Farmington New York

History of Ontario County, New York, part 1

History of Ontario County, New York

“History of Ontario County, New York: With Illustrations and Family Sketches of Some of the Prominent Men and Families” is a comprehensive historical compilation, organized by Lewis Cass Aldrich and meticulously edited by George Stillwell Conover. Published in 1893 by D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, N.Y., this monumental work illuminates the rich tapestry of Ontario County’s past. Recognizing the voluminous nature of the original single volume, it has been thoughtfully divided into two parts for convenience and accessibility. Part 1 encompasses the historical and biographical narrative of Ontario County, laying the foundation for the genealogical treasures contained in Part 2.

Biographical Sketch of Baxter Robinson

Baxter Robinson, born in 1824, was the son of Dr. Daniel Arnold Robinson and married Martha Smith, whose father, Jacob Smith, was an early settler in Ontario County, New York. Jacob Smith established the first grist mill in 1793 and the first saw mill two years later in Farmington. These mills served the community until 1839 and 1841, respectively, marking significant contributions to the region’s development.

Biographical Sketch of Robert H. Robinson

Robert H. Robinson, born December 15, 1855, in Ontario County, New York, was educated at public schools and Union Springs Academy. A skilled oarsman in his youth, he won several awards, including a medal at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. In 1901, he moved to Ontario County, purchasing the Castle Mill. He married Jennie Sassaman in 1899, who had a notable educational career as principal of Milton High School. Both are descendants of an influential Robinson family with roots tracing back to early colonial America.

Biographical Sketch of Brice W. Bowerman

Brice W. Bowerman, born in 1837 in Farmington, New York, was the son of Silas G. Bowerman. He received his education at local schools and settled in Victor, where he managed a 108-acre farm. A Republican and a member of the Society of Friends, he married Lucena Smith in 1864. They had several children, including Lyman and Grace, and Brice passed away in 1904, while Lucena died in 1897. Their legacy includes multiple grandchildren.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. William B. Clapper

Dr. William B. Clapper, born December 13, 1864, in Bristol, New York, graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore in 1894. He practiced in Farmington until 1901 and subsequently in Victor, specializing in women’s and children’s health. Active in medical societies and local governance, he held various positions, including supervisor of the town. A Democrat in a Republican area, he is also involved in Free Masonry. He married Minnie A. Hausner in 1895 and has two children, Ruth and Mildred.

Biography of Cassius Aldrich

Cassius R. Aldrich, born on October 15, 1839, in Wayne County, New York, was educated locally before apprenticing as a mason at eighteen. He settled in Victor, where he worked for many years and later purchased a 125-acre farm in 1904, assisted by his son Milton. A Republican and active in local governance, Aldrich served as trustee of Victor and was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Cornelia Bartles in 1869, with whom he had one son, Milton U. Aldrich.

Biographical Sketch of Fred W. Knowles

Fred W. Knowles, born on November 1, 1858, in Hopewell, Ontario County, engaged in farming after completing his education in local schools. His successful farming operation reflects his dedication and progressive methods. A respected community member, he is known for his integrity and cheerful disposition, serving four years as justice of the peace. Married to Cora A. Randall in 1881, they had three children: Mary, William, and Frank. He is actively involved in the Manchester Baptist Church and identifies as a Republican.

Biographical Sketch of Willis Aldrich

Willis Aldrich, son of Nathan Aldrich, was born in either Adams or New Salem and established a farm in Farmington, New York. He married Edna Smith and passed away in 1852, followed by his wife’s death in 1857. They had three children: Urial, Esther, and Reuben.

Biographical Sketch of Urial Aldrich

Urial Aldrich, born in Farmington in 1810, was the son of Willis Aldrich and a farmer with a 92-acre property. A Republican and a member of the Society of Friends, he married Esther Power in 1831, who passed away in 1897. They had several children, including Esther, Lydia, Byron, and Gralette, the latter having two marriages and three children. Urial Aldrich died on November 24, 1883.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph W. Tuttle

Joseph W. Tuttle, born January 9, 1860, in Farmington, New York, was the son of Anson S. Tuttle. He received education in local public schools and Canandaigua Academy while actively working on his father’s farm. A successful farmer with a productive 68-acre property, Tuttle was involved in politics as a Republican, holding roles such as town clerk and supervisor. He was connected to community groups like the Farmington Grange. He married Elizabeth C. Padgham in 1879 and had two children, Mary E. and Joseph E.

