Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 59

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 59

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In connection with the church there are a num- ber of societies to aid in extending the work and benefiting the members. Among these we men- tion the Holy Name Society, which has four hun- dred members; St. Vincent de Paul Society; the Sodality; Young People's Lyceum, which has about one hundred and fifty members; Debt Col- lecting Society, and a sewing circle, composed of the ladies of the church, who make garments for the poor and do a large amount of relief work in the neighborhood. The church was estab- lished in 1871 and has enjoyed a constant growth, the parish now having a membership of thirty- five hundred souls. To carry on the work prop- erly and with success, the priest is given two assistants, Rev. William L. Blake and Rev. A. Halst, who aid greatly in relieving him of much of the details of the pastorate.

Father Thomas F. McGronen, the present priest of St. Patrick's Church, was born in Brook- lyn in 1861, and was educated in the parochial school of the Order Lady of Mercy. In 1876 he entered the Jesuit College in Sixteenth Street, New York City, where he completed the classics and philosophy, graduating in 1882 with the de- gree of A. B. Later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him. From that college he pro- ceeded to Baltimore and became a student in St.

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Mary's Seminary, from which he graduated in 1885. In December of that year he was or- dained by Rt .- Rev. Bishop Loughlin, D. D., of the Brooklyn diocese, and soon afterward re- ceived the appointment of assistant at St. An- thony's Church, Greenpoint, where he remained for seven years and three months. He was then appointed pastor at Westbury, Queens County, and while there founded the Church of the Holy Ghost at Hydepark, later securing the erection of a house of worship for the congregation. He also built a new church and rectory at Westbury. November II, 1895, he was appointed rector of St. Patrick's Church, Long Island City, and in addition to his labors here, superintends a mis- sion in Ravenswood. He is a member of St. Francis Xavier College Alumni Association and also of the Alumni of St. Mary's Seminary, Balti- more.

J ACOB VAN TIL. Many of the best charac- teristics in every branch of social and com- mercial life are the outcome of the brawn and sinew of what is frequently called the middle class of society ; in reality, the best class, for in it is usually found a common sense and practical view of affairs that is often wanting in both the highest and lowest classes. The subject of this sketch is one who, though filling a humble posi- tion for a time, worked his way onward by per- severance, energy and industry, and is now classed among the business men of Corona, where he carries on his trade as a florist.

The birthplace of Mr. van Til was situated about sixteen miles from the city of Amsterdam, Holland, and he was born January 13, 1852, to John and Wilhelmina (Guldermond) van Til, sturdy, honest Hollanders. He was given a com- mon school education, and under the instruction of his father, a florist, gained a thorough knowl- edge of the best methods of cultivating plants. At the age of eighteen he sought a home in America, where he hoped in time he might become well- to-do through honest efforts, industriously ap- plied. Soon after landing, he secured a position as gardener on a private place in Queens Coun- ty, and in that way five years were spent. Being very economical, he saved the larger portion of his earnings.

In 1874 Mr. van Til was united in marriage with Miss Maria Mitchell, who was born in the North of Ireland, but at the time of her marriage

was a resident of Queens County. Wishing to see once more the old Holland home, he re- turned on a visit, spending a few months in re- newing old associations. On coming back to America, he secured a position with a family in Long Island City, in whose employ he remained from 1876 until 1892. During the latter year he came to Corona and began to improve his pres- ent place, which he had purchased in 1890. He has put up all the buildings needed to carry on the business and has the patronage of the people of Corona, in addition to which he ships exten- sively to New York City.

The four children of Mr. and Mrs. van Til are: John, who was born in December, 1876, and died March 1, 1896; William, who was born May 23, 1878; Margaret, March 3, 1880, and Ida, October 7, 1887. In political sentiments, our subject votes the Democratic ticket, but has been content to cast his ballot for others, never seeking official position for himself. Socially he is identified with the American Legion of Honor and the Royal Arcanum, being a charter member of both lodges and holding the position of past commander in the former, while in the latter he is vice-regent. Realizing the advantage which a good educa- tion gives anyone, he has done all in his power to promote the standard of the schools here and has served as president of the board of education the larger portion of the time since he came to the village. While filling this position, District No. 12 built their new school house and other needed improvements were made.

