When Levi Hasbrouck died in 1861, Locust Lawn passed on to
Josiah Hasbrouck (1828 -1884), Levi’s only son. Under Josiah’s
ownership the property fell into decline. Because of poor health
and a lack of interest in farming, Josiah relocated to a warmer
climate in California where he hoped to start a new life. However,
unsuccessful at making a living there, Josiah returned to Locust
Lawn. In 1881 just short of his 52nd birthday he married Margaret
DeKay. He and “Maggie” had one daughter named Hylah.
Together they lived at Locust Lawn until Josiah’s death in 1884.
Bad business investments in California resulting in debt, forced
Maggie Hasbrouck to consider selling Locust Lawn after her
husband’s death. In 1889 Laura T. Hasbrouck Varick (1834-1925)
Josiah’s youngest sister, bought Maggie’s interest in Locust Lawn
so that the property would not be sold out of the family. Laura in
turn left the house and farm (now worked under tenants) to her
nephew Hasbrouck Innis (1859-1932) whose niece, Annette Innis
Young (1885-1975) would bequeath the property to the Huguenot
Historical Society (Historic Huguenot Street), in 1958.
