The Geneys were among the original settlers of Salem, Massachusetts. The family patriarch, John Gedney (originally of Norwich), sailed in 1636 out of Yarmouth, England on the Mary Anne. One of his sons, Bartholomew, has the dubious distinction of being one of the judges who presided over the infamous witch trials. Bartholomew's brother, Eleazor (Eleazar) built the Gedney House around 1665. This house is still standing in Salem today.