Herlin Manley Appelgate

Other Events:

• Voress Number: 5D4C7A3A
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1897, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1897, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1900
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1940
• Residence: 1940, Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, USA

Notes:

5D4C7A3A BR1A3A Herlin Manley Appelgate, b. February 1871, in Kings Co., NY (1875 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 21, Elec. Dist. 4, p. 18, 110/157 [age 4, birthplace Kings Co., NY]; 1900 US Census, NY, Kings Co., New York, Brooklyn Bor., Dist. 2/387, Sheet 8A, 120/162 [February 1873, birthplace NY]; 1905 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn Bor. ED 25, AD 18, Block X-W, p. 38 [age 34]; 1940 US Census, NY, Nassau Co., Rockville Center, 1/30-11, Sheet 13B, 297 [age 68, birthplace NY]); died 26 Dec 1958 in NY ("New York, State Health Department, Genealogical Research Death Index, 1957-1963", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2CH1-FHC : accessed 20 Sep 2014), Herlin M Appelgate, 1958). He married (1) on June 2, 1897 (Brooklyn Eagle, June 3, 1897, p. 7 [marriage announcement]; 1900 US Census, supra [married 3 years]) Medora May Powell, b. June 1875 in NY (1900 US Census, supra [June 1875, birthplace NY]), died September 25, 1901 in Montclair, Essex Co., NJ (Brooklyn Eagle, September 26, 1901, p. 7). She was the daughter of Daniel and Medora A. Powell. He married (2) Ada _____, b. abt 1890 in NY (1940 US Census, supra [age 50, birthplace NY]).

Herlin was named after his grandfather, Herlin De Wolfe.

Herlin was enumerated in the household of his father Joseph in 1875 at 218 Walnut Street in Brooklyn, NY. (1875 NY State Census, supra). He is listed in the 1897 Brooklyn city directory as Herlin M Appelgate, living at 218 Lexington Avenue. (1897 Lain’s Brooklyn Directory)

Herlin married Medora May Powell on June 2, 1897 at 218 Lexington, the home of his mother-in-law. The wedding was performed by the Rev. John Rhey Thompson, D.D. Medora May was the daughter of the late Daniel Powell. (Brooklyn Eagle, June 3, 1897, p. 7).

Prior to their marriage, Herlin and Medora had sung together in the Handel chorus, a local musical group. Herlin sang bass and Medora sang soprano. (Brooklyn Eagle, May 24, 1896, p. 10).

Herlin and Medora were enumerated in the 1900 Census at 218 Lexington Ave., next door to Herlin’s father Joseph, who was living at 216 Lexington. The head of the household was Herlin’s widowed mother-in-law, Medora Powell, born in July 1840 in NY. Also in the household was Herlin’s sister-in-law, Julia A Powell, born in September 1857 and working in millinery. Herlin was born in February 1873 (the year is probably inaccurate) and was an electrician. His wife Medora M was burn in June 1873; and his daughter Dorothy G (the middle initial is very hard to read) was born in July 1899. (1900 US Census, supra).

Medora May died in Montclair, New Jersey in 1901. Her death announcement gives no reason why she was in Montclair, nor does it list a cause of death.

After his wife’s death, Herlin moved back in with his parents. He was enumerated with them in the 1905 NY state census at 16 Slocum Place, Brooklyn. He was 34 and an electrician.

On October 25, 1919, Herlin filed an application for a patent on an improved soap grip. The soap grip was a an adjustable device that bit into a bar of soap and covered one side with a non-slip surface. Herlin was granted Patent No. 1,332,096 on February 24, 1920.

Herlin wasn’t done inventing. He applied for a Canadian patent for an improved electric timer. On October 23, 1923, he was issued Canadian patent No. CA 235189 for his invention.

Herlin was alive when his father’s estate was probated. He was residing at the same address as his parents—817 Ditmars in Brooklyn. He was the first child listed as an heir to Joseph, and I presume he was therefore the eldest.

In 1940, Herlin was enumerated with his second wife in Hempstead, Nassau Co., NY, where he gave his occupation as “handyman” He died on December 26, 1958.

Residence:
212 Walnut Street

Occupation:
Electrician

Residence:
218 Lexington Ave.

Occupation:
Electrician

Residence:
218 Lexington Ave

Occupation:
Electric

Residence:
16 Slocum Place

Residence:
817 Ditmas Ave.

