Vol 18, No 2
Spr 1997
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Genealogy
What would you give to learn that you are positively related to an Englishman some 270 generations ago. Not only that, but your cost for all that expensive research is but one or two drops of your blood. Many times we feel like we've sweated blood just to dig out one or two facts about great grandma. Not only that, but we are absolutely overjoyed when we successfully trace our ancestry 10 or 12 generations hoping that we haven't made some minor mistake along the way.
I am referring to the recent work done by researchers at Oxford University in England with the skeleton of a 9,000 year old Stone Age hunter called the Cheddar Man. The hunter's remains were found in a cave near the village of Cheddar in southwestern England where he died violently from what the archaeologists believe was a massive blow to the face. The research team took DNA samples from many people residing in the south of England and matched it with the DNA from a tooth of the Stone Age man. What is remarkable about this story is that only one of the samples was an almost a perfect match and it belonged to a 42-year old history teacher named Adrian Targett, who has lived in Cheddar all his life. According to Dr. Bryan Sykes, leader of the research team, “They would have shared a common ancestor about 10,000 years ago so they are related just not very closely.”
To illustrate how important genealogy (and maybe archaeology too) is today, this story was on the international news wires, made the national evening news broadcasts and appeared in many newspapers around world. Perhaps it should alert all of us to yet another change in technology that might affect how we pursue our research in the near future. How many of us said ten years ago that we didn't need a computer to do our genealogy but are using one today?
Perhaps now, in addition to collecting photographs, old letters, audio and video tapes of our relatives, we had better start collecting hair samples or even a drop or two of blood. What do you think?
This will be my last Message of the President as my term expires on 30 June (1997). I have enjoyed my tenure and hope that a few positive things have been accomplished during it. We will be electing our new president during the RGS Annual Meeting in May.
Best wishes and, as always, good hunting.
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.
See Asbury First UMC map.
| Thursday, 17 April 1997 | |
| Joint Meeting: | Rochester Area Genealogical Societies |
| Location: | Asbury First United Methodist Church |
| 6:45 p.m. | Book Sale (Books from the New England Historic Genealogical Society will be available for purchase.) |
| 7:30 p.m. | Short Business Meetings. |
| 8:00 p.m. | “The Current Scene in New England Genealogy” Our guest speaker is Gary Boyd Roberts, Director of Special Research Projects of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Roberts is an Editorial Consultant for The New England Historical and Genealogical Register and an Editor of the NEHGS Nexus. He has compiled, among other works, The Royal Descents of 500 Immigrants to the American Colonies or the United States, Ancestors of American Presidents, and Genealogies of Mayflower Families. He is an authority on New England genealogy. |
| 9:15 p.m. | Social Hour (The Book Sale will continue for a short while). |
| Thursday, 15 May 1997 | |
| Mini-Workshop: | “English Research Before the Parish Registers,” by Roy Thurston |
| Main Program: | “Church Records in England (Conformist and Non-Conformist),” by Nancy Lee Bier, a resident of Palos Verdes Estates, California. Mrs. Bier is an expert in the field of English genealogy. |
| Thursday, 19 June 1997 Annual Picnic | |
| Place: | Hartford House, the Wadsworth Estate, Geneseo, New York |
| Main Program: | We will assemble approximately at 6:00 pm at the Hartford House. To get to the Wadsworth Estate, take Highway 390 south to Geneseo. This is not as far from Rochester as you probably think it is. Get off 390 at exit 8, and turn right (west) onto Route 20A. Go into the Village of Geneseo. You will pass a Burger King, a Pizza Hut, and a cemetery on your right. After the cemetery, you will be going down a hill; slow down. You will come to the main intersection in town (intersection of 20A and Main Street). At the stoplight make a sharp left, and go through the two pillars onto the driveway, and proceed about a couple of hundred yards or so, until you see a big house on the right. Park somewhere on the circle. We will be guests of Mrs. Alice Strong. Our guide will be Dr. Martin Fausold, Emeritus Professor of History at SUNY Geneseo. Everyone brings his or her own snack and beverage. We will dine on the veranda from about 6:00 to 6:45. Beginning about 6:45, Professor Fausold will give us a tour of Hartford House. We will be informed in regard to the history and genealogy of the Wadsworth family of western New York. It should be a memorable occasion. |
Now is the time to think about updating the names you have submitted for the surname list. The next surname list will be published in September. I need any new name by August 1st (1977). That may seem like a long time from now but it is better to do it now than wait to the last minute.
