My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. BOCKOVEN, who is now living retired from the active duties of life, at one time owned his father’s old homestead in Seneca County. He was born in what was then the town of Junius, now a part of the town of Seneca Falls, July 17, 1816. His parents were Peter and Rachel (Riggs) Bockoven, the father a native of New Jersey. Of the mother’s people but little is known, but it is supposed they were born either in Rhode Island or Connecticut. In Morris County, N. J., she was married to Peter Bockoven, and to them were born, in that state, two children, who also died there.

Mr. Bockoven then came to New York, making location in this county, on the west bank of Cayuga Lake. He was accompanied on this trip by his brother-in-law, and together they bought a squatter’s claim, but afterward paid the Government for the tract. For his share Peter Bockoven was given one hundred and fifteen acres, and to this he afterward added seventy-five acres adjoining, and at another time he bought an estate containing one hundred and forty-five acres. Of the parental family, one child died in this county and three grew to mature years. Betsey Ann, one of our subject’s sisters, married William Boardman. They afterward moved to Cook County, Ill., where the wife died, leaving two children. Phebe became the wife of George Powis, and is now living in Geneva; her family includes three children.

The father of our subject, who was born in the year 1785, lived to be eighty-seven years of age. He was a life-long Democrat, and in 1834 was elected to the General Assembly, serving one term. At one time he was also Assessor of the town of Junius, which district was then made up of what is now the towns of Tyre, Junius, Waterloo and Seneca Falls.

George W. Bockoven is what may be called a self-made man, both in the matter of education and finances. He was obliged to work very hard when young, being permitted to attend school but a short time each winter after he was old enough to be of any assistance to his father. On attaining his majority he assumed the management of the home place, carrying on affairs in a most satisfactory manner. November 1, 1838, he was married to Miss Maria Woodruff, of the town of Fayette, and four children were granted them, two of whom are married and still living. One son, Peter, enlisted in the late war in 1861, and died soon after the battle of Gettysburg, in which conflict he had taken part. He was a member of Lincoln’s cavalry, and as a result of the exposure to which they were subjected he sickened and died in the hospital at Washington. His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery at Canoga. Mrs. Bockoven died April 10, 1847, and was buried at Bridgeport, N. Y.

Our subject was married, in October, 1849, to Miss Fessonia Chatham, a native of the town of Fayette, this county. Two children have been born to them: Chauncey, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania; and Laura, the wife of Charles Wayne. After completing his literary education, Chauncey engaged in the commission business in Philadelphia. He was married, and departed this life in Chicago.

In politics Mr. Bockoven is a Republican, although he cast his first Presidential vote for Van Buren in 1840. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and in 1856 supported John C. Fremont, and in 1860 voted for Abraham Lincoln. He has ever since been identified with the “grand old party.” On the Republican ticket he was elected Highway Commissioner, serving acceptably for one term. When sixteen or seventeen years of age he joined the Presbyterian Church, and has from that time to the present been an influential member of his congregation, which he has served many years as Trustee.

At one time Mr. Bockoven owned his father’s entire estate, but from time to time he has disposed of portions of it, only retaining a few acres for his own use. He has been very successful in life and is now in the receipt of a handsome income, which enables him to live peaceably and enjoy the comforts of life.