Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 77

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 77

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

H ENRY N. ABRAMS, of Woodhaven, was born in Far Rockaway April 18, 1822. The family of which he is a member has been identified with the history of Long Island for a number of generations. His paternal grand- father, Walter Abrams, was born here and de- voted his entire active life to the occupation of an agriculturist, dying at the age of fourscore years. The father of our subject, Capt. Samuel D. Abrams, was born in Far Rockaway and be- came a seafaring man, following the water as long as he lived. During the War of 1812 he

was one of the patriots who fought in defense of American institutions. He married Catherine Frost, an estimable lady, who was born near Far Rockaway and died there at the age of seventy years.

The family of Capt. Samuel D. Abrams con- sisted of seven sons and one daughter. Martin, who was a mariner, died many years ago; Hiram, who was formerly engaged in the oyster trade, now lives retired at Far Rockaway; Elias, who was also at one time in the oyster business, died in 1892; Willett C., during the Civil War served as a pilot for the government on the coast, but later embarked in the oyster business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death in 1888; our subject, Henry N., is next in order; Samuel is an oyster man living at Far Rockaway; Mor- ris has for many years been employed in the gov- ernment life saving station at Far Rockaway; and Rachel, the widow of James Lucy, resides at Far Rockaway.

The earlier years of our subject were spent in his native place, and at the age of sixteen he be- gan to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he has since followed. In 1847, while still a resident of Far Rockaway, he was captain of the militia. In 1852 he came to Woodhaven and opened the shop of which he is still the proprietor. During eighteen years of his residence here he had charge of the toll-gate on the road that ran past his shop. He has always been an industrious, persevering man, never "eating the bread of idleness," but working hard for an honest livelihood. Of late years he has turned the management of the busi- ness largely over to his sons, but may be seen at the shop every day superintending the work. Mr. Abrams has held the official position of commis- sioner of highways, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. In religious belief he is a Presby- terian, taking an active part in the work of that church here and has been trustee for a period of eight years.

September 17, 1846, Mr. Abrams married Miss Charity Nostrand, a native of the town of Ja- maica. They have four children living and have lost four. Samuel, who is in business with his father, married Sarah Eldert, of Jamaica. and they had two children, both of whom are de- ceased; Sarah is the wife of William H. Blood, general superintendent of the Long Island Rail- road, and they, with their four children, reside in Woodhaven; Charles, who is with his father in the shop, married Lillie Musgro and has four

606

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

children, Charles, Viola, Nelson and Martha; and Anna is the wife of William Stoney, an employe of the Long Island Railroad, their union having resulted in the birth of one child, Marjorie. In all his good words and works Mr. Abrams has had the assistance and counsel of his devoted wife and faithful companion, who is a lady of beautiful Christian character, amiability of dispo- sition and gentle, kindly spirit.

J JOHN J. PETERS. This enterprising young business man of Long Island City is a na- tive Ohioan, born in West Jefferson, Madi- son County, in 1867, and is a son of John and Magdalene (Schmidt) Peters, who were born, reared and married in Luxemburg, Germany. On coming to America they located in West Jefferson, Ohio, where for many years the father engaged in farming pursuits, but finally he re- tired from active business cares and came to Long Island City, where he died at the home of his son. He was then fifty-seven years of age. Socially he was a Mason and had officiated as master of his lodge .. His widow still resides in Long Island City. Of their nine children, five are now living.

John J., who was next to the oldest of the fam- ily, attended the public schools of West Jefferson in early boyhood, but at the age of fourteen, in 1881, he came with his oldest brother, Mathias, to Long Island City, where he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade under his uncle, John P. Peters, at the foot of Sixth Street. Gaining a thorough knowledge of the trade during the six years that he remained there, in 1887 he left the machine shop and turned his attention to the florist's business and also to the manufacture of sheep fertilizer. The greenhouse had been estab- lished by his father-in-law, Victor Fredericks, about 1878, and our subject continued to carry it on until he perfected the manufacture of fertil- izer, when he turned his attention exclusively to that work.

