Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 86

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 86

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

678

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ried again, but the only child born of this union is now deceased. Mr. Grady was a contractor for tar roofing and for many years resided in Trenton, N. J. He carried on business until his death, on the IIth of April, 1895, when seventy- two years old.

Our subject grew to mature years in his native state, receiving the rudiments of an education in Lambertville, but finished in Trenton, where he had good educational advantages. He was ap- prenticed to a pressed brick maker until 1877, and on the 9th of August of that year he came to Long Island City, where he entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company, holding a position in the refining department. Later he resigned this to enter the fire department as fireman. He assisted in organizing Engine No. 5, and early in 1890 was elected its first foreman, holding that position until it disbanded. In 1891, when the fire department was organized, he was appointed foreman of Engine No. I, on the 12th of Febru- ary, and was the first foreman appointed in the department. He was first foreman of Engine Company No. I at No. 24 Vernon Avenue, and held that until No. I engine was taken to its new quarters, No. 103 Jackson Avenue. He remained there until transferred to Hook and Ladder Com- pany No. 2, February 1, 1895. He devotes all his time to the fire department. Socially he is a member of the American Firemen, Long Island City Council No. 17, and is also in the benevo- lent association of the same. Politically he is a Democrat.

F REDERICK LEVENSON GREEN is a member of the firm of Green & Son and is one of the most popular young business men of Astoria, Long Island City, L. I. His father, John Green, was a native of London, Eng- land, and there grew to mature years. He first started out for himself as clerk in the perfumery house of Price & Co., and the business was con- ducted on the site of the present headquarters of the Royal Insurance Company, London, but had no connection with that company.

In 1866 the father came to America with his family, all except our subject, and settled in As- toria, L. I., and he engaged in the general insur- ance business, first with the Lancashire Com- pany, but later with the Royal, remaining with the latter until his death, in New York City, in 1892. He was a member of St. George's Society

and was but fifty-four years old at the time of his death. He started the business which his son now carries on in 1873, in connection with the Astoria business, and it has been carried on very successfully since. His cousin, E. H. Oldfield, is a noted and very popular man and is decorator for Queen Victoria. The father of our subject was vestryman in the Church of the Redeemer, Astoria, L. I., for some time. He married Miss Elizabeth J. Green, who, though bearing the same name, was not a relative. She was born in Lon- don, England, and three of their five children are living at the present time. Arthur is in the em- ploy of the Royal Insurance Company, and Har- old G. is attending school.

Frederick L. Green was born in London, Eng- land, May 5, 1865, and in 1869 he joined his par- ents in Astoria, L. I. He secured his education in Trinity School, New York City, and gradu- ated from that institution in 1880, when fifteen years old. He then began working for his father, commencing at the bottom, and by his excellent business acumen and upright career soon reached the top. In 1889, on account of his father's ill health, young Green assumed charge of the busi- ness.

Disposing of the Astoria branch to Mr. Thomp- son, who had been with his father for ten years, our subject took charge of the New York office, and now represents eight of the most prominent companies in the world, viz .: Royal, Hartford, Insurance Company of North America, British America, Western of Toronto, Agricultural of New York, Security of New Haven, Conn., and Broadway of New York. Mr. Green has very pleasant offices at No. 152 East Twenty-third Street and devotes all his time to this business, which is steadily growing under his able and con- servative management, and sustains a high rep- utation in the community. His long and success- ful career speaks volumes in favor of the busi- ness, and recommends it more highly than mere words ever can.

Mr. Green was married in Astoria, in the Church of the Redeemer, by the rector, Dr. Coop- er, to Miss Blanche Field, a native of Boston, Mass., and daughter of Floyd T. Field, who is now government official of New York City. Her grandfather, Robert Field, was for years vice- president of the Bowery Savings Bank and presi- dent of the board of directors of the Mer- chants and Traders Bank of New York. Mr. Green is a member of Hook and Ladder

GEORGE W. BERGEN.

