Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 56

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 56

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The first marriage of Mr. Mclaughlin oc- curred in New York in October, 1866, at which time he chose for his wife Miss Elizabeth Galla- gher. At the time of her death she left three chil- dren, two of whom survive: Mary E., at home; and Charles J., in business in New York City. The second marriage of our subject occurred July 30, 1876, and united him with Miss Julia A. Kelley, who was born in Astoria and educated in New York. After completing her studies she en- gaged in teaching, and for several years prior to her union with our subject had been principal of the Second Ward school. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Laughlin are the parents of eight children, all of whom are at home and named respectively: Jos-

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eph J., Annie H., Mathew F., Gracie M., Thomas C., James F., Julia A. and Marion S.

Mr. McLaughlin has always taken a very ac- tive part in public affairs, and in 1871 was ap- pointed a member of the police commission by Mayor Ditmars. Two years later he was the suc- cessful candidate for alderman of his ward and such satisfaction did he give his constituents that he was retained in office for four successive terms. During that time he served on many important committees, always having the interest of the city at heart. In 1883 he was elected supervisor of his district, and on the expiration of his term of two years, retired from political life. In national politics he is a Democrat and at various times has been chairman of the general committee of Long Island City. He is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Raphael's Church. During the building of the splendid edifice occupied by the Catholics here services were held for six months in the hall which he owns adjoining his hotel.

C HARLES CURTIS WOODRUFF, who has been very successful in his business as contractor and builder, is one of the most substantial and enterprising men of Hun- ter's Point. He is a native of New Jersey, and was born at Elizabeth July 9, 1861. His father, Charles Augustus Woodruff, was also a native of that city. This family, which was a very promi- nent one in New Jersey, is spoken of at more length in the sketch of John B. Woodruff, uncle of our subject.

The father of Charles C. Woodruff learned the trade of a machinist and became an engineer when a young man, after which he went as first assist- ant engineer on the first steamer which ran up the Magdalena River in South America. Inside of a year so valuable were his services that he was promoted to be chief engineer and remained in the employ of the owners of this vessel for three years. At the end of that time he returned to his native state and took a position as engineer in the shops of the New Jersey Central Railroad. Company at Communipaw, N. J.

In 1870 Charles A. Woodruff came to Long Island City and built a machine shop, carrying on this business in connection with plumbing, gas fitting, etc. Later he became constructing engi- neer with the Standard Oil Company. About 1878 we find Mr. Woodruff engaged in business at Bayonne, N. J., where he made his home until

his decease, in 1893, when fifty-eight years of age. He was a stanch supporter of Republican princi- ples and candidates, and in religious affairs was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Elizabeth Wambold, also a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of Abra- ham Wambold, whose birth occurred in the state of Pennsylvania. Her father worked in the pot- teries of Elizabeth for many years and was living there at the time of his decease, when quite ad- vanced in years. Mrs. Woodruff is still living and is a resident of the old home at Bayonne, N. J.

The parental household included nine children, of whom seven grew to mature years and five daughters and one son are now living, our subject being the only member of the family to make his home on Long Island. He was brought hither by his parents when a lad of eight years, and after completing the course in the schools here spent two years in Grammar School No. 26, lo- cated on Thirtieth Street, New York.

When about sixteen years of age our subject was apprenticed to learn the trade of a brick ma- son, working for his uncle, John B. Woodruff. After learning the business, and when only nine- teen years of age, he was made foreman on the various buildings which his uncle was engaged upon, and continued in his employ until 1889, when he began contracting on his own account. He formed a partnership at this time with James S. Carpenter, their business card reading Carpen- ter & Woodruff, masons and builders.

