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The Western New York Genealogical Society's mission is to help preserve and encourage interest in Western New York's rich genealogical heritage - specifically Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, & Wyoming Counties. We focus on education and preservation. Image of Buffalo waterfront Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections Shared History We stern New York’s strategic location on the Great Lakes has made it both a terminus and a gateway of migration. First home to Native American communities, the region was later settled primarily by New Englanders following the Revolutionary War. The opening of the Erie Canal provided an easy route west, attracting the first of many waves of immigrants from Europe. Many people remained in the area and have been followed by others from around the world. Membership Experience everything membership has to offer - both in-person and online. JOIN Volunteer Make a difference by sharing your time, skills, and expertise with WNYGS. HELP Donate Support our work and mission by making financial contribution today. GIVE Upcoming Society Programs Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group (SIG) Virtual Meeting with Gabrielle Kandefer Sat., Mar 14, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST Virtual Program - Zoom WNYGS March Meeting: "Spotlight on the City of Buffalo" Sat., Mar 21, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST Virtual Program - Zoom WNYGS April Meeting: "Colonial Records from UK Repositories Now Available at Our Fingertips" with Diane L. Richard Sat., Apr 18, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST Virtual Program - Zoom NextGen Special Interest Group (SIG) Virtual Meeting Sat., Apr 25, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST Virtual Program - Zoom Featured Resources SOCIETY LIBRARY June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library Collection DATABASE Buffalo New York Deaths Collection Index PUBLICATIONS Western New York Genealogist and Journal NEXTGEN SIG Connect Through Our Special Interest Group Collection Assistance Days Each month, WNYGS volunteers are on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society's library collection and answer general research questions. Join us for these upcoming winter dates: Wed., February 25 12-4p Sun., March 8 12-5p Wed., March 11 12-4p Sat., March 21 1-5p In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours. Original Holland Land Company Vault (Mayville, NY) News and Updates Jan 1, 2026 : New and Returning Board Members Start Term

Upcoming and past member programs. Regional and national speakers. Meetings, webinars, field trips, and workshops - free and paid. For members and general public. Register online. Past event photo gallery. Member Meetings & Programs Upcoming Programs Past Programs Photo Gallery The Western New York Genealogical Society hosts a minimum of six member meetings a year. These meetings are generally held on the third Saturday of the month during March, April, May, September, October and November (unless special opportunities or conflicts arise). Occasionally, bonus webinars, trips, and workshops may be offered during the year. As a special benefit for members, videorecordings and digital handouts are made available whenever possible. Upcoming Society Programs Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting with Gabrielle Kandefer Mar 14, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Zoom (Virtual Event) If you use FTM or are interested in learning more about this family tree building app, join us for discussion and ideas on how best to use the Family Tree Maker program to build your family tree. Register WNYGS March Program: "Spotlight on the City of Buffalo" Mar 21, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Zoom (Virtual Event) Ask a panel of experts your questions on how to best research your Buffalo Ancestors. Register WNYGS April Program: "Colonial Records from UK Repositories Now Available at Our Fingertips" with Diane L. Richard Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Zoom (Virtual Event) We can now access UK records documenting Colonial U.S. history from the comfort of our homes. Previously, trips to the UK or delving into binders full of finding aids were the only options. Learn about several platforms – some directly available and some accessible via institutional affiliation. Register NextGen SIG Virtual Meeting Apr 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Virtual Meeting - Zoom Come and meet with other NextGen SIG members and SIG Chair, Gabrielle Kandefer, who are researching their family history and learning more about genealogy. Bring your questions & research you’d like to discuss. Register Advanced registration is required for all programs. After registering for an online program, you will receive a Zoom confirmation email containing the meeting link. Help Us Spread The Word About Our Programs! The full schedule of 2026 programs to be announced shortly. Questions or Suggestions? Have a question about an upcoming program? Do you have a suggestion for a program topic or speaker? Program Chair: Jeanette Sheliga progra ms@wnygs.org NextGen SIG Chair: Gabrielle Kandefer nextgen@wnygs.org Upcoming Programs Past Programs Photo Gallery Past Programs 2026 Programs [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content is available for viewing in the Members Area. Feb 21, 2026 "Railroads Records and Railroad History: East to the West" presented by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA Jan 17, 2026 " Charting Your Family's Past: The Power of Maps in Genealogy" presented by Amy Rose Ward [ VMA ] 2025 Programs [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content is available for viewing in the Members Area. Nov 15, 2025: Annual Business Meeting & "Voting Records: Genealogy's Best Kept Secret" presented by Pam Vestal [ Flyer ] Oct 18, 2025: "No OMPF? No Problem!" presented by Sara Cochran [ Flyer ] Sep 20, 2025: "Ten Things Every Eastern European Genealogist Should Know" presented by Lisa Alzo [ VMA ] [ Flyer ] June 21, 2025: Spotlight on Cattaraugus County May 24, 2025: Community Event - Family History Day 2025 In-Person Event - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Library, Buffalo, NY May 17, 2025: "Lure Your Ancestors Out of the National Register of Historic Places" presented by Michelle Spencer [ Flyer ] Apr 12, 2025: "From Local Militia to the Continental Line" presented by Bryna O'Sullivan [ Flyer ] Mar 15, 2025: "Sifting Through the Cookbooks for Our Female Ancestors" presented by Eleanor O. Brinsko [Flyer ] Feb 15 2025: "The Underground Railroad Run Through Here" presented by Janice Lovelace [ Flyer ] Jan 11 2025: "Analyzing Census Data Using Spreadsheets" presented by Tara Shymanski [ Flyer ] Click to learn more about our past NextGen and Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group programs. Prior Programs (2021-2024) Additional information on past member programs and trips can be found here. Member Program Photo Gallery Buffalo History Museum "Buffalo Will See It Through" exhibit Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Society Workshop at Computer Learning Lab Family Discoveries BIGS Railroad Employee Record Collection BIGS Library Visit to the Buffalo Irish Genealogy Society City of Buffalo Inactive Records Talk and Private Tour of Facility at River Rock Library Love Members showing their support for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and all libraries throughout Western New York Tracing Our History WNY Genealogy Conference - Documenting Our Families' Journeys Continuing Education Society Program on Church Records Remembering Those Lost Erie County (NY) Casualties in WWI Veterans History Project Library of Congress Training - Documenting Veterans' Experiences Click any image to learn more about past WNYGS programs and events.

Special Interest Groups Our SIG's Mission & Purpose Created in 2024, the NextGen Special Interest Group aims to provide a place for younger individuals interested in genealogy to collaborate and meet one another while having fun doing it. Our objectives are: Bridge together digital and physical research to create a more complete picture of available genealogical records. Bring awareness to resources that are either free to use or more affordable to further accessibility. Actively listen to our members to ensure we are focusing on the areas and activities that interest them most. Virtual & In-Person Meetings Upcoming Meetings Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., March 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm NextGen SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., April 25, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., May 30, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Past Meetings NextGen SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., February 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., January 10, 2026 Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., November 8, 2025 NexGen SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., October 11, 2025 Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Sat., September 27, 2025 Family Tree Maker SIG Meeting Sat., July 26, 2025 NextGen SIG Meeting: In-Person Meet-up Sat., June 21, 2025 Family Tree Maker SIG Meeting with Mark Olsen Thurs., March 20, 2025 NextGen SIG Meeting: "Digital Media and Organization Strategies" Sun., April 27, 2025 Family Tree Maker SIG Meeting with John Fassbender Sat., May 31, 2025 NextGen SIG Meeting: "Free Websites & How To Use Them" Sun., February 23, 2025 Your Feedback Thoughts on Future NextGen Events Click To Complete Short Survey via Google Forms Click above to view/download. Ideas or Suggestions? Have suggestions about this group's direction and activities? Do you have suggestions for topics for upcoming meetings? NextGen SIG Chair: Gabrielle Kandefer nextgen@wnygs.org EMAIL ME Family Tree Maker Savings Because the first objective of the NextGen SIG is the bridging together of digital and physical research, incorporating Family Tree Maker (FTM) in our research seemed like a natural second step. So, in addition to our NextGen Special Interest Group we’d like to add a Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group for our members. The NextGen SIG and FTM SIG would be held on alternate months. Some features of FTM include: Endless report generating capabilities The ability to merge data with existing Ancestry accounts (including media!) Can be saved to your personal computer Allows photos, documents and research notes to be added to profiles Special Family Tree Maker Offer: A new version of FTM is available for Windows and Mac users -- and now with more features than ever! MacKiev is offering an exclusive discount (up to $50 off) to any current or interested members of the WNYGS FTM Special Interest Group. Complete information on the offer including discount code are available on the Society website in the Members Area. To learn more about the product, visit the FTM page on MacKiev's website and the FTM Facebook users group .

Highlights from Last Four Issues Below are the Table of Contents from the previous four issues of our publication: The Western New York Genealogist Volume 52 No. 3 December 2025 p. 49 Index – In This Issue p. 50 Upcoming Programs, SIG Meetings, and Events p. 51 President’s Message p. 52 It Started in the Cemetery: The Story of Sheldon’s Pioneer Cemeteries and the Lives That Shaped a Town by Jeanne Mest (3695), Town Historian, Sheldon (Wyoming County), NY p. 59 The Western New York Genealogical Society: Our Objectives p. 60 The NIOGA Library System of Libraries: Local and Family History Resources: (Part I) The Lewiston Public Library (Niagara County) by Michelle Kratts, Adult Services Librarian, Lewiston Public Library p. 64 In Memoriam: Patricia M. Sayler (703) of Cleveland, Ohio p. 65 Update: The Glenn R. P. Atwell Collection by Marie-Cecile O. Tidwell, PhD, President & Editor p. 66 The Daughters of the American Revolution: Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future by Amy Lombardo, Regent, Abigail Fillmore Chapter, NSDAR p. 67 Join the WNYGS Team p. 68 Classified: African-American Resources, In the Grosvenor Room & Beyond: A Select List by Rhonda Hoffman (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library p. 72 Donations & New Members No. 2 September 2025 p. 26 Upcoming WNYGS & Community Events p. 27 President’s Message p. 28 Select German Genealogy Resources in the Grosvenor Room by Rhonda Hoffman (3495L) p. 33 CLASSIFIED: Celebrate 200 Years of the Erie Canal with the Grosvenor Room by Libby Stengel, Local History Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library p. 36 Middleport, Niagara County, New York – A Friendly Community on the Erie Canal by Christa Lutz (3918), Village of Middleport Historian p. 38 Das Haus, EinHaus, Und Der Stall, German Heritage Museum – Hamlet of Bergholz, Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County by Elaine Timm (2325), Member of the Board of Trustees, Das Haus Museum p. 43 In Memoriam: Daniel Alan King, Historian, Brocton, NY p. 44 Historic Concordia Cemetery - City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York by Bonnie Fleischauer, Public Information Officer, Concordia Cemetery & Concordia Foundation p. 48 Poem: Dear Ancestor, Author Unknown No. 1 June 2025 p. 2 Upcoming WNYGS & Community Events p. 3 President’s Message p. 4 The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System (CCLS): The CCLS Road Trip: June 1 to August 31, 2025 by Megan Disbro, Digital Services Librarian p. 12 Dressmakers, Seamstresses, and Tailors by Marie-Cecile O. Tidwell, PhD p. 14 The Story of the Fenton Historical Society and The Fenton History Center Museum and Hall House Research Center by Janet Wahlberg (3848), Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of the Fenton History Center p. 17 Maple Grove Cemetery: Town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, NY by Barbara Cessna, Town of Carroll Historian p. 19 In Memoriam: Robert Rheinheder & Richard Eaton p. 20 New Additions to the June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library of the Western New York Genealogical Society: April 2024 to May 2025 by Rhonda Hoffman (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, B&ECPL p. 24 Digitize New York is Coming to Western New York Volume 51 No. 4 March 2025 p. 74 Upcoming Events p. 75 President’s Message p. 76 Spring 2025 Library Programs p. 77 Upcoming New Special Interest Groups (SIGS) p. 77 In Memoriam: “Jolene” Hawkins (2800L) p. 78 In Memoriam: Lynda Zaky Wood (3560L) p. 80 Bennet Family Cemetery: Every Family Has a Story by Tanya Kenevich p. 83 In Memoriam: Maureen E. Gleason (3587) p. 84 Classified: “Hidden” Grosvenor Room Collections by Rhonda Hoffman (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, B&ECPL p. 88 New Grosvenor Room Acquisitions p. 89 The Glenn R. P. Atwell Collection p. 89 Spring Into Action: Join Us as a WNYGS Volunteer p. 90 Have You Visited The New York Heritage Digital Collection? p. 91 Saving History One Page at a Time by Peter Ames (3375), Town of Niagara Historian p. 92 Helpful Free Online Resources by Gabrielle Kandefer (4082), Chair: NextGen/FTM SIGS p. 93 Check Out WNYGS New Special Interest Groups (SIGs) p. 94 Statement on Behalf of WNYGS to NYS Legislators by Marie-Cecile O. Tidwell, PhD, President, WNYGS p. 96 New Members

