USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume IV > Part 12
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WILLIAM E. HENDRICKSON.
The Hendrickson family have been natives of America for a number of generations. The earliest information of this branch of the family is of Thomas Hendrickson, grandfather of William E. Hendrickson. Thomas Hendrickson, so far as we know, was born on Long Island, and was a farmer at Rockville Centre, Long Island.
Elijah Hendrickson, son of Thomas Hendrickson, was born at Rockville Centre, Long Island, 1795. He was apprenticed to a blacksmith and, after his indentures had expired, followed that trade for himself for several years. He then left it for agricultural pursuits, and was a farmer for the remainder of
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his life. His death occurred in 1841. He married Maria Sned- eker, born in 1802, at Union Place, danghter of John R. and Elizabeth (Eldred) Snedeker. John R. Snedeker was born on Long Island, 1786, and his wife was also born on Long Island, 1787. They had thirteen children, of whom all but the follow- ing died in infancy: Abraham, Benjamin, Maria, John, Caro- line, Elizabeth Jane. Elijah Hendrickson and his wife, Maria, had five children: Henry, John, Sarah, William E., Abraham.
William E. Hendrickson, third son and fourth child of Elijah and Maria (Snedeker) Hendrickson, was born in Hemp- stead, Long Island, February 13, 1834. He received his early education in New Lots, Kings county, Long Island, where he proved himself an apt and studious scholar. After leaving school he opened a hotel at the old Union Road Track, and kept this until about 1897. He then took up his residence at Chelsea. Staten Island, remaining for the next three years, and from there he moved to Somerville, where he has resided ever since, hay- ing for a number of years retired from active business life. For five years he was superintendent of Browers Honse. Although Mr. Hendrickson has retired from business, he has by no means retired from taking an active interest in all that concerns the welfare and progress of the town in which he lives. No move- ment is set on foot but he is one of the first and most ready helpers to push it along to snecess.
Mr. Hendrickson married, November 29, 1851, Elizabeth Eldert, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Allen) Eldert, and by this marriage he had four children: Maria L., born July 28, 1858, married William Vollmer. Abraham E., born July 11, 1861. William, born October, 1863. Harry, born November, 1868. Mr. Hendrickson's first wife died in 1865, and he then married Carrie Harrison, born March 27, 1841, daughter of and Jane Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were
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natives of England and when they came to America they set- tled in Williamsburg, Long Island. Mrs. Harrison died dur- ing the cholera epidemic of 1849, and Mrs. Hendrickson was but eight years old when she was adopted by Frederick Jones Henn, who lived in Brooklyn. She lived in Brooklyn three years, and then the family moved to New York. William E. Hendrickson and his wife, Carrie (Harrison) Hendrickson, were the parents of four children: Mary C., born July 11, 1872. Joseph C., born July 20, 1875. William E., born April 7, 1879, worked on the steamer "Glen Island," which was burned December 16, 1904. The young man perished with the steamer, leaving a widow and two children, Charles and Mabel. Sarah E., born February 19, 1884.
AUGUSTUS SPIES.
America owes much to the industrious German element which forms so large a percentage of its population. Their frugality and thrift set an excellent example to those inclined to extravagance. Augustus Spies, a prosperous gardener and florist of Staten Island, New York, is a notable example of this kind. He is the first of his family to settle in this country.
The family of Mr. Spies is one of the oldest and most prom- inent in the upper portion of Wuertemberg, Germany, dating back to the eleventh century. At one period it was very influen- tial in the history of South Germany, especially during the thirty years' war (1618-1648), the name in those days being Spiess von Spiessberg. Even at this day, after the lapse of cen- turies, the ruins of one of the magnificent castles once belong- ing to this family never fail to inspire the traveler with won- der and admiration. Joseph Spiess of Spiessberg, the great- grandfather of Augustus Spies, was a conspicuous figure dur- ing the supremacy of Napoleon I. When the army of Napoleon
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was on its march to Moscow, while passing through that sec- tion of Germany in which Joseph Spiess lived, he was one of the stanchest supporters of Napoleon, and fed and housed a large portion of his army during that memorable winter. Finding, however, that this was too severe a drain upon his resources, he obtained an audience, and stated the facts of the case in a simple, straightforward manner. Instead of receiving thanks from that despot, Napoleon was indignant that any discontent should be felt, and in a very high-handed way ordered that all buildings on the estate should be laid waste. This was done, and it was the labor of many years on the part of the son of Mr. Spies to, in a small measure, restore the fallen fortunes of his paternal house.