681

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Company No. I and was its secretary for some time. In 1896 he received the appointment of fire commissioner. He is also a member of the American Legion of Honor, of which he was secretary for some time, and is vestryman in the Church of the Redeemer. He was one of the first boys in the vested choir of that church when it was first started, and remained there for fifteen years. He has much more than ordinary musical ability and for three years had charge of the choir. For two years he was solo tenor in All Angels Church, New York. In 1882 he made a trip to London, England, and made a business trip there again in 1894.

G EORGE W. BERGEN. The wholesale and retail grocery trade occupies a very important position in the commerce of a thriving city, because this department of business includes nearly every necessary article of food, among which are the products of almost every country in the world. One of the prominent and popular business men of Freeport, L. I., is George W. Bergen, who is engaged in the wholesale gro- cery business in Brooklyn, N. Y., under the firm name of Valentine, Bergen & Co. The members of this firm are leading business men of that city, and the large establishment is carried on by George P. Bergen, the son of our subject. Mr. Valentine is now deceased.

George W. Bergen was born on the present site of Brooklyn, in 1814, and is a son of John and Johanna (Wycoff) Bergen, natives of Long Is- land, where most of their lives were passed. The father, who was a tiller of the soil, spent a number of years in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, dying in the latter state. He was a quiet, well respected citizen. His estimable wife died in Long Island. During his early life George W. Bergen had lim- ited educational advantages. From the age of fifteen to seventeen he resided with an uncle at New Lots, now a part of Brooklyn. At the latter age he was employed as clerk in the wholesale and retail grocery house of Thomas Carman, which was located in Fulton Street, nearly opposite the present store of Valentine, Bergen & Co. He was with this firm nearly two years. Later, in 1835, he and his brother engaged in the grocery business. in that city, but one year later George sold out and went to Vicksburg, Miss., where he engaged in the retail grocery business with a brother who was located there. Eighteen months

later Mr. Bergen withdrew from the firm and in 1838 returned to Brooklyn, where he purchased the business of Thomas Carman, who subse- quently became his father-in-law.

This business has since been successfully con- ducted under the firm name of Valentine, Bergen & Co. It is one of the leading wholesale enter- prises in Brooklyn and is carried on by George P. Bergen since the death of Mr. Valentine. While quite active for his years, our subject only visits his place of business two or three times a week. He came to Freeport in 1869, previous to which he had made his home in Brooklyn for many years. His home in Freeport is a beautiful one and is kept in a most exemplary condition by his excellent wife, formerly Miss Susan Carman, daughter of Thomas Carman, who was a promi- nent citizen of Freeport. Mr. and Mrs. Bergen celebrated their nuptials in 1838, and four children were born to this union. Those living are Eliza- beth C., wife of Horace D. Badger of Brooklyn; George P., a citizen of Freeport and his father's partner in business; and Anna V., wife of Horace Secor, Jr., who is a prominent attorney of New York City, but a resident of Freeport. One son, Charles M., is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Bergen are members of the Pres- byterian Church, in which he is a trustee and an elder. In politics he has been a life-long Repub- lican and in the '70s was elected county treasurer of Queens County, which responsible position he filled in a most efficient manner for three years. He is a director of the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, the Dime Savings Bank and the Brook- lyn Bank, the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company of New York and Brooklyn, and the only origin- al director now on the board, also a director in the Nassau Fire Insurance Company of Brooklyn. He has ever been upright and conscientious in business matters, has been unusually prosperous, and is richer and better for the experience that cach decade has brought him.

M ARTIN FLEISCHER, JR. In all ages of the world industry, perseverance and energy, where intelligently applied, have achieved results which could only have been gained by having one end in view, and by im- proving every opportunity of ultimately attaining that object. Mr. Fleischer is an example of what can be accomplished when the spirit of determin- ation is exercised in connection with the every-

682

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

day affairs of life. He is at present a member of the board of health, and although young in years, takes a prominent place among the representa- tive men of the county. He was born in New York City in 1862, and is a son of Martin Fleisch- er, Sr., who was born on the Rhine, in Germany, and who now lives retired in New York City, where he was a prominent furniture dealer. Dur- ing the Civil War he was in the Fifth New York Volunteers, and was wounded while in service. The grandfather, George Fleischer, came to America at an early date and died from an acci- dent when eighty-seven years old. The mother of our subject, Elenora (Vogel) Fleischer, was also a native of Germany.

