The Getman family of Gloversville, New York, are of German ancestry and descend from Frederick Getman, who came to America from Germany in 1720. In 1740, in association with Jonathan Bierman, he bought a tract of land in the Stone Arabia Patent, Montgomery county, New York. Later Frederick bought his partner's interest and owned the entire tract, part of which is yet in the Getman name. He married a Miss Bierman, who bore him sons: Frederick, George, John and Christian, all of whom took part in the war with the French prior to 1757.
(II) Christian, eldest son of Frederick Getman, was a farmer, and during the French war was captain of a company of rangers in the colonial army. He married a widow; children: Peter, Christian (2), Adam, Jacob, John, George, see forward; Thomas, Peter, the eldest son, served in the colonial army with his father against the French and Indians.
(III) George, son of Christian Getman, was a farmer. He married and reared a large family, among them being a son George (2).
(IV) George (2), son of George (1) Getman, was born in the town of Mohawk, Montgomery county, New York. He was a farmer, and during the revolution held a lieutenant's commission in the regular army commanded by Colonel Willett. He married Annie Shumaker; children:
- George, married a Miss Empie; children: Charles, David.
- Peter, married and had fourteen children.
- Joseph, married and had one son.
- Benjamin, see forward.
- Christopher, married Mary Miller; son, William.
- William, married Catherine Charlesworth; children: Charlotte and William C.
(V) Benjamin, son of George (2) Getman, was born on the homestead in Montgomery county, June 1, 1791, died at the age of eighty-eight years, his death resulting from a kick received from a vicious horse. This homestead is now in the town of Ephratah, Fulton county, Montgomery and Fulton counties having been created from Tryon. He inherited the homestead, and was a farmer all his days of activity. He served in the war of 1812 and was engaged at the battle of Sacketts Harbor. He held the office of justice of the peace and was a man of importance in his town. He was a leading member of the Dutch Reformed church, which he served officially. He married Mary Van Antwerp, of Mohawk, Montgomery county; children:
- Deborah, died in infancy.
- Elizabeth, married Josiah Williamson; children; Lycena, Jane C., Delia and Mary.
- Washington, married Catherine Cook; children: Alida, Caroline, Benjamin, Elmer.
- Chauncey, married Catherine Like; children: Adelbert, Amy.
- Jane, married John Schultz; children: Elvira, Benjamin, John P., Henry, Maria, Eugene, Rachel, Melvin, Irving.
- Delia, married Casper Saltzman; children: Harvey and Carrie.
- Rachel, married David Baker; children: George G., Charles, Mary.
- Nancy Catherine.
- Oliver, see forward.
- William, married Mary Bentley.
- Asa M., married Mary Erwin; children: Crawford O., Pauline, Etta, Helen.
- Crawford.
- Mary Ann, married Jonathan Saltzman.
(VI) Oliver, son of Benjamin and Mary (Van Antwerp) Getman, was born on the old Getman homestead in the town of Ephratah, Fulton county, New York, February 4, 1829. He was educated in the common schools, and passed his life engaged in farming, manufacturing, and in the public service. In 1862 he was appointed deputy-sheriff of Fulton county, and in 1863 special deputy to United States provost marshal, holding the latter office until the close of the civil war. He was deputy-sheriff continuously until 1871, when he was elected sheriff. On retiring from the sheriff's office he returned to the farm, remaining until the death of his father in 1879. In that year he associated with his brother Crawford in the manufacture of window glass. He removed to Cleveland, Oswego county, New York, where their plant was located, remaining there until 1889. During a great part of these years he was traveling in the interest of the company, and as salesman of their factory product. While in Oswego county he was elected supervisor, and served four years. In 1890 he removed to Johnstown, New York, and was elected a supervisor of Fulton county, and re-elected in 1891. During 1892 he organized the Getman Glass Manufacturing Company, of which he was president, and erected a plant at Avonmore, Pennsylvania, for the manufacture of window glass. Mr. Getman removed to that state and superintended the erection of the plant, and remained in the management until 1895. In that year he returned to Johnstown, where he engaged in the real estate and loan business, settlement of estates and general office business, continuing until his retirement from all active business. He has been identified with many of the business interests of Johnstown; was a member of the first board of directors of the First National Bank, of the People's Bank, and of the Fulton County Savings Bank; was president of the Fulton County Agricultural Society. He always continued the operation of the old homestead farm, settled by his emigrant ancestor, and inherited by him from his father, Benjamin Getman. He is connected with the Masonic order, holding membership in Garoga Lodge, No. 300, Free and Accepted Masons, Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, Royal Arch Masons, and Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar. Politically he is a Republican, and in religion is a Presbyterian.
He married, October 31, 1855, Lovina Wood, born in Ephratah, Fulton county, New York, in 1834, daughter of Dr. Henry and Polly (Smith) Wood. Children:
- Leander, married Catherine Empe; children: Henry and Catherine.
- Lovina, married Oliver Getman.
- Levi, married Myra Keith; children:
- Lavina, married Everett Stephenson, and has a son Everett;
- Charles, married Grace Sarah Yanney, and has a son Harold;
- Grace, married John F. Rickard, and has three children: Margaret, Florence and John W.