Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 88

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 88

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When Jarvis E. Smith was thirteen years old he went into the village of Huntington to attend the school, and here he continued until 1885, when he graduated with high honors. He then began to read law with Edward R. Ackerly, of Huntington, with whom he remained for three years as a student, being admitted to the bar

September 20, 1888. Continuing with Mr. Acker- ly until July, 1889, he then accepted an offer of a lucrative and honorable position with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company of Brooklyn, and had charge of their legal business until February I, 1895. His professional business in this part of the island, however, made such demands upon his time that he felt it best to resign his position with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company and de- vote himself to legal work. About a month before severing his connection with the company he formed a partnership with George Wallace, who was elected attorney to the county board of supervisors, and hence leaves the office business to his partner, Mr. Smith.

At the age of thirteen Mr. Smith united with the Presbyterian Church at Moriches, and when he came to Huntington he united with the Sec- ond Presbyterian Church. He is secretary of the Social Club of the village, and is a Republican, but not an aspirant for office. He was married, June 16, 1892, to Miss Annie. D., oldest daughter of Edward R. Aitkin, of the firm of Thomas Ait- kin & Son, who conduct the largest general store in this village. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two chil- dren, Thomas Aitkin, born April 7, 1893, and Josepheny Glasier, conceded to be one of the brightest young men of the Suffolk County bar, and certainly he has a bright future before him. The house in Huntington which he occupies as a family residence is one of the neatest and most at- tractive in this village of pleasant homes.

R ICHARD W. POOLE, one of the repre- sentative citizens of Rockville Center, has been associated for many years with the interests of this locality. He is an intelligent man, to whom good citizenship means more than personal advancement, and he is now engaged in the real estate business. In his many and various dealings, his career has been perfectly straight- forward and honest and marked by good judg- ment.

Mr. Poole was born in this place in 1856 to Richard W. and Mary (Story) Poole, also natives of this community, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a well-to-do farmer and stood high in the agricultural circles of his coun- ty. He was a man who devoted his entire time and attention strictly to his own affairs and never desired distinction of any kind. He departed this life in 1887. His estimable wife, although

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advanced in years, is still living, and in the en- joyment of reasonably good health.

The subject of this sketch received his pri- mary education in the schools taught in his dis- trict, later attending school in Rockville Center. In order that he might the more successfully en- ter upon a business career he took a course at one of the business colleges of Brooklyn and then set up for himself, buying and selling real es- tate. He is one of the men whom we are ac- customed to call self-made and who are well rep- resented in the town of Hempstead, where many of their number are carving out for themselves monuments that will outlive the statues of mar- ble.

In politics, Mr. Poole was for many years a Democrat, but of late has been independent in his views, looking rather to the ability of the man to hold office than to the party which he represents. He is a genial, companionable man who takes great pride in the business of life.

C HARLES H. MILLER, M. D., N. A. While Long Island owes much to the men who have developed its material and commercial resources, it is no less indebted to those who have made its name famous in the arts and sciences. Such an one is the subject of this article, whose reputation as a landscape painter has brought him national and interna- tional honors and who was aptly called by Bay- ard Taylor "the artistic discoverer of the little continent of Long Island."

According to the "Claverack Centennial Rec- ords," published in 1867, the Miller family came from Nykirk, Holland, to New Netherlands, in 1651, the family name being originally de Mul- dor. Fernandus de Muldor, who came to this country in 1664, was the father of Cornelius Stephense Muldor, who removed from Albany to Hudson in 1718. Next in line of descent was Jacobus Mulder, father of Jacob Miller. The son of the latter married Mary Platnor, and their son, Jacob, was our subject's father. The last named was born at Claverack, Columbia County, N. Y., March 14, 1803, and in early life visited the West Indies. In 1826 he embarked in active busi- ness in New York City, continuing there until 1865, when he settled at Queens, L. I., retaining, however, his winter residence in town. His occu- pation was that of an architect and builder, and he also gave considerable attention to dealing in

lumber. A life-long Jeffersonian Democrat, he was for some time a member of the board of aldermen and also school trustee of the city of New York. He died at his home, No. 67 West Forty-ninth Street, New York, January 10, 1874, at the age of seventy-one.

