Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 51

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 51

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Since 1891 Dr. MacPherson has been a resi- dent physician at College Point, to which place he came from New York, his native city. He was born July 2, 1860, and was given splendid educa- tional advantages in youth, attending the Uni- versity of New York, from which he graduated in 1887. For one and one-half years he was physi- cian in the Newark City Hospital, after which, de- siring to perfect himself in his profession, he went to Germany and carried on his studies there for one year under the best instructors. On his re- turn to New York he was for two years con-

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WILLIAM W. GILLEN.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nected with the surgical clinics in the Presby- terian Hospital, where he perfected himself in surgery. On coming to College Point, he bought out the practice of a physician and has since en- gaged in practice here.

In addition to his general practice Dr. Mac- Pherson is physician to the Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is also examiner for several first-class insurance companies. He is interested in everything per- taining to his profession and is identified with the New York Mutual Aid Association. In religious belief he is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. He and his wife, who was formerly Miss Esther Smith, have two children, named Dorothy and Ronold.

W ILLIAM W. GILLEN, a prominent lawyer of Queens County, was born in the city of New York, January 24, 1853. His father, Francis Gillen, was also a native of that city, where he was engaged in the forwarding business. His mother was a member of one of the oldest families of Long Island, her ancestors having emigrated from England in the early part of the seventeenth century. One of these ances- tors, a Mr. Messenger, was engaged in the con- struction of the old Presbyterian Church in Ja- maica, which was the first church edifice built by that denomination in America. Mrs. Gillen, whose maiden name was Mary Row, is still living and resides in Brooklyn.

After the death of his father Mr. Gillen made his home with his uncle, Henry W. Rowland, afterwards supervisor of the town of Jamaica, in which town he received his education, graduating from the high school. In 1871, and for a period of five years thereafter, he was employed in his uncle's store at Queens, thus acquiring a prac- tical and valuable knowledge of mercantile life. During the year 1876 he secured a position in the Queens County surrogate's office, of which office the late Alexander Hayner was then, and for sev- eral years afterward, the incumbent, and under the preceptorship of that well-known and eminent jurist he entered upon the study of the law and was admitted to the bar in the year 1879.

For twenty consecutive years, and under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Mr. Gillen has been connected with the surrogate's office, and since 1885 has been the chief clerk, a position which he still holds. Although a con-

sistent Republican, his conceded experience and ability, together with his accurate knowledge of the theory and practice of the law relating to the business of the court, have merited and received the appreciation of surrogates of both political faiths and have made his retention desirable and of great value to his official superiors as well as to the people of the county. He is also highly es- teemed by the general public, with whom he comes into daily personal contact quite as much as, if not more than, any public official, and his popularity with all classes of citizens is well known.

Mr. Gillen is a stockholder and director of the Bank of Jamaica, and a trustee of the Jamaica Savings Bank. Besides occupying these and other positions of trust and responsibility he is also closely identified with various important lo- cal interests. As a lawyer he ranks among the best in the county. Careful and painstaking, well- grounded in the principles of the law, and loyal to the interests of his clients, he has been conspic- uously successful in the practice of his chosen profession. He makes no specialties, but is a strong general practitioner, presenting his cases with directness and ability before both court and jury.

May 4, 1880, Mr. Gillen married Miss Isabelle Cary, a member of one of the oldest and best- known families in Jamaica. They are the parents of one child, Gwendolin Palmer. Mr. Gillen be- longs to no secret societies, but spends his leisure time chiefly with his family, to whom he is de- voted. He may, however, be occasionally seen for an hour or two in the early evening at the Jamaica Club, of which he is a member.

W ILLIAM H. JONES. Among the worthy and respected residents of Rockville Center is this worthy gen- tleman, who comes from one of the old families of the island. The greater part of his life has been spent in business in the city of Brooklyn, al- though he located upon his beautiful estate in this place in 1883, having purchased it the previous year. He has met with a flattering measure of success in his various occupations and is now en- abled to live in ease and comfort and enjoy the good things of this life.

