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 80

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 80

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Few persons realize the value of the sea and inland fish- eries. Those of the entire world reach an aggregate of one hundred and twenty millions of dollars. In 1873, the sea fisheries of the United States were reported at over eleven millions of dollars, and the value of the mackerel, herring, shad, white fish, oysters, etc., sold in the coast and lake mar- kets of the United States is over seven millions. The amount of fish sold in Fulton Market, from March, 1879, to March, 1880, was something over thirty-four millions of pounds. The sales at this port have now reached forty-five millions of pounds, and the sales at Fulton Market are ninety per cent. of the whole. During the year 1880, Mr. Blackford's statistics show the sale in the New York markets of 1,330,000 shad. The total amount of Hudson River shad sold was 445,000, about half of the entire catch of the river. In two years there were 53,609,000 young shad placed in this river alone by the State Fish Commissioners.

As we have stated, Mr. Blackford is the leading dealer. In his ice-vaults can be seen tons upon tons of frozen fish that he can keep perfectly fresh for years. He has a freez- ing station in Canada, where the salmon are frozen as fast as they are caught. They are then packed in refrigerator cars, and sent to New York, Shad and pompano do not keep well. Spanish mackerel, according to Mr. Blackford, " the best fish in the world," are frozen-each wrapped in a separate piece of paper. Frogs come mainly from Canada. Two hundred pounds of frogs' legs are often sold daily at Mr. Blackford's etands. In the eel tanks 10,000 pounds of eels can be seen at one time, which fish is now raised for market. Mr. Blackford sells all the terrapins he can obtain, and is the largest receiver of green turtles, of which piles in a frozen condition can be seen in his vaults.

He introduced the salmon from the Restigouche river, the catch of which he largely controls, and sells in Fulton Mar- ket, in forty-eight hours after they are caught. He imports sole and turbot in the refrigerators of ocean steamers from England. He holds the opinion, however, that the fish of the American waters are the best that swim.

In November, 1881, a very extraordinary catch of striped bass was made by the Blackford Fishing Company, at Mon- tauk Point, L. I. Some 4,000 pounds of fish were captured (the larger proportion weighing from 50 to 75 pounds each), while, perhaps, as many more escaped from the nets.

In August, 1881, Mr. Blackford received the first live gou- ramie ever received in the United States, having been sent by M. Carbonnier, of Paris. The color of this fish is a beautiful blue, with yellow spots. It was sent immediately to Professor Baird, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Later Mr. Blackford received a black bass from Georgia which weighed fifteen pounds. It was sent to the Smithsonian Institution, to be preserved in the shape of a plaster cast. In January, 1882,

968

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

he received from Bremen two tin cans containing sixty blue carp.

Some of the American fish introduced to the New York public by Mr. Blackford have become popular. Among these is the red snapper from Florida. This fish has received its scientific name from him, as will appear by the following let- ter:

"WASHINGTON, May 19, 1878.

" MY DEAR MR. BLACKFORD :

"You will be surprised to hear that the red snapper has never been scientifically described. I had suspected it for some time, and a thorough examination by Dr. Bean and myself confirms it. We have been looking for a namesake for you, and, if you consent to be godfather, this beautiful fish shall be Lutjanus Blackfordii-Goode & Bean. I am glad to have a share in such a memorial of your services to ichthy- ology.

"Yours sincerely, "J. BROWN GOODE."

Mr. Blackford was the first to discover that we had in American waters a fish identical with the famous English white-bait. In 1875 he first conceived the idea of his grand April trout exhibition, which now annually draws crowds to behold the display, many coming from distant parts of the United States. Specimens of trout from distant countries and many of our States, and of cultivated trout from all the lead- ing fish culturists and fish commissioners of the United States, are displayed. The last exhibition cost Mr. Blackford $2,500, besides a great deal of labor. A beautiful and highly artistic invitation to the "Grand Opening of the Trout Season " is issued by Mr. Blackford. The exhibition lasts three days, and is considered one of the "sights" of New York.

