Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 69

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 69

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H ERMAN ALTHOF. Not a few of the residents of Rockaway Beach are of Ger- man birth and ancestry, and by their com- bination of German thriftiness, with American energy, have succeeded in establishing business enterprises upon solid footings. Among this class is Herman Althof, who is proprietor and owner of a hardware and paint store at Oceanus. In 1890 he came to this village from Brooklyn and opened a store, where he kept in stock a full line of hardware and painters' supplies. Since that time he has built up a large trade and has become known as a reliable and efficient business man.

Our subject is the son of Herman and Countess Sophia (Von Michalkowska) Althof, the former of whom was a German government official, and

JOHN HENRY MACKEY.

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both of whom are deceased. The subject of this notice was born in Westphalia, Germany, Feb- ruary 1, 1850, and in the splendid schools of his native country he obtained a practical education. In the high school from which he graduated he received general scientific training. Early in life he began to follow the sea and his voyages often took him to America, his first visit to this coun- try being when he was only sixteen. He was an officer in the German navy and for twenty-five years served as captain of a ship, his long experi- ence on the sea making him familiar with every department of a seafaring life. He came to America in 1879 and has been here since, with the exception of one year spent in Germany. For four years he resided in Chicago, but afterward sold his business there and formed a partnership with a brother-in-law and embarked in business at No. 155 Franklin Street, Grcenpoint, Brooklyn, also conducting another establishment at No. 265 Manhattan Avenue. The business was extensive and frequently employment was given to as many as seventy-five men.

After five years in Brooklyn, Mr. Althof came to Rockaway Beach, where he bought ground, built a store and established the business he has since successfully conducted. March 27, 1884, he married Elizabeth Hunerhoff, and they have two children, Erna and Herman, to whom they are giving excellent educational advantages. Politi- cally our subject advocates Democratic princi- ples, but is not partisan in his convictions. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, having been reared in that faith in his native country. He still retains his old fondness for the sea, which he left, not because he grew tired of a seafaring life, but because he realized that he should settle down and establish his home on land. As a business man his integrity is unquestioned, he is affable and gentlemanly in manner and has hosts of friends.

J OHN HENRY MACKEY. Though Mr. Mackey has resided at his present home in Port Washington for a comparatively short period only, he has spent his entire life on Long Island and is well and favorably known by many of the people here. As a business man he pos- sesses the energy and ambition combined with the judgment and discretion of middle-age-qualities which will undoubtedly bring him success in the prosecution of the work to which he is giving his attention. As a florist he possesses a thor-

ough knowledge of plants and the peculiar treat- ment every variety requires, and it is his intention to raise flowers especially for shipment to the New York market.

The house in which Mr. Mackey was born, September 29, 1863, stood in Fulton Street, Brooklyn, and was the home of his parents, Elijah and Caroline Augusta (Griffin) Mackey, the latter of whom died in April, 1892, while the former, a carpenter by trade, resides in Port Washington. The paternal grandfather, John Mackey, who was the son of James and Eliza- beth (Wilson) Mackey, is still living (1896) and is now eighty years of age, enjoying robust health for one of his years.

At the age of five years our subject was brought by his parents to Port Washington, where he spent his school days in attendance up- on the institutions of learning. At the age of fifteen he left school, and from that time forward has been self-supporting. For about six years he engaged in farming, being given charge of the home place with the privilege of retaining all he could make. Going to the village of Hempstead, he continued farming, and operated a farm there for eight years. During 1895 he turned his at- tention to the occupation of a florist, buying his present home, where he erected a substantial res- idence and greenhouse.

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Mackey at Roslyn, July 8, 1894, bore the maiden name of Mary B. Cornelius, and spent her girlhood days in Freeport with her parents, Carman and Phoebe J. (Combes) Cornelius. She is an amia- ble lady of refined character, an earnest worker in all religious and charitable projects, and holds membership in the Presbyterian Church at Hempstead, to which Mr. Mackey also belongs. The latter is identified with the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company at Port Washington, and aids in every enterprise for the elevation of man- kind. Believing that the liquor traffic is the greatest curse of the age he has adopted Prohi- bition principles and does all in his power to rid the world of this blighting evil.

