Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 48

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 48

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In 1894 Mr. Bergmann built his present brick business block, where he has since successfully en- gaged in retailing liquors. In 1892 he first began doing a bottling business, and has continued it in connection with his present business. He is a member of Advance Lodge, F. & A. M., belongs to the Knights of Pythias and also to the Leider- kranz Frohsinn and Long Island City Turnverein.

F RED WALZ. Prominent among the suc- cessful contractors and builders of Long Island City stands Mr. Walz, who has made a name for always discharging his obliga- tions with truth to his promises. He was born in the twenty-second ward of New York City, April II, 1855, a son of Michael Walz, a native of Stutt- gart, Wurtemberg, Germany. The latter grew up with the usual advantages of the German youth and learned the trade of a millwright, at which he worked until his removal to the New World with his wife and four children. He made

RICHARD C. COLYER.

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his home in New York City until May 18, 1867, when he bought property in Long Island City, here took up his abode, and was here called from life in 1878. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Schule, died in this city in 1891. Of their family, we make the following mention: Michael, a resident of Paterson, N. J., was in the Forty-first New York Regiment during the war; Charles was a member of the Fire Zouaves and was killed at the battle of Williamsburg; Christian was also in the Union service and has never been heard of since; Louis was regularly enlisted in the Union service, served as a teamster, and is now living in Long Island City; Fred is our subject; John H. is the next in order of birth, and one daughter is deceased.

Fred Walz has been a resident of the city in which he now lives since he was three years old, and was educated in the Fourth Ward school. At the age of sixteen he began to learn farming under his father, but later began working at the carpenter's trade, and in 1883 began contracting and building, in partnership with his brother Louis, the firm being known as L. & F. Walz. They were successfully engaged in general con- tracting for about four years, when Louis re- tired and John Walz became associated with our subject. They have been very successful builders and contractors and have erected about forty- five residences in Long Island City, and have drawn the plans for the most of them. Since 1889 Mr. Walz has also been successfully engaged in speculating in real estate. He purchases vacant lots, builds on them, then sells the property. He has shown excellent judgment in this respect and has been successful from a financial standpoint. He has a beautiful residence at No. 214 Briell Street, in the fourth ward, and his home is well known for its hospitality. Mr. Walz was mar- ried in Long Island City to Miss Christine Dey, who was born in Harlem, New York City. They have six children: William F., Alice, Annie, Robert, Charles and Alwin. In his political pro- clivities Mr. Walz has always been a Republican.

R ICHARD C. COLYER, a well known resi- dent and farmer of Woodbury, Queens County, is descended from Theodorus Col- yer, who, with two brothers, Abraham and Jacob- us, came to this country from Holland many years ago. Theodorus had one son, John, born March 29, 1729, who married Sarah Whitman. They

became the parents of five children: Mary B., born December 20, 1754; Charles B., December 15, 1756; Phoebe, December 9, 1760; Amy, May 2, 1765, and Charles (second), born March 27, 1769. Charles (second) married Martha Whit- son, who was born April 21, 1770, and their chil- dren were Stephen, Sarah, Richard, John, Zebu- lon W., Charles, Abraham, Phoebe, Jacob, Israel, Martha, Ruth W. and Rachel, ten of whom lived to rear families. It is related of Charles Colyer, son of John, and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, that during the Revolutionary War, when a lad of twelve years, while leading his horses to water, he was discovered by British offi- cers who were "pressing" horses for the service of the crown, and although commanded to stop and deliver the animals, he galloped rapidly away with them, and although fired upon he succeeded in safely making his escape, his horses being the only ones in the vicinity not captured. These same officers afterwards met him, commended him for his bravery and gave him a silver piece. Although Charles Colyer owned several thousand acres of land on the south side of the island, he decided to become a teacher, and at the age of sixteen years began following that occupation and at the same time studied and practiced surveying, becoming one of the best known surveyors in Suffolk County. Soon after reaching man's es- tate he was appointed justice of the peace, which office he held continuously until his death, at the age of forty-six. His body rests in the family cemetery at Melville.

