"A" Surname Family Sketches

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Benton G. Abbey, Richmond, was born February 19, 1854. His father, Hiram P., son of John, was born in 1822, and married Betsey, daughter of Benjamin Gregg, of Bristol, and settled on a portion of his father's farm. Besides Benton he had two other children: S. Elizabeth, born in 1860, and Robt. B., now living in Bristol, where he is a farmer. Hiram P. has about 550 acres in this county and several thousand acres in Texas, which he visits every winter. Mrs. Abbey died in 1888. His son, Benton G., attended Canandaigua Academy and Geneseo Normal School. In 1885 he married Jennie Garton, of East Bloomfield, and they have two children: Caroline, born August 1, 1886, and Bessie, born in January, 1888. Mr. Abbey engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in 1879, to which he has since added a cider mill and a fruit evaporator. He has twenty acres in his homestead farm.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Isaac J. Abbey, Richmond, was born July 15, 1819, a son of John Abbey, who came from Hopkinton, Mass., in 1800 with his father, Aaron, who fought at Bunker Hill and served to the end of the Revolution. John married Elizabeth, daughter of Squire William Baker. Of their nine children, Sinai, Ann, John, Lora and Alta are deceased. Those living are: Olive, Sarah, Isaac J. and Hiram P. John held many of the important town offices and was a representative citizen. Isaac J. was educated in the district schools and spent his youthful days on his father's farm. He married in 1841 Fanny M., daughter of Preston Hawes, of Brookfield, Mass., by whom he had three children: John P., Mary E., Mrs. Simmons, of Centrefield, and Sanford W. He married second Jane Hogan, by whom he had no children. In politics he is a Democrat. He owns 232 acres at the home farm and lives on the site of the old home of his grandfather Baker. He built his present house in 1853. John P., oldest son of Isaac J., was born March 6, 1844; he was educated in the common schools, at Lima Secondary and Canandaigua Academy. He married in 1870, Julia Plimpton, of Worcester, Mass., and they have two children, Frank P. born in 1874, and Nellie, born in 1877. Mr. Abbey is engaged in farming, owning 130 acres on the road leading from Honeoye to Allen's Hill. He has twenty-six acres of hops, five acres of rasberries, and a large apple orchard, besides five good farm buildings. He is a Democrat and both he and his wife are Congregationalists. Sanford Winslow Abbey was born January 11, 1857. He was educated at Canandaigua. In 1876 he married Adaline M., daughter of Sylvanus Culver of Saline, Mich., and they have two children, Byron W., born in 1877, and Kenneth C., born in 1891. He has carried on his father's farm for many years and is a hop-grower. He is a Democrat and member of assembly in 1890.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Arthur T. Adams, East Bloomfield, a native of Adams' Basin, Monroe county, born July 29, 1838, is a son of John, who was one of seven children of Jonathan Adams, who settled on a farm in East Bloomfield in 1795; a part of the farm is now owned by subject. John was born in Massachusetts in 1794, and learned the gunsmith's trade. He went to St. Charles, Mo., and there followed his trade for some time, then returned on horse back to New York, a distance of 1,000 miles. Soon after he arrived he exchanged his pony for household furniture, manufactured in what was then "Mechanic's Hall," E. B., some of the chairs being still in existence. He owned part of the farm settled by his father, which he sold to a brother and moved to Adams' Basin, where he engaged in growing silk-worms and in manufacturing silk. He also worked at his trade and at saw-milling. He served in the War of 1812, and drew a pension. He was twice married, first to Philinda Wilson, a native of Bristol, by whom he had three sons and five daughters. Second, to Margaret Adams, of Palmyra, by whom he had one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Adams died in 1872, and Mr. Adams in 1884. Arthur T., when fourteen years old, came to East Bloomfield to visit relatives, and from that time lived and worked with his brother, Oliver Edson Adams, at the blacksmith trade for eleven years, attending school winters at the academy. At the death of his uncle he fell heir to the farm of ninety-five acres, on which he has since lived. Here he has put up good buildings and made many other improvements. The wife of Arthur T. Adams is Laura Parmele, a native of East Bloomfield, and a daughter of Nelson and Laura (Childs) Parmele. To subject and wife were born two children: Woodbry B., born in 1868, educated in East Bloomfield Union School, and graduated from Buffalo School of Pharmacy in 1891. He is at present a druggist in Buffalo; and Nellie Blanche, a student in East Bloomfield Union School. Mr. Adams is a Republican, but not an aspirant to office. He is a natural musician, and for a number of years was leader in the Congregational choir, but at present he and his daughter are engaged with the M. E. Church choir, his daughter an organist. A number of years ago, Mr. Adams organized a male quartet in East Bloomfield, which is still in existence. It is composed of Mr. Adams, Jesse Wheeler, William Spitz, and Charles Munson.