For eighteen months after coming to Rockaway Beach, his present place of residence, Mr. Kespert worked in the employ of others, after which, in 1892, he opened a grocery store, and this he has since conducted with increasing success. In his business transactions he is methodical, energetic, industrious and honorable, and these qualities have brought him a high degree of popularity among the people of Oceanus and the neighboring community.

Prior to coming to Oceanus the subject of this notice resided in New York City, where his father, Charles, a native of Germany, followed the occupation of carpenter and builder until his death, at the age of sixty years. The wife and mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Brady, was born in Ireland and died in New York at the age of fifty-three. Of her four children, three are now living, namely: Frances, who resides in New York; Joseph, and Charles W. The last named was born in New York September 17, 1863, and there attended the public schools. When a mere child he commenced, under his father’s instruction, to learn the carpenter’s trade, but that occupation not being entirely congenial, he sought other employment. For two years he was employed in a broker’s office, after which he worked for some of the best firms in the city in the grocery business. His adaptability for that line of work soon became apparent and he was regarded as one of the best grocery men in the state, understanding the business thoroughly in all its details.

Accumulating some money, Mr. Kespert naturally desired to engage in business for himself, and succeeded in establishing in Rockaway Beach a good business with his father-in-law. Later that partnership was dissolved and he built the store in which at present he conducts business. In addition to this he has a branch store, well equipped, at Arverne, and has many men and wagons employed in soliciting and delivering orders along the Beach.

In 1889 Mr. Kespert married Miss Isadora, daughter of William Holland of Rockaway Beach. They are the parents of three children, namely, Charles, Edna, and Isabel. Socially our subject is connected with the American Legion of Honor at Brooklyn. A Republican in his political belief, he is active in local work, firm in his principles and enthusiastic in his support of the candidates of the Republican party. He served as delegate to the county convention of 1895, and to the town convention in 1896, and is now president of the Local Republican Association. He has done good service for his party and has never failed in his defense of platform and principles.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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