The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 133

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II > Part 133

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1188

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

manager and attended to all the details of the office. In 1870, Mr. Van Anden sold the Eagle to a number of gentlemen who formed a stock company the following year. Both he and his nephew became stockholders, and Mr. Van Anden was elected President, Col. Hester occupying the position of publisher.

In 1875, Mr. Isaac Van Anden died, and at the next meeting of the directors of the Eagle Association, Col. Hester was elected President. In his earlier days he had a share in public affairs: was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department; the National Guard of the State, and later was Quartermaster upon Gen. Dakin's staff, serving rather more than five years. In these circumstances it was not singular that the leaders of the Democratic party, to which Col. Hester always belonged, should have turned to him as the most available candidate, through his popularity, to contest with the Hon. Darwin R. James, the Third Congressional District of the State in 1882. That district commands, naturally, the highest respect in Congress. It is doubtful if a more intelli- gent and wealthy constituency exists in the country. It was Republican, up to Col. Hester's candidacy, by a majority of 7,000 votes. To reduce this majority was all that could be reasonably expected, and the compliment was paid the Presi- dent of the Eagle Association of making him the standard- bearer in a forlorn hope. In an editorial article commenting on his acceptance, the Hon. Thomas Kinsella, who was a fellow-compositor on the Eagle, and who has been in almost constant intercourse with Col. Hester for over thirty years- in fact, the business life of hoth has passed within the bound- ary of the four walls of the Eagle office, although those limits during the time have expanded from 18x40 feet, to an area of over 12,000 square feet-among other words of praise, paid

the following hearty and characteristic tribute to his friend and associate: "The writer of this article began life with him at ' the case' and from an acquaintance of thirty years bears testimony to the fact that he is a considerate employer, a helpful and genial friend, and as honest a man as lives. If he should be elected to Congress, he will represent the Third District intelligently, and in a conservative spirit. This much may be relied on: wealth has no attraction and power no blandishment adequate to turn him from supporting what he conceives to be right. Of course he did not seek this nomi- nation; it sought him. He is not desirous even of political honors. He has been well content with a faithful perform- ance of all the duties and obligations devolving on him as a private citizen. If the voters of the Third District desire to be represented in Congress by an intelligent, upright business- man who has no sinister ends to subserve, and who will make a personal sacrifice by accepting a public trust, they might assiduously seek through a long summer day and fail to find a better man than William Hester."

Col. Hester was a stronger candidate than even his friends had ventured to hope, for the majority against his party of 7,000 was reduced to 2,400. This was his first appearance on the stage of politics, and was far more gratifying to his friends, and more honorable to himself, than many a victory upon which famous men have been congratulated. He ac- cepted the call as a matter of party duty. With the cares of so important an enterprise as the business management of the Brooklyn Eagle constantly pressing upon his attention, and the obligation to his fellow-citizens irrespective of party involved in his position, Col. Hester is more than content to remain in private life as the head of a great, beneficent and prosperous concern.

ANDREW MCLEAN.

ANDREW McLEAN, the present Chief Editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, is a native of Scotland. He was born in the vil- lage of Renton, in Dumbartonshire, on the banks of the river Leven, on the 7th of August, 1848. In his fourteenth year, he came to the United States, and made his home in Brook- lyn with his uncle Andrew, who was then a dry goods merchant in Myrtle avenue. In this city, he prepared himself for journalism, to which his active life has been devoted. He attended Brown's Commercial College till his eighteenth year; when, equipped for work with a sound English educa- tion, and a knowledge of the art of short-hand writing, he hegan operations on the press. After bohemianizing for sev- eral months on the New York papers, he went west, and re- mained there for something over two years; during which time he worked on the Chicago and Cincinnati papers; served as a stenographer in the Legislature of Illinois; started a weekly paper in the village of Harrison, near Cincinnati; and had a variety of experiences in journals devoted to labor interests in special departments of trade. Ill health

compelled him to return east. After a sickness of many months, he got employment on the Brooklyn Times, from which he transferred his services to the New York Times, representing that paper in Brooklyn for about two years. From the Times he passed to the Union; and from the Union (1874) to the Eagle, where he has remained ever since, as managing editor. On the Eagle he has done every kind of writing which a reporter or editor can be called upon to do. He is a writer of undeniable ability, nervous force, and has made a reputation as a journalist which is remarkable con- sidering his years, for in point of age, he is, perhaps, the youngest managing editor of a daily newspaper in the country. Mr. McLean is intense in his political feelings, and as an anti-machine Democrat has made himself widely known in Brooklyn. His views on all questions of the day command respect; while as a writer he is able and compre- hensive. Those who know him best, and have watched his course most closely, feel assured that the brightest por- tion of his journalistic career is hut just opening before him.

