|
The History of New York State Editor, Dr. James Sullivan Online Edition by Holice, Deb & Pam |
|
ALBERT ROSENTHAL
One of the prominent figures in the industrial and community life of
Johnstown is Albert Rosenthal, owner and managing director of the
Northrup Glove Manufacturing Company. Mr. Rosenthal has been engaged in
the glove business for more then forty years, and has been with the
Northrup Company more than twenty-five years. His standing in commercial
circles in Johnstown, Gloversville, and in fact throughout Fulton
County, center of the glove manufacturing industry in the United States,
is substantial indeed. He is known widely in the trade for the purpose
with which he directs the enterprise under his charge; and, admired for
his efficiency and commercial vision, he is no less admired for his many
fine qualities as a man of character, and for his effort toward the
common good of the people of his community. Albert Rosenthal was born in Hamburg, Germany, December 7, 1873, son
of Leopold and Emily (Oppenheim) Rosenthal. He had one year of school
training in Germany, when at the age of seven years he came with his
parents to this country. His father was engaged in newspaper publishing
in New York City form 1880 until the time of his death, December 20,
1907. Emily (Oppenheim) Rosenthal died December 29, 1917. Both parents
gave to their son those high principles of conduct which have remained
with him through manhood, and which have made possible the considerable
and lasting attainments that have fallen to him. Mr. Rosenthal resumed
his school training in New York City, completing his academic
requirements in the public schools. When he had passed the age of twelve
years, however, he put aside textbooks to go to work in a glove factory,
to pay the foundation of his career, which has grown and flowered fully
on that early experience. In October, 1902, he came to Johnstown, as
superintendent and sales manager of the Northrup Company, one of the
oldest glove manufacturers in Fulton County. In 1902, in association
with Harry A. Jenner and James A. Northrup, he took over the business of
the firm. Following Mr. Northrup's death, in 1922, Messrs. Jenner and
Rosenthal acquired full control of this powerful organization, which had
not since its foundation in 1869 been outside the hands of Northrup
control, save partially. Mr. Jenner was senior partner, and on December
1, 1927, after he had been forty-two years in the industry, disposed of
his holdings to Mr. Rosenthal, who, singularly enough, had been in the
glove industry through the same period of time. As sole owner and
proprietor of the Northrup Company, Mr. Rosenthal controls a business
known all over the world, chiefly because it was the Northrup company
which originated the mocha glove. This glove is at present one of its
principal items, but it manufactures also an excellent line of kid, cape
and chamois gloves. Ten traveling salesmen are retained constantly to
dispose of the company's output, and retail dealers throughout the
nation handling men's, women's and Page 361 children's wear distribute the Northrop products to consumers. Among
the two hundred and fifty person on the company's payroll, are many who
represent the third generations of their families to engage in glove
marking; and of them there are many who have worked for the company half
a century. For the most part they are of American, English and French
blood, and are distinguished for their loyalty to the organization for
which they work. The Northrup Glove Manufacturing Company stands, and
has always stood, for the highest standards in the industry. The
building in which the firm is housed has served it for fifty years, and
still is adequate, though utilized fully for the work in hand; there is
no waste of space. Mr. Rosenthal has seen fit to retain the trade name
Northrup, representing as it does so many years of continuous and
honorable activity in the glove industry. Though he attained to complete
ownership only recently, the credit for maintaining the notable
reputation of the firm's business during many years past is due to him
almost entirely, and to his immediate associates, who are men of
practical experience in the trade, and, like Mr. Rosenthal, are
executives of more than the average executive ability and vision. These
associates speak highly of Mr. Rosenthal, and have been frank in their
pleasure at his assumption of full control. The greater part of his commercial time, of course, Mr. Rosenthal
gives to the Northrup Company, which is his heaviest responsibility,
and, perhaps, his greatest pleasure. He is also connected with the
Peoples Bank, as director; and in all financial circles wherein he is
known, his judgments are heard with attention and respect. He has been a
factor in securing the success of more than one movement for the public
welfare and betterment of Johnstown. During the world War he employed
his forceful ability to assist the country in our conflict abroad as
chairman of the Liberty Loan campaigns, and the campaign for sale of War
Savings Stamps. Johnstown, and the country too, owes not a little to his
skill and tierces direction of those campaigns. The city's war record is
one to which any community of like size might point with justifiable
pride. Mr. Rosenthal is a strong supporter of the Red Cross, and is
affiliated with a number of fraternal organizations, among which are:
St. Patrick's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Masons; Albany
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Cyprus Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Colonial and Lotus clubs,
of Johnstown; the Community Center of Fulton County, and others. He is a
hearty advocate of the Boy Scout movement also, and holds the staunch
friendship of many boys, who are benefited by contact with him. A
Republican, Mr. Rosenthal is loyal to the party's principles, and
possessed of a considerable influence, which he uses for the benefit of
the people at large, rather then for the party as a party. He has a
country home overlooking Canada Lake, and as he enjoys out-of-doors
relaxation, spends much of his time there in summer, with his family and
friends. He is a member of the Beth' El Community Church. Albert Rosenthal married (first), in January 1897, Ida Lowenthal. She
died September 13, 1919, leaving children: 1. Sydney Greene, born
January 10, 1900, valedictorian of his class in Johnstown High School;
graduate of Hamilton College, class of 1920, and of Harvard Law School
in 1923; practicing now his profession of law in New York City. 2.