For about three years Mr. Peters was engaged principally in experimenting with the fertilizer, having people in different states try it, and finally, as it gave entire satisfaction, about 1890 he be- gan as a manufacturer. When a boy he noticed that sheep manure was a fine fertilizer, this fact being called to his attention by some corn grown on the home farm where sheep had pastured for years. The corn was of such excellent quality that it took first prize at an exhibition, a result

due entirely to the peculiar fertilization of the soil. In order to assist in the manufacture of the fertilizer Mr. Peters has invented the necessary machinery, by which the product is dried, com- pressed and condensed in such form as to retain all the chemical properties of the original, but lessened in weight and bulk. The boiler and en- gine are each of twenty-horse power, and the capacity of the plant is large. Recently a manu- facturing plant was established in East St. Louis, adjoining the city and near the National Stock- yards, and as $40,000 was invested in the plant, with unlimited capital to carry it on, there can be no result other than success. Shipments are made to every state of the nation, as well as to Canada and Mexico, where the fertilizer is in demand for farms, lawns and greenhouses.

In this city Mr. Peters married Miss Rachel Fredericks, who was born in New York and was reared there and in Long Island City. Her fath- er, Victor Fredericks, a native of Germany, came to New York City, where he had a meat market. On removing to Long Island City he became a florist and had charge of a large green- house until his death. Socially Mr. Peters is a Mason and belongs to Island City Lodge No. 586; also to Astoria Lodge No. 186, K. of P .; and John J. Mitchell Lodge No. 338, A. O. U. W.

J OHN COVERT, probably one of the best known citizens of Queens County, was for many years one of its most prominent and successful farmers. Now, however, he is retired from the active duties of farm life and is residing in a pleasant home in the village of Woodhaven, among whose residents he has hosts of warm friends. His birth occurred September 7, 1821, at Valley Stream, in the town of Hempstead, where also his father, Morris Covert, was born in 1797. The latter was a wagonmaker by trade, but during the greater portion of his life he was engaged as a farmer and miller.

The grandfather, John Covert, was also a tiller of the soil, and in the early days his knowledge of house carpentering led to his building many of the dwellings in the vicinity of his home. He took part in the War of 1812, participating in many hard-fought engagements. The name of Covert is a very familiar one in Queens County, as members of the family have been identified with the upbuilding of this portion of Long Is- land since pioneer days and have always been

609

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

classed among the leading citizens of their re- spective communities.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah Murray. She was also descended from one of the old-time families of this section, and lived to be fifty-four years of age. Her husband departed this life when in his seventy-fourth year. To Morris and Sarah Covert there were granted eight children, two sons and six daughters. Of these, Luke is living on the old home place, and two sisters reside in Brooklyn.

John Covert came to Woodhaven in 1874, hav- ing previous to that time been engaged in farm- ing, making a specialty of truck gardening. Since locating in the village, however, he has given his attention to real estate, and through profitable speculations has become the owner of consider- able property in the village. He is also the pro- prietor of a small farm located one mile from Woodhaven which is operated by tenants. Mr. Covert is very justly regarded as one of the solid financial men of the place, and his influence and aid can always be counted upon to push forward any measure or movement which has for its ob- ject the welfare of the village. He is one of the prominent members of the Dutch Reformed Church and is liberal in his contributions toward the support of the same.

The marriage of our subject and Miss Sarah Smith occurred in April, 1857. Mrs. Covert was born in Far Rockaway and is the daughter of Samuel and Hannah Smith, well-to-do residents of Far Rockaway. Mr. and Mrs. Covert have never had any children.

T HOMAS RUTLEDGE KILLILEA, M. D. The people of Flushing may with jus- tice claim the palm over nearly every other city of similar size in the number of first-class physicians and surgeons that form part of the population. One of the guardians of the city's health who has risen to prominence in the prac- tice of medicine is Thomas Rutledge Killilea, M. D., who, although young in years, ranks among the leading medical men in the East. He is wel- come everywhere, not only for his rare profes- sional skill, but for a geniality of temperament which makes for him a friend of every one with whom he comes in contact. Affable, courteous and impressive in manner, an interesting and in- structive conversationalist, he is endowed with

those qualities which never fail to attract and please.

