Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 95

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 95

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March 20, 1849, Mr. Simonson was united in marriage with Miss Hannah E. Higbie, daugh- ter of Abraham Higbie, the former owner of this farm, where his daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. Simonson were the parents of four children, but one alone survives, Joseph D., a widower, who, with his child, Susie H., lives with Mr. Sim- onson. Another granddaughter, Hannah E., also resides with him. In his political affiliations our subject is a Democrat, but has never cared for official honors, preferring the quiet of domestic life. Mr. and Mrs. Simonson hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, to the support of which they contribute regularly. Socially our subject is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of the town and is always willing to aid in plans devised for its improvement.

J OHN REILLY, who has been a resident of College Point since 1861, was born in Coun- ty Longford, Ireland, and at the age of six years, in 1834, was brought to America by his father, Thomas Reilly, who settled in New York and there followed the trade of wood turner or wheelwright. For a time he was employed in a large soap factory in Brooklyn, after which he entered the employ of Michael Morris, the hard- ware merchant at No. 93 Catherine Street. While working for that gentleman he manufactured the

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first iron safes ever made in America, and for a number of years he made a specialty of that line of work. Later he was employed by Levi Chap- man, a manufacturer in New York City, and then made washing machines of his own manu- facture in Forty-first Street, New York. He lived in retirement for some years before his death, which occurred in New York City at the age of eighty years. His wife, Frances (Hoxey) Reilly, was born in Ireland and died in New York at the age of forty-five. Of their four children John was the eldest, the others being Margaret, who died in New York; Elizabeth, whose home is in that city, and Thomas, a musician, who died there.

The education of our subject was obtained in one of the public schools of New York. At the age of fifteen he started out to earn his own way in the world and followed various occupations until 1851, when he began to learn the machin- ist's trade in the Empire Works, New York City, continuing there for several years. Later he was employed on Blackwell's Island for three years, after which in 1861 he went back to the Empire Works. His next work was under George W. Beardsley, a manufacturer of electrical ma- chinery and guns, his shop being on Second Ave- nue and Third Street. After remaining in the employ of that gentleman about twelve years he opened a small shop in Eleventh Street, College Point, and when the business assumed such pro- portions as to demand enlarged quarters, he built in 1890 his present place in Ninth Street, near Second Avenue. His foundry, which is well built, covers a half block and is one hundred feet in depth. He is a moulder and machinist, repairs all kinds of machinery and does a general jobbing business, also steam fitting in all its branches. One of the specialties is the manufac- ture of comb machinery, including dressing combs sawing machines, fine comb sawing ma- chines, filing and bearding machines and comb cutting machines. All kinds of saws are fur- nished for comb manufacturers, and in this line he fills many orders. Employment is given to a force of assistants, so that repairing may be done promptly, as well as skillfully and economically. He also makes starting machinery for starting horses at races. The plant is run by steam, with an engine of ten horse-power.

In New York Mr. Reilly married Miss Jane Ryan, a native of Ireland. They have two chil- dren, namely: Elmore T., who is in the steam

heating business here, and Margaret J., who is at home. For six years Mr. Reilly was trustee of the village, and for a similar period he has been a member of the county central committee of the Democratic party; he has also served on the executive committee and has represented his par- ty as a delegate to conventions. He served in Hose Company No. I, of which he was foreman. In religious belief he is connected with St. Fi- delis' Catholic Church.

G EORGE J. GOLSNER. Among the residents of College Point who have gained success through industry and per- severance mention may be made of the subject of this record, an experienced and successful flor- ist of this place. He is a member of the firm of G. Golsner's Sons, proprietors and owners of twenty-one greenhouses, well equipped and with facilities for a large wholesale and retail trade. They have three different places here, one being in Third Avenue, between First and Second Streets; another in Twelfth Street, between" Third and Fourth Avenues, and the third in Sev- enteenth Street and Third Avenue. Skilled as- sistants design bouquets, baskets, wreaths and emblems to order, and the beauty of these de- signs has brought an enviable reputation to the firm.

