Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 78

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

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F DeHASS SIMONSON. The name of Simonson is known and respected throughout Queens County as belong- ing to some of its best residents. The present representative of the family is one of the most successful business men of Newtown, and is both liberal and enterprising. He is engaged in the real estate business, handling some of the most valuable property of the community, is also a notary public, and as an insurance agent rep- resents some of the best companies in the East.

A native of Newtown, Mr. Simonson was born June 14, 1863. His parents were Charles and Frances A. (Thomas) Simonson, to whom there were granted eight children, but of these three are deceased. The father, who was born in Ja- maica in the year 1832, accompanied his parents to Newtown when a boy and in 1870 established

WILLIAM H. DURYEA.

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the business which his son, our subject, now car- ries on. For many years he was notary public and one of the most substantial and influential men of the community. His death, therefore, which occurred November 4, 1884, was the occa- sion of universal mourning.

The marriage of Mr. Simonson and Miss Eliz- abeth Nelson occurred November 28, 1888, and to them were born two children, of whom Charles, a bright little lad of six years, is the only survivor. Mr. Simonson is collector of school taxes in district No. I. He is foreman of the Wandowanock Fire Hook and Ladder Com- pany and is always ready to assist in worthy movements for the general good.

W ILLIAM H. DURYEA. No resi- dent of Plainview has been so closely identified with its progress or has con- tributed in a larger degree to its development than has the gentleman whose name introduces this article and who is well known throughout the eastern part of Queens County. Although not a politician, he is active in local affairs and lias held almost every position within the gift of his fellow-citizens, including, among others, the office of president of the village, in which capacity he rendered efficient service.

At Mannetto Hill, town of Oyster Bay, the subject of this sketch was born March 16, 1847. to Henry W. and Margaret (Van Nostrand) Dur- yea. The family of which he is a member origi- nated in Holland. His grandfather, Rudolph Duryea, was born in Queens County, November 16, 1776, and spent his entire life here, dying February 20, 1849; he married Charlotte Waters, who was born January 4, 1771, and died Janu- ary 13, 1843. Their children were John, Eliza- beth, Mary A., Catherine, Elbert, Henry W. and Jane.

The father of our subject was born at the old homestead at Ireland Trees, July 27, 1805, and in youth was apprenticed to the trades of wheel- wright and carpenter, which he followed in con- nection with the cultivation of his small farm. About 1826 he married Margaret Van Nostrand, a native of the same locality as himself, and in 1832 he purchased the farm known as Mannetto Hill prior to the establishment of the postoffice of Plainview. Here he continued to reside until his death, June 24, 1883. He was a man of promi-

nence in political and educational matters, and held a high place among the people of this local- ity. His wife, who was born in 1809, passed away August 14, 1887.

Of their children we mention the following: Mary J., is the widow of Charles Mott and re- sides in Brooklyn; John, a veteran of the late war. who lived in Commack, died January 29, 1896; Susan A. and Edgar H. are deceased; Armenia is the widow of James Seaman; James N. was killed in 1863 while defending his country in the Civil War; Charlotte A. is deceased; William H. and Catherine E. are twins, and the latter is mar- ried to A. R. Young of Glencove; and Charles M. resides in Bethpage, L. I.

At the age of sixteen years our subject became a farm hand in the employ of Walter Powell of Bethpage, with whom he remained for ten years, meantime being promoted to be foreman of the place. During his residence there he was united in marriage, September 7, 1870, to Deborah A., daughter of Edward Young of Glencove, but their wedded life was of brief duration, Mrs. Dur- yea dying in April, 1872. The second marriage of Mr. Duryea took place May 15, 1875, when Mrs. Charlotte Sowden became his wife, and by this union there are two children, Walter F. and Mary E., both at home with their parents.

Mrs. Duryea was born in London, England, a daughter of William Mitchell, and was reared in her native place, where she married John Sow- den. In 1862 she accompanied her husband to America and settled in New York City, but later came to Mannetto Hill, in the town of Oyster Bay, where Mr. Sowden died June 5, 1873. The two children born of this union are Charlotte, wife of John T. Raynor of Freeport; and Freder- ick W., who married Miss Annie Walker of Brooklyn, and is now living in Hicksville.

