USA > New York > Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II > Part 86
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a tract of land one mile square from the Van Rensselaers, on which he founded the town of Greenbush, now the city of Rensselaer, where his descendants yet reside (1910). This purchase was first known as "Akin Mile Square." The village of Greenbush was laid out and incorporated, April 14, 1815. Mr. Akin donated the land on which was erected the Presbyterian church, although he re- mained loyal to the family faith and was a steadfast member of the Society of Friends (Quakers). Mr. Akin married, December 25, 1797, Caroline Matilda, born November 14, 1778, died June 27, 1845, daughter of Dr. Ebenezer Cary, who served as adjutant of the Fifth Dutchess County New York Militia, William Humphrey, colonel, during the rev- olutionary war. Children : Oliver, Frederick, George, Ebenezer, David, Helen Maria, Peter, Martha Taber and Caroline Matilda.
(V) Martha Taber, daughter of William and Caroline Matilda (Cary) Akin, married Jacob Van Benschoten Teller (see Teller VI).
The Polk family of Watervliet and POLK Troy, New York, descend from a German family who can be traced several generations in that country. The fam- ily seat was in and around Demmin, Ger- many. The family were agriculturists and mechanics as far traced, although there were some of them engaged in trade. The family was founded in the United States in 1858 by Frederick Polk. His sons have established the name firmly in Troy business annals, be- ing prominent in banking, manufacturing and business life.
(I) Peter Polk was born near Demmin, Germany, and lived in Demmin most of his life. He married Sophia Reinke, in 1828. They are both buried in their native town. Children: Carl; Frederick, see forward; Louis; August; Minnie.
(II) Frederick, son of Peter and Sophia (Reinke) Polk. was born in Demmin, Ger- many, November 30, 1829, died at Watervliet, New York, August 28, 1900. He was edu- cated in the German schools, learned the trade of a shoemaker, served two years in the Ger- man army, and in 1858 came to the United States. He first located in the city of Brook- lyn, New York, where he followed his trade until 1862, when he removed to Watervliet, New York. This was his home for thirty- eight years, and his place of business. He was a member of Trinity German Lutheran church of Troy, which he served as treasurer the last nine years of his life. His political faith was Republican. He was well-known in the
village, and bore a high reputation. He mar- ried, in Germany, February 9, 1855, Lisette, daughter of Ludwig and Elizabeth Bintham. Children : William Frederick, see forward; Katherine; Charles F., see forward; Minnie, married John Wersinger; children: Freder- ick and Norman; Emma, born July 24, 1870, died October 27, 1892; Frederick B., born July 27, 1878, now with Polk & Calder, drug- gists, of Troy.
(III) William Frederick, eldest son of Frederick and Lisette (Bintham) Polk, was born in Demmin, Germany, March 24, 1856. In 1858 he was brought to the United States by his parents, lived in Brooklyn, New York, later in Watervliet, where he received his education in the public schools and Troy Busi- ness College. At the age of thirteen years he entered the employ of the Central National Bank, continuing with that institution thirty- six years until 1905, when he National City Bank was organized. He started with the bank as messenger boy, passed through sev- eral promotions, including both receiving and paying teller. In 1905 he became paying teller of the National City Bank, and in 1908 was appointed cashier, the position which he now holds, 1910. Mr. Polk has other important business interests. He is a director of the Polk & Calder Drug Company, treasurer of the Orr Company, director and treasurer of Treadwell Mills, both of the latter companies now (1910) in process of liquidation. He has always been an active Republican, and in 1908-09 served the town of Colonie as justice of the peace, and since 1896 has been a mem- ber of the board of health. He holds mnem- bership in the Masonic order, belonging to Evening Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons ; Hudson River Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Bloss Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters ; Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar ; Oriental Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the latter three bodies located in Troy, the two former in Watervliet. From 1881 to 1909 he was treasurer of Wyoma Council, Royal Ar- canum. Since 1892 he has been a member of the New York National Guard, enlisting in the junior company of the Troy Citizens corp; now a member of the New York State Chap- ter of the American Institute of Banking, and is trustee and treasurer of Bethany Presby- terian church. His clubs are the Colonial, of Watervliet, the Pafraets Dael and the Masonic of Troy. He married, July 6, 1881, Celestine, daughter of John and Caroline (Foster) Lun- dergan, the former born March 16, 1822 died June, 1900, and the latter died 1898. Children of William F. and Celestine Polk: 1. Rollin Saxe, educated in public and private schools
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of Troy and State Normal College, Albany ; in 1898 entered the employ of the United Na- tional Bank, and in 1901 the National State Bank of Troy, where he is now employed as an accountant ; unmarried ; member of the Ma- sonic order and of the Masonic Club. 2. John Lundergan, born March 2, 1885; educated in the public and private schools of Troy, and State Normal School of Albany and Rensse- laer Polytechnic Institute; now assistant chemist with the New York Central Railroad Company, located at West Albany ; he mar- ried, October, 1908, Annabelle Patterson, of Buffalo, New York; child, Charles James, born November, 1909. 3. Caroline Augusta, educated in public and private schools of Troy, State Normal College of Albany, and the Emma Willard School of Troy, graduating from the latter institution with the class of 1910. 4. Emma Lisette, died in infancy. 5. Emma Ruth, was student of the Emma Wil- lard School of Troy.
