Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 99

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 99

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Born in this village, February 24, 1856, Dr. Wood is the only son of Dr. William D. Wood, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, August 20, 1821, and graduated from a medical college in his native land, emigrating thence to America in 1849. He settled at Cohoes, Albany County, N. Y., and later took a course in the medical col- lege at Castleton, Vt. While residing in Cohoes he married Mary Ann, daughter of Edward Wil- son, one of the prominent citizens of Albany County.

In 1851 Dr. W. D. Wood came to Jamaica, where he at once took his place among the prominent physicians of the village. For a long time he carried on a large and remunerative prac- tice, but advancing years (he being now nearly seventy-five) have caused him to turn his practice largely over to his son. Aside from professional duties, he was for many years actively identified with many important interests and enterprises in the village. For two terms he served as school commissioner of Queens County. In religious belief he is identified with the Grace Episcopal Church, in which he is vestryman. He has a brother, Philip, who resides in New York City and is engaged in the practice of medicine there.

The subject of this notice is one of three chil- dren, the others being Mrs. H. W. Smith and Mrs. D. J. Rider. The Doctor was educated in the schools of Jamaica and New York. Early displaying an inclination toward the medical pro- fession, he entered the Bellevue Medical College and remained there until graduating in 1876, after which he commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Jamaica. From 1878 until 1883 he was physician in charge of the Queens County Asylum, located at Mineola, but resigned in the latter year that he might devote his attention more closely to his growing practice.

Not only is Dr. Wood one of the most skillful physicians of the county, but he is known also as one of the leading men in public affairs. Since the organization of the Bank of Jamaica, he has served as one of the directors. He is chair- man of the board of sewer commissioners of Jamaica, of which Col. Aaron Degrauw, J. Tyler Watts and Professor Vienot are members. In associations connected with his profession he is ever interested, and is a member of the Queens County Medical Society. Socially he is a Mason and in religion a member of the Reformed Church. In 1889 he married Miss Minnie, daughter of the late John J. Betz of Queens, L. I. They have one child, Edgar P., a boy of two and one-half years.

N ICOLAUS DOSCHER, dealer in grocer- ies, coal and wood, at Whitestone, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 5, 1843, being a son of Claus and Elizabeth (Dosch- er) Doscher. Reared on the home farm in Han- over, he received a good education in the Ger- man schools, and at the age of seventeen came to the United States, where he secured a position as clerk in a New York grocery store. By read- ing the "New York Herald" and paying close attention to those who conversed in English, he soon picked up a good knowledge of the lan- guage. After spending three years in New York City, he went to Astoria, L. I., where he clerked for three and one-half years, and from there came to Whitestone.

November 15, 1866, Mr. Doscher bought his present business, going in debt for a part of the amount, but he has succeeded not only in paying off the indebtedness, but also in building up a large trade and saving a considerable part of his incomc. In this village he married Miss Annie

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E. Hipple, and they have six children, Albert J., Frederic W., George H., Elsie Sadie, Bessie Vio- la and Florence May. In 1876 our subject voted for Samuel J. Tilden for president, but since that time he has always supported Republican candi- dates. For twelve years he served as inspector of elections, and for one term was a member of the board of village trustees. Elected a member of the Republican central committee, he served for four years and was then re-elected, in 1895, for another term of four years.

In his native Hanover Mr. Doscher attended the Dutch Reformed Church, in which faith he was reared by his parents. He is, however, lib- eral in his views and is always willing to aid, so far as possible, any charitable project, no matter what denomination may be at the head of the en- terprise. Socially he is connected with the United Brothers Lodge No. 356, F. & A. M., of New York City. He has taken a warm interest in local affairs-and has frequently served as delegate to town, county and assembly conventions.