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Adams, Benjamin F., East Bloomfield, was born in Richmond, September 19, 1823, a son of Ephraim and Lavinia (Morey) Adams. The grandfather, John, was a native of Dutchess county, where he died. He was raised by General Livingston, and his children were; John, Bela, Richard, Sarah, James, Abigail, David, Noah, Thomas, Miriam, Elizabeth, Simeon, Ephraim, Abial, Miles. Ephraim was born at Seven Pines, Dutchess county, March 29, 1793, was drafted and went as far as Niagara Falls in the War of 1812, when the war closed. He came to Fabius, Onondaga county, where he married in 1820, then settled in Ontario county, where he followed his trade ten years and then took up farming. About 1833 he moved to Livonia, where he purchased one of the first settled farms of the region, and died January 16, 1879. He was a Republican and was justice of the peace. He married a daughter of Samuel Morey. She was born July 31, 1797, and died May 26, 1884. Their children were as follows: Mary, Thomas, B. F., Jane, Lucy, James B., Oscar M. who enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, and was made second lieutenant at Cold Harbor, where he led his company and was three times wounded, in the mouth, right arm and left shoulder; he was a brave and fearless soldier, and died in hospital at Washington; he was born in June, 1832; Ephrain, Samuel M. At the age of eight years Benjamin F. went on a farm and received a common school education, supplemented by a course at Lima Seminary. At the age of twenty-one he entered a store at East Bloomfield, where he remained nine years, then engaged in business for himself for four years. In 1855 he bought 198 acres where he now resides. He has been an active Republican, and a leading member of the Congregational church for thirty years. October 5, 1852, he married Lurinda, daughter of Taylor and Electa (Beebe) Gause, and they have five children: Eva L., wife of E. D. Gibbs of Michigan; Jane A., wife of Dr. E. L. Pardee; Clara L., wife of Charles Stoddard, of Michigan; Mary E., wife of Heber E. Wheeler; and Frank M.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Adams, Edwin A., Farmington, was born in Farmington, October 7, 1856, was educated in the public schools and Macedon Academy, and has always followed farming. He married twice, first Mary Southworth, and had one daughter, Edith, who is attending school and residing at home. Mrs. Adams died July 16, 1886, and he married second, Jessie C., daughter of Marshall and Margaret McLouth, of Farmington, February 27, 1889. They have one son, Vernon P., born October 1, 1890. Mr. Adams's father, George A., was born in the town of Manchester, January 21, 1816. He was educated in the common schools and was always a farmer until he retired in 1885. January 15, 1845, he married Cynthia, daughter of Calvin and Cynthia Parker, of the town of Manchester. They had four children: Mason, who married Nellie Petty; Melvin and Manson (twins) both deceased, and Edwin A. Mrs. George A. Adams died July 18, 1882, mourned by a bereaved husband and many friends.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Adams, Gabriel, Canadice, a native of Sussex county, N. J., was born in 1829 and died August 7, 1876. He came with his parents to this town about 1831. His father, Joseph, died in 1837, aged thirty-three years, leaving seven children: Gabriel, who married in 1851 Charlotte, daughter of Josiah and Lua B. Jackman, who were both born in Richmond. Of their ten children six survive: Abner and Chloe (Johnson) and Mrs. Adams of this town. The latter has two children.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Adams, George H., Canandaigua, was born in Henrietta, Munroe county, October 28, 1836. His grandfather, George, was born in Connecticut about 1773, and had two sons and two daughters. He died in Victor, June 10, 1862. George A., the oldest son, was born in Connecticut January 4, 1803, and came to this State when about twenty-five years of age. He first settled in Henrietta, remaining until about 1845. He lived four years in Parma and Ogden, and in 1850 bought a farm in Victor, where he died October 20, 1875. He married in Connecticut February 26, 1824, Ruth Loomis, by whom he had eleven children. Mrs. Adams died January 21, 1864, and he married second Asenath Todd, who died July 15, 1873. He again married in 1874 Catherine Weiborn, who survives him. Of the eleven children of George A., six are still living: Ansel, a farmer of Victor; Hannah, widow of William McHuron, of Honeoye Falls; Harriet, wife of Henry Bement, of Victor; Myron O., a railroad man of Rochester; Alvira, wife of Andrew Lane, of Michigan; and George H. The boyhood of the latter was spent in Monroe county. He was educated in the common schools, and for his first business venture he bought a farm in Victor in 1861, which he conducted three years, then traded in 1864 for a farm of 115 acres in Farmington, where he lived two years, and then for eight years conducted a plaster mill in Victor, where he lived until 1875; he then bought 115 acres in Canandaigua on Lot 77, where he has ever since lived. He has here a beautiful residence, good outbuildings, and all modern improvements. He married, December 10, 1863, Juniata, daughter of William Tucker, of Cleveland, O. They have one daughter, Nellie May. Mr. Adams is a Republican, but has never been aspirant for political honors.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Herbert H. Adams, Victor, was born in Perrinton, Monroe county, June 30, 1852. He came with his parents to the town of Victor when he was nine years old. He was educated in the common schools and followed farming. March 21, 1872, he married Florida L. Aldrich, of this town; they had a son and daughter, Dora F. and Orrin F. Mrs. Adams died August 17, 1891, mourned by a bereaved family and many friends. Mr. Adams's father, William, was born at Barnstable, Mass., about the year 1800, and came to this State at an early day. He married Matilda Austin, of Cazenovia, and they have seven children: David died at the age of nineteen years; Frances, Freeman E., William W., Sarah J., John A., and Herbert H. Mr. Adams's grandfather Adams was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather Austin left Canada in time of the war, espousing his native country's career, and all his property there was confiscated. Mr. Adams's late wife was the only daughter of Gilbert J. Aldrich, one of the oldest and much respected families of the town.