It was in 1872 that Mr. Blackford began to give attention to the history and propagation of fish. He then made the ac- quaintance of Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institu- tion, and who became United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries in 1871. The American Fish Culturists' Asso- ciation was organized, of which he became a prominent member, and has for seven years been the treasurer. At the annual meetings important papers are read, and the Asso- ciation has accomplished much for fish culture. "White-bait in American Waters" was the title of a paper read by Mr. Blackford at the annual meeting, March 25, 1879. An annual fish dinner also takes place, and at the one held in the Cen- tennial grounds, October 6, 1876, the menu included some fifty-eight varieties of fish from all parts of the globe. Mr. Blackford undertook the immense work of collecting and preparing the fish. The first line of the bill of fare reads: "Green Turtle, a la Blackford." He was also in charge of the fish exhibit at the Centennial.

We may mention that Mr. Blackford is a great caterer for fish dinners, whereat he can also make a good "after-din- ner " speech. He is also a member of the Ichthyophagous Club, which has an annual dinner composed of fish strange to the palate as well as that of an edible kind. Here are some of the former from a menu before us: "Consomme," of shark-fin a la chinoise; Razor clams farcis, a la Nelson ; Tar- teletts of horse-shoe crabs, a la Belle Helene," etc , etc.

In May, 1879, Mr. Blackford was appointed by Governor Robinson one of the four Fish Commissioners for the State of New York. He has served with a great deal of zeal and use- fulness. The twelfth annual report has just been sent to the Legislature. The state hatching-house is at Caledonia, and is in a flourishing condition. The operations in shad-hatch- ing on the Hudson River usually commence about May 15, and the work is continued until about the 1st of July. A fishing camp is established at some point below Albany. The netting must be done in the night time, as shad never spawn in the daylight. It is hoped this year to turn off from

6,000,000 to 8,000,000 of fry. Under a law passed by the Legislature in 1879, Commissioner Blackford was appointed a committee to examine the streams of Long Island, and to take reasonable steps for the propagation of trout. After much search, Commissioner Blackford secured eight acres at Cold Spring at the nominal rent of one dollar a year for ten years. At a meeting of the commissioners held January 11, 1882, a resolution was passed to establish a hatchery at Cold Spring, and appropriating $3,000 to equip and conduct it under the direction of Commissioners Blackford and Roose- velt.

In February, 1882, an interesting experiment of stripping the cod-fish of the spawn was made at Fulton Market. Mr. Blackford suggested the matter to Professor Baird, and took efficient means to carry the plan to success. Two employees of the United States Commission came from Washington for the work, which was under the personal supervision of Mr. Blackford. By March, over eleven millions of eggs had been obtained and forwarded to Washington. After hatching, the fish were placed in the water near Fortress Monroe.

Mr. Blackford collected and shipped one hundred and thirty tons of exhibits to the International Fishery Exhibi- tion held in Berlin in 1880. He received a silver medal for his own exhibit, as he did at the Centennial. He sent a fine exhibit for the Fish Exhibition which opened in Edinburgh, Scotland, April 12, 1882. We could give many other particu. lars of Mr. Blackford's efforts in behalf of the fish interests generally, but space will not permit it.

He was married at the age of twenty-one to Miss Frances L. Green, of New York, and has three children. Their mar- ried life has been a very happy one. He was baptised and married by the same clergyman, the late Rev. Ira R. Stew- ard. He joined a Baptist church at an early period, and is now a prominent member of the Washington Avenue Bap- tist Church of Brooklyn. During 1876, 1877, and 1878 he was president of the Sunday-School Association of the East- ern District of Brooklyn. He acted as grand marshal of the largest Sunday-school parade in the world, being composed of 25,000 children and teachers in solid column. He has re- sided in Brooklyn for many years. He is also a liberal friend of the Howard Mission and Home for Little Wanderers in New York.

Mr. Blackford is of an erect and full figure. His head is large and his features are refined and expressive. Bis manners are easy, self-possessed and sincere. To be a gentleman is natural to him, and he appears as one under all circum- stances. No man comes more in contact with opposite classes of his fellow-men, and no one can better adapt him- self to each individual. He is frank, courteous, and good- natured, always showing that consideration for others which commands it toward himself. His kindness of heart, and his constant desire to please and oblige, endear him to those who know him intimately, and impress the most casual ac- quaintance. In the world he is pre-eminently a popular man with the high and the humble; while, in his private walks, he is beloved for manifold virtues and thoughtful evidences of personal regard. In his home he extends a lib- eral hospitality, brightened by his own cheerful nature, and made charming by his surroundings of comfort and luxury.

His life, yet in its full vigor, has been remarkable for its well-directed efforts and success. No matter where you see him he is found a busy and useful man. Alert in all private enterprise, and eager to promote the public good, he has made integrity and morality the rule of his whole career.

BENJAMIN W. WEST, Commission Merchant, of No. 1 Ful- ton Fish Market, New York city, was born at Long Branch,

FISH CULTURE ON LONG ISLAND.

969

ALITTLE-PHILA

Bujamin. A. West

Monmouth county, N. J., Sept. 15th, 1835. Mr. West's father, Elisha, as well as his paternal grandparents, were residents of the same county, his father for many years keeping a hotel there. During the early period of his life he received a common school education, and when thirteen years old came to New York to help his father, who, with his partner, Mr. Wooley, had a fish stand in Fulton Market. Benjamin made the trip in a charcoal schooner, and landed at the foot of Gouverneur street. His pay was twenty shil- lings a week, out of which sixteen shillings went for board. The young man worked hard, sleeping in the office the fore- part of the night, the latter part of which was always de- voted to work; and his wages gradually increased, until in 1853, he was earning seven dollars per week. Then only eighteen years old, he resolved to consummate the most im- portant event in the history of any man or woman-to take a partner for life in the great struggle for a place in the ranks of successful men; so, in November, 1853, he mar- ried Sarah W. Conk, whose age, by a striking coincidence, corresponds exactly with his own.

The following spring, Mr. West formed a partnership with J. Pearsall, the firm uame being J. Pearsall & Co. This ar- rangement lasted but one year, when Mr. Pearsall sold his interest to Madison Benjamin, at which time (1855), the present firm name of Benjamin & West was established. Mr. Madison Benjamin died in 1876, when his brother, Pulaski, took his place in the firm.

Mr. West was a charter member of the Fulton Fish- Mongers' Association, organized in 1869 ; and, with the ex- ception of the first two years of its existence, has been its Secre- tary. The business of this firm has had a remarkable growth.

They have purchasing agents in Portland, Oregon; Boston, Mass .; Richabucto, British Provinces, and other fish centres, and own many vessels besides those that hail to them. The statistics showing the bulk handled in this world-renowned market are astonishing, and to Mr. West we are indebted for the following statement of facts: From March 1st, 1878, to March 1st, 1879, there was handled under the roof of Fulton Market, as follows: 33,529,960 pounds of weighed fish; 2,317,763 mackerel, sold by the piece; 661,594 shad, sold by the piece, and 46,451 gallons of scallops; and for March 1st, 1879, to March, 1st, 1880, 35,278,186 pounds weighed fish; 3,827,324 mackerel sold by the piece; 953,439 shad, sold by the piece, and 36,445 gallons of scallops. One-fourth the fish sold in the market are cod-fish.

There is not only a greater variety of fish handled than in any other market in the world, but more pounds are sold, and money received therefor, than any other in the United States.

The cities of New York, Brooklyn, Jersey, Newark, Phila- delphia, all draw their supplies from this focal point. A daily fish-train, under the supervision of this market, runs from Boston to New York via the New England Railroad, for the transportation of its supplies.

There are one thousand sail of vessels off the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts and the Provinces, each employing ten to fifteen men, engaged in the fisheries, and seventy-one vessels are now being constructed.

There are seventy vessels owned and run exclusively by this market. Fish are not so plentiful as thirty years ago, and it is Mr. West's theory that the fish, being of a shy nature, are, by the many steamers, constantly plying our

970

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

waters, frightened from their olden haunts; but any alarming diminution of the supply is a problematical question of the future.

Three-quarters of the globe is inhabited by the finny tribe, and our fast-increasing railroad facilities solve the question of transportation from hitherto inaccessible points; even now, salmon from Oregon are offered for sale in Fulton Market, only seven days after shipping.

Benjamin W. West has been successful. Gifted natur- ally with a body capable of much strain; a mind acute, resolute and comprehensive, and with clear judgment, his selection of his calling was particularly fortunate, illustrating well the famous apothegm of Napoleon:

"The tools to the man that can use them."

In business life he has but one idea-the completion of a well-done day's work. In private life none more than he enters with zest into healthy enjoyments. Either at his fine home, No. 128 St. Mark's avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., or his cottage, "West Lawn," Long Branch, life presents to him and his estimable wife, only its happy side. Their married life has been blessed with the advent of two children, Sarah Lillian, born July 24th, 1854, and Frank M., born July 3d, 1859. The former was married June 5th, 1872, to Albert M. Rogers, and the latter was married April 16th, 1879, to Ada M. Funk.