Of the eight children comprising the parental family, seven are living at the present time. Mar- tin, the fifth in order of birth, was thoroughly educated in the schools of New York City, and when twelve years old began learning the piano maker's trade with Decker Brothers. He finished his trade with the J. & C. Fischer piano works and subsequently began working in the varnish- ing department of the piano works of E. H. Mc- Keown as contractor and superintendent. After- wards the business came under the control of S. T. Gordon and he continued with him as super- intendent for some time. Later he became var- nish contractor for the Kroeger Company, and was thus occupied until January, 1896. For the past twenty years he has been connected with piano works.

In the month of April, 1889, Mr. Fleischer moved to Long Island City, and in 1894 bought a fine place in Ninth Avenue. He was married in New York City to Miss Margaret Nicolai, a native of New York City, and the daughter of Edward Nicolai, who was born in Prussia and who was an iron worker by trade. He died in New York City. His wife, formerly Miss Eva Reib, was born on the Rhine and now resides in New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleischer were born six children, four of whom are living at the present time, viz .: George, Eva, Edward and Wilhelmina. In the year 1893 Mr. Fleischer was appointed a member of the board of health by Mayor Sanford. His term expired in March, 1895, and he was reappointed for three years. He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion of Long Island City, and of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, Concordia Lodge No. 290, New York City. Mrs. Fleischer has also been a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor

for eight years and is a lady of more than ordi- nary attainments. Mr. Fleischer is a firm be- liever in the principles of the Democratic party and takes an active part in its affairs. He is a member of the Democratic general committee of Long Island City and was a delegate to the city convention.

J JUDGE JOHN MAYNARD KISSAM, of Queens, justice of the peace, notary public, collector of the school board and treasurer of the Queens fire department, is recognized as one of the successful young business men of the county, and while he is being prospered from a personal standpoint, his views are so broad that every just and commendable enterprise having in view the material and moral welfare of the com- munity meets with all the encouragement it is in his power to grant.

The third in order of birth among six children, the subject of this notice was born in the town of Flushing August 15, 1865, being a son of John R. and E. Amanda (Remsen) Kissam. His sur- viving sisters and brothers are as follows: Elea- nor A., widow of Wright P. Foster, and mother of one child; Carrie Ethel; Richard A .; and Wil- liam A., a student of the New York Law College. . The father, also a native of the town of Flushing, grew to manhood upon a farm here and choosing the calling with which he was most familiar, en- gaged in agricultural pursuits for some years. In 1875 he came to Queens, where he has since lived in retirement from active business cares.

After completing the studies of the common school at Queens, our subject entered Brown's College in Brooklyn, where he remained until graduating, in 1882. Later he accepted a position with the Imperial Insurance Company of New York, but in January, 1886, severed his connec- tion with that concern in order to accept a posi- tion with the Lancashire Insurance Company. January 1, 1889, he resigned that position and soon afterward formed a partnership with George W. Douglas, the two carrying on an insurance business in New York. The partnership, how- ever, was dissolved in October of the same year, and he returned to Queens, the home of his par- ents, but continued in business in New York, where he had an office at No. II Pine Street. In 1893 he opened a real estate and insurance office in Queens, and has since divided his time between his office here and that in New York City.

683

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

There is probably no citizen of Queens who takes a more active part in its local affairs than does the subject of this sketch. In July, 1891, he was made a member of the school board. Two years later he was appointed notary public under Roswell P. Flower, and in 1894 he was chosen on the Republican ticket to fill the office of justice of the peace. In spite of the fact that the town is strongly Democratic and the office was unsought by him, he was elected by a majority of nine hun- dred and thirty-five, while the head of the ticket was defeated. In January, 1894, he was elected to the office of treasurer of the Queens fire de- partment.

