Volume 16; Number 2
Spring 1995
Volume 16; Number 2
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The President's Message Farewell Address -- James Alden Hall As my term in office ends, it is a pleasure to recall the events and progress made by the members. September, 1993 saw the announcement that RGS would host a national genealogical conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, August 14-17, 1996, to be held in the Riverside Convention Center. Volunteers were sought, and a team of local arrangement task leaders assembled. Planning has continued under the National Chair, Gordon Remington. Several Team members attended the FGS National Conference at Richmond VA in October, 1994 to get first-hand knowledge of the operation of a national conference. A few members will attend the FGS National Conference at Seattle WA in Sept. 1995, to help publicize the Rochester Conference. Volunteers continue to be added to the list of assistants. The Program Committee is seeking local presenters to add regional expertise to the Conference. In the Fall of 1993, the Computer Interest Group started the digitizing of the first volume, 1837-1864, of the burial records of Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester. There were 30-35 members attending CIG meetings then. Today, there are 125 members in the CIG, with 50-55 attending the monthly meetings. The Mt. Hope Project has been completed in data recording and is entering the editing phase. It is planned to have a publication ready for the FGS Conference. The Fall, 1994 meeting schedule saw 140 members attending the September meeting, a record turn-out. The New York State Council of Genealogical Organizations accepted an invitation to have their April 29, 1995 meeting in Rochester, and the event is near ready. Gordon Remington is a featured speaker. A Genealogy Educators Committee has formed and meets regularly to share experience, course content and scheduled classes. A group of members with German heritage assisted in presenting a beginners class in genealogy for persons seeking their roots in Rochester and Germany, at the Rochester Museum. Several members supported a genealogical display at the Irondequoit Expo in March, 1994, and at the Irondequoit Oktoberfest in Sept. 1994. Several new members joined RGS from these activities. Preparations are underway to present a column on genealogy to the Rochester newspapers. Many members have contributed articles for review. It is expected that the columns will generate interest in genealogy for both the RGS and the 1996 National Conference. All of these happenings would not be possible without the dedicated service of the officers and members of the Society. My sincere appreciation is extended to all, and with the continued attention of future officers, the Society will fluorish and grow. A special thank you goes to Jim Paprocki as he hands over the editing of HearYe. |
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1995 Spring Meeting Programs -- James L. Swarts The Rochester Genealogical Society will continue to meet the third Thursday of each month (except December, July, and August) at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall. Asbury is located at 1050 East Avenue (just west of Granger Place) with ample parking and handicapped facilities including ramp, two wheel chairs and an elevator to Fellowship Hall. The mini-workshops start at 7 pm (except as noted for special programs) followed by the business meeting at 7:30 pm and the main program at approximately 8 pm. Visitors are very welcome. Thursday, 18 May 1995: The Roman Catholic Church in Rochester
Mini-Workshop: "Microfilming the (Roman Catholic) Diocese of Rochester Church Records" by Roger Adams, Ph.D. Thursday, 15 June 1995: Annual Picnic Place: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester NY (Walking Tours so wear appropriate footwear and clothing.) Main Program: "Burial Customs, Mores, and Symbols" by Laurel Gabel |
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Thousands of personal histories and other narratives about the Civil War have been published, often by private presses or state governments. However, most were never widely distributed. Fragile, unindexed, and scattered, these records have remained difficult for historians and genealogists to find and use. Now University Publications of America has gathered these incaluable sources into one comprehensive microfiche collection called Civil War Unit Histories: Regimental Histories and Personal Narratives.
This collection is based on the standard bibliography by C.E. Dornbush and covers works published from 1861-1920. This collection also contains a number of titles not listed in Dornbush's work. Periodicals, bibliographies and works published after 1920 have been excluded from this collection.
NYSL has recently purchased the microfiche collection. It is stored in the 7th floor Microforms Area. NYSL now has Civil War unit histories for the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Access to items contained in this collection is through a printed guide available at the Microforms Desk. For information on this collection, call the Microforms Desk 518 474-3092.