F RANCIS G. VAN RIPER. The firm of F. G. & G. T. Van Riper, contractors and builders of Long Island City, is one which impresses the public mind with a sense of what can be accomplished by energy and perseverance when coupled with integrity and uprightness. Francis G. Van Riper is a native of New York City, born in Thirty-seventh Street, June 29, 1855, and received his education in the public schools of the same, attending until fifteen years old. He learned the trade of plasterer under his father, but later took up the mason's trade and completed all branches under his father and uncle, who carried on business together under the firm name of I. & J. Van Riper. In 1888 he and his brother were taken in as partners and the firm title was changed to I. & J. Van Riper & Co. They remained together until 1894, when the

REV. MATTHEW J. TIERNEY.

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father and uncle retired and Mr. Van Riper and his brother continued the business under the title of F. G. & G. T. Van Riper, contractors and build- ers. They have since erected many public and private buildings and have won a most enviable record for their excellent work. In Ravenswood they erected several factories; also a large build- ing for the American Stamping Company of Brooklyn, still another one for the Daimler Mo- tor Company Works, and many private resi- dences of Long Island City. They are now com- pleting a fine brown stone residence at No. 151 Eleventh Street, and have all the work ahead they can possibly attend to.

Mr. Van Riper selected his wife in the person of Miss Esther M. Bergstroser of this county, and daughter of S. L. Bergstroser, a prominent con- tractor and builder. The latter was born Novem- ber 16, 1830, in Northampton County Pa., which was also the birthplace of his father and grand- father, both of whom were named John. This is an old and prominent family in the Keystone State. Samuel Bergstroser received his educa- tion in the district schools of Northampton Coun- ty, Pa., and later married Miss Phoebe M. Waugh. Four children were born of this union, one son and three daughters, as follows: Esther M., wife of our subject; Marlin S., with his father, and his right hand man; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. MacName of New York City; and Annie, at home.

Our subject's. union has resulted in the birth of three living children: Clarence M., Milford F. and Etta Irene. Mr. Van Riper is a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Long Island City, and is president of the board of trus- tees and treasurer of the same. In politics he supports the principles of the Republican party and takes an active interest in the success of the same.

R EV. MATTHEW J. TIERNEY, priest in charge of the Catholic Church at Bayside, was born in Brooklyn, January II, 1859, to John and Elizabeth (McIntyre) Tierney, and was one of four children, of whom the only sur- vivor besides himself is John, a student of law with Sullivan & Cromwell, of New York City. In the Assumption School of Brooklyn he re- ceived his elementary training, after which he went to St. Francis Xavier College in New York until graduating in 1881 with the degree of A.

B. In the fall of the same year he was sent by Bishop Loughlin to St. Mary's Seminary in Bal- timore, where he carried on his theological stu- dies, winning the degree of S. T. B. In 1884 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Lough- lin and was assigned to St. Paul's Church in Brooklyn as assistant. May 10, 1889, he was transferred to the Sacred Heart Church of Brook- lyn.

January 22, 1893, Bishop McDonnell appoint- ed Father Tierney chaplain of the Sacred Heart Seminary at Bayside, annexed to which charge was the care of the Catholic soldiers of Willet's Point. Shortly after his arrival he found that there was a sufficient number of Catholics in Bay- side to warrant the erection of a church, which work was begun in 1895 and completed about the Ist of March, 1896. The dedicatory services, held April 12, were conducted by Bishop McDonnell, assisted by Rt. Rev. M. G. R. McNamara, V. G., and Rev. Sylvester Malone. The structure is a frame of Gothic style and has a seating capacity of three hundred; the dimensions being 40x62 feet. Not only have Catholics contributed liber- ally to the new edifice, but many Protestants have also given donations toward the work. The cost of the church and rectory together is about $13,- 000. An assistant has been employed to help the priest in his ministrations to the people.

