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Remembering the Last 50 Years Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary With a proud history dating back to 1974, the Western New York Genealogical Society celebrated its work, impact, and the dedication and passion of its members and volunteers in 2024. 50th Anniversary Memories As we looked back over the past fifty years of the Western New York Genealogical Society, many of our members shared memories of how they became interested in genealogy and of their time in the Society. Project Compiler: Lynda Zaky Wood 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 (#3495L) [2/21/2024] Memory 9: Marie-Cecile Tidwell (#3625L) [2/28/2024] Memory 10: Doug Batt (#3098) [3/6/2024] Memory 11: Doug Batt (#3098) [3/13/2024] Memory 12: Marsha A. Smith (#3978) [3/20/2024] Memory 13: Nancy Gavin Koester (#3650L) [3/27/2024] 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] July-September 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] October-December Memory 40: Charleen Scime (#4028) [10/2/2024] Memory 41: Mary Kay Wright (#1202) [10/9/2024] Memory 42: Gloria Osborne (#2909) [10/16/2024] Memory 43 : Lisa (Schreiner) Berta [10/23 /2024] Memory 44 : Sandy Hudson (#1461) [10/30 /2024] Memory 45 : Sandy Hudson (#1461) [11/6 /2024] Memory 46: Barbara A. Jones (#3593) [11/14/2024] Memory 47: Dave Yearke (#2380L) [11/20/2024] Memory 48: Joanne Clements (#3767) [11/27/2024] Memory 49: Jack Donohue (#3968) [12/4/2024] Memory 50a: Vincent Hazewski (#4063) [12/11/2024] Memory 50b: Lynda Zaky Wood (3560L): [12/11/2024] Click to see 1st Quarter Member Memories (#1-13, January-March 2024) Click to see 2nd Quarter Member Memories (#14-26, April-June 2024) Click to see 3rd Quarter Member Memories (#27-39, July-September 2024) Memory 50b : Lynda Zaky Wood (#3560L ) Asking a genealogist for a memory for the WNYGS 50th anniversary is nearly impossible. A genealogist isn’t worthy of the name or a grain of salt if they only have one. As our family’s historian now, memories have flashed through my mind like a dying man’s life passing before his eyes. COULD THE MEMORY BE THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY. I have been working on our tree for nearly as long as the society has existed. During WWII my mom and her sister lived in New Jersey while her parents worked for the war effort; it was during that time, her journey began. My interest was piqued after reading Roots by Alex Haley and how his family’s history unfolded with the journey of Kunte Kinte, Haley’s 4th great grandfather. I’d begun to think of my family’s history. That Christmas in 1977, I gifted my mother Finding Your Roots from Doubleday Book club. The book came with worksheets to complete. Off and running, a lot of time was spent in municipality and county basements looking through musty and dusty census, birth, marriage, and death records. Not to mention the deeds and search and surveys. Once a discovery was made, we recorded it in triplicate or more. MAYBE THE MEMORY IS THE PASSING OF MY MOTHER: All the family history was passed to me. Not just the title of family historian, but the physical history; every copy of each document. She’s been gone since 1993 and I’m still discovering record copies. With the age of computers and the internet, I’ve made it so that much of that information is now down to just three copies of each: hard copy, in the computer hard drive and on a flash drive as well. OR WHEN I had brick walls on both sides of our tree. I’d seen an event for WNYGS on Facebook. Mom had been a member and a director on the Board of Directors, and I remembered how much she’d learned from June Partridge Zintz, Glenn Atwell and the society. I went to a program at St. Louis RC Church with lunch at Ulrich’s where I met other members of WNYGS who would help me break some of those walls while becoming forever friends. AFTER THAT, OF COURSE, MY MEMORY COULD BE: My WNYGS journey began when I was part of the 3-person programming committee consisting of Jennifer Libre Raines and Sandi Russo. The three of us pulled together some memorable programs including researching your Native American roots and the Western New York Genealogical Conference. At the latter, I met Josh Taylor, President of NYGBS and Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist. The day of any program, fellow programming committee member, Sandi and I would be found manning the hospitality table, greeting members and hoping to bring in more members. These programs were pre-Covid-19 and pre-zoom, so most programs were recorded and available to members to view. AND IT COULD BE. Indexing and transcribing which became my favorite past-time, either on my own or for familysearch.org . It wasn’t long before I began doing the same for WNYGS. Soon after, I was asked to join the Board of Directors. During lockdown I was asked to help with several transcription and indexing projects. Once these projects ended, I was asked to come back to the Board again, but this time serve but this time on the 50th anniversary committee as the memory coordinator. HOWEVER, The best memory by far has been accepting the founders award on behalf of my mother during the Founder’s Day luncheon this past October. I’m humbled and honored to have accepted it on her behalf. It has been my pleasure to be the memory coordinator. While I will be stepping away from the board and programming committee, I will be making more memories working on my own family tree and stories. -------------- Memory 50a : Vincent Hazewski (#4063 ) Although I only recently became a member (#4063) I have been actively researching my family history for the past 30 years. A recent experience prompted me to write it down and share. I am currently employed as the facility manager for the Center for the Arts at UB’s North Campus. I also have a part time seasonal position operating a high pressure steam plant as a stationary engineer in a mixed use facility. I was working the part time job, making building rounds. My tour takes me to the loading dock, where a large open