The above firm was in existence from 1889 until May, 1895, when the connection was dissolved and our subject continued alone. His office is located at No. 209 Tenth Street, which he erected for his own use, and adjoining it are his shop, stables and storage house, where he keeps his building materials. Mr. Woodruff has erected many of the large public buildings and private blocks in the city and vicinity, among them being the Queens County Bank, Barber Asphalt Com- pany's office, all the buildings used by the Green- point Sugar Refining Company in Commercial Street, the Brooklyn Cooperage Company, on the corner of Sixth and Seventh streets, also the buildings owned by this same company at Will- iamsburg and in Brooklyn. He also received the contract for the building of the American Sugar Refining Company on First Street and built the boiler house and boilers for Charles Fizer & Co. in Brooklyn. The various station houses for the Long Island Railroad Company at Glencove,

J. HOWARD LEVER, M. D.

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Patchogue, Glenhead, Roslyn and Newtown were constructed by Mr. Woodruff. Although kept very busy filling orders in his own community, he is often given the contract for the erection of buildings in other states and at one time was called to Baltimore, Md., to erect the edifices used by the Baltimore Sugar Refining Company.

With his family our subject occupies a beautiful home at No. 148 Twelfth Street, Hunter's Point. He was married in Long Island City in 1883 to Miss Emma Sandene, a native of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and the daughter of Capt. Andrew P. Sandene. He has been for many years pilot on the Thirty-fourth Street ferry and is the oldest man in the employ of the company running the ferries. He is now residing in Ravenswood. Mrs. Woodruff was reared and educated in this city and by her union with our subject has be- come the mother of a daughter, Adeline.

During the busy season our subject has in his employ from two hundred to four hundred men, which gives the reader some idea of the extent of the business in which he is engaged. In 1892 he invented what is now known as the Woodruff & Krouse brick cleaning machine. In order to handle this device in a profitable manner he formed a partnership with Mr. Krouse, who could give more attention to this department than could our subject.

Socially Mr. Woodruff is a member of Reliance Lodge No. 776, F. & A. M., at Green Point. He is an exempt fireman, having served with Hunter engine No. 4. In politics he is a straightforward Republican and is an active member of the Lin- coln Club. The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church regard him as one of its most valued members and liberal contributors.

J HOWARD LEVER, M. D. The career which we now consider may be viewed · from three distinct points of observation --- as a man, as a physician, and as a citizen-for we find these three sides to the character of Dr. Lever. While it is true that the professional man must ever be loyal to his calling, yet the common public interests of the community in which he lives and of which he is an integral part, cannot be ignored. There are men who possess a versa- tility of mental constitution that enables them to take part in many diverse lines of thought and activity.

Such a one is the subject of the present notice, who conducts a general medical and surgical practice at Flushing. In addition to professional work, he has maintained a deep interest in all matters pertaining to education, and has served with fidelity and efficiency on the school board. For years he has been a trustee of the Queens County Savings Bank, one of the solid finan- cial institutions of this locality, and is now its first vice-president, the other officers being: President, George Pople; second vice-president, H. Carpenter; secretary, L. M. Franklin; and treasurer, H. A. Bogart.

Born in Staten Island, N. Y., August 3, 1846, Dr. Lever is of English parentage and descent. His father, George C., and grandfather, George C., Sr., were engaged in the mercantile business in their native city, London, whence the former came to the United States and founded the wholesale dry-goods house of Lever & Co., in New York City. He made his home in Staten Island, where he named the village of New Brighton from the famous old English watering- place. In religious belief he was a member of the Church of England. His death occurred in Sta- ten Island when he was about seventy-two. His wife, who also died there, bore the maiden name of Mary Woodward, and was born in Coventry, England, where her father, Rev. Arthur Wood- ward, was an Episcopalian clergyman.

In the family of George C. and Mary A. Lever there are six children, all living, namely: Charles, who owns a vineyard in California; Edward A., who is a colonel in the Mexican army, and also an author of considerable note; J. Howard; Mary A., Edith and Frances A., who reside in Staten Island. The subject of this record was educated in the schools of his native home, where he laid the foundation of his present broad and thorough knowledge. For a time he was employed in the postoffice at Flushing, but a business life was not entirely congenial, and was regarded by him as merely preparatory to a professional career. His medical studies were commenced under Dr. Bloodgood and continued in the medical depart- ment of Columbia College, from which he gradu- ated in 1869, with the degree of M. D. For a few years he was in partnership with his former preceptor and upon the death of Dr. Bloodgood he succeeded to his practice, locating his office on the corner of Main and Locust Streets, where he has since conducted a general practice. For twelve years he was a member of the board of

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health, in the organization of which he aided largely and which he served as physician.