Mr. Jones was born at Brooklyn in 1841, and is the son of Elbert and Mary J. (Seaman) Jones, also natives of the island, where they spent their

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entire lives. The father embarked in life as an agriculturist and met with fair success in the prosecution of his work. He departed this life when our subject was a child and was followed to the land beyond by his wife three years later. Being thus doubly orphaned when young, Wil- liam H. made his home near the old place with his grandparents until eighteen years of age, during which time he attended the district school and became well informed. He then began to work for his uncle in the flour and feed business in Brooklyn, in which venture they were successful far beyond their expectations. Subsequently Mr. Jones embarked in the coal and wood business, carrying on this industry for a period of twenty- six years, only disposing of it in 1895 when he re- tired. His enterprising methods, combined with shrewdness and good judgment, placed him on the road to success and gained for him an honor- able reputation. As before stated, he has made his home in this place since 1883, and is well and favorably known.

The marriage of Mr. Jones with Miss Alma, daughter of Benjamin and Jemima Seaman, oc- curred in 1861. Of the children born to them five survive, namely: Mary Emma; Edith, the wife of Clarence D. Davison; Alice, the wife of Winfield Davison; Elbert B. and Townsend S. During their residence in Brooklyn Mr. and Mrs. Jones united with the Congregational Church. In politics the former is a stanch Republican.

I ISAAC ELBERT BRINKERHOFF, former- ly one of the well-to-do and progressive agri- culturists of Queens County, was born on the farm where his family still reside, November 13, 1835. His parents were Daniel and Phebe (Bo- gart) Brinkerhoff, also tillers of the soil. Isaac E., like most of the lads of his day and commun- ity, acquired his education in the district school, after which he gave his entire attention to as- sisting his father to carry on the home place un- til his marriage in February, 1863, which united him with Miss Agnes L. Woodhull, who was born at Wading River, Suffolk County. Her parents were Egbert B. and Angeline W. (Edwards) Woodhull, widely and favorably known in the eastern portion of the island.

After his marriage our subject continued to make his home on the old homestead, which he inherited on the death of his father. This he worked after the most approved methods and

the result of each year's labor was exceedingly satisfactory. Having been reared to a full un- derstanding of farming he was thoroughly quali -. fied to take charge of the place when it was nec- cessary to make a change, and to this industry he gave his entire time and attention until he too was called to the land beyond.

To Mr. and Mrs. Brinkerhoff there were born four children, of whom three are now living, Ab- ram S., Elbert B. and Eloise Freeman. In politics our subject was independent and would not al- low himself to be tied to any particular party, al- though he rather inclined toward the principles advocated by the Republican party. He was a true Christian gentleman and at the time of his de- cease, in April, 1891, was a working member of the Reformed Church, with which he had been identified for many years.

It will doubtless be of interest to the reader to learn something regarding the Brinkerhoff fam- ily, which is one of the oldest and most influential on the island. The first account we have is of one Joris Brinkerhoff and his son Abram Joris and grandson, also bearing the given name of Joris, who came to America in 1638 from Flushing, Holland. The last-named was the father of Hen- drick, who in turn was the father of Joris, the father of Daniel, the father of Hendrick, the father of Jacob, the father of Daniel, who was the father of Isaac, of this sketch.

Joris Brinkerhoff, the first-named, was the father of three sons and one daughter. Abram, the eldest of his household, was born in 1632, and May 20, 1660, he was married to Antye Striker and to them were born three sons. Of these Abraham (second) settled at Newtown, L. I .; Hendrick made his home in Hackensack, N. J .; and Derick was murdered by the Indians while on Grovers Island. It is from the eldest son that the Brinkerhoffs on Long Island are descended, also those of this name living in Dutchess County, N. Y. Joris, the eldest son of Abraham (second), was born in 1664. He married Antye Striker, whose birth occurred August 19, 1665. To them was born a family of ten children, of whom Hen- drick was born January 2, 1709. He married Lametia Rapelye and became the father of eight children, of whom his eldest, Daniel, was born October 26, 1734. He chose Miss Ann Montfort for his wife and they were married April 3, 1756. This lady was born July 3, 1732. Their union was blessed by the birth of nine children, of whom Jacob was born August 27, 1766, and April 28,

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1793, he married Miss Anatje Brinkerhoff, whose birth occurred February 7, 1772. To them were granted four children, of whom Daniel, born January 24, 1799, married Phebe Bogart, March II, 1829. They had two children, the elder of whom, Phebe Ann, married Hobart Woolley, and the other was Isaac of this history.

