition to other enterprises, he has conducted an auction business, in which line of work he has decided ability. A portion of his time is given to the real estate business, and he has charge of real estate business for private par- ties, besides looking after considerable property of his own.

In 1886 Mr. Miller married Mrs. Rosina Christ, widow of his former partner, and the mother by her first marriage of the three children here named: Anna, wife of Dr. G. A. Fensterer, of Floral Park; Elizabeth, who is with her mother, and Philip J., postmaster at New Hydepark, and his stepfather's assistant in business.

B ENJAMIN PEARSALL. There is no oc- cupation or calling for which there is a more universal need than that of general merchant, and those who follow it, whether in a large city or small village, if they possess industry, perseverance and wisdom, cannot fail to succeed.

In the list of prosperous merchants of Queens County we mention Benjamin Pearsall, who for some years has carried on a large and profitable business at Port Washington. In addition to this enterprise, he has also had important interests in the oyster business.

Before presenting facts connected with the life of our subject it may not be amiss to briefly record his parentage and ancestry. His father, Benja- min, Sr., was born in Rockville Center, L. I., December 1, 1825, being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Valentine) Pearsall, who were born near Rockaway. Thomas, whose birth occurred in 1790, was drafted in the War of 1812 and by his marriage had six children, of whom Benjamin, Sr., was the youngest. The grandfather, who was a farmer, also engaged in work on the bay and for a time served as watchman in the Brooklyn navy yard.

Receiving a limited education in Brooklyn, Benjamin Pearsall, Sr., early learned the mason's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of sev- en years, and later was employed as a journeyman and contractor. In Brooklyn, July 25, 1853, he married Miss Charlotte M. Titus, and three chil- dren were born of their union, but our subject is the only one living. After a time spent in Rock- away, he came to Port Washington, where he has been engaged at his trade and also has been interested in oyster planting. In early life he was a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party identified himself with the new movement. For a number of years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an honest, industrious man, and while he has never gained wealth, he has a sufficient amount to provide for his declining years.

During the residence of his parents in Brook- lyn, the subject of this sketch was born, July 24, 1856. He was an infant when the family moved to Far Rockaway, where a few years were spent. His education was gained principally in the pub- lic schools at Port Washington, where he was a student for some years. After leaving school he engaged in planting oysters, with which he had been familiar from boyhood and which he still carries on with a partner, doing a good business. At the beginning of his mercantile enterprise he had a partner, but in January, 1890, he became sole proprietor, and has since increased the busi- ness to such an extent that he has found it neces- sary to build an addition to his store and enlarge his stock.

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The day before Christmas, 1885, Mr. Pearsall was united in marriage, at Port Washington, with Miss Minnie, daughter of Robert and Fannie (Hyde) Jarvis. They are the parents of one child, Robert B., who was born here on Christmas Day of 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an active worker and treasurer of the Sunday school. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, but is not a partisan in his preferences. He is a mem- ber of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company, and a contributor to all enterprises for the benefit of the people and the advancement of the welfare of the village.

C APT. JACOB F. PEARCE, of Port Wash- ington, was born in the village of Squan, Monmouth County, N. J., April 27, 1832, being a son of William N. and Deborah (Hanker- son) Pearce, both of whom made their home in Squan throughout their entire lives. The father, who in youth learned the trade of a ship carpen- ter, followed that occupation in his native place and on Staten Island, still continuing, however, to make Squan his home. At one time he was engaged in wrecking and in shad fishing, and through his various enterprises he saved a suf- ficient amount of money to enable him to purchase an eighty-acre farm in his native place. There he settled and spent the remainder of his earthly life, being surrounded in his old age by the fruits of years of toil. The property is now very val- uable, but has passed out of the hands of the family.

Early trained to assist his father in the support of the family, our subject had very meager educa- tional advantages, but managed, by diligent ef- fort, to obtain a common school education. At the age of seventeen he began as an apprentice to the ship carpenter's trade under an uncle, with whom he served for four years, receiving his board in return for his work. Later he was employed as a journeyman about eight years, and then abandoned the occupation, entering the confec- tionery business. This proved a most unfortun- ate venture, as it caused the loss of all he had saved in former years, excepting less than $200, which was in the bank.

At the age of twenty-two years, December 28, 1854, Mr. Pearce was united in marriage with Miss Mary Emma Wetmore, who was born in Brooklyn, being a daughter of Abram and Eliza- beth (Langdon) Wetmore, the former a member

of an old Westchester County family, and the latter belonging to an old family of Far Rock- away. On both sides the ancestors were con- nected with the early colonial history of Ameri- ca. Mrs. Pearce was educated in Brooklyn and graduated from school No. 12, making her home in her native city until the time of her marriage.

