Last Updated on May 17, 2011 by
Thomas Ottley, immigrant ancestor, was born in Yorkshire, England, November 3, 1788, and came to this country in 1808, locating in Ontario county, New York, in what is now (1910) Seneca Castle. He cleared a farm in the forest and followed farming there the remainder of his life. When he came there were no bridges nor cross-roads and the settlers lived the lives of the pioneers. He became a prominent citizen and in 1831 represented the county in the state assembly at Albany. He was superintendent of Ontario county for thirty years and was much occupied in later years as a conveyancer and surveyor of land. During most of his life he was in public office. He administered many estates and wrote wills, deeds and other legal documents. He married Lucinda Porter, of Seneca, New York. Children, born at Seneca Castle: William, mentioned elsewhere; Deborah; Thomas; Lucinda and Lorinda, twins; Lucinda; Joshua P.; Samuel P.; Jane P.; Arvilla B.; Edwin and Edmund, twins; Charles; Mary Elizabeth.