Occupation:
Handyman

Herlin — Ada ?. Ada was born Abt 1890. [Group Sheet]

1. Dorothy A Applegate was born Jul 1899, New York, USA.

Herlin married Medora May Powell 02 Jun 1897, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA. Medora (daughter of Daniel Powell and Medora A ?) was born Jun 1875, New York, USA; died 25 Sep 1901, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
218 Lexington Ave.

1. Dorothy A Applegate was born Jul 1899, New York, USA.

Other Events:

• Voress Number: 5D4C7A3
• Residence: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1855, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1870
• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1878, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1878, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1897, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1897, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1900
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

5D4C7A3 BR1A3 Joseph Henry Appelgate, b. February 1849 in NY (1850 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 11th Ward, 116/217 [age 1, birthplace NY]; 1870 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 7th Ward, p. 198, 1065/1840 [age 21, birthplace NY]; 1875 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 21, Elec. Dist. 4, p. 18, 110/157 [age 26, birthplace Kings Co., NY]; 1900 US Census, NY, Kings Co., New York, Brooklyn Bor., Dist. 2/387, Sheet 8A, 122/163 [February 1849, birthplace NY]; 1905 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn Bor. ED 25, AD 18, Block X-W, p. 38 [age 55]), d. July 6, 1920, at his home at 817 Ditmas Ave., Brooklyn, NY (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 7, 1920, p 3). He married 23 Feb 1870 (1870 US Census, supra [married February of that year]; 1900 US Census, supra [married 30 years]; Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Feb 23, 1920, p. 21 [article on 5th wedding anniversary]) Susan Jane DeWolfe, b. December 1849, in Kings Co., NY (1870 US Census, supra [age 20, birthplace NY]; 1875 NY State Census, supra [age 25, birthplace Kings Co., NY]; 1900 US Census, supra [December 1849, birthplace NY]; d. 6 April 1937 at the home of her daughter in Baltimore, MD (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Apr 8, 1937, p. 17). Susan was the daughter of Herman DeWolfe, b. abt 1821 in NY (1870 US Census, supra [age 49, birthplace NY]), d. _____ and Eliza ____, b. abt. 1822 in NY (Id. [age 46, birthplace NY]).

Joseph was enumerated in the household of his father Edward in 1850, just one year old. By 1870, he had married and was living with his new wife Susan with his in-laws, the DeWolfes. His father-in-law Herman owned a turning business and it appears Joseph was the bookkeeper for the business. (1870 US Census, supra).

By 1875, Joseph and Susan were living on their own at 212 Walnut Street in Brooklyn. Joseph was 26, and a bookkeeper in New York (meaning at that time, New York City). Susan was 25, and children Herlin M and Isabella were 4 and 2. All were born in Kings Co., NY. (1875 NY State Census, supra).

In 1878, Joseph was still a bookkeeper, but the family had moved to 372 Van Buren in Brooklyn. (1878 Brooklyn City Directory, p. 16)

In 1879, the family had moved again—this time to 81 Irving Place in Brooklyn. Joseph H Applegate’s business had changed to “fish”. According to articles about Joseph in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle—his obituary and a description of his wedding anniversary—he had been a cotton broker who lost his fortune in a market crash in 1873 and had to take up work as a fishmonger. Curiously, a “S. J. Appelgate” is also listed as doing business as “fish” with the same home address, but with a business address of 876 Fulton (Note this is not the Fulton Street Fish Market. That market was located on a different Fulton Street in Manhattan). The most likely candidate for “S. J.” is Joseph’s wife, Susan J. Apparently, at that time they were business partners as well as life partners. (1879-80 Lain Brooklyn City Directory).

In 1897, Joseph was still in the fish business (although there is no sign of Susan). His business address was 931 Fulton and his home address was 216 Lexington. (1897 Lain Brooklyn City Directory).

In 1900, Joseph and family were enumerated at 216 Lexington living next to Joseph’s son Herlin. Joseph was born in February 1849, in NY and his occupation was “sea food”. Wife Susan was born in December 1849, in NY; son Jessie (listed as “Dau Son”—the enumerator had problems with the name) was born in January 1879, in NY and was a clerk/broker; daughter Bessie B was born in March 1888; and son Joseph, Jr., was born in February 1890. Also living in the household was Joseph’s mother-in-law Elsie DeWolfe, born August 1823, in NY. (1900 US Census, supra).

