Henry N. Abrams, of Woodhaven, was born in Far Rockaway April 18, 1822. The family of which he is a member has been identified with the history of Long Island for a number of generations. His paternal grandfather, Walter Abrams, was born here and devoted his entire active life to the occupation of an agriculturist, dying at the age of fourscore years. The father of our subject, Capt. Samuel O. Abrams, was born in Far Rockaway and became a seafaring man, following the water as long as he lived. During the War of 1812 was one of the patriots who fought in defense of American institutions. He married Catherine Frost, an estimable lady, who was born near Far Rockaway, and died there at the age of seventy years.

The family of Capt. Samuel D. Abrams consisted of seven sons and one daughter. Martin, who was a mariner, died many years ago; Hiram, who was formerly engaged in the oyster trade, now lives retired at Far Rockaway; Elias, who was also at one time in the oyster business, died in 1892; Willitt C., during the Civil War served as a pilot for the government on the coast, but later embarked in the oyster business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death in 1888; our subject, Henry N., is next in order; Samuel is an oyster man living at Far Rockaway; Morris has for many years been employed in the government life saving station at Far Rockaway; and Rachel, the widow of James Lucy, resides at Far Rockaway.

The earlier years of our subject were spent in his native place, and at the age of sixteen he began to learn the blacksmith’s trade, which he has since followed. In 1847, while still a resident of Far Rockaway, he was captain of the militia. In 1852 he came to Woodhaven and opened the shop of which he is still the proprietor. During eighteen years of his residence here he had charge of the toll-gate on the road that ran past his shop. He has always been an industrious, persevering man, never "eating the bread of idleness," but working hard for an honest livelihood. Of late years he has turned the management of the business largely over to his sons, but may be seen at the shop every day superintending the work. Mr. Abrams has held the official position commissioner of highways, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, taking an active part in the work of that church here and has been trustee for a period of eight years.

September 17, 1846, Mr. Abrams married Miss Charity Nostrand, a native of the town of Jamaica. They have four children living and have lost four. Samuel, who is in business with his father, married Sarah Eldert, of Jamaica, and they had two children, both of whom are deceased; Sarah is the wife of William H. Blood, general superintendent of the Long Island Railroad, and they, with their four children, reside in Woodhaven; Charles, who is with his father in the shop, married Lille Musgro and has four children, Charles, Viola, Nelson and Martha; and Anna is the wife of William Stoney, an employee of the Long Island Railroad, their union having resulted in the birth of one child, Marjorie. In all his good words and works Mr. Abrams has had the assistance and counsel of his devoted wife and faithful companion, who is a lady of beautiful Christian character, amiability of disposition and gentle, kindly spirit.

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

BACK TO Bios. index

BACK TO NASSAU COUNTY HISTORY