Gideon Granger (1767-1822)

Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester

Born of New England Yankee stock in Suffield, Connecticut, Gideon Granger was active in state politics during the years of the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention.

A staunch supporter of Thomas Jefferson, he was named Postmaster General when Jefferson took office as President in 1800, and continued to serve under President Madison until 1813.

After resigning from office, Granger moved to Canandaigua and resolved to build a Homestead that would be "unrivaled in all the nation", from which he could administer the many land tracts he had acquired further to the west.

After his arrival, Granger became influential in local affairs. Although he died in 1822, succeeding generations of the Granger family played an equally important part in the growth and development of the Canandaigua area.