(III) Charles Frederick, son of Frederick and Lisette (Bintham) Polk, was born in Wa- tervliet, New York, then known as West Troy, May 27, 1862. He was educated in the public schools of Troy. He first entered the employ of the Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank of Troy, where he remained two years. He next became associated with the Robinson Church Company, wholesale druggists of Troy, and in 1894 with the John C. Robinson Company, a corporation dealing in wholesale drugs, of which Mr. Polk became treasurer. In 1897 changes were made, and the company reorganized as the Polk & Calder Drug Com- pany, of which he is president. The com- pany's principal place of business is Troy, where they conduct a prosperous business in wholesale drugs. His residence is in Water- vliet. Mr. Polk is a member of the Masonic order, of the Dutch Reformed church of Watervliet, and a Republican. Among other trade associations he is a member of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association. His clubs are the Colonial of Watervliet, of which he was president, 1900-06; Pafraets Dael of Troy, and the Island Golf Club. He married, June 3, 1896, Stella, daughter of James and Sarah J. (Stansfield) Moses. They have one child, Marion, graduate of Emma Willard School, class of 1908.
PALIN The Palin family, for many gen- erations natives of Canada, de- scend from the family of Palin De Lebonville, in France. The family was founded in Cohoes, New York, by the present generation in 1878 and have attained a high standing in that city.
(I) Pierre Palin, the first of the family of whom we have record, was born in the prov- ince of Quebec, where he lived and died. He married and reared a family.
(II) Pierre (2), son of Pierre (1) Palin, was born in province of Quebec, Canada, 1831, died in Cohoes, New York, 1897. He was a farmer and followed that occupation in Can- ada until 1883, when he joined his son Wil- fred in Cohoes. He was an ardent Catholic and an active worker in the parish of St. Joseph's church, Cohoes. He married (first) in Canada, Marceline Thibodeau, born 1831, died 1870. Children : Marie, deceased; Na- poleon, deceased; Melina, deceased ; Gustave, deceased, three children who died in infancy ; Stephanie, married Theophile Nolin; Wilfred, see forward. Pierre Palin married (second) Adeline Lucier. Children : Ernest, deceased ; Sister Narcisse, an inmate of Gray Convent, Toledo, Ohio; Zephir, a resident of Green- field, Massachusetts ; a resident of Greenfield, Massachusetts ; Alida, married Pe- ter Giroux; Amanda, unmarried, resides in Cohoes, New York. The mother of these children died in 1903.
