The following is an excerpt from “Portrait and Biographical Record of Orange County, New York,” published by Chapman Publishing Company in 1895.
This passage speaks to both the prominence of David in his lifetime as well as the legacy of the Constable family, which had been in Montgomery for over 150 years by 1895. Benjamin Constapel, David’s second-great grandfather, brought the Constable family to Montgomery by 1740.
Full genealogical line: David Constable (b. 1855), son of Abraham Constable (b. 1814), son of David Constable (b. 1776), son of Christopher Constable (b. 1745), son of Benjamin Constapel (b. 1712), son of Egbert Constapel of Hurley, New York, the first to use the “Constable” surname
DAVID CONSTABLE. It would be difficult, if indeed it were not impossible, to decide which of the states of our Union is the best, but it is certainly within the bounds of truth to say that the state of New York is one of the greatest and best, and equally true is it that Orange County contains within its borders some of the most beautiful scenery, finest improved farms, and most enterprising citizens, that are to be found in the commonwealth.
To this class belongs David Constable, a lifelong resident of the town of Montgomery, and an energetic and progressive agriculturist. He resides upon the old homestead, where his birth occurred, and where were also born his forefathers as far back as the fifth generation. The family, having been identified for so many years with the history and growth of this locality, is well known throughout the county, its representatives having been men of energy, capability and progressive spirit.
The father of our subject, Abraham Constable, as well as the grandfather and great-grandfather, were born on this farm, to which place the first ancestor in America had come from Holland. The father made this place his home until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty years. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Ann Eliza Hadden, was born in the town of Montgomery, and died here December 29, 1893, at seventy-eight years of age. She was a woman of noble Christian character, and a devoted member of the Reformed Church. Her mother was born in Orange County, and was of Irish extraction. Her father, a native of Ireland, came to America at the age of ten years, and remained a resident of New York until his death, at the age of eighty-six.
In the town of Montgomery the subject of this notice was born June 30, 1855, and here he has always resided. His boyhood years were divided between attendance at the district schools and helping his father in the cultivation of the farm. Since attaining manhood he has superintended the old home place, which under his efficient management maintains the high degree of cultivation to which it had been brought by his father. As every good citizen should, he takes an active interest in public affairs, and is well informed regarding the political questions of the age, his support being given to the Democratic party. Upon his party ticket he was elected to the position of Town Collector, which he held for one term. Socially he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in Walden Lodge No. 267, at Walden.