My Genealogy Hound

RALPH C. FESSENDEN, a leading farmer and dairyman of the town of Gerry, was born November 4, 1851, and is a son of Albro H. and Emeline (Atkins) Fessenden, the former born on March 25, 1816, and the latter on December 9, 1817. His parents were natives of the State of Vermont, and were united in marriage in June, 1842. Albro H. Fessenden, in the beginning of his career, removed from Vermont to western New York, to the town of Gerry, Chautauqua county, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick in connection with the operation of his father’s farm. His father, the grandfather of Ralph C., had originally purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres from the Holland Land company, and was known as one of the pioneer farmers in that part of the county, Both father and son were republican in politics; the former died in Gerry, at the age of seventy-eight.

Ralph C. Fessenden benefited by a common school education, and also attended for a time the academy at Sinclairville. He lives on the farm which his ancestors have occupied for the past three generations, and, in connection with his farm work, operates a large dairy. He is a member of the Grange and the Knights of Maccabees. In politics he has always been a steadfast adherent of republican doctrines, and has served his party as assessor for two years. He is a public-spirited, progressive citizen, and in matters religious has a tendency toward liberalism.

Ralph C. Fessenden’s marriage took place on February 4, 1874, at which time he was united to Jennie Sherman, daughter of the late R. D. Sherman, of Sinclairville. The result of their union has been six children: Albro, Jessie May, Norman J., Harriet, Robert and Benjamin.