Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 29

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 29

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Soon after his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 1854, Dr. Beldin went to Cali- fornia via the Isthmus and there embarked in the practice of his profession. While on the western frontier he had many thrilling experi- ences, but after three years he tired of that kind of life and returned to the East, settling in Spring- field, Mass., and remaining there until 1862. He then came to Jamaica, where he has since ranked as a successful and leading physician. He is the discoverer and manufacturer of a powder for the cure of croup that has had a large sale through- out the United States. This disease is one of his specialties, and he has been called to every part of the county to treat it; in this he is so efficient that no case, to which he has given his personal attention, has he failed to cure. A student of the profession and an able writer, many of his articles have been published in the medical journals of the Homeopathic School and State Society, to which he belongs. He was at one time President of the Queens County Medical Society and a delegate to the Vermont and California State Societies.

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In 1850 Dr. Beldin married Miss Harriet O. Kibbe, a native of Connecticut and a cousin of the Kibbe Brothers, the well-known candy man- ufacturers of Springfield, Mass. Their only child, Charles Kibbe, was born in 1856, graduted from the Homeopathic Medical College of New York City, and is now in practice with his father, re- lieving him of a large share of his outside practice. He and his wife and child reside with his parents in their elegant home in Clinton avenue.

Of recent years Dr. Beldin has traveled ex- tensively, visiting all points of interest in the United States, and making a tour of Europe in 1890, and again in 1895. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian and holds membership in that church at Jamaica. Socially he is connected with the Royal Arch Masons and the Royal Arcanum. Devoting his entire life to professional duties, he has had no desire to enter the arena of politi- cal life, but being a public-spirited citizen he is well posted concerning and deeply interested in local and national issues.

A DELBERT JONES. · Of the various indus- tries to which the residents of Long Island have devoted their attention few are more peculiarly local and none have proved more re- munerative than the oyster business. Mr. Jones is one of the number who are carrying on this business at Port Washington, and he has the rep- utation of being one of the largest planters along the coast. In his enterprises he has displayed sound judgment and excellent discretion, which, together with industry, have enabled him to make a success of the work.

For many generations the Jones family resided on Staten Island, where was born our subject's father, Henry C., who in 1859 brought his fam- ily to Port Washington and engaged in the oys- ter business at this place. His wife, Ann W. Prior, was also a native of Staten Island, and it was during their residence at Mariner's Harbor that the subject of this notice was born April 18. 1846. At the age of about eight years he was hired to a man at $8 per month and from that time he was employed, more or less, on the bay. Ac- companying his father to Port Washington at the age of thirteen, he has since made this village his home. When about nineteen he began to plant for himself, beginning on a large scale, and has since followed the business with success.

In this village, June 5, 1867, Mr. Jones mar-

ried Miss Ella C., daughter of Stephen and Abbie (Wilkie) Weeks, and a native of this place, where she was educated in the public schools. Two sons bless the union, of whom the elder, Alfred Adel- bert, was born here June 21, 1871. He finished the course of study in the common schools of the village and passed an examination for admission to the Normal School at New Paltz, which he entered, taking the four years' course in three and one-half years, and graduating in February, 1896. Arthur Weeks, the younger son, was born in Port Washington July 25, 1882, and is a stu- dent in the highest room of the public school here.

The first presidential vote cast by Mr. Jones was for General Grant in 1868, and for years after- ward he supported the Republican party, but as the disastrous results of the liquor traffic increased and the magnitude of the evil became impressed upon his mind, he determined to cast his allegi- ance with a party openly opposed to the saloon element; accordingly, he became a Prohibitionist, and has since supported that party. Interested in educational affairs, he has served as a trustee of the public schools. His parents continued to reside here until their death, the father passing away in September, 1879, at sixty-one years of age, and the mother dying several years after- ward.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has had two of its best workers in Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who for years have been intimately associated with its foremost enterprises. At this writing he is serving as trustee, teacher in the Sunday-school, and vice-president of the Epworth League. His wife, who has also been of assistance in Sunday- school work, is an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society and one of the leaders of the local religious work.