Publishing a genealogy-focused quarterly for more than 45 years - Western New York Genealogist and Western New York Genealogical Society Journal. Issue previews. Contains research strategies, regional resources, field updates, and program infomation. Table of Contents. Regional authors. Article submission guidelines. Purchase of back issue collection. Society Publications The Western New York Genealogist Current Issue Preview Submission Guidelines Journal Back Issues The Western New York Genealogical Society has published a quarterly without interruption since 1974. Published in June, September, December and March, each issue contains articles relating to the eight counties of Western New York on such topics as research strategies and techniques, resource profiles, developments in the field of genealogy, and program and event information. The current name of the publication is The Western New York Genealogist , for short, the Genealogist . In the past, the publication was called the Journal . Current Issue Preview Below are the Table of Contents highlights from our current issue: T he Western New York Genealogist Volume 52 , No. 4 March 2026 p. 74 Upcoming Programs, SIG Meetings, and Events p. 75 President’s Message p. 76 Spring 2026 Central Library Program p. 77 Classified: Select Sources for Researching Western New York Revolutionary War Soldiers by Rhonda Hoffman (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library p. 82 Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Nicolle (Beyer) Beatty, President, Tent 110, DUVCW p. 84 Western New York in 1776 – “The Most Desert Part of This Continent”by Robert L. Emerson, Executive Director, Old Fort Niagara p. 88 Finding Patriots Buried in Allegany County, New York and Unearthing Their Stories by Joan Drake Sinclair, Co-chair of NYS DAR America 250 Committee p. 93 The NIOGA Library System of Libraries: Local and Family History Resources - The Richmond Memorial Library by Jill Feine, Reference and Local History Librarian and Matt Clark, Reference Librarian, The Richmond Memorial Library p. 96 Spring Into Action: Join Us as a WNYGS Volunteer Click to see the highlights from our previous four issues. Current Issue Preview Submission Guidelines Western New York Genealogist Submission Guidelines Western New York Counties of Interest Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Material for Publication We are interested in articles for the Genealogist , especially those pertaining to Western New York research and resources. Other topics of interest include how-to articles, genealogical tools, case studies, and historical articles relevant to Western New York genealogy. Outlines or articles should be submitted to the editor for consideration. Articles on individual families generally cannot be published as they are of limited interest to our members. Material accepted or simultaneously submitted for publication by another organization should not be submitted. It is not our intent to duplicate material printed elsewhere. Format Article length: 1500-5000 words for feature articles. Software: Microsoft Word (.docx) Font: Cambria, 11 pt Footnotes font: Cambria, 9 pt Spacing: Single line; one space only at the end of sentences Page orientation: Portrait Margins: Left: .8" Right: .8" Top: 0.5" Bottom: 0.46" Images Images may be included with the submitted article. Images should be submitted separately and must meet copyright requirements. The author is required to obtain permission for publication from the image copyright holder and/or holding repository. Citations Citations should be included as endnotes following the current edition of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Deadlines for Completed Article Submissions to the Content Editor December Issue - September 1st March Issue - December 1st June Issue - March 1st September Issue - June 1st Contract If your completed article is accepted, a contract will be emailed to you to be signed and returned to the society in duplicate. The society will retain one copy and return a signed copy to the author by mail. Compensation The Genealogist is staffed by volunteers. No compensation is paid for articles. The author will receive an electronic copy of the issue in which the article appears upon request. Journal Back Issues Article Submissions or Questions? Please send all articles, outlines, and questions to the Editor. Editor: Marie-Cecile Tidwell, PhD (Interim) editor@wnygs.o rg Purchasing Back Issues of the Journal The Western New York Genealogical Society Journal Back Issue Collection (1974-2022) is now available for convenient direct download. When you order, you will receive access to one ZIP file (315.3 MB) containing the complete set of searchable PDFs for volumes 1-48 (192 issues). These files are for personal use only and may not be shared or distributed without the written permission of the Society. The emailed link is valid for 30 days. Retail Price: $60 Member Price: $30 (with 50% off promo code) ORDER ONLINE Important Discount Information for WNYGS Members: Individual issues are currently available for viewing and download at no additional cost in our website's Members Area. For those members wishing to download the entire set as one file, you are eligible to receive the collection at 50% off the retail price when you apply the special promo code listed in the Members Area.

About the Society Our Mission & Purpose Founded in 1974, The Western New York Genealogical Society's mission is to help preserve and encourage interest in the rich genealogical heritage of the eight counties of Western New York that were part of the original Holland Land Company Purchase - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. Our objectives are to: facilitate the collection and preservation of genealogical records relating to the history and peoples of Western New York's eight counties; make these records available to researchers; further genealogical knowledge and research through education; and foster record preservation by government agencies, organizations, and individuals. Society Policies Policy on Researcher Recommendations Social Media Policy Regarding Research Inquiries Involving The Living Society Guidelines for the WNY GS Facebook Discussion Group ( Credit and Attribution) News & Announcements CONTACT US Society Leadership Officers (Serving t wo-year term ) President: Marie-Cecile Tidwell, PhD (exp. 2026) Vice President: Joanne Clements - Interim ( exp. 2026) Secretary: Joanne Clements (exp. 2026) Treasurer: Laury Lakas (exp. 2028) Registrar: Rebekah E. Burke (exp. 2028 ) Directors (Serving three-year term) Elizabeth M. Benson (exp. 2026 ) Gabrielle Kandefer (exp. 2027) Linda Kennedy (exp. 2028) Kaitlyn Pauley (exp. 2027 ) Jeanette Sheliga (exp. 2 026 ) Vacant (exp. 2028)

Waterfront - Buffalo, New York Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections 1865 New York Census WNYGS Index for Erie County As one of its many service projects, WNYGS organized the preparation of an amended index of the 1865 New York State Census for Erie County. Many dedicated volunteers worked on this project over a number of years. While originally collected and documented on index cards, the society later created a digital version that now resides here for genealogical researchers. Index Overview Each town or city was indexed by town/city, ward, district, family number in order of visitation, and includes surname, given name, age, relationship to the head of household, place of birth and notes (if applicable). Notes may include alternate spellings of the surname, institutional residence, military affiliation, or other items noted by indexer. Simply select your town of interest and click the link to download a copy of the [read-only] Excel file. Abbreviation Key: w - wife hus - husband mo - mother fa - father ch - child son - son dau - daughter step or stp ch - step child step or stp dau - step dau step or stp son - step son a. or adpt - adopted bro or brother - brother sis - sister svt/servt - servant bodr - boarder Index Availability by Location Note: For partially completed cities and towns, the "D" indicates the Enumeration District number. Completed & Partial Aurora [Partial] D2 Amherst Complete Boston Complete Brant Complete Buffalo Ward 1 Complete Buffalo Ward 2 Complete Buffalo Ward 3 Complete Buffalo Ward 4 Complete Buffalo Ward 5 Complete Buffalo Ward 6 Complete Buffalo Ward 7 [Partial] D1,D3 Buffalo Ward 8 [Partial] D2 Buffalo Ward 10 [Partial] D1 Buffalo Ward 11 [Partial] D1 Clarence Complete Colden Complete Collins Complete Concord [Partial] D2 -D3 East Hamburgh (Now Orchard Park) Complete Elma Complete Evans Complete Grand Island Complete Hamburgh Complete Holland Complete Marilla Complete Newstead Complete North Collins Complete Tonawanda Complete Wales Complete West Seneca Complete Not Available Alden Buffalo Ward 9 Buffalo Ward 12 Buffalo Ward 13 Cheektowaga Eden Lancaster Sardinia Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections Need help visualizing Ward locations? Visit Bu ffaloResearch.com to view "Ward Map of Buffalo for Census Years 1855-1890".

Proudly Celebrating 50 Years Our Anniversary (1974-2024) With a proud history dating back to 1974, the Western New York Genealogical Society is excited to celebrate our work, our impact, and the dedication and passion of our members and volunteers. 50th Anniversary Memories As we look back over the past fifty years of the Western New York Genealogical Society, we all have our own memories of how we became interested in genealogy and of our time in the Society. Please share with us any special or unforgettable memories you have. Submissions: Send them to 50Memories@wnygs.org . We will share them throughout the coming year. Shared Memories April-June Memories Memory 14: Shirley Vivion [4/3/2024] Memory 15: William Martin [4/10/2024] Memory 16: Brian Cotton (#3512) [4/17/2024] Memory 17: Michele Bewley (#3392) [4/24/2024] Memory 18: Shawna Rose-Wickman [5/1/2024] Memory 19: Nancy Bernard Watson [5/8/2024] Memory 20: Ae Dustin [5/14/2024] Memory 21: Brenda Rainey Farrara [5/22/2024] Memory 22: Larry Naukam (#1163) [5/29/2024] Memory 23: Wilfred Vasile (#69L) [6/5/2024] Memory 24: Gale Murray (#416L) [6/12/2024] Memory 25: Delores Calandra (#3566) [6/18/2024] Memory 26: Diane Kujawski (#1764) [6/26/2024] Back to Main 50th Anniversary Page Memory 26: Diane Kujawski (1764) I enjoy reading Memories Project that others have sent in, I started thinking what got me started on this journey. I wanted to teach my very young children respect for the grandparents, great aunts and great uncles. My Mother-in-law died in February 1986. My Father-in-law died in October 1987. My children didn’t get a change to know them personally. I thought the next best thing would be genealogy and family background. Since the Kujawski side of the family lived close by, I would start with that side. Some of them wouldn’t me any information. But others gave information as far back as they knew with off shots from wife’s or husband’s family. At times. I felt overwhelmed. But it is very addicting to get odd pieces of information and that sends you looking for more. But the special memory is with a WNYGS trip to the Western Reserve Library in Cleveland. I believe it was in June 2000, but I’m not sure. I remember riding in a white mini bus with tall windows and about 30 people or so on the trip. If we spent over night or just one day, I don’t remember. I was just excited to see what I could find about 4 different sides of the family trees, what I did find was my mother’s side of the family (Shepardson) from the 1600s to the 1920s ending with her father as a young boy in New Jersey. When my mother saw her side of the family back so far, she just read and read then decided she should write her memories of her life during the depression. I believe I also found a book that gave meanings of names. My maiden name is Grose-the English meaning is a large, stout man. I’m under 5 feet, just slightly overweight woman. It just seemed ironic to me. I wish I could go back to do more research. My enthusiasm has waned in the last 10 years with other interests, unfortunately. But I sis enjoy interacting with others who were also interested in genealogy and with close and distant relatives. ------------------------------ Memory 25: Delores Calandra (3566) My cousin and I started a family tree several years ago when we started having a summer picnic. It lasted many years, but ceased after a few relatives came. We attended many meetings of your organization and enjoyed them very much. Sadly, we had to stop going. Hopefully, I will start my adventures again. We traveled to many sites in the city for finding adventures. One day, I can really sit down and write about what we did. ------------------------------ Memory 24: Gale Murray (416L) My best memories are in 2018 when I went cemetery snooping from Batavia all the way down to Olean. I first got interested in family in 1974 when I first visited Glenwood Cemetery where my great granddad and gramar are buried. I met the late Mr, and Mrs. Fonda. I joined WNYGS as a lifetime member. This led me to find Eugene Beach from Minnesota and Beach line with help from others I got back to 1086 in Boomsbey Book. Through New England Genealogical societies, I got to meet for the first time my “now late” cousin Helen who was so very much a help getting my Howland and Soul line done. I used to go in to Buffalo and look at very old census which was a great help in finding people and wills. As I work Saturdays and do not get to Buffalo and have no computer to get ancestry.com. Many lines are left and sometimes I really should work on them. But in reality, no one is at all interested. My one cousin was quite interested at one time when she learned she could join the DAR, but now at 92, I think that’s done as none of her sons have contacted me. So this is about all. All I can say to new researchers, start the same thing I heard when I first started. Interview oldest living family members. Get all old pictures you can and write names and dates on them. Visit Buffalo City Hall. They have a great place for wills and old census from 1850. This is about all so same where I hope this here. I am related to a Wood family in N Glenwood. My great gram was Melvina Wood married to Burwell Hawkins. Thank you. ------------------------------ Memory 23: Wilfred Vasile (69L) My genealogical journey began in 1955 when I was twenty. Having three grandparents alive gave me a head start. In those days there were no computers or genealogical societies. Research had to be done in person or correspondence. When I wrote for my grandmother’s birth certificate I got a big surprise. A five generation chart. “I know someone working on that family” the town clerk said. When I showed the chart to the town historian in the town where I worked. His comment “I know someone who has a book on one of those families”. And again back to “The Mayflower” and to a “Gateway Ancestor” In 1971 I moved to Leroy NY. A good friend and I spent many Saturdays either at the library in Rochester or in Buffalo. At that time, I was allowed to search in the stacks. We were not original members of WNYGS but members 68 and 69. Attending meetings for the next five years was always a treat. With the passing of my friend, I only attended a few more times. In 2018 I joined Ancestry and had the DNA test. WHAM! The bottom fell from my family tree. Again, I was fortunate as I was able to learn the identity of my biological father and a niece had done the genealogy. There are still “brick walls”. People in the 6th and 7th generations remain mysteries. Much of my time has been spent trying to help others. I get excited about finding other families as much as I do finding my own relatives. An so the genealogical journey continues with the hope that yet another door will open. ------------------------------ Memory 22: Larry Naukam* (#1163) I started researching my family in 1978. One part was from Rochester, but the other was from Buffalo. The earliest people that I have in Buffalo were from Alsace, and were in the city by 1835. That particular family was a challenge to find as they had mostly daughters who moved out of state, and the sons died early, even if they had children. They were folks of modest means, and did not own very much.. My own named ancestors came to Buffalo about 1866, and after 40 years of looking I did find the town in Germany where they originated. They were wanted by the tax police! I did find many sources in the Erie County Clerk's office, at the Archives at SUNYAB, in the Buffalo History Museum by Delaware Park, and so on. Quite a merry chase, but it was very enlightening. I did a pamphlet/book in 1982 about this family and gave the descendants at that time. * Congratulations to Larry on his selection as the National Genealogical Society's 2024 Rabbi Malcolm H Stern Lifetime Achievement Award for his "positive influence and leadership have fostered unity and helped make family history a vital force in the community." ------------------------------ Memory 21: Brenda Rainey Farrara Empty nester who enjoys history. Thought genealogy would help me understand my father better, fill in who his people were, maybe the why ... Vaguely knew a few details like an Ancestor who founded a village, the hugely incorrect Native American lineage, followed by Irish Ancestors. Found the village. Sherman, Chautauqua Co. Married there on Maint St Edwardian Attire by 2 J.P. during Sherman Day. Dispelled both N.A. & Irish rumors. Have 100+ "new to me" paternal cousins. Reconnected to childhood cousins. I still consider myself an Amateur Genealogist who has learned many many tips & tricks from this group. ------------------------------ Memory 20: Ae Duston I live in Oregon, and I joined in part to find the graves of my Dutch ancestors in the Buffalo area. We're talking 1870s-1880s. Plus simply to learn about earlier life in that part of the country. ------------------------------ Memory 19: Nancy Bernard Watson About 35 years ago my best friend came over for coffee and 2-3 hr chat. I did not know she was into genealogy until that day, nor was I into it. She mentioned a frustration with finding a great grandfather’s docs in Scotland. I was intrigued and started asking questions with no destination in mind other than helping her. I was very computer literate (college major at that time) so I deep-dived. She had been searching for 10+ yrs at that point. And I found her some prime sources within 2 days. And this brief dive inspired ME to look into my own family! My maternal roots are 2 generations in Buffalo NY and then back to Italy. I’m stymied with my grandma’s 1st husband (they married in Buffalo in 1920). I need to take the time to look for anything in Buffalo... naturalization, marriage record, etc. ------------------------------ Memory 18: Shawna Rose-Wickman A random walk in the cemetery and I came across a headstone that interested me and it lead to another and I started research on influenza pandemic 1918 and in a particular the number of soldiers who died from being sick especially at army camps or died overseas. Oh and I’m adopted. I did a tiny bit of that, not as interesting hee hee hee ------------------------------ Memory 17: Michele Bewley (#3392) The need to know our roots seems to be a human need embedded in our DNA – just open the book of Genesis and for pages one reads a summary about who begat who. For anyone whose ancestors were fortunate enough to own a bible or possessed the ability to read, families added their lineage in the front pages. Unfortunately, many of one’s early ancestors had neither. In 1976 US Bicentennial and the television premiere of Roots took genealogy from being predominantly upper-class pursuit to an everyman – and woman’s - obsession. Around this time the US post office provided free one-page family group sheets the size of a placemat. My parents knew little about their ancestral lines past their parents, so, using the post, mailed the form to my aunt who it turns out was just as obsessed was me with history. Her goal however was not to be Holly Hobbie but to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. My aunt was member #207 of the Western New York Genealogical Society, joining in 1977. For 50 years WNYGS has been instrumental in uniting families to their ancestral identities. I now understand that institutions such as WNYGS are mostly fueled by love – the love of genealogy and the kindness of its volunteer members who have offered their precious time to share what they have learned with those who asked for their help. Nobody I have ever met begins knowing everything about genealogy, and many of those just starting out may feel like they have nothing to offer WNYGS, or don’t feel they have the time to spare. With all the exciting discoveries happening these days, thanks to technologies like digitization, DNA and AI, a group like WNYGS is needed more than ever to inform and inspire. No commitment will ever be too small to a group fueled only by its members volunteering. I send my thanks to WNYGS for helping launch my genealogical journey! ------------------------------ Memory 16: Brian Cotton (#3512) A LONG QUEST It is all of seventy years since I first saw photographs of my father’s cousin (Annie) who had been born in England but was said to be living in the United States. One of the pictures had her posing with the Captain of the British R100 Airship. This led me to believe that Annie and her husband must have had some standing in their community. Later, when I had been bitten by the family history bug, it gave me geographical pointers to Montréal in Canada where the craft had been moored and the date: 1930. The next step, although I did not fully appreciate it at the time was when one of my cousins in Australia told me that his father (my father’s brother and a prolific letter-writer) used to write to a relative in Buffalo. Did that ease the search? Only up to a point: do you know how many Buffalos there are in the world? Once I had found half a dozen I stopped counting! That hint had not got me very far at the time, other than raising my anxiety levels, that is! The next development was when I found I had a hitherto unknown cousin in New Zealand. On one of her trips to London, she told me her late father used to write to his sister in Buffalo, NY. My spirits lifted: I thought I was getting somewhere. My cousin told me that this relative was married to a car dealer and had a ‘Dutch-sounding name.’ Sometimes seemingly hot clues drive you backwards and I have spent much time and treasure in hot pursuit. In this case pursuing Buffalo’s Dutch-sounding Ford dealers! I am afraid for a time I was putting a number of WNYGS members through some hoops as they tried to help. And at one stage I was planning a trip to Buffalo to see the records and directories at first hand. I even pulled in aid some of my Canadian relatives. The fact was, though, I was some distance away from my target and, it could easily have remained so. It was a recent DNA analysis that saved the day (and an expensive air trip). Through tree matching I have found relatives of Annie scattered in other parts of the USA, But to my surprise it turned out that it was not Buffalo where I needed to look initially, it was to be in Canada, in Montréal no less. The ‘tree-matching.’ results showed that throughout her married life, Annie had assumed the forename of Nancy. It was our Nancy Archdekin who told me that this forename was once a popular derivative of Annie. I thought I had not been aware of that but then I recalled that my mother’s cousin, Nancy, had been baptised as Annie. (A tip worth the remembering for some, maybe). But it was the Canadian connection that floored me. My late wife was born and brought up on the Island of Montréal, indeed we married there in 1965. And, would you believe it, we had on several occasions walked down the street where the 1921 Canadian Census identified Annie/Nancy as living. After we married we established our home in the UK, but of course over the years we had family visits back to Montreal and many Canuks dropping in on us at our UK homes over the years. If only I had known of this Canadian connection earlier. Our relatives and friends would have been so helpful had I known more at the time. Another coincidence is that in World War I Annie’s husband served as a radio officer in the (Canadian) Mercantile Marine and later carved a career for himself in broadcast radio. That's pretty much what I did, too!! My message to you: keep at it, clock every titbit you get and above all question your cousins and aunties very closely. Above all stay in membership of the WNYGS, it pays off in the end, believe me!! ------------------------------ Memory 15: William Martin Hello, my name is Bill Martin and ancestor hunting has become a passion. Two categories are at the top of my search list. Finding otherwise unknown burial sights Finding photos of ancestors. Members of this group have been more than gracious in helping me. Pictures are very different to locate but it's extremely satisfying to be able to put a face to a name. My efforts continue as I am hopeful that pictures are in boxes somewhere. I'll tell you about burial site findings of my Great grandparents Henry and Margret Martin. A member of this group suggested that I contact Mount Calvary Cemetery Group for help in finding Henry. Since several of his children are interned in one of their cemeteries and he being an immigrant from Germany, I focused on United German and French Cemetery. Nice lady there found a church record from St Michael's Church and she located Henry in an unmarked grave in UGFC. I was saddened that Margret was not with him but pleased to discover that he was buried next to his sister in her family plot. Eventually I did find Margret in the graveyard of St Mary of the Assumption church in Lancaster with a marker. Such a beautiful discovery. Lastly, Henry and Margret had a farm in Lancaster. The building that was the schoolhouse for the children of farmers, including Martin ancestors is still standing but now a private residence. The owners invited me in. Standing in the place that my grand aunts and uncles were taught was such an amazing experience. ------------------------------ Memory 14: Shirley Vivion I met Rhonda at the NYG&B Family History conference just after we visited the library and let her know how helpful the staff at the library was. I found a newspaper article that helped verify a descendant of my 3x great grandparents from Sardinia. Rhonda was busy presenting, so I didn't have a chance to ask about the pronunciation... :)