With the intention of going into business, Mr. Duryea went to New York in 1875, but his plans were changed and the following year he returned to his native county, locating on the farm which has since been his home. This place consists of fifty-two acres and was formerly the property of Mr. Sowden, but has since been purchased by our subject, who has devoted his attention to farni- ing in connection with numerous other lines of business. In 1878 he was elected scaler of weights and measures, serving two years. For ten years he was overseer of the poor for the town of Oyster Bay, and for three years, begint- ning in 1893, he served as coroner. while he has

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been school trustee of his district for fourteen years.

Through the efforts of Mr. Duryea in 1885, the postoffice at Plainview was established, and for the five ensuing years he served as postmaster, his wife being his assistant. During the second administration of Cleveland, in 1892, Mrs. Dur- yea was appointed to the position, which she has since filled, her previous experience as deputy having prepared her for the entire management of the office. Mrs. Duryea is a lady of far more than ordinary ability, and is very popular in so- cial circles. For ten years she was assistant sup- erintendent of the Plainview Methodist Episco- pal Sunday-school, and for the past two years has been its superintendent, her manifest interest in the work and force of character having been instrumental in advancing the cause and increas- ing the attendance.

For four years Mr. Duryea has been overseer of highways and for two years, under the new system, has had charge of the contracts for road work. He has never failed in his allegiance to Democratic principles and has never faltered in his enthusiastic support of its principles. Socially he is a charter member of Primrose Lodge No. 569, I. O. O. F., at Hicksville, in which he has filled a number of the chairs. He is also a char- ter member of the Knights of Protection at Farm- ingdale, and is connected with the Mutual Bene- fit Association of Suffolk County.

J ACOB WYSS, owner and manager of the grocery situated on the corner of Sixteenth Street and Fifth Avenue, College Point, is a native of Switzerland, where he was born Jan- uary 18, 1864, being son of Jacob Wyss, Sr., a lifelong resident of that beautiful republic be- yond the seas. The boy grew to manhood amid the mountains and picturesque scenery of his native canton, where he gained a good education in the Swiss language. His father and relatives were content to remain in the Old World, but his ardent, ambitious spirit looked forth across the ocean to the newer republic of the United States. Hither his aspirations were bent.

Finally the time came when he was permitted to realize the hope of his boyhood years. At the age of twenty-two, bidding farewell to the friends of his youth, he set out alone for America, and reached the shores of this country after an un- eventful voyage, a stranger in a strange land,

friendless among a great throng of busy people. He accepted the first position he could secure, which was that of driving a beer wagon. As . might be supposed, he was not content to remain in that work, and availed himself of the first op- portunity to enter business more congenial. In 1892 he came to College Point and took charge of the business which had been previously estab- lished by a brother-in-law. The enterprise was prosperous and he soon felt warranted in remov- ing to better quarters, selecting the place on the corner of Sixteenth Street and Fifth Avenue, where he now has a first-class store.

By his marriage to Sophie Oberist, our sub- ject is the father of two daughters, Olga and Lillie. Since coming to this country he has giv- en some study to the fundamental principles upon which this government rests and is well informed regarding the great problems of the age. Po- litically he votes the Democratic ticket.

D AVID BALDWIN, whose well cultivated homestead is located in the town of Hempstead, has been for many years identified with the welfare and development of this neighborhood. He was born in this locality in 1845, and is the son of Stephen and Ann (Jack- son) Baldwin, natives also of this town where they spent their entire lives.

During the active years of his life the father of our subject was a prominent merchant, owning one of the best equipped establishments in the town. He was quiet and unassuming in man- ner, but being public-spirited, his influence was safely relied upon in everything relating to the best interests of the community in which he dwelt. He departed this life March 4, 1893. His excellent wife, however, preceded him to the land beyond, dying January 21, 1892.