WILLIAM HERRIES.

WILLIAM HERRIES was born in Glasgow, Scotland, June 9, 1828, where he received a liberal education. In the year 1852 he came to the city of New York, and there, carrying out his early favorite plan for life, began his journalistic career in the office of the New York Tribune, His education, intelligence,

and practical talents, soon made him a useful and well ap- preciated member of the staff of the Tribune, with which he was connected until 1863; when he left, to assume the editorial charge of the Brooklyn Times. This charge con- tinued about one year, during which time he made many

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friends, among whom was C. D. Bingham, the accomplished editor of the Pittsburg Commercial. In the summer of 1865, he was invited by Mr. Bingham to become his associate in editing that journal. This invitation was accepted, and was a pleasing and profitable relation. After continuing in it for some time, Mr. Herries, in connection with Mr. John W. Pittock, established the Pittsburg Sunday Leader, which soon became one of the most successful and influential papers in western Pennsylvania.

Having parted advantageously with his interest in that journal, Mr. Herries returned to the city of New York, to be connected with the New York Times, assuming, after a short time, charge of the Brooklyn affairs of that paper.

In 1872, his connection with the Brooklyn Eagle began, and, with the exception of a few intervals, has continued down to the present time. We believe that Mr. Herries has always discharged the duties of the various positions he has occupied in a highly acceptable manner. He loves and honors the journalistic profession, justly believing that it largely furnishes the intellectual element of the time.

Few of the members of this profession are more industrious and thorough in the discharge of their duties than he; few have a larger or more practical knowledge of books than he; few can apply a more critical and appreciative analysis to their contents; few are less pretentious in exhibiting their endowments. Indeed, his modesty has, in some sense, militated against a more rapid advancement in his pro- fession.

As he has long been a resident of Brooklyn, he is exceed- ingly well acquainted with all its affairs. He is accessi-

ble, affable and obliging, and always ready to impart any information that is desired of him; and such infor- mation is almost constantly sought. When we say Mr. Herries is a highly useful citizen in and out of his profession, we feel assured that public sentiment will heartily concur with us. Beyond the limits of the Eagle office, Mr. Herries has a large circle of friends, both in New York and Brooklyn, who hold him in high esteem.

As a writer he is concise, direct, lucid, and graceful; his productions have an ethical interest, evidently the offspring of a full mind, sound judgment, and practical good sense. Mr. Herries is not without merit as a speaker, though he seldom appears before the public in that character, and never, unless strongly solicited; but when he does appear, he acquits himself in a highly commendable manner. 'Among his public productions was his address at the Kemble hanquet, given at the Hotel Brunswick, New York, on the evening of Septem- ber 29, 1883, to commemorate the great actor, JOHN KEMBLE. On that occasion addresses were made by Judge Brady, Rev. Dr. Hall, Collector Robinson, Mr. Raphael J. DeCordova, and other distinguished writers and speakers. Mr. Herries re- sponded to the following sentiment: "The Drania, the Co- lahorer with the Pulpit in Reprehending Vice and Encourag- ing Virtue." His response won for him the commendation of every person present. As it was published and exten- sively read, it speaks for itself, and needs no other encomium. Mr. Herries is strongly attached to his brethren in the pro- fession; never forgetting the amenities and courtesies that so strongly characterize those attached to the great calling of journalism.

ROBERT A. BURCH.