Bible & Marriage Records In its continuing work to make unique genealogical information available, the society has been collecting, processing, and indexing member-submitted bible and marriage records. The master index and any materials received are maintained as part of the June P. Zintz Memorial Library Collection . Additionally, submission updates (with any related surname and locality information) are published in the society's quarterly, the Western New York Genealogist, as they are received. Copy Requests Those seeking copies of collection submissions can email their requests to biblerecords@wnygs.org. Please include the surname and the referenced volume and issue numbers. The cost is $1.00 per page that may be paid by PayPal (link will be emailed) or by check. All checks (made payable to "WNYGS") should be mailed to: WNYGS Bible & Marriage Records, Attn: Jennifer Liber Raines, 25 Brompton Ct., Orchard Park, NY 14127. Enhanced Collection Index Launching in spring 2026. Featured Project Kittinger Family Bible Project Type(s): Scanning and Placement Physical Description: Bound and mahoghany-boxed Christoph Saur Bible (1776) Genealogical Content: Handwritten history of the Kittinger family from 1753 to 1880 in English. Leaves in front of the New Testament include fragmentary bible record entries from 1753(?) to 1799 in German. Locality: Erie and Niagara Counties Placed: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Grosvenor Room, Rare Books View record in BECPL catalog Submissions Individuals are encouraged to submit bible and marriage records for inclusion in the collection. Once reviewed and approved, the information becomes a resource for researchers today and in the future. Required Components Copy of the record – High-quality print or photocopy of the image or high-quality scan of the original record – Where applicable, please include a copy of the title page from the published bible. Transcription of the original text found in the record Name and location of current recordholder Submitter's name and contact information Transcriber’s name and contact information Any relevant background information on the record or family. General Instructions Copy or scan your record in color (preferred) or greyscale. Please make sure the image is as clear and legible as possible. Prepare the transcription of your record as per the instructions below. For all your submissions, please remember to have space along the margins to allow for binding. [Ideally, include a margin of at least 1.25” on the left and at least 0.5” on the other three sides. The larger margin area should appear on the longest side.] Print the image of your record in color (preferred) or greyscale. Print any supporting information about the record in black ink only. All submissions should be copied or printed onto high-quality 8.5 x 11” paper - preferably, acid-free. Transcription Instructions Accurate transcriptions are key for collection processing and patron use. In most instances, the spellings of the names found in your records will be more familiar to you than to those who will be reviewing them. Please transcribe the records using the following format: Title – Assign the record a clear and specific title. – Examples: “John Smith Family Bible Record” or “Smith – Jones Family Bible Record”; “John Smith and Mary Jones Marriage Record” Owner and Copyist – Provide the name and address of the present owner of the record (if known). – Provide the name and address of the copyist and the date copied. – Note whether your copy was made from the original record or a copy. – If your record is a copy of a copy, state when and by whom the earlier copy was made (if known), and where you found this copy. Description of the Record – Describe whether the record is from a bible, personal papers, etc. and fully describe the original source. – For a published bible, please remember to provide a copy of the title page (includes such information as the title of bible edition, printer or publisher and address, and date of publication). – Please include any handwritten or printed notes regarding the book owner’s name, gift inscriptions, or other identifying information written on covers, title page or elsewhere within the volume. – Book measurements can be included, but are not essential. Family Information – If known, provide background information on the owner(s) of the record, including family origin and relationships, places of residence, and any other helpful information (i.e. civic, military or professional service, burial place, etc.). Record Transcription – Copy the entries exactly as they appear in the original, letter-by-letter, even though you may know that some errors exist. Copy exact wording, spelling, punctuation, etc. Do not abbreviate or use ditto marks unless the original record does so. – Preserve the original order and arrangement of the entries as closely as possible. If a group of entries appears to have been recorded at one time, this fact should be noted. (This may indicate transcription from an earlier record or from memory, therefore allowing greater possibility for errors in prior transcription or recollection). – If you know certain facts in the record to be in error or missing, make a note accordingly and give the source of the correct information. Also note whether entries are missing (due to a paper loss), difficult to read or illegible, or questionable. – Enclose all notes, comments, or text not found in the original in square brackets [ ]. Materials may submitted by mail or electronically to: Jennifer Liber Raines Preservation Chair Western New York Genealogical Society 25 Brompton Ct. Orchard Park, NY 14127 biblerecords@wnygs.org Should you have any questions about this program, the process, or the possible placement of original materials, please email biblerecords@wnygs.org .

Wyoming County Vital Records Dates of First Vital Statistics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the county below to view individual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. Town and Date Births Marriages Deaths Notes ARCADE - Incorporated 6 Mar 1818 (kept by Village Clerk) Jan 1882 (kept by Village Clerk) ARCADE VILLAGE Jan 1882 (kept by Town Clerk) Jan 1882 ATTICA - Incorporated 4 Apr 1811 5 Jul 1881 14 Jul 1881 26 Jul 1881 All vital statistic records kept at Attica Village Office. ATTICA VILLAGE - Incorporated 2 May 1837 5 Jul 1881 14 Jul 1881 26 Jul 1881 BENNINGTON - Incorporated 6 Mar 1818 13 Jun 1881 5 Nov 1881 15 Aug 1881 CASTILE - Incorporated 27 Feb 1821 1847-9 and 1884 1847-9 and 1884 1847-9 and 1884 Records are kept at County Clerk's Office, Warsaw, NY. Previous records destroyed by fire. CASTILE VILLAGE - Incorporated 19 Jun 1877 All vital statistic records kept at Town Clerk's Office. COVINGTON - Incorporated 31 Jan 1817 21 Aug 1881 29 Mar 1882 22 Apr 1882 EAGLE - Incorporated 1 Jan 1823 12 Dec 1913 22 Jan 1908 3 Jan 1904 GAINESVILLE - Incorporated 25 Feb 1814 12 Sep 1913 1902 1 Feb 1914 GAINESVILLE VILLAGE - Incorporated 1897 All vital statistic records in Town Clerk's Office. SILVER SPRINGS VILLAGE - Incorporated 1897 Records are kept by the Town of Gainesville. GENESEE FALLS - Incorporated 1 Apr 1846 25 Apr 1882 6 Oct 1881 29 May 1882 PORTAGEVILLE VILLAGE - Incorporated 1866 Ceased 1874. All records with the Town Clerk. JAVA - Inc 20 Apr 1832 1885 1881 1885 MIDDLEBURY - Incorporated 20 Mar 1812 (kept by Wyoming Village Clerk) 1880 (kept by Wyoming Village Clerk) WYOMING VILLAGE - Incorporated 31 July 1875 1880 (kept by Town Clerk) 1880 ORANGEVILLE - Incorporated 14 Feb 1816 1882 1882 1882 PERRY - Incorporated 11 Mar 1814 21 Apr 1881 21 Apr 1881 21 Apr 1881 All vital statistic records are kept at the Village Hall, Perry, NY. PERRY VILLAGE - Incorporated 1830 Records are kept by the Town Clerk. PIKE - Incorporated 6 Mar 1818 1914 1909 1914 PIKE VILLAGE - Incorporated 23 June 1848 Records are kept by the Town Clerk. SHELDON - Incorporated 19 Mar 1808 1882 1882 1882 WARSAW - Incorporated 19 May 1808 1882 1882 (1901 - 1907 village records also) 1882 WARSAW VILLAGE - Incorporated 17 April 1843 1900 (kept by Town Clerk) 1900 WETHERSFIELD - Incorporated 12 April 1823 22 Jul 1881 7 Apr 1908 21 Feb 1885 Source: WNYGS JOURNAL , Vol. 2, No.3, December 1975 In cases where data is not available, it can be assumed that the dates of records are similar to the other towns in the county.