Charles Colyer, son of the above, and father of our subject, was born December 23, 1799, at Round Swamp, town of Huntington, Suffolk County, on a portion of the "Bethpage Purchase," a tract of land purchased by Thomas Powellsen, August 18, 1695, from four Indian chiefs: Mau- mee, Elias Serewanos, William Chepy, Sewru- shung and Mamussum. In 1755 Theodorus Col- yer purchased some of the land of Mr. Powell March 5, 1822, Charles Colyer was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Richard Van Wyck, and granddaughter of Thodorus Van Wyck, a de- scendant of Cornelius Barentese Van Wyck, a member of a noble family of Holland, who came to America in 1660. Soon after his marriage Mr. Colyer bought a farm in Woodbury, which was his home throughout life, and is now the home of his son, Richard C. He was always known as Captain Colyer, having held that rank in the state militia for many years. In politics he was

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first an old line Whig, but later became a Repub- lican and held a number of local offices. He was a member of the Society of Friends and died in that faith, April 9, 1878, when almost eighty years old. The parental family included six chil- dren: Martha, born June 8, 1823, became the wife of Nelson Monfort; Charles W., born Feb- ruary 15, 1825, married Mary Duryea May 22, 1844, and died December 8, 1868; Mary E., born July 8, 1827, became the wife of Francis Sammis, May 23, 1844, died December 7, 1862: Miriam, born July 25, 1834, is the wife of Ezra Smith; Sarah J., born June 7, 1843, is the wife of Ketcham Buffett; and Richard C. was born April 4, 1845, September 28, 1870, he married Alice O., daugh- ter of Francis M. A. Wicks, who was for many years justice of the peace, judge and county treasurer of Suffolk County.

The boyhood days of Richard C. Colyer were spent on the farm on which he was born, and which has been his home up to the present time. He received a liberal education, and upon reach- ing manhood was earnestly urged by some of his associates to go with them to the West and seek his fortune, but being the youngest of his par- ents' family and the only son living, he con- sidered duty before inclination and remained with his parents. At an early age he took a decided stand on questions relating to morality and has been an earnest and uncompromising worker in the cause of temperance. When still a young man he was one of several in his vicinity to organ- ize a local temperance society, of which he was chosen president, and this office he held for several years. The result of his individual efforts and that of the society was to banish the three saloons in the neighborhood and establish a sentiment throughout the neighborhood, making the traffic in alcoholic liquors impossible since that time. Since boyhood Mr. Colyer has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has ever been a zealous worker and official. The cause of education has also received a share of his attention, as for twenty years he has been a school trustee, and for ten years treasurer of his school board.

In 1879 Mr. Colyer was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for four successive years, and administered so wisely and so well that he met with universal approbation. His pol- icy was always pacific, and he always effected a settlement of difficulties without trial when possi- ble. At the time of his election he was the only

Republican elected in the town, as the Demo- crats were largely in the ascendency. In 1887 he was elected assessor of Oyster Bay, was re- elected in 1881 and subsequently was nominated for supervisor, but was defeated, and in 1895 was appointed notary public by Governor Morton. He has always been a Republican, is a member of the district committee, and in 1893 was ap- pointed one of a committee of three to organize the Long Island Farmers' Club at Jamaica in the interests of the farmers of Long Island. Since its establishment he has held the office of vice president. He was also one of the organizers of the Huntington, Norwalk and Bridgeport Steam Ferry Company, in which he has been a stockholder and director since its organization. Socially, he is a member of Woodbury Lodge No. 97, I. O. G. T. Mr. Colyer's family consists of the following children: Charles F., Richard E., a student in Hackettston Collegiate Institute; Nelson Van Wyck, and Mary R. Mr. Colyer's aged mother makes her home with him, and, though ninety-two years old, is well preserved.

W ILLIAM JOHNSON. The business men of Corona are well known throughout Queens County as worthy of high esteem on account of their thoroughgoing integrity, their active enterprise and their prompt- ness in responding to the necessities of a business life. They have advanced the financial interests of the village and brought it to a flourishing con- dition in trade, through their efforts not only enhancing their own success but materially ad- vancing the interests of their co-workers through- out this locality.