Biographical Sketch of Richard A. Tuttle

Richard A. Tuttle, born on November 28, 1864, in Farmington, took over his father’s farm at nineteen before purchasing the Smith homestead in 1897. A Republican and member of the Orthodox Friends Society, he actively participated in church work. On December 8, 1897, he married Lucy Whipple, an only child of Franklin and Carrie Whipple. The couple had two children, Anson H. and Richard F. Tuttle. Lucy’s family also had deep roots in Farmington, contributing to their community ties.

Biographical Sketch of Leslie George Loomis

Leslie George Loomis, born on April 9, 1857, in Farmington, New York, was a prominent businessman and community leader. After graduating from Canandaigua Academy, he began his career as a bookkeeper in 1876, later partnering with W. C. Woodworth to establish Loomis Woodworth in wholesale produce. The firm eventually evolved into L. G. Loomis & Son. A Democratic supporter, he served as postmaster of Victor, New York, from 1895 to 1899. He married Delia Mary Hunt and had three children, including Leslie George Jr.

Biography of Robert Houston

Robert Houston was born in 1821 in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to the United States in 1845, eventually settling in Canandaigua, New York. He became a successful shoe manufacturer until his death in 1856. He married Jane Carson, with whom he had several children. Their son, James, was involved in multiple business ventures, including hotel ownership and farming, while also engaging in local politics as a Republican. James married Mary C. Eaton, and they did not have children together.

Biographical Sketch of George Collins

George Collins, born on June 20, 1833, in East Bloomfield, was primarily a farmer and served as an auctioneer and traveling salesman for the Walter A. Wood Company. He spent several years in England promoting agricultural machinery. A Democrat, he held the position of supervisor in Farmington and served as postmaster. Collins was active in the Masonic community and married Ann Maria Victoria Hathaway in 1860. He had three children, with notable careers in public service and business. He passed away on April 17, 1903.

Biographical Sketch of Perez Hathaway

Perez Hathaway, born on July 12, 1805, in Farmington, New York, was the son of Isaac Hathaway. He received his education locally and dedicated his life to farming until his death on January 25, 1854. A Whig by political affiliation and a Presbyterian by faith, he married Hannah Lapham on March 7, 1827. They had several children, including Joseph P. and Ann Maria Victoria, who married George Collins. His daughter Elizabeth C. died young, and another daughter, Rebecca J., passed away in 1873.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph P. Hathaway

Joseph P. Hathaway, born on August 31, 1833, in Farmington, New York, was the son of Perez Hathaway. He received his education locally and engaged in farming, specializing in high-grade livestock. A Republican, he served as a justice of the peace and was active in the Hicksite church. Hathaway married Ellen A. Bristol in 1860 and, after her death in 1874, wed Helena Beach in 1878. He had three children: Elizabeth, Arnold, and Ellen Josephine. He passed away on June 14, 1897.

Biographical Sketch of Arnold Bristol Hathaway

Arnold Bristol Hathaway, born on October 4, 1866, in Farmington, is the son of Joseph P. Hathaway. After managing the family farm upon his father’s death in 1890, he expanded his agricultural holdings significantly. Specializing in high-grade cattle and Oxford Down sheep, Hathaway is a prominent farmer and active Republican. He married Emma A. Rose in 1896, and together they had four children: J. Perez, Josephine, Elizabeth, and Wilma Rose. Hathaway is also a practicing Methodist, reflecting his values in both his personal and professional life.

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Hathaway

Isaac Hathaway (b. October 28, 1955) was a significant early settler in Farmington, New York, likely part of the migration from Rhode Island post-Revolution. He married Jemima Comstock in 1784, who notably rode horseback from Rhode Island to their new home. After her death in 1793, he wed Elizabeth Richmond in 1794. Hathaway fathered several children with both wives, and his descendants still hold a portion of his original land, connecting them to their Quaker heritage from Rhode Island.