top dumpster resides. It was filled to the top with miscellaneous items, much of it discarded items from tenants. Perched on top was a high school yearbook from 1955. I picked it up, thinking it would be interesting to leaf through during my break, which I did. And got interested in who it belonged to. The owner’s name was written inside. There were many signatures, mostly of the senior class, though the owner was a sophomore at the time. It turns out the owner’s sister was a senior and likely knew many of them. I got to thinking, did the yearbook get separated from its owner by accident, and maybe they would like to have it back? Or maybe a relative might like to have it? I just could not let it go to the landfill without making an effort to put it into the hands of someone who would appreciate having it. So I put my genealogical research skills to work to help make that happen. I found her in the 1950 US Census, so I had her parents’ names. Digging further, I learned she was employed as a junior high math teacher in Lancaster after graduating from Houghton College and marrying a dentist soon thereafter. The trail went cold for a while, finding nothing on her until I found her husband’s obituary. In it were listed the names of her daughter and two sons, both of which were noted as PhDs. I found it interesting that the obituary noted their advanced degrees. One of the sons had a spouse and son noted, so I concentrated on researching him. He got his doctorate at UB. Further research found a paper online he had authored. The paper included his email address at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena. Armed with this information, I emailed him, explaining the circumstances of how a found the yearbook and asking if he would like to have it. He emailed me back, informing me that his mother had just sold her home of 60 years, and he did not know of the existence of this yearbook, and would like to see it. He also noted my email sigfile had my affiliation with the CFA at UB. He asked if I had possibly met his mother, as she had been a volunteer usher at many CFA events. I had not, but our events staff (with who I shared this story) fondly remembered her. The yearbook is on its way to the owner’s son. -------------- Memory 49: Jack Donohue (#3968) Like many of you, my memories of and questions about family members started when I was young. My mother's side of the family had plenty to offer - ultimately dating back to the Mayflower. My father's side was altogether a different matter. While he grew up in South Buffalo, the second generation of Irish immigrants, with loads of family scattered around the area, he didn't have a great interest in keeping up with his family roots - or they were distorted with family lore with little basis of fact (ah, the Irish). And I'm sure like many of us, it was only after he died that I realized I hadn't been more attentive to finding out his family history. That changed when I read Tim Bohen's book "Against the Grain". I came back to Buffalo on a regular basis to explore churches, the Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna, and the fabulous Grosvenor Room in the downtown library. ...And the even more fabulous people there, especially Rhonda Hoffman, who helped me find a great, great grandfather I didn't know I had (see above: "ah, the Irish"). ...And then discovering after I joined the WNYGS, my high school European Studies teacher (in 1976) was a founding member of the Society - Glenn Atwell. Congrats to the WNYGS for our first 50 years. Thanks for helping me on my genealogical journey. May the next 50 be as prosperous. -------------- Memory 48: Joanne Clements (#3767) I joined the Western New York Genealogical Society a few years ago in hopes of finding out more about my ancestors who emigrated from Germany to Niagara County in the 1800’s. Since joining, I have been introduced to distant relatives who live in Niagara County. They have been able to provide additional clues to why those ancestors emigrated in the first place. I have also learned more about the history of Buffalo and surrounding areas. I have relatives buried in the Concordia Cemetery and have been interested to read about the Concordia Cemetery project. By being on the Board of the Society, I have met several wonderful people who have been able to give suggestions and tips for further research. Thank you WNYGS! ---------------- Memory 47: Dave Yearke (#2380L) I had always wondered about the origin of the name "Yearke." There were various surnames that sounded similar and had similar spellings, but as far as I knew only people in our direct family spelled it that way. So, in 1985, I decided to start investigating. I wrote to some relatives, who were quite helpful in other ways, but none had an answer on this issue. I pursued this on and off for a few years, but not diligently. I went to various places and looked up records, but didn't have any luck. On July 29th, 1993, I hit paydirt. I was in the basement of Erie County Hall, looking through marriage records, and found license applications for my great-grandfather and all of his siblings, except for his brother Charles, the eldest sibling. After going through all the indexes of males, I decided to look for his wife in the indexes of females and found a record showing her husband as "Charles Gierke." I started looking for that last name, and in a short amount of time had a marriage license for his mother, who remarried after my g-g-grandfather died, as well as for a sibling who remarried. The dates and details checked out, so I knew I was on the right track. Charles is listed with the last name "Yearke" in the 1884 Buffalo city directory, and this is the earliest use of that spelling I can find, other than a William Yearke in the 1883 directory, and for whom I am still trying to establish a relationship with our family (if any). All of his siblings started using the same spelling in 1887, after their father died the previous year. I don't know if they were trying to make the name more phonetic, or if it was a spelling error they just decided to keep, or if there was a reason they were trying to distance themselves from the original spelling. It's still a mystery to me. Since then, I have used that spelling to find newspaper articles, census records, and other interesting items for the early family. I know now my g-g-grandparents probably came from Prussia, but I have not yet found any records from that area. I guess more searching is in order. ---------------- Memory 46: Barbara A. Jones (#3593) It was the early 1990s and my son asked me some questions concerning his ancestors. I knew my paternal grandparents were buried in the cemetery across the street but so were my gr grandparents. But then a brick wall on that line. I can now trace the paternal line to 1637 in colonial MA. In my research I experienced a few unique events. 