Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 60

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1220

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J. F. BLOODGOOD, M. D.

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parents to the United States, and after one year spent in Philadelphia and two years in New Jer- sey, the family located in New York City, where they established a home.

At this time Harry T. was about eight years of age and in the public schools of the latter city he received a thorough educational training, and graduated from a well conducted grammar school. Having made up his mind to study law, he entered the office of Owen & Gray, later that of Owen, Gray & Sturges, at No. 71 Wall Street, with whom he remained until he was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn in September, 1890, after which he continued with them as managing clerk until the spring of 1891. He was then with the firm of Benner & Benner, at No. 62 Wall Street, in the same capacity, meanwhile being engaged in independent practice until April, 1895, when he opened an office at No. 95 Fulton Avenue, As- toria, and has since been engaged in the general practice of law. In 1893 Mr. Weeks was ap- pointed by Mayor Sanford as attorney to the board of excise, and has the distinction of be- ing the first attorney to convict a man by jury in the Justices' Court for selling liquor on Sun- day in Long Island City. He is a member of the Jefferson Club and is a Democrat of the Jackson- ian type. Socially he belongs to Sangamore Lodge No. 371, F. & A. M .; Amity Chapter No. 160, R. A. M., and the Royal Arcanum of As- toria. Religiously he is a member of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church.

J. F. BLOODGOOD, M. D. The family rep- resented by this well-known physician and

· surgeon of Flushing, originated in France, with the history of which they were identified in former centuries. Religious persecutions caused them to flee to Holland, where their name, Sang- pur, which means good blood, was translated into the Dutch Bloetgoet, and later, on coming to America, was changed to its present form. The first representative in this country was Franz Jan- sen Bloodgood, who came here about the middle of the seventeenth century and settled at Flush- ing in 1665, becoming an officer under the Dutch government and a member of the privy council. The governor appointed him chief of the Dutch inhabitants of the province of Long Island, and in 1676, while he was leading his men in a skir- mish with the English colonists from Connecticut, he fell at the head of the army and died on the

battlefield, making his will shortly before he ex- pired.

Following this pioneer in direct line of descent were William, Francis, Abram, Dr. Joseph, Isaac and Dr. J. F., of this sketch. The family records were unfortunately destroyed, so that no definite information can be obtained as to the places filled by successive heads of the family. It is known, however, that Francis moved to Albany about 1760 and Abram at one time served as mayor of that city. It is also a matter of history that the latter assisted in the organization of the Demo- cratic party. Dr. Joseph graduated from Union College with the degree of A. M., after which he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. On completing his studies he practiced for a short time in New York and then located at Flushing, being the first physician here. After long years of successful practice he died in 1857. He was interested in the old Kings Medical College and took a prominent part in medical society work in New York City. In re- ligious belief he was an Episcopalian. One of his sons, Dr. Abram, was a physician of Flushing and died here in 1880.

The father of our subject, Isaac Bloodgood, was born in Flushing and grew to manhood here. Choosing a business life, after a clerkship of a few years in New York he became a member of the firm of Clement & Bloodgood, merchants at Flushing, and for more than forty years engaged in business here. Now eighty-one years of age, he lives retired from active labors, making his home with his son. His wife, who bore the maid- en name of Mary Cary, was born in East Had- dam, Conn .; her father, Capt. Bigelow Cary, a native of the same place, was engaged in the coasting trade and transportation business, and died in Portland, Conn. Her grandfather, Wait- still Cary, was a native of Connecticut, and a descendant of English ancestors who early set- tled in Massachusetts and thence removed to Connecticut. Mrs. Mary Bloodgood died in 1893, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, to which she belonged from girlhood. She had only two children, Jennie and J. F.

Born in Flushing, August 4, 1859, the sub- ject of this sketch was educated in Flushing In- stitute, also spent two years in the School of Mines of Columbia College, after which he began the study of medicine in the old building of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Twenty- third Street and Fourth Avenue, New York City.

