USA > New York > Ontario County > A history of Ontario County, New York and its people, Volume II > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
(III) Dr. William James Johnston, son of John Johnston, was born at Minesing, Canada, September 11, 1866. He was educated in the pub- lic schools in Canada, and the Ontario Veterinary College, from which he graduated in 1889. In the spring of 1889 he commenced to practice his profession at Tillsonburgh, Canada, and continued there until the spring of 1893, when he came to Geneva, New York. From that time
1
1
20
ONTARIO COUNTY.
until 1905 he was in business alone, and since then he has had Dr. Newell D. Backus as partner, and they have practiced at Geneva under the firm name of Johnston & Backus. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He married, December 8, 1891, at Tillsonburgh, Canada, Amy Eliz- abeth Ostrander, born September 29, 1865, at Ostrander, Oxford county, Canada, daughter of Henry and Margaret Ann ( Brady) Ostrander. Her father was born May 29, 1816, died in 1892; married, February, 1841, Margaret Ann Brady, born in Dublin, Ireland, June 1, 1822, died February 19, 1894. Mr. Ostrander was a farmer by occupation ; a Meth- odist in religion and a Conservative in politics, serving as postmaster for several years. John Ostrander, grandfather of Mrs. Johnston, was born in England and came to Canada when a young man ; married there May Jane Cohoe, who was a native of New York state; resided at Guysburgh, Canada.
Children of William James and Amy (Ostrander ) Johnston : I. Hazel Belvia, born at Tillsonburgh, March 16, 1893. 2. Lee, born at Geneva, September 22, 1894. 3. Zayde, born at Geneva, September 23, 1897. 4. Reginald Graham, June 28, 1899.
(THE JAMIESON LINE).
(I) David Jamieson, of an old Scotch family, resided in Dumferline, Scotland. He married Anne Stuart, who was a cousin of Prince Charles, of the royal Stuart line. Children, born at Dumferline: I. David, men- tioned below. 2. Daniel, August 2, 1802. 3. Christine, August 5, 1804. 4. Annie, August 14, 1806. 5. Francis, June 3, 1808. 6. Christine, June 21, 1810. 7. William, September 14, 1812. 8. William, July 11, 1815.
(II) David (2), son of David (1) Jamieson, was born at Dum- ferline, Scotland, September 19, 1800; married at Collinton, Scotland, March 17, 1828, Margaret Muir (Parish Church records at High Edin- burgh, Scotland, Rev. Lewis Balfour, minister). Margaret Muir was born in Edinburgh or Glasgow, 1809-II, and died in March, 1870. David died in 1886 in Canada. He came to America when a young man in 1834 and after living for a short time in New York City, removed to Toronto, and thence to Yorkville, Canada. Children: I. David, born in Scotland. 2. Jane, born in New York City, October 7, 1834, died in Bar- rie, Canada, September 11, 1910; married John Johnston (II). (See Johnston). 3. Daniel. 4. Francis. 5. John. 6. James.
21
ONTARIO COUNTY.
JOHNSON.
Thomas Johnson, who has been prominently identified with the pub- lic affairs of Ontario county, New York, for many years, is descended from an old family of Ireland, his father having come to this country about the middle of the last century and located in Canandaigua, New York.
Thomas Johnson was born in county Derry, Ireland, January 10, 1856, and was very young when he came to this country. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Canandaigua and Canandaigua Academy, and then entered upon his business career. He established himself in the lumber business in 1885, forming a partnership with William Crowley, and this business was successfully prosecuted for a period of about nine years. Mr. Johnson was then appointed superintendent of water works, an office he filled capably for another nine years, and since 1905, has given much of his time and attention to farming interests. He has been a staunch supporter of the Republican party, was a member of the advisory board of the trustees of the village, and for the past eight years has held office as a street commissioner.
Mr. Johnson married (first) at Canandaigua, in June, 1890, Jane Flannigan, of East Bloomfield, New York. They had one child : Grace E. He married (second), at Canandaigua, November 2, 1907, Ethel Stewart, of Toronto, Canada. Children: Ethel Stewart and Thomas Edward.
