Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 84

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 84

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The Democratic party finds in Dr. Story one of its firm supporters. He is well informed re- garding all the important issues of the age and is an enthusiastic advocate of the single tax the- ory. He retains connection with the Cornell University Club, of New York City, and socially is identified with the Improved Order of Red Men, the Niantic Club, of Flushing, and many other local organizations.

C APT. JOHN F. BISBEE. The record of the life of this gentleman affords an il- lustration of the results of force and de- cision of purpose in a man, as well as of the pow- er which an energetic and honorable character exercises upon the lives of others. Well dowered with stability and firmness, these attributes, to- gether with forethought and persistent labor, were instrumental in bringing about success. Chief among his characteristics was his patriot- ism, which led him to offer his services to his loved country in her hour of need, and made him deem no sacrifice too great when made in her behalf.

Captain Bisbee was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., November 22, 1832, and died at Lincoln Park, Springfield, L. I., June 15, 1891. His father, Lucien I. Bisbee, was born in Rutland, Vt., where he spent his boyhood years, and whence he re-

moved to York State in early manhood. The succeeding years were spent principally in New York City and Boston, where he was successfully engaged in various enterprises and was known as a man of ability. At different times he was called to occupy positions of trust and hon- or within the gift of his fellow men. He attained an advanced age, dying when seventy-nine years old.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Maria E. Bowers and was a cousin of Gov. Lewis Saltsonstal, of Massachusetts. She was also connected with the family of which Daniel Webster was a member, and was reared by one of that name in Cuba. She was a grad- uate of Miss Emma Willard's school at Troy, N. Y. Of her marriage five children were born, and of these three are now living. John F. grew to manhood in New York City, to which place his parents had removed from Ogdensburg in his in- fancy. His education was obtained principally in Columbia College and the West Point Mili- tary Academy, being a graduate of the latter in- stitution. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-second New York Infantry, Anderson Zouaves, and was commis- sioned First Lieutenant of the company, after- ward receiving promotion to Captain. Among the battles in which he participated were the fol- lowing: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Turkey Bend, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, first battle of Fred- ericksburg, and skirmishes at Warwick Court- house, Bottom's Bridge, Golding Farm and Williamsburg.

After his return from the war Captain Bisbee accepted a position as cashier of the Phoenix In- surance Company in Brooklyn, and that office of trust he continued to hold until his death. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Eliza O'Brien, who died in 1868. Of her living chil- dren we note the following: Evelyn is the wife of William Groves of Hollis, and they have two children; John F., who is married and resides in Brooklyn, has been in the employ of the Phoenix Insurance Company since a boy of sixteen years : Lucien J., who is married, resides in Brooklyn, where he is engaged in the insurance and real estate business, and Lillian is the wife of Arthur Reed of Providence, R. I., and the mother of one child.

July 16, 1870, Captain Bisbee married Miss Hattie L., daughter of Dr. Robert Atwood of

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Windsor, Vt. Her grandfather was a Revolu- tionary hero and the family was among the oldest in that state. Eight children blessed their un- ion, of whom all but one are living, namely: Hattie A .; Ethel M .; Robert F., who is connect- ed with the United States Casualty Company of New York; Herbert F., who is with the whole- sale dry-goods house of W. H. Hamilton, in New York; Helen A., Mabel W. and Rudolph V. The family is prominent in social circles and the children share with their mother the respect of the community.

For several years Captain Bisbee was con- nected with the Masonic fraternity, but later in life he dropped his membership. In the Legion of Honor he filled every office of the lodge. Po- litically he advocated Republican principles, but refused to accept nomination for office, though often solicited to do so by his friends. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. He could trace his ancestry back, in a direct line, to Gover- nor Bradford of Massachusetts and Miles Stand- ish, which is fully shown in the history of Bridge- water.

