JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Kathy Hochul will soon join a short list of other leaders from Western New York who've served as governor of New York state.

What You Need To Know

  • Kathy Hochul will soon become the next governor of New York state
  • Reuben Fenton of Chautauqua County was the first governor from WNY to serve
  • There are also two other former governors born in Western New York
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When Kathy Hochul takes her place in history as the first female governor from Western New York, she won't be the first person born from the region to serve as the state's top leader.

"The first governor from Western New York was Reuben Fenton," said Noah Goodling, Fenton History Center executive director.

Republican Reuben Fenton, born near Frewsburg in the Chautauqua County town of Carroll, served two terms as the state's 22nd governor from January 1865 to December 31, 1868.

"It's great to see Kathy taking on that role that Reuben laid out for her in the 1860s,” said Goodling. “It's exciting for us to know that somebody who has a knowledge of and an awareness of the issues that still need to be resolved here will be serving us at the top level.”

Governor Fenton lived in Albany, but vacationed and later retired in the family home built in Jamestown just before he was elected.

It now serves as a history center, complete with his governor's chair and rooms preserved with the Victorian splendor of the time.

Goodling says Fenton's legacy also includes advocating for veterans and against slavery, as well as signing the charter to establish Cornell University. 

"He had this lasting dynamic impact,” said Goodling. “So, I'm hoping that Kathy will latch on to that sort of impact and create that kind of dynamic for herself.”

Fenton and Hochul join Republican Frank Higgins of Rushford in Allegany County, who served as the state's 35th governor from January 1905 to December 1906. 

Republican Horrace White, of Buffalo, served as the state's 37th governor briefly from October 1910 to December 1910.

"Absolutely good company,” said Goodling. “It's nice to know that we've had good representation from this area over the years and that we continue to put out leaders who are capable of taking on that top office.”

Former President and Buffalo Mayor Democrat Grover Cleveland served as the state's 28th governor from January 1883 to January 1885, but was born in New Jersey.

Two other notes: former Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards was tapped to run as lieutenant governor alongside Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino in his failed bid for governor against Cuomo in 2010. And Jamestown's Stan Lundine served as lieutenant governor under Mario Cuomo in 1986 and 1990.