Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 85

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

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W ILLIAM HARDENBROOK. Within the limits of Jamaica there is probably no citizen who has met with greater success than has rewarded the efforts of Mr. Hardenbrook. His prosperity is not the result of accident or luck, but has come to him as the result of indomitable perseverance, wise sagacity and sound judgment, qualities which almost al- ways bring their fortunate possessor financial success.

Mr. Hardenbrook, who is one of the wealthy residents of this old village, laid out the avenue which now bears his name and on which he has a beautiful home. He was born in the village of Freeport, this county, June 2, 1810, while his parents were there visiting friends, although they were residents of New York City. His father, Philip Hardenbrook, was of German descent and a hatter by trade. He did not follow this business to any extent, however, as he was the owner of considerable New York property and gave most of his time to looking after his real estate inter- ests. During the latter years of his life his health failed and he was advised by his physician to take a sea voyage. The vessel on which he took passage was lost at sea with all on board.

Our subject was four or five years of age when deprived of the care of his father. The maiden name of his mother was Mary Turner. She was a native of New York and the greater part of her life was spent in Harlem. Besides

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William she had two other sons, Philip and Da- vid, both of whom are now deceased. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared and educated in Harlem and for a period of thirty years was en- gaged in the butcher business there, during which time was laid the foundation for his future suc- cess in life. As he could spare his means, he in- vested in Harlem real estate and as the property increased in value, he made good interest on his money. Later he became interested in property in Jamaica, and in 1869 made his permanent residence in this place.

When locating here Mr. Hardenbrook pur- chased several acres of land, in which Fulton, now the business street of the village, was in- cluded. Within the past few years he has sub- divided much of his property into lots and opened up Hardenbrook Avenue, which has be- come one of the most beautiful residence streets in the village. He has not stopped with merely opening the street, but has added to its attract- iveness by erecting thereon many large and mod- ern dwellings, which he never fails to dispose of as soon as it is learned they are for sale. Prob- ably there is no other citizen of Jamaica whose name is connected with more progressive enter- prises or whose efforts have more largely pro- moted the material progress of the place than Mr. Hardenbrook. Although now past eighty- five years of age, he is quite active and maintains a general oversight of his large property inter- ests.

In 1845 William Hardenbrook and Miss Hen- rietta Loper were united in marriage. The lat- ter was born in Brooklyn, of which city her par- ents were substantial and prominent residents. In the fall of 1895 they celebrated their golden wedding, at which time a large concourse of old- time friends and acquaintances gathered at their beautiful home in Hardenbrook Avenue and offered their congratulations.

To our subject and his estimable wife there were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, bearing the respective names of Philip, Isaac, William, David L., Frederick, Harry, Ida, and Myra. Isaac is one of the pron- nent physicians of Jamaica; David L., aside from looking after his father's large interests in this place, is engaged in the real estate business on his own account, having an office in New York City, Brooklyn, and Jamaica. Frederick is pur- suing his studies in Harvard College. The elder daughter, Ida, married Theodore B. Willis, a

hardware merchant of Brooklyn and commis- sioner of public works, and the other daughter is unmarried and at home with her parents. Harry departed this life when twenty-eight years of age, leaving a wife, who has since married.

Prior to the late war our subject voted for Democratic candidates. Now, however, he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles and candidates.

C HARLIE HEINBOCKEL, whose home is at Woodside, is manager of the Con- sumers' Brewing Company, of Brooklyn, in which he owns the controlling interest. As his name indicates, he is a German, and was born in Hanover in March, 1847. His parents were Henry and Maggie (Engelke) Heinbockel, and their household included four members besides Charlie, who was the youngest born. Diederich is his only son, besides our subject, now living.

Henry Heinbockel was born in the year 1814 in Hanover, where he was trained to mature years. After obtaining his education he learned the trade of a butcher, which he followed success- fully until his death, when sixty-seven years of age. At all times he gave his close and undivided attention to his business and the purchaser was always sure to find first-class goods at his mar- ket and receive courteous treatment.