In 1905, Joseph and family were enumerated at 16 Slocum Place in Brooklyn. Herlin (listed as “Herbert”) had moved back home. Joseph H was 55, and his occupation was still “fish”. Wife Susan J was 54; son Herbert [sic—should be Herlin] was 34 and his occupation was “electric”; son Jesse L was 26 and his occupation was “inspector”; daughter Bessie B was 19; son Joseph H, Jr., was 15; and daughter Dorothy was 5. (1905 NY State Census, supra).

Joseph made his will on December 12, 1911 in Brooklyn. A transcript is attached as an appendix. In the will, he uses the name Joseph Henry Appelgate. It is a simple will that leaves his entire estate to his wife Susan Jane and names her executrix.

Joseph died at his last home, 817 Ditmars Avenue, Brooklyn NY on July 6, 1920. His will was admitted to probate on July 23, 1920. The application for probate made by Susan Jane contains a list of living heirs (herself and the children) and a waiver of service of citation signed by all of them. They all spelled their last name “Appelgate”. (Kings County Probate File, Joseph Henry Appelgate, L 516, P. 156).

APPENDIX

Will of Joseph Henry APPELGATE
King’s County (NY) Surrogate’s Court
L. 516, P. 156

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN:

I, JOSEPH HENRY APPELGATE, of the Borough of Brooklyn, in the City of New York, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, as follows:

FIRST: I order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid, as soon as they conveniently may be paid after my decease.

SECOND: All the rest, residue and remainder of my property, both real and personal whosesoever situated, I give, devise and bequeath to my wife SUSAN JANE APPELGATE, and to her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever.

THIRD: I hereby appoint my wife SUSAN JANE APPELGATE Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, and I order and direct that my executrix shall not be required to give a bond for the faithful performance of her duties.

FOURTH: I hereby revoke all other wills and codicils by my heretofore made.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 12th day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eleven.

WITNESS: s/ Joseph Henry APPELGATE [seal]

Subscribed at the end and sealed by the said JOSEPH HENRY APPELGATE, the Testator named in the foregoing Will, in the presence of us and of each of us, and at the time of making and subscription the above instrument was declared by the said Testator to be his last Will and Testament; and then we and each of in his presence and in the presence of one another, did sign our names as witnesses thereto at the end of the Will.

s/ George Frederick Kaiser Residing at 26 Rugby Road, Brooklyn, NY
s/ James Jardine Conroy Residing at 277 Stratford Road, City.

Article Noting the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Joseph Henry and Susan
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Feb. 15, 1920, p. 58

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henry Appelgate, members of St. Mark’s Methodist Episcopal Church, Veverly rd. and Ocean ave., Flatbush, old Brooklynies who have been residents in Flatbush almost a score of years, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary Feb. 23 with a dinner and reception in the afternoon of that date at the Ormonde, Fulton st. and Nostrand ave. Mr. Appelgate is one year beyond the Biblical allotted time; his wife is just over the mark. Both are in the best of health, although Mr. Appelgate lost a leg through amputation three years ago, following a stroke of apoplexy. But, despite his handicaps of age and amputation, he gets about as lively as a cricket.

The couple were married Washing’s birthday, 1870, in the DeKalb Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they were active workers. At that time Mr. Appelgate Mr. Appelgate was a junior partner in a cotton brokerage firm at 17 William st., Manhattan. In the “wildcat panic” of ’73 he went to the wall with many others, and failing to make connections, opened a fish market at the corner of Fulton st. and Waverly ave. That was 47 years ago, and on the same corner, but across from the first market, the market is still doing business, the oldest established in the boro.

The couple have five children and 14 grandchildren, who will help celebrate the epoch in their lives. Two of them, Mrs. Howard Kenneth Jones, wife of the president of the Rotagraph Company of Manhattan and Joseph H. Appelgate, Jr., well known in Brooklyn as a newspaperman, now reside in Glen Rock, N.J.. Herlin Manly Appelgate of this boro and Harry Clifford Appelgate of Baldwin, L.I. are conducting the business since their father’s forced retirement. Jesse Lamberson Appelgate, the other son, a Custom House broker, resides at Rockvill Centre. Herlin is a widower with a daughter in her twenties.