The founder of this firm, Gabriel Golsner, was born in Augsburg, Germany, where he learned the trade which he afterward commenced in Col- lege Point in 1865. In 1888 his sons assumed control and have since had charge of the business. He passed away at the age of fifty-nine, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Reck, and was a native of Germany, also died at that age. Their five children are named Catharine; Anna, wife of Edward Frey, of this place; John and George, who are in partnership, and Veroni- ca, wife of J. Schmidt, living in Germany.

The subject of this sketch was born in New York City, March 26, 1863, and was a child of two years when brought to College Point in the spring of 1865. When only seven years old he began to assist his father in the business, and throughout his boyhood years it was his custom to arise at four o'clock in the morning and gath- er flowers, thus assisting in the work. His knowledge of the business, beginning so early in life, and continuing through all these years, is both thorough and practical, and he is fully

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posted in regard to every detail. By his mar- riage to Emma Dischlie he had six children, of whom four are living, George J., Frank, Emma and Freddie W. Socially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum, and politically is independ- ent, not adhering to any party. His family are members of the Lutheran Church, and while he is not identified with this organization, he has served as a member of the board of trustees since the first of 1896.

F RANCIS EDWARD ANDREWS, an electrician of Flushing, with office at No. 20 Main Street, was born in Waterloo, Canada, June II, 1869, and is a son of Joseph and Annie E. (Humphreys) Andrews, natives re- spectively of New York City and Canada. His pa- ternal ancestors were prominent in the South, where his great-grandfather was a large cotton planter. The grandfather, Hiram Andrews, born in New York City, was for some years president of the Bank of Mobile and was fortunate in pass- ing through the perils of Black Friday with his credit unimpaired.

Joseph Andrews, who formerly was a commer- cial traveler, is now engaged in the insurance and brokerage business in Brooklyn. He mar- ried Miss Annie E. Humphreys, whose father, a native of Dublin, Ireland, emigrated to Canada and engaged in business there. They are the parents of four children, of whom Francis E. is the only son and eldest child. One of his uncles, John Andrews, was killed during the Civil War.

Reared in Boston, Mass., the subject of this record was educated in the public and high schools. In 1880 he entered school in Brooklyn, where he remained a short time. In 1884 he be- gan the study of electricity under Professor Mey- ers in Dey Street, and later engaged in making electrical apparatus. After four years with his first instructor, he spent two years as inspector of the Long Island lines of the telephone com- pany, and then began for himself as an electrician. In1 1890 he removed from Brooklyn to Valley Stream, Queens County, and in April of 1892 removed from there to Flushing, being the first practical electrician to open an office here. He introduced the Welsbach lights here, and still represents that company. He has had the contract for much of the most important work here, and is considered an expert in all kinds of electrical work. At this writing he is electrician for the

village. In Brooklyn Mr. Andrews married Miss Mary E. McCormick, daughter of Thomas Mc- Cormick, a resident of Brooklyn, where she was born. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews con- sists of five children, Thomas E., Frances E., Ruth E., Robert E. and Mary E. The res- idence is situated at No. 46 Locust Street.

Socially Mr. Andrews is connected with the Royal Arcanum and is sachem of the Shinnecock Tribe of Red Men, also secretary of the Court of Foresters at Flushing. He is a member of Em- pire Hose Company No. I. In religious views he is connected with St. George's Episcopal Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Po- litically a Democrat, at this writing he holds the position of president of the Fourth District Dem- ocratic Club.

F RANK P. SEAMAN, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Mineola, was born in the town of Huntington, Suffolk County, at a place called Half Hollow, the date of his birth being 1852. His father, Gideon Sea- man, a native of the same town as himself, was born in 1816 and is now deceased. At different times he followed milling, farming and merchan- dising. For a number of years he was tax col- lector of the town and took an active part in public affairs in his younger years.

By his first marriage Gideon Seaman had two children, William H. and Ruth, both deceased. His second union was to Sarah Muncey, by whom he had eight children. Of these four are living, namely: Thomas, of Deer Park; Frank P., Sarah, and Henry, who is clerking in his brother's store in Mineola. Our subject's grand- father, David Seaman, was a descendant of Capt. John Seaman, who was born in England, and. emigrating to this country, became the founder of the family on Long Island.

