Elbert J. Schenck, a carriage manufacturer of Great Neck, was born at Coldspring Harbor, L.I., February 1,1849, a son of Simeon and Mary A. (Darling) Schenck, the former of whom was born and reared at Syosset. The paternal grandfather was a farmer by occupation, and although he was of German descent, it is thought that his birth occurred in America. For many years he cultivated a small tract of land at what was known as Wallabout market, but this place he later traded for a larger farm at Syosset, where the remaining years of his life were spent, he departing this life when in his eighty-fifth year. His wife outlived him a number of years, dying at a good old age. Grandfather Schenck served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and after his decease his wife was given a pension by the government. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but was in no way ambitious to hold office, as his entire time was given in cultivating his farm.

Simeon Schenck worked as an apprentice at carriage-making in Jericho and Port Washington, and about the time he was ready to work for wages married and located in Oyster Bay. Later he took up his abode at Coldspring Harbor, where the family made their home until Elbert J., of this history, was a lad of ten years. They then became identified with the interests of Huntington, but not liking this location as well as Coldspring Harbor, returned to the latter place. Mr. Schenck also found a greater demand for his work in this place and as an inducement to return he was offered the rent of his shop free for a year, and when he accepted had his house hold goods and family moved back without any expense. Our subject was at this time fifteen years of age and had already begun to work in his father’s shop. After four years spent at Coldspring Harbor, the senior Mr. Schenck moved to Port Washington, where he departed this life in 1880. He, too, was a supporter of the Democratic principles in politics. For many years he had been a member in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which denomination he had joined in early life, but afterward became identified with the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon.

The parental family included thirteen children, eight of whom grew to mature years. Adaline married William Nichols, a carpenter by trade, and they are living at Port Washington; Joseph, who also follows that business, is living at Brooklyn; Martha became the wife of John Mackey, who is also a resident of that city; our subject was the next in order of birth; Moses, his younger brother, is engaged in the carriage business with him; Emma is now the wife of William G. Smith and makers her home in Great Neck; George is a resident of East Williston; and Agnes, the wife of Rev. William G. Wedemeyer, is living in New Jersey, her husband being pastor of a church at Lakewood.

The subject of this sketch obtained a fair education by attending school during the winter months and working in the summer season. When a lad of fourteen years he was put to work at the bench, and a year later was pronounced a good workman. After working for his father until attaining his majority he was taken into partnership, but a few years later sold his interest in the business to his brother and, purchasing another shop, carried on a thriving business as carriage manufacturer for two years. At the end of that time he moved to Brooklyn and after a residence there of three years came to Great Neck. This was in 1882, and that year he formed a partnership with his brother, Moses R., and they are now in command of a splendid business. From the first the venture met with success, and they are classed among the shrewd, progressive business men of the place. They have made additions to their shop and both are owners of the comfortable dwellings in which they live.

In 1872 Mr. Schenck and Miss Thela Jones, of Port Washington, were united in marriage. This lady was born on Staten Island, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of a daughter, Annie, who is now the wife of Jacob Henry Lahr, and they make their home in Great Neck. Their household includes three children, Elbert J., Annie E. and Jacob H. Mrs. Schenck died in 1875 and one year later our subject was married to Miss Henrietta Bunce. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Schenck was a resident of Port Washington, although her birth occurred in New York City.

In politics Mr. Schenck is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. At various times he has been a delegate to county conventions and has always taken an active part in politics. In 1887 he was the successful candidate for the office of coroner of the county, serving the people acceptably for three terms. Mr. Schenck conducted the case at the time Frederick Baker of New York was found drowned, soon after robbing of the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York, in which the insurance companies were interested. The manner in which he handled the case was spoken of in a highly commendable manner in the New York papers at the time. Socially he is a member of Cornucopia Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., with which he has been connected since 1887. He also belongs to the Roslyn Benevolent Society.

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

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