OBITUARY
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 7, 1920, p. 3

J.H. APPELGATE DIES; OLD FISH MERCHANT

WAS IN BUSINESS NEARLY HALF A CENTURY AT FULTON ST. AND WAVERLY AVE.

While chatting with his wife and brother on the porch of his wife and brother on the porch of his residence at 817 Ditmas ave., Flatbush, last evening, Joseph Henry Appelgate, who, until his retirement from the business three years ago following illness, was probably the best-known fish dealer in Brooklyn, died suddenly of a stroke of apoplexy. His funeral service will be held on Friday evening at 8 o’clock, at his late residence, and the interment will be in Cypress Hills Cemetery.

Mr. Applegate [sic] a native Brooklynite, lived his whole lifetime here, where he was born on Feb. 23, 1849. He descended from a long line of natives, his paternal ancestors settling here with the Dutch in 1664. His maternal forebears antedated the Revolution. His grandfather, William E. Sheffield, was the first Naval constructor of the United States Navy. A very wealthy man, Mr. Sheffield gave to the United States Government, for the consideration of $1, the property now used as the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Mr. Applegate [sic] started his career in a cotton broker’s office and, having risen to the position of junior partner married Susan Jane De Wolfe on Washington’s Birthday in 1870. Later, he became a victim of the “wildcat panic”. He then turned to the fish business and in this humble occupation established a name that meant fresh sea food to his customers, may of who traveled far to buy their fish at the corner of Fulton st. and Waverly av., where for almost half a century, Mr. Applegate [sic] was in business. Two sons now manage it.

Mr. Applegate [sic] celebrated his gold wedding last Washington’s Birthday with a supper at the Ormonde on Fulton st., and at that time bid fair to live many years. Three years ago apoplexy caused the loss of his right leg, which had to be amputated, but despite this serious surgical operation, he lived on in apparently good health until apoplexy caused his almost instant death last night.

Mr. Applegate [sic] is survived by wife, three brothers, Charles N., George and Edward; a daughter, Mrs. Howard Kenneth Jones of Glen Rock, N.J., and four sons, Merlin [sic] Manly and Harry Clifford, who manage the fish business; Jesse Lamberson, a custom house broker, and Joseph Jr., a member of the Brooklyn Eagle’s news staff.

Mr. Applegate [sic] was a member of St. Mark’s Methodist Episcopal Church, Ocean ave. and Beverly rd., where he was an active worker until the time of his infirmity. He was one of those who founded the church when it was established in 1904 in a dwelling next door to the present edifice. He was for years an active worker in the old Norstrand Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church on Quincy st.

Occupation:
Bookkeeper for Works

Residence:
in the household of his father in law Herman De Wolfe

Occupation:
Bookkeeper in New York

Occupation:
Bookkeeper

Residence:
212 Walnut Street

Occupation:
Fish Dealer

Occupation:
Fish
931 Fulton

Residence:
216 Lexington Ave.

Occupation:
Sea Food

Residence:
216 Lexington Ave

Occupation:
Fish

Residence:
16 Slocum Place

Residence:
817 Ditmas Ave.

Joseph married Susan Jane De Wolfe 23 Feb 1870. Susan (daughter of Herlin De Wolfe and Elsie ?) was born Dec 1849, Kings County, New York, USA; died 06 Apr 1937, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1879, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1879, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

Residence:
212 Walnut Street

Occupation:
Fish
876 Fulton

Residence:
81 Irving Place

Residence:
216 Lexington Ave

Residence:
16 Slocum Place

Residence:
817 Ditmas Ave.

Other Events:

• Voress Number: 5D4C7A
• Occupation: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1850
• Residence: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1855
• Residence: 1855, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1859, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1859, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1870
• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1875
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1878, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1878, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1879, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1879, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1880
• Residence: 1880, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

5D4C7A BR1A (5D4C7E) Edward N Applegate, b. abt. 1818 in NY (1850 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 11th Ward, 116/217 [age 32, birthplace NY]; 1870 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 11th Ward, p. 8, 22/64 [age 51, birthplace NY]; 1875 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 11, Elec. Dist. 4, p. 17, 81/186 [age 56, birthplace NY]; 1880 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 20/58, p. 37, 272/283 [age 61, birthplace NY]; 1892 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 7, ED 26, p. 13 [age 70], d. _____; married Cordelia Sheffield, b. abt. 1821 in Kings Co., NY (1850 US Census, supra [age 30, birthplace NY]; 1870 US Census, supra [age 50, birthplace NY]; 1875 US Census, supra [age 54, birthplace Kings Co., NY]; 1880 US Census, supra [age 59, birthplace NY]); d. 17 Mar 1889, in Brooklyn at the home of her son, Charles. (Brooklyn Daily Standard Union, March 20, 1889). Cordelia was the daughter of William Sheffield, a prominent naval contractor.

Edward was named after Edward N. Duryea, a close friend of his parents. Edward Duryea was living with Lewis and Elizabeth when Edward Appelgate was born. (Lewis Applegate Bounty Land and Widow’s Pension Application File, images 24-25 [Affidavit of Edward N. Duryea]).

Edward and Cordelia Applegate were enumerated in the 1850 Census in Brooklyn, NY. Edward was 32, born in NY, and an oysterman. Cordelia was 30, born in NY. Also in the household were Mary E, age 8, born NY; George M, age 7, born NY, and Joseph, age 1, born NY. (1850 US Census, supra). This is the same ward of Brooklyn in which Lewis and Elizabeth (Gildersleeve) Applegate were enumerated and is one of the reasons I believe Edward was their son.

The Brooklyn Eagle announced the opening of his “oyster saloon” in October, 1849:

Avenue Cottage, corner of Myrtle and Hudson avenue has just been opened by Edward Applegate as an oyster saloon, where the epicure in the luscious bivalve may revel to his hearts content. He has only to name the mode most to his liking in which he wishes them prepared and in a trice they are placed before him in their most tempting form crying “come eat me.” The proprietor is prepared at all times to supply families at the shortest notice at prices so moderate as to insure a continuance of the favors he is honored with. He is deserving the favors of his friends and the public generally, and while he provides a good article we doubt not his success.

Brooklyn Eagle, October 20, 1849, p. 3

Edward moved his saloon down the street to the corner of Myrtle and Prince within a few months:

APPLEGATE’S SALOON.—Our East Brooklyn friends—the ladies, especially, whose number is legion, and whose name is Perfection—are unstinted in their compliments to Ed. Applegate, 138 Myrtle avenue, corner of Prince street, for the manner in which he caters to their refreshment, in the quality of his bivalvular staples, and his delicious modes of preparing them for the palate. They say, “Oysters are not oysters unless cooked by Applegate,” and we possess no data whereon to found a denial of the assertion. Some handsome changes have recently been made in his saloon, and much of beautifying effected. If the ladies are on Ed’s. side, the he-creatures will gladly “come a-l-o-n-g”.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 26, 1851, p. 3

OYSTER STEWS—We commend to the notice of the public the well-conducted establishment of Edward Applegate, whose saloon is situate at the corner of Myrtle avenue and Prince street. Here may be had, at the shortest possible notice, the choicest oysters, stewed, fried, boiled, and in the shell. Applegate has the skill and judgment to select, and the good sense to purchase the very best at all times that the market affords. In addition, the scrupulous cleanliness of his saloon, and the polite attention shown to his patrons by himself and assistants, recommend him and his establishment strongly to the public.
Brooklyn Eagle, March 30, 1850, p. 3

Running a restaurant is a risky business and Edward hedged his bets. In the 1850 Brooklyn City Directory, he is listed as “Applegate Edward, mason and oyster saloon, Prince c [corner] Myrtle” (1850 Brooklyn City Directory, p. 22) (emphasis added).

In 1851, Edward lost one of his fingers while helping fight a fire. The accident and the Brooklyn Eagle’s reporting of it was the subject of a bizarre hoax:

HOAXED—On Sunday afternoon, a gentleman named Edward Applegate, the proprietor of an Oyster Saloon corner of Prince street and Myrtle avenue, while assisting Engine Co. No. 16 , at the fire in Green Lane, lost one of his fingers by getting it between some portion of the engine’s machinery. We stated the circumstances in a local paragraph on the succeeding day. Yesterday some fellow called at our office, representing himself as Mr. Applegate and stating that he had not met with any such incident, and requesting us to make the correction, which we did. We have found since, however, that the circumstances were as we had previously stated, and we regret giving credence to the story. When such fellows find themselves pregnant with bad jokes in the future, we shall take that they do not procure our services as accoucheur.
Brooklyn Eagle, September 4, 1851, p. 3

By 1859, Edward was out of the oyster business—at least as a proprietor. He is listed as “Applegate E. N., mason h [home] 165 Myrtle aver” in the city Directory for that year (1859 Brooklyn City Directory, p. 8).

