Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 23

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 23

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no motive for entering the business world, but finds his time sufficiently occupied in the care of his property and the settlement of a number of large estates.

Much of his time Mr. Nostrand spends in his elegant, yet cozy home, where, beyond the reach of adversity and in the enjoyment of every com- fort that will add to the happiness of life, he finds his greatest pleasure. His wife, who shares with him the regard of the best people of the village, bore the maiden name of Phoebe W. Vanderveer and is the only child of Dominicus Vanderveer, a member of an old family of the island. Their marriage, which took place May 10, 1876, has been blessed by two children, Carrie Duryea and Margaret Townsend. The family is identified with the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Nos- trand is officiating as deacon.

A UGUST SCHEIBER, the popular landlord of Germania Hotel at Hicksville, has been a resident of America since 1866, during which time he has displayed the utmost loyalty to the land of his adoption as well as those quali- ties of thrift, good nature and industry which are of the utmost importance in every occupation. For the calling he nows follows he is well fitted by natural traits, being genial, jovial and hearty, while in all his transactions he is honest and hon- orable. In addition to the hotel business, he has engaged in farming to some extent.

Bavaria, Germany, is our subject's native place, and August 6, 1847, the date of his birth. His father, John Scheiber, a man of ability and promi- nence, has for thirty-three years held office under the King, being the architect for school buildings in eighteen Bavarian villages. Though now sev- enty-five years of age (1896), he is filling this re- sponsible position with efficiency and success. Unto him and his wife Maggie there were born four children, of whom the eldest, August, was reared in his native land, and for three years at- tended college in one of the cities of Bavaria. At the age of sixteen he entered the militia and served for two years during the Austro-Russian war, ris- ing from the ranks to the positions of Corporal and Orderly Sergeant.

Shortly after retiring from the army Mr. Schei- ber came to America, landing in New York Au- gust 6, 1866. His first position was that of ship- ping clerk in a large brewery, which he held for two and one-half years, and later he worked in

a brickyard for two years. April 15, 1868, he married Miss Rosa Link, daughter of Seaman Link, and a native of Bavaria, born in 1850. Up- on leaving the brick yard he returned to the brew- ery, where he had previously been employed, and there he remained for three years. Afterward he was for five years collector for H. Rocke in East Forty-sixth Street. For a similar period he was employed as collector for Hamilton B. Kern, and for four years held the same position with another brewery.

Commencing in business for himself in Fifty- third Street, Mr. Scheiber had the advantage of experience gained through years in the employ of others. In 1883 he opened another place of business on the corner of Hester and Mulberry Streets, and carried on these two enterprises un- til 1891, when he sold out. The same year he removed to Hicksville and leased the Germania Hotel, which he has since conducted. During his residence in the city he took an active part in political affairs, using his influence in favor of the Democratic party. Since coming to Hicksville he has maintained a warm interest in public mat- ters, but has never been an aspirant for official positions. While in New York he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a number of fraternal organizations. He and his wife are the parents of three children, namely: August, Jr., who is engaged in the brewery busi- ness in Brooklyn; Edward, a student in St. Fran- cis College, New York, and William.

E DWARD G. RAVE, M. D. The physi- cians of Queens County are men who com- pare favorably with those of any other county of the state in point of learning as well as in skill and ability as practitioners, and to entitle their successors to high rank among their pro- fessional brethren throughout the country it only remains for them to sustain the character which has already been given to the profession of this locality. Among the busiest of this class of men is Dr. Rave, a successful general practitioner of Hicksville.

The family of which Dr. Rave is a member is one of the oldest and most prominent in Han- over, Germany. His great-grandfather, Rudolph E. Rave, was a royal officer of the court of Eliza- beth. The grandfather, Christian G., a life of- ficer of Ernest August, King of Hanover, held a position corresponding somewhat to our cabinet

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offices; he had charge of the mining department, which is controlled by the government, and acted as adviser to the King in matters pertaining to the government mines. The doctor's parents were Edward A. and Adolphine (Hachmeister) Rave, the former being inspector of the Royal Saline of Hanover, which position he occupied from the time he was twenty-four until sixty-five years of age, when he died of pneumonia.