Cattaraugus County Vital Records Dates of First Vital Statistics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the county below to view individual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. Town and Date Births Marriages Deaths Notes ALLEGANY - Incorporated 18 April 1831 1 Jan 1887 1 Jan 1887 1 Jan 1887 Formed from Great Valley as Burton, changed to Allegany 28 Mar 1851. All Town books, records, papers destroyed by a fire on 25 February 1854. ALLEGANY VILLAGE - Incorporated 11 November 1905 1 Jan 1906 1 Jan 1906 1 Jan 1906 ASHFORD - Incorporated 16 February 1824 18 Aug 1896 4 Oct 1896 4 Oct 1896 Formed from Ellicottville. All Town records except Town Minutes were destroyed by a fire in June 1896. CARROLLTON - lncorporated 9 March 1842 10 Oct 1887 10 Oct 1887 10 Oct 1887 Formed from Great Valley. LIMESTONE VILLAGE Records kept by Town Clerk. COLD SPRING - Incorporated 20 March 1837 1914 1908 1914 Formed from Napoli which was originally called Cold Spring. CONEWANGO - Incorporated 20 January 1823 4 Apr 1887 1888 26 Jul 1890 Formed from Little Valley. EAST RANDOLPH VILLAGE 1 Feb 1910 kept by Town Clerks 1 Feb 1910 Lies in the Towns of Conewango and Randolph. DAYTON - Incorporated 7 February 1835 2 Aug 1913 6 Mar 1908 28 Aug 1913 Formed from Perrysburgh. SOUTH DAYTON VILLAGE Records kept by Town Clerk. EAST OTTO - Incorporated 30 November 1854 Apr 1893 Feb 1894 Nov 1893 Formed from Otto. ELLICOTTVILLE - Incorporated 13 Apr 1820 1892 1892 1892 Formed from Ischua, now Franklinville. ELLICOTTVILLE VILLAGE Records kept at Town Hall. FARMERSVILLE - Incorporated 29 Mar 1821 1885 1902 1887 Formed from Ischua, now Franklinville. Some scattered earlier records. FRANKLINVILLE - Incorporated 16 June 1812 1885 1884 1884 Formed from Olean as Hebe. Changed to Ischua 17 Apr 1816, to Franklinville 3 Mar 1824, to Ischua 17 Apr 1816, and to Franklinville 3 Mar 1824. FRANKLINVILLE VILLAGE Records kept by Town Clerk. FREEDOM - Inc 13 Apr 1820 1887-1915, 1924 - 1908 1920 Formed from Ischua, now Franklinville. GREAT VALLEY - Incorporated 15 April 1818 1919 1919 1919 Formed from Olean. Older records were burned in 1919. HINSDALE - Incorporated 14 April 1820 1888 1888 1888 Formed from Olean. HUMPHREY - Incorporated 12 May 1838 17 Mar 1887 27 Nov 1887 30 Jun 1887 Formed from Burton, now Allegany. ISCHUA - Incorporated 7 February 1846 2 Jan 1883 14 Mar 1883 25 Feb 1883 Formed from Hinsdale as Rice, changed to Ischua 27 Mar 1855. LEON - Incorporated 24 April 1832 1 Feb 1847 1 Feb 1847 1 Feb 1847 Formed from Conewango. LITTLE VALLEY - Incorporated 10 April 1818 24 May 1888 21 May 1888 6 May 1888 Formed from Perry, now Perrysburgh. Some earlier records from 1847. LITTLE VALLEY VILLAGE - Incorporated 9 May 1876 Records kept by Town Clerk. LYNDON - Incorporated 24 Jan 1829 1888 1888 1888 Formed from Franklinville. Changed to Elgin 7 Apr 1857 and back to Lyndon 16 Apr 1858. MACHIAS - lncorporated 16 April 1827 28 May 1877 9 May 1877 6 Apr 1877 Formed from Yorkshire. MANSFIELD - Incorporated 23 February 1830 1 Jan 1889 1 Jan 1889 1 Jan 1889 Formed from Little Valley. NAPOLI - Incorporated 20 January 1823 1847-49, Jun 1886 1847-56, 1889 1847-49, 1889 Formed from Little Valley as Cold Spring, changed 15 Apr 1828 to Napoli. NEW ALBION - Incorporated 23 February 1830 8 Apr 1889 18 Oct 1887 30 Mar 1889 Formed from Little Valley. CATTARAUGUS VILLAGE Records kept by Town Clerk. OLEAN - Incorporated 11 March 1808 1882 1896 1882 Initially included all of Cattaraugus Co. OLEAN ClTY - Incorporated 1858 30 Jun 1882 19 Jul 1882 12 Jul 1882 OTTO - Incorporated 29 January 1823 28 Jul 1889 21 Oct 1889 18 Jul 1889 Formed from Perrysburgh. PERRYSBURG - Incorporated 13 April 1814 2 Oct 1883 27 Nov 1883 18 Feb 1884 Formed from Olean and Ischua (now Franklinville) as Perry, changed to Perrysburgh 10 Apr 1818. PERRYSBURG VILLAGE Records kept by Town Clerk. PERSIA - Incorporated 7 February 1835 1 Jan 1914 20 Jan 1908 6 Jan 1914 Formed from Perrysburgh. GOWANDA VILLAGE - Incorporated 1 August 1848 27 Apr 1885 4 Jun 1885 12 May 1885 Part in Town of Collins, Erie County. Gowanda State Hospital which has its own registrar. PORTVILLE - Incorporated 27 Apr 1837 1890- 1880, 1890- 1890, 1900- Formed from Olean. RANDOLPH - Incorporated 1 February 1826 4 Nov 1891 (Office of Registrar) 14 Oct 1886 (Town Clerk) 17 Sep 1891 (Registrar, Town Clerk has a few from 29 Dec 1886-1891.) Formed from Conewango. RANDOLPH VILLAGE - Incorporated 1867 4 Apr 1896 - Registrar 14 Oct 1886 - Town Clerk 9 Aug 1896 - Registrar Village Clerk - same as Town. Village Registrar - same as Town. EAST RANDOLPH VILLAGE - Incorporated Nov 1886 1 Feb 1910 - Registrar 14 Oct 1886 - Town Clerk 1 Feb 1910 - Registrar RED HOUSE - Incorporated 23 November 1869 31 Jul 1891 28 Apr 1892 27 Feb 1908 Formed from Salamanca. SALAMANCA - Incorporated 19 November 1854 1888 1888 1888 Formed from Little Valley as Bucktooth, changed to Salamanca 17 Apr 1862. SALAMANCA CITY - Incorporated 1913 1887 1887 1887 Formed out of former villages of Salamanca and West Salamanca in 1913. SOUTH VALLEY - Incorporated 2 April 1847 1889, 1952 1892 1892 Formed from Randolph and Cold Spring. The Town Hall burned in 1947, and many town records were lost. YORKSHIRE - Incorporated 13 April 1820 30 Jul 1887 19 Mar 1908 27 Jul 1887 Formed from Franklinville. Source: WNYGS JOURNAL , Vol. 2, No.4, March 1976 In cases where data is not available, it can be assumed that the dates of records are similar to the other towns in the county.

Past meetings and programs. Focusing on continuing education. Member only online viewing access. Regional and national speakers. Past Programs 2021-2024 2021 2024 2023 2022 2021 2024 Programs [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content will be available for viewing in the Members Area. Nov 16 2024: Annual Business Meeting & Elections and "Twenty Years of Stuff - Now What Do I Do?" presented by Elissa Scalise Powell" [Flyer] Oct 5 2024: 50th Anniversary Founders Celebration featuring Thomas W. Jones and Karen Mauer Jones [ Flyer ] Sept 8 2024: “Brick by Brick: Tracing Your Home’s History”with Tina Beaird [ VMA ] [ Flyer ] Jul 13 2024: “Save Our Cemeteries" Workshop Jun 22 2024: “Birthplace and Crossroads of Western New York" Talk & Workshop Apr 20 2024: Members Meet-Up - Rochester Genealogical Society's "Genealogy in Bloom" Conference with Jeanette Sheliga Mar 16 2024 " Chautauqua County Poor Farm & the Emigrant Train" presented by Michele Henry [ VMA ] [ Flyer] Feb 17 2024: "Using AI for Genealogy" presented by Margaret M. McMahon [Flyer ] Jan 20 2024: "Wide World of Passports" presented by Debra Dudek [Flyer ] 2023 Programs Nov 18 2023: Annual Society Business Meeting & Election Oct 28 2023: "Spotlight on Wyoming County" - Panel Discussion Sept 16 2023: "Death Records By A Different Name" presented by Diane L. Richard May 20 2023: "How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read" with Pam Vestal Apr 15 2023: "Technology to the Rescue: Free Tools Every Genealogist Needs in their Toolbox" with Linda Debe Mar 18 2023: "Using Historical Literature to Explore Your Ancestors Lives" with Karen A. Fortin Feb 18 2023: "Maps Galore: Finding & Using Online Maps from the Library of Congress" with Annette Burke Lyttle Jan 21 2023: "Mysterious Codes: Passenger Manifests Letters and Numbers” with Christine Cohen 2022 Programs Nov 19 2022: Annual Society Business Meeting & Elections and "Finding Your 19th Century Ancestors on Fold3: Is There a Better Way?”with Brian Rhinehart Oct 8 2022: "Intro to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church" with Sunny Morton Sept 17 2022: "Courthouse Records of Western New York" with Jeanette Sheliga [ WMA ] Jul 12 2022: WNYGS Sponsored GRIP Webinar: “Reconstructing the Lives of Our Farming Ancestors” with Annette Burke Lyttle May 18 2022: "Jewish Genealogy 101" with Lara Diamond Apr 16 2022: "From Birth to Death: New York State Vital Records" with Rhonda Hoffman, Genealogy Specialist, B&ECPL [ VMA ] Mar 19 2022: "Ready for Release Day: Prepping for 1950 Census Research" with Amanda Perrine [ VMA ] Feb 19 2022: "Mysterious Relatives & How the Weather Affected Your Ancestors" with Ari Wilkins Jan 19 2022: "Spotlight on Niagara County: A Panel Discussion" with the Niagara County Genealogical Society [ VMA ] 2021 Programs Nov 20, 2021: Annual Meeting & Elections and "Migration Across America"presented by Peggy Lauritzen Oct 23, 2021:"Faster than the March of Man: Canal Connections in the Nineteenth-Century"presented by Pamela Vittorio Sept 18, 2021:"The Third Coast - How the Great Lakes Shaped America"presented by Cari Taplin Aug 26, 2021: GRIP 2021 - WNYGS Sponsored Webinar: "Ship Manifests: An In-Depth Look" presented by Rich Venezia May 22, 2021: "Getting Acquainted with the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)"presented by Jeanette Sheliga [ VMA ] Apr 24, 2021: "Trace Your Revolutionary Roots"presented by Bryna O'Sullivan March 20, 2021: "DNA Testing for Genealogy" 2022 2023 2024

Search the Collection Search Table results may contain a large quantity or data. Please remember to scroll over and down completely. You may advance the results page by click the < or > arrows at the bottom right of the table. Title Author - Primary Edition Volume Call Number Media Type Copyright Date Publisher Name Subject 1 Subject 2 "A crossroads by the Oatka" 1790-1982 / edited by Isabel W. MacDuffie MacDuffie, Isabel W. 974.7 GE PAV cro Book 01/01/1982 Big Tree Graphics New York, Genesee, Pavilion -- History New York, Genesee, Pavilion -- Church history "And a white vest for Sam'l" an account of rural life in Western N.Y. from the diaries of Maria Langworthy Whitford of Alfred Station, N.Y. 1857-1861 Phelan, Helene Co. 929.2 WHITFORD phe Pamphlet 01/01/1976 Sun Publishing Co. Whitford, Maria (Langworthy), -- 1830-1861 "Duely & constantly kept", a history of the New York Supreme Court 1691-1847 and an inventory of its records (Albany, Utica and Geneva offices) 1797-1847 Hackman, Larry J., archivist of New York State 974.7 hac Book 01/01/1991 New York State Court of Appeals and New York State Archives and Records Administration New York -- Court records -- History New York -- Court records -- Inventories, registers, catalogs "Fire cake and water" The Connecticut infantry at the Valley Forge Encampment Boyle, Joseph L. 973.3 boy Book 01/01/2001 Genealogical Publishing Co. Soldiers -- Connecticut -- Registers Connecticut --History --Revolution, 1775-1783 --Registers "History of the old taverns and hotels of Attica Township during the 19th century"; "Early recollections; a series of local sketches by E,F, Chaffee"; "The Merle-Marley history" by Rev. William J. Merle all from the Attica News Attica News articles 974.7 WY ATT att Manuscript 01/01/1938 Clor family Attica (N.Y.) -- History "Talk of the towns" Association of Towns of New York State 974.7 ass Manuscript Local government -- New York (State) -- Periodicals "What can't brave Americans endure?" The New Jersey infantry at the Valley Forge encampment Boyle, Joseph L. 973.3 boy Book 01/01/2001 Genealogical Publishing Co. Soldiers -- Pennsylvania -- Valley Forge -- Registers Soldiers -- New Jersey -- Registers "When your ox is in the ditch" Genealogical how to letters McDowell, Vera 929.3 mcd Book 01/01/1992 Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. United States -- Genealogy -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. "Your heritage" Bush-Sneed / compiled by Estelle C. Herdeg Herdeg, Estelle C. 929.2 BUSH SNEED her Manuscript 01/01/1983 Mannis Printing Co. Bush family Snead family (Copy of) Early marriage records for First Universalist Church, 1840-1849 Smith, Rev. Stephen R 974.7 ER BUF chu smi Manuscript Church Records and Registers - Erie County (NY) Vital Records - Erie County (NY) Page 1 of 1,322