Edward and family were enumerated in the 1870 Census in Brooklyn. The entry is long and interesting enough to merit a table:
Family # Name Age Profession Birthplace
64 Applegate Edw. 51 Brick Mason NY
-- Cordelia 50 Dress-maker “
-- Geo. 25 Clerk “
-- Edw Jr. 16 Apt. to Brick Mason
-- Chas. E. 13 Attends School “
-- Francis P 9 Do “
-- Elizabeth 75 At home “
-- Ellen A. 25 Shoe-Binder “
65 Royal Chas. 60 Oysterman “
-- Mary 50 Ladies-Nurse “

(1870 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 11th Ward, p. 8, 22/64 & 65).

While Edward was out of the oyster business directly, he still had an oysterman living in the household. At this time, I do not know if Charles and Mary Royal were related to Edward and his family, or were just co-tenants.

I believe the Elizabeth Applegate, age 75, enumerated with this family is Elizabeth (Gildersleeve) Applegate, mother of Edward, Sr. Ellen A. Applegate age 25, is Edward’s youngest sister.

The family was enumerated in the 1875 NY State Census, with several odd errors. “Edwin” Applegate was 56, a bricklayer, born in NJ. His wife “Adelia” was 54, a dressmaker, born in Kings Co., NY. Two sons lived with them: Edward, age 22, a bricklayer, born in Kings Co., NY; and Charles, age 19, a clerk in a commissions house in New York. The enumeration also gives a street address of 174 Myrtle Ave. in Brooklyn. The Royal family is nowhere to be found. (1875 NY State Census, supra).

In the 1878, Brooklyn city directory Edward L. Applegate and Edward N. Applegate are both listed as masons with a home address of 176 Myrtle Ave. in Brooklyn. (1878 Brooklyn City Directory, p. 16). Other records establish that Edward L. Applegate is Edward, Jr.; therefore Edward N. is senior. (See discussion at Edward BR1A4, infra). It is unknown whether they moved next door, or whether their address in either the directory or the census is incorrect.

In the 1879 Brooklyn directory, there is a single Edward Appelgate listed as a mason living at 659 Warren. It is unknown whether this is Edward Sr., Edward Jr., or someone completely different.

In 1880, Edward and Cordelia were enumerated living in the household of their son-in-law Albert Gallatin Jones and his wife Mary at 17 Cambridge Place in Brooklyn. (1880 US Census, supra).

In 1892, Edward (enumerated as “Edwin”) was living in Brooklyn with (or very near) Charles E Aplegate. Both were identified as florists. Edwin/Edward was 70. (1892 NY State Census, supra). Cordelia had died by this time while living in Charles’s home.

I have no further record of Edward.

Occupation:
Mason and Oyster Saloon, corner of Prince and Myrtle

Occupation:
Oysterman

Occupation:
Mason

Occupation:
Mason

Residence:
165 Myrtle Ave

Occupation:
Brick Mason

Occupation:
Bricklayer

Residence:
174 Myrtle Ave

Occupation:
Mason

Residence:
176 Myrtle Ave.

Occupation:
Mason

Residence:
659 Warren
This may be a different Edward

Occupation:
Retired Mason

Residence:
17 Cambridge Place

Occupation:
Florist

Edward — Cordelia Sheffield. Cordelia (daughter of William Sheffield) was born 1821, Kings County, New York, USA; died 17 Mar 1889, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1855, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1870
• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1875
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1880, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

Occupation:
Dress Maker

Occupation:
Dressmaker

Residence:
174 Myrtle Ave

Residence:
17 Cambridge Place

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Herlin — Elsie ?. Elsie was born Aug 1823, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

Residence:
216 Lexington Ave

Other Events:

• Voress Number: 5D4C7
• Baptism: 16 May 1791, Old Tennent Church, Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA
• Occupation: 1823, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1834, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Occupation: 1855
• Residence: 1855, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

5D4C7 BR1 (5D4C7) Lewis Appelgate, b. abt 1788 in NJ (1850 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 11, 1291/2188 [age 62, birthplace NJ] ]; Lewis Applegate War of 1812 Bounty Land and Widow’s Pension Application File [application for bounty land at image 12, gives age of 65 in March 1865]; Id. [application for bounty land at image 32, gives age of 60 in 1850]), d. 4 May 1859 (Gertrude A. Barber, Extracts of Deaths from the New York Evening Post [gives date 4 May 1859, spells name Louis]; 1859 Brooklyn City Directory [Elizabeth Appelgate is listed as a widow]; Lewis Applegate War of 1812 Bounty Land and Widow’s Pension Application File [transcript of death record at image 28]) . He married on 20 December 1817 (Lewis Applegate War of 1812 Bounty Land and Widow’s Pension Application File [Affidavit of Elizabeth Applegate, image 19]) Elizabeth Gildersleeve, b. abt 1796 in Queens Co., NY (1850 US Census, supra [age 50, birthplace NJ]; 1875 NY Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 11, Elec. Dist. 4, p. 17, 81/186 [gives birthplace of Queens Co.] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 23, 1891 [“Entered into rest Elizabeth Gildersleeve, widow of Lewis Appelgate in the 95th year of her age.”]), d. abt. 23 April 1891 at 108 Park Ave., Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY. (Id.).

Lewis served in the War of 1812 in Captain Maxwell’s Company of Col. Dodge’s (1st) Regiment of New York Militia. (Bounty Land and Pension Application File). He volunteered on 2 September, 1814, and served until 2 December, 1814—a three month term.

Also according to his bounty and pension file, he married Elizabeth Gildersleeve on 20 December, 1817. The marriage was performed by Rev. Joseph Crawford of the Sand Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In her pension application, Elizabeth states that the church burned down, taking all records of the marriage with it.

Lewis was enumerated in the 1820 Census in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, at 118 Middagh St. [the annotation of the address by the enumerator is very hard to read]. The household consisted of one male between 26 and 40—presumably Lewis; one male under ten—presumably Edward; and one female between 16 and 26—Elizabeth. One person, Lewis, was engaged in manufactures. (1820 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, NARA Roll 64, image 162).

Indexers at familysearch.org say Lewis is listed in the 1830 Census in Kings Co., NY. The only copy I have been able to obtain of the roll is illegible.

In 1840, Lewis and his family were enumerated in the fourth ward of Brooklyn. The household consisted of one male 50-60 (probably Lewis), one male 20-30 (probably Edward), three males 15-20 (probably William, Daniel, and George), one female 40-50 (Elizabeth, wife of Lewis), one female 10-15 (possibly Jane), and one female 5-10 (probably Angeline). One person was engaged in manufacturing or trades. (1840 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, NARA Roll 289, images 218-19).

The 1850 Census entry for Lewis, Elizabeth and family is complicated, but contains valuable clues to assist tracing their descendants. First, a transcript of the actual entry for Dwelling No. 1291:

Family # Name Age Profession Birthplace
2188 Lewis Applegate 63 Market man NJ
Elizabeth “ 50 NY
2189 Wm “ 30 Police Officer “
Ellen “ 26 “
Geo L “ 3 “
2190 Chas Hawxhurst 30 Painter “
Jane “ 26 “
Chas “ 1 “
Angeline Applegate 16 “
Ellen “ 6 “

(Several columns not transcribed)

I believe this entry shows the following family relations, albeit in confusing form:

Lewis and Elizabeth, husband and wife
Their son, William and his (first) wife, Ellen
Their child, George L.
Their daughter, Angeline
Their daughter, Ellen
Charles Hawxhurst and his wife, Jane
Their son, Charles

Jane Hawxhurst is probably a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth.

The enumerator noted the address of this dwelling in the margin of the sheet “Myrtle ave n Raymond”. This address lets us cross reference entries from the 1850 Brooklyn City directory.

There are two entries in the 1850 city directory for Applegates at this address:

Applegate Lewis, carpenter Myrtle av n Raymond
Applegate William R, butcher Myrtle av n Raymond
(1850 Brooklyn City Directory, pp. 22-23)

On 26 November, 1850, Lewis applied for bounty land for his service in the War of 1812. He claimed to be sixty years old, and a resident of Brooklyn New York. His signature on the application is very clear and he spells his surname “Appelgate”.