Until eleven years of age our subject attended the district schools, but he then entered Public School No. 3, Brooklyn, where he carried on his studies for four years. When fifteen years old he entered the store of J. B. Hendrickson and two years later, when the business changed hands, he remained with the new owner, continuing there until nineteen. He then entered the store of Luke Fleet, of Mineola, remaining in that con- nection until 1888, when he established his pres- ent business. In his place he carries a full line of merchandise, and through accommodating

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manners and integrity of character has built up a good trade. In addition to his business, he is interested in the Columbia Building and Loan Association. Politically he is a Democrat.

Mr. Seaman was one of the charter members of the Mineola Hook and Ladder Company No. I, of which in 1894 he was chosen president, con- tinuing in that position for two years. Socially he is connected with the Roslyn Lodge of Odd Fellows. In religious matters he is identified with the Presbyterian Church of Hempstead and is assistant superintendent of the Mineola Union Sunday-school, with which he has been actively associated for twenty-five years. His wife is a member of St. George's Episcopal Church of Hempstead. This estimable lady, with whom he was united in 1879, and who shares with him the good will of the community, was Anna V. Allen, daughter of George and Margery (Doxey) Allen. Their family consists of six children, namely: John A., Willis M., Marjorie, Edwin M., Harrison and Imogene.

L OUIS C. GAISER, JR., who with his father has charge of the Gaiser Hotel at College Point, is a native of the city of Brooklyn, but has spent his life principally in the village where he now resides. He is a son of Louis C. and Regina (Kreidler) Gaiser, natives respectively of Goeppingen, Wurtemberg, and Baden, Ger- many, the latter of whom died in this place. The father, who was reared to manhood in the coun- try of his birth, emigrated to the United States in early maturity and settled in Brooklyn, where he secured a position as bookkeeper and col- lector for the Kings County brewery. Later, having gained a thorough knowledge of the brewing business, he opened a brewery in Brook- lyn, the enterprise being conducted for six years under the firm name of Gaiser & Steinhausen. In 1873 he came to College Point and embarked in the hotel business, which he has since carried on successfully with the assistance of his son, our subject. For one term he held the office of school trustee, and at various times occupied oth- er positions of trust.

Of the family of six children the subject of this sketch is fourth in respect to age. He was reared to manhood in College Point, to which place he came with his father in 1873. Natural inclina- tions and education fitted him for a business life, which he entered upon at an early age, in 1885

engaging with his father in the management of Gaiser's Hall, a large place situated on the corner of Thirteenth Street and Third Avenue. In con-' nection with the hall there are a summer garden and a large dancing hall. Until recently our sub- ject held the position of collector for the Con- gress Brewing Company, of Brooklyn. He is connected with the Adelphi Social Club and the Order of Foresters, while politically he is inde- pendent in his opinions and ballot.

R EV. ROCKWOOD MacQUESTEN, Ph. D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Glencove, was born in Plymouth, N. H., September 29, 1839, and is a son of Greenough and Myra (Chase) MacQuesten. The family orig- inated in Scotland, whence they removed to Ire- land, and some generations later made settle- ment in New Hampshire, where four generations have since resided. Reared on a farm, Green- ough MacQuesten became a clerk in early man- hood and afterward embarked in the mercantile business. When his son Rockwood was two years old he removed to Sanbornton (now Tilton), N. H., and three years afterward settled at Fish- erville (now known as Pennacook), N. H., a suburb of the city of Concord. After some eight years in Fisherville he removed to Concord, and there remained until his death in 1891.

The education of our subject was mainly ob- tained in Concord, and at the age of seventeen he graduated from the high school there, being a member of the first class that ever graduated from that school. While carrying on his studies he earned his own support by filling the position of clerk of the superintendent of the Concord Railroad. The first money he ever earned was by pegging shoes in Fisherville, and he was so skillful in the use of shoemaker's tools that he was able, when very young, to make a pair of coarse shoes. After graduating from the high school he worked as a telegraph operator for the Concord Railroad Company and remained in that capacity about two years. His Sunday-school teacher, who was assistant railroad superintend- ent, suggested that he go to college and pre- pare for the ministry, offering to pay his way through college. That advice being in accord with the young man's inclinations, he was about to accept the offer, when his kind friend lost his property; but, though thrown upon his own re- sources, he did not grow discouraged. One tiine,

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while in the railroad service, he came nearly los- ing his life; he was sent out on a hand car to pay off some section men, when a freight train passed, loaded with lumber reaching out over the side-track. The hand-car was struck by the lum- ber, but fortunately a fatal catastrophe was averted.