In St. John's Church, Yonkers, N. Y., March 25, 1829, Jacob Miller married Miss Jane Matilda Taylor, who was born in Yonkers, September 25, 1806, and died at Queens, August 4, 1895. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Jacob H., Mary E., Dorcas M., Charles H., James E., Jane A., Emma Z. and Sarah Louise E., of whom two sons and two daughters survive. Mrs. Miller was a daughter of Abraham Taylor, born 1781, died 1831, and Dorcas (Oakley) Taylor, born 1780, died 1838. St. John's Church, Yonk- ers, was built in 1693, destroyed by fire in 1791, rebuilt and consecrated in 1792; the oldest docu- ment preserved, although scorched by fire, re- cords the two grandfathers of Mrs. Miller, both of whom were vestrymen of the church, respec- tively: Shedrich Taylor, born 1740, died 1808, and Stephen Oakley, born 1751, died 1835.

The subject of this sketch was born in New York City, March 20, 1842. From early boy- hood he evinced decided artistic talent, which, being developed under the best instructors, brought him into prominence and won him suc- cess. He exhibited his first picture, "The Chal- lenge Accepted," in the National Academy of De- sign in 1860. In 1863 he was given the degree of Doctor of Medicine by the New York Homeo- pathic Medical College, receiving his diploma from the hands of William Cullen Bryant, presi- dent. In 1864 he made his first voyage to Europe as surgeon on the "Harvest Queen." Three years later he again went to the continent, where for three years he studied in the Bavarian Royal Academy at Munich, also in the galleries of Lon- don, Paris, Berlin, Dresden and Vienna. In 1873 he was elected a member of the Artists' Fund So- ciety and Associate of the National Academy of Design (having exhibited "A Long Island Home- stead," etc.) and two years later was chosen an academician of the National Academy. In 1876 he exhibited "Old Mill at Springfield," "High Bridge from Harlem Lane," and other paintings at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. where he was awarded a medal. In 1878 he re- ceived a gold medal from the Massachusetts As- sociation. The following year he was elected president of the Art Club of New York, filling

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that position for five years, and he was elected a member of the Society of American Artists in 1879. In 1882 he exhibited Long Island land- scapes at the Paris Salon, and the next year was elected president of the American committee of the Munich International Exposition. At the New Orleans Exposition of 1885 he was award- ed the Reed gold medal, and in the same year wrote the book entitled "The Philosophy of Art in America" (William R. Jenkins, publisher), with the nom de plume of Carl de Muldor.

The first presidential ballot cast by Mr. Miller was for Abraham Lincoln, at the time of his sec- ond election, and he has since adhered to the prin- ciples of the Republican party. He attends the Reformed Church at Queens. In 1891 he was chosen worshipful master of Puritan Lodge, F. & A. M. He is identified with the Century As- sociation and a life member of the Lotos Club of New York. Since 1891 he has been president of the Shakespeare Club, of Queens, which organ- ization has established a town library under the auspices of the University of the State of New York.

J ESSE W. KELSEY is a worthy representa- tive of one of the first families to settle on Long Island. He is now living in the vil- lage of Queens and is the manager of the estate of his brother, the late John H. Kelsey. October 27, 1853, Mr. Kelsey was born at Huntington, Suffolk County, L. I., where also his father, Jesse B. Kelsey, was born. The latter went to sea when quite young, and after working his way up to the position of captain, served as such during the active years of his life. He is now retired and living at New Haven, Conn. The grandfather, John C. Kelsey, was for many years a farmer on Long Island, but after removing to the Nutmeg State, there passed the remainder of his life. He was in turn the son of Stephen Kelsey, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

The father of our subject had four brothers, of whom Stephen was killed while engaged in bat- tle during the Mexican war; George and Charles crossed the plains to California during the gold excitement and the latter was killed by the In- dians. George continued to make his home in the Golden State until his death. Henry adopt- ed the life of a sailor and was lost at sea when on one of his voyages.

