Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 34

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 34

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The first engagement in which Mr. Wadley

took part was at Cold Harbor, where he was wounded in the right hand, causing the loss of his middle finger. After this he was detailed for service in the quartermaster's department, where he remained until his regiment was mustered out. After the war he found that the injury which he had received kept him from working at the glass- blower's trade, hence he went into the oil regions, and for the succeeding year was the proprietor of an hotel at Pithole City. He then returned to Clyde, where he was variously eniployed in mer- chandising, jobbing and contracting until retiring from work of any kind. He still makes his home in that place, among whose residents he is one of the most substantial. He is a Grand Army man and an enthusiastic Republican. In the affairs of his community he has always taken a very active part and for many years served acceptably as constable.

Our subject's mother, formerly Emily Butler Wheeler, was born in Ravenna, Ohio, July 27, 1834. She was the daughter of Frederick Wil- liam Wheeler, a resident of that place, but a native of Belfast, Ireland, having been born there Octo- ber 1, 1787. During the religious rebellion in his native land he enlisted in the British navy and shipped on board a man-of-war with an uncle. After following the sea for many years he finally left the service and came to America, locating in Canada prior to the War of 1812. While there he was impressed into the British Naval Service, but succeeded in effecting his escape while sta- tioned on the Detroit River. Being able to cross the line into the States he located in Ravenna, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Rachel R. Ward, a native of Westmoreland, Pa. They made their home in Ravenna continuously until their death, the father passing away October I, 1872, when eighty-five years of age, and his wife survived until July 26, 1882. aged eighty-four years. Frederick William was the eldest son of John Wheeler, a country gentleman residing at Belfast, Ireland, who married Elizabeth Black- wood. Frederick William became the father of eight children, of whom two sons served as sol- diers in the late war.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wad- ley three children, of whom Frederick James is traveling salesman for W. P. Hollister, of Detroit; and Frank Weston makes his home in Albany, this state. The subject of this sketch, who was the second of the family, has very vivid recollec- tions of camp life in Washington, D. C., when

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his father was with his regiment in the winter of 1862-63. The greater part of his childhood days were, however, spent with his parents in Clyde, where he was educated in the high schools. In 1872, when a lad of thirteen years, he tended Clyde Lock on the Erie Canal, doing a man's work. His next work was in driving a team for his father, who was engaged in contracting, and later, when his father became proprietor of a gro- cery, he entered the establishment as clerk.

Being desirous of gaining a better education, young Wadley began attending school again in the fall of 1875. During the winter of the follow- ing year he assisted his father, who was watch- man on the principal streets of Clyde, doing duty every other night. While thus engaged he car- ried a Latin grammar in the pocket of his big overcoat and whenever an opportunity presented itself opened it and began studying. He con- tinued to go to the public schools in the winter months until the spring of 1878, when he ob- tained a position as bookkeeper for H. C. Hem- ingway & Co., being thus engaged during the summer months and teaching school the rest of the year. Some time thereafter he was taken sick and after fully recovering his health began the study of law in the office of Vandenburg & Saxton, the junior member of the firm now being lieutenant-governor. He continued to read Blackstone in their office for several months, in the meantime doing odd jobs whenever he could find them, as he had to support himself. For two summers he ran a twenty-eight-foot sloop on Sodus Bay, but each fall found him back again in the office.

In September, 1882, Mr. Wadley came to New York City and took a position with John Mat- thews, manufacturer of soda water apparatus. He remained in the latter's employ as storekeeper until September 29, 1884, when he entered the law office of Judge L. N. Manley. Since 1883 he had made his home in Long Island City and had always kept up his study of law. September 23, 1886, he was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn and continued with Judge Manley until 1887, when he was taken into partnership with that gentle- man, the firm becoming Manley & Wadley, gen- eral law practitioners. March 1, 1894, our sub- ject was appointed assistant district attorney for Queens County by the attorney, Daniel Noble, and since entering upon the duties of his office has filled all required of him in a thoroughly effi- cient and praiseworthy manner. His success in

life is but another example of what untiring in- dustry will accomplish for a young man possess- ing good habits with a proper aim in life. Al- though scarcely yet in life's prime, he is in the possession of a lucrative practice, is well con- nected socially, and financially ranks among the active business and professional men of the city.

