Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 46

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 46

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November 27, 1882, Captain Brown was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Pryor, who was born and reared in Astoria. She is a daughter of John Pryor, who was in the employ of a wealthy gentleman as gardener. The Captain and his wife have four children: Joseph, May, Viola and Rich- ard, Jr. The Captain and his brother Joseph have taken part in several rowing races, two of which were on East River, around Blackwell's Island, a distance of five miles, and both times they won against the other boats. Captain Brown is a Re- publican in his political views.

E UGENE BIGOTH. In giving a list of the business men of Long Island City the catalogue would be incomplete if mention were not made of Mr. Bigoth, who is well known throughout this locality as a successful merchant tailor. During the period in which his attention has been devoted to this calling his reputation for

honesty and fair dealing has never been ques- tioned, and the confidence which the people have in him has never been abused. His intelligence, enterprise and other estimable qualities have gained for him a popularity not derived from fac- titious circumstances, but a tribute to his worth.

A native of Italy, the subject of this sketch is a ' son of P. Bigoth, who emigrated to this country and settled in New York, where, having an abund- ance of means, he never entered any business. At the time of coming to the United States Eugene was about sixteen years of age, and prior to that he had served an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, gaining a thorough knowledge of the oc- cupation. In 1879 he began to work at his trade in Brooklyn, also followed the occupation in New York City and other places. In 1891 he estab- lished himself in business at No. 27 Jackson Ave- nue, Long Island City, where he has since had charge of an increasing trade. His hard work and close application have brought him a rea- sonable measure of success, to which future years will no doubt add considerable.

In Rockland County, N. Y., Mr. Bigoth mar- ried Miss Alice Jacox, who was born and edu- cated there. They are the parents of four chil- dren, Georgia, Lillie, Annie and Agnes A. The religious home of the family is St. Mary's Catholic Church, of which they are regular attendants. Socially Mr. Bigoth is connected with the For- esters, John J. Mitchell Lodge No. 338, A. O. U. W., also the Catholic Benevolent Legion and Catholic Club of Long Island City. He is fond of sports and is a member of the Ravenswood Boat Club. Politically he is a Democrat first, last and all the time, and stands by his party through good and evil report.

P ROF. HERMAN BOETTCHER, teacher of languages and music of Astoria, has a beautiful home at No. 475 Lathrop Street. He is one of the finest educated gentlemen in this section and in addition to giving instruction in the languages and music, is principal of the German Second Reformed Parochial School of this place.

Mr. Boettcher was born in the province of Sax- ony, Germany, March 4, 1854, and is the son of Frederick Boettcher, whose birth also occurred in that province. He emigrated to America in the year 1872, first locating in New York City. Later he came to Long Island City, but at the present

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time he makes his home in Hudson City, N. J. Grandfather Boettcher served in the Prussian ar- my and was wounded at the battle of Leipsic. He followed the express business in Germany and was well and favorably known.

Mrs. Wilhelmina (Rupert) Boettcher, mother of our subject, departed this life in 1888. She be- came the mother of two sons and three daugh- ters, of whom three are living at the present time. The subject of this sketch, who is the eldest mem- ber of the household, was reared in Reuss-Greitz, first attending the common schools. Later he entered the lyceum, from which he was grad- uated when only fifteen years of age. Subse- quently he took a course in the seminary of that place, completing his studies therein when nine- teen years of age, or in the spring of 1873.

Our subject began teaching in his native land, and after he came to America found a position in a school conducted by a Mr. Worferts, in Sixth Avenue, New York City. He remained as teacher of languages and music in this institution for a time and then took a vacation of about a year. When ready to begin work again he was made principal of the school located in Avenue B and Ninth Street, and next went to Newark, N. J., as teacher, but shortly thereafter was obliged to give up some of his work on account of an affection of the throat. In order that he might regain some of his former robustness he went to Germantown, Pa., located on the Schuylkill Riv- er, and taught school until he was very much bet- ter. This relief was only temporary, however, for as soon as he returned to New Jersey his throat troubled him again and he was obliged to aban- don all work for the following year. At the ex- piration of that time the Professor went to Mor- risania, N. Y., where he taught in a private in- stitution for a year, after which he moved to New York City and gave private instruction.