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On completing the lectures he graduated in 1884 with the degree of M. D. By competitive exam- ination he received the appointment of assistant at St. Catherine's Hospital, Brooklyn, and re- mained there in that capacity, and as house phy- sician and surgeon, for eighteen months. In 1886 he went to Europe, where for six months he con- tinued his studies in Berlin and Vienna. On his return to New York he located at No. 29 West Forty-second Street, with Dr. H. D. Chapin, and later had his office at No. 27 West Fifty-first Street. In 1889 he came to Flushing, where he has built up a large general practice, his specialty being surgery, in which he is very skillful. He is president of the medical board of Flushing Hospital, and is a member of the Queens County and New York County Medical Socie- ties, and the Physicians' Medical Aid Society of New York. In addition to these he is identified with the Holland Society, St. Nicholas and Ni- antic Clubs and the Order of Foresters, in which he is physician. He is a member of St. George's Episcopal Church, and formerly held the position of secretary of St. George's Brotherhood.

H. M. THOMAS. Much has been written of the thrifty German and Scotchman

· and the sturdy and persistent Eng- lishman, while less has been said of the Welshman, but this is not because he is not worthy of honorable mention, or has not made a useful, law-abiding and energetic citizen, but because Welsh immigrants are not so numer- ous as those of other nationalities and because they are usually retiring and unassuming in disposition. H. M. Thomas is a fit type of the energetic, progressive and intelligent Welsh- inan, and was born in Holyhead, North Wales, in 1820. He came of honorable parentage, and his father tilled the soil of Wales until his death, which occurred in his seventy-seventh year. The mother, who was Ann Roberts prior to her marriage, died in her native land at an advanced age. Of five children born to them, but two are living at the present time. Two sons came to America, one of whom, William, died in Long Island City.

H. M. Thomas is the only one of his family now in the United States, and until he was fourteen years of age he assisted his father in the duties of the farm and at the same time acquired a prac- tical education in the common schools, in every

way sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties of life. At the above mentioned age he was ap- prenticed to learn the carpenter and builder's trade, and in this manner his time was usefully employed for a period of three years. His master then retired from business, and although he had intended to have Mr. Thomas continue his ap- prenticeship under a brother, he decided he had no right to do this, and consequently Mr. Thomas gained his freedom at the age of eighteen years. America then became the goal of young Thomas' ambitions, for he rightly concluded that it offered a broader field for success than the land of his birth, and in 1848 he embarked at Liverpool on the sailing vessel "Senator" and landed in New York thirty days later.

Fortunately for Mr. Thomas, he soon succeed- ed in obtaining employment at his trade in Brooklyn and Greenpoint, but seven years later, or in 1854, came to what is now Long Island City, which had just been laid out, and here he perma- nently located three years later, erecting a pleas- ant home in Vernon Avenue, near by which he built a shop. He is now by far the oldest con- tractor and builder of the place, and during the many years that he has followed this calling has erected many buildings in all parts of the place and invariably his buildings have been well con- structed and substantial, monuments to his skill as a master builder. In the early days of his ac- tivity he put up a steam planing, moulding, sash, door and blind mill on Vernon Avenue and Fourth Street, and after successfully operating it for about fifteen years, shut it down. In 1865 he moved it to its present location, and actively con- tinued its management up to about 1888, when it was closed permanently. He now owns over six- teen residences, besides other valuable property, and what is quite remarkable, has never had a loss by fire.

Mr. Thomas erected the Standard Oil Com- pany and the Warren Chemical Company's build- ings, the Colman Varnish Works, the business block at No. 91 Fourth Street, the fine residence at No. 125 Third Street, besides many other fine buildings here and in the city of Brooklyn; in fact, his handiwork is seen all over the eastern part of Long Island. He has been one of the trustees of the Long Island City Savings Bank since the year of its founding (1889), and for some time past has been its capable vice-president. His life since coming to the United States has been one cease- less round of activity and has not gone unre-

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warded, for the substantial evidence of his suc- cess may readily be seen in the property he has accumulated and in the numerous friends he has gathered about him.