SAMUEL LEON STORER was born 19th February, 1843, on Prospect street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and, during the early years of his life, attended the public schools of that city. When 16, he came to Fulton Market, and began work for $6 per week, his duties being to sweep the office and run errands ; being thus employed by the firms of Kingsland & Comstock, H. C. Rogers & Co., and Geo. F. Rogers. In 1867, Mr. Storer started in the fish business for himself, occupying quarters on the old Fulton Fish Market grounds, where he staid until 1869, when the present market was erected by the Fulton Fish-Mongers' Association, of which he became a charter member. He has from that time occupied Stand No. 16.

Mr. Storer's father, William B., was from 1821 to 1863, the year of his death, a well known oysterman of Fulton Market; and his mother, née Annie Rankin, is now living in Brook- lyn. In 1863, Mr. Storer was married to Miss Carrie E. De- lano, who was a worthy helpmate during their years of wedded life. In March, 1882, he suffered the great bereave- ment of her death. Mr. Storer's two sons, Willie B. and Alba C., aged respectively 16 and 14, bright and active lads, are now attending Dr. Holbrook's Military Academy, at Sing Sing. In addition to the Fulton Market stand, Mr. Storer owns the North River Fish and Game Co., Pier 24, North River, and is a partner of the firm of Geo. B. Weaver & Co., Stand Nos. 310 and 311, Washington Market-doing, with his different places, the largest fish business in the city. His houses for cold storage are at No. 226 Front street, New York city. For 13 years he has been a member of the Board of Direct- ors of the Fulton Market Fish-Mongers' Association, and is now its Vice-President and its heaviest stockholder. He also owns a dozen fishing smacks, which are constantly engaged plying the waters to supply the increasing demands of his customers; and is the President of the East River Chemical company.

Mr. Storer is made on a generous scale, physically and mentally. His physique is unusually fine, being 6 feet 1} inches in height, aud weighing 232 lbs., with not an ounce of superfluous flesh. His brain is active, and his judgment quick in maturing, and remarkably accurate. His eminent success, with these endowments, could but be expected. His love for hunting and fishing does not lessen with increasing years and added business interests ; but he enters into these ennobling sports with as much zest as a quarter of a century

ago. His impulses are all generous, which, with his genial manners, make him a most companionable of men.

SAMUEL B. MILLER, wholesale commission fish dealer, No. 7 Fulton Market, New York city, was born at Hempstead, Queens county, Long Island, March 13th, 1820. His fa- ther was a weaver; but, in 1827, came to Fulton Market, and from then until 1851, the year of his death, was engaged in the fish trade. When but 13 years of age, Mr. Miller came to this market and began work for his father, with whom he staid two years. At the expiration of this time, the ambitious lad made oath " never to work for wage again for a man on ths land," and boldly struck out for himself as a dealer in fish.

This occupation he has followed ever since; and, April 1st, 1884, completed his fifty-first year as a fish merchant. Ia 1851, his brother Charles-a prominent citizen of Brooklyn, who, at the time of his decease, in October, 1873, was an Al- derman of that city, representing the First Ward-became a partner, remaining in the firm until his death. In that year Mr. Miller gave an interest in his business to his two sons, Ernest M. and Clarence T., which they still retain; though the original firm name-S. B. Miller-remains unchanged.

Mr. Miller was married in 1841 to Miss Mary Ann Van Mater, by whom he had seven children, five of them-three daughters and two sons-now living. Mr. Miller is, in a cer- tain sense, the Father of the Fulton Fish Market, being the oldest dealer there, and has seen the commencement of the business career of every other member. He is rich in remi- niscences connected with this famous market. From him we learn that, while now there are about one hundred and fifty varieties of eatable fish sold in this Market, fifty years ago there were but six or eight. Oysters were then a staple article. Prices averaged about as now. The old market was merely a platform, and the marketmen were forced to trans- act their dealings, in all weather, without covering. In 1869, the fish dealers of the market secured a charter from the state of New York, empowering the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of New York city to lease the bulkhead and one-half the slip to the "Fulton Market Fish-Mongers' Associa- tion," for the purpose of building and sustaining a public market. A stock company was formed with a capital of $200,000-Mr. Miller being a charter member-and the hulk- head leased for ten years, paying therefor $5,000 annually. The cost of the present ten-year lease being $6,500 yearly, the present building, at a cost of $135,000, was erected. The building is 193x64 feet, with 193 feet water front, and is en- tirely over water, being supported by 274 spiles, and is one of the strongest frame edifices in the state. Annual rentals are paid by all members; 250,000 lbs. fish are daily handled there.