David Baldwin acquired a common-school education and later completed a business course in one of the schools of Brooklyn. Subsequent- ly he obtained a position as bookkeeper in an es- tablishment in New York City, holding the same for over five years. He was then made a better of- fer by a firm in Brooklyn, and remained with his employers in the City of Churches for three years. In 1872, however, tiring of city life, he returned to his old home and gave his undivided attention for many years to general farming. Later he en- gaged in the sale of agricultural implements, but

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owing to poor health he has been living in retire- ment for the past few years.

Mr. Baldwin was married in 1876 to Miss Marian, daughter of John Cumming of Scotland. Their union has resulted in the birth of a large family of children, twelve in number. They are named respectively: Stephen, David, John Jack- son, George Jackson, Lily Ann, Oscar, Ethel Marion, Elizabeth, Tillie, Amos Cumming, Min- nie Cumming and Ralph, the latter of whom is deceased.

While not members of any religious body Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin attend services at the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In politics the former is independent and is not confined to party lines during elections. He is upright and honorable and has a reputation for veracity and high prin- ciples which is second to none in the neighbor- hood where he has lived as a boy and man.

A LFRED COX. Ability, when backed by enterprising business measures and pro- gressive ideas, will accomplish more than any other professional or commercial require- ment. An illustration of this may be seen in the career of Alfred Cox, who, although engaged in various occupations throughout his business life, has been reasonably successful in them all. He is a native of White Plains, Westchester County, and was born January 6, 1830, a son of Daniel and Susan (Foster) Cox, the former of whom was a successful miller by trade.

In the county that gave him birth the subject of this sketch grew to manhood and acquired a good common education in the district schools. He was the ninth in a good old-fashioned family of fifteen children, and, owing to this and to the fact that his father's means were limited, he was compelled to begin the battle of life for himself at the early age of twelve years by working on the home farm and in other capacities. At the age of sixteen, he left the shelter of the parental roof and went to Brooklyn, where he began working at the sash, door and blind business, at which he continued for about four years, receiv- ing for his services from $30 to $50 per year and his board.

When his term of apprenticeship had expired our subject started out to see what Dame For- tune had in store for him, and instead of work- ing for others, wisely started in business for him- self in New York City, where he remained some

three years. He then turned his attention to milling in Westchester County, which business he had learned of his father while growing up, and after following it for some ten years, he and two brothers came to Glencove, purchased a mill and conducted it with fair financial results for some ten years also. They disposed of their mill to a starch manufacturing company, and soon after began handling the corn feed from the starch works, and built up a large market for it in three states, amounting frequently to sixty thousand bushels per month. This business oc- cupied the attention of Mr. Cox for about fifteen years, and proved both remunerative and agree- able.

In Westchester County, N. Y., in October, 1853, Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Miss Harriet A. Sniffen of Northcastle, N. Y., a daugh- ter of Lyman and Huldah (Totman) Sniffen. Two children came to bless their home: Frances, who died at the age of one and one-half years, and Fannie J., who married W. N. Stewart of New York City and died without issue. In his po- litical proclivities Mr. Cox was first a Whig and cast his presidential vote for Scott in 1852, for Fremont in 1856 and for every Republican presi- dential nominee since that time. For half a cen- tury he has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a steward and president of the board of trustees at Seacliff. He was one of the parties who helped get the ma- terial together for the building of the tabernacle and to draw the first load of lumber onto the grounds. His home is now on the site of the old tabernacle, and he has been a resident of Sea- cliff ever since 1893. In church work he has ever been active and is a man of unblemished reputa- tion.

M ICHAEL MOORE, a contractor and builder residing in Dutch Kills, Long Island City, is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Kerry in 1854, being a son of Gerhard and Mary (Callahan) Moore, also na- tives of the Emerald Isle. His father, who spent his entire life in the place of his birth, was a civil engineer by occupation and for some time was in the employ of the government. It is a re- markable fact that every one of his eighteen chil- dren attained years of maturity. Of that large family nine are living, four being residents of

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Dutch Kills. One brother, Edward, who par- via the Isthmus of Panama. On reaching that ticipated in the Civil War, is now deceased.