William Spies, father of Augustus Spies, was a native of Germany and spent his entire life there. He was a farmer and was very successful in the cultivation of his land. He married Elizabeth Fox, also a native of Germany, and they had children: Charles, Augustus, see forward; Joseph, Law- rence, William and Crescentia.
Augustus Spies, second son and child of William and Eliz- abeth (Fox) Spies, was born near Spiessberg, in the kingdom of Wuertemberg, Germany, August 23, 1867. He received an excellent education there, attending school until he was sixteen years of age, and then determined to go to America. He arrived here in 1883, and thinking West Hoboken, New Jersey, afforded good chances for advancement, decided to settle there. He com- menced business as a florist, but retired from this undertaking some years after that and removed to Staten Island, where he purchased some land. He erected a house and some hot- houses on this property, and was soon the possessor of a flour- ishing business, which he has continued up to the present time (1906). The knowledge which he gained on his father's farm
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in Germany has been of material assistance to him in his pres- ent venture, and in addition to this he has excellent business qualities, is thrifty and industrious, and is now well on the road to competence. He takes a great interest in all that con- cerns the public welfare, and is well liked and respected by his fellow townsmen.
He married, December 4, 1888, Helen Raffael, born in Lon- don, England, November 16, 1873, daughter of Thomas and Sarah ( Barrett) Raffael. Thomas Raffael is a descendant of the world-famous painter, Raphael, and evidently has inherited some of his artistic tendencies. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Spies was named Ebden, and was a well known minister in the Church of England for forty years. Thomas and Sarah (Bar- rett) Raffael had children: Thomas, who is a captain of an English man-of-war, and served during the war with Egypt; Philip, Florence, Mand, Helen, who married Augustus Spies; William, Bertram, Ernest, Cland, Arthur, Walter, Charles. Al! of the living members of this family are here with the exception of Thomas. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Spies were: Mand. born Angust 2, 1890, died April 19, 1892; Augustine T., born March 30, 1893; Arthur M., born October 25, 1900.
DAVID S. CRABB.
David S. Crabb, a well known hotel keeper of Linoleum- ville. Staten Island. is of Scotch descent. His father, David Crabb, was born at Forfarshire, Scotland, and followed the oc- enpation of a flax dresser. He was thrifty and industrious, and succeeded in acquiring a comfortable fortune. He married Sarah Silver, born at Forfarshire, Scotland, daughter of Joseph and Isabella ( Allerdace) Silver. Mr. and Mrs. David Crabb have had five children: 1. John. 2. William, married Jane Shand. born Aberdeenshire, daughter of James and Jane
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(Grigg) Shaud, and they have eight children, as follows: James, David, William, Sarah, Jennie, Isabella, Thomas, and Edith, who lives in Dundee, Scotland. 3. Richard. 4. David S., see forward. 5. Sarah Thomas.
David S. Crabb, son of David and Sarah (Silver) Crabb, was born in Dundee, Scotland, January 4, 1878. He received an excellent education in Scotland, and at the age of twenty-one years came to America. He decided on Linoleumville, Staten Island, as a home, finding that he could obtain profitable em- ployment there. He accepted a position in the factory in Lino- leumville, and retained it for about five years, when he resigned from it to begin business as hotel keeper. He has continued this up to the present time.
Mr. Crabb is of a cheerful disposition, ready to lend a help- ing liand to those in need of it, and is popular with his guests. He has a host of friends, and always takes an active interest in all that concerns the public good.
He married, June 24, 1901. Kate MeDougall, born January 24, 1871, in Paisley, Scotland, danghter of Hugh and Catharine (Carlin) MeDougall. Hugh MeDougall was the manager of Clarke's Thread factory. Mr. and Mrs. MeDougall had ten children: Catharine, Johanna, Hugh, Alexander, Agnes, Jennie, James, Washington, Alexander, and Emily. Mr. and Mrs. David S. Crabb are the parents of two children: David Hugh, born June 23. 1904; Catherine, born September 18, 1906.
GEORGE W. KINSEY.
The Kinsey family had been living for several generations in New Jersey. The first of the name of whom we have any rec- ord is Benjamin Brown Kinsey, grandfather of George W. Kinsey, who was born in New Jersey.
