Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 63

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 63

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August 2, 1876, Mr. Wood was married, in Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Maria, daughter of John and Maria Neill. Mrs. Wood was born in the Province of Quebec, but at the time of her mar- riage was living with an aunt, Rachel Jackson, in Brooklyn. The eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood are as follows: Franklin Neill, born in 1877; Henrietta J., who died in infancy; Catherine L., born in 1881; Thomas Brenner, 1883; Horace Edwin, 1885; Herbert Milton, 1888; Howard Or- ton, 1889, and Mary C., 1892.

T HOMAS WAKEFIELD is classed among the successful farmers and much esteemed citizens of his section of the state and, al- though Queens County has her full quota of vig- orous, thorough-going, prosperous men, whose popularity is based both upon their social quali- ties and their well-known integrity, none among them is better liked than the gentleman whose

JOHN WOOD, JR.

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name is mentioned above. He was born in Chelt- enham, England, and there he was educated. At the age of twenty years he came to America and settled in New Lots (now the city of Brooklyn), where he worked for some two years as a stage driver. He then turned his attention to farming, and after a short time moved to Woodhaven and for about twenty-three years was one of the most influential farmers of that section. About ten years ago (1886) he purchased and located on his present farm, to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and attention with the best results.

Mr. Wakefield's marriage united him with Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, an intelligent and amiable young lady and a daughter of William and Pris- cilla (Strickland) Mitchell, natives of Old Eng- land. Sixteen children were born of this union, ten of whom survive: Sarah A., wife of John C. Doxsey; William R., John K., Thomas, who mar- ried and has three children and who resides at Woodhaven; Carrie, wife of John Shephard, by whom she has three children: Cornelia, wife of Ernest Livett, by whom she has two children; Sabra, wife of Charles Rifenburg, by whom she has two children; Hannah, Joseph and Richard. The four single sons are at home and assist their father in the care of the home farm. They are all wide-awake and intelligent and give every promise of becoming substantial citizens.

In his political proclivities Mr. Wakefield has always supported the principles of the Republican party, but has never been an official aspirant, for his time and attention have been otherwise em- ployed. He and his family move in the best social circles and are members and attendants of the Congregational Church.

J JOHN WOOD, JR. Success in business life is a guerdon that is very cautiously be- stowed upon a person by the goddess, who, in a measure guides, and invariably decorates, man's efforts. And this same success is far more apt to come because of the pursuer's genius or adaptability for his calling, than from any mere luck, ambition, push or demand. John Wood, Jr., is in every way fitted for the calling which he follows, that of a tin, copper and sheet iron work- er, and a specialist in the manufacture of varnish and oil cans and tanks. He has shown that he possesses considerable inventive genius also and has patented an invention for quickly and firmly

crimping a cap on an oil can or other receptacle. It is a simple hand tool, does the work very ef- fectually and saves a great deal of time and labor -important things in this age of hurry and push.

Mr. Wood was born in Callicoon, Sullivan County, N. Y., October 16, 1853, and has inherit- ed many of the most worthy characteristics of the Irish race, from which he is descended. His father, John Wood, was born on the Isle of Erin, and after coming to America settled in Sullivan County, N. Y., where he secured employment as foreman on the construction of a railroad. In 1860 he removed to New York City, and shortly afterward came to Long Island City, where he became a foreman in the employ of the Long Island Railroad Company. He is now living in retirement at the age of seventy years, and has a comfortable home in Third Street, Long Island City. His wife, who was formerly Miss Mary Porter, was born in Ireland and has also reached the age of three score years and ten. To their union seven children were given, three of whom survive, John being the third in order of birth.

The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Long Island City ever since he was seven years of age, and the public schools of this place afford- ed him his educational advantages. At the age of fourteen he became an apprentice in the tin manufacturing department of the Standard Oil Company, after which he was in the employ of George Petry until the latter's death, and rose to the position of manager of the business. In Jan- uary, 1891, he opened an establishment of his own in Long Island City at the corner of Seventh Street and Jackson Avenue, fitting up the place with new and improved machinery. Six months later he took into partnership Mrs. George Petry, and up to May 7, 1895, the firm was known as A. A. Petry & Co. At that time Mr. Wood pur- chased his partner's interest and since then he has been the sole proprietor of the business. He patented his hand crimping machine May 7, 1895, and it has already come into popular favor. He is also quite extensively engaged in general job- bing and metal roofing and roofed the Steinway Railroad Company's sheds, besides numerous residences, business houses and blocks of Long Island City. His business has risen to such pro- portions that from twenty to twenty-five hands are constantly employed, and he is one of the busiest men of the place.