P ROF. WILLIAM M. PECK, who holds the position of superintendent of the Whitestone schools, ranks as an educator of the highest order. In countless ways his in- fluence is felt throughout this part of the state

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and it would be strange if it were not so. Imbued with a love for his work, and believing it to be one of the highest professions in which man can engage, he enters with a vim into everything that will raise the standard of education, not only in Queens County, but throughout the entire state.

The subject of this sketch, the son of Orange and Charity (Alger) Peck, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in 1844. His mother died when he was ten years old and he was then taken into the home of his uncle, Samuel Peck, a farmer of Delaware County. In 1861 he graduated from Delaware Academy, and shortly afterward he en- listed on the first call for volunteers as a mem- ber of Company I, Seventy-second New York In- fantry, Capt. Robert T. Johnson commanding. On account of his youth, however, he was not accepted into the service. In 1863, while teach- ing, he was drafted into the United States army, and was out for five weeks, when he was rejected on account of disability. In 1864 he was a sec- ond time drafted, but the town raised their full quota, and his services were not called into requi- sition.

After teaching for a time in the village schools of his native county Professor Peck went to Hackensack, N. J., where he was principal for three years. He was then principal at South Nyack for six years, and spent a similar period at Glen Cove, L. I. In 1870 he received the degree of A. M. from Beloit College, at Beloit, Wis. He came to Whitestone in 1882 and has since been superintendent of the schools here. In 1885 he began the preparation of Graded Lessons In Number, or First Steps In Arithmetic, covering a four years' course, founded upon what his ex- perience as a teacher told him was needed for common school work. Two years later this work was issued by A. Lovell & Co., New York City, and its merits won for it instant recognition from professional educators, through whose recom- mendation it has been introduced into the schools in various parts of the country. On completing this little book he began the preparation of his Grammar School Arithmetic, upon the same plan, which was issued in 1893 by the same firm, and covers a four years' course in the grammar school. Aside from his published works, Pro- fessor Peck is a regular paid contributor to edu- cational journals, his articles being usually along the line of number work.

Reared in the faith of the Democracy, our sub- ject voted the Democratic ticket for twenty-five

years, but being a strong protectionist he has recently allied himself with the Republican party. In 1866, while residing in Delaware County, he was a candidate for school commissioner upon the Democratic ticket, and though the majority was usually over one thousand Republican, he lacked only seventy-seven votes of being elected. In boyhood he attended the Scotch Presbyterian Church and now holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church at Whitestone, in which he has served as a trusteee and elder. In October, 1895, he represented the presbytery of Nassau in the synod at Binghamton, N. Y. Socially he is a member of Deposit Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M., at Deposit, N. Y .; Pembroke Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., at Glen Cove, L. I., where he filled every position from the lowest to the highest, being elected noble grand three times. He is also a charter member of Seawanhaka Council No. 362, Royal Arcanum, at Glen Cove.

In Delaware County, N. Y., in 1868, Professor Peck married Miss May E. Love, daughter of Richard and Harriet (Alverson) Love. Two chil- dren blessed their union, of whom Bertis W. died at the age of eight years. William Raymond was born in Whitestone, July 14, 1883, and is a stu- dent in the schools here. Professor Peck owns one of the largest dairy farms in Delaware Coun- ty, the property consisting of four hundred acres of land, with all modern farm buildings. A man- ager is employed, who is responsible for the con- duct of the entire place. A large herd of thor- oughbred Jerseys furnish a supply of milk for the creamery that is run on the farm, from which large shipments of butter are made, principally to Long Island families. In 1884 Professor Peck bought his Riverside farm for a summer home for his family, and to that acreage he has added from time to time until now he possesses one of the finest and largest places on the Delaware River. He also has an elegant residence in Stockton Avenue, in the beautiful village of Wal- ton, N. Y.