October 1, 1877, Mr. Boettcher accepted a call from Rev. C. D. F. Steinführer to become prin- cipal of the German Second Reformed School of Astoria, L. I. This institution had been in ex- istence for four years, but during that time had not been very prosperous. The Professor began teaching when there were but sixteen pupils ; now, however, he has an enrollment of sixty-six schol- ars. He teaches both German and English, in which languages he also gives private instruction. Several evenings of each week are spent in Stein- way, where he has a splendid evening school. The Professor is a talented musician and has been

remarkably successful in teaching instrumental music since coming here. He is organist for Rev. Mr. Steinführer's church, and is also leader of the choir.

The marriage of Professor Boettcher and Miss Wilhelmina Boettcher occurred in New York City in 1884. She was born in the metropolis March 12, 1855, and was the daughter of Charles and Margarita Boettcher, residents of that city. She became the mother of two daughters, Wilhelmina M. L. F. and Elizabeth H., and departed this life August 1, 1893. In social affairs our subject be- longs to Hermann Lodge No. 341, A. O. U. W., of Long Island City. Religiously he is a devoted and consistent member of the Reformed Church.

W ILLIAM E. EVERITT, supervisor of the town of Jamaica, stands high in business circles and has an excellent financial record, his present enviable position being the result of his ability and sound judg- ment. His life of industry and usefulness, and his record for honesty and uprightness, have giv- en him a hold upon the community which all might well desire to share. The position which the village of Jamaica enjoys to-day as an indus- trial center is due to the energy and ability of such men as he.

In Jamaica, where he now lives, the subject of this notice was born March 14, 1859. His father, the late Joseph B. Everitt, also a native of the town of Jamaica, was engaged in the undertak- ing business throughout his entire life and until his death in 1884. A member of an old family on the island, he was in every respect worthy of his honorable and energetic ancestry, and was a leading citizen, also an active member of the Pres- byterian Church. He married Miss Ellen Parcell, a native of Philadelphia, now a resident of Ja- maica, and they were the parents of two sons, William E. and Benjamin F. Of the latter fur- ther mention appears on another page.

Educated in the schools of Jamaica, our subject was fitted by careful training for practical contact with the business world, and the habits of indus- try and perseverance, formed in youth, were of the utmost value to him in after years. For fifteen years he was engaged in the undertaking business with his father and brother, and during that time he and his brother embarked in the livery busi- ness. At the death of his father, the partnership

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was dissolved, he taking the livery trade and his brother the undertaking establishment.

Believing the principles declared by the author of the Declaration of Independence to be the cor- rect ones for American citizens to follow, Mr. Everitt is a stanch Democrat. He held the office of town clerk of Jamaica for about seven years, and in the spring of 1893 was elected supervisor, which position he still fills, having been re-elected for a second term. In the fall of 1895 he received the nomination of his party for the General As- sembly, but the Republican tide was too strong to be checked, and even his personal popularity failed to carry him through. Politically he has many friends, and socially every one is his friend, for his genial, companionable nature and gener- ous disposition win the esteem of all who meet him. Socially he is a leading member of the Chub Club of Jamaica, and socially holds mem- bership in the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Orders and the Royal Arcanum.

The marriage of Mr. Everitt took place in 1880 and united him with Miss Jessie Burger, of Ja- maica. Three children comprise their family: Jessie, Edna and Willie.

W ILLET C. DURLAND. No resident of Jamaica has pursued a more honora- ble career or been of greater value as a citizen than the gentleman whose name intro- duces these paragraphs and who is well known throughout Queens County. His life and char- acter are well worthy of imitation by those who, like himself, must be the architects of their own fortunes and destinies. His habits are unosten- tatious, his judgment impartial, his convictions strong and his benefactions, like his labors, gen- erous and constant.

In the village of Springfield, town of Jamaica. the subject of this notice was born April 14, 1859. His father, William W., was born in what was then Bedford (now a part of Brooklyn), N. Y., August 5, 1831, but when small was taken by his parents to Springfield, where his remaining years have been spent. For some time he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but at present is carrying on a coal and fertilizer business. He is deeply interested in political movements and espouses the cause of the Republican party. In religious belief he is connected with the Presbyterian Church.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Smith

Durland, was born on Long Island in 1796, and in youth learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed throughout life. During the War of 1812 he rendered brave service in defense of our country. He attained the age of about sixty- three and died in Springfield in 1859. The moth- er of his eight children bore the maiden name of Ann Williamson and was born in Brooklyn, but now makes her home in Springfield. Her nine- ty-three years rest lightly upon her, and she is still bright and active. In her possession she has a quilt that belonged to her grandmother more than one hundred and fifty years ago.

