Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 82

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 82

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J AMES MINOR FURLONG. The build- ing interests of Astoria have a capable rep- resentative in the subject of this sketch, and he has done much toward promoting the welfare of the place. With his brother, Henry H., he erected seventy or more residences here, thus greatly enhancing the value of property; and while the enterprise did not prove very profitable to himself pecuniarily, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has greatly benefited the inter- ests of the place and the people.

Both our subject and his father, James M., were born in New York City. The family, how- ever, is of Virginian origin. His grandfather, Robert Furlong, who was born at Cartersville, Va., was for some years engaged in the mer- cantile business in his native village, but after- ward moved to New York, where he was similarly occupied until the loss of sight terminated his business career. The great-grandfather, Robert, Sr., took part in the Revolutionary War under General Washington and was killed in the battle of Yorktown. He was a brave soldier and held the rank of sergeant. The family originally came from Scotland, but during the religious perse- cutions in that country took refuge in the north of Ireland, whence they emigrated to America.

The father of our subject, who was a painter by trade, followed that occupation for a time, but later became superintendent of a large whole- sale dry goods store in Chambers Street, New York. His death occurred at fifty-three years of age. He married Angeline Robinson, who was born in New York City, and now resides in Long Island City. Her father, Capt. Robert Robinson, was born in New York of English ancestry and was a seafaring man, being at one time part owner of a merchant ship. He married a Miss Harrison, a sister of ex-President William H. Harrison.

The family of James M. Furlong, Sr., consisted of seven children, of whom five are living, our subject being third in order of birth. The others are Mrs. Mary A. Wheelwright; Henry H., a painter living in Long Island City; John Robert, an actor and stage manager living in Long Island City; and Mrs. Martha Jones of New York City. Our subject, who was born in 1852, received a grammar school education in New York City. In boyhood he accompanied his parents to Sta- ten Island, where for four years he worked on his father's farm. Later he followed various lines of work until he finally took up painting, at which trade he served for six years as journeyman. Forming a partnership with his brother, he gave his attention to contract work, the two continn- ing together for ten years, and since the dissolu- tion of their partnership he has been alone. In 1888 he came to Long Island City, where, as stated before, he erected about seventy houses in different parts of Astoria, thereby greatly ad- vancing the interests of this locality. He is the owner of some property here, including his resi- dence at No. 206 Elm Street.

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Prior to leaving New York, Mr. Furlong mar- ried Miss Alice Sheridan, daughter of Thomas Sheridan, a contractor residing in Johnstown, Pa., where she was born. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom are at home, name- ly, Lorette, Joseph, Angelina, James Minor, Jr., Gertrude, John R., Walter and Florence. The po- litical opinions which control the public action of Mr. Furlong are in hearty accord with the decla- rations and platform of the Republican party, and he casts his ballot for the candidates of that or- ganization.

L UCAS E. DECKER is well known in the business circles of Springfield, where he is the proprietor of a well-stocked mercantile establishment, in the conduct of which he has been unusually successful. Springfield is his na- tive town, and the date of his birth May 17, 1858. The father of Mr. Decker, also named Lucas E., was born in Brooklyn about the year 1833. During his early life he was a farmer and also had a milk route, but in 1854 he came to Spring- field and, purchasing the site on which our sub- ject's store now stands, erected a hotel and gro- cery store. These he carried on until his decease in 1891, at which time he was one of the trustees of the town of Jamaica and a man most highly regarded in his community. In Masonic circles he stood high, taking great pleasure in meeting with the members of Jamaica Lodge.

The parental grandfather of our subject, who bore the name of Stephen L. Decker, was born in New York in 1800. He, too, was a farmer and later added to his income by supplying the people of Brooklyn with milk. During the latter part of his life, the grandfather established a meat market, commanding a good trade. He had three sons, those besides the father of our subject being John W., now a wealthy farmer of Springfield; Reuben, who is engaged in the feed business in Brooklyn and who has a pleasant home at Chester Park, L. I., and Nicholas C., a hardware and real estate dealer in St. Louis, Mo .; he is now serving his third term as justice of the peace. The great-grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the War of 1812, in which conflict he was killed. The family is of Dutch origin and one of the oldest and most highly re- garded on the island.