John Kinsey, son of Benjamin Brown Kinsey, was born
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at Kinsey's Corner, near Wood Bridge, New Jersey, in 1815. He afterwards moved to Staten Island, while yet in his youth. He followed the occupation of an oysterman during his active years. He married Ann Merrell, born in 1816, and they had ten children: John, Mary E., Benjamin B., Sarah Jane, Samuel, George, Zilkie, George W., Anna E., Job.
George W. Kinsey, fourth son and eighth child of John and Ann (Merrell) Kinsey, was born in the town of Northfield, now the Third ward of the borough, September 20, 1856. He re- ceived his early education in public schools, where he proved himself an apt and studions pupil. After leaving school he went to the Singer Sewing Machine Company, where he ob- tained a position in the molding department. He remained there for some time, but upon his father's death was obliged to re- sign his position in order to return home and settle up his father's estate. He then went into business for himself as a dairyman and, meeting with considerable success as a result of his nntiring industry, he has continued in that business up to the present time. Mr. Kinsey is well known in the borough of Richmond as a man whose thrift and earnestness of purpose have enabled him to attain the position which he now occupies. Mr. Kinsey is an active member of Richmond Lodge, No. 66, at Port Richmond; the Independent Order of Foresters, Conrt Richmond, No. 234: Knights Templars Mutual Aid Association and the Masonic Mutual Aid Association.
Mr. Kinsey married, June 14, 1883, Lillie Decker, born January 29, 1863, in the town of Northfield, Staten Island, daughter of Abraham Decker, born May, 1830. Mr. Decker followed the occupation of oyster planter and farmer. He mar- ried Emilie Jane Decker, born in 1832, at Richmond, Staten Island. Mr. and Mrs. Decker had three children: David E.,
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Margaret Osborn, and Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Kinsey have two children: Emily Ethel, born November 17, 1884; and Irving A., born June 14, 1886.
FREDERICK LOHBAUER.
The death of Frederick Lohbauer, which occurred at his home on Throggs Neck, Westchester county, New York, Feb- ruary 3, 1904, aged fifty-one, only a few years past the prime of life, removed from the community one of its most prominent and influential men, one who in all his business relations was integrity personified, and who at every stage of his effort faith- fully met every requirement with entire loyalty and trust- worthy devotion. He was born in the seaport city of Ludwig's Haven, on the river Rhine, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, Au- gust 9, 1853, one of a family of four children born to Caspar and Marie Lohbaner, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Frankendahl in the kingdom of Bavaria.
Frederick Lohbaner was educated in the schools of his native city, and later served an apprenticeship at the trade of brewer in the city of Muenchen, becoming an expert and pro- ficient workman. He pursued that line of occupation in the Fatherland until 1880, when, having decided to seek larger op- portunities and a broader field for his skill and labor in the new world, he set sail and arrived in the City of New York, Jannary 28, 1880. He at once secured employment with John F. Betz, a brewer of New York city, and until 1890, a period of ten years, worked as a journeyman at his trade. He then took up his residence in Westchester, New York, and opened a public house on the Boulevard, near Haskins street, known as "The Fishermen's Home," which was largely patronized. In 1896 Mr. Lohbauer leased the grounds of the Laytin estate, on which he made extensive improvements, comprising all the
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appurtenances and requirements of a first-class summer pleasure resort, and thereafter the place was known as Loh- bauer's Park, and he was the genial and popular proprietor up to the time of his decease. The park was patronized by the best class of society, and many church and Sunday school organiza- tions used the premises in which to hold their annual picnics and outings, knowing that under the efficient management of Mr. Lohbauer there would be nothing objectional found there. Mr. Lohbauer was a most genial and agreeable host, his chief aim being to supply every comfort and convenience to his patrons. Although leaving no stone unturned in making a suc- cess of his park enterprise, he still found time to devote to public affairs, in which he took an active interest, and for a number of years served as a member of the general committee of Tammany Hall. He also manifested a keen interest in fra- ternal and other organizations which had for their object the good and welfare of the community, and was an active member of City Lodge, No. 408, Free and Accepted Masons, Heimatlı Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chippewa Club, and a number of singing societies in New York city. He was a true type of the enterprising German-American citizen, loyal and faithful to his friends, and firm in his convictions, always adhering to the truth, no matter what the consequences were. He was warmly liked by those who knew him and they mourned his loss.
