My Genealogy Hound

HENRY M. GATES, a prosperous, retired farmer of Homer, was born in Solon township, this county, November 29, 1839. The Gates family is of old New England stock and ranks among the leading families of Central New York for thrift and prosperity. It is a numerous family, and has representatives scattered all over the Union. The original settler was Daniel Gates, the grandfather of our subject, who came with his family from Brattleboro, Vermont, almost a century ago, and settled in the town of Truxton, this county, in what is known as “The Basin.” He was one of the pioneer farmers of the county, and contributed his share towards clearing up the forest land and making it suitable for homes. He was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp, loyal and true. A member of the Baptist Church, he was strict in the observance of all its rules, which in that day were very rigid. His wife was Miss Polly Newton, and a family of the following children were born to them: Asa; Justin; Joel; Martin; Sallie; Sarina, a twin; Lucy A.; and Jane.

Justin Gates, father of our subject, was but four years of age when his parents brought him to Truxton, where he grew to manhood. He was a farmer almost his entire life, and, like most of the family, was prosperous and successful in his undertakings. He was a good student and a close observer, enabling him to become one of the best posted and intelligent men of his day. After several years spent in hard work upon the farm, he decided to give up active work, and to this end, moved to the village of Homer, where he lived for six years, until the end of his life. He was a member of the Baptist Church of Solon, but later united with the church at McGrawville, and at the time of his death was a member at Homer. He was formerly a Whig, but in later years a Republican; he took an active interest in political affairs, and was well posted in them, but his friends could never induce him to become an office seeker. He was united to Nancy McKevette, and this union was blessed with two children: Mary A., who died unmarried; and Henry M.

Henry M. Gates, the only surviving child of his parents, was educated in the common schools, and devoted his time after finishing his education to farming. He resided and farmed in Solon until the spring of 1867, when he moved to Homer village and lived there for six years; then located upon a farm near Little York. This farm consists of 122 1/2 acres of highly improved land, all under cultivation but fifteen acres, which is timbered, the result of the perseverance and untiring energy of Mr. Gates. He began life with no capital except a stout heart and willing hands, but by his indomitable will and a plucky determination to succeed, he has accumulated a fortune which enables him to live in comfort and quiet for the remainder of his life.

Mr. Gates moved to Homer in 1896 with the intention of taking life more easy, but he still evinces a hearty interest in all that goes on around him. He is a director of the Fire Relief Association. He is a stanch Republican, and a member and deacon of the Baptist Church of Homer. He has been twice married. January 16, 1860, he was united to Henrietta Eastman, who bore him three children: One that died in infancy; Maynard H., a farmer of Homer; and Nellie E., wife of Arthur J. Dorman of Tully, N. Y. Mrs. Gates died September 6, 1866, and on June 29, 1867, Mr. Gates solemnized his marriage with Matilda S. Safford of Pompey, Onondaga County. They have made many warm friends since their residence in the village — friends who are loud in their praises. He represents a type of sturdy old New England stock that would well pay our young men of to-day to emulate.