George Lasher, a prosperous farmer of Duanesburg, N. Y., and an ex-member of the State Assembly, was born in this town, September 20, 1834, son of James M. and Marion (Kennedy) Lasher. The father's birth took place July 4, 1811, in a log house on the Lasher farm. This farm was cleared from the wilderness by the paternal grandfather, George Lasher, who was a native of Dutchess County and came here in the year 1800. A sturdy, persevering man, he succeeded in overcoming the many difficulties of a pioneer's life; and he resided here until his death, which occurred August 15, 1846. He married Helen McMillan, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. In politics he voted with the Whig party. He was an active member of the Dutch Reformed church.
James M. Lasher, the father, succeeded to the ownership of the farm, which he still holds; and for many years he cultivated it energetically. Moving to Mariaville in 1862, he was engaged in mercantile business and the manufacture of lumber here in company with his son George until his retirement in 1880, since which time the store and saw-mill have been leased. Politically, he acts with the Republican party. For many years he has been an Elder of the Presbyterian church. Marion, his wife, who was born in Milton, Saratoga County, July 5, 1812, died on July 20, 1888. She was the mother of five children, namely: Anna A., who married the Rev. James W. Johnston, and died in North Carolina in 1886; Mary Helen; George, the subject of this sketch; John Kennedy, of Yonkers; and William M. Lasher, of New York City.
George Lasher began his education in the common schools, and completed his studies with a commercial course at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie. At the age of twenty-one he became associated in business with his father, under the firm name of Lasher & Son, and since the retirement of the elder Lasher he has had full charge of the property, including the management of the farm, which contains two hundred acres. Mr. George Lasher is unmarried.
Since becoming a voter he has manifested a keen interest in local public affairs, and his ability displayed in various official capacities has proved beneficial to the community. He served as Justice of the Peace for several years, was Supervisor three years, and was a member of the Assembly in 1881. He is particularly interested in educational matters. In politics he is a Republican. He and his father occupy a handsome residence located upon the shores of a beautiful lake. They are highly respected members of the community. Mr. Lasher is an Elder of the Presbyterian church.