ROBERT A. BURCH, a native of Albany, N. Y., has spent the greater portion of his life in New York and Brooklyn. He first studied law, and was admitted to the bar, but his literary tastes predominating, drew him to the field of journalism. He has been connected at different times with the Star, Standard, Union, and Eagle of Brooklyn, and with the World and the Evening Post of New York. In 1872, he was managing editor of the Eagle; in 1873, editor-in-chief of the Union; and for about six years was the principal editorial

writer of the Evening Post, during the last years of the life of its late editor-in-chief, Mr. William C. Bryant. When, after his death, the Post changed hands, he became man- aging editor, which position he retained until 1883. In 1884, he was again managing editor of the Eagle.

Mr. Burch is a graceful writer, thoroughly in love with his profession, and of a social, generous disposition which makes and retains many friendships. Brooklyn has always enlisted his sincerest interest in all that pertained to her public affairs.

The Weekly Advertiser is published by Mr. George H. Ayres, at 416 Grand street, Brooklyn, E. D., and was established at 107 Broadway, June 5th, 1874. Its editor is Mr. N. B. Jacobs. Heretofore it has been devoted solely to the interests of advertisers, but its character will soon be so changed that it will give much local news; thus gaining a popularity with readers which will render it more than ever valuable to adver- tisers.

The Brooklyn Daily Lance was established in September, 1880, by Mr. George J, May, as a penny

daily. Its publication office was located at 119 Frank- lin street, Greenpoint. Subsequently Mr. James F. Rowins associated himself with Mr. May, and the Lance was published by the firm of May & Rowins. Mr. Rowins shortly after severed his connection with the paper. Its publication was continued by Mr. May alone at the location named, until about August of 1882, when the Lance became the Brooklyn Daily Advertiser, and its publication office was removed to its present location, 72 Greenpoint avenue. It is issued every afternoon except Sunday.

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Among other papers published were the Republican, the True Republican, the Chronicle, and the Post. They are now dead.

An edition of the Long Island Star, of Long Island City, owned and published by Mr. Thomas H. Todd, is printed for and circulated in Greenpoint.

The Greenpoint Globe is a special local edition of the Newtown Register, owned by Charles White, of Newtown, L. I., which is circulated every Saturday.

Messrs. Hewitt & Hosier publish an advertising sheet called the Greenpoint Independent.

The East New York Sentinel and Brooklyn Herald was established in 1866 by Mr. Matthew Cooper, the present editor and proprietor; and was the earliest paper published in Kings county outside of Brooklyn. It is radical in politics, and is circulated extensively throughout the five county towns, as well as in the Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth Wards of Brooklyn, and has many subscribers in New England and the West, and in other parts of the Union. The regular issue is 2,500. The Sentinel and Herald is an eight-column, four-page paper, containing much reading matter of an interesting character, and well patronized by advertisers.

The Long Island Record, published weekly in East New York, was established in 1871, by Messrs. A. H. W. Van Siclen and Richard Pickering. One year later, Mr. Van Siclen (who had in the meantime

been elected Supervisor of the town) retired from the business, leaving Mr. Pickering as sole proprietor and editor. The Record has always maintained an "inde- pendent" position in politics, and has wielded an im- portant influence in local matters. Its merit has been recognized from time to time by the Board of Super- visors, in its designation as one of the official county papers. Its circulation is by no means limited to the township in which it is published, but extends into the neighboring towns of Kings and Queens counties.

The Brooklyn News is published by James F. Denehan at 249 Atlantic avenue, between Court and Boerum streets, with a branch office at John Delmar's real estate office, Fifth avenue and Ninth street, and claims a larger circulation in South Brooklyn than any other paper. It was established in 1868.

The Hornet is a small eight-page weekly journal devoted to military, masonic and social interests. It is published by G. F. McSkimming & Co., 74 and 76 Myrtle avenue, and is now in its second volume.

An Ephemeris of Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Therapeutics and Collateral Information. By Dr. Edward R., Edward H. and Chas. F. Squibb, A.B., now in its second volume. An occasional issue, "as time and material may admit." A neat, well edited quarto, and valuable to the medical profession, espe- cially with reference to pharmaceutical matters.

HON. WILLIAM ERIGENA ROBINSON.