February 9, 1888, in Clyde, N. Y., Mr. Wadley was married to Miss Lillie May Salzman, a native of New York City, who departed this life in Long Island City February 28, 1892. Two children were born to them: Charles S., January 12, 1890, and Anna Lillian, January 21, 1892. October 30, 1895, Mr. Wadley married Miss Eliza L. Bost- wick.

Our subject is a stanch Republican in politics and has been an active member of the party for some time. At one time he was United States supervisor of elections, in charge of Long Island City, under Allen, of Brooklyn, and has been an officer of elections every year since. He takes a very prominent part in county and city conven- tions and is at all times interested in the success of his chosen party. Socially he is a member of Mariners' Lodge No. 67, F. & A. M., of New York City.

G ABRIEL W. WILLIAMS, one of the most successful business men of Long Island City, is also one of its most hon- ored citizens. He stands very high in business circles and is at present trustee of the Long Island City Savings Bank. Mr. Williams was born in Malmo, near Mandel, Norway, July 26, 1833. His father, William Williams, was a seafaring man, who lived and died in his native land. His wife, Guri Tostensen, was also born in Norway, and her father was likewise a sea capain. The latter was awarded three pensions by the government on ac- count of his gallant rescue of the mails which were attacked by the English off the coast of Jutland. He commanded a vessel during the Danish War, and was recognized by his superior officers in the navy to be one of the government's most efficient and brave captains. He died, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church, when over one hundred years old.

To William and Guri Williams there were born seven children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. He was the youngest of the house- hold and spent his childhood days in attending the public schools of his native town. Soon after

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his confirmation, when a lad of sixteen years, he went to sea as a cabin boy on a brig which was bound for the shores of France and other foreign ports. After one year he was taken on board a new barge whose destination was Finland. On landing there it loaded with lumber which it con- veyed to Marseilles, France, and then went to Alexandria, and afterward to Syria, where a cargo of maize was taken on board. Young Williams then returned home and the next year was given a position on the same vessel, this time going to Odessa, Russia, and on its return in the fall he set sail for Belfast, Ireland. Here our subject boarded a vessel bound for the shores of the New World, and in 1853 he was landed at Charleston, S. C. He did not abandon his seafaring life for some time to come, however, and was engaged in the ocean trade. In 1854 he was in the employ of the government acting as boatswain on the United States revenue cutter "Tanna," under Lieutenant Wilson. After holding this position for a period of eighteen months, he was honor- ably discharged.

In 1856 Mr. Williams was taken sick with a fever, and coming North regained his lost health by a visit to New York and Boston. He then returned South and was engaged in running a steamer out of Newport, Fla., for several seasons, when he was again taken sick. This time he de- termined to make his permanent home in the North, and coming hither was engaged on the yacht "Julia," then owned by Mr. Waterbury. His next position was as pilot on the Thirty- fourth Street ferry, but in 1867 he resigned this position, and, forming a partnership with John Gregror, embarked in the hotel and livery business at Long Island City. The firm of Gregror & Wil- liams erected a hotel on the corner of Third and · Front Streets and in the rear of the same erected their stables. After three years spent together the partnership was dissolved, our subject purchas- ing Mr. Gregror's interest in the business, and although he continued to manage the livery alone, leased the hotel. His business soon grew to such proportions that his present building would not accommodate him and he therefore built another brick barn at No. 164 Front Street and continued to manage both stables for a time. He kept con- stantly on hand from eighteen to thirty horses and almost every variety of vehicle, which he let at popular prices.