E DWARD J. KNAUER. The career of a lawyer is a succession of contests, and the successes made in the legal profession are probably greater than in any other calling in life, examples of the "survival of the fittest." To be- come distinguished at the bar requires not only capacity, but also sound judgment and persever-

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ing industry, and these qualifications are admira- bly combined in the subject of our sketch.

Mr. Knauer was born in New York City De- cember 7, 1855, to the marriage of Oscar and Catherine (Yost) Knauer, both natives of Ger- many, the former born in Saxony and the latter in Frankfort-on-the-Main. The parents were married in their native land and there the father followed the cabinetmaker's trade until 1837, when he came with his family to America. He located in New York City, where he entered the employ of the old Steinway Piano Company, re- maining with that company for several years. Afterwards he was with the famous Weber Piano Company, and was at the head of the finishing department at the time of his death, which oc- curred in Astoria, when he had reached sixty-six years of age. He was one of the first to finish an upright piano when they were first made by the Weber Piano Company. He was a most ex- cellent and worthy citizen and a member of the Lutheran Church. His father died in New York City at the age of eighty-eight. Mrs. Knauer died in Astoria at an advanced age. Of the twelve children born to this estimable couple seven are now living, two sons and five daughters.

Our subject attended the public schools of New York City, graduating from Grammar School No. 18, and in 1871 he entered the office of the late President Arthur as errand boy, remaining with him and his successors until about 1882, when he became a member of the firm. He studied law with Mr. Arthur and in May, 1877, was admitted to the bar in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Since the death of Mr. Arthur the firm name has been changed to Knevals & Perry. In the month of August, 1876, Mr. Knauer became a resident of Astoria, and his pleasant home at the corner of Woolsey and Franklin Streets is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Matilda Leonhard, a native of New York City, and a lady of more than ordinary attainments. Her father, Freder- ick W. Leonhard, is a merchant of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Knauer are the parents of three chil- dren, Adelaide, Ransom and Florence.

Politically Mr. Knauer is a leading Republican and has been strictly identified with that party since attaining his majority. For several years he was a member of the general committee, of which he was chairman at one time. He served two terms as a member of the board of aldermen of Long Island City, representing the fifth ward, and was president of the board one term. Well

qualified in every respect for any position that may be offered him, Mr. Knauer's future pros- pects are very bright indeed.

Our subject was active in the case ousting Gleason, who claimed the office of mayor after being defeated. He is also active in educational matters, and in fact takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the advancement and welfare of the city. Socially he is a thirty-second degree Mason, member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., and was one of its past masters. He is a member of the Mecca Templars of New York, and John Allen Lodge, A. O. U. W. Socially he is a life member of Astoria Athletic Club, of which for several years he was president, and is also a member of Queens County Bar Associa- tion, besides numerous societies in Long Island City. Mr. Knauer is a self-made man in all that the words imply and deserves much credit for the energy and perseverance displayed in his ca- reer. He received much valuable advice and as- sistance from Judge Rastus S. Ransom, of New York City, during his early struggles, and con- siders himself indebted to the judge more than to any other person.

C APT. SAMUEL F. PHILLIPS. Among the influential citizens of Rockville Cen- ter the name of Captain Phillips takes a prominent place, for he has ever been public- spirited and enterprising. He was born in Cape Cod, Mass., in 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Cynthia (Studley) Phillips, natives of Cape Cod, where they spent their entire lives. The father followed the sea for a livelihood and was lost while on a voyage when a comparatively young man; his wife passed away in 1867. Both were kind, upright and persevering, and were highly esteemed wherever known.

The subject of this notice attended the schools of Cape Cod until eleven years of age and then spent three years on a farm, attending school twelve weeks each year during that time. Prob- ably inheriting a taste for the sea, he shipped on a vessel when fourteen years old, and from that time to 1882 was constantly employed in that ser- vice, a period of thirty-six years. On the twenty- first anniversary of his birth he became master of the schooner "Sarah Elizabeth," and for the following twenty-nine years acted as master of sailing and steam vessels in the coastwise and foreign trade, being for the last seventeen years

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master of passenger steamers sailing from the port of New York. He was always considered a most trustworthy commander and held the re- spect of all with whom he associated.