Dr. Killilea is a native of San Francisco, Cal., born September 28, 1864, and the son of Michael and Catherine (Ganley) Killilea, both natives of the Emerald Isle. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Killilea, was born in Galway, Ireland, and was a stock raiser and agriculturist by oc- cupation. His brother, John, was a soldier in the Duke of Wellington's army and was killed at the battle of Waterloo. The father of our subject came to America when a young man and engaged in business in New York City for a time; in 1848 he went to San Francisco, Cal., where he engaged in the shipping and forward- ing business between San Francisco and New York City. After following this business suc- cessfully for a few years he returned to New York City. He was a member of the old Sixty-ninth Regiment under Colonel Corcoran, and at the first tap of the drum volunteered and with his company went to the front. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, and after serving his term of enlistment was honorably discharged. His mar- riage occurred in New York City and from there, in 1863, he went to San Francisco, where he en- gaged in the hotel business. Later he opened a hotel at San Jose, Cal., and after conducting it for some time sold out and returned to the East. His death occurred in New York City, October 10, 1885. Our subject's mother, Ann Rutledge, came from one of the most honorable and esti- mable families of Ireland. She now makes her home in New York City. The parental family included three children: Thomas is our subject; John, who was for five years clerk for the board of aldermen of New York City, is now a resident of that city; James died in New York City in 1890.

Dr. Killilea's childhood was passed in New York City and he was educated in the grammar schools there. Until 1883 he studied the classics and then took a trip abroad, traveling about a year in Ireland, England and on the continent. While in Dublin he attended lectures at Queens Medical College. Returning to his native coun- try, he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- lege, but his studies there were soon afterward interrupted by the death of his uncle, John Killi- lea, who was residing in San Francisco, and he went there as administrator and settled the estate. In 1888 he crossed the Pacific, visiting Yoko- hama, Japan, and Hong Kong, China. Return-

610

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing to San Francisco, he subsequently made a tour through Central America and South Ameri- ca, and on his return re-entered Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College, from which he was grad- uated in 1889 with the degree of M. D. Soon after he began practicing in New York City, at No. 342 West Forty-seventh Street, and con- tinued there until October, 1893, when he located in Flushing, and in a very short time he had a successful and lucrative practice. He still main- tains an office at No. 32 East Twenty-ninth Street, where he has a consulting practice.

In the month of June, 1894, the Doctor was appointed health officer to the village board of health and he has since filled that position most acceptably. His knowledge of mechanical and sanitary engineering is of the greatest import- ance, assisting him, as it does, in executing his official duties. The plumbing in buildings is carefully scrutinized and he sees that habits of cleanliness are observed. The Doctor was mar- ried in New York City to Miss Anna White Chit- tenden, a native of Chittenden Falls, Columbia County, N. Y., and the daughter of Edward Chit- tenden, a manufacturer there and proprietor of Chittenden mills. Mrs. Killilea is the grand- daughter of Robert Chittenden and great-grand- daughter of George Chittenden, who came from Vermont in 1805 and founded the mills that were named for him. He also founded the town of Stockport, Columbia County, N. Y. Her moth- er's maiden name was Kate Quintard Leake. Dr. and Mrs. Killilea have one child, Thomas Rutledge, Jr.

J OHN ANDERSON. Integrity, intelligence and system are some of the characteristics of the above mentioned gentleman, and these have furnished the stepping stone to the success which has followed his efforts. He is a prominent farmer of Queens County and resides one and a half-miles southwest of Jamaica, on the Hawtree Creek Road, where he has a well im- proved and well stocked farm. Mr. Anderson is a native of the town of Jamaica, born about one- half mile from where he now lives, July 8, 1857. He is the third of five children born to James and Hannah (Murphy) Anderson, but of these chil- dren only one besides our subject now survives, William. James Anderson was born in Ireland in 1817 and came to this country in his early man- hood. Farming has been his principal occupa-

tion and he was thus engaged at Black Stump, L. I., for three years. From there he moved down on South Road, town of Jamaica, and there resides at the present time.

John Anderson had the advantages of the average country boy, receiving his education in the common schools and assisting his father in the management of the farm, but when twenty years old he branched out to fight his own bat- tles in life. For nine years he drove a market wagon, but about this time he began farming for himself on his father's land, and then removed to his present home, where he has tilled the soil most successfully for the past eight years.