Our subject's mother, Letitia, was born in Springfield and was the daughter of Capt. Henry Sprague, a sea captain. She had two sons and three daughters, namely: Annie, wife of Fred- erick Moles, who is engaged in business in Brook- lyn; Emma, who is with her parents; Henrietta, who died at the age of about twenty-six; George, who married Lida Tohn and is employed in a large mercantile house in New York City; and Willet C., of this sketch. The last-named grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a fair education in the schools of Springfield and at Ma- ple Hall Institute, a private school in Jamaica, kept by Prof. Emil Vienot. When still a mere lad he secured employment in the wholesale gro- cery house of R. C. Williams & Co., in New York, where he remained for one year, and then accept- ed a better position with Floyd & Newins, who were in the same line of business. After two years he became connected with Valentine Ber- gen & Co., of Brooklyn, and remained in their grocery for four years. For the past nine years he has been connected with the firm of F. H. Leg- gett & Co., wholesale grocers of New York.

Starting out in life a poor boy, without means or influential friends to aid him, he has made his own way in the world, and by honest methods and faithful service has gradually advanced until now he occupies a high and responsible position. It may with truth be said that no man in the whole- sale grocery trade has more or warmer friends than has he. His pleasing manners and frank, open way of doing business commend him to the trade, and all the merchant asks is whether the goods are of a certain quality and whether the price is the lowest market price. Upon being assured of this, he gives his order, relying con- fidently upon the opinion expressed by Mr. Dur- land.

As before stated, Mr. Durland attended the pri-

WILLIAM EVERETT CLARK.

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vate school conducted by Professor Vienot in Samuel, was the first white child born in that Jamaica and subsequently formed an attachment place. for the sister of the professor's wife, Miss Fannie, daughter of the late Rev. P. D. Oakey, who was for twenty years pastor of the Jamaica Presby- terian Church. This attachment resulted in their marriage April 27, 1882. For four years after- ward they lived at Freeport, but since that time have made their home in Jamaica. In addition to their residence here they own a summer home in New Jersey. They are the parents of four children, Alice, Oakey, Fannie and Howard.

The political views of Mr. Durland have led him to affiliate with the Republican party, in the progress of which he feels a keen interest. Though at no time an aspirant for political hon- ors, he has held various positions. In 1891 he was elected a member of the board of village trus- tees and continued in office until the spring of 1894, when he refused to longer hold the position. For some years he was secretary and treasurer of the Long Island Traveling Men's Association, which is now out of existence. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In every sphere of life he has proved himself well equipped and able to meet the serious emergencies which come before a man of affairs, and since coming to Jamaica he has maintained a constant interest in its welfare and in every proj- ect for its advancement.

W ILLIAM EVERETT CLARK, by rea- son of his long connection with the business interests of Woodhaven, has become well known throughout this section of Long Island. He is a native of New York, born in Vernon, Oneida County, March 27, 1838, being a son of Erastus W. and Lucretia Hyde (Buell) Clark. His father, who was born in Lebanon, Windham County, Conn., April 4, 1796, in early years learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for some time. November 13, 1817, he was united in marriage with Lucretia H., sister of Col. Abel Buell, and a descendant, in direct line, from the same ancestry as are President Grover Cleveland, Maj .- Gen. John Pope, Maj .- Gen. John E. Sedwick and William E. Dodge. On her mother's side she was descended from William Hyde, one of the original settlers of Hartford, Conn., whose son, Samuel, was one of the found- ers of Norwich, Conn .; Elizabeth, daughter of

In 1818, the year after his marriage, Erastus W Clark removed to Schenectady County, N. Y. and later went to Schoharie County, where he worked at his trade. In 1824 he settled in Oneida County, where he engaged in the lumber busi- ness, furnishing much of the lumber used in build- ing what was known as the New York cotton mills. Four years were spent in that occupation, after which, in 1828, he removed to Westmore- land, the same county, where he carried on busi- ness with his brother. In 1836 he was made Indian agent at Green Bay, Mich., and thither he went, remaining for two years. Our subject now has in his possession a deed granting to his mother a tract of land in that state, the paper bearing the signature of President Van Buren, in the year 1837.

Becoming prominently identified with public affairs, Erastus W. Clark filled the position of United States marshal in 1840-41, and in 1842 served as supervisor of Oneida County. For four years he was justice of the peace. In 1846 he was the Free Soil candidate to the constitutional con- vention. Few men of the county were more in- timately connected with the growth of its material interests than was he. As a citizen he was cap- able, well informed and energetic; as a business man shrewd and farsighted. He attained a ven- erable age and passed from earth in April, 1881.

