Geneva 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 Frederick Augustine Sterling

Frederick Augustine Sterling, born on May 26, 1831, in Chapinville, Connecticut, was a prominent merchant based in Cleveland since 1850. Educated in Geneva, New York, he married Emma Betts in 1856 and had one son. Throughout his career, he held various roles in companies such as T. S. Beckwith & Co. and Sterling & Welch Co., serving as president of the latter. Additionally, he was active in banking and church leadership and enjoyed golf as a pastime.

Biographical Sketch of R. J. A. Mack

R. J. A. Mack, born in Syracuse, New York, in 1842, pursued a medical career that began in his hometown and included a degree from Bennett Medical College in Chicago in 1876. He practiced medicine in various locations before relocating to Redlands, California, in 1886, where he became involved in orange cultivation. Dr. Mack is married to Annetta Bishop and has three surviving children. He is known for his contributions to the local community and is currently focused on business ventures related to agriculture.

Biographical Sketch of Bernard Borgman

Bernard Borgman, currently the president and treasurer of Vance Boiler Works in Geneva, New York, achieved his esteemed position through hard work and determination. His father, also named Bernard Borgman, emigrated from Germany at eighteen, initially settling in Albany before moving to Rochester, where he worked as a car builder. He married Christina Evercamp in Germany, who accompanied him to America and passed away in 1897. The Borgman family’s journey highlights the immigrant experience and the pursuit of prosperity through diligence.

Biographical Sketch of Bernard Borgman

Bernard Borgman, born in Rochester, New York, in September 1854, began his career as a cabinet-maker before venturing into the furniture and undertaking business in Penn Yan at the age of twenty-five. After nine successful years, he established a new enterprise in Geneva, achieving notable success. In 1905, he transitioned to the Vance Boiler Works, where he assumed leadership and oversaw significant growth. A Democrat and active community member, Borgman owns farms in Yates County and is married to Mary Freer, with whom he has no children.

Biography of Allen Becker Richards

Allen Becker Richards, born September 1, 1830, in Maxatawny, Pennsylvania, was a prominent businessman in Geneva, New York, after establishing a saddlery business in 1854. He served honorably in the Civil War as part of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Regiment. Married to Emma A. Flinn in 1855, they had four children. Richards was recognized for his business acumen and community involvement until his death on October 10, 1898. He was a Democratic politician and an active member of the Baptist church.

Biography of Louis A. Cooper

Louis A. Cooper, born on September 23, 1871, in Phelps, New York, exemplifies the self-made man in America’s agricultural sector. The son of farmer William E. Cooper and Elizabeth Pierce, Louis combined his farming background with entrepreneurial spirit, managing the Geneva Automobile Company since 1909 while continuing his agricultural pursuits. A supporter of the Republican Party and involved in community welfare, he married Mabel B. Barron in 1894. Both are active in their church and various fraternal organizations, reflecting their commitment to community and tradition.

Biography of Edwin S. Thorne

Edwin S. Thorne, born December 24, 1865, in Schoharie County, New York, exemplifies a self-made man through his ascent from farmer to treasurer and manager of the Geneva Preserving Company. Educated in local schools, he began his career in agriculture before shifting to the Geneva Preserving Company in 1890, rising through the ranks due to his diligence and insight. Under his management, the company became a leading producer, employing hundreds and distributing goods widely. Thorne is also involved in community interests and is a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Caroline Sherman in 1893, and they have one son.

Biography of Fayette Taylor

Fayette Taylor, born on July 15, 1874, in Yates County, New York, is a progressive farmer in Geneva, Ontario County. He began farming in 1901, purchasing a well-cultivated 100-acre farm in 1904. Known for his adoption of modern agricultural methods, Taylor aims to focus on fruit cultivation. Involved in public service, he was elected town assessor in 1909 and is active in the Republican Party and local organizations. He married Inez F. Kellam in 1904, and they have three children.

Biographical Sketch of Watson E. Stubbs

Watson E. Stubbs, born in 1837 in Oneida County, New York, was educated in Phelps and worked on his father’s farm before transitioning to carpentry. In 1886, he established a successful lumber business in Geneva, New York, later partnering with his son, George S. A Republican and member of the North Presbyterian Church, Stubbs is also prominent in Masonic organizations. He married Martha E. Louw in 1863 and had three children: George S., Florence M., and Anna M.

Biographical Sketch of George S. Stubbs

George S. Stubbs, born on June 13, 1867, in Halls Corner, Seneca, is the only son of Watson E. and Martha E. Stubbs. Residing in Geneva, New York, he has demonstrated remarkable executive skills, significantly advancing his business over the past twelve years. A staunch Republican and active member of the North Presbyterian Church, Stubbs has held leadership roles in several fraternal organizations, including the Masons and Elks. He married Lydia Waltheart in 1888, and they have three children.

