Monroe Co. NY Bios Forum [ Read Responses | Return to the Index (Use 'Back' if from a search list) ] [ Previous | Next ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- HODGES Posted by Dick Halsey on Wed, 19 Aug 1998 Surnames: >From "Landmarks of Monroe County, NY" (1895) Part III, p. 69 Hodges, George H., whose farm southeast of Spencerport is regarded as one of the best in the town, was born November 23, 1854, and has always followed agriculture. In 1875 he bought the Chase farm of seventy acres, and here his life has been spent. In 1884 Mr. Hodges married Judith, daughter of Hon Josiah Rich, and they have had two children. George H. was the son of George P. Hodges, the latter born January 3, 1807, and his mother was Mary A. Day, born July 25, 1811. They were married in 1832, and came to the Genesee country from Rutland, Vt., settling in Ogden about 1837. Mr. Hodges followed hotel keeping in Vermont, and in Ogden engaged in farming. He died August 1, 1873, and his wife August 21, 1877. Cattaraugus Co. NY Bios Forum [ Read Responses | Post a New Response | Return to the Index (Use 'Back' if from a search list) ] [ Previous | Next ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- CHENEY families of Yorkshire Posted by Martie Wilson <mawilson@northernnet.com> on Sat, 06 Mar 1999 Surnames: Cheney, Hodges, Crooker, Smith CHENEY families of Yorkshire (From “History of Cattaraugus Co.”, NY by Adams) Daniel W. CHENEY, a native of Ashford, Conn., was descended from good old Puritan stock, his ancestors having come from England with the early Pilgrim Fathers. He emigrated from Connecticut to Essex Co., NY, but after a brief stay he went into Vermont for a time. Thinking that he could better his condition by a return to New York he located in what is now the town of Machias in the year 1808. He resided here a short time, then removed about five miles farther north and took up land on the old “town line” road, in what is now the town of Yorkshire. Here he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1837. He left the reputation of being an upright, industrious citizen, enjoying the esteem and confidence of all his acquaintances. His wife survived him but a few years. There were born to him eleven children, nine of whom attained manhood and womanhood. All of these are dead but one, Wells CHENEY, who still lives with an only daughter, Nancy, in Delevan, and is an intelligent old gentleman in his 86th year, full of reminiscences of the past. John CHENEY, the second son of Daniel W., was born in 1813 in the limits of the town of Machias. In his early manhood he succeeded in accumulating a sufficient amount of money to purchase and partially pay for the farm already taken up by his father. In 1840 he married Sarah Ann HODGES, who helped him accumulate a large property. For the next few years, until 1856, he passed his time partly in New York State and partly in Pennsylvania where for a time he run a large lumber mill. Finally returning to New York he settled upon his farm, remaining there till within a few months of his death. He was public spirited, honorable , and highly esteemed. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal church in Delevan, a liberal supporter and member of it, and one of its trustees for nearly a quarter of a century. He died in 1881 at his residence in the village of Delevan. His widow still lives at the same place. Never taking any active part in politics, he was yet greatly interested in public affairs, usually voting with the Republican party. He was for several terms elected one of the assessors of the town. Besides his widow seven children survive him: Clark A. CHENEY, a farmer in Yorkshire Walter W. CHENEY, an oil operator of Bradford, Pa. Irene E. CROOKER, living with her husband at Franklinville Francis J. CHENEY, principal of the State Normal and Training School, Cortland, NY; George H. CHENEY, in business in Boston, Mass. Lyman J. CHENEY, postal clerk on the W.N.Y.&P. railroad. Francis J. CHENEY was born near Warren, Pa., in June, 1848, third son of John and Sarah Ann CHENEY. In 1856 he came with his parents to Yorkshire. Here he worked on the farm until he was twenty years old, attending the district school winter and summer as far as the farm work would permit. He early manifested a wish to go to college, and in this he was encouraged by his parents. By attending a neighboring academy at Arcade, N.Y., during the fall term, teaching a district school in the winter, and working on the farm through the spring and summer, he finally obtained a part of the necessary means and preparation for college, and entered Syracuse University in 1868, while it was yet Genessee College, graduating in 1872. After graduation he was professor of mathematics in the Northern New York Conference Seminary, Antwerp, N.Y., for two terms. In March, 1873, he was elected principal of Dryden Union School, Dryden, Tompkins county, N.Y. Here he remained seven years, resigning his position in June, 1880. He had studied law, was admitted to practice, and intended, at this time, to enter upon the profession of law, when he received a letter from a member of the Board of Education of Kingston Free Academy, Kingston, N.Y., asking him to consider the proposition of becoming its principal. The result of the correspondence was that he became principal of this school at a salary of $2,000. In 1882 he was asked to take a professorship in Syracuse University, but the Kingston Board of Education held out such inducements to retain him as to influence him to stay. In 1888 he was elected superintendent of schools in Olean, N.Y. Again the Board of Education at Kingston so strongly desired him to remain that he declined this attractive position. In June, 1889, he received the degree of Ph.D. from Syracuse University, on examination. In 1890 he was unanimously elected inspector of high schools and academies of New York by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. This position he accepted, and entered upon his duties in September of the same year. He held this important office one year, when he was appointed principal of the State Normal and Training School, Cortland, N.Y. Having been confirmed as principal by the State superintendent of public instruction he resigned the office of inspector to accept this desirable and useful position, which he still holds, finding in it an agreeable field of activity and usefulness. In July, 1873, he married Lydia H., daughter of Buel G. SMITH, of Delevan, N.Y. Not a little of his success is due to the well directed helpfulness of his intelligent and clear headed wife. But 45 years of age, in perfect health, it would seem that many years of usefulness are still before him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----