Michael, who was next to the youngest among the children, was reared to manhood in Ireland, where he attended the national schools. At the age of twenty, in 1874, he came to America, set- tling at once in Long Island City, where he learned the brick mason's and plasterer's trade. On thoroughly familiarizing himself with the work, he followed it for a time in Massachu- setts and Rhode Island, then returned to Long Island City, where he was similarly engaged. For fifteen years he was foreman for Lyons & Bunn in New York, and his long service with that firm is sufficient proof of his industry and ability.

In 1891 Mr. Moore began contracting and building, and soon had command of a large trade, building residences in Hoboken, Yonk- ers and other places adjacent to New York City. He built the Margaret flats and the Ben- nett building in New York City; also the bonded warehouse in Pearl Street. The resi- dence which he built at No. 248 Harris Avenue. Dutch Kills, he still occupies, and in addition he owns other valuable property in this locality. While in Massachusetts he married Miss Mary Griffin, a native of Ireland, and they have two children, Frank and Michael. The religious home of the family is St. Patrick's Catholic Church. While Mr. Moore does not aspire to po- litical honors, he is a stanch Democrat, and has served on the general committee at different times.

N EIL O. FITCH, M. D., one of the suc- cessful, competent and skillful medical practitioners of Astoria, Long Island City, is justly entitled to a biographical notice in this connection. He was born at Coopers- town, Otsego County, N. Y., in February, 1862, and is the son of Orrin Fitch, also a native of the Empire State. Grandfather Prentice Fitch was born in Connecticut, whence he later re- moved to Otsego County and there carried on farming until his decease. The family is a very old one in the United States and is able to trace its ancestry back to one of the founders of the New Haven Colony, who came hither from Eng- land.

Orrin Fitch was trained to mature years on the farm of his father, but during the gold excite- ment of 1849, he left home and went to California

far western state he entered the mines and met with such marvelous success that he was shortly afterward enabled to purchase a ranch. He re- mained there until 1861, in the meantime hav- ing been appointed postmaster of Shasta, where he was also at the head of a mercantile establish- ment. He made a trip East, however, in 1857, and was married to Miss Jennie E. Forbes, a na -. tive of Canajoharie, N. Y., and the daughter of David Forbes, whose birth occurred in Scotland. The latter, after making his home in America, be- gan contracting and building, following the same until his decease, which occurred early in life. The father of our subject after his marriage re- turned to his western home and lived there for the four years following. We next find him a resident of Hartwick, Otsego County, N. Y., where he embarked in the mercantile business and was also justice of the peace. Later he re- moved with his family to Buffalo, N. Y., and during his residence there gave his attention to the insurance business. In 1873, however, he took up his abode in New Hartford, Conn., where he still makes his home. Soon after locating there he engaged in the manufacture of cotton duck and at the present time is secretary of the Greenwoods Company, perhaps the largest man- ufacturers of this article in the country.

Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Fitch only one is living besides our sub- ject. The latter attended the private schools of Otsego County until 1873, when he accompanied the family to their new home in Connecticut and was there graduated from the high school at New Hartford when only sixteen years of age. In or- der to obtain a good business education he went to Poughkeepsie and took a course in Eastman's Business College, after which he located in New York. The next removal was to Boston, Mass., where for a short time he was engaged with the wholesale dry goods house of R. H. White.

About this time our subject took up the study of medicine, which science from his early boy- hood days he had desired to master. Early in 1882 he became a student in the medical depart- ment of the University of New York, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1886, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In September of that year, when looking about for a suitable location, he came to Long Island City, opening an office in Prospect Street. Here he remained until 1888, when he purchased a

CLARENCE M. MASTER, D. D. S.

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beautiful residence in Astoria, which he fur- nished complete and moved into the same year. Though a comparatively young man, the Doctor is in command of an enviable practice, and the splendid reputation which he enjoys has been at- tained by much hard work and study on his part.