Abbreviations used are standard two letter state abbreviations, plus: Roch = Rochester; IR = Ireland; GT = Germany; ON = Ontario, Canada; SL = Scotland; EN = England; FR = France.
These are additions to the surname list by new or sustaining members since the Winter 1997 issue of “Hear Ye.”
Plus welcome these new members that haven't had the chance to submit the surnames that they are researching.
Editors note: This bible is housed in the Rochester Historical Society and was mentioned in Vol. 17, No.3 — Fall 1996 by Ruth Metzler.
[Title page] The Holy Bible containing the old and new testaments, translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised; together with marginal references, Apocrypha, Concordance and Psalms. The text conformable to the Oxford Edition, and the American Bible Society's Standard of 1816. Philadelphia, William W. Harding, 1867. [p.1, facing end of Apocrypha]
Marriages
Chas. E. Morris to Sarah Gertrude Thompson, Rochester NY November 26, 1867
George Walter Weldon to Elizabeth Anthony Morris, Rochester NY Jan. to, 1895.
Births
Bessie Anthony, daughter Chas. E. & Sarah G. Thompson, Rochester NY Oct. 5, 1868
Elinor Morris, daughter George W. & Elizabeth A. Weldon, Rochester, March 3, 1898
[p2]
Chas. Edwd. Morris, Rochester NY April 18, 1841
Sarah Gertrude Thompson, Johnstown NY September 17, 1843
[p3]
Deaths
Chas. Edward Morris, son of Owen & Elizabeth Morris. Dec 3rd, 1900
Sarah Gertrude, wife of Charles Edward Morris. Weehawken, November 24,1905.
[p4]
[loose items among Bible pages]
(1) “With all the company of Heaven”, in Memory of the late William D'Orville Doty. (a poem by Jane Marsh Parker, 3 stanzas of eight lines each)[newspaper clipping]
(2) A letter under date of 23 Nov 1867, handwritten on letterhead stationary" A. S. Barnes & Co., Booksellers and Stationers, Publishers of the National Series of School Books, 111 & 113 William Street, corner John, New York. Alfred S. Barnes, Alfred C. Barnes: “We understand that our friend Mr. Morris is about to commit matrimony. Sensible and happy man! We wish you joy and beg that he will accept in honor of the auspicious occasion a trifling token of the personal regards & well wishes of his friends. [signed] AS. Barnes
Town of Henrietta resident deaths for the years 1882 - 1897. The full record contains the following: Last name, First name, Middle name, Death date, Age in (Years/Months/Days), Sex, Status (Single/Married/Widowed), Color, Occupation, Birth (Country/State/Town), How long resident of town, How long resident in US if foreign born, Fathers name & birthplace, Mothers name & birthplace, Place of death, Cause of death, and Burial place.
* Jones Cemetery = Maplewood Cemetery.
These records of Henrietta Resident Deaths appears in 3 issues of Hear Ye, Hear ye:
| # | Last, First Middle | Death Date | Age | Sex | Status (S/M/W) |
Occupation | Burial Place | Cause of Death | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yr | Mo | Dy | ||||||||
| 1 | Martin, Nathan C. | 01/22/1884 | 76 | 4 | 3 | m | M | Farmer | North Rush, NY | Ureamic Blood Poisin |
| 2 | Martin, Phoebe Bell | 01/20/1887 | 76 | 10 | – | f | W | Housekeeper | North Rush, NY | Broncho Pheumonia |
| 3 | Martin, Robert | 01/09/1889 | 79 | – | 21 | m | M | Retird Farmer | North Rush, NY | Chronic Inflm Bladdr |