1 - I was at the LDS library in the early 1990s when a man who was doing research for the first time. The volunteer was very helpful but when she finished I mentioned he might try Surrogate's Court. I had found this helpful since at that time census records were on microfilm and knowing an address helped narrow the search. I had just found my grandfather’s uncle who passed away in 1899. The new person recognized the Surname Hauser. He said his aunt married a Hauser and mentioned his name. I couldn’t believe it but he was the 6 month old on my microfilm reader. He mentioned his aunt was still alive and another nephew had researched the Hausers. I couldn’t believe it. The researcher was a college professor who taught religious German studies. He was kind enough to share his research back to a town in 1500s in Germany, now a B&B. 2 - Also about 1990 I was at the WNYGS library on South Park. I showed the volunteer my gr grandfather’s death certificate. It stated he died in Johnsburg NY. The volunteer stated she thought it was Johnsonburg. Sure enough, she was correct. It is what allowed me to break through. I would have never found him since my gr grandmother was born in Bath NY and my grandfather was born in MI. I just figured his father was from MI. I would never have looked in Wyoming County. This broke the brick wall for my Coburn line. Another surprise was that on the census was a Fullington family who were neighbors of the Coburn family and connected through a marriage. This was mid 1800s. In 1940s my Dad married my mom, a Hauser and her sister married a descendant of the Fullington family. Johnsonburg is located about an hour by car from the Hauser family in north Buffalo. I spent over 20 years looking the Kromer surname in Cleveland where my grandmother was born. Finally found them on a Google search since my gr grandfather’s brother was a famous singer. He preformed at Carnegie Hall and the White House. I feel the most interesting aspect is the part my ancestors had in the history of Buffalo. A Coburn and Wolfe (from the Hausers) married into the Rumsey family. In fact Mary Coburn was the mother in law of Ansley Wilcox. Thank you for all you do. I might still be looking for Coburns had it not been for a very helpful volunteer who was willing to help me. -------------- Memory 45: Sandy Hudson (#1461) Many years ago, while reading my newly delivered copy of the Journal I noticed an article written by one of our members stating that she had been given a very old family bible from a friend who had purchased it at a flea market. He thought that she might be able to find someone in the society who would be related to this family. I could hardly believe my eyes when I read the names of my great-great grandparents. I immediately made a phone call explaining that I was interested in purchasing the bible that was mentioned in the Journal. She then invited me to her home and said that as long as I could show her proof of my relationship, she would be delighted to turn it over to me. Her friend who purchased the bible did not want any compensation in return but thought that perhaps making a donation to the society would be nice. Wow. How unbelievable and wonderful! Over the years I have been able to show the bible to other members of my family who were just as excited as I was to see this family treasure that we probably never would have known existed had it not been for the kindness of those two individuals. -------------- Memory 44: Sandy Hudson (#1461) Many years ago, while reading the newspaper I came across an article that mentioned The Western New York Genealogy Society. What? I didn't realize that there was a genealogical society in WNY. Had I known, I definitely would have attended that very first meeting 50 years ago. My interest in family history began when I was about 12 years old. One Sunday afternoon while visiting my grandparents after church I was playing a card game with my grandma and during a lull in the game I asked her the names of her mother and father, and then I wanted to know when they came to America, and then I asked her what country they emigrated from, etc. I wrote down everything she told me that afternoon on a tiny piece of paper before heading home. Over the next 65 years that tiny piece of paper has grown to twenty-three 3-ring binders, trees online, DNA testing, etc. ---------------- Memory 43: Lisa (Schreiner) Berta I grew up in Hamburg, NY. My father, John “Jack” Schreiner’s has Lola Kimmel as an elementary school teacher. The Kimmels were former neighbors of my paternal grandparents, Francis and Agnes (Petrie) Schreiner. Mrs. Kimmel was also my fourth-grade teacher at Charlotte Avenue Elementary School, and fostered my love of reading and science by gifting me a copy of Eleanor Clymer’s “Search for a Living Fossil: The Story of the Coelacanth.” As the end of fourth grade approached, my mother, Jane (Clark) Schreiner, said I was to have a schedule and purpose that summer break, and every summer afterwards. And she had already set it up during a parent-teacher conference. There was a schedule of mornings to pack lunch, hop on my bike, and report to Mrs. Kimmel at the Hamburg Historical Society Museum on South Park Avenue until she said my volunteer day was complete. That generally