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Full text of "History of Long Island City, New York. A record of its early settlement and corporate progress. Sketches of the villages that were absorbed in the growth of the present municipality. Its business, finance, manufactures, and form of government, with some notice of the men who built the city .."

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HISTORY 


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Long  Island  City, 


NEW    YORK. 


A  Record  of  Its  Earl}-  Settlement  and  Corporate  Progress. 


SKETCHES     OF      THE     \  II. I. AGES     THAT     WERE     ABSORBED     IN      THE     GROWTH      OF 

THE    PRESENT    WUNlCIPALirV.         ITS    BUSINESS.    FINANCE.    MANUFACTllRES, 

AND    FORM    OF    GOVERNMENT,    WITH    SOME    NOTICE    OF    THE 

MEN     WHO    Bl'll.r     IHE    CITY. 


sLicJ  by  The  Long  Island  Star  Publishing  Company. 
Written  by  J.  S.  Kelsey,  A.M. 
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COAT     OH     AKMS. 


The  Common  Council  in  1873  adopted  the  Coat  of  Arms  as  emblematical 
i)t  the  \aried  interests  represented  hy  Loiii;  Island  City.  It  was  designed 
b\-   Alderman  George  H.   Williams,  nt  Ravenswood. 


UBLISHERS'  NOTE, 


In  view  of  the  fact  that  a  history  of  this  city  has  not  heretofore  been 
attempted,  and  that  tiie  records  of  tlie  city  as  a  distinct  municipality  are 
about  to  close,  the  publishers  have  deemed  it  befitting  to  prepare  the  volume 
now  offered  to  the  public.  In  the  accomplishment  of  their  aim  to  record 
only  the  salient  points  of  interest  in  the  historical  survey  of  two  and  a  half 
centuries,  care  has  been  taken  to  insure  accuracy  and  time  expended  to  give 
value.  If  affairs  relating  to  the  city  proper  receive  greater  notice,  the 
critical  reader  is  again  reminded  of  the  purpose  of  the  work.  While  it  is 
hoped  that  the  story  told  upon  its  pages  will  not  be  devoid  of  interest,  it 
also  is  trusted  that  the  mechanical  features  of  the  volume  will  make  it  worthy 
of  a  place  upon  e\ery  home  table. 

Till:  I,.   I.  STAR  iniBI.ISHlNG  COMPANY. 


I'REFATORY. 

"T^lllv  liistorv  of  a  city  ori.vjinates  in  individuals.  In  its  frontier  days  stands  a  household  or  two 
as  lone  prophets  of  better  eras.  In  the  lives  of  men  therefore  lie  the  records  of  society, 
whether  it  is  developed  into  a  municipality,  state,  or  nation. 

Usually  also  the  character  of  early  settlers  leaves  a  distinct  impress  upon  that  of  the  community 
which  they  founded,  and  is  traced  in  their  laws,  customs,  and  pursuits. 

It  is  a  peculiarity  of  our  nation  above  every  other,  that  its  early  settlers  arc  known.  We  know 
their  names,  their  homes,  their  avocations,  whence  and  why  they  came,  the  character  they  bore,  the 
deeds  they  performed,  and  the  posterity  which  succeeded  them.  We  know  how  and  by  whom  this 
nation  was  built,  what  spirit  aroused,  what  causes  inspired,  what  efforts  secured,  its  free  institutions. 

Herein  consists  America's  greatest  heritage  that  her  early  colonists  possessed  high  intellectual 
gifts,  good  morals,  sturdy  energy  of  will  and  a  love  of  freedom  which  challenged  the  wrath  of 
thrones  and  dangers  of  unknown  seas. 

Those  who  first  trod  the  soil  of  Newtown  were  such  men.  Their  lives  were  inwrought  as  a 
salutary    power   into    the    fabric    of   a   rising    community  for  several  generations. 

Dutch  and  English,  Saxon,  and  Celt  were  they.  What  their  names  and  deeds  the  following 
pages   will   attempt   to   tell. 

Not  a  little  difficulty  has  been  encountered  in  the  fact  that  until  recent  years  the  territory  of 
this  city  was  a  part  of  the  town  of  Newtown.  To  draw  the  line  sharply  at  the  municipal 
confines  has  often  been  at  the  sacrifice  of  important  interests,  yet  the  definite  purpose  of  the 
history    imperiously    so   retpiired. 

The  olden  past  is  a  rich  mine  of  surpassing  value.  Exhaustive  exploration  would  require 
years  of  time.  Such  has  not  been  the  object  of  compiling  these  pages.  From  events,  persons, 
and  places,  have  been  gathered  the  most  accessible  material,  only  for  the  purpose  of  preparing 
a  souvenir  volume  historically  descriptive  of  this  city  ere  its  individuality  sliall  have  been  lost 
in    that    of   tireater    New    York. 

For  favors  rendered  in  preparation  of  the  work  we  are  especially  indebted  to  the  Hon 
Alvin  T.  Payne*;  J.  F.  Burns,  M.  D.f;  E.  X.  Anable,  Esq. ;  F.  H.  Batterman,  Secretary  of  the  Board 
of  Health;  Henry  P.  Titus,  Es<i. ;  Ex-School  Commissioner  J.  H.  Thiry;  George  McA.  (iosman,  Esq.; 
Captain  Anthony  S.  Woods;  Charles  W.  Hallett,  Esq.;  John  J.  Ilalsey.  Esq.;  Henry  R.  Blackwell, 
P>sq. ;  and  to  the  several  clergymen  who  have  contributed  articles  relating  to  tiieir  respective 
churches. 

•Tlie  facts  in  the  article  upon  "  The  Bar  of  Long  Island  City  "  were  furnisheU  by  Mr.   Payne. 
+  "  The  Medical  Profession  "  is  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Burns. 


History  of  Long  Island  City. 


CHAPTER    I. 

NAITRAI.     KDKMATION. — DISCl  IVi:K\      AM)    SI.  1  I  I.E.MENT. CON  TROVERSIES    HEIWKEN     KNC.1.1>H    AMI    DfHll. 

r.ENEKAI.    HISIliKICAL    SLRVEV     PREVIOUS    TO     THE    REVOLT  1  ION. 


I()XCi  ISLAND  (.rrV  in  becominjjf  a  part  of  Greater  New  York  returns  to  an  ancient 
^^  allegiance.  Its  territory  was  once  a  part  of  the  mainland.  Topograpliic  and  jjeolojjic 
traces  of  this  primitive  unity  still  exist  in  the  configuration  of  its  coast  line  and  in  the  f>iieiss 
and  granite  formations  which  underlie  its  hills  and  islands  and  rise  to  the  surface  in  many 
places,  particularly  in  the  vicinity  of  Hell  Gate.  The  vertical  strata  of  these  formations  also 
attest  their  primary  classification  and  relation  to  the  Laurentian  Group. 

When  the  river  or  lake  now  called  Long  Island  Sound,  receiving  the  mighiy  floods  of 
New  England  river  basins,  opened  its  eastern  gates  to  the  sea,  the  tidal  battalions  swept 
through  with  resistless  power.  The  Sound  became  a  Mediterranean  Sea.  Soil  and  the  detrital 
deposits  of  ages  were  brushed  to  ocean  deeps  from  the  narrower  channels  at  the  western  end 
of  the  Island.  Naught  remained  but  the  granite  rocks  to  defy  the  violence  of  marine 
currents.  The  channel  became  the  foaming  strait  of  Hell  Gate  and  the  East  River.  Nortli 
and  Snulh  Brother,  Rikers,  Berrian  and  Luyster  islands,  were  fornud  on  the  north.  The 
jutting  peninsula  of  Hallett's  Point  and  the  outstretched  arm  of  Blackwell's  Island  broke  the 
tides  intii  swirling  eddies  which,  like  the  buckets  of  the  excavator,  bore  their  detrital  loads 
into  sheltered  places.  The  wooded  hills  were  corroded  by  other  natural  forces  and  added 
their  wash  to  tidal  deposits.  The  western  shore  became  scenes  of  .salt  marshes,  lagoons  and 
creeks,  which  made  other  islands  of  the  modern  Ravenswood  with  its  then  frowning  mcky 
blutT;  and  Hunter's  Point  with  its  solitary  hill  standing  sentinel  like  at  the  mouth  of  Newtown 
Creek   and   its  jagged   reef  reaching  scores  of  rods  into  the  snarling  tides  of  the  river. 

Heaver,  deer  and  other  fur  and  food  producing  animals  roamed  the  forests,  while  the 
streams  abounded  with  fish  and  other  food  products  of  the  sea.  At  the  time  of  discovery 
our  i)resent  city  domain  was  occupied  by  the  Rockaway  Indians,  though  ruled  by  the  Mohawks 
by  right  of  conquest.  This  latter  tribe  was  one  of  the  Five  great  nations  whose  powerful 
confederacy  existed  before  the  discovery  of  the  continent.  Their  last  council  house  may  still 
be  seen  at  Portage  Falls  on   the  Genesee. 

It  is  proper  here  to  recall  that  the  discovery  of  this  Continent  had  a  commercial  origin. 
In  l-^urope  the  conquest  of  Constantinople  and  Egypt  by  the  Turks  had  closed  the  door  of 
commerce  with  the  East  Indies  against  the  merchants  of  the  West.  New  paths  of  trade  were 
a  necessity  to  which,  it  was  believed,  the  untried  seas  held  the  key.  East  India  companies 
were  organized  in  almost  every  European  state.  The  golden  age  of  Portugal  dawned,  but 
speedily  waned  upon  the  alliance  of  that  country  with  Spain.  The  end  came  with  the  wars 
of  Spain.  The  East  India  companies  of  Holland  and  England  rose  into  competitive  supremacy. 
Exploration  and  discovery  were  the  order  of  the  day. 

DISCOVERY. 
In    the    summer    of    1497   the    keen    eye    of     Long     Island's    savage    hunter    saw     huge    white 
wings  upon    the   horizon   of    the  sea  fleeing  .southward.       It   was    the    single   vessel  of  John  Cabot, 
who    in     the    previous    year    had     obtained     from     Henry     VII.    a     iiatcMit    to    .search    for    lands    in 
western    seas. 


Jf/SrORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


In  May  of  the  following  year  the  vision  was  again  seen,  though  even  more  startling. 
Two  great  white  winged  canoes  swept  down  from  the  North  and  vanished  in  southern  mists. 
Sebastian  Cabot,  inspired  by  his  father's  failure,  was  searching  for  a  northwest  passage  to 
China   and   Japan    with    two'  English    ships   having   on    board    a   large    company    of   volunteers. 

Tlie  red  man  had  told  this  miraculous  story  to  his  son  and  a  new  generation  was  hunting 
hill  and  stream  when  again  the  vision  appeared  upon  the  sea.  It  was  in  1524  and  John  dc 
Verrazano,    a    Florentine   navigator,    was   abroad  upon    a   discoverer's   quest. 

Four  score  and  five  years  passed  and  aboriginal  tradition,  akin  to  that  of  Hiawatha,  had 
descended  from  sire  to  son,  when  the  natives  of  our  present  municipal  territory  received  the 
astonishing  news  from  the  Canarsies,  their  southern  neighbors,  that  the  apparition  of  their 
fathers  was  again  upon  the  sea  and  had  entered  the  bay.  It  was  September  3,  1609. 
Hendrick  Hudson  in  the  Half-Moon— a  vessel  of  sixty  tons  burthen— was  upon  his  third  voyage 
in  search  of  a  northwestern  passage  to  India.  In  each  of  the  two  previous  years,  while  in  the 
service  of  the  English  companies,  he  had  failed,  and  now  in  the  .service  of  tlie  Dutch 
East  India  Company  was  running  up  and  down  the  coast  hunting  for  a  passage  through  the 
great  continent.  His  baffled  effort  at  Delaware  Bay  had  not  cooled  the  ardor  of  his  purpose  and 
he  turned  into  this  new  arm  of  the  sea  through  the  gateway  of  Sandy  Hook. 

The  natives,  clad  in  "mantles 
of  feathers"  and  "skins  of  divers 
sorts  of  good  furs,"  with  "orna- 
ments of  copper  about  their  necks," 
Hocked  to  the  coming  of  the  great 
white  winged  "Canoe."  They  told 
the  strange  pale  faced  navigator 
tliat  their  land  was  "  pleasant  with 
grass  and  flowers  and  goodly  trees 
as  they  had  ever  seen." 

Hudson  spent  twenty  days  ex- 
ploring the  river  which  bears  his 
name  and  returned  to  Amsterdam. 
After  repeated  voyages  in  1610  and 
1612  the  merchants  of  that  city, 
encouraged  by  the  glowing  accounts 
of  discoverers,  obtained,  March  27, 
1614,  from  the  States  General,  a 
decree  granting  the  exclusive  rights 
of  trade  for  four  years  in  the 
countr)'  which  they  called  New 
Netherlands. 

Thus  the  ancient  title  of  our  municipal  territory  was  claimed  by  both  the  English  and 
Dutch,  the  former  by  jiriority  of  discovery,  and  the  latter  by  di.scovery  and  commercial 
occupation. 


^^K^.K]     AsroKiA. 


SETTLEMENT. 

Events  rapidly   multiplied  as   the  impulse  of  trade  opened    the   era  of  .settlement. 

In  the  same  year  of  the  decree,  Adrian  Block,  a  navigator  in  the  employ  of  the  Dutch 
East  India  Company,  sailed  through  Hell  Gate,  giving  its  original  name  of  }h//ti;nt,  a 
narrow  passage. 

Upon  tlie  expiration  of  the  charter,  a  new  organization,  called  the  Dutch  West  India 
C'lmpany,  was  formed,  and  in  June  3,  1621,  was  granted  the  trade  monopoly  of  the  province 
of  New  Netherlands  for  twenty-one  years.  When  in  1626  Peter  Minuit  bought  Manhattan 
Island  from  the  Indians  for  $24,  and  was  vested  with  the  title  of  Director  General,  James  I. 
of  England  granted  a  patent  to  a  company  which  also  claimed  the  entire  territory  of  the  Dutch 
by   right   of   discovery     by    the    Cabots.       To    establish    proprietorship    both     nations    encouraged 


///SVOA'V  OF  LONG  ISLAND  C/TY.  9 

settlement,  the  Dutch  colonizinj,^  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  the  Eng^lish  settlinjj  north  and 
south  <jf  the  Dutch,  thoujjh  claiming  all  intervening  territory  and  not  infrequently  mingling 
with   them  in  chosen  localities  as  colonists. 

This  explains  how  both  nations  were  represented  in  the  early  settlement  and  subse(|ucnt 
development  of  the  territory  now  comprising  Long  Island  Citj'.  The  Indian  name  of  ".]/fs/>ti/" 
was  given  to  the  town  of  Newtown.  That  part  of  the  town  north  and  west  of  the  old  Bowery 
Ray  road  was  further  distinguished  as  tiie  "Out  Plantations,"  which  were  nearly  co-tcrminous 
with   our  present  municipal   boundaries. 

This  section  of  Newtown  was  settled  under  the  administration  of  Gov.  William  Kieft,  who 
in  163.S  succeeded  Gov.  Van  Twiller.  The  first  settlers  were  Hendrick  Ilarmensen,  Richard 
Hinitnall  and  Tyman  Jansen,  whose  occupancy  of  the  soil  appears  to  have  been  nearly  simultaneous. 

Ill  1640  Harniensen  took  up  a  grant  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  city  which  extended 
from  the  bay  south  along  an  Indian  trail  (now  the  old  Bowery  Bay  road),  "by  the  way  of 
the  big  tree  and  James  Dickinson's  to  Dutch  Kills."  He  was  a  Holland  blacksmith  and  was 
brained  by  an  Indian  with  a  tomahawk,  perhaps  forged  by  his  own  hands.  His  property 
came  into  the  possession  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  New  Amsterdam  during  the  official  term  of 
Gov.  Kieft  for  a  poor  farm  and  was  known  as  the  "Poor  Bowery."  Later,  in  1656,  Pieier 
Luyster,  another  Hollander,  purchased  the  land  from  its  ecclesiastical  proprietors  from  whom 
the  title  finally  passed  to  the  Riker  famil)',  whose  ancestor,  Abraham  Rycken,  married 
Hendrick  Harmensen's  daughter. 

Brutnall  settled  on  the  east  side  of  Canapaukah  (now  Dutch  Kills)  Creek.  He  was  a 
native  of  Bradford,  England.  Having  emigrated  to  the  new  world  he  resided  for  some  time 
at  Hempstead,  finally  removing  to  this  locality.  His  grant,  comprising  somewhat  more  than 
one  hundred  acres,   was  confirmed  to  him  by  Governor  Kieft,  July  3,    1643. 

Jansen,  a  ship  carpenter  in  the  employ  of  the  West  India  Company,  loc.ited  upon  the  west 
side  of  Canapaukah  Creek  where  he  had  secured  a  holding,  which  afterward  came  into 
possession    of  Joris    Stevensen    de   Caper,    from    whom    was   descended    the  Van    Alst    famil}'. 

This  trio  of  pioneers  soon  had  neighbors  and  the  "Out  Plantations"  took  up  its  march 
towards  an  organized  community.  To  the  north  of  Jansen  came  "  Burger  Jorissen,"  a  Silesian 
from  Hersberg.  His  busy  anvil  awoke  civilization's  first  echo  among  the  wooded  heights  of 
Dutch  Kills  and  only  ceased  when  the  tunc  was  changed  to  the  basso  of  a  grist  mill,  which 
he  erected  prior  to  1654  at  tide  water  on  tiie  Kill,  which  thereafter,  from  this  circumstance, 
was  called  "Burger's  Kill."  Jorissen's  "ground-brief"  bore  the  same  date  as  Brutnall's 
confirmatory  deed,  viz.  :  July  1643.  Having  married  Lugettia  Mans,  a  .Swedish  maiden,  just 
before  emigrating,  his  five  children  were  born  upon  his  new  patent  ;  Joris,  in  1647  ;  Hermanns, 
in  1652  ;  Claes,  in  1657  ;  Johannes,  in  i66i,  and  Enos,  in  1664.  Dying  in  167 1,  his  estate 
passed  on  till  it  reached  ownership  in  William  and  Abraham  Payntar. 

The  river  front,  embracing  Hunter's  Point  and  Ravenswood,  was  first  acquired  from  the 
government  of  New  Netherlands  b)'  Everard  Bogart  (Dutch,  B(jgardus),  a  minister  of  the  Dutch 
Church,  from  whom  it  became  known  as  "Dominie's  Hook."  This  was  the  sturdy  old  preacher 
who  called  Governor  Van  Twiller  to  his  face  a  "son  of  the  devil,"  because  of  his  duplicity, 
and  promised  to  give  him  such  a  "shaking"  from  the  pulpit  as  he  had  never  known. 
Returning  to  Europe  in  1647  with  G<jvernor  Kieft,  who  had  been  recalled  by  rea.son  of  his 
ill-success  with  the  Indians,  he  perished  in  a  shipwreck  off  the  coast  of  Wales  and  the  property 
was  decreed  to  his  widow,  Annettie  Jans,  November  26,  1652,  liy  Peter  Stuyvesant  who  had 
been  appointed  (xovernor,   November  26,    1646. 

Astoria  was  settled  by  William  Hallett,  an  Englishman,  who  had  previously  belonged  to 
the  Colonists  of  New  England.  He  obtained  from  Gov.  Stuyvesant,  December  i,  1652.  a 
grant  of  about  160  acres  extending  from  Sunswick  Creek  to  Berrian  Island.  The  Indians 
having  destroyed  his  house  and  plantation  he  removed  to  Flushing,  but  subsequently  returned 
to  his  homestead  where  !ie  lived  to  the  age  of  ninety  years.  Mr.  Hallett  was  of  the  Quaker 
faith  toward  which  he  displayed  a  loyalty  which  left  a  deep  impress  upon  the  primitive 
period  in  which  he  lived.  From  its  original  owner,  that  section  of  the  city  was  known 
as    Hallett's   Cove    for   two   hundred   years. 


,  o  l/!S  7  OK )  ■  OF  L  ONG  I  SLA  ND  CITV. 

REVIVAL     OF    CON  IROVKKSV      IIKIWEKN     ENGLISH      AND      DUTCH,      AND      ITS     EFFECT     UPON     THE 

SETTLEMENTS. 

Scarce!}-  had  these  settlers  become  established  upon  their  grants  in  the  most  strategic  parts 
of  our  city  domain,  when  the  controversy  concerning  territorial  jurisdiction  again  arose  be- 
tween the  English  and  Dutch.  Charles  I.  had  already  in  April,  1636,  issued  to  the  Earl  of 
Stirling  a  patent  for  Long  Island  and  adjacent  lands.  An  agent  of  the  Earl  in  the  follow- 
ing year  came  fully  empowered  to  assume  the  management  of  affairs  within  the  limits  pre- 
scribed. Stuyvesant,  however,  with  sensible  diplomacy  effected  amicable  arrangements,  not 
only  with  the  Indians,  but  with  the  United  Colonies  of  New  England  as  well.  Peace  com- 
missioners met  at  Hartford.  September  19,  1650,  and  succeeded  in  adjusting  the  adverse 
claims  of  the  colonists.  Thus  the  government  remained  essentially  Dutch  for  several  years 
without  interruption.  All  English  settlers  took  an  oath  of  allegiance  thereto.  Titles  to  land 
were  granted    by   the   Governor,    who   extinguished  native    title    by   purchase. 

The  relinquishment  by  the  red  man  of  his  rights  vested  in  his  native  soil,  is  not  without 
a  due  degree  of  pathos.  Civilization  in  its  westward  march  was  beginning  its  conquest  of  the 
continent,    which   from  time    immemorial    had    belonged   to    his    race.      With    it  he  could  not  cope. 


IHK   OLD    WOULSKY    MANOK    IIOUSK,    KKECIEIJ    AHOL  1     1 726. 

As  if  instinctively  recognizing  the  inferiority  of  his  natural  endowments,  he  yielded  to  the  decrees 
of  fate  and  vanished  from  his  hunting  grounds,  himself  pursued  from  frontier  to  frontier  by  the 
relentless  pale  face.  It  is  to  the  honor  of  the  English  and  Dutch,  who  settled  in  Newtown, 
tliat  they  dealt  justly  with  him,  not  depriving  him  of  value  without  an  equivalent,  least  of  all 
wresting  from  him  his  rights  by  the  atrocities  which  marked  the  advance  of  the  Spaniard  in 
tropical  climes.  Wlien  he  was  no  longer  owner  of  the  soil,  he  sought  other  solitudes  rather 
than  ailapt  himself  to  the  conditions  of  civilization.  Most  of  the  Indians  crossed  from  the 
island  to  the  mainland  and  were  absorbed  in  other  tribal  relations.  A  few  only,  remained 
to  perpetuate  for  a  comparatively  brief  period  the  lineage  and  traditions  of  their  race.  Naught 
now  marks  the  previous  presence  of  the  Indian  within  our  city  bounds  save  the  occasional  shell 
heap,  axe  of  stone,  arrow  head,  or  skull,  which  mother  earth  reluctantly  yields  to  the  modern 
exi)lorer,  having  treasured  them  in  her  bosom  for  a  decade  of  generations.  On  the  Kouwenhoven 
homestead  at  Steinway,  sleep  we  know  not  how  many  of  the  vancpiishcd  race  in  a  burial  plot 
which  has  lost  every  trace  of  its  hallowed  purpose,  and  mingled  with  the  common  soil  of 
the  fields  which  invite  the  plowman. 

Thus  the  (lovernor  cxerci.sed  autocratic  supremacy.  lie  extinguished  the  Indian  title  and 
arbitrarily  i)arcclle(l  out  the  land  to  whom  he  pleased.  His  selection  of  magistrates  awakened 
protest.  Even  in  the  little  "Out  Plantations "  colony,  law  manifested  its  imperfections  and 
justice    its    short-comings.       Grievances    were    presented    to   an    as.scml)ly  which    was    '^cld    in    New 


J/IS/ORV  OF  L(\\(;  JSI.AM)  CI IV.  ii 

Amsterdam,  November  26,  1653.  The  Governor,  however,  ignored  the  popular  voiee  and 
intimated  that  the  Enj^lish   were  the  authors  of  discontent. 

Local  difficulties  attested  the  presence  of  much  remaining  territorial  jealousy.  It  rose 
into  more  threatening  form  in  1664  when  Charles  II.,  without  a  shadow  of  right,  granted  to 
the  Duke  of  York,  afterward  James  II.,  the  whole  country  lying  between  the  Connecticut  and 
Delaware  rivers.  In  the  month  of  August  Colonel  Richard  NicoU  arrived  with  a  naval  force 
to  take  possession  of  New  Amsterdam  in  the  name  of  the  British  Crown.  Governor  Stuyvesant 
reluctantly  surrendered  and  New  Amsterdam  became  the  English  Colony  of  New  York.  The 
effect  upon  the  colonists  promised  at  first  to  he  salutary.  The  patroon  system,  which  was  a 
kind  of  modified  feudalism,  was  abolished.  The  Colonists  anticipated  the  enjoyment  of  all  the 
privileges  of  English  subjects  and  accjuicsced  in  the  bloodless,  though  unjust  revolution. 
They  swore  allegiance  to  the  British  Crown.  Confirmatory  deeds  were  given  under  the  hand 
of  Governor  Nicolls.  Hallett  had  already  secured  a  release  of  native  title  by  purchase  of 
his  claim  from  Mattano,  their  Sagamore,  August  i,  1664,  for  fifty-eight  fathoms  of  wampun, 
seven  coats,  one  blanket  and  four  kettles.     This  sale  was  further  confirmed  by  the  English  Governor. 

Thomas  Lawrence,  an  Englishman,  who  came  to  the  "Out  Plantations"  from  Massachusetts 
had  obtained  from  vStuyvesant  a  grant  of  Berrian  Island,  then  called  "Round  Island,"  which 
patent  was  also  confirmed  by  Governor  Nicolls,  August  23,  1665.  Lawrence  also  was  vested, 
by  purchase  from  several  smaller  landholders,  with  the  title  to  about  three  hundred  acres 
which  is  now  held  by  the  Woolsey  estate. 

Hewlett  Island,  so  called  from  its  original  occupant  who  was  driven  from  it  by  the 
Indians,  was  patented  by  the  Director  General,  August  19,  1664,  to  Abraham  Rycken,  and  by 
English  authority  became  the  established  posession  of  tliis  ancestor  of  the  Riker  familv, 
December  24,    1667. 

Brutnall's  Manor  mi  1659  was  acquired  by  Thomas  Wandell  from  whom  it  descended  to 
Richard  Alsop,  a  nephew,  in  1691.  The  Alsop  mansion  stood  near  the  Penny  Bridge  on  the 
English   Kills,   as  that  part  of  Newtown  Creek  was  then  called. 

Dominie's  Hook,  which  appears  to  liavc  been  unoccupied  for  about  fifty  years  after  it 
became  the  feudal  domain  of  Parson  Bogardus,  was  confirmed  by  (iovernor  Nicoll  to  Annekc 
Jans  Bogardus,  widow  of  the  minister,  March,  1669.  This  original  document  is  still  carefully 
preserved  in  the   library  of   Union  College,   Schenectady,   N.  Y. 

But  while  validity  of  title  was  secured  to  the  colonists  by  the  new  government,  there  was 
little  progress  toward  an  increase  of  civil  liberty.  Under  the  Dutch  system,  the  patroon  was 
lord  of  the  manor.  Could  he  within  four  years  bring  fifty  individuals  above  si.xteen  years 
of  age  into  his  colony,  his  rights  to  legislative  privileges  were  maintained.  He  was  allowed 
-•s  many  African  slaves  as  were  required  by  demands  of  the  soil,  and  was  withal  not  an 
unworthy   type    of   the    ancient    feudal    chieftain. 

The  conquest  of  the  English  could  not  efface  the  impress  of  the  Dutch  upon  the  colonial 
life  of  New  Amsterdam.  To  this  day  that  impress  lives,  as  lived  the  national  character  of 
the  Greeks  long  after  their  subjugation  by  the  Romans.  But  measures  were  employed  to 
thoroughly  Anglicize  the  people.  A  new  code  of  laws  known  as  the  "  Duke's  Laws "  was 
])romulgated.  Deputies  were  elected,  and  a  provincial  assembly  was  organized,  which  met  at 
Hempstead,  February  28,  1665.  Newtown  became  the  West  Riding.  Yet  popular  representation 
was  as  unknown  as  under  the  former  regime,  and  the  colonists,  whose  numbers  had  considerably 
increased,  were  not  British  subjects  in  respect  to  their  immunities  and  privileges.  Even  this 
early  stage  of  colonial  history  evinced  the  fact  that  no  government  can  be  successful  which 
is  not  in  intimate  touch  with  the  people. 

Events  near  at  hand  .set  this  principle  in  clearer  relief.  Wlicn  Louis  .\1\'.  of  France 
and  Charles  II.  of  England,  united  without  adequate  cause  in  war  against  Holland,  Lovelace 
supplanted  Nicolls  in  authority  lest  New  York  should  be  wrested  from  the  Crown.  But 
when  the  Dutch  troops,  recruited  by  discontented  colonists,  marched  down  Broadway,  Captain 
Manning,  the  English  Commandant,  marched  out  of  Fort  Amsterdam,  and  the  English  rule 
was  as  effectually  broken  as  was  Manning's  sword  over  his  own  head  for  cowardice.  New 
York  became  New  Orange,  August  14,  1673,  and  the  forefathers  of  this  city  bent  the 
knee   to    the    States   General    once    more   and    the    Prince    of  Orange  besides.       The    Dutch,    how- 


H/SrOKV  OF  LONG  JSLAXD  CITY. 


ever,  could  not  seal  the  fate  of  the  province,  for  King  Charles  in  the  succeeding  suromer 
repeated  the  grant  of  1664,  and  before  the  coming  of  Mayor  Andros,  October  31,  1674,  New 
Orange  again  became  New  York.  The  popular  demand  for  a  share  in  legislation  enlisted 
the  counsel  of  William  Penn,  and  a  popular  assembly  convened  October  17,  1683.  Thus  in 
the  development  of  this  city  after  nearly  fifty  years  from  the  time  whon  its  site  was  first 
chosen    for  settlement,    popular   government    began   its   victorious    career. 

"Ridings"  were  abolished,  counties  constituted,  the  "Dutch  laws"  abrogated,  and  courts 
of  justice  everywhere  established.  True,  the  Duke  of  York  upon  his  accession  to  the  throne 
as  James  II.,  despotically  overturned  these  achievements  of  progress,  but  the  interruption 
was  temporarj-.  Upon  his  abdication  in  1688,  Mary,  his  daughter,  and  her  husband,  William, 
Prince  of  Orange,  were  hailed  with  delight  by  the  colonists  of  New  York,  though  their 
territory   in    the    same   year    was    annexed    to    New    England. 

CF.NKKAI.     UISTOKIC.M.     SURVEY     TO      IJIF.     REVOLUTION. 

The  founders  of  state  on  this  continent  were  men  of  sturdiest  faith  and  character.  They 
built   our   institutions    while    braving    hardship.       A    realm  of   liberty   seen    only    in    the    visions  of 

faith  they  translated  into  a  land 
where  liberty  was  actual.  To  this 
class  belonged  those  who,  whether 
English  or  Dutch,  lived  on  the 
historical  frontiers  of  our  city's 
liistory. 

The  development  of  Dominie's 
Hook  began  with  its  purchase  in 
1697  friini  the  heirs  of  Annettie 
Jans  by  Peter  Praa,  a  Hollander 
of  Huguenot  origin.  To  escape 
religious  persecution  in  the  Old 
World  he  transported  his  family  to 
llie  New.  The  original  purchase 
extended  from  Ravenswood  to  Wil- 
liamsburgh,  the  manor  house  being 
erected  in  Greenpoint. 

One  of  the  five  daughters  of 
Captain  Praa,  having  married  Wil- 
liam   Bennett,     received    Dominie's 

•nil.  wAMiiN.ii.N  II..' -I.  Hook    for  a  homestead.     Upon   her 

death,  her  father,  who  survived, 
bequeathed  the  home  to  her  children,  and  it  became  known  as  Bennett's  Point.  One  of  the 
son.s,  Jacob,  acquired  by  pnrcha.se  from  the  family  in  1767,  sole  owner.shij),  which  he  retained 
till  his  death  in    1817. 

Long  Island  City  began  its  I)usiness  career  at  Hallett's  Cove.  Perhaps  a  lime-kiln  erected 
by  William  Mallett  was  the  first  enterprise.  Sunswick  Creek,  which  connected  with  the  Dutch 
Kills,  was  a  navigable  stream  and  was  utilized  by  settlers  for  many  years  for  the  transportation 
of    jiroduce    to   the    Ea.st    River. 

One  hundred  years  after  Hallett  had  here  established  a  home,  a  descendant,  Joseph  Hallcit, 
together  with  Jacob  Blackwcll,  constructed  a  grist  mill  upon  the  creek,  which  afterward  was 
operated    by    Hlackwell,    then    by    Hendrick    Suydam,    in    Revolutionary    days. 

In  1 688,  William  Hallett's  estate  was  divided  between  his  sons  Samuel  and  William,  the 
former  receiving  the  lands  south,  the  latter  those  north  of  Main  Street  and  Newtown  Avenue. 
Thus  the  old  trails  became  divisional  lines,  many  of  which  still  cluster,  wilii  ancient  associations 
now    forgotten,    under    the    hurried    tread    of   a    busy  generation. 

The  locality  of  Dutch  Kills  until  a  later  day  was  an  unobtrusive  factor  in  our  commercial 
development.  The  grist  of  Burger  Joris'  mill,  we  may  assume,  was  in  ready  demand  and  was 
among   the  products  which  were   transported   on  the  bosom   of  the  navigable  creek  to  the  river. 


j/fsroRV  OF  i.oxc;  islaxp  city 


The  bailiwick  of  Juris  Stevenson  dc  Caper  stretcheil  from  Dutch  Kills  Creek  to  the  Harris 
farm.  Here  in  1766  was  erected  the  Van  Alst  mansion,  wliich  still  stands  in  its  desolate 
grandeur  upon  Jackson  Avenue  above  Jane  Street.  Tlie  doors  are  still  in  halves,  but  the 
old  brazen  knocker  which  summoned  the  hospitality  of  its  inmates  for  several  generations  is 
gone.  Time  and  the  cruel  abuse  of  heedless  strangers  are  rajiidly  effacing  this  interesting 
relic   from   human  sight  and  memory. 

This  ancient  mansion  was  once  surrounded  by  farm  lands  upon  which  the  Van  Alsl 
generations  lived  till  within  the  memory  of  many  now  living.  The  name  of  Van  Alst  has 
been  traced  to  West  Flanders,  whence  CJeorgc,  "the  sailor,"  emigrated  in  1652.  It  is  said 
that  he  laid  aside  the  prerogatives  of  a  noble  lineage  and  leaving  the  walls  of  an  ancient 
manor  in  which  a  titled  ancestrj-  had  lived  and  passed  away,  he  came  to  the  New  World 
and  established  a  rude  home  upon  the  "Canajjaukah."  Two  plantations  were  confirmed  to 
him  by  patent,  September  16,  1670,  which  remained  in  the  family  from  generation  to  generation. 
This  district,  now  embraced  for  the  most  part  witliin  the  Third  Ward  of  the  City,  is  described 
as  having  been  singularly  attractive.  With  increase  of  population  the  farms  grew  smaller, 
averaging  not  more  than  one  hundred  acres.  Fields  and  woods  yielded  wild  strawberries  in 
such  profusion  that  an  old  writer 
declares  the  landscape  at  points 
exposed  to  view  was  crimsoned 
with  them.  The  natural  conditions 
of  those  early  days  add  probability 
to  this  otherwise  remarkable  obser- 
vation. The  Indian  was  a  lover, 
as  well  as  child,  of  nature.  The 
mighty  trees  of  the  forest  were  his 
companions  and  he  knew  and  loved 
them.  He  suffered  but  little  under- 
brush tc)  grow  that  the  land  might 
remain  for  the  chase,  the  cultiva- 
tion of  maize  and  tobacco,  and  that 
he  might  pitch  his  wigwam  in  the 
deeper  shadows  of  kingly  trees. 
The  first  settlers,  therefore,  began 
improvements  without  any  previous 
clearing  for  clearings  there  were 
already.  They  chose  large  tracts  of 
land  for  planting  and  pasture  and 
enclosed  it  with  a  fence.  In  fact, 
at  the  time  whereof  we  write,  every  inhabitant  of  Newtown  at  a  town  meeting  was  ordered  to 
make  twenty  poles  of  fence  for  enclosure  of  a  field  of  corn  which  was  grown  for  common 
u.se.  The  sufficiency  of  cleared  land  for  the  limited  agricultural  demands  of  the  time  appears 
also  from  the  public  sentiment  favoring  the  jjreservation  of  trees  save  for  necessary  purposes. 
In  1668  Newtown  voted  a  penalty  of  twenty  shillings  a  load  for  all  timber  transported  by  water 
beyond  its  limits.  We  may  understand  then  how  Dutch  Kills  seemed  a  veritable  arcadia  when 
the  farmer  from  Europe  added  his  improving  touch  to  the  waiting  fields  of  nature  which  the 
redman    had    cleared    as  if  in  preparation   for  his  coming. 

In  1656  Major  Thomas  Lawrence,  built  what  is  now  the  Woolsey  Mansion,  at  Pot  Cove, 
upon  land  deeded  to  him  by  that  enterprising  old  lady,  Annettie  Jans,  who  had  received  it 
from  Gov.  Stuyvesant  imder  the  great  seal  of  the  colony  of  New  Amsterdam.  The  Duke  of 
York  confirmed  the  validity  of  the  Dutch  title  by  a  patent  to  Thomas  Lawrence,  dated 
September  29,  1677.  The  patent  recites  that  it  was  executed  by  "Edmund  Andros,  Lieu- 
tenant and  Governor  General  of  His  Royal  Highness,  James,  Duke  of  York  and  Albany,  of  all 
his  territory  in  America,"  in  consideration  of  his  receiving  therefor  "yearly  and  every  year 
imto  his  Royal  Highness'  use,  as  a  quit  rent,  a  i)eck  of  good  winter  wheat."  A.X.  his 
death   in    1703,    Thomas     Lawrence     was     the     owner   of     the     tract     eastward    to    Bowery    Bay. 


I  HE   01. I>    MOORK    HOUSE. 


14  /ffsroKV  or  long  island  city. 

Major  Lawrence  had  also  In-  patent  from  Governor  Nicolls,  August  23,  1665,  acquired  posses- 
sion of  "Round  Island"  which  subsequently  was  owned  by  Timothy  Wood.  In  1727  the 
island    havinij   been    purchased    by    Cornelius    Berrian,    became   known    by   his   name. 

The  Northeastern  part  of  the  City,  which  as  we  have  seen  was  one  of  the  points  of  earliest 
settlement  within  the  present  City  limits,  has  been  marked  in  its  development  with  rich  historical 
reminiscence  and  later  with  industrial  importance.  The  whole  of  North  Beach  from  the  Grand 
Pier — then  called  Fish's  Point — westward  for  nearly  a  mile,  including  Luyster  Island,  had  been 
granted  by  the  Dutch  Government  to  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  for  the  purpose  of  a  poor 
farm,  whence  the  name  of  "Poor  Bowery."  In  1656  it  was  purchased  by  Peter  Luyster,  who, 
dving  in  1695,  transmitted  the  estate  to  his  son  Cornelius,  whose  descendants,  dividing  it  among 
themselves,  held  the  title  for  more  than  a  century. 

Here  also  Abraham  Rycken  the  ancestor  of  tlie  Riker  family,  obtained  a  grant  and 
established    a   homestead   in  1654.      A    considerable   portion    of    the    original  estate  is    still    retained 


in  the  family.  Abraham 
have  emigrated  to 
at  that  time  Gov.  Kieft 
land  at  the  Wall  about. 
' '  Poor  Bowerj' "  he  soon 
Island  still  known  as 
death  in  1689,  his  son, 
to  the  estate,  who  in 
his  sons,  Abraham  and 
ham  lived  till  February 
ticularly  active  in  the 
Newtown.  Devout  wor- 
enjoyed  religious  privi- 
Often  with  their  fami- 
to  Flatbush,  returning 
Dutch  Church  of  New- 
interest  therefore  and 
of  its  trustees,  subse- 
After  his  father's  death, 
homestead  and  resided 
in  1809.  Hisson  Daniel 
which  then  passed  into 
Rapelyes.  The  Island 
drew,  a  son  of  Abraham, 
father  to  son  to  the 
However  unaccoun  ■ 
is  true  that  the  Lent 
identical    with  the 


Rycken  is  supposed  to 
America  about  1638  as 
made  him  a  grant  of 
To  this  grant  at  the 
afterward  added  the 
Riker's  Island.  At  his 
Abraham,  became  heir 
turn  transmitted  it  to 
Andrew.  This  Abra- 
20,  1770,  and  was  par- 
erection  of  a  church  at 
shippers  had  hitherto 
leges  at  much  sacrifice, 
lies  had  they  walked 
the  same  day.  Tlie  first 
tciwn  was  of  special 
Mr.  Riker  became  one 
([uently  a  ruling  elder. 
Jacobus  purchased  the 
upon  it  until  his  death 
received  the  estate 
the  possession  uf  the 
was  occupied  by  An- 
and  has  passed  from 
present  generation, 
table  as  to  origin,  it  yet 
family  are  generically 
Rikers.   Abraham  Lent, 


who    resided    at   the    Poor  Bowery    from    whom    the    Lents    derived   title   to    the    landed    estates   of 
the   family,    was   a  lineal    descendant    of   Abraham    Rycken. 

The  same  is  historically  true  of  the  Suydam  family.  A  grandson  of  i\braham  Rycken 
in  1710  for  reasons  not  recorded,  adopted  the  name  Suydam,  thus  originating  a  lineage  of 
that   name    now    known    in    many  states  of  the    Union. 


ORIGIN    OF     IlIF,    NAMK    Ol'    R  A  V  liNSWOOl ). 

The  name  of  Ravenswood  was  given  to  the  village  l)y  the  Rev.  Francis  L.  Hawks, 
L.  L.  D.,  an  eminent  divine  of  his  day.  Mr.  Hawks  lived  in  the  vicinity  for  some  time,  when 
the  village  bore  the  name  of  Matona.  The  name  first  given  by  the  divine  was  Ravenscroft, 
in  honor  of  his  particular  friend,  the  Right  Reverend  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  who  was  Bishop 
of  North  Carolina  from  1823  to  1830.  It  being  suggested  that  the  Bishop  might  not  feel 
himself  highly  honored  on  account  of  the  smallne.ss  of  the  place  and  the  slender  number  of 
its    inhabitants.    Dr.    Hawks   decided    to   name    the    village   Ravenswood.       S(jme    suppose    that    he 


HfS TOR Y  Oh'  LONG  /SL AhW  CITY.  15 

selected  this  name  on  accmint  of  the  great  number  of  crows  (the  American  raven),  that  then 
frequented  this  section  during  the  spring  and  fall.  Others,  that  it  was  drawn  from  Sir 
Walter  Scott's  "Bride  of  Lammermoor,"  where  the  name  of  Ravcnswood  is  made  famous  by 
the    historical   features   of   the    romance. 

Ravenswood,  north  of  the  land  of  Dominie  Bogardus,  was  first  settled  by  Capt.  Francis 
Fyn,  who  in  165 1  had  acquired  from  the  Dutch  fJovernment,  title  to  a  large  tract  lying 
along  the  river.  It  would  appear  that  upon  the  accession  of  the  English  to  the  sovereignty 
of  New  Amsterdam  in  1664,  this  title  ceased,  for  one  Jacob  Blackwell  received  from  the  new 
-ovcrnor,  a  grant  including  the  land  in  question.  Jacob  Blackwell  was  the  son  of  Richard 
Blackwell,  who,  coming  from  Elizabethtown,  New  Jersey,  had  married  the  step-daughter  of 
Capt.  Manning,  whose  manor  embraced  the  island  in  the  East  River  bearing  his  name. 
Through  this  alliance  Richard  subsetiuently  came  into  the  possession  of  the  island  which 
since  has  been  called  Blackwell's  Island.  The  old  homestead,  it  is  said,  .still  stands  on  the 
island  and  may  be  seen  by  the  tourist  from  the  deck  of  his  vessel.  The  house  now  standing 
at  the  foot  of  Webster  Avenue  is  the  original  mansion  of  Jacob  Blackwell,  built  by  him 
upon  his  accession  to  his  new  grant.  The  fortunes  of  this  ancient  structure  tempt  the 
liistorian  to  halt.  We  can,  however,  only  refer  the  reader  to  such  references  as  are  made 
to   it    in    remaining   chapters. 

MISCELLANIES. 

Most  of  the  families  made  their  own  cloth  and  linen,  and  had  looms  and  spinning 
wheels    for   the    use   of   itinerant    weavers. 

All  males  over  sixteen,  except  the  minister,  constable  and  school-master,  were  compelled 
to  do  mililarv  diitv,  which  consisted  of  four  days  once  a  year  in  Company  drill  and  once  at 
general  training.  Each  was  to  have  a  "good  serviceable  gunn,  good  sword,  bandoleers,  a 
home,  a  worme,  a  scowerer,  a  pruning  wire,  a  shot  bag,  charger,  one  pound  powder,  4 
pounds  pistol  bullet.s,  4  fathom  of  serviceable  inat.-li  for  nialcli  lock  gunn  or  4  good  flints 
for    fire    lock    gunn." 

Wampum  resembled  beads  in  shape  and  color.  licui-  ukiul-  only  of  shells  its  value  was 
fixed  by  its  color.  The  English  and  Dutch  enacted  that  three  black  or  six  white  beads 
should  be  equal  to  one  penny.  Blue  wampum  was  the  gold  of  Indian  commerce.  After 
the  permanent  settlement  of  the  colonies  wampum  become  a  medium  of  exchange.  By  the 
colonial  laws  of  1633  one  fathom  of  blue  wampum  was  fixed  at  20  shillings,  of  white  at  10 
shillings.  Long  Island  supplied  nearly  the  whole  country.  The  vast  shell  heaps  found  at 
Bowery  Bay  for  many  years  were  remains  of  wampum  factories.  John  Josselyn  who  visited 
ihis  country  in  1633  was  much  impressed  by  the  skill  and  ingenuity  with  which  the  natives 
coined    their   money.       "Jew    nor   devil"    he    remarks    "can    counterfeit    wampum." 

The  Algonquin  language  was  spoken  throughout  the  colonies  and  became  a  familiar 
tongue    to    many    primitive    settlers. 

The  population  of  Queens  County  in  1670  was  3565,  compo.sed  as  follows:  men  1465; 
women    1350;    children    551,    and    negroes    199. 

Sand  was  used  for  house  floors,  chairs  had  high  fiddle  backs,  dishes  were  of  wood  and 
pewter,  casks  mounted  with  brazen  ornaments  and  tankards  of  silver  contained  rum,  gin, 
cider   and   sherry    for   the    wealthier   classes. 

The  Governor  granted  all  marriage  licenses,  and  where  marital  disputes  ensued  appointed 
special   deputies    for   investigation. 

Funerals    were   attended    with    feasts. 

Teachers   tolled    funeral    bells. 

Santa    Klaus   was   a    veritable    personage. 

Xegro  whippers  were  appointed  in  various  towns.  April  4,  1729,  the  town  of  Newtown 
appointed  William  Tallier  "general  whipper "  for  the  town.  Besides  being  whipped,  slaves 
were  often   branded   in    the   forehead   with  a   hot  iron. 


1 6  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CllV. 

On  the  night  of  Januarj'  24,  170S,  William  Hallett,  jr.,  wife,  and  five  children  were 
murdered  by  an  Indian  named  "Sam"  and  a  negress,  who  were  slaves  of  the  family. 
The  motive  was  to  secure  possession  of  the  land.  This  extraordinary  tragedy  absorbed 
popular  attention  for  a  long  time,  and  was  influential  in  legislation  for  the  suppression  of 
slave  conspiracies.  Speedy,  though  terrible,  punishment  awaited  the  perpetrators  of  the 
crime,  who  were  burned  at  the  stake  at  Jamaica,  February  2,  1708.  The  Hallett  home  was 
in    the    vicinity    of   what    is    now    known   as   the    "German    Settlements." 

January  27,  1753,  three  children  and  a  negro  of  John  Parcells  were  drowned  in  the  East 
River. 

July  4,  1756,  a  cyclone  swept  from  Hell  Gate  south  across  the  island  leaving  a  track 
80  rods  wide  strewn  with  uprooted  trees,  demolished  houses  and  barns,  and  like  results  of 
its   destructive   power.       The   storm    lasted   half   of   a   minute. 

liarthquakes  were  distinctly  felt  in  this  section  December  7,  1737;  November  18,  1755; 
and   June    iS,    1773. 

Snow   fell    two   and   a    half   feet,    March    5,    1772. 

In    1768    the    dwelling  of   widow   Rapelyc    (now   Woolsey)    was    Inirnt. 

In  16S3  there  were  in  Newtown,  109  horses,  107  o.xen,  340  cows,  464  sheep,  1563  acres 
of   land   occupied.       The    families    numbered    about    90. 

It  was  many  a  day  after  the  English  and  Durch  had  selected  new  homes  in  a  new 
world — in  fact  generations  passed,  before  there  was  a  store  within  the  present  precincts  of 
this  city.  Domestic  wants  were  simple  and  few,  and  were  readily  supplied  by  industry. 
What  was  desired  beyond  home  production  was  found  across  the  river  in  New  York. 
Purchasers  thither  went  without  money,  and  in  place  thereof  took  along  for  exchange 
produce,    tobacco,  beer  and  negro  boys. 

The  first  mention  made  of  cattle  is  a  distribution  made  by  Van  Twiller  in  1638.  The 
Governor  let  George  Rapelye  have  two  cows  for  four  years,  to  be  returned  with  one  of  their 
increase  with  the  exception  of  a  heifer,  which  tlic  (lovornor  presented  to  one  of  the 
daughters  of  Rapelye. 

Riker  relates  that  in  the  Fall  of  1780  the  British  frigate  "Hussar"  struck  Pot  Rock  and 
floating  to  Morris  Island,  there  filled  and  sank  with  several  of  the  crew.  She  was  bound  for 
New  England  carrying  pay  for  the  British  army.  Several  attempts  were  made,  subsequently 
to  the  Revolution,  to  recover  the  chest  of  money  which  was  supposed  to  have  gone  down 
with  the  wreck,  but  without  results.  It  is  suspected  that  the  money  had  been  embezzled 
upon  the  previous  day  when  the  vessel  lay  at  anchor  in  Hallett's  Cove,  and  that  the  disaster 
was  intentional,   to  conceal  the  crime. 

In  1845,  Charles  Conklin,^  a  lessee  of  the  Schuyler  farm,  Blissville,  found  near  his  barn  a 
pot  of  silver  coins  which  had  been  disturbed  by  some  newly  purchased  swine.  From 
subsequent  developments  it  was  learned  that  the  coins  were  English,  and  amounted  to  more 
than  five  hundred  dollars,  and  doubtless  had  been  hidden  during  the  British  occupancy 
of   the   soil. 

Though  the  sweet  potato  was  among  the  presents  which  Columbus  took  to  Oueen 
Isabella,  tlie  white  potato  was  unknown  to  North  America.  Having  been  introduced  into 
Europe  only  a  generation  or  two  before  the  emigration  of  settlers  to  New  Amsterdam,  it  is 
probable  that  this  vegetable,  which  has  done  more  than  any  other  to  ward  off  the  famines 
of   the    world,    was   not  among  the  products  of  agriculture  in  primitive  days. 

Tlie  old  Moore  Mansion  still  stands  upon  the  roadside  leading  from  Steinway  to  Bowery 
Bay.  It  is  now  owned  by  Henry  C.  Titus,  Esq.,  who  loyally  preserves  it  in  a  condition 
for  occuijancy.  Upon  the  grounds  about  this  old  homestead  once  grew  the  world  famed 
Newtown  pippin.s,  which  have  been  known  to  sell  at  $20.00  a  barrel.  Some  of  these  his- 
toric trees  are  still  to  be  traced  by  their  blackened  stumps,  which,  though  in  the  last  pro- 
cesses  of   decay,    are    valued    memorials    of   a    horticulture,    envied    by    the    present    day. 


CHAPTER     II. 


FROM     THE     REVOLUTION     TO     THE     INCORPORATION     OF     LONG     ISLAND    CITY EFFECT     OF    THE     DECLARATION 

UPON    THE    COLONISTS     OF     (JUEENS    COUNTY — CAUSES     OF     DIVISION    OK     SENTIMENT — DELIN- 
QUENTS    DEPRIVED     OK     THEIR     RIGHTS     HV     CONGRESS PAIKIOTS      SUFFER 

NEWTOWN     CREEK     AND    THE     CAPTURE     OK     NEW      YORK — INTER- 
ESTING    INCIDENTS — THE     OLD     BLOCK     HOUSE — INCOR- 
PORA  HON    OK     ASTORIA UNION     COLLEGE 

AM)    hunter's    POINI. 


At    the   opening  of   the    War   of    Independence    the   inhabitants   of   Queens   County    formed    a 
considerable   portion    of   the   colony   of    New    'S'ork.       The   conservatism    of    the    Dutch    element, 
while    sympathizing    with   the    great    principles    of     liberty    and     human     rights    declared    by     the 
Colonial    Congress   of    1774,    appre- 
hended   consec[uences   which    might 
imperil     ultimate     triumph.       The 
disposition  to  doubt  the  expediency 
of  war,    and  the  desire  of  advance- 
ment   without    an    appeal  to  arms, 
resulted  at  first  in  diffidence  toward 
the     active     measures     espoused 
throughout  the  Colonies. 

It  w-as  especially  among  the 
English  colonists  that  the  spirit  of 
resistance  was  manifested.  The 
abuse  of  power  by  the  Governors, 
and  the  constant  coercion  of  Asseni 
blies  to  the  will  of  the  Kinj 
together  with  the  abridgement  1.: 
personal  and  civil  rights,  had  pre- 
cipitated a  struggle  between  the 
people  and  the  Crown.  Petitions 
for  redress  of  grievances  met  with 
contempt.  Alarm  at  the  arbitrary 
proceedings  of  Parliament  spread 
throughout    the   colonies,    lest    their    religion,    laws   and    liberties   should    be   subverted. 

The  Congress  of  1774  promulgated  its  Declaration  of  Rights,  its  address  to  the  people  of 
(Ireat  Britain  and  its  great  "memorial  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  British  colonies."  As  the 
long  conflict  between  the  spirit  of  liberty  and  the  encroachments  of  arbitrary  power  approached 
culmination,  the  freeholders  of  Queens  County  were  divided  in  their  sentiments  of  loyalty. 
Thompson  ascribes  as  the  cause,  "motives  of  safety  and  the  preservation  of  their  property — 
the  abandonment  of  Long  Island  to  the  Hritish  after  the  engagement  of  August  27,  1776 — 
the  conduct  of  town  committees  in  repudiating  the  legislative  authority  of  Congress — the  com- 
pulsion of  many  by  Tory  commanders  to  subscribe  to  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  King,  and 
the  barbarous  hostilities  of  many  royalists  who  contemned  all  rules  of  civilized  warfare." 
But  whether  through  fear,  expediency  or  conviction,  Toryism  in  Kings  and  Queens  Counties 
predominated.  Yet  patriots  there  were  who  held  their  "lives,  liberties  and  sacred  honor  "  above 
considerations  of  selfish  advantage.  A  provincial  convention  was  held  in  New  York,  April  22, 
1775,  t<^  appoint  delegates  to  the  Continental  Congress,  which  was  to  meet  in  the  following 
May.  The  name  of  Jacob  Blackwell  occurs  among  others  assenting  to  its  proceedings.  Else- 
where  more    particular   reference    is   made    to    Mr.    Blackwell's   character   and    patriotic   sacrifices. 


THE  OLD    Dl'RVEA    IIOI'SK. 


i8 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


The  ardor  of  those  who  had  taken  arms  for  independence,  and  the  stern  justice  of  their 
cause,  could  not  brook  pronounced  delinquencies.  Those  who  refused  to  send  deputies  to 
the  convention,  however  numerous,  were  known.  The  committee  on  the  vState  of  New  York, 
in   the  Congress  of  January,    1776,    reported   a  resolution   as   follows: 

"  IV/ifnas,  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  Queens  County,  in  the  colony  of  New  York, 
being   incapable   of   resolving   to   live   and   die   free   men,    etc., 

Rfsolvid,  That  all  such  persons  in  Queens  County  aforesaid,  as  voted  against  sending 
deputies  to  the  present  convention  in  New  York  and  named  in  a  list  of  delinquents  in 
Queens  Count}',  published  by  the  convention  of  New  York,  be  put  oat  of  the  protection  of 
the  United  Colonies  and  that  all  trade  and  intercourse  with  them  cease,  etc."  The  names 
of  such  were  published  monthly,  and  many  were  placed  under  arrest,  divested  of  their  arms 
and  ammunition,  and  imprisoned  for  non-compliance  with  legislative  authority.  The  preva- 
lence of  sentiments  of  royaltj'  invited  the  presence  and  oppression  of  the  enemy;  of  these 
the  present  domain  of  this  city  was  at  times  an  active  scene.  Here  are  a  few  links  in  the 
long  chain  of  our  municipal  history,  associated  with  the  names  of  men  great  in  deeds  of 
arms   and    the  prowess  of    war,    or    great    only    in    the    love    of   liberty.      The    whole    of    Newtown 

was  occupied  by  the  British   from 

1776     to     1783. 

Ill  the  house  of  Jacob  Rapclye, 
on  the  Shore  Road,  Dominie 
Froeligh,  of  the  Dutch  church, 
at  Jamaica,  found  refuge  from 
Tory  wrath,  having  "prayed  the 
iVhnighty  to  strike  the  lleets  of 
the  invaders  with  his  bolts  and 
sink  their  soldiers  in  the  seas." 
Fortunately  his  host  was  a  skillful 
boatman  or  else  the  patriotic 
refugee  would  never  have  placed, 
as  he  did  next  day,  the  swirling- 
currents  of  Ilell  Gate  between 
him   and   his   pursuers. 

Newtown    Crock,   on  the    fif- 
teenth   day   of   September,    1776, 
encouraged     a    plot    against    the 
cit\-    on    the    yonder   side    of    the 
I  111,     I ;    ij  1 1  ,    .  1    .:       I.  river,    for    which    its    subsequent 

achievements  in  peace  may  be 
accepted  as  an  apology.  On  that  day  the  first  division  of  the  British  Army,  commanded 
by  Cornwallis  and  Clinton,  lay  in  boats  a  sufficient  distance  up  the  creek  to  be  concealed 
from  the  view  of  the  Continental  Army.  Five  menacing  ships  of  war  conveyed  them  across 
the  river  to  Kipp's  Bay,  perhaps  the  most  defenceless,  and,  therefore,  for  the  enemy,  the 
most  strategic  point  of  New  York  at  that  time  for  the  purposes  of  attack.  Not  that  the 
fire  of  freeman  was  wanting,  but  rather  because  the  fusillade  from  the  ships  was  hotter,  the 
enemy   landed    and   the   capture    of   New   York    was   complete. 

Newtown  Creek,  during  most  of  the  great  conflict,  was  a  secure  retreat  for  all  sorts  of 
British  vessels.  Naval  boats  were  alsvays  nigh  at  hand  on  patrol  duty  doubling  their 
security.  A  cannon  ball,  now  in  the  possession  of  Geo.  H.  Payntar,  Esq.,  and  taken  by  him 
from    a   tree   oi    the    heights   of    Sunnyside,    was  doubtless   shot    from    these    hostile    deck.s. 

A  medal  since  placed  in  the  collection  of  the  Long  Island  Historical  Society,  was  dug 
from  a  Blissville  giirden  a  score  of  years  ago.  The  head  of  the  King  is  encircled  with  the 
legend  "  Georgius  HI.,  Dei  Gratia,"  while  the  reverse  shows  the  shield,  unicorn  and  the 
crown.  It  is  of  pure  brass  (not  the  metal  of  the  mint),  and  perchance  fell  from  a  Britisher's 
waistco.it    while    upon    "shore    leave." 


l/fSTORY  OF  f.OXC  fSLAXP  CITY 


At  this  period  theru  were  ten  farms  on  llie  heights  of  Blissville  embraced  within  the 
present  territorial  limits  of  this  city.  These  were  the  farms  of  Francis  Duryea,  75  acres;  John 
Debcvoise,  80  acres;  Abraham  Payiilar,  80  acres;  Abraham  Rapelye,  over  80  acres;  William 
Payntar,  78  acres;  Richard  Hraj^aw  88  acres;  Abraham  Schuyler,  over  100  acres;  Andrews 
Brajjaw,  cousin  to  Richard,  84  acres;  George  Brinckerhoff,  over  too  acres,  and  William 
Morrell,  extent  not  ascertained.  Of  the  old  mansions  that  graced  these  estates,  nine  arc 
still  standing,  six  being  in  such  a  state  of  preservation  as  to  admit  of  occupancy.  To  the 
south  of  the  city  pumping  station  is  the  Debevuisc  mansion;  still  further  south,  and  just 
across  the  trolley  track,  mutely  stands  the  ancient  Duryea  homestead.  With  silent  elotjuence 
all  these  olden  manor  houses  tell  of  British  pomp  and  Hessian  vandalism,  for  not  one  was 
exempt  from  the  events  which  marked  the  customs  of  warfare.  The  British  camp  covered 
the  hills.  The  ovens,  wherein  the  soldiery  baked,  their  bread  have  been  seen  by  the  gener- 
ation of  to-day  on  the  Bragaw  and  Brinckerhoff  farms.  Window  panes,  taken  from  some  of 
these  dwellings,  may  be  seen  at  the  rooms  of  the  Long  Island  Historical  Society,  written 
with  the  names  of  British  officers.  The  Hessians,  with  characteristic  wantonnes.s,  celebrated 
the  flight  of  William  Payntar  to  Staten  Island,  by  using  his  mahogany  furniture  for  fuel, 
and  utterly  denuding  the  house 
of  every  article  of  value. 

Over  a  passing  word  of  the 
Lawrences  we  ask  the  reader  to 
linger  for  another  testimony  of 
the  patriotic  experience  of  the 
days  of    '76. 

Of  the  eleven  sons  be- 
queathed by  John  and  Patience 
Lawrence  to  the  struggle  for  In- 
dependence, Major  Jonathan  Law- 
rence was  the  eighth.  Merchant, 
navigator,  financier,  soldier, 
statesman,  patriot,  he  marked 
each  sphere  of  duty  with  rare 
ability  and  distinction.  The  in- 
scription upon  the  Doric  monu- 
ment which  rises  above  his  grave 
at  Greenwood  records  that  "  he 
was  a  member  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  1776,  and  of  the 
Convention  that  framed  the  Con- 
stitution." Under  the  State  C<.nstiluti<jn  of  1777  he  became  a  State  Senator  and  was  an 
active  Commissioner  in  treating  with  the  Indians.  Having  embarked  in  the  expedition  of 
Rhode  Island,  1777,  on  board  the  French  man-of-war  Hector,  a  cannon-ball  from  the  enemy 
cut  down  a  man  working  on  the  gun  by  his  side.  Still  closer  came  the  fortunes  of  war  after 
the  disastrous  battle  of  Long  Island,  when  yelling,  hungry  marauders  swept  through  our  city 
bounds  from  South  to  North.  In  search  of  plunder  and  food  ruthless  troops  of  red  coats 
burst  through  the  enclosure  of  iiis  residence  under  th'^.  cover  of  darkness.  The  days  that 
tried  men's  also  tried  women's  souls.  Mrs.  Lawrence  and  Mrs.  Rikor  (wife  of  the  Captain 
who  yielded  his  life  at  Valley  Forge),  hastily  caught  the  children  from  their  beds  and  Hed  to 
the  shore  under  the  protection  of  a  faithful  slave.  Safely  reaching  Harlem  through  the  tur- 
bulent waters  of  the  night,  an  exile  of  eight  years  followed,  during  which  the  home,  by  the 
hand    of    the   despoiler,    was   shorn  of  its  beauty  and  value. 

John  Bcrrian  Riker  was  a  surgeon  under  Washington  during  the  entire  period  of  the  war. 
He    was   a    brother   of   Abram,    who   died    at    Valley    Forge. 

Col.  Jacob  Blackwell  had  participated  in  the  French  and  Indian  war.  When  the  British 
troops  invaded  Newtown,  room  was  not  left  for  patriots  such  as  he,  and  he  fled  to  Hope- 
well,  New   Jersey.        His   home   at   the    foot  of    Webster    Avenue  (which  we  adjure  the  reader  to 


TIIK  OI.IJ   GOSMAN    1101  SK, 


H/S70RV  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY 


see  before  it  falls  under  the  infirmities  of  age),  was  confiscated  and  marked  with  the  Broad 
Arrow  of  the  King  of  England.  In  1780,  returning  to  end  his  days  amid  native  scenes,  he 
found  it  still  occupied  by  the  military  chieftains  of  the  enemy,  who  long  made  it  their  head- 
quarters. 

Turn  to  a  point  of  land  jutting  out  into  the  tides  of  Hell  Gate  at  Hallett's  Cove.  The 
guns  of  the  enemy  are  trained  upon  Horn's  Hook  on  Manhattan  Island,  and  bring  a  spirited 
response  from  the  sons  of  freedom,  who  now  have  well  learned  the  smell  of  gunpowder. 
The  Britishers,  commanded  by  General  Robertson,  had  hastened  from  Brooklyn  to  this  position 
at  Hell  Gate,  under  the  supposition  that  General  Lee  was  here  to  effect  a  landing  with  his  army. 
The  rumor  proving  gratuitous,  the  opportunity  was  improved  to  hold  controversy  with  the  Con- 
tinental rebels  upon  the  opposite  shore.  Both  sides  confided  temper  and  shot  to  the  engage- 
ment, which  lasted  two  days.  The  enemy  was  emboldened  to  push  out  into  the  river,  for 
the  purpose  of  crossing,  but  our  men  made  it  altogether  too  hot  for  them,  and  they  were 
satisfied  to  remain  on  the  Long  Island  side.  General  Robertson's  army  was  encamped  at 
Hell    Gate    for   about    three    weeks. 

Five  years  later,  in  about  the  same  locality.  Colonel  John  Connolly  was  quartered  an  entire 
winter   with    the    Royal    Foresters.         One    of   the    officers,     Lieutenant    Barry,    having    died,    was 

buried     at     Hallett's    Cove    with 
military   honors. 

The  vicinity  of  the  present 
light-house  on  Hallett's  Point, 
marked  the  sight  until  recent 
years,  of  Fort  Stevens.  Upon 
the  terraces  of  the  hills  which 
rise  eastward  from  the  point,  stood 
ihc  residence  of  Major  General 
Fbenezer  Stevens.  This  gallant 
officer  began  his  brilliant  career 
when  twenty-one  j-ears  of  age,  by 
IKirticipating  in  the  historic  ''Tea 
Party"  Avhich  nccurred  at  Boston, 
Dec.  16,  1773.  From  that  hour, 
to  the  close  of  the  war  of  Inde- 
pendence, by  his  skill  in  handling 
artillery,  he  rendered  invaluable 
service  to  his  countrj-.  He  con- 
veyed his  artillery  parks  over  the 
Green  Mountains  and  commanded 

lift    111   P     IK  \i.  \\\       iliM    M   . 

the  batteries  of  Ticonderoga  and 
Crown  Point.  When  with  the  army  of  General  Lafayette,  he  was  promoted  by  Congress 
to  the  head  of  the  Artillery  Department  of  the  Northern  division,  and  when  Washington, 
at  the  dropping  of  French  anchors  at  the  mouth  of  the  Chesapeake,  threw  his  troops 
around  Yorktown,  it  is  .said  that  it  was  the  well-trained  guns  of  General  Stevens  that 
persuaded    Cornwallis   to   surrender   his    sword   to    the   Commander-in-Chief. 

The.se  various  sites  within  our  municipal  bounds,  therefore,  perpetuate  reminiscences 
worthily  a.ssociating  the  soil  of  our  city  with  the  conflict  which  for  all  time  demonstrated  to 
the  world  man's  capacity  for  self-government  by  establishing  a  nation  of  freemen  whose 
])rosperity    is   the    astonishment   of  mankind. 

The  end  of  the  struggle  was  hailed  by  Whig  and  Tory,  both  alike  rejoicing  in  a 
promised    era   of   peace. 


rHK    OLD    lU.OCK     HOUSE. 


In  the  war  of  181 2,  the  causes  of  which  it  is  not  within  our  province  to  discuss,  the 
western  part  of  Long  Island  was  not  the  theater  of  conflict,  though  British  war  ships  cruised 
along   the    American    coast,    and    British    frigates    occupied    the   lower    part  of   New  York    Harbor. 


iffsroKV  OF  f.o\(;  /si..i\n  c/i  v. 


The   eastern    coast   of    the    United    States,    with    the   exception   of   a   part   of    New    England,    was 
under   blotkadc.        Vet    there    was   a   daily   menace    to    the    inhabitants    of     Kings    and    Queens 
Counties   of   active     hostilities.         The    capture   of    so    ^f-at-.i'-    n    point    a«    X<-',v     York     City    was 
as   desirable    as   it    was   in    1776. 
To  a  call  to  arms  for  the  defence 
of  our  territory   there  was  a  tre- 
mendous  response.     From   every 
walk   of  life  citizens  j,''athered   for 
organization.     Under  the  inspira- 
tion   of    the    hour    Yankee    blood 
rose  abo%'e  normality. 

Anionj;-  the  means  adopted 
fur  self-defence  was  the  erection 
of  block  houses.  Such  a  crude  fort 
was  located  at  Fort  Hamilton,  two 
others  at  New  Utrecht,  another 
at  Rockaway,  and  still  another 
upon  old  Mill  Rock,  in  Hell  Gate. 
On  the  north  side  of  Stevens 
Street,  near  Franklin,  Astoria, 
stood  one  of  these  picturesque 
structures  for  many  years  after 
the  incorporation  of  the  village. 
It  was  erected  during  this  war 
scare,  every  stone  being  laid    by 

patriotic   hands.      Could  it  have  endured,    it    would    now    be   a   cherished    monument  of  a  critical 
period   that   marked   our   development    as    a    people    into   a   lasting   and    mighty   nationality. 


THE   Ol.U    VAN    lELT    HOUSE. 


IMCOKPORA  rillN      AND      IIRC.  A  \  I  /  A  TION 


IHK    1)1.11    PA\MAK    Hi 


ASTORIA      AS     A     VILLAGE. 

One  of  the  first  and  most  decisive  steps 
in  the  historical  development  of  Long  Island 
City  into  a  municipality,  was  the  passage  of 
a  bill,  April  12,  1839,  entitled  "An  act  to 
incorporate    the    village   of   Astoria." 

This  being  the  only  village  charter  whicli 
has  ever  been  granted  to  any  community  within 
the  town  of  Newtown,  it  is  worthy  of  the 
record    herewith    given. 

The  people  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact 
as    follows: 

Section  i. — The  village  hereby  incorporated, 
shall  be  composed  of  all  that  part  of  the 
town  of  Newtown  which  lies  within  the  follow- 
ing lines  and  bounds — to  wit  :  commencing  on 
the  East  River  at  the  point  of  intersection 
between  the  farms  of  John  Lawrence  and  Charles 
Richmond,  and  following  the  dividing  line  of 
said  farms  to  the  land  of  Stephen  Hallett, 
deceased;  thence,  following  the  line  between 
said  John  Lawrence's  land  and  the  land  of  .said 
Stephen  Hallett,  deceased,  to  the  land  owned 
by  Henry  F.  Blackwell  and  G.  C.  Furman  ; 
thence,  following  the  line  dividing  last  mentioned 
land    of   the   before    mentioned  John    Lawrence. 


HfSrORY  OF  I.OXG  ISI.AXD  CfTY 


to  the  land  of  one  Rapelye,  deceased  ;  thence,  along  the  division  line  of  the  last  mentioned  land 
and  land  of  the  before  mentioned  Blackwell  and  Furman,  to  the  land  of  Jeromus  J.  Rapelye  ; 
thence,  along  the  line  dividing  land  of  the  said  Jeromus  J.  Rapelye,  and  land  of  the  before 
mentioned  Rapelye,  deceased,  to  the  land  of  James  McDonald  ;  thence,  along  the  line  dividing  the 
land  of  said  James  McDonald  and  land  of  the  before  mentioned  Jeromus  J.  Rapelye,  to  the 
i'lusliing  avenue  ;  thence,  crossing  the  Flushing  avenue  and  following  the  line  dividing  land  of 
said  James  McDonald  from  the  land  of  Dr.  Baylies,  to  Newtown  avenue  ;  thence,  crossing  said 
Newtown  avenue  and  following  the  south  side  of  the  said  avenue  to  the  land  of  Abraham 
Polhemus  ;  thence,  following  the  line  dividing  said  Polhemus'  land,  from  land  of  the  before 
named  James  McDonald,  to  the  land  now,  or  late  of,  Lewis  Hartman  and  others  ;  thence,  along 
the  line  dividing  the  land  of  said  Hartman  and  others,  and  the  land  of  said  James  McDonald, 
to  land  of  Samuel  Stevens  ;  thence,  along  the  line  dividing  land  of  said  Samuel  Stevens  from 
the  land  of  said  James  McDonald  and  the  farm  of  Samis,  to  land  of  William  R.  Prince  ; 
thence,  following  the  line  that  divides  the  land  of  said  William  R.  Prince  from  the  farm  of 
said  Abel  Samis,  to  the  ridge  road  ;  thence,  crossing  the  ridge  road  to  the  land  of  Richard 
Clark,  and  following  the  line  dividing  the  said  Richard  Clark's  land  from  the  farm  of  the 
before    mentioned    Abel    Suuis,   to    the    land    of    William    R.    Prince,    known    as    the    McDonough 

farm  ;  thence,  following  the  line 
dividing  said  McDonough  farm 
from  the  land  of  said  Richard 
Clark  and  of  H.  L.  Penfield,  to 
other  lands  of  said  Richard  Clark; 
ihence,  along  last  mentioned  line 
to  the  land  of  Jacob  Polhemus; 
thence,  along  the  line  dividing 
land  of  said  Jacob  Polhemus  from 
the  land  of  before  mentioned 
Richard  Clark,  to  Sunswick  Creek  ; 
thence  following  the  middle  of  the 
channel  of  said  creek  to  Hallett's 
Cove  or  Bay  ;  thence,  following 
the  line  of  the  cove  or  bay,  and 
thence,  following  the  line  of  the 
cove  and  East  River  at  low  water 
mark,  to  land  of  John  Lawrence, 
at  the  place  of  beginning,  shall 
hereafter  continue  to  be  known 
and  distinguished  by  the  name  of 
the  "  Village  of  Astoria,"  and  the 
free-holders  and  inhabitants  residing  in  said  village  are  constituted  a  body  corporate,  by  name 
of   the    trustees  of  the  village  of  Astoria. 

Ski.  rioN  II. — The  corporation  hereby  created  shall  possess  all  the  powers  and  privileges 
and  be  subject  to  all  the  restrictions  and  limitations  which  are  granted  or  imposed  upon  the 
trustees   of   the    village    of    Angelica,    by    the    act   incorporating   that   village    May    2,    1835. 

The  first  election  under  this  charter,  June  11,  1839,  resulted  in  the  election  of  Homer 
Whittemore,  Robert  M.  Blackwell,  William  B.  Bolles,  Alfred  R.  Mount  and  Stephen  A.  Halsey 
as  trustees;  Henry  F.  Blackwell,  Hersey  Baylies  and  John  B.  Reboul  as  assessors;  William 
T.    Payntar   as   treasurer   and  clerk;    James    O.    Jack.son,    collector   and    constable. 

At  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  charter.  Astoria  had  a  population  of  two  thou.sand 
mhabitants.  The  village  was  in  its  infancy.  It  had  but  one  main  street,  with  two  turnpike 
roads  branching  o!T,  one  leading  to  Williamsburgh  on  the  south,  the  other  to  Flushing  on  the 
east.  For  a  long  lime  after  corporate  organization,  the  many  improvements  projected  by  the 
progressive  men  who  iiad  been  chosen  to  o.Tfice.  met  with  that  proverbial  opposition  on  the  part 
of   the    old    conservative   element    which    is    incident    lo    the    development    of    every    community. 


IIIK   ol.n    STKVK.NS    MANslO.N. 


HfsroRV  or  /.o.\(;  /sL.wn  en  v 


23 


X 


f./^. 


OLL>    BLOCK    HOUSE,    HALI.ETT's    POINT — 1S14. 


The  slightest  increase  of  taxes  marshalled  old  fog>-ism  into  united  activity.  Increase  of  rights, 
privileges  and  immunities  under  better  social  conditions  were  not  recognized  as  involving  the 
rights   of   property. 

<iradually,  however,  the  village  government  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  people  through 
their  representatives,  the  trustees,  and  through  the  gates  thus  opened,  a  new  era  entered.  Many 
of  the  old  estates  to  which  reference 
has  been  made  and  which  had  long 
remained  tied  up,  yielded  to  its  de- 
mands. With  increa.se  of  population 
came  increase  of  business,  the  opening 
of  new  streets,  and  the  erection  of 
new  and  better  type  of  buildings. 
Communication  with  New  York  was 
improved  by  enlarged  steamboat  and 
ferry  facilities — an  advance  the  advan- 
tages of  which  the  people  were  not 
slow  to  recognize  as  superior  to  the 
old  stage  coach  system  which  required 
two  and  a  half  hours  for  a  trip  to 
City  Hall,    N.   Y. 

The  incorporation  of  the  village 
and  the  numerous  improvements  which 
followed,  were  chiefly  due  to  the  public 
spirited  activity  of  Stephen  A.  Halsey. 
Attracted  by   the   beauty  and    natural 

advantages  of  the  village  site  and  surroundings,  he  removed  from  Flushing  in  1835,  having 
purchased  the  Perrot  and  Blackwell  farms,  comprising  nearly  all  the  land  lying  between  Pot 
and  Hallett's  Coves,  west  of  what  is  now  Stevens  Street.  Devoting  himself  at  once  to  public 
improvements,  the  community  soon  evinced  new  life  and  enterprise,  was  incorporated  as  has 
l)een  related,  was  named  "Astoria"  in  honor  of  John  Jacob  Astor,  an  old  friend  of  Mr. 
Ilalsey's,  and  business  associate  in  the  fur  trade,  was  connected  with  Eighty-sixth  Street. 
X.  Y.  by  ferry  known  as  "Home's  Hook  Ferry"  for  thirty  years,  had  facilities  of  travel 
with  Flushing  and  Williamsburgh,  had  the  first  fire  company  in  the  city,  whose  house,  built 
by   Mr.    Halsey,    forms   a    part    of   the    saloon    now   standing   on    the   southeast    corner   of    Fulton 

Avenue  and  Halsey  Street,  saw 
churches  rise  by  his  aid — the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  1836, 
and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
1846 — received  the  donation  of  a 
plot  of  ground  100x200  feet  for 
school  purposes,  on  which  the 
Fourth  Ward  School  now  stands, 
was  sui>plied  with  gas  by  the 
"Astoria  Gas  Co.,"  which  he 
organized  in  1853,  and  in  short 
the  present  village  may  be  said 
to  be  the  creation  for  the  most 
part  of  the  intelligent  enterprise 
of  this  progressive  citizen.  Mr. 
HaLsey  was  a  trustee  of  the  village 
of  Astoria  nearly  the  whole  period, 
from  its  incorporation  to  its  ab- 
sorption into  the  municipality  of 
Long  Island  City.  Other  trustees  have  served  as  follows:  Homer  Wittemore,  1839,  1840, 
1S43-48;   Joseph    M.    Mcjinsey,    1841;    Nathaniel    Fjlb^y,    1849,    1850;    Josiah    M.    Whitney,    1851, 


SCENE  ON   THE   SHORE    ROAIi. 


^J'rfi.viA-y 


«^l 


24  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAXD  CITY. 

1856.    1857,    1869;    W.    J.    Townsend,    1852;    H«nry.    Baylies,    1853;    C.    R.    Trafford,    1854,     1855, 
1S64;    John    R.    Morris,    1S58;   John    McAlonej-,    1S59,    i860;    A.    Gallatin    Stevens,    1861;    Gabriel 
'ti^JOVi^\gi^   1862:    Charles   W.    Strang,    1865:    R.    M.    C.    Graham,    1S66-68,    W.    R.    Taylor    1870. 

During  tlie  years  between  1845  and  1S71,  Astoria  was  a  highly  prosperous  village,  and 
was  a  favorite  suburb  for  many  prominent  and  wealthy  New  York  families.  Its  charming 
water  front  was  adorned  with  superb  residences,  many  of  which  still  linger  amid  generous 
grounds  in  testimony  of  former  grandeur  and  an  honored  history.  Thousand  who  daily  pass 
the  Astoria  shores  on  the  waters  of  the  Sound,  catch  glimpses  of  the  fine  old  mansions  and 
of  ideal  homes  amid  environments  still  bearing  traces  of  beauty  despite  the  encroachments  of 
the   surveyor   and   sales   agent. 

hunter's   point    .and   union    college. 
Fifty    years    ago    Hunter's    Point    was    the    most   retired    region    around    New    York.       The 

explorer,  if  he  paid  his  toll  upon 
the  road  leading  from  Flushing, 
or  was  ferried  in  a  skiff  across 
the  river  from  Kip's  Bay,  might 
see  the  o  1  d  Hunter  homestead 
crowning  the  solitary  hill  at  the 
mouth  of  Newtown  Creek,  and  the 
old  well  at  its  foot  on  the  south. 
Now,  however,  the  hill  lies  in  the 
river  under  Borden  Avenue  and  the 
ferry  houses  of  the  Long  Island 
Railroad,  while  the  Hunter  House 
which  was  let  down  to  the  present 
city  level  and  used  for  a  blacksmith 
shop,  was  swept  away  some  twenty 
years  ago,  before  the  advance  of 
the  railroad  company.  Thus  another 
ancestral  hall  was  removed,  which 
was  associated  with  the  deeds  and 
memories  of  colonial  days.  When 
the  locality  was  called  Bennett's 
Point,  as  elsewhere  narrated,  a  mur- 
der was  committed  here,  for  which 
the  guilty  parties  were  hung  in  1782, 
three  j'ears  later  upon  a  chestnut 
tree  at  the  Wallabout.  In  more 
recent  days,  about  1850  perhaps 
two  Polanders  enticed  a  fellow  coun- 
tryman into  the  sand  pits  near 
Ferry  Street  for  the  purpose  of  rob- 
bery and  murder.  The  episode  is 
chiefly  remarkable  from  the  inverted 
nature  of  the  proceedings,  for  the 
intended  victim  killed  the  intend- 
ing murderers.  These  tragic  occurrences  are  the  only  ascertainable  traces  of  romance  which 
linger   about   the  locality    of    Hunter's    Point. 

The  extensive  landed  interests  and  the  development  of  this  .section  of  the  city  are  closely 
identified  with  Union  College,  an  institution  concerning  which  a  brief  word-sketch  is  befitting 
before   connecting    it    with    the    narrative    where    it   was   stopped    upon    a   previous   page. 

Union  College  situated  at  Schenectady,  New  York,  was  founded  in  1795,  largely  through 
the  instrumentality  of  General  Philip  Schuyler,  of  Revolutionary  fame,  who  at  that  time  had 
just  completed    a    term    of   service    in    tlie  United    vStates    Senate.       The    name    of    "Union"    had 


IiR.    JAMKS    D.    TRASK. 


IffSrOKY  OF  LOXC  ISLAXP  CITY 


25 


its  origin  in  the  circumstance  of  several  relij^ious  denominations  coiiperatinjj-  in  its  organization. 
It  was  incorporated  directly  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  the  State  of  New  York.  In 
point  of  time  it  was  the  second  college  in  the  State,  and  as  to  place,  the  first  beyond  the 
limits  of  New  York  City,  to  receive  its  charter.  During  the  century  of  its  illustrious  service, 
it  has  repeatedly  enlarged  its  curriculum  and  widened  its  field  until  it  has  obtained  influential 
rank  as  a  University.  Besides  its  classical  department,  it  has  a  special  school  of  civil  engineer- 
ing founded  in  1845;  a  medical  college  which  was  established  in  1838;  a  la\\%  school  organized 
in  1851  ;  and  the  Dudley  Observatory  in  Albany,  which  was  so  named  in  honor  of  Charles 
E.  Dudley,  whose  widow  bestowed  liberal  endowments  resulting  in  the  addition  of  a  meteoro- 
logical department.  The  Institution  has  a  library  of  20,000  volumes  and  valuable  philosophical 
apparatus   and   natural    history   collections. 

Its  management  is  vested  in  a  board  of  trustees  consisting  of  the  permanent  trustees  of 
Union  College,  the  Governor,  Lieu- 
tenant-(iovernor,  Attorney-(ieneral, 
Secretary  of  State,  Comptroller  and 
Treasurer  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
as  ex-officio  members  of  the  Board, 
and  four  representatives  of  the  Al- 
umni Association  elected  annually. 

Its  list  of  presidents  constitutes 
a  line  of  honored  names.  First 
came  the  Rev.  John  Blair  Smith, 
of  Philadelphia;  then  Jonathan  Ed- 
wards, son  of  the  great  Calvinistic 
divine,  the  profound  impression  of 
whose  genius  will  long  remain  in 
the  world  of  religion  ana  theology ; 
then  Jonathan  Maxcy,  President  of 
Brown  University,  Rhode  Island; 
and  then  in  1804  the  Rev.  Eliphalet 
Nott,  D.D.,  who  held  the  office  more 
than  sixty-one  years,  until  his  death 
in  1866.  Dr.  Nott  was  one  of  the 
foremost  educators  of  the  continent. 
More  than  3700  students  graduated 
during  his  presidency.  He  gave 
much  attention  to  the  physical  sci- 
ences and  was  a  prolific  inventor. 
The  first  stove  made  for  the  con- 
sumption of  anthracite  coal  was  one 
of  his  notable  inventions.  The  Rev. 
L.  P.  Hickok  succeeded  him,  but 
resigned  in  1868.  The  Rev.  Charles 
A.  Aiken  followed,  and  then  the 
Rev.  Eliphalet  Nott  Potter,  grand- 
son of  Dr.   Nott. 

The    resources   of    the   College   are    large    and    are  invested   in    productive   securities. 

In  the  war  of  181 2  Newtown  Creek  was  a  prominent  naval  rendezvous  and  afterwards 
was  considered  an  eligible  site  for  a  permanent  naval  station.  With  this  in  view  and  partly 
under  the  impulse  awakened  by  the  project  Dr.  Nott  became  the  possessor  of  the  Hunter 
homestead  and  other  adjoining  tracts. 

The  title  of  Union  College  to  its  property  in  this  city  is  short,  straight  and  valid. 
Hunter's  Point,  from  1650  to  1800,  known  as  Dominie's  Hook,  then  for  twenty-five  years  as 
Bennett's  Point  and  from  1825  by  its  present  name,  was,  in  the  early  days  whereof  we  write, 
bounded   as   follows:    on    the    north    by   a   small    creek    and  ditch    separating   these  premises  from 


JOHN    E.    LOCKWOOD. 


,6  HISTORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 

the  lands  once  owned  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Coinmonalty  of  New  York;  easterly  by 
a  creek  formerly  Peter  Mann's  Killitie,  late  Jack's  Creek;  southerly  by  Newtown  Creek  and 
westerly  by  the   East  River.       "Killitie"  is   the  diminutive  of  Kill,  and   means  small   Creek. 

We  have  already  seen  that  Jacob  Bennett  acquired  his  title  by  four  releases,  each  from 
his  brothers  and  sisters  individually.  It  may  be  interesting-  to  note  that  the  value  of  Hunter's 
Point  with  one  house  upon  it,  was,  with  Jacob's  share  included,  valued  at  ^2550.  The  pound 
British  then  meant  a  pound  of  the  provincial  currency  of  New  York,  which  was  half  of  a 
British    pound   sterling.        Hunter's    Point,    therefore,  in    1780  sold  for   $6375. 

Jacob  Bennett  uving  in  1817,  his  will  was  found  to  contain  this  provision  in  favor  of  George 
and  Anne  Hunter.  "I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  unto  my  son-in-law,  George  Hunter,  and  to  my 
daughter,  Anne  Hunter,  the  wife  of  said  George  Hunter,  the  premises  in  question,  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  same  etc.,  forever."  There  were  nineteen  heirs-at-law  who  had  serious  doubts  as  to  Jacob 
Bennett's  testamentary  capacity  and  entered  a  contest.  The  will  was  not  probated,  on  the  other  hand 
was  thrown  into  chancery  in  1S18.  It  was,  however,  ultimately  pronounced  valid,  whereupon  all  the 
heirs-at-law  released  their  claims  to  the  lands  to  George  Hunter  and  wife,  and  the  name  of  Bennett 
gave  place  to  Hunter  in  connection  with  the  given  locality.  George  Hunter  died  1825,  bequeathing 
the  property  to  his  wife  Anne,  who  at  her  death  in  1833,  thus  disposed  of  the  estate:  "  I  give,  devise, 
and  bequeath  all  my  real  and  personal  estate  which  I  may  die  seized  or  possessed  of,  on  Long- 
Island  or  elsewhere,  to  my  executors  herein  mentioned,  being  my  sons,  Jacob  Hunter,  John  B. 
Hunter,  and  Richard  Hunter,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever.  In  trust,  nevertheless,  that  they  shall 
sell  and  dispose  of  the  same  as  they  may  deem  most  expedient  and  advantageous,  and  duly  ccinvey  the 
same  to  the  purchasers  thereof,  within  three  years,  after  the  time  of  my  death,  and  to  divide  the 
proceeds  thereof  according  to  the  bequests  hereinafter  particularly  mentioned." 

This  will  was  the  instrument  whereby  Hunter's  Point  pa.ssed  beyond  the  Hunts  of  olden 
systems  and  became  the  field  of  modern  enterisrisc,  for  the  sons,  who  had  been  made  trustees  of 
the  estate  with  power  to  sell  and  convey,  on  the  17th  day  of  June,  1835,  sold  the  estate  to 
Jeremiah  Johnson  for  §100,000.  In  this  transaction  Jeremiah  Johnson  was  the  representative 
of  Eliphalet  Nott,  of  Union  College.  An  agreement  between  Nott  and  Neziah  Bliss  provided 
that  one-half  of  the  property  purchased  by  Johnson  should  be  conveyed  to  Bli.ss  for  one-half 
of  the  consideration  paid  to  the  trustees  under  the  will.  On  September  27,  1S37,  Jeremiah 
Johnson  released  to  Eliphalet  Nott  all  the  premises  in  question  for  the  consideration  of  $200,000. 
In  1838  Eliphalet  Nott  quit  claimed  to  the  Trustees  of  Union  College  the  undivided  half  of  the 
premises  for  $100,000.  In  May,  1S43,  Neziah  Bliss  released  to  Eliphalet  Nott  the  undivided 
half  of  the  premises  for  $135,000.  On  April  12,  1847,  the  Trustees  of  Union  College,  in  con- 
sideration of  $100,000,  released  the  undivided  half  to  Eliphalet  Nott.  At  this  point  Jonathan 
Crane  and  Charles  Ely  appear  as  participants  in  the  interests  at  stake.  To  them  as  joint  tenants 
December  28,  1852,  Eliphalet  Nott  and  Urania,  his  wife,  conveyed  the  premises.  By  this 
instrument  Messrs.  Crane  and  Ely  were  constituted  representatives  of  Dr.  Nott  in  the  manage- 
ment and  sale  of  the  property.  They  were  to  pay  to  Nott  one-third  of  the  net  profits,  retaining 
$1500  annually  as  a  compensation  for  supervision.  In  pursuance  of  their  obligation  as  stipulated, 
Charles  Perkins,  a  civil  engineer,  was  employed  to  survey  the  Hunter  Farm  and  prepare  a  map 
of  the  same.  From  this  map,  various  lots  and  parcels  were  sold  till  the  year  1861,  when,  the 
Van  Alst  Farm  having  been  added  to  the  tract,  Peter  G.  Van  Alst  made  a  nnq)  of  the  entire 
property   which    has   remained    the   authoritative   plot   thereof. 

The  further  business  conduct  of  this  enterprise  assumed  the  form  of  two  trusts,  one  of 
which  was  known  as  the  "  Nott  Trust,"  the  other  as  the  "  Hunter's  Point  Trust." 

The  "Nott  Trust"  may  briefly  be  summarized  as  follows:  On  December  28,  1853,  Eliphalet 
Nott  and  wife  duly  a.ssigned  in  trust  to  Union  College,  the  property  for  the  establishment  and 
maintenance  of  nine  professorships,  six  assistant  professorships,  tutors,  fellow  and  scholarships, 
the  purchase  of  scientific  apparatus,  a  special  library  and  specimens  for  a  geological  museum.  In 
this  conveyance  Nott  reserved  to  himself  certain  powers  in  trust  for  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  his 
obligations  to  Crane  and  Ely,  and  to  place  the  property  in  as  advantageous  condition  as  ]5ossible 
for  the  production  of  value. 

The    "Hunter's   Point   Trust"   was   created   by    act   of   the    Legislature,    April    14.    i860. 

By  it  Union  College  undertook  the  control  of  the  "two-thirds  undivided  "  of  this  ])ropcrty  for  the 


:ll.l'.|-.l;i'    K     IIAi:i;(il  N,    liii;Asrni;ii   oi-   Ixkix  Cm.i.iMiK. 


rxiON  COI.I.Ki;!;.  S(HI:m;<T.\I>V.  N.  Y.        Xiiktii  Tollkcm:  Itr 


ImN    .  i.I.I.EOI':,   SCHKMCCTADY.    N.    Y.      Sor-rn   Coi.i.Kci:    Hiii 


I  Mi>\  ( (ii.i,i;>;i:.  si  iii:M;('r.\i)V.  n.  y.     ,\ri:\TiiniAi.  ii 


W.vsiiiii  iiNi:    Urii-iiiNc 


I //STORY  01-  LONG  IS/.AA'D  C/TY. 


27 


benefit  of  "Crane,  Judson,  and  the  two  Elys;"  in  c(jnneclion  with  the  "one-third  undivided,"  which 
belonged  to  the  Nott  Trust.  This  responsibility  was  assumed  b)'  the  College  as  Trustees,  at  the 
retiuest  of  Dr.  Nott,  for  the  purpose  of  more  rapidly  marketing  the  one-third  belonging  to  the  Xott 
Trust. 

Under  these  two  distinct  Trusts,  Union  College  as  Trustee  controlled  the  estate  till  1884.  The 
College  having  brought  a  suit — an  action  in  equity — to  wind  up  the  trust  of  i860,  and  separate  its  own 
property  from  that  of  others  interested,  ten  years  of  litigation  followed.  Judgment  of  partition,  how- 
ever, was  finally  entered  in  1S84,  and  the  several  parties  interested,  had  their  proportion  of  lots  set 
otT  to  them,  the  College  receiving  iwo-thirds  of  the  entire  property  then  remaining.  There  were  in 
all  1800  lots,  the  total  valuation  of    which,  as  fixed  by  the  Commissioners,  was  over  §900,000;  of  these 


lots,  Union  Col- 
course  1 200;  since 
College  has  hand- 
erty.  The  i  n  - 
tion  of  the  realty 
which  in  1780, 
more  than  §6000, 
stood  by  the  vol- 
actions  of  Union 
tee  from  i860  to 
reached  $2,300,- 
the  College  had 
provement  and 
lands  about  $800, 
$415,463  was  ex- 
ing,  docking,  and 
ments.  Divi- 
clared  among 
a  m  o  u  n  t  i  n  g  to 
ing  of  improved 
bonds,  mort- 
more  recent  years 
marked  diminu- 
ductiveness  of  the 
to  economic 
modified  values 
The  develop- 
Point,  therefore, 
tified  with  the 
prise  of  Dr.  Eli- 
later  with  the 
ests  of  U  n  i  o  n 
development  was 
the  deed  of    Nott   to  Crane   and 


^ 


^^ 


CORNEl.U  S    RAIF.I.VE   TRAl  lORl). 


lege  received  of 
that  time  the 
led  its  own  prop- 
crease  in  valua- 
of  Hunter's  Point 
was  held  at  little 
may  b  e  under- 
ume  of  the  trans- 
College  as  Trus- 
1881,  which 
000.  Up  to  1873 
paid  for  the  im- 
development  of 
000,  of  \v  h  i  c  h 
pended  for  grad- 
general  improve- 
dends  were  de- 
stockholders 
$843,000,  consist- 
lots,  money, 
gages,  etc.  In 
there  has  been  a 
tion  in  the  pro- 
propert)',  owing 
causeswhich  have 
in  general, 
ment  of  Hunter's 
was  at  first  iden- 
speculati  ve  enter- 
phalet  Xott,  and 
policy  and  inter- 
College.       That 


inaugurated  b  y 
Ely.  Under  the  management  of  these  men  important  changes 
occurred  in  the  topography  or  Hunter's  Point.  In  1853,  the  year  following  the  passage  of  the 
property  under  their  control,  they  applied  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Land  Office  for  a  grant 
of  the  lands  under  the  waters  of  Newtown  Creek  and  of  the  East  River,  adjacent  to  their 
premises.  The  lands  in  question  being  ceded,  the  lofty  hill  which  from  ages  immemorial  had  stood 
as  a  sentinel  at  the  mouth  of  Newtown  Creek,  and  from  whose  summit  Peter  Praa  had  often  surveyed 
his  possessions,  was  cast  into  the  river.  The  reef  over  which  the  maddened  tides  had  rushed  from 
prehistoric  eras,  was  buried  beneath  the  soil  of  the  Hunter  farm.  The  shore  front  which  theretofore 
had  been  West  avenue,  was  pushed  nearly  to  its  present  limit. 

Messrs.  Crane  and  Ely  were  succeeded  in  1855  by  H.  S.  Anable,  who  continued  in  the  manage- 
ment of  the  extensive  interests  of  the  College  until  1884.  During  this  period  great  advance  was 
made  in  important  directions. 


28 


HIS  TOR  Y  OF  L  ONG  ISL  A ND  CIT\ '. 


Three  blocks  of  the  territory,  new-made  along  the  river  front,  were  given  to  the  ?3ast  River 
Ferry  Company  by  the  College  Trustees. 

The  Flushing  Railroad,  which  had  been  established  in  1S54,  received  from  the  College  a 
gift  of  land,  valued  at  §20,000,  which  subsequently  was  bought  back  by  the  College. 

The  tract  of  land   occupied    by    the    Long    Island    Railroad,    extending    from    Vernon    avenue 
to  the  East  River,    was  originally  procured  from  the  College  in    i860  on   advantageous  terms. 
Every  street  in  the  First  Ward  to  Nott  avenue   was  opened   and   graded. 
The  erection  and  maintenance  of  a  school  on  Sixth  street   has  already   been  cited. 
Two  miles  of  bulk  heads  and  docks  along  Newtown  Creek  and  the  East  River  to  the  canal 
were  constructed. 

The  turnpike,  now  Jackson  avenue,  leading  from  the  ferry  to  Flushing,  was  built  largely 
through  the  instrumentality  of  the  College.  The  College  also  contributed  to  the  construction 
of    the  railroad  between  Astoria  and   Hunter's  Point. 

A  block  of  land  comprising  forty-eight  lots  was  donated  by  the  College  for  a  site  for  the 
present   court   bouse. 

As   the  representative  of  the   College,    Mr.    Anable  was    influential    in    aiding    the   passage    of 

the  Improvement  Act,  whereby 
needed  improvements  were  further 
promoted  in  the  First  Ward. 

The  participation  of  Mr.  Anable 
in  the  organization  of  Long  Island 
City  has  elsewhere  been  noted.  To 
his  public-spirited  sagacity  and  en- 
ergy Hunter's  Point  will  long  remain 
a  debtor.  During  his  connection 
with  the  interests  of  Union  College 
more  than  two  and  a  quarter  millions 
(jf  dollars  passed  through  his  hands. 
The  final  audit  of  his  accounts 
.showed  a  perfect  balance. 

He  was  succeeded  in  office  by 
liis  son,  Eliphalet  Nott  Anable,  who 
acted  as  the  representative  and  attor- 
ney of  the  College  tmtil  i886,  when 
the  oflice  of  College  Treasurer, 
which  had  been  located  at  Schenec- 
tady, N.  Y.,  was  transferred  to  Long 
Island  City,  and  the  management 
of  the  property   passed  directly  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,   S.    E.    Stimson. 

In  1893,  tjilbert  K.  Harroun,  the  present  incumbent,  succeeded  to  the  management  of  the  College 
property.  Early  in  his  administration  of  affairs  marked  evidences  of  energy,  mature  judgment,  and 
conservatism  of  action  were  discoverable  on  every  side.  The  extensive  landed  interests  were  speedily 
gotten  well  in  hand  and  every  effort  put  forth  for  bringing  to  the  attention  of  manufacturers  and 
controllers  of  business  enterprises  generally,  the  many  magnificent  water  front  sites  and  business 
blocks  and  plots,  that  still  remained  open  to  purchasers  in  one  of  the  most  accessible  and  desirably 
located  sections  of  the  Greater  New  York.  And  the  result  has  done  credit  to  the  tact  and  energy  of 
the  gentleman,  while  the  many  benefits  that  have  accrued  to  the  College  interests,  as  well  as  to  the 
general  material  interests  of  the  entire  city,  have  led  to  outspoken  and  deserved  commendation.  One 
achievement,  above  all  others,  that  has  stamped  Treasurer  Harroun's  management  with  phenomenal 
success,  particularly  along  lines  that  are  most  vital  to  the  continued  development  of  the  extensive 
landed  estates  of  the  College,  was  the  final  adjustment  of  the  di.sputed  question  of  the  regularity  and 
justice  of  the  local  taxes.  For  a  number  of  years  these  taxes  had  been  accumulating,  based 
upon  unfair  and  discriminating  assessments  as  levied  by  the  local  Assessors,  and  Mr.  Harroun, 
immediately  upon  assuming  the  duties  of  his  charge,  set  to  work  to  discover  some  means  of 
unraveling  the  tangle   with  a  view  to  bringing    about  a  speedy  and    amicable    settlement.       After 


THE    KAI'EI.YE    MANSION. 


I/ISTOKY  OF  J.ON(;  IS/. AM)  CITY. 


29 


nianv  nionlbs  of  earnest  consideration,  a  plan  was  evolved  that  proved  eminently  just  and  satis- 
factory to  all  concerned,  in  which  the  State,  through  the  Legislature,  gave  willing  and  substantial 
aid,  and  in  the  early  fall  of  1895,  upwards  of  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars  was  turned  into  the 
city  treasury  in  full  liquidation  of  all  claims  to  date  standing  against  Union  College  upon  the 
tax  hooks  of  Long  Island  City.  This  memorable  and  important  achievement  gave  good  evidence 
of  the  ability,  tlie  energy,  and  the  unflagging  zeal  displayed  by  Mr.  Harroun  in  the  planning  and 
prosecution  of  the  momentous  undertaking,  which,  at  the  outset,  seemed  surrounded  by  adverse 
circumstances  that  were  well  nigh  insurmountable.  It  was  a  grand  piece  of  work,  and  placed  the 
College  and  its  interests  upon  a  solid  basis  and,  free  and  clear  of  all  claims  on  the  part  of  the  city. 

No  one  will  question  the  fact  that  Union  College  has  been  a  leading  factor  in  the  development 
and  up  building  of  the  Hunter's  Point  section  of  the  city.  It  has  annually  paid  into  the  public 
treasury  from  S5000  to  $10,000  in  local  taxes,  and  has  always  been  found  in  the  forefront  of  every 
movement  looking  to  the  development  of  the  interests  and  the  betterment  of  the  condition  of  affairs 
connected  with  the  local  government.  The  College  still  controls  large  areas  of  unimproved  lands  in 
the  lower  wards  of  the  city,  and  under  the  judicious  management  of  its  present  representative,  the 
corporation  should,  and  no  doubt  will,  reap  a  deserved  and  bounteous  reward  in  the  early  years  of  the 
materializing  of  the  Greater  New  York. 

In  Hunter's  Point  are  now  located  the  leading  industries  of  the  city.  Over  it  the  spirit 
of  enterprise  seems  to  have  especially  hovered.  Its  offices,  stores,  factories  and  ferries  represent 
the  greater  proportion  of  popular  traffic  and  tra\-el.  These  results  necessarily  follow  its 
natural  advantages  of  water  front  and  facilities  of  immediate  intercourse  with  business  sections 
of  New  York  and  Brooklyn.  Not  so,  however,  was  its  condition  in  years  preceding  1870  and  the 
Incorporation  of  the  city.  Then  was  the  era  of  preparation  for  the  greater  things  of  to-day. 
The  entire  section  had  to  be  raised  almost  from  the  level  of  the  sea,  its  marshes,  lagoons  and 
"killities"  filled,  and  the  site  of  a  city  created  at  vast  expenditure  of  time  and  capital  before  the 
advantages  afforded  bj'  nature  could  be  made  available.  A  territory  so  uninviting  in  its  original 
state  was  fortunate  in  becoming  the  field  of  a  corporate  enterprise  endowed  with  means  com- 
mensurate with  the  demands  of  its  development. 

A     MEMORAin.E     SEASON. 

The  winter  of  1779  was  one  of  almost  unparalleled  severity.  .Snow  began  to  fall  November 
10  and  continued  more  or  less  daily  till  the  following  March.  "  In  the  woods  it  lay  four  feet 
upon  a  level,"  says  a  certain  chronicler.  A  fuel  famine  was  abroad.  All  over  New  York  Island 
trees  of  every  sort  were  cut  down,  gardens,  court  yards,  and  avenues,  as  well  as  lanes  and 
forests,  were  depleted.  Apple,  peach,  plum,  cherry  and  pear  trees  fell  before  the  woodman. 
The  cold  was  extreme.  The  bay  and  harbor  of  New  York  was  solid  as  terra  firma.  Likewise 
the   Kast    River  and    Long  Island    Sound    nearly  to  Now    Haven. 


Hi--:;5.y 


CHAPTER    III. 


THI-:    VILLACE    OF    STEINWAV. 

ITS    EARLY    HISTORY PRESENT    INDISTRIAI,    IMPORTANCE THE  GREAT  STEINWAY   PIANO    FACTORY LIVES    OF 

HENRY    EXGLEHARD     STEINWAY     AND     WILLIAM     STEINWAY FOUNDING     OF    THE    %VORLD-RENOWNED 

HOUSE      OF      STEINWAY      &      SONS SCIENTIFIC      EXPERIMENT     AND      INVENTION RISE      INTO 

UNRIVALED     SUPREMACY — PURCHASE    OF     THE    VILLAGE    SITE — ERECTION    OF    THE 
GREAT    PLANT — INTERESTING    ECONOMIC  FACTS — MR.    STEINWAY's    POLICY 

AS    AN    EMPLOYER THE  STEINWAY   MANSION THE  DAIMLER   MOTOR 

COMPANN — THE      ASTORIA      HOMESTEAD     COMPAXV. 

The  northeastern  section  of  Long  Island  City  is  kno\vii  under  the  name  of  "Steinway." 
It  is  the  geographical  center  of  greater  New  York.  From  the  earliest  historic  period  it  has  been  a 
field  of  surpassing  interest.  It  has  been  the  scene  of  important  geological  changes.  The  present 
site  of  the  Steinway  Mansion  and  of  the  world-famed  Steinway  Piano  Manufactory  was  once  Luyster 
Island.     The  waters  of  the  Sound  once  laved  the  shore  in  the  vicinity  of  Winthrop  avenue. 

