From the Andover News, December 11, 1914.
Transcribed by Suzette Pondillo.
JAMES McGINTY
Died at his home in this village, Saturday morning, Dec. 5th. James McGinty, in his 80th year. With his passing Andover loses another pioneers and substantial business man, coming to Andover with his parents and older brother, Patrick, about 1845 from Union, N.Y., near Binghamton, they settled on a farm on South Hill, now owned by Henry Horan, then a wild wilderness. They were of the sturdy pioneer settlers of those days of hardship and privation. On this farm Mr. McGinty grew to manhood, and after a few years engaged in business for himself, buying live stock and produce for upwards of fifty years.
Four years ago Mr. McGinty’s health began to fail and he retired. He was reliable and honest in all of his dealings, during all of those years both at home and in many other places in Western New York. He was also in the grocery business in Andover and in Middletown, N.Y., for a number of years. It still remains to be said by any one that James McGinty was other than an honest man.
Mr. McGinty had a good personality and was a fine conversationalist, always weighing his words carefully before speaking. He was a man of good judgment being called upon for advise frequently. He had a pleasant disposition and his ready Irish wit made him very popular with his associates. He was a patriotic citizen and well versed in the affairs of the country.
In politics Mr. McGinty was a democrat of the old school. He was always willing to help and advance the cause of true democracy.
The deceased was one of the first to begin leasing land for oil and gas in this vicinity, being one of the stockholders of the Mutual Gas Company of this village. Mr. McGinty was also one of the foremost men to assist in raising the funds with which to erect Andover’s beautiful Catholic church. He was one of the largest contributors toward the new church fund. Determined from the first that the building should be of the best, and built of brick, his zeal never waivered until it was completed and his cheering encouragement to both pastor and people during the erection of the church has been remembered by those associated with him in the parish with appreciation and gratitude. Mr. McGinty was known as one in the habit of befriending those in distress by many acts of kindness.
James McGinty was born in the parish of Bally Croy, Mayo County, Ireland, May 6th, 1834. He was the son of Frances McGinty and Anna Green McGinty, coming to this country when seven years of age with his parents, who first located at Buffalo, N.Y. March 23rd, 1862 he was married to Miss Catherine Howe of New London, Conn. Nine children were born to them. Seven of whom, with the wife, survive; Frand McGinty and Mrs. James Pardon of New York City, James McGinty, Jr. of Calistoga, Cal., George McGinty of Pittsburg, Pa., John McGinty of Gary, Ind. And Daniel McGinty who has been staying at the home in this village. There were also eight grandchildren, besides a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
The funeral was held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Andover, at 10 o’clock, Monday morning. Rev. J.J. Sheehy officiating. The burial was in St. John’s Catholic cemetery.
Andover News 12-11-1914