Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 84

Practical men like the subject of this sketch are the only real builders of the institutions of civilization; and Mr. Ultchtis not only to be classed among the builders but even in the front rank of the builders, possibly the first one in that rank in Mount Vernon. In both material and spiritual matters he has been remarkably efficient.

Mr. Ultcht was born June 5, 1862, in Dutchess county, New York. His father, Augustus S. Ultcht, was a native of Germany, served in the Saxon wars and thereafter came to America. He was a man of good education and natural ability, and located in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, this state, where he became extensively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and accumulated considerable property. In his politics he was in general a Democrat, but an independent thinker and voter. In his religion he was a Lutheran in the Fatherland, but in this country was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was born May 14, 1827, and died on his home farm, in February, 1897, at the age of seventy years; and his wife, Augusta, who was born October 21, 1828, departed this life February 26, 1876. They had seven children: The first died in infancy, unnamed; Charles P., August, Samuel, Albert A., Minnie, Henrietta Millus and Mary Cables.

Mr. Albert A. Ultcht was fourteen years of age when his mother died; he afterward found employment on a farm until sixteen years old, when he began to learn the mason's trade, serving a three-years apprenticeship; and at this trade he was employed six years at Poughkeepsie, New York, and he continued as a journeyman at the trade until 1889, when he became associated with Frank G. Bruce, forming the firm of Bruce & Ultcht, contractors and builders; but this partnership was terminated at the end of a year, and since then Mr. Ultcht has operated alone. His offices are at No. 11 South Third avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Although the building interest has been rather dull in Mount Vernon for some time, Mr. Ultcht has all the contracts he can handle, employing sometimes as many as seventy-five men. He is careful, conservative and faithful to all promises, is industrious, energetic and wide-awake — indeed one of the most enterprising citizens of the city of Mount Vernon.

Mr. Ultcht takes great interest in public affairs, in which he exerts a powerful influence, in national affairs being a Democrat and in local interests independent. He is now serving his second term as a member of the board of aldermen, representing the first ward, to which office he was elected by a majority larger than the total number of votes received by his opponent. He is considered one of the most aggressive and important members of the board — in fact, the leader. To the interests of his city he has devoted a great deal of time and labor. He is an influential member of the Firemen's Association, having served five years in the fire department of the city, and is a member of the Firemen's Benevolent Association, and the East Side Improvement Association. In the fraternal orders he holds membership in Hiawatha Lodge, No. 434, F. &A. M. ; Einheit Lodge, No. 461, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Guiding Star Lodge, No. 3, of the Encampment of the latter order. He is a member of the Mount Vernon City Club, Mount Vernon Bicycle Club, and an honorary member of the Board of Trade. In religion he is a member of the Congregational church at Mount Vernon, which was organized in 1895. For the house of worship of this denomination he purchased the site and at his own risk and responsibility erected the building, in 1897, and the church has already paid for it. He may therefore be considered the leader in the interests of his church at Mount Vernon. He .is also a member of the Young Men's Christian Association.

June 21, 1884, is the date of Mr. Ultcht's union in matrimony with Miss Elizabeth E. Terwilliger (daughter of William and Glorianna (Wygant) Terwilliger, and they have two children, — William Albert and Floyd Stanley.