The Sacred Heart Seminary is known as Little Bayside, and the location, on Little Bay, over- looking Ft. Schuyler, is one of the most delightful on the coast. The property was bought by the Sisters of St. Joseph's from a Mr. Gardner in 1872 and consists of sixty-three acres, fifty of which are under cultivation. It is conducted as a boarding institution for small boys, ranging in age from six to thirteen, and at this writing there are about fifty pupils under charge of Sister Per- petua.

J OHN H. THIRY will be longest remem- bered as the one who introduced the school savings bank system in this country. This is sufficient to give him fame, not alone for the present, but for all time to come. Since retiring from business and taking up his residence in Long Island City, he has devoted much of his leisure time to matters pertaining to the education of the young. The successful operation of the school banking system in foreign lands suggested

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to him the possibilities of the development of the same system in America. The idea was first adopt- ed in the schools of Long Island City in 1885, and has gradually spread throughout the country, until it is now in vogue in two hundred schools, sixty-nine cities and twelve states. The scholars of these schools have saved $324,665.69 up to the year ending March, 1895.

Mr. Thiry was born in Belgium in 1822. He obtained his education in the public schools and in order to fit himself for the teacher's profession he took a course in the normal school in that country and was graduated in 1845. After fol- lowing his profession for a year or two, he gave up teaching to accept a morc lucrative position of the office of the minister of public works, re- maining there from 1847 to 1859. In the latter year he resigned in order that he might realize the dream of his boyhood days by taking a trip to the New World, and, accompanied by his wife and two sons, he landed at Castle Garden in the summer of that year.

Our subject had no fixed business purpose when he arrived in New York, but he possessed a thorough knowledge of literature, was a lover of books, and hence embarked in the book busi- ness. He started in business on a very modest scale, renting a small store on the corner of Canal and Centre Streets for $6 per month. Prosperity attended this venture, and in less than eight years he was occupying the two remaining stores of the block between Canal and Walker Streets.

Following the general trend of business, Mr. Thiry moved uptown in 1868, and rented a store at No. 730 Broadway. He continued to carry on this business for five years, when he sold out to a Southern dealer and retired from an active business life. City life was not entirely congenial to Mr. and Mrs. Thiry and about this time they began to look about them for some place in the suburbs of the city where they might quietly pass the remainder of their days, and they decided to make Long Island City their future home. Four lots were purchased in Academy Street and a commodious dwelling was erected thereon. Sub- sequently Mr. Thiry acquired other property ad- joining, thus enabling him to gratify his horti- cultural inclinations. One of his pastimes since he removed to this city is the culture of grapes, in which he has been very successful.

Mr. Thiry's thorough knowledge of educational matters and the keen interest he had taken in the schools of the city made him well qualified for

the position of school commissioner, to which he was appointed in 1884 by Mayor George Petry. He was instrumental in establishing the monthly meeting of the teachers of Long Island City, under the supervision of the superintendent, and these meetings have been continued since with good results. The abolition of the mid-session recess after the plan adopted in Albany and Rochester was favored by him and was also intro- duced in the schools of that city with beneficial results.

On the election of Mayor Gleason Mr. Thiry retired from the board of education, but when Mayor Sanford entered upon the duties of his office he again took his place in that body, with which he has since been connected. For some time he had favored placing the public schools under the regents, and had the satisfaction of assisting in accomplishing this soon after the present administration came in power. His great- est achievement, however, in the cause of educa- tion, has been the introduction of the school sav- ings bank system. At the solicitation of the United States Commissioner of Education, he made an exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago. It occupied a very prominent place in the educa- tional department and a jury of award granted him a medal and diploma in recognition of his efforts in behalf of the cause of public education.