The mother of our subject, who prior to her

marriage was Miss Rebecca Codington, was a na- tive of Huntington, L. I. She was the daugh- ter of Jesse Codington, a tanner by trade, and a respected resident of Suffolk County, where he passed his entire life. He married Clarissa Titus, the daughter of Captain Titus, who was with General Washington when stationed at New- burg.

To Jesse B. and Rebecca Kelsey there were born four sons and four daughters. Of these, John H., who was some ten years the senior of our subject, was for many years connected with the New York custom house. Later he engaged in business in Queens, in which he was very pros- perous. He was an enterprising and thorough- going man of business, whose popularity was based both upon his social qualities and his well- known integrity and business activity. His many friends and acquaintances were called upon to mourn his loss in 1884, as upon April 7th of that year he departed this life. Our subject was then made manager of his estate and is fulfilling the charge left to him in a most worthy and satisfac- tory manner.

John H. Kelsey was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Creed, and to them were granted four chil- dren. The eldest member of this household is Irving J., a prominent young man, who is inter- ested in his father's business and assists in carry- ing on the store. He also holds the honored of- fice of postmaster of Queens, having learned how to manage affairs while serving as deputy under W. L. Woods, who is now cashier of the Jamaica Bank. The other children are Evelyn C., Nellie C. and John H.

The subject of this history was married Octo- ber 15, 1893, to Miss L. Annette Halstead, of Flatbush, L. I. They have one child, a daugh- ter named Laura Halstead.

In politics Mr. Kelsey is independent. He is courteous and agreeable to those who have busi- ness dealings with him and readily makes and retains friends, who esteem him very highly for the many worthy qualities which are among his characteristics.

J OHN C. KENNAHAN is proprietor and publisher of the "Long Island Farmer," whose office is located at Jamaica. This journal, which is considered by all to be one of the leading papers of the county, was established in 1819. It has never missed a publication and

JAMES GALLAGHER.

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in its long career has made but four changes of ownership.

Mr. Kennahan has been at the head of the "Farmer" since October, 1891. He is a trained journalist and worked at the case as a compositor for four years, after which he began his journal- istic career on the "New York Herald." Going from the "Herald" to the "Brooklyn Eagle," he remained a writer on the latter paper for a pe- riod of twenty-two years, resigning his position to assume the proprietorship of the "Farmer." This paper is designated annually by the board of supervisors as the official paper of the county and of the courts for the publication of corpora- tion and legal advertisements because of its wide circulation. It is also one of the state papers for the publication of legal notices, and the official paper for Jamaica. Mr. Kennahan owns the building which is occupied by his printing plant, located in Herriman Avenue, opposite the county buildings. It is equipped with everything which appertains to a first-class printing office in the way of modern presses, etc.

J AMES GALLAGHER, the oldest under- taker of Hunter's Point, is undoubtedly one of the most successful and influential men of the county. He first established himself in busi- ness here in 1861 and since that time has been interested in whatever tended toward the devel- opment of the city. Mr. Gallagher is a native of Ireland and was born in County Tyrone. He is the son of Hugh Gallagher, also a native of the Emerald Isle, where he carried on farm pursuits until his decease. His wife, Catherine (McGuire) Gallagher, was descended from one of the hon- ored families of County Tyrone and was a well- educated lady. She became the mother of four sons and four daughters, of whom James is the only survivor. One son, Charles, came to Amer- ica many years ago and during the Mexican War served as a soldier. After peace was established he went West and engaged in farming until his decease.

The subject of this sketch remained on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, in the meantime gaining a splendid education in the private schools near his home. In 1855 he em- barked on a sailing vessel which was eight weeks in making the voyage from Liverpool. On land- ing in the metropolis he secured a position in the dry goods establishment of Arnold, Constable &

Co., now one of the largest firms in New York, remaining with them until 1871. In the mean- time, in 1861, he changed his place of residence to Hunter's Point, still retaining his position with the New York firm.