Mr. Wood was united in marriage in the city of New York to Miss Alice McNulty, who was

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born here, and of this union six children were born: Mary, who died at the age of seven years; Agnes, who died in infancy; Margery, Jane, Alice and John, Jr. Mr. Wood owns a pretty residence at No. 167 Third Street. He and his family are attendants at St. Mary's Catholic Church, and he is a leading member of the Catholic Benevo- lent Legion. In commercial and social circles he is popular and his friends are numbered by his acquaintances.

J OHN E. DONNELLY. The progress of a community depends upon the enterprise of its citizens, and the present high standing of Long Island City has been secured by the tire- less exertions of its business men. Among those who have been particularly identified with the progress of Astoria, we mention the name of John E. Donnelly, well known as a plumber and gas fitter, and also through his former connection with the fire department of the city.

The Donnelly family is of Irish origin. Our subject's father, John, who was a native of the Emerald Isle, came to America in early manhood, and after a short sojourn in New York, traveled through the West. He married in New York, was employed as a carpet weaver, but from that place he moved to Astoria, and here died in 1875, aged forty-six. His wife, Catherine Bradley, was a native of New York City and now resides in Long Island City, hale and hearty notwithstand- ing her advanced years. Her five children are all living and are in prosperous circumstances.

The eldest of the family, John E., was born in Astoria January 8, 1857, and was reared here, being educated in the Fourth Ward Grammar School. At the age of twelve he secured a posi- tion with the surveyors of Hell Gate and Gov- ernor's Island, being thus employed about two years. After clerking for a few years, at the age of sixteen he began to work at the plumbing business under William J. Bailey, and on com- pleting the trade followed it here and in all parts of New York City. In 1888 he opened a plumb- ing establishment at No. 138 Fulton Street, and this he has since continued, having built up a large trade in the city. He had the contract for the plumbing of the Dutch Reformed Church, two residences for Hugh Green, and other build- ings of modern construction. In 1893 Mayor Sanford appointed him a member of the Examin-

ing Board of Plumbers and Plumbing of Long Island, and he still serves in that capacity.

Mohawk Hose Company No. I was organized in 1866, and twelve years later Mr. Donnelly became connected with it, being one of its officers after the first six months. At different times he was secretary, assistant foreman and foreman. In 1889 he was elected assistant chief engineer from the First Fire District for three years and served until the department disbanded, when he was honorably discharged. He was one of the original members of the Veteran Firemen's Association of Long Island City, also a member of the Order of American Firemen, Council No. 17, and one of the organizers of the Master Plum- bers' Association of Long Island City, of which he was the first president. During his service as fireman he had many narrow escapes. In a fire at the button factory he fell from the second floor and was injured severely, but providentially escaped fatal injuries. At one time he saved a young lady from drowning at North Beach. He is a man of great personal bravery, and never hesitates, no matter what the individual risk may be, to lend a helping hand to those in danger or distress. In manner he is plain and unosten- tatious, free from all display, earnest in his devo- tion to friends, sympathetic and warm hearted, yet outspoken and fearless in the expression of his opinions.

I SAAC HICKS, of the firm of Isaac Hicks & Son, nurserymen, of Westbury Station, L. I., is one of the pioneers in that line of business in Queens County, having been engaged in it for over forty years. In the year 1838 he pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres of land and immediately commenced planting orchards, collecting grafts of rare varieties from many parts of the country. In 1855 he engaged in the nursery business, which is one of the largest in- dustries of the kind on Long Island.

