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Below is a family biography included in Book of Biographies: Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens, Cortland County, New York published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1898.  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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REV. JOHN J. McGUINNESS, A. B., M. A., the genial rector of St. Patrick’s Church of Truxton, N. Y., is a son of James and Mary (Newman) McGuinness. He was born in Norwich, Chenango County, N. Y., July 4, 1860. He is a man of superior education, blessed with a liberal and generous disposition, and endowed with a pleasant and agreeable manner. He attended St. John’s College, Fordham, New York City, where he graduated in 1883 with the degree of A. B. He took a post-graduate course the following year and received the degree of M. A., after which he entered St. Joseph’s Theological Seminary at Troy, N. Y., where he completed his theological course in 1887, being ordained to the priesthood at the same time. He became assistant rector of St. John’s Church at Utica, N. Y., where he remained for two years. From there he went to St. Paul’s Church, Oswego, N. Y., as assistant rector, and in 1894 he became connected with his present parish. He has ever exhibited the genuineness of religious experience and true Christian life. He is an untiring worker; a man of pleasing address; generous and liberal in his sentiments; and positive in his convictions and in the expression of his views.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in Book of Biographies: Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens, Cortland County, New York published in 1898. 

View additional Cortland County, New York family biographies here: Cortland County, New York Biographies

View a map of 1897 Cortland County, New York here: Cortland County, New York Map

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