The subject of this sketch was born at the King's Saline of Sulbeck, Hanover, and was edu- cated in the schools of his native province. At the age of eleven he entered the gymnasium in Einbeck, where he remained three years, and then began a three years' apprenticeship to the phar- macist's trade. Having a fondness for medicine, he began its study at the University of Gottingen, Hanover, remaining there for one year and then spending a similar period as assistant surgeon in the government service of militia. In 1865 he came to America and secured employment in a German drug store in Brooklyn, where he re- mained three years, meanwhile gaining a knowl- edge of the English language as well as the drug business. In 1870, wishing to perfect his medi- cal knowledge, he took a course of lectures at the University of New York, and also studied under Prof. Loomis, of Bellevue Hospital, grad- uating in 1872.

Immediately after graduation Dr. Rave opened an office in Guttenberg, N. J., and remained there until 1877, when he came to Hicksville. During the years that have since passed he has built up a large and successful practice, his specialty being the treatment of diseases of women and children. In everything pertaining to the profession he is interested, and is a member of the State Medical and the Queens County Medical Socie- ties, also of the College of Pharmacy of New York and Brooklyn. His practice is not limited to the village, but embraces a radius of ten miles square.

October 5, 1869, Dr. Rave was married, in Gut- tenberg, N. J., to Miss Maria M. Mory, daughter of George Mory and a native of Bremerlehe, Ger- many, born June 12, 1848. Their eldest son, Dr. Adolph G., is a graduate of the university where his father matriculated and of the Academy of Medicine in Louisville, Ky .; he is now engaged in practice at New Hydepark, Queens County. Lilli, the only daughter, is at home. Edward W. is a student in the Brooklyn Academy of Phar- macy and a clerk in the union drug store of Hicks-

ville. Albert C., the youngest son, is a student in the Hicksville schools.

Politically the doctor does not ally himself with any party, but gives his allegiance to the measures and principles calculated to promote the welfare of the country. With his family he holds mem- bership in the German Lutheran Church. In 1871 he was made a Master Mason in Palisade Lodge No. 84, Union Hill, N. J., but is now connected with Glencove Lodge No. 580. He is also a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum and commander of the American Legion of Honor at Hicksville. He enjoys the respect of his fellow men as one who has demonstrated his ability in his profession and his uprightness in life.

M ARTHUR ROSE. As a labor-saving invention the steam laundry ranks among the greatest improvements of the present century. With the advance made in this industry a large number of energetic and capable young men have entered the business and are gaining prosperity as the result of their ef- forts. In this class mention belongs to the firm of Rose Brothers, of Far Rockaway, which con- sists of the two brothers, Henry S. and M. Arthur. It was in 1893 that they bought this business, then somewhat run down, but they have completely revolutionized matters and now turn out first-class work.

Conrad and Susan (Kelch) Rose, the parents of our subject, were born in Germany, and on com- ing to America, settled in New York, where the father follows the trade of a baker. Ten children were born of their union, but only four are now living, namely: George W., a resident of New York; Susanna, wife of Martin S. Hough, of Mt. Vernon; Henry S., born September 10, 1857, and M. Arthur, who was born in New York City No- vember 11, 1860. The first position secured by our subject was that of clerk in a law office, where he remained for two years. Later he became a bookkeeper and for three years was engaged in a grocery with his brother in New York. After- wards he was connected with the Novelty Manu- facturing Company for four years, and then, clos- ing out his interests in the city, he came to Far Rockaway, where he and his brother have since built up a large business. Being careful, accom- modating and thorough in his work, he has the confidence and respect of his customers.

While he was reared in the faith of the Epis-

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copal Church, to which his parents belong, our subject has never identified himself with any de- nomination, but is inclined to be liberal in his religious views. He possesses considerable abili- ty, which he has turned into business lines, with a success that predicts much for the future. With the people of the village he is popular, both so- cially and in a business way.