| 4 | Mattel, Barbara | 05/16/1890 | 48 | – | – | f | – | Housewife | Jones Cemetery | Neuralgia Of Heart |
| 5 | Maxc, Leonard | 03/21/1893 | 36 | 7 | 15 | m | S | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Hemorrhage Of Stomac |
| 6 | Maxfield, --- | 02/11/1889 | – | 6 | 18 | – | – | —— | ——— | Colallary Bronchitis |
| 7 | Mc Call, Luhau Welch | 02/17/1886 | 69 | – | – | f | – | Housewife | Henrietta, NY | Lhaugulated Hernia |
| 8 | Mc Millen, John | 03/31/1896 | 40 | – | 25 | m | – | Blacksmith | ——— | Pneumonia |
| 9 | Mc Nall, Ira | 02/24/1886 | 74 | 10 | – | m | M | Farmer | Henrietta, NY | Brights Disease |
| 10 | Mc Nall, James | 02/07/1885 | 88 | 3 | 20 | m | W | Farmer | Brininstool Cem | Hypostatoc Pneumonia |
| 11 | Miller, --- | 01/01/1883 | – | 6 | 23 | – | – | —— | ——— | Marasmus |
| 12 | Mody, Ida Mc Nall | 04/02/1889 | 30 | 3 | – | f | M | Housewife | Brininstool Cem | Pulmonary Consumptio |
| 13 | Mook, John | 03/28/1886 | 83 | 9 | 28 | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | ———— |
| 14 | Moore, R. Clark | 12/13/1893 | 44 | – | – | – | – | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Apoplexy/Found Dead |
| 15 | Moran, Mary | 05/10/1890 | 19 | – | – | f | S | Servant | ——— | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 16 | Muray, Caterine Veder | 04/24/1885 | 62 | – | – | f | M | Housekeeper | Henrietta, NY | Plero Pneumonia |
| 17 | Murphy, John James | 10/02/1885 | 24 | – | 10 | m | S | —— | ——— | Scarlet Fever Precar |
| 18 | Murray, --- | 01/28/1884 | – | 1 | – | – | – | —— | Mt Hope Cem | Inflamation Lungs |
| 19 | Murray, Hiram | 11/11/1883 | 86 | – | – | m | – | —— | Henrietta, NY | Bronchial Cough & De |
| 20 | Murray, Margaret White | 02/09/1891 | 50 | – | – | f | – | Housewife | ——— | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 21 | Murray, Stephen | 08/02/1897 | 80 | 7 | 2 | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Heart Disease |
| 22 | Nelson, James Peter | 12/31/1895 | 33 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Maplewood Cem | Pneumonia/Blood Pois |
| 23 | Newton, Elizabeth Bladon | 12/05/1893 | 93 | 7 | 1 | f | W | Retired | Jones Cemetery | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 24 | Nichols, Lois C. | 02/04/1890 | 72 | 5 | 4 | f | – | Housewife | Riverwood Cem | Cardiac Paralysis |
| 25 | Owen, Duane F. | 09/29/1883 | 2 | 7 | 28 | m | – | —— | ——— | Malignant Dysentery |
| 26 | Owen,Peart | 09/30/1883 | – | 10 | – | – | – | —— | ——— | Malignant Dysentery |
| 27 | Patterson, Caroline P. | 11/17/1893 | 80 | – | – | f | W | Farmer | ——— | Disease/Heart Valves |
| 28 | Peck, Rebecca Dunn | 11/06/1886 | 46 | 3 | – | f | M | Housewife | Jones Cemetery | Crebral Apoplexy |
| 29 | Perry, George M. | 09/04/1882 | – | 8 | – | m | – | —— | ——— | Cholera Infantum |
| 30 | Phauneff, Joseph | 10/31/1894 | 29 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Maplewood Cem | Pulmonary Tuberculos |
| 31 | Phillips, Almira | 01/15/1892 | 91 | 7 | – | f | W | —— | Henrietta, NY | Fatty Degen Of Heart |
| 32 | Pike, Erastus | 06/05/1889 | 88 | 2 | 8 | m | W | Laborer | North Rush, NY | Fracture Hip, Gangren |
| 33 | Post, Aldie Asa | 04/22/1885 | 62 | 5 | 20 | m | M | Farmer | Jones Cemetery | Srucoythumia |