Caroline Alice, born September 15, 1905, graduate of Johnstown High
School, student in the University of Ann Arbor, Michigan; married Mr.
Barker and resides in New York City. Mr. Rosenthal married (second),
June 14, 1922, Mrs. Sarah Billitz Horwitz, of Houston, Texas, mother of
one daughter, Ruth Iris. Mr. Billitz was for many years in the sugar
refining business at Houston. WILLIAM DAVID BRINNIER One of the most distinguished members of the legal profession, a
lawyer of brilliant forensic ability, the late William David Brinnier of
Kingston, who se death occurred January 30, 1924, was continuously
engaged in the practice of law in this city for nearly forty-five years,
having been admitted to the bar of Ulster County, in September, 1880. In
the public affairs of the city, Mr. Brinnier was actively and sincerely
interested, having served as mayor of this municipality for two terms,
and each administration being characterized by remarkable progress and
improvement in the affairs of civic welfare. By his noble and upright
character, his unfaltering devotion to the public good, and his concern
for the rights of all, he earned the loyalty and respect of all his
fellow-citizens, who recognized and appreciated the sterling qualities
which he possessed. Mr. Brinnier was born in Kingston, January 4, 1859, son of John M.
Brinnier, born in the Page 362 Kingdom of Wurtenburg, Germany, and of Letitia (Lundy) Brinnier, a
native of Ireland, who came to the United States in her youth,
accompanied by her mother and sever sisters and brothers, the family
settling in Kingston. John M. Brinnier came to the United States at the
age of sixteen and located in Kingston, where he was an esteemed and
honored resident. William David Brinnier was educated in the public schools of
Kingston, later entering Kingston Academy for a course of study. In
July, 1877, he became a student in the law offices of Judge d. W.
Sparling, in this city, and applied himself to the difficult talk of
absorbing the intricacies of the law. Admitted to the bar in 1880, he
opened an independent office for the practice of his profession here,
continuing successfully until January 1, 1889, when the firm of Brinnier
& Newcomb was organized. The reputation of this legal partnership
was soon established far and wide for splendid ability, and favorable
decisions received. Mr. Brinnier drew the attention of all from the
beginning of his career, being an excellent courtroom and trial lawyer
and an advocate of great reliability and assurance. Some if the most
prominent criminal cases in the history of Ulster County were handled by
him ina manner which reflected the highest credit on his knowledge,
sagacity and keen judgment. At the September term of the Supreme Court
of 1883, he brought up a question never before raised in this State, a
report of which will be found in "Howard's New York Practice
Reports," 65 and 66, page 67. The question involved was the right
of prisoner to consult counsel before indictment under the Constitution
of the State, in the case of the People, ex. rel. George Burgess, agent
James H. Westbrook, sheriff of Ulster County. Judge Westbrook gave the
decision in favor of Mr. Brinnier holding that the Constitution of the
State provides that in any trial, in any court, the party accused shall
be allowed to appear and defend in person and with counsel as in civil
action. In Politics, Mr. Brinnier was a staunch supporter of the
Democratic Party, and in 1884 was elected a member of the common Council
of the city, being re-elected five times in succession, retiring from
the council in 1895. Having a deep interest in the advancement of
learning, he was a member of the Board of Education of Kingston for many
years. His fraternal associations were the Knights of Pythias,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men. He
was a leading member of the New York State Bar Association all his life
and, while on a visit to Colorado was admitted to practice in that
State. He was a member of the Kingston Club from the time of its
inception and was an honorary member of the Clinton Hose Company. Mr.
Brinnier traveled extensively, visiting nearly every State in the Union.