J UDGE GEORGE W. SMITH. The growth and prosperity of any village or city depends very largely upon the efforts of a compara- tively small number of her residents, to whose faith in the future of the place and wise judgment as to methods by which to secure a steady devel- opment other citizens owe the benefits which ac- crue to them. An important part in the upbuild- ing and progress of Far Rockaway has been taken by George W. Smith, who is the present justice of the peace here and is also a member of the firm of Smith & Pearsall, concerning which men- tion is made in the sketch of the junior member of the firm, presented on another page.

The parents of our subject, Charles H. and Mary (Morrell) Smith, are descendants respec- tively of German and French ancestors, and the former has for years been engaged as

a dealer in coal and feed at Lawrence, L. I. In the family there are four sons and one daughter, namely: George W .; Hattie, wife of J. V. S. Hen- drickson, of Queens; Frank, who resides in Colo- rado; Morrell, who is an architect, and Dwight L., who is with his parents in Springfield.

The subject of this notice was born near Ja- maica, L. I., March 6, 1863. When four years of age he was taken by his parents to Springfield, the family settling on a farm, where the three ensuing years were spent, and they then removed to Williamsburg. His education was limited to a comparatively brief attendance at the common schools, and when only twelve years old he began to work for others, his first employment being in the real estate office of O. V. Hocomb at Williamsburg, where he spent one year. For about two years he was printer's "devil" for the Aldine Publishing Company, after which he went with his father back to the farm near Jamaica, and later worked in a store owned by the latter in Springfield. In time he became his father's part- ner, but after spending ten years there he went to Inwood and opened a general mercantile es- tablishment, which he conducted successfully for

three years. In 1890 he came to Far Rockaway, where he has since resided. March II, 1891, he sold his store in Inwood, and, the office of jus- tice of the peace being vacant, he became a can- didate for the position, being the successful one among five applicants. At the first regular elec- tion thereafter he was chosen, without opposition, for the position, and this he still fills, his term ex- piring December 31, 1896. During the summer months his attention is closely given to court business and his duties are many and responsible. During 1894 and 1895 he served as associate jus- tice of Queens County.

Politically Mr. Smith is a firm Republican and well informed regarding party matters. For five years he has been a member of Seaside Lodge, I. O. O.F., and he is a charter member of Olympia Lodge, F. & A. M. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, his membership being in the church in this village. Improvements to be made in the village always receive his co-operation and sup- port, and while serving as trustee, from 1893 to 1895, he was instrumental in advancing the pub- lic interests. His neat residence, which is beau- tifully located and cosily furnished, is presided over by his wife, Josephine A., daughter of Philip W. and Susan (Hendrickson) Baylis, of Spring- field, whom he married in 1882. Their children are Charles E. and Hattie E.

G US STEINER. Astoria, the prosperous suburb of Long Island City, is known as a very progressive place and contains many energetic business men, among whom may be mentioned Gus Steiner, one of the oldest wholesale business men of the place. Mr. Stein- er was born in Austria in 1857, and is a son of David and Kate (Geduliger) Steiner, both natives of Austria. The parents were married in the old country and the father was a distiller there for some time. In 1866 he brought his family to America and settled in New York City, where he was employed as a distiller. Later he embarked in business for himself and thus continued in the Empire City until his death, when forty-five years old. Mrs. Steiner is still living and resides in Long Island City.

Gus Steiner, the second in order of birth of four children, remained in his native country un- til eight years old and then came with his parents to this country. He had excellent educational advantages in the schools of the city of New

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York, but when thirteen years old began working in a sawmill, where he remained for eighteen months. In 1871 he began clerking for his uncle, who was engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business in New York City, and he con- tinued with him until 1881, when the uncle went to Europe. Our subject then became manager of the business and continued as such until 1883, when he bought his uncle out and since then has conducted the enterprise on his own responsi- bility.

Mr. Steiner has added a branch office and store at No. 25 Borden Avenue, where the wholesale business is conducted, while the Jackson Avenue place is devoted to retail and storage. He runs two wagons and oversees all his enterprises. He married Miss Bella Mendel, a native of New York and daughter of Moses Mendel, also of that city. The four children born to this union are named: Minnie, David, Jacob and Ignatz. Politically Mr. Steiner is an active Republican, and socially he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Arion Society and the Sons of Benjamin, of New York City.