Biography of William A. Cornell

William A. Cornell, born in Toronto on December 25, 1864, is a prominent figure in the brewing industry, currently serving as secretary and manager of the Geneva Brewing Company in New York. He hails from a family of brewers and has honed his skills through extensive study in Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Cornell oversees all brewing processes at the company, ensuring high standards and modern practices. He is involved in local civic life, supports the Democratic Party, and is affiliated with various organizations, including the Episcopal Church and Masonic fraternity.

Biography of Dr. James J. Collie

Dr. James J. Collie, born in 1866 in Franklinville, New York, comes from a Scottish lineage marked by thrift and perseverance. After graduating from Long Island College Hospital in 1889, he initially practiced in New York City before settling in Geneva, Ontario County, in 1902, where he established a successful medical career. Notably focused on childhood ailments, Dr. Collie has gained respect within his community and the medical field. He married Myrtle Balch in 1898 and remains engaged in local affairs despite his busy practice.

Biography of Edward H. Palmer

Edward H. Palmer, born May 17, 1855, in Iowa, is a prominent figure in Geneva, New York, known for his significant contributions to local business and industry. After completing his education at Cornell University, he engaged in various ventures, including the wholesale lumber and grain businesses. He played a key role in establishing several companies, including the Geneva Preserving Company and the Empire State Can Manufacturing Company. Palmer is recognized for supporting young aspiring professionals and has held leadership roles in multiple business and civic organizations. He married Cornelia H. Rouse in 1880 and has three children.

Biography of Dr. Richard W. Padgham

Dr. Richard W. Padgham, born April 11, 1850, in Barbados, had a significant medical career spanning nearly 25 years before his death on February 27, 1911. Originally destined for the clergy, his vocal cord issues redirected him to medicine. After graduating from the Eclectic College in New York in 1899, he practiced in Interlaken and Geneva, New York, gaining a reputation for his expertise in throat and lung diseases. A community-minded individual, he was influential within the Methodist church and involved in local sanitary efforts. He married Elizabeth Clark and had five children.

Biography of Whitman Howard Jordan

Whitman Howard Jordan has served as the director of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva since 1896. Born on October 27, 1851, in Raymond, Maine, to James and Sarah Jordan, he gained extensive agricultural knowledge while assisting his father before pursuing higher education. He held several academic positions and discovered significant advancements in scientific cultivation. Although he maintains a commitment to public welfare and Republican ideals, he prefers focusing on his professional endeavors over political aspirations. He married Emma Louise Wilson in 1880.

Biography of Dr. John W. Short

Dr. John W. Short has practiced medicine in Geneva, New York, since 1909, drawing on extensive experience gained in a relatively short period. A graduate of Syracuse University’s medical program in 1903, he established his practice initially in Canastota before relocating to Geneva. Dr. Short is respected for his professional skills and personal integrity, cultivating a growing reputation in the community. He is also involved in multiple fraternal organizations and is a member of the Methodist Church. Dr. Short married Ruth Worden in 1905, and they have two children.

Biographical Sketch of Myron D. Short

Myron D. Short, born on August 23, 1973, in Richmond, New York, exemplifies the achievements possible through hard work and leadership. After early employment with railroads, he began studying law, gaining admission to the bar in 1899. Short practiced law with John Gillette and later formed a partnership that expanded to Canandaigua. Elected district attorney in 1905, he has made significant contributions to his community through his role in public service.

Biography of Abram A. Post

Abram A. Post, born July 26, 1876, is the owner of a historic 500-acre farm in Seneca, New York, which has been in his family since 1809. Educated in Geneva, Penn Yan, and the New York Military Academy, he worked for General Electric before spending five years in Cuba. Returning to the homestead, he embraced scientific farming, focusing on fruit cultivation. He married Margaret Barnes in 1904 and has three children. Active in his community, he is affiliated with the Masons, the Republican Party, and the Episcopal Church.

Biography of Samuel D. Pierson

Samuel D. Pierson, born October 26, 1851, in Pittsford, New York, is a prominent director at the J. W. Smith Dry Goods Company in Geneva, New York. He began his career at age fourteen and demonstrated remarkable determination throughout his professional life. The son of Rev. Job Pierson, a respected Presbyterian minister, Samuel contributed to various business and community endeavors, including serving as a trustee of the Geneva Savings Bank and engaging with local organizations. Though unmarried, he is known for his empathy and strong moral character, earning the trust of many.