HOLLIS.
Fred W. Hollis, a prosperous farmer of the town of Hopewell, On- tario county, New York, who has been prominently identified with the public affairs of the town for a number of years, is of English descent on both sides of the family.
(I) Henry Hollis, grandfather of Fred W. Hollis, was a native of England, and came to this country in 1854, for a time making his home in Canada, then removed to Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York, where he served as a teacher of Greek and Latin in the old Canandaigua Academy.
(II) Alfred M. Hollis, son of the preceding, was born in England in 1850, and was a lad of four years when he came to this country with his father. He engaged in the brick tile and coal business in Canan- daigua and has been prominently identified with that field of industry for
22
ONTARIO COUNTY.
the past thirty-five years. He married Louisa, daughter of William Smith, who was born in England and came to Bristol, Ontario county, New York, about the year 1850. There he engaged in farming, later removed to Canandaigua, and acquired a large amount of property. Children : Fred W., see forward ; Frank J., who is studying as a mining engineer at the Michigan School of Mines, Houghton, Michigan.
(III) Fred W., son of Alfred M. and Louisa (Smith ) Hollis, was born in Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York. December 27, 1871. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native town and in the Canandaigua Academy. Until he was twenty-four years of age he assisted his father in the brick tile and coal business, then purchased a farm near the village in what is now the town of Hopewell, and is at the present time still occupied with its cultivation. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he has served as assessor for the town of Hopewell. In 1909 he was elected to the office of superintendent of the poor for a term of three years. His fraternal and club associations are with Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294, Free and Accepted Masons; Canan- daigua Chapter, No. 162, Royal Arch Masons; Modern Woodmen of America ; Benevolent Protective Order Elks, No. 1054, Geneva ; Business Men's Club of Canandaigua, of which he is a trustee. He was married in Canandaigua, August 18, 1896, to Verna E., born in Canandaigua, daughter of Cassius C. and Harriet (Smith) Sutherland. They have one child : Frederick S., born October 24, 1899.
HEWSON.
George W. Hewson, owner of a fine farm in Hall, Ontario county, New York, a large portion of which is devoted to the growing of fruit, is a fine example of what may be accomplished by energy, perseverance and a fixed determination to reach the top of the ladder. He has inherited the traits of industry, thrift and faithfulness in the discharge of duties, so characteristic of the English nation, from which he is descended, and where his family was an old and honored one.
George Hewson, father of George W. Hewson, was born in Eng- land in 1810, and died in this country in 1887. He was thirty years of age when he came to this country, and had but five dollars in his pocket when he arrived here. He immediately sought employment, which he found on a farm, and was identified with farming interests throughout
23
ONTARIO COUNTY.
his life in this country. He located at Gorham, Ontario county, New York, and in 1845 purchased the farm which became the family home- stead. He married Eliza, born in England in 1822, died in America in 1881, a daughter of John Gelder, with whom she came to this country when she was a mere child. She was a most devout Presbyterian all her life.
George W., son of George and Eliza (Gelder) Hewson, was born on the old homestead in the town of Seneca, New York, October 2, 1866. He was educated in the district schools and Geneva high school, from which he was graduated, and this education he has amply supplemented by keen observation and careful and well selected reading, making him a man of liberal views on all subjects of importance. At the death of his father the farm passed into his possession, and he lives upon it with one of his unmarried sisters, Jennie, who supervises the domestic labors of the home. The farm comprises one hundred and seventy acres of well cul- tivated land, a large part of it being devoted to the raising of fruit, in which Mr. Hewson has attained very satisfactory success. The home is a refined one and exemplary in every respect. The farm and all the buildings necessary for its proper cultivation are kept in the finest condi- tion and in many respects it is a model, for its size and kind, in the sec- tion. Mr. Hewson takes an active interest in all matters connected with the proper adjustment of the public affairs of the township, but gives his allegiance to no particular party, preferring to cast his vote for the man he thinks best fitted to perform the duties of the particular office in ques- tion. In his religious affiliations he is independent. Beside the sister who is living with him, he has two sisters, one married, the other unmarried, living in Minnesota. Mr. Hewson is unmarried.