M ORRELL SMITH, one of the youngest business men of Far Rockaway, is an ar- chitect of more than ordinary ability and has carefully prepared himself for his chosen life work, which he commenced in 1895. While en- gaged in business here, he resides at Springfield, near Jamaica, which is the home of his parents, Charles H. and Mary A. (Morrell) Smith, both natives of Long Island, the former being a dealer in coal and feed and an energetic business man of Springfield. The parental family consists of five children, namely: George W., who is a justice of the peace at Far Rockaway; Hattie I., wife of J. V. S. Hendrickson, of Queens; Frank, Morrell and Dwight.

The subject of this sketch, who is next to the youngest of his father's family, was born in Will- iamsburg July 16, 1875, and spent his boyhood years near Jamaica, alternating attendance at school with the usual sports of childhood and the light labors of home life. At the age of twenty he entered and he was an attendant at Pratt In- stitute, where he was prepared for his chosen work. His ability as an architect has been recog- nized by that institution, which employed him as instructor in artistic drawing, a position which he still holds. His work, particularly in the line of

perspective drawing of plans, has proved excep- tionally good and has elicited encomiums from those best adapted to judge.

The office occupied by Mr. Smith is situated in the Journal building at Far Rockaway. It is admitted by all who know him that he has before him a brilliant future in his chosen occupation, having not only natural ability of high order, but a careful, painstaking preparation. He is fully equipped for architectural work in all its details, and will be found abreast with the latest im- provements in all matters appertaining to his pro- fession.

L OTT VAN DE WATER, the able editor and manager of the "Hempstead Sentinel," was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 4, 1858, and is a member of a family originally from Holland, but long resident on Long Island. His father, Lott Van De Water, Sr., was born in New York City in 1833, and received a good education in the schools of that place. Later he learned the newspaper business with George Nesbit, in whose composing room he held the position of foreman. Coming to Hempstead in 1859, he purchased the "Sentinel," of which he has since been the owner and proprietor. A forcible writer, well informed and possessing an easy, attractive style, he wielded a powerful influence during the period of his active connection with the paper, which he brought to a position of prominence among the journals of the county. Himself independent in political affiliations, he carried his views into his paper, which has never bound itself to any party, but has always supported the men and measures calculated to best advance the interests of the people.

In addition to his newspaper business, Mr. Van De Water took a warm interest in all public af- fairs. For several years he filled the position of president of the village board of trustees and was also the village clerk. Socially he is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religious belief he holds membership in St. George's Church at Hempstead. Failing health induced him, about 1881, to seek the genial climate of California, where he became largely interested in property in Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Gabriel and Longbeach. The greater por- tion of his time has since been spent in looking after his interests there. He continues to own the "Sentinel," but its management is left entire- ly to his son Lott. He has a brother, John W.,

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who is an extensive manufacturer of office furni- ture in New York City.

By his marriage to Caroline A., daughter of Stephen C. Bedell, and member of a family long resident in the town of Hempstead, Mr. Van De Water had four children, of whom the subject of this notice is the oldest. The others are John W. B., chief of one of the departments of the Washington Life Insurance Company, New York; Martha Kate, wife of Charles W. Brooke, of Hempstead, and Caroline J., who married Pierre M. Brown, one of the attorneys of Austin Corbin, president of the Long Island Railroad.

In early childhood our subject was brought by his parents to Hempstead, where he was educated in the grammar and high schools. Learning the printer's trade in his father's office, he soon ac- quired a thorough familiarity with every depart- ment of the business and has had the entire man- agement of the paper ever since his father went to California. As a writer he is easy, fluent, ver- satile; he does not hesitate to express his views upon all subjects, local or general, and "hews close to the line, let the chips fall where they may." His interest in local matters has been constant and active and he has held the office of village clerk. For fifteen years he has been clerk of St. George's parish and St. George's Church.