A Swede by birth, the subject of this notice was born in Linkoping, East Gottland, June II, 1855, being a son of John and Katharina (Karl- son) Johnson. In his boyhood years he assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm, meantime receiving instruction from a private tutor. When eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, at which he served an apprentice- ship of four years. During this time he received only his board for two years, the third year was given board and some clothing, and the fourth was paid wages. At the expiration of his ap- prenticeship he secured a position as foreman with the same firm, getting a fair salary.

December 11, 1877, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Sophie Clausson, a native

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of East Gottland. Unto them were born six chil- dren, of whom all but one are living. The eldest, Hilma Cecilia, married Charles Bernson, and lives in Corona; Robert, the second born, is a native of this country, his birth having occurred in New York City March 27, 1881; Claus B. was born in New York September 8, 1883; Charles George, in Brooklyn, February 3, 1886; John Frederick, in Corona, June 13, 1888; and Emil A., who was born March 2, 1890, died October 22, 1892.

In 1880 Mr. Johnson came to America and 'settled in New York City, where he followed his trade until 1883, going thence to Brooklyn. In 1886 he came to Corona, where he now devotes his attention to contracting and building. His work takes him to various parts of the island and among his customers are some of the best people in this part of the state. In his contracts he is honest and efficient, and every transaction is above-board. Politically he has not identified himself with any party, but has maintained inde- pendent, liberal views, and has at no time sought ·official positions at the hands of his fellow-citizens. In childhood he attended the Lutheran Church, but is now connected with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, being one of the earnest workers at Corona. During the summer months he con- ducts a Sunday-school in the Swedish language for the benefit of those who wish to learn it.

B ENJAMIN WINGROVE, president of the board of aldermen, and one of the oldest residents of German Settlement, Astoria, was born in the parish of Penn, Buckingham- shire, England, November 17, 1846. His father, William, was a son of Edmund Wingrove, a lath manufacturer and vender, and was born in the parish of Penn, where his life was principally passed. He held the position of second steward on Lord Howe's estate until his death in 1847, when he was in the prime of life. His marriage united him with Mary Butcher, who was a life- long resident of England, and who, at her hus- band's death, took upon herself the responsibility of rearing her son and two daughters, fitting them for useful and honorable positions in the business and social world.

The first thirteen years of the life of our subject were passed in his native place, where he attended school during the winter and worked on farms in the summer. At that age he went to Twick-

enham, where he was apprenticed to the wheel- wright's trade. Two years later he went to Lon- don, where for a similar period he worked at his trade. In 1867 he crossed the Atlantic, reach- ing New York on the 24th of April without friends or relatives, and with only thirty-six cents in his pocket. On the Ist of May following, he began to work in the fourth ward, Long Island City, where he was first employed by Taylor & Co., and later by Schwarts & Son. At the time of locating here, some lands that are now platted into city lots and have been improved by busi- ness blocks or dwelling houses, were then util- ized for farming purposes. The steady develop- ment and progress of the place he has witnessed with interest and to it he has contributed. Among the improvements made by him may be men- tioned the three-story brick block, with a frontage of fifty feet, situated on Broadway and Ninth Avenue.

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Win- grove in Long Island City in January, 1868, was Miss Johanna Schmidt, a native of Bunde, West- phalia, Germany, where her parents, Christian and Johanna (Busse) Schmidt, were also born. Her father, who was a commissioned officer in the Napoleonic wars, was an attorney by profes- sion, and died in early life. He was twice mar- ried, and by his second wife, mother of Mrs. Win- grove, he had four children, two of whom at- tained mature years. In her native land Mrs. Wingrove learned the trade of a milliner. In 1866 she came to America, joining her brother, Herman Schmidt, in New York City. In the spring of 1872 she opened a millinery and dry goods store, which was the first of its kind in Astoria. Though at first small, the stock was gradually enlarged until the trade is now the larg- est of any store in the neighborhood. In 1881 the stock wa, removed to the present building, which was the first brick structure in Broadway, and here she has since carried on a profitable trade.