Mrs. Abby C. (Nostrand) Decker, mother of our subject, was the daughter of John Nostrand.

By her union with Lucas E. Decker, Sr., there were born three sons, those beside our subject being Smith N., engaged in the ice manufactur- ing business at Far Rockaway, and Elbert J., a veterinary surgeon of Far Rockaway. Lucas E., our subject, first attended school in Springfield, after which he conducted his studies in one of the private schools of Jamaica. Later he entered his father's store, and in 1885 established a coal and feed business in Springfield, running that in con- nection with helping his father. In 1891 he sold his feed yard, and in May of that year purchased his present property and business, the latter be- ing established in 1854. In local politics he has been a prominent factor, and from 1891 to 1895 held the responsible office of highway commis- sioner. Socially he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Foresters and Farmers' Union. Politically he gives his allegiance to Democratic candidates and principles.

In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Decker with Miss Alice I. Clemanson. The latter was born at Troy, N. Y., and was the daughter of James Clemanson, a soldier of the late war, in- which conflict he was killed. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have two children, Edith and Lucas E.

J OHN T. D. DONNELLY, a successful vet- erinary surgeon of Long Island City, was born in Belleville, Essex County, N. J., in 1863, being a son of James and Mary (Duncan) Donnelly. He was the only one of three children who attained years of maturity, and was a boy of nine years when, in 1872, he was brought by his parents to Long Island City. Here he grew to manhood, mcantime attending the old Fourth Ward school and the School of Languages. He was a studious boy, attentive to his tasks and a diligent pupil, so that he gained a comprehensive knowledge not only of the information contained in his text books, but of the world of history, literature and science.

Having determined to become a veterinary sur- geon, Mr. Donnelly in 1883 became a student in the New York Veterinary College, from which he graduated with second honors three years later, receiving the degree of V. S. During the same year, 1886, he began to practice in Long Island City, where he has since resided, devoting his attention closely to liis chosen profession, in which he has met with success. He licld the position of veterinary surgeon for the fire depart-

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ment and the board of health, and under the ad- ministration of President Harrison was appointed United States veterinary inspector of the bureau of animal industry. For a time he was also vet- erinary for the Steinway Railroad Company. In June, 1895, he purchased the old stand of Kiley Bros., horseshoers, at No. 12 Newtown Avenue, where he continues business in the same line. With his father he was for some time interested in breeding Jersey cattle in this city.

The platform of the Republican party receives the hearty endorsement of Mr. Donnelly and he supports its men and measures with enthusiasm. He is filling the position of vice-chairman of the general Republican committee of Long Island City and is also president of the Republican Dis- trict Association, rendering important service in these capacities. In 1894 he was a delegate to the state convention that nominated Levi P. Morton for governor, and he has also been dele- gate to numerous county, city and congressional conventions. In religion he is a member of the Church of the Redeemer.

A NDREW FLANAGAN, proprietor of one of the largest ice houses in Long Island City, has been connected with this busi- ness longer than any other citizen of this locality. He is also the owner of much valuable property in this city and in almost all his ventures has met with success.

Mr. Flanagan was born in Astoria in 1839. His father, also Andrew Flanagan, was a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, but upon attain- ing mature years he went to England, where he learned his trade-that of a mason-and re- mained there until coming to America, in 1832 or 1833. He first made his home in Brooklyn, but about 1833 we find him living in Astoria, where he was engaged as a general contractor until his death, when sixty-six years of age. As may be supposed, he was one of the very earliest residents of Long Island City and in that day there was no other means of transportation be- tween the city and points on the island than the sloops.

Andrew Flanagan, Sr., was married to Sarah A. Matthews, a native of Birmingham, England. She survived her husband several years, depart- ing life when seventy-six years of age. She had been twice married, her first union being with a Mr. Waldron of England, and to them was