S AMUEL R. HOLMES, well known as a successful marketman of Jamaica, was born in Flushing, Queens County, on New Year's Day of 1861. His progenitors for several generations were natives of this county and the family is one of the oldest on Long Island, its first settlement here dating back prior to the Rev- olutionary War. The grandfather, William Holmes, devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, leading a quiet, industrious and useful life.

The parents of our subject, John B. and Mary

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(Rider) Holmes, were born in this county, and the former, who has been a carpenter since early man- hood, now makes his home with his son, Sam- uel R., in Jamaica. The mother, who died in 1889, was a daughter of Daniel Rider, member of an old Dutch family and a prominent tem- perance worker. In her family there were two sons and five daughters: George H. is a clerk in his brother's market; Annabelle is the wife of John L. Lewis, who is engaged in the upholstery business in Jamaica; Emma H. married Edward Baker and resides in Jersey City, N. J .; Addie A. is the wife of William McEwen, of New York City, and Fannie married Frederick Lee of New York City.

The first fifteen years of our subject's life were spent in Flushing, from which place he came to Jamaica, and for twenty years was in the employ of Nostrand & Remsen, the market men. Later he was for three years in the employ of B. R. Clay- ton, in the same business. In January, 1892, he succeeded to the ownership of the market, which is one of the finest on the island, and owns the building in which it is located.

In 1885 Mr. Holmes married Miss Sadie Black- well, of Jamaica, and they are the parents of two children, Marion E. and Bertram. In religious belief Mr. Holmes is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially holds membership in the Royal Arcanum. He is a man of exem- plary habits and sincere character, who is zealous in promoting the interests of the community. Starting in life without capital and beginning with a small salary, he worked his way upward, sav- ing his wages, until he was finally able to embark in business for himself. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, his course' in life has been such as to secure the warm friendship of all with whom he is brought in contact. His dealings are marked with the strictest integrity, and he has gained a competency through his arduous and systematic exertions.

R OBERT JARVIS. Now in the twilight of his useful and honorable existence, Mr. Jarvis is living in retirement from the more active duties of life, though in the management of his real estate interests and the discharge of his duties as a citizen he finds sufficient to occupy his attention. His home is in Port Washington, where he was born July 21, 1825, to Daniel and Sarah (West) Jarvis. The former, who was a

native of Port Washington, learned in youth the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed through- out life, making his home in the town of North Hempstead as long as he lived. Grandfather David Jarvis, who was a resident of Port Wash- ington, was well known in this vicinity as an industrious blacksmith and honest man.

The educational opportunities enjoyed by the subject of this notice were meager in comparison with those given to the boys and girls of this gen- eration. However, though able to attend school only six months altogether, he gained a sufficient amount of knowledge to fit him for practical busi- ness affairs. Early obliged to support himself, he was only six years old when he was put out to Samuel Mott, with whom he lived for two years. Later he was at different places for a year or more at a time. It was not an easy life. None of the luxuries and few of the comforts of exist- ence fell to his lot, but he was patient, industrious and anxious to please, so that his services were satisfactory to his employers.

In 1843 Mr. Jarvis went on board a boat as a cook and later as a hand, receiving from $8 to $12. For four years he was with Sidney Mott, during which time he saved about $300, being very frugal and economical. When the sloop was sold, he bought one-fourth interest in the schooner "Sarah Maria," sixty tons, and became her captain, carrying on a coast trade. After a year he sold out and took charge of a boat for William Baxter for three years, working on the shares and doing well financially in this way. For four years following he was captain of a vessel going out from Roslyn.

February 6, 1853, Mr. Jarvis was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Eliza Bird, of Port Wash- ington, a worthy Christian lady, whose death, December 24, 1857, was mourned by many friends. The only son of this marriage, Robert, was born March 4, 1854, and is now an oyster planter in Port Washington. The third marriage of Mr. Jarvis took place June 21, 1861, when Miss Frances Jane Hyde, of this village, became his wife. Their only child, Minnie W., is the wife of Benjamin Pearsall and has an only son, Rob- ert, named for his grandfather.