Here  also  was  the  point  of  one  of  the  earliest  settlements  in  the  town  of  Newtown.  The 
English  had  not  taken   Newtown   Creek  before   the   Dutch  had  seized   upon  this  charming  locality. 


Hero  the  merry  cling-clang  of  Harmensen's  anvil  awakened  the  solitudes  and   tempted  the  approach 
of  the  savage  who  laid  the  hardy  pioneer  low  with  his  tomahawk. 

The  action  of  the  Dutch  Governor,  in  granting  this  whole  section  to  the  Reformed  Church  for  a 
Poor  Farm,  was  equally  inexplicable.  The  day  of  redemption,  however,  began  in  1656,  when  Peter 
Luyster  blazed  the  way  to  renewed  settlement  and  was  followed  by  the  progenitors  of  the  long  line 
of  the  Rikers,  Rapelyes,  Moores,  Lawrences,  Berrians  and  Kouwenhovens.  The  fertility  of  the 
soil  has  yielded  wealth  to  the  industry  of  these  families  for  two  hundred  and  more  years  and  left  for 
the  "  Poor  Bowery,"  nothing  but  a  barren  name  in  ancient  history. 


C.     K.     THEODORE    STEINWAV. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  33 

Could  the  acres  of  this  picturesque  settlement  speak,  they  would  also  tell  of  the  rude  tramping  of 
the  Hessian  soldiery  in  1776,  while  foraging  the  fields  or  crowding  the  halls  of  the  manor  houses  in 
search  of  fugitive  patriots,  or  springing  from  ambush  at  midnight  hours  to  pillage  peaceful  homes 
and  drive  the  occupants  from  their  insecure  jsillows  to  encounter  the  perils  of  the  swift  tides  of  the 
Hell  Gate. 

Eventful,  therefore,  has  been  the  history  of  the  olden  settlement  which  has  now  developed  into 
the  prosperous  community  of  "Steinway. "  Yet  the  greatest  event  which  has  marked  its  career  was 
left  for  this  latest  day  to  record.  It  bears  a  name  which  is  inscribed  upon  one  of  the  greatest  indus- 
trial triumphs  of  this  or  any  other  age — a  name  which  is  associated  with  the  musical  prestige  of  the 
world.  It  was  here  that  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Steinway  &  Sons,  chiefly  through  the  individual  efforts 
of  William  Steinway,  in  1S70  and  1871,  acquired  title  to  over  four  hundred  acres  of  land  with  a  front- 
age upon  the  East  River  and  canal  of  about  a  mile,  built  a  steam  saw  mill,  iron  and  brass  foundries, 
boiler  and  engine  houses,  a  large  building  for  the  finishing  of  metal  frames,  storage  sheds,  drying 
kilns,  docks,  bulkhead  wharves,  a  lumber  basin,  and  in  1879,  an  immense  structure  to  serve  as  a 
piano  case  factory,  248x60  feet,  together  with  an  additional  new  engine  house.  In  1877  the  keyboard 
making  and  wood  carving  branches  of  their  piano  manufactory  where  removed  thither  from  the  New 
York  factory. 

These  combined  factories  contain  eight  steam  boilers  of  the  aggregate  of  500  horse  power,  by 
which  the  necessary  amount  of  steam  is  generated  for  the  60,000  feet  of  pipe  used  in  heating  the  dry- 
ing rooms  and  workshops  and  driving  four  steam  engines,  aggregating  300  horse  power,  which  in  turn 
put  in  motion  the  various  labor-saving  machines.  Besides  this  machinery  in  operation,  the  process  of 
grand  piano  case  manufacture  is  most  interesting.  Logs  are  specially  selected,  18  to  23  feet  long, 
sawed  into  veneers  one-eighth  of  an  inch  thick,  which,  after  a  thorough  course  of  open  air  and  kiln 
drying,  are  glued  together  and  bent  into  the  proper  form  of  parlor  and  concert  grand  piano  cases,  by 
means  of  immense  iron  presses  heated  to  the  necessary  degree  by  steam. 

About  600  workmen  are  employed  in  these  works  which  are  connected  by  telegraph  and  tele- 
phone with  all  the  New  York  establishments  of  the  firm. 

In  capacious  yards  are  stored  millions  of  feet  of  crude  lumber;  at  busy  wharves  is  received  iron 
ore  in  vast  quantities,  and  these  materials  are  transformed  into  ca.ses,  actions,  steel  frames  and  other 
component  parts  of  a  piano,  and  then  shipped  to  the  New  York  factory  at  Fourth  (Park)  avenue,  and 
Fifty-third  street,  where  they  are  put  together  and  adjusted  into  finished  instruments,  which  are 
imiversally  acknowledged  to  be  the  chef  d'ouvre  of  art  in  musical  mechanics. 

Such  an  extensive  industrj',  whose  products  have  fought  their  way  to  pre-eminence  solely  upon 
their  merits,  necessarily  represents  a  prolonged  conflict  with  difficulties,  profound  knowledge  of  the 
musical  art,  intellectual  ability,  inventive  skill  and  genius  of  a  peculiarly  high  order,  the  exercise 
of  large  execute  powers,  and  the  wisest  management  of  commercial  resources. 

It  is  requisite,  therefore,  that  we  should  dwell  somewhat  at  large  upon  the  personal  history  of 
the  men  who  have  won  celebrity,  not  only  for  themselves,  but  incidentally,  for  that  section  of  our  city 
which  bears  their  name. 

HENRY    E.     STEINWAY. 

Henry  Englehard  Steinway,  of  New  York  City,  founder  of  the  great  piano  manufacturing  house 
of  Steinway  &  So::s,  was  born  February  15,  1797,  in  Wolfshagen,  a  small  forest  hamlet  of  the  Hartz 
Mountains,  in  the  Duchy  of  Brunswick,  North  Germany,  and  died  in  New  York  City  on  the  7th  of 
February,  1871.  He  was  at  the  time  of  his  coming  to  this  country  fifty-three  years  of  age  This  was 
surely  rather  an  advanced  age  for  an  immigrant,  and  one,  too,  who  was  to  be  the  pioneer  of  a  new 
era  in  an  important  industry,  but  such  was  the  fact.  He  was  a  skilled  piano  maker  in  his  native  land, 
Brunswick,  Germany,  until  he  came  to  New  York,  June  9,  1850,  with  his  family. 

Before  taking  up  the  later  and  more  important  events  of  his  life  at  this  time,  it  may  be  well  to 
review  his  honorable  antecedents  and  some  interesting  incidents  of  his  earl}'  life.  In  the  early  part 
of  the  seventeenth  century,  one  of  his  ancesters,  a  Captain  Steinway  (or  Steinweg,  as  the  name  was 
originally  spelled),  had  fought  against  the  Austrian  Army  in  "The  Thirty  Years' War,"  and  had 
received  serious  wounds  at  the  Battle  of  Lutter,  on  the  Barenberg,  in  1626.  He  was  a  native  of 
Pomerania,  where  his  family  and  ancestors  were  well-to-do  patricians  in  the  fortified  town  of 
Stralsund,  on  the  Baltic  Sea,  and  while  that  city  belonged  to  the   Hansa  Union,    even  before   "The 


HfSrOKY  Of  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  35 

Thirty  Years  War,"  various  members  of  the  family  had  occupied  important  positions  in  the  magis- 
tracy. One  of  them,  who  was  Burgomaster  of  Stralsund,  became  famed  for  his  stalwart  and  success- 
ful defence  of  the  town  when  it  was  besieged  by  the  Austrians  under  General  Wallenstein,  in  1628. 
With  the  final  fall  of  the  fortune  of  the  city,  the  family  disappeared  from  it.  This  family  seemed 
strangely  fated  to  sufl'er  through  war.  Of  the  immediate  family  of  Henry  E.  Steinway — he  was  the 
youngest  of  twelve  children — he  was  left  the  sole  survivor  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years,  all  of  the  others, 
as  well  as  his  father,  falling  victims  to  the  Franco-Prussian  War  of  1806,  the  Franco-Russian  War  of 
1812,  and  a  terrible  disaster — a  lightning  stroke  during  a  severe  storm — which  killed,  in  a  collier's 
hut,  where  they  had  taken  shelter,  his  father  and  three  older  brothers,  and  two  men  who  had  accom- 
panied them,  Henry  alone  of  the  party  of  seven  escaping,  and  he  only  after  being  prostrated  and 
long  lying  in  a  semi  unconscious  state.  The  lad  thus  orphaned  and  left  solitary  in  the  world  suffered 
still  further  through  the  seizure  of  his  father's  property,  consisting  of  several  houses,  which  were  sold 
by  the  French  Westphalian  officers  of  the  crown,  who  made  away  with  the  proceeds.  Penniless  now, 
as  well  as  alone,  he  was  forced  to  earn  his  meagre  living  by  hardest  toil,  from  which  he  soon  turned 
to  the  army,  at  the  call  of  the  Duke  of  Brunswick  for  soldiers  to  serve  against  Napolean.  He  was 
theii  but  seventeen  years  old. 

Young  Steinway  had  a  natural  fondness  for  music,  and  beguiled  the  tedium  of  garrison  life  by 
mastering  the  art  of  playing  on  the  cithera,  having  constructed  during  his  leisure  hours  an  excellent 
instrument  of  seasoned  spruce,  which  was  greatly  admired  for  its  superior  tone.  At  this  era  the 
liberty-breathing  and  heroic  songs  of  Kiirner  and  Schenkendorf  were  in  great  vogue  among  the 
German  troops,  and  on  many  occasions  the  yoimg  soldier-musician  accompanied  on  his  instrument  the 
chorus  of  a  whole  company  of  his  stalwart  companions.  His  musical  memory  was  phenomenal,  and 
he  was  able,  without  having  had  any  special  musical  training,  to  find  accompaniments  tti  any  of  the 
simple  melodies  of  the  time  after  having  once  heard  them  sung,  and  enjoyed  the  reputation  among 
his  acquaintances  of  being  a  musical  genius.  At  twenty-one  years  of  age,  having  declined  the  post 
of  sergeant,  which  was  offered  to  him  as  an  inducement  to  remain  in  the  army,  he  received  an  honor- 
able discharge,  and  quitted  a  life  which  was  dailj'  becoming  more  uncongenial.  He  lost  no  time  in 
going  to  Goslar,  where  he  sought  to  apprentice  himself  to  the  cabinet-making  trade.  Contrary  to  his 
hope,  he  encountered  most  discouraging  difficulties.  The  trade  guilds  were  in  full  sway.  Five  years* 
apprenticeship  and  five  years'  service,  as  a  journeyman,  were  inexorably  required,  before  the  workman 
could  acquire  independent  action.  This,  at  Steinway's  age,  was  too  much  for  him,  and  he  decided  to 
learn  the  art  of  building  church  organs,  which  was  not  subject  to  the  hampering  and  "  red  tape  "  of 
the  guilds.  He  prepared  himself  for  this  work  by  devoting  a  year  to  cabinet-making  imder  a  so-called 
"wild  boss,"  and  was  well  able  at  the  expiration  of  that  period  to  turn  out  his  "masterpiece"  as  a 
cabinetmaker,  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  times,  had  he  been  called  upon  to  do  so.  He 
then  took  employment  as  a  journeyman  organ  builder,  although  his  aspirations  were  to  become  a 
maker  of  stringed  musical  instruments. 

After  a  year's  apprenticeship  he  took  employment  as  a  journeyman  organ  builder  in  the  little 
town  of  Seesen,  at  the  foot  of  the  Hartz  Mountains,  and  the  site  of  the  famous  "Jacobsohn's 
School."  The  chief  justice  of  Seesen  had  accidentally  seen  a  "  masterpiece  "  of  cabinet-making — an 
elaborate  writing-desk,  with  secret  drawers  and  artistic  inlaid  work — from  the  hands  of  young 
Steinway,  and  notwithstanding  the  long-established  usages  of  the  guilds,  which  proscribed  the  entry 
of  such  work  into  competition  with  that  of  the  long-experienced  workman,  the  magistrate  purchased 
this  production,  therebj-  giving  the  young  man  a  handsome  lift  in  life.  About  the  same  time  the 
town  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  the  suddenly  increased  demand  for  artisans,  occasioned  by  the 
rebuilding  and  re-establishment  of  industries,  offered  the  young  workman  an  opportunity  for  full 
employment  and  fair  remuneration. 

This,  too,  enabled  him  to  marry,  and  in  February,  1825,  he  took  as  his  wife  a  beautiful  young 
girl,  w'ho  had  for  some  time  reciprocated  his  love.  In  the  same  year,  in  November,  their  first  child, 
a  son,  was  born,  who  was  christened  C.  F.  Theodore.  The  father  now  bent  all  of  his  energies 
toward  the  building  of  a  business  and  a  home.  Foremost  in  his  thought  was  the  idea  of  giving  his 
infant  son,  as  he  came  to  a  condition  to  appreciate  them,  the  advantages  which  his  own  youth  had 
lacked,  and  now  began  his  identification  with  the  piano  which  extended  throughout  his  long  life,  and 
reached  its  culmination  in  America.      He  was  a  skilled  artisan,  a  musical  genius,  fully  comprehending 


36 


HISrORY  OF  LON(;  ISLAND  CITY. 


the  desideratum  to  be  met  in  an  instrument,   and  capable  as  any  man,  he  conlidenlly  believed,  of 
supplying  it. 

He  worked  whole  nights  constructing  the  piano  upon  which  his  boy  was  to  learn  to  play.  Old 
English  and  new  German  pianos  he  knew,  and  combined  their  merits  in  an  original  construction. 
The  labors  of  a  year  saw  the  instrument  completed  and  witnessed  the  widespread  attention  which  had 
been  attracted  by  its  superiority.  Its  purity  and  volume  of  tone  soon  won  a  purchaser;  and  now, 
before  the  struggling  mechanic,  a  path  opened  toward  the  realization  of  his  hopes.  He  could  become 
a  master  workman  and  did.  He  devoted  his  entire  energy  and  skill  to  piano  making,  and  soon  a 
thriving  trade  greeted  his  efforts  at  the  hands  of  the  music-loving  inhabitants  of  the  Hartz  Mountains. 

As  early  as  August,  1839,  Mr.  Henry  Steinway  exhibited  one  grand,  one  three-stringed,  and  one 
two-stringed  square  piano  at  the  State  Fair  of  Brunswick,  Germany,  with  the  celebrated  composer, 
Albert  Methfessel,  as  chairman  of  the  jury,  who,  besides  granting  him  a  first  prize  medal,  bestowed 
the  highest  encomiums  upon  the  tone  and  workmanship  of  the  instruments.  As  his  sons,  Theodore, 
Charles,  and  Henry,  grew  up,  they  became  skilful  piano-makers  under  their  father's  direction,  acquiring 
at  the  same  time  a  thorough  education.  In  time  Mr.  Stein wav  found  himself  the  centre  of  a  large 
and  happy  family,  the  owner  of  an  extensive  factory,  with  ample  capital  at  his  command;  and  with 
such  a  thriving  trade  that  he  was  unable  to  meet  the  demand  for  his  instruments,  although  he 
employed  a  number  of  workmen  to  assist  him  in  their  manufacture.  His  was  indeed  a  happy  home. 
All  worked  in  perfect  harmony,  and  in  the  evening  the  boys  might  have  been  seen  playing,  oftentimes 
four-handed,  the  immortal  compositions  of  Mozart  and  Beethoven,  while  tlie  sweet  voices  of  the  girls 
sang  the  beautiful  songs  of  Schubert  and  Schumann. 

The  quiet  contentment  of  plodding  prosperity,  however,  was  broken.  Political  complications,  the 
cutting  off  of  territory  tributary  to  Seesen  in  a  commercial  sense,  the  imposition  of  almost  prohibitory 
duties  by  the  establishment  of  the  German  Customs  Union,  which  Brunswick  joined,  but  Hanover 
kept  out  of,  in  1843,  and  generally  changed  conditions  hampered  the  thrift  of  the  family  industry,  and 
finally  the  Revolution  of  1S48  completely  destroyed  the  small  local  retail  trade  that  alone  had 
remained  to  that  time. 

The  idea,  which  had  been  cherished  for  some  time,  of  emigrating  to  America,  now  took  on  new 
life,  and  one  and  all  determined  that  a  home  in  "  the  land  of  freedom  "  was  a  desideratum.  In  April, 
1849,  Charles  Steinway  sailed  for  the  western  world  and  arrived  in  New  York  the  following  month. 
His  reports  home  were  so  favorable  that  the  whole  family,  with  the  exception  of  the  oldest  son, 
C.  F.  Theodore,  who  remained  behind  to  complete  the  unfinished  work,  emigrated  to  the  New  AVorld, 
leaving  Hamburg  on  the  steamer  llclenc  Sloinan,  in  the  beginning  of  May,  1850.  This  vessel  w;is  one 
of  the  first  ocean  propellers,  and  it  was  her  first  trip.  Instead  of  a  direct-acting  engine  the  vessel 
had  a  high  cogwheel,  which  connected  with  the  smaller  cogwheel  on  the  shaft.  On  the  third  day  out 
when  opposite  Deal  and  Ramsgate,  England,  the  large  cogwheel  broke  with  a  terrific  crash,  and  the 
vessel  came  to  anchor.  After  a  delay  of  nine  days  a  new  cogwheel  was  cast  at  Ramsgate,  and  the 
vessel  continued  on  its  way  to  New  York,  which  it  reached  on  the  9th  of  June,  1850,  after  a  passage 
of  twenty  days  from  England.  The  trip  was  an  unusually  pleasant  one,  as  the  sea,  from  the  time  of 
leaving  Hamburg  to  the  arrival  in  New  York,  was  as  smooth  as  a  mirror ;  not  a  wave  nor  a  ripple 
was  to  be  seen.  As  the  sequel  proved,  this  was  extremely  fortunate,  for  on  her  third  trip  the  llclciic 
Sloinan,  encountering  stormy  weather,  foundered  in  mid-ocean,  happily  with  little  loss  of  life.  On 
their  arrival  in  New  York  the  family  consisted  of  Henry  Steinway,  the  father,  aged  fifty-three  years; 
his  wife,  Julia  Steinway,  aged  forty-six  years;  Charles,  aged  twenty-one;  Henry  Steinway,  Jr.,  aged 
nineteen;  William,  aged  fourteen;  Albert,  aged  ten;  and  three  daughters,  the  eldest  twenty-two,  the 
next  seventeen,  and  the  youngest  eight.  The  eldest  .son,  C.  F.  Theodore,  aged  twenty-four  years, 
remained  in  Germany. 

Henry  Steinway,  as  we  have  seen,  had  attained  prosperity  in  his  native  land  not  without  priva- 
tions and  struggle.  These,  however,  had  tested  and  strengthened  his  fiber  and  assisted  that  sym- 
metrical development  which  now  was  of  splendid  service  and  lay  at  the  very  foundation  of  his  suc- 
cess in  the  New  World.  If  he  was  a  genius,  he  was  singularly  free  from  the  weaknesses  that  usually 
accompany  that  order  of  mind,  and,  with  a  most  commendable  prudence  and  patience,  he  studied  the 
commercial  conditions  of  the  country  and  of  the  piano  trade  before  embarking  his  means  in  a  venture. 
In  the  old  country  his  progress  had  been  .slow,  but  comfortably  sure,  and  while  he  aspired  to  a 
greater  field  than  could  be  there  obtained,  he  did  not  propose  to  enter  upon  its  conquest  hastily  or  ill- 


^"i 


MB^Mz:ii 


/7^,^ 


t,- 


HENRV    E.    t-TF.lNWAY. 


If  [STORY  OF  LONG  fSLAND  CITY.  39 

advisedly.  He  therefore  put  his  capital  in  a  safe  place,  and  went  to  work  as  a  journeyman  in  a  New 
York  piano  factory,  his  sons  following  his  example.  Nearly  three  years  they  toiled  thus,  adding  not 
a  little  to  their  capital  of  money  and  useful  knowledge. 

Their  commencement  in  business  on  their  own  account  was  made  March  5th,  1853.  The  found- 
ing of  the  house  of  Steinway  &  Sons  was  an  extremely  modest  and  cautious  undertaking — the  plant- 
ing small  in  inverse  proportion  to  the  growth.  They  rented  a  small  rear  building  in  Varick  Street, 
and  with  most  solicitous  care  made  their  first  piano,  a  "square"  which,  on  being  exhibited  to  a  num- 
ber of  teachers  and  expert  musicians,  created  at  once  a  very  favorable  impression,  and  was  speedily 
sold  for  a  good  price. 

Their  success  was  assured  from  the  lirst  by  their  thorough  mastery  of  the  trade  and  art  of  i)iano- 
making  and  the  infinite  pains  they  devoted  to  their  initial  production.  They  gained  standing  in  the 
regard  of  the  critical  professional  element,  and  there  was  soon  a  demand  for  their  work.  Soon  out- 
growing their  very  limited  original  quarters,  where,  with  about  ten  workmen,  they  produced  one 
square  piano  per  week,  they  secured  more  commodious  ones  at  88  Walker  street,  a  few  doors  east  of 
Broadway.  In  March,  1854,  when  they  had  been  but  one  year  in  operation,  they  received  their 
earliest  official  testimonial  of  appreciation  in  the  form  of  the  first  premium  from  the  judges  at  the 
Metropolitan  Fair,  held  at  Washington,  D.  C,  for  the  best  three  and  two-stringed  instruments.  In 
the  fall,  of  the  same  year,  they  experienced  a  further  gratification  in  the  securing  of  the  first  prize,  a 
gold  medal,  at  the  American  Institute  Fair,  in  the  Crystal  Palace,  in  New  York. 

In  the  following  year  they  exhibited  at  the  latter  place  a  square  piano  constructed  on  a  new 
system,  which  received  the  unanimous  verdict  of  the  jury,  and  was  awarded  a  gold  medal  in  compe- 
tition with  all  the  principal  piano  manufacturers  of  the  country.  This  new  invention  may  be  briefly 
described  as  an  overstrung,  square  piano,  in  which  the  newly  constructed  iron  frame  was  so  applied 
as  to  secure  its  benefits  to  the  durability  and  capacity  of  standing  in  tune,  while  the  nasal,  thin  tone, 
which  had  heretofore  characterized  pianos  with  the  iron  frame,  was  done  away  with,  and  a  lasting  tone, 
of  full  harmonious  quality,  produced.  This  new  system  of  construction  achieved  so  great  a  success 
that  Steinway  &  Sons  invariably  received  the  first  prize  at  every  art  exhibition  in  which  they  partici- 
pated, and  the  new  method  soon  became,  and  has  since  remained,  the  standard  for  square  pianos,  and 
is  now  used  by  all  manufacturers.  The  business  of  the  firm  increased  to  such  an  extent  that  in  1858 
they  purchased  almost  all  the  entire  block  of  ground  bounded  by  Fourth  and  Lexington  avenues, 
Fifty-second  and  Fifty-third  streets,  on  which  a  model  factory  was  erected  during  1859,  and  occupied 
in  April,  i860.  In  1863  it  was  found  necessarj'  to  add  the  southern  wing,  by  which  the  building  was 
brought  to  its  present  colossal  proportions.  The  architecture  of  the  building  is  of  the  modern  Italian 
style;  it  is  built  in  the  most  solidly  substantial  manner,  of  the  best  brick,  with  lintel  arches  of  the 
same,  and  brick  dental  cornices.  The  side  wings  are  separated  from  the  main  front  building  by  solid 
walls,  extending  from  basement  to  roof;  passageways  running  through  them,  each  of  which  is 
provided  with  double  iron  doors  on  either  side,  so  that  in  the  event  of  a  fire  occurring  only  that 
portion  of  the  building  in  which  it  originated  can  be  destroyed.  The  factory  buildings  proper  cover 
twenty  city  lots,  the  whole  property  consisting  of  twenty-six  lots,  with  a  street  frontage  of  892  feet. 
The  floors  of  the  New  York  factory  buildings  have  a  surface  of  175,140  square  feet.  Beneath  the 
3'ard  there  are  fire-proof  vaults  for  the  storage  of  coal,  and  here  are  also  placed  four  steam  boilers, 
aggregating  340  horse-power,  by  which  the  necessary  amount  of  steam  is  generated  for  the  76,000 
feet  of  pipe  used  in  heating  the  workshops  and  driving  a  large  steam  engine,  this  in  turn  putting  in 
motion  the  different  labor-saving  machines.  It  would  require  the  extent  of  a  goodly  sized  volume  to 
describe  the  165  different  planing,  sawing,  jointing,  drilling,  mortising,  turning,  and  other  machines  used 
in  this  and  the  Astoria  factory,  and  to  elucidate  their  various  objects;  it  must,  therefore,  suffice  to  state, 
that  from  careful  and  moderate  estimate,  they  replace  the  hand  labor  of  at  least  nine  hundred  work- 
men, added  to  which  they  do  all  the  hard  and  difficult  work,  which  formerly  to  so  great  an  extent 
endangered  the  health,  and  even  the  lives,  of  the  workmen  employed  in  this  description  of 
labor.  In  the  meantime  the  warerooms  had  remained  in  Nos.  82  and  84  Walker  street, 
these  having  been  brought  into  connection  with  the  factory,  three  and  a  half  miles  distant,  by  a 
magnetic  telegraph  built  expressly  for  the  purpose.  The  improvements  which  had  been  made  in  such 
continuous  succession  since  1855  by  Messrs.  Steinway  &  Sons,  and  for  which  they  had  obtained 
patents,  extended  also  to  the  manufacture  of  grand  pianos.  In  these  latter  instruments  an  entirely 
new    system  of   construction    was    introduced,    with    such    unqualified    success  that  they    were  very 


40  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

extensively  used  in  the  concert  room  and  by  musical  people  generally.  Theodore  Stein  way, 
in  Brunswick,  at  the  same  time  made  pianos  of  the  newly  invented  construction,  on  the  model 
of  those  manufactured  by  his  father  and  brothers  in  New  York,  and  as  early  as  the  season  of 
1 860-6 1  many  renowned  pianists  performed  on  these  new  grand  pianos  at  their  concerts  in 
tiermany.  Messrs.  Steinway  &  Sons  have  received  for  their  pianos,  from  the  year  1855  to 
1862,  at  the  leading  industrial  exhibitions  in  the  United  States,  no  less  than  thirty-five  first  prize 
medals;  and  at  the  World's  Fair,  in  London,  in  1862  the  pianos  there  exhibited  by  them  received 
the  highest  recognition  and  were  honored  by  the  award  of  a  first  prize  medal.  The  New  York 
warerooms  of  the  firm  had  become  the  rendezvous  of  leading  artists  and  connoisseurs,  and  were  soon 
found  totally  insufficient  in  accommodation  for  the  large  dimensions  the  business  had  reached. 

There  was  consequently  erected  in  1863  a  depository  and  sales  house,  an  extensive  and  handsome 
marble  palace  on  East  14th  Street,  between  Union  Square  and  the  Academy  of  Music.  In  connection 
with  tiiis  there  also  arose,  through  the  enterprise  and  public  spirit  of  this  successful  hou.se,  the  famous 
Steinway  Hall,  one  of  the  most  celebrated  concert  rooms  in  America.  This  building,  the  public  use 
of  which  was  inaugurated  October  31,  1866,  with  a  concert  of  great  distinction,  in  which  Parepa  Rosa 
was  the  leading  singer,  in  reality  contained  two  halls,  one  capable  of  seating  two  thousand,  and  the 
other  four  hundred  persons,  and  until  1890,  when  it  was  rebuilt  to  give  way  to  the  demands  of 
business,  it  is  not  an  exaggeration  to  say  that  it  was  more  prominently  identified  with  the  musical 
history  of  America  than  was  any  other  assembly  place  in  the  country.  It  was  practically  a  gift  from 
Steinway  &  Sons  to  the  musical  and  art-loving  people  of  the  metropolis. 

But  while  pecuniary  success  and  artistic  achievement  were  at  their  very  height — while  the  huge 
accretion  of  business  had  rendered  necessary  the  erection  of  immense  buildings,  and  connoisseurs 
crowded  the  salesrooms  of  the  firm  and  vied  with  each  other  in  praise  of  the  great  excellence  that  had 
been  given  to  the  Steinwaj-  instruments — the  talented  family  that  had  labored  together  as  a  unit  for 
the  accomplishment  of  these  results  met  with  its  first  great  bereavement.  Death  twice  invaded  that 
devoted  family  circle  in  the  year  1865.  Henry,  the  third  son,  succumbed  on  the  nth  of  March  to 
disease  which  had  depressed  him  for  several  years,  and  Charles,  the  second  son,  while  on  a  European 
tour,  died  in  Brunswick,  Germany,  of  typhoid  fever,  on  the  31st  of  the  same  month  and  year. 

It  was  in  consequence  of  these  misfortunes  that  C.  F.  Theodore  Steinway,  the  eldest  son,  who  had 
remained  in  German}'  and  carried  on  there  a  very  successful  business  in  the  manufacture  of  pianos, 
gave  up  his  individual  enterprise  at  Brunswick,  and,  coming  to  New  York  in  October,  1865,  merged 
his  fortune  with  that  of  the  family,  the  business  being  thus  continued  by  Henry  E.  Steinway,  the 
father,  and  his  three  remaining  sons,  William,  Theodore,  and  Albert.  William  Steinway  retained 
special  charge  of  the  financial  and  business  affairs  of  the  firm.  The  new  member  of  the  firm  became 
the  scientific  director,  and  many  of  the  succeeding  triumphs  of  the  house  were  attributable  to  his  skill 
and  inventiveness.  He  brought  with  him  from  the  fatherland  several  experienced  workmen,  who 
became  the  nucleus  for  the  great  department  soon  organized  for  the  manufacture  of  the  upright  piano 
which  William  Steinway  had  patented  June  9,  1866,  and  were  introduced  and  brought  to  such  great 
popularity  that  it  took  precedence  over  all  others.  The  square  piano  has  now  become  extinct,  and 
ninety -seven  per  cent,  of  all  the  pianos  manufactured  in  the  United  States  are  now  uprights,  and,  in  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  imitations  of  those  first  constructed  and  patented  by  William  and  Theodore 
Steinway. 

The  valuable  improvements  made  in  this  form  of  piano  by  the  Stcinways  were  various,  but  the 
most  imixirtant — which  amounted,  in  fact,  to  an  entire  new  construction  and  included  the  introduc- 
tion of  a  double  iron  frame  and  numerous  devices  which  secured  a  sustained  singing  tone  of  pure  and 
sympathetic  quality,  together  with  the  capability  of  standing  long  in  tune — were  embodied  in  said 
patent  of  June  5,  1866.  Another  very  pronounced  improvement,  made  applicable  to  the  grand  as 
well  as  upright  piano,  was  "the  Steinway  metallic  tubular  frame  action,"  patented  in  1868.  It  was 
by  this  invention  that  the  touch  of  these  instruments  was  brought  to  its  present  perfection  and  nn- 
changealileness  by  atmospheric  influences. 

As  one  of  the  first  results  of  the  earlier  of  these  improvements  came  an  unprecedented  triumph 
in  the  Universal  Exposition  in  Paris  in  the  year  1867.  The  Steinways  competed  there  with  consider- 
able confidence,  and  yet  they  were  scarcely  prepared  for  the  honor  which  they  received.  They  were 
awarded  by  the  uiianinwus  verdict  of  the  jury  the  first  prize  grand  gold  medals  on  all  three  styles, 
grand,  square,  and  upright  pianos.     This  gave  the  Steinway  piano  a  prestige  and  primacy  abroad,  as 


l^r^-^ 


H^'^ 


'/. 


V 


^^  f 


///STORY  O/'  LONG  /S/.AND  C/TY.  43 

well  as  in  America,  and  a  world-wide  fame,  which  constantly  grew  more  pronounced  as  one  great 
artist  after  another  added  his  encomium  of  praise  to  the  verdict  of  the  Universal  Exposition  Jury  of 
Awards.  Of  these  expressions  the  keynote  was  sounded  when  Dr.  Joseph  Joachim  said:  "  Steinway 
is  to  the  pianist  what  Stradivari  is  to  the  violinist."  Felicien  David  gave  speedy  evidence  of  his 
recognition  of  the  superlative  achievement  of  the  firm,  and  Franz  Liszt,  the  great  Richard  Wagner, 
Anton  Rubinstein,  and  tiie  celebrated  French  composer,  Charles  Gounod,  soon  followed  with  spon- 
taneous and  enthusiastic  C(jngratulations.  These  were  only  the  first  few  among  the  famous  music 
masters  of  the  world  who,  sooner  or  later,  paid  tribute  to  the  winners  of  the  triumph. 

As  these  results  were  reached,  Henry  Englehard  Steinway  was  approaching  the  alhjtted  span  of 
life — the  three  score  and  ten  years  of  the  jisalmist's  promise.  He  lived  a  few  years  beyond  it,  in 
semi-retirement,  and  beheld  the  culmination  of  his  long  lifetime  of  well-directed  endeavor  experienc- 
ing with  praiseworthy  and  profound  gratification  the  crowning  of  his  labor.s.  His  last  active  duties, 
of  any  considerable  moment,  were  in  the  superintendence  of  the  erection  of  Steinway  Hall,  in  1866, 
and  he  died,  after  a  .short  illness,  Feb.  7,  1871,  aged  seventy-four  years. 

By  virtue  of  his  abilities  and  his  inborn  strength  of  character,  he,  an  orphan  boy,  became  one  of 
the  greatest  manufacturers  in  his  special  industry,  not  only  of  his  own  country,  but  of  the  world ;  and 
died  universally  regretted  and  lovingly  remembered  by  all  who  had  known  him,  as  was  evidenced  by 
the  many  kindly  obituaries  which  appeared  at  tiie  time  of  his  death.  His  remains  were  interred  by 
the  side  of  his  sons  Charles  and  Henry,  Jr.,  and  his  youngest  daughter  Anna,  in  the  family  vault  on 
Chapel  Hill,  Greenwood  Cemetery,  which  the  deceased  had  caused  to  be  erected  during  1869-70  at  a 
cost  of  §80,000.  Tliis  mausoleum,  built  of  granite,  is  one  of  the  most  imposing  structures  of  Green- 
wood Cemetery. 

The  year  1877  again  brought  misfortune  to  the  family,  Mr.  Albert  Steinway  dying  of  typhoid 
fever.  May  14,  1877,  after  an  illness  of  two  weeks,  aged  nearly  thirty-seven  years;  and  Julia  Stein- 
way, his  mother,  the  widow  of  Henry  Steinway,  Sr. ,  dying  August  9  following,  aged  nearly  seventy- 
four  years. 

Following  the  example  of  their  revered  father,  the  surviving  sons  industriously  toiled  on  in  their 
several  spheres  as  is  shown  by  the  following  biographical  sketclies. 

C.    F.    THEODORE   STEINWAY. 

C.  F.  Theodore  Steinway,  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  head  (together  with  his  brother  William),  of 
the  great  piano  manufacturing  house  of  Steinway  &  Sons,  New  York,  was  born  November  6,  1825,  in 
Seesen,  near  the  city  of  Hrunswick,  Germany.  Being  the  oldest  son,  his  early  history  was  closely 
interwoven  with  the  development  of  the  business  career  of  his  father,  the  late  Henry  E.  Steinway, 
wliose  portrait  and  biography  are  given  in  preceding  pages.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  his 
first  tuition  in  music  in  1833,  and  until  the  year  1839  attended  the  celebrated  high  school  of  the 
Jacobsohn  Institute  at  his  native  town.  At  this  time  young  Theodore's  highly  developed  skill  in 
playing  the  pianoforte,  and  his  acute  musical  ear,  had  become  too  valuable  to  his  father  not  to  be 
utilized,  and,  being  already  able  to  perfectly  tune  and  regulate  a  piano,  he  entered  his  fathers 
business,  and  step  by  step,  under  his  father's  careful  training,  perfected  himself  in  the  art  of  build- 
ing pianos.  As  early  as  August,  1839,  he  attended  and  publicly  showed  off  and  played  the  three 
pianos,  viz.,  one  grand,  one  three-stringed,  and  one  two-stringed  square,  exhibited  by  his  father  at 
the  State  Fair  in  Brunswick,  with  the  celebrated  composer  Albert  Methfessel  as  chairman  of  the  jury, 
who,  besides  granting  the  First  Premium,  bestowed  the  highest  encomiums  upon  the  tone  and  work- 
manship of  the  pianos.  Dr.  Ginsberg,  Director  of  the  Jacobsohn  Institute,  him.self  a  thorough 
scientist,  manifested  deep  interest  toward  young  Theodore,  carefully  guiding  his  scientific  education, 
placing  at  his  disposal  the  Jacobsohn  library  and  lecture-room,  the  latter  containing  all  the  acoustic 
and  scientific  apparatus  known  at  that  period.  In  return  Theodore  a.ssisted  the  teachers  and  profess- 
ors of  acoustics  and  mathematics  in  their  lectures  and  experiments.  Here  it  soon  became  clear  to 
him  that  a  pianoforte  in  reality  is  a  physical  instrument  for  the  production  of  sound.  But  the  reali- 
zation of  this  early-conceived  conviction  was  destined  to  be  delayed  for  several  decades,  when 
Theodore  Steinway,  as  matured  inventor  and  creator  of  the  new  system  of  building  pianos,  finally 
and  totally  abandoned  the  old  school  of  piano-making,  which  depended  entirely  upon  autodactic  usages, 
and  tenaciously  adhered  to  contradictory  systems,  unable  to  stand  before  the  application  and  tests  of 


44 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


scientific  principles.  But  leaving  this  theme  as  too  voluminous  for  the  object  of  this  biography,  we 
return  to  the  early  history  of  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway.  In  May,  1850,  when  the  father,  Henry  E. 
Steinway,  with  his  family,  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  young  Theodore  was  free  from  military 
service,  and  this  was  the  principal  reason  why  he  was  selected  to  carry  on  and  finish  up  the  father's 
business.  In  the  year  1852  Mr.  Theodore  married  a  highly  cultured  young  lady  in  his  native  town, 
and  the  cherished  idea  of  winding  up  business  and  joining  the  rest  of  the  family  in  New  York  was 
abandoned,  the  more  so  as  the  social  and  political  conditions  of  Germany  had  vastly  improved,  and 
with  it  Mr.  Theodore's  business,  which  became  so  extended  and  prosperous  that  in  1859  it  was 
removed  to  the  city  of  Brunswick,  where  within  a  few  years  he  built  up  a  large,  lucrative  business, 
the  reputation  of  which  extended  all  over  central  Europe.-     In    1862   he  met  his  brother  Henry,  Jr., 


MAI'   OK   LONG    ISI,ANI>   crfV    WITH    "STEINWAY.       ALSO   SHOWING    LOCATON   OF    NORTH    IIKACH    WITH    TUK   GRAND    PUiR 


at  the  World's  Fair  in  London,  where  Steinway  &  Sons  w^cre  awarded  a  First  Prize  Medal  for  their 
pianos  exhibited  on  that  (iccasion.  In  May,  1864,  Mr.  Theodore  and  his  wife  made  a  trip  of  pleasure 
and  recreation  to  New  York,  when  the  whole  family — father,  mother,  five  sons  and  two  daughters — 
were  for  the  first  and  last  time  reunited.  In  March,  1865,  great  private  misfortunes  fell  upon  the 
family,  the  second  son,  Charles,  succumbing  to  an  attack  of  typhoid  fever  while  on  a  visit  of  recrea- 
tion to  Brunswick,  Germany,  and  the  third  son,  Henry,  who  had  been  ill  for  several  years,  dying  in 
New  York.  These  misfortunes  were  the  direct  cause  of  Mr.  Theodore's  removal  to  New  York,  for 
though  himself  in  afHuent  circumstances,  the  sole  po.ssessor  of  a  lucrative  celebrated  piano  manufac- 
tory, his  loyalty  and  devotion  to  the  family  and  his  aged   parents  outweighed  all  other  considerations. 


n /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CI  TV 


45 


In  October,  1865,  ^Ir.  Theodore  accompanied  by  his  wife,  arrived  in  New  York,  entered  as  full 
|);utner  in  the  business  of  Steinway  &  Sons,  and  became  scientific  director  of  the  factory,  to  which  he 
devoted  his  inventive  genius  and  ener<jy,  while  his  brother  William,  continued  in  the  mercantile  and 
financial  alTairs  of  the  firm.  In  1866  they  erected  Steinway  Hall,  the  splendid  acoustic  pro])erlies  of 
which  are  well  known  and  appreciated  by  artists  and  musicians.  With  every  circumstance  and  advan- 
tage favorable,  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway 's  inventive  genius  rai)idly  developed.  He  first  constructed 
upright  pianos,  which  were  able  to  stand  the  effects  of  the  severe  Xorth  American  climate  as  well  as 
the  grand  and  square  had  done.  Inferior  French  upright  pianos  had  created  widespread  prejudice 
against  upright  models,  particularly  against  poor  American  imitations. 

In  Germany  his  upright  pianos  had  achieved  much  reputation.  He  had  al.so  brought  along  work- 
men highly  skilled  in  making  such  instruments.  These  men  formed  the  nucleus  of  a  department  for 
the  manufacture  of  upright  pianos  in  Xew  York.  Though  great  success  attended  the  venture,  and 
ui)right  pianos  of  superior  tone,  touch,  and  durability  were  constructed,  yet  a  great  obstacle  was  met 
in  the  disinclination  of  workmen,  who  had  been  trained  to  make  grand  and  square  instruments,  to 
learn  the  making  of  uprights.      But  Theodore  was  nothing  daunted.      His  energy,  perseverance,  and 


PROTESTANT    INION   CHURCH,    STEINWAY. 

skill  introduced  the  new  instruments,  and  now  they  are  preferred  by  the  American  public  to  the 
square  pianos.  Of  the  80,000  pianofortes  annually  made  in  this  country,  fully  95  per  cent,  are 
upright  pianos,  more  or  less  imitations  of  the  systems  inaugurated  and  patented  by  Theodore 
Steinway.  Of  the  34  patents  granted  by  the  United  States  to  Theodore  Steinway  from  1866  to  1869, 
no  less  than  62  claims  in  patents  relate  to  upright  pianos.  Shortly  after  introducing  the  upright 
pianos,  his  attention  was  directed  to  the  grand  piano,  the  most  natural  and  perfect  stringed 
instrument  in  existence.  B}-  national  patent  to  Henry  Steinway,  Jr.,  December  20,  1859,  for  his 
overstrung  system,  vast  improvements  in  tone  and  durability  of  grand  pianos  had  already  been 
achieved  in  comparison  with  the  old  parallel-string  system  in  grand  pianos  of  other  makers.     While 


46 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


the  total  tension  (pull)  of  the  strings  in  a  European  grand  never  exceeded  20,000  pounds,  Steinway  & 
Son's  grands  already  averaged  25,000  pounds  of  strain.  Meanwhile  piano  strings  of  steel  had  V)een 
greatly  perfected  and  Theodore's  scientific  tests  on,  his  own  constructed  testing  machine,  had 
convinced  him  that  the  tension  of  the  strings  in  a  grand  piano  might  be  doubled,  and  beauty  and 
power  of  tone  vastly  increased,  provided  the  power  of  resistance  to  this  increased  pull  of  the  strings 
could  be  secured  in  the  construction  of  the  instrument.  The  difficulty  was  well  nigh  insurmountable. 
The  cast-iron  frames  produced  for  all  piano  manufacturers  in  ordinary  foundries  were  not  firm  and 
reliable  enough  to  withstand  such  increase  of  strain.  Theodore,  in  the  spring  of  1869,  went  to  Europe 
and  carefully  studied  the  latest  achievements  of  the  steel  and  iron  industry  (in  the  fall  going  also  to 
Egypt  to  witness  the  ceremonies  of  the  opening  of  the  Suez  Canal),  until  the  fall  of  1870,  when  he 
returned  to  New  York,  and  finally  succeeded  in  producing  a  steel  casting  invariably  withstanding  a 
crushing  strain  of  upward  of  5000  pounds  per  square  centimetre,  while  ordinary  cast-iron  will  break 


under  one-half  of  such  pull.  Steinway  &  Sons,  in  1872,  erected  their  own  foundry  at  Astoria,  opposite 
One  Hundred  and  Twentieth  street.  New  York,  producing  their  own  steel  cupola-shaped  frames  for  every 
piano  manufactured  by  them  since.  After  inventing  and  patenting  in  1872  his  duplex  scale,  and,  in 
1875,  the  present  grand  piano  repetition  action,  and  new  steel  frame  construction  in  grand  pianos — 
all  of  which  secured  to  his  firm  the  highest  award  for  pianos  and  piano  metal-frame  castings,  viz., 
"  Highest  degree  of  excellence  in  all  their  styles  of  pianos,"  at  the  Centennial  Exhibition,  Philadel- 
phia, 1876 — Mr.  Theodore  in  1877-78  invented  and  patented  an  entirely  new  system  in  the  wooden 
architecture  of  grand  pianos.  The  old  way  of  building  up  the  interior  and  exterior  grand-piano  cases 
of  .short  pieces,  joined  together  like  brick,  was  abandoned,  and  in  its  stead  an  entirely  new  system 
created,  by  which  a  series  of  layers  of  wood  in  one  length  were  glued  together  and  bent  into  the 
required  form  by  means  of  immense  steel  presses.  Thus  the  problem  was  solved  to  apply  the  law  of 
science,  according  to  which  the  tone  vibrations  invariably  follow  the  longitudinal  fibre  of  the  wood, 
while  cross-fibres  interrupt  the  vibrations.  A  parlor  grand  only  six  feet  long  was  constructed  embody- 
ing the  new  construction  of  the  steel  cupola  frame  and  construction  of  exterior  and   interior  case,  of 


///.S/V'AT  (>/•■  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  47 

comparative  lightness  and  elc<;ance,  yet  having  fully  50,000  pounds  tension  of  strings  and  being  far 
superior  in  power  and  beauty  of  tone  to  even  the  large  concert  grand,  which,  at  the  Paris  Exposition 
of  1867,  had  been  crowned  with  the  first  of  the  grand  gold  medals  of  merit.  This  new  system  was  at 
once  applied  to  all  parlor  and  concert  grands  produced  by  the  firm,  necessitating  the  establishment  of 
Steinway  &  Sons'  own  steam  saw-mill  at  Astoria,  in  order  to  saw  logs  of  twenty-three  feet  length  into 
the  veneers  and  layers  required.  In  his  thirty-four  United  States  patents,  sixty-three  claims  relate  to 
grand  pianos.  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway  attended  personally  to  tiie  exhibition  of  Steinway  &  Sons' 
grand,  upright,  and  square  pianos  at  the  Paris  World's  Fair  of  1S67.  His  inventions  shown  in  the 
pianos  at  that  time,  especially  the  compression  of  the  sound-board  and  regulating  its  tension  to  the 
pull  of  the  strings,  created  considerable  sensation  in  musical  and  scientific  circles.  His  Majesty,  the 
King  of  Sweden,  Carl  v.,  awarded  the  grand  honorary  gold  medal  to  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway,  and 
tlie  Swedish  Royal  Academy  of  Fine  Arts  bestowed  academical  honors  upon  him.  In  the  fall  of  1867, 
on  invitation,  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway  delivered  an  oration  before  the  assembled  Royal  Academy  of 
Fine  Arts,  Berlin,  Prussia,  and  was  (together  with  his  brother  William),  elected  Academical  Member. 
In  the  same  year  Mr.  Theodore  was  voted  a  grand  testimonial  medal  of  merit,  and  elected  an  Honorary 
Member  by  the  Societe  des  Beaux  Arts,  Paris.  In  1880  His  Highness,  the  Duke  of  Brunswick, 
bestowed  upon  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway  the  grand  gold  medal  of  the  State  for  his  achievements  in  the 
art  of  piano-building.  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway  traveled  extensively;  in  his  younger  days,  all  over 
central  Europe  to  study  in  his  business,  and  later  on  in  America,  Europe,  and  Africa,  always  with  a 
view  of  studying  the  achievements  and  requirements  of  the  different  races  as  to  musical  instruments. 
He  possessed  one  of  the  rarest  collections  of  musical  instruments  of  all  ages  in  existence,  and  was 
himself  a  most  profound  student  and  thorough  expert  in  that  direction,  and  acquainted  with  every 
form  of  piano  ever  attempted  in  any  country.  Under  Mr.  Theodore  Steinway's  personal  practical 
tuition  his  grown-up  nephews,  Charles  H.  Steinway,  Fred.  T.  Steinway,  George  A.  Steinway,  and 
Henry  Ziegler,  were  trained  as  expert,  scientific  piano-makers,  to  enable  them  to  successfully 
conduct  Steinway  &  Sons'  establishments  in  New  York,  Astoria,  London,  and  Hamburg,  under 
Theodore  Steinway's  motto: 

"Geselle  ist  wer  was  kann, 

Meister  ist  wer  was  ersann, 

Lehrling  ist  Jedermann." 

TR.\NSLAT10N  : 

"Journeymen  are  all  who  can. 
Master,  he  who  invents  the  plan. 
Apprentice  each  and  every  man." 
C.  F.  Theodore  Steinway  died  March  26,  18S9,  while  at  Brunswick,   Germany. 

\VII.I.1.\M  STEINWAY. 

William  Steinway,  President  of  the  world-renowned  house  of  Steinway  &  Sons,  and  distinguished 
alike  for  public  spiritedness,  marked  ability,  and  purity  of  character,  was  born  in  Seesen,  near  the 
City  of  Brunswick,  Germany,  March  5,  1836.  He  came  from  a  family  of  good  reputation,  some  of 
whose  members  had  served  their  country  with  honorable  distinction  as  soldiers  and  magistrates.  His 
father,  Henry  Englehard  Steinway  (see  preceding  biography),  was  a  successful  artisan  and  prosperous 
piano  manufacturer  of  Seesen.  William  was  educated  at  the  excellent  and  thorough  schools  of  his 
native  town,  finishing  at  the  celebrated  Jacobsohn  High  School.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  was 
proficient  in  English  and  French,  as  well  as  in  German,  and  had  already  begun  to  display  remark- 
able aptitude  for  music — a  trait  which,  in  practical  America,  is  often  looked  upon  as  a  token  of 
weakness  in  a  busy  man,  but  with  him  was  an  indication  of  genius.  At  fourteen  he  could  play  the 
most  difficult  compositions  upon  the  piano,  and  his  unerring  ear  enabled  him  to  tune  the  instrument 
perfectly,  even  for  concert  use.  His  father,  Henry  E.  Steinway,  was  a  man  of  active  mind  and 
extended  reading  and  awake  to  opportunities;  and  he  conceived  the  idea  of  transferring  his  business 
to  the  New  World. 

William  Steinway,  who  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  upon  arriving  in  America  was  offered  by  his 
father  the  choice  of  a  trade  or  education  as  a  great  musician.  He  preferred  the  formei'  and  was 
apprenticed  to  William  Nunns  &  Co.,  of  88  Walker  Street.     On   March   5,  1853,  he  joined  his  father 


4^ 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


and  his  brothers  Cliarles  and  Henry  in  the  founding  of  the  house  of  Steinway  &  Sons.  Father  and 
sons  had  sufficient  capital  to  manufacture  on  an  extended  scale,  but  they  wisely  began  in  a  small  way, 
in  a  rear  building  on  Varick  street,  rented  for  the  purpose.  At  that  time,  many  cultivated  people 
thought  no  piano  good  which  was  not  imported  from  Europe.  With  four  or  five  workmen  the 
Steinways  built  one  square  piano  a  week,  father  and  sons  taking  part,  as  artisans,  in  their  production. 
William'made  the  sounding-boards.  Their  pianos  soon  attracted  the  attention  of  musicians  and  the 
public.  The  beauty  and  power  and  the  fine  workmanship  shown  in  the  instruments  were  recognized 
at  once.  The  Steinway  pianos  conquered  their  way  by  their  own  indisputable  merits,  and  the  demand 
for  them  rapidly  increased.  More  extensive  quarters  soon  became  necessary,  and  were  engaged,  in 
1S54,  at  No.  88  Walker  street.  Mr.  Nunns  had  failed,  and  the  Steinways  rented  the  quarters  he  had 
occupied.      It  may  be  said  here  that  William    Steinway  lost  $300  back  wages  by   Mr.  Nunns'  failure. 

He  forgave  the  debt,  however,  and 
through  affection  and  respect  even 
assisted  Mr.  Nunns  with  monthlj' 
contributions  until  the  latter's  death, 
in  1864,  at  the  age  of  eightj-  years; 
thus  early  in  life  displaying  the 
largeness  of  heart  and  unostentatious 
generosity  of  character  which  have 
always  been  conspicuous  traits  of  the 
man.  The  growing  magnitude  of 
the  business  now  compelled  father 
and  sons  to  resign  their  fascinating 
work  at  the  bench  and  to  devote 
their  whole  attenti<.>n  to  the  general 
management  of  the  affairs  of  the 
rising  liouse.  It  fell  to  the  lot  of 
^Villianl  Steinway  to  conduct  the 
n)ercantile  and  financial  affairs  of 
the  firm;  and  he  brought  to  his 
department  an  abilit}'  and  force 
which  insured  the  continual  tri- 
umphant growth  of  the  business. 
In  1S59  the  Steinways  built  their 
present  factory  on  Fourth  avenue, 
from  Fifty-second  street  to  Fifty- 
third  street,  taking"  possession  in 
April,  i860,  and  in  1863,  by  the 
addition  of  its  southerly  wing,  bring- 
ing same  to  its  present  colossal 
proportions.  In  March,  1865, 
C.liarles  and  Henry,  Jr.,  died;  and 
Theodore,  giving  up  the  flourishing 
business  in  Germany,  as  has  been  said,  came  to  New  York  and  became  a  partner  in  the  New  York 
house. 

The  Steinway  pianos  soon  began  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  world.  After  being  awarded  thirty- 
five  American  medals,  they  won  a  first  prize  medal  at  the  World's  Fair,  in  London,  in  1862.  In  1867, 
at  the  Paris  International  Ex|)osition,  tliey  won  the  first  of  the  grand  gold  medals  of  honor  for  their 
perfect  .stjuare,  upright  and  grand  pianos  after  a  close  and  exciting  contest  with  the  best  makers  of 
Europe.  This  was  a  remarkable  success;  and  the  Steinway  system  of  construction  thereupon  became 
the  standard  with  the  jnano  makers  of  the  world.  Equally  great  were  their  successes  at  the  Centen- 
nial lixhibition,  at  Philadel))hia,  in  1876,  and  the  International  Inventions  Exhibition,  at  London,  in 
1885,  on  which  latter  occasion  the  grand  gold  medal  was  awai-ded  them  for  the  supreme  excel- 
lence of  their  pi  inofortes  and  their  useful  and  meritorious  inventions;  and  a  grand  gold 
medal     was    :dso    awarded    them    by    the     London     Society   of     Arts,    the    Prince    of    \V'ales    being 


I  AUNG    l.ll'.KAKY. 


insroRY  or  /.(<.\(,  /.s/..t.\/>  c  1 1  v 


49 


President.  Large  orders  and  dislinj;iiislied  honors  poured  in  upon  the  firm  from  all  quarters. 
They  became  the  Court  piano  manufacturers  to  the  Queen  of  Enj;land,  the  f>ueen  of  Spain, 
the  Emperor  of  Germany,  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Wales,  and  the  (Jueen  of  Italy.  Illustrious 
composers  and  artists  bought  and  used  their  instruments,  including  Liszt,  Wagner,  Helmholtz,  Rubin- 
stein, Paderewski,  Theodore  Thomas,  Patti,  Gerster,  JoserTy,  Rosenthal,  and  others.  The  public  of 
America  was  conquered,  and  the  lirm  prospered  in  fortune  and  in  reputation  every  year.  The 
finishing  of  piano  No.  25,000,  made  for  the  Czarowitz  of  Russia,  was  celebrated  bj-  the  firm  and  its 
thousand  workmen.  May  4,  1872.  Piano  No.  50,000,  believed  to  be  the  finest  grand  produced  by  the 
house  up  to  that  time,  was  bought  by  Baron  Nathaniel  de  Rothschild,  of  Vienna,  and  dispatched  by 
the  Hamburg  Steamer,  Bohemia,  September  15,  1883.  The  number  reached  July  i,  1895,  was  85,000, 
and  Steinway  &  Sons'  Piano  Works  are  conceded  t(j  l)e  by  far  the  largest  establishments  in  their  line 
in  the  world.  William  now  remains  alone  at  the  head  of  the  house,  its  only  surviving  founder,  though 
grandsons  of  the  original  founder  have  been  admitted  to  membership  in  due  succession.  It  is  chiefly 
owing  to  the  executive  efforts  and  foresight  of  William  Steinway,  that  this  city  is  indebted  for  the 
section  called  "Steinway."  That  part  of  [,ong  Island  City  represents  an  economic  policy,  which  has 
passed  the  experimental  stage  and  developed  into  prosperous  results,  which  may  well  attract  the 
ttention  of  those  interested  in  questions  of  ca])ital  and  labor.  The  project  of  such  a  manufacturing 
community  had  its  inception  in  the  labor  troubles,  which  twenty-five  years  ago  embarra.sed  the  work 
of    the    Steinwav    factorv    between 


1 


Fifty-second  and  Fifty-third  streets, 
New  York.  In  1869,  and  again  in 
1872,  there  were  strikes  in  this 
factory  which  necessitated  police 
protection  of  faithful  employes. 

Speaking  of  the  origin  of  Stein- 
way village  recently,  Mr.  William 
Steinway  said:  "For  several  years 
previous  to  1870  we  had  bcr 
looking  for  a  plot  of  land  away  fron 
the  city,  and  yet  within  easy  acce.'-s 
of  it,  for  the  erection  of  an  ad 
ditional  factory  rendered  necessary 
by  the  extension  of  our  busines.-- 
Tliere  were  two  reasons  why  we 
.sought   a     place     outside   the    city.  ,   1.  m    1  a n 

In     the   first    place,   we     wished    to 

escape  the  machinations  of  the  anarchists  and  socialists,  who  even  al  that  time — twenty-live 
years  ago — were  continually  breeding  discontent  among  our  workmen  and  inciting  them  to  strike. 
They  seemed  to  make  us  a  target  for  their  attacks,  and  we  felt  that  if  we  could  withdraw  our  work- 
men from  contact  with  these  pco])le.  and  the  other  temptations  of  city  life  in  the  tenement  districts, 
they  would  be  more  content  and  their  lot  would  be  a  happier  one.  Then  there  was  a  growing  demantl 
for  more  room  to  extend  our  facilities.  The  Fourth  avenue  factory  was  inadequate  for  our  wants, 
and  we  needed  in  addition  shipping  facilities  near  the  water,  and  a  basin  in  which  logs  could  be  stored 
in  water  to  keep  them  moist  and  prevent  them  from  cracking.  We  also  needed  a  large  space  for  a 
lumber  yard,  a  steam  .saw  mill  and  a  foundry,  and  many  other  important  adjuncts  to  our  factory 
facilities.  After  looking  about  for  several  years,  we  found  the  ideal  spot  at  the  place  now  known  as 
Steinway.  At  that  time  it  was  a  beautiful  garden  spot,  surrounded  by  waste  lands  and  vacant  lots. 
It  was  partly  wooded,  and  on  a  bluflf  stood  the  handsome  mansion  of  Benjamin  F.  Pike,  the  well- 
known  optician.  This  property  gave  us  upward  of  half-a-mile  of  water  front,  a  navigable  canal,  and 
plenty  of  room  for  our  own  foundry.  Of  course  we  had  to  create  means  and  facilities  for  reaching 
the  place  quickly,  which  occasioned  a  great  outlay  of  money,  and  while  difficulties  had  to  be 
surmounted,  the  project  has  proved  a  great  success.  It  is  the  geographical  center  of  Greater  New- 
York.  It  is  nearer  to  the  City  than  Harlem,  as  it  is  only  five  miles  from  City  Hall.  The  whole 
matter  has  had  an  ideal  result,  the  relations  between  employer  and  employed  are  cordial  in 
the   extreme,    and    as    an    indication    of    how   the    latter   have  prospered,    no    less    than   sixty  of 


je  HISTORY  OF  LOXG  fSLAXD  CITY. 

the  men  t-inpiuscd  in  Steinway  &  Sons'  factory,  own  their  own  houses,  while  some  of  them  own 
two  houses." 

Steinway  is  a  remarkably  thriving  village  now  of  over  7000  inhabitants.  Every  house  in  the 
village  is  supplied  with  pure  drinking  water  from  the  Long  Island  City  mains.  An  excellent  system 
of  sewerage  has  been  established  there,  and  gas  is  supplied  by  the  East  River  Gas  Company.  The 
gas  is  manufactured  in  the  city,  and  is  also  conveyed  from  Long  Island  in  a  tunnel  under  the  East 
River  all  over  New  York  Citj-. 

A  Protestant  church,  situated  on  a  plot  of  ground  100  by  125  feet,  corner  of  Albert  street  and 
Ditmars  avenue,  was  built  in  1889,  accommodating  over  1000  persons,  which  is  well  attended  by  the 
people  of  the  neighborhood,  and  contains  the  cathedral  organ,  formerly  at  Steinway  Concert  Hall, 
New  York  City.  A  German  Baptist  church  has  also  been  erected,  which  is  now  in  a  flourishing 
condition. 


£ 


■•■m^fsM 


The  public  spirited  and  philanthropic  endeavor  of  the  firm  has  resulted  in  solving  some  serious 
economic  problems,  and  offers  conditions  worthy  of  study  and  emulation.  Model  houses  have  been 
erected  for  the  workmen,  with  good  ventilation,  perfect  drainage  and  pure  water.  A  public  school- 
house  for  one  thousand  children  was  erected  in  1877,  and  the  firm  maintains  at  its  own  expense,  in 
addition  to  the  course  of  instruction  furnished  by  the  city,  a  teacher  who  gives  free  tuition  in  the 
(ierman  language  and  music.  A  public  bath-house,  with  fifty  dressing-rooms,  was  opened  in  the  spring 
of  1.S81,  and,  adjoining  at  the  riverside,  a  park  was  laid  out  for  a  popular  resort  for  old  and  young. 

The  Post  Office  Department  at  Washington,  in  1881,  established  a  post-office  in  the  place,  but 
now  the  free  delivery  system  has  been  introduced  all  over  Long  Island  City,  delivering  mails  four 
times  daily,  directly  to  every  house. 

In  addition  to  the  facilities  for  education  afforded  by  the  public  school,  Steinway  .t  Sons  have 
erected  a  handsome  building  for  the  Steinway  Free  Circulating  Library,  and  the   Free    Kindergarten. 


if/sroRV  OF  LOX(;  jsi..l\  n  u i  v.  51 

It  is  situated  on  the  Shore  Road  and  Albert  street,  in  the  centre  of  the  vilhigc.  All  of  these  advan- 
tajres,  which  they  enjoy  throiijjh  the  thoughtful  generosity  of  the  firm,  are  appreciated  by  the  army  of 
employees,  and  their  relations  are  most  cordially  friendly. 

Upon  William  Steinway,  personally,  though  in  recognition  of  the  attainments  of  the  house  of 
which  he  is  the  head,  rather  than  of  the  other  successful  enterprises  in  which  he  has  engaged,  more 
honors  have  been  conferred  than  can  well  be  mentioned  in  any  article  less  ample  than  an  exhaustive 
monograph.  As  far  back  as  1867  he  was  made  (as  was  also  his  brother,  C.  F.  Theodore),  a  member  of 
the  Royal  Prussian  Academy  of  Fine  Arts,  at  Berlin,  and  the  same  year  the  grand  gold  medal  was 
bestowed  upon  William  and  Theodore,  by  King  Charles  of  Sweden,  accompanied  by  an  autograph 
letter  from  Prince  Oscar,  now  King  of  vSweden.  While  abroad  in  the  autumn  of  1892,  Mr.  Steinway 
was  invited  to  an  audience  with  the  Kmpcror  and  Empress  of  (icrmany,  and  the  Emperor  jiresented 
him  with  his  portrait  bearing  the  imperial  autograph,  written  in  the  presence  of  his  guest.  "  Wilhelm, 
German  Emi)eror  and  King  of  Prussia,  Marble  Palais;  ii-ix-1892."  The  Empress  also  wrote  him  an 
autograph  letter,  thanking  him  for  his  gifts  to  the  Emperor  William  I.  Memorial  Church  in  Berlin. 
These  honors  were  followed  June  12,  1S93,  by  the  bestowal  upon  him  by  the  Emperor  of  the  Order  of 
the  Red  Eagle,  third  class,  the  highest  distinction  ever  conferred  by  the  German  crown  upon  a 
manufacturer.  Another  honor,  rare,  if  not  unique,  in  America,  was  that  conferred  ujjon  him  in  April, 
1894,  when  he  w;is  elected  honorary  member  of  the  oldest  and  most  renowned  academy  in  the  (dd 
world,  the  "  Royal  Academy  of  St.  Cecilia  of  Rome,"  founded  by  the  celebrated  composer,  Pnlestrina, 
in  15S4.     This,  as  the  diploma  reads,  was  "  on  account  of  his  eminent  merit  in  the  domain  of  music." 

It  is  not  alone  upon  his  achievements  in  connection  with  the  production  of  the  perfected  piano  that 
Mr.  Steinway's  prestige  in  music  rests.  It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  he  <nnd  his  house  have  been  the 
greatest  chcrishers  of  musical  endeavor  this  country  has  ever  known.  The  Steinways,  and  particularly 
William,  supported  Theodore  Thomas'  immensely  valuable  musical  enterprises  during  the  darkest  days 
of  that  great  conductor's  career,  and  but  for  them  it  would  have  been  impossible  for  New  Yorkers,  and 
the  people  of  the  country  generally,  to  have  heard  many  of  that  great  conductor's  early  concerts,  and 
the  cause  of  orchestral  music  would  have  lacked  the  powerful  initial  impetus  which  his  efforts  gave  it. 
Mr.  Steinway  has  been  a  liberal  supporter  of  other  great  artists,  instrumental  and  vocal,  and  nearly 
every  movement  of  .serious  and  ambitious  nature  in  the  musical  jirogress  of  the  metropolis  and  the 
nation  has  felt  the  encouragement  of  his  influence  and  received  his  aid  in  tangible  form  for  the  ])ast 
third  of  a  century  or  more.  During  a  period  of  twenty-five  years  Steinway  Hall  was  the  center  of  the 
musical  history,  not  alone  of  New  York,  but  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Steinway  is  a  member  of  the 
(ierman  Liederkranz  Society,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  powerful  musical  organizations  in  the  country, 
and  for  fourteen  seasons  was  its  president.  As  has  been  heretofore  noted,  he  was,  in  his  younger 
days,  noted  for  his  extraordinary  physical  strength,  and  as  the  possessor  of  a  beautiful  tenor  voice, 
which  has  been  freipiently  heard  in  the  high-class  concerts  of  this  society.  On  November  9,  1859,  at 
Schiller's  one  hundredth  birthday  festival,  in  the  performance  of  Beethoven's  Ninth  Symphony,  he  sang 
the  great  tenor  solo,  "  Free  Like  the  Sun,"  with  splendid  success.  The  primacj'  which  he  is  by 
common  consent  accorded  in  musical  circles,  was  attested  by  his  being  made  president  of  the  Columbus 
Festival,  held  at  the  Seventh  Regiment  Armory,  October  10,  1S92,  and  honorary  president  of  the  great 
musical  festival  held  at  Madison  Square  Garden,  New  York,  on  June  23-28,  1S94.  His  speech  on  the 
opening  night,  before  20,000  people,  was  most  satisfactory  in  matter  and  delivery,  and  was  published  in 
full  by  the  press  of  the  entire  country  and  partly  in  Europe.  We  see,  therefore,  that  large  as  is  the 
responsibility  of  chief  command  of  the  large  forces  gathered  in  his  great  piano  industry,  it  does  not 
entirely  monopolize  Mr.  Steinway's  energy  or  ability.  His  outside  investments  are  of  such  magnitude 
as  alone  to  distinguish  him  in  the  business  and  financial  world,  were  it  not  eclipsed  by  his  generalship 
in  the  conduct  of  piano  manufacture.  His  business  ability  is  phenomenal.  Since  1865  he  has  been  a 
trustee  and  vice-president  of  the  German  Savings  Bank,  one  of  the  solid  institutions  of  New  York. 
He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Bank  of  the  Metropolis,  in  187 1,  and  since  that  time  has  been  one  of 
its  directors.  He  is  vice-president  of  the  Oueens  County  Bank  of  this  city,  a  director  of  the  New  York 
and  College  Point  P'erry  Company,  president  of  the  New  York  Pianoforte  Manufacturer's  Society,  and 
officially  connected  with  numerous  other  similar  institutions.  Mayor  Grant,  in  1890,  appointed  him 
one  of  the  committee  of  one  hundred  citizens  to  carry  out  the  World's  Fair  project.  At  the  public 
meeting  in  City  Hall,  Mr.  Steinway  opened  the  subscription  lists  with  the  sum  of  $50,000,  and  when 
Congress  located  the  Fair  in  Chicago,  he  subscribed  and  paid  in  cash  §25,000  for  the  Fair  in  that  city. 


52  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

The  field  of  politics  is  inviting  to  Mr.  Steinvvay's  tastes  and  talents.  While  often  declining  public 
honors  and  responsibilities,  his  high  sense  of  duty  has  at  times  led  hira  to  the  acceptance  of  some 
high  positions.  He  was  on  the  famous  "committee  of  seventy  "  that  in  1871  successfully  prosecuted 
William  M.  Tweed  and  the  Tammany  Ring.  lie  presided  at  the  immense  popular  meeting  at  Cooper 
Institute.  October  29,  1S86,  which  indorsed  the  nomination  of  Abram  S.  Hewitt  for  Mayor.  He 
conducted  the  meeting  with  ability,  and  aided  in  the  achievement  of  its  results  by  his  eloquent 
address.  In  1888  he  was  the  member  of  the  Democratic  National  Committee  of  the  United  States, 
representing  the  State  of  New  York,  and  a  delegate  to  the  convention  which  nomniated  Mr. 
Cleveland  for  a  second  term. 

October  27,  1892,  Mr.  Steinvvay  presided  at  the  immense  mass-meeting  of  German-Americans  at 
Cooper  Institute.  Grover  Cleveland,  Carl  Schurz,  Oswald  Ottendorfer,  and  Dr.  Joseph  Senner  being 
the  other  speakers.  Upward  of  20,000  people  were  assembled.  Mr.  Steinway's  speech  was  reported 
in  full  all  over  the  United  States,  and  in  synopsis  cabled  to  Europe.  In  the  Presidential  election  of 
1892,  Mr.  Stein  way  was  one  (;f  the  Democratic  Electors  at   Large   for  the    State   of   New   York;  and 


SCENE   ON   SIEINWAV    AVENUE,    STEINWAY,    L.    I.    C. 


he  was  unanimously  elected  President  of  the  Electoral  College  at  the  Capitol  at  AHkuiv,  when  it  met 
on  January  9,  1893,  to  cast  the  vote  of  the  State  of  New  York  for  President  of  the  United  States, 
His  activity,  influence  and  ability  were  recognized  by  President  Cleveland  by  the  offer  of  a  number 
of  important  Federal  offices,  which,  however,  he  preferred  not  to  accept. 

The  ra|)id  transit  problem  in  New  York  has  been  one  of  the  great  questions  (if  jniblic  interest 
which  Mr.  Steinway  has  had  at  heart  during  the  past  two  years.  As  member  of  every  one  of  the  rapid 
transit  commissions  since  1890,  he  has  labored  diligently  to  discover  the  best  possible  plan  for 
furnishing  the  metropolis  the  ra])id  transit  which  it  needs,  and  soon  the  city  will  be  a  heavy  debtor 
for  the  discretion,  zeal  and  integrity  which  he  has  brought  to  this  onerous  work.  He  was  unani- 
mously re-appointed  a  commissioner  by  the  State  Legislature  under  the  new  law,  passed  May  22, 
1894,  which  abolished  the  old  commission,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  same  year  distributed  the  sum  of 
.■$6250,  allotted  to  him  by  the  Supreme  Court  for  his  services  on  said  commission,  among  fifteen  charity 
organizations  of  New  York  City,  and  did  the  same  thing  in  the  fall  of  1896  with  the  second  sum  of 
S5000  allowed  him. 


l/ISTORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  53 

Mr.  Stein  way  has  exercised  systematically  for  years  a  very  liberal,  philanthropic,  and  benevolent 
spirit.  Mis  benefactions  at  Steinway,  Li)nj>f  Island  City,  have  already  received  mention.  They  form 
only  a  small  part  of  the  foundation  for  good  that  lie  has  built.  Beside  a  large  number  of  charitable 
societies,  he  is  assisting  schools  and  libraries  with  annual  contributions  in  money,  has  annually  a 
number  of  young  people  taught  music  at  his  expense,  and  he  has  presented  many  charitable  institu- 
tions and  schools  with  pianofortes,  and  founded  annual  prizes  in  others.  In  1894  he  founded  two 
annual  prizes  of  $75  in  gold  each  in  the  New  York  Normal  College.  He  is  one  of  the  staunchest 
supporters  of  the  German  Hospital,  and  has  endowed  in  it  a  free  bed  and  various  sums  of  money. 
In  February,  1SS9,  the  great  fair  given  at  the  American  Institute,  for  the  benefit  of  this  institu- 
tion, and  managed  by  him  as  president,  at  great  expense  of  time  and  effort,  realized  a  net  profit 
of  §1 12,000. 

As  if  these  and  .scores  of  other  benefactions  and  his  constant  standing  as  a  rock  of  refuge  for  the 
needy  and  aspiring  artist,  musician,  and  teacher,  were  not  sufficient,  he  has  crossed  the  ocean  to  lay 
his  largeness  of  heart  to  the  benefit  (jf  the  people  of  his  native  town.  He  has  founded  in  See.sen  six 
annual  prizes  for  students,  and  pays  the  annual  school  money  for  no  less  than  seventy- five  parents. 
He  has  annually  sent  large  sums  for  the  poor,  and  also  presented  the  town  with  a  lieautiful  plot  of 
ground,  which  by  official  vote  of  the  people  was  named  in  his  honor.  "  Steinway  Park,"  and  has  been 
unanimously  elected  "  honorary  citizen."  He  is  a  Protestant  in  faith,  and  his  liberality  has  been  felt 
in  numerous  churches  and  their  auxiliary  institutions,  regardless  of  creed. 

Mr.  Steinway  has  been  twice  married.  Hy  his  first  wife,  whom  he  lost  in  1876,  he  has  two 
children,  George  A.  Steinway,  born  June  4,  1865,  now  a  member  of  the  house,  and  a  daughter,  Paula 
T.  Steinway,  born  December  13,  1866,  wife  of  Louis  von  Bernuth.  On  the  i6th  of  August,  1880,  he 
married  Miss  Elizabeth  C.  Ranft  (daugliter  of  Mr.  Richard  Ranft,  of  New  York  City,  a  well-known 
importer  of  pianoforte  materials).  She  died,  after  a  brief  illness,  March  4,  1893.  Their  happy  union 
was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  two  sons,  viz.:  William  R.  Steinway,  born  December  20,  1881,  and 
Theodore  Edwin  Steinway,  born  October  6,  1883,  and  a  daughter  Maud  Louise  Steinway,  born 
April  6,  1889. 

Mr.  Steinway  has  preserved  that  wise  old  world  capacity  for  enjoying  the  amenities  of 
life.  He  is  a  cultivated  gentleman,  greatly  appreciated  for  the  many  genial  qualities  which 
he  possesses  and  the  gentle  bearing  which  marks  the  possessor  of  greatest  and  truest  strength. 
He  is  a  prominent  figure  in  the  highest  club  and  social  circles,  and  valued  universally 
for  his  huge  achievements,  his  manly  integrity  and  moral  stamina,  fine  mental  ecpiipment, 
equipoise  of  nature,  and  all  that  contributes  to  the  symmetrical  development  of  a  forceful 
character. 

His  high  social  standing  is  illustrated  by  his  membership  in  the  Manhattan  Club  ;  the 
Liederkranz  Society,  of  which  he  has  been  fourteen  times  president  ;  the  Arion,  of  which  he 
is  an  honorary  member  ;  the  American  Geographical  Society  ;  New  York  Historical  .Societv  : 
the  New  York  Chamber  of  Commerce  ;  the  Royal  Academy  of  Fine  Arts  of  Berlin,  and  his 
honorary  membershi])  of  the  Royal  St.  Cecilia  Society  of  Rome,  Italy.  A  sound,  enterprising, 
clear-headed,  benevolent,  and  versatile  man,  and  ready  speaker,  the  metropolis  is  constantly 
the  gainer  by  his  remarkable  genius. 

The  Steinway  mansion,  the  summer  residence  of  William  Steinway,  is  a  beautiful  building 
of  axed  granite  and  iron,  with  a  French  slate  roof.  It  is  situated  on  an  elevated  site  east 
of  the  factory,  in  the  center  of  large  grounds,  with  extensive  lawns,  a  beautifully  laid  out 
flower  garden  and  orchard,  and  a  fine  stable.  It  is  an  ideal  summer  home,  and  Mr. 
William    Steinwav   and    his    family   spend    the    warm    months    there   every   year. 

IHE    U.^IMLEk    MoroR    COMI'.ANV. 

The  most  important  and  extensive  industry  at  Steinway,  next  to  Steinway  &  Sons'  piano  factory,  is 
the  Daimler  Motor  Company,  which  is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  gasoline  motors  for  boats, 
carriages,  fire  engines  street  railway.s,  and  vehicles  of  all  kinds,  and  for  stationary  engines,  manu- 
facturing and  other  purposes.  This  company  is  the  sole  owner  of  the  United  States  and  Canada 
patents  of  Gottlieb  Daimler,  of  Cannstatt,  Germany. 

Mr.  William  Steinway  is  also  at  the  head  of  this  company.      He   became   interested   in  the  enter- 


54 


IffSrOKV  OF  LOXG  ISLAXP  CITY. 


prise  in  a  manner  rather  incidental.  In  i88S,  while  traveling  in  Germany,  his  attention  was  attracted 
by  a  horseless  carriage  which  had  been  invented  by  Gottlieb  Daimler,  at  Canstatt.  Vehicles  of  this 
nature  liad  for  many  years  been  the  subject  of  much  inventive  experiment  and  popular  interest,  hence 
Mr.  Steinwav  requested  the  inventor  to  give  him  an  exhibition  of  the  merits  of  his  motor.  The 
inventor  calling  for  him  at  his  hotel,  Mr.  Steinway  rode  to  the  Canstatt  factory,  a  distance  of  ten  miles. 
The  journey,  which  was  up  and  down  hill,  was  made  in  forty-eight  minutes,  and  after  a  visit  to 
the  Daimler  factory  the  return  trip  was  made  to  Stuttgart  in  the  same  vehicle,  without  mishap  of  any 
kind.  This  satisfied  Mr.  Steinway  of  the  practical  nature  of  the  motor,  and  after  his  return  home  he 
introduced  one  of  the  motor  cars  on  the  line  of  the  Steinway  Railroad  Company  and  repeatedly 
carried  thirty-five  passengers  at  the  rate  of  twelve  miles  an  hour  nnder  twelve  horse-power.  The 
companv,  which  now  has  an  extensive  motor  factory  at  Steinway,  was  organized,  and  the  patent 
rights  to  manufacture  the  Daimler  motors  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  were  acquired.  The 
factory,  in  which  the  manufacture  of  motors  was  commenced,  was  a  small  Ijuilding,  25  feet  wide  by  too 


.Daimler  Motor  Co's.M'f'g. Works. 


NEW  YORK  Office  IIILia^-St. 


feet  deep,  but  the  company  now  occupies  a  frontage  of  150  feet  and  is  constantly  adding  to  its  plant 
as  the  increasing  necessities  of  the  business  demand. 

Until  recently  the  company  only  built  motors  tip  to  ten  horse-power,  but  it  is  now  prepared  to 
receive  orders  for  sixteen,  twenty,  and  twenty-five  horse-power  motors,  and  expects  in  the  near 
future  to  increase  the  appliances  at  its  command  so  as  to  increase  the  motors  to  sixty  horse-power. 
The  uses  to  which  these  motors  may  be  applied  are  various  and  multiform.  They  are  already  in  use 
for  all  sorts  of  purposes  where  power  is  required,  and  are  adaptable  to  almost  any  condition,  owing  to 
the  lightness  of  the  motor  in  proportion  to  the  power  generated.  The  Daimler  motor  is  in  use  all 
over  the  world  in  launches,  both  for  pleasure  and  business  traffic,  carrying  freight  as  well  as  passen- 
gers. The  motors  have  also  been  utilized  for  harbor  towing  purposes  and  as  tug-boats  in  shallow 
waters,  on  account  of  their  light  draught.  They  have  also  been  mounted  on  trucks  and  wagons  for 
freighting  purposes.  Horseless  carriages,  driven  by  the  Daimler  motors,  have  been  used  in  Central 
Park  and  on  suliurban  roads,  and  have  given  great  satisfaction. 

The  motor  has  also  been  put  to  the  odd  use  of  spraying  trees  in  city  parks  for  the  killing  of 
insects,  and  t)f  turning  grindstones  for  wandering  scissor  grinders.      It   is  used   to  propel    inspection 


HfsroKV  or  /.o.yg  island  city.  ss 

cars  over  railroads  and,  when  fitted  to  a  traveling  electric-lij^ht  ])lant,  attracted  much  attention  at  the 
Columbian  Exposition  atChicaj^o.  The  wagon,  thus  fitted  out,  is  thought  to  be  of  the  greatest  possible 
use  tor  temporary  illumination  of  large  buildings  or  fields  where  battles  have  been  fought. 

The  motor  has  been  also  applied  to  fire  engines  for  smaller  towns,  a  perpendicular  stream  of 
I  20  feet  being  easily  thrown. 

Daimler  launches  are  on  many  (lerman  steamers,  are  emjiloyed  in  harbors,  and  in  cases  of 
emergency,  as  in  the  following  instance,  during  the  Columbian  JCxposition : 

A  sailboat  in  which  were  six  persons  capsized  in  Lake  Mich.igan.  The  Captain  of  the  iJaimler 
boat  hastened  to  the  rescue,  and  a  fleet  of  steam  launches  followed,  but  the  Dxiimlcr  boat,  which 
developed  a  speed  of  sixteen  miles  an  hour,  easily  distanced  all  the  other  craft  and  had  rescued  and 
taken  on  board  all  the  imperiled  persons  before  the  other  boats  reached  the  spot,  the  last  person 
rescued  having  been  taken  out  of  the  water  after  he  had  sunk  for  the  second  time.  Had  the  Daimler 
boat  been  two  minutes  later,  at  least  two  of  the  imperiled  lives  would  have  been  lost. 

The  Daimler  motor  launches  are  also  very  extensively  ii.sed  in  Europe  as  police  boats  for  harbor 
and  river  service,  and  quite  a  number  of  them  are  in  service  in  the  United  States  Navy,  as  well  as  in 
the  navies  of  all  the  European  powers.  The  German  Government  is  just  now  especiallj'  interested 
in  utilizing  the  Daimler  motor  f(jr  torpedt)-boat  purposes. 

A  Daimler  motor  car  is  put  to  a  curious  use  at  the  great  Krupp  Gun  Works,  in  (Germany,  where 
one  of  them  has  been  constantly  employed  for  the  last  six  years.  At  these  wt)rks  there  is  naturally  a 
great  deal  of  experimenting  in  regard  to  the  merits  of  new  guns.  The  distance  nowadays  between 
the  targets  and  the  gun  is  much  greater  than  formerly.  Officers  detailed  by  their  respective 
Governments  to  watch  these  experiments  are  required,  first  to  see  the  shot  fired,  and  then  to  proceed 
as  cpiickly  as  possible  to  the  target  and  note  the  effect  of  the  shot.  Formerly  they  rode  to  the  target 
on  horseback  ;  now  they  ride  to  the  target  in  a  Daimler  motor  car,  which  runs  over  a  single  track 
laid  for  the  purpose,  and  much  greater  speed  is  obtained. 

As  a  matter  of  economy,  the  motor  has  been  adopted  on  certain  of  the  German  railroad  lines  on 
which  the  traffic  is  intermittent.  The  lines  run  from  outlying  farming  villages  to  the  contiguous 
market  towns,  where  there  are  periodical  market  daj's.  On  such  days  the  traffic  is  very  heavy,  and 
long  trains  drawn  by  the  regular  steam  locomotives  are  run,  but  on  other  than  market  days  the  traflic 
is  very  light,  and  it  was  found  that  on  such  days  there  was  no  money  in  running  the  regular  trains,  as 
the  cost  vvas  too  heavy.  So  on  what  might  be  called  the  off  days,  the  Daimler  motor  is  used  to  draw 
single  cars,  which  are  sufficient  to  accommodate  the  lighter  traffic,  and  thus  a  great  saving  in  the 
running  expenses  is  made.  The  Daimler  Company  in  Germany  has  just  received  a  large  order  for  the 
motors  from  several  of  the  railroads  on  which  they  have  been  tried  and  have  proved  such  an  eminent 
success. 

From  the  facts  given  above  it  is  apparent  to  what  many  and  diversified  uses  the  Daimler  motor 
has  already  been  put,  but  what  promises,  after  all,  to  be  the  greatest  achievement  in  this  direction  is 
the  perfected  horseless  carriage  or  wagon,  which  must  prove  of  vast  importance  to  the  commercial 
world,  and  which  opens  up  a  great  field  to  the  practical  use  of  the  motor.  Wherever  a  Daimler 
motor  has  entered  a  race  it  has  invariably  come  out  victorious  over  all  competitors,  with  a  great 
margin  to  spare.  Recently  one  of  the  Daimler  carriages  went  from  Paris  to  Bordeaux  and  back,  a 
distance  of  750  miles,  in  forty-eight  hours,  a  feat  which  has  never  been  equaled  by  any  similar 
machine.  But  not  only  for  pleasure  vehicles  have  they  been  employed  and  successfully  used,  but 
they  have  been  also  utilized  for  heavy  traffic,  such  as  dry  goods  delivery  wagons,  omnibuses,  vans 
and  heavy  trucks,  as  they  are  now  being  built  in  Germany  up  to  sixteen  horse-power.  Large  dry 
goods  houses  and  other  stores,  having  many  parcels  to  deliver,  will  doubtless  use  them  instead  of  the 
delivery  wagons  now  in  use,  sending  them  to  the  outskirts  of  the  city  and  the  suburbs,  and  they  will 
find  this  method  of  transporting  their  packages  both  rapid  and  cheap  as  compared  with  the  present  way. 

A  three  horse-power  motor,  it  has  been  demonstrated,  can  be  run  at  a  cost  of  3  cents  an  hour. 
Such  a  motor  can  do  the  work  of  two  horses,  which,  of  course,  costs  many  times  more  than  that 
amount. 

The  machine  is  easily  handled  and  does  not  require  the  services  of  a  licensed  engineer.  It  is 
cleanly  and  does  not  easily  get  out  of  order,  and  has  many  other  advantages  over  horse  traction. 

A  very  interesting  festival  took  place  last  December  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Gottlieb  Daimler,  the 
inventor  of  the  motor  now  so  generallj-  in  use,  when  the  completion  of  the  one  thoussindth  motor  was 


S6 


HISIVKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


celebrated.     The  town  of  Cantsatt,  in  Germany,  where  Mr.  Daimler  lives,   and  where  the  works  are 
situated,  was  decorated  and  illuminated  in  honor  of  the  event,  and   the  inventor  received  numerous 

congratulations  on  his  success.  A 
similar  event  will  probably  be  soon 
celebrated  at  the  factories  in  France, 
and  at  Steinway,  L.  I. 

The  works  at  Steinway  have 
been  greatly  enlarged  recently,  and 
active  preparations  are  now  making 
to  increase  the  facilities  so  as  to 
keep  pace  with  the  orders  that  are 
continually  coming  in  from  all 
quarters.  Although  it  is  found 
impossible  at  the  present  to  fill  orders 
promptly,  the  Company  will  strain 
every  nerve  to  push  the  horseless 
carriage  industry  as  much  as  is 
consistent  with  the  high  class  of  work 
it  has  always  turned  out.  At  present 
the  Company  is  building  the  smaller 
yachts  from  sixteen  feet  up  to  twin- 
screw  boats  from  sixty  to  seven tj'' 
feet  long.  The  larger  motors,  now 
under  way,  will  enable  the  company 
to  build  boats  one  hundred  feet  long 
and  over.  For  this  purpose  a  large 
boat-building  establishment  has  been 
constructed  on  the  water's  edge  at 
Steinway,  with  a  roomy  interior 
harbor  or  basin  where  the  boats  will 
be  sheltered  from  the  spring  and 
aulimm  gales. 

The  orticers  of  the  Daimler 
]\lot(ir  Companv  are  :  William 
Stemway,       President  ;        tredenck 

Kuebler,   Vice-President  ;    Louis  von   Bernuth,   Treasurer,  and   Herman   E.    Kleber,  Secretary.     Mr. 

Kuebler  is  the  General  JIanager  at  the  Stcinwav  works. 


ASTORIA     HOMESTEAD    CO. 


The  Astoria  Homestead  Company,  founded  and  developed  by  Mr.  William  Steinway,  has  been  a 
potent  factor  in  building  up  and  populating  a  picturesque  section  of  country  which  had  been  neglected, 
and  which,  as  it  has  been  proved,  was  exactly  suitable  for  homes  of  working  men.  After  Steinway  & 
Sons  had  acquired  the  tract  of  land  on  the  Long  Island  shore  and  had  founded  the  village  of 
Steinway,  the  senior  member  of  the  firm,  despite  the  call  upon  his  time  and  talents,  due  to  the 
management  of  the  largest  piano  manufacturing  concern  in  the  world,  was,  like  Alexander  the  Great, 
loi iking  about  for  more  worlds  to  conquer.  Despite  his  many  engagements,  he  found  time  to  look 
about  him  for  investments  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  property  on  Long  Island,  which  he  owned,  and  on 
which  the  large  factory  of  the  firm  had  been  erected.  With  almost  prophetic  vision  he  foresaw  that  it 
would  only  be  a  question  of  time,  and  a  comparatively  short  time  at  that,  when  the  facilities  of 
communication  between  New  York  City  and  the  contiguous  shores  of  Long  Island  would  be  so 
increased  by  ferries,  railroad.s,  bridges  and  tunnels  that  the  Long  Island  shores  would  be  cho.sen  for 
modest  homes  for  artisans,  clerks  with  limited  incomes,  and  thrifty  mechanics,  away  from  expensive 
city  dwellings.  He  was  also  convinced  that  Long  Island  City  would  sooner  or  later  become  a  part  of 
New    York    City,  and    what  may  have   l)cen  considered  by   some  of  his  conlemporarics  a  vi.sionary 


/USIORV  OF  I.O.Xa  fSLAXn  CITY.  57 

scheme,  has  now  actually  come  to  pass.  Mr.  Stcinway  has  the  satisfaction  of  sceinjj  what  he  had  long 
contemplated  as  a  possibility  ripen  into  an  actual  fact. 

Ill  pur.suance  of  his  ideas  a  large  tract  of  unoccupied  land  was  purchased,  and  the  Astoria 
Homestead  Company  was  incorporated.  From  a  comparatively  small  beginning  this  corj)oration 
has  grown  to  be  a  mighty  concern,  embodying  as  it  does  all  the  property  owned  by  Mr. 
Steinway  per.sonally  on  the  Long  Island  shores  and  in  New  York,  Long  Island  City  and 
other   parts   of  the   country.     Its  capital    is   $1,000,000. 

Immediately  upon  acquiring  the  property  on  Long  Island,  improvements  were  com- 
menced. The  land,  where  necessary,  was  graded  and  leveled,  and  laid  out  in  building  plots. 
Roads  were  made  and  streets  were  cut  through  the  properly.  A  large  number  of  cottages 
and  dwellings  were  erected  by  the  company,  and  were  either  sold  or  rented  to  respectable 
people  on  easy  terms,  thus  affording  to  a  great  many  deserving  people,  healthy,  airy  and 
comfortable  homes  within  easy  distance  of  their  occupations  in  New  York.  What  a  boon  this 
has  been  to  the  families  who  had  before  been  cooped  up  for  years  in  the  dark,  ill-ventilated, 
and  unwholesome  tenements  may  be  readily  imagined.  But  the  work  of  the  company  does  not  slop 
at  simply  building  homes  for  tenants  and  occupants.  It  has  built  schoijlhouses,  fire  engine  houses 
and  other  necessary  public  structures,  and  has  provided  places  of  recreation  and  plea.sure  grounds 
at  the  disposal  of  the  residents,  and  in  many  other  ways  has  contributed  to  the  comfort,  the  safely 
and  well-being  of  the  community. 

Tile  liberal  and  charitable  nature  of  Mr.  Stcinway  was  evidenced  liy  the  assistance  given  by  him 
to  the  Association  for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor  of  this  city.  A  large  area  of  the  property 
on  the  Long  Island  shore,  owned  by  the  company,  is  composed  of  vacant  lands.  When  the  a.ssociation 
appealed  to  the  owners  of  vacant  lands  for  the  temporary  u.se  of  it  for  cultivation  by  the  deserving 
poor,  Mr.  .Steinway  at  once  gave  permission  to  the  association  to  parcel  out  the  unoccupied  but  very 
fertile  lands  of  the  company  among  such  families  of  the  deserving  poor  as  it  might  select,  entirely  free 
of  charge.  The  association  furnished  the  occupants  of  these  vacant  lots  with  the  necessary  tools  and 
utensils,  seed  and  fertilizers,  had  the  land  plowed  for  them,  and  then  simply  required  them  to  look 
after  the  cultivation  of  the  land  allotted  to  them.  The  association  e.\pected  them  to  reimburse  itself 
for  the  advances  made  to  the  tillers  of  the  soil  at  the  beginning  of  the  season  from  a  certain  percent- 
age of  the  products  raised :  the  rest  of  the  crop,  which  the  occupants  did  not  consume  themselves,  they 
had  the  privilege  of  selling  to  the  neighbors  or  sending  it  to  market  to  be  disposed  of  to  the  best 
advantage.  The  association  only  exacted  that  each  occupant  of  a  lot  should,  during  the  season,  devote 
a  |)art  of  his  or  her  time  to  the  care  and  cultivation  of  a  portion  of  the  land  which  the  association 
retained  as  a  sort  of  home  farm  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  it  to  realize  enough  money  for  the 
purchase  of  seeds  and  fertilizers  for  the  next  season's  work.  The  surplus  from  this  farm  for  last  year 
was  S6000,  and  the  association  offered  this  sum  to  Mr.  Steinway,  but  with  his  usual  liberal  spirit  he 
refused  to  accept  it.  lie  told  the  association  that  he  was  not  in  the  habit  of  doing  charity  by  halves, 
and,  therefore,  it  was  his  desire  that  the  surplus  money  be  employed  in  furnishing  seed,  fertilizers  and 
agricultural  implements  for  the  following  season.  He  also  gave  the  association  the  free  use  of  ninety 
additional  acres  of  the  unoccupied  lands  of  the  Homestead  Company  for  the  present  year.  It  is 
the  greatest  source  of  satisfaction  to  Mr.  Steinway  to  drive  through  these  lands  with  his  little 
grandson,  William  Steinway  von  Bernuth,  beside  him,  and  see  these  miniature  farms  with  their 
ripening  crops  of  potatoes,  beans,  oats  and  garden  truck  that  are  raised  on  these  vacant  lots. 

In  addition  to  the  dwellings  which  have  been  built  and  are  occupied  on  the  lands  of  the  Astoria 
Homestead  Company,  there  have  been  also  a  number  of  large  factories  erected  there,  giving 
emiJloyment  to  hundreds  of  men.  One  of  the  latest  acquisitions  to  these  factories  is  that  which  has 
just  been  completed  by  the  Virgil  Practice  Clavier  Company,  situated  on  Theodore  street.  The 
building  has  a  frontage  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  feet  and  is  two  hundred  feet  deep.  It  has 
been  occupied  but  a  short  time. 

The  property  of  the  Astoria  Homestead  Company  will  be  rendered  still  more  accessible  when  the 
projected  Blackwell's  Island  Bridge  is  built.  The  New  York  terminus  of  this  bridge  will  be  at  Sixty- 
fourth  street  and  Fourth  avenue,  ami  the  Long  Island  terminus  will  be  on  the  land  owned  by  the 
Company.  The  railroad  tunnel,  beginning  at  Hunter's  Point,  passing  under  the  East  River  and 
Blackwell's  Island,  and  under  Forty -second  street,  and  thence,  under  the  North  River  to  the  Jersey 
shore,  will,  when  constructed,  make  a  valuable  connection  with  the  Long  Island  Railroad  and  tend  to 


58 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  IS  LA. YD  CITY. 


improve  property  on  all  parts  of  Long  Island.  A  bridge  lias  also  been  projected  from  New  York  to 
Long  Island,  passing  over  Ward's  Island,  and  the  Long  Island  terminus  of  this  bridge  will  be  on  the 
land  of  the  Company. 

The  officers  of  the  Astoria  Homestead  Company  are  Louis  von  Rernuth,  President  ;  David  Horn, 
Vice-President  ;   H.  D.  Low,  Treasurer,  and  Russell  Schaller,  Secretary. 

Remarkable  interests,  therefore,  have  been  centered  in  this  favored  section  of  Long  Island  City, 
because  remarkable  men  have  arisen  and  chosen  it  for  the  scene  of  a  vast  enterprise,  and  wise 
philanthropy.  The  genius  of  the  firm  of  Steinway  &  Sons  has  given  world-wide  prestige  to  our 
municipality  and  placed  humanity  under  a  debt  which  will  be  long  recognized  in  history. 


a£,4^fe^^5 


lilAl'TKR    IV 


LONG     ISLAND    CITY. 

UOf  N'DARIES     AND     NATURAL     ADVANTAGES NAME ACCOUNT     OK     INCORPORATION ORGANIZATION      INDKR 

CHARTER POLITICAL       CHANGES SCHOOLS,        CHIRCHES,        HANKS,        liRlDOES        HISTORICALLY 

SKETCHED THE       MEDICAL      PROFESSION THE       HAR THE      CITY      DEPARTMENTS 

AND     OKKICIALS — UNION     C(>I.LE(;K HISTORICAL     INCIDENTS. 


LONG  ISLAND  CITY    was    formed    by    the   consolidation   of  Blissville,   Hunter's    Point,   Astoria, 
'     Ravenswood,    Dutch    Kills,    Steinway    and    Middletown    under   a   coinmon    municipal    govern- 
ment.      It    is    separated    from     Brooklyn    on    the    south    by    Newtown    Creek,    from     New    York 


on  the  west  by  the 
the  town  of  Newtown 
the  old  Bowery  Bay 
Cemetery  road.  Its 
eastern  boundaries  are 
Bay.  The  City  stra- 
the  very  heart  of  New 
miles  of  water  front, 
developed,  oflfers  facil- 
of  the  world  and  is 
any  district  within  tlic 
Newtown  Creek,  de- 
its  commercial  advan- 
depth,  and  in  the  iii- 
bridges  spanning  its 
annual  mercantile  ton- 
valued  at  §20,000,000. 
the  East  River  from 
though  already  show- 
velopment,  awaits  for 
of  these  larger  in- 
to their  service  the 
the  approach  of  this 
perity,  the  present 
industries  are  a  pro- 
suburbs  of  New  York 
City  as  a  manufac- 
sive       manufacturing 


HENRY     S.     ANAIILE. 
( Deceased.  1 


East  River,  and  fro  m 
on  the  southeast  by 
turnpike  and  Calvary 
northern  and  north- 
Hell  Gate  and  Bowery 
tegically  lies  opposite 
York  City.  Its  ten 
though  but  partially 
itics  for  the  shipping 
scarcely  surpassed  by 
watersof  the  metropolis, 
spite  the  limitation  of 
tages  in  the  want  of 
adecjuacy  of  the  draw- 
banks,  represents  an 
nage  of  2,000,000  tons 
The  wharfage  along 
the  Creek  to  Astoria, 
ing  considerable  de- 
the  most  part  the  rise 
terests  which  beckon 
fleets  of  the  sea.  Of 
era  of  greater  pros- 
growth  of  capitalized 
phetic  indication.  The 
have  no  rival  to  this 
turing  center.  Exten- 
plants,    some    of   them 


the  largest  on  the  continent,  have  been  located  within  its  bounds  for  a  greater  or  less  period, 
demonstrating  the  conditions  inviting  to  capital.  Spacious  and  numerous  sites  still  remain. 
Economic  production  and  unexcelled  transportation  facilities  will  place  them  in  certain  demand 
when   a  broader  municipal  policy  shall  smite  the  demagogue   from   political  ascendancy  and  power. 

It  being  the  western  terminal  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad,  Long  Island  City  is  a 
distributing  point,  not  only  for  the  traffic  of  Long  Island,  but  for  a  majority  of  its  populati<.)n 
who  have  business  intercourse  with  New  York.  Thirty  fourth  street  ferry  has  probably  more 
railroads  focussed  at  its  gates  than  any  other  ferry  on  Manhattan  Island.  Communication 
with  the  lower  part  of  New  York  has  long  been  maintained  by  James  Slip  ferry,  and  in 
summer  months  by  steamboat  from    Hunter's  Point  to  Wall   Street. 

The  uplands  of  Dutch  Kills,  Astoria,  and  the  sections  of  the  city  to  the  east  and  north, 
east,    arc     well      adapted     for    residence.         Proximity    to    the     great    business     centers    of     the 


6o 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAXD  CI  TV 


metropolis   and    the    unity    of   interests    which     are    inseparable    from     consolidation,    are   destined 
to   result    in   great    appreciation    of   property    values. 

ORIGIN     OF     THE     NAME. 

The  honor  of  first  suggesting  "Long  Island  City"  as  the  uaine  of  the  united  villages  of 
Hunter's  Point,  Ravenswood,  and  Astoria  probably  belongs  to  Captain  Levy  Ilayden,  Super- 
intendent of  the  Marine  Raihva\%  formerly  located  at  Hunter's  Point.  In  1853,  or  thereabouts, 
it  is  chronicled,  a  member  of  the  Bebee  family,  of  Ravenswood,  was  induced  to  take  a  number 
of  shares  of  the  railway  stock,  and  inquired  from  Captain  Hayden  what  name  should  be 
given  to  the  concern  and  to  the  surrounding  country,  which  was  then  wild  and  undeveloped. 
The  Captain  suggested  that  before  many  years  the  several  communities  would  probably  be 
united  in  a  large  city,  the  name  of  which  he  said  should  be  "Long  Island  City."  An  immense 
flag   with   this   name    written    in    full    was   hoisted    upon    the    building. 

Thus,  in  this  patriotic  manner,  the  name,  by  which  the  coming  city  became  known  to  his- 
tory,   had    its   auspicious   origin. 

The  name  became  fixed  in  the  public  mind  by  the  publisher  of  the  Star,  who  in  May, 
1865,    had  opened   a   printing    office    at    63    Vernon    avenue.       Confident   of    a  coming   city    and    its 

prosperous  future,  he  issued  the 
initial  number  of  his  new  jiubli- 
ealion,  Friday,  October  20,  1865, 
under  the  title  of  Long  Island  City 
Star.  From  this  time  the  Star 
devoted  its  energies  to  the  realiza- 
tion of  the  project,  which  steadily 
gained  favor,  of  incorporating 
the  several  sections  of  the  old 
"  Out  Plantations  "  into  one.  When 
success  was  achieved  after  pro- 
longed preliminary  work,  the  name 
which  had  been  inscribed  upon 
"Old  Glory"  prophetically  and 
flung  to  the  breeze  twenty-seven 
years  before.  and  subseijuently 
adopted  for  the  heading  of  the 
newspaper,  was  recognized  as  a 
befitting  one  for  the  new  munici- 
pality, which  henceforth  became 
known  as  Long  Island  City. 
Situated  as  this  jjortion  of  Newtown  was  relative  to  the  great  cities  of  New  York  and 
Brooklyn  rising  on  the  southern  and  western  boundaries,  it  inevitably  came  under  the  over  shadowing 
influence  of  those  vast  communities.  Farm  lands  soon  had  greater  than  agricultural 
values.  Population,  houses  for  business  and  residence,  and  intercourse  between  the 
various  parts  of  the  territory  rapidly  increased,  requiring  improved  conditions.  An  awakening 
spirit  of  ])rogress  was  manifested  in  popular  expressions  of  discontent.  That  a  higher  order 
of  things  should  prevail,  and  that  a  prosperous  and  populous  city  could  be  built  from  the 
clustered  villages  of  western  Newtown,  had  long  been  urged  by  progressive  citizens.  Hunter's 
Point  had  no  pavements  save  a  sidewalk  of  flags  up  Borden  Avenue.  Roads  were  of  ordi- 
nary dirt  and  often  impassibly  muddy.  There  were  no  sewers,  no  lights,  and  no  water  except 
that  obtained  from  surface  pumps.  Fever  and  ague,  of  the  kind  that  made  the  bones  to 
rattle  and  shake,  had  prevailed  from  the  time  when  the  memory  of  the  oldest  inhabitant  ran 
not  to  the  contrary.  In  the  decade  preceding  1870  it  assumed  a  typhoid  form  and  prevailed 
several  times  as  an  epidemic.  In  1865  the  incorporation  of  Hunter's  Point  as  a  village  had 
been  proposed  as  a  relief  from  existing  conditions.  The  press,  as  represented  by  the  Star, 
warmly  espoused  a  larger  movement,  looking  toward  the  organization  of  a  city.  Henry  S. 
.\nablc,  Ksq.,  representing  the  extensive  interests  of  Union   College,    earnestly  supported  the  latter 


l;OI)INE    CASTI.E. 


HISTOKY  OF  /.ChV(;  /S/.-LYP  CITY. 


6i 


proposition.  Throughout  the  lower  part  of  the  town  sympathy  therewith  was  universal.  The 
outspoken  opposition  of  Astoria  was  to  be  expected  in  the  nature  of  the  case.  That  village 
had  good  streets,  good  lights,  good  schools,  and  all  the  appointments  of  a  first-class  village. 
However,  public  sentiment  developed  in  favor  of  a  municipal  government,  and  culminated,  in 
the  fall  of  1869,  in  a 
meeting  held  in  Mr. 
Anable's  office  on  Borden 
Avenue.  Besides  Mr. 
Anable,  there  were 
present  twelve  or  fifteen 
leading  citizens,  including 
William  Bridge,  Thomas 
H.  Todd,  and  fharlcs 
Stevens.  The      propo- 

siti(jn  to  draft  a  charter 
was  favorabh'  considered, 
and  the  work  was  as- 
signed to  ^Ir.  Anable, 
whose  report  at  a  sub 
sequent  meeting  receiveil 
unanimous  approbation. 
Interest  now  ran  high. 
Popular  assemblies  con- 
vened, and  agitation  for 
incorporation  as  a  cit\' 
ruled   the  hour. 

The  bill  for  the  in- 
corporation  of  the  vil- 
lages of  Astoria,  Ravens- 
wood,  Hunter's  Point, 
Dutch  Kills,  Blissville,  Middletown,  and  Bowery  Bay,  under  the  proposed  charter,  was  presented 
in  the  Legislature  by  Assemblyman  Francis  B.  Baldwin,  b}'  whom,  with  the  earnest  support  of 
^Ir.  Anable   and  others,  its  passage  was  secured  through   the  Assemblj'  and  Senate.     When  in  the 

it  met  pronounced  opposition  at  a  hearing  granted  pre- 
paratory to  executive  action.  Friends  and  opponents 
of  the  charter  were  present  in  large  numbers,  each  side 
being     represented      by     counsel.  Remonstrances     and 

arguments  were  presented  against  executive  approval, 
while  voluminous  petitions  evinced  prevailing  public  sen- 
timent in  favor.  Ex-Governor  Lowe  and  Henry  S.  Anable, 
Esq.,  were  the  leading  advocates  of  the  passage  of  the 
charters. 

lUKIH      OK      LONG      ISI..A.\L)      CI  IV. 

