David Enders, a prominent and well-to-do resident of Esperance township, N. Y., was born at Schoharie Junction, September 10, 1833, son of Jacob P. and Eva (Kniskern) Enders. He is of the fifth generation in descent from Eardrum Enders, who emigrated from Holland, and, settling as a pioneer in this county, became a large land-owner. A deed for twelve hundred and seventy acres, now in the possession of Mr. David Enders, was originally conveyed from King George in 1729 to Augustus Van Cortland, who in turn transferred it to a person by the name of Holland. The latter transferred it to Mr. Dow, from whom it went to Bardrum Enders and his descendants. John Enders, son of Bardrum, reared a family of four children, one being a son Peter, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Peter Enders became the owner of all but one-seventh of his grandfather Bardrum's property, and was an extensive farmer. He had a family of two sons and six daughters, and among the latter were: Maria, who married John Enders; Christina, who married Joseph I. Borst; Nancy, who married Philip Deitz; and another, who married Harmon Beecher. The sons were: Peter I., and Jacob P., the father of David.
Jacob P. Enders followed general farming throughout the active period of his life, and like his predecessors was noted for his energy and ability. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church, was kind-hearted and charitable, and his high character gave him considerable influence with his fellow-townsmen. In politics he was a Democrat. He was the father of nine children; namely, Peter, John, David, the subject of this sketch, Maria, Elizabeth, Christina, Eva, Katharine, and Matilda. Of the daughters four married. Peter resides in Esperance; John, who lived on the old homestead, was accidentally killed by a runaway horse.
David Enders received his education in the district schools, at the Richmondville Academy, which was destroyed by fire some nine weeks after its opening, and at the Schoharie Academy, where his studies were completed under Professor Briggs. He resided at home until after his marriage, when he purchased a piece of property known as Slingerland farm, upon which he remained nine years, and then removed to the farm where he now resides. His homestead is considered one of the handsomest in Sloansville. He takes a keen interest in the advancement of the town, and as one of its wealthiest and most public-spirited residents his aid and influence are visible in all measures instigated therefor. He served as Railroad Commissioner for fifteen consecutive years, or until the board was abolished. He was elected to the Assembly in 1896, on the Democratic ticket, and served with ability upon the Committees on Interior Affairs, Villages, and Agriculture. His interest in public affairs has in various ways proved beneficial to the community, and his well-known persistency is a sufficient guarantee that whatever he undertakes will be successfully accomplished. This was recently demonstrated by the completion of a fine new bridge over the Schoharie River at Sloansville, an improvement which was strenuously opposed by many, but through his instrumentality was finally built.
Mr. Enders married for his first wife Mary E. Larkin, daughter of Daniel Larkin. Two children were the fruit of this marriage, namely: Jacob, who died at the age of four years; and Nancy. For his second wife he married Emma Williams, daughter of Olaff H. Williams.
Mr. Enders is a Master Mason, and belongs to Schoharie Lodge, No. 492. In his religious belief he favors the Baptists, but contributes toward the support of other churches. Mrs. Enders is a Lutheran.