happened as the museum was locked up in the afternoon. After reporting to Mrs. Kimmel, I received assignments to clean floors, dust, clean more surfaces, help with filing, clean, clean the back room, and clean a bit more. Turns our Mrs. Kimmel had a great sense of humor that I missed as a student. WNYGS was housed in the Museum, and member of WNYGS asked for help moving huge bound books of the Erie County Independent. Over the weeks, I helped Mrs. June Partridge Zintz with more WNYGS books, reshelving with Mrs. Kimmel’s approval, or helping members find and read microfilm. Weeks later, Mrs. Zintz asked what I knew of my family tree. I had spotted my great aunt Edna (Clark) Schnautz’s book “Alanson Clark, 1807-1888," and I was excited to show her my name in the book. Mrs. Zintz encouraged me to continue researching my tree. Several years later, my genealogy binder received 4-H blue ribbons at the Erie County and New York State Fairs. I became a life member of WNYGS in 2007. Today, I’ve joined nearly 40 lineage societies and assist prospective members with their genealogy research for several societies. ---------------- Memory 42: Gloria Osborne (#2909) Even as a kid I was always interested in where my family came from. Finding time was always a problem, but in the early 1990's I began serious research. Although I lived in Michigan, my family still lived in the Buffalo area. I joined both the WNYGS and the Niagara County Genealogical Society since some of my mother's Irish family originally located in Lockport. My Dad's German family was from Buffalo and also Tonawanda and both Orleans and Genesee Counties. I returned often to visit my family, of course, but also made many stops at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library where I found many useful resources; newspaper microfilm, filmed local church records and clippings scrapbooks among others. My mother was a wonderful source of information to get me started and the research findings provided a great rapport with her as she aged. I greatly expanded her basic knowledge and found much more that she didn't know about her family, information which she always looked forward to hearing about. I look forward to the quarterly Genealogist journal from the Society for their helpful indexes and transcriptions and local history. I made contact with a cousin who is also a member. In 2006 I compiled a book on my dad's paternal family for a family reunion and now I am currently putting all this 30-plus years of research about my mother's 4 Irish ancestor families into a book for my own family. ----------------- Memory 41: Mary Kay Wright (#1202) My memory goes back over 40 years concerning the Journal. When my husband and I joined, we volunteered to help collate and mail the Journal as a way of becoming acquainted with active members. At first, we worked in the DAR on Delaware. Collating by hand took many helpers and we soon enjoyed the task and company. Our next move was to a room in the Marine Drive apartments where Isabelle Clifford lived. Over time, the collating was handled by the printer. My late husband, Joe, had retired from the Post Office and ways of handling the mailing changed. Preparing and presorting the Journal for the Post Office was a big job. Many changes have been made over the years resulting in our current. professional Western New York Genealogist. I look back with fondness on all my fellow Journal volunteers. ------------------- Memory 40: Charleen Scime (#4038) I am a new member of WYNGS with a nearly 20 -year journey in genealogy. I am second generation Italian on one side and third generation on the other. My families came to the US around 1900. It all started in 2006 when I joined a computer club that had a SIG on genealogy. At that time using the internet for information was fairly new, and not nearly as sophisticated as it is now! We were taught how to use AOL search, Ask Jeeves, Mamma, Alta Vista and many more for our research. After a couple months I was hooked. As in many families, the “old people” did not share information. Maybe I was just too young to ask, or maybe they thought if they didn’t talk about it they would assimilate into the American culture better. All I knew is that I was Sicilian on one side of my family and Calabrese on the other side. All Italian – this will be so easy, I thought! Well, as all of you know, nothing in genealogy runs in a straight line. I had quite a bit of information on names of ancestors on my Mom’s side of the family but very little on my Dad’s. In order to get started on my Dad’s side I started writing letters in English and using a translator to add the Italian, looked up all the Scime families near my grandfather’s town, stamped the envelopes and popped them in the mail. I sent 11 letters and got answers from 3. I still had relatives in the same town! I was amazed and even more excited to see what I could learn. One of my cousins sent me a handwritten list of my grandfather and his siblings. There were THIRTEEN in all and only 4 came to the US. That was new information. I worked both ends to the middle with that information….. I followed up on the Scime family in Castelvetrano, Sicily and Springfield, Illinois in the US. I looked up those relatives on Facebook, if you can imagine! I found so many of them and we began to talk about what we knew. We created a “family” Facebook page where we could exchange that information. We relied heavily on google translate! Well, that is where it all began. I was fortunate enough to meet my cousins from Springfield, Illinois and in 2017 (and just recently in July of 2024) in Sicily. What an awesome feeling to meet second cousins and find we looked so much alike! I now teach beginning genealogy classes in Florida and in NY – showing new or aspiring genealogists and family historians some unusual places to start, how to get organized, and sources as to where to go from “here”. My hobby goes hot and cold, depending on what I have going on – but every one of us knows – once you start going down a rabbit hole….. it is very hard to come up!