A Lewis Applegate is listed as a carpenter in several earlier Brooklyn directories. In 1823, Lewis Applegate is listed as a carpenter at 15 Water in 1823. (1823 Spooner Brooklyn City Directory). In 1833-34, Lewis Applegate is listed as a carpenter at 12 Liberty (1833-34 Brooklyn City Directory reprinted in Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 8, 1934, p. H 26). In 1840, Lewis Applegate is listed as a carpenter at 112 Concord. (Leslie & Chichester Brooklyn, New York General & Business Directory for 1840-41). I believe this is the same Lewis Applegate, and that he changed careers from carpenter to marketman in 1850.

William Applegate also changed careers between the printing of the 1850 city directory and his enumeration in the 1850 Census on September 27, 1850. On May 31, 1850, the Brooklyn Eagle reported that “Mayor Smith has appointed the following police marshals: . . . Wm. Applegate . . ..” (Brooklyn Eagle, May 31, 1850, p. 3).

Lewis was not done changing careers. By 1854, he was the proprietor of a daguerreotype gallery. The Brooklyn Eagle reported on a theft from him:

Yesterday evening, Officer Elias, of the First District Police, arrested an individual named John Carch, on the charge of stealing daguerreotypes from the gallery of Lewis Applegate, in Myrtle avenue.
(Brooklyn Eagle, April 29, 1854, p. 3) (emphasis added).

On 28 March 1855, Lewis applied for another bounty land warrant. He was still living in Brooklyn, NY, aged 65.

Lewis Appelgate died on 6 May, 1859 at 254 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. A transcript of his death record is in his widow Elizabeth’s pension application file. His age at death was 69. The cause of death was listed as senile gangrene.

By 1859, Elizabeth Appelgate was identified as a widow, residing at 254 Myrtle Ave. in Brooklyn (1859 Brooklyn City Directory, p. 8). A William Appelgate, policeman, resided at the same address (Id.). I believe this is William R Appelgate and his mother Elizabeth (Gildersleeve) Applegate/Appelgate.

In 1870, Elizabeth was living elsewhere—I believe with a different son. An Elizabeth Applegate, age 72 was enumerated in the household of Edw. Applegate in Brooklyn. (1870 US Census, NY, Kings Co., Brooklyn, 11th Ward, p. 8, 22/64).

In 1875, Elizabeth had moved again. An Elizabeth Applegate, age 78 was living at 382 Gold Street with Ella A Applegate, identified as her daughter. (1875 NY State Census, Kings Co., Brooklyn, Ward 11, Elec. Dist. 4, p. 17, 81/186).

In 1879, Elizabeth Applegate, the widow of Louis (sic) was living at 206 Sands in Brooklyn. (1879-08 Lain’s Brooklyn City Directory).

In 1880, Elizabeth applied for and was granted a widow’s pension based on Lewis’s service. The file jacket for her pension application gives her residence at 206 Sands Street, Brooklyn, NJ. One of the witnesses for the claim was Ellen Appelgate, also residing at 206 Sands Street. The application does not state Ellen’s relationship to Elizabeth.

In 1887, an investigation of her pension claim (probably to make sure she was still alive), found she was living at 258 Navy Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Elizabeth died in April of 1891, in Brooklyn, NY.

DIED
APPELGATE—Entered into rest ELIZABETH GILDERSLEEVE, widow of Lewis Appelgate, in the 95th year of her age.

Funeral on Friday, April 24, at 2 o’clock, from her late residence, 108 Park av. Brooklyn. Resident of Brooklyn for ninety-one years.
Brooklyn Eagle, April 23, 1891, p. 5

Occupation:
Carpenter
15 Water

Occupation:
Carpenter
12 Liberty

Occupation:
Marketman

Occupation:
Carpenter, Myrtle Ave nr. Raymond

Residence:
Myrtle ave n Raymond

Occupation:
Carpenter

Lewis married Elizabeth Gildersleeve 20 Dec 1817, Sand Street Methodist Church. Elizabeth was born 1797, Queens County, New York, USA; died Abt 23 Apr 1891, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1850, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1855, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1859, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1875, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Residence: 1879, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

Residence:
Myrtle ave n Raymond

Residence:
254 Myrtle av

Residence:
382 Gold St

Residence:
206 Sands

Died:
108 Park Ave.