Believing that nurserymen should lead in the education of the public in the use of new species and varieties of plants, they have large test orchards and gardens, and are now establishing an arboretum of trees and shrubs, from all tem- perate climates of the world, which give promise of value here. By thorough cultivation, skillful pruning, ample fertilizing and careful digging to supply good roots, they furnish satisfactory stock of larger size than usual in the trade. Connected

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with Mr. Hicks in the business are his son Edward and his grandson, Henry Hicks.

Isaac Hicks was born in Westbury March 3, 1815, a son of John D. and Sarah (Rushmore) Hicks. His mother lived to be one hundred and two and a half years old, dying in March, 1891. On the 26th of March, 1836, he was married to Mary F. Willis, daughter of John Willis, of Syosset. This union resulted in the birth of three children, Gilbert, Edward and Marianna, wife of William E. Hawxhurst, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume.

Isaac Hicks is a minister of the religious Society of Friends, and is interested in educa- tional matters, being for many years trustee of the local school, which office his son Edward has held for the last thirty years.

Here under the same roof are three genera- tions, the venerable subject and his companion, who, over ten years ago, celebrated their golden wedding, and the son Edward and his family. consisting of his wife, formerly Miss Emma E. Jarvis, three daughters, Grace, Marietta and Emily and one son, Henry.

Edward Hicks has been active in the firm for many years and has invented several machines for lightening farm labor, being the patentee of the first hay-pitching and carrying apparatus. With the assistance of his son he has recently perfected three trucks for moving large trees. Deciduous trees, such as lindens and maples, are successfully transplanted, sixty feet high, twenty inches in diameter of trunk and thirty feet or more in spread of branches and roots. Pines and spruce trees, up to twenty feet in height, are moved with a ball of earth clamped to the roots.

Henry Hicks is a graduate of the Agricultural College of Cornell University and has been active in the organization of the Agricultural Experi- ment Station and Farmers' Institutes on Long Island. Besides the nursery business, he is prac- ticing the profession of landscape designing.

A RTHUR M. WHITE. The life of Mr. White has been a busy one and

his personal efforts for advancement were begun at an early age. His experi- ence has been such as to prove that he possesses energy, wise judgment and untiring perseverance, and these qualities have brouglit him success. His education, character and busi-

ness equipment have made him a decided acquisi- tion to the citizenship of Jamaica, and he stands well in its financial and social circles.

Thomas J. White, father of our subject, was born in New York City and for some years was engaged as a wool merchant in Boston, but re- turned from there to New York, and is now liv- ing in Williamsburg. He married Miss Harriet M. Gross, a native of Brooklyn and a daughter of a prominent druggist of that city; she died in December, 1893. Arthur M. was born July 12, 1856, during the residence of his parents in Bos- ton. He was seven years old when the family returned to New York, and his education was ob- tained principally in the public schools of Will- iamsburg.

Starting out in business life, Mr. White became a clerk in a large wholesale woolen house in New York, and there he was employed for eight years, but, tiring of the narrow restrictions of the city and the work, he determined to make a change. Accordingly he began to cultivate a farm near Jamaica owned by his father-in-law, William N. Ludlum, where he remained for five years. He then became connected with the firm of which he is now a member and of which the late Elias C. Hendrickson was then at the head. For ten years he filled the position of bookkeeper, and at the death of the president of the company, he, in partnership with Amos D. Hendrickson, son of the late proprietor, succeeded to the business, the firm title becoming Hendrickson & Co. This is now one of the largest lumber and coal con- panies in Jamaica, and Mr. White may well be proud of his connection with an enterprise so well established and successful.

In 1874 Mr. White married Miss Fannie E. Ludlum, only child of William N. Ludlum. of Jamaica. Her father, who is now living retired in this village, was born February 10, 1832, on the old homestead which was in possession of the family for two hundred and fifty years. On this place his father, Nathaniel, was born in Febru- ary, 1792, and here he spent his entire life, with the exception of the period of his active service in the War of 1812; here, at an advanced age, his death occurred January 9, 1862. The father of Nathaniel was a soldier in the War of the Revo- lution and was with General Washington in Or- ange County. The old homestead remained in the family from 1644 until it was sold by W. N. Ludlum about 1892. The family is one of the oldest in Queens County and took an active part

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in all the stirring events connected with the early history of Long Island.

