Among those of foreign birth who are associated with the business interests of this county, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Hauser, for he has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic and thrifty men of German nativity who have risen to prominence in different portions of this country. He is the owner and proprietor of the Hicksville Hotel, and as "mine host" has a large number of friends among the traveling public.

In the city of Cologne, Prussia, our subject was born September 1, 1848, to Theodore August and Josephine Hauser, the former of whom was a wealthy broker of Cologne. There were ten children in the family, five sons and five daughters, and of these Ingnatz A. was the fifth in order of birth. Reared in his native city, he attended the public schools, and at the age of fourteen became a student in a college, where he remained for two years. When sixteen, he was apprenticed to the watchmaker’s trade in Cologne, and after a service of four years entered a school in Switzerland to complete the trade. This he finished in eighteen months, but afterward remained in the same city (Neufchatel) for three and one-half years, engaged as journeyman.

From Neufchatel Mr. Hauser went to Brussels, Belgium, where he spent a year, then to Paris, where he followed his trade for two years, and later spent three months in Switzerland. In 1876 he came to America for the purpose of visiting the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, but not with any intention of remaining, his plan being to go on to the West Indies. However, he was persuaded to remain in the United States, and for a time followed his trade in New Jersey. When the factory in which he was employed discontinued business he went to Jersey City, where he spent several years working at his trade.

March 6, 1878, Mr. Hauser married Mrs. Margaret Batchelor, widow of Charles Batchelor, and daughter of Henry Fried. She was born in Bavaria and came to America in girlhood, remaining here until her death, November 1, 1889. Four children were born of the union: Emma, Lulu, George and August. While in Jersey City Mr. Hauser established a business of his own, which he continued for a time. On removing to New York City he followed his trade on Seventh Avenue, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets. In 1881 he came to Hicksville, where he was similarly engaged, with success. In 1888 he built the Hicksville Hotel, and this he has since conducted in addition to his business. August 3, 1891, he married Miss Ida, daughter of Herman Bishop, an old and influential citizen of Hicksville, where she was born. They are the parents of one child, Henry.

In religious belief Mr. Hauser is a Roman Catholic. Politically he is liberal, not binding himself to either party, but maintaining independence in his ballot. Since 1890 he has served as school trustee and has been interested actively in educational matters. At present he is assistant chief of the fire department. He was instrumental in the organization of the Royal Arcanum, which was founded here July 3, 1889, and was one of its charter members. In the local lodge he has filled all the chairs, and has been delegate to state and general conventions. Besides this he has held all the important offices in Primrose Lodge No. 569, I. O. O. F., and was formerly identified with the Knights of Pythias, but of recent years has not maintained his active connection with this organization.

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

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