born a daughter, Mary A., now Mrs. Shuker, of Long Island City. Her marriage with Mr. Flan- agan, however, resulted in the birth of seven chil- dren, six sons and one daughter.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in this city, and upon leaving school he was apprenticed to a machinist in New York City. For a time he worked for the Root Steam Engine Company, also learning steam and gas fitting. After following this business in all four- teen years he abandoned it in order to become a dealer in ice. June 13, 1874, he purchased the ice business owned by John O'Conner and im- mediately set about increasing his trade. His ice was obtained at that time from Trains Mead- ow, Newtown and East River, but after ten years cutting ice at these points he transferred his operations to the upper Hudson and Kennebec Rivers. Of late, however, he gets his supplies from the Knickerbocker Ice Company and sup- plies his customers with the purest natural icethat can be obtained anywhere. He runs constantly five wagons, and during the summer months puts on extra help. Although at one time his route took in nearly the whole of Long Island City, he now confines his trade to Astoria, Steinway and Schuetzen Park. Mr. Flanagan also engages in the scavenger business, giving employment to two teams and several men.

About 1866 occurred the marriage of our sub- ject and Miss Adelaide Exertier, a native of New York City and the daughter of Charles Exertier, who was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He was of French extraction and came to America when thirty-two years of age; his marriage occurred in New York City. He was an importer of liquors and carried on a large wholesale trade in New York until retiring from business, mak- ing his home in Astoria until his death, which occurred when sixty-one years of age. His wife, Annette Grapin, who was born near Paris, France, is now deceased, passing away when aged three score years and ten. Mrs. Flanagan, who was their only child, was educated in the schools of Astoria and St. Vincent de Paul School of New York.

To our subject and his wife have been born seven children: Pauline Exertier, a finely edu- cated young lady and at present teaching in the fourth ward of this place; Charles Exertier, the assistant of his father in his business; Adelaide Exertier, Beatrice Theresa, Andrew Joseph, Ray- mond Aloysius and Julian Evans. The family

HILBERT BLACK TINGLEY, M. D.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

occupy a pleasant home at No. 536 Debevoise Street, which Mr. Flanagan had erected for his especial use. He has large stables in Grand Avenue, also a brick building, with stable adjoin- ing, on the corner of Debevoise Street and Grand Avenue.

Mr. Flanagan has always manifested a high de- gree of interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his city, although he has never desired to hold office. Socially, he is a member of John Allen Lodge, No. 330, A. O. U. W., and Lodge No. 17, F. & A. M., of Long Island City. He is likewise connected with the Veteran Fireman's Association. In national politics he is Demo- cratic, but is not radical. He is a member of the Long Island City Building and Loan Associa- tion and has aided many worthy causes by his influence. In religion he is a devout Catholic, being identified with the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which he helped to build. His father was one of the founders of this body here and for many years was trustee.

H ILBERT B. TINGLEY, M. D. Health is the most highly prized gift bestowed upon us by Mother Nature and it is a matter of most vital moment that we should know how to preserve it or regain it when lost. In the latter case medical science must frequently be resorted to and the services of a good physician employed. Dr. Tingley is one of the leading professional men of his section and in the practice of the "healing art" has won golden opinions from all classes among whom he has labored. Dr. Tingley was born in New Brunswick, October 21, 1865, and upon his father's farm in that province he grew up and obtained a thorough knowledge of the duties of agriculture. His parents were Obed and Mar- garet A. (Dobson) Tingley, native Canadians, the latter of whom died at the untimely age of twenty- eight years, when the subject of this sketch was but two years old. Besides her sorrowing hus- band, she left four children to mourn her death: Amasa, who resides in Moncton, New Brunswick; Melbourne, who lives in Sonora, Cal .; Minnie, wife of Dr. John F. Harvey of Boston, Mass., and Hil- bert B., whose name heads this sketch.

In the excellent common schools in the vicinity of his rural home Dr. Tingley acquired a thor- oughly practical education, which he afterwards greatly improved by a six months' attendance in a preparatory school connected with King's Uni-

versity, after which he taught school for two years. He possessed a natural taste and inclination for the study of medicine, and with the view to making its practice his life work, he entered Balti- more University Medical College, from which he was graduated first in his class in 1889 with the degree of M. D., having previously studied pri- vately while teaching school and in the offices of Dr. W. P. Bowser, now of Brooklyn, N. Y., and D. C. Allen, a native of Nova Scotia.