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Lewis H. Adams, Canandaigua, was born in Canandaigua in 1869, a son of Judge W. H. Adams. Lewis H. was educated at Canandaigua Academy under N. T. Clarke and at Fort Hill Preparatory School. He then spent two years as bookkeeper at McKechnie's bank, and in 1888 he went to Tacoma, Wash., where he engaged in banking business, working his way up from extra hand to receiving teller. He returned, and was secretary and treasurer for Wescott Brothers Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., one year. March 1, 1892, he engaged with P. J. Mallory as agent for coal, and the following May bought out the yard from him, which he still conducts. He is now selling about 3,000 tons of Lehigh Valley coal per year. Mr. Adams is secretary of the Protection Volunteer's club, and a member of the Canandaigua executive committee of the Republican clubs of Ontario county.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Judge William H. Adams, Canandaigua, was born in Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., March 27, 1841. He was educated at Walnut Hill School in Geneva, of which the late Rev. Thomas C. Reed was principal. When about eighteen years of age he entered the law office of Smith & Lapham at Canandaigua, where he was studying at the breaking out of the war. In the fall of 1861 he aided in raising a company for the Ninety-eighth N. Y. Vols. and served two years, first as lieutenant then as captain, and as assistant adjutant-general on General De Forrest's staff. At the expiration of his term of service in 1863 he was admitted to the bar, and settled in Canandaigua where he engaged in the practice of his profession. He was for some time in partnership with Hon. Elbridge G. Lapham, but upon the election of Mr. Lapham to Congress, this relation was terminated and the business of the firm was continued by Mr. Adams. In the fall of 1887, Mr. Adams was nominated on the Republican ticket for justice of the Supreme Court for the Supreme Judicial District, and was elected over John D. Teller, of Auburn, by a majority of 8,602. Judge Adams married, September 27, 1865, Charlotte L., daughter of Hon. E. G. Lapham, and their family consists of two sons: Elbridge L., a practicing lawyer of Rochester, and Lewis H., a coal merchant of Canandaigua.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Adamy, D.D.S., W. Lynn, Geneva, was born in Broome county, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1891, commencing practice in Geneva the same year. His father, S. W. Adamy, is a dentist in practice at Union, N.Y.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Hon. Stephen Howard Ainsworth, West Bloomfield, was born in Burlington, Otsego county, March 6, 1809. His father was Darius, who came from Connecticut about 1806, and whose grandfather, with two brothers, emigrated from England and were afterward soldiers in the Revolution. Stephen's parents were poor, and his first business venture was as a dancing teacher, which he followed thirteen years, then purchased a farm and established his parents thereon. In 1839 he began the study of phrenology, and in 1841 began lecturing and lectured five years with marked success, being invited to lecture at colleges and schools, and to make examinations in prisons, as a result of his ability to describe the characteristics of persons entirely unknown to him. When lecturing at Auburn, he was taken by a committee into the State's prison to examine heads blindfolded. He told the crime that each prisoner had committed correctly - even to the kidnapping of a child, and was also able to tell two outsiders that they had committed no crime. In 1846 he became a nurseryman in West Bloomfield which he followed with great success until 1871, when he retired. He is now enjoying a comfortable fortune at his pleasant home in West Bloomfield. Mr. Ainsworth was one of the first to embrace Abolitionism; and the first in the country to give to the world an improved and successful method for the artificial propagation of fish. He was the one who recommended and secured the appointment of Seth Green as fish commissioner, State Hatchery at Caledonia. He has been an enthusiastic angler and has made records at fly casting, and has been honored with the following medals for his piscatorial services: A silver medal from the New York State Poultry Society in 1869 for spawning race; was made life member of, and received a silver medal of the first class from the Society d'Acclimation of Paris, France, for improvements in fish culture. In 1836 he married Louise S. Thompson, of Lima. They have one daughter, Isabella L., wife of R. M. Peck of this town. He married second, in 1871, Susannah Perry, his present wife, whose grandfather, a soldier of the Revolution, was one of the guards at the execution of Major Andre. His home was in Keene, N. H., to which town he had come from Massachusetts, where Mrs. Ainsworth's father, Abel Perry, was born. Mr. Ainsworth was a member of the State Legislature in 1861, and has been president of the Fruit Growers' Society of Northern New York; also president of the Ontario County Agricultural Society.

