Allegany County NY

Allegany County was formed in 1806 from Genesee County in western New York, with its county seat at Belmont; early settlement began shortly after the American Revolution as migrants from New England and eastern New York moved into lands formerly controlled by the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. The county was further divided in 1808 and later years, so earlier records may also be found under Genesee County and subsequent jurisdictions. Genealogically significant records include land deeds, probate, and court records beginning in 1806, with town-level vital records and church registers supplementing documentation prior to statewide vital registration in 1880. The county lies within the Allegheny Plateau, characterized by the Genesee River and its tributaries, which influenced early settlement and transportation, along with roads connecting settlements such as Angelica and Cuba. Important repositories include the county courthouse in Belmont, holding legal and probate records, and various local churches and cemeteries that preserve early family information relevant to genealogical research.

Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Orcutt

Charles E. Orcutt was born on February 15, 1845, in Vermont and later moved with his family to Allegany County, New York, and Massachusetts. He educated at Deerfield Academy before working on a farm. In his twenties, he relocated to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he initially clerked in a store. In 1871, he established a drug business in Jamesport and was appointed postmaster in 1873. Active in local governance, he is a Republican and married Tillia Keener, with whom he had two children.

Biography of Rev. Josiah Lamberson Parrish

Rev. Josiah Lamberson Parrish, born on October 14, 1806, in New York, was a key figure in Oregon’s early missionary efforts. After working as a blacksmith and saddle-maker, he devoted himself to preaching in 1835 and became blacksmith for the Methodist Mission in Oregon in 1839. He served as an Indian agent from 1849 and was instrumental in establishing reservations. Retiring in 1856, he continued his ministry, notably as chaplain of the Oregon Penitentiary. Parrish, now an octogenarian, resides in Salem, Oregon, noted for his integrity and vast knowledge of early Oregon history.

Biography of George W. Pennell

George W. Pennell, born to Revolutionary stock in New York, ventured westward to shape the lumber industry in Atchison, Kansas. After gaining experience in Hannibal, Missouri, he became the manager of the Hixon Lumber Company and expanded it into the largest lumber business in Northeastern Kansas. He co-founded the Carlisle-Pennell Lumber Company, known for its extensive operations in the West. Pennell, a retired businessman and community leader, values humility and is an active member of the local Masonic and Elks organizations, living comfortably with his wife, Helen.

Biography of Nathan C. Delano

Nathan C. Delano, a prominent merchant in Bellevue, Idaho, has had a long and successful business career since moving to the area. Born in Allegany County, New York, on October 31, 1852, he has French-Huguenot and English ancestry. Delano established a general mercantile store in 1882 after various business ventures, including farming and lumber. Active in local politics, he has held multiple positions, including treasurer and assessor of Blaine County. He is also involved in community organizations and has valuable mining interests in Nevada. Delano has been married twice and has two daughters.

Biography of William T. Riley

William T. Riley, a pivotal figure in the founding of Hailey, Idaho, was born on March 31, 1843, in Allegany County, New York. He served honorably in the Civil War, enduring injuries that marked his dedication. After the war, he contributed to the development of the West through various business ventures, including merchandising and real estate. Riley played a crucial role in laying out Hailey and was involved in essential community projects, such as establishing a water company. He was a devoted family man and an active member of his community and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Texas Angel

Texas Angel, born October 19, 1839, in Angelica, New York, is a notable attorney who has contributed significantly to the development of Hailey, Idaho. A descendant of early American settlers, he served in the Civil War with the Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. After practicing law in various states, he settled in Hailey shortly after its founding, where he has been a key figure in the community. A dedicated legal professional, he is known for his integrity and has actively engaged in politics, initially supporting the Republican Party before joining the Populist movement.

Biographical Sketch of Edgar Elliotte Adams

Edgar Elliotte Adams, born on December 2, 1871, in Cleveland, served as the general superintendent of the Cleveland Hardware Company. Educated in local public schools, he began his career in his father’s art store before advancing to the hardware company, where he held various positions, including time-keeper. Married to Elizabeth Carlton in 1914, he had two daughters. Adams was actively involved in the community, serving as a director and committee member in several organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Legal Aid Society.

Biographical Sketch of George Humphrey Burrows

George Humphrey Burrows, born on May 18, 1863, in Wakeman, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and businessman. He received his education in Cleveland and New York and married Ida Bell Folliett in 1885, with whom he had two children. Burrows held various positions, including secretary of the Cleveland Coal Exchange and the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange, before establishing a law practice in 1893. He also served as secretary and general manager of the Cleveland Farm Development Company and led the Geo. H. Burrows Development Company.

Biographical Sketch of Russell Emmett Burdick

Russell Emmett Burdick, born May 28, 1848, in Alfred, New York, was a merchant and prominent figure in Ohio. He was educated at Alfred University and married Mary H. McCutchen in 1874, with whom he had three children. Burdick served as captain of Troop A in the Ohio National Guard in 1895 and participated in the Spanish-American War as captain of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in 1898. He also held positions as aid-de-camp for several generals and was president and treasurer of the Bowler Burdick Co., jewelers.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Sherman Van De Boe

Joseph Sherman Van De Boe, born January 20, 1859, in Cooperstown, New York, had a diverse career in real estate. He started working at age 12, eventually managing a drug company and pursuing further education at Eastman Business College and Williston Seminary. After various business ventures, he became a general manager in a Boston real estate firm before relocating to Buffalo and then Cleveland. He founded his own company, laying out multiple subdivisions, and was active in local organizations and Masonry.

Biographical Sketch of Franklin John Sprague

Franklin John Sprague, born in Wellsville, New York in 1868, was a dentist educated in public schools and at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, later obtaining his D.D.S. from Western Reserve University. He married Lucy Amanda Emmons in 1879 and had one daughter, Dorothy. Sprague served as secretary and president of the Cleveland Dental Society, and was an active member of both the Cleveland and Ohio State Dental Societies.

Biography of H. O. Ballard

H. O. Ballard, born on August 7, 1873, in New York, transitioned from the oil industry to dairying in north-eastern Oklahoma. He co-founded the Empire Dairy Company, which operates a significant dairy farm near Bartlesville, boasting 400 cattle, including 70 milch cows. Driven by a quest for sanitary milk production, he invented an innovative bottle-washing machine. Married to Ida May Palmer since 1899, they adopted twins and relocated to enhance their dairy business, which has already invested $50,000 to ensure high standards.

Biographical Sketch of David Carpenter

David Carpenter, son of Increase Carpenter, was born around 1800, likely in Dutchess County. He resided in Victor, later moved to Allegany County, and eventually returned to Victor. He married Miss Cator and had several children: William, Charles, Frank, Henry, Martha, Louise, Mary, and James.

Biographical Sketch of Curtis Carpenter

Curtis Carpenter, born in 1828 in Allegany County, was the son of David Carpenter and moved to Victor, Ontario County in 1839. He received a common school education and worked as a decorator and painter. A member of the Society of Friends, Carpenter was active in local politics as a prominent Republican and served two terms as tax collector for Victor. He married Minerva Payne, and they had a son, Frank H. Carpenter died on May 6, 1894.

Biography of Joel Wakeman Burdick

Joel Wakeman Burdick, born on June 20, 1853, in Almond, New York, is a distinguished general passenger agent for the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company railroad. He began his career in the telegraph business at a young age and quickly advanced within the railroad industry due to his dedication and expertise. Over time, Burdick held significant positions, culminating in his current role. His journeys in Europe enriched his appreciation for art and culture. A family man, he is known for his humility and commitment to his work and company.

Wenrohronon Tribe

1670 Herrmann's map of Virginia and Maryland

The Wenrohronon, also known as the “people of the place of floating scum,” likely inhabited the region near a significant oil spring in present-day New York. Historically associated with the Neutral Nation, their population dwindled due to conflict with the Iroquois and epidemics. In 1639, they sought refuge with the Hurons, though many perished during their migration. The tribe was characterized by its interactions with European traders and had formerly been sizable, numbering up to 2,000 individuals before facing decline.

Biography of Hon. Rufus Mallory

Hon. Rufus Mallory, born June 10, 1831, in New York, became a prominent figure in Oregon’s legal community. After moving to Oregon in 1858, he practiced law, eventually becoming the first prosecuting attorney for the district and serving in the state legislature. Elected to Congress in 1866, he later held the position of U.S. district attorney twice. Mallory also served as a special agent for the Treasury Department in Singapore. His legal career culminated in Portland, where he became a partner in a major law firm.

Biographical Sketch of H. A. McKee

H. A. McKee, originally from Friendship, New York, enlisted at seventeen in the Twenty-third New York Volunteer Infantry. After two years of military service, he pursued livestock and retail ventures in Kansas. He married Jennie Paxton in 1869, who had a notable teaching career across several states. Relocating to Texas in 1874, he focused on sheep ranching for fifteen years before moving to California in 1888, where he now runs a grocery store in Santa Ana and plans to enjoy his later years.

Biography of Burr Dexter

Burr Dexter, born on February 2, 1830, in Allegany County, New York, was a prominent figure in Wallowa County, known for his valor in the Civil War, serving with the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry. After a career in agriculture, he retired and improved his farm’s value significantly. Married twice, Dexter had five children. He is remembered as a respected, influential citizen who lived a life marked by integrity and is cherished by his descendants, including great-great-granddaughter Carla Leighton.