Proudly Celebrating 50 Years Our Anniversary (1974-2024) With a proud history dating back to 1974, the Western New York Genealogical Society is excited to celebrate our work, our impact, and the dedication and passion of our members and volunteers. 50th Anniversary Memories As we look back over the past fifty years of the Western New York Genealogical Society, we all have our own memories of how we became interested in genealogy and of our time in the Society. Please share with us any special or unforgettable memories you have. Submissions: Send them to 50Memories@wnygs.org . We will share them throughout the coming year. Shared Memories January-March Memories Memory 1: Carolyn Dawley (#18) of Chandler, AZ [1/3/2024] Memory 2: Glenn Atwell (#13) of Buffalo, NY [1/10/2024] Memory 3: Lynda Zaky Wood ( #3560L) of Buffalo, NY [1/17/2024] Memory 4: Barbara Keil ( #3684) [1/23/2024] Memory 5: Beth Benson (#4034) [1/31 /2024] Memory 6: Nancy Cluff Siders (#2954) [2/7 /2024] Memory 7: Lois Lane (#3782L) [2/13 /2024] Memory 8: Rhonda Hoffman (#3495 L) [2/21 /2024] Mem ory 9: Marie-Cecile Tidwell (#3625L) [2/28/2024] Mem ory 10: Doug Batt (#3098) [3/6/2024] Mem ory 11 : Doug Batt (#3098) [3/13/2024] Mem ory 12: Marsha A. Smith (#3978) [3/20/2024] Memory 13: Nancy Gavin Koester (#3650L) [3/27/2024] Back to Main 50th Anniversary Page ------------------------------ Memory 13: Nancy Gavin Koester (#3650L) Although I didn't become a member of WNYGS until about 15 years ago, my personal experience with them goes back to 1996. I was a lifelong genealogist, beginning at the age of 13, way back in 1978. My grandmother, Bernice Windsor Rich, had been determined to find her connection to Windsor Castle, and her mother (Lena Mather) connection to the Mathers of Boston and the Salem Witch trials. I inherited boxes of documentation from her. But my connection to WNYGS began with the internet. My husband's aunt, a wonderful woman named Dorothy Koester Rauch, was the family historian of Dan's extensive Hamburg, NY genealogy. Dorothy remembered her immigrant grandfather, John Koester, and had heard the stories that his mother died at sea on their journey in 1853. In 1996, I finally hooked to the internet, and used Rootsweb.com (remember Rootsweb?) On it there was a surname index, and a woman wrote a query, that her family story was that her Koester great great grandmother had died at sea. I responded, saying I had the same story, and then a third woman responded, saying the story was true, and filling in the details. This was also her husband's family story. That woman? June Partidge Zintz, founder of WNYGS. June invited me to her house, and she and I spent some time comparing notes, and confirming stories. That information then verified all of the plethora of records on the Koester family (in German with no e, and an umla on the o, and and s at the end) and I was in, hook, line and sinker. 15 years later, I gave a presentation at the Buffalo Irish Genealogical society, and I was asked to join the board of WNYGS, where I was a board member for 6 years, and also vice-president. And that is my WNYGS story! ------------------------------ Memory 12: Marsha A. Smith (#3978) I joined in 2021 and am attending via ZOOM as I now live in Walworth NY. During one program, we broke into small groups and I raised my challenges with locating the grave of my great-grandfather. I had his obituary; I had the Find-a-Grave entry for his wife's (my great-grandmother) grave. But could not locate his burial site. Jeannette Sheliga happened to pop into the session while I was speaking, and she noted my shock when some members suggested he may be in a unmarked grave. Jeannette left the small group, and spoke with Sandra Hawkinson, who was there in person at the meeting. Sandra sent me a note in the chat, offering to help as she is geographically closer. So many interchanges and wonderful guidance from Sandra! After several months we could verify-- with help from Sandra's actual visit to the cemetery-- that my great-grandfather was buried right next to my great-grandmother, in an unmarked grave. Our family followed up on this and have since placed a headstone for great-grandpa, and have added his listing to Find-a-Grave and connected him to his wife and other family members. I am so grateful to Jeannette for getting this started, and to Sandra for the many months and emails and research that she did to make this family moment possible. My WNYGS membership is a treasure! ------------------------------ Memory 11: Doug Batt (#3098) Another memory: I first heard of WNYGS from my father-in-law, Hugh N. Siegel (1919-1995, lived near Utica NY) who was researching his family in South Buffalo and Philadelphia. The story behind Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel in Cheektowaga (book also by Atwell and Batt!) was known in his family as well as mine, so he wondered if we were distantly related, which turned out not to be the case. I joined WNYGS in 2000 after my father, who was very interested in local history, passed away. I started working on my own families (Batt and Schultz in WNY, Heckmann and Stephey in Delaware and south-central PA), and of course the Atwell-Batt genealogy was a tremendous starting point. My current project is expanding and extending Hugh's work on his families (Siegel, Nebrich, Sifkovitz in WNY; Taylor, Croft in Philadelphia) which I hope to write up within the next couple years. ------------------------------ Memory 10: Doug Batt (#3098) Actually, this week's memory did trigger a memory of my own: During a 2009 research trip from my home in Delaware back to Western NY (I grew up in North Tonawanda), I spent a fascinating evening with Glenn Atwell, discussing my research in the Batt, Eckert and Stark families of Erie and Niagara County, as well as other aspects of local history, until the wee hours of the morning. Glenn kindly provided a TON of extremely useful information from his extensive personal archives, and later read sections of the family history of my great-great grandfather John Batt (son of Franz Joseph Batt) which I wrote up the following year, providing many useful comments. During that same research trip, I also spent some time with Ron Batt (my 4th cousin), who had in his possession an 1876 ledger of a grist mill in Tonawanda owned by John Batt. This fascinating document had pages with entries for several other relatives of mine (Xavier Batt, John Baptist Batt, and Michael Stark, a relative of my paternal great-grandmother) as well as other well-known Tonawandans (James Ryan, Alexander G. Kent). ------------------------------ Memory 9: Marie-Cecile (Okoniewski) Tidwell (#3625L) Marie-Cecile (Okoniewski) Tidwell (3625L) of Amherst, NY, member since 2014 When the Western New York Genealogical Society was in its formative stage in the 1970s, I was living in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, DC. There I attended a class on helping you discover your family history. As a new wife and mother, I was excited to learn more about how to search the history of our new family. Taking my newfound skills to the National Archives in Washington, I learned how to work with a microfilmed copy of the 1900 census, the most recent census available at that time. Scrolling through the film, I found my Polish grandmother’s name, Agnes Ciesielska, in the census. She was living with her father, John, and her younger brother, Wladyslaw (Walter). I was exhilarated by my find. What a moment! My grandmother had died when I was nine, but I still felt very close to her. It was years later that I learned that her mother Anastasia Michalska had died earlier in the year of the census. My grandmother in 1900 was living on Townsend Street in Buffalo’s East Side. On the same street, lived her future husband, Frank Okoniewski, who unfortunately, died before I was born. Frank and Agnes had six children, my father, Matthew, being the youngest. In 2000, I traveled to Salt Lake City to do more research on my family. There I visited the Mormon Church Research Library and Archives. When I asked for the microfilm that could help in my search for my French grandmother’s family in Brittany, I was told that the film was “in the mountain.” The next day the film arrived and after I used it, it was added to the library shelves. I was amazed that I was the first person to view this microfilm, from the mountain, that contained information about my grandmother and her family and neighbors from this small village in France. My grandmother, Maria LeBrigant, was born in the province of Brittany, but later came to Paris to work. My grandfather, Léger Ardelier, was from the central part of France, and served in the French army as a dragoon. When World War I began, his conscription in the army was extended, and at some point, he was in Paris. Maria and Léger soon met, and later were married in a suburb of Paris. Similarly, as history would have it, almost thirty years later my French mother, Denise Ardelier, met my father, Matthew Okoniewski, a U.S. Army Staff Sargent, and they, too, were later married in a suburb of Paris, at the end of yet another World War. The ability to search for your family’s roots is much easier now than it was 50 years ago, when this society was formed. We no longer have to start our search by traveling to archives and handling rolls of microfilm. Instead, we can start our search from the comfort of our homes. Nevertheless, the feeling of exhilaration one experiences when an ancestor is found listed on a historic record for the first time is still there. It’s what keeps us going! ------------------------------ Memory 8: Rhonda Hoffman, B&ECPL Genealogy Librarian (#3495L) I first started attending WNYGS meetings in 2010. The meetings were at the Hamburg High School library or cafeteria. The first presentation I attended was on HeritageQuest Onli ne, a B&ECPL subscription database. The presenter was Pat Hililker Forsberg and she was very kind to put up with my ‘librariany’ interjections about the database. Other meeting topics that I remember from that time were an antiques roadshow, gravestone symbolism, and medical genealogy (things have changed so much!). About a year later I was asked to join the WNYGS board. Glenn Atwell hosted my first board meeting. He often hosted meetings at Christmastime and his home was always so beautifully decorated. Everyone was very welcoming and I enjoyed being snuggled by Glenn’s orange tabby cat (or was that the visiting neighborhood feline?). The other board members that I remember attending were Penn Watson, Pat Forsberg, Sister Claire, Karen Kolb, Ken Nash, Nancy Archdekin (via telephone speaker from Nebraska), and Dr. Jane Clarke. Since then I have had various WNYGS roles including president, JOURNAL editor and production editor, and I am currently the librarian. I will always cherish the society, the experiences it has given me, and the many genealogy friends that I have made along the way. ------------------------------ Memory 7: Loi s Lane (#3782L) Glenn R. Atwell is listed as Editor on the Batt Genealogy (A Record of the descendants of Franz Joseph Batt, Sr. and Barbara Weber AND of the Anthony Batt and Beatrice Gath of Alsace and America, Published by the Batt Family Association of Alsace and America, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., 1976. This book was researched by Ronald Elmer Batt, who is my 1st Cousin 1X Removed. (Lois J. Lane Page 38; Ronald E. Batt, Page 39) ------------------------------ Memory 6: Nancy Cluff Siders (#2954) "I have been a member of WNYGS for approximately 20 years. My maternal grandparents were born and raised around Colden and Aurora with surnames of McKAY and OLDEN. Their families had lived in the area for many generations. A Letson cousin told me about this group, and I joined. Living thousands of miles away and working full-time, I sadly have not been much help to society. When I noticed the WNYGS editor's maiden name was PARTRIDGE, I corresponded with her on our common surname. I was delighted to discover June was my 3rd Cousin! She was born on or near the original Partridge homestead adjoining the Partridge Cemetery, where my 3rd great-grandfather, Asa Partridge, was buried. Note: I have yet to find the original emails where we corresponded and am relying on this 82-year-old mind of mine, which can be in error." ------------------------------ Memory 5: Beth Benson (#4034) “My Dad and I didn’t have a particularly close relationship when I was growing up and I rarely initiated a conversation with him if I could help it, so he was quite surprised when I came home from college one weekend and asked him if he knew a “woman dressed all in green who said her name was Catherine.” He and my mother, who was standing at the stove, turned and gave each other one of those looks that parents do when they’re having a conversation the kids aren’t supposed to hear. Then he turned to me and said “Yes, she was your great-grandmother, Catherine Green, and she came here from Ireland. How do you know about her?” I had gone to Lily Dale with a couple of friends that week for a reading with a Medium. We had never done it before and thought it would be fun. When she got to me she described my father almost perfectly, even where he always sat in the kitchen doing his crossword puzzles. Then the medium spoke of the women in green who had her hand on my father’s shoulder, saying her name was C atherine. My father had always been a good story teller – had a bit of the “blarney stone” in him. Catherine suggested he had stories to tell about his family that I might like to hear. Since my father never spoke about his family I was sure he had stories about them, but wasn’t sure they were fit to tell! But when I got home, he had plenty of stories – Catherine had left Ireland and married my Spanish great-grandfather here in Buffalo and had five children. My grandfather, one of the five, had married a German girl whose family owned a business in the First Ward where they lived. He and his wife had 11 children. Who knew my father had 10 brothers and sisters! I learned enough that day to spark my curiosity, and although I didn’t begin working on genealogy for many years, it opened a dialogue between my father and I. Maybe that’s what Catherine really wanted after all. Who knows? But it all started with a trip to Lily Dale.” ------------------------------ Memory 4 : Barbara Keil (#3684) “Hi…. Whenever it was when WNYGS posted the two upcoming ZOOM programs, I had an OMG moment. I saw the name Margaret M. McMahon, Ph.D and remembered my very first DNA match after I had submitted my sample to AncestryDNA. I had a match with MM whose tree she managed. Because we both had well developed trees I was able to quickly identify that her husband is my 3C1R.” ------------------------------ Memory 3: Lynda Zaky Wood (#3560L) Lynda's first event with WNYGS was March 2013 at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, with lunch at Ulrich's after the meeting. She stated "little did I know, it was a beginning." Since then, she has served on the board of directors, the programming committee, hospitality, transcribing/indexing, on the committee hosting the Western New York Genealogical Conference. Lynda has also visited the Society of Genealogists in London, England to research family history. She is currently on the preservation committee, the 50th anniversary program committee and serving on the board of directors for a second time. She enjoys volunteering and helping those on the Facebook page. Lynda also hopes to see more young people in the society. ------------------------------ Memory 2 : Glenn Atw ell (#13) Glenn Atwell (#13) of Buffalo, NY, has been part of the society since its beginning. He notes that he is currently "the oldest member of the society in terms of membership." He was there "when June was planning the society." Because "she belonged to several other genealogical societies...she knew how to go about it." In the first issue of the WNYGS Journal, Issue I, Number 1 (June 1974), Glenn is listed as the Organizing Vice-President. He also was one of the JOURNAL's first editors. In Issue XXXIV. Number 1 (December 2007), he wrote the memorial article on the life of the society's founder, June Partridge Zintz (1927-2007), which described their years of working together for the good of the society and of their friendship over the years. ------------------------------ Memory 1: Carolyn Dawley (#18) Carolyn Dawley (#18) of Chandler, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix, was an original member of the WNYGS Board and was the society's first secretary. Her memory of the early years of the society is that the founder, June Zintz, was a "powerhouse." Because June was a member of the DAR, the society board meetings were held at the downtown Buffalo DAR facilities. Carolyn noted that June worked tirelessly at all she did. She worked hard to get guest speakers and a genealogy library section for the society at a local library. As for her own research, Carolyn noted that you will never know "where genealogy will lead you." When researching her husband's family, a man named Matteson, in the late 1600s, had two sons. One moved to Vermont and he was the direct ancestor to her husband. The other moved westward and his descendents eventually settled in New Mexico. When Carolyn decided to add her new son-in-law to the family tree, she found that her son-in-law was a direct descendant of the original Matteson's son who went west. She had to laugh when she informed her daughter that she had married her cousin, albeit, her cousin many generations removed. And that's why Carolyn says that when you do genealogy, you never know where it will lead you.

Society Policies Policy on Recommendations Policy on Living Policy on Facebook Policy on Researcher Recommendations As an all-volunteer organization, the society has neither the personnel nor the facilities to handle individual research requests. While the society does not recommend specific individuals, it encourages everyone seeking assistance to do their own research before hiring an outside professional. Locally, both the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and The Buffalo History Museum maintain lists of known researchers for hire. Additionally, several professional genealogy trade associations including the Association of Professional Genealogists , the Board for Certification of Genealogists , and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists offer member directories; please note each organization is responsible for establishing its own membership requirements and professional/ethical standards. S ocial Media Policy Regarding Inquiries Involving The Living In its mission and in its efforts, the Western New York Genealogical Society (WNYGS) is committed to (1) fostering a collaborative, professional environment both in person and online; (2) providing and supporting continuing education; and (3) encouraging best practices among our members and the larger genealogical community. In an era of exploding genealogical research and evolving tools for genetic genealogy, it is important to think about ethics and privacy. We as genealogists and members of the Board of Directors have certain ethical responsibilities governing privacy and respectful consideration when dealing with the living, living descendants, and living relatives. Human experience is varied, and each person’s reaction to biological parentage can be highly sensitive and deeply personal. Private information and private correspondence are part of the research process, but how, where, and with what permissions we choose to publicly share that information are important considerations. Whether in the role of adoptee, biological parent, or biological relative, the research we undertake can have serious impacts. While we encourage members to inquire about research techniques and resources, we ask that researchers use caution and discretion and not post/publish specific situational details (known or speculated) with direct name associations to potentially living individuals. It is our view that by promoting respect and sound, ethical decisions, we all benefit in the long run. For more information on the ethics of genealogy, we encourage researchers to read Judy Russell's blog post on the topic. S ociety Guidelines for the WNYGS Facebook Discussion Group Thank you for joining the Western New York Genealogical Society (WNYGS) Discussion Group and agreeing to uphold our guidelines. This Facebook group’s mission is two-fold – (1) to further genealogical education and (2) to foster a professional and supportive environment. With this mission in mind, here are some important questions for all members to ask before posting content on our page: Do I adequately understand this record/resource and its source? Do I have the necessary information to properly cite the resource (both the original source and/or sharing party)? Can I verify the resource’s authenticity? Does the image/resource have the necessary credentials and documentation to qualify as a “satisfactory substitute for the original”? [https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/wp-content/uploads/NGS-Guidelines/Guidelines_CompTech2016-FINAL-29Sep2018.pdf ] Am I respecting the legal rights of the owner, “author, originator, compiler”, or any other authorized party? [https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/wp-content/uploads/NGS-Guidelines/Guidelines_SharingInfo2016-FINAL-30Sep2018.pdf ] Do I fully understand and observe the Terms of Agreement by which an image or resource may be bound? Have I received the necessary permissions to share this resource and/or information publicly? Have I properly identified and attributed “all ideas, information, and data from others”? Have I done all that is necessary to avoid and prevent potential plagiarism? As genealogists, professional standards and ethics should guide our every action - regardless of the format or medium. We would ask all group members to honor the concepts above. Through our posts, we can model best practices and share research techniques. Therefore: Group members are encouraged to make inquiries, recommend resources, and discuss potential research strategies, case studies, and brick walls. Attribution of sources is critical; whenever possible, individuals should include a direct link to the source, article, or post. Members shall not solicit or post copies of images from subscription databases unless allowable under the established Terms of Agreement. Also, please remember that this page is administered by volunteers who do not pre-read or clear the content. While the administrators reserve the right to remove content not within our guidelines, page members are solely responsible for what they post. If you observe content you feel is not within our guidelines, please alert the administrators. If you have questions about these guidelines and would like to discuss content before posting, please do not hesitate to contact us. For more on the professional and ethical standards for genealogists, members are encouraged to review the guidelines of the National Genealogical Society and the Association of Professional Genealogists. Thank you for making a page an inclusive, welcoming, and professional place for all who are interested in genealogy. Policy on Recommendations Policy on Living Policy on Facebook