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. 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 No. 3 Dec 2024 p. 50 Upcoming Events p. 51 President’s Message p. 52 Photo Pages of the 50th Anniversary Events p. 55 "Classified: Do You Have Accused Witch Ancestors in Your Family Tree?" by Rhonda Hoffman, MLS (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, BECPL p. 57 Upcoming Grosvenor Room Virtual Genealogy Series: “Choose Your Genealogy Adventure” p. 58 "Western New York Genealogical Society: The Fifth Decade: 2014-2023" by Fred Kester, Society Historian (364) p. 60 Looking Back: Photos from the Fifth Decade p. 63 Witmer Memorial Cemetery: Its History and Restoration by Peter Ames, Town of Niagara Historian (3375) p. 65 WNYGS NextGen Special Interest Group p. 66 "Using Maps in Genealogical Research" by Kaitlyn Pauley (4089L) No. 2 Sept 2024 p. 25 What’s Your Memory? p. 26 50th Anniversary Founders Celebration p. 27 WNYGS Annual Meeting – November 16, and Presentation by Elissa Scalise-Powell p. 28 President’s Message p. 29 Classified: Cool Tools for Genealogy—Transcribe Records with Artificial Intelligence by Rhonda Hoffman, MLS (3495L), Genealogy Specialist, BECPL p. 34 Western New York Genealogical Society The Fourth Decade: 2004-2013 by Fred Kester, Society Historian (364) p. 36 Looking Back p. 38 Historic Batavia Cemetery by Sharon Burkel p. 42 Immigration, Land, and Citizenship: Antebellum New York by Michael Nuwer (3981)