The  bill,  having  received  the  unanimous  assent 
of  the  Legislature,  was  signed  by  Governor  Hoffman, 
May  4,  1870.  The  intelligence  of  the  Governor's  favorable 
action  was  received  throughout  the  newly  consiituied  city 
with    expressions   of    approbation. 

IMK      I  IIAKTKR      AND      TFS      I.KAUING      KEATUKEP. 

The  most  important  provisions  of  the  Charter  were  as 

follows: 

I.      THE    BOUNDARIES  OF  THE   CITY. 

' All   that  part  of  the  town  of  Newtown,  in  the  Count\' 

THK  c.KF.ATKR   NEW   YORK  HuTEi .  (jf  Ouceus.  includcd  witliiu  tile  following  boundaries,  to  wit: 


SCENE    AT    JACKSON    AM)    VERNON     AVENUES. 


hands  of  Governor   John    T.    Hoffman, 


62 


HfSrORY  OF  LOXG  fSLAXD  CITY. 


Bejjinning  at  the  mouth  of  Newtown  Creek,  on  the  east  side  of  the  East  River,  running 
thence  easterly,  along  the  center-line  of  said  Newtown  Creek  to  the  easterlj-  side  of  Penny 
Bridge  (so-called) ;  thence  northerly,  along  the  center  of  the  Bushwick  and  Newtown  turnpike 
and  road  from  Calvary  Cemetery  to  Astoria  to  the  intersection  of  said  road  with  the  old 
Dutch  Kills  road;  thence  easterly,  to  the  center  of  Woodside  avenue;  thence  northerly,  along  the 
center  of  said  avenue  to  Jackson  avenue;  thence  northeasterly,  along  the  center  of  the  Bowery 
Bay  road  to  high  water  mark  in  Bowery  Bay;  thence  westerly,  along  high  water  mark  to  the 
harbor  commissioners'  bulkhead  and  pier  line  on  the  East  River;  thence  southerly,  along  said 
harbor  commissioners'  said  bulkhead  and  pier  line,  on  the  East  River;  to  the  place  of  beginning, 
shall  be  a  city  known  as  Long  Island  City;  and  the  citizens  of  this  State,  from  time  to  time 
inhabitants  within  said  boundaries,  shall  be  a  corporation  by  the  name  of  "Long  Island  City," 
and  as  such  may  sue  and  be  sued,  complain  and  defend,  in  any  court,  make  and  use  a  common 
seal  and  alter  it  at  pleasure;  and  may  receive  by  gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  purchase,  and 
hold  and  survey  such  real  and  personal  property  as  the  purposes  of  said  corporation  may  require. 

2.      DIVISION    INTO    WARDS. 
Said   city    shall   be    divided    into    five    wards,    as    follows,  to   wit  : 

THE     FIRST     WARD 
Is  bounded    by    Newtown    Creek    on    the    south,    by    the    East    River    on    the    west,    by    Nott 
avenue    and   Boundarv  street  on    the   n(jrth,    and    the    center    of    Dutch    Kills    Creek    on    the     east. 


THE     SECOND     WARD 

Extends  from  the  junction  of  Dutch  Kills  and  Newtown  Creeks  northerly  along  Dutch 
Kills  Creek  to  Boundary  street  ;  thence  to  Jackson  avenue  ;  thence  easterly,  to  the  center  of 
the  old  Dutch  Kills  road  ;  thence,  to  the  center  of  the  New  York  and  Flushing  Railroad  ; 
thence  easterly,  to  the  center  of  Sixth  avenue  ;  thence,  to  the  center  of  the  Bowery  Bay  road: 
thence  southerly,  along  center  of  Woodside  Avenue,  Dutch  Kills  road  and  road  from  Calvary 
Cemetery  to  Astoria  and  Bushwick  and  Newtown  road  to  the  center  of  Newtown  Creek  at 
the  Penny  Bridge  ;  thence  westerly,  along  the  center  of  Newtown  Creek  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

THE     THIRI)     WARD 

Extends  from  a  point  on  the  East  River,  which  would  be  the  center  of  Nott  Avenue  when 
extended;  thence  northerly,  to  Sunswick  Creek  ;  thence  easterly  and  .southerly,  along  the  center 
t)f  said  Creek  to  center  of  Pierce  avenue  ;  thence  easterly,  to  center  of  First  avenue  ;  thence 
.southerly,  to  center  of  Webster  avenue  ;  thence  easterly,  to  junction  of  Sixth  and  Jackson  ave- 
nues ;  thence  .southerly,  to  center  of  New  York  and  Flushing  Railroad  ;  thence  southwesterly, 
to  the  center  of  the  old  Dutch  Kills  road  ;  thence  westerly,  to  the  center  of  Jack.son  avenue; 
thence   .southwesterly,  to  the   center  of  Nott  avenue  ;    thence    westerly,  to    the  place   of  beginning. 


II/SrORV  OF  LONG  ISLAM)  CITY. 


63 


THE    KOURTII    WARD, 
inning   on    the    East    River    at    the   center    of     Sunsvvick     Creek;    thence    easterly,    along 
bulkhead   line   to   the   center  of   Franklin   street;  thence  easterly,  to  the  intersection  of   Flushing 
avenue;   thence   easterly,     to    the    center  of    Bowery     Ray    road;  thence   southerly,    to    the    center 
of   Jackson    avenue;    thence    south-  , 

westerly,  to    the  center  of    Webster  «  • 

avenue;   thence    westerly,     to    First  .4^ 

avenue;  thence  northerly,  to  the 
center  of  Pierce  avenue;  thence 
westerly,  to  the  center  of  Sunswick 
Creek ;  thence  northerly  and  west- 
wardly   to   place    of    beginning. 

THE   FIFTH    WARD. 

Beginning     on     East    River    at 

the     center      of      Franklin      street; 

thence    northerly    and    easterly,    to 

high-water    mark    in    Bowery    Bay; 


".CTBr-sks^mJ        .$ < 


lit  III  III    J  ^  i  '££i  S  I 

J'ihn's   H0spn.\i 


'■•! 


thence    easterly,    to    Bowery   Bay    road;     thence    southerly,    to     the    center    of    Flushing    avenue; 
thence   westerl)'-,  along   Flushing  avenue   and  Franklin  street   to   the   place   of   beginning. 

CITY    OFFICERS. 

The  officers  of  said  city  shall  consist  of  one  mayor,  one  collector,  one  treasurer,  one  re- 
corder, two  justices  of  the  peace,  and  two  constables,  to  be  elected  by  the  city  at  large;  two 
aldermen  to  be  elected  from  each  ward;  and  one  superintendent  of  streets,  one  marshal,  one 
clerk,  one  sealer  of  weights  and  measures,  and  such  other  officers  as  are  hereinafter  author- 
ized for  the  city  at  large,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  mayor  and  common  council,  except 
that  special  police  constables  may  be  appointed  by  the  mayor  as  hereinafter  provided,  and  one 
chief  engineer  and  two  assistant  engineers  of  the  fire  department,  who  shall  be  elected  as 
hereinafter  provided. 

ELECTIONS. 

An  election  shall  be  held  in  each  of  the  wards  of  said  city  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  July, 
1S70,    and   on    the   first    Tuesday   of    April    in    each    year    thereafter. 

Said  wards  shall  constitute  the 
election  districts  for  all  State, 
general  and  other  elections  to  be 
held  in  said  cit)*,  and  all  provisions 
of  law  applicable  to  election  dis- 
tricts and  to  the  inspectors  of 
elections  therein,  shall  apply  to 
said    wards  and    said    inspectors. 

Various  provisions  follow,  speci- 
fying the  respective  duties  of 
officials,  the  qualification  of  voters, 
terms  of  office,  eligibility  to  office, 
and  the  constitution  and  powers 
of  the  common  council. 

A  notable  provision  relating  to 
the  assessment  and  collection  of 
taxes  for  city  purposes  read  as 
follows: 

"The  common  council  shall 
direct  and  cause  a  simi,  not  exceed- 
ing twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  for 
the  purpose  of  defraying  the  salaries  and  pay  of  officers  and  other  necessan.-  and  contingent  expenses 
of  the   city,  not  herein  otherwise  specially  provided  for,   to  be  raised  annually  by  a  general  tax." 


IHE    ASTORIA    HOSPITAL. 


64 


H /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Imniediately  upon  the  passage  of  the  above  charter  preparations  were  made  to  carry  into 
effect  its  various  provisions  for  the  organization  of  the  new  city  government.  Democratic. 
Republican  and  Citizens'  associations  were  formed  in  every  ward  throughout  the  city.  Abram 
D.  Ditmars  was  chosen  as  their  standard  bearer  by  the  Democrats  and  Republicans,  while 
Aaron  Bisbee  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  Citizens'  ticket.  The  first  election  under  the 
charter  transpired  Jul}'  5,  1870,  and  resulted  in   the  choice  of  the  following  officials: 

For  Maj-or,  Abram  D.  Ditmars,  of  Astoria;  Recorder,  George  Parsells,  of  Ravenswood; 
Treasurer,  John  Hpran,  of  Hunter's  Point;  Collector,  James  Bradley,  of  Blissville;  Justice  of 
the  Peace,  W.  Paul  Brown,  of  Hunter's  Point;  Constables,  James  Brennen,  of  Ravenswood, 
and    Anthony  Meagher,    of    Hunter's    Point. 

Aldermen,  First  Ward,  Henry  Rudolph,  Patrick  Lonergan;  Second  Ward,  Francis  McNena, 
W.  E.  Bragaw;  Third  Ward,  George 
H.  Hunter,  George  H.  Williams; 
Fourth  Ward,  James  R.  Bennet,  John 
Weigand;  Fifth  Ward,  Edward  ^l. 
Hartshorne,    William    Carlin. 

Inspectors  of  Election,  First  Ward, 
John  O'Neill,  Patrick  Dunn;  Second 
Ward,  James  Ryan,  James  Locke: 
Third  Ward,  George  P.  Hyer,  Edward 
Heatherton  ;  Fourth  Ward,  John  Ouinn. 
Fred.  H.  H.  Nottbohm ;  Fifth  Ward, 
Chris.    Lawless,  Thomas  Crowley. 

The  following  were  the  majorities 
balloted  for  the  officials  elected : 
Ditmars  407,  Parsells  297,  Horan  475, 
Bradley    895,    Brown   343. 

The  first  charter  election,  though 
conducted  under  strict  party  discipline, 
was  characterized  with  fairness  and 
order,  and  inspired  a  popular  hope  for 
emancipation  from  the  rings  and 
cliques  who  long  had  dominated  public 
affairs  and  fattened  upon  the  sub- 
stance of  the  people  under  the  old 
township  government  of  Newtown. 

Mayor-elect  Ditmars  took  the 
constitutional  oath  of  office,  July  15, 
1870,  and  on  the  eighteenth,  proceeded 
to  organize  the  new  city  government. 
By  reason  of  urgent  financial  needs  to 
carry  forward  public  improvements, 
Mayor  Ditmars  generously  presented  to 
the  city  his  full  salary  for  his  term  of  11:1  kk  <.:.   \an   .mst. 

office. 

The  first  apijointments  made  by  the  Mayor  and  Common  Council  in  executive  session 
were  for  Superintendent  of  streets,  Robert  T.  Wild,  of  Astoria  ;  Deputy  Superintendent  of 
streets,  James  Dennen,  of  Hunter's  Point  ;  City  Clerk,  Egbei-t  Corwith,  of  Hunter's  Point  ; 
Sealer  of  Weights  and  Measures,  J.  L.  Francen,  of  Dutch  Kills  ;  City  Marshal,  A.  S.  Woods, 
of   Ravenswood  ;    Police   Constables,    James   Fantry   and   Thomas   Darcey. 

It  is  to  be  observed  that  this  first  charter  was  a  very  simple  instrument  such  as  might 
be  framed  for  the  government  of  a  village.  While  it  accomplished  a  valuable  economic  end 
in  constituting  an  organic  bond  between  the  several  villages  embraced  within  its  provisions, 
yet  its  inadequacy  in  some  particulars  was  apparent  when  applied  to  the  exigencies  of  a 
rising   city.       The   subject   of    revision    was,  therefore,  early    developed    and    eagerly    seized    u]X)n 


J/ISrORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CI LY 


6^ 


FREUEKICK    \V.     IlLECKWENN. 


by    politicians  wlio    advocated   enlarged    municipal   powers  for  their  own   purposes.     The  idea    was 

prevalent    that   the    new    city  was   to  open  a  bonanza.     Conservative  men,   who  acknowledged    the 

propriety  of  charter  rcvisiiin    within  certain  limitations,   were   overborne,  and  on   April    7,    1871,   a 

cumbersome  instrument,  suited  to  a  city  of  two  hundred 
thousand  population,  was  presented  to  the  Le-^'islature  by 
Assemblyman  James  M.  Oakley,  and  was  carried  throujjh  by 
designing  advocates  to  a  final  jjassage.  The  other  extreme 
liad  now  been  reached. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  extravagance  of  the  new 
charter,  a  city  court  was  created  with  all  the  paraphernalia 
of  a  metropolitan  court  of  justice.  It  proved  to  be  cumber- 
some, expensive  and  useless.  The  Count)'  and  Justices' 
Courts  were  ample  in  jurisdiction  to  secure  the  ends  of  law. 
The  people  recognized  the  folly  of  such  a  court,  and  it  was 
])romptly  abolished  by  the  Legislature. 

Nevertheless,  the  revised  charter  was  not  without 
several  advantageous  provisions,  which  met  with  popular 
approbation.  The  municipal  territory  was  severed  from 
the  town  of  Newtown;  three  commissioners  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Mayor  were  to  govern  the  police  force  and  act  also 
as  a  Board  of  Assessors,  consisting  of  three  members  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Mayor;  the  appointment  of  a  Commission 
for  the  immediate  survey  of  the  city  with  a  view  to  mapping, 
establi.shing    grades    and    laying    out    streets  ;      the     City 

Treasurer  was  also  to  be  the   Receiver  of  Taxes;    measures  were  to  be  taken  looking  to  an  adequate 

water  supply,    and  the  organization  of  a  Board  of  Education  for  the  government  and  direction   of 

the  city  schools. 

The  election  for  Mavor,   under  the  revised  charter,   occurred  in  April,  1872,  and  resulted  in  the 

choice  of  Henry  S.  Debevoise,  who  had  been  City  Clerk  under  his  predecessor. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  provision  of  the  new  charter  related  to  the  introduction  of  water  into 

the  city.     A  Water  Department  was  created,  which  went  at  once  into  active  operation.     Lands,  pipes 

and  machinery  were  purchased,  but  the  enterprise  ended  disastrously,  and  in    1875   Mr.  Ditmars  was 

re-elected    to    the  Mayoralty,   under  whom  the  water  system  was 

successfully    completed.       Mayor    Ditmars   having   resigned    from 

office,    John    Ouinn,    President   of   the  Common  Council,  became 

Acting  Mayor  and  was  succeeded  m  1876  by  Mr.   Debevoise,  who 

was   reelected  over  John  Bodine,   his  opponent,  a  nominee  of  the 

Ditmars  Democracy 

In  1878  the  contest  for  Mayor   was  between  John  Uuinn  and 

Henry  S.  Debevoi.se,  the  latter  being  again  elected. 

In    1879   no  city  election   was  held,    a  law  having  pas.sed  the 

Legislature  carrying  the   election  over  to  the  fall.     The  ilayor's 

tenure  of  office  was  also  changed  at  this  time  from  two  to  three  }'ears. 
In    1880,    George   Petry  having   been    nominated  against   Mr. 

Debevoise,  the  latter  was  returned  to  office  by  a  majority  of   295. 

Mr.  Petry  contested  the  result  of  the  election,  and  having  instituted 

quo  luarranto  proceedings,  was  successful  and  assumed  the  reins  of 

government. 

In    1883  Petry    was  renominated    and    re-elected,    Patrick    J.      | 

Gleason  having  been  the  opposing  candidate.  • 

1    1  CT  HtNJA.MI.N     \k  IN 

In  1886  there    were  four  candidates.  Mayor   Petry,  Patrick  J. 
Gleason,    Richard  Armstrong  and   Dr.   \V.    R.   Taylor.      Gleason   was  elected  through 
Petry's  ticket. 

At  the  ensuing  municipal  election  of  1S89  Gleason  was  re-L-lcctcd  over  F.  \V 


division  of 


Bleckwcnn. 


66  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

In  1S92  Horatio  S.  Sanford,  the  Jeffersonian  candidate,  defeated  G'.eason,  who  again  had  secured 
a  renomination. 

The  mayoralty  contest  of  1895  was  triangular.  The  three  standard  bearers  in  the  field  were  Dr. 
B.  G.  Strong,  John  P.  Madden  and  P.  J.  Gleason.  The  total  vote  cast  was  7428.  Strong  received 
2146,  Madden  2520,  and  Gleason  2550,  the  latter  carrying  the  day  by  a  plurality  of  30,  notwithstand- 
ing that  he  had  polled  only  34  per  cent,  of  the  popular  vote. 


MUNICIPAL   DEPARTMENTS. 

THE    FIRE    DEP.\RT.MF.NT. 

Until  Januar)',  1893,  the  force  and  apparatus  of  the  Fire  Department  were  inadequate  to  the 
service  required.  At  that  time  the  work  of  thorough  reorganization  was  instituted  and  continued 
imtil  the  department  reached  its  present  status  of  equipment.  The  Legislature  appropriated  $35,000 
for  this  purpose,  and  $40,000  annually  for  its  maintenance.  The  proceeds  of  the  bonds  thus  author- 
ized were  devoted  to  the  purchase  of  four  new  engines,  two  of  the  La  France  pattern  and  two  made 
by  the  American  Fire  Engine  Company,  two  Hay's  trucks  with  extension  ladders,  two  Gleason  & 
Bailey  hose  wagons,  five  thousand  feet  of  new  rubber  hose,  and  the  outfitting  of  two  trucks  with  six 
Hallow-ay  chemical  fire  extinguishers.  Two  former  fire-houses  have  been  repaired,  five  others 
erected  and  leased  to  the  city  on  five  year  terms,  while  tw-enty-four  horses  and  thirty-eight  well- 
drilled  firemen,  under  a  competent  chief,  complete  the  preparations  for  efficient  service. 

Throughout  the  city  there  are  distributed  350  fire  hydrants  of  the  Wood  &  Galvin  pattern.  In 
some  localities  the  water  pressure  is  sufficient  to  dispense  with  the  aid  of  a  fire  engine.  In 
rapidly  growing  sections,  where  other  facilitieis  are  inadequate,  running  streams  have  beem  dammed 
and  temporary  cisterns  constructed  for  emergencies. 

The  fire  alarm  system  embraces  twenty  non-interfering  alarm  boxes,  one  bell  striker,  eleven 
indicators  and  gongs,  two  chemical  tappers,  thirty-three  telegraph  keys,  one  galvanometer  and  all 
other  auxiliaries  necessary  to  a  first-class  system. 

The  total  valuation  of  the  Department  is  placed  at  $70,000. 

In  addition  to  this  equipment,  there  are  five  fire  boats,  all  owned  by  the  Newtown  Creek  Towing 
Co.,  in  constant  readiness  for  service.  Of  these,  the  "Protector,"  is  under  special  contract  with 
the  city  to  render  assistance  at  any  needed  point  along  the  water  front.  She  is  equipped  with  pumps, 
hose  and  an  eighty  horse-power  engine.  The  effective  work  done  by  these  boats  at  various  times  is 
well  known  to  the  public. 

As  a  result  of  the  efforts  thus  expended  toward  a  higher  efficiency  in  this  department  of  the 
municipal  service,  it  may  be  confidently  claimed  that  few  cities  of  like  population  in  the  State  possess 
superior  facilities  for  the  control  of  that  costly  devastating  element,  to  tlie  outbreak  of  which  there  is 
constant  liability. 

FINANCES. 

The  present  financial  status  of  the  city  may  be  summarized  as  follows: 

TAX    LEVY   BV  C(JMMON  COUNCIL,    DECE.MBER  30,    1 895. 

Assessors'    Valuations. 


1  Ward 

2  Ward 

3  Ward 

4  Ward 

5  Ward 


$5. 3 '4, 160 
2,083,680 
2,622,772 
3,945.310 
2,933-710 

$16,899,632 


HfSTOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


67 


State  and   County    Taxes. 

State  and  County  purposes 

Interest 

Surplus 

Support  of  County  Poor 

Expenses,  Blissville  Bridge 


City    Taxes. 

Public  Debt  and  Interest 

Interest  on  General  Improvement  Bonds 

Support  of  Schools  . 

Salaries 

Police  Department    . 

Fire  Department 

Health  Department  . 

Contingent  Fund 

Poor  Fund     . 

Judgment  Fund 

Board  of  Examiners  of  Plumbers,  etc. 

Public  Library 


Total  of   Taxes. 


State  and  County 
City      . 
Ward    . 


§85,224.91 
3.956-20 

1.237-56 
2,709.07 
1,510.20 

$94,637-94 


$104,658.42 

43,o'5-63 

1 12,000.00 

36, 120.00 

58,650.00 

40,000.00 

9,000.00 

37,500.00 

8,000.00 

69.937-5° 
2, 100.00 
3,000.00 

$523,981-55 


$94,637.94 

523,981.55 

76, 112.00 


Suiinnary   of  Rates   on    $100. 

City. 

1  Ward 3.  to  .28  .56  3.94 

2  Ward 3- 10 

3  Ward 3. 10 

4  Ward 3. 10 

5  Ward 3.10 

Selieifiile   of  Revenue    Bonds  of  Long  Island   City    Outstanding  June    /,    iSgd. 


Ward. 

State  &  Co. 

A 

.28 

•S6 

Z- 

•55 

.56 

4- 

•54 

•56 

4- 

•55 

•56 

4- 

•50 

•56 

4- 

Date. 

Rate. 

Amount. 

Due. 

October  i. 

1 888 

4  per  cent.                 §106,000 

October  i. 

'903 

December  2, 

18S9 

4   1-2       ' 

'                              1 8, 000 

December  i, 

1899 

Mav   I, 

1890 

4  per       ' 

'                              77,000 

May   I, 

1910 

July  I, 

1886 

6      " 

44.500 

July  I, 

1896 

May  I, 

1887 

5 

'                                6,500 

May  I, 

1897 

May  I, 

1888 

5     " 

39.000 

May  I, 

1898 

November  i. 

1889 

41-2       ' 

9,500 

November  i, 

1899 

June  I, 

1890 

4  per      ' 

'                              28,500 

June  I, 

1900 

September  i, 

1891 

5     "       ' 

'                              50,000 

September  i, 

1901 

July  I, 

1892 

4   1-2 

'                              80,000 

July  I, 

1902 

April  I, 

1893 

4   1-2       ' 

'                              50,000 

April  I, 

1903 

April  I, 

1894 

4   1-2       * 

'                             60,000 

April  I, 

1904 

April  1, 

1895 

4   1-2       ' 

'                              50,000 

April  1, 

'905 

HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


iSg6. 


Stdtfiiiciit   of  Bonded   Iiidcbtcdncsi,    September   /, 

7  per  cent.  Newtown  Funded  Debt  Bonds 
7  per  cent.  Newtown  Refunded  Debt  Bonds 

6  per  cent.  Newtown  Refunded  Debt  Bonds 

4  per  cent.  Newtown  Refunded  Debt  Bonds 

7  per  cent.  Funded  Water  Debt  Bonds 

5  per  cent.  Refunded  Water  Debt  Bonds    . 

4  per  cent.  Refunded  Water  Debt  Bonds  . 

6  per  cent.  Water  Debt  Bonds 

3  1-2  per  cent.  Water  Debt  Bonds  . 

7  per  cent.  Survey  and  Map  Bonds 

5  per  cent.  Refunded  Survey  and  Map  Bonds 
7  per  cent.  Fire  Department  Bonds 

4  1-2  per  cent.  Fire  Department  Bonds 

4  1-2  per  cent.  Public  School  Bonds 
412  per  cent.  Public  School  Bonds,  new  . 

5  per  cent.  En<;inc  House  Bonds    . 
5  per  cent.  Station  House  Bonds     . 

4  1-2  per  cent.  Funding  Debt  Bonds,  1893 

4  1-2  percent.  Street  Improvement  Bonds 

4  1-2  percent.  General  Improvement  Bonds 

Revenue  Bonds,  18S3 

Revenue  Bonds,  1884 

Revenue  Bonds,  1885 

Revenue  Bonds,  1886 

Revenue  Bonds,  1887 

Revenue  Bonds,  1888 

Revenue  Bonds,  1889 

Revenue  Bonds,  1890 

Revenue  Bonds,  1891 

Revenue  Bonds,  1892 

Revenue  Bonds,  1893 

Revenue  Bonds,  1894 

Revenue  Bonds,  1895 

Revenue  Bonds,  1896 


Water    Bonds    delivered   by    Mayor,    as   per    resolution    of 

Common  Council: 
Water  Supply  Bonds,  1895  ..... 


$8  1,500  00 
64,000.00 

1 12,500.00 
16,000.00 

150,000.00 
75,000.00 
45,000.00 
47,000.00 
40,000.00 
4,000.00 
66, 000. CO 
20,000.00 
35,000.00 

220,000  00 

122,000.00 
16,000.00 
15,000.00 

1 1  2,000.00 

573,5°°-°° 
I,  224,000.00 

106,500.00 
18,000.00 
77,000.00 
44,500.00 
6,500.00 
39,000.00 
9,500.00 
28,500.00 
50,000.00 
80,000.00 
50.000.00 
60,000.00 
50,000.00 
50,000.00 

5I3,  708,000.00 


19,000.00 


Total  bonded  indebtedness 


^53,727,000  00 

LrciEN    Knai'p, 
Citv  Treasurer  and  Receiver. 


rill.    I'Hl.K  K    Dl.l'AKTMKNT. 

Previous  to  the  incorporation  of  the  city  the  enforcement  of  the  law  was  entrusted  .solely  to 
constables  supported  by  Justices  of  the  Peace.  Of  the  number  who  officially  represented  this  part  of 
the  townshi]),  now  lying  within  our  municipal  boundaries,  were  William  Heaney,  Thomas  Darcy,  Owen 
Slaven  and  Bernard  Keagan.  That  the  office  of  a  town  constable,  however,  was  not  exempt  from 
abuses  and  the  liability  to  yield  to  the  power  of  perquisites  appears  from  the  conviction,  then  popu- 
larly established,  that  the  seven  constables  of  Newtown  cost  the  public  more  than  the  whole  police 
force  of  the  city  after  incorporation.  The  annual  bills  of  each  official  were  exorbitantly  large  and 
were  liberally  increased  by  the  costs  of  the  Ju.stices'  Courts,  which  audited  the  charges  of  the 
constables. 


///SJVKV  ()/•  LOXC  ISLAXD  C/TY 


69 


This  old  system,  which  had  degenerated  from  a  noble  ancestry,  was  swept  away  from  this  part  of 
Xewtown  upon  the  adoption  of  the  charter  of  1870.  Acting  under  the  police  provision  of  the  charter. 
Mayor  Ditniars  appninted  Anthony  S.  Woods  to  the  office  of  City  Marshal,  whose  duties  were  both 
civil  and  criminal.  Under  the  amended  charter  of  187 1,  Marshal  Woods  was  promoted  to  the 
captaincy  of  the  police  department,  the  remaining  members  of  the  force  being  one  sergeant  and  ten 
IKitrolmen.  Tliough  the  charter  provided  for  thirty  patrolmen,  it  was  found  impracticable  to  put  on  a 
larger  number  of  men,  owing  to  inadequate  appropriation  of  funds. 

The  first  Board  of  Police  Commissioners,  duly  qualified  under  municipal  law,  was  composed  of 
fohn  Bodine,  Albert  Gallatin  Stevens  and  Joseph  McLaughlin.  Under  successive  administrations  the 
police  department  performed  its  functions  uneventfully  for  the  most  part,  and  without  noteworthy 
interruption.  Captain  Woods  remained  in  command  of  the  force  during  the  entire  history  of  the  city 
until  the  accession  of  Mayor  Gleason 
to  power  in  1896,  when  he  was 
arbitrarily  deposed.  The  present 
police  force  of  the  city  consists  of 
seventy-five  patrolmen,  one  sergeant, 
one  acting  sergeant  and  a  captain. 

While  this  branch  of  the  munici- 
pal service  has  exhibited  an  efficiency 
proportioned  to  the  legal  limitations 
under  which  it  is  constituted,  yet 
since  the  erection  of  these  various 
villages  into  a  city,  there  has  never 
been  a  time  when  the  police  depart- 
ment has  adequately  responded  to 
public  need.  The  number  of  patrol- 
men has  been  insufficient  to  extend 
police  protection  over  the  various 
sections  of  the  city.  In  each  precinct 
one  regular  and  one  acting  sergeant 
have  necessarily  failed  to  thoroughly 
equip  a  post  where  twenty-four  hours' 
service  is  daily  required.  This  has 
proven  too  narrow  a  margin  for 
efficiency,  and  public  interests  have- 
proportionately  sutfered. 

The  most  notable  crime  in  the 
history  of  the  city,  was  tlie  "  Masked 
Burglary"  of  1874-76.  A  gang  of 
dock  thieves,  half  a  dozen  or  more  in 
number,  led  by  one  John  James, 
crossed  the  East  River  from  New 
York  in  a  row  boat  late  at  night,  and  Juhn  h.  sutphin. 

as  a  first  exploit  stopped  a  car  on  \'ernon  avenue,  robbing  the  passengers  of  all  available  property. 
They  then  entered  the  store  of  Henry  Green,  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Vernon  avenue  (now  the 
Sunswick  House),  pistols  in  hand,  threatened  the  lives  of  the  inmates  and  secured  a  large  amount  of 
goods,  with  which  they  safely  escaped.  The  same  night  they  attacked  the  residence  of  Mr.  Hiller, 
of  Ravenswood,  pillaging  the  premises  of  all  valuables  and  attempting  a  personal  assault  upon  one 
of  the  members  of  the  family.  For  the  latter  oflfence  the  leader  of  the  gang  shot  his  companion, 
fracturing  his  arm.     With  their  abundant  spoils  they  then  returned  whence  they  came. 

The  news  of  the  raid  the  next  morning  fired  the  whole  city.  The  incident  is  still  recalled  as  of 
an  extremely  sensational  character. 

15y  the  prompt  and  persistent  efforts  of  Captain  Woods,  aided  by  a  large  detective  force,  the 
culprits  were  finally  arrested  in  the  Fourth  Ward  of  New  York  City,  brought  to  this  city,  held  before 


70 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


the  Grand  Jury,  indicted,  tried,  found    guilty    and    sentenced,  the    leader,  James,  receiving-  35  years, 
the  others  15  years,  at  Sing  Sing. 

HISTORICAL    SKETCH    OF    CITY    SCHOOLS. 

In  the  educational  development  of  a  people  lies  their  most  important  history.  The  early  colonists 
of  America  regarded  popular  intelligence  as  fundamental  to  the  perpetuity  of  free  institutions.  To  this 
the  early  settlers  of  Newtown  were  no  exception.  The  English  brought  the  impress  and  advantages 
of  much  mental  culture,  and  in  a  few  instances  of  intellectual  accomplishment.  Nor  were  the  Dutch 
wanting  in  these  principles  of  character  or  mind,  which  underlie  an  enlightened  commimity.  Peter 
Berrien  has  left  a  record  even  of  fine  scholarship.  He  was  an  expert  penman,  good  surveyor  and 
commanded  both  the  Dutch  and  English  languages.  Most  of  the  deeds  and  public  writings  of  his 
time  were  products  of  his  skill.  In  every  colonial  hamlet  were  men  of  similar  stamp.  If  not  the 
lawyer  and  doctor,  the  preacher  was  surely  there  in  whom  lived  also  the  schoolmaster.  The  first 
school  was  the  home.     The  first  book  was  the  Bible,  and  sometimes,  particularly  with  girls,  it  was  the 

last  also,  saving  perhaps  the  catechism.  The  three 
R's  measured  the  pedagogical  gamut  and  were  an 
adequate  qualification  for  a  period  yet  lingering  in 
the  rudiments  of  commerce.  Education,  therefore, 
like  other  lines  of  individual  development,  was  in  its 
infanc3^  Yet  the  instincts  of  a  people  who  sought 
these  shores  for  civil  and  religious  liberty  recognized 
in  intellectual  and  moral  instruction,  the  strongest 
bulwark  of  a  new  society. 

In  1683,  there  being  but  yo  men  with  families 
in  the  town  of  Newtown,  and  these  widely  scattered, 
the  erection  and  conduct  of  a  common  school  was 
impracticable.  At  a  later  period,  in  1720,  a  school- 
house  was  built  in  Newtown,  whither  was  sent  the 
youth  of  Mespat  Kills  and  the  "Out  Plantations." 

In  the  following  year,  172 1,  sensible  of  the 
need  of  improved  facilities  for  education,  Joseph 
Hallett,  by  deed  dated  May  20,  generouslj-  donated 
a  lot  thirty  by  twenty  feet,  "lying  next  to  George 
Brinckerhoff's  woodland,  for  use  and  benefit  of  a 
schoolhouse. "  He  associated  with  himself  as  joint 
owners  Samuel  Hallett,  Samuel  Moore,  Joseph 
Moore,  Thomas  Skillman  and  Isaac  Bragaw. 

This  was  the    first   school    within    the    present 
precincts  of  this  city.     It  was  situated  on  the  New- 
town   road    in    Middletown    (German    settlement). 
The  historian,   Riker,  records  the  undertaking  "as 
hazardous, "  by  reason  of  the  expense  incurred.     It 
remained   for  a  later  day  to  endow  this  primitive  institution  in  an  original  manner.     The  incident 
occurred  in  the  early  part  of  the  present  century,  and  is  thus  related  by  Mr.    Riker  in  his  "Annals 
of  Newtown." 

"This  was  the  discovery  by  one  of  the  school  boys  of  a  bag  of  gold  to  the  value  of  $840,  which 
had  belonged  to  one  John  Kearns,  who  had  taught  school  here  during  the  Revolution.  The  mone}' 
was  taken  possession  of  by  the  teacher,  whose  name  was  Neal,  but  the  neighbors,  hearing  of  it, 
collected,  and  took  him  before  William  Leverich,  Esq.,  by  whose  order  the  money  was  forced  from 
him.  Owing,  however,  to  some  irregularity  in  the  proceeding,  Neal  prosecuted  the  several  persons 
engaged  in  searching  him,  including  the  justice,  and  recovered  damages  for  assault  and  battery, 
while  N.  Moore,  as  administrator  for  Kearns,  sued  and  obtained  the  money."  Rarely  is  capital 
uselessly  buried  when  placed  in  an  institution  of  learning. 

The  old  schoolhouse  survived  until  fifty  years  ago,  when  it  was  sold  and  annexed  for  domestic 
purposes  tf)  an  adjoining  dwelling. 


.MAKV    J.     K.    N.    STKANU. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


7' 


The  second  school  building  was  on  the  Shore  road,  upon    "one   square  rod  of  land"  donated  by 


1  to  be  kept  for  the  education  of  their  children."     This  spot  of 
year  to  Thomas    LawrcUL-e,  tVirnclius    i^crrian,  Joseph    Moore. 


r 

r 

^jHHIH^^^^^^^^HIH^^^^^^^I 

IHE    l.o.SG    IsL.VNU    CITV    HlUll    SCHOOL   (lOK.MKKLV    HIE    OLU    .MU.SbU.N    .MA.NSIUKJ. 


John  Lawrence  in  1734,  '"  for  a  schoo 

ground  he  deeded  in  the  following 

William     Leverich     and     Hendrick 

Wiltsee,  for  the  purposes  mentioned, 

and  there  more  than  one  generation 

gathered  the  memories  of  a  district 

school,  which  became  the  romance  of 

after  years. 

A   strongly  marked  educational 

advancement   occurred    some    years 

later   at    Ilallett's   Cove.       Probably 

rather  as  an  attractive  agency  for  the 

development  of  the  community  than 

as    a    response    to    local   need,     the 

progressive  residents  of  that  locality 

encouraged  the  founding  of  a  school 

for   instruction    in    the    classics  and 

other    advanced     branches.       They 

sought  patronage  beyond  their  own 

limits,  by  inserting  in  the  New  York 

Mercury,     of    April    26,     1762,     the 

following  advertisement: 

"  To  THE  Public — This  is  togiv^ 

notice  to  all  ivhoin  it  iiiav  concern.  That  William   Rudge,  late  of  the  city  of  Gloucester,  in  Old  England, 

still  continues  his  school  at  Hallett's  Cove,  where  he  teaches  Writing  in  the  different  hands,  Arithmetic 

in  its  different  branches,   the  Italian  method  of  Book-keeping  by   way  of  Double  Entry,    Latin   and 

Greek.     Those  who  choose  to  favor  him  may  depend  upon  having  proper  care  taken  of  their  children, 

and  he  returns  thanks  to  those  who  have  already  obliged  him.     The  school  is  healthy  and  pleasantly 

situated  and  at  a  very  convenient  distance  from  New  York,  from  where  there   is  an  opportunity  of 

sending  letters  and  parcels,  and  of  having  remittances  almost  every  day  by  the  periaugers.      Letters 

will  be  duly  answered,  directed  to  the  said  William  Rudge,  at  Hallett's  Cove. 

"  We,  who  have  subscribed  our 
names,  being  willing  to  continue 
the  schoolmaster,  as  we  have 
hitherto  found  him  a  man  of  close 
application,  are  ready  to  take  in 
boarders  at  j[,i&  per  annum:  Jacob 
Blackwell,  Jacob  Hallett,  Jr., 
Thomas  Hallett,  Jacob  Hallett, 
Jacob  Rapelye,  John  Cireenoak, 
Samuel  Hallett,  Jr.,  William 
Hallett,  Richard  Hallett.  Richard 
Herrian,  Riciiard  Penfold,  William 
Hallett,  John  McDonough.  " 

In  1849,  Stephen  A.  Halsey, 
with  several  others,  bought  several 
farms,  surveyed  and  plotted  them 
into  lots,  and  opened  through  them 
Broadway,  The  Crescent,  Emerald, 
Academy  and  Grand  Streets, 
together  with  First,  Second  and 
Jamaica  Avenues.     At  that  time  he 

donated  a  plot  of  ground  100  feet  by  200  feet  on  Academy  street  and  was  instrumental  in  the  erection 
the  building  now  used  bv  the  Fourth  Ward  School.     This  school  at  the  time  of  the  incorporation  of 


TlllKl)    WARD    SCHOOL. 


72 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CI  TV 


the  city  was  known  as  No.   3   of  the  schools  of  Newtown.      In   1S50  it  was  made  a  free  school  by  the 
Legislature  and  up  to  the  date  of  this  writing  has  had  an  uninterrupted  record  as  one  of  the  most 

successful    schools    in   the  western 

section  of  Long  Island. 

At  the  beginning  of  this  century 
was  built  No.  4  of  the  schools  of  New- 
town. It  stood  on  Skillman  avenue, 
near  School  street,  on  the  farm  of 
Richard  Bragaw.  At  that  time  the 
district  represented  by  this  school 
included  Hunter's  Point,  Ravens- 
wood  to  Webster  avenue,  eastward 
to  and  including  Woodside.  The 
plain  frame  structure  20x60  feet, 
shingled  on  all  sides,  was  in  use  till 
1863,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire. 
This  school  and  its  primitive 
methods  of  instruction  is  intimateh' 
interwoven  with  the  memories  of 
many  of  those  residents  of  the  city 
who  still  survive  in  advanced  years. 
It  was  never  a  free  school  but  cost, 
..iKMAN  -11 II I  MINI   -'11. ml.  ,^g  qjtate^i  \yy  Gco.    iMcA.    Gosman, 

Esq.,  district  collector  at  one  time,  $1475  P^i"  annum.       Two  weeks  in  July  was  the  longest  resi)ite 
of  the  year  from  the  exactions  of  the  four  R's  (including  the  rod). 

Two  years  after  the  demolition  of  No.  4  the  present   huikling  at  Sunnysidc  was  erected,  which  is 
still   in   use  as  the   Primary   School   of  the  Second 
Ward. 

In  1861  the  extensive  district,  covered  by  No. 
4,  was  divided  by  the  setting  off  of  the  Hunter's 
Point  District.  In  April  of  that  year  H.  S.  Anable, 
representing  Union  College,  leased  a  brick  building 
on  Sixth  street,  whereupon  School  No.  11  was  at 
once  organized,  with  Freeman  Hiscox  as  President 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  Isaac  Sterns  as 
principal.  This  school,  by  its  excellent  reconl. 
justified  the  wisdom  and  generosity  of  those  wlio 
were  instrumental  in  its  origin. 

Upon  the  consolidation  of  the  several  sections 
into  the  one  municipality  of  Long  Island  City  and. 
especially  upon  the  adoption  of  the  revised  charter, 
all  school  and  educational  matters  were  relegated  to 
the  custody  and  direction  of  the  Board  of  Education. 
To  systematize  methods  and  courses  of  study  and  to 
carry  forward  the  several  schools  of  the  city  in 
harmony,  under  a  common  regime,  advancing  the 
standard  and  providing  facilities  for  attendance  as 
warranted  by  progressive  C()nditi(^ns,  was  the  task  to 
which  the  Board  at  once  addressed  its  energies.  In 
1873  a  school  was  organized  in  Ravenswood.  In 
1877  the  needs  of  the  Fifth  Ward  and  Blissville 
were  met  in  like  manner.  A  superb  building  was 
erected  at  Steinway,  mainly  by  the  generous  aid  of 
William    Steinway,    Esq.,   as  elsewhere  more  fully  stated. 

I'-njm  18S7  to  18., J  the  present  commodious  structures  in  the  I'ir^i.  S.-.cnd,  '\'\\\\\\  and  Fiflli  Wards 


i 


I  i ; 


_a^AtJi( 


IMKS'l'   WAKl) 


/f/sroRY  or  iA>.\(;  islaxp  city. 


73 


were  erected  to  meet  the  demands  of  a  school  population,  which  had  increased  more  than  two  hundred 
per  cent,  since  the  date  of  incorporation.  The  present  cost  of  maintaininif  the  educational  system  of  the 
city  is  about  $150,000  per  annum. 

A  unique  feature  of  practical  methods  of  instruction  throujjhoul  the  schools  f>f  the  city  is  the 
system  of  school  hankinjf,  by  which  all  pupils  are  encourajred  to  save  their  pennies  for  dejwsit  in  the 
Savinjjs  Bank.  This  system  was  introduced  by  John  H.  Thiry,  Esq.,  school  commissioner  at  various 
times  and  widely  known  in  educational  circles  throujjhout  the  nation,  because  of  his  intellijcent  interest 
in  whatever  relates  to  the  welfare  of  public  schools.  This  city  enjoys  the  distinction  of  beinij  the  first 
in  the  nation  to  recojjni/.e  the  value  of  school  banks. 

rill,    SUKVKV    COMMISSION. 

In  .May,  1S71,  (ieor<;e  B.  McClellan,  William  B.  Franklin  and  Stephenson  Towle  were  constituted, 
by  act  of  the  Lejifislature,  "  Survey  Commissioners"  for  the  purpose  of  laying  out  the  streets,  avenues, 
roads  and  parks,  and  determininj^f  the  gradesof  Long 
Island  City.  These  Commissioners  appeared 
before  the  Mayor  at  the  Clerk's  office.  Hunter's 
Point,  on  May  4,  and  took  the  oath  of  office.  In 
the  prosecution  of  its  work,  the  Commission 
confined  itself  chiefly  to  the  newer  sections  of 
the  city,  adjusting  the  already  mapped  portions  of 
Astoria  and  Himter's  Point  thereto  without 
material  change,  plotted  the  city  as  it  now  stands, 
naming  its  streets  and  avenues  and  filing  its 
completed  survey  with  the  clerks  of  both  cit\' 
and  county. 

TIIK    PUUI.IC    LIBRA KV. 

Carlyle  once  observed  that  "The  true 
University  of  these  days  is  a  collection  of  books." 
Every  wise  voice  beside  liisown  has  also  celebrated 
the  value  of  books.  Say  what  is  best,  something 
better  still  remains  to  be  said  in  their  praise.  Few 
greater  pri\'ileges,  therefore,  can  a  communitv 
confer  upon  its  citizens  than  the  use  of  a  public 
librarj-.  That  Long  Island  City  is  able  to  offer 
the  advantages  of  such  an  institution  to  the  public, 
without  money  or  price  on  the  part  of  its  people. 
is  owing  to  the  munificent  gift  of  William  Xelson, 
of  New  York  City.  L'pon  the  acceptance  of  the 
gift  by  the  city,  in  pursuance  of  the  accompanying 
condition  that  the  city  should  maintain  the  library 

at  its  own  expense,  the  following  trustees  were  apjiointed.  December  2.S,  1.S95,  by  Mayor  Sandford  and 
confirmed  by  the  Common  Council:  Dr.  W.  ('..  Frcv.  V.  W.  Blcckwenn,  Rev.  W.  11.  Weeks.  Winthrop 
Turney  and  George  E.  Clay. 

The  Library  was  duly  opened  August  14,  1.S96.  and  its  six  thousand  volumes  were  placed  at  the 
command  of  the  public. 

An  excellent  Reading  Room  is  also  connected  with  the  Library,  which  was  opened  to  public  use 
August  7,  1896.  Twenty-seven  publications,  embracing  leading  dailies  and  magazines,  were  upon  its 
racks,  with  the  probability  that  the  number  will  be  largelv  increased. 

The  Library  is  accessibly  located  at  26  and  28  Jackson  avenue,  between  Third  and  Fourth  streets, 
and  is  opened  daily  from  8  a.m.  to  8  p..m.,  e.xcept  Sundav. 

rUK    STREF.T    RAILWAYS    OF    LONG    ISl.ANll    CIIV^     /^ 

The  first  street  railway  constructed  in  this  city,  was  that  of  the  jUivalry  Cemetery  line,  leading 
from  Thirty-fourth  street  ferry.  Early  in  the  seventies,  a  charter  was  obtained  from  the  legislature, 
the  track  laid,  and  the  road  went  into  operation.     This  was  succeeded  in  1876  by  the  Dutch  Kills  hne. 


IIITM     WAKl 


74 


HISTORY  OF  I.OXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


which  was  organized  aud  carried  to  completion  mainly  by  the  energy  of  William  Radde,  who  owned 
extensive  interests  in  land  in  the  Third  Ward.  The  present  route  is  as  originally  surveyed.  This 
line,  imder  the  management  of  the  late  Josiah  M.  Whitney,  responded  to  a  public  need,  and  was 
successfully  operated  for  a  number  of  years  as  the  nucleus  of  that  larger  system  which  it  anticipated. 
Increased  facilities  of  transportation  and  intercoiirse  between  the  various  sections  of  the  city  being 
required  by  an  advancing  population,  the  city  railways  soon  engaged  the  attention  of  that  public 
spirited  citizen,  William  Steinway.  Amendments  to  the  charter  having  been  obtained  from  the 
legislature,  the  Dutch  Kills  line  having  been  transferred  to  the  hands  of  the  Steinway  Company,  was 
extended  through  Jackson  and  Steinway  avenues  to  the  village  of  Steinway,  throiigh  Vernon  avenue 
and  the  Boulevard  to  Ninety-second  street  ferry,  Astoria,  and  up  Flushing  avenue  to  Steinway.  The 
mechanical  features  of  the  entire  new  system  were  improved,  and  public  convenience  promoted.  The 
introduction  of  electric  power  and  the  accession  of  a  new  management  in   1893,  inaugurated  a  new  era 

in  the  development  of  the  system.  It 
is  now  one  of  the  great  corporations 
of  Greater  New  York.  Two  years 
ago  it  had  twcnt\'-six  miles  of  track. 
It  now  has  more  tlian  sixtx'  miles. 

In  place  of  a  score  or  two  of 
motor  cars  there  will  be  139  summer 
cars  this  season  (1896)  equipped  with 
motors,  and  the  company  will  have 
altogether  240  motor  cars.  A  new 
l^nver  house  is  jiist  being  completed, 
and  a  storage  house  covering  acres  of 
ground  is  in  course  of  construction. 
I^'ormerly  the  ]3urchase  of  a  dozen  or 
more  cars  at  one  time  would  have 
been  considered  a  great  addition  to 
the  equipment,  'i'his  year  they  have 
just  bought  100,  which  are  being 
delivered  as  rapidly  as  they  can  be 
transported  from  .St.  Louis. 

They  have  ten  .seats  and  a  seating 
capacity  of  fifty  persons.  Finished 
in  oak  and  ash,  with  brass  trimmings,  they  are  as  comfortable  and  ornamental  as  any  ears  running  in 
the  (ireater  New  York  district.  Each  is  lighted  by  eleven  incandescent  electric  lights  and  equipped 
with  the  latest  style  of  weather  curtains,  which  afford  the  best  protection  against  a  storm.  The 
ornamented  glass  in  the  front  of  the  roof  is  vari-colored,  so  that  the  line  on  which  the  car  runs  can  be 
readily  seen  in  the  night  time.  The  glass  in  the  Jackson  avenue  cars  is  red,  in  the  Flushing  cars, 
white;  in  the  Dutch  Kills  cars,  blue;  in  the  Ravenswood  cars,  yellow,  and  in  the  Calvary  and  Lutheran 
cemetery  lines,  green.  This  will  enable  a  person  to  know  the  destination  of  a  car  at  night  when  it  is 
difficult  to  distinguish  the  painted  dashboard  signs. 

Besides  the  new  cars  several  of  the  old  summer  ones  are  being  equipped  with  motors.  They  were 
used  for  trailers  and  were  formerly  horse  cars.  They  have  been  strengthened  so  that  they  are 
now  as  .serviceable  as  the  other  cars  used.  The  intention  of  the  company  is  to  have  a  sufficient  number 
of  trolley  cars  so  that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  use  trailers.  Besides  the  1 00  new  cars,  they  have  thirty- 
nine  old  summer  ears.  These  139,  they  believe,  will  be  sufficient  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  public 
on  all  the  lines,  unless  the  increase  of  traffic  is  far  beyond  the  anticipation  of  the  company. 


LONG   ISLAND    KAIl  KOAIJ    STATION. 


MII.KS    OF    I.MPKO\l;l)      IkACK. 

In  the  laying  of  the  new  tracks,  and  in  extensions,  the  improvements  have  been  on  the  same  scale  as 
in  the  addition  of  new  cars.  Thirteen  miles  of  new  track  have  been  laid  with  the  ninety-pound  rail 
manufactured  by  the  Cambria  Iron  Works,  of  Cambria,  Penn.  These  rails  are  the  best  that  are  made, 
and  are  forty  or  fifty  pounds  hea\'icr  than  the  rails  used  on  steam  railroads.  The  special  rails  used  on 
curves  and  crossings  were  manufactured  by  the  Pennsylvania  Steel  Works. 


n/sri-iRV  OF  LON(;  island  city 


75 


In  1895  the  new  rails  were  laid  on  Borden  avenue  up  as  far  as  Jackson  and  Vernon  avenues,  to 
replace  the  duplex  rails,  which,  although  laid  only  two  years  apo,  had  proven  to  be  unsatisfactory  and 
inadequate  for  the  heavy  travel.  The  new  rails  are  laid  on  ties  and  the  bed  is  as  solid  as  a  steam  rail- 
road line.  The  replacinjj  of  the  duplex  rails  on  Jackson  avenue,  with  the  new  rails,  was  commenced 
about  a  month  ajjo  and  the  work  was  coini)Iclcd  inside  nf  a  moiuh  by  cni]jloyin>if  a  larjce  force  of  men 
and  tearing  up  long  distances  of  street. 

New  rails  had  been  previously  laid  from  Jackson  avenue  to  Steinway  avenue,  and  from  Steinway 
avenue  to  Flushing  avenue.  The  laying  of  this  connection  made  two  of  the  lines  complete  to  North 
Beach.  The  facilities  for  reaching  that  popular  resort  have  been  completed.  A  line  <jf  tracks  to  St. 
Michael's  Cemetery,  thence  to  Ehret  avenue,  thence  to  Silver  Spring  Lake,  where  a  loop  has  been  made 
an^und  the  lake,  forms  a  double  track  extension  from  St.  Michael's  Cemetery,  a  mile  in  length.  Another 
improvement  is  the  running  of  the  line  up  the  (Irand  Boulevard  to  a  point  opposite  Silver  Spring  Lake 
turning  in  a  southerly  direction  and  making  a  loop  at  the  Spring.  This  line  is  but  twenty  feet  at  its 
terminal  from  the  Flushing  avenue  line,  so  that  a  cross  over  enables  the  cars  to  pass  from  one  line  to 
the  other  in  case  of  accident  or  blockade.  Over  one  of  these  extensions  the  Jackson  avenue  cars  now 
run,  while  the  Flushing  avenue  line  runs  over  the  other.  Other  projects  of  the  company  relate  to  the 
reconstruction  and  extension  of  the  old  Long  Island  City  and  Newtown  Railway  Com])any. 

rilK    NKW    srORA(;K    liUII.IUXO. 

The  new  storage  house  at  Woodside,  just  outside  the  city  limits,  is  one  of  the  most  ])crfcclly  ecpiipped 


>i'    RAU.ROAU    FERRIES   ANli 


railroad  storage  houses  in  the  country,  and  there  are  few  larger.  It  has  a  frontage  on  Jackson  avenue 
of  221  feet  and  extends  back  to  Anderson  avenue,  a  distance  of  350  feet. 

The  building  is  erected  in  three  sections,  making  practically  three  separate  structures.  Two  thick 
partition  walls  of  brick  will  run  the  whole  length  of  the  building  and  rise  three  feet  above  the  roof. 
These  walls  are  built  for  protection  against  fire  by  direction  of  the  insurance  companies.  The  first 
section  of  the  building — the  section  nearest  Woodside  avenue — is  used  for  the  repair  shop;  next  to  this 
the  second  section,  about  fifty  feet,  is  used  for  storage  purposes  with  a  place  on  the  Jackson  avenue  end 
for  washing  cars.     The  other  section,  103  feet  in  width,  is  used  exclusively  for  storage  purposes. 

The  repair  shop  is  divided  transversely  into  three  parts.  The  end  next  to  Jackson  avenue  is  the 
machine  shop.  In  the  rear  of  this  is  the  carpenter  shop,  and  in  the  rear  of  that  the  paint  shop.  Tracks 
run  through  the  repair  shop  from  Jackson  avenue  to  Anderson  avenue  so  that  cars  are  run  from  one  to 
the  other  with  the  greatest  facility.  Traveling  cranes  are  so  arranged  that  a  car  on  entering  the 
machine  shop  can  be  picked  up  from  the  track  and  transferred  to  any  other  track  or  any  other  part  of 
the  machine  or  carpenter  shop  with  perfect  ease.  It  is  not  necessary  that  it  should  extend  back  to  the 
paint  shop.  Both  carpenter  and  paint  shops  are  fitted  up  with  the  latest  machinery,  and  the  equipment 
is  so  complete  that  new  cars  can  be  constructed  at  the  shops  if  desired.  One  corner  of  the  repair  shop, 
next  to  Jackson  avenue,  is  partitioned  off  for  a  winding  room;  that  is  for  the  winding  of  armatures 
which  often  have  to  be  done  on  account  of  the  burning  out  of  the  wires. 

In  addition  to  these  three  main  sections  of  the  building  there  is  a  small  annex  built  on  the  sUghtly 
irregular  piece  of  ground  on  the  Woodside  side  of  the  building  which  could  not  have  been  covered  had 


76  HISrORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

the  buildinuf  been  constructed  on  strictly  straight  Hnes.  In  the  annex,  which  is  as  much  a  part  of  the 
building  as  any  one  of  the  three  sections  named,  there  are  the  offices,  a  waiting  room,  store  rooms  for 
materials  for  the  carpenter,  paint  and  machine  shops,  all  separate,  and  a  blacksmith  shop  which  opens 
into  both  the  carpenter  and  machine  shop. 

Till'.    I'OWKR     HOfSKS. 

Down  on  the  East  river  another  immense  electric  plant  is  nearing  completion  with  a  capacity  of 
2 200  horse-power  for  immediate  use,  which  can  be  ultimately  increased  to  5000  horse-power.  This 
plant  is  located  close  up  to  the  old  one.  The  boilers  of  the  two  houses  have  a  capacity  of  6000  horse- 
power, which  is  sufficient  to  give  an  engine  capacity  of  10,000  horse-power.  Four  engines  are  placed 
in  the  engine  room,  which  is  80x92  feet.  On  a  raised  platform,  extending  along  the  entire  front  of  the 
building,  are  placed  fourteen  dynamos.  Two  of  the  engines  are  Corliss  make  and  two  are  vertical.  One 
of  the  Corliss  engines  has  already  been  hoisted  on  to  its  bed,  and  its  parts  adjusted. 

Another  bed,  for  a  second  Corliss  engine  has  been  completed,  and  the  engine  is  used  for  furnishing 
electrical  power  for  mechanical  purposes  and  for  incandescent  lights.  The  plant  has  a  capacity  for 
furnishing  power  for  800  arc  lights  and  1500  incandescent  lights.  The  two  additional  engines,  which 
will  be  put  in  later,  will  increase  the  capacity  of  the  plant  seventy-five  per  cent. 

These  are  the  great  enterprises  undertaken  by  the  Steinway  Railroad  Company,  largely  contrib- 
uting to  the  material  prosperity  and  advancement  of  Long  Island  City  and  the  adjacent  territory.  A 
more  perfect  idea  of  the  magnitude  of  the  undertaking  can  be  obtained  by  mentioning  their  approx- 
imate cost.  That  of  the  new  power  house  on  Mills  street  was  $175,000.  The  storage  house  at  Wood- 
side  cost  upwards  of  $150,000.  The  new  track  cost  about  $12,000  per  mile,  or  for  the  thirteen  miles, 
$156,000.  The  value  of  the  new  simimer  cars  was  $1800  eacli,  enough  to  erect  a  small  cottage.  The 
cost  of  the  100  cars  aggregated  $180,000;  a  total  of  $661,000. 

THK    LONC,    ISLAND    RAILROAD. 

The  Long  Island  Railroad,  which,  with  the  many  branches  embraced  in  its  system,  covers  Long  Island 
as  with  a  web,  has  its  principal  terminal  in  this  city.  It  is  a  vast  corporation,  which,  from  a  humble 
beginning,  has  grown  with  the  population  and  wealth  of  the  territory  it  covers.  It  was  chartered  in 
1832,  which  was  a  famous  year  in  the  history  of  railroads.  Already  had  Gridley  Bryant  constructed  the 
"  (Juincy  Railroad"  (1825)  in  Massachusetts,  for  the  carrying  of  granite  from  the  quarries  to  the  sea. 
The  Lehigh  River  in  Pennsylvania  for  five  years  had  received  from  Mauch  Chunk,  thirteen  miles  awaj', 
its  hea\y  freightage  of  coal  over  the  second  railroad  built  on  this  continent.  Both  of  these  were  oper- 
ated, however,  by  horse-power  or  gravity. 

But  in  1829  Horatio  Allen  had  returned  from  Europe,  whither  he  had  been  sent  two  years  before 
by  the  Delaware  and  Hudson  Canal  Company,  and  landed  upon  the  wharf  in  New  York,  two  locomo- 
tives which  were  put  into  actual  use.  The  State  of  Maryland  had  also  wakened  up  several  years  before, 
and  chartered  the  first  railroad  stock  company  on  this  continent  for  purposes  of  general  traffic  and 
transportation.  A  highway  was  opened  (now  known  as  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad),  over  which 
horses  and  mules  tugged  the  cars  for  weary  miles.     Steam  power  was  not  much  thought  of. 

But  a  certain  Baltimorean  had  new  visions  of  the  utility  of  the  new  motive  power.  The  engine  upon 
which  he  had  expended  some  original  ideas  had  been  in  operation  for  two  years.  It  weighed  scarcely 
more  than  a  ton,  but  Peter  Cooper  made  it  pull  the  railroad  directors  from  Baltimore  to  Ellicott's 
Mills,  at  the  rate  of  eighteen  miles  an  hour.  This  odd  little  engine  was  the  first  ever  built  in  America 
for  railroad  purposes,  and  the  first  specially  used  in  transportation  of  passengers. 

Well  nigh  the  whole  Atlantic  Coast  had  been  swept  with  the  wave  of  Railroad  ciilhusiasin.  l"n)m 
Massachusetts  to  South  Carolina  the  preparation  or  granting  of  railroad  charters  had  been  the  demand 
of  commerce  and  the  business  of  legislatures.  The  year  1832  found  sixty-seven  railroads  in  operation 
in  Pennsylvania  alone.  The  great  systems  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Jersey  had  been  begun.  In 
New  York  .State,  the  Mohawk  and  Hudson  Railroad  had  carried  hundreds  of  passengers  daily  from 
Albany  to  Schenectady  at  a  rate  of  speed,  which  in  1832  was  thirty  miles  an  hour.  Though  George 
Stephenson  had  built  his  first  engine  in  181 4,  with  a  capacity  of  six  miles  an  hour,  the  genius  of  inven- 
tors had  so  rapidly  adapted  mechanical  means  to  recpiired  conditions,  that  the  rate  of  speed  in  England 
had  been  increased,  in  1829,  to  thirty-five  miles  an  hour  by  Stephenson  himself.  This  exhibition  of 
progress  gave  glimpses  to  intelligent  men  of  the  possibilities  characterizing  the  question  of  railroading, 


HfS  TOR  1  ■  OF  L  ONG  ISf.  A  ND  CITY.  77 

and  fast  was  carrying  the  whole  movement  beyond  the  stajje  of  experiment.  For  this  reason  the  year 
1832,  which  marked  the  birth  of  the  Lonjj  Island  Railroad,  was  unusually  eventful.  The  great  advance 
was  then  begun  which  has  marked  every  subsequent  year  with  an  increase  of  railroad  mileage.  In  five 
years  afterward,  that  is,  from  1832  to  1837,  the  mileage  of  the  United  States  exceeded  that  of  any 
other  country  in  the  world.  This  prestige  has  never  been  sacrificed,  nor  has  railroad  development  in 
this  country  ceased  asserting  its  commanding  importance  in  the  fields  of  wealth,  commerce,  and  the 
thousand  other  economic  conditions  of  society,  save  when  war  and  financial  panics  have  occasioned 
temporary  interruptions. 

The  Long  Island  Railroad,  like  other  American  roads,  grew  up,  was  planned,  built  and  maintained 
bv  the  region  which  it  sought  to  cover.  The  east  and  west  extremities  of  Long  Island  were  settled 
nearly  at  the  same  time,  the  difference  being  in  favor  of  the  eastern  extremity.  Within  a  hundred 
years  Suffolk  County  to  its  western  limits  had  passed  into  the  possession  of  the  English,  who  had 
settled  at  Southhokl  and  the  Hamptons  in  the  thirties  of  the  seventeenth  century.  From  the  west, 
populatitm  went  eastward  to  meet  the  Lnglish  wave.  Thus  the  entire  island  rapidly  became  a  scene  of 
homes  and  farms,  and  a  promising  field  for  railroad  enterprise,  upon  which,  in  the  early  years  of  which 
we  write,  capital  and  pluck  were  stnmgly  bent. 

While  the  Long  Island  Railroad,  unlike  many  other  systems,  operates  within  a  territory,  wherein 
competition  is  geographically  forbidden,  and  one  wholly  within  the  limits  of  one  state,  yet  it  also 
resembles  other  railroad  systems  in  that  it  is  a  corporation  of  consolidated  interests.  Originally  states 
granted  charters  to  railroads  to  operate  only  in  certain  proposed  regions.  As  increased  facilities 
brought  separated  towns  and  regions  nearer  to  each  other,  and  the  growth  of  great  cities  made  connec- 
tion therewith  increasingly  necessary,  the  longer  roads  leased  the  shorter,  or  the  more  prosperous 
leased  the  less  fortunate,  or  connecting  roads  for  mutual  benefit  corporated  for  the  extension  of  their 
respective  advantages,  and  began  systems  which  cover  states,  and  even  the  whole  national  territory 
itself. 

Likewise  various  railroads  have  been  chartered  on  Long  Island,  as  will  be  presently  mentioned. 
These  now  consolidated  represent  the  Long  Island  Railroad  system. 

In  1833  the  charter  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad  was  extended  for  fifty  years.  Heginning  active 
operations  at  once,  the  year  1834  saw  a  completed  line  of  rails  laid  to  Jamaica.  Thence  on  to  and 
through  the  grassy  plains  of  Hempstead  to  Hicksville,  to  which  place  trains  began  to  run  August,  1837, 
thence  on  through  pines  and  scrub  oaks  to  Suffolk  Station,  1S41,  till  finally  the  last  spike  was  driven  at 
(ireenport.  and  that  sleepy  old  town,  on  July  25,  1844,  amid  much  jubilation,  hailed  the  coming  of  the 
first  train  which  ran  the  length  of  Long  Island.  The  terminals  of  the  railroad  were  now  established  at 
( ireenport  on  the  east,  and  South  Ferry,  at  the  foot  of  Atlantic  avenue,  Brooklyn,  on  the  west. 

In  1854  the  Flushing  Railroad  went  into  operation  between  Hunter's  Point  and  Flushing.  At  first 
it  ran  down  Flushing  avenue  to  West  avenue,  thence  on  to  a  long  pier  built  out  into  the  East  River 
where  the  steamers,  Island  City  and  Enoch  Dean,  were  accustomed  to  stop  and  receive  passengers  for 
I'ultun  Market.  There  were  at  that  time  no  ferries  at  Hunter's. Point,  nor  was  there  any  other  part  of 
Manhattan  Island  to  which  the  public  demanded  transportation  facilities  save  to  what  is  now  called  the 
lower  part  of  the  city.  In  1868  a  new  station  was  built  several  blocks  to  the  north,  which  was  reached 
b\-  the  road  which  is  now  used  exclusively  for  freight  traffic  by  the  Long  Island  Railroad. 

Owing  to  the  negative  conditions  which  had  been  developed  by  the  rapid  growth  of  Brooklyn  in 
business  and  population,  the  Long  Island  Railroad,  in  1861,  removed  its  western  terminal  from  South 
Ferry  to  Hunter's  Point.  Shortly  after  its  machine  and  repair  shops  were  removed  also  from  Jamaica 
to  the  same  place. 

In  1867  the  South  Side  Railroad  was  opened  for  business  between  South  Eighth  street,  BrookhTi, 
E.  I).,  and  Babylon.  Soon  after  it  was  extended  to  Patchogue,  thence  to  Eastjwrt,  and  in  1882  to  Sag 
Harbor.  Thus  two  lines  of  railways  were  in  active  operation  over  the  whole  length  of  Long  Island  in 
fifty  years  from  the  time  of  the  laying  of  the  first  rail. 

In  1874  the  Stewart  extension  to  Garden  City  ran  its  trains  from  the  station  of  the  F"lushing  Rail- 
road at  Hunter's  Point. 

Finally,  in  i88i,  the  Long  Island  Railroad  with  all  its  leased  lines  was  purchased  by  the  interests 
represented  by  the  late  Austin  Corbin,  under  whom  the  road,  as  a  system,  reached  its  present  stage  of 
development.  Previous  to  this  purchase,  Mr.  Corbin  had  built  a  railroad  from  Oreenpoint  to  Manhattan 
Beach,  connection  being  made  with   New   York  by  steamboats.      This  nn.vc  displavid   bi>;  wonderful 


78 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY, 


sagacity  and  foresight,  for  the  whole  of  the  Atlantic  coast  has  not  a  more  delightful  spot  for  summer 
recreation  than  this  famous  resort.  Mr.  Corbin's  own  explanation  of  the  transaction  whereby  the  Long 
Island  Railroad  passed  under  his  control,  exhibited  his  breadth  of  view,  comprehensive  grasp  of  the 
varied  bearings  of  his  action  and  confidence  in  the  future  as  he  saw  it.  "  Representing  a  body  of  cap- 
itaUsts,  I  have  purchased  from  Drexel,  Morgan  &  Co.  an  interest  that  gives  me  control  of  all  the  Long 
Lsland  Railroads,  except  two  or  three  local  lines  running  to  Coney  Island.  This  is  not  a  new  idea,  j 
have  been  negotiating  for  the  road  several  months.  I  have  always  believed  in  Long  Island — -in  its 
advantages  as  a  place  of  residence,  in  its  agricultural  productiveness,  in  the  attractiveness  of  its  summer 
resorts  and  its  value  for  railroad  purposes.  M}^  faith  in  this  direction  has,  perhaps,  been  stronger  than 
that  of  almost  any  other  man  who  pretended  to  have  any  understanding  on  the  subject.  All  the  Island 
needs  is  development,  and  now  that  development  is  going  to  take  place.  It  is  almost  too  early  to  go 
into  details,  but  I  will  outHne  in  a  general  way  my  plans.  One  object  that  we  have  in  xaew  is  to  develop 
to  the  fullest  extent  the  farming  sections  of  the  Island.  We  shall  use  every  effort  to  this  end.  I  propose 
to  make  the  south  side  of  Long  Island  the  greatest  watering  place  in  the  world.  Its  natural  beauties 
and  advantages  are  so  great  that  the  improvement  of  the  whole  stretch  of  coast  is  as  certain  to  come  as 
the  world  is  to  stand.  It  is  a  beautiful  country,  that  Long  Island  shore.  I  have  lived  there  eight  years 
and  I  know  whereof  I  speak,  when  I  say  that  the  cUmate,  scenery  and  natural  attractions  are  unsur- 
passed in  any  part  of  this  country  or  Europe.  I  have  not  a  particle  of  doubt  that  within  ten  years  (he 
was  speaking  December,  1880 — the  railroad  was  to  change  hands  January  i,  1881)  the  south  side,  from 
Coney  Island  to  Montauk  Point,  will  be  bordered  by  a  continuous  chain  of  seaside  summer  resorts.  It 
is  not,  however,  entirely  because  of  my  faith  in  Long  Island  as  a  place  of  summer  residence  that  I  lake 
the  interest  in  it  which  I  do.  With  proper  accommodations  for  travel  it  will  be  an  advantageous  ]jlace 
of  abode,  both  in  summer  and  in  winter." 

By  the  successive  movements  given  in  our  narrative.  Long  Island  City  became  the  capital  city  of 

the  Long  Island  Railroad.  Its 
offices  are  here.  From  this  point 
its  traffic  and  travel  are  distributed 
throughout  the  Island.  To  this 
point  it  conveys  inhabitants  from 
every  part  of  the  Island  and  trans- 
ports them  to  New  York  over  its 
abundantly  equipped  ferries. 
Hundred  of  trains  go  and  come 
daily,  for  the  accommodation  of  which  its  extensive  yards,  reaching  from  the  river  to  and  beyond  Vernon 
avenue,  afford  none  too  large  a  space.  Should  the  great  project  of  Mr.  Corbin,  with  respect  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  an  international  line  of  steamers  between  Fort  Pond  Bay  and  Milford  Haven,  Wales, 
receive  Congressional  sanction  under  future  agitation,  the  advantages  accruing  to  this  city  and  Long 
Island  in  general  would  be  incalcuable. 


RAVENSWOOD     BRIDGE. 


THE    NKW     VOKK     AND     EAST     RIVKR     I  ERKV    COMPANV. 

This  well-known  ferry  provides  transportation  between  Astoria  and  Xinety-second  street,  New 
York.  Like  other  organizations  identified  with  the  city,  and  like  the  city  itself,  it  is  a  development 
from  a  humbler  original.  Not  again  to  recur  to  the  period  when  a  solitary  oarsman  piloted  an 
occasional  passenger  against  the  river,  made  ever  perilous  by  turbulent  tides,  the  early  sixties  will 
provide  a  starting  point  adapted  to  our  purpose. 

Astoria  was  then  a  prosperous  village.  On  the  opposite  shore  stood  the  Astor  Mansion,  which 
now  is  used  as  a  pavilion  for  the  Park  at  Horn's  Hook.  Population  was  then  beginning  to  drift  along 
the  avenues  of  uptown  New  York  sufficiently  to  justify  the  provision  of  facilities  for  ferriage  to  and 
from  Long  Island.  Accordingly,  in  1864,  the  Queens  County  Ferry  was  organized  by  charter  with  A. 
W.  Winans,  as  President,  and  Cornelius  Rapelyc  and  Samuel  Willets  (of  Flushing),  as  Directors.  Two 
boats,  the  Sunswick  and  Astoria,  were  placed  in  service  and  daily  plied  the  waters  of  the  river.  Though 
they  had  but  one  gangway,  yet  their  accommodations  were  ample  for  the  limited  demands  of  the  traffic. 
The  fare  was  four  cents  to  Eighty-sixth  street.  New  York,  which  was  then  the  ferry  terminal,  but  the 
tr.ivel   was  so  restricted,  that    the    receipt  of   §50  a  day    was   an    unusual    circumstance.     In    186S    the 


HISTORY  OF  LOXa  /S/..L\/>  L ITV.  79 

terminus  was  chanjifed  to  Ninety-second  street.  New  York,  where  the    company   was   able  to  procure  a 
landinjr  more  eHj^ible  in  every  respect  for  the  purp<jses  of  ferriage. 

In  iSSo  the  Astoria  Perry  Company  was  orjjanized  and  assumed  control  of  the  business  with  Cor- 
nelius Rapelye  as  President  and  John  S.  Ellis  as  (leneral  Manajjer.  The  fare  was  raised  to  five  cents 
thouj;h  the  new  company  employed  but  two  boats,  both  of  them  old,  which  made  their  trips  under 
headway  of  half  an  hour.  Captain  Richard  Brown,  who  is  still  daily  at  the  wheel,  alert  and  cool  headed, 
with  the  e-xperience  and  vigor  of  middle  life,  then  had  just  entered  the  service.  "Travel  was  very 
slight  in  those  days"  he  remarked  to  the  writer.  "Twenty  passengers  was  a  big  load.  Trip  after 
trip  was  made  with  not  a  single  soul  on  board  siive  the  crew." 

Another  change  in  the  administration  of  affairs  came  with  1892.  On  October  i.of  that  year,  the 
New  York  and  East  River  Ferry  Company  acquired  by  purchase  all  the  rights  and  property  of  the 
Astoria  Company,  and  were  organized  under  a  new  charter.  The  officers  of  this  company  are,  William 
A.  Nash,  President,  (who  is  also  President  of  the  Corn  Exchange  Bank  of  New  York);  Roswell 
Eldridge,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  R.  U.  Clark,  Cashier;  John  Harvey,  C.eneral  Superintendent,  and 
Joseph  Johnson,  Assistant  Superintendent.  The  Board  of  Directors  consists  of  William  A.  Nash, 
Roswell  Eldridge,  li.  K.  Knapp,  Theodore  F.  Jackson,  and  Emanuel  Lehman.  Under  the  present 
management  important  advance  has  been  made  in  matters  which  relate  to  public  accommodation.  The 
waiting  rooms  and  general  entrances  have  been  improved;  the  racks  in  the  ferry  slips  have  been 
extended;  the  schedule  time  has  been  reduced  from  fifteen  minutes  to  twelve  minutes  headway;  three 
boats  instead  of  two  are  in  constant  service  and  all  rates  of  transportation  have  been  reduced,  the 
greatest  reduction  being  on  vehicles.  In  the  spring  of  1896,  Rhinelander's  reef,  which  stretched  across 
the  front  of  the  ferry  on  the  New  York  side,  and  was  a  constant  menance  to  the  busy  boats  of  the 
compan\-,  was  removed,  affording  a  depth  at  low  water  of  ten  feet  instead  of  five  and  a  half  feet  as 
theretofore.  A  large  increase  of  business  is  a  marked  result  of  these  efforts  to  respond  to  public 
demands  which  is  the  policy  of  the  present  management.  An  average  of  300  passengers  per  trip  now 
cross  this  ferry  morning  and  evening.  Several  causes  have  contributed  to  this  growth  of  patronage. 
The  Harlem  steamers  which  formerly  conveyed  passengers  from  Astoria  to  Peck  Slip,  N.  Y.,  having  been 
taken  from  the  route,  the  volume  of  travel  was  diverted  to  the  elevated  railroads,  one  of  the  stations  of 
which  is  located  conveniently  to  the  ferry.  The  general  produce  market,  at  One  Hundredth  street, 
attracts  hirge  numbers  of  market  gardeners  from  Long  Island.  The  stone  yards,  also,  which  extend 
from  Hallett's  point  along  the  shore  front  of  this  city  to  Ravenswood,  give  rise  to  a  large  traOie  which 
places  the  ferry  service  in  important  demand.  Added  to  all  these  is  the  great  tide  of  travel,  which,  in  its 
season,  flows  to  and  from  North  Beach  and  populates  the  boats  of  this  company  till  their  capacity  is 
often  taxed. 

It  is  noteworthy  that  during  the  history  of  the  three  companies  which  successively  have  operated 
the  ferry  from  Hallett's  Point,  nt)t  an  accident  of  a  momentous  nature,  save  one,  has  occurred.  Mr. 
Alfred  A.  McCoy,  whose  period  of  continuous  service  as  ferrymaster  covers  more  than  thirty-one  years 
and  who  is  still  at  his  post,  recalls  the  sinking  of  the  Astoria,  in  1S67,  in  a  collision  with  the  Electra — 
a  large  Fall  River  freight  steamer.  When  it  is  considered  that  navigation  across  the  river  at  this  point 
is  more  ditHcult  than  at  any  other  on  the  East  or  North  Rivers,  made  so  by  the  swirling  eddies,  mad 
rushing  tides  and  perilous  rocks  of  Hell  (late,  this  record  is  creditable  alike  to  the  trusty  pilots  and  to 
the  company  which  is  careful  to  employ  none  other. 

rilK    RAVK.N'SWOOO    liRIDlilC. 

The  plan  i>f  throwing  a  suspension  bridge  across  the  East  River  with  abutting  piers  on  Blackwell's 
Island,  dates  back  as  far  as  1838.  In  the  Family  Magazine,  Vol.  V.,  of  that  year,  the  "  Grave's  plan  for 
an  iron  hanging-bridge  over  the  east  and  west  channels  of  the  East  River,  from  between  Sixty-fifth  and 
Seventy-fifth  streets  on  the  City  of  New  York  side,  across  the  northern  part  of  Blackwell's  Island  to  a 
feasible  point  on  Long  Island  opposite  "  is  circumstantially  set  forth.  "  It  has  been  thought,"  said  the 
writer,  "by  many,  that  one  of  the  greatest  obstacles  to  the  rapid  and  permanent  growth  of  the  City  of 
New  York,  existed  in  the  fact  that  there  is  at  present  no  certain  and  rapid  mode  of  communication 
with  the  adjoining  country.  To  be  sure  the  different  ferries  by  which  the  inhabitants  of  this  splendid 
city  are  able,  in  the  spring  and  summer  months,  to  enjoy  the  society  of  their  neighbors,  might  at  first 
\-iew  seem  to  render  that  objection  futile,  but  when  we  consider  the  great  expense  of  ferriage,  and  the 
imcertainty  of  the  length  of  passage  in  the  winter   season,  when   the    rivers   are   frequently  obstructed 


8o 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


with  ice,  it  will  be  apparent  to  every  one  that  if  bridges  could  be  thrown  over  the  North  and  East 
Rivers,  they  would  certainly  be  a  public  benefit,  and  contribute  very  much  to  the  prosperity  and  com- 
fort of  the  people."  The  bridge,  as  planned  in  that  early  day,  showed  an  excellent  degree  of  intelligent 
engineering  details.  The  architect  reasoned  thus:  "The  distance  from  point  to  point  on  a  feasible 
line  of  construction  may  be  stated  as  follows:  From  New  York  to  Blackwell's  Island,  six  himdred  and 
ten  feet;  and  from  Blackwell's  Island  to  Long  Island,  six  hundred  and  eighty-three  feet,  making  a  total 
distance  of  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  eight  feet.  The  bridge  to  have  three  openings  of  seven 
hundred  feet  each  between  the  points  of  suspension,  with  abutments  of  arched  masonry  on  either  side  of 
the  channels,  and  spanning  Blackwell's  Island  with  three  connecting  arches.  Height  of  road  bed  above 
high  water,  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet;  to  spring  of  side  arches,  ninety  feet;  from  road  bed  to  sum- 
mit of  suspending  piers,  fifty-eight  feet;  span  of  smaller  arches,  one  himdred  and  fifty  feet;  center 
arch,  two  hundred  and  fift\'  feet,  with  corresponding  spring;  each  of  main  piers  to  be  sixty  feet  wide  at 
high-water  level,  sloping  upward  in  proportion.  The  breath  of  the  bridge,  forty-five  feet,  with  (at  each 
opening)  ten  ribs  of  twenty  pieces  each,  connected  by  a  cross-grated  plate,  and  cross  braces,  the  whole 
further  secured  by  two  horizontal  diagonal  cables,  connected  at  the  center  point  of  crossing  and  at  the 
piers.  The  roadway  passes  through  arched  openings  in  the  suspension  piers,  to  have  two  carriage 
tracks  with  a  foot-path  intervening;  suspended  from  four  catenarian  lines  of  maleable  iron  chains  and  cables 
(of  four  cables  each),  by  perpendicular  lines  of  iron  rods  alternating  from  the  four  suspension  cables 
spreading  five  feet  apart  horizontally  with  each  side  of  the  roadway,  framed  of  iron  lattice,  left  deep 
and  similarly  latticed  below  the  road-bed.  The  suspension  cables  of  each  opening  are  firmly  secured 
in  masses  of  masonry  resting  near  the  ])<)ints  of  construction."     This  "hanging-bridge"  as  determined 


CITY  OF  N'EW  YORK. 


liAVEXSU'OOIi.  L    I. 


TUNNCL  "  THC   CAST  RIVCR  TAo  Co 


from  experiments,  "  would  have  a  sur])lus  of  U]:)ward  of  twelve  hundred  tons  remaining,  denoiing  the 
strength  of  the  bridge,  a  weight  that  beyond  i)nihal)ility  would  nc\cr  be  U])on  the  bridge  at  one  jjoint 
of  time." 

The  expense  of  constructing  this  bridge  would  vary,  it  was  thought,  "  t'rom  live  hundred  to  eight 
hundred  thousand  dollars." 

The  "  few  years  "  in  which  the  writer  hojied  "  to  have  the  pleasure  of  walking  over  this  bridge" 
have  multi]>lied  into  nearly  two  generations.  Though  its  construction  was  never  attempted,  yet  the 
idea  was  an  expression  f)f  a  commercial  want  then  beginning  to  be  felt,  and  the  plans  contained  germinal 
suggestions  from  which  those  of  a  later  day  have  not  been  widely  different. 

The  next  historical  development  of  the  proposition  to  span  the  East  River,  at  or  near  the  point 
mentioned  twenty-nine  years  before,  was  on  the  i6th  of  April,  1867,  when  the  Legislature  of  New  York 
granted  a  charter  to  the  "New  York  and  Long  Island  Bridge  Company."  Thirty  members  constituted 
the  eor]3()ration,  chief  among  whom  were  Isaac  D.  Coleman,  the  engineer,  and  Archibald  M.  Bliss,  the 
first  Secretary. 

This  company  was  the  direct  (jroduct  of  the  disa])]3roval  on  the  ])arl  of  many  engineers  and 
business  men  of  the  location  of  the  Brooklyn  Bridge.  The  construction  of  that  bridge  had  just  been 
authorized.  It  was  then  argued  and  foreseen  (and  subsequent  years  have  verified  the  views  then 
expressed)  that  the  Brooklyn  Bridge,  while  serving  perhaps  as  a  means  of  local  rapid  transit,  could 
never,  by  reason  of  its  location,  be  made  a  part  of  any  system  of  through  transportation  between  Long 
Island  and  other  parts  of  the  nation.     To  connect  Long  Island  with  the  mainland,  the  western  center  of 


HISTOKY  OF  LONG  fSf.AXD  CITY 


8i 


the  Island  should  be  broujjht  into  immediate  eommunication  with  the  eentcr  of  New  York  City.  To 
thinking;  men  all  the  eonditi(jns  seemed  favorable  to  this  idea.  The  lands  of  Lonjj  Island  leading  to 
such  a  location  were  advantajfeously  open,  piers  could  be  built  upon  rock  at  or  near  the  surface  of  the 
river.  The  river  itself  was  here  at  its  narrowest  point.  The  thoroujjhfares  of  uptown  Xew  York  near 
Seventieth  street  offered  less  traffic  obstruction.  The  chief  railroad  connections  were  jcravitatinj^ 
toward  the  upper  districts  of  the  city.  Furthermore,  the  question  of  cost  was  reduced  to  a  minimum 
at  the  contemplated  locality. 

Moved  by  such  considerations,  the  location  of  Seventy-seventh  street,  Xew  York,  was  selected 
after  the  most  skillful  survey  as  the  most  stratejjfie  point  at  which  a  payinj^  bridj^e  could  be  constructed. 
The  enerjjies  of  the  Company  were  exerted  for  the  realizatiim  of  the  enterprise.  The  route  was  selected, 
lands  surveyed  and  necessary  lejjal  steps  taken  to  secure  possession  of  the  desired  property.  But  for 
reasons  relatin<j  to  popular  misapprehension,  which  interpreted  the  scheme  as  of_  a  purely  public  char- 
acter thereby  prejudicinjj  private  sub- 
scriptions to  the  stock  and  to  causes 
of  a  ])olitical  nature,  the  project 
lapsed. 

In  1.S71  an  attempt  was  ajjain 
made  by  llic  orjfanization  of  the 
"New  York  and  (Jueens  County 
Bridge  Company,"  which  was  char- 
tered by  the  Legislature,  but  no 
important  measures  were  taken  tn 
advance  the  enterprise  and  the  move- 
ment ended  in  failure.  Among  the 
incorporators,  however,  was  Col.  R. 
M.  C.  (Iraham,  who  became  instru- 
mental in  thoroughly  reorganizing 
the  New  York  and  Long  Island  Bridge 
Company  and  placing  it  upon  a  work- 
ing commercial  basis.  Tlie  ])ractical 
co-operation  was  secured  of  William 
Steinway,  John  T.  Conover,  II.  C. 
Poppcnheusen,  Archibald  M.  Bliss. 
0.  Zollikoffer,  Edward  J.  Woolsey. 
(lotlob  (iunther,  Pliny  Freeman. 
Oswald  Ottendorfer,  Abram  I).  Dit- 
mars,  Charles  A.  Trowbridge,  Willy 
Wallach,  Herman  Funcke,  C.  (Godfrey 
(iunther,  ICdward  liinstein,  Charles 
F.  Tretbar,  Henry  (1.  Schmidt,  John 
C.  Jackson  and  Charles  H.  Rogers.  The  board  of  directors,  consisting  of  twenty-one  members,  was 
authorized  by  an  amended  charter  to  extend  the  time  for  beginning  operations  to  June  i,  1S79.  The 
panic  of  187.^  and  the  important  industrial  depressicni  which  ensued,  tern jjorarily  embarrassed  the 
employment  of  means  to  carry  out  the  plans  of  the  Company,  but  toward  the  end  of  1.S74,  General  J. 
(1.  Barnard,  Ceneral  (Juincy  A.  (lilmore  and  Oliver  Chanute,  were  appointed  a  commission  of  engineers 
to  devise  preliminary  measures  for  active  and  actual  work.  In  order  to  secure  the  best  engineering 
skill  of  the  country,  the  commission  advertised  for  plans,  offering  §1000,  $500  and  S300  in  prizes. 
During  the  following  three  years  various  plans  were  submitted,  some  of  acknowledged  merit,  but  none 
of  the  desired  superiority  requisite  for  adoption.  However,  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
McDonald,  the  second  to  Captain  Eads  and  the  third  to  Mr.  F'laad.  The  only  objection  was  on  the  part 
of  Dr.  Thomas  Rainey.  who  had  been  elected  to  the  board  in  1876.  He  contended  in  favor  of  a  cable 
instead  of  a  cantilever  bridge.  Here  the  whole  matter  seems  to  have  ended  save,  perhaps,  the  report 
of  a  survey  which  confirmed  that  made  by  Mr.  Coleman  under  the  old  company. 

During  this  time  William  .Steinway  had  presided  over  the  deliberations  of  the  Board.     Voluntarily 
retiring  in  1S77,  he  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  Rainey,  who  enthusiastically  espoused  the  interests  of  the 


KASr    RIVKK    TUNNEL,    CRO 


IIKADINC:   TIIKOl'CH    ROCKS. 


82  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

Company,  and  set  about  the  employment  of  means  for  their  promotion.  He  interceded  with  Vander- 
bilt,  Drexel,  Morgan  &•  Co.,  and  parties  eonneeted  with  the  Manhattan  Elevated  Railroads  of  New  York, 
but  without  avail.  The  merits  of  the  enterprise  were  everpvhere  acknowleds^ed,  but  capital  was 
obligated  in  other  directions  and  could  not  be  devoted  to  this.  With  the  bridge  building  firm  of  Clarke. 
Reeves  &  Co.,  of  Phoenixville,  Pa.,  he  was  more  successful,  however.  To  them  he  submitted  pro- 
posed plans,  during  the  examination  of  which  a  better  plan  suggested  itself  which  was  deemed  superior 
to  all  others,  and  was  adopted.  Dr.  Rainey  relinquished  his  official  position  in  order  to  further  ex- 
pedite matters  and  Charles  A.  Trowbridge  was  elected  to  the  presidency.  A  contract  was  made  with 
Clarke,  Reeves  &  Co.,  March  25,  1881,  for  right  of  way  and  the  construction  of  a  "  first-class  double 
track  railway,  carriage  and  walkway  iron  bridge."  In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  contract,  work 
was  begun  the  following  day  upon  a  pier  at  Ravenswood.  Stock  was  pledged  to  the  amount  of 
$1,600,000.  The  estimate  cost  of  the  structure  was  $6,000,000,  and  the  revenues  therefrom  $2,000  per 
day.  There  were  to  be  two  spans  of  734  feet  and  618  feet  respectively,  with  a  minimum  height  above 
mean  tide  of  150  feet.  The  erection  of  this  great  structure  was  confidently  anticipated.  But  with  the 
completion  of  a  coffer  dam  in  the  I-'ast  River,  its  history  ceased  and  the  well  planned  project  became  a 
dead  letter. 

The  vital  importance  of  commercial  connection  with  New  York  by  means  that  would  admit  t)f 
through  transportation  continued  to  engage  the  attention  of  capitalists.  Austin  Corbin,  upon  his  accession 
to  the  chief  executive  office  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad,  did  not  permit  the  matter  to  slumber.  In  the 
great  and  feasible  project  whereby  he  contemplated  the  erection  of  Fort  Pond  Bay  into  a  free  port  of 
entry  and  continuous  transportation  throughout  the  length  of  Long  Island,  thence  to  the  mainland  to 
connect  with  the  great  trunk  lines  of  the  continent,  the  extension  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad  to  Man- 
hattan Island  was  an  indispensable  condition.  The  New  York  and  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  pro- 
posed to  bore  a  tunnel  under  the  East  River  to  achieve  that  end.  A  shaft  nearly  one  hundred  feet  in 
depth  was  sunk  in  the  triangle  bounded  by  Jackson  and  Vernon  avenues  and  Fourth  street,  and  prep- 
arations were  made  to  begin  operations  upon  the  timnel  proper,  when  all  the  rights,  titles  and  immu- 
nities of  the  New  York  and  Long  Island  Bridge  Company  were  transferred  to  and  passed  imder  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Board  of  which  Mr.  Corbin  was  the  head.  The  tiinnel  project  ha\'ing  been  relinquished, 
work  was  again  begun  upon  a  bridge  across  the  East  River  from  Sixty-fourth  Street,  New  York,  to 
Harsell  Avenue,  Long  Island  City.  Owing  to  litigation,  operations  were  suspended  in  October,  1895, 
but  were  resumed  in  the  month  of  March  following,  only  again  to  be  discontinued. 

Thus  for  fifty-eight  years  the  attempt  of  man  to  form  this  artificial  bond  of  immediate  connection 
with  the  mainland  has  ended  in  failure.  But  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  economic  value  accruing 
from  so  great  and  practicable  an  enterprise  cannot  much  longer  defer  the  day  of  its  construction.  The 
far  reaching  results  of  the  consolidation  of  Western  Long  Island  into  the  (Ireater  New  York  will  ini])e- 
riously  so  demand. 

THE    TUNNKl,    OK    THE    EAST    RIVER    GAS    COMPANY. 

By  legislative  act  of  1892  the  East  River  Gas  Company  was  authorized  to  supply  the  City  of  New 
York  with  gas  through  a  tunnel  to  be  constructed  under  the  liast  River.  The  magnitude  of  the  under- 
taking awakened  the  doubts  of  the  incredulous  and  many  idle  prophecies  concerning  the  failure  of  the 
scheme.  But  the  possibiHties  of  the  undertaking  had  previously  been  thoroughly  canvassed  by  the  best 
engineering  skill  of  the  day.  Charles  M-  Jacobs,  Civil  Engineer  of  London,  England,  and  of  New 
York,  was  placed  in  direction  of  the  work.  Mr.  Jacobs  had  been  engaged  in  similar  work  in  England 
and  Australia  and  more  recently  had  planned  a  scheme  for  Mr.  Austin  Ci)ri)in,  for  underground  rapid 
tran.sit  in  New  York. 

The  first  work  was  to  determine  the  depth  at  which  to  cross.  This  was  acconi])lished  by  a  system 
of  borings  and  soundings  across  the  channels  and  Blackwell's  Island.  Messrs.  McLaughlin  and  Reilly 
having  successfully  l)id  for  the  work  of  excavation,  plants  were  established  on  both  sides  of  the  river 
and  operations  upon  the  shafts  were  commenced,  June  28,  1892.  The  shafts  were  nine  feet  square, 
with  a  depth  on  the  New  York  side  of  135  feet,  and  on  the  Ravenswood  side  of  147  feet.  The  distance 
between  the  center  line  of  the  shafts  was  fixed  at  2541.4  feet,  thus  giving  a  drain;ige  of  six  inches  to 
the  100  feet  toward  the  Ravenswood  end  where  there  is  a  sump  for  the  same  and  facilities  for  pump- 
ing drainage  to  the  surface.     The  heading  is  ten  feet  wide  by  eight  feet  six  inches  high  at  the  center 


HISTORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  83 

of  the  crown.  This  crown  is  struck  by  a  radius  of  seven  feet  and  joins  the  perpendicular  sides  with 
fillets  of  two  feet  radius. 

The  work  projjressed  smoothly.  The  shafts  were  completed  and  the  headinj^s  turned  at  both 
sides.  The  rock  on  the  New  York  side  was  found  to  be  dry  as  bone.  At  Ravenswood  many  sprinj^'s 
were  met.  (ircat  skill  was  required  to  project  the  lines,  what  with  drillinjj  and  firing  and  removal  of 
debris  from  the  shafts.  In  1893  about  350  feet  had  been  run  under  the  west  channel  by  reasfm  of  the 
dry  rock  which  was  favorable  to  projjress,  while  on  the  east  side  only  285  feet  had  been  bored.  By 
reason  of  difference  of  views  as  to  the  employment  of  compressed  air  in  the  work  of  further  excavation, 
the  contractors  relinquished  the  work  and  Mr.  W.  I.  Aims,  an  experienced  enjfinccr  at  the  Hudson 
River  tunnel,  was  placed  in  charge.  As  the  work  advanced,  brick  masonry  at  first,  then  cast  iron  lining 
was  used,  wherever  soft  material  so  required.  Meantime  soft  rock  was  also  encountered  u]X)n  the 
Ravenswood  side  which  necessitated  the  use  of  compressed  air.  The  work  was  done  by  a  shield, 
which  was  a  steel  cylinder  of  sufficient  internal  diameter  to  contain  the  iron  lining.  To  operate  it 
sufficient  pressure  was  applied  to  force  it  forward.  It  was  possible  to  bring  600  tons  to  bear  upon  it. 
The  pressure  necessary  for  accomplishing  the  work  was  about  thirty  pounds.  Though  men  were 
carefully  examined  before  allowed  to  work  under  these  strained  conditions,  some  were  overcome  while 
others  were  more  or  less  affected  by  continuance.  The  danger  to  those  unaccustomed  to  the  pressure 
was  greater  on  emerging  from  the  lock  from  the  reduction  of  pressure,  than  upon  entering.  The  effect 
was  the  same  as  experienced  in  high  altitudes  where  the  heart  is  stimulated  to  extraordinary  action. 

W'ithin  a  metal  case  men  carried  on  the  work  of  excavation  from  both  sides  of  the  river.  When 
sufficient  space  permitted  to  insert  a  ring,  this  was  done  and  the  operation  was  repeated.  When  the 
material  was  soft  the  doors  of  the  diaphragm  were  closed  and  the  water  scjueezed  out  in  the  pressing 
forward.  While  the  ring  was  bolted  the  doors  were  opened,  the  forward  end  cleared  of  debris  and  the 
material  removed  by  cars. 

This  difficult  undertaking  was  completed  July  11,  1894.  In  the  morning  of  that  day  the 
measurement  proved  that  only  twenty-one  feet  remained  between  the  faces,  and  great  excitement 
prevailed  among  the  workmen.  At  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  first  drill  was  put  through  from 
Ravenswood  to  New  York,  fair  in  the  middle  of  the  heading,  and  at  midnight  the  wall  was  blasted 
out,  and  the  headings  met  at  1676  feet  from  the  Xew  York  shaft,  and  those  present  walked  through 
from  New  York  to  Long  Island  City,  by  way  of  the  first  tunnel  under  the  East  River.  So  great  was 
the  accuracy  of  the  work,  and  the  care  and  skill  employed,  that  when  the  headings  met  the  center 
lines  were  only  one-half  of  an  inch  out  of  direction,  and  about  three-cjuarters  of  an  inch  difference  was 
discovered  between  the  grade  levels. 

Thus  Ravenswood  was  united  to  New  York  by  the  successful  execution  of  an  engineering  projett 
despite  the  fears  of  the  incredulous  and  the  difficulties  which  at  times  seemed  almost  insuperable. 

A  36-inch  diameter  gas  main  is  now  laid  in  place  and  supplies  gas  to  large  sections  of  upper  New 
York.  (Sec  cut,  p.  Si).  The  idea  of  tunneling  the  East  River  is  not  perhaps  to  be  attributed  to  any 
single  individual,  inasmuch  as  it  had  been  the  subject  of  much  speculation  and  interest  for  some  time 
among  gas  men.  But  to  Emerson  McMillin.  President  of  the  East  River  Gas  Company,  whose 
abilities  along  progressive  lines  have  gained  him  special  prominence  in  gas  affairs,  is  due  the  merit 
of  having  pushed  the  project  on  to  the  most  successful  realization. 

HELL    GATE. 

REMOV.VI.    OK    OHSTRUCTIONS — GE.V.     NEWTON's    GREAT    ENGINEERING    SKIM,. 

The  twenty-fourth  day  of  vSeptember,  1876,  marked  a  notable  event  in  which  this  city  was  the 
scene  of  mucii  interest.  That  day  witnessed  the  destruction  of  Hallett's  Point  Reef,  the  opening  of 
Hell  Gate  to  vessels  of  the  largest  draught,  and  the  diversion  of  dangerous  currents  into  channels  of 
safety.  This  occurrence  was  the  culmination  of  seven  years  of  tiie  most  skillful  submarine  engineer- 
ing and  generous  financial  cooperation  on  the  part  of  the  General  Government.  Perhaps  we  should 
have  said  twenty-seven  years  instead  of  seven,  for  as  early  as  1848,  Charles  H.  Davis  and  David 
Porter,  U.  S.  Naval  Lieutenants,  surveyed  the  perilous  strait  and  indicated  to  the  Government 
certain  reefs  and  rocks  which  were  the  most  frequent  cause  of  disaster.  These  were  the  Gridiron. 
Way's  Reef,  the  Bread  and  Cheese  Reef,  and  Pot  and  Frying  Pan  Rocks.     While  the  only  method  of 


§4  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

removal  suggested  by  the  Officers  of  the  Survey  was,  necessarily,  bhisting  (cjf  which  only  one  form  was 
then  known),  there  was  a  diversity  of  opinion  as  to  the  methods  of  deep  sea  work  of  this  order. 

Persistent  interest  achieved  the  first  attempt  at  removal,  iii  185 1,  by  surface  explosioas  of  gun 
powder.  While  quantities  of  fragments  were  torn  away,  still  the  method  proved  valueless  in  the 
proposed  gigantic  enterprise.  This  was  a  disappointment  to  the  public  of  New  York  City,  whose 
citizens  had  raised  the  $14,000  expended. 

A  ground  swell  of  renewed  interest  was  exhibited  by  the  '"New  York  Harbor  Commission."  in 
1856,  but  subsided  without  any  attempt  at  effective  work. 

Finally,  in  1866,  a  General  appeared,  by  government  order,  in  the  situation  which  for  so  many 
years  had  been  highly  productive  of  scientific  embarrassment.  John  Newton  was  a  Major-General  in 
the  United  States  Engineers,  and  by  events  was  proven  to  be  eminently  qualified  for  the  arduous 
undertaking.  He  e.xhaustively  surveyed  everj^  detail  of  the  tidal  torrent,  reported  in  extcnso  his  plans  for 
the  work,  and  two  years  later  (1868)  was  rewarded  with  a  Congressional  appropriation  of  $85,000  for  the 
execution  of  his  project.  The  contract  was  let,  and  partially  carried  into  effect,  when  the  whole 
affair  became  the  subject  of  an  accident  which  left  Pot  and  Frying  Rocks  temporarih^  secure  from  the 
steam  drill.  The  attack  was  again  made  in  May,  1871,  this  time  with  nitro-glycerine,  and  in  July, 
1872,  the  famously  offensive  Frying  Pan  Rock  was  leveled. 

The  steam  drill  and  nitro-gl3'cerine,  as  an  explosive,  proved  ec|ually  powerful  with  Way's  Reef, 
the  surface  of  which,  likewise,  in  1872,  was  carried  to  a  depth  of  twenty -six  feet  below  low-tide. 

While  the  other  rocks,  upon  which  was  begun  work,  were  successfully  yielding  to  the  means 
employed  by  General  Newton  for  their  removal,  yet  not  unattended  with  vast  difficulties,  seen  and 
unforeseen,  an  heroic  move  was  made,  July  8,  1869,  upon  Hallett's  Point  Reef.  This  reef  perhaps 
gave  the  fleets  of  Hell  Gate  more  taste  of  the  perils  of  the  deep  than  any  other  single  obstruction  of 
their  inimical  number.  The  plan  of  the  engineer  was  to  undermine  the  whole  reef  extending  three 
hundred  feet  into  the  river,  store  the  tunnels  with  explosives,  admit  the  water  and  fire  the  entire 
mass  of  explosives  by  electricity  from  a  battery  upon  the  shoi-e. 

The  work  was  begun  upon  the  date  mentioned,  with  the  first  mechanical  steps  tnw.ird  the  con- 
struction of  a  coffer-dam.  A  shaft  was  sunk  ninety-five  by  one  hundred  and  five  feet  to  the  depth  of 
thirty  feet  below  low  water;  thirty-five  tunnels  radiated  from  a  common  center,  and  ten  transverse 
galleries  were  bored  twenty-five  feet  apart.  The  whole  excavation  occupied  two  and  five-eighths  acres. 
The  total  length  of  the  tunnel  was  4857  feet,  and  galleries  2568  feet,  making  7425  feet  in  all.  The 
number  of  cubic  yards  removed  were  47,461.  The  total  amount  of  explosive  employed  in  the  final 
blast  was  as  follows:  13,596  cartridges,  three  inches  in  diameter,  and  nine  to  eighteen  in  length, 
containing  various  quantities  of  dynamite,  rend-rock  and  vulcan  powder.  These  were  placed  in  4427 
holes  in  rocks,  which  had  been  drilled  ten  feet  apart  and  nine  feet  deep. 

Finally  the  work  had  been  pronounced  complete.  General  Newton  had  added  tlie  last  of  the 
infinite  number  of  details,  by  laying  a  wire  to  the  shore  where  the  key  was  awaiting  the  momentous 
touch  that  produced  the  dramatic  event.  At  this  key  stood  the  little  daughter  of  General  Newton. 
Multitudes  of  officials  and  citizens  darkened  the  bluffs  at  Pot  Cove,  where  stood  the  child.  On  tlie 
river,  neighboring  islands,  and  main  land,  in  fact  throughout  a  wide  horizon,  near  and  far,  every 
vantage  point  of  observation  throbbed  with  humanity,  breathlessly  awaiting  the  impending  convulsion. 
It  was  a  Sabbath  afternoon.  The  hour  of  three  had  nearly  arrived  when  signal  guns  warned  the 
countless  multitudes  that  the  explosion  was  about  to  occur.  Presently  the  key  yielded  to  the  touch  of 
the  child,  and  in  two  seconds  came  a  deep,  muffled,  yet  powerful  report,  the  earth  slightly  vibrated,  a 
thick  muddy  column  mixed  with  fragments  of  rock  shot  up  into  tlie  air  fifty  feet  or  more,  and 
Hallett's  Point  Reef,  which  had  caused  many  wrecks,  was  itself  wrecked.  Submarine  dredges  cleared 
away  the  debris,  and  a  depth  of  twenty-six  feet  at  low  water  was  discovered  to  be  the  gratifying 
result  of  the  great  undertaking. 

With  General  Newtown,  there  were  associated  in  the  work;  James  Mcrcur,  Captain  of  Engineers; 
Jo-seph  H.  Millard,  First  Lieutenant  of  Engineers;  Julius  H.  Striedinger,  Civil  Engineer,  Assistant; 
Bernard  F.  Hoyle,  Mining  Engineer,  Overseer;  James  Quigley  and  Robert  S.  Burnett,  Assi-stants. 


///STORY  O/-'  LONG  /S/.AND  C/TY.  85 

THE  CITY  HOSPITALS. 
There  arc  two  liosi^itals  in  the  city  to  represent  this  important  branch  of  benevolent  work. 

ST.   John's  Hosi'irAL. 

This  institution  orijjinated  in  the  wise  forethoiiyfht  of  the  late  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Louj^hlin,  of 
Brooklyn.  The  twenty-nine  lots  fronting  on  Jackson  and  Nott  avenues  and  Twelfth  street  were 
placed  by  him,  early  in  1861,  at  the  command  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  who  at  once  arranged  tlie 
buildings  already  upon  the  property  to  meet  the  requirements  of  a  modern  city  hospital.  The  first 
patients  were  received  in  May  of  the  same  year.  Since  that  time  the  usefulness  of  the  hospital  has 
constantly  increased,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  magnificent  structure,  a  cut  of  which  is  herein  given. 
This  new  building,  now  in  course  of  erection,  has  a  frontage  on  Twelfth  street  and  Jackson  avenue  of 
about  one  hundred  and  forty  feet,  and  extends  back  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  to  Nott  avenue.  The 
main  part,  at  the  corner  of  Jackson  avenue  and  Twelfth  street,  will  be  five  stories  high,  while  the 
west  and  north  wings  will  be  four  stories.  Every  sanitary  requirement  suggested  by  scientific  advance, 
and  all  conveniences  known  to  the  fullest  medical  equipment  and  efficiency,  will  characterize  the 
adaptation  of  the  building  to  its  purpose.  An  ambulance  service  is  at  instant  call,  and  the  sick 
of  every  race,  religion  and  color  are  alike  welcome  to  its  benefits. 