Upon the completion of his medical studies our subject went to Boston and was engaged in prac- tical work in the Baptist Hospital of that city for some time, having previously had a year and a half of hospital work while in college, and later was a part of the time assistant resident physician there. From Boston Dr. Tingley made a trip to the West, visiting most of the southern and western states for the purpose of extending his knowledge and broadening his views by ob- servation, remaining nine months. The following March (1893), after his return to Boston, he came to Long Island, took up his residence at Oceanus and opened an office for the practice of his pro- fession. Here lie has conducted a general prac- tice ever since and has met with a more than average degree of success. His patronage is large, and owing to the success which has at- tended his efforts in behalf of suffering humanity is continually on the increase. Dr. Tingley took a post graduate course in the New York Polyclinic Hospital in New York City, graduating with the class of '94-95.

The Doctor was first married to the daughter of Silas Kirby, of Easton, Md., but her death oc- curred ten weeks later. His present wife was formerly Miss Addie Rucker of Gainesville, Ga. The Doctor is a Republican in politics, a member of Kings County Lodge No. 511, F. & A. M., and of Arlington Lodge No. 394, A. O. U. W. For some years he has been connected with the Bap- tist Church of Boston.

S AMUEL E. ELDERT. a resident of Wood- haven, was born on what is known as the old Ryder farm, in South Road, April 9, 1820. He was the son of Eldert Eldert, whose birth occurred in Eldert's Lane, in the old house now owned by Henry Drew and which was built long before the Revolutionary War. During those trying times it was occupied by Grandfather Samuel Eldert. It is said that on one occasion

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it was taken into the possession of a company of British soldiers, who appropriated to themselves everything of value. The grandfather also served as a patriot in that conflict. The family is of Dutch origin and without doubt was one of the first to make their home on Long Island, where they are now so numerous. The first of the name to come to America was Eldert Luke, but for some reason which was not given the biographer, the surname was changed from Luke to Eldert and has been handed down as such to each suc- ceeding generation.

The father of our subject served faithfully dur- ing the War of 1812, and after peace was estab- lished returned to the occupation of a farmer, following the same until his death, when fifty- three years of age. His wife, Mary Ryder, who was born on the old Ryder farm in the year 1800, was the eldest of six children born to her parents, Nicholas and Hannah (Lane) Ryder. It is said her father was born in the eastern portion of the island, where his parents were among the very first settlers.

The subject of this sketch had one brother, Nicholas Ryder Eldert, a farmer, and six sisters; Catalina married Henry S. Lott, by whom she had three children; Hannah M. also married a Mr. Lott; Sarah became the wife of James Lott; Susan is now Mrs. Elisha N. Jones, of Wood- haven; Ida Jane married John Williamson, a prominent farmer, whose estate is located in the Rockaway Road, south of Jamaica. After the death of her sister Catalina, Elizabeth D. married her husband, Henry S. Lott; they are the parents of three children: Eldert; Dow S., who is a large property owner in the town of Jamaica, and who lives on a beautiful farm near Woodhaven; and Stephen, an attorney of Woodhaven.

Samuel E. Eldert was brought up to a full knowledge of farm life. He removed to New York in 1842, but returned in 1855 and for the past thirty-seven years has made his home on his present place, which is a portion of the old home- stead. In 1842 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Van Sise, who was born near Farmingdale, L. I., and to them were born eight children, of whom two are deceased. Mary married Virgil Ketch- am; Charles W. is an employe in the agate fac- tory at Woodhaven ; Julia is now the wife of Isaac Doxy, a carpenter of Brooklyn; Ditmus, who married Miss Lily M. Hadden, is a carriage- maker at Bridgeport, Conn .; John married Vir- ginia Dominge and makes his home in Wood-

haven, and Nessel L. chose Fannie Danforth of Boston for his wife. He is engaged in business in New York City as a manufacturer of shoe dressing, and is also a dealer in typewriters.

Like his forefathers, Mr. Eldert is noted for his sterling qualities and high principles. He is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as elder for many years. He is now living a quiet life in his pleasant home in Ferry Street, Woodhaven.

S AMUEL WALKER, a retired farmer liv- ing in Port Washington, is one of the old- est and most highly esteemed residents of the county. He was born within fifteen miles of Boston, Mass., September 18, 1815, his parents being Josiah and Sarah (Jenkins) Walker, well- to-do farmers of the Bay State. Samuel was reared to a full knowledge of farming, but when eighteen years of age left home and, going to New York where his brother Joseph was engaged in the charcoal business, drove one of his wagons for some time.

