Victor 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.

Hough Family of New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Hough family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its roots to William Hough, an English carpenter who settled in Gloucester before moving to New London, Connecticut, in the mid-17th century. Notable descendants include Dr. George T. Hough, a distinguished physician and city physician in New Bedford, and his son, Garry de Neuville Hough, who continued the medical legacy. George Anthony Hough, another descendant, made his mark in journalism and public service. The family’s contributions to medicine and local governance highlight their significant role in the community’s history.

Biographical Sketch of Increase Carpenter

Increase Carpenter, born July 14, 1766, in the family of Jacob Carpenter, settled in Victor, Ontario County, New York, in either 1808 or 1811. A farmer by trade, he married Mary Kinny. Their children included Merritt, Rosewell, Henry, David, and Platt—who, born on August 10, 1802, in Dutchess County, married Jane Ellis and had four children: Willett, Smith, Jane, and Ann.

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.

Biographical Sketch of Isaiah Horton

Isaiah Horton (2), born August 27, 1831, in Springwater, New York, was a lifelong farmer who specialized in fruit culture and sheep raising after relocating to Victor, Ontario County, in 1865. He was educated in public schools and later became a Universalist and Republican, advocating for total abstinence and supporting the Prohibition party. He married Ruth C. Adams in 1856, and they had six children, with several descendants noted. He has been retired from active business for several years.

Biography of Coe C. Horton

Coe C. Horton, born on April 12, 1864, in Springwater, New York, was the son of Isaiah Horton. He attended local schools and began his career in the lumber trade in 1882. After various employments, including core drilling and working for the Wabash railroad, he settled in farming at Victor, where he owns a 92-acre farm. Horton married Marie Strong in 1894, and they had two daughters, Charlotte and Mary. He is affiliated with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and identifies as a Prohibitionist Methodist.

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 William Bowerman

William Bowerman, born on October 3, 1874, in Victor, New York, was the son of Brice W. Bowerman. He engaged in farming since 1896, managing a 114-acre dairy farm before moving to a 108-acre homestead in Victor. A Republican and a Methodist, he married Marian E. Goffe on February 14, 1898. Marian, born on July 12, 1878, in Brockport, had English roots and siblings. The couple had six children: Lulu, Edith, Verna, Brice, Earl, and Clarence.

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.

Biographical Sketch of Nathan Aldrich

Nathan Aldrich, born circa 1760-65 in Mendon, was a significant early settler in Victor, Ontario County, New York. In 1789, he lived with his father in Adams, where he sowed the first wheat in Victor. After preparing his home, he returned briefly to the Berkshires before relocating permanently in the spring of 1790 with his family. He constructed the first frame house in Victor and had two sons, including John, born there in 1790.

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 George Lyman Van Voorhis

George Lyman Van Voorhis was born on April 21, 1871, in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. His family relocated to New York, where he received his education in various schools but did not graduate. He was active in the Republican Party and worked as a teacher and farmer before serving as the supervisor of Victor from 1901 to 1905 and as sheriff from 1906 to 1909. A member of several organizations, he married Vernie B. Strong in 1896, and they had three children.

Biography of Gilbert T. Aldridge

Gilbert T. Aldridge, born on March 4, 1819, in Victor, New York, was a skilled blacksmith and iron foundry owner. He invented the first iron beam plows in Victor and dedicated much of his life to manufacturing. An active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as steward, trustee, and Sunday school superintendent for thirty years. Aldridge married Nancy Cline and later Julia Allen Maples, with whom he had a son, Arthur Gilbert. He passed away on July 16, 1899.

Biographical Sketch of Albert C. Aldridge

Albert C. Aldridge was born on March 13, 1849, in Victor, New York. He received education at local public schools, Brockport Collegiate Institute, and Rochester Business University, focusing on law and laboratory work. A dedicated educator, he taught for ten years before becoming the school commissioner of Ontario County, serving for 21 years. He managed an 84-acre farm while holding various positions of trust and actively participating in his church. Aldridge married Amelia Boughton in 1880 and fathered four children. He passed away on March 9, 1911.

Biography of Arthur Gilbert Aldridge

Arthur Gilbert Aldridge, born on November 24, 1861, in New York, succeeded his father in managing the family farm, ultimately acquiring the homestead. By 1910, he expanded his seed potato business, selling directly to farmers across the U.S. and Canada. A Republican and active in local politics, he served as town assessor. Arthur married Sarah Catherine Briggs in 1887, and they had six children. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and engaged in municipal affairs in Victor, NY.

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.

Biographical Sketch of John A. Lauder

John A. Lauder, born August 21, 1821, in Florida, New York, was a lifelong farmer who settled in Victor, Ontario County, around 1855. He married Ann Bowerman in September 1855, with whom he had one son, John W. Ann, born in 1815, also in Montgomery County, passed away in 1901. John A. Lauder died on December 3, 1883, leaving behind a legacy continued through his son, who owned the family farm in 1910.

Biography of John W. Lauder

John W. Lauder, born on November 24, 1858, in Victor, succeeded to the family homestead of 150 acres, pursuing a successful career in farming. He is noted for his prosperous apple orchard and operates an evaporator to market his produce and serve local farmers. Politically active as a Republican, Lauder has held several public offices, including town supervisor and assessor. He married Cora C. Marquis in 1883, and they had ten children, with several pursuing careers in education and domestic science.

Biography of Romeyn W. Brace

Romeyn W. Brace, born on November 30, 1846, in Victor, New York, was the son of Thomas Beach Brace. Educated locally, he worked on his family’s farms before entering the hardware and machinery business with his father in 1875. After selling the hardware store in 1877, he focused on selling agricultural implements and machinery. Active in local politics, he held various positions, including justice of the peace and town clerk. He was also deeply involved in the First Universalist Church. He married Mary E. Alverson in 1867, and they had three children.