My Genealogy Hound

TOM FILLINGHAM, of Waterloo, dealer in groceries, crockery and Yankee notions, and the proprietor of the Waterloo Greenhouse, is one of the substantial contributions that Old England has made to the prosperity of central New York. He was born in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, in 1820, the son of Charles and Ann (Hirst) Fillingham, the former of whom was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. England not presenting a satisfactory field for his business activities, the senior Mr. Fillingham came to the United States in 1841, landing at New York, and coming at once to Waterloo. Here he found employment in the Waterloo Woolen Mills, and was engaged in the sorting department for many years, or until 1860, when he returned to England, where he died a few years later. His wife, who had accompanied him, survived him a few years.

Mr. Fillingham, the subject of this article, received his education in the English common schools, and when he was ready to take up the burdens of life, or when about fifteen years of age, began working in his father’s woolen-mills in Murfield, Yorkshire, the firm consisting of his father, two brothers and an uncle. Here he remained until he sailed to the United States, coming immediately to Waterloo, where he found employment in the familiar woolen business. From 1847 to the present time he has been active in different capacities about the mills, and for many years has had especial charge of the weaving department. In 1861 he opened a store, which is in charge of his son Viner, and has also been interested in various other mercantile investments.

In 1843 Mr. Fillingham married Miss Hannah Viner, a resident of Auburn, N. Y. She was born in Yorkshire, England, and was the daughter of George Viner. To our subject and wife seven children were born, all of whom are living. Viner, the eldest, is in charge of the store, and the other children are named Emily, William, Mary, Edward, John Charles and Allen. Our subject served one term as Village Trustee, and while he has not been prominent in politics, has been a highly respected member of the community. Religiously he is a member of the Episcopal Church, while until her death his wife found her home in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1892 his wife died, leaving him alone but for the faithful love of his children.

Mr. Fillingham is a good example of what perseverance, economy and persistence can do for a man. He began life in meager circumstances, but by attending strictly to business and making himself indispensable to his employers, he accumulated a very good property for old age, and is now in comfortable circumstances.