Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 39

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 39

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Dr. Finn is justly regarded as one of the most skillful surgeons and physicians of his locality. His knowledge and skill in medical and surgical science and all matters pertaining to the health of the body, his intelligence in other lines of study, and his manly character alike entitle him to es- teem, and he is regarded with the highest respect, not alone in this community, but in other places where he is known.

L OUIS LEIBROCK, a farmer of the town of Newtown, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, on Christmas Day of 1833, and was one of seven children, three of whom now survive. He is a son of Charles and Phillipina (Leibrock) Leibrock, the former of whom, a farmer by occu- pation, died in Germany in 1852. The year after his father's death our subject came to America and for three years was employed in Brooklyn as

a farm hand, after which he went to Richmond Hill, where he worked for nine years. He then came to Newtown, where he married Helena Kin- sey and shortly afterward began farming in part- nership with his brother-in-law, David Kinsey.

In his political views Mr. Leibrock is a Repub- lican, always ready to advocate party principles. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as elder since 1890. Of his marriage seven children have been born, namely: Henry Nicholas, who is married and has two children; Peter, Minnie, Catherine, Annie, Helena and Amanda W.

M ARTIN KRUDOP, the leading and well- known grocer of Whitestone, was born near Bremen, Germany, in 1855, and spent his early boyhood years in his native pro- vince. At the age of fourteen he crossed the At- lantic, prepared for active association with busi- ness affairs by a practical knowledge of the Ger- man, English and French languages-a knowl- edge which has been of the greatest value to him in his work. After coming to America he at- tended evening school in Brooklyn, thus adding to the store of information he had gained in his own country.

After clerking in a New York store for a few years, Mr. Krudop opencd a grocery establish- ment in that city, and continued with fair suc- cess until he sold out a few years later. Then for a number of years he was employed as traveling salesman for Lautz Brothers of Buffalo. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Miss Celia Wag- oner, who was born in Brooklyn of German par- entage, and is an estimable lady, possessing many noble attributes of heart and mind. Two chil- dren, Albert W. and Walter G., bless the union.

On retiring from the road, Mr. Krudop took charge of the wholesale soap department of a gro- cery store in Newark, where he remained for sev- eral years. In 1888 he came to Whitestone and began in the grocery business, succeeding so well that after a time he bought a lot and erected the business block which he now occupies. In his store may be found a full assortment of staple and fancy groceries, the stock being the largest carried by any merchant of the village.

While Mr. Krudop is loyal to the land of his adoption, he has never considered it necessary to identify himself with any political party, but has preferred to retain an independence in poli-

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tics, though he has an inclination toward the Re- publican platform and principles. He was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, but has not become a member of that or any denomi- nation, though he is a believer in Christianity. Socially he is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

D AVID KINSEY. This name will be rec- ognized by many of our readers as that of a gentleman who has borne an im- portant part in the development of the agricul- tural resources of Queens County and who has also been a potent factor in municipal affairs in the town of Newtown. The property upon which he makes his home is on Trotting Course Lane, near Metropolitan Avenue, three and one-half miles northwest of Jamaica, and is one of the old- est places in the locality. During the Revolu- tionary War it was the headquarters of a colonel, and in the cemetery on the place still rest the re- mains of a colonel and other Revolutionary par- ticipants.

February 14, 1842, was the date, and the town of Newtown the place of our subject's birth. His parents, Henry and Catherine Kinsey, had six children, of whom four survive, namely: William Henry, of East Williamsburg; David; Peter, whose home is in Brooklyn, and Helena, wife of Louis Leibrock. The father was born in Ba- varia, Germany, in 1811, and after his marriage emigrated to America, where he landed without other possessions than the clothes he wore. Se- curing work in Brooklyn at $3 per month, he began the problem of life as a farm hand. After about one year he came to Newtown and worked as a farm employe here for some eight years, when he began farming for himself. Later he became the owner of the property where David now re- sides, and in addition to this he acquired the ownership of a small farm in Newtown, on the Brooklyn line, which is still held by the estate. In spite of adversity and hardships he gained a fair measure of success and was well-to-do at the time of his death, in April, 1875.