C HRISTIAN SCHWICKER, a prominent business man of Morris Park, is making a success as a lumber merchant, in which branch of trade he has been engaged for some time. He was born in Waldeck, Prussia, May 7, 1852, and is the son of Frederick Schwicker, who was a farmer on a small scale in his native land. The latter came to America with his family in 1872 and located in Clarenceville, Queens Coun- ty, where he still makes his home. There are four sons in the family, of whom Frederick is a well-to-do farmer of Queens County; Charles is engaged in business in Brooklyn, and Lewis is the proprietor of a meat market in Clarenceville.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the model schools of his native land, and as soon as old enough began to assist his father in the cultivation of his farm. On making his honie in America he found employment in a grocery store in East New York. After working for others for two years he embarked in business in this line for himself, having two groceries, one located in East New York and one in Clarenceville. Later he became interested in the coal business, and about this time laid the foundation for his present large enterprise. When the "boom" struck Mor- ris Park he had added the sale of lumber to his business, and soon became the leading merchant in this line in the county. Those wishing to

build invariably gave him their order, knowing that he could be relied upon to supply the best materials at the lowest possible prices. Mr. Schwicker thus accumulated a handsome fortune and is very justly classed among the substantial and well-to-do residents of the county. Being economical and industrious, he made the most of his opportunities and has been remarkably suc- cessful in all the enterprises in which he has been engaged. He has a beautiful home in the park and is the owner of much valuable property in this vicinity.

In 1874 Mr. Schwicker was married to Miss Fredricka Fieseler, also a native of Prussia, who was brought to the New World by her parents when young. Their-union was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven now living, of whom Nettie is the wife of Gottlieb Hees, who is en- gaged in business in Brooklyn. The other mem- bers of the family are named respectively: Fred- ricka, Kate, Louis, Christina, Frederick and Al- bert. Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in excellent standing of the German Reformed Church in East New York. In politics Mr. Schwicker is a stanch Republican, but is too busy with his own affairs to hold office, although he would without doubt prove a most efficient public servant. He is a Mason of high standing, holding membership with Lodge No. 765, of East New York.

A LBERT VAN NOSTRAND. Through- out the town of Flushing there is no fam- ily that stands higher in the estimation of the people than that which is represented by the subject of this sketch, a well known and progres- sive farmer living near Little Neck. Agriculture has been his life occupation, and of it he is mak- ing a success. The farm which he cultivates and on which he resides was also his birthplace, he having been born here March 10, 1857. Mention of his relatives will be found elsewhere in this volume, in the biographies of his brothers, D. L., C. A. and William.

The boyhood years of our subject were some- what uneventfully passed in the ordinary pas- times of childhood. He was educated in the common and high schools of Flushing, in that manner laying the foundation of the broader knowledge he acquired in the world of experience and practical business affairs. He remained at home, assisting in the management of the farm,

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which, at the death of his father, February 6, 1894, passed into his hands. February 18, 1891, he was united in marriage with Phoebe E. Wool- ley, daughter of Hobart Woolley, a farmer of Lakeville, where she was born.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Van Nostrand erected his present residence on the old place near the house occupied by his parents. In his family there are four children, namely: Hobart S., Maria L., Albert and Grace W. His aged mother still resides on the homestead which he operates. She is an exceptionally bright old lady and retains her faculties, both mental and physi- cal, to a remarkable degree. Among the people whom she has known throughout her entire life she is respected for her kindly, amiable disposi- tion, and for her nobility of character.

Upon his place Mr. Van Nostrand engages in general farming and market gardening, in which he has met with success. In politics a Democrat, he is informed regarding local and national is- sues and takes an interest in party elections. For eight years he was a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are identified with the Re- formed Church of Manhasset, in which for three years he has been a deacon.

P RED A. WRIGHT, M. D., an able physi- cian and surgeon of Glencove, received a fine general and medical education and is a student of his profession. He has acquired an enviable reputation as a man of ability in this line, and his practice, which is large and lucrative, is constantly increasing. The Doctor is a native of this village and was born April 12, 1847, to Joshua T. and Susan (Luyster) Wright. After attending the public schools of Glencove until a lad of sixteen years, he entered the literary de- partment of the College of the City of New York, from which in 1868 lie was graduated with honors. He then pursued the medical course in the Belle- vue Hospital Medical College, and in 1871 had conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. He immediately entered upon his profes- sional career at Glencove, which has since been his field of work.

Dr. Wright and Miss Alice Simpson were unit- ed in marriage May 3, 1871. This lady was born and reared in Brooklyn, obtaining a splendid edu- cation in the schools of that city. Their union has resulted in the birth of two children, Bertha S. and Elsie.

