De Graff, Frank A.

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

Frank A. De Graff, manager and one of the proprietors of the leading stationery and book stores in Canandaigua, New York, is, as his family name indicates, of Dutch descent, and has inherited the thrifty and businesslike traits of his ancestors.

Groat A. De Graff, father of the man whose name heads this sketch, for some years followed the occupation of farming in Gorham, New York, and removed to Canandaigua about the year 1870. He established himself in the book and stationery business, in which he was eminently successful, and with which he was connected for many years.

Frank A., son of Groat A. De Graff, was born in Gorham, Ontario county, New York, August 4, 1864. He was educated in the common schools of Canandaigua and in Canandaigua Academy. The first step in his business career was an assistant to his father in the book and stationery business, of which he thus acquired a thorough knowledge in every detail. he then became associated as a partner with T. M. Emerick, and succeeded to the business of his father. In 1894 he sold his interest in this concern to his partner, and was a commercial traveler for the wholesale stationery trade for a period of ten years. In 1904 he formed a partnership with McGreevey & Sleght, establishing the firm of McGreevey-Sleght-De Graff Company, dealers in stationery, hooks, etc., and Mr. De Graff is the manager of this concern. They have branch stores in Elmira, and Batavia, New York, and they have the reputation of being one of the leading and most reliable business houses in Canandaigua. Mr. De Graff is a member of Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294, Free and Accepted Masons. He married at Canandaigua, October 14, 1891, Minerva H., daughter of Edward Parsons, of Canandaigua. Only child : Harriet A., born October 15, 1896.

Source: Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York

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