The common schools of Newtown afforded our subject his initiation into the realm of knowledge, and the information there obtained has been sup- plemented by reading and observation. As he grew toward manhood he determined to try a business life, but after less than a year with the Williamsburg City Fire Insurance Company and with a book and stationery firm he returned to the

home farm and acted as assistant to his father in the management of his agricultural interests. In 1870 he married Miss Wilhelmina Rudolph, a na- tive of Fromesheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America in 1865. Of the four chil- dren born to this union the only survivor is Dav- id Peter, who was born August 2, 1880, and is liv- ing at home with his parents, but employed in the wholesale clothing house of Smith, Gray & Co., of New York.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Kinsey was elect- ed overseer of the poor in 1879 and served for one term in that capacity. For five years he held the office of school trustee, during which time he labored judiciously for the advancement of the schools. His membership is in the Lutheran Church, toward the good works of which he is a liberal contributor, as he is in all charitable pro- jects. Endowed by nature with good business ability, he has made the most of his opportunities, and his enterprise, perseverance and good man- agement have gained him a well-deserved pros- perity.

J OHN HEEG. The life of this well known resident of Newtown has been one of stirring adventure. His experiences in the West, when in the service of the regular army, and when connected with the renowned "Buffalo Bill," were many and varied, and if recorded would make a large and interesting volume. Aside from this, he has spent considerable time in traveling through Great Britain, France, Germany, and the various points of interest in the old world, in that way gaining a knowledge of mankind that makes him a typical cosmopolitan.

The father of our subject, Frank Heeg, was a native of Germany, and coming to this country at an early age settled in East Williamsburg, where he made his home for thirty-six years. He was engaged in the milk business and was the first man in the town of Newtown to establish a large dairy, the sale of its products being in Brooklyn. Identified with the history of Wil- liamsburg from the time when it was inhabited by only a few market gardeners, he witnessed its rapid growth until it was merged into the thriving city of Brooklyn. His death occurred when he was seventy-three years of age.

During the residence of his parents in East Williamsburg our subject was born, December 31, 1848. At the age of eighteen he entered the

REV. ALOYSIUS STEFFEN.

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regular army, enlisting January 30, 1867, in Com- pany I, Fifth Regiment of cavalry, and serving for five years, after which he received his hon- orable discharge January 30, 1872. During the war with the Cheyennes and the Arapahoes, in 1868-70, he was orderly under Gen. E. A. Carr, and received a wound in the leg July 13, 1868. For a time he accompanied "Buffalo Bill" in his Western expeditions, gaining a personal acquaint- ance with the man whose unique ability has made him famous throughout the world.

After his return from army service Mr. Heeg engaged in the milk business in Newtown for eight years, and for eleven years he was con- stable of the town. For a time he was proprietor of the Lafayette House in East Williamsburg, and in 1883 returned to Newtown, where he en- gaged in the hotel business. In 1891 he was elected supervisor and held that position for three years; from 1885 until 1891 he served as assessor of the town.

Mr. Heeg, who carries on an extensive business as an auctioneer, became associated with Thomas Pettit in 1889. The latter died in April, 1894, since which time Mr. Heeg has practically carried on the business alone. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, in which he is an active worker. In religious belief he is a Catholic and holds membership in the Catholic Benevolent Legion. Socially he is connected with John J. Mitchell Lodge, Long Island City. He is also a member of the Providence Association of Mas- peth.

In 1876 Mr. Heeg married Miss Mary Eaton, of East Williamsburg, and their union resulted in the birth of two daughters: Anna, wife of Cor- nelius Burke, and mother of a son, John; and Henrietta, who is postmistress of East Williams- burg. By the second marriage of our subject, which was to Mary Hanck, he had one child that is now deceased. His third wife bore the maiden name of Anna Hirsch. In his public life he has displayed the same energy and resoluteness of purpose that characterized him in private affairs, and he may justly be numbered among the lead- ing men of the town.