Family Bibles: Looking for Descendants
-- Dick Halsey
A few months ago, Tish (Mrs. William) Welsh announced.that she obtained a Bible that contains some old genealogical information. It concerns the Smith family from Yates County. She is willing to give the Bible to anyone that would like it. Also, a couple of years ago I received a Bible from someone at a RGS meeting. This Bible has three generations of data on the Kohls family. It was the personal Bible of Margaret (Kohls) Breese. I will also give this Bible to anyone interested in the family.
Below is the data from these Bibles:
Frederick W. Kohls, b. 9 Sep 1884; d. 14 Apr 1944. He m. Elise Elizabeth Baumgart. Elise, b. 25 Oct 1885; d. 30 Aug 1936. They had 4 children:
If you are interested submitting genealogical material for a local newspaper genealogical column, or participating as part of a group responsible for collecting, writing, editing and submitting such material for publication in a local newspaper, please contact either Scott Chase (227-8956) or an RGS board member.
News from the New York State Library
-- Capital District Genealogical Society Newsletter, Nov 1994.
The New York State Library and SARA (State Archives and Records Administration) have switched to a new, powerful online catalog of their resources. The new system is New York EXCELSIOR, a Sirsi UnicornTM integrated library system. EXCELSIOR will provide enhances access to the over two million books and millions of government publications, journals and microforms at the State Library.
Also included will be historical manuscript collections, maps, and musical scores housed in the Library's Manuscripts and Special Collections, as well as information on more than 57,000 cubic feet of State government archival records (paper files, photographs, audio & video material, electronic records) held by SARA.
The current catalog and interlibrary loan system will be phased out over the nect several months after more than 20 years of service. The Interlibrary Loan component of EXCELSIOR will provide more flexibility of access to the resources of the State Library and SARA. Wide access to EXCELSIOR will be possible:
As in the past. searching can be done by author, title, author/title, and subject. With EXCELSIOR searching can also be limited by form of material, date or date range, language, type of material, and other criteria. Online Help screens will be available from any point in a search.
For more information about EXCELSIOR call the New York State Library at 518 474-5955 or e-mail claire@unix2.nysed.gov or call Interlibrary Loan at 518 474-5383.
A committee for the State Library has been formed to help the State Library improve services and continue buying materials in the face of severe acquisition cut-backs. Persons joining this committee will: learn how to help inform others about the library; receive information regarding the library, its services and its resources; be invited to programs and special events sponsored by the library and the committee; receive "Your New York State--An Occasional Newsletter;" enjoy the satisfaction that you are helping the Library to serve all users of the Librarys services including genealogists and historical researchers.
To join send $10.00 check to: Committee for the State Library, P.O. Box 2247, Empire Plaza Station, Albany NY 12220.
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RGS Officers (1994 - 1995)
Director: Julie Steitz (1996) Activity Chairpersons are:
Computer Interest Group (CIG): Edward H. Gaulin The HEARYE is published three time a year in Winter (January), Spring (April) and Fall (September). The HEARYE is mailed Bulk Rate. Bulk Rate does take a little longer to mail, but should not take any longer than 10 days. If there is a problem please notify us. Please notify the membership chairperson if you have moved. Because Bulk Mail is not forwarded if will cost RGS the price of a first class stamp for the Post Office to notify us of your new address.
Rochester Genealogical Society |
"In Your Ancestors image"
A Conference for the Nation's Genealogists Organization Chart
Conference Chair: Gordon L. Remington Rochester Staff
Local Arrangements Chair: James A. Hall |
| Queries and Things | |
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YAHN, BLOSENHAUER: I am trying to locate the family of Louis Yahn, born in Germany in 1846. He came to the U.S. in 1867. He was married to Veronica Roth and they had a daughter, Katherine Yahn who married Louis Wahl. Louis Wahl passed away (in 1911) shortly after they were married and Katherine later married Joseph Blosenhauer about 1913. My information concerning this family would be greatly appreciated.
David A. Blosenhauer, 719 Park Ave., Rochester NY 14607. |
BROWN: Where can I write for information regarding: Doris Brown, born about 1904, Medina NY. She was a Nurse.
R.J. Horsley, 9534 W Calico Drive, Sun City AZ 85373-2103. |
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BRENNAN: I am trying to trace my maternal grandmother's family. Her name was Catherine Maud Brennan and she was born about 1869. My mother and aunts say she was born in Rochester, but her death certificate says Dunkirk NY. She has an older brother, John R. Brennan born about 1857 and an older sister, Julia, born about 1867, both in NY state. They younger sisters, Lillian and Agnes, were apparently born in Illinois. The parents, John and Catherine (Kate) McSweeney (or Sweeney) Brennan were immigrants from Ireland. The family settled in Peioria IL about 1882.