In 1850 Mr. Jarvis bought a lot in Port Wash- ingon and built a house the following year. After the death of his first wife he gave up the coasting business and in 1860 began to engage in planting oysters, an enterprise which proved profitable. Since 1886 he has lived retired, quietly

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enjoying the fruits of his labors in former years. His first vote was cast for Whig candidates and upon the organization of the Republican party he identified himself with its interests, to which he has since adhered. He is a believer in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and while not a member, he fills the office of trustee and aided largely in the erection of the church building. In former years he was actively asso- ciated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Roslyn, and the Sons of Temperance.

J UDGE JAMES INGRAM is engaged in a diversity of employments and has been equally successful in each. His probity as a business man and his uprightness as a citizen are well known and his career has been distin- guished for enterprise and fairness. Mr. Ingram, who is at present Justice of the Peace of Long Island City, was born in the city of New York, May 6, 1866. His father, David Ingram, is a prominent business man of New York City and Astoria, L. l., and a manufacturer and dyer of cotton yarns. He was born in Paisley, Scotland, and came to America when a young man, learning his business in New York City. Since 1872 he has been a resident of Long Island City, and his sons are connected with him in the manufacture of cotton yarns. He married Miss Violet Patterson, a native of Greenock, Scotland, and daughter of George Patterson, who was a chain manufacturer of New York City after set- tling in this country.

James Ingram, who was the third of seven children in the parental family, resided in New York City until 1872, and then came with his parents to Long Island City, where he received his education in the public schools. Just before graduating, when fourteen years of age, he left school to engage with his father in business, and although he commenced at the bottom round of the ladder, he was possessed of much ability and

industry and soon took charge of the financial department of the business. Since the age of nineteen he has had charge of the business in the New York office, at No. 96 Spring Street, and although business is carried on in Long Island City, the principal office is in New York City.

In the fall of the year 1893 Mr. Ingram was nominated on the Democratic ticket (though a Republican) to the office of Justice of the Peace. There were six candidates and two to be elected.

Mr. Ingram and Mr. Duffy were elected by about fifteen hundred plurality, far ahead of the ticket, and he has discharged the duties incumbent upon that position in a very able manner. He was appointed police commissioner in 1893 and served until he resigned to accept the position of jus- tice. Our subject has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a thirty-second de- gree Mason, belonging to the consistory of New York. He is also a member of the Mecca Temp- lars and Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having been a member of general conventions and a delegate to conventions at dif- ferent times, and is a member of Astoria Athletic Club, of which he is vice-president. Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ingram is one of the youngest justices ever elected in Long Island City, and has convinced many that it is not age that always brings wisdom.

C HRISTIAN HEROLD. Among the na- tive-born sons of Germany who, coming to America, have here gained a degree of success impossible to secure in the land of their birth, mention may properly be made of Mr. Her- old, who has been prospered in his work as a con- tractor and builder at Dutch Kills, Long Island City. While he has not been engaged in busi- ness for himself many years, yet since starting out as a contractor he has been successful in building up an increasing and remunerative trade. In ad- dition to taking contracts, he also draws plans and does some work as an architect. Many of the substantial buildings in Long Island City have been erected under his supervision, and he gives employment to twelve or fifteen men, carrying on a large business throughout the entire year.

Born in 1862 in Freiberg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, the subject of this notice is a son of Jacob and Maria (Hübner) Herold, natives of the same place as himself. They came to America, where the mother died; the father, who during his active years was engaged as a musician, is now living retired in Long Island City. Six children comprise their family, namely: George, a carpen- ter employed with our subject; Katie, who lives in Long Island City; William, a painter in New York City, but living here; Christian; Mary, who lives in this city, and Carl, a contracting plasterer engaged with our subject.

