Francis Hendricks
Francis Hendricks | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kingston, Ulster County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 9, 1920 (aged 85) Syracuse, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1860–1916 (business), various political offices 1877–1906 |
| Known for | Mayor of Syracuse; New York State Assemblyman and Senator; Collector of the Port of New York; Superintendent of Insurance; President of the State Bank of Syracuse |
Francis Hendricks (November 23, 1834 – June 9, 1920) was a prominent American businessman, banker, and political figure based in New York.
Life
Hendricks was born in Kingston, located in Ulster County, New York. His early education included attendance at local common schools and The Albany Academy. From 1860 until 1916, he managed a business specializing in photographic supplies in Syracuse.
His public service included membership on Syracuse's Board of Fire Commissioners between 1877 and 1878. Subsequently, he held the office of Mayor of Syracuse from 1880 to 1881. Hendricks then represented the 2nd District of Onondaga County in the New York State Assembly during 1884 and 1885. Following this, he served as a state senator for the 25th District from 1886 through 1891.
Between September 1891 and July 1893, Hendricks occupied the position of Collector of the Port of New York. He also acted as President of the State Bank of Syracuse. In 1900, Governor Theodore Roosevelt appointed him Superintendent of Insurance, a role he fulfilled until 1906.
During the prohibition controversy in 1918, Hendricks experienced a decline in political backing and stepped down from his leadership responsibilities, openly criticizing his organization as being "the tool of the saloons."
He passed away in Syracuse on June 9, 1920, following several weeks of illness.
Legacy
Having no children, Hendricks left a bequest of $500,000 to Syracuse University to fund the construction of a chapel dedicated to his wife, Eliza Jane. The Hendricks Memorial Chapel continues to stand as a registered historic landmark on the university campus.