(I) James Barnes, grandfather of D. Eddy Barnes, was a farmer in Pennsylvania, from which state he came to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, in the earliest days of the settlement of that section of the country. He acquired a considerable tract of land, which by means of diligent and intelligent cultivation he converted from a wilderness to fine farm land and in this condition left it to his heirs.
R. J. A. Mack, of Redlands, is a native of Syracuse, New York, born June 24, 1842. He received his education in the schools of Syracuse and Fulton, New York, and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Townsend, of Syracuse; he also attended and graduated at the college at Geneva. He began practice at Syracuse, afterward continuing at Rochester, and later at Lyons, New York. Thence he removed to Chicago, where he attended Bennett Medical College (Eclectic), graduating in 1876. He practiced in Chicago until 1886, when he removed to California, and on the 9th of November of that … Read more
Charles Danford Bean, attorney and counselor at law in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, is a member of a family that has been domiciled in New York state for several generations, and their history and that of the family seat is a more than usually interesting one. Maple Hill, the homestead, derives its name from the thickly-wooded land upon which the house stands, and has many historic associations. The mansion was originally erected in 1834. and was at that time a twostory structure; successive owners added wings and rebuilt and remodeled the house, which has sheltered and extended hospitality to … Read more
(III) George S., only son of Watson E. and Martha E. (Louw) Stubbs, was born in Halls Corner, Seneca, June 13, 1867. He resides in Geneva, New York, and is a man endowed with unusual executive ability. Under his capable control, during the past twelve years, the business with which he has become identified, made rapid forward strides, and has taken a high rank in the commercial world, in addition to its former prestige. He is an earnest supporter of Republican principles, and a member of the North Presbyterian Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the following organizations: Past master … Read more
Dr. Chauncey W. Grove, a physician and surgeon in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, and throughout that section is descended from an old family of Germany. The family name was originally spelled Von Graffe, and this by successive changes has finally developed into Grove. From the earliest times the family has adhered to the Protestant denominations, and it was during the very early days of the settlement of the colonies that the first members came to this country and made their homes here. Dr. Chauncey W. Grove, son of Jay C. and Zettirah (Fry) Grove, was born in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, … Read more
William B. Forster, who is engaged in general farming in the town of Seneca, Ontario county, New York, occupies a high position in the literary circles of that section of the country and is also prominently identified with its religious life. William D. Forster, father of William B. Forster, was born at Halls Corners, Ontario county, New York, March 29, 1830, and is the oldest living person born at that place. He attended the common schools of his native township and supplemented this education by attendance at the sessions of Alfred Academy. He then engaged in teaching, and taught schools … Read more
(III) Willard Graham, son of William G. and Lydia (Jackson) McKelvie, was born in Geneva, April 8, 1869. After concluding his attendance at the Geneva high school he proceeded to familiarize himself with the various branches of agriculture, and the substantial success he has since attained in that useful calling is the result of his careful training and superior intelligence. He owns a desirably located farm containing one hundred and twenty-five acres of fertile land and for the past fifteen years he has given his principal attention to farming and the cultivation of fruit, having an orchard of twenty acres. … Read more
REV. THOS. G. WATSON. – To the ministry more than to any other class of men does a community owe its moral progress; and with such development opportunity is given for progress in other directions. This is strikingly illustrated in the life of the minister whose name appears above. He was born in Geneva, New York, in 1836, and was educated in his native place, graduating in 1857 from Hobert College. He took his theological course at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and entered upon missionary work at Cayuga county, preaching eight years at Cato, Fair Haven and Victory, and assisting … Read more
Edward H. Palmer, who is the head and the leading spirit of numerous enterprises of financial importance in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, and its vicinity, and whose keen foresight and unusual executive ability have been the means of greatly improving the business prospects of the section, is one of that class of citizens who labor earnestly to build tip the commerce and manufactures of the communities in which they live. and by so doing enrich and benefit the entire country. Mr. Palmer was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 17, i855, and acquired his early education in the district … Read more
Whitman Howard Jordan, director of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station. at Geneva, Ontario county, New York, since 1896, is most thoroughly conversant with every detail of the important work entrusted to his care. His life has always been an active one, and he is one of those restless, energetic men whose whole lives are an incessant battle to overcome problems the solution of which will be of inestimable benefit to the great cause of humanity. James Jordan, father of Whitman H. Jordan, was horn in Raymond, Maine, January 3, 1806. The active years of his life were spent in … Read more
(II) George, son of Matthew Bennett, was born in Goshen, Orange county, New York, in 1794, and died in Geneva, New York, in 1876. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted as a soldier and served in the war of 1812 as a private. His business occupation was that of farming, in which he was reasonably successful. He married Sally, daughter of Matthew Lum, of Geneva. Among their children were : Horace D., see forward; Henry, served with honor in the civil war.