The  officers  are: 

/''resident:    Rt.  Rev.  Charles  E.  McDonnell,  Bishop,  of  Brooklyn. 

Consulting  P/iysician  and  Surgeon:     Dr.  John  Byrne. 

]'isiting  Surgeons:    Dr.  James  B.  Kennedy;  Dr.  James  D.  Trask  ;  Dr.  John  Francis  Burns. 

]^isitiiig  /Viysieiiins:     Dr.  Patrick  McKcon;  Dr.  Joliii  Tlinckson;  Dr.  II.  Ilcrrim.in. 

//ouse  Surgeon:     Dr.  R.  Thornton  Stewart. 

Sister  in  C/uirge:     Sister  Mary  David. 

ASTORIA     HOSPITAL. 

This  hospital,  organized  in  1891,  at  first  occupied  a  house  on  Flushing  avenue  rented  and  furnished 
for  use  by  the  liberality  of  Mrs.  F.  E.  Hagemeyer.  Increased  accommodations  soon  became  a 
necessity.  By  the  efforts  of  the  Advisory  Board  the  present  beautiful  edifice  on  The  Crescent,  near 
Grand  avenue,  was  erected  and  opened  for  use  in  the  spring  of  1896.  It  is  "  intended  to  be  for  the  treat- 
ment of  patients  having  acute  and  curable  diseases,  without  regard  to  sex,  creed  or  nationality.  Chronic 
sufferers  will  be  admitted  at  discretion,  but  for  temporary  treatment  only."'  The  hospital  has  entered 
upon  an  enlarged  sphere  of  usefulness  "with  every  advantage  that  the  advance  of  science  and  the 
knowledge  of  an  improved  sanitation  can  give."  Ten  to  sixteen  dollars  per  week  secures  private 
rooms  for  patients,  and  the  best  of  care  and  attention.  These  rooms,  as  also  certain  beds  in  the  wards, 
are  memorial  gifts.  The  work  of  the  hospital  is  carried  forward  by  various  committees,  who  are 
liberally  seconded  by  public  liberality. 

Its  officers  are : 

/""resident:     Mrs.  F.  E.  Hagemeyer. 
/■'trst  ]'iee-IWsident:     Mrs.  J.  M.  Blackwcll. 
Second  I'ice-/Wsident:     Mrs.  Robert  Benner. 
Treasurer:     Mrs.  Charles  W.  Hallett. 
Seeretarj:     Mrs.  R.  S.  Fanning. 
Assistant  Secretary:     Mrs.  George  M.  Potter. 
Superintendent:     Miss  M.  E.  Wygant. 
3/alron:     Mrs.  J.  G.  Mulligan. 


86 


fllSTORY  OF  LONG  fSLAND  CITY. 


Mrs.  F.  E.  Hagemeycr, 
Mrs.  J.  M.  Blackweil. 
Mrs.  Robert  Henner, 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Hallctt, 
Mrs.  J.  M.  Carrington, 
Mrs.  C.  Rapclye, 
^^rs.  R    S.  Fannino-, 


Mr.  Ernst  Lcnickc, 
Mr.  C.  \V  Hallctt, 
Mr.  H.  W.  Rcboul, 
^Ir.  F.  E.  Hagcmcyer, 
Mr.  (ieo.  M.  Potter, 
Mr.  J.  H.  Smedlcy, 
Mr.  Philip  Bvirkhardt, 


BOARD  OK  MANAGERS. 

Mrs.  Russell  Smith, 
Mrs.  B.  W.  Moore, 
Mrs.  Richard  Harison, 
Mrs.  Daniel  S.  Riker, 
Mrs.  Robert  Tisdalc, 
Mrs.  Theron  Burden, 
Mrs.  Z.  Dennler, 
Miss  Maroaret  T.  Lathrop. 

ADVISORY  H().\RD. 

Mr.  George  E.  l^lackwell, 
Dr.  W.  R.  Taylor, 
Dr.  Neil  O.  Fitch, 
Mr.  Walter  E.  Frew, 
Mr.  Fred  Bowley, 
Mr.  James  Inuram, 
Mr.  F.  T.  Hallett, 
Mr.  ricorire  Smith. 


Lei^al  Adviser. 
Mr.  George  E.  Blackweil. 

CONSULTING    .STAFF. 

Surgery. 

John  A.  Wyeth,  M.D.  .  .  .27  East  38th  Street,  New  York. 

Professor  of  Surgery  in  Nevv  York  Polyclinic. 

General  Medicine. 

Egbert  LeFevre,  M.D.      .  .  .161  West  23d  Street,  New  York. 

Clinical  Professor  of  Practice  of  Medicine  of  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

Pediatrics. 

Dillon   Brown,   M.D.  .  .  .40  East  57th  Street,  New  York. 

Professor  of  Diseases  of  Children  at  New  York  Polyclinic. 

Gynecology. 

W.  Travis  Gibb,  M.D.     .  .  .      365  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York. 

Lecturer  on  Gynecology  at  University  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

( Ibsletrics. 

James  Clifton  Edgar,  M.D.  .  .     54  East  34th  Street,  New  York. 

Lecturer  on  Obstretrics  at  University  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

Op/itlialmolflgy. 

John  E.  Weeks,  M.D.      .  .  .         154  Madison  Avenue,  New  York. 

Lecturer  on  Diseases  of  the  Eye  in  Hellevue  Medical  College.  New  York. 

Throat  and  Nose. 

John  \\.  I'.illings,  M.D.  .  .  249  Madison  Avenue,  New  York. 

Surgeon  at  Metropolitan  Throat  Hospital,  New  York. 

I'tentisl. 

Dr.  F.  W.  Batterman. 

.MEDICAL    STAFF. 
W.   Renisen  'I'aylor.  .NLI).,  I'res.  -  -  Franklin  Street,  Astoria. 

Neil  ().  Fitch,  M.D.,  \'ice-I*res.,  for.  Woolseyand  Franklin  Streets,  Astoria. 

A.  J.  Andersen,  M.D.  -  -  -  26  .Stevens  Street,  Astoria. 
C.  X.  Piatt,  M.D.,  vSec'y  -  -  152  Branklin  Street,  Astoria. 
J.  R.  Hinekson,  M.D.           -             -    544  Hunter's  Point  Avenue,  L.  I.  City. 

B.  (;.  Strong,  M.D.  -  -  -  434  Jackson  Avenue,  L.  I.  City. 
James  D.  Trask,  M.D.          -              -              -  i('>4  Franklin  Street.  Astoria. 


J//STOKY  O/'  LOX(/  ISLAXn  CITY. 


«7 


TIIK  CHURCHES  OF  LONG  ISLANO  CITV. 

The  early  settlers  of  Newtown  were  relijijious  people.  In  coninmn  with  other  American 
colonists,  they  laid  reli<;ioii  at  the  foundation  of  society  and  the  state.  From  them  all  the  conviction 
is  deeply  rooted  in  the  national  mind,  which  Burke  expressed  while  reflectinjf  upon  the  Revolution  in 
France.  "We  know,  and  what  is  better,  we  feci  inwardly,  that  relijjion  is  the  basis  of  civil  society, 
and  the  source  of  all  good,  and  of  all  comfort."  True,  that  the  Christian  (iospel  has  had  a  rebirth 
amid  the  periilexitics  of  every  aj>e,  yet  always  the  age-spirit  has  been  increasingly  tempered  by  the 
christian  feeling  of  the  brotherhood  of  man.  Herein  is  a  great  mission  of  the  church.  By  it  the 
church  appeals  to  what  is  best  and  noblest  in  man,  thereby  becoming  the  strongest  force  that  makes 
for  industrial  and  social  progress.  For  this  reason,  in  every  community  the  church  has  superior 
claims  to  honor. 

Am])le  space  is  accordingly  given  to  the  mention  of  all  organizations  ol  this  character. 

ST.   George's  episcopal  chlkcii. 

St.  (leorgc's  Episcopal  Church  of  Astoria  is  the  oldest  of  all  the  churches  established  within  the 
territory  now  included  in  Long  Island  City.  In  the  early  part  of  the  century,  services  had  been  held 
from  time  to  time  at  Ilallctt's  Cove  under  the  auspices  of  St. 
James'  Church,  Newtown,  of  which  parish  it  formed  a  part. 
In  the  year  1S25  a  lot  of  land  was  donated  by  Mr.  Samuel 
lilackwell,  for  a  church,  on  the  Newtown  road,  now  Main  street. 
The  subscription  paper  for  raising  money  to  build  a  church 
edifice  bears  date  of  March  9,  1827,  and  contains  the  names 
of  most  of  the  prominent  residents  of  that  time — such  as  the 
Black  wells,  Suydams,  Whittemores,  Fields,  Ostranders, 
Rapelyes,  Stevenses,  Lawrences,  Per  rots,  Leveriches, 
Polhemuses,  Rhinelanders,  and  Gibbses,  many  of  whose 
descendants  are  still  worshippers  here.  The  church  was 
finished  in  1828,  and  the  first  rector  was  the  Rev.  Dr.  Seabury, 
son  of  the  first  Bishop  of  the  American  Church.  After  his 
rectorsliip  of  several  years,  the  parish  was  served  by  the  Rev. 
George  Shelton,  Rector  of  St.  James',  Newtown,  who  main- 
tained services  at  St.  George's  until  about  1840,  when  the  Rev. 
John  Walker  Brown  was  called  to  the  rectorship.  In  1849  ^''■ 
Brown's  health  failed,  and  having  gone  abroad  to  seek  its 
restoration,  he  died  at  the  Island  of  Malta.  He  was  succeeded 
in  1850  by  the  Rev.  Thumnv  R.  Chipman,  who  remained  imtil 
1856.  During  his  office  the  parish  accjuired  more  land,  extend- 
ing to  what  is  now  Franklin  street,  and  the  church  was  enlarged 
to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  increasing  congregation.  In 
1856  the  Rev.  Robert  W.  Harris,  D.  D.  was  called  to  the 
rectorship,  in  which  he  remained  for  thirty  years.  He  retired 
in  1886,  at  the  age  of  eighty,  and  within  a  few  months  after 
died  at  White  Plains,  N.  V.  In  January,  1S87,  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  present  Rector,  Rev.  Charles  M.  Belden. 

In  January,  1894,  the  church,  which  was  a  frame  structure,  was  totally  destroyed  by  fire.  Prepara- 
tions were  at  once  made  to  convert  the  large  rectory,  which  had  been  first  built  for  an  institute,  into  a 
parish  house,  since  which  time  services  have  been  regularly  maintained  in  it,  and  participated  in  by  a 
faithful  and  growing  congregation.  It  is  purposed,  at  no  distant  time,  to  erect  a  new  and  substantial 
church  edifice  on  the  property  of  the  parish,  near  the  site  of  the  former  church. 


ASTORIA   REKORMKI)   CHIRCU. 


THE    REFORMED    CHURCH    OK    ASTORIA. 


This  church  was  organized  on  July  nth,  1839.  The  charter  members  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  S. 
Bussing;  Mrs.  Sylvanus  Morris,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abraham  Polhemus,  William  Shaw,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Grant  Thorburn,  the  celebrated  seedsman  and  historical  writer.  Abraham  Polhemus  and  John  S. 
Bussing  were  the  first  elders. 


HIS  TORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


This  organization,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  denomination,  was  the  outcome  of  an 
enterprise  engaged  in  for  some  years  jointly  by  several  people  of  various  denominations,  mainly, 
however,  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  and  Presbyterian  Churches. 

The  old  church  edifice,  which  did  service  until  1888,  was  originally  built  by  the  Reformed  and 
Presbyterian  people  together.  Bj'  an  equitable  arrangement  the  claims  of  the  Presbyterians  were 
satisfied  when  the  building  was  devoted  to  the  uses  of   the  other  denomination  only.     In    1888  it  was 

resolved  to  build  a  new  edifice,  of 
more  modern  style  and  larger 
capacity  and  the  new  church  was 
dedicated,  with  impressive  services, 
on  June  25,  1889.  It  was  during  the 
pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  S. 
Cranmer,  now  of  Somerville,  X.  J.. 
that  this  important  work  was  carried 
on  from  inception  to  finish. 

The  pastors  of  the  church  have 
been  the  following:  The  Rev.  A. 
Bishop,  from  1839  to  1S53;  the  Rev. 
Wm.  II.  Ten  Eyck,  D.D.,  from  1853 
to  1874;  the  Rev.  M.  L.  Haines, 
D.D.,  from  1874  to  18S5;  the  Rev. 
"Wm.  S.  Cranmer,  from  1885  to  1893. 
The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Van  Pelt.  D.I).,  who  began 
liis  labors  in  1  S94. 

C.KR.M.VN       SECOND      REIORMKU       I'KOI  KS- 
TANT  CHURCH  OV  ASTORI.A,    L.    1. 

At  the  stated  session  of  the 
North  Classis  of  Long  Island.  Sep- 
tember 20,  1854,  an  application  was 
received  from  twenty-four  German 
residents  at  Astoria,  L.  I.,  praying  for 
the  organization  of  a  church.  The 
Rev.  ilessrs.  W.  II.  Ten  Eyck, 
John  W.  Ward  and  Giles  H. 
Mandeville,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  applicants. 
At  the  stated  session  of  Classis,  April 
•8,  1855,  the  committee  appointed  reported  tliat  on  the  eighth  day  of  October,  1854,  a  church  had 
been  organized  by  their  authority  under  the  title  of  the  German  Second  Reformed  Protestant  Church 
of  Astoria,  L.  I.  Mr.  John  Boehrer  was  engaged  as  missionary  until  April  16,  1856.  During  his  time 
services  were  held  in  the  village  court-house,  on  Broadway.  From  1856  to  the  fall  of  1861,  the  pulpit 
was  occasionally  supplied  by  diiTerent  ministers.  The  Rev.  John  Wenisch,  June  21,  1863,  was  installed 
pastor  of  this  church  and  of  the  German  Church  at  Newtown,  and  resigned  December,  1866.  During 
his  pa.storate  Sabbath  afternoon  services  were  held  in  the  lecture-room  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
on  Remsen  street. 

Finally  steps  were  taken  to  secure  funds  for  the  purchase  of  lots  and  the  erection  of  a  church 
building.  With  the  kind  a.ssistance  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  W.  H.  Ten  Eyck,  pastor  of  the  Remsen  Street 
Reformed  Church,  lots  were  secured  on  Second  avenue,  between  Grand  and  Jamaica  avenues,  and  a 
church  edifice  erected.  The  same  was  dedicated  June  23,  1867.  The  following  Sunday,  June  30, 
1867,  the  licentiate,  C.  D.  F.  Steinfuhrer,  who  had  just  fini.shedhis  theological  course  at  New  Brunswick, 
N.  J.,  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  and  installed  as  pastor  of  the  church.  A  Sabbath  school  and  a 
parochial  school  were  established,  a  bell  and  an  organ  secured,  a  beautiful  parsonage  built  next  to  the 
church,  and  in  1889  aboui  $8000  were  spent  in  beautifying  and  enlarging  the  church.     The  present 


REV.    DR.    C.    D.    F.    STEINKUnRER. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


89 


membership  numbers  two  hundred  and  seventy-five,  the  Sabbath  School  two  hundred  and  fifty.  The 
present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  Dr.  C.  D.  F.  Steinfuhrer,  who  has  been  servinjj;  the  conjjre<jation  since 
May  I,  1867. 

The  present  consistory  of  the  church  consists  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  C.  D.  F.  Steinfuhrer,  President. 

Elders:     Henry  Mencken,  Sen.  ;  J.  H.  Rott;  J.  D.  Gcrkcn. 
Deacons:     II.  Korfniann ;  \X .  Siebrecht;  D.  Thielbahr. 


ST.      IIIDMAS'    PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CULKlH,     K A VEXSWOOU. 

St.  Thomas"  Church  stands  in  the  center  of  what  was  once  the  Paradise  of  Lonj,--  IsLand.  It  is 
erected  on  a  plot  looxioo,  presented  by  General  Hopkins.  The  church  was  organized  in  1849.  The 
first  structure  was  of  very  modest  dimensions.  Bishop  Wainwright  spoke  of  it  as  being  a  fine 
specimen  of  Gothic  architecture.  It  was  destroyed 
by  fire  on  the  morning  of  December  7,  1S67. 
Plans,  however,  were  made  for  the  now  existing 
building.  The  foundation  stone  was  laid  in  1868. 
and  the  new  church  opened  in  March,  1869, 
sixteen  months  after  the  conflagration.  Under 
tlie  present  rcctorate  the  church  has  been  beau- 
tified by  Mr.  Walter  Greenhough,  a  worthy  pui)il 
t)f  La  Farge,  after  the  pattern  of  that  great 
master. 

There  is  a  fine  stained  glass  window  in  the 
chancel,  also  a  memorial  window  to  the  wife  of 
Mr.  William  Nelson.  The  church  interior  is  one 
of  the  prettiest  for  many  miles  around. 

Some  events  of  interest  are  recorded  in  its 
journals.  On  Easter  Day,  1849,  the  first  admin- 
istration of  Baptism  took  place.  The  infant, 
Edward  Aymer  Jacot,  was  baptized  with  water 
brought  from  the  river  Jordan.  A  silver  vessel  was 
used  to  contain  it.  The  first  bride  led  to  its  altar 
was  Miss  Elizabeth  Williams,  by  Mr.  Vansault 
Mumford  Moore.  It  would  be  a  seeming  omis- 
sion not  to  mention  the  first  funeral,  Mr.  Daniel 
Powers,  aged  75. 

For  seven  years  past  Rev.  W.  H.  Weeks  has 
been  its  minister.  He  has  erected  a  commodious 
hall,  reading  and  lecture  rooms  in  the  center  of 
the  town  and  is  doing  a  flourishing  work  among 


cm  Ri  II  01 


its  artisan  population. 


CHURCH    OF    OUR    L.\DV    OF    MOUNT    CARMF.L,     ASTORIA. 

This  church  was  organized  August  20,  1S40,  bv  Rev.  Michael  Curran.  A  frame  building  was 
soon  erected  upon  two  lots  of  ground,  donated  for  the  purpose,  now  used  for  a  Sunday  School  room. 
Rev.  Mr.  Curran  died  October,  1856,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  by  the  Rev.  John  Brady,  who, 
in  1858,  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  James  Phelan.  The  present  church  edifice  was  erected 
under  the  Rev.  Mr.  Phelan 's  pastorate.  The  corner  stone  of  the  church  (which  stands  at  the  corner 
of  Newtown  and  Crescent  avenues)  was  laid  September  9,  1871,  and  the  completed  structure  was 
dedicated  August  7,  1873.  Dying  in  1880,  after  an  administration  of  twenty-three  years,  the  Rev. 
Phelan  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  P.  F.  Sheridan,  upon  whose  death  in  July,  1881,  the  Rev.  William 
McGinniss  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate.  A  parochial  residence  was  erected  upon  adjoining  land, 
the  purchase  of  which  increased  the  original  site  to  two  acres.  The  property  is  now  highly  valuable 
and  well  adapted  to  its  purpose.     The  Rev.  P.  A.  Walsh  is  the  present  pastor. 


90 


II/STORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


THE    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH,     ASTORIA. 

The  Astoria  Presbyterian  Church  began  its  services  May  17,  1846.  The  movement  for  its  creation 
commenced  witli  a  meeting,  May  6,  1846,  at  the  residence  of  Henry  S.  Mulligan.  The  church  records 
show  that  the  following  persons  were  present  at  the  meeting:  Bayard  Bo3'd,  Andrew  Comstock, 
Albert  S.  Cone,  Simon  Ingcrsoll,  Edwin  Mills,  Thomas  B.  Minor,  Henry  S.  Mulligan,  Henry  L.  Pen- 
field,  James  S.  Polhemus,  Henry  Smith,  John  H.  Smith  and  George  C.  Thorburn.  During  the  ses.sion 
it  was  resolved  to  request  the  New  York  Presbj'tery  to  organize  a  Presbyterian  Church  in  Astoria. 

The  Organization  Committee  was  composed  of  the  Rev.  Drs.  George  Potts  and  J.  M.  Krebs,  the 
Rev.  John  Goldsmith  and  Messrs.  Leverich,  of  Newtown,  L.  I.,  and  Ely,  of  New  York. 

This  committee  met  and  had  a  service  the  night  of  May  11,  in  the  Astoria  Reformed  Church. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Potts   preached,    Albert  S.  Cone  was  elected  to  the  Eldership  of  the  new  body,  and 

was  ordained  to  that  office,  and  the  charge  to  the 
Elder  and  people  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Goldsmith,  of  Newtown.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Krebs 
offered  the  concluding  prayer. 

The  small  congregation  did  not  own  a  house  of 
worship,  and  had  to  gather  for  Sunday  services  in 
a  small  district  schoolhouse  that  stood  on  the  south 
side  of  Franklin  street,  a  few  feet  west  of  Willow 
street.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Dickinson  and  the  Rev. 
Charles  E.  Linsley  occupied  the  pulpit  in  the  little 
schoolhouse  during  June,  July,  August,  and 
September. 

The  first  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  church  was 
elected  July  28,  1846.  It  was  composed  of  Stephen 
A.  Halsey,  John  C.  Mallory,  Henry.  S.  Mulligan, 
^Vndrew  Comstock,  James  S.  Polhemus,  and  Edwin 
Mills.  At  a  congregational  meeting  held  August  31, 
a  call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  Frederick  (i.  Clark. 
He  began  his  labors  as  pastor-elect  in  the  latter  part 
cif  the  following  October. 

The  corner  stone  of  the  present  edifice  was  laid 
November  30,  1846,  and  the  growth  of  the  church 
within  the  first  few  months  of  its  existence  tells 
better  than  words  of  the  faithfuhiess  and  devotion  of 
its  members.  At  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone 
prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Snodgrass,  of 
New  York.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Clark,  the  pastor-elect, 
delivered  an  address  to  the  people  upon  their  relations  and  duties  to  other  denominations  and  the 
heathen  world.  The  church  was  completed  in  a  little  over  six  months  from  that  time,  and  was 
formally  dedicated  June  11,  1847. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Clark,  having  been  formally  accepted  as  pa.stor,  was  installed  May  28,  1847.  He 
remained  as  pastor  until  1852,  and  during  his  pastorate  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  persons  were 
received  into  the  church.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Clark  resigned  to  accept  a  call  from  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  West  Twenty-third  street,  N.  Y.  City.  He  was  succeeded  in  the  Astoria  church  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  B. 
F.  Stead,  who  remained  pastor  of  the  church  twenty-seven  years,  until  his  death.  The  Rev.  William 
Alexander  Barr  was  the  third  pastor.  He  resigned  in  1881,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Clarence 
Gedde.s,  who  resigned  in  1890  and  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Park,  the  present  pastor, 
in  same  year. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Park  is  a  young  man  and  an  eloquent  preacher.  Under  his  pastorate  the  church 
has  assumed  some  of  its  old-time  vigor  and  progressiveness.  A  parsonage  was  built  in  1891,  costing 
about  S4000.  It  is  a  comely  two-story  structure  standing  upon  two  lots  at  the  corner  of  Franklin 
street  and  the  Boulevard.  The  Sabbath  School  has  been  reseated,  woman's  missionary  society  organ- 
ized, making  annual  contributions  to  the  Boards  of  Home  and  I'orcign  Missions,  and  other  auxiliary 
societies  have  been  instituted  to  further  the  work  of  the  church. 


TllK    IRESiiVTEKIAN    CIH  kCll. 


/ffSrORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


91 


The  following' have  served  in  the  eldershij)  of  this  church:  Albert  S.  Cone,  Bayard  Boyd,  Henry 
Sniilh,  Robert  G.  Rankin,  John  Owen,  F.  H.  Wolcott,  Edwin  Mills,  William  Crouthers,  C.  W.  Hallett 
William  J.  Coleman,  John  C.  Mallory,  James  T.  Souter,  Walter  Edwards,  Marcus  B.  Sanf(jrd,  A.  W. 
Raymond,  C.  H.  Burr,  William  Gillis,  Joseph  Boyce  and  Gerrit  Smith. 

The  present  officers  of  the  church  are:  Elders,  Gerrit  Smith  and  William  J.  Coleman;  Deacons, 
Charles  W.  Hallett  and  Charles  Van  Allen. 

Trustees:  Charles  W.  Ilallclt.  (}eorj;e  A.  Hal^ey,  David  Deans,  Frederick  T.  Hallett,  William 
\'iut. 

Woman's  Missionary  Society:  Mrs.  Charles  W.  Hallett,  President;  Mrs.  W.  H.  Malcolm,  \'ice- 
President;  Mrs.  Frederick  T.  Hallett,  Treasurer,  and  Mrs.  Charles  Park,  Secretary. 

Sewinij  Society:  Mrs.  Geo.  A.  Halsey,  President;  Mrs.  George  Pfinegar,  Vice-President;  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Malcolm,  Secretary;  Mrs.  Isaac  B.  Strang,  Treasurer. 

King's  Daughters:  Mrs.  Charles  Park,  President;  Mrs.  W.  H.  Malcolm,  Vice-President;  Miss 
Margaret  Ingram,  Treasurer;  Miss  Helen  M.  White,  Secretar}-. 


(."hrislian  Endeavor:  Helen  M.  White,  President;  Charles  Van  Allen.  Vice-I'resident ;  Mrs. 
Charles  Van  Allen,  Corresponding  Secretary;  James  W.  Coleman,  Recording  Secretary;  Benjamin  H. 
Pitcher,  Treasurer. 

Mr.  Gerrit  vSmith  has  long  served  the  Sabbath  School  as  a  faithful  superintendent. 

GR.\CF.    i\I  .     I..     t:iIUKCH,     hunter's    I'OINI'. 

This  church  has  had  an  interesting  history.  Started  as  a  .Sunday  School  Mission  in  1S60  by  a  few 
devoted  Christians  from  the  First  M.  E.  Church,  of  Greenpoint,  it  was  not  deemed  prudent  till  the 
latter  part  of  1863  to  organize  a  church  society.  In  December  of  that  year,  a  Board  of  Trustees, 
consisting  of  Thomas  Butler.  Samuel  L.  Bergstraser,  John  J.  Foster,  Gilman  Harned,  Carmen  Peasell, 
Theodore  L.  Stewart,  Isaac  Van  Riper,  John  Van  Riper  and  John  B.  Woodruff  was  chosen;  the  name 
of  The  First  M.  E.  Church  of  Hunter's  Point  selected,  and  the  necessary  legal  action  taken  towards 
incorporation.  Public  services  had  hitherto  been  held  in  the  schoolhouse.  It  was  now  decided  to 
erect  a  church  edifice.     The  spring  and  summer  of   1864  were  war  times  and  adversity  in  many  fc^rms 


92  HfSTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

was  abroad,  but  the  house  was  built  by  brave  hearts  and  hands  and  dedicated  September  25th  of  that 
year.  In  this  building  34x50  feet  all  the  services  of  the  society  and  all  the  meetings  as  well  were  held 
until  1869,  when  a  room  was  added  at  the  rear  of  the  church  for  social  and  business  meetings  and  the 
use  of  the  infant  class.  In  1872  the  erection  of  a  choir  gallery  somewhat  changed  the  front,  but  two 
years  later  a  radical  improvement  was  required  by  a  change  in  the  street  grade.  The  building  was 
raised  ten  feet  and  the  basement  built  wherein  the  Sabbath  School  has  since  been  accommodated  as  well 
as  social  and  business  meetings.  The  next  improvement  occurred  in  1883,  when  twenty  feet  of  a 
structure  were  added  to  the  rear.  In  1881  the  society's  debt  was  $4600,  which  was  paid  that  year.  A 
parsonage  was  erected  later  costing  $4200. 

The  pastoral  record  is  as  follows:  Benjamin  Downing,  local  preacher,  to  A])ril,  1864;  Benjamin 
Wilson,  local  preacher,  to  April,  1865;  Joseph  Henson,  to  April,  1867;  Samuel  W.  King,  to  April, 
1870,  Alexander  Graham,  to  April,  1873;  Nathan  Hiil)bell,  to  April,  1874;  Henry  C.  Glover,  to  April, 
1877;  Alexander  Graham,  to  April,  i88o;  E.  H.  Dutcher,  to  April,  1881;  William  W.  Gillies,  to  April, 
1884;  Frank  G.  Howell,  to  April,  1887;  George  Taylor,  t(j  April,  1892;  Joseph  Baird,  to  April,  1893; 
Edward  Cunningham,  to  date. 

The  society  has  always  had  a  prosperous  Sabbath  School  and  excellent  men  for  vSuperintendents — 
Thomas  Butler  from  July,  i860,  to  July  10,  1866;  Isaac  Van  Rijier  from  July  10,  to  December  4,  1866; 
John  B.  Woodruff  from  December  4,  1866,  to  July  i,  18S7;  Frank  McKinney  from  Jul}',  1887,  to  July, 
1892;  Nelson  Weeks,  Jr.,  to  July,  1893;  Jas.  N.  New,  to  date.  From  September  25,  1864,  there  have 
been  three  thousand  new  scholars  added  to  the  i-oll  of  the  school.  The  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  instituted 
in  1865,  the  Womans'  Foreign  Missionary  Society  organized  in  1881,  and  the  Epworth  League, 
organized  1891,  have  carried  forward  the  work  of  the  church  in  their  respective  fields  of  labor. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  church  its  financial  records  show  that  the  total  receipts  from  all 
sources  approximate  $100,000.  With  a  view  to  the  future  erection  of  a  new  and  better  edifice,  four 
lots,  90x100  foet,  have  been  purchased  upon  the  corner  of  ^'an  Alst  avenue  and  Eleventh  street. 

(:hi;rch    ok    the    redeemer,    asioria. 
rkv.  edmim)  u.   cooi'kr,  d.d.   kei'tok. 

The  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  Astoria,  was  organized  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  1866. 

On  the  27th  day  of  the  same  month  the  parish  was  regularly  incori)oratcd,  and  the  following  per- 
.sons  were  duly  chosen  Wardens  and  Vestrymen: — Wardens:  James  Welling  and  William  .Mulligan. 
Vestrymen:  Edward  W.  Hewitt,  James  W.  Carrington,  George  B.  Sargent,  James  M.  Carrington, 
Edward  M.  Hartshorne,  Theodore  W.  Hewitt,  Edwin  A.  Montell,  and  George  Miller.  On  the  2d 
day  of  September  the  Holy  Communion  was  administered  for  the  first  time  by  the  Rev.  William  D. 
Walker,  now  Bishop  of  North  Dakota,  seventeen  persons  communicating.  For  eighteen  months 
the  congregation  worshipped  in  a  store  on  Main  street,  afterwards  known  as  Lange's  Drug  Store. 
On  the  2d  day  of  December,  1866,  the  Rev.  Edmund  D.  Cooper,  D. D.,  entered  upon  his  duties  as 
Rector  of  the  parish.  On  the  27th  day  of  June,  1867,  the  corner  stone  of  the  church  was  laid,  and  on 
Sexagesima  Sunday,  1868,  the  first  service  was  held  in  the  church,  the  sermon  being  preached  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Haight,  of  Trinity  Church,   New  York. 

But  so  great  an  undertaking,  by  a  congregation  so  small  and  feeble,  was  not  accomplished  without 
great  exertion,  toilsome  solicitations,  and  severe  discouragements,  and  even  then  was  left  heavily 
burdened  with  debt. 

On  the  20th  day  of  May,  1872,  a  resolution  was  unanimously  passed  by  the  Vestry  that  "Whereas 
the  Church  of  the  Redeemer  has  been  wonderfully  blessed  in  all  the  efforts  made  in  its  behalf,  that 
the  time  seems  to  have  arrived,  when  an  organ  chamber  should  be  built,  and  an  organ  placed 
therein."  The  organ  chamber  was  accordingly  erected,  and  the  years  1872-3  were  also  made 
memorable  by  the  completion  of  the  tower,  and  placing  therein  a  chime  of  ten  bells,  through  the 
liberality  of  the  late  Mr.  Trafford.  This  graceful  act  will  remain  evergreen  in  the  memory  of 
A.storians,  and  will  go  down  to  posterity  embalmed  with  their  blessing. — Yes, 

'•  His  memory  cannot  perish. 
It  must  pass  to  future  times, 
And  who  can  tell,  what  souls  in  heaven. 
May  bless  the  Trafford  Chimes." 

In   1874  the  organ  chamber  being  completed,  a  fine  organ  was  placed  therein  from  the  works  of 


REV.    E.    D.    COOl'ER,    U.D. 


94  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

the  Messrs.  Odell  of  New  York.  The  same  year  witnessed  the  completion  of  the  Sunday  School 
building,  which  was  made  a  Memorial  to  the  late  Mr.  Robert  S.  Fanning. 

And  now  the  crowning  triumph  of  the  parish  was  reached,  it  was  determined  to  paj-  off  its 
indebtedness,  which  had  proved  a  burden,  a  stumbling  block,  and  a 
hindrance  in  the  doing  of  many  good  works,  which  otherwise  might 
have  been  accomplished.  So  the  thirteenth  anniversary  of  the  parish 
was  made  memorable  by  the  paying  of  the  debt,  and  the  consecrating 
of  the  church. 

The   property   altogether  cost  over  $60,000.     The   church  is  rich 
in  memorials,  the  eye  cannot  glance  in  any  direction  but  that  it  will 
fall  upon  some  object  which  will  bring  to  mind  the  memory  of  some 
dear  one.       The    communicants    have    increased    from   seventeen  to 
nearly  four  hundred.     The  Sunday  School  has  a  membership  of  seven 
hundred,  and  the  Sunday  School  building  has  again  grown  too  small. 
There  is  an  active  Church  Aid   Society,  a  Girl's  Friendly  Society  of 
some  forty  members,  a  chapter  of  the  Saint  Andrew's   Brotherhood, 
and  a  Company  of   the  Knights  of    Temperance 
numbering  over  forty  members.      A  fine  vested 
choir  of  thirtj'  voices,   which  is  the  admiration  of 
the  congregation,  and   which  elicits  the  praise  of 
all  who  hear  it. 

The  members  of  the  present  Vestry  are. 
Wardens:  James  M.  Carrington,  William 
Mulligan;  Vestrymen:  Steuart  Montell,  Charles 
E.  Wood,  Frederick  White,  George  N.  Potter, 
Frederick  L.  Green,  Desmond  Nelson,  Henry  I. 
Riker  and  William  Harison. 

The  Rector  still  remains  faithful  at  his  post. 
and  there  is  a  strong  bond  of  union  between  him 
and  his  people.     Many  honors  have  been  conferred 

upon  him;  quite  lately  he  was  elected  Ven.  Arch-  sr.  mary's  koman  cahiomc  church. 

deacon  of  Queen's  Countj',  and  although  he  will 

not  withdraw  from  the  work  of  his  church  and  parish,  he  will  devote  much  of  his  unimpaired  energy 
to  the  work  of  Missions  in  his  Archdeaconry.  In  1882  the  degree  of  D.D.  was  conferred  upon  him 
by  the  University  of  the  South.  He  has  been  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Diocese  from  its 
formation,  and  at  the  Convention  of  1895  the  following  complimentary  resolutions  were  passed: 

Whereas,  The  Rev.  Edmund  Drury  Cooper,  D. D. ,  has  served  this  Convention  as  its  Assistant 
Secretary  for  tvventy-si.x  successive  years,  or  from  the  date  of  our  Diocesan  organization,  and  has 
done  so  with  conspicuous  faithfulness  and  unvarying  courtesy  to  all :     Therefore 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  hereby  gratefully  recognizes  Dr.  Cooper's  official  and  valuable 
services,  and  begs  to  assure  him  of  its  best  wishes  for  his  health  and  happiness  during  many  years 
to  come. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  unanimous  expression  of  the  gratitude  and  alTection  of  ilie  Convention  towards 
Dr.  Cooper  be  suitably  cngr(.)ssed  and  presented  to  him,  duly  signed  by  our  President  and  Secretary. 

On  motion  these  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

He  is  Chairman  of  the  Diocesan  Church  Building  Fund  Commission,  Trustee,  with  ]\Ir.  Cornelius 
Vanderbilt,  Mr.  AVilliam  Low  and  Mr.  Henry  E.  Pierrepont  and  others,  of  the  Church  Building  Fund 
of  the  United  States.  Trustee  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary.  A  member  of  the  ecclesiastical 
court  of  the  Diocese,  and  one  of  the  Managers  of  the  Church  Charity  Foundation  of  Brooklyn. 

ST.   John's  protestant  episcopal  church. 

Practically,  St.  Thomas'  Church,  of  Ravenswood,  was  the  parent  of  this  cliurcb,  through  the 
generous  instrumentality  of  William  Nelson,  Esq.,  deceased.  The  organization  was  effected  in  1867, 
and  subsequently  the  present  comely  little  Gothic  edifice  was  erected  and  consecrated  to  divine  uses. 


HISTORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


95 


The  first  Pastor  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Neilson,  under  whom  and  his  siiccessi;is  the  parish  matured  in 
efficiency  and  influence.  Diocesan  reports  from  time  to  time  have  shown  increase  in  membersliip  and 
revenues.  A  large  and  interesting  Sabbath  School  has  always  been  maintained  as  a  branch  of 
Christian  service.  The  present  rector  is  the  Rev.  George  West,  whose  activity  and  zeal  have  greatly 
advanced  the  interests  and  strength  of  the  organization  in  various  ways. 


ST.     MARY  S    RO.MAN    CATMOI.IC    CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  in  1868,  with  the  Rev.  John  Crimmins  as  Pastor.      Lots  had  jireviously 
been  purchased   upon  the  present   site  and   the   b\iilding  was  erected,  tlie  first  services  in  wliicli  were 
held  April  11,  1869.     On  August   15  of 
the  same  year  the  church  was  dedicated 

by  Bishop  Loughlin,  of  Brooklyn.     The  ' 

Rev.  Mr.  Crimmins  continued  as  Pastor 

till  1878,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  ' 

Rev.  John  McGuire,  under  whom  the 
present  commodious  edifice  and  par- 
ochial residence  were  erected.  Having 
been  destroyed  by  fire  in  one  of  the 
most  disastrous  conflagrations  which 
ever  visited  this  city  (as  narrated  in 
notes  at  the  close  of  this  chapter),  the 
entire  property  was  rebuilt  and  is  now 
one  of  the  finest  held  by  any  ecclesias- 
tical organization  in  the  city. 


JOSEPH  S    r.KRM.^N 
CHlRt  H. 


CATHOI.K 


This  church  is  on  Stemler  street, 
near  (irand  avenue,  Astoria.  Its  house 
of  worship  was  completed  in  July,  1880. 
The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  Cyprian 
liisele. 

EAST    AVENUE    BAPTIST    CHURCH. 

This  flourishing  church  was  organ- 
ized April  10,  1869,  through  the  efforts 
of  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Ladd,  General  Mis- 
sionary of  the  Baptist  Association  for 
Long  Island.  It  was  at  first  known  as 
the  Hunter's  Point  Baptist  Church. 
There  were  nine  charter  members  and 
services  were  held  for  about  a  j'ear  in 
Smithsonian  Hall.  A  General  Council 
of  Baptist  Churches  having  been  called, 
May  25,  1869,  it  was  officially  recog- 
nized by  the  denomination  as  an  established  ecclesiastical  body  of  its  own  faitli. 

The  first  Pastor,  Rev.  William  B.  Smith,  was  called  July  4,  1S69,  and  entered  upon  his  duties 
Sept.  12  following.  On  Oct.  5,  1869,  the  Rev.  William  B.  Smith,  William  Cronin.  Dr.  Louis  Graves, 
J.  G.  Evereth,  and  Horace  Waters  were  elected  Trustees. 

The  location  of  the  church  having  been  changed,  the  name  of  the  organiz;Uion,  Feb.  3,  1S71, 
became  the  East  Avenue  Baptist  church.  On  the  8th  of  the  succeeding  month  a  new  house  of  wor- 
ship, costing  nearly  $30,000,  situated  on  the  corner  of  East  avenue  and  Eighth  street,  was  dedicated 
by  the  Rev.  Drs.  Fulton,  of  Boston,  and  Evarts,  of  Chicago.  To  this  edifice  Mrs.  Horace  Waters 
generously  donated  a  bell  and  a  costly  baptistry.  Messrs.  B.  Shoninger  &  Co.  also  ])resented  the 
church  with  an  organ.     Tiiis  church  has  had  ei<>'ht  Pastors,  each  of  whom  left  tlie  gratifying  fruits  of 


li'H.N    MCi;llKE. 


96 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


a  faithful  ministration.  The  Rev.  W.  F.  Benedict,  called  June,  1S72;  Rev.  W.  A.  liransjcr, 
September,  1874;  Rev.  E.  H.  Lovette,  April,  1885;  Rev.  X.  B.  Randall,  November,  1887;  Rev. 
J.  C.  Breaker.  December,  1890,  Rev.  T.  L.  Giffin,  December,  1891,  and  the  Rev.  Geo.  M.  Evans,  the 
present  incumbent. 

On  July  30,  1893,  this  church  set  a  notable  example  of  Christian  charity  and  generosity,  which 
attracted  widespread  comment,  in  opening  its  doors  for  worship  to  the  congregation  of  St.  i\Iarv's 
Roman  Catholic  Church,  whose  edifice  had  been  destroyed  b}'  fire. 

The  Sunday  School,  from  the  first  Superintendency  of  Horace  "Waters,  in  1869,  to  that  of  A.  L. 
New,  the  present  incumbent,  and  the  various  benevolent  societies  belonging  to  the  church,  have 
been  helpful  instrumentalities  in  promoting  its  work  and  establishing  it  as  one  of  the  prominent 
religious  organizations  of  the  citv. 


small  assembly  room  on  Jackson  avenue. 


rHIRD    METHODIST    Kl'lSCOP.A  I,    CHlRCll,     lUlCH    KILLS. 

This   church    is   a  development  of  a   Sabbath  School  which  was  organized  November,  1871,  in  a 

After  continued  preaching  services,  a  church  organization 
was  shortly  after  duly  effected  with  the  Rev.  R.  H. 
Lomas  as  the  first  pastor.  His  successors  have 
been  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Simon,  who  served  for  six 
years  previous  to  1878;  Rev.  A.  Nixon,  whose 
pastorate  covered  one  year;  the  Rev.  R.  H.  Lomas, 
who,  upon  his  return,  remained  two  years ;  Rev.  Alex. 
(Graham;  Rev.  J.  H.  Kirk;  Rev.  Francis  H.  Smith, 
and  the  Rev.  E.  Curtis,  the  present  incumbent. 

A  small  frame  edifice  was  begun  June  26,  1875, 
and  upon  completion  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  E.  S. 
Janes,  March  19th  of  the  succeeding  year.  A  costlier 
structure  has  since  been  erected  at  the  junction  of 
Hunter  avenue  and  Radde  street,  having  a  basement 
well  equipped  for  purposes  of  general  church  work, 
a  Sabbath  School  and  prayer  meeting  annex  and  a 
seating  capacity  of  350  in  its  main  auditorium.  To 
various  societies,  among  which  may  be  mentioned 
the  Epworth  League,  organized  under  the  auspices 
of  the  church,  have  been  committed  the  different 
methods  of  Christian  activity,  all  contributing  to  the 
prosperity  which  has  marked  the  career  of  the 
church.  The  Sabbath  School  is  in  a  flourishing 
condition,  has  a  library  of  400  volumes  and  is  under 
the  superintendency  of  Harry  Hazlctt. 

ST.    RAI'HAEL's    ROMAN  t:ATHOLIC   CHl^RCH,   BLISSVILLF.. 
TirK    KA.>i     AVKNUK    IIAI'TISI     CHLKtMI. 

This  church  was  built  in  1867.     The  first  pastor 
was  the  Rev.  Theodore  Goetz,  who  organized  the  parish.     The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  Peter  Carney. 

ST.   Patrick's  roman  catholic  church,   dutch   kills. 
The  original  site  of  this  church  was  at  the  corner  of  William  and  Henry  streets,  where  a  small 
edifice    was   erected    in    1870.     The    present   building  stands  on  the  Crescent,   between   Wilbur  and 
Payntar  avenues.     The  first  pastor  was  the  Rev.  M.  M.  Marco,  whose  successors  have  carried  forward 
the  parish  work  with  much  efficiency.     The  present  incumbent  is  the  Rev.  Mr.  McGronan. 

FIRST    REFORMED    CHURCH,    LONG    ISLAND    CITV. 

Tills  church  was  the  outgrowth  of  several  causes.  With  the  advance  of  population  throughout 
the  district  of  Dutch  Kills,  the  need  of  a  local  organization  was  felt  by  those  whose  membership  was 
with  the  Reformed  Church  of  Newtown.  Already  a  Sabbath  School  had  been  organized  in  the  old 
Larremore  schoolhouse,   to  which  reference  is  elsewhere  made  under  the  head  of   "  Historical  .Sketch 


///STOKV  OF  LONG  IS  LAN  I)  CITY.  97 

of  City  Schools."  Upon  the  revocation  of  the  privilesje  of  holding  religious  services  in  school- 
houses,  by  the  newly  incorporated  city,  however,  the  barn  of  John  W.  Payntar  was  used  for  the  pur- 
pose of  Sabbath  assembly.  The  attention  of  the  North  Chassis  of  Long  Island  and  of  the  Board  of 
Domestic  Missions  of  the  Reformed  Church  having  been  called  to  the  needs  of  this  field  and  its 
promises  of  tisefulness,  the  efforts  of  several  niissionairics  were  here  expended,  which  resulted  in  the 
establishment  of  a  permanent  church  societ}-.  Accordingly,  on  the  12th  day  of  April,  1875,  the  First 
Reformed  Church  of  Long  Island  City  was  duly  organized.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  North 
Classis  for  that  purpose  consisted  of  the  Revs.  Alliger,  Hulst  and  Perry.  Addresses  were  made  by  the 
Revs.  Shepard,  of  Newtown,  Haines,  of  Astoria,  and  Hulst.  Eleven  members  constituted  the  organi- 
zation, from  whose  number  a  consistory  was  chosen,  consisting  of  two  elders,  John  W.  Payntar  and 
Jabez  Harris;  and  one  deacon,  Thomas  Payntar.  From  the  outstart  this  church  and  that  of  St.  John's, 
at  Laurel  Hill,  determined  to  unite  their  fields  under  a  common  pastorate,  a  union  which  was  dissolved 
July  II,  1877,  by  the  joint  action  of  the  consistories  of  the  respective  organizations.  The  first  pastor 
was  the  Rev.  William  D.  Perry,  who  was  chosen  at  the  time  of  organization  and  retired  September, 
1875.  The  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  George  R.  Garretson,  his  successor,  extended  from  October,  1875, 
to  April,  1877.  On  September  12,  1877,  the  Rev.  Ernest  Gutweiler  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
First  Reformed  Church,  and  remained  until  ^larch,  1885. 

On  April  17,  1885,  the  Rev.  Alexander  Shaw,  of  Jersey  City,  tlie  present  incumbent,  became 
his  successor,  by  the  unanimous  action  of  the  church. 

The  church  edifice  and  parsonage  are  situated  upon  lots  98  to  102  Academy  street,  Dutch  Kills. 
This  property  was  generously  donated  to  the  church  at  its  organization  by  Abram  Payntar — a  gift 
which  has  realized  the  hopes  of  its  donor  in  the  good  accomplished  for  the  community. 

The  Sabbath  vSchool,  which  has  always  been  maintained  in  connection  with  the  church,  had  for 
its  first  Superintendent  Benjamin  Thomson,  of  Ravenswood,  who  officiated  while  services  were  held 
in  the  old  district  schoolhouse.  His  successors  have  been  Thomas  Payntar,  Alexander  Milne,  John 
R.  Manley,  Joseph  Boyce  and  Joel  S.  Kelsey,  who  is  still' in  charge.  Under  the  administration  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  the  work  of  the  church  has  been  much  advanced.  The  Ladies  Missionary  Society, 
Young  People's  .Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  and  a  Junior  Endeavor  Society  have  been  organized 
and  are  still  in  active  and  useful  operation. 

It  is  noteworthy  that  this  church  encouraged  the  first  effort  of  the  Bohemian  Church  in  Long 
Island  City  by  granting  the  use  of  its  edifice  for  a  Sabhaih  School  and  religious  services  for  a  period 
of  several  years  previous  to  1894. 

KIRST    r.F.R.M.W    .Ml.  THODIST    KIMSCOP.Vl.    CHURCH,     DUTCH    KILLS. 

The  First  (icrman  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Long  Island  City  was  incorporated  on  the  i8th 
day  of  February,  1890.  Fi-ed.  Willenbrock,  Peter  Blank,  George  Sutherland,  Christian  Roniann, 
Gottlieb  Jehle,  Fred.  Hildebrandt  and  Paul  J.  Schmidt  being  then  elected  as  incorporating  board  of 
trustees,  with  Rev.  N.  F.  Boese,  chairman,  for  the  purpose  of  acquiring  church  property. 

For  some  years  previous  the  young  congregation  had  worshipped  in  the  little  Grace  Chapel, 
corner  Prospect  and  Jane  streets,  till  compelled  by  increasing  numbers — especially  in  the  Sunday 
School — to  seek  a  more  commodious  home. 

Soon  after,  the  congregation  decided  to  build  a  church,  and  selected  the  site  where  the  church 
now  stands,  on  Academy  street,  near  Wilbur  avenue,  and  Mr.  Fred.  Willenbrock  surprised  the 
trustees  with  the  gift  of  two  building  lots  for  the  church  as  well  as  an  option,  at  a  low  price,  on  two 
more  lots  for  a  parsonage.  Other  encouraging  circumstances  paved  the  waj-  for  the  success  of  the 
project,  and  on  December  7,  1890,  the  church  was  formally  opened  and  dedicated  for  church  purposes. 

The  pastors  of  the  church  have  been:  Rev.  N.  F.  Boese,  1887-1892;  Rev.  J.  Flad,  1892-1893; 
Rev.  Gustav  F.  Hausser,  Jr.,  1893-1896;   Rev.  F.  Glenk,  1896. 

The  present  officers  of  the  church  are:  Rev.  F.  Glenk,  pastor;  N,  F.  Boese,  Wesley  Glenk, 
Gottlieb  Jehle  and  Paul  J.  Schmidt,  local  preachers;  Gottlieb  Jehle,  Superintendent  of  Sunday  School ; 
Christian  Romann,  Chairman  of  Board  of  Trustees,  and  George  Sutherland,  Treasurer. 

Since  the  completion  and  dedication  of  the  church  building,  the  congregation  has  been  enabled 
to  pay  off  the  greatest  part  of  the  church  debt  and  to  build  a  handsome  and  commodious  parsonage. 

Sr.    .M.XTTHKW's    PROTESTANT    EPISCOP.AL    CH.\PF.L,    STEINW.AV. 

Si.  Matthew's  Chapel,  a  mission  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  began  its  work  at  Steinway, 
Long  Island   City,    X.    V.,   iu   the  year  of  our  Lord    1S92.     The   Rev.    Dr,  Weeks,  now  rector  of  St. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


Tliomas'  Church,  Ravenswood,  being  its  founder.  In  tlie  year  1893.  through  the  Archbisliop,  the 
Ven.  Dr.  Cox,  Dean  of  the  Cathedral  of  Ciarden  City,  appointed  Mr.  Kuehn  as  the  successor.  The 
Mission  is  now  under  the  oversight  of  the  new  Archdeacon  of  Queens,  the  Ven.  Dr.  Cooper,  also 
rector  of  the  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  of  Astoria,  Long  Island  City.  The  Mission  holds  regular 
services — is  doing  prosperous  work — and  is  looking  forward  unostentalinusly  with  great  courage. 

REFORMED    CHURCH,    SUNNYSIUE. 

This  church  was  organized  July  i,  1896,  by  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  by  the  North 
Classis  of  Long  Island.  Besides  the  Revs.  J.  S.  N.  Demarest,  of  Queens,  and  Frederick  Tilton,  of 
Jamaica,  who  officially  represented  the  Classis,  there  were  present  the  Rev.  Alexander  Shaw,  of 
Dutch  Kills;  Rev.  Dr.  Daniel  Van  Pelt,  of  Astoria,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Geyer,  of  New  York,  all  of  whom 
participated  in  the  exercises  of  the  day.  C.  Olandt  and  O.  Johnson  were  chosen  Elders  and  W.  H. 
Elting  and  William  Kelly,  deacons.     Sixteen  members  constituted  the  organization. 

This  church  had  its  origin  in  the  previous  missionary  labors  of  C.  Olandt,  who,  in  1892  and  1893, 
began  a  movement  which  contemplated  the  establishment  of  a  church  in  that  field,  which  was  practi- 
callv  unoccupied.     Having  interested  some  friends  in  the  work,  substantial  aid  was  procured  whereby 

a  lot  costing  $700  was  purchased,  a  foundation  constructed 
for  $740,  and  the  corner  stone  of  a  new  edifice  laid  May  11, 
1896.  Funds  for  the  new  building  have  been  partly  raised. 
A  Ladies'  Society  of  forty-six  members,  and  a  Sunday 
School  of  one  hundred  and  twelve  members,  with  ten 
teachers,  are  encouraging  evidence  of  the  growth  of  the 
work  and  the  outlook  and  needs  of  the  field.  The  Rev. 
D.  P.  Doyle  is  the  pastor  in  charge.  Preaching  services  are 
regularly  held  in  rooms  temporarily  secured,  and  weekly 
meetings  are  well  attended  and  not  without  interest. 

IHE    REFORMED    t.'HURCH    OF    STEINWAV. 

This  church  has  recently  been  organized  under  very 
favorable  auspices.  For  a  number  of  years  services  have 
been  held  in  the  community  under  the  name  of  the  Union 
Church  of  Steinway,  the  pulpit  having  been  supplied  by 
ministers  of  different  denominations  and  theological 
students.  As  far  back  as  1836  a  Sunday  School  was  in 
existence,  known  as  "The  Bowery  Sabbath  School,"  of 
which  the  present  Sunday  School  and  church  is  the  out- 
-rowtli.  That  school  was  held  in  a  country  schoolhouse  and 
sustained  by  Long  Island  farmers  resident  in  the  vicinity. 
The  schoolhouse  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1879. 
\      Vi  I       j  i^^^gB^M^Bsxii  ^sa^^^'  '\'he  suburb  of  Steinway  which  had  grown  up  demanded 

better  church  privileges,  and  in  the  year  1879  it  was  decided 
to  erect  a  church  building  "for  the  purpose  of  founding 
and  continuing  a  free  church  in  the  Fifth  or  Bowery  Bay 
Ward  of  Long  Island  City  in  Queens  County  and  State  of  New  York."  The  church  was  incorporated 
with  the  following  trustees:  William  Steinway,  Henry  W.  T.  Steinway,  William  H.  Williams,  Henry 
P.  Titus,  Luke  Kouwenhoven,  Francis  D.  Kouwenhoven  and  Daniel  S.  Riker.  The  only  changes  in 
the  Board  have  been  the  resignation  of  Henry  W.  T.  Steinway  and  the  death  of  Daniel  S.  Riker, 
their  places  having  been  filled  by  the  election  of  George  H.  Smith  and  William  Brodie. 

In  the  rapid  growth  of  Steinway,  better  church  accommodation  was  needed  than  the  Union 
Church  afforded.  With  commendable  zeal  and  liberality,  the  people  heartily  entered  upon  the  work 
of  erecting  a  new  church  building.  During  the  past  year  a  neat  frame  church  has  been  completed, 
beautifully  furnished,  with  solid  oak  pews,  and  capable  of  seating  about  five  hundred  persons. 
The  total  cost  was  nearly  §20.000,  and  the  church  was  dedicated,  free  from  debt.  Mr.  William 
Steinway,  who  has  been  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  enterprise,  presented  the  handsome  pipe  organ  from 
Setinway  Hall,  removing   it  at  his   own   expense,  putting  it  in    thorough   repair,  and   jilacing    it  in  a 


>T.     KAIIIAKL! 


JMAN    CATHOLIC   ClILRCll. 


UIS'IVRV  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


99 


recess  back  of  the  pulpit.  This  jjives  a  church  property,  including  the  ground,  worth  at  least  $3o,ooo- 
The  new  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  May  31,  1891.  The  sermon  was  preached  in  the 
morning  by  Rev.  U.  D.  (iulick.  In  the  afternoon  addresses  were  delivered  by  the  neighboring 
ministers,  and  the  entire  day  was  one  of  unusual  interest  in  the  community.  Up  to  this  time  there 
had  been  no  real  church  organization.  Members  of  different  churches  had  been  gathered,  and  a 
flourishing  Sunday  School  was  in  existence. 

But  there  was  no  organized  church  as  a  spiritual  center.  At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation,  held 
at  the  close  of  the  morning  service  on  the  26th  of  July,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  to  petition  the 
North  Classis  of  Long  Island  for  a  church  organization,  to  be  known  as  "  The  Reformed  Church  of 
Steinway."  This  organization  was  effected  on  the  27th  of  November,  by  a  committee  of  Classis,  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose.  The  sermon  was  preached 
by  the  Rev.  James  Demarest,  D.U.,  who,  with 
the  Rev.  John  Raumeister,  received  the  members 
and  ordained  the  elders  and  deacons.  Twenty-two 
members  were  received  by  certificate  and  twenty-one 
on  confession  of  faith.  The  first  communion  was 
held  on  the  first  Sunday  in  January,  1892,  when  five 
were  received  on  confession,  making  the  total  mem- 
bership forty-eight.  The  Sunday  School  numbers 
three  hundred  and  fitty-one,  and  a  Young  People's 
Society  of  Ciiristian  Endeavor  has  just  been  organ- 
ized. There  is  also  a  Church  Improvement  Society, 
composed  of  the  women  of  the  congregation,  which 
has  been  an  exceedingly  valuable  auxiliary  in   the 

accomplishment  of  the  results  attained. 

On  the  first  Sunday  in  November — Missionary 

Sunday — the  statement  was  made  from   the  pulpit 

that,  although  the  church  had  not  yet  been  organized, 

an  opportunity  was  offered  for  any  who  wished  to 

contribute    to   the    cause   of    Foreign   Missions.      A 

collection  of  eighty  dollars  was  taken,  to  which  was 

added  five  dollars  by  a  class  of  little  girls  in  the 

Sunday  School,  at  their  own  suggestion.     The  pews 

have     been      supplied     with     the     new     "Churcli 

Hymnary,"  which  gives  great  satisfaction. 

The  church  began  its  work  with  unity,  enthusiasm 

and  consecrated  purpose.       It  is  financially  strong, 

spiritually  alive,  actively  aggressive.     It  is  free  to  all, 

sustaining  itself  by  voluntary  contributions.     It  came  into  the  sisterhood  of  churches,  rejoicing  in  the 

manifest  presence  and  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  ready  for  its  full  share  of  responsibilitj^  and  work. 

rRlNMI\      MKTMnmsr    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH,     .^sr0RI.\. 

This  is  the  oldest  church  of  this  denomination  in  the  city.  Its  organization  dates  back  as  far  as 
1844.  At  that  time  Astoria  itself  was  assuming  new  life  and  rapidly  increasing  in  all  the  agencies 
which  contribute  to  the  progress  of  a  community.  The  first  pastor  was  the  Rev.  George  Taylor, 
while  the  leading  spirits  in  the  history  of  the  early  church  and  for  many  subsequent  years  were  Roe  H. 
Smith  and  John  E.  Tier.  At  that  time  the  church  building  was  located  at  the  junction  of  Main 
street  and  Fulton  avenue,  where  it  remained  until  1886,  when  four  lots  were  purchased  at  the  corner 
of  the  Crescent  and  Temple  street,  where  the  present  commodious  chapel,  costing  $15,000,  was 
erected.  This  change  occurred  during  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Goodenough.  The  present 
pastor  is  the  Rev.  James  A.  Macmillan,  who  is  also  president  of  the  North  Brooklyn  District  of  the 
Epworth  League.  Mr.  Macmillan's  spirited  activity  in  movements  which  relate,  not  only  to  the  imme- 
diate welfare  of  his  church,  but  that  of  the  community  as  well,  is  much  valued  by  an  appreciative 
public.  A  Pastor's  Aid  Society,  Epworth  League  organization  and  a  Boys'  Brigade  are  useful  adjuncts 
to  the  work  and  influence  of  the  church.      It  is  one  of  the  leading  churches  of  the  city. 


1  KIM  IV    METIIUlJl-Sl    tl  I2 


HIS  I  CRY  OF  LONG  JSLAXP  CI  TV 


THE    BAR   OF   LONG   ISLAND   CITY. 

America  honors  the  legal  profession.  From  it  principally  come  those  who  are  chosen  to  civil 
preferment  and  distinction.  Under  normal  social  conditions  it  is  the  profession  also  which  reflects 
back  the  highest  dignity  upon  the  commonwealth.  Though  "in  the  corrupted  currents  of  the  world 
the  wicked  prize  itself  oft  buys  out  the  law,"  as  is  cynically  said  by  the  great  dramatist,  yet  the  per- 
fected character  of  the  lawyer,  as  graphically  portrayed  by  Chief  Justice  Story,  has  contributed  in  a 
superior  degree  to  the  formation  of  that  solid  basis  upon  which  civil  society  rests.  The  bar  of  this 
city  in  past  and  present  has  been,   and  is,   worthily  representative  of  this  favored   profession.     In 

attempting  an  historical  sketch  we 
speak  first  of  those  who  were  identi- 
fied with  professional  practice  within 
the  present  territorial  limits  of  the 
cit}^  before  its  incorporation. 

Samuf.i,  Stevens  was  a  lawyer 
whose  active  practice  covered  the 
period  extending  from  about  1830  to 
1844.  He  accumulated  wealth  and 
acquired  a  large  amoimt  of  real  estate. 
In  his  time,  as  is  evidenced  by  the 
official  records,  he  made  an  impress 
upon  the  community  and  showed  that 
he,  more  than  any  other,  was  the 
lawyer  who  was  consulted  about 
estates  and  landed  affairs.  He  died 
in  1844,  leaving  a  large  estate  and 
numerous  descendants.  His  sons, 
Ry£24ii  K.  and  Alexander,  were  his 
executors,  and  the  last  of  the  property 
has  only  been  distributed  among  the 
heirs  since  the  incorporation  of  the 
city.  He  was  the  father  of  A. 
(iallatin  Stevens,  who  participated 
in  governmental  affairs  as  Police 
Commissioner  under  Mayor  Ditmars. 
The  Rikers  were  the  legitimate 
successors  of  Samuel  Stevens  to  his 
practice  in  business.  John  L.  Riker 
studied  law  with  his  brother  Richafd, 
who  was  District  Attorney  of  New 
York,  and  for  twenty  years  afterward 
the  Recorder  of  that  city.  Entering 
upon  active  i)ractice  he  continued  in  the  profession  till  1861.  He  was  noted  for  his  uprightness  and 
urbanity  of  address.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  sons,  John  H.  and  Samuel  Riker,  who  were  distin- 
guished, particularly  the  latter,  for  their  profound  knowledge  of  the  law  of  real  property. 

Prior  to  1S70,  Robert  Benner  and  Abram  D.  Ditmars  had,  by  reason  of  residence  here,  built  up 
considerable  practice  in  the  community  and  shared  with  the  Rikers  the  advantages  of  the  profession. 
While  Astoria  had  been  for  many  years  a  pleasant  and  prosperous  village,  and  Ravenswood  had 
long  been  lined  with  elegant  residences  and  many  evidences  of  improvement.  Hunter's  Point  began  to 
be  built  up  only  within  six  or  eight  years  prior  to  incorporation.  There  was,  therefore,  no  past  to  that 
section  and  no  lawyers  to  give  prominence  to  the  records  of  their  day.  There  had  been  living,  how- 
ever, in  what  is  now  known  as  the  First  Ward,  a  typical  Irish  gentleman,  Edward  Browne,  whose  son, 
Edward,  was  recently  Judge  of  the  City  Court  of  New  York.  He  enjoyed  a  good  practice,  stood  well 
in  the  community,  and  was  especially  noted  for  his  affability  and  those  kindly  forms  of  politeness  which 
are  characteristic  of  a  warm  Irish  heart. 


;akreit  j.  gakketson. 


(3^a^^**^ 


niSrOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


■^  ^•■>v 


There  was  also  then  living  Robert  T.  Wild  who  had  been  in  practice  in  Astoria  for  some  years. 
He  had  a  good  clientage,  was  interested  in  politics,  and  held  office  under  the  first  administration. 

In  1867  Alvan  T.  Payne  commenced  his  practice  in  this  city.  He  had  moved  from  Steuben 
County  and  was  engaged  with  his  profession  in  New  York.  He  foresaw,  however,  the  future  growth 
of  Long  Island  City  and  especially  of  the  First  Ward,  and  for  that  reason  concluded  to  establish  him- 
self in  this  city.  He  immediately  won  the  pioneers  of  advancing  affairs  together  with  their  friendship 
and  patronage.  Politics  were  then  rife  in  the  lower  section  and  the  lawyers  of  that  part  of  the  city 
were  foremost  in  the  field.  Mr.  Payne  was  then  a  young  man  and  wisely  confided  his  chief  interests 
and  attention  to  his  business.  He  never  belonged  to  either  of  the  contending  factions  of  the  democ- 
racy and  for  that  reason,  in  1875,  was  selected  as  a  candidate  for  the  Assembly  from  the  Second 
District  and  was  elected  without 
either  faction  claiming  him  as  their 
special  representative.  From  that 
period  on,  however,  he  took  a  deep 
interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  city  and 
was  identified  with  the  reform  wing 
of  the  party.  In  1880  he  was  nomi- 
nated for  District  Attorney  and 
endorsed  by  the  Republicans  as 
against  Benjamin  W.  Downing  who 
had  held  the  office  for  eighteen  years 
previously  and  came  within  about 
500  votes  of  winning  wlien  the 
regular  Democratic  ticket  was  victo- 
rious by  over  2000  majority.  Pre- 
viously, in  1870,  Mr.  Payne  had  been 
a  candidate  for  another  county  office, 
that  of  Surrogate,  and  was  defeated 
by  one  vote  in  the  convention,  by 
Daniel  R.  Lyddy,  a  carpet  bagger — 
who  was  vanquished  by  about  3000 
majority  in  favor  of  Alexander 
Hagner,  the  Republican  candidate. 
Ujjon  the  accession  of  Mr.  Petry  t<> 
the  .Mayoralty,  Mr.  Payne,  upon  tin 
solicitation  of  Mr.  Petry,  becan; 
corporation  counsel  of  the  city  and 
held  office  during  that  and  the  suc- 
ceeding official  term. 

Mr.  Payne  now  has  the  leading 
practice  in  the  city.  He  has  won 
distinction  both  as  an  advocate  and 
as  a  safe  and  conservative  consulting 
lawyer.       By    his    uprightness    and 

conscientious  sense  of  professional  duty,  as  well  as  by  his  profound  knowledge  of  the  law,  he  enjoys 
the  confidence  of  his  fellowmen  to  a  rare  degree. 

About  the  time  that  the  subject  of  incorporation  was  being  publicly  agitated,  Solomon  B.  Xobie 
moved  over  from  New  York  and  took  up  his  residence  in  Ravenswood  and  also  opened  offices  in  the 
First  Ward.  Mr.  Noble  was  then  in  the  prime  of  life,  being  about  fifty  years  of  age.  As  a  young  man 
he  had  shown  an  adventurous  spirit,  having  been  the  Secretary  of  General  Walker,  who  in  1856  under- 
took to  revolutionize  Nicaraugua,  was  captured  and  taken  aboard  the  United  States  vessel  at  Greytown. 
He  was  now  an  affable,  scholarly  gentleman,  possessing  an  unusually  large  experience  in  human 
affairs.  His  wife,  Agnes,  as  an  authoress  and  as  one  of  the  founders  of  Sorosis,  had  attracted  con- 
siderable attention  in  the  literary  world.  By  his  genial  and  cordial  address  Mr.  Noble  speedily 
became  known  to,  and  popular  with,  all  classes  of  people.      By  his  temperament  and  taste  he  was  well 


IKiN.    A.    T.    I'AYNE. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


adapted  to  politics  and  it  is  probable  that  it  was  a  kind   of  instinctive  foresight  that  prompted  his 
coming  to  a  field  wliich  received  him  with  much  favor. 

About  this  time  William  E.  Pearse,  who  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  h;id  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  oil  in  this  city,  resumed  the  practice  of  law  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Noble.  He 
too  was  given  to  politics,  and  the  amended  charter  of  1871  having  provided  for  the  election  of  City 
Judge,  the  ambitions  of  both  Mr.  Noble  and  Mr.  Pearse  centered  in  the  office.  Curiously  enough  also, 
each  received  the  nomination  from  the  contending  parties.  Mr.  Pearse  was  elected  by  a  small 
plurality,  and  the  partnership  ceased  upon  his  accession  to  the  bench.  Upon  the  abolition  of  the 
City  Court  Mr.  Pearse  resumed  his  practice  and  became  counsel  to  the  Improvement  Commission  for 
the  improvement  of  the  Finst  and   Second  Wards,  devoting  his  whole  time  in  that  direction.     In  1878 

he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature, 
and  died  shortly  after  one  term  of 
official  service. 

Mr.  Noble  held  various  offices 
under  the  city  administration,  having 
been  at  one  time  Corporation  Counsel 
under  Mayor  Ditmars.  He  was 
always  identified,  more  or  less,  with 
the  interests  of  public  life  until  his 
death  in  1895.  His  son,  Daniel 
Noble,  had  been  associated  with  him 
several  years  prior  to  his  death  and 
had  shown  special  qualifications  for 
professional  life.  Having  been 
elected  District  Attorney,  his  official 
course  has  won  pojiular  approbation, 
while  his  accomplished  address, 
which  is  his  hy  inheritance,  has  been 
the  source  of  many  friendships  and 
widespread  esteem. 

Early  in  the  city's  history  Walter 

J.  Foster  removed  to  the  upper  part 

of  the  city  and  since  that  time  has 

been  more  or  less  identified  with  the 

^^  politics    of    the    city,    having    been 

■|^k  ^^  ^    Corporation  Counsel  during  the  first 

^^r  k|    term  of  Maj-or  Gleason.     His  practice 

^^K  ^'wi^^^B       '^  F^    '^'^^    ^^    ^■'^^    same    time    been    well 

PB  V^^BHS*  '    '^^^'''>t^ii^c<^    in    association    with    his 

two  sons,    Walter  C.    and  Edgar  P., 
who  also  are  fair  representatives  of 
the  class  of  junior  lawyers  of  the  city. 
soi.oM'  Of  those  who  have  located  in  the 

city  since  its  incorporation,  and  won 
promise  and  distinction  in  their  practice,  are  L.  N.  Manley,  who  is  a  prominent  Republican  and  one 
of  the  leaders  of  his  party,  having  been  honored  on  more  than  one  occasion  by  election  to  office. 
In  1894  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention. 

We  mention  also  Frank  E.  Blackwell  and  his  brothers,  Arthur  and  George.  Arthur  died  at  an 
age  when  he  evinced  promise  of  a  bright  career,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  partnership  by  George, 
who  merits  the  success  he  has  won  from  his  practice. 

Numbers  of  other  lawyers  have  come  and  gone.  Among  those  who  have  grown  uji  and  proved 
themselves  worthy  members  of  the  bar,  and  been  identified  with  the  best  interests  of  the  city,  are: 
T.  C.  Kadien,  Charles  T.  Duffy,  F.  N.  Smith,  James  T.  Olwell,  John  R.  Manley,  Charles  A.  Wadley, 
Ira  G.  Darrin.  E.  J.  Knauer,  George  A.  Gregg,  Matthew  J.  Smith  and  E.  N.  Anable.  Also  may  be 
mentioned  W.  E.  Stewart,  who  came  to  this  city  by  ajipointment  as  Corporation  Counsel  under  Mayor 


///STORY  O/-  /.ONG  /S/.AN/)  (7/  V. 


103 


Sanford,    and    Thomas  P.    Burke,  the   present   Corporation    Counsel.     And   other   later   acquisitions 

including  William  Lynam,  son  of  the  prominent  politician    who  resided   here  many  years  aj^o;  Win- 

throp  Tnrney ;  A.  T.  Payne,  Jr.,  who  is  associated 

with  his  father,  and  Harry  T.  Weeks,  all  of  whom 

are  worthy  representatives  of  the  junior  class  of 

lawyers. 

l.MI'ORTAN  1       LITIGATION. 

The  litigation  which  has  grown  out  f>f,  or 
been  incidental  to,  the  city  affairs  would  fill 
volumes.  Beginning  with  the  adjustment  of  the 
affairs  of  Newtown,  of  which  Long  Island  City 
formed  a  part,  to  the  present  time,  the  difficulties 
have  seemed  almost  interminable,  and  litigation 
in  respect  to  taxes  and  assessments  have  been 
continuous,  occupying  the  attention  of  the  courts 
to  a  large  extent. 

The  first  case  of  importance,  liowevur,  was 
the  suit  brought  in  the  name  of  the  Attorney 
General  to  oust  Henry  S.  Debevoise,  who  had 
received  the  certificate  of  the  second  election  for 
mayor.  Mr.  Ditmars  had  been  renominated  for 
the  office,  and  Mr.  Debevoise,  who  was  the 
candidate  of  the  politicians,  was  his  opponent. 
At  the  time  of  the  election  he  was  City  Clerk,  and 


t  LUCIUS   N.    MANI.KV,    ESQ. 

as  such  controlled  the  legal  machinery  of  the  election, 
and    was  the   final    canvasser   of    the   votes.       Tne 
Mt  prominent  citizens  of  the  Astoria  section  of  the  city 

raised  a  fund  to  litigate  his  right  to  the  office,  and 
proceedings  were  commenced  as  already  mentioned. 
An  extraordinary  circuit  was  appointed  by  Governor 
John  A.  Dix  for  the  trial  of  the  case. 
^\  The  committee  of  citizens,  who  inaugurated  the 

^^^k  /  movement,   placed  the   matter   in  charge  of  A.  T. 

^^^^^^^^^  J^  *  Payne,  who  secured,  as  associate  counsel,  Joshua  M. 

^^^^^^^^^^F\.  ,    AA^^  Van  Cott,  the  distinguished  jurist,  who  recently  died 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^     ^  X^  at  an  advanced  age   in   Brooklyn.       Mr.    Debevoise 

^^^^^^^^^^^^Hk   W   ^  Ift  V  employed  .several  lawyers,  eminent  in  their  profes- 

^^K^^^^^^fCf\,^^  P  ^'""'  '"  tlefend  him.     Those  who  are  now  recalled 

'^^^HPi^     •  are  Aaron  J.  \'anderpoel,  Mr.  Buckley,   of  Girard, 

^^^  Piatt    &    Buckley;    Judge    Samuel    D.     Morris,    of 

Brooklyn,  and  Benjamin  W.  [)owning,  of  Oueens 
County.  The  trial  lasted  two  weeks,  and  several 
hundred  witnesses  were  callea.  The  case  ended  in 
a  disagreement  of  the  jury,  a  new  trial  never  having 
been  brought  on  account  of  the  great  expense 
involved. 

Upon  the  election  in  which  ^Ir.  Debevoise  and  Mr.  Petry  were  candidates,  the  former  having 
again  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  official  certificate  of  his  election,  quo  warranto  proceedings  were 
commenced  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Petrv  tor  the  office  of  Mavor,    Mr.  Pavne  being  again  counsel  for  the 


WAIII.EY,    ESQ. 


104 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


contestant.     After  many  vexations  delays  the  court  declared  that  the  election  of  Mr.  Debevoisc    was 
obtained  by  fraud,  and  Mr.  Petry  was  awarded  the  office. 

Immediately  afterward,  the  action,  which  had  been  commenced  by  the  Attorney-General  against 
Mr.  Debevoise  for  misappropriation  of  the  city's  money,  was  tried  and  resulted  in  a  verdict  ayainst 
Mr.  Debevoise  of  over  $100,000. 


Jt'l-.K.NS    COUNTY    COUKT    llor^K. 


(The  above  cut  was  taken  from  an  excellent  pliotoRraph  kindly  furnished  for  the  engraver's  use  by 
Mr.  Thomas  Cusack,  of  192  Twelfth  street,  Long  Island  City.) 

Tablets,  of  which  the  following  are  copies,  and  which  are  prominently  set  up  in  the  main  corridor 
of  the  Court  House,  briefly  give  the  facts  connected  with  the  erection  of  the  sightly  and  handsome 
building: 


ijl'EENS  COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE. 

Huildinn  erected  and 

euclosed  by 

Edward  A.   Lawrence, 

Carmen  Cornelius. 

Robert  Burroughs. 

Building  finished 
under  direction  of       1 

Edward  A.  Lawrence, 
Robert  Burroughs, 

John  H.  Brinckerhoff, 

Isaac  Coles, 

Isaac  H.  Cocks, 

(ieorge  M.  Hunter, 

James  Xostrand. 

Cieorge  S.   Downing, 

James  Bradley. 

Samuel  Willel's, 

Ebenezer  Kcllum. 

Commissioners 

Appointed  by 

Legislature,  1872. 

Board  of  Supervisors 

of  Queens  County, 

1876. 

QUEENS  COUNTY  COURT  HOUiJE 


Architect, 
George   Hatiiokne. 

Contractors  under  Commissioners, 
U.  C.  WKiiKs  &  Son. 

Contractor  under  Board  of  Supervisors. 

B.    CiAI.I.Ar.llKR. 


In  connection  with  these  trials  there  followed  criminal  prosecutions  of  minor  officers  for  malfea- 
sance, which  resulted  in  convictions  in  many  instances.      But  no  actions  of  that  character  again  arose 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


until  the  contest  over  the  election  of  1892,  by  mandamus  proceedings,  which  resulted  in  Mr. 
Sanford's  obtaining  the  certificate  of  election  through  the  courts,  after  Mr.  Gleason  had  received 
his   certificate    from    the   canvassing   officer,    who    was    his   own    appointee. 

Almost  every  election  was  characterized  by 
great  factional  bitterness,  which  was  made  more 
bitter  by  these  litigations. 

Various  suits  have  grown  out  of  bonding  the 
city  for  the  erection  of  schoolhouses  and  other 
improvements,  until  probably  no  city  of  its  size 
within  the  limits  of  the  State  has  been  burdened 
with  such  litigation.  As  has  been  aforesaid,  the  suits 
relating  to  taxes  and  assessments,  and  in  respect  to 
the  construction  of  legal  enactments  affecting  the 
city,  have  been  voluminous.  Hardly,  however,  have 
all  these  various  questions  been  settled  by  the  courts 
and  legal  processes  begun  to  terminate  in  final 
adjustments,  when  the  absorption  of  the  city  into 
Greater  New  York  would  seem  to  make  vain  the 
previous  labors  of  litigation.  Yet  the  city  will  have 
been  better  prepared  for  the  union,  which  will  lead 
it  on  to  larger  and  better  schemes  of  municipal 
development. 

THE    COUKr    HOUSE. 

L(mg  Island  City  is  the  county  seat  of  Queens 
County.  In  being  awarded  this  distinction  geo- 
graphical considerations  were  subordinated  to  the 
superior  transportation  facilities  which  make  this 
city  the  most  accessible  point  in  the  county.  In 
1874,  largely  through  the  instrumentality  of  the 
members  of  the  bar  in  Long  Island  City,  and  more  particularly  through  the  persistency  and  energy 
displayed  by  Judge  Pearse,  the  county  seat,  which  had  been  in  the  geographical  center  of  the  county, 

was  removed  to  this  city.  The  Court  House,  standing  upon  the 
Square  at  the  junction  of  Thomson  and  Jackson  avenues,  is  the 
most  imposing  structure  in  the  city.  It  was  erected  and  enclosed 
by  the  following  Commissioners,  who  were  appointed  for  the 
purpose  by  the  Legislature  in  1872:  Edward  A.  Lawrence,  Carmen 
Cornelius,  Robert  Burroughs,  Isaac  Coles,  Isaac  H.  Cocks,  George 
H.  Hunter  and  James  Nostrand.  The  building  was  carried  to 
completion  in  1876  by  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  Queens  County, 
which  consisted  of  Edward  A.  Lawrence,  Robert  Burroughs,  John 
H.  Brinckerhoff,  George  S.  Downing,  James  Bradley,  Samuel  Willets 
and  Ebenezer  Kellum.  The  first  term  of  court  was  held  by  Judge 
Dykeman  in  1874,  and  among  the  trials  was  a  suit  growing  out  of 
the  construction  of  the  Court  House.  Through  no  fault  of  the 
Commissioners  the  building  has  never  provided  adequate  accom- 
modations for  the  purposes  contemplated  in  its  erection.  The 
demands  of  the  vast  increase  of  business  are  not  met  by  its  interior 
construction. 

Since  its  completion  in  1876  the  lawyers  of  the  County  have 
organized  the  Queens  County  Bar  Association,  which  has  proven  of 
incalculable  advantage  and  value  to  all  members  of  the  bar,  by  reason  of  the  library  resulting  from 
their  united  effort  and  of  the  strengthening  of  a  fraternal  bond  by  professional  association. 


ELU'HAIXT    N.    ANAIII.E.    ESQ. 


JUDGE  CHAKI  I 


io6 


HISTORY  OF  LOSG  ISLAND  CITY. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH   OF   THE   MEDICAL   PROFESSION. 

it  IS  qmte  dirricult  to  trace  the  early  medical  histor\-  of  Long  Island  Cit}-.  as  in  colonial  times 
what  is  now  known  by  that  name  was  included  in  the  "  Out  Plantations,"  which  did  not  have  distinct 
corporate  existence,  but  was  dependent  for  laws  and  customs  on  either  New  Amsterdam,  Flushino-  or 
Xewtown. 

The  task  is  rendered  more  '    ■'     '  smuch  as  the  "  Out  Plantations  '  were  frequently  in  dispute 

as  regards  boundary  lines,  and  even 
the  question  as  "to  whom  they 
actually  owed  allegiance  "  was  deter- 
mined according  to  fluctuating  polit- 
ical conditions  ha\-ing  their  origin  in 
European  countries. 

While  the  legal,  social  and  reli- 
gious customs  and  regulations,  pre- 
vailing in  those  times,  have  been 
fairly  well  preserved,  medical  events 
figure  briefly,  when  at  all,  bringing 
to  mind  very  forcibly  a  fact  often 
commented  uf)on,  that,  primarr,-  and 
most  essential  conditions  which  con- 
tribute to  oirr  happiness,  morality  and 
comfort,  are  the  last  to  receive  exact 
attention  and  consideration  at  the 
hands  of  the  people  concerned. 

Despite  these  facts  and  contraiy- 
to  the  generally  accepted  opinions 
entertained,  it  is  probable  that  at  all 
times,  even  from  the  earliest  settle- 
ment, this  region,  as  well  as  the  most 
of  Queens  County,  possessed  some  of 
the  best  medical  and  surgical  talent 
that  the  times  afforded,  and  that 
those  men  were  as  earnest  and  pro- 
ficient relatively  as  the  physicians 
and  surgeons  of  to-day.  Not  only 
did  they  possess  medical  men  of 
ability  to  attend  to  their  ailments, 
but  they  also  produced  men  from 
among  their  families,  who  not  only 
CDntributed    to     the    adornment    of 

medical  science  in  their  own  country,  but  rose  to  positions  of  eminence  in  the  medical  history  of  the 

Lonntry.   settling  in  larger  cities  and   subsequently  rising  to  the   highest  distinction  in  their  chosen 

pr'>!tssii)n. 

While  the  lives  of  these  early  pioneers  in  medicine  cannot  be  traced  in  historical  detail,  yet  it 

becomes  necessary  in  following  out  the  early  medical  historj-  of  the  city  to  set  forth  such  information 

concerning  them  a,s  has  been  accessible. 

As  early  as  1645  there  was  a  record  of  James  Clark,  Surgeon,  at  Maspeth  Kills,  but  unfortimately  no 

rcc'ir.l  remains  of  the  person  or  the  work  of  this  medical  pioneer.     It  is  probable  that  he  was  one  of  the 

;>arty  w  h>  lm'i^c  originally  from  Massachusetts  with  the  Rev.  Francis  Doughty,  settling  at  Maspeth  Kills. 


^lEL   NOBI  K. 


■  ^.4;  a  record  was  made  ol  a  converance  of  land  to  Philip  Gerady  by  Doctor  Ditmars,  of  Hallett's  Cove  (Annals  of 

.   ■.,.,,...,•  ,.    „.  — .•.,,.  ,.;„.„■  r>';niars  was  a  qoaliiied  physician  or  whether  the  lan^anre  of  the  historian 

fd  of  the  early  seitlers  was  Adrian  Van  der  Donck.  a  son-in-law  of  the 

I^aws."    He  formulated  the  petition  ot  the  Enclisb  settlers  to  the  Dutch 

..>    ..,:......;,  ,.  .■.^.....■^^  .  ,<;  .  K  >  ^  < -ix^es  to  Holland,  in  which  country  he  died  at>outi6j5-    These  men  may  have 

who  nad  followed  (arming,  as  did  mo»t  others  of  the  early  settlers,  no  matter  what  their  previous  training. 


H /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


107 


Dr.  James  Clark  was  closely  followed  by  a  Dr.  Folcks,  also  by  Dr.   John  Greenfield  and  Dr.  John 

Hazard,  the  two  latter  of  whom   practiced   between   the   time  of   Dr.  Folcks  and   the  close   of  the 

century- (1699).     Their  early  labors  have  left  no  mention.     In  all   likelihood   they  had   much  -  rough 

surgery  to  perform,  owing  to  the  accidents  and  the  difficulties  of  the 

settlers  with   the  Indians  from  time  to  time.      It  is  recorded  that 

small-pox,  typhus,  yellow  and  malarial  fevers  prevailed  during  these 

times,  though  to  what  extent,   and  what  means  were  employed   to 

prevent  the  spread  of  these  diseases,  and   to  limit  them  to  indivi- 
duals,   no    information    exists.      Some    references    also    found   to 

tuberculosis,  and  to  "spotted  fever,"  by  which  was  probably  meant 

typhus  rather  than  cerebro  spinal  fever. 

From  1700  to  1750,  Dr.    Evan  (or  John)  Jones,   Dr.  Berrien  and 

Dr.  Hugh  Rogers  practiced  their  profession      Dr.  Jacob  Ogden,  of 

Jamaica,   was  frequently  called  in  consultation.     He  was  an   able 

man  and  wrote  several  medical  papers  on  the  sore  throat  distemper 

(diphtheria?)    of    1769.       He    also   treated    rheumatism    and    other 

inflammatory  affictions  with  mercury,  and  was  a  prominent  advocate 

of  inoculation  for  small-pox.     Dr.  Junes  was  the  author  of  the  first 

surgical  book  said   to  have  been  published  in  this  country,  its  title 

being    "Wounds    and    Fractures,   and   their    Treatment,'"  with    an 

appendix  on  Military  Hospitals.     He  was  also  Professor  of  Surgery 

in  the    medical  school  at    New  York,  and  directed  the  formation  of 

military  hospitals  for  the  provincial  congress  during  the  Revolution.     It  is  evident,  therefore,  tliat  a 

high  standard  of  merit  existed  among  the  physicians  of  this  region  even  in  those  early  days,  and  that 

they  strove  to  combat  disease  and  relieve  distress. 

In  addition  to  those  who  espoused  the  cause  of 
freedom,  there  were  a  number  of  British  surgeons 
with  the  troops  scattered  throughout  the  countr}-. 
One  Dr.  Josiah  Pomeroy  was  at  Newtown,  at  a 
military  hospital  located  there,  and  a  Dr.  Harper 
had  charge  of  a  similar  hospital  on  what  is  now 
Thomson  avenue,  near  Dutch  Kills  Creek.  Dr. 
Samuel  Cutter  was  reputed  to  be  a  very  learned  and 
benevolent  man  and  well  liked,  although  he  was  a 
loyal  refugee  from  New  England. 

Many  of  the  young  men  in  the  families  of  those 
days  took  up  the  study  of  medicine  and  surger>% 
usually  finishing  at  Edinburgh.  Among  these  may 
be  noted  the  following: 

Dr.  Benjamin  Moon,  who  died  in  the  West 
Indies  in  1745. 

Dr.  William  Moon,  born  1753,  died  1S24,  was  a 
nephew  of  the  former.  He  practiced  forty  years, 
and  was  President  of  the  New  York  Medical  Society 
for  many  years,  as  well  as  a  trustee  of  the  New  York 
College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons. 

Dr.  Thomas  Sackett,  of  Newtown,  born  1729, 
died  1769. 

Dr.    Joseph    Sackett,    born    1733,    practiced   at 
Newtown,     but   was   compelled  to  flee  during    the 
stormy  days  of  the  Revolution.       He  died    in   New 
York  1799. 
Another  member  of    this    family,    Dr.    James  Sackett,  was  a  surgeon  in  the  Navy  during   the 

Revolution. 

Dr.  John  Burroughs,  born  November  17,  1776,  died  November  12.  1S12. 


HON.    EhW.ilRU    J.     KN.^IER. 


loS 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Dr.  Dow  Ditmars,  born  Jul}^  12,  1771,  practiced  in  Astoria  for  many  years. 


Dr.  Richard  Lawrence,  born  March  3,  1764,  died  in   1804. 


WILLIAM     E.     STEWART,    ESQ. 


He  was  educated  at  Edinburyh  and 
practised  at  Newtown  and  vicinity. 

Dr.    John   Berrien    Riker,    born 

1738,     characterized    as    a    "d 

rebel "'  by  the  British  and  forced  to 
flee  for  his  life.  He  served  with 
Washington's  army  during  the  war 
and  died  at  Newtown  in  1794. 

Dr.  Stephen  Rapelye,  a  surgeon 
in  the  United  States  Navy. 

Dr.  Isaac  Rapelye,  subsequently 
a  practicing  physician  at  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y. 

Dr.  Henry  Mott  married  Miss 
Janeway,  and  was  the  father  of  the 
famous  Dr.  Valentine  Mott.  Dr. 
Mott  was  buried  in  the  Mott  family 
burying  ground  on  the  property  of 
W.  H.  Furman,  at  Maspeth,  and  his 
grave  was  in  a  good  state  of  preser- 
vation in  1880,  according  to  papers 
left  by  the  late  Wm.  O'Gorman, 
Town  Clerk  of  Newtown.  Dr.  Mott 
died  in  1839,  aged  82  year-s. 

This  brings  our  sketch  of  medical 
men  to  the  end  of  the  last  and  the 
beginning  of  the  present  century  and 
includes  brief  mention  of  those 
patriotic  physicians  and  surgeons 
who  were  loyal  to  their  country  in 
time  of  need.  It  may  safely  be 
inferred  also  that  men  such  as  these 
were  as  conscientious  in  the  per- 
formance of  professional  duties  as 
they    were   loyal    and  sacrificing    in 


behalf  of  their  country.  Nor  is  it  to  be  forgotten  that  the  troubled  conditions 
of  the  times  interfered  with  such  labors  as  tend  to  occupy  the  leisure 
moments  of  physicians  and  which  might  tend  to  perpetuate  the  record  ol 
professional  achievements. 

Of  the  early  medical  practitioners  known  to  the  oldest  of  the  living- 
residents  of  the  city  the  name  of  Dr.  Baylies  is  one  of  the  most  often  heard 
mentioned,  that  is,  of  tho.se  physicians  who  had  their  offices  in  Newtown 
and  practiced  throughout  the  surrounding  country. 

Dr.  Baylies  practiced  as  far  west  as  Blackwell's  Island,  he  being  rowed 
over  from  the  mainland  as  occasion  required. 

Dr.  Gustavus  Baylies  was  born  at  Uxbridge,  Mass.,  in  1761,  and  as 
a  boy  of  sixteen  he  served  two  periods  of  enlistment  as  a  soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  army.  After  the  war  he  entered  Harvard  College,  and 
subsequently  took  up  the  practice  of  medicine  at  Bristol  and  Newport,  R.  I. 

In  1805  he  moved  to  Newtown  and  continued  in  practice  for  thirty 
years.  In  the  war  of  1812  he  was  a  commissioned  surgeon  in  the  army,  and 
was  evidently  a  man  of  strong  personal  and  professional  characteristics. 

It  is  related  of  him  that  he  employed  with  success  hydro-therapy  in  cases  of  yellow  fever  as  early 
as  1R20,  in  spite  of  the  op])osition  of  the  public  and  the  doubts  of  his  professional  brethren. 


IKEDERICK 


niSTORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAM)  CITY 


109 


MATTHEW    J.     SMI  Ml,     LSiJ. 


The  incident  that  led  to  his  adoption  of  this  plan  of  treatment  was  peculiar  and  quite  accidental. 

During-  the  war  oi  1S12  Dr.  Baylies,  in  his  capacity  of  Surgeon  for  tlie  Army  rind  \riv\-,  was  directly 

the    cause    of  the   removal   of  yellow  fever   patients    from 

ships  stationed  in  the  East  River  to  the  Government  hospital 

at  the  Brooklyn  Navy  Yard.     During  the  progress  of  the 

removal  one  of  the  very  worst  cases  fell  overboard  into  the 

river,  the  water  of  which  was  ice  cold  at  the  time. 

This  patient,   far  from  dying,    as    was   most    certainly 

expected,  made  the  most  speedy  and  uninterrupted  recovery 

of  the  whole  number,   and   this  fact  led  Dr.  Baylies  to  more 

closely  study  and  advocate  the  use  of  cold  applications  and 

effusions  in    diseases  accompanied  with   high  temperature. 

It  is  a  fact  worthy  of  record  that  this  is  the  view  which  is 

accepted,  and  whose  practice  is  adopted  by  the  most  enlight- 
ened and  successful  practitioners  of  the  present  day. 

Dr.  Baylies  died  in   1834,  in  the  seventy-third   year  of 

his  age,    and    was    engaged    in    the    active    practice  of  his 

profession    up    to    the   day    of  his    last  illness,    in    fact,    he 

contracted  pneumonia  while  visiting  his  patients  during  an 

inclement  season. 

One  son,    Gustavus  Baylies,   Jr.,    Esq.,  is   a  consulting 

lawyer,   with  offices  at   New  York  and  residence    at  the  old 

homestead  at  Newtown.    Another  son,  HftVsey  Baylies,  M.  D. , 

married   Miss  Harriet  Blackwell,  of  Astoria,   and  practiced  medicine  there  during  his  lifetime.      A 

grandson,     Dr.  Bradford  Baylies,  also  practiced  for  some  years  at  Astoria,  but  is  now  a  resident  and 

practitioner  at  Brooklj'n,  N.  Y. 

The  medical  history  of  these  two  successors  of  the  elder  Dr.  Baylies  may  be  briefly  stated  as  very 

much  like  that  of  their  progenitor,  who  was  a  t3'pical  ph3'sician  of  the  old  school,  yet  had  that  inde- 
pendence of  character  and  practice  that  stamped  him  as  a  true,  progressive  physician,  and  not  a  mere 

follower.     His  memory  is  held  in  high  esteem,  both  as  a  physician  and  friend,  by  the  few  old  residents 

who  have  been  spared  since  his  time. 

The  Baylies  family  of  physicians  form  the  connecting  link  between  the  old  physician,  practising  at 

Newtown,  and  those  who  have  since  practiced  in  Long 
Island  City.  At  the  beginning  of  the  century  the  territory 
of  this  city  had  but  a  few  hundred  inhabitants,  but  Astoria, 
which  had  rapidly  grown,  was  naturally  looked  upon  as  a 
place  that  afforded  opportunities  for  the  exclusive  labor  of  a 
skilled  physician  and  it  was  only  natural  that  physicians 
should  embrace  the  opportunity  and  take  up  residence  there. 
Among  the  early  medical  names  figuring  in  the  history 
of  Astoria  are  several  of  those  who,  while  not  so  actively 
engaged  in  medicine,  were  and  have  been  more  or  less 
engaged  in  practice.  Lack  of  exact  information  permits 
only  brief  mention  of  them,  as  follows  : 

Dr.  Alexander  H.  Stevens  was  one  of  the  sons  of  General 
Ebenezer  Stevens,  who  lived  in  Astoria,  and  who  also  built 
Fort  Stevens,  at  Hallett's  Point,  during  the  war  of  1812. 
The  family  has  always  been' famous  socially,  commercially 
and  professionally. 

Dr.  Alexander  H.  Stevens  was  the  first  President  of  the 
College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  New  York,  and 
became  one  of  the  most  eminent  surgeons  of  his  day. 

IKA     1;.     IIARKIN,     FSi.i.  "  -      T^, 

Dr.    John    Stevens,   a    grandson    ot    Lbenezer,    was    a 
graduate  of  the  Harvard  ^^ledical  College  and  died  somewhere  in  the  West. 

Another  member   of  one  of  the  oldest  families  who   settled  here   was  Dr.    Dow  Ditmars,  who 


H /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


graduated  from  Princeton  College,  subsequently  studying  medicine  under  Dr.  Ledyard.  He  practiced 
his  profession  at  Demerara  for  twelve  years  and  moved  to  Astoria  about  1816,  subsequently  engaging 
in  farming.  He  probably  kept  up  his  interest  in  medicine  during  his  lifetime,  for,  when  he  died  in 
i860,  at  90  years  of  age,  his  medical  library  came  into  the  possession  of  Dr.  Wm.  Remsen  Taylor,  of 
Astoria,  the  oldest  physician  in  point  of  practice  now  in  this  city,  and  the  honored  President  of  the 
Long  Island  City  Medical  Society.  As  far  as  known  the  library  is  still  in  the  possession  of  Dr.  Taylor.* 
Dr.  William  Chamberlin  also  practiced  in  Astoria  in  the  early  '50's,  but  no  record  of  his  life  work 
exists  as  far  as  can  be  found. 

Dr.  Samuel  T.  W.  Sanford,  the  father  of  the  Honorable  Horatio  S.  Sanford,  was  the  earliest 
medical  practitioner  at  Ravenswood,  but  in  later  days  he  took  up  commercial  pursuits.  The  name 
still  lives  of  a  Dr.  Woodhull,  who  practiced  somewhere  in  Ravenswood,  and  although  his  medical 
record  cannot  be  found  he  is  still  gratefully  remembered  by  some  of  the  older  residents — a  pleasant 
thing  to  dwell  on  for  the  present  generation  of  workers,  who  sometimes  are  prone  to  imagine  their  hard 
work  is  likely  to  go  unrecognized. 

The  most  eminent  name  from  a  medical  standpoint  of  the  many  famous  physicians  and  surgeons, 

who  have  practised  in  the  neighborhood,  is  that  of  the  late 
Professor  James  Dowling  Trask,  M.  D.,  of  Astoria.  He 
was  the  progenitor  and  the  best  representative  of  the  more 
modern  type  of  physicians  and  surgeons,  and  from  him  we 
must  certainly  date  the  medical  history  of  the  city  proper, 
for  while  other  physicians  have  lived  and  practiced  here 
at  earlier  periods,  they  were  largely  influenced  by  family  or 
property  connection  and  did  not  follow  medicine  in  it.s 
entirety. 

,:■•  Dr.  Trask  was  an  unusually  l^rilliant  man,  gifted  with 
a  deep  knowledge  in  many  directions  in  subjects  considered 
comparatively  difficult  to  his  own  profession,  and  has  left 
behind  him  a  record  of  useful  work  faithfully  done  that  will 
perpetuate  his  name  and  memory  in  surgical  circles  far 
beyond  the  present  and  coming  medical  generation. 

Graduating  with  the  highest  honors  from  the  University 

of  New  York  in  1844,  he  passed  the  next  fifteen  years  in  the 

general  practice  of  medicine  at  Brooklyn  and   White  Plains, 

X.  Y.     And  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  that,   during  the  time 

he  was   engaged  in  the  arduous  work  of  a  mixed  country 

H.AkKY    i.   wKEKs,  KM.i.  practicc,   he  forced  himself  by  his  writings  and   addresses 

into  the  foremost  position   in  the  medical  world,  on  his  special  subjects  embracing  the  diseases  of 

women  and  children.      He  was  considered  one  of  the  foremost  medical  men  of  the  present  generation 

in  this  country. 

This  is  well  illustrated  in  his  having  been  selected,  shortly  after  his  removal  to  Astoria,  to  fill  the 
chair  of  obstetrics  at  the  Long  Island  Medical  College,  and  as  Professor  of  the  Diseases  of  Women 
and  Children  in  the  same  college.  This  was  an  unusual  honor  for  so  young  a  man  in  those  days  of 
"older  men,"  for  Dr.  Trask  was  then  but  thirty-nine,  and  his  special  subjects  were  the  least  known 
and  possibly  the  most  neglected  by  the  physicians  and  surgeons  of  his  day.  A  man  working  in  such 
an  independent  field  of  action  must  of  necessity  include,  within  his  group,  a  vast  knowledge  of  the 
general  principles  governing  medicine  and  surgery. 

He  was  one  of  the  founders,  therefore,  of  the  Long  Island  Medical  College  and  of  the  Brooklyn 
Dispensary  also,  of  which  he  was  among  the  first  surgeons,  and  associated  with  him  in  his  work  were 
such  eminent  men  as  the  two  Flints,  Professor  Dalton,  Professor  Doremus  and  Professor  Frank 
Hamilton.  It  is  doubtful  if  any  college  faculty,  even  at  the  present  time,  has  had  men  so  uniformly 
qualified  and  skilled  in  their  various  departments,  and  who  have  left  collectively  and  individually  so 
brilliant  and  permanent  a  record  of  medical  achievements. 

Dr.  Trask  resigned  from  the  faculty  after  four  years,  and  subsequently  refused  v.-hat  at  that  time 
was  rightfully  considered  by  medical  men  the  highest  honor  that  could  be  conferred  in   this  country, 


■  Dr.  Taylor  ha»  died  >ince  tbe  above  was  written. 


H/STORV  OF  LOXC;  ISLAND  CITY. 


viz.,  a  professorship  in  the  Medical  University  of  New  York  on  his  special  subjects.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  that  Dr.  Trask  did  not  accept  this  position,  as  it  would  certainly  have  advanced  the  art  of 
obstetrics  greatly.  It  is  easy  to  estimate  the  value  of  a  man's  service  in  general  medicine  or  surgery, 
for  not  only  are  the  teachings  and  practice  of  his  predecess(jrs  known,  but  they  remain  to  guide  and 
strengthen  the  physician  or  surgeon,  who  puts  forth  efforts  in  the  same  field  of  labor. 

In  the  yet  untrodden  paths  of  progress  in  the  medical  history  of  a  country,  the  greatest  honor 
must  be  given  to  those  who  "blaze"  the  way,  and  Dr.  Trask  was  one  of  them.  Fortunately  the 
memory  of  such  service  will  grow  in  the  estimation  of  medical  men  with  succeeding  generations, 
when  the  to])ics  in  the  field  of  labor  followed  by  them  will  have  become  the  common  property  of  all. 

In  addition  to  the  many  other  positions  of  honor  and  distinction  held  by  Dr.  Trask  during  his 
lifetime,  we  find  that  he  was  President  of  the  (Jueens  County  Medical  Society,  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  American  Gynecological  Society, 
and  corresponding  and  honorary 
member  of  many  native  and  foreign 
medical  and  scientific  societies. 
Surely  a  record  which  the  medical 
l)ractitioner  of  to-day  in  this  city  can 
jjonder  upon  and  strive  to  emulate. 

Dr.  Trask  died  in  Astoria,  a 
place  evidently  well  beloved  by  him, 
on  the  2d  day  of  September,  1883,  and 
is  succeeded  in  practice  by  his  son. 
Dr.  James  Dowling  Trask,  Jr.,  a 
ph)-sician  and  surgeon  of  ability, 
resident  also  at  Astoria,  and  who 
possesses  many  of  his  late  father's 
distinctive  qualities  and  character- 
istics. 

A  Dr.  Jakel  practiced  in  Astoria 
about  1 860.  He  died  in  Europe 
while  on  a  visit,  (^ne  of  the  earliest 
practitioners  at  Hunter's  Point  was 
a  Dr.  Tanksley,  about  i860.  IK- 
went  south,  possibly  to  the  war.  A 
Dr.  Boylan  preceded  Dr.  Graves, 
Dr  (iraves  is  also  well  remembered 
by  many  of  the  old  residents  of  the 
lower  portion  of  the  city,  but  again, 
unfortunately,  no  record  has  been 
found  of  his  early  work. 

Dr.  11.  lieyer  was  the  pioneer 
l>liysician  of  Dutch  Kills  and  is  still 
living  at  Staten  Island,  X.  Y.,  having 
been  succeeded  by  Dr.  De  Witt 
Hitchcock.  Dr.  Beyer  was  known  as  a  man  of  conservative  iirinciplcs  and  was  well  i|iialiticd  as  a 
physician. 

Among  the  physicians  who  practiced  at  Dutch  Kills  the  best  known  and  respected  were  Dr.  De 
Witt  Hitchcock  and  Dr.  Herbert  G.  Lyttle.  Dr.  Hitchcock  retired  from  active  practice  about  ten 
years  ago  and  is  now  living  in  the  upper  part  of  the  State,  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest.  He  was, 
perhaps,  the  most  active  practitioner  that  ever  lived  in  this  section.  He  was  a  graduate  of  the 
University  of  New  York  and  of  the  New  York  City  hospitals— finally  visiting  Europe  in  the  pursuit 
of  advanced  knowledge.  The  record  he  has  left  behind  him  among  the  people  and  profession  is  that 
of  a  well  qualified,  painstaking,  conscientious  physician.  His  i)ractice  embraced  a  large  extent  of 
country  and  a  varied  clientage,  yet  he  was  esteemed  by  all  for  his  professional  skill  and  tireless 
application    to   his   profession.      He,    with    Dr.    Lyttle,    marked    the  advent  of    the  trained  hospital 


\JAM1N    CKINNK.II.     STKONl 


H/S70RY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


lihvsiciiiii  ill  the  newer  i)()rtions  of  the  cit}-,   and  these  two  men,   one  deceased,  the  other  retired,  did 

much   to  elevate  and   maintain   the   hi<jh   standard  of  medical  progress  in  the  city.      Dr.  Lyttlc,  who 

died  in  1891,  was  a  man  universally  esteemed  and 
not  the  less  for  his  interest  in  church  work  and 
organization. 

Another  of  the  practitioners  at  Hunter's  Point, 
and  now  deceased,  was  Dr.  Z.  P.  Dennlcr,  who 
graduated  from  the  Geneva  Medical  College  at  the 
beginning  of  the  Civil  War.  He  enlisted  in  the 
service  of  his  country  as  surgeon  in  the  army, 
having  charge  of  the  hospital  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
He  subsequently  was  in  active  service  with  the 
Seventh  Army  Corps  and  served  throughout  the 
war  and  for  one  year  subsequently. 

It  was  his  probe  that  was  used  to  determine 
the  direction  taken  by  the  bullet  in  the  body  of  the 
martyred  President  Lincoln.  The  probe  is  still 
preserved  in  the  Museum  at  Washington. 