An active Mason, Mr. Van de Water has been master of Morton Lodge No. 63, at Hempstead, for two years. He is also past noble grand of Hempstead Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F., and a member of Lodge No. I, Shield of Honor, of New York. In November, 1884, he married Miss An- nie Leverett Price, and they have three children: Reginald L., Kenneth B. and Ruth. In politics our subject is a Republican.

J JAMES EZRA SMITH is a member of the firm of Smith Brothers, plumbers, tinners and roofers at Far Rockaway, and well known business men who have established a rep- utation for careful and satisfactory work in the various lines of their trade. The business was established in 1894, and has since been built up until it is now reaching extensive proportions, the success being due to the energy and determina- tion of the members of the company.

The parents of our subject, Valentine and Charlotte (Craft) Smith, reside at Inwood, where the former is engaged in the oyster business. Of the six children that blessed their union three sons

are living, named as follows: George, who is in- terested in the oyster business with his father; James Ezra, and Charles, who is in partnership with his older brother as a member of the firm of Smith Brothers. James Ezra was born at In- wood, June 15, 1872, and there he attended the common schools until the age of seventeen years, gaining the foundation of the broad informa- tion that now makes him a cultured, intelligent man.

The first work done by Mr. Smith was in a pri- vate cottage during the vacation seasons. Later he learned his trade with Mr. Mulhearn at Far Rockaway, then was with Henderson and after- ward employed by McNamara, spending about four years in the service of others, and thus per- fecting himself in the business. It was not his intention to continue as an employe, so, upon be- coming well acquainted with the trade, he formed a partnership with his brother and has since had a goodly share of the public patronage in plumb- ing, gas fitting, metal roofing and other lines con- nected with their work. Their shop is situated in Central Avenue, from which they superintend work in different parts of the village. Socially our subject is connected with the Order of Foresters, and in religious views holds membership in the Methodist Church.

JOHN SCHWAN. Industry and persever- ance are essential factors to success in any line of business, and it is these qualities that are bringing prosperity to Mr. Schwan. With the thrift and stability of his Teutonic ancestors, he combines the American characteristics of push and energy. A resident of Arverne, he here fol- lows several different occupations, being pro- prietor of a boarding stable in Stern Avenue, also a lawn gardener and contractor for grading and carting. He located here permanently April 15, 1889, having worked in the employ of others for three or four months previous to that time. There were then only four houses where now stands the village of Arverne, and he has witnessed the growth of the thrifty little place since that time. Prior to coming here he resided for a time in Union Hill, N. J., where he was engaged as a forist.

In Germany, near the river Rhine, the subject of this sketch was born October 23, 1863. His education was limited, for at an early age he was obliged to become self-supporting and his ad-

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vantages were therefore very meager. In his youth he learned the business of a florist and gardener, with which he became thoroughly fa- miliar. Believing that in America better oppor- tunities awaited him than in his native land, he came to this country in 1888 and at once secured employment in New York. Being frugal and in- dustrious, he saved his earnings, until finally he was able to engage in business for himself. While living in New Jersey he was united in marriage with Anna Mulla, and two children were born of the union, but one died in infancy.

Mr. Schwan is a painstaking and industrious man and thoroughly understands every branch of flower growing and landscape gardening. He is making a success of his business financially and has earned a reputation as a competent and hon- est workman, one who may be relied upon to carry out any contract in a businesslike manner.

S AMUEL C. WILLIS. In the experience of the useful and active citizen it cannot be otherwise than gratifying to note the devel- opment of a community from a tract of unim- proved, apparently valueless land, to a prosperous region, the abode of men and women of culture, intelligence and refinement. Especially is this a matter of the keenest interest when the individ- ual himself has been one of those largely instru- mental in the opening up of a section of country and forming an important factor in its prosperity. Of Mr. Willis it may be said that throughout his whole life, which, with the exception of a few years, has been spent in Port Washington, he has maintained the deepest interest in everything per- taining to the welfare of the place, which he has seen develop from a small hamlet into a thriving village containing many of the improvements and conveniences of a city.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 23

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