The following notice, copied from one of the county papers, appeared at the time of Captain Bisbee's death: "Captain John Frederick Bisbee died at his home, 'Maple Bright,' Lincoln Park, Springfield, L. I., June 15, 1891. Captain Bisbee was universally esteemed for his upright charac- ter and for his activity in all matters looking to the improvement of the town. He was presi- dent of the Springfield Improvement Association and was most earnest and active in the endeavor to build up the place and put it in the front rank of suburban villages. He was known as a man of excellent judgment, ready in resources, fertile in expedients, and above all, trustworthy and re- liable. He was born in Ogdensburg and came to Brooklyn, where he began his business career at an early age. When the war broke out his patriotic impulses sent him to the front as a mem- ber of the Sixty-second Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He came home a Captain. He was an earnest and active Republican, identi- fied with the best interests of the party and a member of the Republican Town Committee. For thirty years he was connected with the Phoe- nix Fire Insurance Company and when he died he held the responsible and confidential position of cashier of the Eastern District office, at No. 114 Broadway. He was a member of No. 1143, American Legion of Honor. He removed to

Springfield with his family seven years ago, soon making many warm friends in his new home. His beautiful residence, with spacious grounds and lake, is in that part of Springfield known as Lincoln Park."

C HRISTOPHER E. ABRAMS, one of the honored and respected residents of Springfield, town of Jamaica, has for many years been engaged as a blacksmith in this place. He was born in Ontario, Canada, Decem- ber 1, 1827, although his father came from one of the oldest families on Long Island. The lat- ter, Jacob Abrams, was born at Far Rockaway in 1788, but during the War of 1812 went to Canada, where he met and married Margaret Roshorne, a native of the Dominion, but of Ger- man ancestry.

When our subject was a lad of about eight years his parents returned to the States and lo- cated on a farm at Rockaway where Christopher E. was reared to mature years. The parental family included fourteen children, nine of whom are now living. Of these, Catherine is the wid- ow of Foster Davenport and makes her home at Far Rockaway; Mary Jane is the widow of Charles Craft and is also a resident of Far Rock- away; John, who likewise makes his home there, is engaged as a blacksmith; Priscilla is the wife of James Hendrickson, of Valley Stream; Mar- garet married Hope Hendrickson and their home is at Rockaway; Abraham is cultivating a good farm at Cedarhurst; Fannie married John Den- nis and lives in Springfield; Emma became the wife of John Fredell and they make their home in Queens.

When a young man our subject started out in life for himself as an apprentice to a blacksmith, and forty-three years ago located in Springfield, where he erected a shop and has been engaged in working at his trade ever since. He is well known in this locality, and from the very first has had all that he could do.

When ready to establish a home of his own Mr. Abrams was married to Miss Jane Fosdick, a niece of the late Judge Fosdick, of Jamaica, and their union has been blessed by the birth of three children. Charles F. is associated with his father in business; Amanda married D. H. Wonzer, of Far Rockaway, and they have two children, Benjamin and Edith. Edgar B. chose

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Miss Catherine Singer for his wife, and they are living in Springfield, where Edgar aids his father in the blacksmith shop; they have a daughter, bearing the name of Susan Jane.

The subject of this sketch is the owner of a small farm within the corporate limits of Spring- field, on which he makes his home. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and at present holds the position of steward of his congregation. In political af- filiations he is a Republican and is devoted to the best interests of his party.

M ARTIN V. WOOD, president of the Hempstead Bank and ex-chairman of the board of supervisors, was born on a farm in the town of Hempstead, January 23, 1838. The first of the family to settle in this town was his grandfather, William, who came here from Flatlands and followed the dual occupation of farmer and blacksmith. In his family there were four sons, of whom Lewis died in boyhood; Wil- liam L., a grocer in New York City, served as alderman, police justice and member of the board of education with the noted "Bill" Tweed; Lawrence was engaged in business in Fulton Market throughout his entire active life; Valen- tine, who was born two miles west of Hempstead, was for forty years proprietor of a country store, in which business he amassed a competency. He was prominent in local affairs and held numerous offices, among which was that of overseer of the poor.