Mr. Thomas was married in Greenpoint to Miss Georgiana Newcomb, who was born in New York, a daughter of George Newcomb, who was the proprietor of a foundry at the bridge in Green- point. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas re- sulted in the birth of one child, Annie L., now Mrs. Richerstein of Long Island City. She is a cultivated woman and was educated in the pri- vate schools of Brooklyn, graduating from Ciin- ton Avenue Institute of that city.

In 1890 or 1891 Mr. Thomas was appointed commissioner to pave and improve Vernon Ave- nue and Jackson Street, the latter from the court house to the city line, and completed this work very satisfactorily in three years' time. In vari- ous other ways he has done much to improve the place and deserves and receives the highest re- spect of his fellow citizens as a progressive, public spirited and useful citizen. He was one of the first supporters of the Republican party in this section, there being but three or four others, and is now the only surviving member of this num- ber. He has served as grand and petit juror, but aside from this has never been a political aspirant, as his time has been profitably occupied otherwise. He is a member of Island City Lodge, F. & A. M., has attained the Royal Arch degree, and is a member of the Consistory of New York City.

G EORGE E. TILLY. The man who has lived uprightly, attended strictly to his business, defrauded none, and advanced the business interests of his community, has made for himself a record upon which he may justly look with pride. He has added dignity to his call- ing, whatever it may be, and has shown the world what may be accomplished by perseverance, cour- age and industry. To this class of successful, hon- orable citizens belongs Mr. Tilly, who has been a resident of Jamaica since 1856. His life illus- trates the fact that persevering industry, united with good judgment, are the principal factors in securing success.

The birth of Mr. Tilly occurred in Hampshire, England, September 8, 1836, his father being William Tilly, a builder, who died in England in 1854. The family is directly descended from the

illustrious General Tilly. Our subject was the youngest of fourteen children, there being seven sons and seven daughters. His health was deli- cate in infancy and his condition became such that, at the age of seven years, he was sent to a private hospital for treatment. When he was ten his father failed in business, and although his health was still poor, he was obliged to start out for himself, his first position being that of page to a wealthy lady. Later he learned the painter's trade. At the death of his father, a contention arose between him and an older brother, who was well-to-do, and who tried to control his earn- ings, refusing to allow him to draw his own wages.

This procedure did not suit the high-spirited lad who cared for himself from the age of ten. He determined to leave the country and come to America, but to this his brother refused his con- sent. Undaunted by opposition, he made up his mind to carry out his plan, and one dark night he ran away from home and boarded a ship bound for America, secreting himself until the vessel was well out at sea. Upon being discov- ered, the captain told him he would have to work his passage, which was just what he had hoped to do. So faithful was he in the performance of his duties that when the ship anchored at New York he was tendered pay for his services, but with the strict honesty ever one of his character- istics he promptly refused the money; this, too, in spite of the fact that he had only one-half crown. It is interesting to note that he never spent this piece of money, but has it still in his possession. Years afterward, when prosperity had come to him and he was in comfortable cir- cumstances, it was a satisfaction to him to visit his native land and assist his formerly wealthy brother out of financial trouble, also assist a num- ber of his brothers and sisters to come to the United States. Of this large family three broth- ers and one sister are now living; one brother, John, was for twenty-two years in the employ of the British government, and now resides in South Norwalk, Conn .; another brother, Henry, who was a builder, lives in Queens County.

In 1856 Mr. Tilly came to Jamaica and the same year he married Miss Mary A. Mergen- thaler, a native of Rome, N. Y., but of German ancestry, and at the time of her marriage living on the Merrick road in Jamaica. In 1860 he opened a paint shop in this village, but when the Civil War broke out and the unity of the nation

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was threatened, he closed up the business, and in 1862 enlisted as a private in Company B, Fif- teenth New York Engineers. After six months he was promoted to sergeant, later became lieu- tenant, then acting quartermaster of the First Battalion. He served at Ft. Fisher under Gener- als Terry and Schofield, and was at Grant's head- quarters at City Point, Va., where he had charge of building the log house that was occupied by that illustrious General and was exhibited at the Centennial in 1876. During the desperate attack at Alexandria, Va., he was wounded, and this wound has never healed to this day. He was also wounded by an ax in the hands of one of the men of his own company, and by a ball from the enemy while in North Carolina. July 3, 1865, he was discharged with the rank of lieutenant and acting quartermaster.