HALL.
Roscoe F. Hall, supervisor of Ontario county, New York, and prom- inently identified with a number of measures for the improvement and advancement of the community in which he resides, is one of the well- known farmers of that section of the country. His forbears are to be found in England, and members of the family emigrated to this country in the early colonial days and are now to be found in all parts of the United States.
(I) Edward Hall, grandfather of the above mentioned, was born in England, and emigrated to America in 1800. He purchased the land
24
ONTARIO COUNTY.
on which Roscoe F. Hall now resides and which became the family home- stead, having been in uninterrupted possession of the family since that time. Mr. Hall built the first dwelling-house himself, of logs which he himself felled and prepared for this purpose.
(II) Thomas W., son of Edward Hall, was born at Halls Corners, Ontario county, New York, January 31, 1812, and died September 7. 1901. He married Mary Ann Sims, who was born in England and came to this country at the age of four years.
(III) John S., son of Thomas W. and Mary Ann (Sims) Hall, was born at Halls Corners, January 31, 1841. He was educated in the com- mon schools and at the academy, and at an early age began to assist in the farm labors. For ten years he assisted his father on the latter's farm, and then purchased it. At that time it consisted of eighty-five acres. He is a member of No. 9 Presbyterian Church. He married, November, 1867, Mary Jane Fish, born in Ontario county, New York, July 24, 1849, a daughter of Alexander Fish. Children: Roscoe F., see forward; Mabel, married George G. Southerland, and resides in Ontario county, New York.
(IV) Roscoe F., eldest child and only son of John S. and Mary Jane (Fish) Hall, was born December 22, 1868, in the house in which he lives at the present time. At a suitable age he was sent to the district schools, and upon graduation from these he attended Canandaigua Acad- emy. He received his training as a farmer under the personal direction and supervision of his father, whom he commenced to assist while he was still attending school, during his spare time and during the summer vacations. He thus acquired a practical knowledge of all details con- nected with this field of industry, and in 1894 branched out for himself. He owns a farm of eighty acres, where he is engaged in general farming after the most modern and approved methods. In spite of the demands made upon his time by the cultivation of this large property, he devotes much attention to public matters; he was elected supervisor in 1909, and is now a member of the equalization committee, one of the most import- ant committees of the board. His opinion carries weight in all the dis- cussions of the board, being recognized as the opinion of a man who has given careful and intelligent thought to all matters which are brought up for discussion. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Hall married, January 18, 1894, Anna Megaffee, born in Hope- well, in 1874, a daughter of Stephen and Harriet Megaffee. Children : Elbert J., born December 18, 1894; and Roy M., May 18, 1898.
Darnes K Pattes
25
ONTARIO COUNTY.
POTTER.
William Potter, the first member of this family of whom we have definite information, was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1817, died at Shortsville, Ontario county, New York, in 1900. He came to Machias, Cattaraugus county, New York, as a young man, and engaged in farm- ing. In 1860 he removed to Palmyra. He married Julia Slover. Chil- dren : James K., referred to below ; John W .; Evans; Rebecca, married Solomon Burton.
James K., son of William and Julia (Slover) Potter, was born at Machias, Cattaraugus county, New York, August 18, 1844, and is now living at Shortsville, Ontario county. He received his education in the public schools of Machias and spent his early life assisting his father on the farm. When his father removed to Palmyra, he went with him and lived at home until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, Eleventh New York Cavalry, in which he served until November 15, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. Returning to Palmyra, he engaged in various occupations until 1875, when he finally settled on a farm near Shortsville, Ontario county, which he managed until 1906. In that year he moved into the village of Shortsville and entered into partnership with his brother, John W. Potter, the two conducting a coal business under the firm name of Potter Brothers. He is a member of the Maccabees, and of Herendeen Post, No. 107, Grand Army Republic.
He married, in 1866, Mahala Stafford. Children: Frank W., born November 28, 1866; married (first) Nettie Mills and had two children : Irvin and Vernon ; married (second) -. Charles H., born August 18, 1868; married Juliaette Macumber ; three children : Hazel, Lloyd and Arline.
