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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chautauqua County, New York published by John M. Gresham & Co. in 1891. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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GEORGE D. MAWHIR, a prominent young farmer and grape grower of Portland, is a son of Thomas and Mary Mawhir, and was born on the farm in Portland town, Chautauqua county, New York, February 11, 1857. His father, Thomas Mawhir, was a native of County Down, Ireland, and came to the United States about 1850. He first made his home in Westfield, but in 1853 he came to this town and pursued farming until the grim reaper called him away, on April 16, 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Mawhir was a stirring and enthusiastic republican, active in all his party’s struggles. He was married to Mary McLevy, a native of County Down, Ireland, in 1835, who is still living with her son in Portland town, and an active member of the Methodist church.
George D. Mawhir, when arrived at a school age, alternated summer and winter between the farm and the school-house, and thereby secured a good common school education. He then began farming for himself and now owns the one on which he resides. He is engaged extensively in grape culture and raises a fine crop of this fruit.
In 1882 Mr. Mawhir was married to Hattie Barnes, a daughter of Alpha Barnes (a sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this book). Their marriage has been blest with one child, a son, Albert.
G. D. Mawhir is a republican, and is known as a representative citizen of his town.
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This family biography is one of 658 biographies included in Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chautauqua County, New York published in 1891.
View additional Chautauqua County, New York family biographies here: Chautauqua County, New York Biographies
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