Politically the Doctor is a firm Republican and is at present chairman of the town committee and a member of the county committee. For many years he served as health officer of the town of Oyster Bay. He has filled all the chairs in the blue lodge, and has been king in the chapter. He is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum, being organizer of the order in Glencove, where it now has a strong lodge. The Doctor has held nearly all the offices in this body. He holds mem- bership with the Queens County Medical So- ciety and has contributed many articles of value, which have been read before this organization. The Doctor and his wife have many friends in this locality and are very popular in social circles.

E LLWOOD VALENTINE is descended from a member of the body of Friends, or Quakers, as they are commonly called, his father as well as himself having been born in that society, in Long Island, where the name of Friend, or Quaker, is synonomous with honesty and uprightness. The father, John T. Valentine, was in every way worthy to be enrolled in the membership of that pious band of Christian peo- ple. He was born in Glencove, L. I., as was also his father, and it may thus be seen that they were among the oldest settlers there. John T. Valen- tine married Miss Elizabeth Mudge and his after life was spent in tilling the soil on the home place near Glencove. There our subject was initiated into the duties of farm life and there lie grew to sturdy manhood. His birth occurred on the home place, August 29, 1852, and he is now in the prime of life, being in his forty-fourth year.

During his youth young Valentine attended the public schools and for one year was in Swarth- more 'College, near Philadelphia, Pa. After that he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and this has continued to be his principal occupa- tion up to the present time. In his political views Mr. Valentine is a stanch Republican and an ar- dent supporter of his party. He voted for Dix for governor and his first presidential vote was cast for R. B. Hayes in 1876. He has served as a delegate to various conventions and has always been a worker for his party. 111 1893 he was tlie Republican candidate for overseer of the poor of the town of Oyster Bay, but was defeated, as the Democrats were greatly in the majority. Pre- vious to that he had served as inspector of cattle, having been appointed to that position by Jerry

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Rusk, and serving from October, 1889, to De- cember, 1891.

In the year 1894 Mr. Valentine was elected re- ceiver of taxes for the town of Oyster Bay, and was re-elected in 1895, he being the only Repub- lican ever re-elected to that office in Oyster Bay. He is a member of Hempstead Harbor Yacht Club, of which he is one of the governing board, and is also a member of Paumanok Social Club, being treasurer of the same since its organization ; he is also treasurer of the Glencove Athletic Club, and has held the same office in the Glencove Re- publican Club since old enough to vote. Our subject was also treasurer of the society formed to celebrate the two hundred and twenty-fifth anni- versary of the settlement of Glencove, the same being held in 1893. At one time he was a mem- ber of the fire company and was its treasurer for some time. The confidence that the people have in Mr. Valentine's uprightness and honesty has been manifested in the numerous positions of trust that he has been called upon to fill. He has an enviable name all over the county and is a most popular citizen and official.

J OSEPH H. ANDREWS, of the firm of An- drews Brothers, contractors in road work and grading at Mineola, was born in Bir- mingham, England, in 1861, and at the age of three years was brought to this country by his parents, William and Jane M. (Smith) Andrews. A few weeks after the family reached the United States the mother died, leaving two children, Joseph H. and Henry W., comprising the present firm of Andrews Brothers. At the time of emi- grating to America the mother's father, William Smith, had also removed here, and settled in New York state, where he was variously employed in different places.

Reared in the home of his grandfather, our subject received his education in the common schools, where he was fitted for the practical du- ties of life. His grandfather being aged and in- firm, the management of his business gradually fell upon the young and energetic grandson, who thus early gained an insight into business mat- ters. In 1889, associated with his brother, he formed the present partnership and began in bus- iness at Mineola, where he has resided for twenty years or more. Their work has been largely in the line of grading streets and macadamizing roads, of which they have made a specialty and in

which they have few superiors. They have had contracts with many of the influential men of Long Island and in every instance their work has been satisfactorily done.