Of the brothers and sisters of our subject we note the following: Delia B., who was born June 9, 1818, married N. F. Metcalf, a merchant at Westmoreland; she is now a widow and still makes her home in that place; Anna B., whose birth occurred November 22, 1819, is the widow of William B. Seymour, and lives in Maryland; Harriet E., born December 20, 1820, married William J. Clark, now deceased; she is a resident of Rome, N. Y .; James M. was born March 26, 1824, and is engaged in farming at St. Michaels, Md .; Sophia was born April 18, 1830, and died February 12, 1845; Parker H. was born June 13, 1833, and died in Massachusetts in 1868.

On completing his studies in the home schools William E. Clark in 1855 went to Brooklyn, where for five years he was a clerk in a wholesale clothing house. In 1863 he entered the Union army as a member of Company K, Fifteenth New York Artillery, and served until the close of the Rebellion, being on detached duty much of the time under General Meade. On being discharged

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from the army he came to Woodhaven and opened a general store, in which he was success- fully engaged for many years, retiring with an ample competence as the result of his labors. Meantime, for six years he was postmaster under Presidents Garfield and Harrison.

No resident of Woodhaven takes a more lively interest in its welfare than does Mr. Clark, and every progressive measure is sure of his support and co-operation. He was the first to advocate the placing of the Union flag on the schoolhouse here, and purchased the first flag used for that purpose. As a Republican he has taken an inter- est in politics and has been active in local affairs. He is a member of the Grand Army and interested in the work of the post here. He takes an interest in and has been generous in his contributions to the Congregational Church here, his gifts includ- ing the bell now in the edifice.

September 29, 1863, Mr. Clark married Miss Anna, daughter of James G. Martin, a paper manufacturer of Hempstead. This estimable lady died March 27, 1884, and since that time Mr. Clark has spent much of his time in travel, mak- ing extended sojourns on the Pacific coast and visiting other parts of the country. His resi- dence, which is one of the finest places in Wood- haven, is occupied by C. C. Schuster, who married a sister of Mr. Clark's wife, and with them he makes his home when in the village.

J ACOB S. BERGEN. The agricultural in- terests of Queens County have no better representatives than its native-born citizens, many of whom are classed among its most prac- tical, enterprising and successful farmers. While Mr. Bergen does not now identify himself active- ly with the tilling of the soil and gathering in of the harvest, yet he is still interested in everything pertaining to farm life and was for many years engaged industriously in the cultivation of land. At this writing (1896) he resides in Fulton Street, in the village of Queens.

Born in Hollis, this county, April 2, 1828, the subject of this notice is a son of Benjamin and Phoebe (Skidmore) Bergen, of whose three chil- dren he and his sister, Mary Ann, widow of Ben- jamin T. Bergen, are the survivors. After the death of his first wife the father married Elizabeth Jones. He was born in Queens (then called Brushville) and at this place and Hollis his entire active life was spent, but in his declining days he

removed to Jamaica, where he lived in peaceful retirement until his death at the age of eighty- nine years. He was a son of Jacob Bergen, a prominent agriculturist and formerly owner of the farm now belonging to his grandson, our subject. Grandfather Bergen was a son of John Bergen, concerning whom there is no authentic informa- tion.

Under the parental roof the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, vigorous and energetic, prepared for the active duties which life might bring to him. His education was obtained in the Union Hall Academy, which he attended for sev- eral terms. At the age of twenty-one he took charge of the farm which had been bequeathed to him by his grandfather some seven years before, and upon this place he began actively to engage in farm pursuits. He built the residence that still stands on the place, and two years later, in 1856, married Miss Aletta M. Hendrickson, daughter of Isaac S. Hendrickson, of Springfield, this county. Two daughters and one son were born to bless this marriage, but the son alone survives, Ben- jamin J., who manages the home farm and who, with his wife and daughter, reside with his father. Mrs. Aletta M. Bergen passed away March 26, 1880, mourned by her family, to whose welfare she had been so tenderly devoted, and also by her neighbors, who had often been the recipients of kindnesses from her hands.

Unassuming in manner and upright in life, Mr. Bergen has by his noble attributes of character gained the respect of his associates. He has been a witness of much of the growth and progress of the county, and has watched its upbuilding and advancement year by year until it now occupies a foremost place in one of the greatest common- wealths of the nation. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican cause, having advocated its principles since the organization of the party. In the Presbyterian Church, to which he belongs, he has served as an elder for a number of years and has ever been active in promoting its wel- fare.