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.

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".

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.

Past meetings and programs. Focusing on continuing education. Member only online viewing access. Regional and national speakers. Past Programs 2021-2023 2021 2023 2022 2021 [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content will be available for viewing in the Members Area. 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 2023 Programs 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

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 .

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.

Donations & Support Our all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization gladly accept support in all forms. Financial Support The mission of the Western New York Genealogical Society is to preserve public and historical records, and to encourage interest, knowledge, and research in the WNY region's rich genealogical heritag e. Your support makes our work possible! Click the link below to make a charitable donation today. At checkout, simply choose whether you will be paying by PayPal or check (to be mailed to address provided). DONATE Donations of Genealogical and Historical Materials If you have materials you are interested in donating, please email librarian@wnygs.org with the specific information listed below. Traditional Library Materials: The society’s main interest is materials associated with the eight counties of Western New York - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. Please provide the following details in your email: Books – Titles, authors, publication dates Digital materials – Content, subject, file size (MB, GB, etc.), and format (PDF, tiff, MS Word version, etc.) Periodicals – Titles, dates, number of issues Microfilm – Content, dates, number of reels WNYGS does not accept: Audiovisual materials Three-dimensional artifacts [The Buffalo History Museum may be appropriate for this donation type.] Obsolete formats (i.e. floppy disks) Personal Collection and Research Papers: The WNYGS library has limited space. Donations of personal collections and research papers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please provide the following details in your email: Volume of materials (linear feet) Content type (i.e. typed manuscript, photocopies of documents, handwritten notes, photographs, etc.) Subject matter How the materials are organized Condition of the materials. EMAIL US

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 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... :)

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

Regional and national continuing education opportunities. Genealogy and history. Sharing information at programs, webinars, classes, workshops, conferences, and institutes. Regional & National Programs Regional & National Conferences NYG&B: New York State Family History Conference ($) Sept 19-20, 2025: In person (Kingston, NY) Sept 3-Nov 16 2025: On-demand recorded sessions Sessions include topics about genealogy in the New Netherlands, researching Palatines in your family tree, colonial research, Black Loyalists, Jewish genealogy, researching Native American family history, and much more. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)—Virtual Fall Sessions 2025 ($) Sept-Nov 2025: Virtual These are generally held weekly over a period of several weeks and are especially for intermediate and advanced learners. New England Regional Genealogical Conference ($) Oct 29–Nov 1, 2025: In person (Manchester, NH) With over 70 sessions, 3 workshops, special interest groups, consultations, and an exhibit hall, there is something for everyone. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)—1-Week Course ($) Jan 26-30, 2026: Virtual These intensive courses are virtual and held all day every day for five days. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)—Virtual Spring Sessions 2026 ($) Feb-May 2026: Virtual SLIG offers virtual courses in intermediate and advanced genealogy education held weekly over a period of several weeks between February and May 2026. RootsTech Mar 5-7, 2026 Where: Salt Lake City, UT Virtual - Free In person ($) This annual genealogy conference is the largest genealogy conference in the world. It is a hybrid event, meaning you can participate online or in person. In-person RootsTech includes exclusive classes and personal interaction with exhibitors in the expo hall. Online attendees can enjoy hundreds of virtual sessions in many languages, and online participation is free! Keynote speakers will excite and motivate you in all things genealogy and family history. This conference covers an extensive variety of topics and is appropriate for all levels of genealogy researchers. Would you like to suggest a program or event for inclusion on this page? EMAIL US Western New York Genealogy & History Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Monthly Special Collections Tour [In-person event ] Take a guided tour of the Grosvenor Room, the Central Library’s Special Collections Department. Learn about the history of the library and get an inside look at our Local History, Genealogy, Map and Rare Book Collections, as well as the Mark Twain Room and other exhibits. Join library staff on the 4th Saturday of each month, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Meet in the Grosvenor Room, the Library’s Special Collections Department, located on the main floor of the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203 An Afternoon with Erie Canal Expert Pamela J. Vittorio [In-person event - Ring of Knowledge, Central Library] Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 Time: 1:00pm - 3:30pm Two free lectures by Erie Canal expert Pamela J. Vittorio: A Mighty Chain of Unfortunate Events: The 1825 Opening of the Erie Cana l 1 pm - 2 pm On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal commissioners and dignitaries celebrated the canal's grand opening with a ride on a flotilla of the finest packet boats. It ended in NYC with a lavish spread, but only for a select few. Along the route, a series of unfortunate events took place: as cannons boomed, men were killed; canal laborers and boatmen were excluded from the festivities; some canal towns boycotted the event entirely. This presentation brings the passengers of the Seneca Chief and the events of the day to life, with eye-witness accounts from participants and residents along the canal corridor, and recognizes the "unsung" heroes of the day, including the first driver of canal boats. The Erie Canal and the Peopling of Western NY State 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Did your ancestors arrive in the port of NY from 1820 to 1850? How did they travel? Discover more about the rise of boomtowns, early canal passenger lists, records of businessmen, farmers, mill or factory owners, and how our early nineteenth-century families took up residence along the canals. Complete event information here .