Socially Judge Kissam is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arcanum and the Shield of Honor Lodge, of which he is past mas- ter. In 1894 he organized the Queens Council of the Legion of Honor and was elected to fill the chair of commander; at present he is serving as past commander. A lover of all sports, he is manager of the Queens Athletic Club, which is a flourishing institution. His activity, keen fore- sight, tenacity of purpose and skill in carrying out his plans, have made him successful in life, and in no small degree have contributed to the material prosperity of the village and town. He has shown much enterprise in his affairs and is prudent and cautious in his dealings, but at the same time energetic and wide-awake in all his transactions. His excellent citizenship, his in- terest in all that will tend to promote the material prosperity and the intellectual status of society, make him a valued member of the community in which he wields a decided influence.

G EORGE WIGLE, a contractor and build- er at Mineola, was born in Byron, Ger- many, in 1861, being a son of John and Barbara (Wigle) Wigle. After the death of his father, he accompanied his widowed mother to the United States and settled at Bloomingdale, N. Y., but after a short sojourn there they moved to Valley Stream, Queens County. In that place she was again married, becoming the wife of Anthony Ernst. By her first union she had only one child, while of her second marriage two daughters were born, Teresa and Annie, Mrs. John S. Lipps.

In 1883 the subject of this sketch entered upon a three years' apprenticeship with Charles Mar- shall of Washington Square, and for a number

of years after the expiration of his term of ser- vice he followed his trade. In 1888 he came to Mineola, where he has gradually worked up an extensive business as a contractor and builder, his patronage not being limited to this village, but covering a territory of forty miles around. Among his important contracts were a large residence for E. D. Warren at East Williston and the grand stand on the Mineola fair ground. The number of his employes varies with the amount of work on hand, and at times he has as many as sixty men on his force. Through his efficient discharge of every duty, he has earned the reputation of doing thorough and first-class work. It is always his desire to satisfy the other party to the contract, and he spares no pains to have the results in every detail accurate and neat.

Politically Mr. Wigle gives his vote to the Democratic party. He is identified with the Odd Fellows, belonging to Protection Lodge No. 151. In the Royal Arcanum at Floral Park he is a charter and active member, and also trustee. Since 1891 he has been connected with the Mineola Hook and Ladder Company, No. I. In March, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mary F., daughter of J. C. Keisel, of Franklin Square. Their family consists of four children: George C., J. Alex, Anna L. and John S.

J OHN P. VAN WICKEL was born August 4, 1862, in the house at Corona where he still makes his home. On the paternal side he is of Holland-Dutch descent, being a member of a family honorably known in that country. His great-grandfather, David Van Wickel, with two brothers, immigrated from Holland to Amer- ica, one settling in New Jersey, one in Connecti- cut, and David taking up his abode on Long Island, where he married Dorothy Leverich Mc- Donough. His life occupation was that of a farmer, and he owned land now included within the central portion of Corona.

The father of our subject, John Van Wickel, was a lifelong resident of Newtown (now called Corona) and was a man well and favorably known throughout the community. At one time he was a member of the local militia, but as a rule he did not participate actively in public affairs, his retir- ing disposition rendering hini averse to promi- nence. He was greatly interested in religious and educational matters, and for thirty years was treasurer and collector. for the public school.

684

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The policy adopted by the Republican party always received his co-operation and warm alle- giance, and he invariably cast his ballot for candi- dates on that ticket. In youth he attended the Episcopal Church and was reared in that faith, but later, at its inception, he became identified with the Union Evangelical Church, in which he served as elder and trustee until his death in July, 1892, at the age of seventy. His wife, Elizabeth Mander Patterson, a native of England, came to America with her parents and other members of her family and settled in New York City. She later removed to Newtown, where she met and was married to John Van Wickel.

