Squire White Explained

Squire White
Birth Date:November 20, 1785
Birth Place:Guilford, Vermont, U.S.
Death Place:Fredonia, New York, U.S.
Office1:New York State Assembly
Term Start1:January 1, 1830
Term End1:December 21, 1832
Predecessor1:Abner Hazeltine
Nathan Mixer
Successor1:Alvin Plumb
Nathaniel Gray
Occupation:Politician
Party:Anti-Masonic

Squire White (November 20, 1785 – April 2, 1857) was an American physician and politician. He served three terms in the New York State Assembly (1830–1832), representing Chautauqua County, New York.

Biography

Squire White was born on November 20, 1785, in Guilford, Vermont, to William White. He attended public schools and began his medical studies under Dr. Pettil in Cazenovia, New York. He continued his education under Dr. Joseph White in Cherry Valley, New York, and at Columbia College (now Columbia College of New York), where he earned his degree in medicine.[1]

In 1808, Dr. White moved to Fredonia, New York, to practice medicine. Initially, he taught at Sheridan Township, but his medical practice grew significantly, requiring his full attention. In 1804, Hezekiah Barker, whose daughter White married, purchased 400 acres of land in Fredonia. In 1811, White bought 25 acres of this land from Barker, part of which is now Forest Hill Cemetery. In the same year, he built a frame building at the corner of Main and White streets, where his children were born. This building was moved in 1868, and his son, Devillo Asa White, constructed the family's current home on White Street. The original house was later demolished.[1]

White was appointed the first surrogate of Chautauqua County, New York, on February 9, 1811, by Governor Daniel D. Tompkins. He served in this position for several years. During the burning of Buffalo in 1812 by British forces, he was on business there and was conscripted into the United States Army as a surgeon for the 169th Regiment of New York Infantry.[1]

In November 1829, he was elected to the New York State Assembly and served three terms.[1] He served alongside Abner Hazeltine in the 53rd New York State Legislature (1830), alongside John Birdsall in the 54th New York State Legislature (1831), and alongside Theron Bly in the 55th New York State Legislature (1832).

White died in Fredonia on April 2, 1857.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Cutter, William Richard . 1912 . Genealogical and Family History of Western New York . Lewis Historical Publishing Company . 703-704 .
  2. Book: Hedley, Fenwick Y. . 1921 . History of Chautauqua County, New York, and Its People Vol. 2 . Lewis Historical Publishing Company . 703-704 .