In 1895 Mr. Andrews was appointed general superintendent of the grounds of the Queens County Agricultural Society, which office he still retains. Under his supervision the race track has been prepared for use and many other im- provements have been made on the grounds. Since 1888 he has been tax collector of school district No. 10. For two years he was foreman of Mineola Hook and Ladder Company No. I, of which he was a charter member and to which he still belongs. Politically he is independent, using his right of suffrage in favor of the best man. He is a member of Protection Lodge No. 151, I. O. O. F., at Roslyn, and Encampment No. 121 at Mineola, in which he now holds the office of high priest. May 8, 1881, when twenty years of age, he married Jennie E., daughter of Silas and Parmelia Shaw, of Mineola. To them have been born three children, of whom the eldest, Car- rie, died in infancy; Silas, the second-born, was named for his Grandfather Shaw; Arthur is the youngest of the family.

S AMUEL COLTON is a man who stands high in agricultural circles and holds ad- vanced ideas on farming. In many re- spects he is a model agriculturist. He has been remarkably successful as a gardener and is now the owner of a splendid farm near Hollis, in the town of Jamaica. Mr. Colton was born Decem- ber 31, 1853, in the western part of England, where his father, William G. O. Colton, was a well-to-do merchant. The latter was a finely edu- cated gentleman, having completed his studies at Oxford when a young man. His father, Rev. Mr. Webber, was a minister in the Church of England, but his brilliant future was cut short when in the prime of life by his death, which oc- curred just prior to the birth of our subject's father. William was therefore taken into the home of his maternal grandfather Colton, and his name was bestowed upon him while he was very young, instead of his father's name, Webber.

When a young man of eighteen years our sub- ject determined to come to America in order that he might better his financial condition. On ar- riving here he worked for a time for his step- uncle, T. T. Husson, of Hollis, but seven years

JOSEPH H. ANDREWS, General Superintendent of Grounds.

WILLIAM NASON.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thereafter was made superintendent of the exten- sive farm of Col. A. A. Degrauw, of Jamaica. During the years in which he had charge of this place he saved the greater portion of his earn- ings, and when ready to become the owner of property, purchased a small tract of land at Hol- lis, for which he paid $3,150. Land in this lo- cality rapidly increased in value, and a few years later Mr. Colton disposed of his farm for $9,000, thus making a handsome sum of money by the venture. He then purchased the tract on which he now lives, which is located at the edge of the corporate limits of Hollis and which contains for- ty-three acres. He is considered one of the best farmers in the county and has become prominent in agricultural circles throughout the island.

Our subject takes an active part in local poli- tics and is a strong advocate of Republican prin- ciples. Although never aspiring to political hon- ors, he has held various positions of minor im- portance. In educational work in this locality he has been particularly interested, and for many years has been a member of the school board, serving in various capacities. During the days of the Grange movement he did what he could to interest the people in its behalf, and his influ- ence has always been felt on the side of right, no matter in what line of work. Mr. Colton was president of a local life insurance company which was organized in this vicinity, but which is not in existence at the present time. In religious affairs he is an attendant of the Methodist Church and is especially interested in the work of the Sunday-school, having been secretary of the Sun- day-school Union.

The marriage of Mr. Colton and Miss Joseph- ine T. Husson occurred March 31, 1879. The latter was the daughter of T. T. Husson, his step- uncle, for whom he worked when he first came to 'America. To them have been born two children, Josephine Husson, a miss of sixteen years, and Maud Degrauw.

W ILLIAM NASON. Though not a resident of Queens County, Mr. Nason has for years been interested in its welfare and numbers among its residents a host of warm personal acquaintances. In view of these facts, it is fitting that there should be some men- tion of his life history in this volume. The story of his business career is instructive, as it teaches the young men of the present generation that the

road to success is along the path of duty, and that industry, combined with honesty and judgment. bring their possessor a fair measure of prosperity. During his long business experience, he has ever been prompt, courteous and considerate, and has never been known to intentionally wrong any one. Beginning in life without other capital than sound judgment, indomitable energy, correct business principles and unquestioned integrity, he built up a large trade by persevering industry, enterprise and judicious management.

In October, 1857, Mr. Nason began in the undertaking business at Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and three years later he came to his present location, on the corner of Franklin and India Streets. He was born near Portland, Me., Sep- tember 5, 1825, and is a son of Robert Nason, a soldier in the War of 1812, who died when Wil- liam was an infant. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine McDonald, died in Maine in 1875, aged eighty-two. She was a daughter of Petiah McDonald, a native of Scot- land, who emigrated to America and enlisted in the Revolutionary War.