News & Announcements Read below for the latest information and updates from the Society. Member Announcements April 26, 2023: A Message from the WNYGS Website Team Invitation & Instructions for Accessing the New Online Members Area For more than fifteen years, the Western New York Genealogical Society’s website has been a valuable tool for sharing information about our programs, projects, and resources. Now, after more than a year of planning and implementation, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new website [www.wnygs.org ]. We encourage you to explore the site’s new look and expanded capabilities: Register online for upcoming programs and events . Discover society resources available both online and in the June P. Zintz Memorial Library (located at the Central Branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library). Use PayPal or check to purchase new memberships, renewals, and products through our online store . Support the society’s work with an online charitable donation. Review volunteer opportunities for a variety of rewarding positions and projects. Members can also sign up for the website’s new Members Area, which provides exclusive digital access to: All current and past issues of our publications, the Journal and the Western New York Genealogist , for viewing or download. Video recordings and handouts from past programs (by special arrangement with the speakers). Digital indexes, collections, and record sets. Special member announcements and updates. To request access: Visit our website at www.wnygs.org and click on ‘Member Log in’ (located near the main site menu). Click ‘Sign Up’ and, when prompted, enter the email address associated with your society membership and your desired password. You will receive a confirmation email from the administrator once your request has been approved. We hope you enjoy these enhancements and find your membership a valuable resource in your research. Sincerely, The WNYGS Website Team

Erie County Vital Records Dates of First Vital Statistics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the county below to view individual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. Town and Date Births Marriages Deaths Notes ALDEN - Incorporated 27 Mar 1823 21 Nov 1882 17 Jan 1883 12 Nov 1882 ALDEN VILLAGE - Incorporated 7 May 1864 6 Aug 1885 26 Aug 1886 23 Jun 1886 Records kept by Town Clerk. AMHERST - Incorporated 10 Apr 1818 3 May 1884 2 Apr 1884 1 Jun 1884 WILLIAMSVILLE - Incorporated 4 Nov 1850 5 Aug 1897 12 Oct 1897 * 7 Nov 1897 AURORA - Incorporated 11 Apr 1804 6 Feb 1882 18 Feb 1882 17 Feb 1882 EAST AURORA - Incorporated 1874 1 Mar 1907 3 Apr 1907 - 26 Dec 1907 (with Town records) 18 Apr 1907 Earlier records destroyed by fire in 1907. BOSTON - Incorporated 5 Apr 1817 12 Sep 1882 19 Oct 1882 26 July 1882 BRANT - Incorporated 25 Mar 1839 10 Apr 1883 31 act 1883 10 Apr 1883 FARNHAM - Incorporated 11 Jan 1892 26 Jan 1924 22 June 1905-5 July 1908 16 Jan 1924 BUFFALO - Incorporated Town 8 Feb 1810, Village 2 Apr 1813, City 20 Apr 1832 1 Jan 1878 1 Jan 1877 2 Jan 1852 CHEEKTOWAGA - Incorporated 22 Mar 1839 22 June 1883 6 Jan 1884 7 Feb 1883 DEPEW - see Lancaster SLOAN - Incorporated 1896 18 Jul 1896 8 Oct 1896 11 Jul 1896 CLARENCE - Incorporated 11 Mar 1808 7 Jan 1882 25 Aug 1881 18 Jan 1882 COLDEN - Incorporated 2 Apr 1827 11 Jun 1884 23 May 1884 27 Jun 1884 COLLINS - Incorporated 16 Mar 1821 16 Jan 1886 13 Jan 1883 30 June 1886 GOWANDA - Incorporated 7 Dec 1847 24 Apr 1885 see Town 12 May 1885 CONCORD - Incorporated 20 Mar 1812 21 Mar 1887/17 Aug 1879 31 Jul 1884 Jul 1887 SPRINGVILLE - Incorporated 11 Apr 1834 1 Jun 1885 6 May 1885 12 Jun 1885 EDEN - Incorporated 20 Mar 1812 28 Jan 1883 20 June 1883 21 Jan 1883 ELMA - Incorporated 4 Dec 1857 18 Mar 1882 15 Mar 1883 29 Mar 1883 EVANS - Incorporated 23 Mar 1821 21 Apr 1882 3 May 1882 28 Apr 1882 ANGOLA - Incorporated 30 Aug 1873 10 Jun 1941 (Records kept by Town Clerk) 5 Mar 1942 GRAND ISLAND - Incorporated 19 Oct 1852 15 Sep 1883 23 Oct 1883 30 Aug 1883 HAMBURG - Incorporated 20 Mar 1812 15 Jan 1882 10 May 1882 11 Jul 1882 HAMBURG VILLAGE - Incorporated 9 May 1874 26 Nov 1890 24 Dec 1891 9 Nov 1890 Records at Town Hall. BLASDELL See Town of Hamburg Records. HOLLAND - Incorporated 15 Apr 1818 28 Dec 1884 3 May 1885 31 Dec 1854 LACKAWANNA - Incorporated June 1909 12 Jun 1909 14 Aug 1909 9 Jul 1909 LANCASTER - Incorporated 20 Mar 1833 9 Jan 1884 27 May 1883 9 Jan 1884 LANCASTER VILLAGE - Incorporated 14 Jul 1849 20 Mar 1889 23 Nov 1889 24 Mar 1889 DEPEW - Incorporated 23 Jul 1894 3 Oct 1894 26 Mar 1896 23 Oct 1894 MARILLA - Incorporated 2 Dec 1853 23 Oct 1894 7 Feb 1895 22 Apr 1893 NEWSTEAD - Incorporated 27 Mar 1823 6 Apr 1887 3 Apr 1887 14 Apr 1887 AKRON - Incorporated 1847 9 Jul 1893 28 June 1893 8 Jul 1893 Records with Town Clerk until 1930. NORTH COLLINS - Incorporated 24 Nov 1852 10 Oct 1885 28 Sep 1883 25 Apr 1885 NORTH COLLINS VILLAGE - Incorporated 1913 3 Jul 1913 see Town Records 3 Jul 1913 ORCHARD PARK - (formerly E. Hamburgh ) Incorporated 15 Oct 1850 2 Sep 1883 12 Sep 1883 21 May 1883 ORCHARD PARK VILLAGE - Incorporated 1921 Records kept by Town Clerk. SARDINIA - Incorporated 16 Mar 1821 1 Nov 1882 28 Mar 1886 1 Jul 1885 TONAWANDA - Incorporated 16 Apr 1836 18 Aug 1883 31 Jul 1883 8 Aug 1883 KENMORE - Incorporated 1899 8 Jul 1911 see Tonawanda Town Records 26 Feb 1912 TONAWANDA CITY - Incorporated Village 7 Jan 1854, City 23 Mar 1903 29 Dec 1863 30 Mar 1894 29 Mar 1894 WALES - Incorporated 15 Apr 1818 23 Mar 1882 1 Jan 1883 7 Aug 1882 WEST SENECA - Incorporated 16 Oct 1851 11 Oct 1882 25 Oct 1882 6 Oct 1882 Source: WNYGS JOURNAL , Vol. 1, No.1, June 1974 In cases where data is not available, it can be assumed that the dates of records are similar to the other towns in the county.

Volunteer Opportunities Open Society Positions As an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, our work is not possible without the support of many dedicated volunteers. Help us have an even greater impact by serving in one of these roles: Board Publications Library Preservation Historian Project Board Leadership Dir ector Responsibilities : Be responsible for the fulfillment of the objectives of the Society by the collective performance of the Executive Board as set forth in the by-laws and policies. Attend the Executive Board meetings and actively participate in the management of the Society. Support the Society by regular attendance at the general meetings. Serve on one or more committees of the Society. Monitor the activities of committees for which the Board has assigned responsibility and report to the Executive Board. Commitment : A Director is a voting member of the WNYGS Board who is responsible for attending monthly Board meetings. This is a termed volunteer position. The individual must remain a WNYGS member in good standing. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this opportunity, please email president@wnygs.org . Publications Editor Responsibilities: The Editor plays an important role in helping the Society meet its objective to further genealogical knowledge and research through education. The Editor is responsible for the publication and distribution of the official quarterly periodical of the Society, The Western New York Genealogist . Key functions are to solicit the contribution of materials and articles, edit content submissions, and supervise the production and distribution of the Genealogist. Skills/Qualifications : Writing, editing, email, internet, leadership, dependability, flexibility, multitasking, detail-oriented, and the ability to work well with others. Technology Requirements : Computer, Microsoft Word. Commitment : The Editor is an ex officio, voting member of the WNYGS Board, and attends monthly board meetings. The Editor is primarily responsible for acquiring Genealogist content and editing submitted articles but is also the overall supervisor of the Genealogist. The Editor works on the Genealogist team which also consists of the Production Editor, contributing editors, proofreaders, and an indexer. The Genealogist meets four quarterly publishing deadlines (June 1, August 15, November 15, and February 15). The selected candidate must remain a WNYGS member in good standing. This is a permanent volunteer position. Publication Indexer If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about these opportunities, please email president@wnygs.org . Library Library Volunteers Responsibilities: Volunteer once or twice a month - or as your schedule allows - at the Central Library (Buffalo, NY) doing the following: Helping patrons in understand and use WNYGS' Zintz Collection and provide general research assistance where possible. Reshelving WNYGS Library materials used by patrons and new material additions. Maintaining proper order of materials on shelves and in drawers. Removing damaged books for repair and notifies the Library Chair on any needs using established procedures. Providing any patron or library staff feedback to the Library Chair. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this opportunity, please email Linda Kennedy, Library Volunteer Coordinator, at libvolcoordinator@wnygs.org . Preservation Preservation Chair Project Coordinator Indexer/Transcriber WNYGS members are involved in a variety of preservation and transcription/indexing projects, and volunteers are always very welcome to keep this work going. Volunteers may work locally as well as remotely via email. Some projects are carried out using original books/documents, and the information is transcribed directly into a spreadsheet. Project training and guidance are provided to all volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about our current opportunities, please email preservation@wnygs.org for more information. WNY Historian Project Historian Outreach Volunteer If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this opportunity , please contact the Chair at historianproject@wnygs.org. Board Publications Library Preservation Historian Project

Dates of First Vital Statis tics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the c ou nty below to view indi vidual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. County Vital Records Information

Chautauqua County Vital Records Dates of First Vital Statistics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the county below to view individual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. Town and Date Births Marriages Deaths Notes ARKWRIGHT - Incorporated 30 Apr 1829 1 Jan 1849-31 Dec 1849, 15 Apr 1885, 1 Apr 1886- 1 Jan 1849-31 Dec 1849, 1881 1 Jan 1849-31 Dec 1849, 1885 BUSTI - Incorporated 16 Apr 1823 1872 to 1880 misc, 1 Jan 1898 - 15 Jan 1898 9 Nov 1897 Records 1882 to 1898 destroyed by fire. LAKEWOOD - Incorporated 1893 1847, 1848, 1849, 1851 (no 1850), 1898- 21 Jan 1848-31 Dec 1848, 1898- 1847, 1848, 1851, (no 1849 or 1850)1898- Records 1882 to 1898 missing - fire. CARROLL - Incorporated 1825 1847, 1848, 1849, 1881- 1847, 1848, 1849, 1881- 1847, 1848, 1849, 1881- CHARLOTTE - Incorporated 18 Apr 1829 Aug 1881 14 Jul 1882 11 Feb 1882 SINCLAIRVILLE - Incorporated 1887 1 Jan 1914 1 Jan 1914 1 Jan 1914 CHAUTAUQUA - Incorporated 11 Apr 1804 1881 1881 1881 MAYVILLE - Incorporated 1830 1882 misc 1888-1907 (Town Clerk has records 1908-) 1888 CHERRY CREEK - Incorporated 4 May 1829 1881 1881 1881 CHERRY CREEK - VILLAGE Incorporated 1893 1896 1896 1896 Records kept by Town Clerk. CLYMER - Incorporated 9 Feb 1821 22 Apr 1881 18 Feb 1886 26 Sep 1881 DUNKIRK - Incorporated 17 Nov 1859 1914 1914 1914 Earlier records destroyed by fire. DUNKIRK - City Incorporated 1880 1885 1885 1885 ELLERY - Incorporated 29 Feb 1821 Jul 1885 Jul 1885 Jul 1885 Earlier records destroyed by fire June 1885; there is a book for a year in the 1840's. BEMUS POINT - Village Incorporated 1911 Records kept by Town Clerk. ELLICOTT - Incorporated 1 June 1812 17 Jul 1881 15 Jun 1881 9 Oct 1886 CELERON - Incorporated 1896 5 Apr 1904 19 Oct 1904 15 Aug 1904 Earlier records destroyed by fire. FALCONER - Incorporated Jan 1891 Jan 1891 Jan 1891 Jan 1891 Town Clerk has earlier records. JAMESTOWN - Incorporated 6 Mar 1827, City 1886 16 Mar 1882 18 Jul 1882 9 Jan 1882 ELLINGTON - Incorporated 1 Apr 1824 27 Dec 1880 only, 16 Mar 1882- 27 Oct 1881 5 Jul 1882 FRENCH Creek - Incorporated 23 Apr 1829 misc 1847, 1848, 1849, 1883- misc 1847, 1848, 1849, 1884- misc 1847, 1848, 1849, 1882- GERRY - Incorporated 1 June 1812 22 Jan 1849, 28 Aug 1881, 18 Jul 1882- 5 Sep 1849, 12 Mar 1884- 2 Jul 1849, 14 Aug 1881- HANOVER - Incorporated 1 June 1812 1881 21 Mar 1883 31 Jul 1881 FORESTVILLE - Incorporated 1848 misc 1874 to 1891- 1891 1891 SILVER CREEK Incorporated 1848 misc 1874, 1880, 1881, 30 May 1888- misc 1874, 1880, 1881, 13 Jun 1888- misc 1874, 1880, 1881, 4 Jun 1888- Merged with Town 1902. HARMONY - Incorporated 14 Feb 1816 1882 misc 1882 misc 1882 misc PANAMA - Incorporated 1861 18 Jan 1914 none (Records kept by Town Clerk) 17 Jan 1914 Previous births and deaths kept by Town Clerk. KIANTONE - Incorporated 16 Nov 1853 22 Dec 1881 8 Dec 1881 27 Aug 1882 MINA - Incorporated 23 Mar 1824 1 Sep 1881 3 Jul 1881 16 Apr 1882 NORTH HARMONY - Incorporated 1919 1920 1920 1920 Previous Records kept by Harmony Town Clerk. POLAND - Incorporated 9 Apr 1832 10 Sep 1884 12 Sep 1882 26 Nov 1884 POMFRET - Incorporated 11 Mar 1808 Jan 1881 Jan 1881 Jan 1881 FREDONIA - Incorporated 1829 1885 1885 (Kept by Town Clerk after 1906) 1885 PORTLAND - Incorporated 9 Apr 1813 15 Feb 1881 misc, 1891- 29 Sep 1881 misc, 1891- 12 Apr 1882-Apr 1883 misc, 1891- BROCTON - Incorporated 1894 Records kept by Town Clerk. RIPLEY - Incorporated 1 Mar 1816 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1881- 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1881- 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1881- SHERIDAN - Incorporated 16 Apr 1827 10 Jul 1875 23 Feb 1882 24 Sep 1881 SHERMAN - Incorporated 7 Apr 1832 1 Oct 1881 13 Dec 1881 26 Feb 1885 STOCKTON - Incorporated 9 Feb 1821 10 Jul 1881 3 Jul 1881 19 Jul 1881 CASSADAGA - Incorporated 1921 Sep 1923 none (records kept by Town Clerk) Sep 1923 VILLENOVA - Incorporated 24 Jan 1823 Nov 1887 Dec 1887 Nov 1887 Earlier records destroyed by fire. WESTFIELD - Incorporated 29 Mar 1829 none (Town Clerk), 1881 (Registrar) 1881 (Town Clerk), none (Registrar) none (Town Clerk), 1881 (Registrar) WESTFIELD Village Records kept by Town as above. Source: WNYGS JOURNAL , Vol. 1, No.3, December 1974 In cases where data is not available, it can be assumed that the dates of records are similar to the other towns in the county.