From Shortsville Enterprise 26 February 1914

Howard Dewey Aldrich was born in the village of Shortsville on January 30, 1880, a son of the late Wilson and Matilda Ansberger Aldrich. His education was obtained in the Shortsville High School. After leaving school, Mr. Aldrich was employed for six years in the meat market of Charles Maiers; then for one year in the meat market of J. P. Hill. The next two years were passed in the grocery store of E. J. Hall. Being of a bustling nature, he decided to embark in the grocery business for himself and opened his store in the Goodnow block during the month of October, 1900. No need to mention the success which has been his. The appearance of his store and general conditions indicate that only too clearly. During the year 1907 he associated himself with Sydney L. Heath in the real estate business and they became known as Heath & Aldrich. Thus far they have caused to be erected and later sold just 21 houses in Shortsville. Mr. Aldrich is a Republican in politics, He is also a member of Parlor Village Lodge, No. 88, I. O. O. F. of Shortsville; Garoga Lodge, No. 300, F. and A. M., of Clifton Springs; Excelsior Chapter, No. 294, of Canandaigua, and Zenobia Commandery, No. 41, Knights Templar, of Palmyra. Mr. Aldrich chose for his life partner Miss Ellen E. Bucker of Buffalo, with whom he was united in marriage in that city on June 7, 1905.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Nathan Aldrich, late of Farmington, was born in Farmington, May 25, 1824, was educated in the district schools and was a farmer. He was justice of the peace more than thirty years, and a public-spirited citizen. October 15, 1845 he married Lydia S., daughter of Edward and Harriet Herendeen, who was born April 30, 1824. They had six children; Helen M., born November 9, 1847; Charles H., born June 15, 1849; Harriet L., born June 14, 1851; Julius F., born January 2, 1854, Clarence E., born May 31, 1856; Mary E., born August 20, 1858. Mr. Aldrich died April 10, 1888. Helen M. and Clarence E. are both deceased; Charles H. married Charlotte Cobb of the town of Manchester, and has these children: Ida L., Mary H., Edna G., Fred J., and Frank C. Harriet, whose marriage is noted in another family; Julius F. married twice, first Abbie Smith, descendant of one of the oldest families of the town. She died August 12, 1882, and he married second Eva King, formerly of the town of Manchester, and they have two sons: Clarence G. and Floyd C.; Mary E. married Carlton A. Davis, of Farmington. Mr. Aldrich's father, John, was born in this town, October 30, 1790, and married Leonora Aldrich, formerly of Massachusetts. They had six children: Silas, Edward, Nathan, Sally, Phoebe and Adelia; and his father, Nathan, was born in Adams, Berkshire county, Mass., 1789, and came to this town, one of the first pioneers; sowed the first wheat sown in the town, and returned to Massachusetts. In the spring of 1790 he came with his family, and later built the first framed house, which is now owned by Willis D. Newton, of Victor, who married his great-granddaughter

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Allen, M.D., Alexander D., Gorham, is a native of Gorham, born May 12, 1856. His father, James H. Allen, M.D., is a son of John, a native of Montgomery county, who came to Steuben county and there lived and died. James H. was born in Montgomery county, March 3, 1830, was educated in Albany Medical College, and in 1853 came to Gorham, where he has since had a very successful practice. Dr. Allen married in Steuben county, Phoebe E., daughter of David Stevenson. Dr. Allen and wife had two children, Alexander D., and Margaret E., wife of Lewis T. Ruf, a Presbyterian minister of Pittsford, Monroe county. Dr. Allen is a member of the Ontario Medical Society and New York State Medical Society. Dr. Alexander D. Allen was educated in Canandaigua Academy and in Syracuse Medical College, graduating from the latter in 1880, since which time he has practiced his profession in Gorham. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been supervisor of Gorham five years in succession, and was chairman of the board in 1891-2. He is a member of Ontario County Medical Society, and is a member of E.K.O.R. In 1883 Dr. Allen married Annie T., daughter of H. L. Suydam, an artist of Geneva. The children of Dr. Allen are: James S., Elizabeth H., William A. and Hiram L.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Clark Allen, West Bloomfield, was born April 20, 1824, in the town of Russell, Lower Canada. When he was about eight years old his father, John, brought his family to Monroe county, and settled at the Lower Falls of the Genesee (Carthage) below Rochester. In 1838 he came to this town with his family -- wife and eleven children. He was a blacksmith by trade, but worked at farming in this town. Clark was educated in the district schools and West Bloomfield Academy. He worked principally at farming, but for two years before his marriage he was on the road putting up hydraulics. In 1850 he married Sarah E. Peck, daughter of Waterous Peck, and had two children. Their son, Mahlon P., born in 1852, is a hardware merchant in Lima, and married Belle Scott of that place in 1880, and has two children. Sarah Paulinah, his daughter, died at the age of twelve years. Mr. Allen lived in Michigan four years after his marriage, then returned to this State, and in 1863 bought the old homestead of his wife's father where he lived until 1876. He resided in Lima six years, then bought the Jasper C. Peck farm of 260 acres on the east main road, where he now lives. He still owns and works the other farm of 160 acres.