In 1853 Captain Phillips married Miss Marinda E. Doane, a native of Cape Cod, Mass., and the daughter of Freeman Doane, who was a member of an old and prominent family there. Two chil- dren bless the union, Samuel F., a resident of Brooklyn, and Adela M., who is with her par- ents. For some years Mrs. Phillips was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Brook- lyn, and the daughter is identified with the Epis- copal Church. Socially the Captain is a Mason, and politically he affiliates with the Republican party. For three years he served as special in- spector of foreign steam passenger vessels for the port of New York, having been appointed to that position by Judge Folger, when he was secretary of the treasury.

In 1889 Captain Phillips came to Rockville Center, and since then has been identified with the growth and prosperity of this locality. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Rockville Center, was one of its first directors and served as assistant cashier until 1893, when he became president. The duties of this responsible posi- tion he has since discharged in a satisfactory manner. He no doubt inherited much of his push and energy from his sturdy Welsh ances- tors, for he is descended from Lieutenant-Gover- nor Phillips, of Massachusetts, who came to this country from Wales and was the first of the name to setttle here.

A LFRED E. VAN WAGNER. In 1889 Mr. Van Wagner removed from Brooklyn to Far Rockaway and at once opened a gro- cery store, which he has since carried on with commendable success, having by his industry, honesty and careful management gained a large trade among the people of this locality. Born September 18, 1862, he is still a young man, but has already achieved a measure of prosperity that does not always reward the efforts of men of more advanced years.

The father of our subject, Jacob Mott Van Wagner, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., of Holland-Dutch ancestry, and was a bookkeeper by occupation, his death occurring when he was seventy years old. He married Margaret Lacey, a native of Ireland, and they became the par-

ents of four sons and one daughter, namely: Mary M., John M., William B., and J. H., all resi- dents of Brooklyn, and Alfred E., of this sketch. The last-named was born in Summit, N. J., and at the age of one and one-half years was taken by his parents to Brooklyn, where he received a good education in the common schools. When fourteen years old he commenced for himself by securing employment in a grocery store and dur- ing the three years he remained in that position he gained a fair knowledge of the business.

The next position secured by Mr. Van Wagner was in a chandelier manufactory, and while there, realizing the need of a better business education, he attended the night schools. He was thus en- gaged for nearly five years, after which he began for himself. Understanding and liking the gro- cery business, he chose that calling and was first in partnership with his oldest brother in Brooklyn, where he continued for three years. Thence he came to Far Rockaway, and, estab- lishing this store, purchased his brother's interest and has since been the sole proprietor. He keeps in stock only the best grade of goods, and selling at reasonable prices, he has been able to build up a good trade.

By his marriage to Miss Mary Hayes, of Brooklyn, Mr. Van Wagner has three children, Alfred, Marie and Mott. In religious views he is a Catholic and contributes to the support of that church. For five years he has been identi- fied with the Order of Foresters and also holds membership in the Royal Arcanum. All local en- terprises receive his co-operation and his sub- stantial support wherever possible. He is con- nected with the fire department as foreman of the Hook and Ladder Company, and in this, as in other ways, aims to promote the interests of the village.

J OHN DENGLER. The calling followed by Mr. Dengler is a most useful one and to many has its charms, and this is true of the subject of this sketch. Although he is a "son of the soil," it is not in a mean sense, for farming with him has become an art and his surroundings are beautiful and harmonious. He was born in Kuppingen, kingdom of Würtemberg, Germany, January 7, 1834, to George and Magdalena (Boeckle) Dengler, and is one of the five sur- viving members of their family of eight children, and the only one in America.

