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Birkett, Henry, son of Thomas, was born in Cumberland, England, June 10, 1827, where he spent the first twenty
years of his life. His energy and activity impelled him to emigrate to America at that early age. December 21,
1859, he married Matilda, daughter of William Deisher, of Waterloo, N. Y., and made his first permanent residence
on a farm in the town of Torrey. He had previously owned a share in the flouring mills at Dresden. After three
years' experience at farming, which occupation was not congenial to his tastes, he sold the farm, and in company
with his nephew, Nathaniel Willis, again purchased the flouring mills. After a short term of partnership he purchased
Mr. Willis's interest and conducted the business alone to the close of his life. He was also an extensive dealer
in lumber. He conducted a large business in his mills, and a much larger business in grain. He was a quick and
rapid thinker, and his judgment was seldom at fault. He was kind and courteous and in his large dealings he had
an extensive acquaintance with leading business men, who counted his death as a public calamity. He suffered losses
by fire and otherwise, but left his family a liberal competence. His name always headed the lists in the cause
of charity and benevolence. He was in sympathy with the Episcopal Church, and was an active and influential Free
Mason. He died May 24, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Birkett had five children, who are now living, and two (twins) who died
in infancy. William M. Birkett, oldest son of Henry Birkett, was born in Dresden, June xi, 1861, and was educated
in his father's business. At his father's death, he and his brother, Clarence T., conducted the business for the
estate until 1886. Then these brothers conducted the business the ensuing year (1887), with the firm name of Henry
Birkett's Sons. In the summer of 1887 the present firm of Birkett Bros. & Co. was organized. They are conducting
a large milling business, are extensive dealers in grain, and also wholesale and retail dealers in lumber of all
kinds. In connection with the flouring mills they have a large planing and lumber dressing mill. William M. Birkett
is the only member of the firm who resides in Dresden, and the business is under his supervision. He is a man of
energy and a reliable citizen. November 26, 1884, he married Clara Jessup, of Penn Yan, N. Y., and owns a fine
residence on Seneca street.
From:
History of Yates County, N. Y.
with illustrations and biographical sketches
of some of its prominent men and pioneers.
Edited by: Lewis Cass Aldrich
D. Mason & Co., Publishers
Syracuse, N. Y. 1892
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