Three daughters, Mary, Augusta and Adelaide, comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wingrove. The family is popular and prominent in social cir- cles, and its members enjoy the respect of their associates. In the work of the German Lutheran Church Mrs. Wingrove has taken an active part, and at one time she served as president of the Woman's Society. The interest taken by Mr. Wingrove in educational matters proves that he is progressive in spirit. Elected school trustee,

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he was instrumental in securing the erection of the school house in Ninth Avenue, which was the first ever built by the city. Later he served as school commissioner under Mayor Petry. A Democrat in politics, he was elected to represent the fourth ward on the board of aldermen in the fall of 1887 and served two years. In 1891 he was nominated for alderman-at-large and was elected by a majority of twelve hundred. Two years later he was elected by seven hundred majority, and had the honor of leading his ticket. In 1895 lie was chosen president of the board. Prior to this he served as chairman of the public works com- mittee. In 1894 he was chairman of the Jeffer- sonian Democratic general committee, and is still a member, also chairman of the fourth ward gen- eral committee. In 1894 he was a delegate to the state convention of his party, and he has also attended many of the local conventions.

While a member of the council Mr. Wingrove was among the first to start the Vernon and Jack- son Avenue and the Broadway improvements, and in that line his labors have been very effective. Since the organization of the general improve- ment committee he has served as one of its mem- bers and in every way possible he has aided all measures tending to the welfare of the place and the development of its material interests. In the organization of the Long Island City Building and Loan Association he took a leading part, and has been one of its trustees from the first. So- cially he is connected with a number of fraternal organizations, including Enterprise Lodge No. 22, K. P., at Astoria.

J JOHN L. ASKEY, a prominent contractor of New York City, makes his home in Astoria, and with his family occupies one of the fin- est residences in Grand Avenue. He was born in Devon, England, in 1842, the son of William Askey, also a native of the British Isle, and a mason by trade. The paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of William, spent his entire life in his native land and served for many years as a soldier in the English army.

Several of the brothers and sisters of our sub- ject came to America before the parents, the lat- ter joining them here in 1867. The father found work at his trade, and after beginning contracting on his own account was thus employed until his death, which occurred in New York when he was past sixty years of age. His wife, Eliza

Lapthorn, was also born in Devon, England, and departed this life in the metropolis. She became the mother of seven children, of whom five are living, three of the sons making their home in Long Island City, one in New York and the fifth in England.

John L., who was the eldest of the family, was reared in Plymouth, where he attended the pub- lic schools for a time. When only ten years old he began working at the mason's trade under his father, and, upon attaining his majority, was taken into partnership. In 1866 John L. emigrated to America and spent the following four years in working at his trade. He then formed a partnership with a Mr. Browning, and for six or seven years contracted under the firm name of Askey & Browning. The connection was then dissolved and our subject has since continued alone. Mr. Askey erected the Osborne flats, a thirteen-story building in New York, and also received the contract for the building of Proctor's Theater in Fifty-eighth Street. His services have been greatly in demand, not only in the metropolis but in many of the larger cities of the adjoining states. He erected the hospital in Jersey City, besides other public and private buildings too numerous to mention. During the busy season he gives employment to over one hundred men, and even with that large force finds it very difficult to keep up with the work. He has built for himself numerous flat and tenement houses in New York in Avenue B, Second Ave- nue, and One Hundred and Fifth Street, all of which he has sold with the exception of two. As we stated in our opening paragraph, he owns and occupies one of the finest residences in the place. The dwelling, which is a large and modern struc- ture, is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, which greatly adds to its attractiveness.

Mr. Askey was married in England to Miss Fannie Thomas, also a native of Devon, and to them have been born nine children, of whom Emily is now Mrs. William Robinson, of Phila- delphia, Pa .; Minnie, John H., Charles, Mabel, William, Elsie, Arthur and George, are at home with their parents. In 1882 Mr. Askey located in Long Island City and has made Astoria bis home ever since.