In 1871 Mr. Gallagher was in possession of a sufficient sum of money which he had saved from his salary to enable him to embark in business for himself and there being a good opening for an undertaker in this place he opened an estab- lishment in Vernon Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets, where he was located until hav- ing his effects destroyed by fire. His next busi- ness address was on the corner of Eighth Street and Vernon Avenue, where he is still located. This building was erected for his special use and contains both his warerooms and office. For many years he has made this business a study and is recognized as one of the most experienced embalmers of the city. He is often called upon to take charge of funerals held in New York, Brooklyn and various points on the island, and his hearses and coaches, which are of the best description, are almost constantly employed.

The first marriage of our subject occurred in New York City in 1860, at which time Mary Riley, a native of Ireland, became his wife. Their union resulted in the birth of four children: James, Hugh, Thomas and Charles. His second marriage occurring August 7, 1893, united him with Miss Catherine Hyland, a native of Dub- lin, Ireland, and a most estimable lady, who has greatly assisted her husband to attain his present high standing in the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher there have been granted six chil- dren, namely: Mary C., William E., Josephine, Catherine, Ellen and Lydia, who are at home.

In politics our subject is a Democrat and has been active in the interests of his party ever since coming to America. He has served on the gen- eral committee for years and has been a delegate to the various congressional and senatorial con- ventions. He was elected assessor of Long Island City several years ago, and during the two years in which he was the incumbent of the office discharged his responsible duties in a most effi- cient and satisfactory manner. He was elected school trustee of the first ward, serving for one term. Socially he belongs to Ancient Order of Hibernians of Long Island City, of which he has been president and is now treasurer. Like most of the prominent men here, he has been a fire- man, belonging to Live Oak Company No. 2,

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and is a charter member of the Exempt Firemen's Society of this city. A devout Catholic, he at- tends St. Mary's Church regularly. He is a suc- cessful business man and all who employ him uniformly place great confidence in his ability and integrity.

G EORGE MAURE. Few business men of Queens County have been more ac- tively connected with its progressive en- terprises or have more largely promoted the ma- terial welfare of many of its villages than the gen- tleman who forms the subject of this notice. He is now living in Morris Park, where for the past few years he has given his attention to handling real estate.

Mr. Maure was born in New York City, July 8, 1853, and is the son of George Maure, Sr., whose birth occurred across the waters in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany. He was there reared and educated and the year prior to attaining his ma- jority decided to try his fortunes in the New World. After coming hither he learned the lock- smith's trade and was thus engaged when the first call was made for volunteers to enter the Union service. He promptly offered his services, and on the organization of the Fifth New York Reg- iment he was made captain of his company. He saw much active service and on receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment returned to the metropolis and re- sumed work at his trade. He was a leading Dem- ocrat of the tenth ward and at one time was elect- ed a member of the board of education. In a business way he was successful and was liberal in his contributions toward worthy causes. He died when George was a lad of thirteen years.

Our subject, who was an only son, first attend- ed the schools of his native city, after which he was sent to a military school at Yonkers. On completing his education he came to Jamaica and began working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned when a boy. He was thus employed for a time, but being appointed to a position in the county clerk's office, he abandoned labors in this line and for seven or eight years served the public. Mr. Maure has also been justice of the peace, trying cases with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned for three years.

It was while living in Jamaica that Mr. Maure became interested in real estate, being commis- sioned by a New York syndicate to purchase large

tracts of land on Long Island. Later he became associated with Mr. Dunton and together they invested a large amount of money in real estate in this section and laid out the towns of Morris Park, Dunton and Hollis. These places rapidly grew in size, beyond anything they had hoped to see, and are now for the most part inhabited by well-to-do business men of New York.

Mr. Maure is especially interested in Morris Park, where he makes his home, and it was due almost entirely to his influence that the people have a nice system of water works and a well- equipped school. Our subject, although a very busy man, responded very willingly when asked to accept the position of president of the board of education, which he still holds. Among the numerous business enterprises in which he has been interested with Mr. Dunton we must not fail to mention the Bank of Jamaica, which he helped to organize. Of late years, however, he devotes his time almost exclusively to looking after his private interests.