(III) Wilfred, son of Pierre (2) and Mar- celine (Thibodeau) Palin, was born at Na- pierville, province of Quebec, Canada, May 4, 1858. He attended the parochial schools until attaining the age of twelve years, and from then until twenty years of age was kept at work on the farm with his father. In 1878 he left home and made his way to the United States, finally locating in Cohoes, New York, where he found employment in a cot- ton mill. His tastes were all for a commer- cial life, and after six months in the mill he obtained a position in a meat market, remain- ing for a year and a half. His ambition was for a business of his own, and after passing the following six months clerking in a grocery store, he opened in 1880 a small grocery store at Congress and White streets, Colioes, and began his remarkably successful business ca- reer. His entire capital at the time of starting his first independent business venture was very small. The enterprise was successful from the start, necessitating very soon new and larger quarters, and in 1890 he erected a three-story brick building on Congress street, where he remained until 1903. In that year he bought his present location at 45-47 Con- gress street, where the largest grocery busi- ness in the city is conducted, under the firm name of The Palin and Son Company (In- corporated), Mr. Palin, Sr., being president and treasurer. The company has the highest commercial standing, and the store has for its watchword, "Honest Dealing." By his own
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honorable exertions and moral attributes, he has carved out for himself friends, affluence and position, and by the strength and force of his own character has overcome obstacles which to others less hopeful and less cour- ageous would seem unsurmountable. Suc- cess in mercantile life is not all that Mr. Palin has achieved. He has the confidence and re- :spect of his townsmen who have honored him with public offices of trust, and his associates in financial life have entrusted him with re- sponsible positions. He is regarded among the French population of the city as a safe ·counsellor and his advice is constantly sought by them in important matters. He is serv- ing in the capacity of trustee of the Mechan- ics' Savings Bank, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce of Cohoes, of which he was a charter member, and is heavily interested in Cohoes real estate. Politically he is a Repub- lican. He has served one term as school com- missioner, three terms as county supervisor, was six years a member on the board of water commissioners, served as delegate to the state and local conventions of his party, and in January, 1910, was appointed city chamber- lain or city treasurer of Cohoes, having the distinction and honor of being the first native of France to hold that important office in Cohoes. He has been frequently requested by his friends and citizens of Cohoes to allow his name to be used for the office of mayor, but has declined the honor. He is an active member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, honorary president of the Society of St. Jean Baptiste, having served in that capac- ity for three terms, member of St. Vincent De Paul, Modern Woodmen, and president of the Grocers' Association of Cohoes. Few men ·can take a mental retrospective view of their past lives with greater satisfaction. Less than thirty years ago a poor boy, unknown, today honored and respected, with ample means, established business, with sons to main- tain and still further advance the family name. Scrupulously honorable in all his dealings with mankind, he bears a reputation for pub- lic and private integrity second to no one in his adopted city. Sociable and genial, his friends are as legion, composed of all classes of society, and he wields an influence for good throughout the community.
Mr. Palin married, in Cohoes, February 4, 1883, Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Ju- dith (Finisterer) Boissonneault. Her father was born in Quebec, Canada, November 10, 1831, died in Cohoes, January 19, 1900; he was a farmer and later a foundryman in Co- hoes, a devoted Catholic and active church worker. His wife was born in the same prov-
ince of Canada, November 15, 1839, sur- vives him and resides in Cohoes. Children of Wilfred and Josephine Palin: I. Wilfred C., born in Cohoes, November 3, 1873; educated in the parochial schools of Cohoes, Montreal College, La Salle Institute, Troy. He was ad- mitted to the business of his father and when the incorporation was effected became secre- tary of the company; he is a member of the Society of St. Jean Baptiste, the League of Sacred Heart, Benevolent and Protective Or- der of Elks, Modern Woodmen and the Al- bany Automobile Club. 2. Stephanie. 3. Homer, born July 23, 1881; graduate of St. Joseph's Parochial School; now engaged in the business of The Palin and Son Company ( Incorporated).
MOFFITT The Moffitt family of Troy, represented in the present generation by Andrew W. M. Moffitt, chemist, descends through both pater- nal and maternal lines from families long seated in Ireland. Through maternal lines they descend from A. R. Young, born in county Monahan, Ireland, where he lived and died. His daughter, Anna Young, was twice married and twice widowed before coming to the United States; her first husband was Marshall, by whom she had a daugh- ter, Alicia; her second husband was
Fitzgerald, by whom she had a son, William M. Fitzgerald. About the year 1840, with these two children, she came to the United States and settled in Troy, New York. Her son, William M. Fitzgerald, enlisted from Weehawken, New Jersey, with Burden's sharpshooters, and was a brave soldier of the civil war. For gallantry in the field he had won a lieutenant's commission, but before it had reached him he was wounded at the battle of Kelly's Ford, taken to Washington, D. C., where he died in the hospital. The daughter, Alicia Marshall, born in Ireland, May, 1835, died in Troy, April 5, 1903. She was married in the Church of the Holy Cross, Troy, to James Moffitt, the founder of the Troy family. (I) James Moffitt was born in county Monahan, Ireland, 1833, died in Troy, New York, December 16, 1903. He came to the United States about the year 1840 and settled in Troy. He learned the trade of tanner, and for thirteen years was connected with the firm of Swasey & Company. During these years he accumulated capital and established a grocery business in Troy, which he conducted the re- mainder of his life. He was a man of energy and ability, and conducted his business af- fairs successfully. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church of Troy, the other
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members of his family being of the Episcopal faith. He was a Democrat in politics, but bore no active part in public affairs. He married, in 1850, Alicia Marshall, whose parents have been previously mentioned. Child, Andrew William Marshall, see forward.
