Following the history of the Kingdom of Saxony back for three or four centuries would not carry to a more remote period than the history of one of its families, the Maudrich. They have been natives of that, now German, principality for hundreds of years, and have borne their part in the peaceful arts and in the more dangerous times of war. They have figured in all branches of Saxony life and activity. The history of the Albany branch of the family carries back to the year 1849, when the first of the family came to the United States.
(I) Ernest H. Maudrich was born in a small village of Saxony, Germany, in the year 1849. When but a small boy his father died, and the care of bringing up the family devolved upon the mother. After obtaining such education as the schools of his village afforded, he was apprenticed to a shoemaker who taught him his trade. He married, in Saxony, Theresa Braun, born there of German parents and ancestors. They remained in Saxony, where he worked at his trade and where their two children were born and passed their childhood. In the year 1893, although then forty-four years of age, Ernest H. Maudrich resolved to emigrate to the United States and seek better opportunities for his children than he had himself enjoyed. In that year he came to the United States alone, finally settling in Albany, New York, where he found employment at his trade. In 1894 he sent to Saxony for his wife and children to join him, and they made the long journey without event, the family being safely reunited in Albany. They have since lived in Albany, where the father has continued his business of shoemaker up to the present time (1910). Both Mr. and Mrs. Maudrich are active members of the Lutheran church. Children:
- William Henry, see forward.
- Sophia, born August 17, 1881; came to the United States with mother and brother in 1894; married Pitt Cotton, of German parentage, and a successful farmer of Cherry Valley, Otsego county, New York.
(II) William Henry, only son of Ernest H. and Theresa (Braun) Maudrich, was born in Hamburg, Germany (where the family were then living) February 22, 1880. His education continued in German schools until the emigration in 1894, and was resumed in Albany. He was apprenticed to a baker in Albany and taught that trade, working as a journeyman baker until starting in business for himself. In 1906 he purchased the property at No. 235 Central avenue, in which was located ovens and all the accessories of a modern baking plant, including a store. He opened business there in 1906 and founded a prosperous, profitable trade. He is an expert baker himself, and has gained a high reputation for business integrity, being a progressive and capable business man. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and of Sanford Camp, No. 899, Modern Woodmen. Politically he is an Independent. He married, in Albany, New York, June 25, 1906, Margaret Kerst, born in that city, where she was educated in the public and parochial schools. She is a daughter of Ernest and May (Schaffer) Kerst, natives of Saxony and Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, both born of old German Lutheran families. They came to Albany about 1853, and were married in that city. In 1861 Ernest Kerst enlisted in Company D, Twenty-fifth Regiment, New York Volunteers, and served throughout the war in the service of his adopted country. He saw a great deal of hard service with his regiment, but escaped all serious injury; returned to Albany, where he died October 8, 1894. He was a man of fine intellectual qualities, good education and much sought after among his people for information and instruction. His wife, May (Schaffer) Kerst, died May 12, 1898. They were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Albany, and he is a Republican. Children:
- Dorothy, married John Stettner, of Spencerport, New York; children: May, George, Catherine, Florence, Elmer and Estella.
- William, of Albany, unmarried.
- Catherine, unmarried.
- Susie, married John Traver, who survives her.
- Margaret, born December 8, 1875; married William Henry Maudrich. They are the parents of two children:
- Catherine T., born December 25, 1907.
- Margaret A., born June 27, 1909.