The four children of Mr. and Mrs. White are Hattie M., Phoebe Annetta, William Ludlum and and Grace E. H. The youngest daughter was the first child born on what is now Hardenbrook Avenue in Jamaica, where the family have a com- modious and comfortable residence. In social affiliations Mr. White is connected with the Roy- al Arcanum, in the work of which he takes an active part. During an honorable career as a business man he has displayed the solid traits of character that are needful to the attainment of success in any calling, and in his dealings with all he has been accurate and honest.

L EWIS M. WOOD, editor and publisher of the "Long Island Democrat," has made a decided success of this venture, having all the work in the printing line that he can well attend to. Enterprising and progressive in his ideas, he is not confined to old-fashioned methods, but is in touch with new discoveries in the art of printing and gives to the people of Jamaica and vicinity a bright and newsy sheet.

William Rush Wood, father of our subject, was born at Rahway, N. J., January 13, 1812. He was well educated for the day and locality in which he lived, and when ready to begin life for himself learned coach painting, which he followed for many years. Later in life he came to Long Island and made his home at Jamaica, where his death occurred October 29, 1866, when fifty-four years of age.

Our subject's mother, who was formerly Sarah Marsh, was also a native of Rahway, N. J., and was born August 30, 1812. She was a most es- timable lady and became the mother of five chil- dren, of whom Lewis M., of this history, was the eldest. The other members of the family were named, respectively, Clara J., Hester Ann, Eliza- beth and William. The wife and mother departed this life August 16, 1850, mourned by many rela- tives and a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances.

Lewis M. Wood was born at Rahway, N. J., August 15, 1836. After the removal of his parents to Jamaica he attended school regularly, complet- ing his education at the Union Hall Academy, Jamaica, which was then presided over by John N. Brinckerhoff. In July, 1851, young Wood en- tered the office of the "Long Island Democrat,"

and there became thoroughly acquainted with the business which he has followed ever since. For a time after mastering the "art preservative" he worked as a journeyman printer, and in 1884 purchased the "Democrat," which he is still pub- lishing with great success.

The marriage of Mr. Wood with Miss Lavinia Ann Bennett occurred at Jamaica December 7, 1859. She is the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Bennett, the former born May 21, 1810, and the latter August II, 1814. They are both now de- ceased, the father passing away November 10, 1890, and the mother April 26, 1891. One son was granted Mr. and Mrs. Wood, Frank B., who was born December 13, 1860. He was given a fine education and when ready to establish a home of his own was married to Miss Carrie A. Babcock, of Broklyn. This happy household was soon broken up, for August 13, 1886, the husband was called to the land beyond.

As the reader doubtless knows, Mr. Wood is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles and candidates, although he has led too busy a life to permit of his holding office. During the prog- ress of the late war he enlisted in the militia, but his company was never called into active service. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, which he has served for over thirty years as class leader. He has also been trustee, and for three years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has always been interested in religious and benevolent enterprises and does what he can to relieve the needy and worthy poor, and thus exemplifies the precepts of Chris- tianity. Mrs. Wood is also a worthy and active member of the above church.

W ILLIAM S. WILLIAMSON. On the Rockaway road, immediately adjoin- ing the village of Jamaica, was erected the Williamson homestead, which was well known for three generations. On this farm the subject of this article was born November 15, 1822, and here his entire life has been passed. This place has been the home of three preceding genera- tions of the family. Here resided our subject's grandparents, John and Adriana Williamson, the former of whom was a prominent farmer and public-spirited citizen, being connected with Union Hall Academy in Jamaica when it was one of the first schools of the kind in the State.

The father of our subject, Nicholas William-

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son, grew to manhood on the home farm, the cultivation of which he superintended during the greater part of his life. As an agriculturist he was energetic, industrious and capable. As a citi- zen he was highly esteemed and frequently he was called upon to represent the community in offices of trust. For a number of years he was assessor of the town of Jamaica, and he also served for some time as superintendent of the poor. By his marriage to Cynthia Simonson two sons were born, of whom William S. alone survives. The other, John, died leaving three sons and three daughters.

Upon the home farm the subject of this article grew to a sturdy, robust and vigorous manhood, fitted by training at home and by attendance at Union Hall Academy to take up the battle of life for himself. December 4, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Baiseley, who was born August 22, 1827, daughter of David Baise- ley, of Jamaica. A few years after his marriage he erected his present residence on a portion of the homestead, and here he has since been sur- rounded by all the comforts that can add to the pleasure of existence. Of his three children two are living. Emily married Samuel E. Burtis, a merchant of Brooklyn, and they have one child, William Edgar; Adriana, Mrs. Peter Williamson, who lives in Brooklyn, has two children, Emily Baiseley and Theodore Rogers.

Interested in educational affairs, for many years Mr. Williamson served as school trustee, and while acting in that capacity it was his aim to promote the standard of education and advance the interests of the schools. He is well informed regarding the great questions before the people today, and, believing that the welfare of our nation can best be subserved by the adoption of Republican principles, he gives his loyal alleg- iance to that party. He owns a pew in the Re- formed Church and is a regular attendant at the services there, also a contributor to its good works, though not directly identified with the congregation.

O SCAR B. WILLIS. Some lessons of genuine worth may be gleaned from the life of every man, and the history of Os- car B. Willis has been marked by all that goes to make up useful and noble manhood, and in him is the material of which useful citizens are made. He is one of two surviving children in a

family of three born to Valentine and Annette (Bogart) Willis, and first saw the light of day January 30, 1842. The father was born on the place where he now lives in East Williston, about 1818, and there his entire life has been spent in tilling the soil. His father, Samuel Willis, was of this same place.

Oscar B. Willis grew up under the watchful care of his father and obtained a good education in Union Hall Academy. Upon reaching man's estate he engaged in farming with his father, and at the end of about three years or after his mar- riage removed to a farm of his own in East Willis- ton, where he successfully followed the plow for a period of ten years. He then removed to East Hinsdale (now Floral Park), remaining there ten years. Eight years of that time, or from 1882 to 1890, he was engaged in the livery business in West Fifty-fourth Street, New York City. In 1893 he came to Queens County and after erect- ing his present handsome residence settled in his beautiful home, and here has since resided, though not actively employed in any business.

On the 18th of October, 1865, Mr. Willis mar- ried Miss Mary H. Rhodes, who was born March 28, 1847, a member of one of the oldest and best families in Queens County. She was the only child born to Cornelius H. and Phoebe E. (Hal- lett) Rhodes, the former of whom was born May 24, 1802 and died April 11, 1891. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Hendrickson, by whom he had two children, of whom Alletta R. is the only survivor. Cornelius H. Rhodes was the son of Benjamin and Alletta (Remsen) Rhodes, born July 4, 1765, and May 5, 1770, and died April 26, 1860, and October 16, 1828, re- spectively. Their marriage occurred February 28, 1791. The father of Benjamin was Anthony Rhodes, who was born April 23, 1742, and died November 4. 1810. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and he and his descendants have been prominent and successful farmers of East Hinsdale down to the present day. How- ever, Cornelius H. Rhodes was retired from active life for about twenty years prior to his death. He was a man of unblemished reputation, an ac- tive church worker and for years was connected with the Dutch Reformed Church of Jamaica, or until the erection of the church of the same denomination at Queens, when he transferred his membership to this place.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Willis four children have been born: Eugene V., born Janu-

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ary 27, 1867, has been married twice; one child was born to his first union, Cornelia, and one to his second, Bessie. Thomas H. was born Octo- ber 12, 1869, is married and has one child, Valen- tine. Ada E. was born June 13, 1872, and R. Mortimer was born March 6, 1885.

W ILLIAM A. WARNOCK, secretary of the Jamaica Savings Bank, was born at Willets Point, in the town of Flush- ing, December 1, 1850, and is a descendant of Irish ancestry. His father, Hugh Warnock, was born in Ireland, but early came to the United States, where he became a farmer. He married Miss Martha Seaman, daughter of Charles Wil- lets and a member of one of the old families of the island. In 1854 he removed from Long Is- land to Geneva, Ontario County, N. Y., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 63

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