R EV. ALOYSIUS STEFFEN, rector of St. Mary's Help of Christians, Winfield Junc- tion, was born in Wildeshausen, Olden- burg, Germany, September 15, 1857. His father was Conrad Steffen, a business man of Old-

enburg, where he passed his entire life. The family were all devout Catholics. Frederick, two years older than our subject, acquired a fine edu- cation in the Fatherland and after coming to America studied in one of the famous institutions of Pittsburg, Pa., fitting himself to enter the priesthood. For three years he was rector of St. Peter's and St. Paul's churches in Rochester, Pa., but his promising career was cut short by his death, which occurred when he was twenty-six years of age. Mary, the sister of our subject, is known as Sister Adeline of Charity. She lives in Detroit, Mich.

Father Steffen received his early education in the model schools of his native land. He was especially gifted as a sculptor, and while he might have made a name for himself in the world of arts, it was his desire, as well as that of his parents, to become a priest, and with this end in view he gave his entire time and attention to studies in this direction. Many of the pieces which he exe- cuted in his youth indicate plainly that had he confined himself to the study of art he would have become famous. His father gave him his choice of professions, and without any hesitancy he chose the ministry.

After completing his studies in his native land, Mr. Steffen came to America and entered St. Michael's College, of Pittsburg, Pa., and later took a course in St. Vincent's College in West- moreland County, Pa. In 1880, having com- pleted his theological studies, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Faber, of Montreal, Canada. It is a fact worthy of note that he was the young- est member in his class, which included over forty students.

Father Steffen was first sent to St. Michael, in East New York, where for four years he was the assistant of Father August M. Nienmann, his cou- sin. In 1885 he was made pastor of St. Eliza- beth's at Woodhaven, where he continued in charge until October 10, 1895, when he became rector of St. Mary's Help of the Christians at Winfield Junction. He deserves great credit for his zealous efforts in building up the church, and is faithfully working to advance the Catholic cause in this vicinity. Since he took charge of af- fairs here a school has been organized and a com- fortable building erected, the church greatly im- proved and a parsonage built. He superintended the construction and remodeling of the buildings and performed much manual labor. The grounds about the church and school are adorned with

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several varieties of trees and shrubs, every one of which Father Steffen set out himself. Although the greater part of his time and attention is given to looking after his people, he takes great interest in affairs outside and no good cause is allowed to fail for want of support on his part. St. Mary's congregation numbers two hundred and fifty fam- ilies and about one thousand persons, and the work is in a very flourishing condition. Father Steffen is a distinguished linguist, speaking sev- eral languages fluently.

G USTAVE W. HILBERS, who is engaged in the grocery business at Whitestone, was born in Geestendorf, province of Hanover, Germany, August 25, 1844, being a son of B. D. and Margherita (Kellers) Hilbers. At the age of twelve he graduated from the public school of his native place, after which he attended a private school for three years. When about fourteen he was apprenticed to learn the dry- goods business in one of the largest stores of Hamburg. At the expiration of his term of ser- vice he clerked in Bremen for six months and then, at the age of eighteen, crossed the ocean, landing in New York in 1863. For a year he was employed as a clerk in a dry-goods store there, after which he was assistant bookkeeper for Henry Millard, the chocolate manufacturer, for one and one-half years. His next position was that of conductor on the Erie Railroad sleeping car line, which he held for two years.

About one year after our subject left Germany his father died, and not long afterward his mother and the younger children came to America and he cared for them until they were able to do for themselves. After leaving the railroad he clerked for Jacoby & Heller for a year, and then opened a grocery in Long Island City. After a few years there he went back to New York, but later re- turned to Long Island City, where he was en- gaged for two years in the soda water trade. Removing to Flushing, he opened a grocery and carried on business for fourteen years. Just be- fore going to that village he married Miss Hen- rietta Stegemann, of College Point, and they be- came the parents of three children: Johanna, who became the wife of Henry M. Ludder, died March 28, 1896; Gustave W., born January 9, 1873, died at the age of nine years; and Carl, who was born in Flushing March 25, 1875, is assist- ing his father in the store.

