26 Main Street

The original part of this house was built about 1825 for William H. Spencer, who later built “Westerly'' across the river in Piffard. Fire nearly destroyed the house in 1845 after it had become the property of Benjamin F. Angel.  He rebuilt immediately and later in 1882 enlarged, rearranged and improved the dwelling.

Angel served as American Consul in the Sandwich Islands.  From Honolulu, he went to China; here he successfully carried out a commission for the United States Government, returning to Geneseo in 1855. It might be of interest to mention that Benjamin Franklin Angel was a son-in-law of the famous scout, Horatio Jones. This daring and skilled adventurer’s true life story is more exciting to read than any thrilling novel of frontier days. Captured, and later adopted by the Iroquois, he was admired by all for his judgment and courage.

Benjamin Angel’s grandson, James Gerard, was born in this house. The author of several books, James Gerard was the United States Ambassador to Germany during the years prior to World War I. Benjamin F. Angel died in 1894 and after Mrs. Angel's death it was unoccupied for several years. In 1913, it was sold to Antonio Aprile who installed electric wiring, plumbing and a furnace and in 1921 added the second story porch. Dr. C. M. Fiero purchased the property in 1925 and in 1928 sold it to Colonel Robert McMillan who made extensive repairs. St. Mary’s Church purchased the house in 1953 for use as a parish center, which continued until 1985, when it was sold and returned to a private residence. Of painted brick, this stately building is an important example of the Mansard style. It is meticulous in detail; note the fine shutters on the inside of the attic dormer windows.

Now known as the McClellan House and owned by the State University, it houses the Lockhart Gallery.