HON. WILLIAM ERIGENA ROBINSON, Member of Congress from the Second N. Y. District .- Ireland has given birth to many eminent citizens of Brooklyn, and among those who have done our city and county good service, our distin- guished fellow-citizen, the subject of this sketch, claims Erin as his native land, and Unagh, near Cookstown, County Tyrone, in the Province of Ulster, as his birthplace, where he first saw the light in 1814. His father and brothers were re- spectable and prosperous tradesmen in Cookstown, Coleraine, and Ballymeney, and his father wished him to follow the same occupation; but the boy was resolute to obtain a colle- giate education, and, unknown to his father, with the assist- ance of his teacher, who lent him money for the purpose, he procured the Greek and Latin text-books, and pursued his studies in the night. His father, discovering the eagerness of his son for study, ceased his opposition and sent him to Bel- fast, where, in due time, he entered college. His zeal in im- proving his new opportunities probably contributed to throw him into a typhoid fever, from which he was long in recover- ing, and by the urgent advice of his physicians, he was com- pelled to return home, and abandon for the time, his studies. He amused himself at home by efforts at landscape garden- ing on his father's farm; and the gravelled walks, the haw- thorn hedges, and the now stately forest trees, planted by his hands, still exist, and give evidence of his love of natural beauty.

He also undertook to obtain the means, and to erect a school-house at Unagh, which should be far superior to any- thing in that region; and enlisting the interest and contribu- tions of the neighboring gentry, and even of the Lord Lieuten- ant of Ireland, for the purpose, he achieved, as he had usually done since in his undertakings, a grand success. But the health so earnestly sought for did not return, and, though with many misgivings that he was to be a lifelong invalid, be re- solved upon an ocean voyage, and turned his face resolutely toward New York, which city he reached in Sept., 1836, after a tedious and perilous voyage of nearly three months. His long detention at Belfast, Liverpool, and on the voyage, had so far reduced his finances, that he landed in New York city with only a sovereign in his pocket. He was too independent to write home for more, but he sought at once for work, and mainly by labor with his pen, he not only sustained himself, and reviewed his studies, but entered Yale College in Sept., 1837, with ten dollars in his pocket, having doubled his origi- nal capital at landing. Notwithstanding his financial difficul- ties and the debts he was obliged to incur (but which he afterward paid in full, principal and interest), he took a high position in Yale, and that in a class very remarkable for the ability of its members. He founded the Yale chapter of the Psi Upsilon, started the publication of the Yale Banner, was President of the Brothers in Unity, then one of the two lead- ing college societies, and while keeping well up in his studies,

Engªty " Tern

W. E. Nolinfon HON. WILLIAM E R . BINSON

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wrote much of the editorial matter of the New Haven Daily Herald, thus partly paying his way, and at the same time making the paper a very lively and racy one. He had proved himself also a graceful and eloquent speaker (his farewell oration to his class in 1841 having been published at the re- quest of the class); and during the two years which followed his graduation in 1841, while pursuing his studies in the Yale law school, his services were much in demand in Albany, Utica, Buffalo, New York city, Providence, Boston, Phila- delphia, Washington, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Lexington, Ky., and elsewhere, for the delivery of some elo- quent lectures he had prepared on Ireland and the Irish. These lectures, which were afterwards published and widely circu- lated, received the highest commendation from Henry Clay and others of the most eminent men of the time. He was then, as ever since, thoroughly and ardently loyal to bis native country, and nothing could rouse his indignation or raise his eloquence to fervid heat more effectually than an attack on Ireland or the Irish leaders of the time.