Proudly Celebrating 50 Years Our Anniversary (1974-2024) With a proud history dating back to 1974, the Western New York Genealogical Society is excited to celebrate our work, our impact, and the dedication and passion of our members and volunteers. 50th Anniversary Memories As we look back over the past fifty years of the Western New York Genealogical Society, we all have our own memories of how we became interested in genealogy and of our time in the Society. Please share with us any special or unforgettable memories you have. Submissions: Send them to 50Memories@wnygs.org . We will share them throughout the coming year. Shared Memories July-September Memories Memory 27: Pamela Bouquin (#3378) [7/3/2024] Memory 28: Suzanne Scripter Harris (#3520L) [7/10/2024] Memory 29: Dennis Gates (#1508) [7/17/2024] Memory 30: Peter Ames (#3375) [7/24/2024] Memory 31: Dr. John R. Schmidt (#3699L) [7/31/2024] Memory 32: Lois Lane (#3782L) [8/7/2024] Memory 33: Lois Lane (#3782L) [8/14/2024] Memory 34: Becky Burke (#3790F) [8/21/2024] Memory 35: Kay White (#3974) [8/28/2024] Memory 36: Fred Kester (#364) [9/4/2024] Memory 37: Fred Kester (#364) [9/11/2024] Memory 38: P. Marthia (#3970) [9/18/2024] Memory 39: P. Richard (Dick) Kreitner (#3756) [9/25/2024] Back to Main 50th Anniversary Page Memory 39: Richard (Dick) Kreitner (#3756) While I was born and grew up in Niagara Falls, I moved to Connecticut after college, well before my interest in family history was kindled. It wasn’t until my wife and I became empty nesters that I started seriously researching my family roots in Niagara County, many ancestors having arrived directly from Europe almost 200 years ago, purchasing land from the Holland Land Company, and some others arriving even earlier, settling in the British colonies and eventually migrating to Western New York. As my research expanded, I started attending conferences and joining genealogy organizations outside of my local area, which eventually led me to discover and join the Western New York Genealogical Society. Even though I live too far away to attend meetings, the advent of Zoom has made it possible to participate. I also was able to attend in-person the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society conference in Buffalo, where I got to see first-hand the wonderful collections of the WNYGS. I was particularly excited this past year when the WNYGS sponsored a program on the Witmer Cemetery in the Town of Niagara, the burial place of many of my ancestors. This is a special place for our family which we visit almost any time we are back in Niagara Falls. While I couldn’t attend in-person, I have worked with the Town of Niagara Historian to provide information about the family members and have original deeds to some plots. It was great to see the interest in this cemetery and in keeping it preserved! Congratulations to the WNYGS on 50 years! ------------------------------ Memory 38: P. Martha (#3970L) When you're looking for your ancestor born in the US before birth certificates were required and with a unique surname and lots of family lore about how the name had been changed (but no one knows from what), you're left with quite a puzzle. Add to that finding him living as a young child in another household at the age of 6, and the mystery grows. Sure, you have his death certificate that lists his parents, but they do not seem to exist. But then you may have found your ancestor and his parents with a couple of siblings on an 1850 census only, but how do you know it's the right family? You share the story with Ned Schimminger at the Tonawanda Historical Society who helps you look. Eventually he asks you about a woman he found who appears to share the maiden name with your ancestor. That was the piece needed to not only verify you have the right family but also take the family back to a small town in France where she was born. All five children (ages 2 to 13) were living with different families in 1855. While we may never know what happened to the parents, it's amazing to know that they stayed in touch throughout their lives. We can see this through newspaper articles and records -- sisters living together, brothers as ushers during weddings, nephews serving as executors to their uncle's estate, death notices in the 1920s, etc. Oh, and that surname is just a little bit different than the original one from France, and it's spelled differently on the immigration records and that 1850 census records. Even with all that, all five children spelled it the same way as adults. ------------------------------ Memory 37: Fred Kester (#364) “A Revolutionary Discovery in ‘76” (Part 2) I was walking back to my car after spending about four hours in the Randolph Cemetery and was so excited about finding the grave of my 3-great-grandparents, when all of a sudden, it happened!!!...I nearly tripped…tripped over a small gravestone! When I looked down to determine the problem, my dismay turned to disbelief. It was the grave of “EZEKIEL/SCUDDER/1766-1853/REV.WAR” Next to it was the grave marker for “CYNTHIA/WIFE OF/EZEKIAL SCUDDER/DIED/JUNE 20, 1853/AGED 80 YEARS/”. I had to reach for my handkerchief when I realized they were my 4-great-grandparents. Ezekiel Scudder, I had readd, was born in Connecticut and served as a young man during the Revolutionary War. He married Cynthia Gould in 1971. Ezekiel was a pioneer in the Genesee Country and made his first dwelling in a Sycamore tree as protection from the wild animals until his more permanent home was built. He built the first gristmill and sawmill in the settlement called Scudderville. This town was renamed as Victor after Claudius Victor Boughton, a hero of the War of 1812. After occupying his farm for thirty-five years, Ezekiel began to long again for the freedom of the frontier. He sold his farm and removed to the Randolph, Cattaraugus County in 1827. There he lived with his large family until his death at age 87. Now I was standing next to his final resting place. I have discovered other Revolutionary War ancestors, some of whose graves I have found and others whose graves I hope to find someday, but to nearly stumble over the gravestone of my first Revolutionary War soldier in July 1976 was amazing! Maybe it was Ezekiel Scudder trying to get my attention, so that I could remember his story many years later, or maybe it was the ‘Spirit of ‘76’. ------------------------------ Memory 36: Fred Kester (#364) “A Revolutionary Discovery in ‘76 ” (Part 1) The year was 1976 and Bicentennial Fever was in the air. In January my Mom and Dad gave me a genealogy kit from Everton’s for my birthday. In March, Dad and I joined as members of the Western New York Genealogical Society. In May, I was doing genealogical research at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, downtown branch, when I discovered in the 1893 History of County, New York the names of some ancestors who had lived in Randolph, New York, where my grandfather and great grandmother were born. So, in July, I decided to take a couple days’ vacation to do research in Randolph. The Randolph Cemetery seemed like a good place to start. I slowly walked among the many rows of graves and stopped now and then to copy some of the inscriptions. Farther in the cemetery, I saw a tall obelisk monument. After reading the inscriptions on the opposite sides of it, I realized it was the grave marker for Joel and Hannah Scudder, my 3-great-grandparents. They had died on the same day, March 3, 1866, and were buried in the same casket. Between the inscriptions for each of them was an engraving showing two clasped hands and under it the word: “They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their deaths, they were not divided.” I was touched to read the words and to have found their final resting place. By then, however, it was late in the afternoon and having spent about four hours in the cemetery, I was tired and decided to leave. I was walking through the old section on the way back to my car, when all of a sudden, it happened!!!!... ------------------------------ Memory 35: Kay White (#3974) I joined only a few years ago. When I learned of your existence I immediately joined. My paternal 2nd great-grandfather came to Stafford, Genesee County from Yarnscombe, Devon, England via the Erie Canal in 1837. His son, my great-grandfather, James Karslake, moved 5 miles away and lived, worked and died in LeRoy. My grandfather and his sister attended the LeRoy Academic Institute. My grandfather went to Lafayette University in Pennsylvania, eventually earned his PhD and become a Chemistry University Professor until he moved back to Western NY to live in Buffalo from 1918 to 1953. Anna was able to attend college at Ingram University, right there in LeRoy, NY. She became an elementary school art teacher. After I joined, I learned WNYGS had a table in the Grosvenor Room in the downtown Buffalo library. I have been going once a year (in the summer) to the Grosvenor Room to do research and finally in 2022 (?) I talked to someone at the WNYGS desk. Thank you for what you do. ------------------------------ Memory 34: Becky Burke (#3790F) I originally joined WNYGS in May of 2017. I was not born here nor were my parents, we are the beginning ancestors in Western New York. I knew what amazing people were in the society from attending the free workshops they provided. I wanted to connect with them and find out more about my genealogy. My mom’s family had been here since the early days of America, migrating from the north ultimately to the south. My dad’s family only since the late 1890s, early 1900s, in the NYC/NJ area, depending on which of his parents. I love the detective work and hunt of genealogy research. Sadly, I ended up realizing I needed a little more time before I could dedicate myself to the full process of the society. During the interim years, I continued to attend the wonderful workshops the society provides, keeping in touch and working on going back farther than my grandparents. After my retirement in 2022, I rejoined the society. I knew our society had continued to be filled with amazing folks, who know so much of the ins and outs of researching, preserving, and organizing the history/genealogy of the local and larger community. I was ready to dive fully in. I decided to volunteer on the Index and Transcription Committee. I met many wonderful people and learned many things. In 2023, I took on the position of Registrar, interacting with all our wonderful society members. In addition, I am currently on the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, helping with all the events. I would encourage others to volunteer and get involved. I have to say, I am having a ball! And shameless plug, we have 2 wonderful events coming up in celebration of our 50th anniversary. The “Save our Cemeteries” on Saturday, July 13th and a full day conference and luncheon, with world renowned genealogical experts, Thomas and Karen Jones, as the speakers for the “Founders Celebration” on Saturday, October 5th. You can find all the details on our Meetings page . ------------------------------ Memory 33: Lois Lane (#3782L) In the last 50 years, I have become interested in Genealogy. I am not sure why, but it may have started when my cousin Ron Batt put out our Batt Genealogy around 1972 (with the assistance of Glenn Atwell). I was interested in finding out more about my mothers WALTER side of the family. It was a challenge as at that time, there was very little access to online information. My mother and I went to St. John's Church in Alden on Sandridge Road to look through the Birth, Marriage and Death records that were recorded in the old books. That was VERY interesting as I found my Aunt Ida on my Fathers side, listed for her first marriage and where it stated her mother as being a WALTER. I have since researched that line and found the connection to both my mother’s and father’s sides. The other Great Find was a paper that was given to my mother, Mary Louise Walter, by her first cousin, Celestine (Sally) Walter that listed a whole family with 22 children and explained how they were related. It showed that my Great Grandfather, Mathias Walter, first married a Widow, Josephine Girard (who was previously married to Bernardus Fix and had 2 daughters with him.) Then Mathias and Josephine had several more children (I Found some DNA Matches here) and she passed away in 1871. Then Mathias married another widow, Carolina Baumann, whose first Husband Peter Bachmann, had passed away after they had 5 children. Mathias and Carolina are my Biological Great Grandparents, where my Grandfather, Edward Martin Walter, was the youngest of the 22 children. It helped to explain the 1880 Census where there were FIX children, BACHMANN Children and WALTER Children all in one household. Thanks to my mothers single older cousin, who gave that paper to the right person who would pass it on to me to keep their story alive. This is the Best addiction to have and I never feel alone when I am with my fellow Genealogy nuts. History has also become more important to me and I wish that Genealogy was a part of the History classes we take in school (although I understand how it could be hard for those that are not with biological families). ------------------------------ Memory 32: Lois Lane (#3782L) During Covid I spent a LOT of time on the Internet (mostly late at night where my Internet usage was unlimited until 5 AM) researching my family Tree and my DNA Matches. I know it was during this time that I helped a couple of my DNA matches that were adopted to find their biological family connections. The first connection, I had two possibilities for the mother (living), so I looked at their Facebook accounts and almost immediately I saw the resemblance of the one woman. I don't recall HOW the actual introduction was made but I know initially when contact was made the bio mother was told to deny the adult person that was given up for adoption. Luckily she did not listen to that advice and she is now in touch with her first born. Her other children born since then with another father have also DNA tested where I now know of other distant cousins. There is Good communication with the family even though they live far apart. There is NO Shame in giving up a child for adoption when you are not prepared to give that child the life they deserve and the child put up for adoption was raised by a loving family and now has a family of her own with adult children and a loving husband. She just became a Grandmother so now her biological mother can claim the Great Grandmother status. All is well in their world, The other DNA connections were a daughter and her MOTHER who was put up for adoption. With the shared matches, I was able to narrow down the specific line in the family where the connection was and when told that this mother was born in the Syracuse area was able to find the part of my family in that line that lived in that area. Of course, there was no meet and greet as the bio family had long since been deceased but there is at least PEACE that they know where they came from and can further research their biological line. So now I have new family members that I welcome and have become facebook friends with. They live out West and have never met them but perhaps some day I will create the ultimate Family Reunion of all my DNA Matches. This is one of my 50 year memories. ------------------------------ Memory 31: Dr. John R. Schmidt (#3699L) Every Christmas I would head home to Western New York to visit my mother. December 2005 was like other trips, as I had to take her to the hospital to be “drained”. She was suffering for a very long time with congestive heart failure. On this occasion, when I returned to her house on Christmas Eve, I sat down with a pen and paper and asked her to tell me about the family. She died three months later. Returning to my home in Michigan following her funeral in April, I sat down at my computer. I looked on my shelf and noticed a CD for Family Tree Maker. I had purchased it a while ago as an outdated $5 software at Staples. I loaded it into my PC, not knowing if it would still work. Surprisingly, it went out to the Internet and downloaded the latest version! What a deal! I started entering the information that my mother had shared. It wasn’t long before the software warned me that I had entered 100 people and should probably save it. I was hooked! Probably about 10 years later, I attended my first New York State Family History Conference in Syracuse. There, at a booth, I met two wonderful people—Rhonda Hoffman and Jennifer Liber Raines, representing WNYGS. The rest is history. With a little help, I now have over 2700 relatives in my family tree. Oh, by the way, aren’t those stories from our relatives interesting? Some turn out to be correct while others . . . well, you know. I always knew my mom didn’t care for my father’s side of the family. ;) ------------------------------ Memory 30: Peter Ames (#3375) This is a memory that I will hopefully never forget, and it is what hooked me on genealogy. My father spent 20 years after he retired, tracing our family history and compiling 2 spiral bound binders. One contained names, dates and stories of our ancestors that he had information on. Now this was all done pre computer, so he accomplished this all the old-fashioned way by making phone calls, writing letters and visits to many different sources. The other binder contained entries from his journals which covered a period from 1933-1971 while we were all children growing up. He was a dog with a bone, so not being able to glean the following drove him nuts. My maternal grandmother would never divulge the story of her youth prior to marrying my grandfather and my grandfather wouldn't share her secret following her death. That piqued my interest, and what followed was a 9 year quest to figure it out. I hit many a brick wall and fell down numerous rabbit holes, but finally I struck gold. Ethel was listed in the 1911 Canadian Census, but I read her surname as UNKNOWN and I thought that it was a useless document. Fortunately, I sent the image to a friend in Toronto and she read it as WREN. I will never forget the day that she shared that information with me and the floodgates opened. Turned out that Ethel May Elizabeth Wren Taylor Hebdon Dovesmith was an orphan from London and shipped to Niagara On The Lake at the age of 6. She came with about 200 children under the care of Maria Rye and placed with a widow who did laundry. She was indentured until she was 18 and a few years later met Joseph Dovesmith, came to Niagara Falls, NY and got married. Her whole story is in a previous WNYGS Journal if you would like to read it. No wonder she would never share the secret of her childhood as she didn't want to relive it. I am sorry that this is so long, but I wanted to stress that research isn't always easy, but that is part of why I love it so much. Sometimes it takes a lot of twists and turns until one small clue can break it loose. What a feeling! ------------------------------ Memory 29: Dennis Gates (1508) In the mid 1990's, while working as an airline pilot, I had a long layover in Buffalo. I decided I would rent a car and visit Orleans County, where my Great Great Grandfather, Daniel Gates, had settled after leaving Vermont. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive around the county, getting a sense of place. The highlight of the trip was my stop at the County Clerk's office. I asked about any records for Daniel. The clerk was very helpful and located the probate records for Daniel and even made copies for me. I was incredibly grateful when she offered to make copies of the records for me. She went above and beyond, and it was a wonderful tie to my ancestors. ------------------------------ Memory 28: Suzanne Scripter Harris (3520L) My father grew up in Arcade, Wyoming, New York. He went to college in Michigan and lived in that state the rest of his life. I have always lived in Michigan. We would travel to New York for my Dad’s vacation every year. Many years ago, I got interested in genealogy and would gather information when I was in that state. My grandmother was a big help! She would gather information for me and have it ready for when I was in the area. In 2007 I made a genealogy trip to the area with someone that I met as she responded to a inquiry I put in the “Genealogical Helper” back in 1976 about the Sherwin family. We researched that family and the Scripter family in Holland, Batavia, Warsaw and Buffalo. We visited libraries and walked thru a few cemeteries. A great deal of information was gained at many of the places in Western New York, particularly in Buffalo. I am now a life member of the Western New York Genealogical Society and continue to get information on my family even though I haven’t been to that area for a few years. I attend as many of their zoom meetings as I can. ------------------------------ Memory 27: Pamela Bouquin (3378) I joined because my family history is deep in Buffalo. My great-great grandfather, Matthew (Matthais) Denz, came from Germany to Buffalo in 1859. He lived on Emilse and the family worshiped at St. Anne's Church. He was a clockmaker and very innovative on clocks for churches. He put the first clock in St. Peter and Paul church in Williamsville in 1867. The church had a "Pic-Noc" to help pay for the clock. The clock lasted until 1922 when a windstorm blew it out. It was repaired, and the tower that held it was repaired as well and it worked until 1925. Unfortunately, my g—g grandfather passed away at 59 in 1879, he had left his wife with 10 children who all lived to adulthood.