| 34 | Post, Harriet J. | 01/07/1896 | 63 | – | – | f | – | Housekeeper | Maplewood Cem | Paralysis Of Heart |
| 35 | Quine, Bernice | 03/14/1885 | – | 1 | 14 | f | S | —— | Mt Hope Cem | Congestion Of Lungs |
| 36 | Quine, Francis Turner | 03/12/1885 | 31 | – | – | f | M | Housekeeper | Mt Hope Cem | Pyrothorax & Pyaemea |
| 37 | Quinn, Christopher | 03/22/1888 | 70 | – | – | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Pluro Pneumonia |
| 38 | Quirk, Minnie Heinderlin | 04/12/1897 | 22 | – | – | f | M | Housewife | ——— | Uraenia Cplennig |
| 39 | Raas, Frederick Wm. | 08/28/1887 | 18 | – | 21 | m | – | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Acute Perintitis |
| 40 | Rass, Christiana Gucker | 09/20/1885 | 46 | – | – | f | M | Housekeeper | ——— | Lanyngeal & Pulmonar |
| 41 | Redemsky, Annnie | 07/05/1890 | 20 | 9 | – | f | – | —— | Jones Cemetery | Pulmonary Consumptio |
| 42 | Reeves, Ann Taylor | 01/24/1894 | 90 | – | – | f | W | Retired | Bapt. Cem | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 43 | Reeves, George | 02/07/1895 | 66 | – | – | m | – | Gardner | Maplewood Cem | Tubercular Bronchiti |
| 44 | Reinehart, Conrad | 04/26/1894 | 76 | 8 | – | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Peritonitis |
| 45 | Reinhart, Martha | 06/07/1891 | 37 | – | – | f | M | Housewife | Mt Hope Cem | Consumption |
| 46 | Remington, Alva | 10/04/1888 | 91 | – | – | f | W | —— | Patterson Cem | Senile Debility |
| 47 | Renner, Margaret | 09/29/1887 | 64 | 6 | 11 | f | M | Housewife | ——— | Disease Of Heart |
| 48 | Richardson, Anbronette Whitford | 05/17/1892 | 82 | – | – | f | W | Housewife | Mt Hope Cem | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 49 | Riley, C. Charles | 09/02/1888 | 31 | – | – | m | S | Farmer | Scottsville Cem | Pulmonary Consumptio |
| 50 | Rinhart, Susan | 01/03/1895 | 72 | 6 | – | f | – | Housekeeper | ——— | Harmmorhage Lungs |
| 51 | Robbins, Bessia | 04/08/1887 | – | 1 | 15 | – | – | —— | East Rush, NY | Congestion Of Brain |
| 52 | Robinson, Rebecka | 02/13/1886 | 56 | 7 | – | f | M | Housewife | Henrietta, NY | Paralysas Cordia Dis |
| 53 | Ruliffson, Herman D. | 12/05/1886 | 62 | – | – | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Brights Disease |
| 54 | Rummel, Barbara | 11/20/1892 | 62 | – | – | f | M | Hotel Keeping | Mt Hope Cem | Hypertrophy Of Liver |
| 55 | Ryno, Mirniva Post | 03/17/1885 | 75 | – | – | f | M | Housekeeper | Jones Cemetery | Valvular Heart Dis |
| 56 | Sangan, Anna | 10/29/1893 | 60 | 5 | 24 | f | W | —— | Mt Hope Cem | Cancer Of Stomach |
| 57 | Sangan, Patrick | 05/22/1892 | 61 | – | – | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Paralysis Left Lung |
| 58 | Schillinger, Charles | 10/08/1883 | 17 | 4 | 16 | m | S | Farmer | Jones Cemetery | Quick Consumption |
| 59 | Schillinger, Susan | 05/04/1892 | 75 | – | – | f | M | Housewife | East Rush, NY | Broncho Pneumonia |
| 60 | Schillinger, Walter Jacob | 05/11/1896 | 3 | 7 | – | m | S | —— | Brininstool Cem | Cerbru Spinal Mening |
| 61 | Schlattmann, Sophia | 07/26/1892 | 57 | – | – | f | M | Housewife | Mt Hope Cem | Cancer Of Uterus |
| 62 | Schoen, Rosa Margret | 05/05/1889 | 20 | 6 | – | f | S | —— | Rush, NY | Pulmonary Tuberculos |
| 63 | Schraeder, --- | 08/09/1882 | – | 3 | – | – | – | —— | ——— | Cholera Infantum |