Although not having the opportunity of ac- quiring a thoroughi education, the subject of this sketch possessed good judgment and that energy and perseverance which almost always bring suc- cess. Therefore, after working for his brother for a time he embarked in business on his own account and from 1835 to 1850 was the proprie- tor of a flourishing coal yard. In the latter year he sold out his possessions in New York and, go- ing to New Hampshire, purchased a quarter-sec- tion of land in the town of Hudson. His place was very conveniently located near Nashua and there he made his home for eighteen years.

The lady to whom our subject was united in marriage, May 1I, 1837, was Miss Elmira Bird of New York, whose birth occurred at Port Ches- ter, June 18, 1819. She was the daughter of Capt. James T. and Hannah (Denton) Bird, na- tives of the island. The mother was born at Newtown, but the exact location of the father's birthplace is not known. In his early life he was a sea captain, but spent his later years in the oyster business.

Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker we mention the following facts: James Elliott makes his home in Brooklyn; at her death his wife left a family of seven children. William Leonard went out west when a young man and met his death in the coal mines of Wisconsin. Martha

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Jane married Austin Bailey and makes her home at Bath, N. H. John W. died in infancy. Samuel, who was for many years engaged as a truckman in Brooklyn, departed this life in July, 1895, leav- ing a wife and five children. Desdemona became the wife of Marshall Keator, and they make their home in the City of Churches. Mary died in in- fancy. Nellie married Edward Smith and is a resident of Great Neck; they have a family of seven children. Stephen Greeley is a resident of Brooklyn; he is married and the father of two sons.

In 1870 Mr. Walker came to Port Washing- ton and engaged in oyster planting, following this business with marked success for many years. He stands well among the prominent men of this county and has won this standing by patient and unremitting work. In early years he voted the Whig ticket, but he has since 1856 supported Republican candidates. Since 1843 he has been a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is one of the leading members and holds the office trustee and deacon.

T HE SEABURY FAMILY has for many years been prominently identified with the history of Long Island and especially that portion of it comprised within the limits of the town and village of Hempstead. Established in America by one of the illustrious "Pilgrim Fathers," it has since borne an honorable part in the growth and development of this country. It has had representatives both in the trades and professions, though predominating in the latter, and has given to the world men of intellect and enterprise, whose labors in life have elevated the race mentally and morally.

The first of the name known to have settled in America was John Seabury, who came here at an early Colonial period and endured all the hardships incident to life in a newly settled coun- try. His son, Dr. Samuel Seabury, was born in Boston in 1639, and by his union with Patience Kemp had a son, John, whose birth occurred in 1673. The latter chose as his wife Elizabeth, daughter of David Alden and granddaughter of John Alden and Priscilla Mullen, of "Mayflower" fame.

Samuel, son of John and Elizabeth Seabury, was born September 3, 1706, and while a student at Yale College he renounced the Presbyterian religion and embraced the faith of the Protestant

Episcopal Church. This created such a disturb- ance in the college that he withdrew and entered Harvard College, where he graduated. Leaving his family in America he went abroad, where he was ordained to the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church by the Bishop of London. On his return he accepted a pastorate at New Lon- don, Conn., where he was rector of the church for thirteen years. Meantime, he received the de- gree of Doctor of Divinity. For twenty-one years he was rector of St. George's Church at Hempstead, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his death, June 15, 1764.

Among the sons of Dr. Seabury was Rev. Samuel Seabury, D. D., who had the distinction of being the first bishop of the Protestant Epis- copal Church in America, and was one of the most brilliant men that denomination ever had. Another son, Dr. Adam Seabury, born in 1741, became a prominent physician of Hempstead and married Miriam Peters. Their son, Adam, who was born in 1767, married Jemima Skidmore and followed in one place for nearly a half century. teacher. A son of the latter, Robert Sands Sea- bury, was born in Hempstead in 1809 and was the father of the present generation of Seaburys in this village. For many years he was engaged in the mercantile business, and from 1850 to 1853 served as sheriff of Queens County, also for some time was president of the village board. In St. George's Church, of which he was a member, he served as vestryman. A man of prominence and worth, he was regarded as one of the leading men of the place.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 82

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