Ur.  Dennler  was  a  good  surgeon  at  a  time  when 
surgery  and  surgical  methods  were  not  as  popular 
as  they  are  to-day.  Tlie  war  greatly  promoted  this 
science.  Surgery  has  been  called  the  "  Daughter  of 
War."  Dr.  Dennler  was  also  a  good  physician  and 
held  many  positions  of  honor  and  responsibility. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Health,  surgeon 
to  the  Long  Island  Railroad,  member  of  the  Medical 
Historical  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York,  of  the 
New  York  Medical  Society,  and  of  the  Oueens 
County  Medical  .Society. 
Among  the  names  that  will  be  recognized  more  particularly 

by  the  old  residents  is  that  of  Dr.    Edward  H.    Duggan,   who 

came  to  a  sudden    and    unfortunate   end.       He   was    a   good 

practitioner.      Though  he  lived  in  Greenpoint  he  had  quite  a 

practice  here  as  well.       Dr.    Morri.ssy  is  another  of  the  Green- 
point  physicians  who  has  practiced  more  or  less  here  for  the 

past  twenty  years.      Dr.  James  Day  may  also  be  mentioned  in 

this  connection.     Dr.    William    Warner    Meiners  is    well  and 

favorably  known  in   Hunter's  Point.      He  served  one  term   as 

CoHjner,  hut  poor  health  compelled  his  retirement  from  politi- 
cal life,  which  was  regretted  not  only  by  his])atients  hut  by  the 

medical  fraternity. 

Several  young  men  engaged  in  business  here  have  studied 

medicine  and  are  now  graduates  :    notably    Dr.    Bartlell,    Dr. 

Willken,  Dr.  MacNamee,  Dr.  Mahnken  and  others.    Two  young 

physicians  remain  to  be  more  particularly  mentioned,   as  they 

both  gave  promise  of  greatness  in  their  chosen  profession  and 

both  met  their  death  at  an   early  age  in  the   cause  of  .science 

and  humanity.     The  first  was: 

Dr.    Charles    Bartow.      He   was  a   native  of  this  city,  the 

son  of  Jacob  Bartow,  Esq.,  of  Astoria,  and  Annie  K.  Bartow, 

a  niece  of  Francis  Scott  Key,  the  author  of  "  The  Star  Spangled 

Banner."      He  graduated  second  in   his  class  from  Columbia 

College  in  1891,  being  honor  man  in  chemistry,  historian  of  his  '"'   ''"'*"'•'''   ^'■"' 

cla.ss,  president  of  the  Class  Clui),   and    winner  of  the  prize  debate  of  the  Barnard  Literary  Society. 

He   al.sf)   graduated    in    medicine  from   the    College    of    Plivsicians  and   Surgeons  in    1.S9.,,   standing 


JOHN     KRANCIS    ItllKNS. 


fl/SJORV  (>/■  I.OAU  ISLAND  CI  I  V.  113 

second  in  the  class,  honor  man,  anil  winner  of  tlie  Harsen  prize.  He  entered  the  Presbyterian 
Hospital,  New  Vork,  by  competitive  examination,  a^ain  standing  second,  but  never  served  his  full 
term,  dyinjj  October,  1895,  aj^cd  twenty-six  years.  Dr.  Bartow  contracted  a  pulmcmary  disease  in  the 
cause  of  scientific  invesrigation  into  the  nature  and  habits  of  the  Tubercle  Uacillus,  conducted  by  him 
at  the  pathological  laboratory  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons.  lie  may  rightfully  be 
considered  a  martyr  to  science. 

Doctor  Alvah  M.  Thompson  had  a  somewhat  similar  history.  Although  I>r.  Thompson  was  not 
born  in  this  city,  he  sjient  the  greater  portion  of  his  early  days  here,  and  also  received  his  education 
at  this  i)lace,  ])rcvious  to  his  literary  and  medical  college  courses.  He  graduated  from  the  University 
of  New  Vork  in  1891,  and  was  one  of  the  honor  men  of  his  class.  This  secured  him  a  position  at  the 
City  Hospital,  and  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  there  he  contracted  tuberculosis,  which  cau.scd  his 
death  in  1S93.  Dr.  Thompson  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  and  gave  promise  of  becoming  a 
prominent  physician. 

The  practitioners  at  present  actively  engaged  in  the  city  are  as  follows: 

Andersen,  A.  J.,  Astoria.  McKeown,  Patrick  J  ,  Hunter's  Point. 

Barry,  John  H.,  Hunter's  Point.  Macfarlane,  R.  F.,  Dutch  Kills. 

Brennan,  Francis  E.,  Hunter's  Point.  Mciners,  W.  W'..  Hunter's  Point. 

Bumster,  P.  H.,  Hunter's  Point.  Meyer,  Paul  O.,  Settlement. 

Burns,  John  Francis,  Dutch  Kills.  Mulot,  Otto  L.,  Astoria. 

Burnett,  William  J.,  Hunter's  Point.  New,  James  L.,  Hunter's  Point. 

Fitch,  NeilO.,  Astoria.  Piatt,  Clarence,  Astoria. 

Forbes,  George,  Ravenswood.  Prentiss,  Robert  S. ,  Astoria. 

Frey,  Walter  G.,  Hunter's  Point.  Shulf/.,  Reuben,  Ravenswood. 

Herrimann,  Menzo  W.,  Settlement.  Smallwood,  Samuel  B.,  Astoria. 

Hinkson,  John  R.,  Blissville.  Strong,  Benjamin  G.,  Dutch  Kills. 

Kennedy,  James  B.,  Hunter's  Point.  Strong,  Charles  F.,  Astoria. 

^'oeght,   Ansclm. 

Several  of  the  physicians  have  been  prominent  politically.  Dr.  Taylor  and  Dr.  Strong  have  both 
been  candidates  for  the  mayoralty,  and  the  latter  has  served  one  term  as  Coroner.  Dr.  Raincy,  the 
projector  of  the  Blackwell's  Island  Bridge,  is  of  course  to  be  mentioned  in  a  medical  history  of  the 
city. 

Dr.  Win.  I.  Burnett,  one  of  the  oldest  practitioners  here,  is  President  < if  the  Long  Island  City 
Savings  Bank.  Dr.  Walter!!.  Frey  is  the  founder  and  President  of  the  Long  Island  City  Free  Lii)rary. 
Dr.  J.  Frank  Valentine,  although  a  resident  of  Richmond  Hill,  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  the 
city,  he  having  an  otlice  in  this  city,  being  Surgeon  in-Chief  to  the  Long  Island  R.R.  with  its  575  miles 
of  track  centering  in  this  city.  Dr.  X'alcntine  has  ai.so  to  look  out  for  the  medical  welfare  of  2500 
employees  along  the  lines,  and  the  sanitary  and  hygienic  condition  of  the  rolling  stock  and  stati<jns. 

Dr.  Smallwood,  besides  being  a  good  physician,  is  an  inventor  of  much  ability  and  has  relin- 
cpiished  |)ractice  to  follow  out  his  idea  in  the  perfection  of  machinery. 

Starting  without  any  regular  physicians  not  many  years  ago,  Long  Island  City  now  employs  the 
services  of  many  skilled  physicians,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  they  will  strive  to  keep  up  the  high 
standard  of  medical  practice  which  has  called  into  e.Kistence  the  two  beautiful  new  hospitals,  St. 
John's  and  Astoria,  for  the  reception  of  the  indigent  sick  and  for  special  cases.  The  city  is  well  able 
to  provide  all  the  modern  equi|)mcnts  needed  in  medical  practice,  and  in  this  respect  is  far  ahead  of 
cities  of  greater  size.  Long  Island  City  has  its  own  medical  society,  known  as  the  Long  Island  Medi- 
cal Society.  Its  officers  are:  Dr.  Wm.  Remsen  Taylor,  President,  smce  deceased;  Dr.  R.  F. 
Macfarlane,  Secretary;   Dr.  Wni.  J.  Burnett,  \'icc-President. 

Many  of  the  members  have  been  active  in  preparing  papers,  and  the  discussions  have  been 
profitable  to  all.  Many  are  also  members  of  the  Queens  County  Medical  Societj*.  one  of  the  oldest 
and  most  learned  of  such  societies  in  the  country  during  the  ]iast  five  years.  In  1894  the 
society  held  its  first  meeting  in  this  city  for  fifteen  years,  at  Miller's  Hotel,  and  it  was  the 
most  successful  meeting,  both  from  a  professional  and  social  standpoint,  in  the  history  of  the 
society,  representative  men  being  present  from  many  of  the  older  county  medical  societies, 
notably    Suffolk,    Kings    and     New    York,    and    the    papers    read   were  of    the    highest    order    of 


•14 


H/STOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


merit.  Dr.  Cooley,  of  Glen  Cove;  Dr.  Mann,  of  Jericho;  Dr.  Henrick.son,  of  Jamaica,  and  Dr. 
Lanehart,  of  Hempstead,  are  the  ones  most  active  in  the  society,  and  who  have  alway.s  given, 
as  medical  men,  the  most  encouragement  by  their  example,  in  struggling  to  keep  up  a  high 
standard  of  work  under,  at  times,  very  discouraging  circumstances.  Long  Island  City  has,  in  fact, 
half  a  dozen  physicians  well  qualified  to  take  up  various  specialties  if  the  conditions  permitted.  The 
scattered  condition  of  the  city  and  the  nearness  of  the  great  clinics  in  New  York,  act  as  a  barrier  to 
the  realization  of  the  hopes  of  our  local  physicians.  That  they  may  be  able  to  arrange  their  practices 
more  to  their  tastes  and  inclinations,  but  I  am  convinced  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  such  will 
be  the  case.  It  is  the  inevitable  tendency  of  the  medical  times,  and  the  wonderful  advancement 
made  in  the  various  departments  of  medical  science,  which  render  it  hard  for  a  physician  to  keep 
track  of  them  all. 

TUli    CIVIL    WAR. 

A  generation  has  passed  since  the  close  of  tiic  greatest  conflict  known  to  history.       Few   readers 
there  are  still   who  can  both   tell  and  realize  the    price  which  this  nation  has  paid  for  what  it  now 

enjoys.  But  the/story  of  heroic  struggle  with 
hardship  written  in  letters  of  light,  which  will  last 
forever,  will  be  read  with  increasing  difficulty  by 
each  successive  generation.  Will  our  young  readers, 
who  already  are  so  far  removed  from  the  war  in 
which  their  fathers  fought,  that  they  scarcely  can 
see  through  the  mist  of  distance  what  it  was  all 
about,  permit  us  to  pick  up  an  almost  forgotten 
thread  of  the  old  colonial  days  of  which  we  have 
been  writing  and  connect  it  with  the  great  Civil 
W'ar,  solely  for  the  purpose  of  making  more  clear  the 
cause  of  that  war  ? 

To  do  so  we  must  no  longer  look  on  the  bright 
side  of  history — the  side  of  hope,  health  and 
promise.  The  very  wonder  of  American  progress, 
which  the  historian  finds  fully  charging  the  mind 
of  liis  reader,  is  the  obstacle  to  be  removed.  True, 
a  liandful  of  people  had  become  three  millions  at  the 
close  of  that  first  great  war — the  Revolution.  True, 
that  thirteen  colonies  had  in  iS6o  become  thirty 
States  and  thirty  millions  of  people.  Field  and 
forest  were  subdued.  Cities,  towns  and  villages 
had  multiplied  in  number,  wealth  and  comfort. 
Facilities  of  intercourse  and  communication,  litera- 
ture, educational  systems  and  commercial  enterprise 
had  made  this  people  a  nation,  though  many  knew  it 
not.  They  thought  it  was  a  mere  union  of  sovereign 
States.  Never  had  the  sun  in  heaven  shone  upon 
fairer  sceno  til  piu^perity.  Labor  w  .l^,  ainmdant,  well  rewarded  and  content.  Want  was  unknown. 
The  sons  and  daughters  of  other  climes  came  across  the  seas  and  sat  down  with  us  at  the  bounteous 
board  spread  by  the  New  World.  Our  young  land  seemed  to  be  fair,  comely  and  strong.  It  was. 
Vet  it  was  afflicted  with  a  disease  which  it  is  doubtful  it  could  long  have  survived.  Already  were  its 
must  important  vital  functions  imperilled.  We  refer  to  slavery.  If  this  dread  power  had  risen  to 
supremacy,  the  (iod  of  nations  only  knows  what  kind  of  a  spectacle  this  land  would  now  present  to 
the  world  instead  of  the  crowning  evidence  of  the  success  and  grandeur  of  a  popular  government. 

It  is  even  now  difficult  for  those  who  lived  in  the  times  of  slavery  to  believe  that  it  ever  existed 
How  much  more  difficult  must  it  be  for  the  young!  But  exist  it  did.  And  minds  are  beginning  to 
wonder  why  this  Republic,  singularly  endowed  with  wisdom  and  humanity  from  its  birth,  should  have 
tolerated,  for  an  hour,  such  an  accursed  institution.  On  various  pages  of  this  volume  it  is  recorded 
of  the  early  settlers  that  they  were  people  of  devout  hopes  and  schemes  as  to  government,   and  that 


llhKRl.MA.N. 


If /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  L/TV 


"5 


they   wniuirlit  them  out  in  the  very  lij^ht  ot"  tlie  liible   itself.      Yet,  iiutwitlisiaiulini;  all,  liiimaii  servi- 
tude was  planted  beneath  the  tree  of  liberty  and  flourished  Ihruuyhout  the  land. 

And  now  to  pick  up  the  half  forgotten  thread,  the  obscurity  of  which   would    hardly   indicate  its 
relations  to  the  very  fabric  of  our  national  life.       The   Dutch   and   Knylish  settlers  of  the  territory 
now  occu|)ied  by  this  city  were  slavehcjlders.     True  that  there  were   no  scenes  enacted  here,  such  as 
transpired  among  the  Portuguese  and  Spanish  nations,  who  inflicted  the  evil  upon    European  powers. 
Under  the  humane  consideration  of  our  Dutch  and  English  forefathers — those  sturdy  old  sons  of  the 
faith — the  slave  had   many   rights   and    immunities,  which    were   never   violated    until    the  system,  as 
recognized  by  the  colonial  government  of  New  Amsterdam,  could  liardly  be  called  slavery,  yet  the 
principle  prevailed.     It  grew  with  the  colonies  and  sjiread  with   their  sanction.     The  seed  was  of  the 
earliest    planting.       The    thread   was 
among  the  first  to  be  woven  into  the 
life,  manners  and  customs  of  the  new 
world.     On  the  slope  of  the  northern 
hills   of  this  city,    there  was  once  a 
burial  jjlacc  for  slaves.     But  the  spot, 
unhallowed  by  the  plowshare,  demon- 
strates a  low  estimate  of  the  lives  of 
that    humble     class,    who     lived     in 
bondage    and     sank     into     oblivion. 
However,  justice  and  truth  recpiire  the 
historian  to  emblazon  to  the  credit  of 
our  colonial  forefathers  the  fact  that 
they  grew  to  hate  the  very  sight  and 
sound  of  slavery.     Here  in  the  North 
it  never  was  strong  and  vigorous  and 
died  because  it  could  not  survive  in 
an  uncongenial  climate.     But  even  in 
the  south,  where  it  found  favorable 
conditions  for  prosperity,  it  was  hated 
as     we     hate      the     name      to-day. 
Virginia    bravely    told    the     British 
Monarch  of  its  inhumanity  and  peril, 
and  the  disaster  which  would  follow 
its   continuance.     Thomas  Jefferson, 
in  his  first  draft  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,   said,    "  He  (the  King 
of    England)     has    waged    civil    war 
against  human  nature  itself,  violating 
its    most    sacred    rights    of   life   and 
liberty,    in    the   persons  of  a   distant 
people    who     never    offended     him ; 
carrying  them  into  slavery,   keeping- 
open  a  market  where  Men  should  be 
bought  and  sold,"  etc.      The  half  forgotten  tlircai 
became  a  mighty  cable  as  we  shall  see. 

And  what  did  the  King  reply  to  all  this  ? 

"  The  slave  trade  shall  not  be  obstructed  in  the  American  Colonies." 

England,  who  had  cut  the  cancer  from  her  own  body,  refused  to  do  the  same  to  her  young 
colonies.  We  have  called  it  a  "bond,"  for  like  a  viper  it  was  coiling  itself  about  arising  people, 
exiiibiting  a  power  which  awakened  dismay.  We  recognize,  therefore,  why  Benjamin  Franklin  anil 
Patrick  Henry  saw  a  cioud  of  gloom  overhanging  the  future.  Washington,  Robert  ilorris  and 
Pinckney  opposed  it. 

Vet  these  men,  great  in  other  things,  were  also  great  in  their  confidence  in  mankind.  They  were 
led,  therefore,  to  insert  a  provision  in  the  Constitution,  that  it  should  cease  in  1808.     And  it   was  this 


K.     likKN.NA.v 


had  now  become  a  powerful  cord.      Hy  and   by   it 


ii6 


//IS'fORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


IIUMSTEK.     M.D. 


confidence  also,  that  made  the  immortal  Declaration  to  assert  llial  all  men  are  created  free  and  eijiial 
and  old  Liberty  Bell  to  ring  out  liberty  throughout  the  land  to  all  the  inhabitants  thereof. 

Unmistakably    there    was    a    rising    conflict    between 

slavery  and    freedom.     Patriots  began  to  tremble   for  their 

country.      Measures  began  to  be  instituted  for  the  redemp- 

^^^B^^  tion  of  the  land  from  the  foul  blot.     In  1785  abolition  societies 

^^  ^^^^^  were  organized  in  New  York  and  various  other  states.     Prot- 

j  ■  estant  churches  denounced  the  evil.      But   slavery  entered 

jM^_^i^    H  the  District  of  Columbia  simultaneously  with  the  location  of 

the  National  Capital  in  that  place.     It  obtained  the  prestige 

of   social    influence.     It  rose  into  augmented   power   upon 

the  purchase  of  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Georgia  and  Louisiana. 

.^^^^^  The  Mexican  War  resulted  in  the  annexation  of  Texas,  and 

^^^^     ^^  an    enlarged    area    for    slavery    to    multiply    its   strength. 

^^^L        ^^^^^^^^  True,    Congress   passed    the    Wilniot     Proviso,    prohibiting 

^^^^^^^H|^H^^^^^^^*  slavery  in  any  territory  acquired   by  war,   and  the   ^lissouri 

^^^^^^^^^^^^    -^  Compromise    fixing  the  northern    boundary    of   slavery    at 

^^^^|H^  M  thirty  six  degrees,  thirty  minutes.      True,  the  Abolition  and 

^^^^^^^^       S  I'i'ce  Soil  parties  were  growing  in  numbers  and   power  of 

^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^£^^__-^-         I      opposition.     Hut  the  Kansas-Nebraska  bill  resulted  in  shaking 

^^BBBBBBB^BHi^HB^^^'  I      this  nation  to  its  center,  when  the  blood  of  freemen  crimsoned 

the  soil  of  Kansas,  and  Simmer  thimdercd  his  jihilijjpics  in 
the  Senate  against  the  dread  power,  which  now  was  in  arms, 
and  full  of  determination  to  consecrate  to  liuman  bondage 
the  soil  of  America.  .Vt  last  it  was  evident  that  freedom  and  slavery  could  not  live  together  under  the 
same  government.  The  obscure  thread  to  which  the  early  colonists  gave  little  or  no  serious  heed, 
was  a  mighty  cable  whose  muscles  of  steel  were  binding  the  nation  to  its  fate  with  Ciod-defying  power. 
Masked  in  meekness  and  innocence,  when  Dutch  governors  were  distributing  lands  to  the  settlers  of 
Mespat  Kills,  slavery  threw  aside  all  pretense  and  demanded  an  ec|ual  share  with  liberty  in  the 
sovereignty  of  this  republic  in  the  days  when  the  hoys  of  Newtown,  at  Lincoln's  call.  "  rallied  roiuid  the 
flag  "and,  "shouting  the  battle  cry  of  freedom,"  marched  southwanl  to  sniVcr  antl  ilie  for  their  countrw 

We  see,  therefore,  what  the  war  was  about.  It  had  come 
to  such  a  pass  that  slavery  or  this  Union  had  to  die.  And 
patri(jts  rose  by  millions  and  swore  that  their  country  should 
live.  True,  the  momentous  strife  was  decided  in  favor  of 
life  and  liberty.  But  at  what  a  price!  Multitudes  of  the 
choicest  sons  of  the  natit)n  never  returned.  They  fell  in 
battle  or  died  in  prison  or  hospital.  In  the  seventy-nine 
national  cemeteries,  sleep  318,176  brave  men,  who  were 
offered  as  a  sacrifice  on  the  altars  of  their  country.  Of  these 
146,874,  or  forty-six  per  cent,  of  the  whole  number,  rest  in 
unknown  graves.  Imagine  these  marshalled  in  battle  array! 
What  a  vast  army  it  would  be.  Somewhere  among  this 
number  are  a  few  who  went  from  homes  now  included  within 
the  present  bounds  of  this  city.  Others  are  interred  in  local 
cemeteries,  whose  graves  once  a  year  are  honored  with  the 
testimonies  of  a  nation's  gratitude.  But  great  as  is  the 
number  of  the  dead,  greater  still  is  the  number  of  the  living, 
who,  though  once  they  knew  of  the  weary  march,  the  des- 
jjerale  defeat,  or  the  glorious  victory,  and  all  amid  scenes  of 
carnage  and  hardship,  at  the  close  of  the  war  sank  back  into 
civil  life,  and  since  have  been  found  on  the  farm,  at  the  forge, 
in  the  oflRcc  or  other  places  of  industry.     These  are  for  the 

most  part  gathered  in  the  organization  known  as  the  (irand  Army  of  the  Republic.      Hut  whether  living 
or  dead,  the  names  of  all  belong  to  history's  page,  and  are  here  given  so  far  as  it  has  been   practicable 


JOHN    J.    McGRANE. 


///S/VA'V  OF  I.OXG  /SI.AXn  CI lY 


117 


to  obtain  tbcm.      A    few  omissions  have  been  unavoidable,  because  re(|iiisite  information  has  not  been 
accessible. 


NO.     62S, 


A.       K.,       MKI'AK  I'MKNT,      NI-.\V      VOKK. 


ih-e^niiizii/,   l.oiiii   hlixiiii  Cit}\  July  /o,   /SS'S. 


Nanio. 
William  J.  Roimey, 
(leorye  Shea, 
(leorjje  NFcA.  (losman, 
Samuel  II.  Baldwin, 
Walter  II.  X'erity. 
jose])h  V.  Copp, 

William  Bouton, 

Conrad  Brelinjj, 
William  Clair, 
John  F.  Ouitzow, 
Robert  U.  Kelly, 
William  Klauser. 
Joseph  .Malidii, 
John  Marr, 
Daniel  Murray, 
David  Robbins, 

Wni.    J.    Rdyers, 

Louis  vSieber, 
Charles  l^pton, 
IMetrieh   Ilulsenbuseh, 
Christopher  Farrell, 
James  lirady, 
John  Murphy, 
Matthew  Marx, 
Michael  J.  Tuohy, 
Martin  Blessin<;er, 
Michael  Sullivan, 
Alexander  Mills, 
lloldridjjl'e  Smith, 
I'rank  Krone, 
Louis  Willing', 
Patrick  Jackson, 
Wm.  F.  Smith, 
John  Sackitt, 
Henry  W.  Miller, 
Henry  McArdle, 
Robert  F.  Macfarlane, 
John  Scott, 
Michael  Clair, 
John  A.  Leek, 
Charles  Neier, 
Louis  Bresloff, 
Morris  Ferris, 
John  J.  Mcdinnis, 
Albert  Fitler, 
James  White, 


Rank. 

Co. 

licKinicnt. 

Bvl. 

B 

i65lh  .X.V.V. 

S:^t. 

L 

i.nh  ii.A..\.v.\-. 

Art. 

li 

15th  X.V.\'..  Ku'^. 

Art. 

B 

i5lh  X.V.V.,  Ln--. 

I'vt. 

I-: 

Sth  X.V.II.A. 

I'vt. 

C 

40th  Mass.  \'ols. 

I'vt. 

I-' 

io2d  X.Y.V., 

shi])'sboy 

C.S.X. 

Pvt. 

l- 

31st  X.V.V. 

I'vt. 

11 

107th  X.V.V. 

I'vt. 

M 

1st  X.V.  Art. 

I'vt. 

i: 

74th  X.V.  Vols. 

I'vt. 

A 

3;,d  X.J.  Vols. 

Si;l. 

C, 

3d  U.S.  Inft. 

I'vt. 

1 

5th  X.C.S.X.V. 

Landsman 

C.S.X. 

Pvt. 
I'vt. 

K 

15th  x.(;.s.x.v. 

12th  X.V.  Militia; 
.5th  X.V.  Ind.  Bat. 

Corp. 

V 

1  ilh  X.V.  Cav. 

I'vt. 

1) 

ist   Mich.  Cav. 

I'vt. 

3-nl  hul.  X.V.  I'.at. 

I'vt. 

I-' 

.'olh  Ky.  Inf. 

Capt. 

F 

2d  iX.V.  Militia. 

Landsman 

U.S.X. 

Capt. 

1) 

S2d  111.  Vols. 

I'vt. 

<  )rd.  Corjjs. 

I'vt. 

1- 

5Sih  X.V.  Vols. 

Corp. 

1) 

7Sd  X.V.  \-ols. 

I'vt. 

11 

5lh  X.J.  \-ols. 

I'vt. 

11 

inilll  X.V.   Vols. 

I'vt. 

I 

lolh  X.J.  Vols. 

Serot. 

1 

,:i9ih  X.V.  Inf. 

Landsman 

U.S.X. 

Seaman 

U.S.N. 

I'vt. 

I 

17th  Conn.  Vols. 

Corp. 

I) 

15th  N.Y.V.,    Enjj. 

Mus. 

1-: 

140th  III.  Vols. 

Bvt.    -nl  Lieut 

.     K 

12th  X.V. Vols. 

I'vt. 

A 

79th  X.V.  Inf. 

I'vt. 

I 

9vili  X.V.\'.   Inf. 

Art. 

A 

.5th  X.V.V..  Knjr. 

Pvt. 

H 

17th  Penn.  Cav. 

Pvt. 

I 

4th  X.V.  Cav. 

Landsman 

U.S.X. 

I'vt. 

11 

27th  Militia  Regt.,  Conn 

I'vt. 

I- 

15th  N.J.  Vols. 

Landsman 

U.S.X. 

Rank. 

Co. 

Rcjjniicnt. 

Pvt. 

]•: 

i5.Sth  X.V.   Vols. 

Pvt. 
I'vt. 

1) 

69lh  X.V.S.M. 
28th  Conn.  Vols. 

Pvt. 

1' 

41st  Mass.  Inl". 

Fireman 

U.S.X. 

Pvt. 

II 

151b  X.G.S.X.Y. 

Pvt. 

(; 

3d  N.V.  Inf. 

Corj). 

1! 

6th  Mass.  Vols. 

Pvt. 

1) 

5th  X.V.  Art. 

Landsman 

i'.s.x. 

district  now 

covered 

b\ 

•  this  citv  whose  names 

, ,  8  HIS  TOR  y  OF  L  ONG  IS  LA  ND  CIT\  \ 

Name. 
George  H.  Bennett, 
James  Hart, 
Michael  Dowd, 
Wm.  Ahearn, 
Patrick  F.  iMoran, 
Lyander  Tuttlc, 
William  Hiirly, 
Edward  Stone, 
John  S.  Mills, 
Henry  Evans, 

There  were  others  who  enlisted  from   the  district  now  covered   by  this  city  whose  names  are  not 

identified  with  any  Post. 
Sergeant  Daniel  T.  Bragavv,  4th  N.  Y.  Cavalry,  wounded  at  Winchester. 
Captain  William  E.  Bragavv,  4th  N.  Y.  Cavalry. 
Sergeant   Townsend    Bragaw,  6th  N^.    Y.   Cavalry,   wounded    at    Travilian    Station,  captured  and 

imprisoned  six  months  at  Andcrsonville. 
Daniel  Z.  Payntar,  Rcrdan's  .Sh;irpshooters,  killed  in  front  of  Yorktown,    body  received  and  buried 

in  Newtown. 
T.  Jefferson   Payntar,  4th   X.  Y.  Cavalry,  killed   at   Travilian   .Station,  \'a.      liody  ])robabl\-  buried 

with  the  host  of  the  unknown. 
Solomon  Z.  Payntar,  served  in  1st   Long  Islaml    Regiment,  died   from   disease  and  wounds  caused 

by  the  war. 
Elias  T.  Bragaw,  7th  X.  Y.  Cavalry. 
Frank  Madden. 
Louis  Smith,  15th  N.  Y.  iMigineers,  served  two  years. 

Bcnjaiiiiii  Riugold  Post  jSj  was  organized  in  i8<S2  and  mustered  in  August  5,  1882,  with  fourteen 
comrades  (sec  the  first  twelve  names  on  follo'tving  list).  Department  Cumtnander  J.  S.  Eraser 
installed  the  post  on  above  date  at  Masonic  Hall,  corner  Vernon  avenue  and  Third  street.  At 
present  the  Post  meets  at  Jacksonville  Hall,  corner  of  .Steinway  and  Grand  avenues,  every  first  and 
third  Wednesday  evenings  of  each  month  at  8  o'clock.      The  present  officers  are: 

Henry  Karslake,  Commander,  Fred.  W.  Yunk,  Quartermaster, 

Wm.  H.  Hopper,  Sr.  Vice-Commander,  Aug.  Hoffmeister,  Adjutant, 

Wm.  S.  Ott,  Jr.  Viee-Commander,  Clark  E.  vSmith,  Officer  of  Day, 

Charles  Horn,  Chaplain,  James  O'Connor,  Officer  of  Guard, 

Joseph  P.  Platz,  Surgeon,  Alex.  Simp.son,  Delegate  to  Dept., 

\^.  J.   Mc(iowan,   Alternate  Delegate  to  Dept. 

Clark  E.  Smith,  born  and  brought  up  at  North  Salem,  Westchester  County,  Xew  York,  lie 
enlisted  August  27,  1862,  and  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  as  a  private  in  Captain 
Thomas  D.  Sears'  Company  A.,  Fourth  Regiment,  New  York  Heavy  Artillery.  For  three  year.s,  or 
during  the  war,  was  made  CcM-poral  on  the  field.  The  regiment  was  commanded  by  Colonel  T.  D. 
Doublcday.  He  served  in  heavy  artillery  and  infantry  in  defen.se  of  Washington,  D.  C,  until  May  31, 
1S64,  in  the  Fourth  Brigade,  First  Division,  Second  Corps,  and  later  in  Artillery  Brigade,  Second 
Corps,  and  engaged  in  the  following  battles:  Brandy's  Station,  April  12,  1864;  Wilderness,  May 
5  to  7 ;  .Spottsylvania  C.  H.,  May  18  to  21 ;  North  Anna,  May  26;  Fredericksburg,  May  28  to  31 ;  Cold 
Harbor,  June  12;  Deep  Bottom,  June  17;  before  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  19,  1864,  to  April  2,  1865, 
namely,  Petersburg  as.sault,  Weldon  k.  R.,  Strawberry  Plain.s,  Reams  Station,  White  Oak  Road, 
Petersburg,  Farmsville,  Appomattox  C.  II.,  South  Side  R.  R  ;  was  in  all  movements  of  the 
regiment  until  the  surrender  of  (ieneral  Lee.  He  was  honorably  discharged  on  May  5,  1865,  at  the 
close  of  the  war. 

Aug.  Rassiga  enlisted  August  26,  1S61,  9th  N.  V.  Vols.;  discharged  ^lay  20,  1863;  was  the  first  Com- 
mander and  served  for  three  years  as  such,  and  one  year  as  Ouarlermasler;  was  wounded  at 
Camden  in  1S62. 


J/ /STORY  ()/•■  LON(;  ISLAND  CITY. 


119 


Martin  Blissinjfcr  enlisted  January  4,  1864,  in  Co.  F,  jSth  N.  V.  X'ols. ;  disehar^ed  Oeiober  1,  1.S65; 
served  one  term  as  Commander  and  the  first  Sr.  V .  Commander. 

iknry  Karslake  enlisted  March  i,  1.S64,  Co.  F,  3d  X.  j.  Cav. ;  discharjjed  Aiijjust  i,  1S65;  was  the  first 
Ir.  \'.  Commander,  and  served  as  Commander  one  year,  was  re-elected  and  is  servinjjf  the  second 
term. 

|ac  Thompson,  enlisted  Xovember  3,  1863,  as  seaman  on  board  L'.  S.  Str.  \'alley  City;  discharj^ed 
November  3,  1864,  and  was  the  first  Adjutant. 

John  C.  Dodji'e  enlisted  Au.i;iist  i,  i.Srti,  52d  Pa.  \'ols.,  as  Colonel;  discharged  in  1.S63,  and  was  the  first 

yuartcrniaster. 
James  J.  Ryan  enlisted  as  Drummer 

in  Co.  C,  S8th  N.  Y.  Vols.,  and 

was  discharj^ed  in  January,  1863, 

on  account   of    disability,    and 

served   as  Officer   of    Day  and 

Commander     t  w  o     successive 

terms. 
.\lbert  Saxton  enlisted  July  1 1,  1S64, 

in  Co.  C,   7th   Delaware  Vols.; 

discharj-ed    Aus^iist     12,     1865, 

and    was    the    fir.st    off   of   the 

Ciuard;  died  Aui;ust  10,  1883. 
Anion   liruns  enlisted  Jnlv  J4,   1861, 

in  tile  30th  X.  V.  Ind'p't.  Art., 

and    was    disehar>;ed    July     24, 

1864. 
M.   Kobcrlein  enlisted  .\pril  S,  iSC)5, 

in  Ct).  F,  96th  X.  V.  Vols.;  dis- 
charged  February  6,  iS(ii);died 

April  23,  1SS7. 
( iwen   Clark  enlisted  July  12,  1864, 

as  2d    Lieutenant    in    the    77th 

X.  V.  \'oIs. ;  dischar.yfed  Xovem- 
ber  9.    1864,   and  served  as  the 

tirst  Cliaplain. 
Chr.  J.   Thurston  enlisted   Sci^tem- 

bcr  3,  1863,  as  Drummer  in  the 

170th    Regt.    N.  V.  Vols.,   and 

discharjjed  July  12,  1865. 
Ernest    Weiland    enlisted    May    22, 

1861,  in  Co.  F,  31st  N.  Y.  Vols. ; 

discharjjed  March  i,  1863. 
M.   McCrath  enlisted   May   11,    1861, in  Co.   A,    25111   X.    V.    \'ols. ;  discharged   July 
Peter  Conroy  enlisted  August  25.  1862,  in  Co.  K.  139th   Regt.  X.  V.  \' 

died  March  12,  1896. 
Peter  Hans  enlisted  September  11,  1863,  in  Co.  C.  171)1  X.  V.  Vols. ;  discharged  July  13.  iS65:wounded 

at  Joncsbourgh,  Ga.,  September  3,  1864;  died  t)ctober  11,  1886. 
Aug.  Robeler  enlisted  September  23,  1864,  in  Co.  E,  41st  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  June  21,  1865. 
Thos.  Williamson  enlisted  May  27,  1862,  in  Co.  A,  47th  X.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  September  3,  1862;  died 

September  22,  1883. 
Ale.x.   Moran   enlisted  in  1862   as  ist  Sergeant   and  was  discharged  on  account  of  disability  in   1863; 

died  February  2,  1890. 
\V.  H.  X'erily  enlisted  .\ugust  13,  1863,  Private  5th  X.  Y.  H.  Artillery;  discharged  July  13,   1S65. 


DR.     ROllliRT    S. 


10,      1S63. 

discharged  July  31,  1865; 


,20  n/SrOKY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  Cl'l  Y. 

Adam  Mullcr  enlisted  November  7.  1S62,  Private  A,  103d  X.  Y.  Vols. ;  discharo;ed  June  16,  1865. 
Richard  Conroy  enlisted  May  4,  1861,  Private  Co.  D,  9th  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  May  20,    1863. 
Wm.  Rooney  enlisted  November  24,  1862,  Private  Co.  B,  165th  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  September   1, 

1S65. 
Fred.  Bauman  enlisted  November  11,  1861,  Private  Co.  H,  103d  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  December  3, 

.S64. 
Patrick  Rail  enlisted  July  28,  1862,  Private  Co.  II,  123d  N.  Y.  X'ols. :  discharged  June  18,  1S65. 
Z.  P.    Dennler  enlisted  October  30,  1862,  Surgeon  U.  S.  Army:  discharged  November  25,   1868. 
John  W.  Pfeffer  enlisted  March  13,  1865,  Private  Co.  A,  35th  N.  J.  X'ols. ;  discharged  July  19,  1S65. 
Alex.  Simpson  enlisted  April  23,  1861,  Corp.  Co.  F,  8th  N.  C.  S.  X.  Y. ;  discharged  August  2,  1861. 
(leo.   McA.    (losman   enlisted   August  27.    1862.    Artificer  Co.  15,    i5lh    X.  Y.  \'()ls.,    Kng. ;   discharged 

June  13,  1865. 
Jos.  Johnson  enlisted   August  30,    1862,  Private   Co.  I),  i58lh   N.  Y.  \'ols.  :  discharged  June  30,  1865; 

died  May  24,  18S3. 
Edward  Ilalesworlh  enlisted  May  4.  1861,  Landsman  New  Hampshire;  discharged  May  26,  1865. 

Jas.  Harris  enlisted  September  22,  1864,    Private  Co.   C,   941)1   N.    \'.  \'ols. :  discharged  June  t6,   1865; 
died  February  j8,  1891. 

(leo.  T.  White  enlisted  September  4,  1862,  2d    Lieut.    Co.  E,    128th   N.    V.  X'ols.:  discharged  July    12, 

1865,  Capt.  Co.  E,  N.  Y.  \'ols. ;  died  November  26,  1884. 
Lewis  Smith  enlisted  June  17,  1861,  Private  Co.  H,   15th  X.  V.  \'..  Ivng. :  discharged  June  25,  1863. 
Robt.  Sling  enlisted  August  16.  1861,  Private  Co.  C,   14th   K\.  Ca\-. :  discharged  September  16,  1863. 
Geo.  Shea  enlisted  March  29,  1864,  Sergt.  Co.    L,    13th  11.  A.    X.  \'.  X'ols.;  discharged  Jime  28,  1865; 

served  3  years  as  Quartermaster  and  1  year  as  Commander. 
Joseph  Platz  enlisted    March    r2,  1864.  Private  Co.  F,  73d  Regt,,  X.  Y.  \'et.  \'oIs,  ;  discharged  June 

29,  1865;  at  present  Surgei  II. 

B.  J.  MeGowan  enlisted  May  15,   1861,  Unimmcr,  Co.  C,  36th  X.  Y.  X'ols.;  discharged   Inly   15.  1863; 

served  two  years  as  Commander. 
George   Ocsterlein   enlisted    Xovember   2,    1863,    Private  Co,    D,   54lh    X.  Y.  Vols.  ;  disehaiged   May 

31,  1865. 
\.    Platz    enlisted  January    20,    1864,   Private  Co.  A,  15th  Artillery  X.  Y.  Yols.  ;  discharged  August 

22,  1865. 
William    II.    Williams   enlisted  May,    1861,    Private  Co.    A,   9th   X.  Y.  S.    M.  ;    di.scharged    February 

22,  1S63. 
Ed.    Minocke    enlisted  June    10,    1863,    Private  Co.  I,   47th   X.  V.  S.  M.  ;   discharged   July   23,    1863; 

died  October  15,  1884. 
Axel   Schiermacher  enlisted   April  9,  1864,    Private  Co.  F,  loth  Regt.  N.  Y.  Vols  ;  discharged  June 

30,  1865,  Corporal  Co.  F,  10th  Regt.  N.  Y.  Vols.  ;  died  May  18,  1887. 

Anthony  S.  Woods  enlisted    January  5,  1864,  Major  loth   N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  June  30,  1865,  as 

Lieut.  Col. 
Henry  Jones  enlisted  April  23,  1861,  Corporal  Co.  E,  5th  Regt  ,  N.  Y.  \ .  ;  discharged  May  14,  1863. 
Julius  Frank  enlisted  May  15,  1861,  Private  Co.  I),  29th  Regt.,  X.  Y.  Vols.  ;  discharged  June  20,  1863. 

Samuel  Shaw  enlisted  May  18,  1861,  Private  Co.  C,  47th  Regt.,  N.  Y.  \'.  ;  discharged  August  8,  1864. 
Sergeant  Co.  C,  47th  Regt.,  X.  Y.  V. 

James  Smith   enlisted   April  20,    1861,    Private   Co.   C,   37111    Regt.,  X.  V.  \'.  ;    discharged    June    26, 
1863;  served  as  Officer  of  Day  and  Senior  Vice-Commander;  died  January  30,  1891 . 

Theo.    Drake  enli.sted   April   19,  1861.   Private  Co.  F,  12th  Regt.,  N.  Y.  S.  JI.  ;  discharged  August  5, 
1861;  died  l-'ebruary  29,  1896. 

John    Coughlin    enlisted  September,    1S61,  Private  Co.  I,  r)9th   Regt..  X,  Y.  Vols.;  discharged    Imie, 
1863,  Sergeant  Co.  I,  69th  Regt.,  N.  V.  X'ols. 


HIS  I  OR  Y  C  >/•■  LONC;  IS  LA  ND  CI  IV.  i .- 1 

James  O'Neil  enlisti.-d  September  i6,  1861,  Private  d).  A,  63(1  Re;^t.,  X.  V.  \'. ;  discliargcd  De- 
cember 21,   1864;  died  December  20,  1S90. 

Owen  Daley  enlisted  1S61,  Private  Co.  E,  51st  Re;^t.,  X.  V.  X'ols.  ;  disehap^^ed  May  30,  1S63. 

Thos.  Daw  enlisted  June  14,  1S61,  Private  Co.  C,  40th  N.  V.  Vols. ;  diseharj^ed  December  9,  1S62. 

W'm.  Dubrouijh  enlisted  December  14,  1S64,  Private  Co.  F,  3d  N.  H.  Vols.;  diseharjjed  July  20,  1S65. 

las.  Dirry  enlisted  .May  24,  1S64,  Landsman  in  the  Xorth  Carolina;  discharged  Sept.  20,  1865,  Lands- 
man from  the  Shamrock. 

Charles  Thompson  enlisted  March  i,  1S65,  Private  Co.  K.  194th  ()hii)  Inf.;  discharged  Oct.  24,  1865. 

|as.  I'antrv  enlisted  January  i,  1862,  Private  Co.  k.  8Sth  X.  V.  \'i)ls. ;  discharged  June  30,   1865. 

John  (iarritt  enlisted  .\pril  2,  1862,  Private  Co.  K.  91st  N.  Y.  V.  Vols.;  discharged  April  22,  1865. 

Herman  Hohenhausen  enlisted  April  26,  1861,  Second  Lieutenant  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged 
October  9,  1862;  First  Lieutenant  Co.  12,  7th  X.  V.  X'ols. 

Ctco.  Dorr  enlisted  January  3,  1865,  Private  Co.  (i,  loOth  X.  Y.  N'dIs.  ;  discharged  June  27.  1S65. 

|(>hn  Bell  enlisted  September  17,  1S62,  Musician  Co.  E,    i82d  X'^.  Y.  X'ols.;   discharged  July  15,  1S65. 

Augustus  Heath  enlisted  April  zt,,  1861,  Private  Co.  B,  5th  X.  Y.  X'ols.;  discharged  May  14,  1863; 
Corporal  Co.  B,  5th  X.  Y.  X'ols. 

Wni.  Meyer  enlisted  August  18,  1862,  Private  Co.  G,  127th  X'.  Y.  X'ols.;  discharged  June  30,  1865; 
served  as  S.  X'ice-CiJmmander  one  term;  died  May  1  i,  1888. 

(ieo.  Horn  enlisted  July  8,  1863,  Private  Co.  A,  17th  X.  X'.  S,  >L  ;  discharged  August  13,  1S63. 

Fred.  M.  Jung  enlisted  April  19,  1S61,  Private  Co.  D,  5th  X.  \'.  S.  ^^  ;  discharged  August  17.  1861;  is 
the  present  Ouartermaster. 

Martin  Paaren  enlisted  April  4.  1864,  Private,  X.  Y.  30th  Ind.  Battery;  discharged  June  23,  1865; 
lield  several  different  offices;  died  December  22,  1895. 

("icorge  \V.  X'oung  enlisted  April  14,  1864,  3d  assistant  engineer,  steamer  R.  R.  Cuyler;  discharged 
June  27,  1865;  was  Post  Adjutant;  died  May  6,  1885. 

|(>hn  Ivans  enlisted  August  9,  1862,    Private  Co.  B,    163d  X.  Y.  X'ols.;  discharged  December  18,  1862. 

Flenry  ICrath  enlisted  .\pril  12,  1863.    Private  Co.  L  iithX.  X'.  S.  M. ;  discharged  July  20,  1863. 

August  HotTmeister  enlisted  August  3.  1861,  Private  Co.  E,  7th  X.  Y.  X^'ols.  Inf.;  discharged  May  8, 
1863;  re-enlisted  August  11,  1S63.  in  15th  X.  X'.  H.  Artillery;  discharged  August  22,  1865;  served 
as  Post  Adjutant  seven  successive  terms. 

Ji.hn  Held  enlisted  April  23,  1861,  ist  Lieut.  Co.  B,  5th  X.  X'.  S.  M.;  discharged  August  7,  1861. 

John  Shaffer  enlisted  ilay  5.  1861,  Private  Co.  F.  67th  X.  X'.  X'ols.;  discharged  July  31,    1865;   Private 

Co.  E.;  died  Oct.  25.  1S90. 
Isaac  P.  Jones  enlisted  May  27.    1861.    Private  Co.   G,   83d  X.   Y.   X'ols.;    discharged  June  2},,    1S64; 

Corp.  Co.  G. 

Clamor  Hoefener  enlisted  October  24,  1864,  Private  Co.  K,  7th  X'.  Y.  X'.  X'.;  discharged  August  19, 
1865. 

I'liilip  Schmidt  enlisted  June  15,  1864,    Private  Co.    B,  5th  X.  X'.  II.  .Vnillery;  discharged  July  3.  1865. 

Frederick  I'ogele  enlisted  July  20.  1864,  Private  Co.  K.  93d  X.  G.  .S.  X.  X'.;  discharged  Xovember  14. 
1864. 

('■CO.  Strauss  enlisted  January  29.  1862,  Private  Co.  (t,  95th  X.  X'.  X'ols.:  discharged  January  29,  1865: 
Sergeant. 

Chris.  F.  Koch  enlisted  June  15,  1803,  Private  Co.  B.  6th  X.  X'.  S.  .XL;  discharged  July  21,  1S63; 
served  as  Ouartermaster  5  years  and  iinc  year  as  Sr.  X'ice-commander. 

Frank  Lietz  enlisted  1863,  Private  Co.  H,  39th  X'.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  July  i.  1865. 


,22  HISrORY  OF  LONG  ISL  A  AW  CITY. 

]as.  1).  Wood  enlisted  September  3,  1S64.  Private  Co.  E,  41  Missouri  Vols.;  dischari;ed  July  n,  1865. 
Caspar  Klinjj  enlisted  September  15.  1S61,  Private  Co.  H.  54th  X.  V.  Vols.;  discharoed  November  17, 

1864;   Lieutenant. 
Jas.  MeLau.trhlin  enlisted  May  28.    1862.  Private  Co.  H.  13th   X.  Y.  S.    \\.\  disehartjed  September   12, 

1S62. 
John  Harrinijton  enlisted  August  23.  1861.  Private  Co.  K.  4tli  X.  V.  \'ols. ;  discharged  May  25,  1863. 
Cermain  Blessing- enlisted  April  23,  1861,  Private  Co.  E  8tb  X.  Y.  \'ols. ;  discharged  May  20,  1863. 
W'm.  Pfieffer  enlisted  July  30,    1862,  Private   Co.    D.    131st   X.    Y.    \'ols. ;    discharged  July   26.    1865; 

Sergeant  Co.  D. 
Sam  Baldwin  enlisted  August  25,  1862,  Artificer,  Co.   I!,   islh  X.  V.  Eng.;  discharged  June  13,   1865. 
John  Evers  enlisted  August  11,  1862,  Private  Co.  H,    51st   X.  V.    Infantry;  discharged   July   25,    1865; 

died  March  17th,  1893. 
(Jeorge  Oestcrlein  enlisted  November  2,  1863,  Private  'd^  D,  54th  X.  Y.  Vols. ;  discharged  May  31,  1865. 
Robert  Gaffney  enlisted  October  10,  1864.  Private  Co.  A,  i8ih  Cav.  X.    Y.  \'. ;  discharged  August    15. 

,865. 
John  Walz  enlisted  December  9,  1863.  Corp.  Co.  H.  5th  X.  J.  Vet.  Vols.;  discharged  August  25,  1865; 

died  September  24,  1895. 
Sam"l  M.  Furman  enlisted  September  24,  1864,   Private  Co.  P),  4lh  X.   J.    \'cl.   Vols.;  discharged  June 

22.  .865. 
James  MeGinness  enlisted  January  25,  1865,  Private  Co.  D,  25111  Mass.  \'i)ls. ;  discharged  July  13,  1865; 

died  June  30,  1893. 
Francis  Stein  enlisted  December  14,  1858,  Private  Co.    D,  iSih    C.    S.    Inf.;    discharged   December  2^,. 

1863. 
Edmund  Klespies  enlisted  August  29,  1863,  Private  Co.  A,  2,^'-^  ^-  ]■  \'iils. ;  discharged  July  17,  1S65. 
Wm.    McCue  enlisted    September    5,    1864,    coal   heaver,  (Siinboat   Seneca;    discharged    June  9,    1865; 

discharged  from  the  G.  A.  R. 
Thomas  Darey  enlisted  March  5,  1865,  United   States  Str.  Corwin,  coal  heaver;  discharged  Xovember 

26,  1866. 
Geo.  Casey  enlisted  March  5,  1865,  coal  heaver,  United  States  Str.  Corwin;  discharged  March  24,  1866. 

Edward  Flaherty  enlisted  July   12,   1864,    Private  Co.  G,  77th  N.   Y.   Vols.;  discharged  X^ovember  19, 

1864;  Corporal  Co.  (\. 
Thos.  Carroll  enlisted  August  15,  1862,  Pri\'ate  Co.  G,  51st  N.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  June  29,  1865. 
Frederick  Steinmctz  enlisted  September,  1861,  Private  Co.  A;  discharged  September,  1865;   Private  Co. 

G,  15th  N.  Y.  H.  Artillery. 
George  M.  Bosford  enlisted  March    i,    1865,  Private  Co.  G,  14111   Maine   \'ols. ;  discharged  August   28, 

1865. 
Chas.  Horn  enlisted  June  16,   1863,  Private  Co.  B,   iilh  N.  Y.   S.    M.;  discharged  July  20,   1863;  served 

two  years  as  Chaplain. 
Valentine  Weber  enlisted  March  26,  1864,  Private  Co.  Cj,  ist  X.  J.  Cav.;  discharged  June  9,  1865. 
Peter  B.  Conklin  enlisted  May  29,  1862,  Corp.  Co.  F,  37lh  X.  Y.  S.  M.;  discharged  September  20,   1862. 
Christian  Lutzens  enlisted  June  20,  1861,  Private  Co.  F,  40th  X.  Y.  Vols.;  discharged  June  20,  1864. 
W.  Remsen  Taj-lor  enlisted  September  12,  1862,  Private  Co.  D,  29th  N.  J.  \'ols. ;  discharged  June  30, 

1863;  Colonel;  died  October,  1896. 

lidward  Bell  enlisted  July  6,  1862,    Sergt.   Co.    K,    iilh  R.    I.  X'ols.;  discharged   September    14,    1864; 

Captain. 
Frank  Schopp  enlisted  February  21,    1864,    Private  Co.  C,   3d  X.   J.    Cav.;  discharged  September  21, 

1865,  Corporal;  died  November  6,  1894. 

James  O'Connor   enlisted  April  20,  1861,  Private  Co.  E,  69th  N.  Y.  S.  M.  ;discharged  October  6,  1864, 
as  Sergeant. 


I/fS-JORY  OJ'  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


'23 


John  Xorthackcr   enlisted   May   2.S,   1.S62,  Private  Co.  15,   iitli    X.  V.  S.  M. ;  disehar-jed   September  16, 

1862. 
Herman    Hirehtield     enlisted  October    16,   1S61,    Private   Co.   !•:,  54111  X.  V.    \"<>]s.  ;  diseliari;ed  June  S, 

1862. 
James  Marshall  enlisted  January  4.  1S64,  Private  Co.  (i.  sth  Mieh.  Cav. ;  diseharjjed  June  10,  1865. 
John  Bulbert  enlisted  June  21,  uS6i,  Private  Co.  H,  69th  X.  V.  S.  M. ;  di.sehar<;ed  Auj^ust  3,  1861. 
(ieorjfe  F^oster  enlisted  Aujjust  25,  1S62.  Private  Co.  B,  3d  X.  V.  Art.;  diseharj^-ed  July  13,  1865. 
Riehmond   Davis  enlisted   September  5,     1S60,     Private  V.  S.   .M.  Corps   diseharjj^ed  June    17,    iS6y,  as 

Serjeant. 
Hu;^h  MeKeon  enlisted  July  21,   1863,  Private  Co.  (i,  iSlJi  X.  V.  Cav.;  iliseharj;ed    May  31.  1S66. 
Robert  Southwiek   enlisted    August   9,    1864,   Class  bf)y,    C   S.  .Navy; 

disjharj4;ed  April  24,  1867,  Private  U.  S.  Navy;  died  April  7,   1895. 
Cor.ielius  Foley   enlisted  February   16,  1864,  Private  Co.  K,  13th  X.\'. 

II.  An.;   diseharjjed  June  28,  1865. 
William  Hopper  enlisted  September,    1861,    Private  Co.  D,  90th  X.  \'. 

Inf.;  diseharned  I'ebruary,  1866;  hosjjital  steward,  served  as  Junior 

Viee-Commander,  and  is  at  present  Senior  \'iee-Commander. 
Miehael  Berj^en  enlisted  September  12,  i8()i.  Private  Co.  IC,  51SI  X.  V. 

Inf. ;  diseharjjed  July  24,  1865. 
\\'iiliain  A.   Kinjj  enlisted  Xovember,   1861,  Private  Co.  A,   io2tl  X.  V, 

Inf.;  diseharjjfcd  Juiy  21,  1865,  as  Seryeant. 
Miehael  Smith    enlisted  January  20.    1863,    Private    Co.  II.  X.  \'.   M. 

Art.;  discharged  January  20,  1864. 
John  Weber  enlisted  January  16,    1861,    Drummer  Co.    I.   68th  X.  V.      J" 

Vols.;  diseharjjed  September,  1865,  as  Drum  Major. 
Edward  Steinhart  enlisted  Aujjust  26,  1864.  eoal  heaver.  I'.  S.  Xavy 

discharged  June  14,  1865. 
William  S.  Ott  enlisted  August  6,  1862.  Private  Co.  A,  77th    111.   X'ols, ; 

serving  as  Junior  Viee-Commander. 

BANKS. 


ij.im 


discharged  Jum 


THK    LONO     ISL.\NIJ    CITV     SAVINGS    HANK. 

This  bank  was  organized  April  18,  1876,  with  the  following  olhcers;  President,  Sylvester  Gray ; 
First  Vice-President,  John  Appleton;  Second  X'icePresident,  H.  S.  Anable;  Secretary,  J.  Harvey 
Smedley. 

It  has  been  an  eminently  successful  institution  from  tiie  outstart.  By  conservative  management 
it  enjoys  the  fullest  measure  of  public  confidence.  Its  list  of  depositors  is  constantly  increasing  for 
the  people  have  learned  how  to  utilize  its  advantages  in  their  own  interests.  It  is  a  credit  to  the 
city,  not  only  because  of  its  sound  financial  policy,  but  in  its  beneficiary  relations  with  the  large  class 
of  citizens  who,  from  time  to  time,  have  been  its  patrons. 

Its  present  officers  are: 

Prisidtiit,  W.   J.   Burnett, 

Scirctary,  J.  Harvey  Smedley. 


Walter  E.  Frew, 
Hadwin  Houghton, 
H.  F.  Jones, 
D.  S.  Jones, 
B.  Moore,  Jr., 
John  Harvey, 
L.  P.  Dexter, 
W.  H.  Siebreeht, 


'J'nistii: 


(l.  W.  Williams, 
C.  W.  Hallett, 
\Y.  J.  Burnett, 
Chas.  A.  Thompson, 
A.  T.  Payne, 
H.  M.  Thomas, 
J.  Harvey  Smedley, 
H.  S.  San ford. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


QIJEKXS    COUNTY    ISANK. 


This  prosperous  bank  was  originally  organized  in  Flushing  and  removed  to  this  city  in  1888, 
occupying  the  premises  at  3  1  Borden  ave.  Two  or  three  yc.irs  later  the  present  bsautif  ul  and  commodious 
structure  was  erected  on  Front  street,  adjoining  the  ferries  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company.  It 
has  a  capital  of  $100,000,  with  a  surplus  of  §60,000.  Under  its  present  management  its  policy  is  that 
of  a  progressive  institution  yet  is  combined  with  a  due  degree  of  conservatism.  It  does  a  general 
banking  business  and  is  regarded  in  the  fmancial  world  as  safe  and  sound.  Its  last  report  September 
3,  1S96,  is  as  follows: 

Loans  and  discoimts,  less  due  from  dirctors,  §1,010,528;  due  from  banks,  etc.,  $210,540;  casli  on 
hand,  $155,000;  cash  items,  §41,038;  items  carried  as  cash,  $0991;  deposits,  $1,379,119;  due  banks, 
C!.^,-,iA':  i;init.il,  .'iiioo.oDo:   surjilus  and  pr,)fits,  §82,659;  total  resources.  §1.814.942. 

Officers. 
Pnsuiiiit,  Walter  i:.  Imx-w, 
Vice-President,  William  Steinw.iy. 
Cashier.  James  P.  Rescmer. 


."^N. 


a.  4  ^ 


m 


Ull  J :;-jr -r—mr  t  f >     


JUEKNS    COU.NIV     liA.NK. 


Piree/ors. 

Walter  K.  I'rew,  President. 

Shei)herd  Knapp — New  York  City,  X.  Y., 

William  Steinway — Messrs.  Stcinway  &  Sons,  N.  Y.. 

Wm.  F.  Havemeyer — Vice-Pres't  Nat.  Rank  of  North  America,  N.  V., 

H.  K.  Knapp — Oeneral  Manager  Union  Ferry  C(i.,  Brooklyn  and  New  York, 

ICmanuel  Lehman — Lehman  Bros.,  22  William  St.,  New  York, 

ICmil  Caiman — Emil  Caiman  &  Co.,  L.  I.  City, 

S.  K.  de  Forest — (Jen'l  Manager  loth  and  23d  Street  Ferries,  Rronklyn, 

John  R.  Woodruff — Long  Island  City, 

losei)h  S.  Auerbach — Cedarhurst,  L.  I.. 

Ci.  L  (larretson,  Newtown,  L.  I. 


/IJS'JORY  OF  l.OXC  ISL.lXn  CITY. 


NEWSPAPERS. 

Various  journals  have  at  dilTcrc-nt  times  been  published  within  tlie  limits  ui'  Lon*;-  Island  City. 
Vet  for  causes  which  the  historian  is  unable  to  trace,  but  one  remains  to  connect  the  present  with  iJie 
preceding  {feneration. 

In  1853  the  Astoria  Cazcttc  was  published  by  William  S.  Harrison,  and  had  a  brief  career  of  less 
than    two    years.       An    interval     of 
eleven    years    followed,     when     the 
Astoria    Hiraltt  began,   under   Mrs. 
Ritchie,  a  history  even  less  brief. 

In  the  spring  of  1865  Thomas  H. 
Todd  located  at  Hunter's  Point, 
where  he  opened  a  job  printing 
office,  and  on  October  20th,  of  the 
same  year,  established  the  /.<'//,;,' 
fstaitii  City  Star.  For  a  full  and 
detailed  history  of  that  enterprise  the 
reader  is  referred  to  a  special  article, 
elsewhere  given  upon  the  subject. 

In  1872  the  Rivicii'  was  started 
by  II.  \V.  Love  as  a  daily  paper,  and 
was  published  for  about  three  years. 

An  attempt  was  made  in  1874 
to  found  the  Long  Island  City  Ncics, 
but  with  only  temporary  success. 

The  Long  Island  City  Press  and 
the  Courier  were  organized  respec- 
tively in  1875  and  1876.  The  former 
susi)ended  in  1878.  and  the  latter 
in  1S85. 

The  I.cng  L<land  luv/'acl/ter  was 
established  in  1876  as  a  distinctively 
German  news  medium.  It  is  still 
published. 

In  1880  the  .istoria  ChronicU 
appeared  as  a  Democratic  campaign 
organ  and  was  published  for  a  few 
months. 

The  Long  Island  C  ity  Lnbune, 
published  for  a  number  of  years  under  the  direction  of  W.  S.  Overton,  suspended  in  1894. 

In  1890  the  Queens  County  Lferald  imA  the  Weekly  Flag  were  established,  the  former  in  Hunter's 
Point,  the  latter  in  Astoria.      In  1895  the  Mirror  made  its  appearance. 

MANltACTURES. 

Pew  cities  in  the  United  States  have  more  extensive  manutacturing  interests  than  are  located  in 
this  city.  The  capital  invested  is  vast  while  the  market  reached  by  the  products  of  the  various 
l)lanti;  is  world  wide.  These  industries  have  been  attracted  thither  by  the  natural  trade  advantages 
of  the  city.  Desirable  areas  of  land  for  sites  have  been,  and  are  still,  at  the  command  of  manufacturers 
while  communication  bv  river  and  rail  is  direct  and  constant. 


SYI.VKSIER   (JKAY,    DKCKASEl) 


THE    STEINWAY    ENTERPRISES. 

Of  these  we  have  elsewhere  spoken  at  large.     The  presence  in  the  eil\-  "f 
tor  a  quarter  of  a  century  a  constant  stimulus  to  prosperity. 


;iich  a  ]ilant  has  been 


THE    OIL    COMPANIES. 

The    Standard   Oil   Company  has  here  its  gigantic  works.      The  products  of  the  Pennsylvania  oil 
regions  are  transported   thither   in   jjipes,    refined  by  all  manner  of  scientific  processes  and  exported 


126 


HIS  TOR ) '  OF  L  ONG  IS  LA  ND  CI  TV 


to  the  confines  of  the  world.     Acres  of  land,  vast  capital  and  hundreds  of  hands  are  in  daily  activity, 
much  to  the  advantage  of  the  local  interests  of  the  city. 

Thomas  Morg.'^n  conducts  an  extensive  business  as  a  commission  merchant  and  wholesale  dealer 
in  Hay,  Straw,  Grain,  etc.,  on  Newtown  Creek,  foot  of  East  avenue.  He  built  the  present  elevator 
in  1888,  at  which  time  the  firm  was  known  as  Beyer  «&  Morgan.  Upon  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Beyer, 
in  1892,  Mr.  ^lorgan  became  the  sole  member  of  the  firm.  From  the  outstart  the  business  has  been 
prosperous.  Large  quantities  of  grain  are  bought  by  him  on  the  New  York  Produce  Exchange  and 
then  taken  into  the  elevator  for  sale  to  the  different  feed  stores  in  the  locality,  and  .shipped  on  the  cars  of 

the  Long  Island  Railroad  to  various 
parts  of  the  country — switch  connect 
with  railroad.  Orders  from  any  part 
of  Long  Lsland  receives  prompt 
attention  because  of  facilities  for  rail- 
road cars — an  order  to-day  arrives 
at  its  destination  on  the  following 
morning,  the  capacity  of  the  elevator 
of  which  is  50,000  bushels.  Increas- 
ing demands  recently  recjuired  the 
replacement  of  the  cild  one  hundred 
horse  power  engine  with  a  new  low 
pressure  one  of  two  hundred  and 
lifty  horse  power.  A  hay  and  straw 
warehouse  25x100  feet,  was  also 
erected  during  the  summer  of  1S96. 
The  plant,  which  is  the  only  one 
of  its  kind  in  Long  Island  City,  is 
eligibly  located,  with  a  frontage  of 
275  feet  on  Newtown  Creek,  and 
extending  back  2S0  feet  to  liast 
avenue.  Mr.  Morgan  is  also  the 
proprietor  of  the  large  elevators  and 
warehouses  at  the  foot  (jf  Taylor 
street,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

The  plant  of  the  Nkw  Yokk  Aki:h- 
1 1 1  u  ruKAi.  Tkrra  Cutta  Co.  occupies 
four  hundred  feet  on  Vernon  avenue 
north  of  Harris  avenue  and  reaches 
to  the  river.  The  company  was 
formed  November,  1893,  by  the 
consolidation  of  Stephens,  Arm- 
strong &  Conklin,  of  Philadelphia, 
with  the  New  York  Architectural  Terracotta  Co.  The  former  is  being  now  operated  as  a  branch 
of  the  New  York  company,  which  is  located  at  Ravenswood.  The  products  of  these  works  arc  in  the 
highest  style  of  art,  and  adorn  public  and  private  edifices  in  almost  every  city  of  America.  The  ])ay 
roll  in  this  city  reaches  §150,000  per  annum. 

In  A>piiai.t  Paving  and  Matf.iuai,  wc  mention  the  Bakiuk  Asimiai.t  Pavi.nc  Co.,  foot  of  Sixth 
street,  and  the  Nk.w  Yokk  Mastic  Works,  foot  of  Seventh  street. 

The  firm  of  Peter  Young  represents  an  extensive  industry  in  bags  and  bagging  at  .?;,7  X'ernon 
avenue,  Ravenswood. 

VARNISH     MANCKACTUKF.RS. 

The  leading  firms  are  Pratt  &  iMinbert,  foot  of  Fourth,  Fifth  and  Ninth  streets.  Hunter's  Point; 
Keystone  I'ariiish  Co.,  foot  of  Fourth  street.  Hunter's  Point. 

One  of  the  oldest  and  most  celebrated  establishments  for  the  manufacture  of  varnishes  in  this 
country  is  that  of  Mayer  ih-  Loiveiisteiii.  Their  goods  are  sold  and  known  throughout  the  world.  The 
firm  "•  i-i  nr.r.-.ni/cil  bv  ( '..-diriel  Mayer  and  his  brother  pirnh.irtl,  in  iS  (6,  and  continued  under  that  name 


WALTER    E.    IKEW. 


/ffsroRV  OF  /.o.\y;  islaxd  err  v. 


until  the  year  1865,  when  the  present  factory  was  built  in   Lonjjf  Island  City.     The  eonipany  was  then 
orj^anized  under  its  present  form   by  Siegfried  W.  Mayer  and  Otto   L.   Mayer,   sons  of  (labriel  Mayer, 
toj^ether    with    Ludolph    II.    Atiraham,    when    the 
])resent  firm  name  was  assumed. 

Oi'KKNs  CoiMV  \'vk.\i>ii  W'oKKs,  77  Ninth 
street,  Hunter's  Point. 

Ivhw  \ui)  Smiiu  tV  Co..  foot  of  Fifth  street. 
Hunter's  Point.  The  orijrin  and  history  of  this 
firm  bejjins  with  the  sprinj;;  of  1827,  when  Pasehal 
B.  Smith,  oldest  brother  of  the  late  Hdward  Smith, 
built  a  small  furnace  in  the  old  apple  orchard  which 
stood  at  the  corner  of  Sixth  street  and  .Second 
avenue,  Xew  York  City,  and  there  first  melted 
•;imi,  and  made  and  sold  varnishes  as  a  sejjarate 
business  for  the  first  time  in  the  United  States. 
The  venture  became  popular  and  was  reported  to 
the  National  (lovernment.  At  the  present  time  all 
candidates  for  the  Civil  Service  are  tauj^ht  that 
varnish,  as  an  American  product,  was  first  made 
and  sold  in  i8j8.  The  rapid  increase  of  business 
required  the  assistance  of  the  brothers,  Samuel  P. 
and  Nathan  Smith,  and  James  L.  Stratton,  under 
the  firm  name  of  P.  B.  Smith  &  Co.  In  1832  S. 
P.  Smith  withdrew  and  be;;an  business  in  Newark. 
New    Jersey.     The  oUl  linn  continued  until  1844, 


J.     IIAKVI'.Y     SMEDI.F.V. 

when  P.  B.  Smith  retired,  and  the  firm  became 
Smith,  Stratton  &  Co.  In  1851  Nathan  Smith 
died,  whereupon  the  firm  became  Smith  &  Stratton. 
Previous  to  the  death  of  Mr.  Smith  the  factory 
was  moved  from  New  York  to  Astoria  where  Mr. 
Stratton  resided,  and  was  located  on  Mr.  Stratton's 
property  near  Hallett's  Cove,  a  part  of  which 
property  became  the  comely  residence  of  the  late 
Robert  Benner.  The  odors  of  the  factory  beinjj 
objectionable  to  many  residents,  the  firm,  in  1856, 
])urcha.sed  from  the  Union  Colle.ire  six  lots  on 
Fourth  and  Fifth  streets,  and  built  the  first  build- 
injjs  at  Hunter's  Point  for  manufacturing  purposes. 
The  deed  of  the  property  contained  a  protectin}.r 
clause  ajjainst  molestation  on  account  of  harmless 
odors,  etc.  Upon  the  completion  of  the  factory 
buildiny^s.  two  three-story  apartment  houses  were 
also  erected  on  Fifth  street  for  employees.  In  oneof 
these  houses  Richard  Armstrong,  the  chief  varnish 
maker,  was  born.  At  the  death  of  Mr.  Stratton  in 
1859,  Edward  Smith  became  sole  proprietor,  and 
the  business  was  conducted  under  his  name  until 
1867,  when  John  A.  Elmendorf,  who  had  beencon- 

>  ])artnership\mder  the  finn  title  of  Edward  Smith  &  Co. 

ntington  became  a  ]);irlner  as  also  Alexander  Maitland  in 


J"IIN     II.     IIIIKV. 


necteil  with  the  house  since  1S53,  was  admitted  t( 
I'ljon  the  death  of  Mr.  Smith  in  1S7S.  Chester  \\\\ 


I2S 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


1880.      In  1SS9  tlie  firm   was  incorporated  iinder  the  laws  of  New  York.      The    tinn    now   consists  of 
Alexander  Maitland.    President:  John  A.  Ehnendorf,  Vice-President:   S.  \'.  \'.  Huntington,  Treasurer 

and  Manager;  Andrew  M.    F)ates.   Secretary;    A.  H. 

Sabin,  chemist. 

Lawsox  \'.\i.kn  riNE  Co.  was  founded  by  Lawson 
\'alentine.  who  was  born  at  Cambridge,  Mass., 
on  April  13,  182S.  On  Monday  morning,  Mav 
10,  1847.  at  7:30  \.M.,  he  first  went  to  work  in 
the  paint  and  varnish  business,  in  Boston,  Mass. 
On  Tiicsday,  September  15th.  1850,  he  became 
a  member  of  the  firm  of  AVadsworth,  Nye  & 
Co.  (composed  of  vSamucl  Wadsworth,  John  A. 
Xyc  and  Lawson  A'alentinc),  dealers  in  paints, 
oils,  varnishes,  etc.  In  1852  he  formed  a  co- 
jKirtnership  with  Augustin  T.  Stimson  and  Otis 
\V.  Mcrriam,  under  the  title  of  Stimson,  ^'alentine 
iS:  Co..  making  a  specialty  of  varni.sh.  Lawson 
X'alentinc  was  then  the  only  \'alcntine,  anv" 
where.  coTinectcd  in  an\-  wa\'  with  the  \'arnish 
business. 

Later  Mr.  Mcrriam  withdrew,  and  in  1867  Mr- 
Stimson  retired,  and  the  house  then  became 
\"alentinc  cV:  Co.,  which  in  1882  was  incorjioratcd. 
Lawson  X'alentinc  l)eing  the  President. 


II.     M.    THOM.VS. 

In  1870,  in  a  card  reproducing  in  facsimile  his 
handwriting  and  signature,  Lawson  \'alcntine  first 
spread  broadcast  the  claim  that  he  had  succeeded  in 
producing  a  line  of  coach  varnishes  fully  eqiial  to  the 
best  English  varnishes,  which  latter,  up  to  that  time, 
had  held  the  American  market  unchallenged. 
Custom  House  records  are  the  best  evidence  as  to  the 
effect  of  his  bold  claim. 

In  1882  he  retired  from  the  presidency  of  the 
old  house  of  Valentine  &  Co.,  and  on  November  1. 
1886,  with  the  co-operation  of  Mr.  Hadwin  Houghton, 
(whose  |)ortrait  we  give  on  p.  132)  and  Mr.  David  S. 
Skaats,  the  former  having  been  associated  with  hhii 
in  the  varnish  business  for  sixteen  years  previouslv, 
ho  inaugurated  the  business  of  the  Lawson  \'alentin' 
Co.,  of  New  York  and  Hunter's  I'oint,  makers  of  ;; 
still  higher  grade  of  coach  varnish,  to  which  business 
he  devested  his  entire  attention  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death  on  May  5,  1891.  This  new  company  has 
nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  old  house  of 
N'alentine  &  Co.,  of  New  York  and  Williamsburg,  the 
Lawson  X'arnish  Co.,  of  Chicago,  or  any  other  concern 
of  similar  title.  On  the  contrary,  the  names  of  the 
new  goods  and  the  appearance  of  their  labels, 
packages,  etc.,  are  as  different  from  all  others  as  the  company  know  how  to  make  them. 


THOMAS    moki;an. 


Shorth'  before" 
his  death  Mr.  X'alentinc  said:   "1  am  willing  to  stand  by  my  reputation  of  forty  years  past  as  a  varni.sh 


///STORY  o/'  /.o.xc  /s/..i.y/)  i  /I  y. 


\2l) 


viKW  OK  THOMAS  .M(ir<;an"s  rlevat;>r  kkom  water  front. 


nuikLT.  I  trust  it  will  help  to  jjain  for  my  new  cntuTprisc  a  fair  share  of  the  trade  in  hijjh-^rrade  coach 
\arnishes,  and  I  am  confident  that  it  will  as  soon  as  the  hijjh  ciiiality  of  the  new  '  H.  H.'  brand  is 
understood  and  appreciated.  I  pledji;e  that  reputation  when  I  claim  that  the  tjoods  now  made  by  tiie 
Lawson  Valentine  Co.,  under  my 
supervision,  are  unec|ualed  by  any 
other  varnishes  in  the  world." 

Thk  Pratt  &  Lamiu-.kt  VAkM>M 
Co.  was  founded  by  Mr.  Alfred  \V. 
I'ratt,  who  started  to  learn  the  business 
in  1857.  After  devotinjf  about  ten 
years  to  this  work,  and  havin<j  jjained 
a  th<)rou.y;h  knowledge  of  the  manu- 
facture of  hiyfh  jjrade  varnishes,  he 
resolved  to  commence  business  for 
himself,  and  erected  a  small  plant  on 
Fifth  street,  Lon<i  Island  City,  in  1866. 
An  early  traininjc  had  tauj^ht  him 
that  the  way  to  success,  was  to  make 
the  best  varnishes  that  could  be  pro- 
ihiced,  keepin«;-  the  quality  always 
the  .same,  and  furnishiu!,'-  the  trade 
at  a  reasonal)le  profit. 

He  invented  and  patented  the 
celebrated  Pratt's  Patent  Liipiid 
Drvcr,  which   still  has  a  lar<;e  sale  and   is  manufactured    extensively  at  all  their  works. 

Cnder  his  personal  su])ervision,  the  business  j>rew  so  rapidly  that  at  the  end  of  two  years  he  was 
.il)li<;ed  to  have  larj;er  (juarters.  and  he  moved  to  a  new  \Aani  at  the  corner  of  West  avenue  and  Fifth 
street.     On  account  of  increas.-d  bivsiness,  two  years  later  he  w.is  ohlijjed  to  have  still  larger  quarters, 

and  in  the  meantime,  the  sales  had 
increased  so  rapidly,  that  arranjje- 
ments  were  made  with  Mr.  Henry  S. 
Lambert  to  join  him,  and  the  firm 
(which  had  been  A.  W.  Pratt  &•  Co. 
up  to  this  time)  was  chanijed  \.o  Pratt 
«.V  Lambert 

A  well-eciuipped  plant,  which 
thevnow  occupy,  was  built  on  Fourth 
street,  and  has  been  added  to  frt)m 
time  to  time,  until  they  have  one  of 
the  most  modern  and  best  arranjjed 
l>lants  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Lambert  was  acknowledtjed 
111  have  been  at  that  time,  one  of  the 
best  salesmen  in  the  varnish  business, 
md  under  his  direction,  the  house 
-  ion  enjoyed  a  very  larafe  trade  in 
every  section  of  the  country. 

The  firm  was  organized  into  a 
Stock  Company  in  1885.  The  plant 
at  Fourth  street  was  found  to  be  over- 
crowded, so  they  secured  a  place  on  Ninth  street,  in  which  they  located  their  stables,  and  stored  their 
surplus  stock  of  raw  material. 

In  1890  the  business  in  the  western  part  of  the  country  had  grown  to  such  an  extent,  that  it  was 
deemed  advisable  to  erect  works  at  Chicago,  and  a  location  was  selected  at  370  to  378  Twenty-sixth 
street,  on  which  a  fine,  modern  plant  was  built. 


VIEW   OK   THOMAS    MOROAN  S   K1.K\  ATOR    AND   YARDS. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


In  1X95  llic  Collinjfhaiii  X'arnisli  Company  was  urj^anizc-d  ai  .Monlre-al,  l<i  nianiifaciuri.-  ilic  I'rall 
&  Lambert  varnishes  for  the  Canadian  trade,  and  a  new  plant  was  erected  at  the  corner  of  At  water 
avenue  and  vSt.  Patrick  street,  where  a  full  line  of  their  goods  are  produced. 

Their  jjfoods  have  the  hijj^hest  reputation  in  all  parts  of  this  continent  and  are  considered  as  standard 
wherever  they  have  been  used.  Their  facilities  are  most  ample,  and  their  factories  arc  ecpiipped  with 
the  best  appliances  ever  invented  for  the  purpose,  and  neither  money,  time  nor  labor  have  been  spared 
to  make  their  product  the  best  in  the  world.  These  jjoods  are  put  up  in  convenient  packaj^es, 
handsomely  labeled  and  securely  packed  for  transport.  Beyond  this,  the  house  jjuarantees  the 
imvaryinjj  quality  of  its  product  and  supplies  the  public  at  the  most  reasonable  prices. 

The  reception  which  these  jjoods  has  met  in  all  parts  of  the  civilized  world  has  encourajjed  the 
house  to  extra  effort  in  meetinjj  foreij^n  demand  and  supplyinjj  the  exix>rt  trade.  To  this  end,  they 
will  ship  trial  orders  either  direct  or  throujjh  our  foreijjn  commission  merchants.  They  will  pack  and 
ship  their  goods  as  directed,  and  invite  suggestions  from  their  patrons  which  will  be  carefully  heeded. 
In  every  case  the  shipment  will  be  accompanied  by  the  full  guarantee  of  cjuality  and  quantity,  and  they 
conrtdently  a])i)eal  to  buyers  and  users  of  varnishes  in  every  country  t<>  make  trial  of  their  superior 
wares. 

They  have  large  factories  in  New   York,  Chicago  and  Muiitreal,  and  their  main  business  offices 
are  located  at  No.  47  Jolin  street  and 
Xo.  5  Dutch  street. 

W.  n.  Andrews,  the  present 
treasurer  and  manager  of  the  com- 
pany, was  born  in  Thomaston,  Me., 
i860,  left  school  at  seventeen  years 
of  age,  declining  a  college  education; 
subsequently  he  took  a  course  in  a 
commercial  college  in  Boston,  prior 
tt)  entering  the  employ  of  Wads- 
worth-IIowland  Company,  of  Boston, 
where  he  began  his  active  business 
career,  September  i ,  1878,  at  a  salary 
of  five  dollars  a  week.  During  his 
first  year  in  this  company's  service 
his  salary  was  advanced  by  successive 
additions,  until  at  the  end  of  the 
year  he  was  receiving  fifteen  dollars 

a  week;  at  the  end  of  five  years,  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-three,  lie  was  admitted  to  the  firm, 
and  with  Mr.  John  Wadsworth  went  to  Chicago  and  opened  a  liranch  house.  After  doing  so,  the 
western  business  grew  so  rapidly  that  he  organized  a  stock  company  and  bought  out  the  western 
branch  of  the  house.  In  1891  he  acquired  an  interest  in  the  firm  of  Pratt  &  Lambert,  and  acted  as 
resident  manager  in  Chicago,  and  built  a  modern  plant  at  370  to  378  Twenty-sixth  street.  The 
business  prospered  under  the  vigorous  management  given  it,  and  on  the  retirement  of  Messrs.  Pratt 
&  Lambert,  in  1895,  f'""ni  the  active  management  of  their  company,  Mr.  Andrews  was  very  naturally 
and  most  appropriately  singled  out  and  transferred  to  New  York,  and  elected  treasurer  and  general 
manager  of  the  company. 

Emu.  Cai.m.an  &  Co.,  West  avenue,  corner  of  Fourth  street.  Hunter's  Point.  This  firm 
consists  of  Mr.  Emil  Caiman  and  his  two  sons,  Gustave  B.  and  Charles.  Mr.  Caiman  has  been  in  the 
varnish  business  uninterruptedly  since  1848,  and  is  to-day  among  the  oldest  living  manufacturers  of 
varnish  in  the  country.  He  was  also  the  first  to  establish  the  varnish  industry  in  Long  Island  City, 
having  built  his  factory  here  in  1862,  or  thereabouts.  The  present  daily  production  of  the  works  of 
this  firm  is  over  5,000  gallons,  embracing  the  various  grades,  and  representing  everything  that  is 
demanded  in  the  varnish  line. 

Hii.DRETH  V.vRNisH  CoMi'ANv,  West  aveuuc,  corner  of  I'iftli  street.  Hunter's  Point,  and  \L.  \. 
Thihaut  &  CV>.,  72  Ninth  street.  Hunter's  Point. 

Hac.an  &  Dalv,  foot  of  Seventh  street.  Hunter's  Point,  are  well  known  steam  boiler  makers. 


I.DF.WK.NSTEIN  S   VARNISH    WORKS. 


'3^ 


If /STORY  OF  LONG  IS/.AXn  CITY. 


Thk  XdKiH  Amlkican   Mktalink  Co.\(panv,  R.  \V.  Rhoades  &  Co.,   lessees,  at   West    avenue  and 
Third  street,  are  manufacturers  of  pulley  bearings,  etc. 

tr.  L.  Stukbner,  168-170  Third  street,  Hunter's  Point,  has  a  larj^c  plant  for  the  manufacture  of  iron 
dock  and  hook  blocks,  hoisting  tubs,  chute  wag-ons,  etc.     His  goods  are  shipped  everywhere. 

Prominent  CAkRiA(;E  Man-uiactukkks  are  Peter  Beckel  &  Sons.  62-64  Greenpoint  avenue.  Uliss- 
ville,  and  Schwarz  &  Son,  200  Flushing  avenue,  Astoria. 

The  manufacture  of  Cotton  Yarn  is  carried  on  by  David  Ingram,  liroadway  and  \'an  Alst  avenue. 
Astoria. 

The  Ckkosotinc  Works    of  Ep]jinger   iV    Russel   are  at    First   street   and    I-^asl   avenue.  Hunter's 
Point. 

firm    of    \V.      1.     M  \  I  Mi:so\      iV- 


The 


Co.     (liniiled). 


hadwin  iioi  <;in 


the    I'nilec 


;()-57i  Wtiiou  a\'enue.  Ra\'ens\vood, 
re])resents  a  large  and  well-capitalized 
industry  for  the  manufacture  of  dye- 
stulfs.  The      site      is      extensive,      the 

buildings  cajxicious.  and  the  economic 
value  of  the  tirm  is  advantageous  to 
the  city. 

The  Ivxsi  Ri\i-;k  Gas  Company  is 
situated  at  the  foot  of  Webster  avenue. 
Ravcnswood.  This  company  is  noted  for 
its  gigantic  "  holder."  the  second  largest  in 
the  world  and  the  largest  in  the  United 
States.  ^Vllen  full  it  rises  two  hundred 
and  forty  feet  in  the  air,  holds  5,000,000 
feet  of  gas.  and  weighs  255,000  pounds. 
The  gas  produced  by  this  company,  averag- 
ing thirty  candles,  has  the  highest  illumi- 
nating ].)ower  of  any  made  in  this  country, 
'i'lic  company  has  eighty-six  miles  of  mains 
at  jircscnt.  a  large  portion  of  which  is  in 
New  York.  To  commimicate  with  lliai 
city  a  remarkable  engineering  feat,  else- 
where particularly  described,  was  requisite. 
.\  \ertical  shaft  was  sunk  one  hundred  and 
thirty  feet  deep,  from  the  bottom  of  which 
the  only  tunnel  under  the  East  River  was 
bored  to  the  New  York  side,  at  the  expend- 
iture of  large  capital,  and  the  exercise  of 
great  perseverance.  A  remarkable  feature 
of  the  company's  works  is  the  almost  total 
absence  of  odor,  the  result  only  of  strictest 
cleanliness. 

The  Ikon  Foinhkv  line  is  rei^resented 
States   Foimdrv  Comi)an\-.   Division  street. 


by  Joseph   Me(iee,  51  to  67   Sixth  street:  anc 
near  Vernon  avenue.  Hunter's  Point. 

The  Anchor  Fknck  Post  Co\ri'ANV.  West  avenue  corner  Sixth  street,  manufactures  architectural 
fencing. 

Ward  &:  Co.mcany,  Tenth  street  near  X'ernon  avenue,  are  lard  oil  manufacturers. 

The  leading  machinists  of  the  city  arc  the  Loxi;  Islanu  Machi.nk  and  Marink  Construction 
Co.mi'anv,  Newtown  Creek,  foot  of  East  avenue;  and  Sweeny  &  Gray,  29  Sixth  street,  Hunter's  Point. 

The  Daimler  MoroR  Co.mpanv  is  mentioned    in  our  article  upon  the  village  of  Steinway. 

Paint  and  Color  Manikactirkrs  are  the  Long  Island  Paint  and  Color  Works,  22-24  Tenth  street, 
Hunter's  Point;  and  lulward  Smith  &  Co.,  elsewhere  mentioned. 


l/ISTi'^RV  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


I'atini  :\Ii  uiciNKsarc  made  on  a  lar>?e  scale  by  Hiscox&Co.,  390  Webster  avenue,  Duuh  Kills; 
and  Dr.  S.  T.  W.  Sanford's  .Sons,  891  X'ernon  avenue,  Ravenswood. 

The  I'l  \N<>  Mam  1  ACTUKE  of  the  city,  other  than  that  of  Steinway  \-  Sons,  is  conducted  by  Sohnier 
&  Co.,  Boulevard  and  Jamaica  avenue,  Astoria. 

WoTHERSPoo.N  &•  Son  own  plaster  mills  at  725  Vernon  avenue,  Ravenswood. 

The  Printinc  I.nk.  Indlstkv  is  carried  on  by  the  J.  Harper  Bonnell  Co.,  Vernon  avenue,  near 
lileventh  street,  Hunter's  Point,  and  by  (Jeorge  Mathers'  Sons  Co.,  West  avenue,  corner  of  Ninth 
street.  Hunter's  Point. 

The  W.\kREN  Che.micai.  .\ni> 
Manuiacturino  Co.,  foot  of  .Sixth 
street,  Hunter's  Point,  produce 
roofinjj  materials. 

lixtensive  Sewkk  ani>  Drain 
I'li'E  works  are  located  at  79  to  89 
\inth  street,  Hunter's  Point,  and 
are  owned  by  William  Nelson. 

The  Smi'iiriiiiiNo  line  is  con- 
ducted by  Ward  &  Co.,  401052 
I'lilton  avenue,  Astoria. 

The  Manukai  TIRE  ov  Sii.k  is 
successfully  established  in  the  city. 
The  Astoria  Silk  Works  are  on 
Steinway,  near  Potter  avenue,  in 
the  villaji:e  of  Steinway,  while  the 
ICast  River  Silk  Co.  is  located  on 
\'an  Alst,  c"orner  of  Woolsey 
avenue,  Astoria. 

For  SoAl'  MAXLFACTfKERS,  WC 

mention  the  East  River  Chemical 
Works,  \'ernon  avenue,  corner  of 
I'irst  street.  Hunter's  Point. 

SioNE  Yards  are  numerous, 
among'  the  principal  firms  are 
(icorjje  Call  &  Co.,  \'ernon  avenue 
and  Eleventh  street,  Hunter's 
Point;  James  Gillies  &  Son, 
\'ernon  avenue,  foot  of  Fourteenth 
street.  Ravenswood;  J.  &  D. 
Morrison,  373  Vernon  avenue, 
Ravenswood;  McWhorter  &  Son, 
.\storia;  Estate  of  Wm.  Gauld, 
I'oiirteenth  street,  Ravenswood. 

Letters,  Sions,  etc.,  in  enamel,  in  the  hanils  of  Caesar  Bros,  has  developed  into  a  larg-e  business. 
The  factory  occupies  several  lots  at  the  corner  of  West  avenue  and  Eighth  street,  Hunter's  Point. 

'I'he  MANii-AcriRK  ok  Carpets  is  a  leadinsr  industry  of  the  city  at  Ridge  and  Court  streets, 
.\stnria.      'I'lie  firm  is  Joseph  Wild  cV  Co. 

W.  D.  Wilson  Pkinitni;  Ink  Co.mi-anv. — This  firm  was  originally  Palmer  &  Co.,  who 
were  succeeded,  in  i860,  by  W.  D.  Wilson  &  Co.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Wilson  in  18S6 
other  changes  occurred  and  F.  J.  Schleicher  became  chemist  and  superintendent,  and  D.  F. 
Barry  general  manager.  These  young  men,  both  under  thirty  years  of  age,  have  advanced 
the  business,  even  to  foreign  markets.  The  concern  has  facilities  for  the  manufacture  of  printing 
ink  of  every  known  variety  and  in  any  quantity.  All  its  goods  are  guaranteed  and  the  house  is  char- 
acterized in  all  its  dealings  by  honor  and  fairness.       Its  New  York  office  is  10  Spruce  street.       C)n 


W.    11.    ANIIRF.\V< 


IffSTOR Y  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

Mondav    October  .3.   .896,  the  company  passed  into  the  hands  of  Messrs.  J.  D.  Lynch,  F.  J.  Schlciclier 
and  U  'f    Barrv,   who  will  represent  the  company  as  president,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

The  Yellow  Pine  Company  conducts  an  extensive  industry  at  the  corner  of  Front  and  First 
streets,  Hunter's  Point.     Tt  is  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  its  kind  in  the  country. 

soci  i-:t  I  Es. 

M.XSOMC. 

Advance  Lodge,  No.  635.  F.  and  A.  M.,  was  organi/.ed  I'YMM-uary  22,  .867.  It  meets  in  Masonic 
Hall    Fulton  avenue,  Astoria,  every  Tuesday  evening. 

Island  City  Lodge,  Xo.  586.  dates  its  organization  from  August  22,  .865.  Meets  m  Smithsonian 
Hall    Vernon  avenue'and  Third  street,  second  and  fourth  Mondays. 

Banner  Chapter,  No.  2,4,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays,  in  Smithsoni  m  Hall,  Vernon  avenue 
and  Third  street. 


m 


P-  )w        111, 


^giifi^  WD  uLi  a  ![|i4|^-S 


VARMSII    WORKS   OK    PRATT  &    I.AMlil'.RT. 


ODD     I'l.l.l.OWS. 

Anchor  Lodge,  No.  324,  instituted  June  11,  .S72,  meets  at  Smithsonian  Hall,  every  Thursday. 

Astoria  Lodge,  No.  155,  instituted  October  10,  .850,  meets  at  432  Stein  way  avenue,  every  Tluirsday. 

Florence  Rebecca  Degree  Lodge,  No.  97  ,  meets  at  Flushing,  L.  L,  first  Monday  each  month. 

Long  Island  City  Lodge,  No.  395,  instituted  June   ...  1874,  meets  at  43-'  Steinway  avenue,  hrst 

and  third  Wednesdays. 

Long  Island  City   Rebecca  Degree  Lodge.  No.  So,  meets  at  43-^  Steinway  avenue,  hrst  and  third 

Mondays. 

.\iii.rr\RV. 

Deutschcr    Kegel   Rmid,    .42    Steinwav   aven.ie:   Deutscher    Kriegcr    Hund,  Sixteenth    Co.n],any, 

684    Steinway   avenue;    Deutschcr    Krieger    Hund.    Xincteenlh    Cmpany.    45^    Broadway:   liibermau 

Kiflcs,  Company  A,  Star  Athletic  Hall. 

M)NS     01       Sl.      (lEOKIiK. 

Willi,    R,,-,,-  I,.j(1mc,  X...   ',15,  756  Boulevard. 


///STORY  Of-  /.ON<;  /S/..\\n  (77  r. 


'35 


SlOinslI      1.1. AN.-. 

LMaii  Slcwari,  ;J7  \'cni(>n  avenue. 

AMKKIC.W     I.KCJIU.N     OK     IIONOK. 

Franklin  Council,  Xo.  S71,  756  Buuk-vard. 

.\Nlll.Nr     OKDIK     OK     HllIKKNIANS. 

A.  ().   H.,  4^j  Stu'inway  avenue;   A.  <>.!!,   1    Skillnian   avenue:  County  Central  Hoard,  .\.  <  •.  II. 
meets     I-'riday     and     third     Simday, 
X'ernon  avenue  and  XiiUli  street. 

IM  II  I)      WOKkMI  N. 

John  .Mien  Lodije,  Xo.  330,  75 
Main  street. 

John  J.  Miteliell  Lodjje,  Xo.  33.-;. 
meets  97  Horden  avenue. 

Herman  Lodjje,  Xo.  3.(1,  43-- 
Steinway  avenue. 

KtlKKSrKKS. 

Lonjj  Island  City  Court,  No. 
7892,  97  Borden  avenue. 

Astoria  Court,  No.  3216,  75  .Main 
street. 

Kt)V.\l.     .\kC.\NLM. 

Sunswick  Council,  Xo.  1374,  75<) 
I'.oulevard. 

KKIl     .\1KN. 

I'econie  Tribe,  1  Skillnian 
avenue. 

Pocahontas  Stanini,  X'ernon 
avenue  and  Third  street. 

liR.VNl)      .\K.MV. 

Pienjamin  Ringold  Post,  Xo.  283, 
43  J  Steinway  avenue. 

Benjamin  Rinjjold  Women's 
Relief  Corps,  432  .Steinway  avenue. 

Garfield  Post,  Xo.  27,  S.().\'., 
50S  Broadway. 

Sheridan  Post,  Xo.  628,  422 
Jackson  avenue. 


K.\sl    KUKR   CAS   CO.  S   CASOMEIKR. 


K.SlllHTS     OK      I'VriilAS. 

Astoria  Lodge,  No.  i86,  432  Steinway  avenue. 
Kntcrprise  Lodge,  No.  228,  432  Steinway  avenue. 

CHOSKN     KKIKNIIS. 

ICintracht  Council,  No.  12,  432  Steinway  avenue. 

rURN     VKRKIS. 

Astoria  Turn  Verein,  21  Flushing  avenue. 

Long  Island  City  Turn  \'erein.  Broadway  and  Steinway  avenue. 

BEXKKiciAL    i.oi«;ks   AN1>   SOCIK.rlKS. 
Algemeine  Arbeitcr  Kranken  und  Stcrbe  Kasse.  452  Broadway. 
American  Independent  Lodge,  No.  no,  i  Skillman  avenue. 
Apollo  Lodge.  No.  1361.  432  Steinway  avenue. 


,36  HfSTORY  OF  LOAG  ISLAND  CITY. 

Astoria  Gegenseitijjc  Lebcns  \'ersicherung.  22  Flushing  avenue. 
Germania  Sterbe  Kasse,  No.  31.  11  Jackson  avenue. 
Long  Island  City  Council,  No.  379,  i  Skillman  avenue. 

Besides,  there  are  also  several  musical  and  singing  societies  embracing  the  local  musical  talent,  and 
miscellaneous  organizations  whose  names  and  titles  have  not  been  conveniently  accessible. 

iirio.mkn's  .^ssoci-^tions. 

Exempt  Firemen's  Association,  Lockwood  street,  near  Webster  avenue. 
Veteran  F"iremen's  Association,  165  Fulton  avenue. 
Volunteer  Firemen's  Association,  301  Jackson  avenue. 


him;'.     Mi, 


TR.M)KS    UN'K)XS. 


Brotherhood  Railroad  Trainmen,  No.  517,  97  Borden  avenue. 
Bartholdi  Lodge,  No.  309,  of  Locomotive  Firemen,  97  Borden  avenue. 
Bricklayers'  Union,  No.  41,  22  Flushing  avenue. 
Bricklayers'  Union,  No.  40,  97  Borden  avenue. 
Cartmen's  Union,  No.  3292,  97  Borden  avenue. 
Iron  Moulders'  Union,  No.  271.  Long  Island  Division,  No.  269. 

Brotherhood  Locomotive  Engineers,  Smithsonian   Hall,   Wrnon  avenue  and   Third  street,  second 
Sunday  and  third  Saturday. 

National  Association  of  Stationary  Engineers,  No.  42,  237  Vernon  avenue,  Saturday'. 
Long  Island  Railroad  Mutual  Relief  Association,  West  avenue  near  Flushing  street. 


HISTORICAL   1N-CII)K\TS. 


Upon  March  12,  1888,  snow  fell  to  a  depth  of  aliout  two  and  a  half  feet  upon  the  level  (the  great 
"blizzard").  This  was  probably  the  heaviest  snow  fall  since  March  5,  1772,  when  a  storm  of  etpial 
severity  is  said  to  have  prevailed. 


HISTORY  or  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


'37 


The  jrrcatest  calamity  in  the  history  of  the  city  occurred  December  28,  1892.  The  New  York  and 
Loni;-  Island  Railroad  Company  had  sunk  a  shaft  one  hundred  feet  deep  in  the  trianj^le  bounded  by 
Jackson  and  \'ernon  avenues  and  Fourth  street,  from  which  a  projected  tunnel  was  being  bored  under 
the  East  River  \x>  East  Forty-second  street  New  York.  A  large  ijuantity  of  dynamite  stored  at  the 
mouth  of  the  shaft  exploded  with  terrific  violence  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  day  mentioned. 
Houses  rocked  <m  their  foundations  throughout  the  near  vicinity.  Doors  and  windows  were  blown  out 
injuring  many  passersby  on  their  way  to  their  day's  work.  Five  persons  were  killed,  more  than  a  score 
severely  wounded,  while  a  large  amount  of  property  was  destroyed. 


I    I  ■  •  ■ 


^4 -jj*- 


I>KY    i;00liS   F.STAIll  ISMMKNT   OK   O.    DEMARKSV  &   CO. 


Several  large  fires  have  visited  tlie  city.  One  occurred  on  the  night  of  July  21,  1893,  in  which 
St.  Mary's  Church  and  the  adjoining  parish  building,  together  with  the  greater  part  of  the  block,  were 
entirely  destroyed.  Most  of  the  block  on  the  north  side  of  F'ifth  street,  opposite,  was  also  reduced  to 
ruins.  As  the  surging  flames  rolled  heavenward  from  the  church  spire,  many  miles  of  the  surrounding 
country  were  illuminated. 

A  spell  of  hot  weather  licginning  August  4,  1S96,  prevailed  for  eleven  days,  during  which  lime 
the  average  maximum  temperature  daily  was  ninety-five  degrees.  In  New  York  there  were  reported 
six  hundred  and  fifty  sunstrokes  and  1800  deaths  from  the  effects  of  the  heat. 

For  the  fourteen  years,  between  1882  and  1895  inclusive,  there  were  14.097  deaths  in  this  city.  Of 
this  number  4613  were  under  five  years  of  age. 

On  August  8,  1880,  an  explosion  occurred  at  Circcnpoint.  on  board  the  Nova  Scotia   bark   Nictaux. 


>3« 


HIS 'JOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CI  TV 


There  were    3300  barrels  of   naplnha    and    refined  oil  upon    the    vessel,  which  at  nnee    isjnited.      Other 
vessels  were  also  burned.     The  losses  were: 

Bark  Nictaux,  $40,000 

Bark  Cyclone,     36,000 

Bark  Antonetta,     23,000 

Barge  Nameless,      2,500 

Scow  B,      1,500 

Pratt  &  Co. 's  sheds,    i.ooo 

Manhattan  lieach  Railroad  dock,         500 

$104,500 

The  explosion  occurred  on  the  Sabbath.  The  fire  continued  on  the  river  the  day  and  night  of 
Monday  following.  On  Tuesday  at  6.30  .\..m.  thirty  barrels  of  flaming  naphtha  floated  up  Newtown 
Creek  and  fired  the  dock  of  the  E.xport  Liunber  Company  of  this  city.  Quickly  the  numerous  lumber 
piles,  four  canal  boats,  a  sloop  and  a  schooner  were  ablaze.  The  vessels  were  destroyed.  The  yards 
of  the  company  contained  ten  to  fifteen  millions  of  feet  of  luniber  A-alued  at  $500,000.  half  of  which  was  a 
total  loss. 

The  New  York  Architectural  Terra  cotta  ^Vorks  at  Raven.swood  were  almost  wholly  destroved  bv 
fire  on  the  night  of  July  17,  1886.  The  loss  was  $100,000.  The  firm  was  entering  upon  an  era  of 
prosperity,  and  were  about  to  double  their  force  of  workmen. 

On  July  30,  1872,  occurred  a  great  fire  at  the  Standard  Oil  Works.  It  originated  on  the  canal 
boat  Dadeni,  on  board  of  which  were  1,200  barrels  of  oil.  The  flames  quickly  reached  the  pier,  then 
a  shed  where  were  stored  15,000  barrels  of  oil,  and  soon  another  containing  10,000  barrels.  Five 
acres  were  covered  by   the  conflagration.      The  total  loss  reached  $500,000,  including  several  vessels. 

The  triangle  formed  by  the  junction  of  Jackson  and  \'ernon  avenues,  at  Borden  avenue,  Ijy  some 
process  not  known  to  mathematics,  is  called  "Monitor  vSquare."  The  name  of  " -Monitor  "  origi- 
nated in  the  circumstance  that  a  little  frame  building,  standing  on  the  present  site  of  the  fountain, 
was  begun  about  March  9,  1862,  the  day  of  the  great  victory  of  the  Monitor  over  the  Merrimac,  at 
Hampton  Roads.  In  honor  of  that  event  the  name  of  Monitor  was  given  first  to  the  new  structure, 
and  afterward  to  the  whole  area  thereabout.  The  btiiUling  was  used  by  Nelson  Weeks,  Sr. ,  as  a 
restaurant,  and  afterward  by  W.  J.  Lynam,  until  it   was   removed  by  the  surrender  of  the  ground  tu 

the  citv  h\-  I'ninn  ('(illiM'C. 


^^W^^-^mE. 


insrORY  OF  LOXO'  f SI. AND  CITY. 

cvv\  ('.()\i^wxMi:xi' 


I'ATKR-K  J.    CLKASOX. 

Cily  Clerk, 
T.   \\   M((;RAW. 

Corporation  Coiiusil, 
THOMAS  P.  BURKE. 
Coiiiiiioii  Coiintil, 
Wii.i.iAM  Smith,  President. 
KdwanlDuwlinj;.  Fred.  Bowky, 

George  A.  McNulty,  \<\<z\v.^r<\  M.  Kane. 

Peter  A.  Flanaj-an.  Joseph  (Iciser. 

n.  CAK...N,  Clerk  to  Committees.  Wn.,..AM   Mask.........  Ser^^eant-at-Arms. 

iii:i>.\K'rMi:NT  of  i--in.\nck. 
1.1'C11;N    KN.M'l'.  Citj  I rciisiiri-r  (iiiii  Riicnrr. 
luSlCPU   i-li:Si-:L,  n.puly  rnasunr  ,ui,nuctivir. 


John  Boyee, 
Riehard  (iosnum, 


CI.KRKS. 

William  Boyle, 
Kbenezer  Richards, 


Albert  Boyd, 
Mason  Smedlev. 


John  W.  Moork, 
A.tKAM  Lkvkk, 

Pa  ..<!<   K   J.    (il.KASON. 

Joseph  C.  MeKenna,  chief  clerk. 

Roc.  S.  Johnson,  clerk, 

l>aul  Alexander,  inspector  of  water  meters, 

I'eter  M.  Coco,  draughtsman. 

Peter  Cass,  meter  inspector, 

Joseph  A.  Fischer,  city  tapper, 

Thomas  Lang,  gencal  rei)airer. 


IWtUr  ntpditiiniit. 

IIOAKD    Ol      WAIKK    (  (l\.MI>SIONI  .<>. 

FkKDKK.I   k    L.    (;.<K.K.N, 


\Vl.  I  I  AM    S\.I  I  II, 


Frank  T.  Cannon,  clerk, 

Ferdinand  Kruger,  clerk, 

Joseph  Buchanan,  inspector  of  plumhi.ii 

Adolph  Fischer,  meter  ins])ector, 

Michael  English,  hydrant  inspector. 

Morgan  Murphy  stableman. 


/in 


iiiiirs  : 

I  )enis  Casey, 

ii/tii  : 

lames  Larscn. 


F"M 
lin 


John  J.  I'arrcU. 
Thomas  ].  Welch. 


Owen  McKlcarney, 
Owen  McElearney.  Jr. 

srA..ON     2. 

Andixw  Rocks, 
Peter  Fi>x, 


Manley  B.  Payntar, 
Joseph  CuriMU. 

Patrick  J.  Solan. 
Thomas  Lawlor. 


HfSTORV  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Saffarino  O.  Allen, 


/■'in  J)  I  at . 


Jeremiah  O'Connor. 


STATION    3. 

Terance  ( )'Xeil. 
Moriiiiier  (ileason. 
BOARD  OF  POLICK  COMMISSIONERS. 


Patrick  Evers. 
John  J.  McMahon. 


John  T.  Clrady,  President, 

Robert  J.  MeMahon,  Stenos^rapher, 

Dr.  Neil  O.  Fitch,  Surgeon, 


William  F.  Fitzgibbons,  Patrick  Delahanty, 

John  Kelly,  Examining  Engineer  and  Boiler  Inspector, 
Charles  Blasius,  Electrician, 
Anthony  S.  Woods,  Captain. 


FlKST     PKEClNtrr. 


John  Carroll,  Acting  Sergeant, 
Patrick  Ward,  Roundsman, 


Henry  Buschman,  Acting  Sergeant, 
James  Iliggins,  Roundsman. 


Patroliiioi: 


Bernard  Reegan. 
John  J.  Sheridan, 
Patrick  Dohcrty, 
Stephen  Sullivan, 
John  A.  Batmian, 
Edward  Burden, 
Thomas  Conroy, 
Christopher  White, 
Patrick  Downey, 
Thomas  Crogan, 
William  Weissenstcin, 


William  Carlin, 
Julius  Schroeder, 
Thomas  J.  Hunt, 
Walter  J.  Roach, 
John  Orpheus, 
Joseph  ( >livia, 
Henry  J.  Cassiily, 
Thomas  Balbert, 
Edward  Slattery, 
James  J.  Maher, 
Janitrf.ss,  Rosina  Moran. 


Hugh  (iallagher, 
James  O'Connor, 
Andrew  Younger, 
Fred.  Bliss, 
Henry  Miller, 
John  McGill, 
Thomas  Ryan, 
John  J.  Nolan, 
John  J,  Sliea, 
Anthony  F.  Wood; 


>Sk(H)ni)   Prkcinct. 
Thomas  F.  Darcy,  Acting  Captain,  Charles  A.  Flanagan,  Acting  Sergeant. 


