DANIEL W. TOMLINSON, president of the Bank of Batavia, and one of the most thoroughly representative men of Western New York, was born January 1, 1849, the son of Daniel W. Tomlinson, who was a native of Middlebury, Vt. At eighteen years of age, Daniel W. Tomlinson, father of the subject, went to Mobile, Ala., as clerk in a large mercantile house and engaged in the cotton trade. A few years later Mr. Tomlinson became a partner in the business and accumulated a fortune there. In 1845 he removed to the town of Alexander, where he purchased the farm of Peter A. Remsen. He soon became a stockholder in the old Exchange Bank of Genesee, was subsequently elected its vice-president, and finally became its sole manager. In 1850, after having bought up all the stock of the institution, Mr. Tomlinson removed it to Batavia, with the intention of locating it in a building adjoining the old American Hotel, but that building being destroyed in the great fire of 1850, the bank was located in a building adjoining the Eagle Hotel. Subsequently it occupied the quarters which afterward came into the possession of the Farmers' Bank of Attica. Mr. Tomlinson was one of the most public spirited men of the town and County. He served as president of the village, and principally through his efforts the excellent waterworks system of the village was established. He was one of the organizers of the Batavia Gas Company, and was prominently identified with various other important private and public interests in Batavia. His death, which occurred October 5, 1870, was a distinct loss to the community.

The subject of this sketch, like his father, is regarded as one of the sagacious and far-sighted business men of Genesee County; conservative and prudent, but liberal and public-spirited in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the community. Since 1882 he has been president of the Bank of Batavia, one of the strongest financial institutions in the State, outside the large cities. This bank was organized in 1876; up to 1882 it had not been successful, but with the beginning of Mr. Tomlinson's management the conduct of its affairs underwent a radical change and success attended its career. The payment of dividends was begun in the fall of 1883, since which time they have been regularly paid twice each year. In the meantime a surplus of over one hundred thousand dollars has been accumulated and in 1895 a handsome fire proof banking house, probably the finest occupied by any country bank in New York State, was erected.

Mr. Tomlinson was married on December 6, 1871, to Una Redfield, daughter of the late Hon. Herman J. Redfield. They have three children: Daniel W. Jr., Everett R. and Redfield. Two daughters have died.

Mr. Tomlinson is a member of the Batavia Club, of Batavia Lodge No. 475, F. & A. M., and has served as high priest of Western Star Chapter No. 35, and as commander of Batavia Commandery, Knights Templar. He is identified with other organizations, and has interests in numerous enterprises in Genesee County aside from his banking business. In politics he has always been a Democrat.

Source: Our County and it's people, A descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890