| 64 | Schults, Anna | 05/12/1889 | 68 | – | – | – | W | —— | North Rush, NY | Old Age Genrl Deblty |
| 65 | Schultz, Henry | 04/12/1896 | 70 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Jones Cemetery | Cancer Of Liver |
| 66 | Schuyler, Benjamin | 12/16/1895 | 88 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Pleuro Pneumonia |
| 67 | Schuyler, Ian Rensselaer | 02/21/1895 | 51 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Acute CerebreI Softn |
| 68 | Score?, Mary? | 11/01/1888 | 60 | – | – | f | W | Housewife | ——— | Heart Disease |
| 69 | Search, Sarah Jane | 03/09/1885 | 27 | 2 | – | f | S | Housekeeper | Martin Cemetery | Typhoid Fever |
| 70 | Seeser, Christina Bourman | 07/17/1888 | 39 | 7 | – | f | M | Housewife | ——— | Cerbral Wkungitis |
| 71 | Selphine, Christine Smueler | 09/13/1890 | 75 | – | – | f | – | Housekeeper | Bushman Cem | Heart Disease |
| 72 | Shaw, Mary | 01/11/1892 | 86 | – | – | f | – | —— | ——— | Gripe |
| 73 | Sheehan, Mary | 05/06/1892 | 67 | – | – | f | M | Housewife | Scottsville Cem | Broncho Pneumonia |
| 74 | Sheffen, Almira Mc Nall | 08/05/1887 | 79 | – | 10 | f | W | —— | Scottsville Cem | Malarial Cachexia |
| 75 | Sherman, Amarilles M. | 11/02/1892 | 82 | 7 | – | f | W | —— | Jones Cemetery | Chronic Nephritis |
| 76 | Sherman, Hiram | 05/19/1885 | 66 | – | – | m | – | —— | ——— | General Rheumatism |
| 77 | Shillinger, Ida Johnson | 05/28/1897 | 46 | 5 | 25 | f | M | Housewife | Jones Cemetery | Cancer Of The Bowels |
| 78 | Shocktel?, John | 01/14/1887 | 47 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Pentonitus |
| 79 | Shoen, Earl | 05/03/1885 | 1 | 2 | – | m | S | —— | Rush, NY | Inflamation Of Brain |
| 80 | Sholtz, William John | 02/28/1896 | – | – | 31 | m | – | Farmer | ——— | Heart Failure |
| 81 | Short, Andrew | 11/06/1895 | 83 | – | – | m | – | Farmer | Holy Sepulchre | General Lepticarima |
| 82 | Short, Mary Howlet | 07/18/1891 | 24 | 5 | – | f | M | —— | Jones Cemetery | Heart Disease |
| 83 | Sibley, Elisha | 07/11/1882 | 81 | – | – | m | M | Farmer | East Rush, NY | General Debility |
| 84 | Sibley, Elisha E. | 04/22/1894 | 49 | 11 | – | m | – | Farmer | Maplewood Cem | Pneumonia |
| 85 | Sipperly, Nancy Maria | 05/17/1887 | 60 | – | 23 | f | M | —— | Jones Cemetery | Arthritis/Rheumatism |
| 86 | Skilton, Martha Friday | 08/16/1891 | 81 | 5 | – | f | W | Housewife | Rush, NY | Heart Failure |
| 87 | Skilton, William | 02/26/1885 | 84 | 10 | – | m | – | Farmer | East Rush, NY | Cancer |
| 88 | Slade,George | 05/03/1893 | 76 | 1 | – | m | M | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Cerebral Appolexy |
| 89 | Smith, Anna A. | 02/10/1895 | 32 | – | – | f | – | —— | Maplewood Cem | Emphyemia |
| 90 | Smith, Annie | 12/31/1891 | 36 | – | – | f | M | —— | Spencerport, NY | Double Pneumonia |
| 91 | Smith, Betsy | 05/28/1883 | 83 | – | – | f | M | Housekeeper | Bushman Cem | Gastritis Acute Exha |
| 92 | Smith, Chinnie | 01/30/1893 | 17 | – | – | f | S | Housekeeper | Station Rd Cem | Intestional Perforat |
| 93 | Smith, Henry | 10/04/1888 | 49 | – | – | m | M | P ... Dealer | ——— | Cancer Of Liver |
| 94 | Smith, Henry H. | 09/06/1891 | – | 2 | 12 | m | S | —— | Mt Hope Cem | Inanition |
| 95 | Smith, John | 03/29/1893 | 64 | 9 | 13 | m | W | Farmer | Mt Hope Cem | Chirrhosis Of Liver |
| 96 | