Person:Hendrick Schenck (1)

History of the Scheanck family, compiled by Kate Ward Reid Hendrick van Brunt Schanck, the 9th son of Capt. John Schanck, brother of DeLafayette Schanck was born n Monmouth Co., NJ on July 23rd 1791. At the age of 14 he entered a store as a clerk in Middletown Point, where he remained about 4 years, then returned to his father's farm. At the age of 21 he married Sarah Schanck, a daughter of Peter Schanck of Freehold in the same county. During the same year he volunteered in Capt. Wright's rifle company (in the war of 1812) and was soon transferred to the Cavalry. About a year after his marriage, he bought a farm near Middletown Point (now Mattawan), where he resided 16 years. When he found himself little advanced toward wealth, he decided to try the "Far West". In the spring of 1830, with his wife and 8 children, he moved to Bloomfield, Ontario Co., NY where a sister then lived. He was 7 days by line boat up the Hudson River and the Erie Canal to Pittsford. He leased a farm in the vicinity for the season, and in September, following, bought a farm in Brighton. That fall he and Joseph Combs, his brother-in-law went to New Jersey in a wagon and brought back about 600 peach trees which he planted in the spring, the first peach orchard in Monroe Co. From this he increased largely growing peaches, in conjunction with cherries, introducing many of the finest varieties and giving the first impetus to the culture of nursery stock. He increased his orchard to 25 acres of the choicest varieties known to horticulturists, and became widely known as Peach Schanck. Mr. Schanck reared 11 children, five sons and six daughters, all of whom reached maturity and married. Until he was 81 years of age, Mr. Schanck conducted his own business and was able to do a full day's, man's work. But then a stroke of paralysis struck him and the management of his business fell to the management of his youngest son, Henry DeNise Schanck. He was a large man of commanding presence, with a clear intellect and foresight, Steadfast in the accomplishment of his purpose and just in his judgement of matters. A man with a nice sense of honor, that never encroached on the rights of others, and a studious effort in his friendship with his neighbors. He was a man of intense energy and force, and the most unswerving and spotless integrity. In politics he was a staunch Jeffersonian Democrat and patriot by blood and heredity. He was assessor several years, but generally avoided office, preferrring to give his whole attention to his business, in which he was abundantly successful. He died Nov. 17, 1877 in his home in Brighton, now a part of Rochester, NY and is buried by his wife Sarah in Mt. Hope Cemetary in Rochester.

1.   Daughters of the American Revolution. Genealogical Research System.

   SCHENCK, JOHN
   A100702
   Child/Child :
   HENDRICK VAN BRUNT / [1] SARAH SCHENCK

2.   History of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Reid and Family booklet. (Pamplet published for the 50th Anniversary of George William and Gertrude Adelia Schanck on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary).