His father, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Jersey City and leader in many important civic movements.
[4] His first American ancestor was Willem Jansen Traphagen of Lemgo, County of Lippe, Westphalia, who came to New Amsterdam in 1647.
[6] Traphagen became an attorney and practiced law in New York City for several years, living at 14 East 63rd Street.
While in the Senate, he was a member of the Committees on Commerce, Navigation, Insurance, Privileges and Elections, and Engrossed Bills.
After a funeral at his Nyack residence, he was buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.