The lady who became the wife of our subject June 22, 1877, was Miss Mary Spillet. To them have been born six children, namely: Stella, George, Minnie, Warren, Raymond and Irving. The family occupy a fine home on the corner of Spruce Street and Liberty Avenue, Morris Park, where they have lived for the past ten years. By all who know him Mr. Maure is looked upon not only as a sound business man, but as a citizen of the highest standing.

C HARLES HUMMEL is one of the suc- cessful farmers of Queens County, and few more fully illustrate in their career the unbounded energy and activity of the agri- culturists of their section than does he. Dis- playing excellent ability, Mr. Hummel also pos- sesses a goodly degree of those personal attributes that spring from a kindly heart, an honest pur- pose and a broad liberality. His fine home is sit- uated about half way between Queens and Spring- field, on the Springfield Road, and is kept in ad- mirable condition by its industrious owner.

Mr. Hummel was born in Valley Stream, Queens County, April 12, 1857, and was one of seven children, all of whom survive, born to George A. and Frances (Speigel) Hummel, both natives of Germany. When a young man the father left the land of his birth and came to Ameri- ca to seek his fortune. He was first engaged as

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a farm hand at Newtown, and after about seven years there he went to Valley Stream, where he began farming for himself. This he carried on with fair success until the time of his death, in September, 1885. He was a man well respected by all and as a citizen and neighbor was highly esteemed.

During his youth our subject became quite well acquainted with all that pertained to farm life, but received fair educational advantages, having at- tended the Sister's Convent at Fosters Meadow for a number of years. He continued to reside with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, and on the 25th of January, 1881, he was married to Miss Mary A. Freilick. After this union Mr. Hummel and wife removed to the John William- son farm, near the village of Jamaica, and for five years tilled the soil there as a renter. He then purchased his present farm of forty-five acres and has since carried it on most successfully.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hummel there have been born no children, but they give a home to two half nieces, Louise and Elizabeth Felton, both bright, interesting young girls. In politics Mr. Hummel is a Democrat and in religion he and his family are Catholics. He has held a number of local offices, for three years being road commissioner, and discharged the duties devolving upon him to the satisfaction of all.

F RANKLIN J. LOTT is one of the native sons of Queens County, coming from an old and honored family, which has been identified with the county's welfare from an early day. He is at present one of the largest farmers in the town of Jamaica and has met with success . from the first.

Mr. Lott was born in the above town in March, 1853, the son of James Harmon Lott, also an ag- riculturist of prominence in this locality, who was greatly interested in whatever tended to the de- velopment of his home place. His death, in 1875, was a great loss to the community. His father, James Lott, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The Lott family is one of the most num- erous on Long Island, and, as we have stated above, trace their ancestry back to the earliest settlement of the island.

Mrs. Sarah E. (Eldert) Lott, mother of Frank- lin J., is also descended from an old and honored family of the island. She is the sister of Samuel E. Eldert, of Woodhaven, whose sketch will ap-

pear in this volume. She became the mother of four sons, of whom Oliver S. makes his home in Rochester, N. Y .; Charles E. is engaged in busi- ness in Florida, and William is living in Jamaica South.

The subject of this sketch grew to mature years on his father's farm and after procuring a good education in Union Hall Academy he began farm- ing on his own account. He has followed this vocation with signal success ever since, and is the proprietor of one of the best cultivated tracts of land in the county. It comprises one hun- dred acres, and in order that every acre of it may be tilled to the best advantage possible, he em- ploys a number of hands, who are engaged con- stantly at work on the place. This property is located just south of the village of Queens and is conveniently near the city market, where the greater portion of the farm produce is disposed of.

Mr. Lott has been quite a factor in local poli- tics and the incumbent of various offices of hon- or and trust. At the present time he is highway commissioner and a member of the board of edu- cation. Socially he is a prominent Mason and is identified with the Jamaica Chub Club. Mr. Lott was married in 1877 to Miss Mary E. De Bevoise, who at her death, in 1887, left a daugh- ter, Elizabeth D. In June, 1895, our subject chose for his second companion Miss Maria Louise Creed, of Queens County. Mr. Lott is a man of strong convictions, and as an earnest and public-spirited citizen commands the regard of all his friends and neighbors.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 88

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