1865 New York State Census As one of its many service projects, WNYGS organized the preparation of an amended index of the 1865 New York State Census for Erie County. Many dedicated volunteers worked on this project over a number of years. While originally collected and documented on index cards, the society later created a digital version that now resides here for genealogical researchers. VIEW ERIE INDEX It is important to note that while planning and researching this project several existing printed an d online indexes for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Niagara Counties were identified; those resources appear below. At the time of the project, n o censuses were available for Genesee or Wyoming Counties. Allegany 1865 Census Index of Allegany County, New York by Mrs. Charles Burton Published index available in the WNYGS Research Library [ call no. 974.7 new ] Cattaraugus Town and County index files (html and .doc formats) available for view and download online at http://sites.rootsweb.com/~nycattar/census.htm#1865 Chautauqua Selected Information from the 1865 New York State Census for the County of Chautauqua by Lois and Norwood Barris (2 volumes) Published index available for download on the Chautauqua County Historian's website at https://chqgov.com/county-historian/lois-and-norwood-barris and in print form at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library - Grosvenor Room . Genesee Not available. Niagara Index 1865 N.Y. State Census Niagara County by the Niagara County Historian Published index available in the WNYGS Research Library [ call no. 974.7 new ] Orleans Surname and Town indexes available for viewing online at http://www.orleans.nygenweb.net/census/1865Cen.htm Wyoming Not available.

Genesee County Vital Records Dates of First Vital Statistics Records (as published in the Western New York Genealogical Society Journal ) Click the county below to view individual town and village record information: Allegany County Cattaraugus County Chautauqua County Erie County Genesee County Niagara County Orleans County Wyoming County This map shows each Western New York county's founding date and the name of its parent county. Town and Date Births Marriages Deaths Notes ALABAMA - Incorporated 17 Apr 1826 2 Mar 1882 17 July 1882 27 May 1882 ALEXANDER - Incorporated 8 June 1812 30 Sept 1893 11 Dee 1893 27 Aug 1893 ALEXANDER - VILLAGE All records included with the Town records BATAVIA - Incorporated 30 Mar 1802 21 Jan 1882 7 Jan 1882 18 Feb 1882 BATAVIA - CITY 5 Nov 1887 5 Nov 1887 5 Nov 1887 BERGEN - Incorporated 2 Apr 1814 6 July 1883 7 Dec 1889 1 Jan 1883 BERGEN - VILLAGE All records included with the Town records BETHANY - Incorporated 8 June 1812 16 Feb 1882 15 Feb 1882 9 Feb 1882 BYRON - Incorporated 4 Apr 1820 20 Jan 1882 30 Mar l882 4 Jan 1882 CORFU - VILLAGE 27 Dec 1890 3 Oct 1891 6 Nov 1890 All records included with the Town records DARIEN - Incorporated 10 Feb 1882 26 Jan 1882 11 Jan 1882 23 May 1882 ELBA- Incorporated 14 Mar 1820 31 Jan 1882 7 Jan 1882 16 Mar 1882 ELBA - VILLAGE All records included with the Town records LEROY - Incorporated 8 June 1812 22 Feb 1882 15 Feb 1882 11 Jan 1882 LEROY - VILLAGE - Incorporated 6 May 1834 15 Feb 1882 26 Jan 1882 19 Feb 1882 OAKFIELD - Incorporated 11 Apr 1842 4 July 1885 23 Sept 1882 6 Mar 1892 OAKFIELD - VILLAGE All records included with the Town records PAVILION - Incorporated 19 May 1842 30 Jan 1882 13 Feb 1882 23 Feb 1882 PEMBROKE - Incorporated 8 June 1812 1847 -1849; 3 Apr 1882 1847 -1849; 19 Apr 1882 1847 -1849; 26 Apr 1882 STAFFORD - Incorporated 24 Mar 1820 1 Feb 1882 18 Jan 1882 10 Jan 1882 Source: WNYGS JOURNAL , Vol. 1, No.4, March 1975 In cases where data is not available, it can be assumed that the dates of records are similar to the other towns in the county.

Research Links The society maintains the following list of free online resources related to Western New York genealogical research. A s the web and social media continue to change and expand, researchers are encouraged regularly explore and share available resources. Blogs and Podcasts Eastman's Genealogy Newsletter by Dick Eastman GeneaBloggers by Thomas MacEntee Genealogy Gems by Lisa Louise Cooke Genealogy Guys Podcast by George G. Morgan and Drew Smith Genealogy In Time Magazine The Genetic Genealogist by Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD The Legal Genealogist by Judy G. Russell , JD, CG Broad Catalog/Collection Searching Worldcat: "WorldCat.org lets you search the collections of libraries in your community and thousands more around the world...search for popular books, music CDs and videos—all of the physical items you're used to getting from libraries. You can also discover many new kinds of digital content, such as downloadable audiobooks. You may also find article citations with links to their full text; authoritative research materials, such as documents and photos of local or historic significance; and digital versions of rare items that aren't available to the public." – It is important to note their website can help users to locate the closest target item using their results sorting by zip code feature. Cemetery Related Resources Association for Gravestone Studies Billion Graves Find A Grave Genealogical Societies Regional Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora Buffalo Irish Genealogical Society Central New York Genealogical Society Chautauqua County Genealogical Society Genesee Area Genealogical Society Jewish Genealogical Society of Buffalo Italian Genealogical Society of Western New York (email only) Niagara County Genealogical Society Painted Hills Genealogical Society (covering Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua County) Rochester Genealogical Society State New England Historic Genealogical Society (including New York State) New York Genealogical & Biographical Society Polish Genealogical Society of New York State Canadian - Regional Ontario Ancestors Niagara Peninsula Branch General Resources – Genealogy Cyndi's List – New York: A categorized & cross-referenced index to the vast genealogical resources on the Internet. Family Search : Access the largest collection of genealogical records in the world. Free resources include records (electronic and microfilm), finding guides, and available services (online, at Family History Centers, and by phone). Steve Morse : Stephen P. Morse's site for the "one-step" finding of immigration records, census records, vital records. Also includes information on best practices for dealing with calendars, maps, foreign alphabets, and other applications. General Resources – New York State Genealogy BuffaloResearch.com : Cynthia VanNess' quick reference of Buffalo & Erie County resources. Site includes links to vital record repositories, maps, directories, name lists, obituaries, and more. RootsWeb - New York Resources : Varied genealogical links listed by county. New York GenWeb : A "Gateway to New York Genealogy and History" grouped at both the state and county levels. Historians: Village, Town, City, and County Association of Public Historians of New York State : Features an online database of the 1600 member town, village, city, and county historians in New York State. Government Appointed Historians of Western New York : Features links and contact information for town, village, city, and county historians that is searchable by Western New York county. Historical Societies Allegany County Historical Society Buffalo History Museum (also known as The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society) Cattaraugus County Historical Museum and Research Library Chautauqua County Historical Society & the McClurg Museum Holland Purchase Historical Society (Genesee County) Niagara County Historical Society Orleans County Historical Association Holland Land Company Specific Resources Holland Land Company Collection @ SUNY Fredonia's Reed Library : An overview of available collection resources and targeted finding guides. Site also provides information on Holland Land Company records located at other regional and state repositories. Holland Land Office Museum Holland Land Company – Selected Resources Libraries & Research Repositories Regional Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System Nioga Library System (Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee Counties) New York State New York Public Library : The New York Public Library "holds more than 51 million items, from books, e-books, and DVDs to renowned research collections used by scholars from around the world." It "provides patrons worldwide with powerful online tools to help them discover its extensive resources and services. On nypl.org, visitors can browse the Library’s immense collections, download e-books, and view more than 800,000 items from our award-winning Digital Gallery." New York State Library – Research New York State Archives NYHeritage : New York Heritage Digital Collections features a broad range of materials that present a glimpse into our state’s history and culture, from the colonial era to present. Over 350 libraries, museums, archives, and other cultural institutions make their collections' primary source materials available through this website. Across the Co untry Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center : Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the ACPLGC has "one of the largest research collections available, incorporating records from around the world." Digital Public Library of America : The DPLA "brings together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, and museums, and makes them freely available to the world. It strives to contain the full breadth of human expression, from the written word, to works of art and culture, to records of America’s heritage, to the efforts and data of science." Library of Congress : The LOC "is the nation’s first established cultural institution and the largest library in the world, with millions of items including books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections." National Archives and Records Administration : NARA "is the nation's record keeper...valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching an historical topic that interests you." National Archives and Records Administration – Resources for Genealogist Native American Resources – Regional Seneca Nation of Indians Tonawanda Band of Senecas, 7027 Meadville Road, Basom, NY 14013 (716) 542-4244 Tuscarora Nation, 2006 Mt. Hope Road, Lewistown, NY 14092 (716) 622-7061 Newspaper Resources Fulton History : A free searchable online collection of more than 57 million historical newspaper pages from the USA & Canada. Google Newspaper Archive : Provides searchable database of free digitized newspapers from around the world. Library of Congress – Chronicling America : Site provides information about historic newspapers and free searches of and access to select digitized newspaper pages. NYS Historic Newspapers : This project provides free online access to a wide range of newspapers chosen to "reflect New York's unique history." Organized by county.