Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 9

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 9

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

rious offices for fifteen years. He is a charter member of the Lincoln Club of Long Island City, of the Order of American Firemen and several other societies. He has also been instrumental in securing free lectures for the people and a free library, and is now agitating the introduction of a free recreation ground for athletic exercises in Long Island City. He is a successful and pop- ular business man, and has had men in his em- ploy since 1875.

C HARLES A. WILLEY. Youth is the great stimulator, the feeder, the tonic of the mighty system and network of com- mercial and financial enterprise; whilst age fur- nishes the trunk of the tree, youth is the verdure that causes the leaves to burst forth and instill the industrial paths with new vim and energy. This is especially felt in the manufacturing world, where one of the youngest and most active work- ers is C. A. Willey, color grinder and manufac- turer of specialties in carriage and car paints, colors, etc., at No. 91 West Avenue, Hunter's Point, Long Island City. Mr. Willey under- stands every feature of his business and this is no doubt the secret of his success. A native of Vermont, born at Cabot, Washington County, in 1859, full of the keen, pulsing spirit of the East, Mr. Willey has been identified with his business for many years and has distinguished himself as a master of his calling.

The father of our subject, Curtis A. Willey, was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, but the grandfather, Jerrod Willey, was a native of Ver- mont and came of a prominent old family of that state. The latter married a Miss Lindsey, of Ver- mont, whose brothers, three in number, were in the Revolutionary War and fought at Bunker Hill. The Willey family is of English-Welsh origin, and the first member to leave that country for this, took passage at Leeds, England, and settled at Ryegate, Vt. Grandfather Willey, who located in Quebec, Canada, at an early date, was engaged in the millwright business for some time and established mills in every direction. Curtis A. learned the trade of his father and soon after his marriage to Miss Caroline Williamson, a native of Canada and daughter of Eben Williamson, who was a farmer of Quebec, he returned to Vermont, where he actively engaged in milling. This he followed for many years, but now, at the age of sixty-five, is retired from the active duties of life.

Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Congregational Church.

Our subject, the third in order of birth of six children, three of whom are now living, spent his boyhood days in Vermont, where he received a good practical education. When fourteen years old he was apprenticed as a coach painter in his native village and was thus occupied for four years, or until 1877, when he went to Merrimac, Mass., and was master coach painter there for three years. In 1880 he came to New York City and traveled one year as salesman for John W. Masury & Son, color grinders of Brooklyn. From there he went to Boston, Mass., where he was painter for a firm for about three years and then became traveling salesman for another firm, going West as far as the Missouri River.

Two years later Mr. Willey came to New York City as master coach painter for R. M. Stivers of that city, and remained with him for about three years. In November, 1890, he started in business for himself and located in Long Island City. Later he put in the machinery for color grinding and has made a decided success of his enterprise. He has secured the trade from the best sources and is an expert in his particular line. His ma- chinery is run by steam and he has an engine of twenty-five horse-power and a boiler of fifty horse- power. Mr. Willey manufactures and makes a specialty of the finest goods, hundreds of differ- ent kinds, and operates eight grinding machines.

In Fitchburg, Mass., Mr. Willey was married to Miss Julia A. Perkins, a native of Royalston, that state. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of Merrimac Blue Lodge and of Bos- ton Commandery, and politically he is a Repub- lican.

F REDERICK C. TROWBRIDGE, a real estate dealer of Astoria, Long Island City, has been established in this business for a number of years and is recognized as one of her best posted and most enterprising business men. He is a native of this place and was born Novem- ber 14, 1859, to Henry and Anna E. (Blackwell) Trowbridge, the former a native of New York City and the latter of Astoria.

The grandfather, Henry Trowbridge, was also a native of the metropolis and was a woolen mer- chant in that city for many years. Later he re- moved to Astoria and here passed the remainder of his days. His son Henry, father of our sub-

HON. MORRIS FOSDICK.

LEWIS L. FOSDICK.