Mr. Miller is a man possessing many necessary qualifica- tions to success. His ability to endure long physical strain is remarkable; while, coupled with this is a keen, far-seeing mind and strict integrity. He expects the same of his fellow- men ; and, while positive and quick in his business life, he is a most genial man. He has the rare faculty of inspiring both affection and respect in all with whom he comes in contact; and we are glad to note that his financial success has been commensurate with his intrinsic worth. He has for 13 years been President of the Fish-Mongers' Association.

In politics, Mr. Miller acted with the Whigs until the breaking out of our late war, from which time he has been a member of the Democratic party. In voting for city officers, it is the man he seeks to honor, not the party. Mr. Miller, while still a hard worker, is not unmindful of the pleas- ures of those near and dear to him, and a few years since erected a fine summer villa at Essex, Conn., at which his family pass the summer months.

A.LITTLE

Samuel L. Stores

971

BROOKLYN MARKETS.

"From time immemorial," as will be seen by reference to STILES' History of Brooklyn, the lower end of old Ferry (now Fulton) street was largely occupied by the hutchers who slaughtered and dressed their beeves, and transported them to New York in row-boats or " peria- guas." For the first quarter of the present century, the old public market stood here near the middle of the street, as described on pages, 107 to 110 of this History.

Prior to 1826, there was no public market for the sale of meats, fish or vegetables in Brooklyn. Those pur- chasing, bought direct from the farmers, who, with their immense carts, gathered on the commons, near what is now York street. In 1826, the village fathers caused the erection of a building, suitable for the sale of these necessities ; and, in 1827, it was completed. It was located, with frontage, on York street, and bounded by James, Mercein and Garrison streets, and was generally known as the James Street Market. 27 butchers, 2 fishermen and 10 women hucksters were engaged there. Of the former, the names of such old citizens as Jas. Titus, Jno. F. Garrison, Jno. Furnley, Jno. Doughty, Samuel Talbert, David Reynolds, Edward Crummey, Henry Crummey and Leonard Klein are familiar. Of these, Henry Crummey and Mr. Klein are alone living. Mr. Crummey still follows the same business, and is the oldest butcher in the county. The occu- pants of the stands leased them of the village, and also paid a nominal sum for a license. It was illegal for meat to be sold at any other place in the village. The meat consumption, as shown by the following state- ment, was light :

Average weekly slaughter, beeves 40

hogs. 35

sheep and lambs 90

66 veal, in season. 20

The market-men used to buy their supplies at the Bull's Head, on the Bowery, near Bayard street, New York city; the cattle mainly coming from Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester counties. In 1873, the market was torn down to make way for the Bridge.

Thirty years ago an average of 50 wagon loads of vegetables, during the season, came daily to the York street market. When the farmers were driven to find new quarters, the lower end of Fulton street proved to be the most central location, and still is. Last year (1883), over a hundred loads found sale daily in this and the contiguous streets. In early times a charge of 10 cents for each wagon was collected by clerks ap- pointed for that purpose. Among these were Pat Ward and Mr. Herron. In 1882, this charge was in- creased to 25 cents. Matt Malloy was appointed, and

still continues to be, the collector for the district em- braced in the Second Ward, and the matter seems to be in charge of the alderman of that Ward.

(COPY OF MARKET TICKET.)

4 5

7 8

MARKET REVENUE RECEIPT.

Paid 25c., 1884.

Fulton Street, York Street, and the adjoining corners, Brooklyn.

15 16

KEEP IN SIGHT UNTIL LEAVING THE MARKET.

The crowd in Fulton street is getting so great that market wagons are not allowed there during the busy hours; and the owners cannot understand why they are not allowed to use the space under the arches of the bridge, where ample accommodations could easily be made.

The Atlantic Market, built about 1830, was at the foot of Atlantic avenue, the water coming under the building. In 1846, this was sold to the Union Ferry Co., and is now used by them as an Engine House. In 1848, premises, north-west corner of Atlantic avenue and Hicks street, were rented, the dimensions being 25 feet wide by 150 feet deep, and eight meat and two vegetable stands were opened.

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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 80

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