The Moffitt family of Troy, represented in the present generation by Andrew W. M. Moffitt, chemist, descends through both paternal and maternal lines from families long seated in Ireland. Through maternal lines they descend from A. R. Young, born in county Monahan, Ireland, where he lived and died. His daughter, Anna Young, was twice married and twice widowed before coming to the United States; her first husband was ———— Marshall, by whom she had a daughter, Alicia; her second husband was ———— Fitzgerald, by whom she had a son, William M. Fitzgerald. About the year 1840, with these two children, she came to the United States and settled in Troy, New York. Her son, William M. Fitzgerald, enlisted from Weehawken, New Jersey, with Burden's sharpshooters, and was a brave soldier of the civil war. For gallantry in the field he had won a lieutenant's commission, but before it had reached him he was wounded at the battle of Kelly's Ford, taken to Washington, D. C., where he died in the hospital. The daughter, Alicia Marshall, born in Ireland, May, 1835, died in Troy, April 5, 1903. She was married in the Church of the Holy Cross, Troy, to James Moffitt, the founder of the Troy family.
(I) James Moffitt was born in county Monahan, Ireland, 1833, died in Troy, New York, December 16, 1903. He came to the United States about the year 1840 and settled in Troy. He learned the trade of tanner, and for thirteen years was connected with the firm of Swasey & Company. During these years he accumulated capital and established a grocery business in Troy, which he conducted the remainder of his life. He was a man of energy and ability, and conducted his business affairs successfully. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church of Troy, the other members of his family being of the Episcopal faith. He was a Democrat in politics, but bore no active part in public affairs. He married, in 1850, Alicia Marshall, whose parents have been previously mentioned. Child, Andrew William Marshall, see forward.
(II) Andrew William Marshall, son of James and Alicia (Marshall) Moffitt, was born in Troy, New York, September 23, 1852. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his education entered the drug store of R. L. Drake as a clerk, and later was associated with R. H. Starbuck in the same line of business. He became thoroughly conversant with the details of the drug business, and in 1881 formed a partnership with J. R. Drake, under the firm name of Drake & Moffitt. The firm established their store at No. 3 Second street, where for eighteen years they conducted a very successful drug business. In 1898 the firm was dissolved. Mr. Moffitt established a new store on Broadway, where he still continues, one of the leading drug firms of the city. Beside his private business he is interested in the United Drug Company of Boston. He is a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal church of Troy, which he has served as treasurer for twenty-five years, and also is a member of the governing committee of the church. He is prominent in the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Pharmaceutical Association of Troy. He is a Republican in politics, but not an active worker in the party. He married Mary Ann Little, of Troy, February 8, 1873, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Little. Children:
- Jessie Marshall, married George G. Grossmann, of Troy, cashier of the mercantile establishment of W. H. Frear.
- Walter James, born in Troy, December 15, 1877; graduated from the Troy high school and Albany Pharmaceutical College; now engaged in the drug business at Springer, New Mexico.