The marriage of Valentine Wood united him with Eliza Jane Abrams, who was born in the town of Hempstead, where her father, White- head Abrams, for many years kept a country store. Shedied in 1883 at the age of seventy years; her husband had passed away three years prior to her decease, aged sixty-six years. They were the parents of two children, our subject being the only son. The daughter, Mary D., married L. H. Clowes and they reside in Hempstead. Martin's boyhood years were uneventfully passed in work on the home farm and attendance at the neighboring schools. In 1861 he married Miss Harriet Watts, of Valley Stream, and they have two children, Jeannette, wife of William S. Hall, cashier of the Freeport Bank; and Wilhelmina, who is with her parents.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. Wood bought a farm adjoining that of his father, and since then

he has been extensively interested in agricul- tural pursuits, but for several years he has spent the winter months in the village. When the Hempstead Bank was organized, he was one of the principal stockholders and has been its presi- dent from the start. When first established the bank was of great benefit to the business public and it has lost none of its usefulness with years. It is one of the solid institutions of the county and is recognized as one of the substantial bank- ing houses of the state. Its stockholders and di- rectors are numbered among the most capable business men of this section, and their reputation is a sufficient guaranty that the affairs of the con- cern are managed with skill and integrity. Throughout its entire career the bank has pros- pered, having a steady increase in business. Ever since the bank was founded, it has pre- served an undisputed credit that has maintained the confidence of correspondents and depositors.

Aside from the Hempstead Bank, Mr. Wood is a stockholder in several banks, an officer in three insurance companies in New York, and a director in the Glencove Insurance Company. For several years he was a member of the board of education and the board of health of the town of Hempstead. In 1882 he was elected to rep- resent the town on the county board of super- visors and held the office eight consecutive years, being for two years its chairman. In 1894 he was again elected to that office. In politics he is a Republican. He is a stockholder and direc- tor in the Bicycle Railroad, which is now in proc- ess of construction on Long Island, and his in- terests are many and important.

H IRAM R. SMITH. The success of men in business depends upon character as well as upon knowledge, it being a self- evident proposition that honesty is the best pol- icy. Business demands confidence, and where that is lacking, business ends. Long Island has as fine banking institutions as can be found in the country, and of these the Bank of Rockville Center is one of the best known. Hiram R. Smith, the efficient cashier of the bank, was born in Merrick, Queens County, November 22, 1859, and is a son of Nelson H. and Catherine J. (Smart) Smith, natives respectively of Merrick and New York City.

When a young man Nelson H. Smith engaged in merchandising in New York City, but later

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removed to Merrick and afterward settled in Freeport, becoming one of the first merchants of that place, and by his sterling integrity and honesty of purpose in all his business transac- tions, he has won the esteem and commands the respect of not only the people of the village, but wherever he is known. His wife, who is of Eng- lish descent and comes of a well-known old New Jersey family, is a woman of striking individuali- ty, untiring in her efforts in every good cause, ever aiding in all ways possible to lift the people up to a better, brighter and happier life. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Smith, who spent the greater part of his long and useful life on Long Island.

The early educational training of Hiram R. Smith was received in the Freeport Academy and later he took a thorough course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Brooklyn. The old Freeport Academy, from which he graduated, gave to Long Island some of its best business men, and he was not the least among these. After leaving school he spent one year in his father's store at Freeport, but in May, 1879, he went to New York City and became a partner of George B. Raynor in the flour, grain and com- mission business at No. 129 Broad Street. While thus engaged he made numerous business trips through the Western States, receiving new im- pressions and acquiring ideas that have been of material benefit to him in his undertakings. In 1880 he was elected a member of the Produce Exchange, with which he was connected for sev- eral years. He was Mr. Raynor's junior partner in business from 1886 until December, 1890, when he was tendered the position of cashier of the Bank of Rockville Center, which he accepted and has since satisfactorily filled.

Mr. Smith has always identified himself with every worthy public enterprise and since 1886 has been one of the school trustees of Freeport. On the formation of the board of education in 1888 he was elected its president, which position he has since retained. At that time the school property was not considered worth more than $3,000, but to-day it is valued at $35,000, and twelve teachers are employed. Much of this great improvement has been brought about by his personal energy and influence. He is presi- dent of the Freeport public library, an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a charter member of the Good Templars, and as- sociated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-

lows, the American Legion of Honor, Union League Club, of Freeport, and the Hempstead Bay Yacht Club. He was one of the first to project, and assisted in the incorporation of the village of Freeport. He also aided in the or- ganization and development of the Freeport fire department, which is one of the best disciplined and equipped departments on the island, and of it he served one year as assistant chief.