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ject, succeeded him in the woolen merchandising business and continued this until about 1885, when he retired from that and turned his attention to the real estate business, which he has con- ducted very successfully since. He now has charge of the Chesebrough estate and is a promi- nent and progressive citizen. He married Miss Anna E. Blackwell, a native of Astoria, and the daughter of Robert M. Blackwell, who was also born in Astoria. The great-great-grandfather and the great-great-great-grandfather were large property owners, and the latter owned a large place, "Ravenswood," and was the original owner of Blackwell's Island. This is one of the oldest and most prominent families of Long Island. (See sketch of the Blackwell family.) To the par- ents of our subject were born six children, four of whom survive at the present time: Robert, B., of Astoria; Frederick C., our subject; Alice B., at home, and Adell, now Mrs. Harris, of Astoria.

Frederick C. Trowbridge was reared and edu- cated in Astoria, and graduated from Columbia Grammar School in 1876. After that he was with the Celluloid Brush Company, in New York, for ten years, from 1877 to 1887, being head clerk from the start. In the month of January, 1890, he became a partner in the firm of Trowbridge & Stevens, real estate dealers and insurance agents. Mr. Trowbridge served as one of three commis- sioners to appraise property on Vernon Avenue and Boulevard and is prominently identified with every movement of importance in the city. In politics he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and in religion he is a Primitive Meth- odist. Mr. Trowbridge is a charter member of Astoria Athletic Club and has been a member of the governing committee several times.

H ON. MORRIS FOSDICK. On the 26th of June, 1892, there died at his home in Jamaica a man whose career was marked by enterprise, honesty and industry-one of whom it could be said with the greatest fitness that

"He bore without abuse The grand old name of gentleman."

He was a man of great strength of character and wielded an influence in public affairs that is still felt throughout the community. The son of poor parents, and starting in life without the pres- tige of fortune or influential friends, he yet achieved a success that was noteworthy and gained a name that was the synonym of personal and judicial integrity.

Born in Springfield, town of Jamaica, Queens County, November 7, 1814, our subject was a son of Morris Fosdick, Sr., who at the time of his birth was a teacher in the Springfield school. The family was first represented in America by Steph- en Fosdick, who settled in Charlestown, Mass., in 1635, coming, it is believed, from Lincolnshire, England. One of his descendants was Samuel Fosdick, who was born in New London in 1710, and about 1730 removed to Oyster Bay, where he made his permanent home. He was a soldier of the Revolution.

Morris, son of Samuel, and father of our sub- ject, was born November 21, 1770. At the early age of eighteen he commenced to teach school, being thus engaged first on the Hudson River, then in Oyster Bay until 1792, later in Far Rock- away for sixteen years, and from there in 1808 went to Springfield, where he engaged in teaching for twenty-five years, being thus occupied until his death in 1833. He was also a land surveyor. While living at Far Rockaway he married Jane Doughty, a Quakeress, descended from Rev. Francis Doughty, an early settler on Long Island. Of their children John D. lived in New York City and Charles in Jamaica; Seaman was a resident of Springfield and held local offices, includ- ing those of justice of the peace and town trus- tee; his son Stephen was in the Union Army in the Civil War and died from wounds received in the service; Solomon made his home in New York City. Alexander, a son of the last-named, was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth New York Regiment (Zouaves), holding the rank of Sergeant; he was wounded in an attack on Port Hudson and, with other wounded soldiers, was sent to New Orleans, and thence to New York. He arrived in Brooklyn July 31, 1863, and died a few hours afterward.

Judge Fosdick was the youngest of his father's large family, and at the time of the latter's death he was a youth of nineteen. He succeeded his father as teacher of the Springfield school, and for seventeen years continued to teach in that school, making forty-two years that it was under the charge of his father and himself. During this time he also followed his profession of land surveyor and conveyancer. He resigned his school upon his election to the office of county judge in 1849. Previous to this he had held many local offices. In 1838 he was appointed commissioner of deeds, three years later was elected justice of the peace, to which office he was re-elected in 1845 and 1849.

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He was appointed judge of the court of common pleas in 1846 by Governor Wright, and three years later became county judge and surrogate. So satisfactory were his services that he was re- elected in 1853 and again in 1857, and when the offices of judge and surrogate were separated he was elected to the latter office, which he held until 1866. In 1856 he became a member of the Board of Education, and in 1863 was made a trus- tee of Union Hall Academy. He was one of the founders of the Jamaica Savings Bank, of which he was treasurer from the time of its organization until his decease.