Forming a partnership with his father-in-law, our subject engaged in the oyster planting busi- ness and also followed his trade in Port Washing- ton, to which place he removed about 1858. Pros- pered in his undertakings, he became the owner of the sloop "Hemlock," which he used for freighting, a line of work in which he made a large amount of money. When the "Hemlock" had made a fortune for him, he laid her ashore in front of his house and bought another, "Georgiana," which he still runs between Port Washington and New York in the coasting trade. The reverses which he has experienced-and they have not been few-have been almost invariably the result of trusting to the honesty and integrity of other people, many of whom imposed upon his accommodating and generous disposition by en- tailing heavy losses upon him.

Politically Captain Pearce is a Republican, while his wife is a Democrat, and both are prohibition- ists in principle, favoring the extermination of the liquor curse. They are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as treasurer both of the church and Sunday school. Of their three sons we note the follow- ing: Robert, born in Brooklyn, December 5, 1856, is engaged in the oyster business; by his marriage he has one son, Wilbur, who was born in this village June 1, 1891. Franklin, the sec- ond son, was born here November 7, 1858, and still makes the village his home; he is married and has four children, Martha, Jennie, Percy and Clarence. James, the youngest of the family, was born here February 11, 1860, and is married, mak- ing his home in this village.

L EWIS PEARSALL. Invincible determin- ation, if coupled with sound common sense, will accomplish almost any desired result, and already are the effects of these qualities visible in the life of this gentleman, who has won a re- spected position for himself in the community by reason of industry, perseverance and genial na- ture. A resident of Far Rockaway, he is junior member of the firm of Smith & Pearsall, wholesale

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and retail dealers in coal and wood, brick, lime, cement, lath, tile pipe and blue stone flagging, with dock at Bayswater and yards and office on White Street, near Cornaga Avenue, Far Rock- away.

The father of our subject, Henry Pearsall, was born in East Rockaway and throughout his elt- tire active life was a seafaring man. He died when seventy-four years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Murray, was born at Pearsall's Corners and is now living in Cedar- hurst. Their seven children are named as fol- lows: William, whose home is in Cedarhurst; Lewis; Henry, Jr., who, like his father, is a mariner; Frank, George, Jennie, and Charles, who is deceased. Our subject was born in Ce- darhurst, this county, January 14, 1856, and in boyhood had but meager educational advantages, being obliged to support himself from an early age. For a time he followed the water with his father, and was thus employed when, at the age of twenty-eight, he married Miss Aphena Avens, of Cedarhurst.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. Pearsall began as a contractor, which business he still follows, his specialty being the excavating and making of roads. He was one of the principal men in the construction of the Far Rockaway street railroad and has been interested in many important pub- lic improvements. In spite of adverse circum- stances, and notwithstanding the fact that his edu- cation was limited, he has been quite successful in a business way, and now stands among the well-known residents of Far Rockaway. To his children, Mabel, Ella and Lillie, he is giving ex- cellent advantages, so that they may be prepared to take their places in any station of life to which they may be called. Though not officious in his politics, he is a firm Republican, and believes that protection is needed for the welfare of our people and the best interests of our government.

J OTHAM POST, who is engaged in the meat and coal business at East Williston, and is also a manufacturer of brick, was born at Westbury, Queens County, in 1859, to Jotham and Eliza J. (Place) Post. His father was born in Westbury, devoted his life to general agricul- ture to the meat business, and died at his home in 1870. In his family there were three children: William, Sarah, wife of Edward L. Kelsey, of Westbury Station, and Jotham.

The education of our subject was begun in the public schools and completed in the Bridgehamp- ton Literary Institute. The old home came into his possession through purchase of the interest of the other heirs and he continued its manage- ment until 1885, when he disposed of the place and moved to East Williston. Prior to this, how- ever, in 1878, he had opened a meat business and also dealt in stock. On coming here he joined his brother in the butcher business, and in 1886 the two embarked in the manufacture of brick, which they carry on extensively under the firm name of W. & J. Post. In 1892 he established the coal business which he still carries on, hav- ing a good trade.

Politically a Republican, in 1887 Mr. Post was elected on that ticket to the position of collector of taxes for the town or North Hempstead and was twice re-elected, serving three terms. In Hook and Ladder Company No. I, East Willis- ton, of which he was a charter member, he served as assistant foreman and foreman, and is now its president. Socially he is connected with Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., in Hempstead, Pro- tection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn, and is a charter member of the Encampment at Mineola. In 1884 he married Cornelia, daugh- ter of M. S. Covert, of East Williston, and they, with their daughter Clara, occupy a handsome residence in this village.