His hobby was outdoor life, he being especially fond of horses and
agricultural pursuits, owning and operating considerable valuable farm
lands in Ulster County. His religious adherence was given to the
Episcopal Church. William David Brinnier married, in Kingston, Christina Bechler, of
Esopus, daughter of Michael Bechler, a farmer of Esopus, who was born in
Germany and came to the United States at the age of sixteen, settling
first in Rondout and then in Esopus, and of Sophia (Hummel) Bechler. Mr.
and Mrs. Brinnier were the parents of the following children: 1. William
David, Jr., who is a lawyer and was engaged in practice with his father
for a time, later succeeding to the practice of the firm of Brinnier
& Canfield. He studied law in his father's office, and was city
judge for a time, and, as senior member of the firm of Brinnier,
Canfield & Elsworth, carries on the largest law business in the
Hudson Valley. He inherits his father's love for horses and owns and
raises some fine specimens, as did his father. He married Vivian
Bennett, of Kingston, daughter of William Bennett, and they have one
child, Gertrude Vivian. 2. Grant Mackey, who is a graduate of the Albany
Law School and engaged in legal practice in Saugerties, New York, where
he is corporation counsel for the village and town of Saugerties. He
married Cornelia Carnright, of Saugerties, and they have two children,
Gilbert and William. He served in the World War with the American
Expeditionary Forces. 3. Parker K. (q.v.), engaged in the real estate
and insurance business under the firm name of Brinnier and Carey. PARKER K. BRINNIER Active in real estate and insurance circles and inheriting a love for
outdoor life, Parker k. Brinnier, senior member of the firm of Brinnier
and Carey, of Kingston, is one of the most energetic young business men
in this locality. He is the son of the late William D. and Christina (Beehler)
Brinnier. His father (q.v.) who died in 1924 at the age of sixty-five,
was one of the most prominent men in Kingston, a lawyer by profession
and active in public Page 363 affairs, at one time being mayor of Kingston, and also at one time a
supervisor. He gave much time to war relief work, and, in his specialty
of criminal law, he was frequently called to New York City on cases. He
has handled some of the biggest cases in the State. His hobby was owning
a string of harness horses and racing them throughout the country fair
circuit. For many years he was starting judge for Ulster County. He was
one of the largest realty owners in Kingston, and an ardent Democrat in
politics, being a delegate to the National Democratic Convention that
nominated Alton B. Parker as candidate for the presidency. He was a
great hunter of big fame in Canada and Newfoundland. At one time he took
a trip to California ina covered wagon just to indulge in the sport of
hunting. He was a native of Kingston and always made his home there. He
and his wife had four sons. Parker K. Brinnier was born at Kingston, April 2, 1896. He is a
graduate of the Kingston High School, class of 1918. In 1919 he formed a
partnership with Eugene B. Carey in the real estate and insurance
business under the name of Brinnier and Carey. This firm is active in
promoting real estate development in this vicinity and was the
organization that made possible the Kingston Riding and Driving Park,
which was occupied in 1925 by the First Battalion, 156th
Field Artillery. He is especially fond of boating the horseback riding
and indulges in these sports whenever he has the time. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through all the
chairs of that organization; a member of the Knights of Pythias; the
Patriotic order of Sons of America, and the Junior Order United American
Mechanics. Heis a Republican in politics; and a member of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and of the Rondout Yacht Club. On December 19, 1919, Parker K. Brinnier married Ruth Mahen Bushnell,
of Kingston, daughter of Harry Bushenell, commercial traveler. They have
two children: 1. Ruth Christine, and 2. John Van Etten. MAJOR GILBERT V. SCHENCK Among the leading attorneys of the Capitol district is Major Gilbert
V. Schenck, corporation counsel of Albany, New York. He is the son of
Martin and Adelaide (Van Evera) Schenck, the former a noted civil
engineer with offices in Albany and New York City, who was State
engineer and surveyor during 1892-94. Major Schenck was born in Palatine, Montgomery County, New York,
December 28, 1882. His early education was secured in the common
schools, after which he attended the Albany boys; Academy, subsequently
matriculated at Union College. Completing his course there, he then
entered Albany Law School and obtained from this institution the degree
of Bachelor of Laws in 1906. After admission to the bar, he established
himself in practice and quickly secured for himself a large clientele,
as it was easily seen that he was most ably fitted to achieve success in
his chosen profession. In 1922, as further proof of his ability in his
legal work, he was appointed corporation counsel of the city of Albany,
in which capacity he still serves (1927). From 1902 until 1916, Major Schenck served in the 10th Infantry, New
York State National Guard, and, when the United States entered the World
Warm he enlisted and served with the 3d Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun
Battalion with the rank of major; he is now a major of the Officers'
Reserve Corps. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association; the
benevolent and protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 49; the American
Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Fort Orange Club; Albany Country Club;
the Bourbonnais Club of Quebec; and his religious affiliation is with
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of Albany. In 1900, at Albany, Major Gilbert V. Schenck married Maud Ward, a
daughter of Walter E. Ward, of Albany. Major and Mrs. Schenck are the
parents of a son, Martin, and a daughter, Susan Elizabeth. The family
home is at No. 571 Western Avenue, Albany. Henry VEGHTE In all cities are figures considered by their fellow-citizens to be
leaders of the community; and the smaller the city, the more outstanding
is the man of dominant importance. Henry Veghte has long been a leader
of affairs in Johnstown, as was his father before him. He is a member of
an old and honorable family, his great-grandfather having come to
America from the Zuyder Zee prior to 1775, for the records show that to
this ancestor was granted a deed of land in that year. This ancestor,
John Veghte, was of respected standing among the Colonists, who deferred
to his opinion in matters of importance concerning civic policy and
private enterprise. Descendants of John Veghte have contributed
liberally to the building up of their communities; but no one of Page 364 them has contributed more to his community than Henry Veghte, of
Johnstown. Native of Johnstown, Henry Veghte was born December 18, 1854, son of
Lewis and Catherine (Yost) Veghte. Lewis Veghte is recalled as a man of
profound character and industrious habits, whose integrity and ability
put him in a position of deserved prosperity. A farmer and railroad
builder, his financial interests were extensive. He served as president,
director and in other capacities on various occasions, with
organizations who se names have been written into the commercial and
financial history of the Mohawk Valley. Catherine (Yost) Veghte was also
of an old family in these parts, her mother before marriage having the
surname of Snyder. Both parents gab e to their son every advantage of
home training, and inculcated in him early those right concepts of
thought and conduct which shaped his career through character. Henry Veghte secured his academic foundation for higher and
independently pursued studies in the public schools of Johnstown. He has
never cased to be a student, of finance, politics, science, and world
affairs; and through wide and judicious reading has accumulated a vast
store of information, which he has applied practically in the course of
his career or theoretically to speculation of the mind. He began his
career in business soon after completion of high school. From early
manhood he has taken a prominent part in the business life of Johnstown,
and though he is now (1929) seventy-four years of age, his application
and activity is such as to inspire younger men. As a young man Henry
Veghte set about learning the industrial and commercial aspects of the
knitting industry, in Johnstown, and at the present time is secretary
and a director to the Diana knitting company, widely known as
manufacturers of the best grades of medium knitted wear for women and
men and children. He is also a director of the Johnstown Knitting
Company, treasurer of the Glen Telephone Company, and president of the
Johnstown Bank. His association with the Glen Telephone company began in
1917, and with the Johnstown Bank in 1920. For three years he was
vice-president of the banking house, bit in 1923 became its president,
which office, as noted, he retains. While the demands of his complex affairs are heavy, Mr. Veghte has
continuously and conscientiously played the role of public-spirited
citizen, interesting himself effectively in movement for the upbuilding
of public enterprise and individual welfare. Never in the more than
fifty years that he has participated in the business life of Johnstown,
has he refused support when aid was requested for worthy civic or social
enterprise. A Republican, loyal in sympathy with the party's principles,
he has owned and at times exercised a considerable influence in local
politics, and has never called upon through allegiance tot he party to
assist the candidacy of one whose abilities were not in accord with the
best interests of the people at large. For nine years, Mr. Veghte served
on the School Board, as trustee. During the period of America's
participation in the World War, Mr. Veghte was food administrator of
Fulton County, and assisted with valued effort and result the several
campaigns of the Liberty Loan and the drives of the Red Cross. He acted
also on various boards and committees of war work. He is a member of the
Colonial Club, and a communicant of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Veghte married, in Albany, New York, October 14, 1896, Jessie
McIntyre, daughter of Archibald and Jane Ann (Bearcrofe) McIntyre; and
of this union were born four children: 1. Lewis (2), born March 14,
1898. 2. Archibald, born November 16, 1900. 3. Catherine, born may 2,
1902. 4. Henry, Jr., born February 21, 1904. AUGUSTUS R. SCHROWANG One of the rising young architects of Kingston is Augustus R.