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Ellery G. Allen, Farmington, was born in the town of Oppenheim, Fulton county, November 12, 1843, and came to Farmington with his parents July 5, 1848. He was educated in the public schools and Lima Seminary. April 14, 1870, he married Jennie M., daughter of Ichabod W. Briggs of Macedon, Wayne county, and they have six children: Jennie M., George S., Lewis F., Charles E., Willard H., and Carrie B. Mr. Allen has been supervisor of his town six years and chairman of the board one year, justice of the peace eight years, and has had charge and settled up nineteen different estates. Mr. Allen's father, George S., was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, August 28, 1802. He was educated in the public schools and is a farmer. September 14, 1826, he married Sally Bowen of that county, and had five children: one died in infancy; Lydia J., who married Orlando White; Phoebe B., who married Joseph H. Reynolds; Lewis F., who married December 19, 1873, and Ellery G. His father died February 16, 1874, and his mother June 8, 1885. His grandfather, Daniel L. Allen, was born in Massachusetts, July 31, 1753, and married Lydia Smith, who was born September 29, 1762, and had five children. For his second wife he married her sister, Mary Smith, and had six children. Mrs. Allen's father, Ichabod W. Briggs, was born in Schoharie county, March 24, 1809, and married Sara C. ____, and had nine children: Albert H., Lottie M., Jennie M., Jeremiah B., Charles M., Kittie S., George O., Ichabod and Margaret (twins). This family is the fifth generation from George Allen, who came from England in 1635, locating at Weymouth.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Erastus H. Allen, one of the leading farmers of Bristol, was born July 14, 1826. His father was Miles, son of Jesse, a native of Hartland, Conn., who is an early day came to South Bristol and lived in Richmond, and moved to Ohio, where he died. He was twice married, first to Lucy Gilman, by whom he had eight children. His second wife was a Miss Lane and they had two children. Miles Allen was born in 1798 in Hartland, Conn., and was a young boy when he came to South Bristol. He married Marcia Wilder, whose maiden name was Hills. They had three sons and two daughters. He died in 1850, and his wife in 1866. E. H. Allen was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He engaged in farming and has since followed that occupation. August 18, 1850, he married Mary Ingraham, of Bristol. Her father, Junia Ingraham, was a native of Bristol. He married Ann Whitemarsh, of Dighton, Mass., and they had three daughters. Mr. Ingraham died in 1850, and his wife in 1857. Erastus H. Allen and wife had three daughters: Mary A., Edna E. and Katie. Mr. Allen has 295 acres of land, and settled where he now resides in 1851. He followed farming and for the last twenty-five years has been a wool dealer. Mr. Allen has always been a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He and his family attend and support the Congregational Church of Bristol Center.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

William H. Allen, Canandaigua, was born in Bristol, March 7, 1825. The grandfather, Chauncey, was a native of Stratford county, Conn., who came with his family to Ontario county in 1792, locating on land in the town of Bristol. Chauncey married Rhoda Shephard of Connecticut, and they had five sons and two daughters. Howell, the father of William H., was born in Bristol in 1799. He had a common school education and followed farming in Bristol. When his father came to this country, he took up 320 acres, and Howell had the management of this until his father's death, when the property was divided, and his share was his home until he died in 1864. He married Sophia Lewis of Bristol, and they had eight children, five of whom are living: Austin, a coal dealer of Canandaigua, a farmer of Battle Creek, Mich.; Levi, of Wayne county; James, of Cheshire; and William H. The latter was educated in the common schools and Lima Seminary, and took up farming. For a number of winters in his younger days he taught school. His first purchase of a farm was in 1853, when he bought fifty acres in Bristol. He gradually added to this until he had 200 acres, and owned besides 300 acres in other farms. In the fall of 1882 he moved to Canandaigua, and the next year bought ten acres in Bristol street, where he has erected a beautiful residence. Mr. Allen is a Republican and while in Bristol was superintendent of schools and assessor. He married in 1855 Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Gregg of Bristol, and they had two children: Ida, wife of Eugene Simmons of Canandaigua; and Nettie, wife of Alvin Highby of Buffalo. Mrs. Allen died February 17, 1888, and he married second, in November, 1889, Minnie, daughter of William W. Hadley, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and widow of Cyrus Briggs of Honeoye.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Stephen J. Ambush, Geneva, was born in Prince George's county, Md., in 1830. He was owned by Miss Amelia Frazier of that county. In 1852 she gave him his freedom. He resided in Washington twenty years, and in 1855 married Miss Martha E. Taylor, of Geneva, formerly of his native State. They have two children: Douglass C. and Harriet E. The family resides on West street and owns good property.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Andrews, Cornelius J., D. D. S., Canandaigua, was born in Canadice, October 7, 1845, a son of George, a farmer of that town. The school days of our subject were spent in his native town, and when he was sixteen years of age, he began teaching school, following this until 1864, when he entered Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, spending two years; after a year's teaching he entered the State Normal School at Oswego, from which he graduated in 1867. After receiving his diploma he began teaching in Canandaigua, and after a year owing to failing health he went west, and accepted a position as assistant civil engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. He was there about a year and a half, when, his father dying suddenly, he was called home. This same year, 1870, he began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. A. G. Coleman, of Canandaigua. He was with him as a student for one year, and then as a partner for four years. At the end of this time he went for one year to the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he graduated March 1, 1877. He resumed his partnership with Dr. Coleman for two years, and May 1, 1879, he opened a business for himself, which has proven very successful. Dr. Andrews is a member of the Seventh District Dental Society, and Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 F. & A. M. He married, November 12, 1872, Maria M. Bailey of Spencerport, and they have had three daughters: Bertha G., Jessie M. and Maud E. Dr. Andrews is a prominent member of the M. E. Church, and for the last eleven years has been a trustee of Canandaigua church. Dr. Andrews also conducts a farm on the lake shore of 100 acres, half of which is vineyard. The office is at 232 Main street. Residence 92 Gibson street.