In the retirement of his later years Mr. Thiry still keeps up his interest in the questions of the day, particularly in those topics pertaining. to educational matters. His library contains the latest works on these subjects, as well as on gardening and horticulture. He is now seventy- four years of age, but advancing years have left slight traces, and he retains all the physical and mental activity of younger days. Having ac- quired a competency, he lives a quiet, peaceful life, and extends the hospitality of his home to numerous friends, in which he takes much pleas- ure.

Our subject was married in Belgium to Miss Ernestine De Samblanc, a native of that coun- try, and to them have been granted two sons, Raphael O., a resident of this city, and Joseph, who is engaged in the upholstery business in Broadway, New York. The family is of French descent and was first represented in America by Rev. Theodore Thiry of the St. Xavier College of New York, who came to the United States as a missionary fifty years ago. Mr. Thiry is also one of the oldest members of the Universal

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Provident Institution, which held its meetings every five years in Paris.

Mr. Thiry of this history is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and in politics is a Democrat in national affairs, but in local elec- tions votes for the man whom he thinks will best discharge the duties of the office.

E DWARD H. THOMSON. The gratifying success that has crowned the efforts of Mr. Thomson is the more noticeable and praiseworthy because of the few opportunities afforded him in the earlier days for that training and help which are sometimes considered indis- pensable for a start in the world. His has been a busy and useful life, and now, while yet in the prime of his manly vigor, he has become the pos- sessor of a competence. His attention is given to the management of the postoffice at Spring- field, town of Jamaica, and to the supervision of his mercantile interests in this village.

In Pompton, N. J., the subject of this sketch was born April 12, 1854, to Francis and Jane (Berry) Thomson, being one of their nine chil- dren, of whom all are still living. The father, a native of St. John, New Brunswick, spent the latter portion of his life in the United States. For three years he made his home in Newark, N. J., whence he removed to Pompton, and there the eight remaining years of his life were passed, his death occurring about 1860. His wife was a member of an old and prominent family that gained fame during the Revolutionary War.

Orphaned by his father's death when he was a boy of five years, our subject was reared under the guidance of his mother, and in childhood at- tended Pompton Academy. At the age of four- teen he began to study telegraphy, and through his aptness and attention to his studies mastered the intricacies of the occupation after eight months. He was then given charge of an office on the New York, Susquehanna & Western Rail- road (then known as the New Jersey Midland), where his services were so satisfactory that he remained for seven years. He left there to accept a position on the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he was engaged about three years, filling the responsible position of operator at the White Cut, where the trains pass through the Jersey City Heights. When the train passed his office he had control of it until it had cleared the cut, and

as some four different roads were using the cut, there was almost constantly a train in it. The position was one of great responsibility, but he filled it in a most satisfactory manner, resigning it after three years on account of ill health.

Entering the employ of the Long Island Rail- road Company, Mr. Thomson had charge of some of the most important offices on this sys- tem for the following ten years. During his twenty years' experience in railroading, it is a noteworthy fact that he was never discharged nor suspended, nor lost a day's pay, an almost unparalleled record. On leaving the employ of the railroad, he began to work for the Brook- lyn Water Works Company, with whom he re- mained for two years. He then resigned to ac- cept a position on the road as commercial trav- eler for Davison Brothers, wholesale grocers of New York City. In 1886 he embarked in the general mercantile business at Springfield, where he has since resided. Under the administration of President Harrison, in 1889, he was appointed postmaster and has served with such satisfaction to all parties that he has so far not been removed by the Democratic administration.

In 1878 Mr. Thomson married Miss Eugenia Murray, and two children, Edna and Frank, bless their union. The family are identified with the Methodist Church, and Mr. Thomson is a mem- ber of its board of trustees. Socially he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity since 1886, and is now serving as chaplain of the Jamaica Lodge. He is also a member of the Royal Ar- canum. Since 1891 he has served on the board of education, and his efforts have been instru- mental in securing the present excellent condition of the schools. A lover of fine horses, he always has one or two good specimens in his stables, and finds in their exercise much of his recreation and pleasure. He has the best interests of the community at heart, and his support is ever given to worthy enterprises calculated to prove of pub- lic benefit.