Returning to Jamaica, Mr. Tilly resumed the painting business, in which he continued until 1890. Meantime he also had other interests, and for some years has had large real estate opera- tions, now being the owner of considerable valu- able property. While successful financially, he has not neglected religious and benevolent enter- prises, and for some years has been a local preacher in the Methodist Church, having, as a result of his labors, established churches at Floral Park, Morris Park, Ozone Park and Union Course. For some time he sang in the church choir at Jamaica. Methodism has in him a stanch friend and liberal contributor, and his efforts in behalf of the denomination have been fruitful of much good. In the Grand Army he takes considerable interest, but his most import- ant work, of late years, in social organizations has been in connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. At this writing he is past grand chaplain of the state and district deputy grand master, and was one of the prime movers in establishing the home at Hollis for the care of aged Odd Fellows and their families. To this splendid work he has devoted much time and money and in its success he is deeply interested.

March 4, 1876, Mrs. Mary A. Tilly died, leav- ing the following children: George H., who for some years has resided at Helena, Mont .; John A., a civil engineer in Brooklyn; Fannie L., widow of Edward Seaman, who became a drum- mer boy in the Civil War at the age of thirteen, and later was a contractor and builder at Queens, L. I., where he died in 1882, leaving three chil- dren: Mary Ella, wife of R. R. Rhodes of Brook-

lyn, and Nettie F., who married Alexander Wei- bach, The second marriage of Mr. Tilly took place in September, 1876, and united him with Mary Brown of Hempstead, who is a true help- mate, faithful in the discharge of duties as wife, mother and Christian helper. She is known far and wide for her charities to the poor and sick, preferring to sacrifice her own comforts for the good of others.

P ETER VAN PELT is one of the enterpris- ing and progressive farmers of the town of Jamaica, and in the pursuit of his chosen vocation is enjoying a satisfactory income, as a result of the application of modern methods and the latest improvements in the line of agriculture. In 1891 he purchased his present farm in New York Avenue, Springfield, and bringing his fam- ily here, has since made the place his home.

The son of Peter and Maria C. (Paynter) Van Pelt, the subject of this notice, was born in New- town, Queens County, March 4, 1842, and was one of eight children, of whom six are now living. His father, a native of Shelter Island, born about 1795, learned the carpenter's trade in his early manhood and followed this for a short time, but when about thirty years of age moved to New- town, settling upon a farm. He continued to en- gage in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-two. Both in social, business and religious circles he was highly esteemed and for years served efficiently as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. His wife, though now (1896) ninety-five years old, is still quite active in body and clear in mind.

The educational privileges enjoyed by our sub- ject were such as the common schools of the time and place ensured, and upon the practical founda- tion thus gained he has built much information on general topics and current events. For some years after reaching man's estate he continued to cultivate the home farm, after which he estab- lished a milk route in New York, and for some time was engaged in the milk business. On sell- ing out, he rented a farm and has since given his attention to agriculture, which he continues on the farm he purchased in 1891.

In 1882 occurred the marriage of Peter Van Pelt and Miss Sarah Paynter, an amiable lady, whose pleasant manners have won her many friends, and who is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, to which our subject also

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belongs. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never displayed any partisanship in public affairs, conceding to others the same liberty of opinion he demands for himself. Of his four children two are living: Sarah M. E. and Harry DeWitt. He and his family stand well in the community and are always looked to in the advancement of pro- jects for the welfare of the people. They are so- cial and kindly, enjoy the companionship of in- telligent and well-bred people, and their doors are always hospitably open to their friends and acquaintances.

V ALENTINE HEMLEIN. With such ef- ficiency has this gentleman conducted his affairs as contractor and builder that he is now well known throughout the county as a member of the firm of Hemlein & Fischer. He was born in Baden, Germany, in 1851, and was the son of John J. Hemlein, also a native of the Fatherland and a builder by trade. The latter married Miss Rosina Miller, who is still living in Germany.