Dr. Fitch was married in 1887 in Brooklyn to Miss Margaret Forbes, a native of that city, and the daughter of George Forbes, whose birth oc- curred in Scotland. Their union was blessed by the birth of four children: George F., Do- rothy M., Evelyn M. and Nellie, deceased. The Doctor takes a deep interest in the welfare of his community, materially and otherwise, and has borne a prominent part in promoting its rise and progress to its present high standing. For three years he has been police surgeon of the city and for two years has filled the position of county physician. He is at the present time visiting physician to Astoria Hospital. Socially he is a member of Advance Lodge No. 635, F. & A. M., at Astoria, belongs to Enterprise Lodge No. 228 at the same place, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is medical examiner in the Legion of Honor and is a member of the An- cient Order of United Workmen. The Doctor is also medical examiner in the Sons of St. George.

Our subject has contributed many articles of interest and value to the Medical Society of Long Island City, the Medical Society of the County of Queens and Medico-Legal Society of New York, in all three of which he holds membership. He stands well as a citizen, possessing advanced views, and is among the best-read, modern phy- sicians and surgeons of to-day. His familiar form and face have cheered the sick room of many a household in Queens County, and it has ever been his aim to exercise all the skill he possesses for rich and poor alike.

C LARENCE M. MASTER, D. D. S. The profession of dentistry has made the most marked progress in the past quarter of a century, and a good dentist is able to preserve the teeth of persons indefinitely if they will place themselves in his charge and carry out his in- structions; and his skill is such that he can re- place those that are lost with such consummate art that it is impossible to detect the counter- feit, while his operations in the matter of filling, capping, ctc., indicate the most advanced prac-

tical knowledge. Among the number of expert and eminent dentists of Flushing is Dr. Clarence M. Master, who, although young in years, is one of the best representatives of his profession in the village. He is a native of this place, born February 8, 1873, and is the son of David Mas- ter, whose sketch is also given in this volume. In Flushing our subject grew to manhood and re- ceived his education, graduating from Flushing Institute in 1888. At an early age he evinced a strong liking for dentistry and as soon as he had left Flushing Institute he began the study of den- tal surgery under E. Parmelee Brown, who was considered one of the most skillful followers of the profession.

Later our subject was with Drs. Bennett and King for over three years, and in 1892 he en- tered the New York College of Dental Surgery. During that time he took a one-year's course in dissecting at Bellevue' Hospital Medical College, and in 1895 graduated with the degree of D. D. S. After graduating he began for himself at No. 85 Main Strect, in the office of Dr. King, and has had numerous interesting cases.

Dr. Master was married in Flushing in Octo- ber, 1895, to Miss Luella Combs, a native of Greenpoint, and the daughter of Louis V. Combs. The latter was formerly a contractor and builder of New York City, but is now living re- tired in Flushing. The Doctor is a member of the Psi Omega fraternity and is vice-president of the alumni association. While in college he held the highest official position, that of marshal. He is a meniber of the Reformed Church and is a young man of more than ordinary ability and promise.

F RANCIS McNENA. A leading business man of Long Island City is Francis Mc- Nena, who has built up a first-class patron- age and who is universally liked for his good qualities. His father, Francis McNena, Sr., was a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Tyrone, and he there learned the gro- cery business.

When a young man the father came to Amer- ica and located in Brooklyn, where he clerked in a grocery for some time. Later he started in business in Grand Street and continued there until about 1860, when he came to Long Island City and settled at Blissville, engaging in the re- tail grocery business. This he followed with fair

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success until his death in 1888, when sixty-three years old. He had erected a good brick build- ing, 100x100 feet, and carried a general stock of goods. He was a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen and was appointed commissioner of public works of Long Island City under Mayor DeBevoise, but resigned before the close. Pre- vious to this he was the first alderman of the sec- ond ward of Long Island City and held other po- sitions of importance. He was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in this city. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Quinn, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and she is the mother of Rev. Father John J. McNena, who is a priest at Eddington, Bucks County, Pa. Mrs. McNena has been a resident of Long Island City for over thirty-five years and may in truth be called one of the old settlers.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 78

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