Our subject acquired his education in the high schools of Germany and when eighteen years of age bade farewell to his relatives and friends and emigrated to America, landing in New York City August 21, 1865. He found no difficulty in se- curing a position, and for the first three months was employed by Fisher & Bro., distillers. Later he went to work for his brother, John F., who was at that time engaged in the wholesale liquor busi- ness on the corner of Fulton and Hicks Streets, Brooklyn, and three years later accepted the agency of the Charles C. Clausen Brewery of New York, his territory being Kings County. After some five years spent in the employ of this company he resigned, transferring his allegiance to the Henry Clausen Sons Brewing Company, and acting as their Kings County agent for sev- enteen years.

In 1890 Mr. Heinbockel became one of the leading spirits in the organization of the North American Brewing Company of Brooklyn, of which he was made president. After two years he disposed of his interest in this concern and es-

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tablished the Consumers' Brewing Company, also of that city, of which he owns the controlling in- terest and is general manager.

In 1873 Mr. Heinbockel was married to Miss Anna Roggenkamp, a native of Germany. Their union was blessed by the birth of two children, of whom John F. is the only survivor. He is a bright young man of twenty years and is at pres- ent acting in the capacity of bookkeeper for the brewing company. Our subject is a Mason of high standing, belonging to Allemania Lodge No. 740, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn. He is also a Knight of Honor, and holds membership with Allemania Lodge No. 2114. The Knights of Pythias claim him as one of the influential mem- bers and he has been associated with Manhattan Lodge No. 130 for some time. For a period of eleven years he was captain and is now major of the Brooklyn E. D. Schuetzen Company. He be- longs to the Lamsteder Society of New York and the Platt Deutclier Volkfest Verein of Brook- lyn, of which he was one of the organizers, and for two years its president. Mr. Heinbockel was also instrumental in the building of the new Ger- man hospital in St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn, and is one of the board of directors. He is quite a musician and meets with the Arion Singing So- ciety of Long Island City. In the volunteer fire department of Corona he is assistant foreman, and in various other ways aids in promoting the best interests of his county. A true Christian gentleman he is a worthy member of St. Paul's German Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. Politi- cally he is independent in his views and is not tied to any particular body of platform.

F RANCIS F. WILSON. The value of a cit- izen to any community is not marked merely by his learning or the success which has attended his efforts in his business or profes- sional undertakings but also by his character in public and private life, his honorable adherence to all that is good and pure, by his personal in- tegrity, and by the interest he has taken in the welfare of his section. An honorable and public spirited resident of Rockville Center is Francis F. Wilson, who has made his home here for many years. Mr. Wilson is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born in 1844, and a son of James L. and Jane M. (Humphries) Wilson, both natives of New York City. The father was a sea-captain on the old Black Ball Line, which he served for many

years, or up to the time of his death in 1854. He was a man who attended strictly to his business and whose uprightness and honesty were well known. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying in 1847, when Francis was but three years old.

The youthful days of our subject were passed in New York City, and he graduated from Col- umbia College of that city in 1865. While in col- lege Mr. Wilson was a member of the Twenty- second Regiment, New York State Militia, and during the Civil War this regiment was called out for three months' service, and later for thirty days' service. Subsequently he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infan- try, and was mustered in at Trenton in 1864, serv- ing four months, the term of his enlistment. Dur- ing his career as a soldier he participated in the siege of Petersburg and several skirmishes, and was mustered out a non-commissioned officer. Returning from the war to New York City he entered Anthon Grammar School of that place as assistant teacher, and served in that capacity and vice-principal for twelve years.

Some time later Mr. Wilson opened a college preparatory school in the Empire City at No. 622 Fifth Avenue, and has conducted the same from that time up to the present. His reputation as an educator is well known and firmly established. In the year 1882 he removed to Rockville Center and has made his home in this thriving village since. He came here with the thought of spend- ing about three months, but, seeing the need of improvements, decided to locate permanently, and has since been identified with every public enterprise of importance. Always deeply inter- ested in educational matters, his first and main step was to build up the school, which was car- ried on in an ordinary wooden structure of one room, where sixty or seventy pupils were accom- modated. Owing to his perseverance there is now a commodious $18,000 structure in use. There is also in process of erection a $15,000 building, and the two buildings will require the services of eighteen teachers.