Under all circumstances Judge Fosdick was recognized as one of those public-spirited citizens who could be relied upon to aid in every worthy enterprise, and although he was quiet and unos- tentatious in dispensing charity, he did so in that practical way that experience taught him accom- plished the best results. His knowledge of men was of a broad character, and he was always lib- eral and charitable in his views. The confidence reposed in him by the people-a confidence that showed itself in the fact that thousands of dollars were placed in his care-was never betrayed, and throughout his long life he retained the esteem of all with whom he had business or social relations. His legal knowledge, accompanied by broad ex- perience, was large and comprehensive, and his rulings on the bench were invariably just and ac- cording to the law.

In 1836 Judge Fosdick married Miss Catherine J. Baylis, daughter of John and Mary Baylis, and a lineal descendant of Elias Baylis, who was chair- man of the Jamaica committee acting in conjunc- tion with the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Fosdick, who was born November 4, 1817, still resides at the old homestead, which was the residence of herself and husband for forty-two years and which is said to be the oldest house now standing in Jamaica. Their children are: Lewis L., Fannie C., Caroline B. and John B. The older daughter, born in 1843, became the wife of George L. Peck of Ja- maica, and died in 1875. Caroline B. married Frank W. Gale, son of the late Hon. M. D. Gale of New York, and they make their home in Ja- maica.

Lewis L., the judge's oldest child, was born July 21, 1837. He prepared for college at Union Hall Academy, and graduated from the University of New York City in 1858. His legal readings were carried on in the office of Judge Armstrong, and

after his admission to the bar he became a member of the law firm of Armstrong & Fosdick. Since the death of Judge Armstrong, in 1886, Mr. Fos- dick has practiced alone. From 1871 to 1873 he was a member of the board of village trustees. He was secretary of the Jamaica Savings Bank from 1874 until 1892, then succeeded his father as treasurer, but resigned in October of that year, to give his attention to his legal practice. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1861 he married Julia Emma Bennett, who died in 1873, leaving two children: Morris M., born November 25, 1862, now a searcher of records and conveyancer, having his office with his father; and Ella L., wife of William H. Mills. In 1878 Mr. Fosdick mar- ried M. Eloise Terry, of Sag Harbor. They are members of the Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, of which he has been an officer since 1864.

The younger son, John B., was born November II, 1855. He married Leonora G., daughter of Isaac B. Remsen, of Jamaica, and their children are: Carrie Estelle, John Sheldon, Lewis R., Leonora R. and M. Le Roy. He is a surveyor and conveyancer, is a Democrat, and has held the offices of trustee of the village and of the town. He is now a trustee of the Jamaica Savings Bank. Possessing a love for sports of all kinds, he is especially interested in yachting and owns a fine yacht, in which he takes much pleasure. He owns a cottage on the bay, and there he and his wife entertain their hosts of personal friends.

JOHN FOLEY is one of the most worthy Irish-American citizens of Long Island City, having been engaged in business here since 1878. He is a gentleman of more than usual financial ability, and during the years in which he has been engaged as a grocer here has built up a wide reputation for superior goods and excellent business methods. He has a good loca- tion in Hunter's Point, by whose residents he is held in the highest esteem.

Mr. Foley was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1851. His father, John Foley, Sr., was also a native of that portion of the Emerald Isle, there spending his entire life. He married Bridget Kiers, who still makes her home in County Clare, and who became the mother of three children, of whom two are residing in America.

The subject of this sketch, who was the sec- ond born, remained in his native land until at- taining his majority, in the meantime acquiring

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a good education in the public schools of his na- tive town. In 1872 he determined to come to America, and, bidding relatives and friends good- bye, set sail in the old steamer "City of New York," and in due time was landed on the shores of the New World.