In 1872 Mr. Hilbers voted for Horace Greeley for president and has since supported Democratic principles. He is a trustee of the town of Flush- ing, having been elected to that position three different times, and is now treasurer of the board. In January, 1895, he was elected water commis- sioner for a term of three years. Frequently he has been chosen to serve as delegate to local con- ventions. Reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, he identified himself with that denomination on coming to America, and is now treasurer of the church at Whitestone. At one time he was a member of the Pacific Lodge of Odd Fellows, but withdrew by card. As a busi- ness man he is energetic and capable, and has built up a good trade in staple and fancy groceries.

J JUDGE JAMES L. CAIN, proprietor of Broadway Hotel, Bayside, is a native of that place and was born on the Ist of March, 1861. His father, Nicholas V. B. Cain, was born in Brooklyn September 7, 1837, and was the son of James and Elizabeth (Pangborn) Cain. (See sketch of James W. Cain). The father passed his boyhood days in the city of Brooklyn, where he received a good practical education. When fifteen years old he removed with his parents to Bayside, and was engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his marriage in 1860. From there he then removed to a farm in the same town, which had been purchased for him by his father, and tilled the soil there until the death of his wife, which occurred March 31, 1862. Returning to the parental roof he remained there one year, after which he purchased a hotel in Little Neck. Later he married Miss Ida Rapalyea, whose father owned the hotel property, and afterwards con- ducted the Little Neck Hotel for two years. In 1867 he sold the property and went to New York City, where he engaged in the milk business, which he conducted most successfully for ten . years. Returning to the home farm after that he resided on the same until his death, September 26, 1893. His widow is still a resident of the old place.

Our subject was the only child of the first marriage, his mother being Miss Sarah E. Law- rence. He remained with his father until of age and received his education in the common schools and in the Nazareth Hall Military Academy, from which he graduated in June, 1878. On ac- count of ill health he returned to the farm, and

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for two years was engaged in the duties of the same, thus regaining his health. Finding that this life suited him he continued on the farm up to 1889, when he was appointed to fill the unex- pired term of justice of the peace. In 1890 he was elected to the office on the Democratic ticket, and after finishing the term was renominated, but was defeated with the entire ticket.

In 1890 Mr. Cain purchased his present prop -. erty and has since given his entire time and at- tention to managing his fine hotel. From 1888 to 1893 he was president of the school board, and he is an honorary member of the Enterprise Hook and Ladder Company, of which he was one of the organizers, and is now a charter mem- ber. At one time he was chairman of the Dem- ocratic town committee, of which for four years he was a member, and from 1888 to 1891 he was the representative of the Democratic County Cen- tral Committee. Socially Mr. Cain is a member of the Arcanum, the Foresters and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church of Bayside, and is one of the substantial and worthy citizens of the community. November 23, 1889, Mr. Cain was married to Miss Hester M. Shackell, of Bayside, and they have one child, a bright little boy named Lloyd.

J ACOB JOHN MOORE, a retired farmer of Newtown, was born May 20, 1829, in the house where he still makes his home. He is a member of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of Long Island, members of which have, at different times, gained prominence in business, agricultural or professional affairs. From the "Annals of Newtown" we learn that the several families of English extraction bearing the name of Moore are said to find a common origin in Thomas De Moore, who came from Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066, and whose name is enrolled in the ancient list taken at their embarkation at St. Valery, also in the list of those who survived the memorable bat- tle of Hastings, fought October 14, 1066. Rev. John Moore, the more immediate ancestor of the Newtown family, was doubtless of English birth. He was an independent preacher and was the first minister of the town, having been "permitted in New England to preach, but not authorized to administer sacrament." In remembrance of his active interest in the purchase of Newtown from the Indians, the town awarded eighty acres of land

to his children thirty years after his death, in 1657.