Our subject is a zealous and active member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is trustee. He took a very prominent part in affairs during the erection of their new edifice and was a member of the building committee. In

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politics he is a Republican in national affairs, but in local politics prefers to give his support to the best man, regardless of party lines. He belongs to the Employers and Builders' League of New York City, and takes an active part in the work- ings of the same.

J OSEPH H. BENNETT. In this business man of Corona we find an example of what may be accomplished by a youth thrown upon his own resources, and following the line of industry, honesty and prudence. As a boy he had comparatively few advantages, his school days being limited, nor had he the advantage of wealth to help him in securing success. At one time his father was a man of large means, but dur- ing the Civil War he lost almost all he had and the family was plunged into poverty.

Born in New York City, October 5, 1857, the subject of this notice is a son of Joseph H. and Margaret A. (Dawson) Bennett. His father, who was a dealer in meat, had his place of business in New York, where he was born and spent his life. At one time, as before stated, he was wealthy, but during the Rebellion he raised a company of volunteers and went through the war, losing most of his property. Upon his re- turn home he again went into the meat business and continued in that line until his death, fifteen years later.

The youngest child in the family was the sub- ject of this sketch. At the age of twelve he began to work for himself, securing employment in the revenue service, and going on board the revenue cutter "Hugh H. Mccullough." Going South, he was at Savannah, Ga., and other places, on the lookout for filibustering expeditions. A year was thus spent, after which he returned to New York and secured work in driving horses for exercise preparatory to trotting races. For seven years he lived in the house of the party owning the horses, after which he went to work in a type foundry, and remained there sixteen years, being promoted from the lowest place in the foundry until finally he became city salesman. The form- ing of the type trust caused him to leave that work and enter his present business in August, 1893.

The marriage of Mr. Bennett, June 1, 1881. united him with Miss Mary R. Lawrence, who was born and educated in Corona, and is a daugh- ter of Elliott and Harriet (Anderton) Lawrence.

One child blesses the union, Emma, born January 17, 1883. In political matters our subject is inde- pendent, and has never held nor sought office, his time being entirely taken up with business inat- ters. In religious connections he is a member of the Union Evangelical Church. Socially he is a member of the American Legion of Honor, in which he has served as guide. A careful and conscientious business man, he has endeavored to adhere strictly to the dictates of his own con- science in matters both of a public and private nature, and has won the respect of his fellowmen.

H IGBIE W. WRIGHT. The record of this gentleman as an agriculturist and as a citizen reflects great credit upon the town of Jamaica, where he resides. As a man of gen- uine public spirit he interests himself in every- thing that will in any way promote its welfare. and contributes liberally toward all plans for im- provement. Although he is interested in public affairs, he finds his chief enjoyment in the devel- opment of his farm, which is located on the Springfield road, about half way between Jamaica and Springfield.

A native of this county, our subject was born in Rockville Center, August 15, 1835, and is a son of James and Letitia (Wright) Wright. His fath- er, who was born and reared in Rockville Center, followed the trade of a wheelwright in addition to the occupation of a farmer, being thus engaged until his death at the age of fifty-nine. He was an active member of the Methodist Church and a man whose religion was carried into the every- day affairs of life. His father, Langdon Wright, a farmer and wheelwright, followed both occupa- tions through his long and useful life, passing away at the age of nearly eighty.

In the common schools the subject of this no- tice gained a fair education, to which he after- ward added by thoughtful reading of current papers and periodicals. Shortly after commenc ing for himself as an independent farmer he was married, November 21, 1858, to Miss Letty Ann Hendrickson, and they soon removed to a small place which he had bought. Fourteen days after settling there, however, his father died and this changed the course of his life, necessitating his return to his old home. Accordingly he gave up his newly purchased home and took charge o: the old farm, which, after one year's residence there was sold. He then removed to Springfield

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and for two years engaged in farming in partner- ship with his father-in-law, Nicholas Hendrick- son. Afterward he purchased a farm adjoining his present home and there he erected a house and continued to make his home until 1889. He then purchased his present place, and after erect- ing a commodious residence thereon, brought his family to the new home.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 48

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