In New Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., Dr. Lever owns a small farm, where he and his family make their summer home. His wife, whom he married in Newtown, was Mary A. Backus, daughter of Ascan Backus, formerly one of the largest farmers of New York State, often employing as many as one hundred men to assist in the management of his place. The mother of Mrs. Lever was born in England and was a daughter of Rev. William Beetham, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church in Newark, N. J., for some years. Mrs. Lever was born and educated in Newtown, where her brothers, John E. and F. A., still reside. The Doctor and Mrs. Lever have three children: Mary E. is a graduate of Miss Brown's School, Fifth Avenue, New York, class of 1895; and Charles Backus and Howard Randolph complete the number. Fraternally Dr. Lever is connected with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., and in national politics he votes the Republican ticket. Aside from his regular practice he has been physician to the poor and for the county, and has held a number of local offices of trust and honor.

A NDREW MOUNT. In the list of the men now cultivating a portion of the soil of the town of Jamaica with good results and whose financial prosperity has been gained from industrious application to the work in hand, to- gether with prudent control of expenditures, the subject of this sketch deserves prominent men- tion. Having devoted almost his entire life to farm work, he is familiar with every detail con- nected with the occupation and has gained success through his exercise of sound judgment in affairs.

Born in Fosters Meadow, April 29, 1843, the subject of this notice is a son of Zebulon Mount, and a brother of George W. Mount, whose sketch, together with a record of the family, is presented on another page. He was reared to manhood on the home farm and at an early age gained a thorough knowledge of the occupation in which he has since engaged. In the common schools of the neighborhood he laid the foundation of the knowledge he now possesses, and which has perhaps been gained as much by experience and observation as by study of text books.

Leaving home at the age of eighteen, Mr. Mount apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a

tinsmith, but the occupation was not congenial, and after a trial of two or three months he con- cluded it was not what he desired for a life work. He therefore returned home and settled down to farming, continuing to make his home with his father until his marriage. That important event, which occurred February 20, 1867, united him with Elizabeth Kinsey. Shortly afterward he lo- cated upon his present place, which after renting for two years, he purchased from the estate, his father having previously owned it.

Honorable in private life, peaceable and law- abiding as a citizen, and displaying energy in whatever he undertakes, Mr. Mount is looked upon with respect by all who know him. His first vote was cast for Republican candidates and he still adheres to the principles of that party, having seen no reason, in the intervening years, to change his political faith. For the past sixteen or more years he has served as a member of the board of school trustees and the excellent condi- tion of the schools to-day is largely the result of his progressive efforts. He attends the Pres- byterian Church and contributes of his means to the support of religious and benevolent enter- prises. In carrying on his farm work he is ener- getic, industrious and sufficiently progressive to adopt new methods when by so doing he can increase the productiveness of his land. He has an extended acquaintance and an excellent repu- tation as a man and a citizen, while as an agri- culturist 'he is understood to be thorough and energetic.

F RANK J. CLANCY, though one of the youngest business men of Long Island City, is by no means one of the least suc- cessful, as in his chosen occupation, the manu- facture of soda and mineral water, he has built up a large trade and established a reputation as a reliable, energetic and stirring young man. His location at No. 3 Jackson Avenue is an ex- cellent one, being at a point sufficiently central to command trade. It may safely be predicted of him, judging from the flattering start he has made, that the future years will bring him pros- perity and success.

A native of New York City, born November 27, 1874, the subject of this sketch is of Irish parent- age, both his father and mother, Charles and Mary (Parks) Clancy, having been natives of the Emerald Isle. After their marriage they emi-

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grated to America and settled in New York City, where the father engaged in the milk business for some years. In 1877 he came to Long Island City, where, in addition to the milk business, he also engaged as a dealer in cattle, having his place of business at No. 66 Jackson Avenue. He and his wife still reside here. Of their eight children all but one are living.