In his choice of a companion in life Mr. An- derson selected Miss Elizabeth Ann Moesch, and their nuptials were solemnized December 22, 1891. Two children blessed this union, Walter Edward and James Henry. Politically Mr. An- derson is a strong supporter of Republican prin- ciples, and in religion he and his wife are Epis- copalians. He has a comfortable home and is a public-spirited and most worthy citizen.

C HARLES DANIEL LAWRENCE. A prominent position among the well-to-do farmers of Queens County is held by this gentleman, who is the fortunate possessor of a nice farm of twenty-six acres. He is very fond of fine horses and for several years past has fur- nished both summer and winter board to these animals. Throughout the county he is known as a competent trainer and horse-breaker, his stables being located at Bayside.

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Flushing August 9, 1836, on the place now owned by L. White, on Black Stump road. His parents were Charles C. and Ann (Lawrence) Lawrence, to whom were granted nine children. Of this family Charles D. was the fifth in order of birth and with his brother Isaac, is the only sur- vivor.

In 1803 the father was also born in the town of Flushing, in the same house in which his son was born. The farm, which then included one hundred and seventy-eight acres, had been in the Lawrence family for two hundred and fifty years, but after the death of Charles C. it was divided among his heirs. During his life he was one of the representative men of his neighbor- hood and a leading farmer of the county. For a period of twenty-two years he served as super-

6II

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

visor, to which position he had been elected on the Democratic ticket, and for some six years he rendered the people of the town efficient service as assessor. He was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, and none knew him but to love him.

Charles D. acquired his education in Union Hall Academy and on his return home began training horses, in which business he has been in- terested ever since. He is known far and wide as an expert in this line and he has been chosen by many of the prominent residents of New York City to train their carriage horses. In 1880 he purchased his present desirable place, which is located within one mile of Bayside. One of the most valued residents of the village, he well de- serves the success with which his efforts have been crowned.

The lady to whom our subject was united in marriage in 1865 was Miss Agnes A. Cain, a resi- dent of this village. Of the four children born of their union, three survive, namely: Charles C., James C. and Mabel E. The elder son makes his home in Flushing, although his business calls him daily to New York City, as he is in the employ of Sargeant & Co., a large hardware firm. James C. is also engaged in the hardware line in the city. Mabel is a student in the high school at Flushing. In political affairs our subject is in- dependent, taking no active part in public affairs other than to cast his vote for the best man, re- gardless of party line. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, which is also the faith of his wife and children.

J OHN A. BELDEN, editor and proprietor of the "Roslyn News," was born in Canaan, Conn., in 1842. It was there that he re- ceived his education in the public schools and Canaan Academy. He commenced the struggle of life by learning the printer's trade in Litch- field, Conn. Although but a youth at the break- ing out of the Rebellion, he entered the ranks of the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers as a private in 1861, and afterward re-enlisted in the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery, where he remained until discharged in June, 1865. During the per- iod of his service he took part in several engage- ments and was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Va.

At the close of the war Mr. Belden returned home and shortly afterward moved to Water- bury, Conn., where he became one of the editors

of the "Valley Index." Later he went to New York City, where he continued at printing, and was an occasional contributor to the "New York Sun." In 1878 he came to Long Island and be- came the editor of the "Roslyn News," of which he is now the proprietor. Politically he is a stanch Republican. He is not only a G. A. R. man, but is interested with the fraternities of the Masonic order and Odd Fellows.

C HARLES A. VAN NOSTRAND. This enterprising and popular business man of Little Neck, who is also a member of one of the oldest and most respected families of Long Island, was born at Little Neck, July 4, 1848, and is a brother of D. L. Van Nostrand, from whose sketch, presented on another page, may be obtained particulars regarding the fam- ily history. His education was gained in the neighboring schools, and he continued to reside with his parents until his marriage in 1873, when he settled on a farm about one mile north of Flushing and for three years operated rented land. Later he went to Lakeville, where he purchased property and for some five years his time was devoted to farming there. His next move was to Hinsdale, where he was similarly engaged for two years.