June 29, 1892, Mr. Smith married Miss Carrie E. Raynor, of Milan, Ohio. Her father, William Raynor, who was a native of Freeport, removed to Ohio in 1866 and was an extensive ship builder there. Mr. Smith is one of the useful citizens of the county and his life affords a strong proof of what may be done by an honest purpose to make the best of one's opportunities.

A DOLPH D. ROSENTHAL, D. D. S. The family of which this prominent citizen of Hempstead is a representative, has among its members many men of eminence and artists of world-wide reputation. In Jewish cir- cles it has gained influence and prestige, and among all races is honorably known. Those of the name who have come to America have at- tained positions of prominence in this country, both in social and professional circles. Some of the family reside in Europe, among them a broth- er of the Doctor, who is consul at Munich.

The father of our subject, Morris Rosenthal, was born in Russia, but when quite young was taken to Paris, France, and from there, at the age of thirteen years, came to America, locating in Philadelphia. Early in life he displayed con- siderable artistic talent, and this was developed until he became a prominent figure in the world of art, gaining a reputation that extended not only throughout the United States but in Europe as well. For several years he was American con- sul at Heidelberg, and he has wielded large in- fluence in politics as well as in art. He is now living in Chicago, retired from the busy labors incident to his professional career. By his marriage to Jeanette Ahrndt, a native of Ham- burg, he had six children, all of whom are living.

In Philadelphia, Pa., where he was born De- cember 1, 1856, the subject of this sketch spent his early childhood days. His literary education was acquired principally in Heidelberg during his father's consulate there. Returning to the United States he entered the Jefferson Medical

JOSIAH L. PEARSALL

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College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu- ated, and later studied dentistry in the Philadel- phia Dental College. For a time he practiced medicine in Philadelphia, but in 1883 went to New York City, where he commenced the prac- tice of dentistry. Soon afterward he came to Hempstead, where he opened an office and has since attended to professional work, accumu- lating a competency through energy, persever- ance and judicious investments.

Interested in local and national politics, Dr. Rosenthal gives his support to the principles of the Democratic party. For five years he has been president of the Democratic Club and he has served as chairman of several large Demo- cratic conventions. At present he is a member of the board of trustees of Hempstead and fills the position of treasurer of the Hempstead fire department. In social organizations he also takes a warm interest. He is district deputy grand regent of the Royal Arcanum and district deputy supreme master of the Shield of Honor of the state of New York. In Masonry he has reached the thirty-second degree. He is vice-president of the Mutual Benefit Association of the village and among the foremost citizens of the place, toward the prosperity of which he has largely contributed. In 1883 he married Miss Paulina, daughter of J. D. Rosenberg, of New York City, and they have one of the most elegant homes in Hempstead.

J JOSIAH L. PEARSALL, proprietor of the Orchard House at Roslyn, and superinten- dent of the poor of Queens County, was born March 4, 1843, in the village of Roslyn, which has always been his home. His father, Jacob Pear- sall, was a son of Uriah Pearsall. The latter's father was the founder of the family on Long Island and an extensive land owner, the village of Pearsall's being named in his honor. The old homestead is now the property of Treadwell Pear- sall, a cousin of our subject. After his marriage to Mary Lugar, our subject's father moved to Roslyn and engaged in cabinet making, in com- pany with Henry Wilson, until his death in 1846. He left eight children, namely: Charles H., a harness maker at Roslyn; Frances, wife of Kelsie Kirkpatrick; Huldah, who, after the death of her first husband, John Murphy, was married to David Fenton; George, deceased; Alexander, living in

Locust Valley; Jeremiah, deceased; Josiah L., and Mary J., wife of James Travers of Roslyn.

Orphaned by his father's death when he was only three years old, our subject was reared under the supervision of his mother, who was a woman of business ability and good judgment. After at- tending the common schools for some years, at the age of fourteen he began an apprenticeship under Robert Hegeman, with whom he remained for three years. Afterward he worked at his trade with different contractors. Before he was nine- teen he married Mrs. Margaret (Monroe) Rey- nolds, daughter of Andrew Monroe, and widow of George Reynolds. Soon after his marriage he enlisted, in February, 1862, as a member of the Fifteenth New York Engineers and assisted in laying pontoons at Fredericksburg, remaining in the service until the close of the war, when he was mustered out.