Educated in the schools of his native place,

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Christian Herold was confirmed at the age of fourteen, after which he served a four years' ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade. When less than nineteen years of age, he came to America in company with his brother William and for a time followed his trade in New York City. In 1883 he came to Long Island City, where he was first employed by Mr. Lehr, and in 1890 was taken into the business by that gentleman. One year later he started out alone, and has since carried on a large business in this locality. He built a residence for himself, but afterward sold it, and now lives at No. 186 Radde Street.

After coming to Long Island City Mr. Herold married Miss Agnes Rieger, a native of Wurtem- berg, and they have three children, Lillie, Robert and Elsie. Formerly he was identified with the Order of Chosen Friends in New York, but is not at present a member. He is treasurer of the Leiderkranz of Long Island City, in which he is first bass. While actively interested in politics, he has never allied himself with either party, but retains independence of thought and action with respect to his ballot.

H ENRY C. KORFMANN, supervisor from Long Island City, will take his seat in the board in April, 1896. He is a most pleas- ant and affable gentleman and at the present time is head bookkeeper for the water and fire board. Mr. Korfmann is a native of Long Island, having been born in Astoria, November 13, 1859. His father was John Korfmann, a native of Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, where he was reared and educated, and when old enough to learn a trade, he became a shoemaker. He was married in the Fatherland, and in 1847, after the birth of two children, came with his wife and family to Amer- ica, locating in Astoria. Immediately he began work at his trade and from that time until his death, in July, 1886, was one of the most reliable boot and shoe manufacturers of the city.

The father of our subject became prominent in the affairs of his community and served ac- ceptably as a member of the city council, as al- derman from the fourth ward, being elected to that position on the Independent Democratic ticket. He was also a member of the excise board under Mayor George Petry, and in whatever office placed never failed to give satisfaction to all concerned. His marriage united him with Miss Catherine Brown, who was born in the same

province in Germany. She survived him one year, departing this life in July, 1887, leaving a family of five children, three daughters and two sons. Of these, Elizabeth is the widow of F. H. Brunett, of Long Island City; Catherine married F. W. Bleckwenn, ex-city treasurer of this city; Mamie is Mrs. Julius Bleckwenn, also of this place; John is a druggist of New York City, and Henry C. is our subject.

Henry C. was reared in Astoria, where he ob- tained a good education during his attendance at both private and public schools. When a lad of fifteen years he began life for himself as a drug clerk in the store of W. H. Munchmore, of Asto- ria, and after five years spent in his employ was registered as a pharmacist. He next entered the establishment of W. H. Sherfflin & Co., No. 170 Williams Street, New York City, as chemist in their laboratory. He remained with this firm for eight years and became a very valuable man in preparing extracts, etc. At the expiration of that time he was induced by his brother-in-law, Mr. Bleckwenn, then treasurer of Long Island City, to accept a clerkship in the treasurer's office and a few months later was made deputy city treasurer and receiver, holding these offices during the two terms in which Mr. Bleckwenn was treas- urer. His successor took charge of the treasurer's office January 1, 1895, and seven days later our subject was appointed head bookkeeper and cashier of the water and fire department of the city by Mayor Sanford. In the fall of that year he was nominated for supervisor on the Jef- ferson Democratic ticket, and although this was the first time he was ever a candidate for political honors, was elected over two other well known and highly esteemed gentlemen by a plurality of one hundred and ninety-seven votes.