Reuben H. Gulvin, chief of the fire department of Geneva, Ontario county, New York, is a fine example of a self-made man, in the truest sense of the word, rising entirely by his own unaided efforts from a position of dependence in England to that of the proprietor of the finest jewelry store in Geneva and its vicinity, and to a foremost position in the community in which he resides. Reuben H. Gulvin was born in Kent county, England, November 20, 1869, son of George Gulvin, who is still living in his native county, and is considered an expert in … Read more
Robert M. Kennedy was born in Italy, Yates county, New York, August 26, 1848. In his earlier years he was a farmer and was thus occupied until 1877, when he engaged in the undertaking business in his native town, and from there removed to Middlesex. In 1893 he came to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, thinking this a better field for the conduct of his business, and established himself there, the firm being known as Kennedy & Kennedy, and embracing Mr. Kennedy and his son, James M. They now (1911)occupy a position in the first ranks of embalmers and undertakers, … Read more
(IV) George Frederick Fordon, a member of the third generation of his family in this country, is a well known farmer and fruit grower in Geneva, Ontario county, New York. He is descended from a family engaged in agriculture in England for many generations. Continuing the excellent and proven methods in vogue in that country for many years, he has supplemented them by adopting the most modern ideas that have been evolved in the cultivation of the soil and bringing its products to the highest state of perfection. In this direction, Mr. Fordon has been especially progressive, and the excellence … Read more
Thomas J. Bolger, who has attained and holds a place in the foremost ranks of the nurserymen of Ontario county, New York, and who is prominently identified with the political and social affairs of that section of the state of New York, is of Irish descent, and has inherited many of the excellent traits which distinguish that people. Andrew Bolger, father of Thomas J. Bolger, was born in Ireland in 1844, and came to this country in early manhood. He commenced work as a laborer and has always followed that occupation. By means of his thrift and industry he succeeded … Read more
Sterling, Frederick Augustine; merchant; born, Chapinville, Conn., May 26, 1831; son of Frederick Augustine and Caroline Mary (Dutcher) Sterling; educated, public and private schools, Geneva, N. Y.; married, Meadville, Pa., May 13, 1856, Emma Betts; issue, one son, living in Erie, Pa.; merchant in Cleveland since 1850; connected with T. S. Beckwith & Co., Beckwith, Sterling & Co., Sterling & Co., The Sterling & Welch Co., pres. the Sterling & Welch Co., director Union National Bank; director Citizens Savings & Trust Co.; vice pres. Cleveland Burial Case Co.; pres. Board of Trustees, Second Presbyterian Church; member Union and Country Clubs. … Read more
James P. Fulton, postmaster at Stanley, Ontario county, New York, and who has held a number of other positions under the government of the United States, has served his country bravely and well, as will be found detailed further on in this sketch. He is a descendant of the distinguished Fulton family, of Ireland, and it seems but natural that his name should be found in the lists of those who fought so gallantly during the civil war, as he but displayed the traits inherited from a number of his ancestors. Among these was his maternal great-grandfather, Captain John Rippey, … Read more
(II) Bernard (2) Borgman, subject of this sketch, was born in Rochester, New York, September, 1854. His elementary education was received in the schools of his native city, and he then attended those of Yates county, New York. He had learned the cabinet-maker’s trade, and at the age of twenty-five years he made his first business venture, establishing himself in the furniture and undertaking line in Penn Yan, Yates county, New York. For nine years he conducted this business successfully, then sold his interest in the concern to his partner and established himself in the same manner, but independently, in … Read more
George F. Licht, ex-mayor of the town of Geneva, Ontario county, New York, at present superintendent and assistant treasurer of the Patent Cereals Company of Geneva, New York, is one of the most prominent men in that section of the country, and has served it in a number of public offices. George F. Licht was born on Long Island, New York, August 18, 1860. He was educated in the Brooklyn and other Long Island schools, and was graduated from the Brooklyn high school. At the age of sixteen years he entered the employ of Tiffany & Company, jewelers, of New … Read more
“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.