Lillian Baum, 1847 La Manzanita, South Pasadena CA 91030. |
SMITH: I would be grateful for any assistance or advice you may be able to offer regarding research into my family's time spent in Rocheseter during the latter part of the 19th century. William Gilbert Smith was born in 1841 in England. He was a stairbuilder. His wife, Eliza Jane was born in 1939 in England. Their children were: Elizabeth, born in 1865 in England; Henry Thomas, born in 1869 in England; and Celia, born in 1873 in New York State. In the spring of 1871 the family emigrated to America. In 1875 the Rochester City Directory shows the family residing at Casper near Zimmer. In 1880 Federal Census they reside on Comfort Street. By October 1881 the family had moved to Denver, Colorado. I would presume that by 1880 the family would have become American Citizens. Is it possible to find the date and details of this important event in their lives? Photographs or photocopies of late 19th century Rocheseter would be much appreciated.
Hazel Etheridge, 110 Stonor Park Rd, Solihull, West Midlands 091 1EQ, England. |
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PANTER: George E Panter, Jr., who was known as "Sonny" by the family was last heard from in 1964. He departed from Buffalo NY enroute to Hawaii to work on a Sugar Plantation. He is the son of George E and Jean Panter, who came to America in 1914 from England and settled in Flint MI, later moving to Traverse City MI. George, Jr. was born between 1916-1920. His sister Ethel was born in 1914. His father died in Florida in 1955 and his mother died in Michigan in 1977. His sister died in 1974 in Tennesee. I have tried to locate him by phone, the Salvation Army and through the Latter Day Saints without success. Any information would be greatly
Harold J Panter, 719 Park Ave. Rochester NY 14607. |
ROBBINS, DAVIS: Looking for information on Adella Robbins (married a G.O. Bush), believed to have lived in Monroe Co NY around 1910. Adelia was born in Tioga Co PA, Mar 1870. Mary M. (Gardner) Robbins was born Mar 1838 in PA. She was last known to be living in Greece, Monroe Co NY around 1911. What was her maiden name? Her mother's first name was Aurelia and she was born in Connecticut in 1803. Aurelia married E.C. Gardner who was born in NY State in 1804. I believe Mary was part Indian on her mother's side. Amos E. Robbins, born in Tioga Co PA in June 1859. He last lived in Rochester NY (listed as a widower) with his brother-in-law, John Kendrick. Ella M. (Aumick) Robbins (wife of Amos) was born in Tioga Co Pa in Aug 1893 and last lived in Tioga Co PA in 1900. Elnora (Nora) (Rohbins) Davis was born in Tioga Co PA in 1864 and Lewis Davis was born in PA in 1863 (Elnora's husband). They were both listed as living in Tompkins Co NY on the 1920 census.
Alliene (Robbins) Titus, 22 Albert Ave, Buffalo NY 14207-2120. |
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BABCOCK, HOWSER: I am searching for individuals who may be working on the same lines or surnames as follows. James Babcock (b 16 May 1820 NY) and wife Minerva Droham (b ca 1830 NY). Patrick Joseph Donlon (b 19 Dec 1856) and wife Jessie Minerva Babcock (b 1842 NY). Peter Howser (b 1810 PA) and wife Esther (b 19 Mar 1813 Tompkins Co NY). James William Howser (b 1836 NY) and wife Sirepta Margret Ross (b 1846 NY). Alton Talbott Howser (b 1874 NY) and wife Maude L Smith Hondorf (d ca 1914). James Edward Smith (inventor of manual can opener) and wife Ella. Peter Keller (b 1886 Hungary) and wife Elizabeth A Kleinbauer (b 1890 Germany).
