My Genealogy Hound

HERBERT L. DE CLERCQ, the clerk of the Surrogate’s Court of Cortland County, was born at Cazenovia, Madison County, N. Y., February 11, 1867. He is a son of Austin De Clercq, grandson of Young De Clercq, and great-grandson of Hendrick De Clercq, who came from Holland to this country about 1800 and settled in Cazenovia, N. Y. A trade being unsuited to his tastes, his livelihood was obtained from the natural resources of the country by tilling the soil.

Young De Clercq pursued the same industry as his father, and made Cazenovia his home all his life. Politically, he was a Whig, next an Abolitionist, and still later a Republican. He died in 1872 leaving a family consisting of four children, three boys and one girl. The family always favored the Baptist Church.

Austin De Clercq, the father of our subject, was born May 3, 1842, at Cazenovia. He received but a common school education; when the war broke out, he enlisted for gallant service in Co. H, 35th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf. He served for two years, and lost the use of one ear. After returning from the war, he learned the trade of a gunsmith, and followed that occupation for several years. This trade led him to a broad field, and for many years past he has been a general machinist, which occupation he still follows. He has been a shrewd calculator and an economic business man, which has resulted in his becoming the owner of a nice farm just outside the village of Cazenovia. He is a Republican, but has never sought political distinction, preferring rather the pursuits of business and the quiet of domestic life. He is a member of the G. A. R., Knowlton Post. He married Hannah Kenning, and they have reared two children, Herbert L., our subject, and Chester.

Herbert L. De Clercq attended the common schools and pursued a four years’ course at Cazenovia Seminary. He then took up the study of law; in 1890 he was called upon to accept the office of clerk of the Surrogate’s Court of Cortland County, and still holds the office. In business life he is active and straightforward; in social circles a true and firm friend. He has fulfilled the duties of his office with credit and honor. He has fine natural abilities and no doubt his experience will well fit him to do justice to a higher office.

Our subject married, August 23, 1894, Linnie Lazelle, daughter of H. D. Lazelle of Truxton, Cortland County. Mr. De Clercq is a member of the Baptist Church of Cazenovia, and Vesta Lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F. of Cortland.