The maternal and paternal ancestors of the Hanratta family of the city of Watervliet came from Ireland and figured in the settlement of that section. Dr. Eugene J. Hanratta, the present head of the family in Watervliet, is a grandson of Eugene Hanratta, a merchant of county Monahan, Ireland, where he lived and died. The family were prosperous and prominent in their locality.
(II) Hugh, son of Eugene Hanratta, was born in Ireland in 1840, died in Watervliet, New York, September 2, 1882. He came to the United States in 1870 and engaged in mercantile life in Watervliet. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and an active worker in the Democratic party. He married Annie Tierney, born in Watervliet, 1854, died there April 19, 1889. Children:
- Eugene Joseph, see forward.
- Margaret, born November 18, 1879, died November 15, 1882.
- Mary, married Baltes Prime, of Albany.
- Martin, born July 29, 1882, died March 15, 1907.
Mrs. Hugh Hanratta (Annie Tierney) was a daughter of Martin Tierney, born in Ireland, 1820, died in Watervliet, New York, 1890. He came to the United States about 1843, settled in Watervliet, where he engaged in mercantile life. He enlisted in the army during the war with Mexico, and was on duty at the Watervliet Arsenal for three years. He was very active in public affairs; was trustee of the village of West Troy; in 1872 was one of the organizers of the Fire company, which bears his name; their steamer "The Martin Tierney" is still in use in the fire department. He was active in the church, and one of the organizers of St. Bridget's parish, which he served as trustee for several years. He married Margaret Dempsey, and had issue.
(III) Dr. Eugene Joseph Hanratta, eldest child of Hugh and Annie (Tierney) Hanratta, was born in Watervliet, March 29, 1876. He was educated at La Salle Institute, graduating in 1894. He chose medicine as his profession, entered Albany Medical College, where he was graduated M.D., 1897. He had many obstacles to overcome in obtaining his preparatory and professional education, but with determined courage never lost sight of the goal on which his ambition was fixed. On leaving college he began practising in Watervliet, where he has since continued. He is learned and skillful in his profession, in which he has a large practice. He has the confidence of the citizens of the town, who have not only bestowed upon him a very large professional practice, but have bestowed civic honors as well. In 1899 he was appointed health officer of the city; reappointed in 1901, serving four years. In 1908 he was elected mayor and is now (1910) in office. He is a popular and efficient official, and administers the mayor's office most capably, keeping it as far removed as possible from political influence, as he is not in any sense a politician. He belongs to the New York State, Albany Country, City of Troy and Watervliet Medical societies. Is medical examiner for the Knights of Columbus, of which he is also a member; belongs to the fraternal orders, Knights of Maccabees, Foresters of America; Modern Woodmen, Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association. He is a member of the Catholic church, and of the Holy Name Society of that church. Politically Mayor Hanratta is a Democrat.
Dr. Eugene J. Hanratta married, June 14, 1889, at Albany, Katherine, daughter of John C. O'Neil, deceased, former captain of police of Albany, and his wife Helen (Murtaugh) O'Neil, who survives him, and is a resident of Albany. Children of Dr. Eugene Joseph and Katherine (O'Neil) Hanratta:
- Katherine Mary, who was born March 25, 1900; and
- Eugene Joseph (2), born December 1, 1909.