From Hinsdale Mr. Van Nostrand went to Garden City and in partnership with Charles J. Sutphin became the successors of the grocery business of E. C. Poole. After a time he became the sole proprietor of the business and for seven years, including the period of his partnership, he did a successful business there. On coming to Little Neck, he became a partner in the general store of B. W. Schenck and for four and one-half years the firm was known as Schenck & Van Nostrand. In April, 1895, he and his partner disposed of the business to Sutphin Brothers, and he then became connected with the coal and feed business conducted by his brother. D. L., to which he has since given his attention. In September, 1895, the new yard was opened at Douglaston Bridge, where they have commodi- ous dockage facilities.

November 20, 1873. Mr. Van Nostrand mar- ried Louisa, daughter of Marshall Frost, now of West Woodstock. Com., but recently of this place and a member of an old Long Island fam- ily. To this marriage have been born five chil- dren, namely: Cornelia, wife of Frederick Hew-

612

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

lett, of Brooklyn; Harriet L., a student in Mt. Holyoke College, in Massachusetts; Elizabeth, who is attending the high school of Flushing; C. Herbert and Howard Frost, who are public school students. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Van Nostrand was appointed postmaster at Lit- tle Neck in June, 1895, and held a similar posi- tion at Garden City under the first administra- tion of President Cleveland. Socially he is a member of Martin Lodge, F. & A. M., at Hemp- stead, and in religious belief is identified with the Reformed Church, of Manhasset.

J AMES M. CARPENTER, who is one of the most extensive contractors and build- ers in Queens County, makes his home at Great Neck. He was born at Herricks, this county, November 10, 1832, his parents being James and Jane (Smith) Carpenter, the former of whom was a native of Rhode Island. His father was a farmer and drover, and also owned a first- class meat market which netted him a fine in- come.

James Carpenter, Sr., was reared to farm life in his native state and after coming to Long Island was married, it is supposed, at Hempstead. Upon starting out for himself he learned the mason's trade and it was not long before he was taking contracts for building structures, most of which are located in the town of Flushing, in which vicinity he also leased a well equipped farm.

The parents of our subject moved to the above- mentioned town when he was very young, and there he was reared to man's estate, acquiring a fair education in the village schools of Flushing. When a lad of sixteen years he decided to be- come a carpenter, and, going to Brooklyn, ap- prenticed himself to a good workman, with whom he remained for four years and eight months. He was given $60 for his first two years' work and the next two years had his wages raised to $70.

In the year 1854 Mr. Carpenter came to Great Neck and obtained work with James S. Car- penter, whose sketch will also be published in this volume, and whose sister, Rosalia, our sub- ject married February 20, 1856. Her parents were John S. and Sarah (Hawkins) Carpenter, well-to-do residents of the county.

Mr. Carpenter was employed as a journeyman but a few years when he began to take contracts

for himself, and so well has he succeeded in this undertaking that he is now in the possession of a goodly property and will be enabled to spend his declining years free from labor if he so desires. For many years he made his home in a pleasant residence in the village, which he erected ex- pressly for the occupancy of his family, but short- ly after the death of his wife, which occurred in August, 1885, he made his home with his married daughter, Mrs. C. H. Gregory, of Great Neck.

Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Car- penter we mention the following: John Fred- erick, a well known contractor and builder, makes his home at Great Neck; Arthur Wallace died in infancy; Sarah Jane became the wife of Thomas J. McKee, whose life history will be recorded on another page of this volume; Ernes- tine married C. D. Corwin, and they are making their home at Brookhaven, Suffolk County; Ad- die Elma married Charles H. Gregory, of Great Neck; and Lottie G. is the wife of Edward Scott. engaged as a harnessmaker of this village.

Our subject, like his father before him, is an independent Democrat in politics. The former is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is trustee of his congregation. He built the first edifice occupied by this denomina -. tion at Great Neck. The parents of Mr. Car- penter were likewise active members of the Meth- odist Church. His father was sixty-eight years of age at the time of his decease, while his mother lived to be seventy-eight. They were both buried in the cemetery at Flushing.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 77

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