The father of our subject, Benjamin Moore, was born in the village of Newtown late in the eighteenth century, and here spent his life en- gaged in farming; he was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Moore, natives of this locality. By his marriage to Jane Rapelye he had four children, of whom two daughters, Elizabeth and Lemma A., and one son, Jacob John, survive. The sub- ject of this record grew to manhood under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. When he was twenty-five he was bereaved by the death of his father, since which time he has had charge of the estate. He has never married, and his two sisters, who still reside at the old homestead, keep house for him and look after his welfare. They attend the Epis- copal Church and are interested in religious mat- ters. Politically Mr. Moore is a supporter of Re- publican principles, but has never actively iden- tified himself with political matters in a partisan way.

J JOHN VINCENT. The bar of Queens County has won an enviable reputation throughout its length and breadth for the erudition, success and courtesy of its members, many of whom have achieved a wide reputation for their ability and a correct apprehension of what pertains to the profession. Among those who stand deservedly high as a member of the bar is John Vincent, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in New York and Long Island for many years. He has always been a close student of law and has won the confidence and esteem of all as a careful and efficient lawyer. He is a New Yorker by birth and education and inherits his wit and quick per- ception no doubt from his Irish ancestors, his father and mother being natives of the Emerald Isle.

When but children the parents were brought to this country, and subsequently became ac- quainted in New York City, where they were soon after married and where most of their days were spent. Mr. Vincent died when a compara- tively young man and his estimable wife passed away in 1894, when eighty-seven years old. Their son John was educated in the public schools of New York City and was but fourteen years old when his father died. He then left school and entered a law office as an errand boy, and his

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subsequent education was received mainly through his own exertions. While managing clerk in a law office he managed to get a fair knowledge of law, and in 1868 was admitted to practice at the New York bar. Afterwards he entered the office of another attorney and as- sumed the management of the latter's business, with the privilege of controlling all of the busi- ness of his own which might fall in his way.

Some time later Mr. Vincent opened an office for himself and for twenty years has practiced his profession most successfully in Nassau Street, New York City. For the past ten years he has been a resident of Rockville Center, where he has a beautiful home. This is presided over by his excellent wife, formerly Miss Augusta Grant, a native of Troy, and daughter of John Grant. Their nuptials were celebrated in 1866, and four children have blessed the union. The eldest child, James, is married and resides at Jersey City Heights; Robert W. is at home; Estella is a stu- dent at Mt. St. Vincent, on the Hudson River; and Charles is a student at De La Salle Military Institute of New York City.

Every day, except Sundays and holidays, Mr. Vincent goes to and returns from New York City. He is now in the prime of life, having been born in the year 1845, and is one of the most success- ful members of the legal profession. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he was one of the founders of the same at Rock- ville Center. In politics he is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles and in 1882 was ap- pointed to the position of assistant district attor- ney at New York, a position he filled most cred- itably for three years, during one year of which time he was at the head of the office. While very prominently established in his practice in New York City, Mr. Vincent is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Rockville Center, where his home interests are centered. He is one of the few who have assisted in wrenching this section from fogyism to a bright and en- lightened community.

T HOMAS SEAMAN WILLETS, one of the highly esteemed residents of the vil- lage of Bayside, is a breeder of fine horses and also conducts a boarding stable, wintering many fine animals owned by wealthy New York and Brooklyn residents. An energetic and enter- prising man, he has advanced the public interests

of the village in many ways, and is thoroughly identified with all movements calculated to benefit his community and county.

A representative of one of the old and highly esteemed families on the island, Mr. Willets is a native of the place where he now lives, as was also his father and grandfather before him. He has in his possession an old deed which shows the property to have been in the family prior to the year 1740. Thomas Seaman was born July 18, 1852, and was the eldest but one of the five chil- dren who came to bless the union of Thomas S. and Rebecca F. (Leggett) Willets. Four of this household now survive: Anna W. is the wife of William E. Townsend of Westbury, and they have two children; Eliza L. married C. A. Willets, and they make their home in Flushing; S. Clinton, who is also a resident of the above place, is em- ployed by the New York Central in the auditing department of that village.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 39

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