H ENRY DOHT. One of the most promi- nent German-American citizens of Long Island City, and one who has done much for the advancement of the county is the gen- tleman whose biography it now becomes our duty and pleasure to write and who is the present sher- iff of Queens County. He is a true-blue Repub-

THERON H. BURDEN.

le ve e-

gratulateu uy lICi Jmally LicHus,

grateful to Uncle Sam on the good lady's account for his recognition and honor of her worthy husband's service to his country during the War of the Rebellion.

Mrs. Ambrose Gould, the good woman bountiful of this place, is receiving hearty expressions of pleasure upon her recovery from her recent serious Illness. Mrs. Gould made a successful effort to visit her grand- daughter, Mrs. Hawkins, in Stony Brook, recently.

·1- 1e n- in

It is hoped that all good citizens will re- new their approval and compliance of Mayor Van Wyck's suggestion, and repair to their respective places of worship to-morrow witr: thanksgiving for the recovery of our worthy President.

C. y

The Presbyterian Church at Holbrook will hold a thanskgiving service to-morrow eve- ning at 7:30, a service of thanks, praise and sermon by the pastor. Similar service will be held in the M. E. Church here to-mor- row morning at 10:30. Sermon by the pastor.

11, a,

LINDENHURST.

s- e- On Sunday morning, September 8, a very impressive service, with prayers for the recovery of President Mckinley, was held at St. John's Lutheran Church. Patriotic mu- en ( sin was rendered very beautifully by the

ar Republican Nomination.

or President of the Borough of Queens,

NRY DOHT.

IRS. J. S. BARNEBEE,

HER OF PIANO AND ORGAN. IRST-CLASS INSTRUCTION AT REASONABLE PRICES.

Fulton Street,

Jamaica, N. Y.

Our: 8/900

AT T J. & T. ALSO , FARMERS

J. J. L(

ET MONEY LOANED ON PERSONAL PROPERTY DIAMONDS, JEWELRY, ETC.

QUEENS BOROUGE Livery and Boarding Sta 19 North Washington Stree near Fulton St., JAMAIC. Telephone, 76 Jamaica.

E. I. BAKER, Successor to Wm. E. Everitt, Prop Coaches, Coupes, Surries and Bt Equipped with Rubber Tir Careful Drivers. FIRST - CLASS ACCOMMODA For Boarding Horses. (All Box Sta OPEN ALL NIGE

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lican in politics and is deservedly popular with the best residents of the county.

Mr. Doht was born in Versmold, Westphalia, in 1858. His father, Frederick Doht, was at one time a merchant of the above place, but later came to America and established himself in New- town, N. Y., where his death occurred. His wife was prior to her marriage Augusta Loeper, a na- tive of Munster. She became the mother of four sons and four daughters, all of whom are now residents of Long Island. Mrs. Doht, however, departed this life in her native land prior to the emigration of the family to the New World.

Henry, of this sketch, was the third in order of birth, and, although coming to America when a lad of thirteen years, had previous to this time attended the public schools of his native land and also carried on his studies for a time in the college at Osnabrück. One son of the family, Theo, pre- ceded the other members of the household to the New World, but in 1871 was joined by our sub- ject, who came hither via Bremen. His honest face readily obtained for him employment and he at once entered upon the duties of clerk in a gro- cery on the corner of Sixth and Tenth Streets, New York City. After an experience of eighteen months, in which he learned the ways of the American people and also became quite con- versant in the English language, he formed a partnership with his brother Theo, and established a meat market in Broadway and Lexington Ave- nue and Ralph Street, Brooklyn. They continued to operate together under the style of Doht Broth- ers for a year and a half, when they disposed of their business and together engaged in the milk business. They were greatly prospered in this undertaking and soon did a large wholesale and retail business, having seven routes in New York and Brooklyn. This was later merged into the dairy business, the brothers locating upon a small farm in Wycoff Avenue, near Myrtle, Brooklyn. They bought good milch cows in Buffalo, N. Y., and on one of their trips into the western por- tion of the state found Cortland County to be so admirably adapted to this business that they es- tablished two creameries there, shipping the pro- duct into the city. They also handled from two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty cans of milk per day, which gives the reader some idea of the enormity of their business. The brothers continued together until our subject was elected sheriff of the county, when he sold out his share to Theo Doht, his partner.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 46

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