(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 Geneva, New York, where he soon attained the first rank in this business. He continued this until 1905, when he sold it advantageously and became connected with the Vance Boiler Works. His first step was to reorganize the company and he is now (1910) the principal stockholder as well as president and treasurer; T. A. Kam is the vice-president, and Charles H. Sweeney is the secretary. The factory has been equipped with the latest improvements and the transactions show an annual increase. There is an average of fifty men employed in the manufacture of steam and hot water boilers, marine and stationary engines, tanks, smoke stacks and all kinds of sheet iron equipments. Mr. Borgman has amassed considerable wealth and is the owner of two fine farms in Yates county. He gives his political support to the Democratic party and is a member of the Catholic church. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Ben Hur Association.
Mr. Borgman married, 1880, Mary Freer, born in Yates county, New York, 1856. They have no children.