USTUS O. LINKLETTER, a most highly respected resident of Manhasset, was born near Almond, Allegany County, N. Y., June 29, 1839. His parents were John and Sarah (On- derdonk) Linkletter, the former of whom was a native of Steuben County, this state. He was a prosperous farmer, and when our subject was a lad of six years he moved to Nunda, Livingston County, in order that he might provide him with better advantages for obtaining an education. After several years' attendance at the public schools, Justus O. entered Nunda Institute at twelve years of age, and after completing the course there became a student in Eastman's Business College at Rochester, from which he was graduated.

When his school days were over our subject be- gan clerking in a drug store, holding a good posi- tion until about the year 1862, when he resigned and went to Chicago, where he was clerk for a Mr. McPherson in the drug trade for three years, when he was taken in as partner. After they had continued together for about eight years our sub- ject embarked in the wholesale drug business with Tolman & King, remaining thus engaged until October, 1871, when he was burned out by the great fire of that year. Upon making an in- voice of his possessions after that calamity befell him, he found that he had but $25. With this he paid his way out of the city and located in Cairo, Ill., where he was engaged as clerk and book- keeper in a wholesale drug house for a time. In the meantime his father had moved to Barry County, Mich., and after a visit there he, in 1876, returned East and was married to Miss Annie B. Onderdonk, with whom he had been in corre- spondence for about three years. He had never met this lady, but having been thrown in the company of one bearing the same name in Gales- burg, Ill., and as his mother was also an Onder- donk, he wrote to the lady of Long Island and their acquaintance finally ripened into love and they were married. The young couple then went West, and after a few months were induced to re-

turn to the island by the relatives of Mrs. Linklet- ter. They finally located at North Hempstead, where our subject has made his home ever since. Five years prior to the death of Mrs. Linkletter, which occurred February 7, 1885, she became the mother of a son, George, who is an active and businesslike young man and gives every prom- ise of making a name for himself in the business world. The lady to whom our subject chose for his second companion was Miss Catherine E. On- derdonk, a sister of his first wife, and they were married in 1887.

In politics Mr. Linkletter is a Republican, cast- ing his first presidential vote in 1860 for Lincoln.

Of the Onderdonk family there were the tra- ditional three brothers who came to America from Holland, one settling on Long Island, one in New York City, and the third in Rockland County. Our subject's grandfather, George Link- letter, who was of Scotch descent, was a native of Orange County, this state, and later became a resident of Steuben County, where he was active- ly and prosperously engaged in farming.

S IGMUND WARSHING. No professional or commercial pursuits afford better oppor- tunities to men of ability and enterprise than those embodied in real estate and fire insur- ance, a notable example of advancement in this direction being illustrated in the record of Mr. Warshing, a real estate agent, notary public and general insurance agent at Arverne. Mr. Warsh- ing has been a resident of this thriving place since 1887, and although but a short time in his pres- ent business has succeeded in a larger measure than many old and long practicing concerns. He erected his present house in Arverne when the section contained few houses, and came to this place from New York City, where he was a real estate broker.

Mr. Warshing was born May 28, 1843, in New York City, and received excellent educational ad- vantages. His father, who was a successful mer- chant of New York City, came to this country from Bavaria in the same ship that brought John Jacob Astor. He died in Norwalk, Conn., where he had a lovely summer residence, when seven- ty-one years old. His wife, formerly Miss Ella Bachmann of Bavaria, died when seventy-seven years old. Two of their five children are now liv- ing. Our subject, the younger of the two, first began his career as a real estate agent in New

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York City in the year 1880. He built up a good business, but on account of ill-health he came to Long Island, and here he has remained for the most part since. He now enjoys excellent health and has met with the best of success in his various enterprises.