Privacy Policy Technology offers the Western New York Genealogical Society exciting tools that help us deliver on our mission and better serve our members and the larger genealogical community. Our Society takes privacy seriously. We will never sell, share, or otherwise provide your personal information to other people, companies, or entities without your knowledge or permission (unless required by law). Why We Collect Certain Data: We collect Non-Personal and Personal Information for the following purposes: 1. To support the work and mission of the Society; 2. To process requests, memberships, product/service orders, and donations by site users; 3. To provide our site users with ongoing customer and technical support; 4. To be able to contact our members and site users with general and personalized information, updates, and other promotional messages; 5. To create compiled statistical data and other aggregated and/or inferred Non-Personal Information, which we or our business partners may use to provide and improve our respective services; 6. To comply with any applicable laws and regulations. What Data We Collect: While providing information and services through its website, the Western New York Genealogical Society may ask you to disclose voluntarily certain information about yourself and, sometimes, your household. This “Personal Identifiable Information” (PII) consists of both information supplied by you (e.g., your name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number) and information collected about how you engage with our website. When logged into our website, we receive, collect, and store the Internet protocol (IP) address used to connect your computer to the Internet; login; email address; password; computer and connection information; purchase history (e.g., membership sign-ups/renewals, product/service purchases, and donations); and program registration information. The Society also collects other “Non-Personal Information,” which is anonymous and contains no specific names, contact information, credit card information, or other individual data. We use this data to measure and analyze aggregated user demographics, traffic and usage patterns, and session information, including page response times, length of visits to certain pages, page interaction information, and methods of browsing away from a page. In such cases, the data are used for internal analysis and improvement and shared only with the leadership team and relevant business partners. The Platform: The Society’s website is hosted on the Wix.com platform. Their software and technical infrastructure allow us to provide our memberships, products, services, and resources online. Your data may be stored on Wix.com’s data storage, databases, and general applications. All data is saved on secure servers behind a firewall. Financial Transactions: All direct payment gateways offered by Wix.com and used by WNYGS adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of credit card information by our store and its service providers. As part of this processing, our website integrates with PayPal processing for its secure payment and donation transactions. External Links: While fulfilling our mission, WNYGS may share links to other organizations, entities, and resources on our website and in publications. The Society holds no responsibility for the privacy policies, practices, or content associated with these websites. Changes/Opt-Out: If you would like to: access, correct, amend, or delete any personal information we have about you, please contact us at webmaster@wnygs.org or mail a written request to: Western New York Genealogical Society Attn: Webmaster PO Box 338 Hamburg, New York 14075-0338 Modify/Change We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated. Policy on Recommendations Policy on Living Policy on Facebook