At first Mr. Foley made his home in Brooklyn, where he obtained employment, but a short time thereafter we find him conducting a grocery of his own in Williamsburg. In 1878 he sold out his stock of goods, and, coming to Hunter's Point, embarked in the same line of business here, putting in a new supply of staple and fancy gro- ceries. He has been remarkably successful and owns considerable property in the city, including two residences on Fourth Street.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Cath- erine O'Laughlin occurred in Long Island City in 1874. Mrs. Foley was also born in County Clare, Ireland, and has become the mother of a son, John. Both our subject and his wife be- long to St. Mary's Catholic Church. In 1893 Mr. Foley returned to his old home in Ireland, spending two months in visiting relatives and friends, whom he found to be greatly delighted at the success which has been his since coming to America. In politics he always casts a ballot in favor of Democratic candidates.

W ILLIAM POST AMBERMAN. Of the various enterprises that have made Queens County one of the commercial centers of the state, the oyster business has always held an important place, employing large cap- ital in its management, and giving to cognate in- dustries a decided impetus by the energy and ability displayed in its development. In every department the enterprise characteristic of its leading exponents has been abundantly shown and their success amply demonstrates their judg- ment, vigor and prudence. Among those who have gained prosperity in this occupation, men- tiou belongs to William P. Amberman, of Spring- field, who is regarded as one of the prosperous oyster planters and prominent men of the county.

A native of the place where he still resides, the subject of this notice was born July 21, 1857, being a son of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Valen- tine) Amberman, of whom further mention is made in the biographical sketch of his brother, Charles B., presented on another page. His boy- hood years were uneventfully passed in the ac-

quirement of a practical education that would fit him for the successful conduct of business af- fairs. For a time he was a pupil in the Spring- field schools, and later was a student at Jamaica. At the age of about twenty years he started out for himself as an oyster planter, choosing the calling to which he has since adhered and in which he has met with success.

The marriage of William P. Amberman and Miss Hannah S., daughter of John G. H. Bedell of Springfield, occurred November 12, 1884, and four children bless their union, namely: John B., Hattie R., George H. and Mary Alice. Since 1894 Mr. Amberman has been a member of the School Board in the capacity of collector, was one of the prime movers in the erection of the new school building, one of the most substantial structures of the kind in the county, and which was erected at a cost of $15,000. Not alone in educational affairs, but in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the people, he takes an active interest, supporting local enterprises by his con- tributions and sympathetic co-operation. His opinions in political matters are as decided as in other things; he has always voted the Republican ticket and adhered with loyalty to the principles of that party. Socially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum and is the present secretary of the Good Templar's Lodge. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Church, to which he belongs, and in which he has held the office of recording steward. The various societies connected with the church receive his cordial sup- port, especially the Sunday-school, in which he is serving as superintendent, and the Epworth League, of which he is president. He has an intelligent conception of the duties of citizenship and has held various local offices with credit, in- cluding the position of inspector of elections, in which capacity he has served for years.

O TTO ANDERSON, proprietor of the largest fish market in Long Island City, has met with success in almost all of his ventures since starting in life for himself. He is a native of Norway, and was born in Stavan- ger, January 7, 1863. His father, Andreas An- derson, was likewise a native of that place, and was a carpenter and builder in Stavanger until his death, which occurred in 1894. Mrs. Marian (Jacobson) Anderson, the mother of our subject, is still living and makes her home in Long Is-

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land City. Her father was a shipbuilder and architect. The parental family included three sons and two daughters, all of them residents of this city.

Otto Anderson, who was the eldest member of the family, attended the public schools in Nor- way until a lad of thirteen years, when he was apprenticed to a brick mason in Stavanger in order that he might learn the trade. He worked thus for four years, and in 1880 decided to come to America. After landing in New York City he worked at his trade, but only remained there a short time, when he changed his place of resi- dence to Hunter's Point. Four years after com- ing to the United States young Anderson made his way across the western continent to San Francisco, Cal., and for one year worked at his trade. On his return to New York he stopped for a time in Baltimore, Md., and for one season ran an oyster boat. Later he again went to the metropolis and was made foreman in the docks of the Anchor Steamship Line, holding this po- sition for one year. His health being greatly impaired at this time, he was obliged to resign his position and for twelve months was not en- gaged in active work of any kind.