Schrowang. He is the son of the late Richard Schrowang, a native of
Germany, who came to this country when an infant, and was for a number
of years well known as a hotelkeeper at Whiteport, New York. Mr.
Schrowang's mother, Mrs. Catherine Brown Schrowang, now lives at Pine
Plains, New York. Augustus R. Schrowang was born in Whiteport, Ulster County, New York,
on July 26, 1893. He was educated in the schools of Kingston, and then
went to Drexel Institute at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he took a
course in architecture and graduated in the class of 1912. He came to
Kingston to engage in the profession of an architect and entered the
work in association with Myron S. Teller; later, he was in the office of
Gerard W. Betz and, since 1926, he has had an office of his own in the
Opera House Building. On October 9, 1917, Mr. Schrowang enlisted in the
United States Army, at Camp Upton, where he was assigned to company F,
302d Ammunition train, 77th Division. He went overseas in
May, Page 365 1918, and landed at Brest, France. He was in the engagement at St.
Mihiel and Meuse, Argonne, and was at Sedan when the Armistice was
declared. He spent the winter at Chaumont and came back to the United
States in May, 1919. On May 9, 1919, at Camp Upton, he was honorably
discharged as a private, first class. In politics Mr. Schrowang is a
Democrat and has been inspector for the election board of the Eleventh
Ward, in Kingston. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and of the Roman Catholic Church. On December 15, 1922, Augustus R. Schrowang married Mary Traganza,
daughter of Lewis and Bertha (Owens) Traganza, of Dutchess County. They
have one child: Edward, born April 4, 1924. QUINCY WINTHROP WELLINGTON Seldom has any community in Steuben County, New York, been called
upon to mourn the passing of a citizen of such inestimable value as was
the city of Corning when death removed Quincy Winthrop Wellington on May
5, 1920. Financier, public-spirited citizen whose integrity was never
questioned, and one who never failed to support any movement which had
for its aim civic betterment, Mr. Wellington was the type whose presence
ina community is of great worth, and whose demise leaves an irreparable
void. Samuel Barney Wellington, father of Quincy Winthrop Wellington, was
born in Vermont, September 7, 1805. He entered the lumber business and
this interest brought him to New York. He later, in 1849, settled with
is family in Tioga, Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until his
death. He was straightforward and honest in all his dealings and during
his life amassed three fortunes, but met with great financial reverses.
He married Amelia Green, a native of Saratoga County, New York, where
her birth occurred June 29, 1812. Among their children was Quincy
Winthrop, of whom further. Quincy Winthrop Wellington, son of Samuel Barney and Amelia (Green)
Wellington, was born in Essex county, new York, December 27, 1832, and
received his education in the schools of his native place, terminating
his studies at the age of fourteen years. His first employment was a
clerkship in a store in Tioga where he remained until 1852 when he
formed a partnership with C. W. Etz, under the firm name of Etz &
Wellington, general merchants. On March 1, 1854, Mr. Wellington sold out
his interest in the business and removed to Corning where he was
employed for four years with the Erie Railroad. He next was a clerk and
bookkeeper for the George Washington Bank, and three years late, in
1862, he formed a partnership with Samuel Russell, Jr., and together
they organized the Q. W. Wellington & Company Bank at Corning. This
proved to be one of the strongest and safest private financial
institutions in the State of New York. In 1866, Mr. Russell retired and
Mr. Wellington became sole owner and manager, continuing to carry on in
this manner until 1884 when his son, Benjamin (q.v.) became a partner in
the business. The enterprise started on a small scale but by careful
investments and good management, business extended throughout the county
and beyond its borders, and Mr. Wellington became widely known as one of
the most successful business men and able financiers in this region. Mr.
Wellington was a Republican in his political affiliations, but never a
seeker for office. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Corning
and for many years served as vestryman. On May 13, 1857, Quincy Winthrop Wellington married Matilda C.
Wickham, of Tioga, daughter of Benjamin C. Wickham, of Tioga,
Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wellington became the parents of six
children: 1. Benjamin W., a review of whom follows. 2. Samuel B.,, who
died in infancy. 3. Adelaide Louise, who married Alanson B. Houghton,
United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James, at London, England.
4. Sarah E., and 5. Emily Clara, who died in infancy. |
The History of New York State, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1927
This book is owned by Pam Rietsch and is a part of the Mardos Memorial Library
Transcribed by Holice B. Young
HTML by Debbie Axtman
You are the 2191st Visitor to this USGenNet Safe-Site™ Since September 5, 2004.
2004
[Index][Book Index][NY][AHGP]