Christopher E. Abrams, one of the honored and respected residents of Springfield, town of Jamaica, has for many years been engaged as a blacksmith in this place. He was born in Ontario, Canada, December 1, 1827, although his father came from one of the oldest families on Long Island. The latter, Jacob Abrams, was born at Far Rockaway in 1788, but during the War of 1812 went to Canada, where he met and married Margaret Roshorne, a native of the Dominion, but of German ancestry.

When our subject was a lad of about eight years his parents returned to the States and located on a farm at Rockaway where Christopher E. was reared to mature years. The parental family included fourteen children, none of whom are still living. Of these, Catherine is the widow of Foster Davenport and makes her home at Far Rockaway; Mary Jane is the widow of Charles Craft and is also a resident of Far Rockaway; John, who likewise makes his home there, is engaged as a blacksmith; Priscilla is the wife of James Hendrickson, of Valley Stream; Margaret married Hope Hendrickson and their home is at Rockaway; Abraham is cultivating a good farm at Cedarhurst; Fannie married John Dennis and lives in Springfield; Emma became the wife of John Fredell and they make their home in Queens.

When a young man our subject started out in life for himself as an apprentice to a blacksmith, and forty-three years ago located in Springfield, where he erected a shop and has been engaged in working at his trade ever since. He is well known in this locality and from the very first has had all that he could do.

When ready to establish a home of his own Mr. Abrams was married to Miss Jane Fosdick, a niece of the late Judge Fosdick, of Jamaica and their union has been blessed by the birth of three children. Charles F. is associated with his father in business; Amanda married D. H. Wonzer, (sic?) of Far Rockaway, and they have two children, Benjamin and Edith. Edgar B. chose Miss Catherine Singer for his wife, and they are living in Springfield, where Edgar aids his father in the blacksmith shop; they have a daughter, bearing the name of Susan Jane.

The subject of this sketch is the owner of a small farm within the corporate limits of Springfield, on which he makes his home, He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and at present holds the position of steward of his congregation. In political affiliations he is Republican and is devoted to the best interests of his party.

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

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