In 1890 Mr. Williams sold out his new stable to Mr. M. E. Conway and, leasing his hotel and

other barn, which he still owns, retired from busi- ness. He occupies a beautiful residence in Eleventh Street and is regarded as one of the substantial business men of the city. In Brook- lyn, in 1884, he married Miss Anne M. Peterson, who was also born near Malmo, Norway. They are now the parents of four children: George Waldemar, Helen, Norman Willum and Heral Andelo. In 1885 our subject visited his relatives and friends in Norway, spending some months amid the scenes of his old home. Socially he be- longs to Long Island City Lodge No. 586, F. & A. M., and also is a member of Banner Chap- ter, R. A. M. He is regarded as one of the influ- ential members of St. George's Episcopal Church, of which he has been junior warden and is now vestryman. He has taught in the Sunday-school for a long period and his influence, which is ever on the side of right, is felt to be a power for good in his community. In politics he is a true blue Republican, having voted that ticket ever since Lincoln became president in 1860. In 1881 Mr. Williams became trustee of the Long Island City Savings Bank, which is one of the reliable institutions of the city and which is patronized by the most prominent and wealthy citizens of the community.

M ICHAEL E. FAY. In reviewing the in- dustrial enterprises of Long Island City it is the aim of this history to mention those men who are the best representatives of each separate calling and who contribute most to its reputation as a business center. Among those worthy of distinct mention, not only on account of their prominence and loyal citizenship, but owing to their long business career, is Michael E. Fay, who has been a prominent blacksmith of Astoria, Long Island City, since 1862. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1844, a son of Edward and Catherine (Clark) Fay, natives re- spectively of Counties Tipperary and Galway. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in the prime of manhood. His widow came with her family to America in 1848 and located in Oneida County, N. Y., but in 1861 she came to Flushing, and eventually passed from life at Greenpoint when in the seventy-eighth year of her age. She bore her husband four daughters and one son.

Michael E. Fay lived in Oneida County until 1857, and unfortunately had no educational ad-

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vantages. He was an ambitious youth, however, and by self-application at night succeeded in ac- quiring a practical education, and is now consid- ered an exceptionally well informed man and a sound reasoner. He began working on a farm, but afterward followed blacksmithing in New York City for a short time. Thereafter he began making a specialty of horseshoeing on Long Island, but again returned to his old home. 1862 found him in New York City, where he worked as a journeyman for some time, then again turned his attention exclusively to horse- shoeing. In the latter part of that year he took up his residence in Astoria, Long Island City, bought a blacksmith's shop in Fulton Avenue and there remained until 1870, when he moved his place of business to Main Street and has built up his present large establishment at No. 18 Flushing Avenue since 1875. He has always made a specialty of horseshoeing and has had daily opportunity to manifest a humane spirit toward man's most faithful servant. During the many years that he has devoted to this business he has won the confidence of leading horse own- ers, turfmen, drivers, owners of private driving studs, horse breeders, in fact of all classes. His patrons rest assured that when their horses go to the shop of Michael E. Fay they will come out properly shod, with no pending danger of sore feet or pierced hoofs. Two of the most noted animals that he has shod were "Dexter" and "Molly Tinker." He is a thorough master of his trade, as is well known.

Mr. Fay has been in the real estate business also and has built houses in Long Island City, some of which he still owns. He has a fine residence at No. 59 Flushing Avenue, and was married in Flushing to Miss Catherine Ryan, who was born in Richmond, Va., a daughter of Michael Ryan, a large railroad contractor of that state. Six chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fay: Ed- ward, William, Juliet, Josephine, Frances and Dell. Mr. Fay was a member of the Astoria school board for some time and in 1874 was elect- ed alderman-at-large. on the Democratic ticket, which office he filled two years. He was chair- man of the finance committee, but at the expira- tion of his term refused renomination, as it inter- fered with his business. In 1893 he was appointed by Mayor Sanford a member of the board of health from the fifth ward and in every office that he has filled he has discharged the duties with credit to himself and to the universal satisfaction

of the people. He was a member of the commit- tee that improved and widened Flushing Avenue, in which cause he did some effective lobbying in the legislature. He has been an active church and school patron, is a Jeffersonian Democrat, a member of the Jefferson Club and was one of its organizers. He has been a delegate to many con- ventions in the past twenty-five years and is a true and tried Democrat.