J I OHN E. TIER, who carries on a first-class meat market in Astoria, keeps on hand a well selected stock of fresh and salt meats, and by his genial treatment of his customers has won many friends in this community, and his trade is constantly increasing. He was born in New York, November 20, 1858, and is the son

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of David M. Tier, also a native of the metropolis, and a representative of one of its old families.

Early in life David M. Tier learned the butch- er's trade, working in various markets in the city until 1863, the year in which he came to Astoria and purchased the location on which he erected a market. This he stocked with every variety of meats, and continued to do a profitable business until his decease in November, 1894, when in his eighty-second year. In everything which pertained to the general welfare of the place he took an active part and never regretted the de- cision he made to permanently settle in Long Island City. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and after coming to this place was elected steward of his congre- gation. He was always strictly honorable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties in life, and those who knew him best had the utmost confidence in his genuine trustworthiness.

The lady whom David M. Tier married was Miss Rachel A. Baizley, who was also born in New York. She survived her husband about a year, departing this life in September, 1895. They became the parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom David M., Jr., died in Astoria, leaving a widow and two children, John M., of Long Island City, and Isabella, now Mrs. J. Jacobs of New York City. Rachel Tier married Edward Stivers and is also deceased. William R. makes his home in this city, although his banking business is located in New York.

John E. Tier was educated in private schools of Long Island City, after which he assisted his father in carrying on his market, being associated with him seven or eight years before going to New York. For a short time he was salesman in a hide and leather store in that city, and after severing his connections there, purchased the liv- ery business in Long Island City which had been established by his brother David many years ago. This he carried on with signal success for a period of twelve years, from 1882 to 1894. The latter year he disposed of his interest in the busi- ness and began general contracting in Astoria, following this industry until the death of his father, when he took charge of the meat market and has conducted affairs in a very able manner ever since. The market is located at No. 114 Fulton Street and contains all the latest modern conveniences in the way of ice boxes and refriger- ators, which make of it a first-class establishment in every particular. His trade is very large

among the best people of the city and vicinity, and in order to supply their wants Mr. Tier has constantly in use two delivery wagons.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Eliza Van Alst occurred in Long Island City in 1883. She was born here and is the daughter of James Van Alst, now deceased, who was one of the old- time and substantial residents of the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Tier there have been born two children. Charles Hallett and Marion. In na- tional politics he is a stanch supporter of Repub- lican principles, but during local elections he gives his vote to the best man, regardless of party ties. Mrs. Tier is a devoted member of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. In social affairs our subject is a member of John Allen Lodge No. 330, A. O. U. W., and for some time served with the Astoria Hook and Ladder Com- pany, of which he was foreman. He belongs to Long Island City Council No. 17, A. O. V. F., and is associated actively with the Veteran Fire- men's Association.

H ARRY T. WEEKS. The younger Pitt, had his lot been cast in the United States in this day and generation, would have found it unnecessary to defend himself against the "atrocious crime of being a young man," as charged against him because of his precocious mental development. In this republic there is no prejudice against a man merely because he chances to develop in advance of the constitu- tional idea as to time of maturity, but on the con- trary it is more likely that the fact will be used as a cause for rewarding his ability by promoting him to places of honor and trust. The subject of this sketch, Harry T. Weeks, has demonstrated over and over again that the wisdom of age rests upon his shoulders and the judgment of tried ex- perience guides his actions, yet so far from this being a bar to his advancement, his friends point . to the fact with pride.

Mr. Weeks was born in London, England, March 18, 1866, a son of Rev. William H. Weeks, a clergyman of the Church of England, and a native of that country, where he was born in 1831. He is the pastor of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Ravenswood. By his wife, who was formerly Miss Frances S. Reid, he had five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom the sub- ject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. At the age of five years he was brought by his

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 59

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