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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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JOHN MAWHIR is one of the wide-awake horticulturists of Portland town. He is a son of Thomas and Mary Mawhir, and was born on the farm adjoining, where he now resides, in Portland town, Chautauqua county, New York, August 31, 1858. Thomas Mawhir was born in Ireland in 1810, and came to America, locating at Westfield. In 1853 he moved to Portland and bought the farm where his son now lives, and followed agriculture until his death, April 16, 1889. He was a stirring, energetic man, and favored the Republican party. His wife survives him and lives in Portland with her son. She is seventy-seven years of age and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
John Mawhir was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools. He has always resided on a farm, thirty acres of which he owns, and has a fine grape orchard in the culture of which he takes great interest.
On December 15, 1880, Mr. Mawhir was wedded to Mary Guest, a daughter of William A. Guest, who is a farmer in Portland. They have four children, one son and three daughters: Ella, Mynferd, Jennie and Anna.
He is an adherent to Republican principles and votes with that party, and is recognized as a most progressive farmer.
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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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