In the fall of 1859 Dr. MacQuesten entered Co- lumbia College, New York City, and graduated in 1863 among the honor men with the degree of A. B. For one summer he was tutor in the fam- ily of Lewis Livingston, of Rhinebeck, on the Hudson. In the fall of 1863 he entered Union Theological Seminary, New York, and was there for three years, being assistant librarian the third year. He graduated in the spring of 1866 and at the same time received the degree of A. M. from Columbia College. During his second year in the seminary he commenced to preach, and in the summer of 1865 he supplied the pulpit of the Congregational Church at Salmon Falls, N. H., for three months. In April, 1866, he was li- censed by the then Old School Presbytery of Nassau and later in the same month was ordained by the third presbytery of New York (new school).

May 18, 1866, at Henniker, N. H., Rev. Dr. MacQuesten married Miss Emma Willard San- born, a daughter of Dr. Nathan and Seus (Lan- caster) Sanborn. Of the five children born to them only two are now living. June 1. 1866, the Doctor started for Minnesota, under commission from the board of home missions, and after sup- plying the pulpit at Red Wing for three months, he took his first pastorate at Le Sueur, ninety miles southwest of St. Paul, on the Minnesota River. At that time Le Sueur was on the fron- tier, and the outbreak on the part of the Sioux had only recently occurred, so that the position was one of great responsibility. At that time he was a member of the Dakota presbytery, in which were the well known missionaries, Rev. Stephen R. Riggs, D. D., and Rev. Thomas S. Williamson, M. D. In 1893 our subject wrote a biography of the latter gentleman, which was published by the American Tract Society of New York. While in that position, his parish includ- ed territory about twenty-five miles square, and he preached three or four times each Sunday.

In 1872 Dr. MacQuesten accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Winona, Minn., from which place in 1878 he went to Waterloo, lowa. In May, 1880, he removed to Minneapo-

lis, Minn., to take charge of the preparatory de- partment of McAllister College, under supervi- sion of the synod of Minnesota. He held that position for one and one-half years, then preached at Grand Forks, Dak., for six months, after which he returned to Minneapolis and became pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian Church. In 1885, hav- ing resigned his pastorate in Minneapolis, he went to Fall River, Mass., under commission from the home missions board, where he was installed as pastor of the Westminster Presby- terian Church, remaining until 1888. January I, 1889, he accepted the pastorate of the Presby- terian Church at Glencove, where he has since remained. In 1893 he received from the Uni- versity of the City of New York the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, having taken the pre- scribed university course.

Politically our subject's father was a Whig and a firm Abolitionist, while he himself has been independent in his views, voting for what seemed to him the best men and the best measures, but generally with the Republican party. While in college, and also while acting as tutor, he wrote a number of poems, which were published and extensively copied. Among these was the "Vil- lage Clock," written in 1864, and suggested by Longfellow's famous poem, "The Old Clock on the Stair." This was published in a Congrega- tional paper in Boston and afterward appeared in "Household Readings." It has been so univer- sally admired that we take pleasure in inserting it herewith :

On the gentle lawn from the village street, Stands the old church where the villagers meet. Up through its aisles young men have passed, Young men grown gray for the grave at last; While the Bride's sweet call from the pulpit expressed Has been echoed far up on its spiry crest,

Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

From the preacher, discharging his solemn trust, From the saddening service, returning to dust The village honor, the village pride; From the modest choir, from blushing bride; From worshiping people with humble heart, Has come that call from its every part, Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

In joy its voice is low and light; In turbulent trials and sorrow's night, The "still small voice" continues its call- Along the aisles, along the hall, Till the clock, far up in the tower above, Gives back the words and call of love,

Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

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Like urging spirits, the voiceless hands-

By marking the hours-life's passing sands- Above the villager's trouble and toil, Above his trials and life's turmoil, Send forth, as far as their rays can reach, The same kind call, and seem to teach Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

Firmly its hands are pointing on, And soon they'll mark the last sand gone, The church will crumble, its tower fall; The preacher and clock will cease their call; Yet e'en where wreck and ruin lie,

They still shall call, as the years go by- Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

Into the spirit-world shall go The voice of the village clock below,

The voice of the preacher, the voice of the tower,

The voice which bore the Spirit's power;

And there before the "great white throne,"

Shall meet each soul with God alone, Repent-believe! Believe-repent!