The eldest of three children, our subject spent his boyhood years in Corona, where he attended the public schools until completing the course of study given there. His entire life has been passed in the place of his birth, nor has he been away from here for a longer period than ten days, his trip on that occasion being a pleasure excur- sion along the island in the sound. Notwith- standing the fact that he has traveled little, he is a man of culture and refinement, having gained through reading a thorough knowledge of his- tory and current literature. His brother, David L., is, like himself, unmarried, but spends his time in travel. The other brother, Charles A., who is married and has a daughter, Florence Es- telle, resides on the old homestead with our sub- ject and his mother.

In his political opinions Mr. Van Wickel fol- lows the teachings of his father, and is a stanch Republican, giving his influence and vote to the men and measures advocated by this party. He is a member of the Union Evangelical Church, of which his parents were among the original founders, and has been librarian in the Sunday- school for eleven years. For two years he served as financial secretary of the fire company. He gives his attention to the cultivation of the prop- erty formerly owned by his father, and is num- bered among the energetic young farmers of the vicinity.

A LBION K. P. DENNETT, who for many years prior to his decease was one of the most influential citizens of Flushing, was born in Lyman, Me., August 9, 1827. The fam- ily has been identified with the history of Maine since the days of early pioneer settlements, when the first of the name in this country emigrated

from England. Through succeeding genera- tions agriculture has been the principal occupa- tion of the family. They have been conspicuous for bravery in war and patriotism in civic affairs. Our subject's grandfather, Joseph Dennett, a native of Maine, was one of those brave men who endured hardships and braved obstacles seem- ingly unsurmountable, in order to gain indepen- dence for the colonies. His services in the Revo- lutionary War entitle him to the respect of every patriot.

The father of our subject, Jesse Dennett, was born in Maine, and married Ann Hooper, also a native of that state. He followed agricultural operations for many years, and subsequently moved to New York City, where he engaged in the ice business with our subject. He died about 1858 at the home of his son. Of his children our subject was third in order of birth. He remained on the farm until he was about twenty-one, when he went to New York and became an employe of the Knickerbocker Ice Company, gradually working his way up until he became a stockholder in the concern. Later, locating in Thirty-first Street, he engaged in the ice business on his own account.

Coming to Flushing in 1868, Mr. Dennett bought out John Willet's ice business and Kis- sena Lake, and afterward carried on a large trade in this locality. For some time he was trustee of the village and for two years was president of the board. While holding this position he was largely instrumental in introducing the water works in Flushing, and later served as super- visor of the town of Flushing for about three years. He was made a Mason in New York, and was long an active member of Cornucopia Lodge in Flushing, also belonged to Pentalpha Chapter. For years he was trustee and leader of the choir in the Baptist Church, and at the time of his demise held the position of president of the board of trustees. At the time of the erection of the church he was a member of the building com- mittee. Several times he represented his party --- the Republican-as a delegate to county and state conventions. He was a member of the Twelfth Regiment of the New York National Guard and served as first lieutenant of his company, which was called to Washington for three months at the time of the war.

In New York Mr. Dennett married Miss Jane M. Smith, who was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., being a daughter of Ira and Lois (Allen)

GEORGE WALLACE.

687

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Smith, natives of Petersburg, that county. Her father, who was a farmer, died at the age of sixty- three; her mother, who was the daughter of William Allen, a farmer of Rensselaer County, died there at the age of forty-seven. Of their five children, three are living, Mrs. Dennett being third in order of birth. Her childhood years were spent in Petersburg, and she was trained, under the wise counsel of her parents for the responsibilities which future years brought to her. A member of the Baptist Church, she is an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society, and has taken a warm interest in all measures for the benefit of the denomination. Her only child, Grace D., is the wife of W. T. James, who is manager of the ice business established by Mr. Dennett.

The traits of character for which Mr. Dennett was especially distinguished were his generosity and integrity. No worthy person ever appealed in vain to him for aid, and the poor and the needy had in him a helpful friend, one who labored not only to relieve their temporary wants, but also to place them in a position where they might be- come self-supporting. As a citizen he was mod- est and retiring, and, although a man of firm convictions and educated judgment, never sought to control the opinions of others. Beautifying life by his example, he was the type of a citizen and business man who can be pointed to with pride as a representative.

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

Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 86

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