Frank O. Chamberlain facts for kids

Frank O. Chamberlain (born April 2, 1829 – died March 21, 1902) was an American man who worked as a farmer and hotel manager. He also served as a politician in New York State.

Early Life and Work

Frank O. Chamberlain was born in Cohocton, New York, on April 2, 1829. His father had fought in the War of 1812.

When he was 15, Frank moved to Rushville, New York. There, he started working as a farmer. Later, he managed a mill in Rushville. He also worked in the livery business, which involved renting out horses and carriages.

In 1852, Frank became the postmaster of Rushville. This meant he was in charge of the local post office. He held this job for eight years. In 1860, he began managing the Rushville hotel. He worked there until the American Civil War started.

Military Service

In September 1861, Frank Chamberlain joined the army. He became part of the 8th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He served as a quartermaster, which meant he was responsible for supplies. He had the rank of major. After about a year, he left the army because he became ill. He then went back to Rushville. For a few years, he worked on a farm and in the livery business again.

Public Service and Hotels

In 1862, Frank was elected as the Superintendent of the Poor for Yates County, New York. This job involved helping people who were struggling. He left this position in 1865.

After that, he moved to Canandaigua, New York. For the next ten years, he managed a well-known hotel called the Webster House. In 1873, he bought a farm. This farm was located on the western side of Canandaigua Lake.

Frank continued his public service in Canandaigua. In 1869, he was elected as the town supervisor. This role involved overseeing the town's operations. In 1876, he was appointed postmaster of Canandaigua. The next year, in 1877, he became the Under Sheriff of Ontario County, New York. This meant he helped the sheriff with law enforcement duties.

State Politics

In 1890, Frank Chamberlain was elected to the New York State Assembly. He was a member of the Republican Party. He represented Ontario County in the Assembly. He served two terms, in 1891 and 1892.

Other Activities

Frank Chamberlain was involved in many community activities. He was a Freemason, which is a member of a fraternal organization. He was also a Congregationalist, meaning he belonged to a Congregational church.

He served as president and treasurer of the Ontario County Agricultural Society. He was also a trustee for the New York State Agricultural Society. These groups worked to support farming and agriculture. Frank was also the first president of the Canandaigua Street Railroad. In 1896, he became a trustee for the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York.

Family and Death

Frank Chamberlain's first wife was Fear Yeackley. They had three sons: Oliver H., James H., and Frank D. After Fear passed away, he married Elizabeth H. Hulse.

Frank O. Chamberlain died at his home on March 21, 1902. He was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Canandaigua.