According to this genweb post...
http://ontario.nygenweb.net/ontariocountyjournalmarriagedeath26.htm
A James McKechnie died on September 20th, 1889
(DIED - In Canandaigua, Sept. 13, James McKechnie, in the 74th year of his age.)
According to this Canandaigua history website
http://www.townofcanandaigua.org/history.htm
The Steamboat Era on Canandaigua Lake
The steamboat era in New York State started in 1807 when Robert Fulton ran his steam-powered "Clairmont" on the Hudson River. The first steamboat in the Finger Lakes region was the "Enterprise" which was launched in 1825. Canandaigua Lake's steamboat era ran from 1827 with the launching of the "Lady of the Lake" and ended in 1935 when the "Idler" discontinued passenger service. There were fourteen major boats that provided commercial service on Canandaigua Lake.
...
Canandaigua launched in 1865. Built by Bejamin Springstead for the Warner Brothers of Canandaigua. It was 110' long and 18' wide. For years it was owned by
J. & A. McKechnie, well know brewers in Canandaigua. The "Canandaigua" was powered by soft coal, had a side-wheel and operated on the lake for 24 years, captained by Marshall W. Cooper. It was dismantled in 1889 and its engine was used in the new "Ogarita."
The Bacons as mentioned in the letter...
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/Newsitems/treetrunk/trunkforman.htm
ONTARIO COUNTY TIMES Wednesday April 15, 1925
ORIN S. BACON
Orin Stebbins Bacon, formerly a prominent businessman of Canandaigua, died at his home in East Street, this city, Sunday morning, after a long and painful illness. He was sixty five years of age, having been born at Victor, April 1, 1860.
Mr. Bacon was the oldest son of the late Orin S. and Eliza Simonds Bacon, of Victor, his father having been a former Sheriff of the County and served for a number of years as manager of the McKechnie bank here being actively interested also in local political affairs.
Orin S. Bacon Jr. was associated in business with his father and later became interested in various business enterprises and engaged extensively in farming. He acted as manager of the McKechnie brewery and as proprietor of the Canandaigua Hotel, the sale of which he affected to Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson.
The funeral service was held at the home yesterday morning with his brother Rev. Albert S. Bacon of Niagara Falls officiating. Interment at Woodlawn.
Mr. Bacon is survived by his wife, Minnie Gallup Bacon, two sons, and four daughters, Orin S. Bacon, Jr., Harold G. Bacon, Misses Jane and Charlotte Bacon, and Mrs. Carl Shiebler, all of Canandaigua, and Mrs. Thomas Scoon, of Geneva, also by a sister and brother, Mrs. Edward W. Simmons, Canandaigua, and Rev. Albert S. Bacon of Niagara Falls.
His body was interred 1925 Canandaigua, New York, Woodlawn Cemetery.
At 38 years of age Orin became the father of Lillian M. Bacon Canandaigua, New York, December 01, 1898.
ONTARIO COUNTY JOURNAL December 2, 1898
BORN - BACON - At Canandaigua, December 1, 1898, to Mr. and Mrs. Orin S. Bacon, a daughter.
Further news about the McKechnies...
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/Ontbusiness.htm
The banking firm of McKechnie & Co. was founded and established by James and Alexander McKECHNIE in October, 1882, and although a private bank was nevertheless capitalized at $100,000. At the same time Alfred DENBOW was made one of the banking firm and placed in charge as cashier, and so continued until 1890, the year of his death. He was at once succeeded by Mack S. SMITH, who still fills the position. Alexander McKECHNIE died in January, 1883, and his interest passed to his widow and heirs. James McKECHNIE died in September, 1889, and a similar disposition was made of his interest. The active persons in connection with the bank at the present time are the heirs and legatees of James and Alexander McKECHNIE; Orin S. BACON as executor; Mark S. SMITH, cashier; and Frank E. HOWE and Fred A. McKECHNIE, assistant cashiers.
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I'll look around some more, but it looks like this safe might contain some papers from a person important to local history.
agnes!
This is getting way too stressful.
SO EXCITING!!! Keep going! Get that box out!
This is a happy day!!
