Batavia is a city in Genesee County, Western New York, USA, located near the middle of Genesee County, entirely within the Town of Batavia. The event roused tremendous public furor and anti-Mason sentiment ran high. Anti-Masonry was a factor in politics for many years later, as well as religion. Many Methodist Episcopal clergy had joined the Masons, and this was one of the reasons the Free Methodist Church separated. Among the biggest companies in Batavia are Tompkins Financial Corporation, and Hsbc Holdings Plc. The biggest schools here are Batavia Middle School and Robert Morris School. Famous persons from Batavia include John Elway.