In 1888 Mr. Anderson made permanent loca- tion in Long Island City, establishing the fish and oyster market of which he is now the pro- prietor at No. 109 Fulton Avenue. He has for sale in their season every variety of fish and oyster, and it is but his just due to say that he transacts a larger business than all the other mar- kets of this kind put together. The first venture of Mr. Anderson in this line was in catching lob- sters at Hell Gate. These he tried to dispose of to the markets in Long Island City, but as he was not able to do this he opened an establish- ment of his own and has been remarkably suc- cessful in its management ever since. As soon as his business was large enough so that it re- quired all his time and attention he abandoned fishing and devoted his energies to his market. His trade is such that it requires three wagons to deliver goods.

sition of overseer of the poor. He belongs to the Union League, a Republican club of Astoria, and is active as a member of the General Repub- lican Committee, serving on the executive com- mittee in the latter. He is a man whose entire course in life has been in every respect honora- ble and upright and he is justly entitled to the respect of his associates and the esteem of all who know him.

W ILLIAM AHRENS, of Blissville, is chief engineer of the Eastern Distill- ing Company. He was born near Reading, Pa., January 28, 1832, the son of Jacob Ahrens, also a native of that place, while the grandfather, Henry Ahrens, was born in Bremen, Germany. The latter on emigrating to America made his home in the Keystone State, where he passed the remaining years of his life. In re- ligious matters he was a member of the Lutheran Church.

The father of our subject was a farmer by oc- cupation, and in addition to cultivating the soil, was engaged for some time as a carpenter and builder near Reading. At the time of his death he was seventy-nine years and eight months old. 'He married Miss Barbara, daughter of Abram Koenig, a farmer. The latter, with his wife, was one of the old settlers of Pennsylvania and was of the Omish faith. Mrs. Ahrens lived to be seventy-eight years of age.

The parental family included nine children, of whom William, of this history, was the fifth in order of birth. When he could be spared from farm work he attended the schools of his district and in this manner gained a fair education. In 1857 he left home, and, going to Alleghany Coun- ty, Va., found employment on a railroad. In 1861, however, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he was obliged to leave, and, going to Indiana, he took up millwrighting at Vincennes. His stay in that city was of short duration, as he contracted ague. Later he visited Cincinnati and was given a position in the machine and millwrighting es- tablishment of I. & E. Greenwalt. remaining in their employ for a period of twelve years. His duties were to erect machines for the customers, and in this way he traveled through the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia and Ohio.

The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Sarah Gun was solemnized in New York City in 1889. This estimable and well-educated lady is of Irish descent. She has become the mother of three children, Alfred, Otto, Jr., and Edward. Mr. Anderson is one of the most enthusiastic and influential Republicans in Long Island City, and In 1870 Mr. Ahrens became connected with the is the present candidate on that ticket for the po- Eastern Distilling Company, erecting their

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works in Cincinnati. One year later he was transferred to their Long Island City branch, but only remained here at that time about a year, when he returned to the Queen City. In 1873, however, he again came East, and has been lo- cated in this city most of the time since. Up to 1884 he had charge of the machine and building department, but since that time has been chief engineer. Since he entered the employ of this company all their old buildings have given place to larger ones, the only familiar object left to Mr. Ahrens being the old brick chimney. The works have eighteen engines in all, the largest being one hundred and forty horse-power.

The lady to whom our subject was married near Reading, Pa., in 1854, was Miss Kate, daugh- ter of John Pottieger, who at one time was sher- iff of Berks County. Their union resulted in the birth of nine children, seven of whom are living at the present time. James, a millwright and carpenter, is in the employ of the Eastern Dis- tilling Company; George is a mechanical engi- neer in the Queens County Oil Works; Sarah is now Mrs. Kester of Blissville; Monroe is a wheelwright, also in the employ of the Eastern Distilling Company; Barbara is a stenographer in New York, and Jacob is a machinist doing business in Greenpoint; William died in 1892, when twenty-eight years of age; Eliza is de- ceased, as is also an infant unnamed. The fam- ily are members of the Lutheran Church. In poli- tics our subject is an ardent Republican and on this account was driven out of the South during the late war.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 9

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