Archibald Bain, born 1819, died in 1891, was a resident of the town of Argyle, Washington county, New York, and of Greenwich, where he died. He was a carpenter and wheelwright, and worked at his trade in both towns. He was a great lover of music and possessed considerable vocal talent. He taught singing classes and was leader of the United Presbyterian Church choir. He married Ann Eliza, daughter of Robert and Isabella (McKinley) Kelley. Children:
- Belle M., born December, 1859; married Dr. James A. Smallie.
- William Henry, of further mention.
(II) William Henry, only son of Archibald and Ann Eliza (Kelley) Bain, was born in Argyle, Washington county, New York, April 2, 1861. He was educated in the public schools of Argyle. He came to Canajoharie, Montgomery county, when about sixteen years of age, and entered the high school in that village, graduating in the class of 1878, the first graduate of the school and the only one graduated that year. He entered Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie and was graduated, class of 1879, leading the class of one hundred students and being eight points ahead of his leading competitor. After leaving Eastman's he taught the public school at Galway for one term. Then he returned to Canajoharie, where for eighteen months he was drug clerk. He formed a connection with the Reed Manufacturing Company and until 1887 was secretary and treasurer of that company. Next he formed a partnership with Mount A. Yates, and as Yates & Bain conducted a retail coal business for six years. In 1893 he purchased his partner's interest and operated the coal yard alone until 1907, when he disposed of his entire interest. In 1899 he was appointed postmaster of the village of Canajoharie by President McKinley. In 1903 he was reappointed by President Roosevelt, who again conferred the honor in 1907. He is an active worker in the Republican party, and a leading member of the Dutch Reformed church, in which he holds the office of deacon. He married, September 21, 1887, L. Katherine, daughter of Adam Smith, born March 17, 1826, died July 23, 1901; married, September 15, 1859, Catherine Van Slack (or Slyck), born June 22, 1834, died May 1, 1886. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
- Elizabeth, born July 16, 1860; a graduate of Vassar College, class of 1881; married Burton K. Yates; children:
- Sheldon Smith, born March 14, 1887; graduate of Yale University, class of 1910;
- L. Katherine, born August 30, 1889, senior at Vassar College, class of 1911.
- L. Katherine, born January 7, 1862; graduate of Vassar College, class of 1884, married William Henry Bain.
- Margaret, born February 23, 1864, died April 27, 1879.
- George Howard, born September 20, 1865, died March 18, 1903; graduate of Yale University, class of 1887, married, February, 1895, Tille Elliott; child,
- Lillian, born March 20, 1896.
- John, born July 28, 1867, died May 23, 1870.
Children of William H. and L. Katherine Bain:
- Margaret K., born December 31, 1890.
- Therese Sterling, born April 8, 1893.