Collection ID: No. 3

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Historic Geneva
Abstract:
The DeLancey family lived in Geneva for several generations. Bishop William Heathcote DeLancey was known as the first bishop of Western New York.
Extent:
Two Boxes
Language:
English

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection contains correspondence, photos, estate papers, genealogical material, articles, and original manuscripts and publications. They span several generations of the DeLancey family, though most of the material dates from the 1850s through the 1960s.

Biographical / Historical:

William Heathcote DeLancey (1797-1865), first Episcopal Bishop of Western New York, born in Mamaronek, NY on October 8, 1797 to John Peter DeLancey and Elizabeth Floyd. He married Frances Munro in 1820, was appointed bishop in 1839 and moved to Geneva, NY. He had 5 sons and 3 daughters. He died April 5, 1865.

As Bishop he became closely allied with the Geneva Free College, now called Hobart College, founded by Bishop Henry Hobart and citizens of Geneva in 1822. He established a Theological Training School, later known as the DeLancey Divinity School and the DeLancey School for Girls, both affiliated with Hobart College and later closed. He established a mission on Genesee Street that would become St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. This was consecrated in 1870 and dedicated to the memory of William. He became a Trustee of Hobart College where several of his sons, grandsons, and a great grandson attended. In 1907, his remains were brought from the family burial ground in Mamaroneck, with his wife and son Peter, and reinterred at St. Peter’s church.

His son Edward Floyd DeLancey was a resident of Geneva, NY as well as his son Edward Etienne DeLancey.

Several William Heathcote DeLanceys appear in these papers, all named for the Bishop. Bill DeLancey (William III) was born in 1897 to Edward Etienne and Lucia DeLancey. He served in the Red Cross Ambulance Corps in World War 1. His letters provide insightful depictions of his life in Europe and a young man’s excitement to be in London and Paris, as well as to serve in the war. He pursued a ranching life in California immediately after WW I where he wrote several stories. After his ranching career he settled in Geneva and wrote for the Geneva Daily Times. He died suddenly in 1961 at age 64.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

No restrictions apply.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Geneva History Museum
543 South Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456, United States
CONTACT:
315-789-5151
archivist@historicgeneva.org