Early Life
Josiah Failing was born in Canajoharie, New York on July 9, 1806. His ancestors were German Palatines who settled in the Mohawk Valley of New York in the early part of the 18th century. He was raised on a farm. Early in life he went to Albany, to learn the trade of paper stainer, and in 1824, accompanied his employer in a move to New York City. There he married Henrietta Ellison on June 15, 1828. Henrietta was of English and Dutch ancestry. They had 11 children.
Failing served his apprenticeship in New York and followed his trade until forced to abandon it on account of ill health. He then engaged in the trucking business, following this line of work for many years. During this period he served for several years as superintendent of public vehicles of the city.
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