J OHN F. REMSEN, who is one of the relia- ble and influential business men of Roslyn, was born in this county, February 26, 1862, and is a son of John B. and Ann M. (Edwards) Remsen, also natives of Long Island. His father, who is still living, has been prominent in business and public affairs throughout his entire life, and is recognized as one of the able, industrious and enterprising men of his community. In politics he is well informed and always endeavors to champion the measures which are most calculated to promote the welfare of the people.

At the age of fourteen, having previously gained a fair education in the common schools, our subject secured a position as clerk with J. J. Luyster, of Glencove, with whom he remained about five years. At the age of twenty he formed a partnership with his father, under the firm title of J. B. Remsen & Son, and embarked in the gro- cery business at Roslyn, the connection continu-

JOTHAM

POST.

GEORGE NOSTRAND.

HENRY L. NOSTRAND.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing about six years, after which they sold out. Meanwhile, three years prior to closing out this concern, our subject had established his present business, taking his brother, Cornelius E., as part- ner. They remained together until 1889, since which time John F. has been alone.

A Republican in political opinions, our subject is well informed regarding public matters and stands high in the ranks of his party. For a number of terms he has filled the office of inspec- tor of elections. He is a member of the Roslyn Benevolent Society, Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., and the Shield of Honor, belonging to Roslyn Camp No. 2. In September, 1885, he married Nora H., daughter of William H. Smith, a promi- nent resident of Roslyn. They have two daugh- ters, Elsie S. and Helen W. Mrs. Remsen is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Roslyn and takes a warm interest in all its work.

The business of which Mr. Remsen is now the proprietor has been built up through his untiring efforts and represents his unwearied labors. In his livery stable he usually has about twenty-eight head of horses and forty vehicles of all kinds. In sale and exchange he has considerable trade, and also does some business in boarding horses. Be- sides his livery, he is engaged in the ice business, in which he is building up an important trade.

H ENRY L. NOSTRAND. In reviewing the history of any community there are always a few names that stand out pre- eminently among others because those who bear them are men of superior ability, culture and philanthropic spirit. Such names and such men add to the prosperity of a place, elevating its moral tone and increasing its commercial impor- tance. Their wealth, put into circulation in the home neighborhood, becomes a factor in the prosperity of every citizen. Their probity and intelligence are a power which cannot be lightly estimated.

Such a one is the subject of this article, who is known as a wealthy and cultured citizen of Ja- maica. He is a member of a family that dates its history on Long Island back to the first settle- ment of the town of Hempstead and that has al- ways been closely connected with the develop- ment of Queens County. Timothy Nostrand, grandfather of Henry L., was born at Valley Stream, and was first married September 27, 1793,

to Grachy Suydam; his second marriage, which took place September 8, 1804, united him with Catherine, daughter of Stephen Lott of Jamaica.

The late George Nostrand, father of Henry L., was born in New York City February 5, 1809, and was for many years engaged in merchandis- ing at Trumansburg, N. Y., but later retired to a farm on the Brooklyn and Jamaica plank road. At the time of his death, March 19, 1889, he was numbered among the wealthiest men in the town of Jamaica. Prominent in local affairs, he was frequently chosen by his fellow-citizens to rep- resent them in positions of trust and responsi- bility and filled, among other offices, those of highway commissioner and assessor of the town of Jamaica. In religion an Episcopalian, he held membership in Grace Church and was generous in contributions to all its enterprises.

Twice married, the first wife of George Nos- trand was Mary, daughter of John Hunter and a cousin of ex-Mayor Hunter of Brooklyn. She was born in 1806 in Brooklyn and died at the fam- ily residence January 30, 1854, when her son, our subject, was a child of less than seven years. For his second wife Mr. Nostrand chose Miss Cornelia C. Van Siclen, whost family history is contained in the sketch of her brother, Abraham Van Siclen, presented on another page of this volume. Our subject's father had a sister, Margaret I., who married the late Martin C. Johnson, formerly the most prominent civil engineer in Queens County. He also had three brothers, namely: John, who died young; Stephen; and Timothy, who moved to Kings County and there became prominent in local politics. J. Lott, son of Timothy, is one of the large land owners and well known political workers of Brooklyn, and he and his brother, George, are both bachelors.

The birth of Henry L. Nostrand occurred in the town of Jamaica April 13, 1847. Being the only child of a wealthy father he was given every educational advantage the community afforded, and as a consequence of the broad culture gained by the diligent improvement of his opportunities he has become a man of broad views and wide intelligence. For a short time in early man- hood he was connected with a clothing store in New York City, but the confinement of business proved detrimental to his health and he returned to the home farm. After his father's death he sold the family homestead and took up his resi- dence in his beautiful home in Shelton Avenue, Jamaica. Possessing an ample fortune, he has

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 22

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