Frank J., who is next to the youngest of the family, spent his childhood years in Long Island City, where he was educated in the old Sixth Street School. At the age of thirteen he secured a place as clerk for Peter Johnson during vaca- tion, and the following summer was employed in a restaurant in Blissville. Later he was with Ack- erly & Gerard, lumber dealers, for more than one year. When fifteen years old he began to work for Owen Clark, with whom he remained four years, engaged in the manufacture of mineral water. In 1893, at the age of nineteen, he started out for himself, putting in the necessary machin- ery and beginning with a determination to suc- ceed. He manufactures the syrups used in the soda and mineral water, having the various flav- ors, sarsaparilla, ginger ale, root beer, raspberry, cream, lemon and cycleaid. In his store, which is roomy and attractive, he has three fountains, one generator and two bottling tables, together with all other equipments necessary for the successful management of the business. He runs one team, principally in Long Island City and vicinity. In political belief he has decided opinions and rests his faith upon the old Jeffersonian doctrines of Democracy. He is an active member of the Jef- ferson Club and interested in everything pertain- ing to local affairs. Socially he is connected with the Order of Foresters, while in religion he holds membership in St. Mary's Church.

J OHN VAN RIPER, one of the oldest con- tractors and builders in Hunter's Point, Long Island City, is a fine workman and has erected many of the elegant homes of this community. Mr. Van Riper, who has resided here since 1861, was born at Gravesend, L. I., April 8, 1837. His father, Isaac Van Riper, was a native of Belleville, N. J., where he remained until attaining mature years. He came of a high- ly respected family of that place who were of Holland extraction. The father came to Grave- send when a young man and was apprenticed to

learn the carpenter's trade. After mastering it he erected a home in which he resided until his de- cease, in 1840. During the War of 1812 he ren- dered his country efficient service as a soldier, taking part in many of the hard-fought engage- ments of that period.

Mrs. Hulda (Stout) Van Riper, mother of our subject, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., and died in South Brooklyn when eighty-two years of age. She was the second wife of Isaac Van Riper, by whom she had seven children. Of these Hettie is living in Brooklyn; Lydia is de- ceased; Isaac makes his home at Freeport, L. I .; Maria departed this life when eighteen years of age; William died on Staten Island; John, of this history, was the sixth born, and James, the youngest of the family, is a resident of South Brooklyn. By his first marriage the father of our subject had two daughters, both of whom are de- ceased.

John Van Riper spent the first six years of his life in his native place, and about this time re- moved to Bayridge, where he lived for a time, and then until thirteen years old lived in South Brooklyn. During this time he had attended school quite regularly, but as he was compelled thus early in life to make his own living, obtained a position as errand boy in one of the largest dry goods establishments in Sixth Avenue, New York City. Here he remained for three years, when he began working for his brother Isaac, who was a contractor there. In 1861 they came to Long Island City and formed a partnership, thus making one of the oldest contracting firms in the vicinity. Aside from building numerous blocks and residences for other parties, I. & J. Van Riper erected some fourteen or fifteen houses in Long Island City for themselves, many of which are still in their possession and are rented. They were formerly the owners of a fine row of buildings in Ely Avenue, most of which they have sold, although our subject has retained the corner house for his own use and occupies it with his family.

In 1893, by mutual agreement, the firm of I. & J. Van Riper was dissolved. Our subject, however, still continues in business for himself, making a specialty of plastering, and is one of the finest ornamental designers on the island. Among the splendid structures for which he was given the contract in this line were the German Catholic Church at College Point, which was erected in 1895, and the station house in Grand

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Street, Astoria, besides numerous fine residences and public buildings.

Mr. Van Riper was married in Long Island City in 1866 to Miss Sarah L. Randolph, a native of Jersey City, and the daughter of William and Sarah Randolph, the former being a prominent brick and stone mason of that place. Their union has resulted in the birth of two children, Ed- ward R. and Newland J., practical plasterers, who are in business together, operating under the name of Van Riper Brothers.