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Andrews, William R., Bristol, was born in Bristol, November 3, 1867. His father was George A., son of Royal A., whose father was Samuel Andrews, born in Bristol, Mass., July 2, 1770. He married Dorcas Aldrich, born at Northbridge, Worcester county, Mass, July 17, 1867. They came to Bristol and settled. In early life he was a sailor, and also a cooper and farmer. He died in Bristol. Royal A., was born in Bristol May 30, 1799 and married Hannah Evarts, a native of Bristol, born December 24, 1801. They had three sons and six daughters: Elkanah, George A. and Samuel A., who died in California, December 1, 1857; Mary, who died July 5, 1848; Charlotte and Melissa (twins) reside in Michigan, and Achsah, wife of John B. Wheeler. Mr. Andrews was a Quaker, as were his parents. He died July 14, 1870, and his wife, October 24, 1886. George A. was born October 27, 1823, and was educated in East Bloomfield Academy, and taught school a number of years, but his principal occupation was farming. He owns 140 acres of land. June 13, 1865, he married Malvina A., daughter of William W. Briggs, of Bristol. She was born January 20, 1840. Their children were; William R., Lenora, wife of Harry Bliss, and Cora D., wife of Carroll E. Simmons. Mr. Andrews died in Bristol, January 7, 1889, and his wife, January 21, 1893. William R. Andrews was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Bristol. He owns 105 acres of land, part of the old homestead, and is an adherent member of the Farmers' Alliance and the E. K. O. R. No. 29, and is a member of the Universalist church of Bristol.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Alanson Ansley, Geneva, was born on the pre-emption line at the old homestead (which has been in the family about one hundred years), was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer, excepting about twenty years spent in the agricultural implement business in Geneva, but is now on the farm again engaged principally in fruit culture. On September 15, 1847, he married Mary A., daughter of Joseph and Mary Eldestin, and have had three children: Cynthia M., Susie and Horatio Seymour. Susie died at the age of nine years; Cynthia married and has two daughters, Susie and Anna M. Horatio Seymour Ansley graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1890, but at present is doing business for a New York manufacturing company. William Ansley was born in Massachusetts in 1773, removed with his parents to Pennsylvania when about four years old, was educated and reared a farmer. In 1792, he in company with Powel Carpenter walked from Lackawanna county, Pa., with nothing but the clothes they wore, and their axes on their shoulders, settled together in Ontario county, N. Y., on the pre-emption line, five miles southwest of Geneva. Geneva then contained one frame and some half dozen log houses. Mr. Carpenter removed a few years later from here to Monroe county, and settled in the town of Scottsville, where he spent the remainder of his days. He served a number of years as one of the judges of that county. In 1794 William Ansley married Esther Witter and they had ten children. His first wife died in 1817. For his second wife he married Margaret (Sayre) Gramesly. They had six children: Alanson, Margaret, Matilda, James, Marcus, and Marvin. Alanson, Margaret and Marcus are still living. Marcus occupies the old homestead, which was built and opened as a country hotel in 1794, and used for that for forty years. It still stands firm and solid, and promises all right for years to come. William Ansley died in 1840, and his wife in 1865.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Ansley, Marcus, Geneva, was born on the pre-emption line at the old homestead, March 15, 1826. He was educated in the public schools and in early life was a farmer. He began the nursery business in 1870, and has 120 acres in nursery and fruit orchard, having 12,000 trees bearing fruit. He has married twice, first Mary J. Dorman of Seneca, by whom he had four children: Frank S., Flora, Lucy A., and Marcus D. Mrs. Ansley died in 1864, and he married second, February 20, 1867, Mrs. Cornelia M. (Atwater) Moore. They had three daughters: Mary L. who died aged twenty-one years; M. Belle, and Minnie C., both residing at home. Mrs. Ansley's first husband, William B. Moore was born in the eastern part of this State. He was educated in the public schools and was a jeweler and farmer. February 20, 1867, he married Cornelia M. Atwater, of Lyons, Wayne county, and they had three children: William S., Fred H., and Clinton B.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Richard Appleton, East Bloomfield, a native of Worsted, Norfolk county, England, was born December 10, 1845, a son of Richard, a native of the same place, born September 18, 1800, who was a weaver for many years. He also, while in England, kept a hotel. His wife was Elizabeth Frary, a native of Worsted, England, by whom he had six sons and seven daughters. In 1851 Mr. Appleton, wife and nine children came to America; seven of the children survive. The first winter Mr. Appleton resided in East Bloomfield. He then purchased a place in Bristol, which he traded for a hundred acres. After a few years he sold this at a profit, and purchased seventy-six acres in East Bloomfield, and here he erected a residence, which he sold later. He and his wife are members of the Church of England. Mr. Appleton died March 28, 1882, and his wife February 12, 1885. Richard Appleton, jr. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He started life by working by the month, though he had none of his wages until twenty years of age. He then farmed two years, and later learned carpentry, which he followed eighteen years. He and his brother William were in partnership as carpenters for many years, and during that time made several purchases of houses and lots. They finally separated in business in 1887. Our subject now owns 130 acres, on which in 1890 he erected a residence. December 15, 1870, Mr. Appleton married Mary A. Wolston, a native of Hickland, Norfolk county, England, born September 20, 1851, and a daughter of George and Sabina Wolston, of England, who came to America in 1852, and settled in East Bloomfield. The children of subject are: Fred R., G. Wallace, Howard C., Alice L., and Carl H. Mr. Appleton is a Republican.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Richard W. Appleton, East Bloomfield, a native of Norfolk, England, was born July 8, 1840. He is a son of Robert and Maria Appleton, natives of Norfolk, England, who had two sons and five daughters. Subject of sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of twelve years he came to Ontario county. He lived one year with an uncle in West Bloomfield, and then for three years worked on a farm in Richmond. He then learned the miller's trade, and after three years learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it two years. The war then broke out, and April 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third New York Volunteer Infantry, and served two years. He was in thirteen engagements, the principal ones being at Williamsburg and Seven Day before Richmond. He was wounded at Antietam and taken to Frederick City hospital, and April 12 was transferred to a hospital in Baltimore, whence he was taken to David's Island, where he remained until his discharge, May 23, 1863. He then followed shoemaking in Richmond, Bristol and East Bloomfield Station until 1873, when he established a boot and shoe store at the latter place. In 1885 he added a full line of groceries and men's furnishing goods, and has since done a very successful business. He is a Democrat, and was postmaster at East Bloomfield Station during Cleveland's administration. Mr. Appleton married Mary A., daughter of Richard Appleton, and they had two children: Frank R., a teacher of music, and who assists in his father's store; and Agnes M., who is a student in East Bloomfield Union School. Mr. Appleton is a charter member of A. O. U. W. of East Bloomfield, and he and family attend St. Peter's Episcopal Church, of which Agnes M. is a member. Mr. Appleton assisted in building the church and is one of the vestrymen.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

William Appleton, Canandaigua, was born in Norfolk, Eng., November 16, 1847, and was in his third year when his father, Richard, came to this country. He first settled in E. Bloomfield where he lived about ten years, then moved to Bristol and lived about eight years, moving back to Bloomfield where he bought a farm, and spent the balance of his days. He died in 1883 aged eighty-three years. He married in England, Elizabeth Frary, and they had thirteen children, six of whom are living. William was the youngest son. He was given a good education in the common schools and assisted on the farm until twenty, when he went as an apprentice to learn carpentry. After serving three years he went into business for himself, and for twenty years has followed the trade, building many fine residences. He generally employed four hands and was always found with plenty of work. He has never taken an active interest in politics, but is a man respected and looked up to by all. He has for many years been the trustee of Centrefield school. In 1889 he bought the farm of 146 acres where he now resides, making 186 acres he now owns. He married in December, 1871, Lena N. Woolston, of E. Bloomfield, and they are parents of two children: George W., and Irene L.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Archer, Dr. W. W., Clifton Springs, was born in Hopewell, Ontario county, May 24, 1846. He received an academic education and eventually graduated from the Geneva Medical College, January 27, 1867. He commenced practice in Phelps in connection with Dr. Carpenter. After two years there he removed to Clifton Springs, where he has since resided and been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Archer is surgeon in the U.S. Pension Board, and is coroner of the county. His wife was Miss Hattie Younglove.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Arnold, Lovel, Gorham, was born in Gorham, October 4, 1829, a son of Isaac A., a son of Abram, born August 6, 1767, who was an early settler of Montgomery county, also of Gorham, coming there about 1814. His wife was Lorain Slipperly, born June 15, 1775, in Montgomery county. Her father, a Revolutionary soldier, was killed by the Indians while on his way to join his regiment. Abram Arnold had seven sons and five daughters, and died May 24, 1825. His wife died in September, 1859. Isaac A. was born January 15, 1795. He came to Gorham at the age of nineteen, and married Sallie Hutchinson, whose father was one of the earliest settlers of the place. Isaac A. and wife had six sons and two daughters. He first settled in Yates county, then in Gorham. In 1829 he settled on the farm now occupied by his son Lovel, and here lived till 1865. He was a deacon in the Baptist church many years. In 1865 he moved to Reed's Corners, where he died January 15, 1866. Lovel Arnold was educated in Madison University and at Rochester. His health failing, he engaged in farming, which has since been his occupation. He makes a specialty of breeding Shropshiredown sheep, Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses. January 6, 1854, he married Caroline A., daughter of George and Ann Eliza (Hocum) Clark, natives of Potter, and they have one son, Frank G. Arnold, who resides with his parents. Mr. Arnold is one of the largest real estate owners in Gorham, also owning land in Yates county. Since 1872 he has been a Democrat.