Mr. Wilson has been persistent in his efforts and is justly proud of his success. He is also one of the founders of the Episcopal Church at Rock- ville Center and put a motion on foot to erect the present edifice, which cost $7,000. He has also established an iron fencing business at this place, which is known as the eastern branch of the Ohio Fence Company, and which is carried on by his

J. ADRIAN DITMIS.

JOHN DITMIS.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sons, Francis F., Jr., and Frederick L. Mr. Wil- son has a commodious residence in the village of Rockville Center, presided over by his estimable wife, formerly Miss Sarah Marsh, daughter of William R. Marsh. Of their marriage, which was solemnized in 1865, four children survive: Fran- cis F., Jr., Enid, Helen Louise and Frederick L. The family are identified with the Episcopal Church and Mr. Wilson is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Although not an active politician, he is a progressive citizen and has served as president of the board of education since 1884. He is president of the public library of Rockville Center and was one of the first direc- tors of the Bank of Rockville Center, and is a director in the same at the present time.

J. · ADRIAN DITMIS is a member of an old family of Queens County, whose rep- resentatives for successive generations have been known for their ability as financiers and agriculturists. The farm which he owns is one of the best cultivated in the town of Jamaica and the valuable improvements to be found upon it have been placed there under his immediate supervision since he became the owner. An air of thrift pervades the place and speaks much for his intelligent oversight of the property.

The father of our subject, Dow I. Ditmis, was for years one of the respected residents of this community and was engaged in agricultural pur- suits throughout life. An account of his life, as well as a sketch of that of his father, John Ditmis, will be found in the biography of George O. Dit- mis, brother of J. Adrian of this sketch. Our subject was born in Manhasset, L. I., December 31, 1824, and was a child of six years when his parents settled upon the farm, a portion of which he now owns and occupies. As regularly as pos- sible he attended the schools taught in this dis- trict and also was a student in Union Hall Acad- emy at Jamaica. By the careful perusal of good books and periodicals he has become well in- formed along general lines of thought. On the death of his father a portion of the estate fell to him, and this he has since cultivated with marked success.

Although at all times interested in the growth and development of the town of Jamaica, Mr. Ditmis has never sought to hold office, prefer- ring to give his undivided attention to his pri- vate affairs. Politically he generally supports

the candidates of the Republican party. He is a strong believer in the idea of protection for American industries, which plattorm furnishes the keynote of prosperity among our working- men. In religious connection he is a member of the Reformed Church at Queens and holds the office of an elder in the congregation.

The marriage of Mr. Ditmis to Miss Helen W. Stoothoff of Jamaica took place June 1, 1859, and was one of mutual happiness and helpfulness until the death of the wife, October 29, 1868. Two children blessed their union, of whom Sarah C. remains with her father, presiding over the old homestead; Helen W. married Charles Van- derveer, a farmer owning a pleasant home on the plank road in the town of Jamaica, and they have two children, Sarah and Charles.

Accompanying this sketch will be found, in connection with the portrait of our subject, that of his brother, John Ditmis, who was a life-long resident of the home farm, and after arriving at mature years made his home with J. Adrian. He died, unmarried, January 14, 1893.

F RANK ELLSWORTH HAFF, superin- tendent of stations and general car agent of the Long Island Railroad Company, now makes his home in Hunter's Point. May 10, 1862, he was born in Islip, Suffolk County, where his father, Capt. Albert S. Haff, was also born. Grandfather Henry Coleman Haff was also a sea captain and like his son and grandson was born in Suffolk County. He was the owner of a vessel and was engaged in the coasting trade for many years. He was lost with his vessel, which was wrecked at Port Royal, off the coast of North Carolina, in July, 1842.