Kimberly Patton Straight, 2942 Marion Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80909-3113. |
RALPH: William and Sarah Ralph lived in 1880 at 34 Pratt Street, Rochester NY. They were born 1803 and 1804 respectively in England. Occupation: carpenter, boat builder. Children: both born Rochester NY; Louisa, born 1830, married Chauncy Vine, born 1825 and was a carpenter/joiner and William Henry, born 1833, married Alice from Wisconsin. Occupation: Sailor. There children were Louisa, born 1872, married John Moritz from Cleveland OH, and Charles B, born 1878.1 am looking for information on this family and would also be willing to exchange genealogy with anyone from Rochester who needs help with Virginia research. I belong to the National Genealogical Society, DAR, and Archives.
Doris McBride Hetzel, 1225 Martha Custis Dr, #710, Alexandria VA 22302-2020 |
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SLOTT: I am researching the Slott family from Rochester. Rose Hurwitz Slott married Mr. Slott. They had between 4 and 13 children; Minnie, May, Louis and others. I am requesting any information you may have.
Aaron Roezenberg, 711 N Franklin St, York PA 17403. |
GRUPPE: My search is for "Emile Gruppe". My mother used to visit his sister and brother. Emil's father, Charles Gruppe, at one time had his paintings hung in a (Men's?) club. They were of the "Dutch style" with muted colors and sailing ships. My mother had permission to take me to see them. I am 81 and still remember how impressed I was at that time. The 1880 Census lists Charles, 19 years, born in Canada and his mother Albertina, 57, born in Prussia living at 66 Gregory St. Appreciate any information you can find.
Ruth Ihrig Shopmyer, 103 Windsor Oaks Ct, Greenwood SC 29649-8515. |
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Obituaries: I send obituaries from the Washington DC area of people who formerly lived or were born in Summit Co Ohio to the Summit County Ohio Genealogical Society. Since this area is a diverse area, I am enclosing obituaries of people who were born in Rochester NY (Bernard C O'Brien, Sadie Rose Weilerstein, Churchill Eisenhart). If you do not wish me to send them, can they be sent to the State of New York Genealogical Society, rather than be thrown out. I was able to find the names of relatives and maiden names of family members and where they had lived with just one obituary. So I consider them quite valuable.
Doris McBride Hetzel, 1225 Martha Custis Dr, #710, Alexandria VA 22302-2020. |
MUNGER, de GREIFF: I am searching for information about my grandmother, Mrs. Charlotte (Munger) de Greiff, born 7 Apr 1863. Her father, George Munger, was a lawyer in Rochester NY. When he died, his wife, Mrs. Sarah (Sweet) Munger lived with her three daughters in New York, where she opened a private hotel. My grandfather de Greiff was from Germany and became a citizen of U.S.A. There he married Charlotte Munger 6 Feb 1890. First they lived in U.S.A and then in Cologne, Germany where my grandmother died at the birth of my father in 1893. By WWI and WWII my father had lost all contact with his family in U.S.A
Charlotte De Greiff, Yorckstraße 2a, 44536 Lünen, Germany. |
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FALKENBURY: I would appreciate any information on John Jay Falkenbury. He was born in either NY or VT in 1813, was married in Rochester NY to Eliza Smith of Leroy NY in 1836, and later moved to St. Clair MI where he died Jan 1856. He was a lawyer.
Lillian Stueber, 3117 Arrowhead Farms Rd, Gambrilla MD 21054. |
LOUKS/LOUCKS: The Louks/Loucks Family Association will hold its 2nd biennial reunion the weekend of 29 July 1995 at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area. Port Rowan, Ontario. For further information - in U.S. send S.A.S.E. to Ross W McCurdy, 1 Forest View Dr, Cumberland RI 02864. In Canada, send to Barbara Dundas, 40 Nickerson Ave. St. Catherines Ontario L2N 3M4. |
| The Thomas Minor Society: The Thomas Minor Society (TMS) will hold their bi-annual family reunion in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 15-19 August 1995. For information about the reunion contact: Phillip and Barbara Thorpe, 2220 Paliswood Place SW., Calgary. Alberta, Canada, T2V 3R2. For information regarding the TMS contact: W. Avery (Bill) Miner, 1084 Speegle Rd, Waco TX 76712-2911. |
Rochester Irish Festival: The areas first Irish festival in about ten years will happen 10-11 June 1995 at the festival grounds adjacent to St. Theodore's Church off Lyell Road in Gates. For more information contact:
Melissa Rosenberry, PO Box 90387, Rochester NY 14609-0387. |
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