Peter  Farrcll, 


James  Fantry, 
William  P.  Parks,  Sr. 
Richard  Walsh, 
Peter  Reidy, 
Joseph  Brown, 
Peter  Kelly, 
(ieorge  S.  Wheeler, 
William  Dunn, 
Samuel  Copeland, 
Charles  Cameron, 
Daniel  Bonjour,  Jr., 


l\oini(isiiirii. 

Cicorge  Fit/.gerald. 


Patrolmen. 

Terranee  Cosgrove, 
Herbert  Graham, 
Timothy  White, 
Patrick  Sullivan, 
John  l'"laherty, 
Ambrose  Clancy, 
William  Duncan, 
Joseph  Kane, 
( )wen  Rudden, 
William  S.  Burke, 
William  H.  Irving, 
J  AM  IKKSS,  Eliza  McManus. 


Amos  Gustin, 
Michael  Flaherty, 
Peter  J.    Iltml, 
John   Porn, 
Funk  M.  Frelingsdorf. 
John  Cassidy, 
William  P.  Parks,   Jr., 
Thomas  Larkin, 
I'red  Re  inch, 
|ohn   |.   liergcn, 
John  Coonan. 


I" IRK  DKP.AKTiMIiNT. 

FIKK    (O.MMISSIONKRS. 


F.    L.   (ircen,    President;   Mayor,    P.  J.  Gleason;   President  of  Common  Council,  Willi.im    .Smith; 
Commissioners  of  Public  Works,  J.  W.  Moore  and  A.    Levee. 


//fsroKY  OF  i.o\(;  islaxp  city 


141 


Lliief  of  Depart iiicnt. 
W.  H.  Dclahanty. 

I->iij;inc  Ci>iii]3anv  Xcp.   1,  situated  at  No.   105  Jackson  avcnui.' 

M.   I.  Naj;lc,  ALlinji'  I'orciiiaii  and  ICn},Min.(.r. 
T.   I".  Murphy,  Driver. 

Enj^inc  Co.  No.  2 ;  Gale  street. 
J.  I".  Ryan,  I'orenian  T.  F.  Hopkins,  Enj^ineer. 

H.  Me(iinness,  Driver. 

Enjjine  Co.  No.  3;   Radde  street. 

R.   Mel'hail.  .\elinj;'  I'oreman. 
M.  lunniett,  Driver. 


I'.  .MeLarney,  Driver. 
1*.  J.  Unfiles,  Driver. 


(Jeorjje  Hrown,  I'orenian. 
|.   II     I'lvnn,  Driver. 


T.  McKecm,  Driver. 
Enj^ine  Co.  No.  4;  Main  street. 

Wm.  MeLcan,  Enjjincer. 
1'.  Roonev,  Driver. 


J.  Roniain,   Ivn^ineer. 
k.  I-.   Denii)sey,  Driver. 


B.  Z.  Boyd,  Foreman. 
F.  Mulligan,  Driver. 


En«;ine  Co.  Xo.  5;   l-"Iushing  avenue. 


W'ni.  r.illis,  Driver. 
Joseph  Kelly,  Driver. 

J.  1'-.  Fry,  Engineer. 
I.  Stanton,  Driver. 


M.  J.  Keiulriek.  Driver. 
ICngine  Co.  No.  6;  Webster  and  X'ernon  avenues 

I.    R.    Smith,    .\cting  Foreman  and   Engineer. 
J.  White,    Driver.  J.  J.  Creighton,  Driver.  Emil  Kopeizna,  Driver. 

Hook  and  Ladder  Co.  No.   i  ;   7th  street. 

M.  Cannon,  Acting  Foreman.  J.  Welsh.    Driver.  J.  I'lynn,  Tillennan. 

Hi)ok  and  Ladder  Co.    Xo.  _' :   I'lushing  avenue. 
J.  Slaltery,  Acting  Foreman.  J.  McKeon.  Driver.  Jacob  Wriglit.  Tillerman. 

Hook  and  Ladder  Co.  No  5;  out  of  commission. 

J.  Rider,  Jr.,  Ci.  H.  Smyth,  Wm.  J.  Furman,  L.  Lackner,  F.  McBcnnctt,  I'.  Mulligan,  R.  Lee, 
C.  Dorsey,  J.  Schehr,  J.  Sheridan,  J.  Lynch,  J.  O'Brien,  M.  Haggerty,  J.  Weiland,  E.  Mason,  C.  Law, 
J.  M,  Rage,  C.  Horan  and  N.  Minderman;  dismissed  without  trial,  sueing  to  be  reinstated. 


\Valter  Buchanan. 

John  W.  Moore, 
Owen  Clarke, 

Louis  Willing, 


John  N.  Pohley, 
James  McMahon, 


CIVIL    SEKVICK. 
I.Ml'KOVKMKN  r    COM.M  ISSIOX. 

ICdward  Dowling, 

IHl.VKI)    oi-     .\SSr.SSOKS. 

Charles  McNamara. 

HOARD    OK    EDUCATION. 

John  Hippie, 


vStepheii  MeClancy. 


Fred.  Bowley, 
Owen  Woods. 

Andrew  Murrav. 

Thomas  O'Dea. 
Cornelius  J.  Jordan. 


SLPKKIXrENHENT    OK    SCHOOLS. 

John  E.  Shull. 

PRIN'CIPALS    or    CITV  SCHOOLS. 

High  School — Edward  F.  Fagan,  Astoria — Frederick  H.  Lane, 


First  Ward — John  F.  Quigley, 
Second  Ward — Kate  McWilliams, 
Third  Ward— Edward  H.  Chase, 


German  Settlement — Cieorge  E.  Atwood, 
Fifth  Ward— P.  E.  Demarest, 
Steinway — John  Melville. 


//fS/ORV  OF  I.ON(;  ISLAND  C 11  Y 
Teachers  : 


Belle  A.  C.aiikl. 
Rose  A.  Majjuire, 
Clara  L.  Shclsky. 
May  I.  Molloy. 
Marjjaret  L.  Duhig, 
Elizabeth  Sandy, 
Marijaret  L.  Burns, 
Catharine  E.  Haydcn, 
Monica  Ryan, 
Clara  M.  McKcnna, 
Catharine  Lenahan, 
Emma  L.  Kells, 
Emma  C.  Kinsf, 
Martha  E.  Hahn, 
Alice  Robinson, 
Mary  A.  Comisky, 
Susan  A.  Coughlin, 
Loretta  McKenna, 
Mary  E.  Durney, 
Anna  L.  Schreincr, 
Henrietta  E.  Kron, 
Helen  E.  (iusterson, 
Helen  M.  White, 
Ella  I.  Barry, 
Mary  McGee, 
Marjjaret  Bolton, 
Mary  C.  Mahon, 
Anjjcline  E.  Reboul, 
Catharine  C.  Loughlin, 
Charlotte  Schulte, 
Loretta  F.  Clark, 
Anna  Leahy, 
Mary  A.  Walker, 
Marjjaret  V.  McCarron, 
Sophia  L.  Wielinjj, 
Mary  C.  Coleman, 
Theresa  A.  Kelly, 
Sarah  T.  Driscoll, 
Raphael  Shaujifhnessey, 
Auj^'usta  Carlstrom, 
Alice  Bird, 
Julia  (Jerrity, 
Julia  A.  Green, 
May  Cleary, 
Sarah  Crawson, 


Rose  A.  Crawson, 
Annie  M.  Tarpey, 
Julia  F.  Henry, 
\'iola  B.  Brown, 
Ag-nes  Clift, 
Kate  M.  Carroll, 
Anna  E.  Locke, 
Katie  A.  Locke, 
Marjjaret  Scott, 
Mary  li.  Dobbins, 
Anna  Dobbins, 
Susie  Dobbins, 
Mary  C.  Huj^hes, 
Mary  A.  Hynn, 
Rose  A.  Lynch, 
Marion  H.  Gartlan, 
Fannie  L.  Simpson, 
Cecilia  Solon, 
Catharine  T.  Coughlin, 
Sarah  McLean, 
Carrie  T.  Chadsey, 
Anna  Ransky, 
Anna  M.  Warin,^, 
Kate  Milne, 
Margaret  Bly, 
EllaM.  Dowd. 
Adah  L.  Clift, 
Florence  M.  Harnicr, 
Catharine  E.  Cassazza 
Sarah  E.  Bracken, 
Lilian  Gibson, 
Catherine  I.  Kielcy, 
Lilian  Jackson, 
Helen  G.  Comisky, 
Margaret  E.  Knause, 
Adeline  H.  Brown, 
Kate  Rooney, 
Catharine  M.  Hopkins, 
Ida  Hahn, 
Jennie  C.  Cook, 
Anna  L.  Bubenik, 
Margaret  Duggan, 
Rose  M.  Hopkins. 
Cecilia  M.  Murphy. 
Elizabeth  T.  Hradv, 


Maud  A.  Xewcombe, 
Margaret  K.  Knorr, 
Angelina  Heany, 
Theresa  L.  Heany, 
Maud  (i.  Lewis, 
lilla  R.  Simpson, 
Katharine  A.  Marinan. 
Cath;irine  I.  Shclsky, 
Loretta  Brooks. 
^Margaret  Monalian. 
Mary  E.   Dougherty, 
Anna  L.  Carabine. 
Margaret  T.  Ciriffiths, 
AmeHa  Limberg, 
Minnie  Campbell, 
Catharine  A.  Wieling, 
Adah  Parsells, 
Isabel  Ryan, 
Mary  McGowan, 
Nellie  E.  Simon, 
Alice  E.  Cranfield. 
Fannie  S.  Gillis, 
Emma  Chnwn. 
Edith  White, 
\'irgie  E.  Bartlett. 
Sarah  Christie, 
Nellie  Delahanly, 
Pauline  E.  Hanagan, 
Ella  R.  Bragaw, 
Marion  Farrell. 
Lilian  C.  Lowell, 
Mary  A.  Chambers, 
Lottie  E.  Smith, 
Rebecca  H.  StatTord, 
Mary  C.  Mynn, 
Mary  Gallagher, 
Edna  M.  lillsworth, 
Mary  K.  Rooney, 
Ella  L.  Keyes, 
Agnes  T.  Lunny 
Irene  M.  Gibbs, 
Agnes  B.  Murphy 
Annie  S.  ( )'(ieran, 
Jean  C.   I  luston, 
Lilian  II.  Nichols. 


I'.O.ARl)     OK      HliALTH. 

Pkksioknt — Patrick  J.  Gleason,  ex  officio. 

Commissioners — James  Comiskey,    Jose])h  Cassidy,    William    \V.  Wright,  :\Iartin    Fleischer,  Jacob 
Martling,  Otto  L.  Mulot,  M.D. 

Hkai-th  Duicer — William  j.  liurnell,  M.D. 
CouNSKi,— Thomas  C.  Kadien,  Esq. 


/ffS7(V^Y  or  i.o.\(;  /sl.i.vp  city.  143 


Skcrktary — Dr.  F.  H.  Battcrman. 

Cmif.f  Sanitary  Insi-kciok — John  y.  Colton. 

C'liii  I   Inspector  of  Pi.imium. — Tlioinas  l"rc(.-niaii. 

\'fifkinarv  Sl'R(;kon  —  Dr.  W.  \\.  Wrij^ln. 

CoMKAcn'oK  FOR   Rfmovim.    I)faii  Ammai.s — JiiliiiC,.  Wocmcr. 

I.OCAI.    JUDICIARY. 

Charles  T.  Diiffv.  , 

-  justices  <>t  ihc  Peace. 
James  Injcrani,       '  ' 

John  Hendrickson,  Stenojjrapher  and  Clerk. 

Conrad  Dicstcl,  City  Constable. 

James  Cameron,  Court  Officer. 


RESUME. 


The  political  history  of  the  city  from  the  period  of  its  erection  into  a  municipality  in  1870  has 
been  unduly  characterized  with  bitter  and  acrimonious  strife.  There  has  been  too  much  charter, 
too  many  offices,  too  numerous  an  army  of  hungry  place-seekers,  with  the  usual  result  of  turmoil, 
contention  and  incalculable  damage  to  the  material  interests  of  the  placo.  Administration  followed 
administration,  sometimes  in  the  interest  of  progress,  but  often  overturning  what  had  already 
been  accomplished,  or  blocking  the  way  of  future  advancement.  The  nearness,  however,  of  the  new 
aspiiant  for  urban  honors  to  the  great  metropolis  constantly  stimulated  and  kept  alive  the  spirit  of 
enterprise  and  improvement,  while  the  steady  overflow  of  population  and  business  interests  that  were 
rapidly  gathered  into  the  accessible  and  inviting  territory,  well  withstood  the  unfortunate  drawbacks 
occasioned  by  the  politicians,  who,  from  time  to  time,  were  charged  with  the  duty  of  directing  the  local 
government.  Relief  from  these  prejudicial  conditions  has  been  long  and  anxiously  sought.  The 
city's  admirable  situation,  together  with  its  natural  advantages,  eminentl)'  fitted  it  for  a  populous  and 
prosperous  suburb  of  New  York.  But  its  government  has  been  a  failure.  Its  population  is  widely 
scattered  and  extremely  heterogeneous,  thereby  removing  to  an  indefinite  future  the  development  of  a 
higher  social  and  municipal  type.  Finally  these  conditions  vigorously  appealed  to  property  owners, 
business  men  and  citi/.ens  generally,  leading  them  to  recognize,  in  the  absorption  of  the  city  into 
(ireater  New  York,  the  surest  hojie  of  a  bright  and  prosperous  future. 


CHAPTER    V. 
Tin-:    IX)\G    ISLAND    CITV    "STAR." 

A    SKETCH   OF    ITS    DRKUN     AM)     KARI.V    STKl'l  ;i;  I.KS THK    I'lKST      ISSUK (;KC)\V1H      OV      IHI.      PAI'I-.K KKMDVAl.! 

OF      LOCATION      FROM      TIMF,     TO      TIMIC THE      "DAII.v"      ANJ)      IIS     TL"(;      OF      \V  A  k IHH     c;KKFNPt)INT 

EDITIONS ERECITON     OF    THE    PRKSENl'     "  ST  AK  "    llUILDINli ITS    VARIOUS     DEP  A  Kl  MEN  IS 

THE    PRESS,    JOI;    AND    COMPOSITION     ROO.MS HUSINESS    AND    EDIPORIAl,    OFFICES 

PRESENT       IMPROVED       CONDITION       OF      THE       PAPER ITS       I.ARIIE 

CIRCULATION ITS      NEW     DRESS THE     FOUNDER     AND     HIS 

SUCCESSFUL    At.HIEVEMENT THE      LONO      ISLAND 

sr\N       PUI'.I.ISHINC,      COMPANY. 


The  Star  was  born  before  Lontj  Island  City  was  incorporated,  Ibc   first   number  Ix'in^-   issued 
the    2oth    of  October,    1865,    when  the   territory  hereabouts  was  a   i)ari   and    parcel    of  the    town 
Newtown.     The  faith  of  its  founder  was  so  strong  that  a  thriving-  city  was  destined  to  sprini^^-  up  alo 
the  river  front  from  Newtown   Creek  to  Astoria 
and  Bowery  Bay,  that  he  christened  the  newspaper 
venture    T/ic  Lo7ig  Island  City  Star  and  Nciotown 
Ad'c'crtiser. 

Very  few  successful  newspapers  were  ever 
started  under  more  modest  auspices.  It  was  the 
creation  of  Thomas  H.  Todd,  who  graduated  from 
the  office  of  the  F/iishin«-  Journal,  where  he 
had  served  during  the  extended  period  between 
the  years  1851  and  1865.  He  commenced  as  an 
apprentice  and  ended  his  connection  with  the 
office  as  general  superintendent  and  manager  of 
the  business  when  he  determined  to  "strikeout 
for  himself. "  The  late  Charles  R.  Lincoln,  editor 
of  the  Journal,  was  his  warm  friend  and  trusted 
adviser,  and  the  venture  was  made  with  his  fullest 
approval,  Mr.  Lincoln  at  the  time  making  this 
jirediction  :  "That  section  is  destined  to  be  a 
great  business  center;  for  a  yoiuig  and  enterpris- 
ing man  no  better  opening,  to  my  mind,  presents 
itself.  You  may  have  a  hard  struggle  for  the  first 
year  or  two,  but  the  field  is  sure  to  develop,  and 
you  cannot  but  grow  with  it.  -Sec  that  you  stick 
to  it  and  work;  and,  most  important  of  all,  don/ 
run  in  debt." 

With  small  capital,  a  AVashington  hand  press 
and  the  necessary  types  and  other  appliances,  the 

young    prospcct<jr    set    up    business   on    Vernon    avenue,     near     the 
the  building  now  occujjied  by  John  W.  Petry  as  a  hardware  store. 


1111;    IKK-Ksr 


AR  i;rn.iiiNG,  41   hordex  am 
rner   of    I'ourlh 


JOI!     PRINITNO. 

.'\    fairly  good  job    printing    jjlant  was  connected   with   the  office  and  a  thorough  canvass  of  the 


fl /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


'45 


ncijjhborhood  was  made  for  the   securing  of  patronajj;c.     The   first  job  of  priiuiiij^  turned  out  on  the 
presses  was  a  carpenter's  business  card,  of  which  the  followinjc  is  a  copy: 


lC\-ery  encourai;enieni  was  held  out  by  the  business  men  of  the  period,  and  the  office  force,  which 
consisted  of  the  "boss"  and  a  man  and  a  boy,  were  kept  fairly  busy  in  the  striijixlc  for  "makinj^ 
both  ends  meet  "  in  the  unpretentious  printingf  establishment 

Fortunately,  within  a  month  after  openinjr  day,  the  friendship  and  patronajje  of  the  late  Oliver 
Charlick,    ]3resident  of  the    Lonj,'-  Island   Railroad,    were  secured,  and  a  liberal  share  of  the  railroad 


>r.\K     EDITDKIAL    (Jlllc  K. 


printinyf  materially  aided  in  finally  placinj;-  the  venture  upon  a  secure  and  piyiny;  basis.  Mr.  Charlick 
])roved  a  i^ood  and  true  friend,  and  his  esteemed  favor  and  patronajje  were  retained  until  the  day  of  Iris 
death. 

FIRST     ISSL'K     OK      rHK     Sr.VK. 

The  first  issue  of  the  Star,  as  above  noted,  was  jjiven  hearty  welcome  in  Hunter's  Point.  Ravens- 
wood,  Astoria,  Dutch  Kills,  and  other  cpiarters  of  the  town  of  Xewtown,  it  beinjif  the  only  newspaper 
pulilishcd  in  the  township. 

Hunter's  Point  at  this  period  was  small  but  steadily  ;4i-ovving  and  the  outlook  was  promising. 
Being  the  railroad  center  of  the  Island,  with  a  magnificent  water  front,  excellent  ferries,  and  broad 
avenues  opening  out  into  the  country,  everything  pointed  to  the  speedy  materializing  of  a  populous 


D.Miy 


STAR 


■^-t'^<jlsu^^ 


\Vf?f:M\  STW 


Tlir  iflnil  t'jlanil  Cidi  5lai, 


^^'^^ 


<■.■* 


a. 


(^V'>" 


HVttWwtS't; 


*t*v.  6 


1.  First  issue  of  Daily  Star,  March  27,  187O. 

2.  First  issue  of  Weekly  Star,  October  20,  1865 

3.  The  Daily  Star  of  1896. 


4.  The  Weekly  Star  of  1896. 

5.  The  Greeuiwint  Daily  Star  of  1S96. 
fi.  The  Creenpoint  Weekly  Star  of  iSg(). 


IffSTORV  01'  LONG  ISLAND  CfTY 


147 


city.  ^Ir.  H.  S.  Anable,  at  that  time  manaj^er  of  tlie  Union  College  property,  was  an  enthusiast  in 
the  belief  that  an  important  future  was  in  store  for  the  neighborhood,  and  the  publisher  was  induced 
to  unfurl  and  put  upon  record  the  first  name-banner  of  the  coming  city  in  titling  the  newspaper 
'/'/w  Loiii^-  Island  C  ity  Star. 


The  newspaper  business  grew 
and  prospered  from  year  to  year. 
Job  printing  increased  in  volume. 
Factories,  dwellings  and  stores 
multiplied.  Many  needed  and  de- 
sirable public  improvements  were 
carried  forward  to  successful  com- 
pletion, and  all  this  forward  march 
along  the  lines  of  progress  led,  in 
1868-69,  to  the  agitation  for  incor- 
poration which  finally  culminated 
in  1.S70,  in  the  setting  up  of  the 
city.  The  Star  took  prominent 
part  in  the  preliminary  work  of  the 
first  charter  and  subseciuently,  with- 
out avail,  arraj'ed  itself  against  the 
dangerous  principle  of  giving  arbi-  ^,^i,  ^jj^i^m,.^,,  ,;.,(j.\i. 

trary   and   unlimited   power  to  the 
Mayor  as  was  done  in  the  ill-starred    "  Revision,"  wliich  was  carried  through  the  Legislatre  in  1871. 

The  Star  during  its  career  has  had  several  "flittings."  In  1S68  removal  was  made  from  its 
birth-spot  to  the  old  Foster  building,  a  little  farther  south  on  the  avenue,  near  the  corner  of  Third 
street;  and  from  there,  in  1870,  it  marched  still  nearer  the  business  center  by  taking  up  more  roomy 
quarters  in  the  Schwalenberg  building  on  Horden  avenue.  Here  many  improvements  were  made 
to  meet  the  growing  wants  of  the  times.  The  old  hand- press  was  discarded,  a  new  and  improved 
and  fast  running  cylinder  purchased,  and  many  important  additions  were  made  to  every  department 
cif  the  plant  whi'-li  had  alrcaclv  dcveli ']')ei:l  into  nne  of  the  mnsi  complete  to  be  found  in  the  county. 

IIKST    SL'BSCRll'.ERS. 

A  liberal  subscription  list  grew 
apace  and  the  Star  soon  made 
its  way  into  every  quarter  of  the 
township.  John  Bragaw  and  Peter 
Hulst,  old  and  well-known  resider.ts 
of  the  Blissville  section  (both  now 
deceased),  were  the  first  citizens  to 
have  their  names  enrolled  upon  the 
subscription  book,  each  one  jiayipv 
his  two  dollars  in  advance,  greatly 
to  the  surprise  and  delight  of  the 
publisher,  who  handed  to  them  two 
of  the  first  newspapers  that  came 
from  the  hand-press. 

THE    nAII.V    STAR. 

In  the  spring  of  1876  the  long 
contemplated  plan  of  a  daily  issue 
was  finally  decided    upon,    and  on 

Monday,    March   28,   the   first  number  of   the  Long  Island  City  Daily   Star   made   its   appearance. 

Now  really  came  the  tug  of  war  in  right  good  earnest.     Small  and  insignificant  as  it  was,  the  paper 


JOB   Co.Ml'OSl.NG    ROOM. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


proved  an  expensive  and  wearingf  daily  tread  mill.  The  political  rin<;f  that  controlled  the  city  was 
against  a  "daily  snemj',"  and  vowed  that  thej'  would  starve  it  out;  but  they  "reckoned  without  their 
host  "  The  publisher  knew  well  the  field  and  the  obstacles  he  was  to  encounter,  and  had  carefully 
counted  and  provided  for  the  cost  of  the  battle.  For  four  long  years  it  was  a  losing  game  and  thousands 
of  dollars  were  sunk  in  the  struggle  for  saving  it  from  shipwreck.  But  the  clouds  of  adversity  were 
gradually  broken  and  scattered  and  success  finallj'  won,  and  in  the  spring  of  1880,  the  balance  sheet 
made  known  the  gratifying  fact  that  the  "  Daily  was  paying  its  way."  Better  and  more  commodious 
quarters  were  now  again  essential  and  two  large  floors  were  leased  for  a  term  of  five  years  at  72 
Borden  avenue.  Upon  their  being  specially  fitted  and  provided  with  steam  power,  elevators  and 
all  the  modern  appliances,  the  new  offices  were  occupied  on  the  first  of  May,  1880,  and  the  business  of 
both  Daily  and  Weekly,  from  that  time  forward,  CDmmenced  to  boom  in  a  manner  that  was 
exceedingly  gratifj-ing.  The  dark  days  that  had  been  experienced  ;ind  the  mountains  of 
discouragement    that    had    been   overcome    were    at    last    happily    relegated    far    to    the    rear. 


i;ki;k.\i>oin  r   kditions. 

Daily  and  Weekly  editions  of  the  Star  for  (irccnpoint  had  been  added  to  the  list  of  publications,  and 

the}-,  also,  were  steadily  forging  for- 
ward in  public  favor  in  that  populous 
and  prosperous  section  of  the  city  of 
r.rooklyn  known  as  the  Seventeenth 
Ward 

The  business  of  the  Stiir  had 
gr.iwii  to  be  large  and  remunerative, 
'i'lic  foundation  was  well  and  securely 
laid  with  an  eye  single  to  the  rearing 
of  a  superstructure  that  would  insure 
the  most  complete  and  thorough-going 
journalistic  inde])endence.  for  the 
good  and  behoof  of  all  the  people 
wliose  interests  it  was  established  to 
espouse. 

succEssra'i.i.v   kstai:!  ishkd. 

After  five  years  of  laborious 
effort  the  daily  was  adjudged  a  fix- 
ture and  a  success,  having  been 
triumphantly  established  as  one  of  the  permanent  enterprises  of  the  city.  It  was  the  acknowledged, 
energetic  and  reliable  recorder  of  passing  events,  while  the  Weekly  had  years  before  come  to  he  the 
g.-eat  home  newspaper  of  the  city  and  the  adjoining  townships,  and  was  favored  with  a  yearly  subscrip- 
tio.i  patronage  unsurpassed  by  any  of  its  island  contemporaries.  During  all  these  years  the  Star,  from 
time  to  time,  has  been  out  and  in — (oftener  out  than  in) — ^with  the  local  politicians  and  the  managers  of 
the  city  government,  but  it  never  deviated  from  the  even  tenor  of  its  way  in  championing  the  cause  of 
the  taxpayers.  It  has  never,  strictly  speaking,  been  the  organ  of  any  man.  public  or  private  interest, 
political  clicjue  or  faction,  and  herein,  uncpiestionably.  has  consisted  its  phenomenal  success  as  a  busi- 
ness venture. 

I'RESK.N'r    THKEK-STORV    liUII.DI.NO    ERICCIKI). 

In  the  spring  of  1885  the  lease  of  the  offices  at  72  Borden  avenue  was  about  to  expire  in  the 
month  of  May.  All  efTcjrts  failed  in  securing  a  renewal  of  the  lease,  the  owner  of  the  building  alleg- 
ing that  the  jar  of  the  steam  presses  endangered  the  structure  and  annoyed  his  other  tenants.  This 
ultimatum  was  not  definitely  known  until  about  the  fifth  of  April,  and  the  premises  were  to  be  vacated 
on  the  first  day  of  May.  Quick  movement  and  speedy  determination  were  demanded,  and  it  was  decided 
that  the  time  had  arrived  when  the  Star  should  have  its  own  office  building.  The  site  now  occupied 
was  chosen  and  purchased  on  April  10.     On  the  fifteenth.  ])lans  had  been  jjrepared  !)\-  Architect  James 


NEWSlAl  K.K 


HfSrORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY 


149 


Ni;WSIAl'l  K    PRESS    ROOM. 


Uunncn  (latcls-  deceased).  (Jn  the  twentieth,  upon  the  sccurinjj  of  estimates  for  the  ereetion  of  the 
three-story  buiklinjr,  twcntj'-tvvo  by  eighty  feet,  the  eon  tract  was  awarded  to  John  T.  Woodruff,  under 
an  express  agreement  that  "the 
job  must  be  rushed."  On  the  follow- 
ing day  Mr.  Woodruff  set  a  large 
gang  of  men  at  work,  and  the  solid 
twelve-inch  brick  walls  fairly  "walked 
U])."  I'lirtunately  good  weather  ful- 
lowed,  and  at  twelve  o'clock  noon  nl' 
May  I,  the  roofers  were  topping  otV 
the  completed  structure.  In  the  after- 
noon, machinery,  presses,  etc.,  after 
an  early  issue  in  the  old  tjuarters  of 
tlie  .SV(//-  of  that  day,  were  removed 
and  set  in  position,  and  an  all-night's 
struggle  of  a  force  of  machinists, 
boiler-makers,  etc.,  enabled  the  print- 
ers to  get  the  daily  issue  of  May  i  out 
upon  the  street  promptly  on  time 
from  the  commodious  press-rooms  of 
its  own  handsome  three-story  head- 
quarters. Contractor  Woodruff  ex- 
ceeded all  his  previous  records  as  a 
hustler  in  the  wonderful  manner  in  which  he  handled  this  job,  and  for  months  afterwards  the  Star 
building  was  pointed  out  by  the  ])assersby  as  Contractor  Woodruff's  "  quicker  than  a  wink  job." 

.\CCi)MMoli,\  riOXS    DKSCKiniil). 

The  new  building,  with  the  capacious  rooms  of  its  three  stories,  has  proved  a  model  of  convenience 
in  every  respect.  The  first  floor  is  utilized  for  the  business  quarters,  press  rooms  and  compositors' 
job  printing  departuT^nt,  and  the  arrangements  as  to  light,  steam  heat,  etc.,  are  perfect  and  unsur- 
passed in  every  regard.  The  second  floor  front  is  occupied  as  the  editorial  rooms,  and  the  rear  as  the 
stock   rooms  for  the  storage  of  news,  book  and  writing  papers,  cards,  cardboard,  etc.      The  third  floor 

is  set  ai)art  as  the  newspaper  compos- 
ing room.  It  is  spacious,  heated  bj' 
steam,  well  lighted,  thoroughly  ven- 
tilated, and,  all  in  all,  is  one  of  the 
coziest  and  best  adapted  for  its  i)ur- 
pose  to  be  found  on  the  Island.  On 
this  floor,  also  is  the  newspaper  file 
room,  where,  conveniently  arranged 
for  reference,  may  be  found  copies 
of  every  issue  of  the  Star  from  1865 
to  date — the  Weeklies  substantially 
bound  in  volumes  of  two  years  each, 
and  the  Dailies  in  volumes  of  six 
months. 

lAl.  n.I  1  lES  .Wl)   BUSINESS  e.ni..\kc;ei). 

Since  the  occupancy  of  tliis  new 
building  many  improvements,  from 
time  to  time,  have  been  made,  and 
each  succeeding  j'ear  has  seen  num- 
erous additions  to  the  machinery  and 
other  appurtenances  of  the  establishment.  The  circulation  of  the  several  editions  of  the  Daily 
and  Weekly  issues  has  steadily  advanced;  the  advertising  patronage  has  grown  in  a  corresponding 


JOB    I'RESS    ROO.M. 


ISO  HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

degree;  and  the  business  of  the  job  printing  department  has  so  developed  in  volume  of  work  and 
character  of  output  as  to  rank  the  office  second  to  none  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  One  of  Hoe's 
celebrated  three-revolution  newspaper  presses  and  a  folding  machine  for  trimming  and  putting  in 
convenient  form  for  mailing  purposes  and  delivery  to  carriers  copies  of  the  Star  as  they  come  from  the 
):)ress,  insure  prompt  and  speedy  handling  of  every  issue,  and  tlie  many  marked  advances  in  newspaper 
making  that  have  been  gradually  evolved  since  the  days  of  the  old  slow-going  hand-press  of  '65  are 
truly  wonderful,  and  especially  so  to  the  one  who,  indulging  the  retrospective  review,  has  been 
permitted  to  travel  along  with  the  plodding  and  tireless  procession  during  the  period  of  improvement. 

THKN     A.M)    NOW. 

The  territory  now  embraced  in  Long  Island  City  had  a  population  in  1865  of  some' 7000  to  8000 
souls.  The  population  is  to  day  upwards  of  50,000.  The  Star  has  kept  pace  with  this  development. 
and  from  a  small  and  insignificant  sheet  in  '65  it  has  grown  to  be  a  handsome  eight-page  newspaper, 
well  filled  with  the  cleanest  and  choicest  reading  matter,  and  is  classed  by  popular  verdict  as  ranking 
among  the  leading  and  influential  papers  of  the  Island.  Its  circulation  has  increased  from  a  few 
hundred  to  some  twelve  thousand  per  week,  and  its  roll  of  workers  has  grown  from  three  at  the 
beginning  to  the  snug  little  army  of  thirty-si.\,  as  exhibited  by  the  pay  roll  of  vSeptembr  28,  1896. 

SUCCESS    WON. 

The  founder  is  still  at  the  helm.  At  the  beginning  he  was  young,  untiring,  vigorous  and  hopeful. 
He  has  grown  gray  in  the  service,  but  the  most  complete  success  has  crowned  his  efforts  in  estab- 
lishing a  prosperous  business,  and  in  the  upbuilding  of  a  newspaper  whose  i)rimary  aim  has  been  the 
advancement  of  the  best  interests  of  the  community. 

THE    LONC    ISL.XND    SIAR     l'Ur.l.lSHIN(;    COMl'ANV. 

The  business  of  the  Star  is  now  under  the  management  and  control  of  a  duly  incorporated 
company,  said  organization  having  assumed  charge  on  lune  i,  1S93,  and  is  capitalized  in  the  sum  of 
§50,000.     The  stockholders  are: 

Thomas  II.  Todd,  Edward  Todd, 

Theodore  S.  Weeks,  Alvan  T.  Payne, 

Joseph  W.   McKinnev. 

The  officers  in  charge  as  directors  of  the  affairs  of  the  company  are  as  follows: 
President — Thomas  H.  Todd. 
Treasii rer — •  E d  wa rd  Todd . 
Secretary — Theodore  S.  Weeks. 

A     NKW     DRESS. 

With  the  issue  of  September  26th  of  the  current  year  a  complete  new  dress  was  donned,  requiring 
for  the  change  upwards  of  a  ton  of  new  types  and  other  material,  the  improvement  giving  a  clean  and 
sharp  appearance  to  the  print  of  the  newspaper  and  aitracting  v.'idc  attention  and  favorable  comment. 

ASNIVEKSARV    AND    OUl'LOOK. 

On  the  20th  of  October,  1896,  the  thirty-first  anniversary  of  the  Star  was  duly  celebrated. 
Before  the  completion  of  the  new  volume  the  greater  New* York  will  probably  have  fully  and  finally 
materialized.  The  .S'Ar/- was  a  stalwart  youngster  at  the  time  of  the  setting  up  of  Long  Island  City ; 
it  applauded  the  advent  and  bade  God-speed  to  the  new  and  promising  municipality.  It  has  continued' 
uninterruptedly  in  the  journey,  always  striving  to  the  best  of  its  ability  to  protect  the  interests  and- 
to  aid  in  the  development  of  the  place.  The  city  has  filled  its  mission.  It  has  so  prepared  the  broad 
and  magnificent  territory  comprised  in  its  boundaries  as  to  fit  the  lands  for  an  important  place  in  the 
coming  greater  city,  and  the  Star  he.irtily  ccjinmends  the  new  order  of  things  as  a  transition  to  an 
enlarged  and  boundless  field  of  opportunities,  where  greater  and  more  marked  progress  and  material 
advancement  will  be  assured  our  citizens.     The  Star  hopes  to  continue  to  fill  the  field  in  the  future. 


HIS  TOR  5 '  OF  L  ONG  ISL  A  ND  CI  T  V.  '  5 ' 

ns  it  h.s  in  the  past   and  as  the  representative  of  the  people  in  this  district  of  the  Greater  New  York 
uVpu^ishers  priise  that  it  will  always  be  found  an  alert  and  trustworthy  chan.p.on  of  the  r,ghts  of 
the  masses. 

Till-:   STAR   STAFF,   SHi'T  i'-M  i!i:  R   -'S,    1896. 


Tiio>.    II.    T.inn,    Mana-ing  Editor. 
Ei.wAKi)  T()i)i>,  (Icncral  Business  Manager. 


T..K01.0KK  S.  Wi-.KKs,  City  Editor,  L.  I.  City  edition. 

Oi  ivi  R  II    Lowuiv,  Citv  lulitor,  Brooklyn  edition. 

L..n'.,.K  Ton,.,  of  St.  Jos.pli,  Mn.,   Editor  of  "The  Household"  Department. 


|.  S.   K1.1.SI.V,  Manager  Ailvenising  Dcparinicnt. 
"].  Ror.KKT  Laws,  Cashier  and  Bookkeeper, 
F.  M.  Devoc,  Advertising  Canvasser. 


George  B.  Case, 
F.  M.  Devoe,  Jr. 


KKPORTERS. 

Edmund  V.  Mac  Lean, 
Charles  R.  Hughes, 
George  Sproston, 


Clark  E.  Smith, 
Geo.  McKiernan, 


NFAVSi'Al'iCR   CoMl'oSlNt'.    RooMS. 
CiEo.  E.  Dkckeu,  Foreman, 
Edmund  1.  Cnihric,  Warren  A.  Fenely, 

Richard  W.  P.lauvelt,  Charles  S.  Runyon, 

Otto  Kraemcr. 


John  Worden, 
Thos.  H.   Todd,  Jr. 


r)onald  A.  Manson, 
Robert  W.  Hume, 
John   Delaney, 
Patrick  Reilly, 


JOB   l)KPART.Mi:XT. 

11   W.    Ml  KiNNi  V,    I'oreman. 

\Vm.  Kollmeir, 

Grafton  T.   Norris, 

Wm.  (Gardner, 

Get>.  W.  Young, 


Geo.  J.  Dahl, 
Lewis  Wemlein, 
George  Moore, 
Joseph  Colgan. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


lUOC  R  Al>  IIIC  A  L. 
I.UE    SKKITHES    OK    SOME    Ol'     I'llE    I'KOMINENI'    CMTIZENS    OF     LONG     ISLAND    CMTV     AND    VK;lNriV. 


Stki'hkn  a.  Hai.skv. — A  history  of  Astoria  without  mention  of  this  public-spirited  citizen  would  be 
like  the  play  of  Hamlet  with  Hamlet  left  out.  Stejjhen  A.  Halsey  was  born  in  New  York  City,  April 
7,  I  791.  In  1834  he  purchased  a  residence  in  the  village  of  Flushing-;  and  in  going  to  New  York  to  his 
business  by  steamboat  he  was  obliged  to  pass  Astoria,  then  called  Hallett's  Cove,  and  being  impressed 
by  the  beautv  of  the  situation,  decided  to  dispose  of  his  Flushing  property  and  remove  thither. 
Consequentlv,  in  1835  he  bought  the  Perrot  farm,  and  the  Blackwell  farm,  comprising  nearly  all  the 
land  lying  between  Pot  Cove  and  Hallett's  Cove,  west  of  what  is  now  Stevens  street.  He  at  once 
devoted  himself  vigorously  to  the  work  of  public  improvement,  laying  out  and  opening  streets,  building 
wharves,  etc.  He  built  many  dwellings,  buildings  for  factories,  stores,  carpenter  and  blacksmith  shops, 
and  induced  the  mechanic  and  the  tradesman,  the  butcher  and  the  baker  to  occupy  them  and  to  settle 
in  the  place.  He  procured  the  passage,  by  the  Legislature,  in  A])ril,  1839,  of  a  bill  incorporating  the 
place  as  a  village;  the  name  "Astoria"  being  adopted  in  honor  of  John  Jacob  Astor,  of  New  York,  an 
old  friend  of  Mr.  Halsey  who  had  been  more  or  less  interested  in  the  fur  business  with  him.  An 
older  brother  of  Mr.  Halsey  was  sent  out  to  Oregon  by  Mr.  Astor  in  the  early  part  of  the  century. 
About  1840  he  purchased  the  ferry  running  to  Eig;hty-sixth  street.  New  York,  known  in  old  times 
as  "  Home's  Hook  Ferrv, "  and  improved  it  tor  the  better  accommodation  of  the  public,  which  ferry  he 
ran  for  nearly  thirty  years.  In  1840  he  finished  and  occupied  the  large  stone  mansion  on  Fulton  avenue, 
between  Mouson  and  Halsey  streets,  now  used  by  the  L.I.  City  High  School.  It  was  built  with  stone 
quarried  on  the  premises.  About  the  .same  time  he  was  instrumental  in  opening  Fulton  street  from 
Perrot  avenue,  now  Boulevard,  to  Main  street,  making  a  direct  outlet  from  the  ferry;  also,  the  Flush- 
ing turnpike  to  the  village  of  Flushing,  and  the  Astoria,  Ravenswood  and  Williamsburgh  lurni)ike 
road  and  bridges  to  Williamsburgh,  both  of  which  roads  he  managed  for  many  years,  lie  was  a 
trustee  of  the  village  of  Astoiia  during  nearly  the  whole  time  from  its  incorporation  to  the  chartering 
of  Long  Island  City.  The  first  fire  company,  called  "Astoria  Fire  Engine  Company,  No.  1,"  was 
formed  about  1842  by  his  agency,  he  building  the  house  which  now  forms  a  jjart  of  the  saloon  now 
standing  on  Fulton  avenue,  southeast  corner  of  Halsey  street.  In  that  year  Owen  street,  now  Franklin, 
was  opened  from  Perrot  avenue  to  Emerald  street,  now  \'an  Alst  avenue,  by  his  influence.  He  was 
largely  concerned  in  the  building  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  1836,  and  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  1846,  and  made  large  donations  of  time  and  money  to  both.  About  1849  he,  with  two  or 
three  others,  bought  .several  farms,  and  laid  out  and  opened  through  them,  Broadway,  the  Crescent, 
Emerald,  Academy  and  Grand  streets.  First,  vSecond  and  Jamaica  avenues,  etc.  At  that  time  he 
dcinated  a  plot  of  ground,  100x200  feet,  on  Academy  street,  and  procured  the  building  of  a  school- 
house  thereon,  which  is  now  used  by  the  Fourth  Ward  School.  In  1853  he  organized  the  "Astoria 
(las  Co.,"  and  on  premises  now  occupied  by  Steinway  R.  R.,  on  Mills  street.  Fifth  Ward,  built  the  gas 
works  which  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  supplied  Astoria  with  gas.  He  was  a  gentleman  of 
large  and  liberal  spirit.  When-the  Astoria  Catholic  Church  was  about  to  be  built  he  donated  the  stone 
for  the  foundation.  In  his  numerous  imdertakings  he  employed  many  laborers,  but  in  all  his  dealings 
with  them  he  never  paid  less  than  a  dollar  a  day,  even  when  others  in  the  neighborhood  were  paying 
but  seventy-five  cents.     He  has  been  called  "the  father  of  Astoria."     Was  he  not  justlv  so  named  ? 

John  E.  Lockwood. — The  old-time  families  that  in  former  years  gave  a  distinctive  character 
to  the  old  village  of  Astoria  are  rapidly  disappearing.  The  few  that  remain  might  almost  be  counted 
on  a  i)erson's  fingers.  As  far  as  Long  Island  City  is  concerned  the  names  of  a  majority  of  them  are 
perpetuated  in  the  names  of  streets  and  avenues  in  the  upper  section  of  the  city.  Among  the  few  who 
remain  is  John  E.  Lockwood,  who  for  more  than  thirty  years  has  lived  a  quiet,  retired  life  in  the 
Fourth  Ward.  Entitled  by  wealth,  social  position  and  influence  to  aspire  to  high  honors,  he  has 
preferred,  in  such  public  services  as  he  has  rendered  the  city,  inconspicuous  positions  that  lirought 
little  notorietv. 


(^Jju^u  A,  ^Ut^-^ 


6lfJ-.  UC 


///SIORY  OF  LOX(;  /SLAXn  CITY. 


'53 


Mi".  Lockwood  is  of  Puritan  ancestry.  His  family  was  one  of  the  earliest  to  settle  in  Connecticut, 
"vcr  two  centuries  ago.  His  father,  who  was  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business,  went  to  New  York 
from  Connecticut,  and  it  was  in  that  city  Mr.  Lockwood  was  born  in  1828.  His  early  education  was 
received  at  a  private  school  in  the  city  of  New  York.  After  leaving  the  private  school  he  went  to 
New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  where  lie  spent  several  years  in  study,  but  did  not  pursue  a  regular  course 
leading  to  a  degree. 

Soon  after  leaving  college  he  became  a  clerk  in  a  commission  house.  In  1855  he  went  into  the 
commission  business  himself.  He  dealt  largely  in  naval  supplies.  While  he  was  engaged  in  business 
as  a  commission  merchant  he  resided  in  New  York  and  Brooklyn.  In  1864  he  retired  from  business 
and  came  to  Astoria.  The  fine  old  mansion,  fronting  on  Broadway,  located  far  back  from  the  noise 
and  turmoil,  with  its  spacious  lawn  occupying  the  whole  block  between  Lockwood  street  and 
Debevoise  avenue,  was  for  sale.  It  was  owned  at  that  time  by  a  man  named  Sanford.  Mr.  Lockwood 
jnirchased  the  place,  intending  to  remain  one  year  in  Astoria.  He  has  lived  on  the  same  spot  for 
thirty-two  years. 

Astoria  was  in  those  days  a  popular  suburban  village.  Many  wealthy  New  York  business  men 
preferred  the  quiet  village  to  the  noisy  city  on  the  other  side  of  the  East  River.  The  larger  number  of 
these  old  families  have  been  driven  <jut  by  the  crowding 
in  of  other  elements  and  the  development  of  manufac- 
turing interests  in  close  pro-\imity.  Old  Astorians  took 
considerable  pride  in  their  village,  and  the  Board  of 
Village  Trustees  was  always  composed  of  representative 
men.  Mr.  Lockwood  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board 
and  served  a  portion  of  the  period  that  intervened 
Ijetvveen  the  time  of  his  removal  to  this  city  and  the 
incorporation  of  Astoria  into  Long  Island  City.  His 
associates  on  the  Board  were  Joshua  Lathrop,  Charles 
Strang,  James  Bennett  and  R.  M.  C.  Graham — five 
members.  Of  these  five,  Mr.  Lockwood  is  the  sole 
survivor. 

From  the  time  of  the  incorporation  of  Long  Island 
City  Mr.  Lockwood  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  the 
administration  of  its  public  affairs.  He  has  several  times 
filled  appointive  positions,  but  always  refused  to  become 
a  candidate  for  an  elective  office.  Several  times  at 
different  periods  during  the  last  twenty-five  years  his 
friends  have  urged  him  to  become  a  candidate  for  Mayor, 
hut  he  has  refused  to  allow  his  name  to  be  used. 
Whether  as  a  public  official  or  as  a  private  citizen  he  has 

used  his  influence  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  city  and  the  residents.  Mr.  Lockwood  was  one  of 
the  first  to  see  the  necessity  of  furnishing  an  adequate  water  supply.  When  Mr.  Ditmars  was  the 
Mayor  he  urged  the  purchase,  by  the  city,  of  Trains'  Meadow,  which  he  believed  would  furnish  an 
adequate  supply  of  water  for  the  city.  He  even  offered  to  take  one-third  of  the  bt)nds  that  would  be 
required  in  order  to  purchase  the  Meadows.  The  property  was  not  as  valuable  then  as  it  has  since 
become,  and  might  have  been  bought  for  a  comparatively  small  sum.  But  Mayor  Ditmars  objected 
on  the  ground  of  expense,  and  because  special  legislation  would  be  necessary  to  authorize  the 
purchase. 

Under  Long  Island  City's  second  Mayor — Mr.  Debevoise — Mr.  Lockwood  was  appointed  Police 
Commissioner.  By  virtue  of  this  office  he  was  also  a  Health  Commissioner  and  Fire  Commissioner, 
the  three  positions  being  combined  in  one  official.  He  served  for  a  full  term.  He  did  not  hold  any 
public  office  again  until  Mayor  Gleason  was  elected,  when  he  was  appointed  a  Police  and  Fire  Com- 
missioner. The  office  of  Health  Commissirjner  had  been  separated  from  the  other  two  by  act  of  the 
Legislature  Since  his  retirement  from  this  position,  Mr.  Lockwood  has  refused  further  political 
honors,  although  his  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  city  has  been  as  keen  as  before.  The  quietude  of 
his  home  life  is  more  congenial  than  the  turmoil  of  politics. 


LUCIEN     KNAIT. 


>54 


JI/SrOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAXD  CITY. 


In  the  year  1853  Mr.  Lockwood  married  }iliss  Jxilia  A.  Westlake,  of  New  York.  Tliey  have  (ine 
daughter,  Mrs.  S.  G.  Beals,  who,  with  her  husband  and  two  young  sons,  resides  at  the  old  home  on 
Broadway. 

Peter  G.  Van  Ai.st  was  born  at  the  Van  Alst  homestead,  Dutch  Kill.s,  May  28,  1828.  His 
ancestors  being  among  the  earliest  settlers  on  Long  Island.  He  received  his  early  education  at  the 
district  school,  and  later  at  the  Astoria  Institute.  In  1.S45  he  began  the  study  and  practice  of 
surveying  with  H.  F.  Betts,  of  Williamsburg,  with  whom  he  remained  until  near  the  time  of  the 
latter's  death,  which  occurred  about  the  year  1853.  Soon  thereafter,  Mr.  Van  Alst  purchased  of  the 
estate  of  Mr.  Betts  the  entire  outfit  and  effects  of  his  office,  and  in  January,  1854,  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  J.  V.  Mesrole.  The  partnership  lasted  but  two  years,  Mr.  Mesrole  withdrawing  and  Mr. 
Van  Alst  continuing  in  business  on  his  own  account.  Mr.  Van  Alst  has  been  appointed  by  the 
Legislature  several  times  as  a  commissioner  in  conjunction  with  others  to  survey  and  supervise  the 
construction  of  some  of  the  leading  highways,  which  office  he  has  always  satisfactorily  filled.  While 
officiating  in  that  capacity  he  acted  as  Chairman  of  that  body.      He  made  surveys  and   maps  which 

show   the  street  lines,   grades,   sewerage  and  monumenting  of  the 

city,    and  assessment  maps  of  the  different  wards  of  Long   Island 

tkf^^^^  City.      In    1893   a  bill   for  the  improvement  of  Vernon  and  Jackson 

^^^^^■k  avenues    and   the    Boulevard  was  passed,   and  Mr.    Van    Alst    was 

^H  appointed    a  commissioner,   a  position  he  held   for  some  time.      In 

•  ^^     i^  January,    1S96,   he  was  appointed  general  engineer  by  the  Improve- 

ment Company,  which  position  he  still  retains.  On  July  4,  1867,  Mr. 
\'an  Alst  married  Miss  Eliza  Johnson,  to  whom  three  children  were 
born,  two  of  whom  are  living,  a  daughter  Helen  G.,  and  a  son 
Peter  G. ,  jr.,  the  latter  having  been  born  March  13,  1874. 

CoRNKLius  Rai'ki  VK  Tk.xkI'Oki). — A  history  of  that  portion  of 
Long  Island  City  known  as  Astoria,  and  biographical  sketches  of  its 
most  prominent  people  would  be  indeed  incomplete  without  special 
mention  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  was  born  in  Astoria,  March 
26,  1809,  and  died  here  September  14,   1872. 

His  parents  were  John  Trafford,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  at 

Ilallett's    Cove — the    original    name    of    this    locality — and    CJrace 

HON.  J.  p.  MADDEN.  (Rapelvc)  Trafford  and  occupied  the  beautiful,  although  more  than 

a   century  old,    homestead  at  the  junction  of  Boulevard  and  Main 

street,  now  the  winter  home   of  Mrs.    Lydia  L.    Kapelye,  widow  of  Mr.   Trafford's  cousin,   CfU'nelius 

Rapelye. 

Mr.  Trafford  was  intimately  identified  with  the  iiublic  affairs  of  the  village  of  Astoria,  and  was  for 
years  an  influential  and  progressive  member  of  the  board  of  village  trustees  at  a  time  when  such  sub- 
stantial and  public-spirited  men  as  Mr.  S.  A.  Halsey,  J.  B.  Reboul,  Josiah,  Robert  and  Henry  Black- 
well,  James  Tisdalc,  and  other  citizens  took  an  active  interest  in  the  governmental  affairs  of  the  then 
beautiful  village,  and  much  of  the  old  time  attractiveness  of  the  place  was  due  to  him  and  his  official 
associates,  all,  with  him,  long  since  deceased. 

Mr.  Trafford  was  a  man  of  large  means,  wliicli  he  expended  lilierally  in  the  building  of  very  many 
of  the  most  attractive  dwellings  in  different  parts  of  Astoria  and  particularly  on  the  "  Hill  " — always  the 
aristocratic  section.  He  was  largely  interested  in  the  Astoria  ferry,  and  aided  materially  in  the  first 
introduction  of  street  cars,  in  fact,  was  to  the  time  of  his  decease  one  of  the  most  important  factors  in 
the  community.  He  was  noted  for  his  geniality,  and  many  remember  with  pleasure  and  gratitude  his 
acts  of  unostentatious  charity. 

Mr.  Trafford  was  never  married,  and  therefore  leaves  no  direct  descendants  to  perpetuate  the  name. 
The  beautiful  chimes  in  the  tower  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  on  the  Crescent,  were 
given  in  his  will  by  Mr.  Trafford,  and  annually  on  the  recurrence  of  his  birthday,  ring  out  sweet 
melodies.  A  massive  granite  cross  is  a  striking  feature  on  the  beautiful  lawn  in  front  of  the  church 
and  marks  the  last  resting  place  of  Mr.  Trafford. 

Cornelius  Rai'ei.ve  was  born  in  New  York  City,  November  16,  1833,  and  was  a  son  of  George 
Rapelye,  a  native  of  Newtown.      His  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Jane  M.  Suydam,  died  when  the 


J^.  ;£{i.fiM^J,  JL^UI 


f 


///SrORV  OF  LOA(;  IS/. AND  C/TY.  155 

subject  of  this  sketch  was  about  two  years  olil  He  was  reared  by  his  aunt.  Mrs.  draee  (Rapelye) 
Trafford,  a  most  excellent  Christian  lady.  Our  subject  received  a  careful  education,  attendinjj  private 
schools  in  New  York  City.  In  1853  his  father  died,  after  which  he  bejj'an  to  make  his  home  in  Lonjj 
Island  City  with  Cornelius  R.  Trafford,  who  was  larj^cly  interested  in  what  afterward  became  known  as 
the  East  River  Ferry  Company.  For  many  years  thereafter  Mr.  Rapelye  was  president  of  that  corpor- 
ation. 

In  Newtown,  December  f.S57,  Mr.  Ra])elye  married  Miss  Lydia  L.  Hyatt,  dau}.^hter  of  John  15. 
Hyatt.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rapelye  were  always  devoted  members  of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  durinjr 
liis  lifetime  the  former  was  for  many  years  an  elder  of  this  church.  He  contributed  larjje  sums  of 
money  to  the  support  of  church  work,  and  in  a  business  and  financial  way,  he  was  recojjnized  as  a 
citizen  havinjj  much  weight,  and  was  held  in  high  esteem.  Socially,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Holland 
Society. 

Henkv  Shki.don  Anahi.i.,  whose  demise  occurred  September  t,,  i<S87,  was  one  of  the  oldest  and 
best  known  residents  of  the  Hunter's  Point  section  of  Long  Island  City;  in  fact,  he  may  lie  credited 
with  having  been  the  "father  of  the  city,"  as  he  was  always  foremost  in  shaping  and  pushing  all  great 
improvements  long  anterior  to  the  date  of  incorporation. 

Mr.  Anable  was  born  in  Albany,  on  Jime  21,  1815,  and  was  educated  at  the  Albany  Academy,  the 
late  Bishop  Loughlin,  of  Brooklyn,  being  among  his  classmates. 

His  earlier  years  were  spent  in  the  dry  goods  business  in  New  York  City,  Utica  and  Sheboygan, 
Wis.,  and  as  a  banker  at  Sacramento,  Cal.,  where  he  went,  in  1852,  across  the  plains  by  means  of  the 
primitive  mule  teams  and  "prairie  schooners"  of  the  pioneer  daj's.  In  1855  he  married  Miss  Rosanna 
I'rick.  of  Sheboygan,  Wis.,  by  whom  he  had  three  chiUlrcn.  a  son  (a  lawyer)  and  two  daughters,  all  of 
wliom  survive  him. 

He  was  best  known  as  the  successful  manager  and  agent,  for  nearly  thirty  years,  of  the  great  real 
estate  interests  at  Hunter's  Point  and  at  Grcenpoint,  then  owned  by  the  late  Dr.  Eliphalet  Nott, 
president  of  Union  College,  of  vSchnectady,  N.Y.,  and  Messrs.  Crane  &  Ely,  and  afterwards  owned  by 
the  trustees  of  Union  College.  Coming  to  Hunter's  Point  in  1855  as  the  representative  of  Ur.  Nott, 
who  had  long  been  his  friend  and  who  had  married  Miss  .Sheldon,  an  aunt  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
Mr.  Anable  soon  became  the  manager  and  agent  of  all  interested  in  the  estate,  a  position  which  he 
held  after  the  title  became  vested  in  Union  College  in  i86o.  and  until  A])ril.  18S4,  when  he  resigned  his 
trust,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Eliphalet  Nott  Anable. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  during  his  long  service  of  the  college  interests,  upwards  of  two  and  a 
quarter  millions  of  dollars  passed  through  his  hands,  and  that  at  the  final  audit  and  settlement  of  his 
accounts  there  was  an  exact  balance,  to  a  farthing,  of  the  large  amoimt. 

During  this  period  he  was  active  in  carrying  through  Jackson  avenue,  the  first  important  county 
highway  ever  constructed;  and  also  in  the  opening  of  the  broad  and  fine  macadamized  thoroughfare 
known  as  Thomson  avenue.  It  was  also  mainly  through  his  instrumentality  that  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  and  the  Flushing  Railroad  were  induced  to  make  their  terminus  at  Hunter's  Point,  which 
finally  led  to  the  organization  of  the  East  River  Ferry  Company  and  the  inauguration  of  a  ferry  system 
which  has  grown  to  its  present  wonderful  development.  And  to  the  same  influential  and  indefatigable 
worker  the  credit  is  chiefly  to  be  given  of  making  Long  Island  City  the  county  scat  of  (Queens  County. 

Under  Mr.  Anable's  management  the  extended  water  front  of  Hunter's  Point  was  docked  and 
filled,  hills  were  cut  down,  swamps  filled  in  and  a  system  of  streets  and  avenues  was  laid  out  and 
graded,  at  an  expense  of  more  than  $400,000,  by  Union  College.  When  Long  Island  City  was  incor- 
porated he  was  prominent  in  drafting  and  securing  its  first  charter  and  afterwards  served  as  a  member 
of  the  Survey  Commission  which  was  intrusted  with  the  important  work  of  laying  out  streets  and 
avenues  and  preparing  maps  of  the  same  for  the  entire  city.  Later  on  he  served  on  the  First  Ward 
Improvement  Commission,  which  body  conducted  to  successful  completion  one  of  the  most  gigantic 
public  improvements  ever  undertaken  on  Long  Island. 

In  pushing  forward  the  material  interests  of  the  city,  Mr.  Anable  was  among  the  foremost.  He 
was  vice-president  of  our  first  street  railway,  and  one  of  the  originators  and  vice-president  for  years  of 
our  admirable  Savings  Bank.  In  religious  matters  he  was  prominent  in  the  Baptist  denomination,  being 
one  of  the  founders  and  a  deacon  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Greenpoint,  a  vice-president  of  the 
Baptist  Social  Union  of  Brookh-n,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Baptist  Home  of  Brooklyn,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  decease  was  a  deacon  of  the  East  Avenue  Baptist  Church  of  Long  Island  City. 


i=;6 


JI/S/VRV  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


The  funeral  obseqiiit-'s.  which  wore  held  Monday.  September  5.  iSS;.  were  the  larjjest  that  ever 
oeeurred  in  Long  Island  City.     His  remains  were  interred  at  Albany,  X.  V. 

FkKDKKicK  Wii.iiAM  Bi.Ke k w K.NN ,  Senior  member  of  the  well-known  Real  Estate  and  Insurance 
tirm  of  Frederick  W.  Bleckwcnn  &  Son,  No.  202  Lockwood  street,  Astoria,  Long  Island  City, 
was  born  in  Hanover,  (Jermany,  in  1839.  After  graduating  from  school  he  learned  the  book  trade, 
and  for  several  years  satisfactorily  managed  a  large  circulating  library,  containing  over  30,000  volumes, 
in  the  City  of  Hanover.  It  was  then,  right  among  the  treasures  of  the  old  and  new  authors  of  the 
world,  that  he  acquired  a  thorough  literary  education  and  an  extensive  knowledge  of  human  nature. 

In  the  vear  1858  he  came  to  this  country  and  soon  found  employment  in  the  Publishing  and 
Importing  House  of  William  Radde  in  New  York  City.     By  very  close  application  to  business  he  soon 

advanced  to  a  position  of  trust  and 
confidence.  Having  special  charge 
of  the  vast  landed  interests  of  his 
employer,  he  received  a  perfect  and 
valuable  training  in  the  real  estate 
and  conveyancer  business,  and  studied 
all  the  laws  relating  thereto.  In  the 
interest  of  the  publishing  branch  of 
the  business  he  wrote  and  translated 
a  number  of  books  and  poems,  and 
read  the  proofs  of  all  of  the  new 
publications  of  the  tirm.  thereby 
putting  to  practical  use  his  literary 
acquirements. 

In  1871,  when  his  employer  was 
elected  an  Alderman  in  the  City  of 
Xew  York,  Mr.  Bleckwenn.  in  his 
confidential  capacity,  gained  tjuite  an 
extensive  knowledge  of  public  and 
municipal  alTairs. 

.\ftcr  important  changes  in  said 
liDii.  Mr.  Bleckwenn.  in  1880.  accept- 
etl  the  position  of  bookkeeper  and 
cashier  with  the  well-known  firm  of 
Keuffel  &.  Esser,  of  New  York,  man- 
ufacturers and  importers  of  dr.uving 
materials  and  mathematical  instru- 
ments, the  most  prominent  and  suc- 
cessful firm  in  this  trade  in  the 
countrv.  Mr.  j-ileckwenn,  with  good 
will  and  energy,  soon  mastered  the 
intricacies  of  his  new  position.  After 
a  short  time  he  was  given  full  power 
to  manage  the  extensive  financial 
affairs  of  the  firm.  Mr.  Bleckwenn  moved  to  reside  in  AsU)ria,  now  Long  Island  City,  in  1866,  and  in 
the  fall  of  1882,  when  he  was  with  the  firm  of  Keuffel  &  Esser,  he  \vas,  without  his  knowledge  and 
consent,  appointed  by  the  Common  Council  of  Long  Island  City  to  fill  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  City 
Treasurer  and  Receiver.  He  respectfully  declined  the  proffered  appointment,  and  it  was  not  until  the 
Common  Council  offered  him  the  appointment  a  second  time,  and  after  he  had  received  the  popular 
nomination  for  the  office  for  the  next  full  term,  that  he  accepted  both  appointment  and  nomination. 
He  was  elected  by  a  handsome  majority  over  a  very  prominent  and  popular  opponent  for  the  term 
ending  December  31,  1S85.  In  that  year  he  was  re-elected,  without  opposition,  for  another  term  of 
three  years.  In  1888  he  received  more  majority  than  his  i)pponent  received  votes,  for  a  third  term; 
andin  iS'.!  h.- un^  .l.-ct-.l   for  .1  fourtli  ttrm  by  a  large  majority.     Much  against  his  own   inclination 


IIAVU)    IIISCO.N. 


HIS  TOR ) '  OF  L ONG  /SLA ND  CI'IY.  157 

he  was  induced  again  to  accept  the  nomination  in  1894,  but  was  defeated  in  the  general  pohtical 
landsHde,  and  withdrew  from  piibUe  life  after  having  served  for  over  twelve  consecuti\'e  years. 

When  asked  by  a  friend  how  it  was  possible  that  he  was  defeated,  he  answered  in  his  characteristic 
pleasant  way:  "  Simply  because  I  did  not  get  enough  votes." 

At  the  time  when  Mr.  Bleckwenn  took  hold  of  the  responsible  oflFiee  the  city  was  at  the  verge  of 
bankruptcy,  but  by  hard  work  and  the  application  of  true  business  principles  he  soon  succeeded  to 
re-establish  the  credit  of  the  city.  Of  him  it  can  be  trutlifully  said  that  no  ])ublic  otlicial  ever  worked 
harder,  personally,  in  the  public  scr\-ice. 

About  the  time  of  the  expiration  of  his  last  term  of  office,  in  December  1894,  he  declined  the  offer 
of  a  lucrative  ])ublic  position.  The  honorable  position  of  trustee  of  the  Public  Library,  to  which  he 
was  appointed  by  Mayor  Sanford,  in  December,  1894,  he  has  resigned  since.  He  s,'iys  that  he  has 
served  the  public  long  enough  and  must  now  look  out  for  himself  and  his  family. 

Mr.  Bleckwenn  was  the  principal  organizer  of  the  Astoria  and  Hunter's  Point  Railroad  Company, 
whose  road  now  forms  the  "  HI ue  Line  "  branch  of  the  present  Steinway  Railway.  In  that  company 
he  held  the  position  of  tlirector  and  secretary  up  to  the  time  its  road  was  taken  charge  of  entirely  by 
its  lessee. 

Mr.  Bleckwenn  is  now  devoting  all  his  time  and  energy  to  the  development  of  the  real  estate  and 
insurance  business,  which  he  established  with  his  eldest  son,  Julius  Bleckwenn,  in  1S90,  and  the 
experience  which  both  have  as  conveyancers,  in  the  line  of  drawing  legal  documents,  entitle  them  to  a 
liberal  share  of  the  patronage  of  our  citizens. 

Mr.  Bleckwenn  was  rtrst  married,  in  1862,  to  Marie  Limberg,  sister  of  Mr.  Otto  Limberg.  of  this 
city.  She  died  in  1S82.  After  remaining  a  widower  for  .seven  years  he  contracted  a  second  hapjjy 
marriage,  in  1S89,  with  Katie  Korfmann,  daughter  of  the  late  ex-Aldcrnian  John  Korfmann,  of  this 
city. 

Of  the  eight  children  born  to  him  by  his  first  wife  only  two  are  now  living,  namely  his  eldest  son^ 
Julius  Bleckwenn,  his  partner  in  business,  and  his  son  Alfred  Bleckwenn,  who  is  a  clerk  in  the 
renowned  piano-forte  house  of  Steinway  61:  Sons.  By  his  present  wife  he  has  one  son.  Rudolph 
Bleckwenn. 

During  the  time  Mr.  Bleckwenn  resided  here  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  (lerinan  Refornied 
Church  of  Astoria  (Dr.  .Steinfuhrer). 

In  politics  Mr.  Bleckwenn  has  always  been  an  Independent  Democrat.  He  is  one  of  the  trustees 
of  the  Long  Island  City  Building  and  Loan  Associations  and  a  member  of  the  "  Frohsinn  "  and 
•' Astoria  Maennerchor"  Singing  Societies,  and  of  the  ''Long  Island  City  Turn  Vcrein."  He  is  a 
man  of  plain  and  correct  habits  and  hajjpy  disposition,  and  any  pers(jn  who  is  in  quest  of  good  advice 
will  find  in  him  an  open-hearted  friend. 

Bknjami.n  Wincrovk,  President  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  and  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Cier- 
man  settlement,  Astoria,  was  born  in  the  parish  of  Penn,  Buckinghamshire,  lingland.  November  17, 
1846.  The  rtrst  thirteen  years  of  his  life  were  passed  in  his  native  place,  where  he  attended  school  during 
the  winter  and  worked  on  farms  in  the  summer.  At  that  age  he  went  to  Twickenham,  where  he  was 
apprenticed  to  the  wheelwright's  trade.  Five  years  later  he  went  to  London,  where  for  a  period  of  two 
years  he  worked  at  his  trade.  In  1867  he  came  to  America,  landing  in  New  York  penniless  and  a 
stranger.  On  the  istof  May  following,  he  began  to  work  in  the  Fourth  Ward.  Long  Island  City,  where 
he  was  first  employed  by  Taylor  &•  Co.,  and  later  by  Schwartz  &  Son. 

In  January,  1868,  Mr.  Wingrove  married  Miss  Johanna  Schmidt,  a  native  of  Bunde,  Westiihalia. 
(lermany.  Three  daughters  comprise  the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wingrove:  Mary.  Augusta  and 
Adelaide.  The  family  is  prominent  in  social  circles,  where  they  are  also  very  popular.  Mr.  Wingrove 
is  a  large  real  estate  owner,  and  among  the  improvements  made  by  him  may  be  mentioned  the  three 
story  brick  block,  with  a  frontage  of  fifty  feet,  situated  on  Broadway  and  Ninth  avenue.  He  is  greatly 
interested  in  the  educational  interests  of  Long  Island  City,  and  when  elected  school  trustee,  he  was 
instrumental  in  securing  the  erection  of  the  schoolhouse  on  Ninth  avenue,  which  was  the  first  ever  built 
in  the  city.  Later  he  served  as  school  commissioner  imder  Mayor  Petry.  A  Democrat  in  politics,  he 
was  elected  to  represent  the  Fourth  Ward  on  the  Board  of  Aldermen  in  the  fall  of  1887,  and  served  two 
years.  In  1891  he  was  nominated  for  aldemian-at-large,  and  was  elected  by  twelve  hundred  majority 
and  re-elected  in  1893.  In  1895  he  was  chosen  President  of  the  Board.  Prior  to  this,  he  served  as 
Chairman  of  the  Public  Works  Committee.      In  1S94  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  State  Convention  of  his 


158 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


party,  and  during  the  same  year,  he  was  chairman  of  the  Jeffersonian  Democratic  general  committee, 
and  is  still  a  member,  also  chairman  of  the  Fourth  Ward  general  committee.  While  a  member  of  the 
council,  he  was  among  the  first  to  start  the  Vernon  and  Jackson  avenues,  and  the  Broadway  improve- 
ments. vSince  the  organization  of  the  general  improvement  committee  he  has  served  as  one  of  its 
active  members.  In  the  organization  of  the  Long  Island  City  Building  and  Loan  Association  he  took 
a  leading  part,  and  has  been  one  of  its  trustees  from  the  first.  He  is  a  member  of  a  number  of  organiza- 
tions, including  Enterprise  Lodge  No.  22.  K.  P.,  at  Astoria. 

Chari.ks  Wkslkv  Hallktt,  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  eldest  families  in  Astoria,  was  born  in  New 
York  City,  July  16,  1831.  He  received  a  careful  education  in  private  schools.  Mr.  Hallett  has  resided 
in  what  is  now  a  part  of  Long  Island  City  ever  since  he  was  eighteen  months  old,  he  having  been 
orphaned  at  that  age.  and  was  reared  by  his  grand]xirents  until  their  death.     He  is.  and  has  been  a 

successful  merchant,  doing  business  at  127  Fulton 
avenue  for  many  years.  Mr.  Hallett  is  a  trustee 
of  the  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank.  He  has 
served  two  terms  as  a  member  of  the  board  of 
aldermen,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  board  of 
water  commissioners.  He  is  a  member  of  Astoria 
Lodge  No.  155,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  of  Advance  Lodge 
No.  635,  F.  and  A.M.  He  is  prominently  identified 
with  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Astoria. 
On  March  19,  1857,  Mr.  Hallett  married  Miss 
Christina  Crawford  Ellison,  to  whom  six  children 
have  been  born,  three  sons  and  throe  daugliters. 

David  Hiscox  was  born  in  Newfoundland, 
N.  J.,  October  4,  1837.  Tlie  family  of  which  he 
is  a  member  originated  in  England  and  Wales. 
The  name  was  originally  Hitchcock,  but  was 
changed  to  its  present  spelling  during  the  life  of 
the  grandfather  of  this  sketch.  Mr.  Hiscox  was 
the  eldest  child  of  his  parents.  Freeman  and  Nancy 
(Westerfield)  Hiscox.  He  was  reared  at  Fort 
r>ec,  N.  J.,  and  New  York  City,  attending 
•  iramniar  School  No.  15,  in  l*'ifth  street,  where 
he  graduated.  He  then  entered  New  York 
College,  where  he  remained  until  his  junior  year, 
and  then,  owing  to  ill-health  gave  up  his  studies. 
For  several  years  he  was  a  clerk  in  his  father's 
timber  yard  in  New  York.  He  afterwards  began 
the  study  of  art,  making  a  specialty  of  landscape  painting,  but  his  health  again  becoming  impaired, 
forced  him  to  change  his  occupation.  Entering  the  wholesale  drug  house  of  S.  R.  \'an  Duzer,  he 
was  placed  in  the  charge  of  the  manufacture  of  patent  medicines,  and  in  that  way  was  led  into  his 
present  business.  Resigning  his  position  in  1875,  Mr.  Hiscox  associated  himself  with  other  gentlemen 
and  started  in  the  manufacture  of  medicines  in  New  York  City.  He  began  the  manufacture  of 
Parker's  Hair  Balsam  and  Ginger  Tonic.  His  other  specialties  are  now  Hindercorns,  Greve's 
Ointment  and  Greve's  Horse  Ointment.  In  1868  he  bought,  and  two  years  later  built,  at  No.  382 
Webster  avenue.  Long  Island  City,  and  in  1890  erected  a  large  brick  building,  three  stories  in 
height,  and  here  he  has  his  manufactory  and  store  room,  the  business  being  carried  on  under  the 
firm  name  of  Hiscox  &  Co.  His  medicines  are  .sold  not  only  in  the  United  States,  but  throughout 
the  world. 

Mr.  Hiscox  married  Miss  Mary  Van  Velsor,  of  Long  Island  City,  and  a  daugiiter  of  Ebenezer 
Van  Velsor,  who  at  one  time  was  a  prominent  contractor  and  builder,  and  is  now  living  retired.  Six 
children  have  been  the  fruits  of  their  marriage,  viz:  Everett,  Jessie,  Frederick,  Hattie,  ^L-ly  and 
Daisy.  Politically,  Mr.  Hiscox  is  independent.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Association  of  Proprietary 
Articles  in  the  United  States,  also  the  Wholesale  Druggists'  Association.  He  has  jjrospered  in 
business  to  a  remarkable  extent,  and  has  the  warm  friendship  of  all  who  know  him. 


mil,     DKrlcASKP 


//fsroRY  or  Loxc;  fSL.ixn  c/rv.  159 

Aukam  Rm'Eivk  Toi  ikn  was  born  at  Bowery  Bay  (Norlh  Beach),  L.  I.,  in  the  honiestcad  still 
in  possession  of  the  Totten  family.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  at  Steinway. 
where  he  is  an  active  worker.  His  two  sisters,  Gertrude  Rapel)e  T(Jtten,  and  Mary  Catharine,  the 
wife  of  the  celebrated  ])ianist  and  composer.  Ferdinand  Ouentin  Dulcken,  reside  in  their  picturesque 
villa  on  Debevf)ise  avenue,  Astoria. 

Abraham  Rapclye  Totten  had  three  brothers,  the  two  eldest,  Joseph  and  Isaac,  dyini;  in  early 
manhood.  William,  the  younj^est  brother,  is  living  in  New  York  City,  and  is  married  to  Emma  Louisa, 
daughter  of  Elizabeth  Larremore  and  Martin  Rapelye,  having  one  child,  Charles  Herfiman  Totten. 

Abram  Totten's  mother  was  Ann  Eliza  Rapelye,  daughter  of  Margaret  Polhemus  and  Isaac 
Rapelye,  two  of  the  oldest  and  most  respectable  families  of  Long  Island.  She  had  two  sisters,  Ger- 
trude, and  Aletta  V.  A.  Van  Wyck,  and  two  brothers,  Daniel,  dying  in  boyhood,  and  Jacob  Polhemus 
Rapelye,  who  died  October  20,  1883. 

Mr.  Totten's  father  was  Jacob  Suydam,  son  of  Catharine  Monfort  and  Joseph  Totten.  The 
famil\-  has  many  mementoes  of  these  old  families.  Old  Bibles,  printed  in  the  Holland  tongue,  with 
the  name  of  Monfort  written  on  the  fly-leaf  and  engraven  on  the  silver  clasp.  A  marriage  certificate, 
written  on  parchment,  well  preserved,  of  Sarah  De  Blanck  to  Pietor  Monfort,  at  Amsterdam,  Holland, 
dated  June  11,  1630,  who  came  to  this  country  the  same  year.  A  will  of  Sarah  De  Blanck  Monfort, 
beciueathing  her  property  to  her  son  Yan  (John).  A  lieutenant's  commission,  given  to  one  Pietor 
Monfort,  signed  and  sealed  by  Richard,  Earl  of  Bellmont,  and  dated  1698,  and  many  other  old  and 
curious  documents.  Mr.  Totten  is  fond  of  reading,  has  a  large  collection  of  old  coins  and  Indian 
arrowheads,  found  on  the  Totten  and  Rapelye  properties  at  Bowery  Bay.  He  has  presented  some 
from  his  collection  to  the  New  York  and  Long  Island  Historical  Societies. 

John  AxDRKw  S.\irrn. — Among  the  pioneers  of  Long  Island  City  none  was  more  widely  known 
than  J.  Andrew  Smith,  familiarly  called  "  Pop"  Smith. 

He  was  born  in  John  street.  New  York  City,  July  12,  1S08.  His  boyhood  days  were  spent  in 
private  schools  in  New  York,  getting  there  the  foundation  principles  of  the  successful  life  which  he 
afterwards  led.  His  school  days  were  limited,  but  Mr.  Smith,  as  known,  was  a  successful,  shrewd 
business  man,  and  self-made,  as  regards  his  educational  qualities  and  abilities. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  of  Dutch  parents,  his  father  having  emigrated  to  this  country  from  Amster- 
dam, Holland,  while  still  young  in  years.  Our  subject  made  several  trips  to  his  father's  native  home 
during  his  early  manhood. 

Mr.  Smith,  Sr.,  moved  from  the  city  to  Seneca  County,  New  York,  where  he  located  on  a  farm 
while  his  family  were  yet  young,  taking  most  of  his  large  family  of  boys  with  him,  a  few,  however, 
remaining  behind,  and  among  those  was  John  Andrew,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  By  trade  he  was 
a  cooper,  and  followed  it  until  his  marriage  in  1833. 

Hisfrequent  changes  in  business  made  him  well  known  in  l-"uhun  market  and  along  the  shores  of  the 
East  River,  where  he  kept  fishing  stations  at  Kip's  and  Turtle  Bays.  His  changes  in  business  sometimes 
led  to  a  change  of  residence,  and  among  the  places  where  he  resided  was  Thirty-  fifth  street  and 
Forty-eighth  street,  where  he  built  himself  homes,  these,  however,  he  disposed  of  when  he  came  to  this 
city,  that  part  then  known  as  Hunter's  Point. 

Mr.  Smith  moved  to  Hunter's  Point  in  1853,  this  was  before  the  days  of  ferry  communication,  and 
when  vacant  lots  and  fields  were  the  only  things,  where  rows  of  brick  houses  now  stand.  He  located 
on  the  ICast  River,  where  what  is  nt)w  known  as  foot  of  loth  street.  While  there  he  engaged  in  ferry- 
ing ])eople  across  the  river  in  small  boats,  and  at  the  same  time  keeping  a  few  boats  and  other  necessities 
for  the  accommodation  of  fishermen.  After  a  period  of  a  year  or  two,  Mr.  Smith  moved  to  his  newly 
ac([uired  property  at  and  adjoining  X'ernon  avenue  and  Third  street. 

On  February  13,  1833.  Mr.  Smith  married  Catharine  Ann  Gibson,  daughter  of  the  late  Sandy 
Gihsuii,  of  Bushwick,  L.  I.  Mrs.  .Smith  still  survives  her  husband  at  the  age  of  eighty  years,  and  is 
enjoying  splendid  health,  and  all  her  faculties.  To  the  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  were  born  nine 
children,  namely:  Jane  E.,  Adaline,  Maria  R.,  Mary  Louisa,  John  A.,  Jr.,  and  George  P.,  now  dead, 
and  Frances  C.  (now  Mrs.  C.  F.  \'er  Buck)  of  Bingham  ton,  N.  Y. ,  Ehzabeth  J.  (now  Mrs.  J.  (5. 
Sterner)  of  Allentown,  Pa.,  and  Amanda  M.  (now  Mrs.  New)  wife  of  Alfred  L.  New  (see  sketch), 
a  resident  of  this  city. 

Mr.  Smith,  in  1859,  entered  into  the  general  grocery  business  at  39  Vernon  avenue,  remaining  in 
the  same  until  he  sold  out  to  J.   N.   New  &   Brother.     Then  Mr.  Smith  opened  an  oyster  saloon  in  the 


i6o 


HISrORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


basement  of  the  liuiklinjj,    later  he   removed   to  35    Vernon  avenue,  two  doors   lielow,  and   remained 
there  imtil  the  time  of  his  death. 

He  was  well  known  throughout  his  life  and  admired  by  many  of  those  who  knew  him.  It  has 
been  said  that  he  was  known  by  his  peeiiliarities,  and  persons  who  did  not  know  "Pop"  Smith 
personally,  knew  of  him  throu}»-h  this  eaiise.  He  never  took  any  active  part  in  political  matters,  not 
even  when  the  city  was  chartered,  on  national  issues  and  at  nation  elections  he  was  a  Democrat. 

He  was  stern  and  of  sharp  temper,  althoiijfh  he  possessed  a  tender  heart  and  felt  keenly  for  the 

sufferings  of  humanity  and  especially  that  of  his  neighbors,  and  was  always  looked  up  to  for  counsel 

and  advice.     While  Mr.  Smith  was  never  connected  witli  any  church,  he  adhered  to  the  Baptist  Faith 

and  was  a  regular  attendant  at  the  East  Avcnne  Baptist  Chnrch  and  a  liberal  siipporter  of  the  Gospel. 

Fraternally  he   was  not  connected  with    man\-  orders.      He   believed  a  man's   place  was  at  home 

with  his  family  and  he  adhered  close  to  his  belief. 
He  was,  nevertheless,  a  member  of  Island  City, 
Lodge  5.S6,  I',  and  .\.  M.  and  of  Banner  Chapter 
-M  (.   I\.  .\.   M.,  of  which  he  was  ])ast  High  Priest. 

.Also  an  exempt  fireman  of  the  old  New  York 
X'olunteer  service,  having  served  his  time  as  a 
member  of  Engine  Company  Xo.  4(S.  Mr.  Smith 
(lii'd  MarcJi  6,  1883,  at  the  age  of  74  years. 

lie  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  tlie  Long- 
Island  t"it\'  Savings  Bank  and  was  a  director  from 
liinc  of  charter  to  his  death. 

].  Rri  rs  'ri-.KKN,  wlio  is  a  well-known  contractor 
and  builder,  was  born  in  Xew  York  City,  in  185?, 
being  a  son  of  J.  Rufus  and  Eleanor  (Gardner)  Terry, 
natix'es  respective)}'  of  Riverhead  and  New  York 
City.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  second 
(.'hi Id  horn  to  his  parents.  His  childhood  days  were 
passed  in  Long  Island  City  and  Jersey  City,  and  his 
cihication  was  obtained  principally  in  the  New  York 
Cit\- giammar  schools.  About  1865  became  to  Long 
Island  City,  where  he  grew  to  manhood  and  has 
since  made  his  home.  After  gaining  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  civil  engineering,  he  aided  in  the 
survey  and  construction  ot  the  old  Midland  Railrt)ad, 
between  Walton  and  Jersey  City,  and  also  assisted 
in  a  number  of  important  contracts.  Turning  his 
attention  from  civil  engineering  to  a  mercantile  life, 
Mr.  Terrj'  accepted  a  position  as  salesman  in  a  hat, 
,  where  he  remained  for  ten  years.  From  that  he 
drifted  into  the  real  estate  and  building  busines.s.  In  18S3  he  began  to  take  contracts  for  liuilding, 
and  since  that  time  he  has  constructed  a  large  number  of  residences  on  Webster  avenue  and  in  that 
vicinity.  While  he  has  disposed  of  a  number  of  the.se  residences,  he  is  still  the  owner  of  several 
hou.ses  and  many  lots  suitable  for  building  purposes.  He  is  a  skillful  architect  and  excellent 
draughtsman,  and  takes  contracts  for  general  building.  Among  his  real  estate  sales  are  some  of  the 
largest  that  have  been  made,  either  here  or  in  New  York,  and  he  has  been  especially  active  in 
handling  sales  in  additions. 

In  Long  Island  City  Mr.  Terry  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Gardner,  whose  father,  Thomas  Gardner, 
was  a  prominent  farmer  of  that  vicinity.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Terry  attend  the  Baptist  Church,  and  are 
contributors  for  its  support. 

James  Mookk  Whitcomi!,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent  residents  of  Long  Island  City, 
was  \v>Yn  in  Worcester  County,  Ma.ss.,  January  11,  1824.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Queens  County 
since  [845,  and  a  resident  of  Long  Island  City  .since  1852.  The  suoject  of  this  .sketch  was  the  oldest 
child  of  his  parents,  and  grew  up  on  his  fallier's    farm,  receiving    about    two    months    .schooling    each 


leather  anil  trimmings  store  in  New  York   Cit\ 


/ffs  I \  'A' ) '  ( >/•"  /. c )Av;  /.sv. . ;  A7:»  (  /  /• ) '.  1 6 1 

year  until  fifteen  years  old.  lie  then  took  charjie  of  the  farm  and  carried  it  on  until  he  had  reached 
liis  twenty-first  year,  after  which  he  removed  to  Lonjj  Island.  In  April,  1852,  Mr.  Wliitcomb  embarked 
in  the  livery  business  in  Lonjr  Island  City,  in  which  he  has  continued  ever  since. 

Mr,  Whitcomb  is  a  staunch  Republican  in  his  politics.  Duriiij;  the  years  1865-66-67,  was  Harbor 
Master.  He  assisted  in  starting  the  first  Republican  Club  in  Long  Island  City  and  at  Winfield,  and 
became  prominently  identified  with  his  party.  During  the  war  he  was  lieutenant  of  the  Hamilton 
Rifles  of  Astoria,  and  since  then  has  been  Deputy  Sheriff  of  Queens  County  at  different  times.  On 
the  6th  of  Ai)ril,  1846,  he  became  a  member  of  Pacific  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  in  Flushing,  and  is  now  a 
r.iember  of  Astoria  Lodge,  and  is  the  oldest  Odd  Fellow  in  Long  Island  City.  Since  1865  he  has  been 
a  charter  member  of  Astoria  Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M.  He  is  one  of  the  life  members  of  the  Queens 
County  Agricultural  Societj',  of  which  he  has  served  as  Director. 

Mr.  Whitcomb  was  first  married  in  Flushing,  L.  I.,  to  Miss  Rebecca  Thorn  (now  deceased).  Five 
cliildren  were  born  to  their  marriage.  Mr.  Whitconib's  second  marriage  occurred  in  New  Y(jrk, 
February  28,  1866,  and  united  him  to  Miss  Alta  (Joins.  She  died  in  18S7,  leaving  four  children.  Mr. 
Whitcomb  served  for  twelve  years  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  School  Trustees.  He  has  resitled  at 
Xo.  5.1  Fulton  avenue  since  1855. 

Mrs.  M.vrv  J.  R.  Nkw  roN-SrK.\xi;,  who,  for  the  past  fifteen  years  has  held  the  position  of  school 
trustee  in  the  Fourth  Ward  of  Long  Island  City,  and  who  recently  declined  to  accept  the  renomination 
for  the  office,  has  the  honorable  distinction  of  being  the  only  woman  who  was  ever  elected  to  an  ofiice 
in  that  turbulent  municipality.  She  has  held  the  position  for  five  terms,  being  always  elected  by  a  hand- 
some majority,  which  is  an  evidence  of  her  popularity  among  the  voters  and  those  interested  in  school 
work  in  the  bailiwick.  Since  her  election,  in  1S80,  she  has  been  the  .Active  .Secretary  of  the  Board  of 
School  Trustees,  writing  the  minutes  of  their  various  meetings  and  ])etitions  in  the  interests  of  the 
schools. 

.\Itliough  Mrs.  Xewton-Strang  has  been  opposed  by  Republican  and  (lleason  as])irants  for  the  otliee, 
who  invariably  made  a  hustling  canvass  by  visiting  various  saloons  in  the  Fourth  Ward  and  raising  ban- 
ners and  transparencies  in  all  parts  of  the  neighborhood,  together  with  pyrotechnic  displays  and  mass 
meetings  to  boom  their  candidacy,  she  was  never  defeated.  She  docs  not  believe  that  candidates  for 
public  office  should  solicit  votes,  but  gracefully  submit  to  the  choice  of  the  people  when  they  go  to  the 
polls.  She  firmly  believes  that  a  public  ofHce  is  a  public  trust,  and  should  be  religiously  guarded  by 
those  perscms  chosen  by  the  voters  of  the  city.  .Vt  no  time  has  Mrs.  Xewton-Str.mg  left  her  own  fire- 
side to  improve  her  chances  for  election. 

Mrs.  Newton-Strang  was  born  in  Xew  York  City,  March  30,  1826,  where  she  taught  school  for  five 
years.  In  1852  she  became  a  resident  of  the  Astt>ria  section  of  Long  Island  City,  and  a  year  later 
became  principal  of  the  ])rimary  department  of  the  new  public  school.  Dr.  S.  T.  W.  Sanford,  father 
of  Mayor  Horatio  S.  Sanford,  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  .School  Trustees.  She  retired  from  her  school 
duties  in  1864,  esteemed  and  respected  by  all  of  her  pupils  and  their  parents.  A  few  months  later  she 
moved  with  her  family  to  Bedford  avenue,  Brooklyn,  where  her  parents  and  brothers,  J.  H.  and 
S.  L.  Rowland,  resided. 

In  1868,  Mrs.  Xewton-Strang  returned  to  Astoria  and  occupied  her  former  residence  on  Lockwood 
street.  At  a  meeting  of  those  interested  in  woman's  work  associated  with  educational  matter  held  at 
tile  Fourth  Ward  schoolhouse  on  October  16,  1880,  she  was  unanimously  nominated  for  school  trustee 
of  the  Fourth  Ward.  Altliough  inclined  to  decline  the  honor,  her  many  friends  persuaded  her  to 
accept,  which  she  reluctantly  did.  Siie  received  the  unsolicited  nomination  of  the  Fourth  Ward  Re- 
publicans for  school  trustee  on  October  28,  1880,  and  was  elected.  Her  ojjponents  were  greatlj- 
eiiagrined  at  her  success.  A  congratulatory  meeting  of  the  friends  of  the  newly  elected  trustee  was 
held  in  Washington  Hall,  Astoria,  on  November  8,  i38o,  when  addresses  eulogizing  Mrs.  Newton- 
Strang,  were  made  by  Mis.  Dr.  Lozier,  Mrs.  Lillie  Devereaux  Blake,  Mrs.  H.  M.  Slocum,  Mrs.  E. 
(i.  Conkling,  and  m  iny  others.  In  1883,  1886,  1889  and  1892,  Mrs.  Strang  was  successively  re-elected 
to  the  office.  She  has  held  the  office  under  the  following  mayors  of  the  city:  H.  S.  Debevoise, 
George  Petry,  Patrick  J.  (ileason  and  Horatio  S.  Sanford.  During  her  term  of  office  the  following 
well-known  residents  have  been  school  commissioners  of  the  Fourth  Ward:  Messrs.  Johnson,  Smythe, 
Skene,  Wingrove,  Moulton,  lieebe,  Allen,  Pitcher,  Neisenger  and  Deans. 

After  fifteen  years  of  faithful  service  as  a  school  trustee,  Mrs.  vSirang  has  declined  a  renomination 
for  the  office,  which  was  recently  protYered  her  by  the  Jerfersonian    Democracy,  on  whose  ticket  she 


1 6.' 


///STORY  OF  LOA'G  ISLAA'D  CITY. 


was  elected  in  1S92.  In  writing  to  a  friend  recently,  Mrs.  Strang  said:  "A  while  ago  I  promised  my 
dear  husband  and  daughter  that  if  I  were  spared  to  see  January  1,  1896,  I  would  then  cease  to  perform 
anyfurther  duties  as  school  trustee  of  the  city.  It  is  with  a  feeling  somewhat  of  regret  that  I  now 
decline  the  kind  offer  of  the  nomination  for  school  trustee  of  the  Fourth  Ward  of  Long  Island  City.  I 
have  been  identified  with  school  work  for  a  number  of  years,  and  enjoyed  many  pleasant  associations 
with  it  and  I  hope,  while  my  life  continues,  I  will  always  feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  public  schools  as 
a  means  of  doing  so  much  good  for  the  present  and  future  generations  of  those  who  will  avail  them- 
selves of  their  benefit." 

It  was  chiefly  through  the  indefatigable  efforts  of  Mrs.  Newton-Strang  that  a  handsome  school 
buildino-  has  been  erected  on  Kouwenhoven  street,  in  the  Fourth  Ward.  The  property,  which  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable  in  the  city,  has  a  frontage  of  125  feet  and  a  depth  of  190  feet.  The  school  liuild- 
ings  and  ground  costing  about  $60,000. 

She  was  also  much  interested  in  theselection  of  the  plot  and  buildingof  the  High  School  on  Fulton 
street,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  localities  in  the  city. 

Duiiu"  the  time  that  Mrs.  Strang  has  been  in  office    there  has  been  erected  a  new  school  building 

in  each  of  the  five  wards  that  compose  Long  Island  City. 

In  1858  Mrs.  Newton-Strang  united  with  the  Presby- 
terian Church  at  Astoria,  under  the  pastorate  ol  the  late  Rev. 
B.  F.  Stead,  D.  D. ,  where  she  taught  in  the  Sabbath  School 
for  many  years,  and  was  treasurer  of  the  Ladies'  Society 
for  the  past  twenty-three  years. 

Mrs.  Strang  resides  in  a  pretty  cottage  at  307  Jamaica 
avenue.  Her  home  is  surrounded  by  a  large  gai^den  and  a 
well  kept  lawn,  and  some  of  the  rarest  plants  are  to  be  seen 
on  all  sides.  Mrs.  Strang  is  an  enthusiastic  horticulturist, 
and  personally  looks  after  her  collection  of  flowers.  The 
exquisite  taste  in  arranging  her  garden  is  admired  by  all 
who  pass  her  home.  Mrs.  Strang's  term  of  office  expired 
with  the  advent  of  1896. 

IsA.vc  B.  Str.4NG  is  one  of  the  oldest  living  residents 
and  native  born  citizens  of  Astoria,  L.  I.  He  was  born 
[aniuiry  17,  1820,  in  the  hou.se  at  the  corner  of  Rem.sen 
and  Welling  streets,  Astoria,  The  residence  has  been 
occupied  for  many  years  by  the  Rev.  P.  Bartlett.  His 
])arents,  Garrett  S.  and  Susan  (Bragaw)  Strang,  were  also 
natives  of  Astoria.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Soloman  S. 
Strang,    was  a  native  American,   of  iMX'nch   extraction,    his 


JAMES    M,    WlinCOMB, 


])arents  having  come   to  this  country  from    France  years  prior  to  his  birth. 


In 


he  ioincd  the 


American  forces  and  fought  bravely  against  the  British  for  the  freedom  of  his  adopted  country.  In 
after  years  he  became  the  owner  of  the  farm  located  a  mile  from  Ninety-second  street  ferry,  and  now 
owned  by  the  late  Francis  Briell's  heirs,  which  he  sold  and  afterward  purchased  a  farm  in  the  lower  part 
of  Astoria,  where  he  died.  This  farm  was  subsequently  purchased  by  his  son,  Garrett  S.  vStrang,  a 
portion  of  which  is  now  the  heart  of  Astoria.  In  1835  he  sold  it  and  bought  land  fwur  miles  from 
Newtown  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  at  the  age  of  78  years.  For  many  years  he  was  a  Jacksonian 
Democrat.  His  wife  was  the  daughter  of  Isaac  Bragaw,  who  owned  a  farm  of  eighty  acres  between 
what  is  now  Broadway  and  Jamaica  avenue,  Astoria.  The  earthly  career  of  Mrs,  (iarrett  vS,  .Strang 
was  closed  in  1825. 

She  was  the  mother  of  three  sons,  all  of  wliom  reached  honorable  manhood.  Sojonian,  a  carriage 
manufacturer,  died  in  Jamaica,  L.    1, 

Isaac  B.  is  our  subject,  and  Charles,  who  became  a  contractor  and  builder,  died  on  the  old  hiMue 
jilace,  now  the  Boulevard. 

Their  father  married  again,  and  to  his  second  union  were  given  two  ilaughters  and  one  son, 
John  Strang  and  his  sister,  Mrs.  Ldnelin  Woods,  have  passed  from  this  life.  Their  sister  Anna  is  still 
living 

Isaac  B.  Strang  was  educated  in   Astoria  in  the  subscription  schools  in    vogue  at   that  time.      The 


1 1  IS  TOR  J '  OF  L  (hVG  ISLAND  C/7V.  1 63 

Whittcmores  and  Blackwclls  were  his  schoolmates.  In  his  early  years  he  assisted  his  father  on  the 
farm  and  later  he  learned  the  earpjnter's  trade.  In  due  time  he  eommeneed  building  and  eontraetinjj 
on  his  own  account,  he  constructed  many  residences  in  Lonjj  Island  City,  amonjr  which  were  those  of 
Messrs.  Hlaekwell,  Freeman,  (ien.  Hopkins  and  many  others.  His  own  pleasant  and  commodious 
residence  he  built. 

In  Brooklyn,  November  26,  1.S46,  he  married  Miss  Ann  Bragaw,  a  daughter  of  John  <1.  Bragaw, 
who  was  a  farmer  in  the  vicinity  of  L.  I.  City.  She  was  an  esteemed  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  She  died  December  3,  18S5,  leaving  one  child,  Charles  (i.,  who  was  educated  here 
and  in  New  York  City.  He  married  Miss  .\nnie  Bergen,  of  Jamaica.  They  have  two  sons  and  a 
daughter. 

Mr.  Strang's  second  marriage  occurred  in  Astoria,  on  March  15,  1887,  uniting  him  with  Mrs. 
Mary  j.  (Rowland)  Newton,  who  was  born  in  New  York  City,  a  daughter  of  William  Rowlaml,  a 
native  of  Huntington,  L.  I.  He  was  an  Attorney-at-Law,  and  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Clnirch.  Politically  he  was  an  enthusiastic  old  line  \Vhig.  He  died  in  Brooklyn,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
two  years.  His  father,  John  Rowland,  was  in  the  American  Xavy  during  the  war  of  1812,  he  owned 
a  large  farm  at  Middle  Island,  L.  I. 

His  wife,  Mary  Wareham,  was  born  in  New  York,  her  father  was  an  engraver  and  a  member  of 
St.  Johns  (Masonic)  Lodge.  No.  i.  Mary  (Wareham)  Rowland  died  in  Brooklyn,  at  the  age  of  si.xty- 
seven  years,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  her.  She  was  the  mother  of  four  daughters  and  four  sons.  Two 
daughters  and  two  sons  are  still  living,  the  latter  oi  whom,  John  H.  and  Sidney  L.,  reside  in  Brooklyn. 

Mrs.  Strang  attended  Prof.  I)e  Yerell's  school  at  Patchogue,  L.  I.,  and  at  the  early  age  of  fifteen 
years  began  teaching  school,  which  occupation  she  thoroughly  enjoyed.  She  was  first  married  in  New 
York  to  William  Xcwton.  He  died  in  Astoria,  February  16,  1884.  and  was  buried  in  (Ireenwood  Cemetery. 
He  left  a  widow  and  one  surviving  daughter,  Anna  A.  N.,  wife  of  William  .A.  Peal.  She  was  educated 
hero  and  in  Brooklyn,  and  is  the  mother  of  four  daughters  anel  three  sons.  .Mr.  .Strang  is  a  charter 
member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  Astoria,  also  belongs  to  the  Sons  of  Temperance, 
and  has  long  been  a  faithful  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in  which  he  has  been  Trustee, 
Steward  and  Class-leader,  besides  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School.  He  is  a  Republican  politically, 
and  is  the  oldest  living  settler  of  Astoria,  remembering  many  interesting  events  connected  with  its 
early  history. 

He  has  always  been  a  u.scful  citi/.en,  and  now  in  the  autmnn  of  his  life  is  surrounded  by  a  host  of 
warm  friends. 

Hon.  J.vmes  A.  McKknna,  postmaster  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born  in  Westchester  County, 
N.  Y.,  February  17,  1857.  He  is  of  Irish  descent,  and  is  the  son  of  Patrick  and  Elizabeth  (Darby) 
McKenna,  the  former  having  been  born  in  New  York  City,  and  the  latter  in  Ireland.  The  subject  of 
our  sketch  spent  his  boyhood  days  in  Long  Island  City,  and  when  fourteen  years  of  age  graduated 
from  the  high  school  there,  after  which  he  secured  a  position  as  bookkeeper  with  a  firm  in  New  York 
York  City.  In  187 1  he  returned  to  Long  Island  City,  and  for  si.\  months  was  a  clerk  in  the  Finance 
Department,  and  was  subsequently  promoted  to  the  position  of  Deputy  Treasurer  and  Recorder  of 
Taxes.  In  the  meantime,  during  the  evenings,  he  devoted  his  time  to  a  course  of  study  at  the  New 
York  Evening  High  School,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1875.  In  1876  he  became  managing  clerk 
for  Robert  L.  Fabian,  a  public  accountant,  of  New  York,  by  whom  he  was  taken  into  partnersnip  a 
tew  years  later,  and  on  the  death  of  tiiat  gentleman  he  became  sole  proprietor  of  the  business,  which 
he  h:is  continued  ever  since.  As  an  accountant  he  is  well  and  favorably  known  all  over  the  United 
.States  and  Canada.  A  moderate  estimate  of  his  settlements  of  fire  insurance  claims  places  the  amount 
at  more  than  §50,000,000. 

May  1,  1S87.  Mr.  McKenna  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Long  Island  City,  and  in  April  of  the 
succeeding  year  he  organized  the  free  delivery  department,  consolidating  the  service,  and  doing  away 
with  the  offices  at  Astoria.  Ravenswood,  .Schuetzen  Park,  Steinway,  Blissville  and  Dutch  Kills,  .said 
offices  becoming  stations  of  the  Long  Island  City  post  office.  In  1870  he  was  removed  by  President 
Harri.son.  but  in  June,  1893,  he  was  re-appointed  by  President  Cleveland,  and  still  continues  in  the 
office,  and  is  popular  with  the  patrons,  irrespective  of  politics. 

Outlay  12th,  1880,  Mr.  McKenna  married  Miss  Catherine  Kelly,  a  native  of  Wyndham,  N.  Y. 
Five  children  have  been  born  to  them,  viz. ,  James  (now  deceased),  Catherine,  Joseph,  James  and 
William.     The  familv  is  identified  with  St.  Marv's  Catholic  Church. 


104 


M/STOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAXD  CITY 


Mr.  McKcnna  is  a  prominent  Democrat.  In  the  fall  of  1890  he  was  nominated  for  Assemblyman 
from  the  Second  District  of  Queens  County,  then  comprising  Long  Island  City,  Newtown,  Jamaica, 
and  Hempstead.  He  was  elected  by  a  good  majority.  During  his  term  he  was  instrumental  in  the 
passage  of  the  bill  providing  for  the  improvement  of  Jackson  and  X'enion  avenues.  He  drew  up  and 
l)rescnted  a  bill  to  reduce  the  price  of  gas  in  Long  Lsland  City  to  §1.25  per  thousand  cubic  feet,  which 
passed  the  House  but  not  the  Senate.  His  influence  was  felt  in  many  bills  benefiting  his  distrijt.  It 
was  due  his  energy  and  perseverance  in  the  matter  that  the  consent  of  the  State  was  granted  per- 
mitting incorporated  villages  to  vote  on  the  question  with  lighting  their  streets  with  gas  or  electricity. 

Of  the  thirty  bills  which  he  originated 
about  one-half  were  passed.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Insurance  and  Dem- 
ocratic Clubs  of  New  York  and  the 
Jefferson  Club  of  Long  Island  City. 

Hfxrv  a.  C.assf.hekr  was  born 
in  New  Viirk  City,  at  the  corner  of 
Broome  and  Orchard  streets,  October 
14,  1S44.  His  early  education  was 
ol)tainedat  the  West  Bloonifiekl  (now 
Montclair).  X.  J.,  Academy.  His 
professional  studies  he  pursued  at 
Frankfort  -  on  -  the  -  Main,  ( Jermany, 
and  at  the  College  oi  Pharmacy, 
New  York  City.  After  completing 
his  education  Mr.  Cassebeer  engaged 
in  the  apothecary  business,  being 
located  at  255  and  257  Columbus 
avenue,  and  at  the  corner  of  East 
Seventy-second  street  and  Madison 
aventte.  New  York  City.  He  also 
has  an  extensive  laboratory,  which  he 
established  in  1894,  at  Steinway,  L.  I. 
His  apothecary  was  originally  estab- 
lished by  his  great  grandfather  in 
1778.  The  products  of  his  labora- 
tory are  known  all  over  the  United 
States,  Mexico  and  the  West  Indies. 
At  his  laboratory  in  vSteinway,  Mr. 
Cassebeer  employs  a  large  numl)er 
of  employees.  He  lias  resided  in 
that  ])lace  for  the  past  twenty-six 
years,  long  before  any  iniprovenients 
were  made. 
Mr.  Cassebeer  is  a  member  of  the  Torry  Botanical  Club,  the  Linna;an  Society,  College  of 
Pharmacy  (of  which  he  was  secretary  and  trustee  for  more  tiian  seventeen  years),  Liederkranz, 
Deutsch  Verein,  and  a  number  of  other  social  organizations.  Politically,  he  is  one  of  the  old-line 
Democrats,  and  was  at  one  time  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Health  of  Long  Island  City.  He  resigned 
that  position  after  serving  for  six  months. 

Mr.  Cassebeer  married  Miss  Louisa  Ziegler  (now  deceased),  Januar\-  17,  1.S71,  to  wjiom  four 
children  were  born.      His  second  marriage  occurred  July  27,  1891,   to  Julia  Schmidt  Ziegler. 

LuciKN  Knapp,  City  Treasurer  and  Receiver  of  Taxes  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born  at  vStrass- 
burg  on  the  Rhine,  in  1848.  He  is  the  son  of  John  G.  and  Sophie  M.  Knapp,  who  came  to  America 
in  1855,  settling  in  New  York  City,  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch  gained  his  rudimentary  education 
in  the  public  .schools,  after  wliich  he  com|)leted  his  studies  in  tlie  College  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

Mr.  Knapp  lias  resided  in  yiieens  County  since  (862  (excepting  for  a  few  years  spent  in  Brook- 
lyn), and  in  Long  Island  City  since  1890.      For  ten  years  he  was  connected  with  tjie    extensive    manu- 


JAMKS    A.    MCKKNNA. 


///STORY  O J'  LONG  ISLAN/)  CriY 


i6s 


facttiriny  csuiblislmicnl  of  Lalancc  <S:  Grosjcan,  located  at  "Woodliavcii,  Long  Island.  Later  on,  witli 
his  father,  he  established  the  widely-known  brass  goods  manufacturing  plant,  the  Knapp  Jhinufactur- 
ing  Company,  of  which  he  is  the  President  and  Treasurer.  In  1866  Mr.  Knapp  began  the  study  of 
engineering,  which  he  preferred  to  remaining  in  the  counting  room.  At  twenty-one  jears  of  age  he 
began  to  do  business  on  his  own  account,  and  for  more  than  twentj'-five  years  has  devoted  himself 
assiduously  to  his  manufacturing  interests.  As  a  salesman  and  commercial  traveler  he  has  visited 
every  city  of  note  in  the  United  States  and  Europe,  introducing  and  selling  his  goods  in  the  line  of 
sanitary  and  plumbers'  specialties,  and  machinists'  supplii-s.  In  1883,  in  addition  to  his  other  enter- 
prises, he  assumed  the  general  management  of  The  Metallic  Burial  Case  Company,  and  the  Winfield 
I'oundry  Works  at  Winlield  and  Newtown,  Long  Island.  These  he  successfully  managed  until  1889, 
when  ill-health  compelled  him  to  resign  from  the  company. 

