William H. Fisher

William H. Fisher

• Father: Christopher Fisher b. 5 July 1802, d. 10 October 1884
• Mother: Nancy Hammond b. 30 January 1809, d. 1 June 1890

• William H. Fisher was born in June 1834 in New York.
• Christopher Fisher and Nancy Hammond appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Seneca, Ontario County, New York. Other members of the household included William H. Fisher, George W. Fisher, Harriet Fisher, Catharine Fisher and Francis Marion Fisher.
• He married Harriet L. VanGelder circa 1861.
• Nancy Hammond and Christopher Fisher, appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Geneva PO, Ontario County, New York. Other members of the household included William H. Fisher, Catharine Fisher, Francis Marion Fisher, Harriet L. VanGelder, Emma L. Fisher and Minnie Fisher.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1870 census.
• William H. Fisher and Harriet L. VanGelder appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Geneva, Ontario County, New York, enumerated next to William's parents.. Other members of the household included Emma L. Fisher and Minnie Fisher.
• The following appeared on 14 October 1884 in The Geneva Advertiser: Christopher Fihser -- A week or two ago mention was made of the serious illness of this old gentleman, residing in the town of Geneva. He passed quietly away last Friday, aged 82, years, 3 months and five days. He was probably, the day of his death, the oldest gentleman living who was born in the town of Geneva. Warrm in his friendship, social and unassuming in all his ways, honest to the last degree in his dealings, he was greatly loved and respected by all with whom he came in contact. The end of such a man is peace. He leaves an aged widow, three sons, George, William and Frank, and three married daughters, Mrs. P. F. Ayres, Mrs. B. D. Staats, and another whose present name we have forgotten. The funeral took place from his late home Sunday afternoon, and was very largely attended by his friends and neighbors, among whom were David and Thomas Barron, aged 85 and 82, respectively. All his children, too were present. Rev. Dr. Buck officiated, and the remains were interred in the quiet cemetery at Sand Hill.
• The following appeared on 16 December 1884 in the Geneva Advertiser: Frank W. Fisher has bought the interest of his brothers and sisters, and acquired full title to the homestead farm a little west of Geneva. He is the youngest member of the family, and his aged mother will remain with him the balance of her days.
• The following appeared on 6 June 1890 in The Geneva Gazette: Mrs. Christopher Fisher died quite suddenly at the residence of her son Frank, in the westerly part of this town, Sunday evening last, aged 81 years. She was a native of Connecticut, brought to this town at the age of six years by her parents.
       On Dec. 25th, 1825, she was married to Christopher Fisher and immediately settled on the farm where she resided at the time of her death. Mrs. Fisher raised a family of three boys--Frank M., Wm. H. of Geneva, and the late Geo. W. who died in Canandaigua in Feb. 1888--and three girls, Mrs. P. F. Ayers of Rushville, Mrs. S. Spangle of Hopewell, and Mrs. B. D. Staats of Geneva. The surviving children and grand children with one exception were present at the funeral and followed their beloved and devoted mother to her final resting place, in the beautiful Sand Hill cemetery, where her lamented husband had been resting for nearly six years.
       Mrs. F. was a devoted member of the M. E. Church for 47 years, having been converted and received into full communion with the Church under the ministration of Elder Elijah Hebard in 1843.
       The funerasl took place from her former home at 2:30 p. m. on June 4th, 1890, and was attended by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. Dr. Buck, assisted by Rev. Mr. Nichols of the M. E. Church, and Dr. Moore of the Baptist Church, officiated, and all paid tribute to her excellent Christian faith.
• William H. Fisher and Harriet L. VanGelder appeared in the New York state census of 16 February 1892 in Geneva, New York, enumerated next to William's brother Frank.. Other members of the household included Minnie Fisher.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1892 state census.
• The following appeared on 27 January 1899 in the Geneva Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. P. F. Ayers Celebrate Their Golden Wedding. The completion of 50 years of married life was the occasion of a most delightful event in the handsome residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ayers of Rushville, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1898.
       That Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have made a host of friends both in Rushville and elsewhere during their long residence here was clearly demonstrated by the many valuable gifts and the many friends who were present and congratulated them on the 50th anniversary of their wedding Tuesday afternoon.
       By the aid of an arch tied with white ribbon and the banking of potted plants, the parlor presented a fairyland appearance. An elaborate dinner was served at 1 P. M. of which between fifty and sixty partook. One of the pretty things of the menu was a cake wreathed with mistletoe and holly, (the gift of Mrs. Keith of Seneca). One of the principal features of the afternoon was a surprise to Mr. Ayers. It came immediately after the refreshments. In well chosen words Rev. W. S. H. Hermans, pastor of the M. E. Church, made a graceful and impressive presentation address. It was a handsomely engraved gold-headed cane, the souvenir of the M. E. Church of Rushville to be handed down in succession to each of the oldest male members of the family. Mr. Ayers responded with brief but touching expressions of trust. Among those who enjoyed the happy event from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Simon Spangle, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Spangle of Hopewell; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Keith of Seneca; Mr. and Mrs. Beekman D. Staats, Mr. Frank Fisher and son, Roy, Mrs. Stanley Harris, her daughter, Jessie, and son, Alfred of Geneva. Regrets from out-of-town friends were received, accompanied by letters of congratulations.
• The following appeared on 9 May 1908 in the Geneva Daily Times: (Rushville) Philo Ayres was taken very ill Thursday night, and is now in critical condition at his home on North Main Street. . . . Mr. and Mrs. William Fisher of Geneva are guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Philo Ayres, having been summoned here on account of Mr. Ayres' illness.
• William H. Fisher died on 30 July 1912 at age 78.
• Harriet L. VanGelder became a widow at his death.
• He was interred at Sand Hill Cemetery, Seneca, Ontario County, New York.
• The following appeared on 30 July 1912 in the Geneva Daily Times: William H. Fisher, aged 78 years, died this morning at 4:40 o'clock at his late home in Seneca. He had been a resident of this vicinity all his life. He is survived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Stanley Harris of Washington street, this city, and Mrs. C. A. Keith of Seneca; two sisters, Mrs. Simon Spangle of Hopewell and Mrs. B. Statts of this city; one brother, Frank M. Fisher of this city. The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late home at Seneca. Rev. Milton F. Negus, pastor of the Baptist church of this city, will officiate. Burial will be made in the Sand Hill Cemetery.

• Last Edited: 22 Aug 2011