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George Dengler was engaged in farming throughout his lifetime, and after an active and useful life died on the home place, which he had inherited from his father. On this farm John Dengler grew to manhood, and at the same time acquired a knowledge of and love for agriculture, which have remained with him to the present day. He acquired a common school education in his native land, and after the death of his moth- er, which occurred when he was twenty years of age, he made up his mind to come to America and try his fortune here. After an ocean voyage of thirty-five days he landed in the city of New York, May 20, 1854, and in a strange land and unacquainted with the English language he be- gan his career with a capital of $5. A portion of this sum paid his way to Williamsburg, and after a week spent in seeking employment he se- cured a job at hod carrying, following it for two months. During this time Mr. Dengler and his comrades were given only enough money to pay for their board, and when the buildings were com- pleted the firm refused to pay them the remainder due them.

Undaunted by this bad luck Mr. Dengler went to work on a farm, and after following this call- ing for four years, was united in marriage with Miss Fredericka Ruethmueller, after which lie went to work in Havemeyer's sugar refinery, where he remained until the opening of the Civil War. He then espoused the Union cause and became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Third Richmond Volunteer Infantry, and fought under General Burnside in the battles of Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg and others. After being honorably discharged in 1863 he was va- riously occupied for about two years in Green- point and Flatbush, then began farming for him- self as a renter. He continued thus for fiftcen years, but in 1880 purchased his present farm, on which he has since lived.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dengler eight children were born, seven of whom are still living. Gottleib, who is engaged in farming at Springfield, is mar- ried and has one child; John, who is also farm- ing there, is married and has three children; Frederick is managing the home farm, is married and has one child; Peter is the next in order; Catherine is the wife of Philip Moelins, by whom she has one child; and Caroline and Rose com- plete the number. Mrs. Dengler was born in Germany and came to America with her parents in 1854, at which time she was a young lady. Shc

was an intelligent and amiable woman, a kind and faithful wife and mother and her death, which occurred December 12, 1895, was deeply de- plored. She was an active member of the Luth- eran Church and was a Christian in every sense of the word. To this church Mr. Dengler also belongs, and politically he is independent.

L EONARD C. L. SMITH, B. S., C. E. Throughout this book it will appear that the cities of Long Island derive their im- portance chiefly from the number, the extent and the prominence of their manufacturing interests. To build up a center of activity of this character, it is not only necessary that the raw material shall be easily accessible, but it is also required that the machinery and appliances of the various industries shall be of a superior character and be put up and set in motion by men who thor- oughly understand the principles of mechanics. Leonard C. L. Smith, who has an established rep- utation as one of the most successful and efficient civil and mechanical engineers on Long Island, is thorough master of all the details of his pro- fession, and is now engineer of the Long Island City Water Works, and one whose reputation is not merely local.

Our subject first saw the light in New York City, May 15, 1868, and no doubt inherits much of his ability as an engineer from his father, Joseph L. T. Smith, who was also a prominent civil engineer. The latter was a native of Con- necticut, but went to New York City at an early age and there practiced civil engineering for over half a century. In 1875 he located in Long Island City, and although now seventy-five years old, is hale and hearty for his years. Hc, with Edward Serrell, assisted in building the first sus- pension bri lge at Niagara. Mr. Smith married Miss Elizabeth Bilbrough, a native of England, who came to America when young. Twelve children were the fruits of this union, and eight arc living at the present timc.

The subject of this notice is the youngest of the children now living, and until seven years old remained in New York City. From there hc went to Long Island City, first attending the Fifth Ward public schools, and afterward the Fourth Ward schools, and when ten years old began the study of civil engineering under his father. When sixteen years old he entered the University of New York, and graduated in 1888

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with the degree of Civil Engineer and Bachelor of Science. In a class of twenty-two he received second honors as salutatorian and was elected an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa Society.

In the year 1889 Mr. Smith took one year's post-graduate course and practiced with his father until the close of 1891. In 1892 he lo- cated in Long Island City, which has since been his home. In March, 1893, he was appointed engineer of the water department and has held that position up to the present time. He is one of the most prominent representatives engaged in this most useful branch of activity and has met with well merited success. He is engaged in the general practice of civil engineering here and now does all the work for the North Beach Com- pany, as well as for other firms here.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 69

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