LICHT.
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
26
ONTARIO COUNTY.
York City, to learn the trade of fine engraving, and remained with this firm for a period of ten years. He then became engaged in the milling business with his father, and has been connected with this line since that time. He was one of the incorporators of the Patent Cereals Company of Geneva, and in addition to being the superintendent and assistant treasurer, is a director and one of the largest stockholders. His public career has been a diversified one. In 1902 he was appointed by Daniel E. Moore, then mayor of Geneva, as a member of the purchasing com- mittee for the city of Geneva ; he was appointed by the same authority as a member of the fire commission; in 1903 he was elected mayor of Geneva; was appointed by A. P. Rose a member of the fire committee commission, and served four years, commencing in 1906. He has now permanently retired from all public office. He has always sup- ported the Democratic party in politics, and is a member of St. Peter's Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and he is at present chairman of the charity com- mittee in his lodge. In 1907 Mr. Licht was one of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Geneva.
Mr. Licht married in New York City, November 30, 1884, Anna J. K. Stahmann, who died March 18, 1910. She was the daughter of Louis H. Stahmann, of New York City, a wholesale produce merchant in Washington market, who died June, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Licht have had children : Anna E., born November 30, 1885, was graduated from the Geneva high school and then took a course in the Mechanics Insti- tute, Rochester, New York, in domestic science; Edward S., born March 23, 1904.
LICHT.
Louis J. Licht, secretary and treasurer of a large stock company for the preparation of cereals, in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, is of German descent. His father Frederick Licht was born in Germany, 1825, and died in this country, 1905. He came to America in 1832, and was the inventor of the process which has since been improved upon by his sons and in which the family has been successful in accumulating a fortune. He married Elizabeth Klinck, born in this country, 1832, died, 1882. They had five children, three of whom are now living and engaged together in business.
Louis J. Licht was born in East Williamsburg, Long Island, Sep-
27
ONTARIO COUNTY.
tember 2, 1862. He was educated in the public schools of his native city and was graduated from the Brooklyn high school. At the age of eighteen years he entered upon his business career, accepting a position in the office of the Brooklyn Sugar Refining Company, and remained with this concern for five years, during which time he had risen to the position of statement clerk. He then engaged in the manufacture of cereals in Brooklyn, under the firm name of Licht & Company, and in 1888 removed to Geneva, New York. There he organized the present stock company for the manufacture of cereals. The enterprise was started on a small scale, rather in the nature of an experiment, and from this slight beginning has developed the present important business. They employ an average of eighty men and consume about ten thousand bushels of grain daily, using principally white corn, which they receive direct from the corn belt in the western states. Their plant is a fine one, supplied with all the modern improvements, and they are continually adding to their pro- ducing facilities. Their shipments extend through the eastern states as far west as Cleveland, Ohio, and as far south as Washington, District of Columbia. The officers of the corporation are: President, Frederick Gilbert, of Utica, New York; vice-president, John H. Licht ; secretary and treasurer, Louis J. Licht ; superintendent, George F. Licht. All shipments from the plant are made in carload lots. Mr. Licht is inde- pendent in his political views. He has been a member of the board of public work for ten years, during which period he has served as president of the board for three years and is holding that office at the present time (1910). He is a member of Blue Lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic fraternity, having served as commander for two years; was exalted ruler in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for two years, and has been again returned for that office; is a member of the Elks Club of Geneva.
Mr. Licht married, October, 1889, Carrie E. Galloup. Children : Elizabeth L., born in Geneva, New York, December, 1890, was graduated from the Capen School, Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1910; Richard F., born in Geneva, 1895, was graduated from the Geneva high school.
McKELVIE.
The McKelvies are descended from an ancient and formidable Scot- tish clan, noted in the middle ages for their prowess, and in modern times for their sturdy application to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, com-
28
ONTARIO COUNTY.
merce, etc. The Geneva, New York family of this name were pioneers in the fruit growing industry of that locality.