In December, 1843, he went to Washington as correspond- ent there of the New York Tribune; he retained this position for many years, his articles over the signature of Richelieu, being very attractive, and aiding materially in giving that paper the high reputation it has always maintained. His final separation from that paper, though not from pleasant intercourse with its editors, grew out of his loyalty to Ireland. Meantime he had engaged in several other news- paper ventures. He had been chief editor of the Buffalo Express, and of the Newark Mercury, and in 1849, with Devin Reilly, commenced the publication and editing of The People, which had a brilliant though not long career. In 1858, he married Miss Dougherty, of Newark, the marriage ceremony being performed by Archbishop Hughes. The next year he commenced the practice of law in New York city, and soon attained a good practice. In 1859 he revisited Ireland, where he was received with great honors, and de- livered a most eloquent Fourth of July oration. He came to Kings county in 1859, making his home at first at Bath, where he still owns a fine summer residence. In 1862 he re- moved to Brooklyn, where he has since resided, except in the summer. He had, while in New York, been nominated for the Legislature, for Congress, and for District Judge, but residing in a Tweed district (most of the districts were for Tweed at that time), he failed of election. After his removal to Brooklyn, his political and executive abilities were better appreciated. In 1862, he was appointed by President Lin- coln's own nomination, Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Third Congressional District, an office then of great import- ance. He held this office for five years, only resigning it to take his seat in the Fortieth Congress as successor of Hon. James Humphreys, and being elected by over 1,800 majority over his competitor, His services in this Congress were of signal value and importance. He advocated, and carried through Congress, the great doctrine of the sanctity of American citizenship for naturalized citizens, in opposition to that doctrine of perpetual allegiance, which had previously been held by European powers; and, largely through his exertions, this American doctrine was acknowledged and ac- cepted by the principal states of Europe; he procured some modifications of the Internal Revenue Law, which added to its efficiency, and took away its objectionable features; he entered very vigorously into the debates on Reconstruction. He was also instrumental in the passage of several excellent bills of local character. From 1869 to 1880, though several times proposed for different positions, as State Senator, Mayor, etc., he was not on the winning side, sometimes from party factions, and sometimes from his reluctance to engage

in violent partisan campaigns. During this period he was engaged in the practice of his profession, and in literary pursuits. The death of his excellent wife in 1875, weighed heavily on his spirits, and his health was much impaired. In 1880, he was elected by a large majority to the Forty-Seventh Congress, and in 1882 was re-elected by an increased majority to the Forty-Eighth. In the Forty-Seventh Congress, some of his speeches, denunciatory of the imprisonment of Ameri- can citizens by the English government, showed much of his old fire and enthusiasm. He also earnestly advocated in a brief speech, the granting of a pension to the only surviving granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson; another important measure advocated by him in both sessions of the Forty- Seventh Congress, was one for the reduction of letter postage to one cent. This attracted much attention in all parts of the country, and will again be pressed by him in the Forty- Eighth Congress. His speeches on American shipping, American citizenship, and in opposition to the increase of our military force, were also listened to with great interest. Among more local measures proposed or earnestly advocated by him, was one for the construction of iron and stone piers, to be paid for by a small percentage of customs collected, and another, a bill for the erection of a public building for government use in the City of Brooklyn, which had been long pending, and which was passed successfully near the close of the second session of the Forty-Seventh Congress. He is a valuable Member of Congress for Brooklyn, always mindful of her interest, and helpful to all the causes that need and deserve help. Mr. Robinson, in addition to his long labors as a journalist, has published but little; three or four public orations, a fine poem on the American flag, and five or six of his speeches in Congress, constitute the whole of his works thus far given to the public; but he is understood to be preparing a work on "The Early Settlers and Prominent Men of our Colonial and National History." Horace Greeley wrote a biographical sketch of him for " Barnes' Fortieth Congress." Personally, Mr. Rob- inson is a genial gentleman, and interesting and pleasant companion, full of anecdote and reminiscence, and possess- ing a wide range of general as well as special culture.

Among the other journalists and publishers, etc., of Kings county, we may mention:

LOUIS A. WENDT, of 1522 Pacific st., who, after finishing studies in connection with Mr. G. B. McCloskey, a nephew of Henry J. McCloskey, late editor of Brooklyn Eagle, started a paper, The Brooklyn Barb, which, not proving as decided a financial success as was anticipated, was aban- doned; then entered in the commission business (dry goods), in which pursuit he is still engaged.

GEORGE H. ROWE, 159 Meserole ave., local editor Green- point Daily Star, 1873; born in N. Y., 1847; prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a 32d Degree Member of the N. Y. Consistory; belonging to all the Scottish Rite bodies of Brooklyn; and also of Mecca Temple, of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; was formerly connected with the Newark Daily Journal, Newark, N. J., and the Brooklyn Daily Times.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 133

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co Number of Pages: 1345

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345