This name under its various spellings, Hooghteeling, Houghtaling, Hataling, is one of the old Dutch families of the Mohawk and Hudson valleys. They all undoubtedly descend from Mathys Hooghteeling, of Rensselaerwyck, born 1644, died 1706. He married Maria Hendrikse, and in 1697 was granted a patent for land lying south of Rensselaerwyck in the present city of Coxsackie. He probably emigrated from Holland, as he is ithe first of his name of record in the section. There are now many of the name in the two valleys, but usually spelling their name Hotaling.
(I) John Hotaling was born in Albany county, New York, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Coming from a family that were largely agriculturists, he adopted the same calling which he followed all his life. He married Harriet Brate, of early Dutch ancestry. She died at age of sixty-five. John and his wife were members for many years of the Christian or Disciples Church. They reared a large family, nearly all becoming heads of families.
- Francis, a farmer; left no issue.
- Peter, who combined farming with that of quarryman; he accumulated a competence and retired to Albany county, where he died at age of seventy; he was noted for his great strength and iron nerve; married his cousin, Cynthia Shuter.
- Anna, married John Lockwood, of Albany county, where they lived and died.
- Eliza Jane, married John Adriance, farmer of Albany county, both deceased.
- Fanny C., married Allison Stalker; died without leaving living issue.
- John (2), was a successful carpenter and builder of Albany county; was twice married; the only one of this large family living.
- Jacob, married Louisa Adriance; both deceased.
- Margaret, married Rev. Stephen Adriance; both deceased.
- William, see forward.
- James, married Lavinia Moak; both deceased.
(II) William, ninth child and fifth son of John and Harriet (Brate) Hotaling, was born in the town of Berne, Albany county, New York, September 16, 1830, died in Amsterdam, January 4, 1890. He was a farmer and in connection operated a plant for the manufacture of wooden hoops, used for baling boxes, barrels, crates and hay. He was a successful money maker, but did not profit by it permanently. Like others of the Hotalings, William was a man of great strength. It is told that he literally wrecked a strength-testing machine by lifting more than its registered capacity, one thousand pounds. He married, September 29, 1849, Hannah Brate, of Albany county, New York. Children:
- Eliza, died at age of twelve;
- Frank.
(III) Frank, only son of William and Hannah (Brate) Hotaling, was born in the town of Berne, Albany county, New York, June 19, 1854. His parents removed to Albany county, where he was educated and grew to manhood. For several years he was a dealer in stone for building purposes, both cut and uncut. He later was associated with his father-in-law in gardening and trucking for the Albany market. He was a lover of plants and flowers, always having an ambition to engage in their culture. He gained valuable experience with his father-in-law, and in 1886 located in Amsterdam, erecting greenhouses and conservatories, in short, establishing a complete and commodious plant for the growing of plants and flowers. He has been a very successful florist and has a business that is as profitable as his grounds and greenhouses are beautiful. He has more than a commercial interest in his business and thoroughly delights in the culture of rare, beautiful flowers. In Albany, New York, he married, September 16, 1875, Gertrude, born in Albany, June 19, 1857, daughter of Van Buren and Elizabeth (Roselle) Lockrow, both of New York state. Mr. Lockrow was born December 16, 1832. He was a successful Albany gardener; he resides in Albany. He is the only survivor of Company B of the old military organization known as the "Washington Continental Guards." This was a famous company years ago, and always appeared on parole in the Old Continental style of dress, knee breeches, wig and cocked hat. Mrs. Lockrow died July 21, 1887. The Lockrows are a New York family, while the Roselles, who came to America with Lafayette, settled in Union county, New Jersey. The town of Roselle on the Central railroad of New Jersey was founded by them. Mrs. Frank Hotaling was the eldest daughter of the family. She has a brother, Richard R. Lockrow, who resides on the old Lockrow estate near Albany. Frank and Gertrude (Lockrow) Hotaling have four children:
- Van Buren, born July 29, 1876; married Laura Gourley; resides on Staten Island, New York; they have a daughter, Blanche, born November 6, 1897.
- Frank (2), October 21, 1878; he is interested in business with his father and is manager of the storehouse and salesroom in Amsterdam.
- Libbie, October 7, 1887; wife of Sheridan Frazier, of Amsterdam, and has a son, Kenneth O. Frazier, born May 2, 1907.
- William, September 2, 1888; associated with his father in the management of their large greenhouses and grounds at Amsterdam.