The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society was created to help people find the genealogy of their family. Many avenues are used, looking through old records, old photographic albums, family records, library records, school records, Church records, and computer sites designed for finding the history of a family. The group meets in the Barker Library on the third Tuesday of each month for a meeting, usually with a speaker. Recently, Karen E. Livsey, genealogical researcher, spoke to the group on the Holland Land Records.
Mrs. Livsey has compiled information into two published books entitled ìHolland Land Company, Western New York Land Transactions.î The two books cover a period of time from 1804 through 1835. In 1835, the Holland Land Company went out of business in the Western New York area. Mrs. Livsey said that the Holland Land Company surveyed the area, and there were 3.3 million acres to sell. They were hoping to sell large blocks of land. She talked about the early accounting system, and land was paid for with cattle, grain or real money. The records kept were in the English language, and they are important to those doing genealogical research as the records give a personís name, date, and where the property was located. The time periods are extremely important she said. A very informative talk was enjoyed by all.
Ruth Nichols, Town of Arkwright historian, is the president of the genealogy group, and Walter Sedlmayer of Fredonia is the vice president. Secretary is Gail Dash of Cassadaga, and treasurer is Debbie Kotar also of Cassadaga. Wayne Leamer of Lakewood is the newsletter editor. Membership is made up of members from New York and nearly every state in the United States. The group maintains a record room of family research, and this is known as the Garland Room. During July and August, the Garland room will be open six days a week from 1 until 5 p.m. for those who are doing research. One of the members will be on hand to assist.
Later in the summer, the group will meet for a summer picnic at the Busti Mill on Tuesday August 18th. On that day, there will be a tour of the mill at 5 p.m., followed by a picnic meal from 6 until 7 p.m., and then a silent auction. The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society will meet for its monthly meeting next on Tuesday July 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Barker Library. New members are always welcome.