Mr. Lohbaner married, February 15, 1874, Magdalena Herrman, born October 27, 1855, daughter of Michael and Eliza- beth (Doerr) Herrman, both of whom were natives of the king- dom of Bavaria, Germany. Their children were: Elizabeth, born July 21, 1876, died November 3, 1896; Clara Anna, born October 2, 1877, became the wife of Augustns G. Miller, and they are the parents of one child, Madeline Miller; Christopher,
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born August 19, 1879, died October 28, 1886; Barbara, born March 25, 1882, died January 11, 1883; Leonora Virginia, born April 2, 1887.
WILLIAM DOHERTY.
William Doherty, for many years a resident of Throggs Neck, Westchester, borough of the Bronx, and where he was highly respected. was born June 27, 1827, at Colerain, county Londonderry, Ireland, son of James and Margaret (Caldwell) Doherty, and was one of a family of five children, as follows : 1. James, who married and had a family of two sons and six daughters; he was a carriage maker by trade, which he had learned in Ireland. He came to the United States in 1846 with his wife and two of his children and settled in New York city. 2. Mary Jane, married John Haldridge and resided in Colerain, county Londonderry, Ireland, and her son, John Haldridge, became prominent in England's diplomatie service, having for some time served as minister to Egypt. 3. Margaret, married William Scott, of county Londonderry, Ireland. He was a pilot and seafaring man by occupation. 4. Sarah, married a Mr. Thompson and spent her life in connty Londonderry, Ireland, and had a family of six daughters. 5. William, of this review.
William Doherty received his education in the schools of his native county, and there also learned the carriage builder's trade with his brother-in-law, John Haldridge. After serving the regular period of apprenticeship he traveled throughout the British Isles and worked at his trade as a journeyman. In 1848 he decided to come to the United States, hoping to find better opportunities for his skill and labor, and upon landing in New York city took up his trade, which he pursued up to 1865, in which year he came to Westchester, where he found employ- ment at his trade as a journeyman and continued thus employed
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for three years. In 1868 Mr. Doherty began business on his own account, making a specialty of building fine carriages, in which line of pursuit he met with a marked degree of success. He continued in this line of enterprise up to 1900. Mr. Doherty was a member of the Wyoming Lodge, F. and A. M., at West- chester, and a regular attendant at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
He married, March 23, 1852, at Calvary Church, Fourth avenue and Twenty-first street, New York city, Margaret Hanna, born in 1829, on the island of Corfu, a British posses- sion in the Mediterranean sea; she was a daughter of Alexander and Catherine (McClellen) Hanna. Her father, Alexander Hanna, was a commissioned officer in the British army and resided for a number of years with his family on the island of Corfu, from whence he came to New York city about the year 1833. He died in New York city. He had by his marriage a family of ten children, five of whom survived him. William Doherty had by his marriage the following children: 1. Mar- garet, born January, 1854. 2. Alexander Hanna, born 1856, died 1860. 3. Catherine, born 1858, married Watson Bowne. 4. Sarah, born 1862, married William John Elliott, and has children: David B. and Julian J. Elliott. 5. Mary Rebecca, died in infancy. 6. William James, born 1866, married May A. Ferris, daughter of Charles and Alice Ferris, and has chil- dren : Coralie F., Avis M., May Alice, William McKinley and Kathryn L. Doherty. The family attend St. Peter's Episcopal Church at Westchester.
PATRICK LAVIN.
The career of the late Patrick Lavin, who was for almost four decades a worthy and highly respected citizen of West Chester, Westchester county, New York, affords a striking ex-
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ample of what can be accomplished by careful and persistent effort, energy and integrity. Beginning life humbly, in a strange land, withont capital, and unaided by influential friends, he ad- vanced step by step to a position of comparative affluence. In all lis business relations he was straightforward and just, and in liis private life was an ideal Christian gentleman.
Patrick Lavin was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, and : was one of a family of six children, five of whom came to the
United States, namely: Elizabeth (Mrs. James Moore, of New York city), Bridget (Mrs. Bernard Brady, of New York city), John and James, who upon their arrival in this country went to California and there settled, married, and their descendants are among the useful and public-spirited citizens of that state. One son remained with his parents in Ireland. Patrick Lavin settled in East Chester, Westchester county, New York, and there en- tered the employ of Judge Schiefflin, with whom he remained for a number of years, receiving as compensation the sum of $6 per month, which in those days was considered fairly good wages. Subsequently he took up his residence in West Chester and there engaged in the embalming and undertaking business in addition to conducting a store and hotel. These enterprises proved highly remunerative, the labors and responsibilities of each being dis- charged with the greatest efficiency, and Mr. Lavin continued along these lines for a number of years.