D. PRESTON WYSONG, M. D., of Port Washington, was born in Bedford, Bedford County, Pa., February 2, 1853, and is a son of Thomas Turner and Sarah F. (Preston) Wysong. The family is of Alsacian origin, the first of the name in this country having removed from the picturesque scenes of Alsace and made settlement in the then wilderness of Pennsylvania. Later, members of the family re- moved to Virginia, where, in Darkesville (now W. Va.), the Doctor's father was born in 1817. Early exhibiting unusual mental powers, he was given excellent educational advantages and for some years attended Dickinson College at Car- lisle, Pa. His talents and inclinations led him to adopt the profession of a minister, and he en- tered the conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

It was while Rev. Mr. Wysong was stationed at Bedford as pastor of the Methodist Church that his son, D. Preston, was born. Later he removed to Washington, D. C., where he accepted the pastorate of the McKendre Church. After a few years there he went to Berkeley Springs, thence to Elk Ridge, and somewhat later retired from the ministry, since which time he has made his home in Harford County, Md. He is a man of considerable eloquence, deep insight into human nature and interested in everything that will up- lift mankind, and both in pulpit and in private life he has aimed to do good unto all as he has had opportunity.

Accompanying the family in the various re- movals which fall to the lot of a Methodist min- ister, our subject received his education in early boyhood principally at home, under the over- sight of his parents. Later he attended the acad- emy at Belair, in the county where his father now lives, making a specialty of the study of classics in that institution. From there he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- more, at the age of sixteen, and graduated two

J. ENSOR HUTCHESON, M. D.

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years later, after which he began to practice at Rocks, Harford County, having a large patron- age from the first, and remaining there from 1872 until 1884.

At Philadelphia, Pa., June 17, 1880, Dr. Wysong was united in marriage with Miss Re- becca Mitchell Newbold, daughter of Charles and Margaret (Mitchell) Newbold. Mrs. Wysong was born in Philadelphia and received an excel- lent education in a young ladies' seminary there. A lady of superior culture, she is president of the Woman's Guild at Port Washington, and holds membership in the Woman's Club, of which she has been secretary. At this writing she is also treasurer of the Woman's Exchange. Interested in religious work, she is a teacher in the Sunday- school and a contributor to all church enterprises.

In 1884 Dr. Wysong came to Queens County and for a time made his home in Manhasset, from which place he came to Port Washington, and here he has established a large and profitable practice. Politically he is a Democrat, and in 1888 was elected coroner of the town of North Hempstead. With his wife he holds member- ship in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and is a regular attendant at church services. Five chil- dren comprise his family, namely: Charles, who was born at Forest Hill, Md., June 15, 1881; Thomas Shirley, born in Maryland, December 4, 1882; David Preston, Jr., born in Maryland, Feb- ruary II, 1884; Allison Cleveland, born at Man- hasset, Queens County, September 29, 1889; and Donald DuPuy, who was born at Port Wash- ing, September 1, 1894.

J ENSOR HUTCHESON, M. D. Among professional men, and especially those of · the medical profession, there is so much competition in every large city that the man who rises to special prominence and distinction through his own efforts, may justly be accredited with the possession of more than average ability. Such a man is Dr. Hutcheson, who is one of the foremost, as well as one of the most popular, phy- sicians of Rockville Center. In a comparatively few years he has attained a professional position, for which many strive throughout a lifetime. He has brought such energy and such marked ability to his life work that it is not too much to expect from him even greater achievements in the fu- ture.

Dr. Hutcheson was born in Lynbrook, in 1869,

a son of Dr. Robert William and Elizabeth (En- sor) Hutcheson, the former of whom was born on the Bahama Islands and was brought by his par- ents in his early youth to this country and with them located on Long Island. Dr. R. W. Hutche- son received his preliminary education and also his medical education in England, after complet- ing which he went to Brooklyn, where he fol- lowed his profession for a time, then came to Rockville Center, where he was continuously and successfully engaged in his work of healing the sick and afflicted for some twenty-five years. He was then compelled to temporarily retire from his labor owing to cataracts which had formed on his eyes, but he is at present (1895) doing consulting work at Lawrence. He was left a widower in 1892.