The parental family included six children, three of whom make their home in America and the re- maining three in their native land. Valentine, who was the eldest of the household, attended the model schools of Germany until a lad of four- teen years, when he began learning the carpen- ter's trade under his father. He continued to be thus employed until twenty years of age, when, according to the custom of his land, he entered the army, becoming a member of the One Hun- dred and Tenth Regiment of German Infantry.

In the year 1881 young Hemlein bade good- bye to his relatives and friends and set sail for the shores of the New World. On arriving in New York City he found employment at his trade and continued to live in the metropolis until 1887, when he located in Long Island City. The fol- lowing year he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, George Fischer, who was also born in Germany, and began contracting for himself. They are both expert workmen and it was not long before they had all the contracts they could handle. It is due to their skill and genius that over two hundred of the beautiful residences and business blocks of Schuetzen Park have been built. Among the most prominent are the resi- dences of H. Pfestners, Dr. Herman, William Sauerbrey, Peter Grimm, the Zimmermann ho- tel, the business block of Fricks Brothers and

St. Dominick convent school. Mr. Hemlein erected four residences, which he readily disposed of, now owning only the beautiful home which the family occupy at No. 487 Grand Avenue.

The marriage of our subject and Miss Kate Fischer occurred in New York City in 1886. This lady was also born in Germany and was the daughter of George Fischer and granddaughter of Joseph Fischer, a farmer in his native land. George Fischer learned the carpenter's trade very thoroughly prior to his emigration to America in 1881. He too made his home for a time in New York City, working for the same firm as did our subject, and like the latter, took up his abode in Long Island City in 1887. He is now living in a comfortable home at No. 408 Winans Street. His wife was Miss Ernestine Fuss, a native of Bayern. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer became the parents of sev- en children, three sons and four daughters, of whom only five now survive. Four make their home in Long Island City and the fifth is a resi- dent of Pennsylvania.

Our subject and his wife have three children, Rosa, Ernestine and Elizabeth. The parents are devout Catholics, belonging to St. Joseph's Church. Mr. Hemlein is connected with the Catholic Benevolent Legion of this place and for some time was lecturer in this body.

C HARLES A. VAN IDERSTINE. The name introducing this sketch is one that carries influence and weight into the com- mercial circles of Queens County and vicinity. He who bears it, while a resident of Brooklyn, has his business headquarters in Long Island City, where, with his brother, under the firm name of Peter Van Iderstine's Sons, he carries on an ex- tensive trade as dealer in tallow, fat and calfskins. The main building occupied by the firm is 40x100 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height with basement. Their trade both in hide and tallow is the largest of any firm in the vicinity, and they fully sustain the reputation for integrity and up- right transactions that was established by their father. To assist in the carrying on of their busi- ness, they keep from sixteen to twenty horses, and have a dock on Newtown Creek, together with a vessel, "Martha A.," with which they deliver goods to consignees at different ports.

Born in New York City, the subject of this notice is a son of Peter, Jr., a native of the same place, and a grandson of Peter, Sr., who removed

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from his birthplace in New Jersey to New York, where he was employed as a boss carman. The family is of Holland-Dutch descent,but has resided in America for many generations. Peter, Jr., who was reared in New York, became a carman, then clerked under William P. Miller, a hide and leather merchant, and later engaged in business for himself. In 1855 he started a hide and tallow business on Tenth Avenue and Thirty-seventh Street, New York, and in 1864 built commodious quarters in Railroad Avenue near Greenpoint Avenue, where he continued his trade. From 1880 he made his home in Brooklyn, but contin- ued in business here until his death, December 22, 1893. In religious belief he was a Baptist. He was a member of the Seventh New York Militia, took part in the Civil War, being present at Fredericksburg, and held membership in Lafay- ette Post, G. A. R., in New York. Socially he be- longed to Kane Lodge, F. & A. M., New York City.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 60

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