Our subject is a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, of which there were originally five members here, but he is the only one who now survives. He has held almost every office in the official board and is at present trustee. In the work of the Sunday-school he has always tak- en a great interest and for many years was one of its teachers. His knowledge of building and materials proved of great benefit to the congrega- tion at the time they erected their present com- modious edifice, and although a very busy man, his time was never so much occupied but that he was willing and ready to assist them in what- ever way he could. He is a true-blue Republican in politics, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.

J AMES MOORE WHITCOMB. Among the oldest and most prominent residents of Long Island City, N. Y., is Mr. Whitcomb, who since March 20, 1845, has been a resident of Queens County. He was born in Worcester County, Mass., January 11, 1824, and comes of a prominent old family of that state, his father, Asa Whitcomb, and his grandfather, Asa Whitcomb, Sr., having been born there. The latter was one of the pioneers of Worcester County, Mass., and was of English descent.

Farming was the principal occupation followed by the father of our subject, but for some time he was interested in a stage and express company in the Old Bay State. When but a boy he served in the War of 1812. He lived to be sixty-six years old. His marriage united him with Miss Caroline Moore, a native of Bolton, Mass., and the daughter of James Moore, who was a large farmer near that town. She died when a com- paratively young woman. Their family consisted of three children, two daughters and a son. The daughters still reside in the state of Massachusetts.

Our subject, who was the eldest of the family, grew up on his father's farm and received about two months' schooling each year until fifteen years old. He then took charge of the farm and carried it on until he had reached his twenty-first birthday. A week afterward he made arrange- ments to come to Long Island, and first settled in Flushing, where he made his home for four years, being in charge of F. H. Wolcott's horses and garden from 1845 until 1849. The family then moved to the Shore Road, now in Long Island City, and he had charge of the place there until 1852. On the 4th of April of the same year he embarked in the livery business in Long Island City, the first livery there, and continued it up to the present time. He had the first moving platform spring wagon made in New York and he soon was carrying on an extensive business, hav- ing at one time as many as fifty-four horses here. He had as many as seventeen moving vans on the road and has been the owner of some fine horses.

Mr. Whitcomb was a stanch Republican dur- ing the war and was often threatened with hav- ing his barns burned down, but notwithstanding he remained there through it all and carried on his business. He took Horace Greeley out of Astoria amid rotten eggs and pistol shots and ran the risk when no one else dared. He passed through some wonderful experiences and had some narrow escapes. He was also harbor master here during the years 1865-66-67, and had all kinds of men to deal with, but his courage and determination carried him through all right. Mr. Whitcomb assisted in starting the first Republican club here and at Winfield and became prominent- ly identified with his party. During the war he was lieutenant of the Hamilton Rifles of Astoria, and since then has been deputy sheriff here at different times.

On the 6th of April, 1846, Mr. Whitcomb be- came a member of Pacific Lodge, I. O. O. F., in Flushing, and is now a member of Astoria Lodge and the oldest Odd Fellow here. Since 1865 he has been a charter member of Astoria Lodge, F. & A. M. He is one of the life members of the Queens County Agricultural Society, of which he has been director and active member. He was one of the first to start a truck company here, being foreman of the same for some time, and later was assistant foreman.

Mr. Whitcomb was first married in Flushing, L. I., to Miss Rebecca Thorn, who was a native of that place, and who died here. Their five chil-

ALEX. S. BURNS.

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dren were as follows: James H., with his father; Charlotte R., now Mrs. Buell; Laura B., at home; Emma L., at home, and Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. Charles Lukins. Mr. Whitcomb's second marriage occurred in New York, February 28, 1866, and united him with Miss Alta Goins, a na- tive of Syracuse, N. Y. She died in 1887, leaving four children: Charles G., in the mail service in Long Island City; Walter E., in charge of the livery barns; Etta, now Mrs. Bush, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Herbert, with a New York firm.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 56

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