Early in the last century Charles McKelvie, aged eight years, emi- grated from Scotland with his parents, who settled in Geneva when that city was but a small hamlet. The McKelvies were industrious farming people who firmly adhered to the precepts of the established church of Scotland, and their children were reared according to the strict tenets of that faith. Upon reaching manhood Charles McKelvie purchased a farm in the vicinity of Billsborough, and he resided there for the remainder of his life. He married Charlotte Graham, a sister of Dr. James Graham, of Geneva. She died in 1831, leaving one son.
(II) William Graham, only child of Charles and Charlotte (Gra- ham) McKelvie, was born in Geneva, January 27, 1831 ; died April 30, 1903. Reared to the occupation of a farmer and fruit-grower, he became an expert nurseryman and for twenty-five years devoted his attention almost exclusively to that business. He purchased several pieces of agricultural property located just south of what is known as Bellwood farm, and these farms are still owned by the family. He was a successful farmer and a prominent citizen, supporting all movements which have resulted in developing the growth and prosperity of Geneva, and for several years he served as a school trustee. In politics he was a Repub- lican. He married, February 22, 1855, Miss Lydia Jackson, born in Geneva, May 12, 1831, died February 4, 1909.' Children: I. Charles W., born August 11, 1857; became a prosperous farmer and stock- breeder in Waterloo, Iowa, where he died, July, 1907; married Etta Brainard, of Waterloo. 2. George, born May 5, 1865; died at the age of three years. 3. Lillie Amelia, born January 10, 1867. 4. Willard Graham, see forward. 5. Edward Wiser, born October 16, 1870 (see sketch ). 6. Lottie G., born August 14, 1872; married William Scoon.
(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 train- ing and superior intelligence. He owns a desirably located farm con- taining 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. His farming interests are in a most flourishing condition, made so by his ability and
20
ONTARIO COUNTY.
good management, and he has every reason to be proud of the superior quality of his products.
Politically Mr. McKelvie is a Republican. For the past four years he has served as a justice of the peace, having been originally appointed to complete the unexpired term of Thomas McKelvie, and has since retained that office through successive reelections. He has affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry for twenty years, and held the mastership of the local grange for two years; has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for four years, and warden of the local lodge one term. He is a member and a trustee of the Presbyterian church.
December 31, 1891, Mr. McKelvie married Miss Cora Ainsley, born in Geneva, October 23, 1869. Her father was John Witter Ainsley, born in Gorham, New York, 1831, died in Geneva, April 19, 1907. Mr. Ains- ley was a prosperous farmer, a prominent and highly respected citizen, and his loss was keenly felt by the entire community. In politics he acted with the Republican party and he was a charter member of the grange. He married Eleanor Dorman, born in Seneca, New York, March 2, 1831. Children : Cora, who is now Mrs. McKelvie; and Willard L., born May 20, 1862, died July 24, 1909, married in 1905, Miss Mina Simpson.
Mr. and Mrs. McKelvie have three children : Florence Ainsley, born December 12, 1892; Eleanor Lydia, October 22, 1895; Charles Stewart, April 22, 1910.
McKELVIE.
Edward Wiser McKelvie, son of William G. and Lydia (Jack- son) McKelvie (q. v.), was born in Geneva, October 16, 1870. He was graduated from the Geneva high school and for the past twenty years has been engaged in general farming and fruit growing. He owns fifty- four acres of well improved land, nine acres of which are devoted to the raising of fruit, and he manages his property with such care and fore- sight as to secure the best possible returns for his investment. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, having served one term as steward of the local grange, and he attends the First Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. McKelvie married, November 9, 1892, Miss Emma McIntire; their children are: Minnie Anna, born June 4, 1893. Harold Edward, February 2, 1902. Mary Isabelle, born 1910.
Mrs. Emma (McIntire) McKelvie was born in Geneva, October 4,
30
ONTARIO COUNTY.
1874, and belongs to a prominent family of that city which settled there early in the last century. Her father Charles McIntire, who was born in Geneva, June 19, 1850, now owns and occupies the family homestead, comprising one hundred acres of land, and is a prosperous farmer. In politics he acts with the Republican party, and has served with ability as highway commissioner. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.