Beginning with Emily Sibley Watson's father, Western Union founder Hiram Sibley, and continuing through her son, Dr. James Sibley Watson, Jr. and grand-son, Michael Lasell Watson, the timeline focuses on the family history of these four generations.
Hiram Sibley moved to western NY around 1829 or 1830, first settling in Livingston County.
In 1830 or 1831, while Charles G. Finney was evangelizing in Rochester, temperance came to Sibleyville.
Don Alonzo Watson moved to Honeoye Falls in 1832 where he met and became partners with Hiram Sibley.
The marriage took place on January 24, 1833 in North Adams, Massachusetts, birthplace of both the bride and the groom.
Zilpha Louise Sibley, first child of Hiram Sibley and Elizabeth Maria Tinker Sibley, was born December 7, 1833.
A business card dated January 1835 lists Hiram Sibley & Don Alonzo Watson as Machinists in West-Mendon, NY.
The Sibleys' first son was born on April 8, 1841.
In a hotly contested election, Hiram Sibley was elected Monroe County Sheriff.
Hiram Sibley may have begun investing in the Flower City's nurseries as early as 1844.
On May 24, 1844, Samuel Morse sent the first message over telegraph wires.