In  politics  Mr.  Knapp  is  a  Republican.  In  1891  he  was  a  candidate  for  Senator  against  Edward 
I'loyd  Jones.  In  1S94  he  became  candidate  for  City  Treasurer  of  Long  Island  City  and  was  elected 
for  a  term  of  three  years.  As  City  Treasurer  lie  has  attracted  great  attention  by  his  stubborn  and 
successful  fight  against  a  ring  in  the  contrtil  of  cilj'  affairs.  He  is  a  member  of  ComnKiUwcahh 
Lodge  Y.  and  A.  M.,  and  Sunswick  Council  Royal  Arcanum. 
Mr.  Knapp's  family  consists  of  his  wife  and  two  children,  the 
latter  being  Louise,  wife  of  Walter  C.  Foster,  Attorney-at- 
Law,  and  Harry  W. 

Svi.vKsiER  (-5r.\v  was  born  near  Monliccllo,  Sullivan 
County,  N.  Y.,  April  29,  1882.  He  was  the  fourth  child  boi  n 
to  his  parents,  Samuel  and  Lydia  (Hill)  Gray,  natives  of 
Connecticut  and  New  York,  respectively.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  lived  on  the  old  homestead  until  a  young  man  of 
twenty-one  years.  In  the  meantime  he  gained  a  splendid 
practical  education,  and  for  three  years,  from  the  age  of 
seventeen  to  twenty,  taught  school  at  (Jrahamsvillc,  and 
Barryville.  About  this  time  he  was  employed  by  John  T. 
Roebling,  the  builder  of  the  Brooklyn  Bridge,  to  work  on  the 
lock  on  the  Delaware  and  Hudson  Canal,  and  also  assisted  in 
building  the  lock  at  the  mouth  of  the  Lackawanna.  This  work 
consumed  about  one  year,  and  in  1850  Mr.  Gray  went  to  New 
York  City,  where  for  another  year  he  was  engaged  in  house 
carpentering,  of  which  trade  he  had  a  fair  knowledge.  About 
this  time  he  obtained  a  position  with  John  M.  Smith,  at  that 
time  the  only  manufacturer  of  refrigerators  in  New  York,  with 

whom  he  remained  one  year,  during  which  time  he  gained  a  fair  knowledge  of  the  business.  He 
then  accepted  a  jsosition  with  L.  II.  Mace  &  Co.,  who  had  just  established  a  similar  factory,  with  whom 
he  remained  for  twelve  years  as  their  superintendent.  On  resigning  his  position  Mr.  Gray  was 
occupied  as  a  shipbuilder  during  two  years  of  the  war,  and  in  1862  located  in  what  is  now  Long- 
Island  City.  Here  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself,  establishing  a  factory  in  Fourth  street,  where 
he  began  the  manufacture  of  refrigerators.  He  continued  in  business  until  Jtdy  21,  1893,  when  his 
factory  w-as  entirely  destroyed  by  fire. 

In  1876  Mr.  (iray  organized  the  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank,  of  which  he  was  President  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  March  20,  1896.  He  was  also  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Seventeenth 
Ward  Bank  in  Brnoklyn,  of  which  he  w-as  a  Director  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

Mr.  Gray  married  Miss  Laura  A.  Lane  (now  deceased),  of  Cape  Ann,  Massachusetts.  Four 
children  were  born  to  their  union,  Eugene  W.,  Mary  W.,  Josephine  8.  and  Francis  H.  For  some 
time  prior  to  his  death  Mr.  Gray  was  Excise  Commissioner,  and  was  for  some  time  Chairman  <jf  that 
Board.  He  was  for  five  years  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Education.  Politically  he  was  a  Democrat. 
He  was  an  exceedingly  clever  and  agreeable  gentleman,  liberal  and  public-spirited. 

John  H.  Thirv  will  be  longest  remembered  as  the  introducer  of  the  School  Savings  Bank  system 
in  this  country.  This  is  sufficient  to  give  him  fame,  not  alone  during  the  present,  but  for  all  time  to 
come  as  well.     Since  retiring  from  business  and  taking  up  his  residence  in  this  city.  Mr.  Thiry  has 


IIKNRY    A.    CASbKDKKK. 


,66  IffSfORV  OF  I.OXG  /SLAND  CITY. 

devoted  much  of  his  leisure  time  to  matters  pertaining  to  the  education  of  the  young.  Tlie  successful 
operation  of  the  school  banking  system  in  foreign  lands  suggested  to  his  mind  the  possibilities  of  the 
development  of  the  same  system  in  this  country.  The  new  idea  was  first  adopted  in  the  schools  of 
Long  Island  City  in  1S85,  and  has  gradually  spread  throughout  the  country,  and  the  amount  deposited 
by  school  children  in  banks  amounts  to  several  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Thiry  was  born  in  Belgium  in  1822.  Entering  the  public  schools  as  soon  as  he  was  old 
enough  to  attend,  he  spent  several  years  in  them.  On  leaving  the  public  schools,  being  desirous  of 
fitting  himself  for  a  teacher,  he  entered  one  of  the  Belgium  Normal  schools,  from  which  he  was  grad- 
uated in  1845,  receiving  his  graduation  diploma  from  the  Minister  of  the  Interior.  After  following 
his  chosen  profession  for  a  year  or  two,  he  gave  up  teaching  to  accept  a  more  lucrative  position  in  the 
office  of  the  Minister  of  Public  Works,  which  he  held  for  twelve  years — from  1847  to  1859.  In  the 
latter  year  he  resigned  his  position,  in  order  that  he  might  realize  the  dream  of  his  boyhood  days  by 
taking  a  trip  to  the  New  World.  Accompanied  by  his  wife  and  his  two  sons,  aged  respectively  five 
and  six  years,  he  landed  at  Castle  Garden  in  mid-summer,  1859. 

Mr.  Thiry  had  no  fixed  business  purpose  when  he  arrived  in  New  York,  but  he  possessed  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  literature,  was  a  lover  of  books,  and  he  embarked  in  the  book  business.  He 
started  in  business  on  a  very  modest  scale,  renting  a  small  store  at  the  corner  of  Canal  and  Centre 
streets  at  §6  a  month.  Prosperity  attended  the  venture,  and  in  less  than  eight  years  he  was  occupying 
the  two  remaining  st(jres  of  the  block  between  Canal  and  Walker  streets,  with  a  stock  of  25,000 
volumes,  embracing  every  department  of  literature  in  twelve  languages. 

Following  the  general  trend  of  business,  in  1868  he  moved  uptown  and  rented  a  store  at  730 
Broadway.  These  quarters  were  more  commodious  and  better  located  than  the  old  store.  He  con- 
tinued to  carry  on  the  business  until  1875,  when  he  s(jld  out  to  a  southern  dealer  and  retired  from  an 
active  business  life. 

City  life  was  not  entirely  congenial  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thiry,  and  after  he  retired  from  business 
they  began  to  look  around  for  some  place  in  the  suburbs  of  New  York  where  they  might  quietly  pass 
the  remainder  of  their  lives.  After  looking  over  the  whole  field,  they  decided  to  make  Long  Island 
City  their  future  home.  Four  lots  were  purchased  on  Academy  street,  and  a  commodious  dwelling 
was  erected  thereon.  Subsequently  Mr.  Thiry  acquired  additional  propert}-  in  the  vicinity,  and  this, 
together  with  that  which  he  already  possessed,  enabled  ^Ir.  Thiry  to  gratify  his  horticultural  inclina- 
tions. One  of  his  pastimes  since  he  has  removed  to  this  city  has  been  the  culture  of  grapes.  He  has 
devoted  much  time  to  the  study  of  this  subject,  and  has  been  very  successful. 

Mr.  Thiry's  thorough  knowledge  of  educational  matters  and  the  keen  interest  he  had  taken  in  the 
schools  of  the  city  made  him  well  qualified  for  the  position  of  school  commissioner,  to  which  he  was 
appointed  by  Mayor  George  Petry  in  1884.  As  school  commissioner  he  was  instrumental  in  establish- 
ing the  monthly  meeting  of  teachers  under  the  supervision  of  the  superintendent,  and  these  meetings 
have  been  continued  since  with  beneficent  results.  The  abolition  of  the  mid-session  recess  after  the 
plan  adopted  in  Alban)'  and  Rochester  was  favored  by  him  and  was  brought  about  while  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Board  in  1885. 

On  the  election  of  Mayor  Gleason,  Mr.  Thiry  retired  from  the  Board  of  Education,  but  when 
Mayor  Sanford  took  office  Mr.  Thiry  again  took  his  place  in  the  board,  and  has  since  been  a  member 
of  that  body.  Several  years  ago  he  favored  the  placing  of  the  public  schools  of  the  city  under  the 
Regents,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  assisting  in  accomplishing  this  soon  after  the  present  administra- 
tion came  into  power. 

Mr.  Thiry's  greatest  achievement  in  the  cause  of  education  was  the  introduction  of  the  school 
savings  bank  system  into  the  schools  of  this  city.  At  the  solicitation  of  the  United  States  Commis- 
sioner of  Education  he  made  an  exhibit  at  the  World's  Fair  in  Chicago.  The  exhibit  occupied  a 
prominent  place  in  the  educational  exhibit  and  a  jury  of  award  granted  him  ;i  medal  and  diploma  in 
recognition  of  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  cause  of  public  education. 

In  the  retirement  (jf  his  later  years  Mr.  Thiry  still  keeps  up  his  interest  in  the  questions  of  the 
day,  particularly  in  those  topics  pertaining  to  educational  matters.  His  library  contains  the  latest 
works  on  educational  subjects,  as  well  as  on  gardening  and  horticulture. 

Mr.  Thiry  is  now  seventy-four  years  of  age,  but  advancing  years  have  left  slight  traces,  and  he 
retains  all  the  physical  and  mental  activity  of  his  younger  days.      Having  accpiired   a  competency  in 


HfSTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  167 

business,  he  lives  a  quiet,  retired  life,  and  extends  the  hospitality  of  his  home  to  his  numerous  friends 
n  wliich  he  takes  much  pleasure. 

Mr.  Thiry  was  married  in  Belgium  to  Miss  Ernestine  De  Samblanc  (recently  deceased),  a  native 
of  that  country.  Two  sons  have  been  born  to  them,  Raphael  O.  and  Joseph.  Mr.  Thiry  is  a  member 
of  St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church. 

Walter  E.  Frew,  President  of  the  Queens  County  Bank,  was  born  on  Brooklyn,  July  iS,  ICS64. 
He  is  the  son  of  George  E.  and  Amanda  Frew,  both  being  natives  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
Walter  E.  Frew  received  his  educational  training  in  private  schools  of  Brooklyn  and  in  Greenpoint 
Academy,  and  when  fifteen  years  of  age  began  business  in  Wall  street  with  Shepherd  Knapp,  banker 
and  broker.  He  remained  with  Mr.  Knapp  until  he  was  twenty  years  old,  and  in  July,  18.S4,  entered 
the  lileventh  Ward  Bank  as  messenger,  but  in  two  weeks  was  made  bookkeeper  and  later  became 
assistant  cashier.  He  remained  in  the  bank  about  four  years,  and  in  March,  1889,  was  made  cashier 
in  the  Queens  County  Bank  in  Long  Island  City.  On  April  11,  1895,  he  was  elected  president  of  that 
bank.  He  is  the  youngest  man  in  the  State  of  New  York  holding  the  position  of  liank  president. 
Wlien  Mr.  Frew  became  cashier  of  the  Queens  County  Bank,  it  was  not  in  a  very  flourishing  condition, 
having  only  $144,000  on  deposit,  but  by  his  business  acumen  and  good  judgment  the  bank  has  become 
one  of  the  sound  financial  institutions  of  the  country,  and  has  a  line  of  deposits  of  over  §1,500,000. 

Mr.  Frew  was  a  Director  of  the  Steinway  Railroad  Company,  which  controls  all  the  lines  from 
Long  Island  City  to  Flushing.  He  is  Trustee  in  the  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank,  and  is  interested 
in  numerous  other  institutions.  He  belongs  to  the  American  Legion  of  Honor,  Bank  Clerk's  Mutual 
Business  Association,  New  York  State  Banker's  Association,  and  is  a  member  of  the  E.\ecutive  Com- 
mittee of  Group  No.  8,  having  served  as  a  delegate  to  the  convention  at  Saratoga.  For  some  time  he 
has  taken  an  interest  in  Kent  Street  Reformed  Church,  of  Brooklyn.  Mr.  Frew  was  married  in 
Brooklyn  to  Miss  Ella  Louise  Carman,  a  native  of  Brooklyn,  and  a  daughter  of  Samuel  Carman,  of 
Long  Island.     They  have  one  child,  Helen  Louise. 

J.  H.VRVEY  Smedlev  vvas  born  in  Lockport,  Niagara  County,  in  1840.  lie  was  of  New  England 
and  Scotch  descent,  his  father  having  been  born  in  Brattleboro,  Vermont,  and  his  grandfather  in 
Scotland.  The  latter  was  one  of  the  pioneers  who  emigrated  to  the  western  part  of  the  State  many 
years  before  railroads  and  canals  were  thought  of.  The  family  lived  for  a  time  in  Monroe  County 
and  then  removed  to  Niagara  county.  His  father  was  a  machinist  by  occupation,  and  for  several 
years  held  the  position  of  superintendent  and  collector  of  the  village  in  which  he  lived.  Afterward 
he  became  manager  of  the  property  owned  by  Devoe  College,  an  institution  founded  for  the  education 
of  orphans. 

In  the  days  of  Mr.  Smedley's  boyhood  Niagara  County  had  no  railroads.  He  remembers  the 
first  one  that  went  through.  Previous  to  that,  people  traveled  on  the  packet  boats  on  the  canals. 
He  took  a  trip  to  Albany  and  return  in  one  of  these  boats. 

The  public  schools  of  Niagara  County  afforded  him  a  common  school  education,  and  then  he  went 
to  Rochester  Institute,  where  his  education  was  completed.  His  first  position  was  in  the  distributing 
oflfice  of  the  post  ofHce  department  at  Suspension  Bridge,  to  which  place  his  father  had  removed  some 
time  previously.     Suspension  Bridge  at  that  time  was  a  point  for  distributing  the  Canadian  mails. 

On  leaving  Suspension  Bridge  in  1862,  he  went  to  Chicago,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  N. 
K.  Fairbanks,  a  manufacturer  of  lard  oils.  He  was  superintendent  of  the  factory  for  two  years.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  he  came  to  New  York  and  became  an  outside  salesman  for  P.  .S.  Justice  &  Co.,  a 
large  importing  firm,  handling  iron  and  steel.  The  iron  industry  in  America  was  in  its  infancy. 
Nearly  all  the  structural  and  architectural  iron,  as  well  as  that  used  for  other  purposes,  was  imported. 
The  firm  of  P.  S.  Justice  &  Co.  were  the  American  representatives  of  the  Charles  Campbell  Cyclops 
Company,  of  Sheffield,  England,  one  of  the  largest  iron  firms  in  the  world. 

After  a  year  and  a  half  he  came  to  Long  Island  City  in  1865.  He  entered  the  employ  of  Dexter 
Smedlev,  an  uncle,  who  vvas  engaged  in  the  lard  oil  business.  He  became  superintendent  of  the 
factory,  which  was  at  the  coraer  of  Vernoi  avenue  and  Tenth  street,  and  held  the  position  until  1874, 
when  the  place  was  destroyed  by  fire.  His  uncle  retired  from  the  business  after  this  catastrophy,  but 
the  factory  was  rebuilt  by  L.  D.  Holbrook,  and  Mr.  Smedley  continued  as  superintendent.  It  was 
operated  about  a  year,  and  in  1876  was  sold  to  the  Howe  Lard  Oil  Manufacturing  Company,  and  he 
retired  from  business. 


1 68 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


It  was  during  this  year  that  the  idea  of  a  savings  bank  was  conceived,  and  finally  developed  into 
the  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank.  Among  the  incorporators  were  Sylvester  Gray,  H.  S.  Anable, 
C.  H.  Rogers,  John  Bodine,  James  Corwith,  H.  R.  White,  Dr.  Lewis  Graves,  Major  Appleton,  John 
B.  Woodruff,  J.  A.  Smith,  Isaac  Van  Riper,  W.  H.  Bowron,  John  J.  Horan,  John  Claven,  and  others. 
At  the  first  meeting  of  the  directors,  Mr.  Gray  was  chosen  president  and  J.  Harvey  vSmedley,  secretary. 
Under  the  conservative  management,  in  which  Mr.  Smedley  had  a  large  share,  the  institution  has 
had  a  very  prosperous  career.  Its  growth  has  been  gradual,  but  constant,  without  any  retrogression. 
The  number  of  depositors  has  increased  until  now  they  number  many  thousands.  The  savings  bank 
is  the  poor  man's  best  friend  in  the  city.  It  has  helped  to  build  many  homes.  It  has  been  a  source 
of  relief  to  many  in  times  of  adversity.  It  gains  a  fuller  confidence  of  the  people  with  each  year,  and 
will  have  an  enlarged  prosperitj-  and  usefulness  under  the  Greater  New  York. 

In  iS6i  Mr.  Smedley  married  Miss  Frances  Pierce  in  Niagara  Falls,  N.  V.,  in  which  place  she 
was  born.  She  died  in  1885,  leaving  four  children:  Newell  D.,  Edith  A.,  Mason  O.  and  Mabel  F. 
Mr.  Smedley  is  a  member  of  Island  City  Lodge  and  Banner  Chapter,  F.  and  A.  M.,  of  the  New  York 

Association  of  Secretaries  of  Savings  Banks,  and  of  St. 
John's  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a  man  of  great  public 
spirit,  his  influence  is  sufficient  to  bring  success  to  various 
undertakings,  both  of  a  public  and  business  character. 

H.  M.  Thomas  was  born  at  Holyhead,  North  Wales,  in 

1S29.      He  came  of  honorable  parentage,  his  father  being  a 

farmer,   an  occupation  he  followed  until   his    death,   which 

occurred  in  his    seventy-seventh  year.     The   mother,   who 

was  Ann  Roberts  prior  to  her  marriage,  died  in  her  native 

land  at  an  advanced  age.     Of  the  five  children  born  to  them, 

but  two   are  living  at  the  present  time.      Two  sons  came 

to  America,  one  of  whom  died  in  Long  Island  City.      H.  M. 

Thomas  is  the  only  one  of  his  family  now  in  the  L^nited 

States,  and  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age  he  assisted  his 

father  in  the    duties    of   the    farm    and   at    the   same   time 

acquired    a  practical  education  in  the  common    schools   of 

his  native  country.      He  was  afterwards  apprenticed  to  learn 

the  carpenter  and  builder's  trade,    and  in  1848  he  embarked 

for  America  where  he  obtained  work  at  his  trade  in  Brooklyn 

and  Greenpoint.      In   1854  he  settled  in  what  is  now  Long 

Island  City.       He  is  now*  the  oldest  contractor  and  builder 

Within  Its  limits.     He  has  constructed  many  buildings  in  all 

parts    of  the  city,   many  of  which  will  remain  monuments 

to  his  skill  as  a  master  builder.      In  the  very  early  days  of  his  activity  he  erected  a  steam  planing, 

moulding,   sash,  door  and    blind  mill  on  Vernon   avenue   and  Fourth   street,  and  after  successfully 

operating  it  for  about  fifteen  years,  shut  it  down.      In  1865  he  moved  it   to  its  present   location,  and 

actively  continued   its  management  up  to   about  1888,  when   it  was  closed   permanently.     He  is  the 

owner  of  many  fine  residences  and  other  valuable  properties  in  Long  Island  City.      He   built  the  East 

Avenue  Baptist  Church  at  the  corner  of  East  avenue  and  Eighth  street,  and   many  other  prominent 

buildings.     Mr.  Thomas  has  been  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank  since  the 

year  of  its  founding  (1889),  and  for  some  time  past  has  Vjeen  its  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  married  in  Greenpoint  to  Miss  Georgiana  Newcomb.  Their  union  has  resulted 
in  the  birth  of  one  child,  Annie  L.,  now  Mrs.  Richerstein,  of  Long  Island  City.  In  1890  or  1891  Mr. 
Thomas  was  appointed  commissioner  to  pave  and  improve  Vernon  avenue  and  Jackson  avenue.  In 
various  other  ways  he  has  done  much  to  improve  Long  Island  City.  Although  a  stanch  Republican, 
he  has  never  had  any  political  aspirations.  He  is  a  member  of  Island  City  Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M.and 
has  attained  the  Royal  Arch  degree,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Consistory  of  New  York  City. 

Henrv  Mencken. — Among  the  representative  men  of  Long  Island  City  none  arc  more  prominent 
than  Henry  Mencken,  who  was  bom  in  Germany,  September  iq,  1826.  He  came  to  America  in  1848, 
locating   in    New   York   City,  and    in    1S62    in    Long   Island  City,  where  he  engaged   in  the  grocery 


/f/STOKY  OF  I.OXC  /SLAXD  C/TV.  169 

business,  and  where  he  has  resided  ever  since.  After  conductinj^  the  jjrocery  business  for  many  years, 
he  enjjaged  in  his  present  business  in  1881,  at  839  to  847  Boulevard. 

In  1852  Mr.  Mencken  married  Miss  Anna  Whetschcabon,  of  New  York.  Four  children  have 
been  born  to  the  marriage,  one  son  and  three  daughters. 

Mr.  Mencken  is  a  member  of  the  Second  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  in  which  he  has  been  an  elder 
for  a  great  manj-  years.  He  has  served  one  term  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  a  position 
in  which  he  did  the  city  and  himself  much  credit.  He  is  a  self-made  man,  and  is  highly  esteemed  as 
a  citizen.      He  resides  at  109  Newtown  avenue. 

Rkv.  C.  D.  F.  Steinfuhrf.r,  D. D.,  the  pastor  of  the  German  Second  Reformed  Church  of  Astoria, 
enjoys  the  rare  distinction  of  never  having  had  more  than  one  pastorate,  although  he  has  been  a 
clergyman  for  nearly  thirty  years.  Immediately  after  the  completion  of  his  theological  course,  he  was 
crdled  to  take  charge  of  the  German  Second  Reformed  Church  of  Astoria,  Long  Island  City.  Almost 
a  generation  has  passed.  The  passing  years  have  witnessed  many  changes  in  the  congregation,  which 
has  increased  from  forty-five  to  nearly  three  hundred.  Many  of  the  original  members  have  passed 
away.  Some  have  sought  other  homes,  while  not  a  few  have  entered  into  eternal  rest.  The  house  of 
worship,  also,  has  been  remodeled  and  enlarged,  and  every  department  of  the  church  bears  evidence  of 
the  Pastor's  sterling  qualities. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Sleinfuhrer  was  born  of  Christian  parents  in  Stargard,  a  city  of  the  Grand  Duchy 
of  Mecklenburg,  Strelitz,  January  12,  1841.  He  was  one  of  five  children,  there  being  three  sons  and 
two  daughters.  He  is  the  eldest  and  only  survivor.  His  brother  Ernest,  a  well-known  and  very 
efficient  druggist  of  Schenectady,  died  in  1883;  the  other  brother.  Dr.  Gustavus,  graduating  from  the 
College  of  "  Physicians  and  Surgeons"  of  New  York.  He  became  a  prominent  physician  of  Schenec- 
tady, where  he  died  in  1890.     His  early  years  were  passed  in  the  city  school  of  his  native  place. 

In  August,  1854,  when  thirteen  years  of  age,  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  America.  On  arriving 
in  New  York  the  family  went  at  once  to  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  The  future  pastor  entered  the 
"  Classical  Department "  of  the  public  schools  known  as  Union  School,  and  took  up  the  study  of 
classics  preparatory  to  entering  college.  In  the  fall  of  i860  he  entered  Union  College,  where  he  took 
a  full  collegiate  course,  receiving  the  degree  A.  B.  Union  College  was  then  at  the  height  of  its  pros- 
perity under  the  direction  of  that  celebrated  instructor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Eliphalet  Nott,  and  among  the 
members  of  the  faculty  were  such  distinguished  names  as  Dr.  Tayler  Lewis,  Dr.  D.  L.  Hickok,  Prof. 
J.  Foster,  Prof.  J.Jackson  and  Prof.  Chandler,  men  famed  for  their  learning.  In  July,  1864,  he  grad- 
uated with  honor  in  a  class  of  sixty-five  members,  among  whom  were  the  Rev.  Dr.  David  Van  Home, 
now  President  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church,  at  Tiffin,  Ohio;  Dr.  Daniel 
Stimson  and  Warren  Schoonover,  celebrated  phj'sicians  in  New  York  City,  and  Dr.  E.  W.  Paige,  a 
prominent  New  York  lawyer,  and  at  one  time  Deputy  Attorney-General  of  this  state. 

In  the  autumn  following  his  graduation  from  College,  he  entered  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Reformed  Church  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  where  he  spent  three  years  of  preparation  for  the 
ministry,  graduating  in  1867,  and  receiving  the  same  year  the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  Union  College. 
While  in  the  Seminary,  he  assisted  Dr.  Tayler  Lewis  in  the  celebrated  translation  and  compilation  of 
Lange's  Genesis. 

In  May  of  that  year,  having  received  and  accepted  a  call  to  his  present  pastorate,  he  came  to 
Astoria.  At  that  time  the  congregation  were  building  a  home  of  worship  on  the  site  of  the  present 
edifice,  and  until  it  was  completed,  his  people  occupied  the  basement  of  the  Reformed  Church  on 
Remsen  street  for  their  religious  services.  At  that  period  the  German  Second  Reformed  Church  of 
Astoria,  and  the  German  Reformed  Church  of  Newtown  were  under  the  charge  of  one  pastor,  and  he 
was  pastor  of  both  until  1873,  when  they  were  made  separate  charges.  Since  that  time  he  was  the 
pastor  of  the  Astoria  Church  onh'.  He  has  always  made  Astoria  his  place  of  residence.  The  first 
church  building  was  occupied  for  the  first  time  June  23,  1S67,  and  on  the  following  Sunday  he  was 
ordained  and  installed  as  pastor,  this  ceremony  having  been  deferred  in  order  that  it  might  he 
solemnized  in  the  new  building.  Seven  years  ago,  1889,  the  church  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of 
thirty-two  feet,  and  remodeled  to  its  present  style.  The  cosy  pansonage.  nestling  by  the  side  of  the 
church,  was  already  built  by  his  untiring  zeal  in  1870.  In  1892,  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  his 
ordination  and  installation  was  celebrated,  and  was  made  a  notable  event.  Nearly  all  the  Protestant 
churches  of  Astoria  joined  in  commemorating  the  event.      In  November,  1868,  a  parochial  school  was 


170 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  /SLAND  CITY. 


established  in  connection  with  the  church.      It  has  been  continued    up    to    the    present    time,  and    has 
been  more  or  less  a  blessing  to  the  congregation. 

In  1868  Mr.  Steinfuhrer  was  married  to  Miss  Louise  Dorrmann  Knecht,  of  Schenectady,  N.  Y., 
an  estimable  lady,  who  has  been  his  efficient  helpmate  in  all  his  undertakings  during  his  long 
pastorate,  especially  in  Simdaj'  School  and  in  connection  with  the  church  music.  They  celebrated 
their  silver  wedding  in  1893,  in  which  the  whole  congregation  participated.  The  Rev.  Dr.  W.  H. 
Ten  Eyck,  who  twenty-five  years  ago  united  them  in  marriage,  officiated  again  at  this  occasion,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  F.  C.  Suckow,  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  who  at  the  first  wedding  acted  as  best 
man  and  bridesmaid,  respectively,  acted  in  the  same  capacity  at  their  silver  wedding. 

During  the  years  of  Mr.  Steinfuhrer's  residence  in  Long  Island  City,  many  changes  have  taken 
place,  both  in  municipal  affairs  and  in  the  religious  bodies.      With  the  exception  of  one  church,  all  the 

churches,  Protestant  and  Catholic,  have  changed 
pastors  several  times.  No  clergyman  of  his  denomi- 
nation in  the  North  Classis  of  Long  Island  has  been 
pastor  of  one  church  so  long  as  Mr.  Steinfuhrer. 

One  of  the  most  pleasant  things  in  connection 
with  his  pastorate  is  the  amicable  relations  that 
have  always  existed  between  him  and  his  fellow 
clergymen  in  the  city. 

During  the  time  that  the  "  Isabell  Home"  was 
located  in  our  midst  (1S75-1889),  Mr.  Steinfuhrer 
acted  as  the  chaplain  of  that  institution.  The 
"  Ottendorfer  family,"  the  founder  and  principal 
supporter  of  that  noble  monument,  in  memory  of 
their  deceased  daughter,  Isabella,  impressed  with 
the  untiring  zeal  and  unselfish  motives  of  this 
humble  pastor,  expressed  repeatedly  their  high 
appreciation  of  his  kindly  services  to  that  institution. 
From  the  founding  of  the  Astoria  Hospital  in 
1S92,  he  has  been  interested  and  intimatelj'  associa- 
ted with  its  progress.  The  high  esteem  with  which 
he  is  regarded,  on  account  of  his  hearty  sympathy 
in  respect  to  this  noble  work  of  Christian  philan- 
thropy, was  manifested  on  the  occasion  of  the  laying 
of  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  Astoria  Hospital, 
November  i,  1895,  when  the  board  of  managers 
nnanimousl)^  chose  him  to  deliver  the  dedicatory 
address,  notwithstanding  his  earnest  pi'otests.  Mrs. 
Steinfuhrer  is  also  very  much  interested  in  this 
Samaritan  enterprise.  She  is  at  present  a  member  of  the  board  of  managers  of  the  training  school 
for  nurses  at  the  hospital. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Union  College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  held  on  Tuesday,  June  23, 
1896,  the  honorary  degree  of  "  Doctor  of  Divinity  "  was  conferred  upon  him.  The  public  announce- 
ment of  this  official  act  was  made  at  the  commencement  exercises  of  the  college,  Wednesday,  Jime 
24th.  Union  College,  his  beloved  Alma  Mater,  has  honored  itself  by  thus  recognizing  one  of  her 
deserving  sons  in  such  gratifying  form. 

The  New  York  Times  of  July  12,  1896,  in  an  article  portraying  the  activity  of  the  diH'erent  cler- 
gymen of  Astoria,  writes  the  following: 

"  Astoria  has  no  minister  more  universally  respected  and  liked,  in  and  out  of  his  denomination, 
than  the  Rev.  C.  D.  F.  Steinfuhrer,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  German  Second  Reformed  Church  on  Second 
avL-nue.  For  many  years  this  kindly  (ierman  clergyman  has  gone  quietly  about  doing  much  good  with 
tongue,  pen  and  hand,  and  Astoria  has  come  to  feel  that  no  large  gathering  is  complete  that  does  not 
include  his  welcome  presence.  He  is  a  prodigious  worker  in  his  modest  way,  and  his  value  to 
Astoria  from  every  ])oint  of  view  cannot  be  measured  even  by  those  who  from  long  association 
know  him  best." 


JOSEl'lI    DVKKS 


ins  1  OR  1  ■  OF  L ONG  ISLAND  CITY.  i  - 1 

Rev.  l-)r.  vStcinfuhrcr  looks  back  over  the  perspective  of  nearly  thirty  years.  Lights  and 
shadows  are  mingled,  but  the  former  predominate.  Children  whom  he  baptized  in  early  years 
have  grown  to  man  and  womanhood  ;  have  been  joined  in  marriage  by  the  same  pastor,  and 
their  children  in  turn  have  been  baptized  by  the  same  pastor  who  baptized  them.  All  these 
memories  serve  to  draw  pastor  and  people  closer  together  and  knit  more  firmly  the  bond  of 
sympathy  with  each  succeeding  year.  As  a  minister  he  has  been  faithful,  efficient  and  energetic. 
Possessed  of  more  than  ordinary  pulpit  talent,  and  with  special  gifts  as  a  pastor,  he  has  brought  to 
his  work  rare  earnestness  and  Christian  consecration.  In  his  church  and  out  of  it  he  has  shown  him- 
self a  friend  of  humanity,  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  all,  and  full  of  sympathy  for  those  who 
are  in  sorrow  and  distress.  He  has  endeared  himself  to  many  friends,  and  has  won  the  confidence  of 
all,  without  respect  to  their  differences  of  opinions  on  doctrinal  and  political  points.  As  a  noble  son 
of  his  dear  Alma  Mater,  Union  College,  he  seems  to  have  imbibed  the  very  spirit  of  her  glf>ri<>us 
motto,  "  In  necessariis  Unitas,  in  dubiis  Libertas,  in  omnibus  Caritas. " 

(rEoKGE  II.  Williamson  (deceased)  was  born  in  Xcw  Ilnmswick,  N.  I..  August  24,  1S42,  and  was 
a  son  of  John  and  Catherine  (X'oorhees)  Williamson.  Mr.  Williamson  was  educated  at  the  University 
of  the  City  of  New  York.  In  1877  he  located  in  L<inL;  Island  City,  and  was  a  clerk  in  the  water 
department  under  Mayor  Debevoise,  and  after  serving  three  years  in  that  connection,  he  took  charge 
of  the  Sleinway  Avenue  Improvement  Commission.  In  1883  he  engaged  in  contracting  and  building, 
in  which  he  continued  until  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  May  20,  1894.  He  was  a  volunteer 
fireman  of  the  old  department  in  New  York,  with  which  ne  was  connected  until  it  disbanded.  Later 
he  became  a  member  of  the  Veteran  Firemen's  Association,  in  which  he  was  a  trustee  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  He  was  a  member  of  Advance  Lodge,  No.  635,  F.  and  A.  M.,  at  Astoria;  John  Allen 
Lodge,  A.O. U.W.,  and  Lincoln  Club  of  Long  Island  City.  On  October  9,  1878,  Mr.  Williamson 
married  Miss  Mary  A.  Berry,  who  was  born  at  Lake  Providence,  La.  Mrs.  Williamson  now  resides 
at  No.  241  Purdy  street,  with  her  four  daughters,  viz.,  Florence  M.,  Sarah  M.,  Catherine  May  and 
Edith  L.     Another  daughter,  Jessie,  died  at  the  age  of  two  years. 

Joseph  Cassiov,  formerly  Alderman  from  the  Second  Ward,  and  Treasurer  of  the  Board  of 
Excise  Commissioners  of  Long  Island  City,  is  one  of  the  prominent  politicians  of  Queens  County.  He 
was  born  and  reared  in  Long  Island  City  and  received  his  education  here  and  in  Brooklyn.  His  first 
position  was  in  the  wholesale  house  of  Arnold,  Constable  &  Co.,  New  York  City,  where  he  was 
employed  in  the  fur  department.  Such  was  his  efficiency  that  within  two  years  after  taking  a  position 
with  that  firm,  he  had  entire  charge  of  the  manufacturing  department.  After  five  years  he  started 
m  business  for  himself,  on  Broadway  and  Thirty-seventh  street.  New  York,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
sale  and  manufacture  of  fur.  From  that  time  until  1889  he  was  general  manager  of  the  wholesale 
house  of  Freysted  &  Sons.  Returning  to  Long  Island  City,  Mr.  Cassidy,  in  1889,  became  a  partner 
with  his  father  in  the  florist  and  gardening  business,  which  has  since  been  carried  on  under  the  name 
of  Cassidy  &  Son. 

In  Hulst  street,  where  Mr.  Cassidy  owns  sixteen  lots,  he  erected  a  fine  residence,  and  here  he 
and  his  wife  make  their  home.  Mrs.  Cassidy,  whose  maiden  name  was  Elizabeth  Casey,  was  born  in 
Connecticut.  In  1893  Mr.  Cassidy  was  appointed  excise  commissioner,  by  Mayor  Sanford,  and  from 
the  start  he  was  treasurer  of  the  board.  He  was  elected  Alderman  in  1893  from  the  Second  Ward, 
taking  his  seat  January  i,  1894.  His  time  of  office  as  Alderman  and  Excise  Commissioner  expired 
December  31,  1895,  and  while  serving  his  last  day  in  that  capacity  he  was  appointed  a  Health 
Commissioner,  which  office  he  still  retains.  He  virtually  held  one  elective  and  two  appointive  positions 
in  one  day,  something  rarely  heard  of.  During  his  term  he  worthily  represented  his  constituents,  who 
have  the  greatest  confidence  in  him.  He  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Jefferson  Club.  Both  in 
business  and  in  political  circles  he  has  made  many  friends  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  for  his  sterling- 
worth  and  the  excellencies  of  his  character. 

JosEi'H  Dykes,  of  Flushing,  Treasurer  of  Oueens  County.  The  subject  of  this  .sketch  was  born 
in  New  York  City,  and  is  the  oldest  son  of  Captain  William  Dykes.  His  younger  days  were  passed  in 
East  Williamsburg,  town  of  Newtown,  where  he  attended  the  old  Fresh  Pond  school.  From  the  age 
of  thirteen  Mr.  Dykes  had  charge  of  his  father's  farm  at  Westbury.  In  1867  he  married  the  eldest 
daughter  of  William  Phillips,  oi  Flushing,  and  in  1S68  he  moved  to  Flushing  and  took  charge  ui  the 
farm  of  his  father-in-law. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Mr.  Dykes  engaged  in  the  produce  commission  business  in  Long  Island  Citj'  in  1872.  This 
business  he  conducted  until  1891.  His  methods  of  carrying  on  business  were  such  that,  it  is  said,  a 
customer  never  left  him. 

In  1 88 1  he  was  elected  Supervisor  of  the  town  of  Flushing,  and  held  the  office  for  ten  con.secutive 
years.     For  six  years  out  of  the  ten  he  was  chairman  of  the  Board. 

In  1890  he  resigned  the  office  of  Supervisor  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of  Treasurer  of  Queens 
County,  of  which  office  he  took  possession  on  January  i,   1891. 

To  Mr.  Dykes,  more  than  to  any  other,  should  credit  be  given  for  the  benefits  soon  to  be  derived 
from  the  system  of  macadamized  roads  throughout  Queens  County.  It  was  he  who  introduced  and 
pushed  through  the  resolution  for  the  improvement  of  Jackson  avenue,  in  the  town  of  Newtown, 
started  in  1883  and  continued  with  perseverance  until  1886,  when  the  necessary  resolution  was  pa.ssed. 
At  that  time  he  predicted  that  in  less  than  ten  years  every  town  in  Queens  County,  through  its  proper 
officers,  would  ask  the  Board  to  pass  similar  resolutions.     The  allotted  ten  years  have  not  yet  passed, 

and  every  town  in  the  county  is  at  work  macadamiz- 
ing its  main  thoroughfares. 

To  Mr.  Dykes,  also,  is  due  the  credit  of  intro- 
ducing into  the  villages  of  Flushing  and  College 
Point  the  electric  railroad  now  in  operation  in  those 
villages;  also  the  electric  light  through  Flushing 
village.  He  has  been  president  of  the  railroad 
company  since  its  beginning,  and  manager  of  that 
and  the  Electric  Light  Company  also. 

Mr.  Dykes  reorganized  the  Flushing  Bank, 
putting  it  on  a  firm  and  popular  basis,  and  is  now 
president  of  that  institution. 

Mr.  Dykes  is  a  member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  the 
Niantic  Club  and  the  Flushing  Fishing  Club  of 
Flushing. 

In  jjolitics  Mr.  Dykes  is  a  Democrat,  but  one  of 
those  individuals  who  believe  that  every  man  has 
the  right  to  think  for  himself. 

Judge  James  Ingram,  who  is  at  present  Justice 
of  the  Peace  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  May  6,  1866.  His  father,  David 
Ingram,  is  a  prominent  business  man  of  New  York 
and  Astoria,  L.  I.,  and  a  manufacturer  and  dyer  of 
cotton  yarns.  His  mother  was  a  Miss  Violet 
Patterson,  a  native  of  Greenock,  Scotland.  Judge 
Ingram  resided  in  New  York  until  1872,  and  then 
came  with  his  parents  to  Long  Island  City,  where 
he  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools. 
When  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age  he  left  school  to  engage  with  his  father  in  business,  and  soon 
thereafter  took  charge  of  the  financial  department  of  the  business.  Since  the  age  of  nineteen  he  has 
had  charge  of  the  business  in  the  New  York  office,  at  No.  96  Spring  street,  and  although  business  is 
carried  on  in  Long  Island  City,  the  principal  office  is  in  New  York  City.  In  the  fall  of  1893  Mr. 
Ingram  was  nominated  on  the  Democratic  ticket  (though  a  Republican)  to  the  office  of  Justice  of  the 
Peace.  He  was  elected  by  about  fifteen  hundred  plurality,  far  ahead  of  the  ticket,  and  he  has 
discharged  the  duties  incumbent  npon  that  position  in  a  very  able  manner.  He  was  appointed  Police 
Commissioner  in  1893,  and  served  until  he  resigned  to  accept  the  position  of  justice.  Mr.  Ingram  is  a 
thirty-second  degree  Mason,  belonging  to  the  consistory  of  New  York.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Mecca  Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  Advance  Lodge,  635,  F.  and  A.  M.,  the  Astoria  Athletic  Club, 
Ravenswood  Boat  Club,  Lincoln  Club,  Union  League,  and  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Astoria. 
He  is  one  of  the  youngest  justices  ever  elected  in  Long  Island  City. 

John  T.  Woodruff  was  born  in  Elizabeth,    X.   }.,  May  16,   1857.      When  he  was  six   years   of  age 


WILLIAM    W.     WRIi;lfT. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  ,73 

his  parents  removed  to  Long  Island  City,  where  he  received  an  education  in  the  public  schools.  He 
has  for  many  years  been  engaged  in  the  business  of  a  contractor  and  builder,  and  is  well  and  favorably 
known.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  in  politics  he  is  independent.  On  October  2S, 
1S80,  he  married  Miss  Mary  MacFayden,  to  whom  f(jur  children  have  been  born. 

Chari.ks  Curtis  Woodruff  was  born  in  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  July  9,  1861.  When  he  was  sixteen 
years  old  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  trade  of  a  brick  mason,  working  for  his  uncle,  John  B. 
Woodruff.  After  learning  the  business,  and  when  only  nineteen  years  of  age,  he  was  made  foreman 
on  the  various  buildings  which  his  uncle  was  engaged  upon,  and  continued  in  his  employ  until  1889, 
when  he  begun  contracting  on  his  own  account.  He  formed  a  partnership  with  James  S.  Carpenter, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Carpenter  &  Woodruff.  The  firm  continued  until  1895,  at  which  time  it  was 
dissolved  and  our  subject  continued  alone.  Henowhashis  office  at  No.  209  Tenth  street,  Long  Island 
City.  Mr.  Woodruff  has  held  contracts  for  the  erection  of  some  of  the  largest  public  and  private 
buildings  in  Long  Island  City  and  vicinity.  In  1883  he  married  Miss  Emma  Sandene,  a  native  of 
Greenpoint,  Brooklyn,  and  a  daughter  of  Captain  Andrew  P.  Sandene.  One  child,  Adaline,  has 
blessed  their  union.  Socially,  Mr.  Woodruff  is  a  member  of  Reliance  Lodge  No.  776,  F.  and  A.  M., 
at  Greenpoint.  He  is  an  exempt  fireman,  having  served  with  Hunter  Engine  No.  4.  He  is  a  Re- 
publican and  a  member  of  Lincoln  Club,  of  Long  Island  City. 

Freukrick  C.  Trowhridgk,  a  popular  and  well-known  real  estate  dealer  of  Long  Island  City,  was 
born  in  Astoria,  November  14,  1859.  He  received  a  careful  education,  and  was  graduated  from 
Columbia  Grammar  School  in  1876.  After  completing  his  education,  he  engaged  with  the  Celluloid 
Brush  Co.,  of  New  York  City,  with  whom  he  remained  for  ten  years,  from  1877  to  1887,  filling  the 
position  of  head  clerk  from  the  start.  In  January,  1890,  he  became  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Trow- 
bridge &  Stevens,  real  estate  dealers  and  insurance  agents.  Mr.  Trowbridge  is  a  Republican  in 
politics.  He  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Astoria  Athletic  Club,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  govern- 
ing committee  several  times. 

John  Messe.vger,  of  the  firm  of  Clonin  &  Messenger,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  May  4,  1854, 
where  he  was  educated  in  the  public  .schools.  He  is  a  son  of  the  late  William  F.  Mes.senger  who  was 
a  prominent  manufacturer  of  New  York.  After  completing  his  education  Mr.  Messenger  filled  the 
position  of  corresponding  clerk  for  a  number  of  New  York  firms  and  for  twelve  years  was  the  confi- 
dential clerk  for  Reiche  Brothers,  animal  importers.  He  then  became  superintendent  of  an  aquarium 
at  Coney  Island,  a  position  he  retained  for  four  years.  After  filling  a  number  of  other  responsible 
positions  he  engaged  in  the  butter  and  eggs  business  in  New  York.  In  1890  Mr.  Messenger  removed 
to  Astoria  and  formed  his  present  partnership  with  Mr.  Clonin.  On  October  31,  1876,  he  married 
Miss  Eleanor  Clark,  a  native  of  Wilmington,  Delaware,  who  has  borne  him  three  children:  John,  Jr., 
Gertrude  E.  and  Leslie  A.  Mr.  Messenger  is  a  member  of  Alma  Lodge,  No.  728,  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  Alma 
Council,  No.  191,  R.  A.,  of  New  York  City.  He  is  also  identified  with  the  American  Legion  of  Honor, 
Amity  Council,  No.  576,  of  New  York. 

l':i)wix  F.  White  who  is  prominent  in  real  estate  and  insurance  circles  of  Long  Island  City,  was 
born  in  Bradford,  England,  August  10,  1863,  where  he  received  a  careful  education  in  the  public 
schools  and  Bradford  College.  Mr.  White  has  resided  in  Astoria  for  the  past  fourteen  years  and  is 
well  and  favorably  known.      He  is  a  member  of  Astoria  Athletic  Club  and  of  Sunswick  Council,  R.  A. 

John  W.  Forssei.l,  a  popular  young  dental  practitioner  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born  in  Salt  Lake 
City,  Utah,  November  12,  1872,  where  he  received  a  careful  education  in  the  University  of  that  city. 
In  1888  he  began  the  study  of  dentistry,  and  in  1892  entered  the  Philadelphia  Dental  College  and  was 
graduated  from  that  institution  in  1895,  with  the  degree  of  D.  D.  S.  On  September  ist  of  that  year 
he  located  in  Long  Island  City  for  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  has  succeeded  in  attaining  a  posi- 
tion among  his  fellow  practitioners  that  he  may  feel  proud  of.  On  September  15,  1894,  Dr.  Forssell 
married  Miss  May  Felker.  of  Woodstock,  Maine.  They  reside  in  a  comfortable  home  at  No.  24  Stevens 
Street,  Astoria,  where  the  Doctor  also  retains  his  ofl[ice.  Dr.  Forssell's  father  is  A.  Theodore  Forssell, 
a  prominent  banker  of  Salt  Lake  City. 

(Ieorge  E.  Clay  was  born  in  New  York  City,  February  17,  1851,  being  the  .son  of  George  and 
Mary  (Martine)  Clay,  the  former  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  latter  of  New  York  City.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  received  his  rudimentary  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  city,  after 
which  he  attended  the  College  of  the  City  of  New  York,  graduating  therefrom  in  1870,  with  the  degree 


'74 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


of  B.  S.  In  1876  he  came  to  Long-  Island  City  where  for  several  years  he  followed  his  profession,  that 
of  civil  engineer.  In  1880  he  embarked  in  his  present  business,  real  estate  and  insurance.  Mr.  Clay 
is  a  member  of  City  College  Club,  Salmagundi  Club  and  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  also 
Trustee  of  the  Long  Island  City  Public  Library.  Politically  he  is  a  Republican.  On  October  18, 
1882,  Mr.  Clay  married  Miss  Margaret  Olivia  Hunter,  to  whom  three  children  have  been  born,  viz., 
Mary,  George  Hunter,  and  Edna. 

Alfred  L.  New. — There  is  in  the  business  world  only  one  kind  of  a  man  who  can  successfully 
combat  the  man\'  trials  of  life.  That  is  the  man  of  force  of  character,  and  liberal  mind  toward  his 
fellow  beings.  This,  combined  with  industry  and  intelligence,  make  up  the  character  of  the  person 
of  this  sketch.     Alfred  L.   New  was  born  in  Green])oint,    Brooklyn,    N.    Y.,  September  2,  1844.     Up 

to  the  age  of  twelve  years  he  attended 
the  public  schools,  then  his  early  life, 
after  the  close  of  his  school  days, 
was  spent  in  the  drug  business  in 
Greenpoint.  In  1869  Mr.  New  went 
as  junior  clerk  in  the  old  established 
drug  business  of  Jesse  M.  Sands, 
Avenue  C  and  Eleventh  street,  New 
York.  Years  of  active  work  and 
close  attention  to  affairs  was  rewarded 
by  his  promotion  to  take  charge  of 
business.  After  ten  years  of  success- 
ful life  in  the  drug  business,  our 
subject  came  to  Long  Island  City, 
that  part  then  known  as  Hunter's 
Point,  to  engage  in  the  grocery 
business,  under  the  firm  name  uf 
Smith  &  New  Brothers.  Later,  the 
business  became  the  property  of  the 
New  boj's,  and  has  been  from  that 
(lay  to  this,  J.  N.  New  &  Bro.  The 
store  now  is  the  oldest  established 
in  Long  Island  City. 

In  1885  he  began  dealing  in 
coal  and  wood  in  connection  with 
liis  grocery  business,  with  office  and 
yard  foot  of  East  avenue,  on  Newtown 
Creek.  Mr.  New  is  classed  among 
the  prosperous  business  men  of  this 
city.  The  coal  is  unloaded  by  steam 
derricks,  and  handled  by  self-dump- 
ing and  self- regulating  cars.  His 
I'ROF.  K.  (J.  Di  i.cKEX.  father,  James  L.  New,  was  reared  in 

England,  and  engaged  there  in  the 
dairy  business,  which  he  successfully  carried  on  until  1837,  when  he  came  to  America,  and  located  in 
Greenpoint,  where  he,  for  a  time,  followed  his  former  occupation.  Giving  this  up,  he  established  the 
first  stage  route  between  Greenpoint  and  Williamsburg,  and  later  the  first  stage  line  on  Atlantic 
avenue,  from  Bedford  to  Fulton  ferry.  Having  sold  his  stage  lines,  in  1857,  he  emigrated  to 
California  to  engage  in  gold  mining.  From  there  he  went  to  Montana,  and  resides  in  the  latter  State 
to  this  day,  engaged  in  stock  ranching.  His  mother,  Harriett  Webb,  is  also  a  native  of  England. 
Mr.  New's  brothers  are  James  N.,  who  is  his  partner  in  business,  and  Levi  W.,  a  grocer  in  Long 
Island  City,  and  his  sister,  Gertrude,  married  and  living  in  Brooklyn.  Mr.  New's  residence,  at 
92  Third  street,  is  presided  over  by  his  estimable  wife,  who  was  formerly  Miss  Amanda  M.  Smith, 
daughter  of  the  late  J.  Andrew  Smith,  who  was  a  grocer  of  Long  Island  City,  and  a  pioneer  settler 
of  the  place,  having. settled  here  in  i860,  on  the  spot  where  our  subject's  grocery  store  now  stands. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  175 

Four  children  have  been  born  to  the  marriaj,>^e  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  New,  William  G.  and  Howard  C, 
now  dead,  and  Alfred  N.,  a  traveling  salesman  in  the  wholesale  coal  house  of  F.  A.  Potts  &  Co.,  New 
York  City,  and  Miss  Gertrude  E.,  at  home.  Mr.  New  has  always  been  active  in  the  various  interests 
of  the  city,  havin<j  served  in  the  old  Volunteer  Fire  Department  as  a  member  of  Franklyn  Engine 
Co.  No.  3  for  many  years.  He  has  for  years  been  an  active  member  of  the  East  Avenue  Baptist 
Church,  is  president  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School,  to  which 
position  he  has  been  elected  annually  for  eighteen  consecutive  years.  Fraternally,  Mr.  New  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Island  City  Lodge  586,  F.  and  A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  past  master.  Also  a  member  of  Banner 
Cliaptcr2i4,  R.  A.  M.,  of  this  city,  and  Black  Prince  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  of  Brooklyn. 
Politically,  he  is  an  ardent  Republican,  ever  ready  to  stand  by  the  principles  of  his  party. 

Jami;.5  N.  New  was  born  in  Newtown,  L.  L,  November  14,  1842.  When  he  was  four  months  of 
age  his  parents  removed  to  Greenpoint,  now  a  part  of  Brooklyn.  For  the  past  thirty-four  years  he 
has  been  a  resident  of  Long  Island  City,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  When 
he  was  twelve  years  of  age  he  began  in  that  business  in  the  store  of  John  F.  Allen,  in  Greenpoint. 
He  remained  in  his  employ  for  .seven  years,  at  which  time  he  accepted  a  .similar  po.sition  with  J. 
Andrew  Smith,  of  Long  Island  City.  After  .serving  a  clerkship  in  that  gentleman's  employ,  he,  in 
1865,  entered  into  a  co-partnership  with  Mr.  Smith  and  a  brother  of  our  subject,  at  39  Vernon  avenue, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Smith  &  New  P.rothers.  In  1868  Mr.  Smith  withdrew  from  the  firm;  from 
that  date  up  to  the  present  time  it  has  been  known  as  J.  N.  New  &  Brother.  In  1887  the  firm,  in 
connection  with  their  grocery  business,  added  coal,  the  same  being  under  the  supervision  of  A.  L. 
New,  while  J.  N.  New  manages  the  grocery  department. 

On  December  25,  1867,  our  subject  married  Miss  Eliza  M.  Gibson,  to  whom  six  children  have 
been  born.  Mr.  New  is  a  member  of  Grace  M.  E.  Church  of  Long  Island  City,  and  of  Island  City 
Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M. 

William  W.  Wright  was  born  in  Astoria,  Long  Island  City,  where  he  has  resided  all  his  life. 
He  received  a  common  school  education,  after  which  he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  Mr.  Wright 
has  always  taken  much  interest  in  public  matters.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Police  Com- 
mi.ssioners  under  Mayor  Sanford's  administration,  and  was  treasurer  of  that  body  during  the  time. 
He  is  a  member  ol  the  Royal  Arcanum,  Masons,  and  St.  Thomas'  Episcopal  Church. 

On  October  20,  1883,  he  married  Miss  Anna  E.  Cornell,  now  deceased.  Two  sons  were  born  to 
the  union. 

TiiK  iiK.M  01  I.  &  J.  Van  Riper  was  establi,shed  in  Hunter's  Point  in  1861,  and  continued  until 
i8gi,  when  Francis  G.  and  George  T.,  sons  of  Mr.  Isaac  Van  Riper,  were  admitted  to  the  firm, 
making  it  I.  &  J.  Van  Riper  !^.  Co.  This  was  continued  until  1894,  when  the  senior  members  retired, 
leaving  the  business  under  the  name  of  F.  G.  &  G.  T.  Van  Riper.  From  the  time  the  concern  was 
first  established  they  have  been  one  of  the  leading  building  firms  of  the  city.  They  have  erected 
many  of  the  prominent  buildings,  not  only  in  this  city,  but  in  Brooklyn,  New  York  City  and  through- 
out Long  Island.  Among  some  of  the  most  prominent  are  the  West  Shore  Railroad  buildings,  at 
Wechawken,  N.  J.;  the  main  wing  of  the  New  York  Architectural  Terra  Cotta  Company,  in  Long 
Island  City;  the  Masonic  Temple  in  Greenpoint;  Fleischmann  &  Co.'s  stables  at  Brooklj-n  and  Hemp- 
stead, L.  I.;  the  Long  Island  City  Police  Station;  the  Freeport  Public  School,  and  the  factory 
building  of  W.  J.  Matheson  &  Co.,  Long  Island  City.  The  firm  are  now  erecting  a  six-story  ware- 
house on  Hudson  street.  New  York  City;  St.  Mary's  Lyceum  in  Long  Island  City;  the  Mutual 
Insurance  building  in  Glen  Cove,  L.  I.  ;  and  the  Children's  Home  in  Yaphank,  L.  I. 

George  E.  Pavne,  eldest  son  of  Alvan  T.  Payne,  born  at  Corning,  Steuben  County,  N.  Y.,  Septem- 
ber 2.  1861.  He  come  to  Long  Island  City  in  1867  with  his  parents  where  he  received  his  early 
education  at  the  First  and  Fourth  Ward  Public  Schools.  He  afterwards  attended  the  State  Normal 
School  at  Mansfield,  Pa.,  for  two  years,  and  from  there  went  to  Professor  HoUock's  famous  school  at 
Bridgehampton,  L.  I.,  where  he  finished. 

His  first  business  venture  was  with  Col.  Sage  (who  filled  and  graded  the  streets  of  the  First  Ward 
of  Long  Island  City),  in  Ohio,  where  he  had  charge  of  the  work  of  constructing  the  road  bed  of  western 
extension  of  the  Erie  R.  R.  from  Marion,  Ohio,  to  Chicago,  and  was  known  as  Chicago  and  Atlantic 
R.  R.  He  remained  with  Col.  Sage  one  year  and  returned  to  Long  Island  City  in  1893,  and  became 
private  secretary  of  Mayor  Petry,  and  Mayor's  clerk  and  continued   in   that  position   until  Mr.    Petry 


,76  HISTORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 

retired  from  office  in  18S7.  lie  then  entered  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business  in  which  he  has 
been  quite  successful.  He  resides  with  his  faniilj',  consisting  of  his  wife,  Julie  B.  Payne,  who  is  the 
eldest  (laughter  of  Felix  D.  Bertlet,  an  old  resident  of  Astoria,  and  his  three  children,  Margaret, 
Dorothy  and  George,  at  257  Xott  avenue,  in  a  house  built  by  him  in  1894. 

Prokessor  Ferdinand  Quentin  Dulcken. — There  is  probably  no  citizen  of  Long  Island  City  who 
has  achieved  in  music  a  success  more  remarkable  than  that  which  has  brought  a  national  reputation 
to  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Inheriting  a  talent  for  the  art,  he  has  cultivated  this  to  the  fullest 
extent,  and  both  as  pianist  and  composer  of  music,  deserves  the  high  position  he  holds  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  people.  He  has  been  musical  director  for  some  of  the  greatest  musical  artists  of  the  day, 
both  here  and  abroad.  From  his  paternal  and  maternal  ancestors  he  inherits  a  love  for  music.  His 
father's  grandmother,  who  was  born  in  France,  was  a  gifted  pianist,  and  her  fondness  for  the  art  was 
also  cherished  by  her  husband.  During  the  French  Revolution  they  were  obliged  to  flee  from  their 
homes,  disguised  as  peasants;  went  to  Munich,  Bavaria,  where  he  founded  a  pianoforte  factory,  under 
the  patronage  of  the  Prince  of  Bavaria.  The  latter  became  a  warm  friend  of  this  talented  couple,  in 
whose  welfare  he  showed  a  deep  interest.  Recognizing  the  superior  ability  of  Mrs.  Dulcken,  he  gave 
into  her  charge  the  musical  training  of  his  daughters,  one  of  whom  afterward  became  the  wife  of 
Nicholas,  Czar  of  Russia;  another  became  the  wife  of  William,  King  of  Prussia;  and  the  third.  Queen 
of  Saxony.  A  correspondence  was  maintained  by  these  three  ladies  with  Mrs.  Dulcken  until  her 
death,  when,  in  accordance  with  her  will,  the  letters  were  returned  to  the  writers.  The  Dulcken 
famih-  originated  in  Holland,  and  its  meml)ers  have  been  prominent  in  the  various  countries  whither 
the}'  have  gone. 

From  his  mother  he  inherits  no  small  degree  of  musical  ability.  She  was  born  in  Hamburg, 
Germany,  and  early  in  life  displayed  the  talent  for  music  which  was  a  family  characteristic.  Her 
education  was  thorough,  and  she  became  so  proficient  in  the  profession  that  she  was  chosen  pianist  to 
Queen  Victoria,  which  honored  position  she  filled  until  her  death.  Her  brother,  Ferdinand  David, 
was  also  a  noted  musician,  his  specialty  bemg  the  violin.  The  only  one  of  her  children  who  inherited 
her  artistic  tastes  was  Ferdinand  Quentin  Dulcken.  A  portion  of  his  childhood  years  were  passed 
in  London,  England,  where  he  was  born.  From  there  he  went  to  Leipsic,  Germany,  in  order  that  he 
might  have  the  advantages  of  a  musical  training.  He  became  a  pupil  of  Mendelssohn,  and  also 
studied  under  Moseheles,  under  whose  supervision  his  technique  was  perfected,  and  his  knowledge  of 
music  broadened. 

In  1876  Ferdinand  Quentin  Dulcken  came  to  ATUcrica,  and  has  since  starred  the  country  with  a 
number  of  the  most  famous  artists  of  the  world,  including  Essipoff,  many  great  singers,  and  Ole  Bull, 
among  the  violinists. 

He  has  his  headquarters  in  Steinway  Hall,  where  he  has  given  instruction  to  some  who  are  now 
famous  in  the  musical  world.  His  ability  as  musical  director,  accompanist,  pianist  and  composer  is 
tmiversally  recognized.  His  compositions  include  both  vocal  and  instrumental  numbers,  and  are 
widely  known  and  admired.  He  has  gained  many  triumphs  in  large  assemblies  and  critical 
gatherings. 

Some  years  ago  he  spent  several  seasons  at  Warsaw,  where  he  was  one  of  the  professors  in  a  con- 
servatory, but  the  bigotry  and  oppression  of  Russian  nobility  became  unbearable,  and  he  sought  a 
more  congenial  abode.      For  a  number  of  years  he  has  made  his  home  in  Astoria. 

On  January  24,  1884,  at  her  home  in  Bowery  Bay,  he  married  Mary  Catharine,  youngest  daughter 
of  Ann  Eliza  Rapelye  and  Jacob  Suydam  Totten.  Her  maternal  grandparents  were  j\Iargaret 
Polhemus  and  Isaac  Rapelye,  the  former  of  Holland  Dutch  forefathers,  and  the  latter,  French 
Huguenot,  two  of  the  oldest  and  influential  families  of  Long  Island.  Her  father  was  Jacob  Suydam, 
son  of  Catharine  Monfort  and  Joseph  Totten,  who  died  March,  1845,  leaving  his  widow,  Ann  Eliza 
Totten,  with  six  small  children.  Nobly  she  led  them  in  the  right  path,  and  lived  to  see  them  all 
grown  up,  and  died  in  her  eighty-first  year. 

Mrs.  Dulcken  has  one  sister  and  two  brothers,  Gertrude  Rapelye  Totten,  formerly  of  Bowery 
Bay,  now  living  in  Astoria  in  their  comfortable  home  on  Debevoise  avenue;  Abram,  living  at  Wood- 
side,  al.so  of  Bowery  Bay;  and  William  Totten,  of  New  York  City,  who  is  married  and  has  one  child. 
Many  mementoes  of  these  old  families  have  been  preserved.  Old  Bibles,  printed  in  the  Holland 
tongue,  with  name  of  "  Monfort  "  on  fly  leaf  and  engraved  on  silver  clasp;  a  marriage  certificate, 
on  parchment,  of  Sarah   De  Blanck  to   Pietor   Monfort,  at  Amsterdam.  Holland,  dated  June  11,   1630, 


Hf STORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


who  came  to  this  country  the  same  year;  also  a  will  of  Sarah  De  Blanck,  dated  1669,  bequeathing  all 
her  property  to  her  son  Yan  (lohn);  a  lieutenant's  commission,  given  to  one  Pietor  Monfort,  and 
signed  and  sealed  by  Richard,  Earl  of  Bellmont,  dated  January  20,  1698;  and  many  other  old  and 
curious  documents.  Mrs.  Dulcken  was  educated  in  Long  Island  City  and  the  Xew  York  Normal 
College,  and  was  for  years  engaged  in  teaching..  Was  principal  of  the  Bowery  Bay  school  and  as- 
sistant principal  of  one  of  the  Long  Island  City  schools. 

Mrs.  Dulcken  is  fond  of  music.  Occasionally  she  writes.  Some  of  her  poems  have  been  set  to 
music  by  her  husband.  A  visitor  to  the  pleasant  home  notices  many  souvenirs  from  friends  and 
pupils;  the  autograph  of  Wilkie  Collins,  and  among  the  photographs  and  written  underneath,  "  Henry 
\V.  Longfellow.      In  memory  of  a  pleasant —     December  21,  1877." 

(Jarket   |amks   Gakretson.  —  The  (iarretson  family  are  among  the  earliest  Dutch  settlers,   the 


name  frequently 
pioneer  history  of 
In  1633  the  Hon. 
was  one  of  Govern- 
councilorson  Man- 
In  1643  Phi  1  ip 
first  public  house 
tan  Island,  and 
is  found  among 
1657  and  as  mem- 
Reformed  Church 
Island.  Judge 
scendant  of  Gerrit 
emigrated  from 
the  Rhine,  in  Gel- 
in  1660,  and  settled 
X.  J.  Garret  I. 
of  John  Garretson 
the  subject  of  this 
born  on  his 
Hillsborough, 
N.  J.  He  was  a 
Reformed  Dutch 
town,  L.  I.  He 
Rapalie,  a  direct 
J ores  Jansen  de 
o  f  Rochelle,  i  n 
refuge  in  Holland 
gious  wars  of  the 
coming  to  this 
He  settled  at  Fort 
Albany,  and  in 
Xew  Amsterdam, 
ing  on  L  o  u  g 
Walkibout,   in  the  present  city  of   Brooklyn. 


appearing  in  the 
New  Amsterdam. 
Martin  Gerritscn 
or  Van  Twiller's 
hattan  Island. 
Gerritsen  kept  the 
built  on  Manhat- 
the  family  name 
the  enumerated  in 
bers  of  the  Dutch 
on  Manhattan 
Garretson  is  a  de- 
Gerritsen,  who 
Wageningen,  near 
derland,  Holland, 
at  Bergen  Point, 
Garretson,  the  son 
and  the  father  of 
b  i  o  g  r  a  p  h  y,  was 
father's  farm  in 
Somerset  County, 
clergyman  of  the 
Church,  at  New- 
married  Catherine 
descendant  of 
Rapalie,  a  native 
France,  who  took 
during  the  reli- 
sixteenth  century, 
country  in  1623. 
Orange,  N  e  w 
1626  removed  to 
afterwards  locat- 
Island,  near  the 
Garret  James  Garretson  was  born  at  Newtown,  L.  I., 


CORD     MEYER. 


July  16,  1847.  After  an  academic  education  received  at  the  Flushing  Institute,  Long  Island,  he 
entered  the  office  of  Messrs.  Marvin  &  Daniel,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  December,  1869. 
Since  that  date  he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  New  York  City  and 
in  Queens  County,  in  which  field  he  has  achieved  a  full  measure  of  professional  success.  In  1S77 
Judge  Garretson  formed  a  co-partnership  with  Henry  W.  Eastman  under  the  firm  name  of  Eastman 
>.V-  Garretson,  which  was  terminated  by  the  death  of  the  senior  partner  in  1882,  when  with  two  of 
Mr.  Eastman's  sons  the  co-partnership  was  continued  under  the  firm  name  of  Garretson  &  Eastman. 
Judge  Garretson 's  practice  has  been  largely  connected  with  real  estate,  law,  mortgage  investments, 
the   management   and   care   of   estates,    and    matters  connected  with  the  probate  courts.       He  has 


1 7  8  HIS  rOK  1  ■  OF  L  ONG  I  SLA  ND  CI  T  Y. 

been  and  is  still  executor  and  trustee  of  many  large  estates  and  the  custodian  of  important  financial 
interests. 

Judge  Garretson  is  much  interested  in  educational  work,  and  was  for  many  years  President  of  the 
Board  of  Education  of  Newtown.  For  the  years  1873-4-5,  he  filled  the  office  of  School  Commissioner 
for  Queens  County.  In  1880  he  became  Surrogate  of  Queens  County,  and  in  1885  was  nominated  and 
elected  to  the  office  of  County  Judge  of  Queens  County.  He  served  with  great  acceptance  from  1886 
to  1891,  when  he  was  re-elected  for  a  further  term  of  six  years.  In  June  1896  he  was  appointed  one 
of  the  commissioners  for  Greater  New  York,  and  in  November  of  same  year  he  was  elected  a  justice  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  New  York.  He  was,  in  1876,  married  to  Eliza,  daughter  of  Henry  W.  Eastman, 
Esq.,  his  partner  and  a  prominent  and  successful  member  of  the  bar  of  Queens  County  and  New  York. 

Judge  Garretson  possesses  a  keen  and  incisive  intellect  which  penetrates  to  the  marrow  of  a  legal 
problem.  Without  any  bold  or  abrupt  statement  foreshadowing  his  intended  judgment,  he  reasons  a 
question  out  by  a  process  of  subtle  analysis  which  gives  to  every  slip  the  character  of  a  logical 
postulate.  When  the  conclusion  is  reached  you  see  at  once  why  it  becomes  undisputable  as  an 
application  of  legal  principles  to  established  facts.  It  is  this  judicial  quality  of  mind,  ripened  by 
experience  on  the  bench,  which  has  imparted  so  high  a  character  to  his  decisions  that  lawyers  feel  in 
advance  the  futility  of  appealing  from  them.  Not  one  of  his  judgments,  while  sitting  as  surrogate  and 
passing  upon  these  intricate  questions  of  mixed  fact  and  law  belonging  to  the  probate  of  wills,  was 
ever  reversed  by  an  appellate  court.  His  success  in  always  adjusting  the  right  principle  to  the  right 
solution  of  the  issue  raised  before  him  he  owes  to  a  happy  organization  of  mind.  Where  the  intellect, 
instead  of  being  self-sufficient,  is  always  guided  by  the  law  of  conscience,  silently  yet  steadily  directing 
his  judicial  action. 

With  such  an  organization  it  would  not  be  otherwise  than  that  he  should  administer  the  office  of 
County  Judge  without  fear,  favor  or  prejudice  to  any  man.  Before  him  all  litigants  stand  as  impartial 
suitors.  Whether  as  indicted  criminals  or  parties  to  a  civil  action  he  is  equally  considerate  of  their 
rights  and  ready  to  protect  them  in  their  vindication.  Neither  politics,  nor  local  prejudices,  nor 
denominational  interests  have  any  weight  in  his  presence.  He  has  no  preferred  claimants  upon  his 
judicial  favors,  and  no  counsel,  however  intimate,  has  access  to  his  judicial  ear  out  of  court.  Hence  he 
never  comes  upon  the  bench,  like  so  many  of  otir  judges,  with  a  foreknowledge  of  the  peculiar  merits 
of  one  side  of  a  controversy.  Popular  with  the  bar,  because  of  his  uprightness,  his  courtesy  and  his 
fearless  adherence  to  the  right  at  every  stage  of  procedure;  admired  and  respected  by  his  fellow- 
citizens,  as  their  re-election  of  him  to  the  bench  showed,  he  stands  as  a  noble  embodiment  of  those 
high  moral  qualities  which  constitute  a  great  and  an  upright  judge. 

Cord  Mkver  was  born  at  Maspeth,  town  of  Newtown,  L.  I.,  New  York,  in  1854.  He  is  the  .second 
of  three  sons  of  the  late  Cord  Meyer,  who  came  from  Germany  to  this  country  in  his  youth.  A  few 
years  after  his  arrival  here,  he  started  in  business  for  himself  as  a  manufacturer  of  charcoal,  used  in 
the  process  of  refining  sugar,  of  which  he  made  a  great  success,  which  eventually  induced  him  to 
enter  the  refining  business  himself  as  a  member  of  the  Williamsburg  firm  of  Dick  &  Meyer,  which, 
after  many  years  of  great  success,  was  taken  in  the  sugar  trust  at  the  time  that  corporation  was  organ- 
ized. 

Our  subject  is  largely  interested  in  the  bone  charcoal  business,  and  is  president  and  principal 
owner  of  the  Acma  Fertilizer  Company  on  Newtown  Creek.  For  a  time  he  was  a  special  partner  in 
the  banking  house  of  C.  L.  Rathborne  &  Co.,  but  since  the  death  of  his  father,  which  occurred  in  1891, 
he  has  withdrawn  that  source  to  attend  to  his  many  private  affairs.  Politically,  he  is  a  Democrat, 
and  takes  great  interest  in  all  political  affairs.  He  was  the  representative  for  five  years,  dating  from 
1884,  in  the  Democratic  State  Convention,  and  a  member  and  Secretary  of  the  State  Executive  Com- 
mittee. He  is  a  warm  admirer  of  President  Cleveland.  In  1892  he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Flower 
one  of  the  World's  Fair  Commissioners,  and  in  October,  1893,  he  received  the  Democratic  nomination 
for  Secretary  of  State.  Mr.  Meyer  is  largely  interested  in  real  estate  affairs  of  that  beautiful  village 
of  Elmhurst,  Long  Island. 

Mr.  Meyer  was  educated  at  Old  Bro(jk  School,  Maspeth,  after  which  he  attended,  and  was  graduated 
from  Grammar  School  No.  40,  New  York  City.  After  completing  his  grammar  school  studies,  he 
attended  the  College  of  the  City  of  New  York  for  a  period  of  two  years.  On  October  9,  1878,  he 
married  Miss  Cornelia  M.  Covert,  who  has  borne  him  five  children. 


IffSTORY  OF  I.OXG  /SLAXP  Cfl  Y 


'79 


Charles  G.  Covkkt  was  born  at  Maspeth,  L.  I.,  New  York,  September  30,  1826,  and  was  a  son 
of  Underhill  and  Maria  (Johnson)  Covert,  the  latter  being  a  daughter  of  Charles  Johnson,  whoresided 
at  Maspeth,  near  Covert  Place.  For  his  first  wife  he  married  Miss  Nancy  Leonora  Aldrich,  Newtown, 
October  29,  1841.  Her  demise  occurred  April  8,  1845,  having  borne  him  three  children  as  follows: 
Underhill  J.,  born  October  19,  1848;  Henry  Aldrich,  born  September  29,  1842;  and  Charles  Johnson, 
born  March  27,  1845,  t'^*^  latter  dying  in  infancy.  On  March  29,  1850,  Mr.  Covert  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Welsh,  of  New  York  City,  who  survives  him,  and  who  bore  him  four  children.  Mrs. 
Covert  was  born  in  New  York,  December  24,  1827. 

In  1858  Mr.  Covert  was  first  chosen  superviser.  lie  was  re-elected  to  the  same  position  many 
times  thereafter. 

Alv.\n  T.  Payne  is  the  leading 
Attorney  and  one  of  the  most  pro- 
gressive citizens  of  Long  Island 
City,  who  for  nearly  30  years  has 
been  identified  with  its  development 
and  prosperity.  In  political  affairs 
he  has  been  very  active  in  serving 
the  public,  and  in  1875  was  elected 
to  the  New  York  A.ssembly  from  the 
Second  District  on  the  Democratic 
ticket  and  served  during  the  centen- 
nial year  1876.  While  a  member  of 
that  body,  he  was  instrumental  in 
securing  the  passage  of  only  such 
bills  as  served  the  people,  and  was 
aggressive  in  preventing  much  bad 
legislation.  He  was  the  counsel  to 
the  Corporation  of  Long  Island  City 
during  the  period  when  the  municipal 
affairs  were  managed  upon  business 
principles  strictly.  He  ran  for  the 
ofiice  of  District  Attorney  as  an 
Independent  Democrat  in  1880  and 
was  defeated  by  about  500  votes, 
while  the  regular  ticket  upon  which 
his  adversary  ran  won  by  over  2,000. 
He  was  a  candidate  for  the  nomina- 
tion for  County  Judge  at  the  last 
election  to  fill  that  office. 

The  town  of  Southhold,  SutTolk 
Countj\  where  Mr.  Payne  was  born, 
February  16,  1840,  was  also  the  birth- 
place   of    his    father,     Thomas,  and 

grandfather,  Captain  Benjamin  Payne.  The  latter  was  a  well-to-do  farmer  in  that  locality  and 
followed  his  peaceful  calling  until  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  when  he  volunteered  his  services  in  defence 
of  the  colonies.  From  the  ranks  he  rose  to  the  position  of  Captain  of  his  company  and  was  present 
at  many  hard-fought  engagements,  taking  a  very  prominent  part  in  the  battle  of  Long  Island. 

The  great-grandfather  of  our  subject  was  Rev.  Thomas  Payne,  M.D.,  who  was  born  in  Columbia 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  completed  his  literary  studies  in  Yale  College,  where  he  gained  a  fine  education.  In 
addition  to  engaging  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  he  also  held  the  first  pastorate  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  Society  organized  in  the  town  of  Southhold.  And,  as  it  is  inscribed  on  his 
tombstone,  he  ministered  to  the  wants  of  the  soul  as  well  as  those  of  the  body. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Ezra  Haynes,  a  Presbyterian  Clergyman,  and 
a  native  of  Columbia  County  in  this  State.  Dr.  Daniel  Haynes,[one  of  her  uncles,  was  a  distinguished 
physician  and  poet. 


HON.     IHEODORE    KOEHl.EK. 


,80  HfSTOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  youngest  son  and  fourth  child  in  the  family.  At  the  age  of 
twelve  years,  he  was  a  pupil  in  Brainerd  Academy,  Connecticut,  and  a  teacher  of  primary  classes 
therein.  Later  he  became  a  pupil  of  Elizabeth  Mapes,  a  renowned  teacher  on  Long  Island  for  many 
years,  and  of  whom  it  was  said  that  no  lady  of  that  period  surpassed  her  in  mental  acumen. 

Mr.  Payne's  ambition  to  enter  Yale  College  was  frustrated  by  his  father's  reverses  in  business, 
and  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  began  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  George  B.  Bradley,  of  Corning, 
now  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years  and 
shortly  afterwards  formed  a  partnership  with  Henry  Sherwood,  then  a  member  of  Assembly.  He  was 
elected  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  shortly  after  attaining  his  majority.  In  1864  he  was  appointed  United 
States  Commissioner  for  the  Northern  District  of  New  York. 

In  1S67  Mr.  Payne  removed  from  Corning  to  New  York  City  and  formed  a  partnership  with  his 
brother  Oliver.  His  clientage  in  Long  Island  City  having  increased  .so  rapidly,  because  of  his  residence 
there,  he  gave  up  his  New  York  offices  and  devoted  his  whole  time  to  his  work  there. 

The  success  of  Mr.  Payne  has  been  gradual  and  well  merited.  He  is  regarded  as  an  able  all- 
around  lawyer  in  whose  hands  the  confidences  and  interests  of  his  clients  were  never  misplaced  or 
betrayed. 

He  has  been  retained  in  many  noted  cases,  among  them  the  Hoffman  lunacy  proceedings  and 
afterwards  in  maintaining  Mrs.  Hoffman  well.  In  the  latter  case  he  was  paid  $2,500  for  his  services 
and  he  was  then  only  about  thirty  years  olil. 

He  was  the  managing  counsel  in  the  first  case  against  Mayor  Debevoise,  contesting  the  validity 
of  his  election.  An  extraordinary  circuit  was  appointed  by  Governor  Dix  for  the  trial  of  the  action. 
Mr.  Payne  failed  after  a  two  weeks'  trial,  but  subsequently,  upon  a  re-election,  Mr.  Debevoise  was 
ousted  in  an  action  brought  by  :Mr.  Payne  in  behalf  of  George  Petry.  He  was  also  successful  in  the 
Almquist  poisoning  and  divorce  cases  which  for  a  long  time  attracted  public  attention. 

Mr.  Payne  is  counsel  to  the  Queens  County  Bank.  He  is  a  trustee  of  Long  Island  City  Savings 
Bank  and  has  been  its  only  counsel  since  its  incorporation  in  1876,  and  the  bank  during  that  period 
having  invested  hundreds  of  thou.sands  of  dollars  upon  his  advice,  never  lost  a  dollar.  He  has  the 
distinction  of  being  the  oldest  practitioner  in  the  city  and  the  third  oldest  in  the  county.  His  son, 
A.  T.,  Jr.,  is  associated  with  him  in  the  practice  carried  on  in  their  commodious  offices  in  the  Savings 
Bank  Building.  His  relations  to  the  members  of  the  bar  have  been  cordial  and  fraternal,  and  he 
enjoj's  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  Courts. 

Mr.  Payne  is  at  the  present  time  the  President  <if  the  Oueens  County  Bar  Association.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Ma.sonic  Order,  and  a  member  of  St.  John's  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  of  which  he 
was  for  many  years  a  vestryman.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the^  Suffolk  County  Historical  Society.  In 
politics  he  is  a  Democrat.  During  the  political  vicissitudes  of  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  have 
passed  through,  he  has  been  in  the  front  rank  of  those  who  have  at  all  times  sought  the  city's  welfare. 
There  has  not  been  a  lime  during  the  period  of  his  residence  in  this  city  when  it  could  be  truly 
said  that  he  ever  violated  a  trust,  either  public  or  private. 

Hon.  Lucius  N.  Manlev  is  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  having  been  born  in  Addison, 
Steuben  County.  He  is  the  son  of  Nehemiah  and  Jane  (Baker)  Manley,  the  former  a  native  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  while  the  latter  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  was 
the  only  child  of  his  parents  to  reach  mature  years,  continued  to  live  at  home  until  he  was  sent  to 
Alfred  Academy,  in  Allegany  County,  N.  Y.,  where  he  completed  his  education.  He  then  made 
practical  use  of  his  knowledge  by  teaching  school.  For  some  time  previous  to  this  he  had  been  de- 
sirous of  turning  his  attention  to  the  study  of  law,  and  began  reading  in  the  office  of  F.  C.  and  J.  W. 
Dinninny.  In  January,  1S72,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Buft'alo,  and  in  November  of  that  year  he 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Long  Island  City,  having  entered  into  a  co-partnership  with 
A.  T.  Payne,  and  which  was  continued  for  one  year.  He  then  opened  an  office  of  his  own,  and  con- 
tinued to  transact  business  alone  until  1887,  when  Charles  A.  Wadley  became  associated  with  him,  the 
firm  being  known  as  Manley  &  Wadley. 

Mr.  Manley,  for  a  period  of  four  years,  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace.  He  has  also  been  a 
candidate  for  Mayor  of  Long  Island  City.  In  the  fall  of  1893  he  was  nominated  on  the  Republican 
ticket  as  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  and  was  elected  from  the  F'irst  District. 
He  served  as  one  of  the  committee  on  charities,  and  also  on  the  committee  on  Governor  and  State 
officers. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


i8i 


Judge  Manley  is  a  member  of  the  (Jueens  County  Bar  Association,  of  wliicli  he  was  \'ice-Fresiclent 
for  some  time.  He  is  the  second  oldest  practitioner  in  Long  Island  City.  He  is  married  and  has  four 
children. 

Charles  A.  Wadlkv  was  born  in  Clyde,  Wayne  County,  X.  V.,  June  8,  1859,  the  son  of  Martin 
and  Emily  Butler  (Wheeler)  Wadley,  the  former  a  native  of  South  Butler,  Wayne  County,  New  York, 
and  the  latter  having  been  born  in  Ravenna,  Portage  County,  Ohio.  The  Wadleys,  sometimes  spelled 
"  Wadleigh,"  are  an  old  Xcw  Hampshire  family,  tracing  their  ancestry  back  to  England,  from  whence 
the  first  members  of  that  family  emigrated  to  this  country  over  a  century  and  a  half  ago.  Mr.  Wadley 
spent  the  greater  part  of  his  childhood  with  his  parents  in  Clyde,  where  he  was  educated  in  the  High 
School  of  that  place.  At  an  early  age  he  learned  to  work.  His  school  days  were  often  broken  in 
ui)on,  and  interspersed  with  various  avocations  ren- 
dered necessary  to  enable  him  to  support  himself. 
At  the  age  of  twenty  years  he  entered  the  law  office 
of  Vandenberg  &  Saxton  (the  latter  now  being  the 
Lieutenant-Governor)  as  a  law  student,  and  con- 
tinued with  them  until  September,  1882,  when  he 
came  to  New  York  City,  and  accepted  a  position  as 
storekeeper  with  the  firm  of  John  Matthews,  man- 
ufacturers of  soda  water  apparatus,  and  continued 
with  them  until  September,  1884,  at  which  time  he 
entered  the  law  office  of  Judge  L.  N.  Manley.  Since 
1883  he  has  made  his  home  in  Long  Island  City. 
vSeptember  23,  1886,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  in 
Brooklyn,  and  continued  with  Judge  Manley  until 
1887,  when  he  was  taken  into  partnership,  the  firm 
becoming  Manley  &  Wadley,  and  still  continues  the 
same.  On  March  i,  1894,  Mr.  Wadley  was  appoint- 
ed Assistant  District  Attorney  for  Queens  County, 
by  District  Attorney  Daniel  Noble,  which  office  he 
now  fills  with  general  satisfaction. 

On  Februai-y  9,  1888,  Mr.  Wadley  married  Miss 
Lillie  M.  Salzman,  of  Clyde,  N.  Y.  She  died  in 
Long  Island  City,  February  28,  1892,  leaving  one 
child.  Anna  Lillian.  On  October  30,  1895,  Mr. 
Wadley  married  Miss  Eliza  Lucretia  Bostwick,  of 
l'hiladeli)hia,  Pa  ,  and  now  resides  at  158  Eleventh 
street.  Long  Island  City. 

Mr.  Wadley  has  always  been  a  Republican,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  James  A.  Garfield, 
member  of  Mariner's  Lodge,  No.  67,  F.  and  A.  M.,  of  New  York  City. 

Judge  Daniel  Nohle,  District  Attorney  for  Queens  County,  is  a  native  of  Long  Island,  and  for 
many  years  has  been  one  of  its  leading  attorneys.  He  is  active  in  the  ranks  of  the  Democratic  party 
and  has  served  in  political  positions  of  influence. 

The  Noble  family  is  one  of  the  oldest  Puritan  families  in  the  country.  The  family  progenitor, 
Thomas  Noble,  landed  in  Plymouth  Colony  soon  after  its  settlement  in  i6io.  In  the  last  four  gener- 
ations of  the  family  there  have  been  many  attorneys.  Daniel  Noble,  great-grandfather  of  the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  was  a  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Massachusetts.  Solomon  B.  Noble,  father  of 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Williamstown,  Massachusetts,  May  22,  1819.  He  attended 
school  and  fitted  himself  for  college  in  his  native  town,  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen  entered  Williams 
College  as  a  freshman.  Notwithstanding  his  comparative  youth,  he  took  high  rank,  and  was  graduated 
with  honors  four  years  later  with  the  class  of  '37,  being  at  that  time  the  youngest  graduate  Williams 
College  ever  had.  For  three  or  four  years  after  finishing  his  education,  Solomon  Noble  taught  school, 
and  in  1841  came  to  New  York  and  entered  the  law  office  of  the  late  Judge  Betts.  In  three  years  he 
completed  the  course  of  reading  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Deciding  to  remain  in  New  York,  he 
located  his  office  at  iii  Nassau  street.  He  took  a  very  active  interest  in  politics  as  a  Democrat,  and 
became  a  member  of  Tammany  Hall.      He   served   two  terms  as  a  member  of  the  Assembly.     For 


JACOl;    SiAHI.. 


He  is 


i82  H/S'I'OKV  OF  LO.VG  ISLAND  CITY. 

nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  practiced  his  profession  in  New  York,  and  in  1868  he  removed  to 
Long  Island  City  and  occupied  a  fine  mansion  in  Ravenswood.  After  practicing  for  a  time,  Mr. 
Noble  formed  a  partnership  with  the  late  Judge  Pearse,  and  a  few  years  later  the  two  partners  were 
candidates  against  each  other  for  the  office  of  Judge  of  the  City  Court,  which  preceded  the  present 
Police  Court  and  had  superior  powers.  Mr.  Noble  was  defeated  by  a  very  small  majority.  His  next 
partner  was  Isaac  Kugleman,  which  later  on  was  dissolved.  Mr.  Noble  then  continued  by  himself 
imtil  1884,  when  he  associated  his  son,  Daniel,  in  business  with  him.  He  took  a  very  conspicuous 
part  in  politics,  and  the  last  public  office  which  he  held  was  that  of  District  Attorney,  having  been 
appointed  to  that  position  by  his  son,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  In  January,  1894,  he  entered  upon 
the  duties  of  his  office,  and  was  actively  engaged  in  the  same,  when  stricken  with  paralysis.  He  died 
at  the  home  of  his  son,  Daniel,  in  February,  1895.  In  1854  Solomon  Noble  married  Miss  Agnes, 
daughter  of  John  Nicolson,  a  prominent  dry  goods  merchant  of  New  York  at  that  time.  Mrs.  Noble 
died  in  Ravenswood  in  1874. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Daniel  Noble,  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  December  25,  1859.  He  attended 
the  private  schools  of  Brooklyn  until  1870,  at  which  time  he  went  to  Germany  to  advance  his  educa- 
tion, remaining  there  until  1876.  On  his  return  he  became  a  student  of  Columbia  College,  and  soon 
thereafter  entered  the  Columbia  Law  School,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1881  with  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Laws.  About  that  time  he  entered  into  business  with  his  father  in  Long  Island  City,  they 
continued  together  until  the  death  of  the  senior  member  of  the  firm,  since  which  time  our  subject  has 
practiced  his  profession  alone.  In  1892  Mr.  Noble  was  elected  judge  of  Long  Island  City,  and  in  the 
Fall  of  1893  was  nominated  and  elected  District  Attorney  on  the  Democratic  ticket  and  endorsed  by 
the  Republican  party. 

Judge  Noble  married  Miss  Annie  Moran,  a  resident  of  New  York,  but  a  native  of  Jersey  City. 
He  has  an  attractive  home  at  No.  45  Woolsey  street.  Mr.  Noble  is  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
an  influential  Ma.son,  being  a  member  of  Advance  Lodge,  of  Astoria.  He  is  al.so  a  member  of  Knick 
erbocker  Yacht  Club,  of  College  Point;  the  Williamsburg  Yacht  Club,  of  Long  Island  City;  the 
Astoria  Athletic  Club,  the  Long  Island  City  Wheelmen,  and  is  Librarian  of  the  Queens  County  I!ar 
Association. 

Rkv.  J.\mks  H.  MircnF.Li,,  Cliancellor  of  the  Diocese  of  Brooklyn,  was  born  in  Astoria,  Uueens 
County,  N.  Y.,  October  10,  1853.  He  attended  the  village  school,  also  public  school  No.  40,  of  New 
York  City,  after  which  he  entered  the  College  of  the  City  of  New  York.  He  afterwards  attended 
Manhattan  College  and  graduated  therefrom  with  honors  in  1874.  In  September  of  the  same  year  he 
entered  the  Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal,  where  he  remained  imtil  his  ordination  as  Priest,  December 
22,  1877.  By  the  permission  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Loughlin  he  attached  himself  for  awhile  to 
the  Sulpician  Church  of  St.  Patrick,  Montreal,  where  he  labored  fourteen  months.  He  was  called  to 
Brooklyn  and  made  an  assistant  at  the  Cathedral  on  Jay  street.  He  had  charge  of  St.  James  Young 
Men's  Catholic  Association.  In  1882,  at  the  National  Convention  held  in  Boston,  he  was  elected  first 
Vice-President  of  the  Catholic  Young  Men's  National  Union,  and  in  the  following  year  was  elected  to 
succeed  Bishop  Keane,  as  President  of  the  organization.  Father  Mitchell  held  this  office  until  1891, 
when  he  declined  a  renomination.  After  the  death  of  Bishop  Loughlin,  Father  Mitchell  was  one  of 
those  named  for  the  Bishopric,  and  on  the  appointment  of  Bishop  McDonnell,  he  was  made  Diocesan 
Chancellor,  with  pastoral  care  of  St.  John's  Chapel,  the  nucleus  of  the  new  Cathedral. 

Et.iphalet  Nott  Anable. — New  Yorkers  are  so  accustomed  to  associate  with  the  western  end  of 
Long  Lsland  the  idea  of  a  great  and  populous  city,  that  few  are  able  to  imagine,  and  fewer  still  to 
remember,  the  time  when  farms  and  country  residences  occupied  the  site  of  Long  Island  City.  The 
subject  of  this  .sketch,  still  in  the  prime  of  life,  was  born  in  one  of  the  first  houses  built  on  the  Hunter 
farm  (from  whence  the  name  "  Hunter's  Point  "),  September  1st,  1857. 

His  father,  Henry  Sheldon  Anable,  was  for  over  thirty  years  active  and  prominent  in  Queens 
County  as  one  of  the  Committee  on  Incorporation  of  Long  Island  City,  a  commissioner  for  survey  of 
the  city  and  on  the  committee  on  improvements.  He  also  had  charge,  in  trust,  of  the  improvement 
and  sale  of  the  Nott  Lands,  now  part  of  Brooklyn,  as  attorney  for  Union  College,  to  which  institution 
they  had  been  donated  by  President  Eliphalet  Nott. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  being  named  after  President  Nott,  is  naturally  :in  alumnus  of  Union, 
having  been  prepared  for  college  at   the   Bnwklyn   Polytechnic   Institute.     While  in   Lolkge  he  was  a 


n/sroRY  OF  /.ox(;  /sf.Axn  cfiv 


1 8.1 


member  of  the  Philomathean  Society  and  uf  the  Kappa  Alpha  Fraternity.  He  was  jjraduated  in  the 
class  of  1878  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  and  subsequently  received  that  of  LL.  H.  from  the  Columbia 
C'dllc.ne   Law  School  in  1S80. 

I'jjon  the  retirement  of  his  father,  in  1.S.S4.  Mr.  Aiiahle  succeeded  him  as  attorney  for  Union 
follej^e,  and  manajjer  of  its  real  estate  at  Lon<i  Island  Cit_\',  but  after  three  years  resumed  the  jicneral 
practice  of  law  in  New  York  City. 

His  surroundinjjs  from  childhood  naturally  led  him  into  real  estate  law,  into  projects  for  the 
jiurchase  and  improvement  of  land,  and  into  acquisition  of  familiarity  with  municipal  improvement, 
liie  law  of  assessment  and  taxation.  He  has  served  as  counsel  for  Union  College,  RoswcU  P.  Flower 
and  other  large  landowners,  in  actions  brought  to  test  the  validity  of  the  tax  laws  of  the  city,  and 
originated  and  secured  legislation  under  which  a  comprehensive  plrui  of  street  imjjrovements  was  carried 
out  on  Jackson  avenue  and  Vernon  avenue,  Mr. 
Anable  being  of  counsel  to  the  commission  carrying 
on  the  work. 

Mr.  Anable  was  formerly  an  active  Republican, 
serving  for  years  as  a  member  of  the  Queens  County 
Central  Committee  and  of  the  (leneral  Committee  of 
Long  Island  City.  Mr.  Anable  married,  in  1891,  a 
daughter  of  the  late  Wni.  (J.  Schenck,  of  New  York, 
and  has  since  taken  n\)  his  residence  in  New  York. 
In  1893  he  left  the  legal  profession  and  became  inter- 
ested in  the  hotel  business  as  proprietor  of  the  West- 
minster Hotel,  New  York,  of  which  ])r<)i)crty  he 
subsequently  became  the  owner. 

He  is  one  of  the  executive  committee  of  five 
of  the  New  York  City  Hotel  Association— the  organ- 
ization through  which  the  associated  hotels  of  tlu 
Metropolis  act  upon  all  matters  relating  to  their 
business.  A  member  of  the  New  York  Board  oi 
Trade  anil  Transportation.  A  Trustee  of  tin 
Hahnemann  Hospital  of  New  York  and  a  member  of 
the  University  Club  and  New  York  Athletic  Club 
and  the  Association  of  the  Bar  of  New  York  City. 
And  still  largely  interested  as  owner  in  Long  Island 
City  real  estate. 

Edward  J.  Knalk.r  was  born  in  New  York 
City,  December  7,  1855.  His  parents,  Oscar  and 
Catherine  (Yost)  Knauer,  both  natives  of  Germany, 
the    former    born    in    Saxony,    and    the    latter    in 

Frankfort-on-the-Main.  In  1837  they  came  to  America  and  located  in  New  York  City.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  attended  the  public  schools  of  New  York  City,  graduating  from  Grammar  School  No. 
18,  and  in  1871  he  entered  the  office  of  the  late  President  Arthur  as  an  errand  boy,  remaining  with 
him  and  his  successors  until  the  present  time.  In  1882  he  became  and  is  now  a  member  of  the  firm. 
He  studied  law  with  Mr.  Arthur,  and  in  May,  1877,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 
Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Arthur  the  firm  name  has  been  changed  to  Knevals  &  Perry.  In  August,  1876, 
Mr.  Knauer  became  a  resident  of  Long  Island  City,  and  resides  in  a  pleasant  home  at  the  corner  of 
Woolsey  and  Franklin  streets.  His  wife  was  Miss  Matilda  Leonhard,  a  native  of  New  York  City,  and 
a  daughter  of  Frederick  W.  Leonhard,  a  merchant  of  that  city.  They  have  three  children,  Adelaide, 
Ransom  and  Florence. 

Mr.  Knauer  is  a  Republican.  He  has  .served  two  terms  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Alder- 
men of  Long  Island  City,  representing  the  Fifth  Ward,  and  was  President  of  the  Board  one 
term.  Mr.  Knauer  was  active  in  the  removal  of  Patrick  J.  Gleason,  in  his  fight  for  the  office  of  Maj'or 
of  Long  Island  City,  several  years  ago.  He  is  also  active  in  educational  matters,  and,  in  fact,  takes  a 
deep  interest  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  advancement  and  welfare  of  the  city.  He  is  a  thirty-second 
degree  Mason,  being  a  member  of  Advance  Lodge,  No.  635,  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  one  of  its  past  masters. 


J.    i;OI.DNF.R. 


i84 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


He  is  a  member  of  Mecca  Temple,  of  New  York,  and  John  Allen  Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.  He  is  also 
a  life  member  of  Astoria  Athletic  Club,  of  which  for  several  years  he  was  President,  a  member  of  the 
Oueens  County  Bar  Association,  besides  other  numerous  societies  in  Long  Island  City. 

Chari.es  Benner,  a  prominent  lawyer  and  citizen  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born  in  Astoria,  July 
31,  1S55.  His  education  was  obtained  in  Anthon's  and  Hull's  schools  of  New  York  City,  Phillips 
Academy,  Andover,  Mass.,  and  at  Yale  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1876.  After 
finishing  his  collegiate  course  he  began  the  study  of  law,  and  has  practiced  his  profession  ever  since 
his  admission  to  the  bar.  He  has  resided  in  what  is  now  Long  Island  City  all  his  life.  Mr.  Benner  is 
a  member  of  the  University  Club  of  New  York  City,  and  St.  George's  Ejjiscopal  Church  of  Long 
Island  City.  Politically  he  is  a  Republican,  and  is  a  member  of,  and  counsel  for,  the  citizens'  com- 
mittee of  seven,  which  broke  up  the  Debevoise  ring.  On  October  28,  1885,  Mr.  Benner  married  Aliss 
Gertrude  Whittemore,  to  whom  five  children  have  been  born. 

Cn.AKi.KS  T.  DiFFv,  a  prominent  lawyer  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born 
in  New  York  City,  March  4,  1859.  He  was  the  only  child  of  Michael  and  Maria  (Kcon)  Duffy,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Ireland,  the  former  having  been  deceased  since  1892,  while  the  latter  still 
survives  and  makes  her  home  with  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Judge  Duffy  received  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  New  York,  and  was  for  two  years  a  student  of  the  College  of  the  City  of  New- 
York.     When  eighteen  years  of  age  he  left  school    to   engage  in   business  in  New  York,  securing  a 

position  in  the  dry  goods  house  of  Lord  &  Taylor,  with  whom  he 
remained  in  different  capacities  until  twenty-one  years  old.  He  then 
entered  the  law  department  of  the  University  of  New  York,  gradu- 
ating with  the  degree  of  LL.B.  After  that  he  was  chief  clerk  in  the 
law  office  of  Maclay  &  Forrest.  In  1886  he  engaged  in  business  for 
himself,  and  in  connection  with  his  law  practice  actively  engaged 
in  the  shoe  and  leather  business  at  No.  271  Broadway,  New  York. 
In  1885  Mr.  Duffy  located  in  Long  Island  City,  and  has  made  that 
city  his  home  ever  since.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Ella  Keon,  to 
whom  two  children  have  been  born,  Arthur  and  Ferdinand.  In 
January,  1893,  Mr.  Duffy  was  appointed  attorney  to  the  Board  of 
Health,  and  held  that  position  until  elected  Judge  in  the  fall  of 
that  year,  he  having  received  a  majority  of  sixteen  hundred  votes. 
He  is  an  active  Democrat,  and  has  been  President  of  the  Jefferson 
Club  of  Long  Island  City  for  the  past  two  years.  He  was  also 
President  of  the  Ravenswood  Boat  Club  for  three  years. 

Wiii.iA.M  \i.  SiK\v.M<r,  one  of  the   most  widely-known  members 

of  the  legal  fraternity  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born   in   New  York 

City,    November  9,    1852,    where    he   was    educated    in     Grammar 

School  No.  3.     After   completing  his  education  he  began  the  study  of  law,  a  profession  he  has  zeal- 

ousl}'  followed  ever  since  his  admission  to  the  bar.     For  the  past  four  years,  Mr.  Stewart  has  been  a 

resident  of  Long  Island  City,  where  he  is  well  and  favorably  known. 

Mr.  Stewart  is  a  member  of  Advance  Lodge,  No.  635,  F.  and  A.  M..  Manhattan  Cliaptcr,  No.  252, 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  Columbian  Commandery,  No.  i.  Knights  Tem])lar  Anciint  Accepted  Scottish 
Rite,  Northern  Masonic  Jurisdiction,  U.  S.  A.,  Mecca  Temple,  Ancient  ( )r(lcr  of  the  Nobles  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine,  American  Legion  of  Honor,  Royal  Arcanum,  and  the  Order  of  Workmen.  He  is  a 
Democrat,  and  was  Corporation  Counsel  for  Long  Island  City,  from  1893  to  1S96.  He  was  special 
Counsel  for  the  United  States  in  the  French  and  American  Claims  Commission  during  the  year  of  1882. 
On  May  23,  1883,  Mr.  Stewart  married  Miss  Harriet  Godeffroy,  to  whom  four  children  have  been 
born,  viz. :  William  E.,  Jr.,  Harriet,  Dorothy  and  Alfred  N. 

IkA  G.  DAkRfN  was  born  in  Addison,  vSteuben  County,  N.  V,.  August  5,  1858.  He  received  his 
early  education  at  Addison  Academy,  after  which  he  entered  the  law  department  of  Columbia  College, 
graduating  thcrefnjm  in  the  Spring  of  1880.  On  December  13,  1879,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  being 
at  that  time  twenty-one  years  of  age.  During  the  following  four  years  he  spent  his  time  in  the  oil 
fields  of  Allegany  County,  N.  Y.  In  1886  he  removed  to  Syracuse,  and  in  1887  to  New  York  City, 
where  he  has  ever  since  practiced  his  profession.     For  the  past  six  years  he  has  resided  in  I.ong  Island 


KORKMAN.N. 


HfSrOKV  (V'  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  1S5 

City.  lie  is  a  member  of  the  Lincoln  Club  and  the  Ravenswood  Boat  Cluti.  In  polities  he  is  a  Re- 
])ubliean.  On  July  28,  1886,  Mr.  Darrin  married  Miss  Mary  S.  Davies,  of  Durhamville,  Oneida  County, 
X.  v.,  to  whom  three  sons  have  been  born,  two  of  whom  are  livinjj. 

In  1893,  Mr.  Darrin  was  chosen  chairman  of  the  Republican  (ieneral  Committee  of  Lonjj  Island 
City.  Prior  to  his  acceptin;^  that  position,  he  was  from  May,  1892,  to  September,  1893,  counsel  to  the 
Board  of  School  Buildinj^  Commissioners  who  had  in  char^je  the  finishinjj  of  the  uncompleted  school 
biiiUlinns  of  Lonij-  Island  Cit\'. 

M\i  iiiiu  J.  SMirii  was  1)1  nil  in  Lohl;'  Island  City,  Au<just  24,  1867.  His  parents  were  Matthew 
and  Mary  (Sheridan)  Smith,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  beinjj  the  eldest  of  their  four  children.  After 
attendinjj  a  course  in  the  jjrammar  school  of  his  native  city.  Mr.  Smith  entered  St.  Francis  Collejje  <jf 
Brooklyn,  from  which  institution  he  was  {graduated  in  1885,  with  the  dej^ree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  Soon 
thereafter  he  bejjan  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  Judjje  (Joldfojjle,  of  New  Y(jrk  City,  with  whom  he 
remained  for  eij^hteen  months.  In  1S86,  or  six  months  previous  to  Icavinjj  Judj^e  (loldfogle's  office,  he 
entered  the  Ct)lumbia  Law  School  and  was  jjraduated  therefrom  in  1888,  with  the  defjrec  of  Bachelor 
of  Laws.  After  several  years  of  practical  work  in  offices  of  well-known  law  firms  of  New  York  City, 
Mr.  Smith,  in  1892,  located  for  practice  in  Long  Island  City,  opening  an  office  in  the  Savings  Bank 
building.  His  phenomenal  success  as  a  lawyer  has  brought  him  many  valuable  clients.  He  is  coun- 
selor from  Long  Island  City  for  a  number  of  breweries  and  also  represents  the  Merchants  Protective  Asso- 
ciation of  Xew  York,  besides  a  number  of  wholesale  houses  in  that  city.  Mr.  Smith  is  attorney  for  the 
L'nited  States  Building  and  Loan  Association  of  Long  Island  City.  He  is  a  member  of  the  (jueens 
County  Bar  Association,  the  JelTerson  Club  and  the  Astoria  .\thletie  Club.  Politically,  he  is  a 
1  )emocral. 

I  AMiN  T.  Oi  ui  I  1 ,  attorney-at-law,  was  born  in  Himter,  N.  Y.,  October  20,  1850.  He  received  a 
careful  educaiioii  at  St.  Francis  College,  Brooklyn.  After  completing  his  education  he  began  the  study 
of  law,  and  since  his  admission  to  the  bar  he  has  been  actively  engaged  therein  ever  since.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Queens  County  Bar  Association,  and  filled  the  position  of  City  Clerk  under  the  admin- 
istration of  Ma}-or  IV'lry.      He  has  been  a  resident  of  Long  Island  City  since  1882. 

Tiio.\i,\s  Ch.vri.ks  K.ADir.N  was  born  in  Sullivan  County,  N.  Y.,  February  24,  1S55,  and  is  a  son  of 
Nicholas  and  Bedelia  (Carliss)  Kadien,  both  natives  of  Ireland.  Mr.  Kadicn  spent  his  early  life  in 
I'arkville,  N.  Y.,  and  in  addition  to  a  good  practical  education  received  in  the  public  schools,  he  attended 
ICastman's  Business  College  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  and  afterwards  St.  John's  College  at  Fordham. 
I'oUowing  this  he  began  the  study  of  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  in  iSSi.  For 
eighteen  months  he  practiced  his  profession  in  Denver,  Colorado,  after  which  he  returned  and  settled 
in  New  York  City,  where  he  practiced  for  two  years.  In  1887  Mr.  Kadien  located  in  Long  Island 
City,  where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  his  chosen  profession.  He  is  at  present  Prosecuting  Attorney 
and  Assistant  Counsel  to  the  General  Improvement  Commission.  He  is  a  member  of  Ravenswood  Boat 
Club  and  the  Queens  County  Bar  Association. 