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. 2025) Registrar: Rebekah E. Burke (exp. 2025 ) Directors (Serving three-year term) Elizabeth M. Benson (exp. 2026 ) Gabrielle Kandefer (exp. 2027) Kaitlyn Pauley (exp. 2027 ) Jeanette Sheliga (exp. 2 026 ) Vacant (exp. 2025) Vacant (exp. 2025)

Society Store Prefer to submit your membership or renewal using a paper form? ​ Visit the Memb ership page to download the appropriate PDF version of membership form. Complete and mail the form and your check to the address provided. ​ Publication Back Issues Digital Download Journal Back Issue Collection: Vol. 1-48 (1974 - 2022) Price $60.00 Donations Your charitable contribution makes our work possible! ​ Click below to select your preferred donation amount. You can tailor the amount by adding multiple quantities of each item. Online donations may be paid using PayPal or check (mailed to address provided). Support Our Mission $5 Charitable Donation Price $5.00 Support Our Mission $25 Charitable Donation Price $25.00 Support Our Mission $100 Charitable Donation Price $100.00 Memberships Publications Donations Memberships Join or Renew Online ​ Click below to select your desired membership type. Make your selections and submit your contact and billing information online. At checkout, s elect whether you will be paying by PayPal or check (to be mailed to address provided). ​ Age 18 & Under Junior Membership: Annual (May 1 - April 30) Price $10.00 Individual Membership: Annual (May 1 - April 30) Price $30.00 Family Membership: Annual (May 1 - April 30) Price $35.00 For Organizations Societies & Libraries Membership: Annual (May 1 - April 30) Price $30.00 Be A Supporting Member Life Membership: Individual Price $350.00 Be A Supporting Member Life Membership: Family Price $500.00 Memberships Donations Publications

Sat, Jul 13 | Calvin K. Richards Community Center "Save Our Cemeteries" Workshop Join us as we travel to Niagara County to learn more about cemeteries. This full-day event will take place at two locations - Calvin K. Richards Community Center & Witmer Cemetery (both in Town of Niagara, NY). Registration is closed. See other events Time & Location Jul 13, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Calvin K. Richards Community Center, 7000 Lockport Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA About the event Morning Program: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location #1: Calvin K. Richards Community Center, 7000 Lockport Road, Town of Niagara, New York 9am - 10am Registration with coffee/snacks-displays 10am - 10:45am Presentation “Uncovering the Past: Using Cemetery Records for Genealogy Research ” by Lewiston Librarian/Genealogist, Michelle Kratts Michelle Kratts is the local history librarian and genealogist at the Lewiston Public Library.She has written, edited or contributed to several books of local interest including: Niagara Falls in World War II, the Italians of Niagara Falls series and more. 10:45 - 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00am - 11:30am Presentation: “Importance of Volunteerism ” by Hugh Golden, Business Manager of Lake View Cemetery Association, Jamestown, NY 11:30am - 12:00am Presentation: “Cemeteries in New York State ” by Michael Catena and Cynthia Craig, NYS Department of State, Division of Cemeteries 12:00pm-1pm Lunch provided (Wegmans subs with chips and water) Afternoon Program : 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Location #2: Witmer Cemetery, corner of Witmer Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, Town of Niagara, New York Special Note: Attendees wanting or needing seating during the cemetery portion of the program are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Gather at Witmer Cemetery and divide into four groups for workshop sessions 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Four Rotating Sessions Session #1: Pete Ames/Jeff Manning will lead a tour of the cemetery to share results of restoration process there. Session #2: Maureen Gleason shows the proper way to clean headstones. Session #3: Nick Cornett from Cornell Cooperative talks about landscaping and combatting invasive species. Session #4: Gary Strenkoski local masonry expert demonstrates headstone repair and resetting techniques. Directions: >> Click here for directions to both locations with annotated map. Have questions? Call the event coordinator, Peter Ames, at 716-297-4429. Show More Tickets Ticket type "Save Our Cemeteries" Ticket More info Full-day workshop ticket Price From $20.00 to $50.00 Sale ended WNYGS Members $20.00 Non-Members $25.00 New Ind. Membership & Ticket $50.00 Total $0.00 Checkout Share this event