(II) Andrew William Marshall, son of James and Alicia (Marshall) Moffitt, was born in Troy, New York, September 23, 1852. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his education entered the drug store of R. L. Drake as a clerk, and later was associated with R. H. Starbuck in the same line of business. He became thor- oughly conversant with the details of the drug business, and in 1881 formed a partnership with J. R. Drake, under the firm name of Drake & Moffitt. The firm established their store at No. 3 Second street, where for eight- een years they conducted a very successful drug business. In 1898 the firm was dis- solved. Mr. Moffitt established a new store on Broadway, where he still continues, one of the leading drug firms of the city. Be- side his private business he is interested in the United Drug Company of Boston. He is a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal church of Troy, which he has served as treasurer for twenty-five years, and also is a member of the governing committee of the church. He is prominent in the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and the Pharmaceutical Association of Troy. He is a Republican in politics, but not an active worker in the party. He married Mary Ann Little, of Troy, Feb- ruary 8, 1873, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Little. Children: 1. Jessie Marshall, mar- ried George G. Grossmann, of Troy, cashier of the mercantile establishment of W. H. Frear. 2. Walter James, born in Troy, De- cember 15, 1877; graduated from the Troy high school and Albany Pharmaceutical Col- lege; now engaged in the drug business at Springer, New Mexico.
The various spellings of this name, ROBB Robb, McRob, Robbe, Robie, make several different family lines of the present day, yet all sprung from a com- mon ancestor. The Robbe family of New Hampshire are from William of Ireland, and another branch in the same state date from John of Scotland. The Robbs of Amster- dam, New York, descend from Scotch Cove- nanters of the Cameronian division. The ancestors of this branch came from Whithorn, between Edinburgh and Glasgow. They used the Mc Farlayn plaid; possible they did not
belong to the clan closely, but in times of trouble fought with the Mc Farlayns.
(I) Alexander Robb was born in Scotland, where he was a weaver of fine linen. He emi- grated to the American colonies, which were safely reached after a long and tedious voy- age, bringing with him his weaving materials. He ascended the Hudson and settled first in either Steuben or Otsego counties, from whence he removed to Scotch Bush, town of Florida, Montgomery county, New York, a section largely settled by Scotch farmers. There Alexander Robb died and was buried on the farm which he cleared and cultivated. There is no record of his wife's death; she may have died in Scotland, which is believed to be the fact. He married, December 25, 1755, Hiling Hirion. Children: 1. Jean, born November 14, 1756. 2. Alexander, March 12, 1759, died March 25, 1759. 3. James, March 28, 1760, died August 12, 1760. 4. George, May 8, 1761, see forward. 5. Hiling, No- vember 1, 1763. 6. Saraie, November 7, 1769, died November 4, 1771.
(II) George, son of Alexander and Hiling (Hirion) Robb, was born May 8, 1761, in Scotland, died in Florida, New York, buried at Scotch Church graveyard, where a marble slab marks the spot. He was brought to America when he was a small boy. He was reared on a farm in Florida, New York, at- tended the district schools and secured a good education. He possessed a large library of well-selected books, which he read and stud- ied, until his mind was a storehouse of useful, valuable knowledge. All his life he was a student, and a good farmer. He fought for his adopted country during the revolution, serving as a private in Colonel Marinus Wil- lett's regiment of militia. The musket carried by George Robb is now in possession of Louis Robb, son of Alexander Robb. George Robb married, 1795, Jeanette (McMillan) Baxter, a widow; they came to America in the same vessel, both children. Their children were: I. Jean, born September 2, 1796. 2. Alexan- der, June 5, 1798, died March II, 1847. 3. James McMillan, July 4, 1800, see forward. 4. Margaret, July 10, 1803.