Patrick Lavin was united in marriage to Mary McMahon, who was a native of Roscommon county, Ireland, and their chil- dren were: John; Bernard J., see forward; Thomas, died aged eight years; Elizabeth, married Edward Flynn, of City Island, borough of Bronx, and has one daughter, Minnie L. Flynn; Ed- ward; William; James; Mary, married John E. Ryan, of Will- iamsbridge, New York. Mr. Lavin died at his home in West Chester, Angust, 1879, and his widow passed away in 1891. Both
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Mr. and Mrs. Lavin were devout followers of the Roman Catholic faith.
Bernard J. Lavin, second son of Patrick and Mary (Me- Mahon) Lavin, was born in East Chester, Westchester county, New York, September 13, 1852. He received his educational training in the public schools of East Chester and West Chester, and after completing his studies and upon attaining years of dis- cretion learned the embalming and undertaking business under the tuition of his father, who had founded the business at West Chester. He continned thus employed until 1877, assisting in the work and gaining a thorough knowledge of the details, and then began business on his own account, succeeding his father, and soon became known as one of the leading undertakers in the village of West Chester. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen, bears a full share in the promotion of community affairs, and is a foremost agent in forwarding every material and moral interest. Mr. Lavin is an active member of the Holy Name So- ciety of St. Raymond's parish, and of the Knights of Columbus, at West Chester.
Bernard J. Lavin was married at St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church, West Chester, November 29, 1883, to Margaret J. MeGrory, born February 12, 1862, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Boyle) MeGrory. Their children are: Mary T., born October 15, 1884, at present (1905) a student of the Normal Col- lege; Margaret J., born December 6, 1885; Elizabeth L., born March 29, 1886; Anna M., born March 30, 1887; Catharine R., born July 2, 1889, died August 2, 1889; Clotilda, born June 3, 1890, died July, 1890; Bernard P., born November 16, 1891; Ed- ward, born March 1, 1892, died November, 1892; John, born May 29, 1894, died June, 1894; Regina M., born July 29, 1895; Raymond, born December 26, 1897, died June, 1898; Edna, born May 1, 1898; Joseph J., born July 31, 1899; Agnes M., born
Joseph Pol chins Ri,
Maria Polchinski
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April 20, 1903, died August 15, 1903. Mr. Lavin and his family are communicants of St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church at West Chester.
JOSEPH POLCHINSKI.
Joseph Polchinski, a progressive and enterprising German- American citizen of Williamsbridge, borough of Bronx, where he has established a snecessful granite and marble stone cutting business, was born in one of the western districts of Poland, Prussia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, August 24, 1852. His parents were Stanislans and Jnlia (Gosterwich) Polchinski. Both the aforementioned families were successfully engaged in the distilling trade, in which line of enterprise they became prominently known in the western part of the German Empire. . Joseph Polchinski was educated in the schools of his native town. In 1871, being desirous of finding a broader field for his skill and labor, he decided to come to the United States, and upon his arrival here, June 30, 1871, located in the city of New York, where he at once secured employment in the stone cutting trade at Woodlawn, borough of Bronx. He pursued this line of work until 1883, in the meantime accumulating a consider- able amount of capital by means of practical economy and in- dustry, and then began business on his own account at West- chester, borough of Bronx, where he met with a well merited degree of success as the logical result of his straightforward and honorable methods of transacting business. He has become well and favorably known to many leading families of Greater New York, for whom he has executed some of the finest and most skillful work placed in the leading cemeteries of that city and vicinity. Mr. Polchinski has also become identified with the material and social interests of Williamsbridge, where he is highly respected and esteemed. He has been for many years
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an active member of the Volunteer Fireman's Association, is at present (1906) a member of the Exempt Fireman's Associa- tion, and has served for a number of years as financial secretary of same. He is an active member of Wakefield Council, No. 1944, Royal Arcanum, and of Guiding Star Council, No. 212, Knights of Columbus.
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