Mr. Warshing was married in New York City to Miss Maria Peck, who is of Scotch-Irish ori- gin, and they have one child, Ella Madelaine, who was named after her two grandmothers and is a bright and attractive little girl. In politics Mr. Warshing is a Democrat. He is not a speculator, but a legitimate, first-class real estate dealer, and if he finds a good bargain he offers it to his clients and does not buy it himself for speculation. He is a thorough gentleman and can be depended on.

A UGUST BORGES, junior member of the firm of Borges Brothers, and one of the well-known business men of Woodside, was born in New York City, June 16, 1856. At the age of twenty-two, having previously learned the butcher's trade, he established himself in busi- ness at No. 555 Greenwich Street and this enter- prise he carried on for some four years. On dis- posing of that place, he became a member of the firm of Borges Brothers at Woodside.

In 1886 Mr. Borges was united in marriage with Miss Lena Pabst of New York City. Six children were born of their union, of whom all but one are living. They are William, Frank, Louisa, Genevieve and Dorothy. While not an active par- tisan, Mr. Borges always votes the Democratic ticket. In religion he is a Catholic and belongs to the Catholic League of Astoria.

H ENRY J. BORGES of the firm of Borges Brothers, grocers and meat dealers at Woodside, was born in New York City, March 18, 1854, and is a son of Frank and Minnie (Schnelle) Borges, whose eight children, four sons and four daughters, are all living. His father, a native of Germany, learned the trade of a tailor in his native land, and on coming to America at the age of twenty-eight years found employment at his chosen occupation. Later, on account of trouble with his hands, he was com- pelled to abandon work at the trade. After a short period of work in the New York market, he embarked in the market and produce business for himself, and this he carried on until, years later,

he turned the management of affairs over to his sons, retiring from active participation in busi- ness matters.

After having for some years attended the pub- lic schools of New York City, our subject, at the age of about eighteen, became a partner in his father's establishment, the firm name being Frank Borges & Son. After some five years of success- ful work, with our subject as the business man- ager, they disposed of the place at a fair profit. Mr. Borges then formed a partnership with his father-in-law under the firm title of Borges & Tie- mann and in 1877 opened his present quarters. Six years later Mr. Tiemann withdrew from the firm and shortly afterward our subject's brother August was taken into partnership, the firm be- coming Borges Brothers. Since that time the house has become one of the leading grocery stores and meat markets in this section, this suc- cess being due to the fact that the members of the firm are thoroughly wideawake and progressive merchants.

February II, 1877, Mr. Borges married Miss Margaret Tiemann, and eight children were born of the union, of whom the following five sur- vive: Louisa, an accomplished young lady who graduated with high honors from the Woodside school; Henry T., August, Mary and Joseph. Po- litically Mr. Borges is a Democrat and in relig- ious views a Catholic. Since 1892 he has been treasurer of the school board and he has always been a stanch friend to liberal education.

UGO KIRCHNER. H That enterprise, push, industry and determination neces- sary to a successful career in any business are possessed in an eminent degree by the subject of this sketch, whose high reputation and wide ac- quintance in business circles stamp him as a gen- tleman with whom business relations must be profitable and pleasant to all concerned. He is the proprietor of a modern bakery, located on the corner of Seventh Avenue and Fifteenth Street, College Point, and aside from keeping on hand a large stock of fresh bread, cake and pies, he re- ceives special orders for fancy baking for wed- dings, parties, etc. Mr. Kirchner has mastered every detail of this business, which he has con- ducted for nine years in College Point, and for a decade prior to coming hither he was in the same business in New York City.

Our subject is of German birth and parentage.

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He was born September 6, 1860, to Otto and An- istenia Kirchner, also natives of the Fatherland, where the former was a tailor by trade. There Hugo received a good education and lived until a lad of sixteen years, when he bade farewell to his relatives and friends and embarked on a vessel which was bound for the shores of the New World. He did not loiter long after landing in this country, but the following day went to work for a baker. Finding this a pleasant occupation he decided to learn the business.

Mr. Kirchner was married October 12, 1884, to Miss Katie Schneider of College Point, who survived her marriage seven years. Our subject chose as his second companion Lizzie Wilhelm, who was born in Germany. By his first union Mr. Kirchner became the father of a son, Henry, who is now his assistant in the bakery. Of his second marriage there were born two sons, Arthur and Fritz. In politics he is a true blue Republican, but has given his attention so entirely to his busi- ness that he has never desired or had time to hold office. In religious affairs he and his wife are regular attendants and members of the Lutheran Church, which he supports with liberal contribu- tions.

