Nathaniel Fenton

Fenton was born on March 26, 1763, in Mansfield, Connecticut, a son of Ebenezer and Lydia (Conant) Fenton. He was the first out of eight children by his father's second marriage, and he had seven older half siblings.[3] During the American Revolution, he was a colonial scout and later made his way up to the rank of Colonel. In 1781, he served in the Continental Army, serving in New York before returning home. He reenlisted in April 1782 and served in both Connecituct and New York. He enlisted a third time, and was at West Point when the army disbanded.[2]

Fenton moved to Otsego County, New York in November 1791, settling in Burlington. In 1802, he became a member of the Congregational Church.[3] Fenton was elected to the New York State Assembly in the 38th New York State Legislature as one of the four representatives for the county from 1814 to 1815 as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. In 1815, Fenton was the Supervisor of the Town of Burlington, New York.[1]

Fenton again served in the New York State Assembly in the 41st New York State Legislature, representing Otsego County from 1817 to 1818. Fenton served as a Surrogate judge in Otsego County, from his appointment on June 17, 1818, until the court was abolished in 1823.[1]

Fenton moved to Chautauqua County, New York in September 1823[3] and settled in the Town of Ellicott. He served in the New York State Assembly in 1828, representing Chautauqua County in the 51st New York State Legislature alongside Nathan Mixer. Both were members of the Anti-Masonic Party. The Town of Poland was split from Ellicott in 1833, and Fenton became its first Supervisor on March 5, 1833. He was also the Supervisor for the Town of Ellicott (1828-1829; 1831–1840).[2]

Fenton married Rachel Fletcher in 1790 and they were the parents of Orilla, Richard, and another Richard. Fenton died on January 25, 1846, in Ellicott, New York.