Mr.  Kadien  married  Miss  May  Denen,  February  12,  1889.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  their 
marriage. 

Hakrv  T.  Wi-.kks  was  born  in  London,  England,  March  18,  1866,  a  son  of  Rev.  William  II.  Weeks, 
pastor  of  St.  'I'iiomas'  Episcopal  Church,  Ravenswood.  Harry  is  the  third  of  five  children.  When  he 
was  five  years  of  age  he  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  the  United  States,  and  after  one  year  spent  in 
Philadelphia  and  two  years  in  New  Jersey,  the  family  located  in  New  York  City.  At  this  time  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  about  eight  years  of  age,  and  in  the  public  schools  of  the  latter  city  he  received 
a  thorough  educational  training,  and  graduated  from  a  well-conducted  grammar  school.  After 
completing  his  education  he  decided  to  study  law,  and  entered  the  office  of  Owen  &  Gray,  subsequently 
Owen,  Gray  &•  Sturges,  at  No.  71  Wall  street,  with  whom  he  remained  until  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  Brooklyn,  in  September,  18S0,  after  which  he  continued  with  them  as  managing  clerk  until  the 
spring  of  1 89 1.  He  was  then  with  the  firm  of  Benner  &  Benner,  at  No.  62  Wall  street,  in  the  same 
capacity,  meanwhile  being  engaged  in  independent  practice  until  April,  1895,  when  he  opened  an  office 
at  No.  95  Fulton  avenue,  Astoria,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  active  practice  of  his  profession. 
In  1893  Mr.  Weeks  was  appointed  by  Mayor  Sanford  as  attorney  to  the  Board  of  Excise.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Jefferson  Club  of  Long  Island  City,  of  Sagamore  Lodge,  No.  371,  F.  and  A.  .M.,  Amity 
Chapter.  No.  160,  R.  A.  M.,  the  Royal  .Vrcanum  and  of  St.  Thomas'  Episcopal  Church. 


1 86 


HfSJVRY  or  J.OXG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Frkdkrick  X.  Smi  I'll  was  born  in  Portland,  Maine,  December  25,  1861.  His  fatiier,  M.  L".  Smith, 
was  a  native  of  East  Hampton,  Conn.,  while  his  mother,  Mary  E.  (Cobb)  Smith,  was  born  near  Port- 
land, Maine.  Frederick  N.,  our  subject,  was  the  youngest  of  four  children  born  to  his  parents.  His 
family  located  in  Long  Island  City  in  1872.  Frederick  attended  the  Fourth  Ward  school,  after  which 
lie  took  a  normal  course  and  some  years  thereafter  began  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  Foster  & 
Stevens  of  New  York.  He  subsequently  entered  the  law  department  of  Columbia  College,  and  in 
18S4  was  awarded  a  diploma  and  admitted  to  the  bar.  Mr.  Smith  then  entered  the  office  of  A.  T. 
Payne,  and  remained  with  him  as  managing  clerk  for  seven  years.  In  December,  1892,  Mr.  Smith 
ojiened  an  office  at  No.    77   Jackson   avenue.  Long  Island   City,  and   has  since  that  time  successfully 

practiced  his  profession  on  his  own 
account.  For  the  past  eight  years 
he  has  been  attorney  for  the  Long- 
Island  City  Building  and  Loan  Asso- 
ciation, and  for  the  past  five  years 
has  filled  the  position  of  Secretary  of 
the  Queens  County  Bar  Association. 

On  January  24,  1888,  ^Ir.  Smith 
married  Miss  Annie  Patterson,  at 
Amsterdam,  N.  V.  Two  children 
have  been  born  to  ihcir  marriage: 
May  C.  and  Oliver  X.  Mr.  Smith  is 
a  member  of  the  Knights  of  the 
Ciolclcn  Eagle,  .Master  of  Records  of 
Slcinway  Castle,  Xo.  8,  anil  is  a 
nicuihcr  of  (Jrand  Castle,  also  past 
and  district  chief  of  Oueens  County. 

J.-\.Mi-s  Dowi.iNc.  Trask. — The 
Trask  family,  of  linglish  extraction, 
was  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of 
Salcni,  Mass. 

James  Dowling  Trask  was  born 
in  1S21,  at  Beverly,  Mass.,  of  what 
would  have  been  called  "good  New 
England  stock  "  when  those  words 
stood,  in  a  moral  and  physiological 
sense,  for  something  ver\'  like  race 
or  racial  distinction. 

He  was  the  oldest  son  of  Oliver 

and    Elizabeth    Dowling  Trask,    and 

inherited      intellectual     tastes     that 

manifested    themselves    at    a     very 

earl}'  age.      lintering  Amherst  in  his 

fourteenth      \-ear,     at     nineteen      he 

graduated  and  chose   tiie  profession    of   medicine,    studying  at    first  with    Dr.     II.   J.    Bowdilch,    of 

Boston,  later  being  graduated   with    high   honors   from    the    .Medical    liepartnicnt  of   tiie    Xew    York 

University  in  the  class  of  1844. 

Dr.  Martj'n  Paine,  the  President  of  the  Universit)',  says  of  him,  that  "in  the  graduating  class  of 
the  University  for  1844,  Dr.  Trask  occupied  the  highest  rank,"  and  Dr.  Draper,  at  the  time,  bore 
witness  "that  he  has  passed  the  most  brilliant  examination  in  chemistry  that  has  been  known  in  the 
University." 

In  the  same  year  he  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Brooklyn,  X.  Y. 

In  1845  I )r.  Trask  married  Miss  Jane  Cruickshank  O'Farrell,  daughter  of  Thomas  O'i'arrell, 
K.  C.  B.,  and  Mary  O'Farrell,  of  Belfast,  Ireland. 

In  1847  he  yielded  to  the  urgent  entreaties  of  friends  and  was  induced  to  leave  Brooklyn,  to  accept 
a  practice  at  White  Plains,  X.  Y.      The  heroism  of  the  man,  and  his  calm  faith  in   following  liis  sense 


JiillN    W.     riLIRV. 


Ills n Vv' y '  i V-"  /, ONG  isl a nd  city.  187 

of  duty,  are  nobly  shown  in  liis  record  at  tliis  time.  An  epidemic  of  (typhus)  ship-fever  liad  broken  out 
in  the  Wliite  Plains  district.  One  of  the  foremost  jihysicians.  Dr.  Roe,  had  lost  his  life  by  the  disorder. 
Dr.  Trask  was  importuned  by  those  who  had  known  and  loved  Dr.  Roe  to  come  to  their  sutcor.  He 
quickly  won  the  love  and  confidence  of  the  community. 

In  the  midst  of  a  laborious  country  practice,  he  found  time  for  critical  and  orij>:inal  research,  and 
wrote  valuable  papers  which  bnjujjht  him  at  once  into  the  notice  of  the  medical  world. 

The  prize  of  the  American  Medical  Association  was  voted  to  him  in  1S55,  for  his  "  I*'ssay  on  the 
Statistics  of  Placenta  Previa  and  Rupture  of  the  Uterus." 

Removinjj'  to  New  York  City  in  the  Sprinjj  of  1859,  Dr.  Trask,  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  became  a 
resident  of  Astoria,  Lonjjf  Island,  which  was  his  home  thereafter. 

The  strong'  inducement  that  finally  decided  this  determination  seems  to  be  found  in  his  love  of 
outdoors,  and  every  living  thing-.  The  short  experience  of  life  in  a  city  did  not  atone  for  the  loss  of 
llie  life  among  trees  and  fiowcrs  that  he  loved  so  dearly.  The  close  pro.ximity  of  New  York  and  Hrook- 
lyn  kept  him  in  touch  with  the  leaders  of  his  profession,  who  eagerly  welcomed  him  back,  and  he 
accepted  the  chair  of  Obstetrics  and  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children  in  the  Long  Island  College 
Hospital,  of  which  he  was  a  founder.  After  four  years  of  service  in  this  capacity,  his  professional 
duties  necessitated  his  retirement. 

^lore  than  once  the  opportunity  to  change  to  the  city  practitioner  was  olTcred.  notably,  when  he 
was  urged  to  accept  the  chair  of  Obstetrics  and  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children  at  the  New  York  Uni- 
versity, his  alma  mater.  His  refusal  was  earnestly  combated  by  the  Faculty,  and  particularly  by  Dr. 
dunning  S.  Bedford,  the  retiring  professor. 

He  was  a  Founder  and  Fellow  of  the  American  (lynecological  Society,  and  President  of  the  Queens 
County  Medical  Society,  also  a  member  of  the  Oucens  County  Visiting  Committee.  At  the  time  of  his 
death,  he  was  deeply  interested  in  the  founding  of  a  Home  for  children. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Citizens'  Committee  of  Long  Island  City  from  its  start. 

A  notice  of  this  part  of  his  life  says:  "By  his  coolness  and  courage,  and  by  the  wisdom  of  his 
counsel  at  every  turn  in  the  many  perplexities  and  discouraging  situations  in  which  the  members  of  tlie 
committee  found  themselves,  during  the  long  and  memorable  contest  with  the  'Ring,'  Dr.  Trask  did 
\'atiant  and  invaluable  service,  that  a  grateful  public  will  not  soon  forget." 

Mr.  Trask's  life  as  revealed  in  letters,  from  boyhood  onward,  showed  absolute  unity  of  purpose. 
This  was  the  keynote  of  his  character.  L^ncompromising  toward  evil  or  wrong,  he  was  always  charit- 
able and  kindly  in  his  judgments.  "  Always  give  him  the  benefit  of  the  d(niht  "  when  the  short  comings 
of  a  delinquent  were  under  discussion. 

At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  Senior  Warden  of  St.  George's  Protestant  lC|)iscopal  Church  at 
Astoria. 

His  love  of  home,  which  was  always  strong  in  him,  was  intensitied  in  thowi.se  and  loving  father, 
and  companion  of  his  children. 

At  Amherst  College  he  was  happy  in  the  friendship  of  Dr.  lidward  Hitchcock.  i)y  whom  his 
inborn  love  for  nature  was  stimulated  and  developed.  He  then  began  that  research  into  the  natural 
sciences,  that  through  his  whole  life  afforded  relaxation  to  the  tired  brain. 

For  a  number  of  years  his  health,  at  no  time  robust,  had  been  failing,  and  a  rest  became  a  neces- 
sity;  he,  however,  accomplished  some  of  the  best  work  of  his  life  during  these  years. 

He  died  after  a  brief  illness  September  2,  1883. 

His  widow,  two  sons  and  a  daughter  survived  him. 

Xo  one  ever  exemplified  more  fully  than  Dr.  Trask  the  words  of  a  wise  and  holy  man — "it  is 
impossible  to  estimate  the  large  minded  wisdom,  the  common  sense,  and  the  peculiar  priestly  kindness 
of  an  intelligent  physician," 

Rarely  does  one  see  or  hear  of  a  man  so  beloved  by  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men,  and  the  secret 
was  the  reality  of  his  own  nature;  he  was  what  he  seemed  to  be.  The  rule  of  his  life  was  love  to  God 
and  man.  His  influence  for  good  no  one  can  tell,  and  many  a  soul  to  whom  he  gave  the  ministrations 
of  his  profession,  blesses  him  for  the  strength  and  consolation  meted  to  his  needs. 

The  Ni-if  York  Medical  Rironl  says:  "It  is  seldom  that  the  death  of  a  physician  is  looked  upon 
as  a  public  affliction  by  the  community  in  which  he  has  labored.  So  it  was,  however,  in  the  case  of 
the  late  lamented  Dr.  Trask.  The  rich  and  poor  crowded  the  church  to  pay  their  last  tribute  of 
respect  to  one  who  had  served  them  so  faithfully  in  life.     There  was  an  intensity  of  grief  tliat  is  very 


iSS 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


rarelj-  witnessed.  The  several  departments  of  the  city  government,  the  citizens'  committee  of  fifty, 
the  Law  and  Order  Society,  and  various  other  bodies  were  represented.  Distinguished  members  of 
the  medical  profession  from  New  York  City  and  other  parts  of  the  State  were  present.  As  an  author, 
practitioner,  citizen  and  Christian  he  did  his  work  effectively,  quietly,  conscientiously  and  for  the 
'  work's  sake  '. " 

Mkxzo  W.  Hkkriman,  M.D.,  visiting  physician  to  St.  John's  Hospital,  cx-police  surgeon  of  Long- 
Island  City,  and  a  general  practitioner  with  office  at  No.  330  Steinway  avenue,  and  one  of  the  most 
influential  and  prominent  physicians  and  surgeons  of  Queens  County,  was  born  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  in 
1857,  being  the  son  of  Richard  and  Alvirah  (Hartson)  Herriman,  natives  respectively  of  New  Jersey 
and  Schuyler  Lake,  N.  Y.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  child  of  his  parents,  and  the  only 
one  who  adopted  a  profession.  He  attended  school  for  a  number  of  years,  and  was  graduated  in  1877, 
from  the  vSyracuse  High  School.  The  year  after  his  graduation  he  entered  the  medical  department  of 
the  University  of  Syracuse,  and  remained  there  until  1881,  when  he  was  given  the  degree  of  M.D.  He 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  his  native  city,  and  after  about  eight  months  received  an  offer 
from   a  relative,    Dr.   J.  A.  Lidcll,  to  come  to  New  York,   which  he  did.     In    1885  he  was  appointed 

surgeon  for  the  United  States  and  Brazil  Steamship  Com- 
pany, which  position  he  held  for  four  years,  meantime 
making  nine  or  ten  trips  each  3'ear  between  New  York  and 
Rio  Janeiro.  Resigning  in  1889,  he  again  began  practice  in 
New  York  City,  but  after  six  months,  in  September  of  that 
year,  he  removed  to  Long  Island  City  and  opened  an  office 
where  lie  has  since  conducted  a  general  practice.  While  he 
has  l)ccn  \x'rv  successful  in  every  line,  his  specialty  is  the 
treatment  of  diseases  of  children,  in  which  his  skill  is 
imiversally  recognized.  While  in  Syracuse,  he  was  physician 
in  the  dispensary  connected  with  the  tmiversity  of  that  place. 
vSince  i8go  he  has  been  connected  with  St.  John's  Hospital, 
and  from  1892  to  i8g6  he  held  the  position  of  police  surgeon. 
In  the  Long  Island  City  Medical  Society  he  is  a  charter 
member,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Queens  County 
Medical  Society.  Dr.  Ilcrrinian's  family  consists  of  his  wife 
and  his  son  Rudolph.  His  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Josephene  Hirsch,  was  born  in  Austria,  and  who,  while  in 
girlhood  came  to  this  country  with  her  parents,  settling  in 
New  York  City.  Doctor  Herriman  is  a  member  of  Island 
City  Lodge,  No.  586,  I*",  and  A.  M.,  Herriman  Lodge, 
A.  < ).  U.  W.,  Order  of  Chosen  Friends  and  Knights  and 
Ladies  of  Honor,  Enterprise  Lodge,  K.  P.,  No.  228,  Knights  and  Ladies  of  the  (iolden  Star.  O.  F.  S. 
and  others,  for  all  of  which  he  is  medical  examiner.      He  is  identified  with  the  Church  of  tlic  Redeemer. 

Hk.njamin  Grinnell  Stron'(;,  M.D.,  Coroner  of  Queens  County,  is  a  physician  of  prominent 
standing.  He  was  born  in  Reading,  Hillsdale  Coimty,  Michigan,  September  19,  i860,  and  has  resided 
in  Long  Island  City  for  the  past  seven  years,  having  removed  from  his  native  state  in  1889.  Dr. 
Strong  is  a  descendant  from  Puritan  stock  and  is  a  member  of  the  seventh  generation  from  John 
Strong,  the  first  of  the  family  in  America.  His  father.  Dr.  Asahel  B.  Strong,  was  born  at  Hunts- 
burg,  Ohio,  and  was  a  physician  of  great  prominence  in  the  section  in  which  he  resided.  Dr.  Strong's 
mother,  who.se  maiden  name  was  Cornelia  Grinnell,  was  a  native  of  Evans  Hills,  N.  Y.,  whose  family 
was  prominent  in  that  section.  When  eighteen  years  of  age.  Dr.  Strong  graduated  from  the  high 
school  of  his  native  town.  He  at  once  began  his  own  support  by  clerking  in  a  drug  store  in  Reading, 
a  position  he  held  until  1880,  at  which  time  he  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  Univer.sity  of 
Michigan  at  Ann  Arbor,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  three  years  later.  He  then  entered  into  busi- 
ness with  his  father,  and  when  tlie  latter  died  he  succeeded  to  his  practice.  In  1889,  afterhis  removal 
to  Long  Island  City,  wishing  to  gain  more  information  relating  to  his  profession,  he  took  a  course  in 
the  Post  Graduate  School  of  New  York  City,  and  in  June  of  that  year  succeeded  to  the  practice  of 
Dr.  Hitchcock,  and  has  since  continued  at  the  old  office.  No.  434  Jackson  avenue. 


>RGF.    11.    lAV.MAK. 


f/ISTOKY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CI  I  Y.  189 

In  the  fall  of  1893,  Doctor  Strong  was  elected  to  the  office  of  County  Coroner  on  the  Republican 
ticket.  He  has  ever  since  filled  that  position  with  the  greatest  satisfaction.  In  November,  1896,  he 
was  re-elected  to  the  same  position  by  a  plurality  of  5,859. 

In  1884,  at  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  Dr.  Strong  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alice  Bartholomew,  a 
native  of  Michigan.     One  child,  a  daughter,  has  been  the  fruit  oi  their  union. 

Dr.  Strong  is  a  member  of  Island  City  Lodge  and  Encampment,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  also  a  Mason 
of  iiigh  degree  and  belongs  to  Banner  Chapter.  He  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  and  was  made  Knight 
Templar  in  Hillsdale.  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  of  the  Order  of 
Sons  of  Veterans. 

William  J.  BfRXKTT,  M.D.,  was  born  in  Perrinton,  X.  V.,  but  has  been  a  resident  of  Long  Island 
City  for  twenty-two  years.  He  received  his  rudimentary  education  in  common  schools,  after  which  he 
attended  and  was  graduated  from  the  University  of  Michigan.  On  February  13,  1879,  he  married 
Miss  Clara  Frick.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  the  union,  only  one  living.  Dr.  Burnett  has 
filled  a  number  of  important  positions.  He  is  Health  Officer,  County  Physician,  and  iias  been  Com- 
missioner of  Education.  His  long  successful  career  in  Long  Island  City  has  iilaceil  iiim  at  the  head 
of  his  profession. 

(Jkorgf.  Forbks,  M.I).,  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  November  5,  1.S67.  His  father,  (leorge 
Forbes,  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  while  his  mother,  Sarah  A.  (Johnson),  was  born  in  Poughkeepsie, 
N.  Y.  Dr.  Forbes  attended  the  public  schools  of  Brooklyn  until  he  was  thirteen  years  of  age,  at 
which  time  he  entered  the  drug  store  of  his  brother  Henry.  After  following  this  business  for  four 
years  he  decided  to  adopt  the  medical  profession.  In  the  meantime  he  went  to  Astoria,  and  began 
reading  medicine  in  the  office  of  his  brother-in-law,  Dr.  Neil  Fitch.  He  afterwards  entered  the 
medical  department  of  the  University  of  New  York,  and  in  1889  he  was  graduated  therefrom.  He 
then  located  in  Ravenswood,  where  he  maintains  his  office  and  residence  at  No.  693  \"ernon  avenue. 
On  July  15,  1891,  Dr.  Forbes  married  Miss  Norine  Cadmus,  of  Brooklyn.  Two  children  have  been 
born  to  them,  Ghidys  and  Mildred.  In  politics  Dr.  Forbes  is  a  Democrat.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Jefferson  Club  of  Long  Island  City,  American  Legion  of  Honor  and  the  Long  Island  City  and  Queens 
County  Medical  Societies.  He  also  attends  the  Episcopal  Church.  Dr.  Forbes  was  appointed  County 
Physician  and  Surgeon  August  9,  1896. 

Robert  F.  MaiiF.arlane,  M.D.,  was  born  in  May,  1842,  in  Orleans  County,  X.  Y.,  and  is  of 
Scotch  parentage.  His  father  was  for  many  years  editor  of  the  Sciciiiific  American.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  the  eldest  in  a  family  of  five  children,  who  grew  to  mature  years.  He  attended  the 
schools  of  Brooklyn  and  New  York,  and  was  graduated  from  the  \Villiamsburg  school  of  the  latter 
citj'  in  1854.  He  then  accepted  a  position  in  the  dry  goods  business,  in  v,-hich  he  continued  until  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  at  which  time  he  volunteered  and  became  a  member  of  the  Sevent}'-ninth 
New  York  Highlanders.  He  later  aided  in  the  organization  of  Company  K,  Twelfth  New  York  State 
Militia,  and  was  mustered  into  service  as  Second  Lieutenant.  At  the  expiration  of  his  service  he  was 
honorably  discharged.  On  his  return  home  he  continued  in  mercantile  business  until  1S84,  at  which 
time  he  began  to  take  a  thorough  course  in  medicine.  He  entered  the  Albany  Medical  College,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1888,  having  been  valedictorian  of  the  occasion.  After  spending  two 
years  abroad,  in  1890  he  returned  to  America,  locating  for  one  year  in  Albany.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  time.  Dr.  MacFarlane  removed  to  Long  Island  City,  succeeding  to  the  practice  of  Dr.  Lyttle.  In 
1877  he  married  Miss  Eleanor  Moore,  to  whom  one  child  has  been  born.  Dr.  MacFarlane  is  a  member 
of  the  Long  Island  City  and  the  Oueens  County  Medical  Societies,  being  \'ice-President  of  the  latter. 
He  is  a  Master  Mason,  being  a  member  of  Long  Island  City  Lodge,  No.  586. 

John  Francis  Birns,  M.D.,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  December  5,  1S63.  He  is  a  graduate 
of  medicine,  having  received  his  diploma  in  1889  at  the  University  of  New  York.  In  1892  he  began 
his  medical  practice  in  Long  Island  City,  where  he  has  been  actively  engaged  ever  since.  He  is  resi- 
dent physician  and  surgeon  at  City  Hospital  of  New  York,  also  physician  at  New  York  Maternitj' 
Hospital,  also  Assistant  Medical  Superintendent  of  Fort  Hamilton  Asylum,  is  visiting  surgeon  to  St. 
John's  Hospital,  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  and  an  active  member  of  the  Queens 
County  and  Long  Island  City  Medical  Societies.  He  is  a  regular  contributor  to  a  number  of  medical 
publications,  including  the  AVw  York  Medical  Journal  and  Record. 


190 


/ffSrOKY  OF  LONG  fSLAXD  CITY. 


Francis  E.  Bricxxax,  M.  U.,  was  born  at  Greenpi)rt,  L.  I.,  January  28,  1873.  He  was  formerly 
connected  with  the  Metropolitan  Hospital  of  New  York  City.  When  a  lad  of  nine  years  he  was  sent  to 
New  York  City,  that  he  might  complete  his  education.  He  first  attended  Grammar  School  No.  49  in 
East  Thirty-seventh  street,  and  on  beinjf  jjraduated  therefrom,  in  1890,  was  admitted  to  the  College  of 
the  City  of  New  York.  After  carrying  on  his  studies  in  this  institution  for  one  year,  he  decided  that  he 
would  follow  a  professional  life,  and  in  the  fall  of  1891  he  entered  the  New  York  Homeopathic  Medical 
College,  where  he  pursued  the  entire  course,  graduating  May  3,  1894.  As  a  result  of  the  competitive 
examination  held  May  5,  he  received  the  appointment  as  jimior  assistant  to  one  of  the  physicians  of  the 
Metropolitan  Hospital.  After  a  period  of  six  months  he  was  promoted  to  senior  assistant,  and  again  at 
the  expiration  of  six  months  was  made  house  physician.  While  in  charge  of  the  hospital,  Dr.  Brennan 
performed  a  greater  number  of  operations  than  any  of  his  predecessors,  for  during  that  time  he  had  two 
hundred  and  thirteen  patients  o])crated  upon  (his  nearest  competitor  having  operated  upon  but  120). 
On  retiring  from  the  hospital,  December  i,  1895,  he  was  awarded  a  diploma  in  recognition  of  the  ex- 
cellent work    he   had    done  while  in  charge  of  the  institution.      He  then  began  practice  in  Long  Island 

City,  opening  an  office  at  No.  76  East  avenue.  He  is  the 
only  homeo]xithic  physician  in  the  Hunter's  Point  district, 
and  he  has  a  large  and  lucrative  practice. 

Although  Dr.  Brennan  was  connected  with  the  ^Metro- 
politan  Hos]Mtal  in  New  York,  he  has  made  his  home  in 
Long  Island  City  since  1883.  He  is  a  mcmberof  the  Alumni 
Medical  Society,  and  has  contributed  many  articles  of  interest 
and  great  value  to  this  body.  He  is  also  a  member  oi  the 
Alumni  Society  of  the  Ward's  Island — Metropolitan  Hospital. 
He  is  medical  commissioner  to  the  Board  of  Health  of  Long 
Island  City.  Tlie  doctor  is  also  a  member  of  the  Faculty 
of  the  Metropolitan  Post-Graduate  School  of  Medicine,  New 
York  City,  being  assistant  clinician  to  the  followiig  chairs: 
Dermatology,  Rhinology,  Laryngolog)-,  Therapy  and  Physical 
Diagnosis.  The  parents  of  Dr.  Brennan  were  Paul  and  Mary 
(Magee)  Brennan,  natives  of  Ireland,  who  are  now  living  in 
Lnng  Island  City. 

Ci.AKF.xcK  N.  Pi. A 11,  A.l!.,  M.l).,  was  born  in  New 
Haven,  October  29,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Charles  N.  and 
Abigail  (Prindle)  Piatt,  both  being  natives  of  Connecticut. 
Dr.  Piatt  attended  the  ]niblic  schools  of  his  native  city, 
preparing  for  college.  I  n  j  .S80  he  entered  Yale,  and  four 
years  later  was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  In  1885  he  became  a 
student  in  the  Homeopathic  Medical  College  of  New  York  City,  and  after  completing  the  course  in  i888, 
had  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine.  After  practicing  his  profession  for  a  short 
time  in  Brooklyn,  in  the  Spring  of  18S9,  he  located  in  Asi<iria,  where  he  succeeded  to  the  practice  of 
Dr.  Vandenburg. 

On  December  20,  188S,  Dr.  Plait  married  Miss  Callicrinc  Meeker,  of  Hritlgcporl,  Conn.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  and  is  examining  physician  uf  Astoria  Council  He  has  been  visiting 
physician  to  the  Astoria  Hospital  since  its  estalilishmenl.  He  is  a  member  of  the  New  York  Homeo- 
pathic Medical  Society,  and  of  St.  (Jeorge's  Episcopal  Church. 

GoDi-KKV  L.  MiCHox,  A.B.,  M.D.,  was  born  in  the  Province  of  Ouebec,  Canada,  in  1863,  while  liis 
mother  was  visiting  there.  He  was  reared  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where  his  parents  removed  about  1854.  He 
attended  the  public  schools  until  he  was  twelve  years  old,  after  which  he  was  placed  in  the  Laval  Cni- 
versity,  Quebec,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  in  1884  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  Soon  after  finishing 
his  literary  course,  he  began  the  study  of  medicine,  and  after  a  thorough  course  he  was  graduated  from 
the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York  in  1887,  as  an  M.  D.  After  practic- 
ing his  profession  for  several  years  in  New  York,  he  located  in  Astoria  in  1895.  where  he  now  enjoys  a 
lucrative  and  growing  practice.  He  was  for  one  year  physician  to  Riverside  Hospital  at  North  Brother 
Island,  an  instituti<in  for  contagious  diseases.  In  New  York,  Dr.  Miehon  married  Miss  Mary  Fallon,  to 
whom  one  child  (now  deceased)  was  born  in  1894. 


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IKEUERICK    I'.    MUKKIS. 


Jf/STOKV  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY.  191 

RonERT  Swain  Prentiss,  M.D.,  a  prominent  medical  practitioner  of  Astoria,  Long  Island  City, 
was  born  in  New  London,  Conn.,  October  8,  1842.  He  is  descended  on  his  mother's  side  from  Ben- 
jamin Franklin,  his  maternal  jjrandmother  havinj^  been  a  jjrand-niece.  On  his  father's  side  he  is 
ilescendcd  from  the  well-known  Prentiss  family,  who  settled  in  New  London,  Conn.,  in  1631.  Dr. 
Prentiss  received  a  careful  education  in  the  Bartlett  Hijjh  School  of  his  native  city,  and  was  valedic- 
torian of  his  class  in  1856.  After  completinjj  his  studies,  he  decided  to  study  medicine  and  surj^ery. 
In  1870  he  received  his  diploma  from  the  College  of  Physicians  of  New  York  Cit^^  and  immediately 
bcuan  the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession,  and  for  the  past  six  years  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Long 
Island  City,  now  residing  at  No.  65  Remsen  sti^eet. 

On  September  27,  1879,  Dr.  Prentiss  married  Miss  MadalineC.  Johnson,  of  New  York  City.  She 
died  April  2,  188S.  In  1839,  he  married  iiis  present  wife,  who  was  a  Miss  Ella  Forfey,  a  member  of 
a  prominent  family  of  Nashville,  Tenn.      Dr.  Prentiss  has  three  children  living  and  one  deceased. 

1 1\\  Prentiss  is  one  of  the  foremost,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  popular  practitioners  in  Long  Island 
C\y\.  In  a  comparatively  few  years  he  has  attained  a  professional  position  for  which  many  strive 
throughout  a  lifetime.  He  is  a  non-resident  member  of  the  New  York  County  Medical  Association, 
and  ex-member  of  the  New  York  Medical  Society. 

Dr.  Julius  M.  Stebbins,  of  Astoria,  has  been  a  prosperous  dentist  in  that  portion  of  Long  Island 
City  for  the  past  eleven  years.  He  is  about  forty  years  of  age,  and  is  of  English  extraction.  His 
ancestors  on  the  paternal  side  came  to  this  country  early  in  the  eighteenth  century.  His  great  grand- 
father Stebbins  was  bor-n  in  Massachusetts  about  the  year  1762;  his  grandfather  Stebbins  was  born  in 
the  same  State  in  1792,  while  his  father.  Dr.  J.  Monroe  Stebbins,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  and  was  a 
prominent  physician  and  surgeon  of  his  day.  His  mother,  who  was  Miss  Susan  B.  Otis,  was  born  in 
Wilbraham,  Mass.,  and  was  a  student  of  Wilbraham  Seminar)'.  On  his  maternal  side  his  ancestors 
were  also  of  English  origin,  and  came  to  this  country  as  early  as  the  seventeenth  century. 

Dr.. Julius  M.  Stebbins  is  a  nephew  of  the  late  Dr.  William  K.  Otis  (his  mother's  brother),  who 
was  a  prominent  physician  and  surgeon;  he  is  also  a  nephew  of  the  late  Albert  G.  Houghton,  of  the 
tirin  of  Houghton,  Mifflin  &  Co.,  publishers.  His  uncle,  George  H.  Stebbins,  was  an  early  member 
of  the  American  Institute  and  also  a  member  of  the  Historical  Society  of  the  Brooklyn  Institute. 

After  leaving  the  public  school,  the  subject  of  our  sketch  took  a  course  at  Eastman's  Business 
College,  in  Pouglikeepsie,  and  then  commenced  the  study  of  dentistry.  After  graduating,  he  was  ap- 
pointed demonstrator  at  the  New  York  College  of  Dentistry;  later,  superintendent  of  the  infirmary 
of  the  college,  after  which  he  became  clinical  professor  of  the  same  institution,  and  dental  surgeon  to 
the  New  York  Ear  and  Metropolitan  Dispensaries. 

Dr.  Stebbins  has  received  several  patents  from  the  United  States  Government  on  an  electric 
pneumatic  engine  and  gold  filling  apparatus,  and  on  electric  batteries.  These  batteries  can  be  used  in 
connection  with  other  appliances  to  relieve  pain  in  dental  operations.  There  has  also  been  issued  to 
him  patents  on  his  electric  batteries  from  the  governments  of  Canada,  Great  Britain,  France,  Germany, 
Belgium  and  Austro-IIungary.  He  anticipates  the  most  successful  results  in  dentistry  from  the 
future  use  of  electricity  in  various  ways.  Dr.  Stebbins  is  the  author  of  "Care  of  the  Teeth  at  Home 
or  in  Emergencies,"  and  is  the  inventor  of  the  well-known  dentifrice  "  Shelline. " 

Dr.  Stebbins  assisted  the  late  Dr.  Samuel  Sexton  in  his  work  relating  to  dental  irritation  and  its 
ctfects  on  the  hearing  of  young  children.  He  also  made  several  hundred  examinations  and  took 
impressions  of  children's  teeth,  the  greater  portion  of  whose  teeth  were  captious  and  erupting.  From 
these  impressions  casts  were  made  by  Dr.  Stebbins  and  his  brother  (the  latter  being  a  student  in  den- 
tistry). These  casts,  with  a  history  and  description  of  each  case,  were  used  for  several  years  by  Dr. 
Sexton  in  his  writings  and  in  books  on  aural  surgery.  Through  Dr.  Sexton's  influence  these  casts 
and  descriptions  were  finally  placed  in  the  Smithsonian  Institute  at  Washington.  That  gentleman 
kindly  gave  Dr.  Stebbins  credit  for  his  services. 

Dr  Stebbins  is  not  a  politician  or  a  club  man,  and  is  seldom  seen  out  of  his  place  of  business. 
After  office  hours  he  devotes  most  of  his  time  to  study  and  to  several  inventions  he  has  in  hand,  one 
of  which  is  an  improvement  to  be  used  wlien  administering  nitrous  oxide  gas  in  extracting  teeth ; 
another  being  an  ingenious  arrangement  to  relieve  the  heating  of  rubber  plates  which  come  in  contact 
with  the  gums  oi-  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth. 

A  visit  to  his  workshop,  or  den,  as  he  calls  it,  is  of  much  interest.  It  is  a  large  room,  the  walls  of 
which  are  lined  with  shelves  containing  numerous  books  and  various  tools  to  facilitate  the  work  he  has 


1 9-' 


H/S'J'ORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


i 


\ 


in  hand.  A  turning  lathe  and  other  machinery  with  many  ingenious  appliances,  at  much  cost  of  time 
and  monev,  have  been  added  as  they  were  found  necessary  to  the  construction  of  his  inventions  in 
dentistry  and  other  uses.  In  spite  of  the  long  hours  devoted  to  his  large  dental  practice  and  in  his 
experimental  laboratory,  he  enjoys  good  health  and  retains  youthful  appearance  for  his  years.  He 
always  wears  a  gracious  smile,  and  has  a  courtly  word  for  his  friends  and  patrons,  and  proclaims  the 
thought  that  is  uppermost  without  fear  or  favor. 

P.  H.  BuMSTER,  M.  D.,  is  the  youngest  son  of  Matthew  and  Hannah  Bumstcr,  both  natives  of 
Ireland.  Dr.  Bumster  was  educated  at  the  public  school  of  Allentown,  Monmouth  County,  New  Jersey, 
and  after  graduating  therefrom  entered  into  the  cigar  manufacturing  business,  at  Allentown,  which 
business  he  followed  successfully  for  si.x  years,  when  he  came  to  New  York  City.  He  long  had  a  desire 
to  study  medicine,  and  in  1890  he  entered  the  Medical  Department  of  the  University  of  the  City  of 
New  York,  and  was  graduated  in  April,  1895,  after  an  honorable  collegiate  career.  The  same  year  he 
was  appointed  from  that  institution  to  the  position  of  House  Surgeon  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Long 
Island  City,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  eighteen  months.  At  the  exjjiration  of  that  time  he 
decided  to  locate  here  for  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  established  an  office  at  143  Fifth  street,  his 
present  location.     Dr.  Bumster  is  visiting  physician  to  St.  John's  Hospital,  and  was  for  a  time  assistant 

physician  to  Demilt  Hospital,  New  York  City.  He  is  a 
charter  member  of  Long  Island  City  Medical  Society,  a 
member  of  Queens  Coimty    Medical  Society,  and  is  Exam- 

rjB|k  ining  Physician  for  the  Prudential  Insurance  Company,  also 

^^^  for  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company. 

^^  jdiiN  J.  Mi:Gr.-\xe  was  born  in  Cambridge,  Washington 

W  1^  Countv,    N.  \'.,   November  28,    1850.       In    i860    his   father 

removed  with  his  famil}'  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where  our  subject 
received  his  education.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  became  a 
fireman  on  the  N.  Y.  C.  &  H.  R.  R.R.,  and  when  twenty 
years  old  he  began  running  a  passenger  locomotive  between 
Troy  and  Albany.  Later  on  he  came  to  New  York  Cit}", 
and  when  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  he  received  a 
clerkship  appointment  in  the  New  York  Post  Office.  One 
year  later  he  was  promoted  to  the  jiosition  of  Chief  Clerk  in 
charge  of  the  Newspaper  Department.  In  1876,  on  account 
of  ill-health  he  resigned  that  position  and  accepted  another 
in  the  capacity  of  engineer  on  the  Manhattan  Elevated  Rail- 
road, where  he  remained  eleven  years.  In  1889  Mr. 
;\Ic(]ranc,  without  any  previous  experience,  engaged  in  the 
AuiJusT  iiKATii.  jewelry  business  at  187   Broadway,   New  York,  and  in  this 

latter  business  he  has  made  a  phenomenal  success.  For  the 
past  ten  years  he  has  resided  in  Long  Island  City,  where  he  is  a  large  real  estate  owner.  His  properties 
consist  of  several  houses  and  over  one  hundred  building  lots,  most  all  of  which  are  located  in  the 
vicinity  t)f  the  proposed  entrance  to  the  Blackwell's  Island  Bridge. 

Mr.  Mcdrane  organized  the  Railroad  Brotherhood  Savings  and  Building  ^Vssociation  about  five 
years  ago,  and  has  been  its  treasurer  ever  since.  He  has  received  for  the  association  over  §200,000, 
and  its  standing  in  New  York  City  is  of  the  best.  He  was  elected  Mce-President  of  the  United  States 
Watch  Company,  of  Waltham,  Mass.,  two  years  ago,  and  on  his  suggestion  the  first  seventeen  jeweled 
double-rolled  large  size  watches  were  made.  Since  then,  nearly  all  the  watch  companies  imitated  the 
United  States  Company  in  the  manufacture  of  their  watches. 

Mr.  Mc(irane  has  displayed  much  ingenuity  as  an  inventor,  and  has  taken  out  on  various  inventions 
six  patents,  besides  having  applied  for  patents  on  two  others  on  acetyline  gas  generators,  from  which  an 
exhibition  of  light  has  already  been  shown  at  his  residence  and  in  his  New  York  office. 

Mr.  Mcfirane  was  for  two  consecutive  years  President  of  the  Catholic  Benevolent  Legion.  When 
he  assumed  charge  of  that  organization  it  had  but  eight  members,  and  at  the  time  he  withdrew  it  had 
over  one  hundred.  He  organized  and  was  the  first  President  of  the  Catholic  Club,  a  now  prosperous 
organization  of  Long  Island  City,  having  a  large  Tuembershi]).     Politically  he  has  always  been  a  Repub- 


HfS  TOR  \  ■  OF  L  ON  a  IS  LA  ND  CI  TV.  >  93 

lican,  but  has  never  been  in  sympathy  with  rings  of  any  kind  or  their  henchmen.  He  has  never  sought 
political  honors  of  any  kind,  and  has  on  two  occasions  refused  commissioncrships  on  the  citv  boards.  In 
1873  he  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Sullivan,  a  native  of  Troy,  X.  Y.  Ten  children  have  l)ecn  the  fruit  of 
their  union,  six  of  whom  are  living. 

Thkodore  Koehi.kr,  legislator,  eldest  son  of  C.  C.  T.  Koehler  and  Dorothee  von  Koepcke,  was 
born  in  the  Province  of  Schle.swig-Holstein,  July  30,  1856.  He  is  descended  from  ancestors  noted  for 
military  spirit  and  bravery,  his  grandfather  having  been  knighted  by  Frederick  VII,  King  of  Den- 
mark, and  his  father  decorated  with  the  order  of  the  Iron  Cross. 

In  April,  1871,  he  entered  an  apprenticeslii])  with  one  of  tlie  largest  business  houses  in  Leubeck, 
where  he  continued  until  November,  1875.  Having  completed  this  preparatory  stage,  hescrved  forafew 
months  with  the  same  house,  then  enlisted  in  the  army,  but  subsequently  (in  1876),  he  secured  a  release 
from  his  service  obligation  and  came  to  America.  He  landed  in  Philadelphia  with  the  expectation  of 
joining  a  friend,  but  that  friend  having  died  in  South  America,  the  youthful  stranger  was  thrown  entirely 
upon  his  own  resources  in  a  strange  land.  With  a  bravery  and  pluck  worthy  of  his  subsequent 
achievements  he  sought  promiscuous  employment  for  the  sake  of  a  livelihood,  and  after  a  few  years  ot 
toil  and  perseverance  found  himself  in  a  position  to  achieve  greater  things.  In  1883  he  accepted  an 
ofter  from  an  English  firm  to  represent  them  in  South  America,  and  joined  an  exploring  expedition 
in  the  course  of  which  he  met  with  many  thrilling  experiences  and  on  several  occasions  narrowly  escaped 
with  his  life.  Returning  to  the  United  States  at  the  end  of  his  engagement  in  1884,  he  represented  the 
firm  at  the  New  Orleans  Cotton  Exposition.  On  returning  to  New  York  at  the  close  of  the  exposition 
he  accepted  a  position  as  manager  of  a  large  wholesale  house.  In  the  fall  of  1S85,  an  offer  was  made 
him  of  a  head  bookkecpership  of  one  of  the  most  important  and  far-reaching  industries  of  Long  Island 
City.  This  position  was  held  for  about  ten  years,  during  which  time  a  wide  reputation  was  gained  as 
an  expert  accountant  and  he  was  frequently  called  upon  to  adjust  the  books  of  corporations  and  business 
firms  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York,  and  also  to  teach  private  classes.  When  the  examination  of  the 
books  of  the  various  departments  of  Long  Island  City  needed  a  thoroughly  competent  expert,  the 
Common  Council  called  upon  Mr.  Koclilcr  to  undertake  the  work,  which  he  is  still  conducting  to  tlicir 
entire  satisfaction. 

Up  to  this  time  the  subject  of  this  sketch  had  not  been  regarded  as  "  in  politics,"  but  his  merits  as 
a  keen  business  man  were  recognized,  and  being  placed  in  nomination  to  represent  Long  Island  City  in 
the  Queens  County  Board  of  Supervisors,  he  was  triumphantly  elected.  On  taking  his  seat  he  was 
accorded,  by  common  consent,  a  foremost  place  in  the  councils  of  the  board,  although  its  youngest 
member,  and  throughout  his  entire  term  proved  himself  faithful,  painstaking  and  hardworking.  Among 
other  things  he  accomplished  the  transforming  of  the  unsightly  spot  of  ground  immediately  in  front  of 
the  Court  House  into  a  well  laid-out  park.  He  also  worked  hard  for  the  construction  of  a  tunnel  under 
Newtown  Creek  as  a  means  of  permanent  communication  between  Brooklyn  and  Long  Island  City. 
The  question  having  become  a  burning  issue,  was  taken  to  the  polls,  and  Mr.  Koehler,  being  re-nomi- 
nated for  a  second  term,  was  elected  by  a  large  majority.  A  bill  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  author- 
izing the  construction  of  the  tunnel,  but  it  was  vetoed  by  the  Governor.  He  also  did  efficient  service  in 
the  cause  of  good  roads,  reducing  the  whole  matter  to  a  system,  which,  if  carried  out,  would  make  the 
county  the  envy  of  the  entire  state.  It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  he  was  the  only  supervisor  ever 
elected  from  Long  Island  City  who  served  three  consecutive  years. 

So  well  did  Mr.  Koehler  serve  his  constituency  in  this  office,  that  in  the  autumn  of  1895,  he  was 
elected  to  the  State  Senate  by  a  splendid  majority  over  his  Republican  competitor,  who  was  a  candidate 
to  succeed  himself,  'I'hc  honor  was  unicpie  on  account  of  the  three  years  duration  of  his  term  as  pro- 
vided bv  the  constitution  of  1894,  making  him  the  only  Senator  from  the  Second  Senatorial  District 
who  will  ever  serve  for  the  same  length  of  time.  Likewise  he  was  the  first  Senator  ever  chosen  from 
Long  Island  City  and  the  first  to  represent  the  Island  District  composed  of  Queens  County  alone.  In 
this  bodv  he  was  recognized  as  a  rising  man,  and  at  once  assigned  by  Lieutenant-Governor  Saxton  to 
membership  in  three  of  the  most  responsible  committees,  in  which  he  became  an  active  worker.  Rep- 
resenting one  of  the  most  populous  and  intelligent  districts  in  the  state,  made  up  of  many  and  diversi- 
fied interests,  he  has  been  called  upon  to  present  and  champion  many  bills;  so  that  no  more  busy  man 
than  he  could  be  found  at  Albany,  and  considering  that  he  belonged  to  the  minority,  he  has  been  emi- 
nentlv  successful  in  the  major  portion  of  his  efforts.  Mr.  Koehler  is  eminently  a  man  of  the  people, 
thoroughlv  self-made  and  has  a  large  share  of  that  determination,  push  and  pluck,  which   make  him   a 


194 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  J>>LAND  CITY. 


man  of  mark.  When  it  is  remembered  that  fully  one-half  of  his  life  was  spent  upon  a  foreign  soil,  that 
here  he  bej^an  with  nothinjf,  and  for  many  years  waged  a  hard  battle  with  poverty,  he  appears  as  a 
veritable  marvel  among  men.  By  the  people  of  his  distriet  he  is  regarded  as  being  thoroughh-  trust- 
worthy, holding  sacred  his  word  once  pledged,  and  above  all  methods  of  deceit  to  gain  friendship,  polit- 
ical or  otherwise. 

In  the  section  of  Long  Island  City  known  as  Steinway,  he  has  a  beautiful  home  where  he  spends 
his  time  when  not  engrossed  with  business  cares.  Here,  with  his  most  estimable  and  gifted  wife,  he 
entertains  with  a  liberal  hand  his  large  circle  of  friends  and  admirers,  continually  showing  the  nobility 
of  true  manhood,  and  the  full  strength  of  an  ideal  citizen.  He  was  married  in  1877  to  Bernardine 
Helmcke  of  New  Jersey. 

Mr.  Koehler  is  a  member  of  the  Advance  Lodge,  No.  618,  of  F.  and  A.  M.,  Astoria;  Mecca 
Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine;  the  L.  I.  City  Wheelmen;  the  Century  Wheelmen  of  New  York  City; 
the  Institute  of  Accounts,  New  York  City;  the  Astoria  Maenncrchor,  Harmonic  and  Arion  Sing-ing 
Societies,  and  various  other  organizations. 

Hon.  Jacoi!  Stahl  was  born  in  Bavaria,  (jermany,  July  25,  1840.  His  parents  were  Jacob  and 
Mary  (Franz)  Stahl.     Our  subject  attended  the  scliool  in  his  native  place  until  he  was  fourteen  years 

old,  when  he  began  working  with  his  father,  learning  the 
mason's  trade.  He  so  continued  until  nearly  his  twentieth 
birthday,  when,  May  7,  i860,  he  sailed  for  America.  After 
a  short  stay  in  New  York  City,  he  located  in  what  is  now 
Long  Island  City.  Four  years  later  he  went  to  Williams- 
burg, where  he  established  a  milk  route,  running  this 
business  for  one  year  on  his  own  account.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  he  sold  out,  and  returned  to  Long  Island  City  and 
engaged  in  farming.  After  following  farming  for  four 
years  he  decided  to  go  into  the  hotel  business,  and  for  five 
years  conducted  the  Fifth  Ward  Hotel.  In  1894  he  disposed 
of  his  hotel  interest,  and  engaged  in  his  present  business, 
that  of  undertaking. 

In  1864  Mr.   Stahl  married  Miss  Margaretta  Berbrich, 

of  Astoria.      Mr.    Stahl  was  elected  Alderman   at  large  in 

1876,  and  remained  such  until  1878.      In  1895  he  was  elected 

-Assemblyman  on  the  Democratic  ticket  to  seive  two  years. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Odd   Fellows,   the  A.    O.    V.    W., 

the  Catholic  Benevolent  Legion,   the  Turners'  Society,   the 

I'rohsinn  Singing    Society,    Jefferson    Club,     St.     Joseph's 

Catholic  Church,   and   the  County  Undertakers'  and  Liverv 

Association. 

Matthew  J.  Goldnek,  President  of  the  Improvement  Commission  of  Long  Island  City,  was  born 

in  New  York  City,  July  29,  1856.      His  father,  Anthony  Goldner,  was  a  native  of  Germany,  and  came 

to  America  in  1852. 

After  attending  the  public  schools  for  a  time,  our  subject  was  sent  to  De  La  Salle  Institute  in  New 
York  City,  where  he  completed  his  studies  when  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  then  entered  his  father's 
marble  works,  and  when  twenty-five  he  was  taken  in  as  a  full  partner,  the  firm  becoming  A.  Goldner 
&  Son.  They  continued  to  operate  together  until  January,  1886,  when  the  junior  member  disposed  of 
his  interest  in  the  business,  owing  to  the  fact  that  he  had  been  appointed  Under  Sheriff  to  John  J. 
Mitchell.  He  served  in  that  capacity  for  three  years.  In  1888  he  received  the  nomination  for  Sheriff 
on  the  Democratic  ticket.  He  was  elected,  and  in  January,  the  following  year,  he  took  the  oath  of 
office,  his  term  expiring  in  1892.  On  January  20,  1893,  he  was  appointed  City  Clerk  by  Mayor 
Sanford.  He  continued  to  fill  the  latter  position  until  July  20,  1895,  when  he  resigned  to  accept  the 
presidency  of  the  Improvement  Commission  of  Long  Island  City. 

Mr.  Goldner  has  erected  several  residences  in  the  upper  First  Ward  of  Long  Island  City,  and  with 
his  family  resides  at  No.  153  Eleventh  Street.  He  was  married  in  New  York  City  to  Miss  Georgietta 
Mahler.  Me  has  always  been  interested  in  politics,  and  is  at  present  a  member  of  the  Democratic 
County  Committee  of  Queens  County,  and  for  the  past  fifteen  years  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Long 


JULIUS    VON     HUNERbEIN. 


//AS" Ti Vv? Y  OF  L ONG  /SI. AND  CITY.  195 

Island  C'ity  (rencral    Democratic  Committee.      He   has  been   School  Commissioner  from   the   Second 
Wan!,  having  served  in  1883  and  '84.     He  is  a  member  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  and  St.  Mary's  Catholic 

Cluircb. 

Ill  Nkv  C.  KdKi  MANN.  SajxTvisor  from  Lonjr  Island  City,  is  of  (Jcrman  descent,  as  his  name  indi- 
cates, but  he  is  a  native  of  this  city,  ha\-injif  been  born  in  Astoria,  November  13.  i860.  He  received 
his  early  education  in  the  old  villaj^e  school  that  since  the  incorporation  of  the  city  has  been  known  as 
the  Fourth  Ward  School.  There  was  no  high  school  at  that  time  in  Astoria,  and  on  leaving  the  public 
school  he  pursued  his  advanced  studies  in  the  parochial  school  connected  with  the  (Jerman  Second 
Reformed  Church,  which  was  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  C.  I).  F.  Sleinfuhrer,  who  was  then,  as  now. 
pastor  of  that  cluirch. 

Leaving  school  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  Mr.  Korfmann  started  out  to  make  his  own  living.  He  secured 
a  position  in  Muchmore's  drug  store,  where  he  remained  five  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  gave 
u])  his  position  to  accept  a  more  lucrative  one  in  the  wholesale  drug  and  chemical  house  of  W.  H. 
Schieffelin  &  Co.,  corner  of  Beekman  and  William  streets.  New  York,  the  best  known  drug  firm  in  the 
business.      Mr.  Korfmann's  jjosition  was  in  the  laboratorv. 

On  account  of  ilJ  health  produced  by  handling  chemicals,  he  had  to  resign  his  charge  and  accept  a 
clerical  position  in  the  City  Treasurer's  office.  Mr.  F.  W.  Bleckwenn  was  City  Treasurer  at  that  time. 
In  September  following  Mr.  Korfmann  was  appointed  Deputy  City  Treasurer,  and  held  the  office  con- 
tinuously until  the  close  of  1894,  when  Mr.  Bleckwenn  retired  from  the  office.  In  the  following  month 
he  was  appointed  chief  bookkeeper  and  cashier  in  the  Water  Department,  and  held  that  position  up  to 
December  31,  1895. 

Mr.  Korfmann  is  a  member  of  the  \'eteran  Firemen's  Association.  In  1881  he  joined  Mohawk 
Hose  Company,  and  continued  as  a  member  up  to  the  time  of  the  disbandnient  of  the  comjjany  to 
make  way  for  the  paid  fire  department  in  the  year  1890.  He  was  foreman  of  the  company  for  two 
years.  Among  the  other  organizations  of  which  he  is  a  member  are  Island  City  Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M., 
Enterprise  Lodge,  K.  of  P.,  John  Allen  Lodge,  A.  O.  L'^.  W.,  Queens  County  A.  C,  Arion  Singing 
Society  and  Order  of  American  Firemen. 

In  politics  Mr.  Korfmann  has  always  been  a  Democrat.  For  the  past  eight  vears  he  has  been  a 
member  of  the  General  Committee  of  his  party,  and  for  several  years  President  of  the  I'"ourth  Ward 
Democratic  Association.  He  is  also  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Jefferson  Club.  On  receiving 
the  nomination  for  the  office  of  Supervisor,  Mr.  Korfmann  made  a  vigorous  canvass  and  was  elected  by 
a  majority  of  199  over  Cornelius  J.  Jordan,  the  candidate  of  the  Gleason  faction,  and  a  majority  of  353 
over  Charles  E.  Burden,  the  Republican  candidate. 

Mr.  Korfmann  is  married  and  has  three  children.      He  resides  at  315  Broadway,  Astoria. 

He  makes  no  pretense  at  being  a  public  speaker,  but  is  a  young  man  with  business  ability,  unblem- 
ished character,  and  one  who  can  safely  be  trusted  to  look  after  the  interests  of  Long  Island  City  as  a 
member  of  the  County  Board. 

Jou.N  H.  Sl  Ti'ui.N  was  born  at  Jamaica,  Uueens  County,  Long  Island,  in  1836,  and  received  his 
education  in  the  schools  of  that  place.  He  has  held  many  important  positions,  among  them  the  office 
of  County  Clerk  of  Queens  County,  to  which  he  was  first  elected  in  1871.  He  is  now  serving  his 
ninth  consecutive  term  of  three  years  each.  Mr.  Sutphin  is  an  ardent  Democrat  and  has  been  chair- 
man of  the  Democratic  Count}-  Central  Committee  for  many  years.  In  business  life  he  is  President  of 
the  Bank  of  Jamaica,  and  Vice-President  of  the  Jamaica  Savings  Bank;  also  a  trustee  of  the  Jamaica 
Normal  School.  In  1857  he  married  ^liss  Carrie  M.  Smith  of  Jamaica.  Their  union  has  been  blessed 
witli  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  living. 

Frederick  Bowley  was  born  in  New  York  City,  December  19,  1851,  and  is  the  son  of  jacol)  F. 
and  Rosanna  (Dre.xzel)  Bowley,  the  former  of  Stuttgart,  Germany,  and  the  latter  of  Austria.  Of  the 
four  children  born  to  his  parents,  Frederick  is  the  eldest.  He  received  a  careful  education  in  the 
grammar  schools  of  his  native  city.  When  he  was  twelve  years  old,  he  was  bound  out  to  learn  the 
butcher's  trade  and  soon  became  familiar  with  every  detail  of  the  business.  He  then  went  West  for 
one  year  and  worked  at  his  trade  in  several  of  the  Western  States,  but  subsequently  returned  to  New 
York  City,  where  he  continued  at  his  trade  for  a  year,  after  which  time  he  started  in  business  for  him- 
.self,  but  owing  to  his  giving  too  much  credit,  succumbed  to  the  panic  of  1873. 

After  his  business  reverses,  Mr.    Bowlev  again  went   to  work   on   a   small   salarv   for   the    firm   of 


.96 


N /STORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


Richard  Webber  of  Harlem.  After  having  saved  the  most  of  his  earnings,  in  1882  he  branched  out  in 
business  for  himself  again  in  One  Hundred  and  Thirteenth  street,  New  York,  and  carried  on  a  retail 
meat  market  there  until  1887.  Then  purchasing  property  in  Long  Island  City,  he  started  a  branch 
store,  conducting  both  until  18S8,  when  he  sold  out  his  New  York  establishment.  He  now  conducts 
and  owns  one  of  the  largest  packing  establishments  on  Long  Island,  located  at  Nos.  202  and  204  Main 
street,  Astoria,  with  branches  at  Jamaica  avenue  and  Winans  street,    and  at  the   corner  of  Freeman 

avenue  and  Radde  street.  Resides  these,  he  has  a 
branch  at  Flushing,  where  he  also  docs  a  wholesale 
and  retail  business. 

Mr.  l^jowley  married  iliss  Anna  Poics,  who  was 
born  in  New  York  City,  but  of  Holland-Dutch  ex- 
traction. They  have  no  children  living,  but  they 
adopted  and  reared  tlie  three  children  of  Edward 
Bowley,  a  brother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  their 
mother  having  died  two  years  ago.  Mr.  and  .Mrs. 
Bowley  are  both  generous,  and  have  done  much  in 
practical  charity  for  the  poor  of  Lcjng  Island  Cit\-. 
In  one  instance  they  donated  $1,000  to  the  poor  and 
distributed  tickets  to  clergymen  of  all  denominations 
to  give  to  all  deserving  people,  so  that  they  could 
procure  bread  and  meat  every  other  day,  this  good 
work  to  be  carried  on  from  April  1  to  November  i. 

Mr.  Bowley  was  recently  elected  Alderman-at- 
large  of  the  Second  District  on  the  Jefferson  Demo- 
cratic ticket,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  General 
InijMMvcmcnt  Commission  of  Long  Island  City.  He 
is,  as  a  rule,  independent  in  politics.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  an  honorarv 
nienibcr  of  the  Uuccns  County  Athletic  Clul). 

Jou.N  W.  PK■|K^'  was  born  in  Paterson.  N.  J., 
January  9,  i860.  His  jiarents  were  John  II.  and 
Sarah  (Tibby)  Petry,  both  natives  of  thai  ])lace.  In 
1868,  Mr.  Pctry  came  with  his  jxircnls  to  Long 
Island  City.  Later  on.  he  returned  to  Paterson, 
where  he  attended  the  public  schools  until  he  was  fifteen  years  old.  lie  then  returned  to  Long  Island 
City,  where  he  began  as  a  clerk  in  the  employ  of  his  uncle,  George  Petry.  When  that  gentleman  was 
elected  Mayor  of  Long  Island  City,  he  became  manager  of  the  store.  He  continued  in  that  position 
until  1894,  when  he  embarked  in  business  for  himself  under  the  firm  name  of  John  W.  l^etry  &  Co., 
which  was  dissolved   March  i,  1896,  when    .Mr.  Petry  purchased  the  interest  of  his  ])artncr. 

Mr.  Petry  was  married  in  18S5,  to  Miss  Jennie  Applcton,  of  Long  Island  City.  Four  children  have 
been  the  fruit  of  their  marriage:  John  A.,  Raymond,  Curtis  W. ,  and  Joseph  K.  P(jliticall\-,  .\Ir. 
Petry  is  a  Democrat,  and  is  a  memljcr  of  the  Jefferson  Club.  For  two  years,  he  was  clerk  of  the 
Excise  Board  under  the  administration  (^f  Mayor  George  Pel r\-.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Royal 
Arcanum. 

Gf.orue  H.  I'av.ntar  is  a  descendant  of  a  familv  which  has  long  been  idenlilietl  with  the  history  of 
Long  Island  City,  and  is  the  son  of  William,  Jr.,  and  Mary  H.  (Van  Alst)  Payntar.  He  was  born  at  the 
old  homestead  in  that  place  Jul)'  17,  1834.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  secured  employinent  as  a  clerk  in 
the  wholesale  dry  goods  house  of  Greenvvay  Bros.  &  Co.,  of  New  York.  Shortly  before  the  outbreak  of 
the  Rebellion  he  went  to  Abington,  Va.,  as  manager  of  the  general  store  of  John  C.  Greenway,  but 
the  Civil  War  coming  on,  he  returned  to  Long  Island.  Since  1867  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  real 
estate  business,  his  first  venture  in  which  was  the  laying  out  in  town  lots  of  the  old  home  farm.  Since 
then  he  has  platted  several  additions  in  Jackson  avenue  and  other  streets,  and  has  built  up  a  large 
business  in  this  line. 

Mr.  Payntar  married    Miss    Irene   U.    Merkle,   of  New  York  City,   a  descendant  of  the  Mcrkles, 


IKEDERICK     liOWI.KV. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


^9- 


originally  from  Waldorf,  (icrmaii)'.     Four  children  have  been  the  fruits  of  tlieir  marriage,  viz:  Irene 
M.,  G.  Augusta,  Eliza  D.  and  W.  Elmer. 

Politicall)-,  Mr.  Payntar  is  a  Democrat,  and  among  the  positions  he  has  held  are  those  of  Commis- 
sioner of  Highways  of  Newtown,  Assessor  of  Long  Island  City,  Commissioner  of  Estimate  of  Assess- 
ments for  Thompson  avenue,  and  Commissioner  on  the  division  of  the  Margaret  Gosman  and  the 
Manley  estates.  He  is  a  member  of  Long  Island  City  Lodge,  No.  586,  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  Banner 
Chapter  214,  K.  A.  M.  :  Columbian  Commandery,  No.  i,  K.  T. ;  Mecca  Temple,  No.  r.  New  York 
City,  A.  A.  O.  X.  M.  S  ;  and  in  religious  belief  is  identified  with  the  Reformed  Church,  to  which  his 
wife  also  belongs.  Until  1856  he  was  for  some  years  a  member  of  the  Flushing  fire  department. 
May  4,  1858,  he  was  appointed  fireman  of  Brooklyn,  E.  D.,  and  was  a  member  of  Friendship  Hose 
Company,  No.  3,  and  received  a  certificate  as  exempt  fireman  in  February,  1864,  and  is  now  a  meml)er 
iif  the  Exempt  Firemen's  Association  of  Brooklyn,  E.  I). 

Fri  1)1  ki(  K  P.  Morris. — If  it  is  any  credit  to  be  called  a  self-made  man,  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
is  entitled  to  tliat  ht)nor.  Born  in  Manchester,  England,  in  1852,  he  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
sixteen    and    started    as   a  newsboy    on    the   Long  Island 

Railroad    trains.        In    1S69,   after    being  at  work  on   the 

trains  for  seven  years,  he  was  promoted  to  the  position 
of  Superintendent  for  the  Union  News  Company,  which 
place  he  filled  with  entire  satisfaction  until  1881,  at  which 
time  the  late  Austin  Corbin  obtained  control  of  the  Long 
Island  Railroad.  He  gave  Mr.  Morris  the  contract  for 
news  privileges  over  the  entire  system,  which  he  lias 
remained  in  control  of  since  that  time.  Mr.  Morris  is  now 
President  of  the  Long  Island  News  Company,  and  is  justlv 
]3roud  of  the  company  he  organized  and  the  position  he 
holds. 

\'cry  few  now  connected  with  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  were  there  when  he  first  identified  himself  on 
Long  Island.  His  success  has  never  changed  him.  He  is 
never  happier  than  when  he  is  in  the  company  of  the  bovs. 
as  he  called  the  employees  of  the  News  Companv. 

Mr.  Morris  resides- at  Flushing,  to  which  place  he 
removed  in  1876.  He  owns  a  comfortable  home,  where  he 
resides  with  his  interesting  family.  In  1891  he  was  elected 
a  Trustee   of  the    village,  and  re-elected  in  1893.      In  1894 

was  elected  President  of  the  village,  a  position  of   honor  gkorgk.  i..  sukhnkk, 

which  an\'    man  may  well  feel  proud  of. 

Mr.  Morris  is  a  very  prominent  Mason.  Initiated  in  Cornucopia  Lodge,  No.  563,  in  1878,  he  has 
filled  with  dignity  every  ofi^ce  in  the  gift  of  his  brethern.  He  was  elected  Master  in  1884-85-86,  and 
was  appointed  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in  1885,  and  served  for  three  years  under  Grand  Master 
Frank  R.  Lawrence,  during  which  time  the  sum  of  $9000  was  raised  in  Queens  and  Suffolk  Counties, 
through  the  earnest  work  of  our  subject,  to  be  used  towards  liquidating  the  debt  which  then  existed 
upon  the  building  at  Sixth  avenue  and  Twenty-third  street,  New  York.  He  has  now  served  the  Grand 
Lodge  in  different  stations  for  over  ten  years,  which  is  more  than  can  be  said  of  any  other  member  con- 
nected with  the  fraternity  in  Queens  and  Suffolk  Counties.  At  the  present  time  he  is  Vice-President  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Ma.sonie  Home  at  Utica,  N.  Y.,  and  the  Hall  in  New  York.  Last  year  he 
was  treasurer  in  charge  of  a  fund  amounting  to  over  §250.000.  In  ])olitics  Mr.  Morris  is  a  Republican. 
He  was  an  elector  for  his  district  in  1892. 

John  p.  Maddkn  resides  at  27  l^ly  avenue.  He  has  lived  in  Long  Island  City  fourteen  ^-ears — 
since  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  During  the  fourteen  vears  he  has  been  a  resident  of  the  above  city 
he  has  been  known  as  one  of  the  leading  politicians  and  occupies  a  prominent  place  in  the  councils  of 
the    Democratic  party. 

He  was  born  inthe  town  of  Scio,  Alleghan\-  Countv,  N.  Y.,  on  the  22d  of  February.  18 — .  After 
attending  the  ]niblic  schools  for  several  years  he  entered    Riverside    Academy,  Millsville,  N.  Y     where 


198 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY. 


his  education  was  completed.  In  1882  he  came  to  Long  Island  City.  He  held  several  responsible 
clerical  positions  and  later  became  a  journalist.  From  the  time  of  casting  his  first  vote  Mr  Madden 
took  an  active  interest  in  politics.  For  two  years  he  was  private  secretary  to  vSenator  Floyd  Jones  and 
clerk  to  the  State  Senate  Committee  on  the  Affairs  of  Cities.  While  holding  this  position  he  rendered 
valuable  service  to  Long  Island  City  by  defeating  legislation  inimical  to  the  taxpayers,  through  his 
influence.  In  1893  he  was  the  nominee  of  the  Democratic  party  for  the  First  District  of  Queens 
County  and  was  defeated  by  a  few  votes.  Mayor  Sanford  appointed  him  to  the  responsible  position  of 
cashier  in  the  Water  Department  and  he  held  the  position  until  about  January  i,  1S95.  In  the  fall  of 
1 894  he  was  a  second  time  the  candidate  of  his  party  for  Member  of  Assembly  and  was  triumphantly 
elected  over  two  opponents.  His  term  in  the  Assembly  was  made  notable  by  the  passage  of  a  bill 
reducing  the  price  of  gas  consumed  by  the  residents  of  Long  Island  City.  For  this  and  other  conspicu- 
ous service,  Mr.  ]Madden  was  welcomed  home  by  his  constituents  at  the  adjournment  of  the  Legislature 
by  a  popular  non-partisan  demonstration — a  compliment  that  had  never  before  been  extended  a  repre- 
sentative of  this  district  in  the  Assembly.  At  the  call  of  his  party  in  the  fall  of  1895,  Mr.  Madden 
became  the  candidate  for  Mayor.  He  conducted  a  vigorous  canvass  against  heavy  odds  and  came 
within  31   votes  of  being  elected  Mayor  of  Long  Island  City. 

In  the  earlv  part  of  1886  Mr.  Madden  returned  to  his  occupation — journalism,  and  is  now  publisher 
of  T.lcctrual  Doings,  a  monthly  paper  devoted  to  electricity.  He  is  still  an 
active  ]jolitical  worker  and  is  chairman  of  the  Democratic  General  Com- 
miitcc.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Jefferson  Club,  Catholic  Club,  Ravenswood 

J  Boat  Clul)  and  Order  of  Foresters. 

Li-.oNARi)  C.  L.  Smi  III,  H.  S.,  C.   M,  was  born  in  Xew  York  City,  May 
15,  1868.      He  is  the  eighth  living  child  born  to  his  parents,  Joseph  L.  T. 
^  and  Elizabeth  (Bilbrough)  Smith,  the  former  being  a  civil  engineer  of  wide 

reputation.      The    subject  of   our   sketch    received  his  early  education  in 
^^^  the    puhlie  schools  of  Long  I.sland  City,  but  when  twelve  years  of  age  he 

^|Bfe^  began    the    study    of  civil  engineering  under  his  father.       When   sixteen 

^T^  years    of  age  he  entered   the  University  of  the  Cit}'  of   Xew   York,    and 

in  1888  he  was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  degrees  of  Civil  Engineer 
and  Bachelor  of  Science.  In  a  class  of  twenty-two  he  received  sejond 
honors  as  salutatorian  and  was  elected  an  honorary  member  of  Phi  Beta 
Kappa  Society.  In  1889  Mr.  Smith  took  one  year's  post-graduate  course 
and  practiced  with  his  father  until  the  close  of  189 1.  In  1892  he  located 
in  Long  Island  City,  which  has  since  been  his  home.  In  March,  1893, 
he  was  appointed  Engineer  of  the  Water  Department,  and  held  that  posi- 
tion up  to  January,  1896.  He  is  also  engaged  in  the  general  practice  of 
civil  engineering,  and  now  does  all  the  work  for  the  North  Beach  Company,  as  well  as  for  man\-  other 
firms.     His  office  is  at  No.  77  Jackson  avenue. 

Mr.  Smith  married  Miss  Mary  H.  Rcmsen,  of  Glenhead,  L.  I.  One  child  has  been  born  tn  this 
union,  Leonard  C.  L.,  Jr.  Mr.  Smith  is  a  member  of  the  Psi  Upsilon  Fraternity,  the  Alumni  of  Xew 
York  University,  and  Phi  Beta  Kappa  Society.  He  is  a  deacon  in  tlie  Remsen  Street  Reformed 
Church,  Astoria,  and  is  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School.  President  of  Boys'  Brigade  and  Christian 
Endeavor  Society. 

Mr.  Smith  stood  highest  in  the  scientific  department  of  his  class  all  through  his  college  course.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Lacrosse  team  in  1888  and  contended  in  matches  with  other  leading  college  teams. 
He  resides  at  No.  59  Woolsey  street,  Astoria,  in  a  new  house  planned  by  himself.  He  is  an  amateur 
elocutionist  of  considerable  local  re])utation,his  preference  being  in  roles  of  liumorous  dialects.  He  was 
a  post-graduate  in  geology. 

Aur.usT  Heath,  who  has  been  a  resident  of  Long  Islaiul  City  for  the  past  twenty-seven  years,  was 
born  in  New  York  City,  December  10,  1842,  where  he  received  an  education  in  the  ijublic  schools. 
His  name  in  Long  Island  City  is  a  household  word,  he  being  the  manufacturer  of  the  well-known 
Heath  ice  cream  and  a  wholesale  manufacturer  of  fine  confectionery. 

Mr.  Heath  is  a  member  of  Benjamin  Ringold  Post,  G.  A.  R,.  and  the  Fifth  Xew  N'mk  Duryee 
Zouaves,    Veteran   Association.      On    December    16.    1870,    he    married    ^[iss  Mathild  i  Johnson    (now 


l.EONARIl   c.    1..    K.\UTII    (C.   I;. 


If /STORY  OF  LOXG  fSL.WP  CITY 


'99 


deceased),  to  whom  one  son  was  born,  Eugene,  who  is  now  associated  with  his  father  in  business.  On 
September  8,  1887,  he  married  Miss  Mina  Fonstad.  By  the  hitter  niarriajje,  two  dauj^hters  have  been 
born. 

Jul. US  Win  Hu.NKKi'.i.iN  was  born  in  JuHch,  Rhenish  Prussia,  derman)-,  December  20,  1845.  He 
was  educated  at  the  Imperial  MiHtary  College  in  Berhn,  and  served  in  the  (Jerman  Army  as  an  officer. 
After  coming  to  America,  he  adopted  the  profession  of  a  Civil  Engineer  and  Surveyor.  In  1872,  Mr. 
\'on  Hunerbein  came  to  America,  and  has  resided  in  Long  Island  City  ever  since,  where  he  has  actively 
been  engaged  in  his  profession.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Liederkranz  of  New  York  City,  and  the  (Jer- 
man  Krieger  Bund.  In  politics  he  is  a  Jeffersonian  Democrat.  For  some  time  he  has  held  the  ixjsition 
of  engineer  and  surveyor  to  the  Waterworks  Department,  and  to  the  (General  Imjjrovement  Commission 
of  Long  Island  City. 

In  October,  iS-i,  Mr.  \'(>n  Hunerbein  married  Miss  Louise  Xollet  of  the  city  of  Hanover,  (ier- 
manv.     Four  children,  viz.:   Helen,  Elsie,  Arthur  and  Melanie,  have  been  born  to  the  union. 


CiisT.WLs  L.  SruiuiNKK  was  born  in  Reading,  Pa.,  July 
the  public  schools  of  that  city.  For  the  past  seventeen  years. 
Mr.  Stuebner  has  been  a  resident  of  Long  Island  City,  and 
has  been  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of  coal  handling 
appliances.  He  has  an  extensive  plant,  occupying  the 
premises  Nos.  168  to  176  (inclusive)  East  Third  street,  where 
he  employs  a  large  force  of  men. 

Mr.  vStuebner  was  married  in  1876.  He  has  five 
daughters  and  three  sons.  His  favorite  son,  Augustus,  who 
was  associated  in  business  with  him,  died  in  February,  1896, 
in  the  nineteenth  year  of  his  age.  Mr.  Stuebner  is  a  member 
of  the  Lincoln  Club.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 


15,    1854.     He   received  his  education 


Civ.omw.  J.  Rv.\N,  an  energetic  and  successful  real  estate 
and  insurance  broker  of  Long  Island  City,  is  one  of  the  most 
popular  and  respected  of  its  yoimger  business  men.  He  is 
one  of  a  family  long  and  favorably  known  in  the  above  city 
far  the  uniform  integrity  and  probity  of  its  members.  His 
father,  the  late  George  Ryan,  for  many  years  owned  and 
managed  the  largest  marble  works  in  Long  Island  City, 
and  his  son  has  inherited  many  of  his  father's  business 
characteristics.  i^kokgk  j.  k\an 

Mr.  Ryan  being  born  and  having  grown  to  manhood  in 
Long  Island  City,  he  received  his  education  in  the  local  schools  and  subsequently  acc|uired  his  business 
training  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  district  of  New  York  City,  afterward  embarking  in  business 
for  himself,  at  No.  44  Jackson  avenue,  where  he  has  succeeded  in  building  up  a  constantly  increasing 
and  lucrative  business.  His  temperament  and  characteristics  are  such  that  they  have  naturally  led  to 
his  selection  for  the  management  of  estates,  and  the  placing  of  money  in  such  properties  as  would 
best  satisfy  prudent  and  cautious  investors,  and  in  these  connections  he  has  had  especial  success.  His 
life-long  residence  in  Long  Island  City,  his  intimate  familiarity  with  the  surrounding  districts,  has  given 
him  quite  a  reputation  as  an  appraiser  of  suburban  property,  and  he  has  been  very  successful  in  the 
handling  of  it.  In  addition  to  these  special  features  Mr.  Ryan  conducts  a  general  real  estate  and 
insurance  business,  and  his  affability  and  conscientiousness  in  small  matters  have  won  him  a  host  of 
friends  and  customers. 

Mr.  Ryan  is  as  well  known  in  social  and  intellectual  circles  in  the  lower  section  of  Long  Island 
City,  as  in  business,  and  this  interest  antedated  his  business  virtues,  and  no  entertainment  for  charitable 
or  benevolent  purposes  is  ccmsidered  complete  without  him  as  one  of  the  moving  spirits.  He  is  Sec- 
retarv  of  the  Catholic  Club,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Benevolent  Legion,  St.  Mary's  Lyceum,  and 
many  other  societies.  His  home  is  in  Twelfth  street,  where  he  resides  with  his  sisters  in  a  quiet  neigh- 
borhood, and  his  business  efforts  may  be  said  to  have  been  greatly  aided  by  the  support  and  influence 
which  a  peaceful  and  Christian  home  brings  coupled  with  a  united  and  harmonious  family. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  CITY 


loHN  Wood,  Jr.,  was  born  in  Callicoon,  Sullivan  County.  X.  V.,  October  16.  1853.  He  is  the 
third  child  born  to  his  parents,  John  and  Mary  (Porter)  Wood,  both  natives  of  Ireland,  and  both  of 
whom  are  living,  aged  seventy-three  and  seventy  years  respectively.  Mr.  Wood  has  resided  in  Long 
Island  City  ever  since  he  was  seven  years  old.  The  public  schools  of  this  place  afforded  him  his  educa- 
tional advantages.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  became  an  apprentice  in  the  tin  manufacturing  depart- 
ment of  the  Standard  Oil  Company,  after  which  he  was  in  the  employ  of  George  Petry  until  the 
latter's  death,  and  rose  to  the  position  of  manager  of  the  business.  In  January,  1869,  he  opened 
an  establishment  of  his  own  in  Long  Island  City,  at  the  corner  of  Seventh  street  and  Jackson  avenue. 
Six  months  later  he  took  into  partnership   ^Mrs.    Ocorge   Petry,   and    up  to  May  7,  1895,  the  firm  was 

known  as  A.  A.  Petry  &  Co.  At 
that  time  Mr.  Wood  purchased  his 
partner's  interest,  and  since  then  he 
has  been  the  sole  proprietor  of  the 
business . 

Mr.  Wood  was  united  in  marriage 
in  New  York  City  to  j\Iiss  Alice 
McXulty,  and  of  this  union  six 
children  were  born,  two  of  whom  are 
dead.  Mr.  Wood  was  a  member  of 
Ivmpire  Hose  Company  for  sixteen 
vears.  Mr.  Wood  has  shown  that  he 
possesses  considerable  inventive 
genius,  and  has  patented  an  invention 
for  quickly  and  firmly  crimping  a  cap 
on  an  oil  can  or  other  receptacle. 
It  is  a  simple  hand  tool,  does  the 
wurk  effectually,  and  saves  a  great 
deal  of  lime  and  labor. 

Ari.i>r  Mlkkav  was  born  in 
New  York  City  in  1839,  where  he 
was  educated  in  the  public  schools. 
.\ftcr  leaving  school  he  learned  the 
trade  of  a  monumental  sculptor.  He 
has  erected  .some  of  the  largest  and 
most  costly  monuments  in  Calvar\' 
cemetery:  prominent  among  them  is 
a  \-ault  constructed  for  William 
Murray,  ex-Superintendent  of  Police 
of  New  York;  and  for  ex-Senator 
John  Fox.  He  has  also  made  a  fifty- 
foot    monument   for  John    Lovejov, 

lOIIN    \VO<)I>,     in.  ,  .  ,  ,1  , 

besides  many  handsome  tombstones 
for  a  number  of  other  prominent 
people.  Mr.  Murray  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  in  politics  is  a  Democrat.  In  1866  he 
married  Miss  Ellen  Conleu,  of  Xew  York  City.  Six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  all  of 
whom  are  living,  have  been  born  to  the  marriage.  John,  the  youngest  son  of  Mr.  Murray,  is  engaged 
in  business  with  his  father. 

John  Ciiai'.man  was  born  in  the  parish  of  Cashill,  County  Longford,  Ireland,  where  he  received  an 
education  in  the  schof)ls.  After  leaving  school  he  learned  the  trade  of  a  carpenter  and  builder,  but  of 
later  years  he  has  devoted  his  attention  to  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business.  He  has  resided  in 
Long  Island  City  for  twenty-seven  years,  and  is  well  and  favorably  known.  He  was  for  four  years  an 
E.xcise  Commissioner,  and  for  nine  months  of  that  period  was  chairman  of  the  Board.  He  was  also  for 
one  term  Alderman-at-Large,  and  has  been  Overseer  of  the  Poor.  On  May  10,  1886,  he  married  Miss 
Ellen   Nolan. 


HISTORY  OF  LONG  ISLAND  Cll  Y.  201 

Andrew  G.  Appi.k(;ate  was  born  in  Freehold,  N.  J.,  January  21,  1S70,  and  came  to  Lonjf  Island 
City  to  reside  in  1891.  After  locating  in  the  above  place  he  accepted  a  position  as  foreman  of  the 
Queens  County  Herald,  where  he  remained  until  1893.  In  the  springf  of  that  year  he  enjjaged  in  the 
bicycle  business  at  127  Jackson  avenue.  In  1895  '^'^  business  had  assumed  such  extensive  proportions 
that  he  removed  to  his  present  commodious  quarters,  139  Jackson  avenue.  He  is  associated  in  busi- 
ness with  Mr.  Charles  J.  Harvey. 

On  November  i,  1895,  Mr.  Appleg^ate  was  appointed  enmnerator  of  school  census  of  Long  Island 
City  by  Mayor  vSanford.  In  1889  he  married  Miss  Amy  Sherman,  of  Xew  York  City.  Mr.  Applegate 
is  a  member  of  the  Lincoln  Club,  the  Ravenswood  Boat  Club,  the  Long  Island  City  Wheelmen,  the 
League  of  American  Wheelmen  and  the  Associated  Cycling  Club. 

WiM.i AM  H.  SiKiiRK.cHT  was  bom  at  Berka,  ])n)vince  of  Hanover,  Germany,  December  27,  1852, 
and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Georgina  Siebrecht.  In  1870  he  came  to  America,  locating  in  New  York 
City,  where  he  remained  for  two  years  working  at  his  trade  (that  of  a  florist)  in  the  employ  of  his 
brother,  Henry  A.  Later  on  Mr.  Siebrecht  engaged  in  business  on  his  own  account  in  a  small  way  in 
Astoria.  So  successful  was  he  that  he  now  has  one  of  the  largest  and  finest  pieces  of  property  in  Long 
Island  City  devoted  to  the  culture  of  flowers  and  plants.  Mr.  Siebrecht  married  Miss  Annie  R.  Heim 
of  New  York  City.  Four  children  have  been  born  to  her:  Pauline,  Henry,  William  and  George.  In 
1894  Mr.  Siebrecht  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Fire  and  Water  Committee  by  Mayor  Sanford.  He 
is  president  of  the  New  York  Cut  Flower  Exchange,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  principal  organizers 
and  was  its  treasurer  until  appointed  to  his  present  position.  He  is  [also  a  member  of  the  New  York 
Florists'  Club  and  a  trustee  of  tlic  Long  Island  City  Savings  Bank. 

Harrv  H.  Hunt  was  born  in  Schooley,  N.  J.,  February  22,  1868.  He  received  his  education  in 
the  schools  of  Hackettstown,  N.  J.,  and  afterwards  took  a  full  professional  course  at  the  New  York 
College  of  Dentistry.  For  the  past  seven  years  he  has  resided  in  Long  Island  City,  where  he  has  been 
actively  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Mr.  Hunt  has  built  up  a  large  and  growing  business 
in  Long  Island  City  and  vicinity.     He  is  prominently  identified  with  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Chari.es  S.  Schwarz,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Schwarz  &  Son,  was  born  in  Germany, 
January  28,  1834,  and  was  educated  in  his  native  place.  In  1852  he  came  to  America  and  located  in 
Xew  York  City.  In  1S60  he  located  in  what  is  now  a  part  of  Long  Island  City,  where  he  began  his 
present  business  with  Thomas  Taylor,  the  firm  being  Taylor  &  Schwarz.  In  1889  he  sold  out  and 
started  in  business  alone.  In  1890  he  took  his  son  Frederick  into  partnership  under  the  firm  name  of 
Schwarz  &  Son.  On  September  17,  i86o,  Mr.  Schwarz  married  Miss  Helen  Taylor,  of  Astoria,  to 
whom  seven  children  have  been  born,  viz,  :  Nellie,  Frederick,  Anna,  Charles,  Ernst,  Florence  and 
Etta. 

Thomas  H.  vSnedeker  was  born  in  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  September  20,  1835,  1^''*  ancestry  dating  back 
to  about  1646.  He  received  an  education  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  place,  after  which  he 
learned  the  trade  of  a  saddle  and  harness  maker.  For  the  past  forty  years  he  has  been  a  resident  of 
Long  Island  City.  He  is  a  member  of  Anchor  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  is  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master  for  Queens  District  No.  i.  He  is  also  a  member  of  East  Avenue  Baptist  Church.  In  politics 
he  is  a  Republican.  On  November  25,  1855,  he  married  Miss  Henrietta  Cousin,  to  whom  ten  children 
have  been  born,  five  of  whom  are  now  deceased. 

Charles  A.  Willev  was  born  in  Cabot,  Washington  County,  Vt.,  in  1859,  being  the  third  of  six 
children  born  to  Curtis  A.  and  Caroline  (Williamson)  Willey.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  days  in 
Vermont,  where  he  received  a  practical  education.  When  fourteen  years  old  he  was  apprenticed  as  a 
coach  painter,  in  which  capacity  he  worked  four  years.  In  1877  he  went  to  Merrimac,  Mass., 
where  he  worked  as  a  master  coach  painter  for  three  years.  In  1880  he  located  in  New 
York,  where  he  was  a  traveling  salesman  for  a  large  color  manufacturing  firm.  After  filling 
similar  positions  in  various  parts  of  the  country  for  several  years,  in  November,  1890,  he  started  in 
business  for  himself  in  Long  Island  City.  His  present  establishment,  at  No.  91  West  avenue,  is  one 
of  the  most  important  industries  of  the  city.  In  Fitchburg,  Mass.,  Mr.  Willey  married  Miss  Julia  A. 
Perkins.  Socially  Mr.  Willey  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  a  member  of  Merrimac  Blue  Lodge  and  of 
Boston  Commanderv. 


;jo2  HISTORY  OF  LOXG  ISLAM)  CITY. 

O.  Demarest  &  Co. — One  of  the  largest  and  most  influential  business  concerns  in  Long  Island 
City  is  that  of  O.  Demarest  &  Company,  who  occupy  the  large  three-story  building  at  the  corner  of 
Jackson  avenue  and  Fifth  street,  and  familiarly  known  as  the  New  York  Department  vStore.  The 
establishing  of  this  store  has  filled  a  long-felt  want  to  the  residents  of  Long  Island  City.  The  firm 
carry  a  general  stock  of  goods  that  would  be  found  in  any  of  the  largest  department  stores  of  New 
York  City.  Their  prices  are  just  as  low,  and  shoppers  are  spared  the  time  and  trouble  that  would  be 
incurred  in  a  disagreeable  trip  by  ferry  to  New  York.  Among  some  of  the  more  important  lines  that 
will  be  found  in  this  mammoth  emporium,  the  shopper  will  find  a  large  stock  of  dry  and  fancy  goods, 
notions,  carpets,  rugs,  shoes,  housefurnishings,  etc.,  etc.  Mr.  O.  Demarest  has  had  an  extensive 
experience  in  the  general  dry  goods  trade,  and  is  an  energetic  and  indefatigable  worker.  The  name 
of  this  firm  in  connection  with  any  goods  they  carry  is  a  satisfactory  guarantee  of  quality. 

LuDWiG  ScH.MiDT,  proprietor  of  the  Greater  New  York  Hotel,  at  Nos.  29  and  31  Borden  avenue. 
Long  Island  City,  was  born  in  Germany,  July  9,  1862,  where  he  was  educated.  He  has  been  a  resi- 
dent of  Long  Island  City  for  the  past  three  years.  Mr.  Schmidt  is  a  prominent  member  of  a  number 
of  secret  and  benevolent  orders.  In  February,  1894,  he  married  Miss  Dora  Meier.  Mr.  Schmidt  has 
been  unusually  successful  in  conducting  the  Greater  New  York  Hotel.  It  is  the  most  conspicuous 
hostelry  in  Long  Island  City,  in  fact  the  only  first-class  hotel,  and  the  tables  are  supplied  with  all  the 
delicacies  the  markets  afford.  Its  location  is  superb,  being  almost  opposite  the  station  of  the  Long 
Island  Railroad  Company  and  the  ferries. 


NDEX 


Anahle,  H.  S 27,  28,  T2,  155  ( 'ontroversy  lietween  Euglish 

Klinhitlet  X...2S,  liw,  182        and  Dutch 9-11 

Andrews,  \V.  H 131  (  ooper.  I).  I).,  Rev.  Edmund 

Applegate,  Andrew  . I   2iil         I)   y2-!l5 

Associations,   Kireinen's Kill     <  'orbin.  Austin 77,  78,  82 

Astoria,  First  Settlement  ot        11  Court  House,  Queens  Co.   10.5, 10»i 

"        Incorporation  of  ...     21     Covert,  Clmrles  <i 17!) 

"        Origin  of  Name 2:5  Cunningham,  Kev.  Edward..     !I2 

"        Homestead  Co 5t)-5.s     Curtis.   Kev.   E '.17 

Customs.  Early..     15 


B 

Bar  Association,  Queens  Co  .  Uk; 
Bar  of  Long  Island  City..  101-10(1 

Hank,  .'^cliool  Savings 73 

Long  Island  City  Sav- 
ings   12:t 

"      Queens  County 124 

Bavlies,  Hmixi,.^ jC-Zii^f^ .     24 
Gu.stavus  ...      .    KKt,  110 

Beach,  Xortli 75 

Belden,  Hev.  Charles 87 

Beniier,  Charles 184 

Kobert 101 

Bennett,  William   12 

.Jacob 26 

Bennett's  Point 12 

Berrien,  Cornelius 14 

Island 14 

Blackwell,  .Jacob.. ..  12.  1.5,  1!(,  71 

"  Richard 15 

"  Frank  E 103 

Bleckwenu.  F.  W (55,  1,50 

Block  House 21 

Bogardus,  Everard     0 

liowley,  Frederick   105 

HreiiiiJiM,  Kr.uicis  E 190 

British  at  Hallett's  Cove 20 

Bridge.  'I'lie   Havenswood.  ..79-82 

Brutnall.  Richard  .      9,  U 

Browne,  Edward 101 

Burglary,  The  Masked 29 

Bumster,  P.  H 192 

Burns,  .John  Francis        189 

Burke,  Thos.  P KM 

Burnett.  W.  .1 11:!,  12:t.  l«l 

C 

Cassebeer,  Henry  A li'>4 

Cassidy.  .Joseph .'. 171 

Cemeteries,   National IIU 

Chapel.  St.  Matthews 98 

Chapman.  .John 200 

Charter.  Village  ot  .Vstoria  .     21 

Church. Astoria  Presbyterian     90 

East   Ave.  Baptist...     90 

"       First  Reformed 97 

l'"irst  (iernian  M.  E  .     9S 

(irnce  .M.  E 91 

"       (ierman   Second    Re 

formed 8S 

■'       of  the  Redeemer     ..     92 
•■      of  Our  Lady  ot  Mt. 

Ciirmel 89 

Reformed,  Steinway    99 
"       Reformed,       Sunny- 
side "..     !Kl 

St.  George's,  Epis 87 

St..John's,Prot.  Epis.    95 
"      St.  .Joseph's.  German 

Catholic 9(; 

■'      St.  Mary's.  R.  C 9ti 

St.  Patrick'.s,  R.  I"..     97 
St.      Thomas,    Prot. 

Epis       89 

The     Reformed,     ot 

Astoria 87 

Third  M.  E  97 

Trinity  M.  E  100 

(ily  (iovernment  139 

Clay,  George  E   173 

(oliege,  I'nion "24 

Commission,  Survey  7.'i 

Company,  Standard  Oil 12.5 


D 

Daimler  Motor  Co 54-.5(l 

Darvin,  Ira  G 103,  1S4 

Debevoise.  Henry   S..ti5.  104,105 

Demarest  &  Co..  O -202 

Department.  Fire tMi 

■'  Finance 0(1 

•'  Police IVS 

Discoverers,  Early 7,  x 

Ditmars.  Dr.  Don 110.111 

Abram  D 101 

Dominie's  Hook 9-12 

DulTv,  Charles  T 103,184 

Dulc'keri.  Ferdinand  Q 17tt 

Diirvea  llDiise 19 

Diitih  Kills 12,  13,  59 

Dykes..!. .M'ph 171 

E 

East  River  GasCo x2 

Education  Early 70 

Board  ot 72 

English,  Conquest  by 11 

Evans,    !{ev.  Geo.    M    97 

F 

Farms.  Early,  in  Blissville..     19 

Ferry.  Home's  Hook 23 

Co.     N.  V.   and   East 

River 78,  79 

Finances 66-08 

Fire  Department 66 

Firemen's  Associations 136 

Forbes,    George 189 

Formation   of   Land 7 

Forssell,  .John  W 173 

Foster.  Walter  J 103 

WalterC 103 

Edgar  P 103 

Fort  Stevens 20 

Frew.  Walter  E 134,  16? 

Frey.  W.   t; 113 

Froeligh. Dominie 18 

a 

(i.  A.  R lUi 

Garretson,   Garret    .J 177 

Gas  Co.,  East  River 82 

Geology 7 

Gleason,  Patrick   .J 65 

Golduer    Matthew  .J 194 

Government,  City 139-143 

(Jray,  Sylvester 165 

Gregg,  George  A 103 

(iulick.   Rev.   X.  D Wi 

H 

Hallett.  William 9,  11 

William,  .Jr.,    Mur- 
der of 16 

Hallett,   .Joseph     12,  70 

Charles   W 158 

Hallet  fs  Cove 9, 12. 20,  71 

Halsey,  Stephen  A 23,  71, 152 

llariiiensen.     Hendrick 9 

Harroun,  Gilbert  K a8,29 

Havden,   Capt.    Levy 60 

Heath,  August 198 

Hell  Gate,  Removal  of  Reefs 

In    83-84 

Perrinian.  Menzo  W 188 

Hiscuik.    David 1.58 


H 

I'  viii:. 

Hitchcock.    Dewitt Ill 

Homestead,    Astoria,   Co 56 

House,  Moore 16 

"        Debevoi.sc 19 

Old  Washington....  15, 19 

Block 21 

Hospitals,  St.  .John's    S5 

Astoria 85,86 

Hunt,  Harry  H    '201 

Huuler,  (Jeorge  and  Anne..     26 
Hunter's  Point 9, 12,24, 27,-29 

I 

Incidents,  Historical I:t6-i:t.'< 

Indians,  Rockaway 7 

Title    of,     E.vtin- 

guished 10 

Ingram,   .James  172 

J 

.Jansen,   Tynan 9 

K 

Kadien,  T.  C 10:1,185 

Knapp.  Lucieu 164 

Knauer.  E  .J 103  \«A 

Koehler,    Theodore 193 

Korfmann,   Henry   C 195 

Kuebler,  Frederick 56 

Kuehn,    Kev.  Mr 98 

L 

I..awrence,  .Jonathan 19 

Thomas 11.  i:i 

Lent,  Family 14 

Library,  Free  Circulating..    .")0 

Public 73 

Litigation    Important 1' 4-106 

Lockwood,  .Jiihn  E  1.52 

Jjong  Island  City .59 

'  "  Incorporation    (il 

Luyster,   Peter 9 

Lyttle,  H.  G HI 

M 

MacF^rlane,  H.  F 11:!,  189 

Mac.Millan,    Rev.   .Jas.  A....   KKl 

Madden,  .John  P 197 

Manley,  Lucius  .V 103,1.80 

.lohn  R lo:i 

Manufactures 12.5-i;!4 

Mayoralty  Elections 64-<i6 

McGuire,    Rev.   .John !Hi 

McGrane,  John  .J 192 

.NicKenna,  .Tames  A 163 

Medical   I'rotession 107 

Society,  Queens  Co.  113 

Mencken,   Henry 168 

Mespat   Kills  .." 9 

.Me-seiiger,  .John 173 

Meyer,   Cord 178 

Miehon.  Godfrey  L 190 

Mitchell.    Hev.  .James   H   ..     182 

Moore    House Hi 

>Iorris,    Frederick    P 197 

Murray,    August "200 

N 

New,   Alfred    1 174 

.James  X 175 

Newspapers  125 

Xewton,  Gen.  John 84 

N'^ew  York,  Capture  of 18 

Noble,  Daniel 10:!,  181 

Solomon  B 102 

Xott.    Dr     Eliphalet '25-27 

N.  Y.  \-  L.  I.  Bridge  Co 80 

o 

Olwell.  James  T 10:!,  185 

Out   Plantations 9,  lo 

Park,  Charles flO 

Payne,  Alvan  T 10'2,  179 

"  Jr KM 

George   E 175 


P 

I'AliE. 

Pay  u  tar,  George  H 196 

Pearse,    William    E 10.1 

Petrv,  <  ieorge 05 

"   "    John      W 196 

Physicians,   City  118 

Piano   Factory,  Steinway  & 

Sons   3i! 

Piatt,  Clarence  X 190 

Police    Department 68 

Poor,  Bowery 9, 14 

Population,  Early 15 

Post,  Sheridan 117 

"      Kingold 118 

Power  Hou.se  76 

Pi-aa,  Captain  12 

Prentiss,  Robert  S 191 

Printing  Ink  Co.,  Wilson 13:! 


(Queens  Co.    Meilical  Society  113 
(^iio    Warranto    Proceedings  KM 

R 

Railroad,   Long   Island 76 

Railways,   Street 7:! 

Rapelye,    Cornelius l.>t 

Jacob 18 

Ravenswood 9,14,15 

Relics 18,  19 

Revolution.  Queens  Co  ,  in..  17-20 

Revision  ol  Charter 64,  65 

Riker,  Abram 19 

'■      John  B 109 

"      John  L 101 

"      John  H 101 

"      Samuel 101 

Ryan,  George  J I!t9 

Rycken,  Family 14 

S 

Sanfopl,  Horatio  S B« 

Samuel  T.  W Ill 

Schmidt,  Ludwig 2«r2 

.Schools,  Hist.  Sketch 70-73 

Fourth  Ward '2:! 

"        Savings  Banks 73 

Schwarz.  Charles  S 201 

Season,  A  Memorable 29 

Settlements  Early 8,  9 

Shaw,  Alexander 98 

Siebrecht,  W.  H 201 

Slavery 114 

Smedlev.  .1.  Harvey 123,  167 

Smith,  Frederick  N 103,  18(5 

Leonard  C.  I.. 198 

"       Matthew  J 103,185 

.lohn  Andrew 1.59 

Suedeker,  Thomas  H 201 

Societies 131-136 

Stahl.  Jacob 194 

Star,  The  L.  I.  City 12.5,  144 

'•      Publishing  Co 1.59 

Stibbins.  Julius  M 191 

Steinfuhrer.  Rev  C.  D.  F.  88,  16t» 

.Steinway,  Village  of 3(K!3 

•     ■    Henry  E .3:! 

C.F.Theodore..   .     43 

William 47 

Stevens,  A.  Gallatin 24,  101 

Ale.\   H  110 

Ebenezer 20 

John no 

Samuel 101 

Fort -20 

Stewart.  William  E 103,  18J 

Stims'jn,  S.  E  28 

Storms,  Remarkable 16 

Strang,  Mrs.  J.  R.  N 161 

Isaac  B Ki2 

Strong,  Ben j.  G  1H8 

Stuebner.  G.  L  VM 


Survey  Commission 73 

Sutphin,  John  H Ift") 

Snydam.  Family 41 

T 

Terra  Cotta.  Architectural..  120 

Terry.  J.  Kufus ItW 

Thirv,  John  H 78,  16.5 

Thomas,  II.  M 168 

Todd.  Thomas  H 125,  144 

Totten,  Ahram  K 159 

TralTord,  C.  R 24, 92,  154 

Trask,  James  n 111,186 

James  D.,  Jr Ill 

Trowbridge,  Frederick  C 173 

Trust.    Nott    and    Hunter's 

Point 26 

Tunnel.  East  River 83 

U 
Union  College 24-26 

V 

Van  Alst.  Family  and  Man- 
sion       13 

Van  Alst,  Peter  G 154 

Van  Pelt,  Rev.  Daniel 88 

Van  Riper,  Firm  of  I.  and  J.  175 

Varnish  Works I2t>-131 

Virgil  Practice  Clavier  Co.  . .    .57 

Von  Bernuth,  Louis -"(e 

Von  Hunerbein,  Julius I'M 

W 


Wadley,  Charles  A 

War  of  ISia 

.103, 181 

20 

"     The  Civil 

....  114 

Washington  House 

Weeks    W  H          

. . .  15,  1!) 

llarrvT 

101,  1.S5 

We.st,  George 

....     96 

Whitcomb,  James  M  — 

....   160 

White.  Kdwin  T 

....   173 

Whitney,  Josiah  M 

. .  Si,  74 

Wild,  RolrertT 

...   102 

Willey ,  Charles  A 

.  ..  201 

William.son.  George  H 

.  ..   171 

Wingrove,  lienjamin 

....   1.57 

Wood,  Jr.,   .lohu 

....  200 

WoodrulT,  John  T 

....  173 

Charles  Curtis 

....  173 

Woods,  Anthony  S 

. . . .     69 

Woolsey,  estate 

....     13 

Wright.  William  W.... 

....   1T5 

ILLU.-^TRATIONS. 

A  View  of  Long  Island  City  . 

Frontispiece 

I'AiJi:. 
Ranks,  L.  I. City  .Savings.   ..  123 

Queens  County 12- 

Rodine  Castle 60 

Hridge,  Ra%'enswood 78 

Block  House 23 

Church,  Astoria  Reformed  .      87 
Our    Lady    of    Mt. 

Carmel 89 

"        Presbyterian,Astoria  90 

"       of  the  Redeemer  ...      91 

St.  Mary's,  R.C....     95 

"        East  Ave.  Baptist..     97 

St.  Raphel's.  R.  C..     '.f.i 

Trinity  M.  E 100 

College,   t'niou.   North    Col- 
lege Building,  opp 26 

College, Union, Memorial  Hall 
and  Washburne  Building, 

opp 27 

College.    I  nioii.   South    Col- 
lege Building,  opp 27 

Court  House,  Queens  Co 105 

Daimler  Motor  Works 54 

Dry  Goods  Est.  of  Demarest 

&Co 137 

Elevator,  Morgan's 129 

Ferries,  L.  I.  R.  H 75 

Gasometer,  E.  K.  (Jas  Co 135 

Greater  X.  Y.  Hotel 61 

Hospitals,  Astoria    63 

St.  John's 6j 

Henry    Mencken's    Business 
House 136 


M 

Map  of  L.  I.  City 44 

Mansion— Bragaw 20 

Debevoi.se 18 

"  Duryea 17 

"  Gosman 19 

Moore 13 

"  Payntar  21 

"  Rapelye "28 

"  Stevens '23 

"  Stein  way .50 

Van  Pelt 21 

Woolsey 10 


Piano  Factory,  Stein  way  & 

Sons 

Protestant  Un.  Church 


R 

P.\GE. 

Railroad  Station,  L.  1 74 

s 

Scene,  Main  Street,  Astoria  S 

North  Beach 49 

"       Shore  Road "23 

"       Steinway  Ave., 30,  .")2 

Vernon  and  Jackson 

.\ves 61 

"       River  Front, '■" 

School,  High.JVflk««y:< 
Third  Ward  /.. 

"        German  Settlement. .  72 

First  Ward 72 

Fifth  Ward 73 

"        Steinway 46 

Star,   Daily   and  Weekly 146 

Present  Building  of 144 

Editorial  Office 145 

'■      Counting  Room 147 

"      Job  Composing  Room  147 
"      Newspaper     Composi- 
tion Room 148 

"      Xewspr  Press  Rooms  149 

■'      ,Tob  Press  Room 149 

."^teinway  Free  Library 48 

T 

Terra  Cotta  Works,  N.  Y 130 

Tunnel,  E,  R.  Gas  Co 80 

"           "         "    Cross  Sec- 
tion   81 

V 
Varnish     Works,     Mayer    & 

Lowenstein 131 

A'arnish     Works,     Pratt     & 

Lambert 134 

Wa.shington  House 12 

PORTRAITS. 

Anable,  E.  X 106 

"        Henry  S.  Dec'd .59 

Andrews,  W.  H l:« 

Bleckwenn,  F.  W 65 

Bowley,  Freder  ck 196 

Brennau,  F.  E 115 

Bumster.  P.  H 116 

Burns,  John  Francis 112 

Cassebeer,  Henry  A 165 

Cassidy,  Josepti 1('k'< 

( 'ooper.  Rev.  E.  D 93-94 

Darrin,  Ira  G 110 

Duflfy,  Charles  T UKl 

Dulcken,  F.  Q 174 

Dykes,  .Joseph : 170 

P'orbes,  Dr.  George 112 


POHTRAITS. 

p.v(;e. 

Garretson,  Garret  J IQI 

Goldner,  Matthew  J 1S3 

Gray,  f^ylvester 125 

Harroun,  Gilbert  K..  opp.. . .     26 

Halsey,  Stephen  A 14 

Heath,  August.    193 

Herriman,  M.  W 114 

Hiscox.  David 1.56 

Houghton,  Hadwin 132 

Ingram,  .lames 108 

Knapp,  Lucien I.53 

Knauer,  E.  .1 108 

Koehler,  Theodore 179 

Korfmann,   Henry  C l&i 

Lockwood,    John   E 35 

Madden,  John  P 1.54 

Manley,  Lucius  X' 104 

Mc(;raue,  John  J 116 

McKenna,  James  A 164 

Meyer,  Cord 177 

Morgan,  Thomas 138 

Morris,  Frederick  P 190 

Xoble,  Daniel 107 

Xoble,  Solomon  B 103 

Payne,  A.  T 102 

Payntar,  George  H 188 

Petry ,  John  W. 186 

Prentiss,  Robert  S 119 

Ryan,  George  .1 1!KI 

Smed  lev,  J.  Harvey 137 

Smith,  Frederick  N 109 

Smith,  Leonard  C.  L 198 

Smith,  .Matthew  J 110 

Smith,  .1.  Andrew,  dec'd 1.58 

StahI,.Iacub  181 

Steinfuhrer,  Rev.  C.  D.  P\.   .     88 

Steinway,  Henry  E 31 

Steinway,  C.  F.  'Theodore 37 

Steinway.  William 41 

Stewart,  William  E lOit 

Stuebner,  G.  L 197 

Strang,  Mrs.  Mary  J.  R.  N. . .    70 

Strong.  Benj.  G  Ill 

Sutphin,  John  H 69 

Terrv.  J    Hiifus  160 

Thirv.   .7c)bi]    H 137 

Thomas  H    M 1'28 

Trafford,  C.  R '27 

Trask,  .lames  D.,  dec'd '24 

Van  Alst,   Peter  G M 

Von  Bernuth,  Louis 56 

Voii  Hunerbein,  Julius VM 

Wad  lev.  Charles  A 104 

Weeks',  Harry  T 110 

Whitcomb,  James   M 162 

Wingrove,  Benjamin 65 

Wood,  Jr..  .lohn '300 

Wright,  William  W 173 


0  007  382  173  3         %