Not as to village it uttered its call, It now pronounces sentence on all; To the sinner who turned from the Bride away It denies a single forgiving ray; But leads him apart to eternal death Of Hope and Heart and Heaven bereft, Condemned-lost! Lost-condemned!

Not as to village it uttered its call, It now pronounces sentence on all; To the Christian clothed in the Bride's array It gives the joy of eternal day, And, leading along the "golden streets," Guides him onward to blissful seats- Redeemed-saved! Saved-redeemed!

H ERMAN MEYER, proprietor of a grocery at College Point, and one of the enter- prising young business men of this vil- lage, was born here July 3, 1865, and as his birth occurred ten minutes before midnight, he came nearly being a 4th of July boy. He is the young- est of four children, of whom the eldest, John, is deceased; Henry, the second born, resides in Maryland, and Mrs. Lizzie Kraemer, the only daughter, lives in College Point.

The father of our subject, Henry Meyer, was born in Germany, whence he emigrated to Ameri- ca and became one of the first settlers of College Point, establishing his home here in 1848. Dur- ing the early days of the history of the village he took a prominent part in local affairs and was ever ready to assist in enterprises beneficial to the place. Especially was he active in plac- ing the town under good fire protection, and he took a warm interest and prominent part in or- ganizing and equipping the fire department. Es-

tablishing a grocery business here, he carried on a large trade until advanced years rendered his relinquishment of active labors a necessity. His death occurred when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Gretchen Welbrock, died at sixty-four years.

In this village, where he was born and reared, our subject gained a practical education in the public schools, and the knowledge thus acquired has been supplemented by observation and read- ing. At an early age he began to assist his fath- er in the grocery business, of which he soon gained a thorough knowledge, so that he was well fitted to engage in business for himself. He gives close attention to the details of his work and has secured a good trade, which he retains by reason of the reliability of his transactions and geniality of his manners. He takes an interest in local affairs and in religion inclines to the Lutheran faith, which was the belief of his fore- fathers.

R OBERT MARVIN, a farmer living on the Marvin road, town of Flushing, was born November 14, 1849, in the old family dwelling that was burned down in 1863. The family of which he is a member originated in England, whence Robert Marvin emigrated to Long Island and settled in the town of Hemp- stead. John, a son of Robert, was born August 24, 1733, and his son, Jacob, was born October 18, 1755. The children of Jacob were Valentine H. P., Robert, Jane, Mary and Harry P., father of our subject. The last-named was born Octo- ber 22, 1799, and remained with his parents un- til he attained mature years, after which he be- gan to work for himself. His first employment was sawing logs by the day in an old-fashioned saw-pit. Later he hired to a Mr. Dodge, of Lakeville, a farmer, from whom he received $100 per year. His next position was that of packer in a crockery store in Pearl Street, New York City, after which he bought a horse and cart and followed carting for the stores in the city. In later years he purchased the farm where his sons now live and here he spent the remainder of his life.

By his marriage to Pellatiah Williams, Harry P. Marvin had six children, namely: Valentine, Henry and Clarence, deceased; Robert, of this sketch; Mary A., and Richard W. The subject of this record has spent his entire life upon the

JAMES L. NEW, M. D.

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old homestead, with the exception of seven months in New York. During three months of that time he was a student in Paine's Business College, on the corner of Canal and the Bowery. At the expiration of that time he was chosen as- sistant teacher in Mr. Paine's school in Thirty- third Street and Broadway, where his experience of four months as instructor was worth years of study to him and did much to form and expand his mind. His father's death caused him to re- sign his position and return home to assume the management of the place.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 95

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