(III) James McMillan, son of George and Jeanette (McMillan) (Baxter) Robb, was born on the old Robb homestead in Florida, Montgomery county, New York, July 4, 1800, died September 27, 1858. He was a farmer all his days. He married, September 18, 1820, Cathaline, born February 2, 1802, died March 16, 1860, daughter of Joseph Crawford. Chil- dren : I. Jeanette McMillan. born March 2, 1822, died November 16, 1892. 2. John, May 2, 1824, died May 15, 1825. 3. Alexander,
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July 1, 1827; a retired teacher; resident of Oswego, New York; married Etta Lispenard. 4. Helen, May 25, 1830; married William Murray; both deceased. 5. George J., June 15, 1832, died 1907; was a farmer in Rotter- dam, Schenectady county ; married, October 15, 1873. Sarah Barber. 6. Joseph, October 20, 1834; deceased; removed to Wisconsin ; married Anna Young. 7. Mary Isabelle, April 26, 1837, died July 22, 1837. 8. Francis Gail- ey, August 27, 1839, died 1907; was a farmer of Amsterdam; married Elizabeth -. 9. James Renwick. January 13, 1841 ; a farmer of Florida ; married Elizabeth Peek. 10. Wil- liam Hanna, see forward. The history of the families of Alexander, George and James McMillan Robb were found in old Bibles in possession of George J. Robb, September I, 1905.
(IV) William Hanna, youngest child of James McMillan and Cathaline (Crawford) Robb, was born on the old Robb farm, July I, 1843, died January 12, 1898. He grew to manhood in Florida, New York. He was de- termined from a very young boy to have an education. and a profession. He absorbed all the learning of the district school, attended Fergusonville Academy, Middletown Semin- ary, Saratoga high school, completing his studies at Amsterdam Academy in 1862. He taught for a year in the school on "Yankee Hill," and at the age of twenty, April 14, 1863, began reading and studying medicine in the office of Dr. Jacob G. Snell, of Am- sterdam. He entered Albany Medical Col- lege and immediately after graduation entered into partnership with his former preceptor, Dr. Snell, who was a well known and capable physician. They practiced together in Am- sterdam until 1873, when they separated. Un- til 1880 Dr. Robb practiced alone; from 1880 to 1883 he had Dr. Charles Stover associated with him in practice. From 1883 until his death he was alone. He was a skillful phy- sician, devoted to his profession, and gave his services freely to the needy sick. During his long and busy professional life he secured a competence, and by his public spirit, kindliness of heart and love of his fellows, placed him- self among the foremost citizens of Amster- dam. He was a leader, and when measures were under consideration affecting the morals or health of the city, he used his influence freely, either for or against, as he thought best for the public good. His most enduring monument is the Free Public Library in Am- sterdam, to which he gave all his energy in establishing, and most generously of his wealth. The library was later endowed by Andrew Carnegie. The present system of
works and water supply was advocated' strongly by him and he aided materially in their establishment, and all public matters re- ceived his earnest attention and influence,. when needed. He was a member of the con- gregation of the Presbyterian church, and mindful of his obligations as a Christian. He. was secretary of the County Medical Asso- ciation, president of a branch of the State. and member of the American Medical Associ- ation.
Dr. Robb married, November 14, 1872, in Amsterdam, Margaret Jane Moody, born there August 6, 1850; educated at Amster- dam Seminary, and thoroughly in sympathy with her husband in his professional and phil- anthropic work. She is the daughter of Wil- liam and Margaret (McRoy) Moody, of Lon- donderry, and county Antrim, North Ireland, born there of Scotch ancestors. The families came to America, settled in Connecticut, where: William and Margaret were married at Tar- iffville, settling in Amsterdam in 1847, where he died in 1889, aged seventy-nine. She died while on a visit to Connecticut, 1873, aged fifty-three. They were members of the Pres- byterian church. Children: 1. John A. Moo- dy, now of Chicago; married and has Cleve and Ethel. 2. Mary, married W. T. Pettin- gill, deceased; resides in Amsterdam; has daughter Marjorie, married Malcolm Rix. 3. Margaret J. (Mrs. Dr. Robb). 4. Susan, a successful practising physician in the city of Teheran, Persia, where she has an office and established business. 5. Emma, married C. W. Striker, of Amsterdam. Children of Dr. William H. and Margaret Jane (Moody). Robb: I. William M., born October 3, 1874; graduated from Princeton University, class of 1898, now in the employ of the state of Vir- ginia on the good roads commission. 2. Eliz- abeth C., April 10, 1881 ; educated at Green- ville, South Carolina; married Clinton N. Quinby, graduate of Yale and Albany Law School; an attorney of Rochester, New York; has one son, Robb Quinby, born July 5, 1906. 3. Ethel, teacher in the Kindergarten schools of Amsterdam. 4. Henry Warnick, student in the Biltmore School of Forestry. The fam- ily are all members of the Presbyterian church.
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