My Genealogy Hound

BELA B. LORD, a gentleman who has become prominent not only in Chautauqua county and the State of New York, but wherever the name of “Holstein cattle” is known, as an importer and breeder of the black and white beauties, as well as “French Coach” and “Percheron” horses, was born October 7, 1840, on the farm upon which he now resides, within the corporate limits of Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, New York, and is a son of Bela B. and Polly (Hall) Lord, both of whom came from Otsego county, New York. Bela B. Lord, Sr., came to this county in 1819, purchased the tract of land, and cleared the farm upon which his son now resides. When he arrived the country was almost in its virgin creation, and where the prolific fields now feed the fattening kine, the tall monarchs of the forest then stood in majestic grandeur, and many of them fell beneath the blows of the axe which his strong arm wielded. Bela B. Lord, Sr., was a son of Sylvenus Lord, and was born in 1799; he died on the 28th of November, 1874. Sylvenus Lord, like Aaron Hall, was a descendant from New England Yankees, who, in turn, traced their ancestors to the Pilgrims.

Bela B. Lord was reared on his father’s farm, and educated at the country schools. On March 11, 1862, he married Elizabeth C. Kirlton, of Louisville, St. Lawrence county, New York, with the understanding that they should remain with her invalid, widowed mother during her lifetime, which they did; and are still remembered by their aquaintances there, as deserving; their later successes for their devotion to their aged and helpless relative. They have one son, Clarence J., who associated himself with his father, and when twenty-one years of age was admitted to partnership. Clarence J. Lord received a thorough business education at Eastman’s Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, and is now cashier of the Capital National Bank, of Olympia, Washington. He returned to Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, New York, for his bride; marrying September 3, 1890, Mary Elizabeth Reynolds, only daughter of Henry and Helen K. Reynolds, of Sinclairville.

In 1876, Mr. Lord returned to Chautauqua county, and to gratify the wish of his mother, purchased the old homestead, and in 1880, commenced the importation of Holstein cattle, which, from the first, proved a very successful venture. Year by year his business increased, and in 1884 he included French Coach and Percheron horses in his importations, and at the present time, the importing and breeding of these horses, and the breeding of standard bred trotting horses constitute the larger part of his stock business, although the handling of Holstein cattle will always remain with him a pleasant special work.

Since 1880, Mr. Lord has made seven, and his son nine trips to Europe, visiting Holland, Germany, Scotland, England and France in the interests of his business. Chautauqua county is known far and near for the excellence of its dairy products, and the “Sinclairville Stock Farm,” the home of B. B. Lord, his added much to its reputation, both for dairy goods, large milk and butter records and fine stock. No finer horses and cattle can be found in America than upon this farm, for Mr. Lord’s motto has always been to purchase only the best, and he attributes all his success to this fact, together with fair, honorable dealing. His stables and herd are well represented at all the prominent fairs, and win their share of the prizes. At the International Fair held at Buffalo in 1889, every horse he entered received a prize.

Mrs. B. B. Lord is a woman of marked ability, and has attained an eminence in the Grange of the State of New York, which has been reached by no other of her sex. Mr. and Mrs. Lord have been identified with the movement for fifteen years, and are enthusiastic on behalf of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Mrs. Lord (Elizabeth C. Kirlton) was selected Master of Chautauqua County Pomona Grange (fifth degree) in 1890, and is the first woman to achieve that distinction. She is also Master of Sinclairville Grange, and has several times represented her district at the State Grange, being an able advocate and active representative; has filled nearly all offices in grange work in the county, being at the present time a member of the Executive Committee of the County Pomona Grange; was for two years an officer of the State Grange, filling the office of Flora (sixth degree). She is an intelligent parliamentarian with a fund of practical knowledge of important subjects and ready tact, which intuitively reads human character aright; qualities that, supported by a firm devotion to the best interests of the organization, render her an able delegate, whose assistance is counted of great value. Mrs. Lord has risen to this prominence because her abilities fitted her to execute its duties, and her elevation is only the proper recognition of her personal value. B. B. Lord and son attribute much of their success in life to the able advice and earnest co-operation of this devoted wife and mother.