The Haff family was first represented in this country by four brothers who came from Hol- land early in the eighteenth century, and made settlement in the southern portion of New York City. Capt. Henry C. Haff married Miss Eme- line, daughter of Henry Clock, of Islip. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, was also born in Suffolk County, where he followed farming all his life. Capt. Henry C. Haff, brother of Capt. Albert S., is known all over America and Europe as the captain of the yacht "Defender:" he makes his home at lslip.

The father of our subject passed the first nine years of his life in Islip, and then carried on a farm for four years. When a lad of thirteen lie

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

went to sea as cook and worked his way up from the humble position to be owner of a vessel. At one time he was commander of a government boat which landed troops at Port Royal. His winters were spent in the coasting trade, but dur- ing the summer months he had charge of yachts, many of them his own. His first yacht which was successful in a race was named "Eva," while the "Evelyn" was equally successful in the two races in which she was entered. After many years spent before the mast Capt. Albert S. Haff retired from this kind of life, and in December, 1890, removed to Long Island City and became policeman in the depot of the railroad company. After holding this position for three years he was made doorkeeper.

Our subject's mother, formerly Miss Sarah Wade, a native of New Jersey, was of Scotch and English descent. The parental family comprised three sons, namely: Frank E., of this history; Albert S., Jr., a resident of Babylon; and Selah S., who makes his home in Long Island City. The father of this family, after retiring from life on the sea, became prominent in public affairs, and while living in Islip was constable for one year. Socially he was a mason of high rank, be- longing to Meridian Lodge No. 691, of Islip.

Frank E., of this history, was given a good education, attending the public schools of his native place until about nineteen years of age. He then entered the employ of the Long Island Railroad Company as telegraph operator, being stationed first at Babylon, and six months later was removed to Islip, where the duties of agent were added to his other charge. Four years thereafter he came to Long Island City as chief clerk in the roadway department, holding this position until 1889, when he became secretary to the general superintendent. In the year 1891 he was appointed general car agent, and in 1893 was made superintendent of stations, both of which positions he is filling most acceptably at the present time.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Ursula, daughter of G. S. and Ursula Taylor, occurred in Babylon in 1885. Mr. Taylor is one of the prom- inent residents of Babylon, where for many years he has been engaged in the manufacture of mould- ings and mill material. Their union has resulted in the birth of two sons, Raymond Ellsworth and Frank Ellsworth, Jr.

Politically Mr. Haff is a true-blue Republican, and has been a member of the general committee.

He belongs to the New York Railroad Club, the International Association of Car Accountants, has been a member of the committee of management of the Mutual Relief Association of Long Island Railroad Employes for the past six years and is connected with the Long Island Railroad Branch of Brooklyn Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, of which he is chairman. Mr. Haff is also a working member of the East Avenue Baptist Church, although by faith he is a Presbyterian. There being no denomination of that kind here he has united with the Baptist Church and does what he can to further the good work in this com- munity. While residing in Islip he was superin- tendent of the Sunday-school. With his family he resides in a very pleasant home at No. 170 Eleventh Street and is very justly regarded as one of the prominent residents of Hunter's Point.

B ENJAMIN WOOLLEY, who is one of the well-to-do and influential farmers of Little Neck, comes of one of the earliest families on Long Island, and was born at Great Neck in December, 1828. As one of the oldest residents of the town of Flushing, he receives and deserves the respect of a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.

Our subject is the son of John and Jane (Peters) Woolley, to whom there were granted four chil- dren, and of these Benjamin and Susan J., who is still single, are the only survivors. John Wool- ley was also born at Great Neck, and spent his entire life upon the farm where our subject first saw the light. He was one of the substantial farmers of this locality and during his last years enjoyed to the fullest extent the fruits of an hon- est, hardworking and upright life. His good wife survived him many years, living to be nearly one hundred years old, and retained the full posses- sion of all her faculties.