H ENRY W. ALLEN, a retired farmer of Great Neck, was born January 3, 1836, about one mile from his present place of residence, his parents being Hiram and Harriet (Allen) Allen. His ancestors were represented among the early settlers of the island, having made location here some time in the seventeenth century, and his father was born on the same homestead where his own eyes first opened to the light. He was reared on the farm, and his father's death left him, a boy of sixteen, the old- est of four children, and it may be said to his credit that he tenderly cared for his widowed mother and wisely provided for and directed the younger children until the former passed away and the latter were able to care for themselves. His brother, John, who was next to himself in order of birth, died of the cholera in 1854, so that the management of the estate fell mostly to our subject. He remained at home, his mother keeping house for him until she died in 1873.

March 27, 1879, Mr. Allen was united in mar- riage with Miss Harriet H. Hewlett, daughter of Henry H. and Cornelia M. (Allen) Hewlett, of Manhasset. After the death of his mother, in

1873, the homestead was sold and the same year he began to drive a market wagon for his brother, continuing in that way for a year, after which he was employed as a gardener for a similar period. For six years after his marriage he engaged in fishing, but the enterprise did not prove pecuni- arily profitable and he turned his attention in another direction. For a few years he clerked in Mr. Hayden's store, and then moved to the place where he now makes his home. Interested in public affairs, he was so anxious to vote for John C. Fremont for President in 1856 that he cast his ballot before he was twenty-one. Since then he has voted for each succeeding Republican candi- date. At one time he filled the position of excise commissioner, but with that exception has never mingled actively in public affairs.

F ERDINAND KOCH, the proprietor of a first-class meat market on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Thirteenth Street, Col- lege Point, gives the best of satisfaction to his customers. He is thoroughly reliable and strict- ly business-like in all his dealings, and gives his attention to the details of every department of the business. Mr. Koch is well known in this com- munity as excise commissioner, the duties of which office he discharges in a competent man- ner.

Like many of the best residents of Queens County, our subject was born in Germany, the date thereof being December 13, 1846. He was well educated in his native tongue, and prior to coming to America, when a young man of twen- ty-two years, learned the details of the business in which he is now engaged. For a time he made his home in Williamsburg, but on making a trip to College Point, saw a good opening for his busi- ness and located here in 1868. He possessed but little of this world's goods when he came hither, but being determined and industrious, it was not long before he was the proprietor of a flourishing establishment, which grew in favor with the resi- dents of the place, until now he has a fine class of customers.

Ferdinand Koch and Miss Elizabeth Haubeil were united in marriage in 1870. Mrs. Koch comes from one of the oldest families on the island, the settlement in America dating back many generations. Her union with our subject has been blessed by the birth of thirteen children, seven of whom are living. namely: Helma,

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Adolph, Julius, Johanna, Clara, Augusta and Hugo. They have all been given the best ad- vantages for acquiring an education and the sons are now the efficient assistants of the father in his business.

Our subject takes a deep interest in the prog- ress and development of College Point, which he is now serving for the third term as excise commissioner. He is a Democrat in politics and an active worker in the party here. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men, belongs to the Foresters, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the volunteer fire depart- ment and various social clubs. Mr. Koch is quite a musician and an active member of some of the best singing societies in this community. A gen- ial German-American citizen, he is prominent in his community, and with his estimable wife is re- spected by all who know him.

G EORGE MATHEWS. Among the prom- inent citizens of Great Neck we wish to mention Mr. Mathews, who is one of the best florists on the island. He is a native of Scot- land, having been born at Forfarshire, June 10, 1851. His parents were George and Ellen (Ness) Mathews, also of Scotch birth. George was reared in his native land and there given a good education in the common schools of his neigh- borhood. Prior to attaining his majority he learned the business in which he is now engaged, and, hoping to find a more profitable field in America, in 1872 he emigrated. to this country. The voyage hither was a very stormy one and occupied fifteen days.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 51

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