McKelvie, Willard Graham

The following data is extracted from Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York.

(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 training and superior intelligence. He owns a desirably located farm containing 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 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. Ainsley 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 (1910) 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.

Source: Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York

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