From unknown source;

Abraham, (Abram), son of William Arnold, was a resident of New Hampshire, his native state. He later removed to New York, settling in West Bloomfield, Ontario county. He was twice married and reared a family of seven sons and five daughters. He died May 24, 1825. His second wife, Sarah, died September, 1859. William, son of Abraham Arnold by his first wife, was born in the town of Keene, New Hampshire, March 28, 1774, died at West Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, February 28, 1853. He settled in New York where he followed the business of a tanner and currier. He married first November 6, 1800, Elizabeth Cobb, born March 1780, died May 9, 1815. Children: 1. Elizabeth, born July 6, 1802; married Colonel Ezekiel Jewett, of the United States regular army, and commandant at Fort Niagara during the exciting anti-Masonic period called the "Morgan Exposure." 2. William. 3. Mary, born April 20, 1806; married Bailey Ayres of West Bloomfield, New York. 4. Emmeline, born March 10 1809. He married second, January 2, 1817, Margaret Sargent. He had another son, Joseph, who died in Washington, D. C.

William, son of William and Elizabeth Cobb Arnold, was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, July 3 1804; died July 3, 1876, at Lima, Livingston county, New York. He was educated in the district school of West Bloomfield, New York, where he settled while he was a boy. He grew up in his father's business and was associated with him for many years.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Frederick Leonard Ashley, Richmond, was born March 25, 1845, on the old homestead. His grandfather, Noah 1st (son of William, who lived in Westfield, Mass.), was born in Sheffield, Mass., and went first to Vermont, where he was a merchant, then to Richmond in 1802. He took up 185 acres of land on lot 32, built first a log house on the east side of the road, and in 1816 built the substantial farm house now occupied by Frederick L., and resided there until his death in 1841, aged nearly seventy-two years. Squire Ashley was for many years agent for the sale of the Phelps and Gorham lands in this town, and later was manager of a union store at the Center. He held the offices of supervisor and justice of the peace. His wife was Betsey Sheldon of Richmond, Mass. His brother, William, lived here many years and finally moved to Ashley, Mich., the place taking its name from the family. Noah 1st had ten children. Noah 2d was born on the homestead and was a farmer all his life. He married Minerva Tisdale, daughter of Leonard Tisdale of Blodgett's Mills, Cortland county, in 1832, and their children were: Almira Jane, Mary Evelyn, Clinton S., Noah Tisdale, Frank A., Frederick L., Ellen Minerva, and Augusta V. Frederick L. was educated at the district school, Lima Seminary, and at Eastman's Business College, and has been a farmer. He married in 1876, Fanny E. Briggs, daughter of John G. Briggs, and their children are Frederick Carleton, born August 17, 1878, and Evelyn Minerva, born December 4, 1882.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

William Ashley, Richmond, son of Noah 1st, was born January 5, 1809, in a log-house across the way from the frame house his father afterwards built. He married in 1834 Juliet Bosworth, of Sheffield, Berkshire county, Mass. Of their eight children only four are living. Mrs. Ashley's great-grandfather, Nathaniel Bosworth, emigrated from Wales, and died in Sandisfield, Mass., in 1807, aged ninety-nine years. Her grandfather was Nathaniel 2d, and her father, Jared Bosworth, went to Michigan as one of the early pioneers in 1818. William Ashley died August 6, 1890.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Daniel F. Attwood, Geneva, was born in Androscoggin county, Me., February 9, 1853. In 1872, he was book-keeper for R. G. Chase & Company, came with them to Geneva in 1872, and remained in their employ until 1880, when he went into the insurance business, being one of the founders of the Ontario Mutual Accident Association, originally a local company, but now having a place of business in New York city. In 1877, associated with Dr. N. B. Covert, E. A. Walton, S. F. Gascoigne, M. S. Sanford, D. W. Hollenbeck and others in the organization of "The People's Building, Loan and Savings Association," a company having a reputation of solidity and worth, second to none of its class in the State. Of this association, Mr. Attwood has been secretary since its incorporation, and most of its success is due to his efforts. Mr. Attwood is an earnest Republican worker, and has held the office of village clerk and president, being elected to the latter position in February, 1891. In 1876 he married Caroline A. Parker, of which union two children have been born.

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Joseph Atwater, Canandaigua, was born in Russel, Mass., August 3, 1820, a son of Joel, a native of Cheshire, Conn. The early life of Joseph was spent in the Eastern States. He was educated in the common schools and Westfield Academy and his first occupation was as commercial trustee, which he followed about twenty years. In 1858 he went to Springfield, Texas, where he took 220 acres of land and conducted a stock farm for three years. He then returned North and located in Canandaigua in 1861, buying a small farm. In 1862 he was willed by Mrs. Maria Atwater, widow of Dr. Jeremiah Atwater, for money loaned by him to his friends, considerable property and December 29, 1868, purchased part of the Thomas B. Lyon farm, west of the Sucker Brook, making them a fine farm of ninety-two acres. In 1879, Mr. Atwater erected on his farm a beautiful residence, which stands on the west shore of Canandaigua Lake. Mr. Atwater has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but has never been an office seeker. Mr. and Mrs. Atwater are members of the Presbyterian church. He married, March 14, 1858, at Willington, Loraine county, O., Almira M., daughter of Timothy Tiffany, a native of Connecticut. She was then residing with her step-father, Capt. Henry Allen. They were married by Prof. Henry E. Peck, of Oberlin College, Ohio. They are the parents of four children: Lydia J., an artist; Emma B., a teacher of Victor; Anna L., a teacher of the Union School of Canandaigua; and George L., a commercial traveler with an Auburn firm.

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Updated 14 February 2013