Our subject obtained his preliminary educa- tional training at the Polytechnic, Brooklyn, and as his father's profession had considerable fas- cination for him, he entered upon its study in 1886; the following year he entered Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College, from which he was grad- uated in 1890. He received a hospital appoint- ment immediately after, but declined the same and came to Rockville Center, where he has been very successfully engaged professionally up to the present time. Here he has pursued his calling with such success that the sick and ailing have. learned to repose unbounded confidence in his knowledge of the ills that the human body is heir to and his skill in dissipating them.

In 1890 Dr. Hutcheson was married to Miss Jessie Vernon Turner, daughter of J. V. D. Tur- ner, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and their marriage has resulted in the birth of one daughter, Gladys Ensor. Dr. and Mrs. Hutcheson are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and so- cially the Doctor is a member of the Royal Arca- num, the Knights of Pythias, as well as of several college societies. Politically he has always af- filiated with the Democratic party, having always supported its men and measures, and is one of the health officers of his village.

T J. FLYNN, M. D. Among those in Queens County who are aiding in the · development of the science of medicine we mention the name and present the sketch of Dr. Flynn, of Jamaica. He is a genial, affable gentleman, a physician who has applied himself conscientiously to his profession, and the distinc-

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tion he enjoys is well deserved. He is popular both professionally and socially, and, being young in years, has every prospect of becoming promi- nent among the medical fraternity in the state.

As the family name indicates, Dr. Flynn is of Irish lineage. He, however, is a native of Wales, born there February 22, 1866, when his father, John Flynn, a native of Ireland, was engaged as a contractor in that country. In 1868, when he was two years old, his parents came to America and settled in North Adams, Mass. His father was connected with the building of the great Hoosac tunnel and remained with the company, in one capacity or another, up to the time of his death, which occurred December 3, 1891. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Calla- ghan, was born in Ireland and is now living with her children in North Adams.

The parental family consisted of three daugh- ters and three sons. The oldest son, Morgan, was connected with the building of the Hoosac tunnel and died January 7, 1892; James L. is a drug- gist in Portland, Me .; Kate is the wife of James Nagle, of North Adams; Mary T. and Elizabeth L. reside with their mother in North Adams. 'The Doctor's boyhood years were spent in North Adams, and his literary education was obtained in the schools of that place. In early manhood he entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of New York City and graduated from that institution in 1891, after which he became an attending physician at Bellevue Hospital and had an office at No. 48 Henry Street, New York. Later he was on the staff of the Kings County Hospital at Brooklyn and from there came to Jamaica in February, 1893. At once his talents won recognition and he took a place among the leading physicians of the village, where he now has a large practice. In addition to his general practice he is serving as health officer for the town and village of Jamaica. He is a member of the New York Medical Society and various other associations connected with the profession.

Recently Dr. Flynn completed a comfortable and modern residence in Hardenbrook Avenue, and here his leisure hours are spent in the society of his family and friends. He was united in mar- riage, May 10, 1893, with Miss Elizabeth L. Lyons, a graduate of Drury Academy of North Adams, and a teacher in the schools of that place, where her father, Captain Lyons, a war veteran, resided. They are the parents of one child, Mar- garet Kathleen. A stanch Democrat in politics,

he takes an interest in all the councils of the party and aids its candidates with his influence and bal- lot. He is a public spirited gentleman, ever ready to assist in enterprises pertaining to the welfare and growth of the village. In his chosen profes- sion he has met with flattering success, and gives abundant evidence of the ability that qualifies him for a high place in the medical fraternity.

T HOMAS FOLEY. Of the citizens of Jamaica, none has a higher place among the people than the gentleman named, who is serving as one of the trustees of the village. Farseeing, discreet, prudent, and possessing ex- ecutive ability, he is well qualified to take the lead in matters of local government. He is a progressive and public spirited man, ready and anxious to do all that is for the advancement of the people and the advantage of the village. In his capacity of trustee he is careful and energetic, a man of unswerving fidelity to the interests of his fellow-citizens.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 34

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