BIOGRAPHY: William H. Draudt; Jonespoint, Rockland co., New York

transcribed by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives

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Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens of the Counties.
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United
States.
New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895

WILLIAM H. DRAUDT. Every resident of Jonespoint and the majority of the people
of the surrounding country are well acquainted with the proprietor of the
mercantile establishment at that place. His affability of manner, combined
with recognized uprightness of character, has made him an influential man in
his community and has brought to him a large part of the trade of this
section. He is an excellent business man, which fact is abundantly proved by
his increasing prosperity.

The Draudt family originated in Germany. The father of our subject, George
Draudt, who was born in that country, emigrated to America at the age of about
eighteen years, and from that time made his home in Rockland County, his death
occurring in Tomkins Cove. Very soon after his arrival he entered the employ
of the Tomkins Cove Stone Company, and so great were his efficiency and
reliability that he was retained in their employ as foreman for more than
fifty years. He was a trustworthy man and very successful in handling and
superintending workmen. His widow, Mary Jane (Lent) Draudt, still makes her
home in Tomkins Cove. Of their family of three sons and three daughters we
note the following: William H., our subject, is the eldest; George is
weighmaster of the Tomkins Cove Stone Company; Susan L. is the wife of James
A. Degroat; Caroline married Rev. R. S. Hulshart, and lives in Pittsburg, Pa.;
John is a resident of Tomkins Cove; and Sidonia resides in Tarrytown.

In the village of Tomkins Cove, where he was born July 19, 1851, our subject
was reared to manhood, and there he attended the common schools. He was a
diligent student and became so proficient that he was fitted for the position
of instructor. For a time he was assistant in the school that he had
previously attended, after which he taught in the Suffern schools for two
years. He then went to New York City and en-gaged with John W. Avery in a
store where were kept all kinds of furnishings for pilots. During the seven
years he was employed there he made himself very valuable to his employer,
whose business he succeeded in enlarging considerably.

When James A. Degroat wished to secure the services of some one of ability and
honesty to whom he could look for active assistance in the management of his
increasing business interests, he sought Mr. Draudt, but the latter, having a
good position, at first refused to make a change. After having been importuned
several times, however, he consented to accept the offer, and came to
Jonespoint, where he took a position as bookkeeper and manager for Mr.
Degroat. Subsequently he purchased the latter's mercantile business, which he
has since conducted, having a large trade among the people of this locality.
He still continues to keep books for Mr. Degroat, and is also serving as
Deputy Postmaster.

For a time after entering the employ of Mr. Degroat, our subject lived in
Tomkins Cove, but he now makes his home in Jonespoint. He is married, his wife
being Ophelia, daughter of Dr. John Sullivan, of Haverstraw. In political
matters he gives his allegiance to the Republican party and is interested in
local affairs, especially in those which tend toward the advancement of the
people. Socially he is connected with Courtland Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., at
Peekskill, and Mt. Ararat Encampment No. 9.