The parental family consisted of eight children, of whom four are living, one sister being eighty- two. William, who is the youngest of the fam- ily, spent his boyhood years in Hollis, Me., but at the age of ten years began to work on a farm, which he continued through the summers, while in winter he attended school. At the age of fourteen he went to Portland, making the trip on foot and alone. There he worked at anything that would provide him with an honest liveli- hood, and when nineteen began to learn the ship joiner's trade. After his marriage he spent a year in Bath, whence, in June, 1850, he went to New York City, and soon secured employment in the ship yards. In 1854 he came to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he worked as a ship joiner, but after three years he opened an undertaking shop, continuing the two occupations for a time. During the war he was superintendent of work on government vessels at the dry docks in Tenth Street. In 1860 he was sexton of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has held a similar position in the Dutch Reformed Church. To aid in his business he keeps three hearses and a general line of coaches, and very fre- quently he is called to attend funerals in York state and on other parts of the island. As a funeral director he is courteous, efficient and painstaking, while his ability as an embalmer

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(which branch of undertaking he was one of the first to take up) is everywhere recognized.

In Portland, Me., Mr. Nason married Miss Elizabeth B. Hall, who was born there and died in Brooklyn in 1875. Their six children are named as follows: Emma; Alice K., a school teacher; George H., coroner for the Second District of Kings County, also ex-member of the New York assembly, to which he was elected at the age of twenty-eight; Ella L., wife of Dr. Val- entine of Richmond Hill, L. I .; William, de- ceased; Ida, a bookkeeper, who resides with her father. The second wife of Mr. Nason, whom he married in Brooklyn, was Mrs. Elizabeth Hamil- ton, and they have one child, Harriett H.

Socially Mr. Nason is connected with the Greenpoint Masonic Lodge, Alta Chapter, R. A. M., and St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., at Brook- lyn. He is also identified with Mt. Ararat Lodge, the oldest lodge of Odd Fellows in Greenpoint, and is a member of the Legion of Honor. In the Reformed Church he is officiating as senior elder. He aided in the organization of the Sev- enteenth Ward Bank of Brooklyn, in which he is largely interested. From the organization of the Kings County Undertakers' Association he has been identified with it, and has taken a warm interest in its welfare. He is a Republican in politics, and was unanimously nominated one of the electors to the presidential election of 1896.

H ENRY FEIL. In all ages of the world industry, perseverance and energy, where industriously applied, have achieved re- sults which could only have been gained by hav- ing one end in view, and by improving every op- portunity of ultimately attaining that object. Our subject has shown what can be accomplished when the spirit of determination is exercised in connection with the every-day affairs of life. He has devoted his life to farming, and now has a comfortable home and a fine tract of land in the town of Jamaica, Queens County. Like many of the prosperous men of this section, Mr. Feil is a native of Germany, born in Hanover, December 7, 1843, and is the son of Henry and Metta (Wörmke) Feil, also natives of Hanover.

The father, who was born in the year 1819, made farming his principal occupation in life. His death occurred in 1864 in the old country. In his native country our subject received his education. When twenty-one years old he entered

on his three-years' service in the army, but the war between France and Prussia broke out soon after and the King of Hanover was dethroned, the kingdom then becoming a part of Prussia. This liberated Mr. Feil after six months' service, and ere the Prussian army was reorganized he went to England, where three weeks later he shipped for New York City on the steamer "Mar- tha." Arriving here February II, 1867, he se- cured employment as a farm hand at Flushing, and was thus employed for one year, when he came to his present place. In 1868 he married Mrs. Catherine Engelskirger, formerly a Miss Acker, and three children have been given them: Henry, who is married and has one child; Will- iam, also married, and George D. By her former marriage Mrs. Feil became the mother of ten children, four of whom are living at the present time: Louise, who is the wife of William Ham- mann, and has one child; Maggie, who is the widow of Henry Hanna, and has two children, and Joseph and John. Both of the sons are married, but have no children. In his political views Mr. Feil is a stanch Democrat and an ar- dent supporter of his party. In religion he is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church.

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Portrait and biographical record of Queens County (Long Island) New York, Part 99

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