The marriage of Mr. Korfmann occurred in this city January II, 1885, when Miss Matilda, daugh- ter of F. W. Bleckwenn, became his wife. This lady was born in Astoria, and at the time of her decease, August 10, 1891, left two sons, Freder- ick W. and Harry J. In October, 1894. our sub- ject chose for his second companion Miss Cath- erine A. Kern, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., and the daughter of Charles W. Kern, of Milford, Del. In social affairs Mr. Korfmann is a Mason of high standing, holding membership with Long Island City Lodge, and also belongs to Enterprise Lodge, K. O. of F., and John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W. In religious affairs he is an official member of the German Second Reformed

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friends to seek his fortune on this side the Atlan- tic. During the voyage the vessel in which he took passage was wrecked and all on board were obliged to take to the boats. After drifting about for some time they were picked up by an Ameri- can vessel and landed at New York City on the 7th of December following. Ten days after reach- ing that city he obtained work with a wholesale drug house, where he remained for some time and then embarked in that business in Brooklyn. While thus employed he took up the study of medicine and attended the Long Island College.

In the year 1862 our subject entered the United States army as surgeon, being identified with the Army of the Potomac. In January, 1865, he was the bearer of dispatches to General Sherman at Savannah. He participated in many of the most prominent engagements of the Rebellion and served his adopted country faithfully and effi- ciently. Afterwards he remained in the South in charge of transportation of the sick from the hospitals, and later was appointed medical inspec- tor for the South. At one time he was called to inspect a vessel that lay off Paris Island and found it to be the identical vessel by which he had been picked up on the sea. For some time he was surgeon commander of transportations. and during that time transported over fourteen thousand men from Southern hospitals. While in the discharge of his duty he was severely in- jured during a storm and brain fever resulted.

After leaving the South Dr. Leys moved with his family to Chicago, Ill., where he engaged in the practice of medicine. In 1870 he removed to Brooklyn, where he had resided previous to the war, and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until 1888, when he removed to Roslyn, L. I., where he has since resided. In politics the Doctor has always been a prominent Republican, and in 1880 was vice-president of the Kings County Republican General Committee. Just previous to the assassination of President Garfield the Doctor had had a personal interview with Mr. Garfield and J. G. Blaine, the latter being a personal friend of his.

Dr. Leys has ever been interested in educa- tional matters, and in 1893 was the Republican candidate for school commissioner. He is an eloquent speaker and has often delivered public addresses in the interests of education. At pres- ent he is secretary of the local Republican com- mittee and is a leader in political affairs. At one time he was a member of the Presbyterian

Church, but is now a Congregationalist and was active in the building of the first church of that denomination in Roslyn. He is president of the board of trustees and is deacon in that church. For some time he has taught the bible class and in some cases has occupied the pulpit in the ab- sence of the minister. The Doctor is a member of Elijah Ward Post No. 654, G. A. R., and for two years served as president of the executive committee of the Queens County G. A. R. He is also a member of Central Lodge No. 361, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn.

On the 16th of March, 1859, Dr. Leys was mar- ried to Miss Mary Holford, daughter of Andrew Holford, of New Haven, Conn., and they have five children: Clifford D., a druggist in Hemp- stead; Alice H., wife of E. M. France, of Terre Haute, Ind .; George B., a bookkeeper of New York City; Jessie E., at home; and Clara C., a teacher in Dr. Hall's Academy at Roslyn. The Doctor has spared no pains to educate his chil- dren and may well be proud of them.

F RANCIS McKENNA. As a landscape gardener Mr. McKenna did his first work in Queens County about thirty-seven years ago, but his residence here dates forty-two years back, during which time he has seen the develop- ment of the village in which he is at present re- siding. He came to this country from the Isle of Erin and landed in the metropolis of North America in the month of May, when he was in his twenty-first year. The voyage to this country was made in a sailing vessel named the "Switzer- land," and seven weeks and three days were con- sumed in making the journey.

Directly after landing on the free soil of Ameri- ca Mr. McKenna came to Inwood, L. I., and his first work here was done on the dock. He later found employment on a farm, which work he con- tinued to follow for one year, and during this time it became generally known that he thoroughly understood the culture and care of trees and shrubs, having learned the art in Ireland, in which country especial attention is given to the art of tree planting. His skill and knowledge were soon in demand by those who wished to beautify and improve their grounds and he gradually but steadily drifted into his present occupation, by which he has built up an extensive business and accumulated a comfortable competency.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 29

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