The subject of this sketch attended the schools which were taught near his home, and by apply- ing himself constantly to his studies became well informed. He remained at home with his par- ents, assisting in operating the farm until nine- teen years of age, when he established a home of his own. He was married to Miss Margaretta Allen and the young couple began life together on the farm in Little Neck, which has since been in the possession of Mr. Woolley. It contains fifty-six acres and is most beautifully located, overlooking the bay and sound.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL . RECORD.

On the death of his first wife our subject chose for his companion Miss Mary W. Hewlett, their marriage occurring in 1880. She is a most esti- mable lady and, like her worthy husband, is well educated. Mr. Woolley is a warm advocate of Republican principles and never lets an oppor- tunity pass when he can cast a vote in support of its candidates. Both himself and wife are mem- bers of the Episcopal Church, and are very justly classed among the best residents of the county.

L OUIS MULOT, M. D. The profession of the physician and surgeon is one that has drawn to it at all periods of its history the brightest and most upright of men, and prom- inent in this respect is Dr. Louis Mulot, whose cheerful confidence in the sick-room is often as potent as his medicines, and he is at all times a student in his profession, ever grasping after new truths in science. He keeps himself thoroughly posted in his profession, his diagnoses being al- most instantaneous and very seldom incorrect. Since the year 1872 he has been practicing in Long Island City and is one of the oldest and most successful physicians here. The Doctor was born in Germany May 18, 1820, and comes of old French Huguenot stock, his ancestors being obliged to leave France on account of religious persecutions.

The parents of our subject, Ettigen George and Elizabeth (Bouchat) Mulot, were natives of Germany and of prominent Huguenot families there. The former followed the hatter's trade, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mulot's father, Jean Bouchat, was a French Huguenot, and for many years followed the hatter's trade. During the latter part of their lives Mr. and Mrs. Mulot came to America, made their homes with our subject, and both died in New York City when seventy- six years old.

Our subject, the only child of his parents, was reared in Rodenburg, Germany, received his pri- mary education in the schools of that city, and when sixteen years old entered the University of Marburg, where he completed the classical course. Following that he entered the medical department of that institution and was in his senior year when the revolution of 1848 occurred. Rather than be subject to military duty, he left his studies and crossed the ocean to New York City, where he landed in June of that year. He imme-

diately entered the medical department of the University of New York City and graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1852. Afterward he con- tinued to practice his profession in the Empire City, on the east side of St. Mark's Place, until 1872, when he located in Long Island City, at No. 8 North Henry Street.

In 1875, when Mrs. Ottendorfur started her Isabella Home for Old Ladies, Dr. Mulot was made the house physician and continued as such until 1889, when he removed this institution to New York City. Since his residence here the Doctor has been engaged in the general practice of his profession and has met with more than ordinary success, having built up an extensive practice. He was a member of the New York Medico-Legal Society, and for one term was health officer of Long Island City. Socially he is a member of the Germania Lodge No. 182, K. T., of New York City, and is a charter mem- ber of Enterprise Lodge No. 769, K. P., Astoria. He is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church at Astoria, and in politics is an ardent supporter of Democratic principles.

Dr. Mulot was married in New York City in 1864 to Miss Martha Hortmeyer, born near Stutt- gart, Germany, and the daughter of John W. B. Hortmeyer, who was a business man of New York, and who came of a wealthy German fam- ily. He died in Brooklyn when eighty-six years old. To Dr. and Mrs. Mulot have been born two children, Emil I., a druggist in Tama City, Iowa, and Otto Louis, a graduate of the medical department of the University of New York and now a prominent practitioner of Long Island City.

A LEXANDER GRADY, foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, of Long Is- land City, is one of the oldest firemen in the city, being the first foreman appointed here. He is well known for his bravery and fearlessness in time of danger and his many narrow escapes from death seem only to have made him the more daring. Mr. Grady is a native of New Jer- sey, born in Lambertville, Hunterdon County, October 15, 1853, and the son of Patrick and Mary Grady. the latter of whom died in New Jersey early in life. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Grady, but of these only our sub- ject and his sister, Catherine Wright, now sur- vive. After the death of his wife Mr. Grady mar-

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 85

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