Returning home, Mr. Pearsall resumed work at his trade, which he followed until November, 1875. In 1874 he was elected road master, serv- ing one year, after which he was elected overseer of the poor for the town of North Hempstead. In 1875 he was elected to the office of superin- tendent of the poor for the county of Queens for three years. At the expiration of that time the office ceasing to be an elective one, he was ap- pointed by the board of supervisors for six con- secutive years. The office then became an elec- tive one, and our subject was elected with an overwhelming majority and has repeatedly filled the same position up to the present time. In 1892 he was appointed deputy sheriff and served for three years in that capacity. During his term of office he was the recipient of an elegant gold badge, set with four diamonds, bearing the words "1892-1895. Josiah L. Pearsall, Under Sheriff of Queens County," on one side, wliile on the other side was inscribed, "Presented to Josiah L. Pearsall by his friends of the town of North Hempstead, January 19, 1892." He was also presented with a badge by the sheriff as a token of appreciation of his services as first deputy sheriff.

As an official Mr. Pearsall has served the public faithfully and well and is entitled to the regard of his acquaintances. Politically a Democrat, he has been a member of the county central commit- tee for twelve years, and has represented his party as delegate to the state convention at Saratoga and otlier conventions. He was reared in the Methodist faith, but is not directly connected with any church. Socially, he is connected with Pro-

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tection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn. In 1875 he took charge of the Orchard House, which he has since conducted, with the exception of one year, when he was proprietor of the Mansion House. Having no children of their own, he and his wife adopted the orphan children of his sister, Mrs. Murphy. They are Ida, wife of Joseph Gib- son of Brooklyn, and Jennie, who is still at home.

J OHN F. HAGGERTY, proprietor of the Central meat market at Hunter's Point, Long Island City, and member of the Rav- enswood Boat Club, was born in New York City October 19, 1868, being the only child of Patrick F. and Annie M. (Hackett) Haggerty. His fath- er, who for a number of years lived in New York, came to Long Island City in 1891 and has since resided in Eleventh Street. He is a butcher by trade and is now proprietor of the Clinton mar- ket on Sixth Avenue and Thirty-ninth Street. His wife died in this city June 1, 1892.

The subject of this article was reared in New York City and was given good common-school advantages, attending Grammar School No. 26, from which he graduated in 1883. Then begin- ning to work for his father, he gained a knowl- edge of the meat business during the six years he remained with him as an employe. At the age of twenty-one, in 1889, he was taken into partnership, and two years later he moved his home to Long Island City. Dissolving the part- nership with his father in 1893, he started the Central market at No. 56 Jackson Avenue, buy- ing out the business of William Woodill. Here he has since engaged in the general retail meat business with success, and now keeps in use two wagons for the delivery of goods to his custom- ers.

About 1885, soon after the organization of the Ravenswood Boat Club, he became a member of it and has since been connected with this well known organization, having been its lieutenant for two years. While stroke oar for the four- oared gig crew, they won nearly every race in which they engaged, and had the distinction of beating nine of the best amateur crews in the country at Philadelphia July 4, 1890. The record they made then has not since been excelled, ex- cept by themselves. Their best record was on the Passaic River, in New Jersey, where they es- tabished a maximum of eight minutes and nine seconds.

In 1883 Mr. Haggerty became a member of the Star Athletic Club and for some years took a leading part in wrestling and athletics, being for some time the champion of the club both in boxing and wrestling. In 1889 he competed for the championship of the United States and won the distinction in a boxing match in Long Island City, defeating a number of men from other places. Among his defeated opponents was Bill McGarey, of Brooklyn, who for two years had been the champion light-weight boxer of the United States, having won in a bout in the Metro- politan Opera House, New York City. In a four- round bout at the Manhattan Athletic Club, New York City, Mr. Haggerty won a decided victory over the middle-weight champion, Charles Kam- mer, of New York. For three years he was a member of the Manhattan Athletic Club, and was one of the original members of the new Manhat- tan Club of New York.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 84

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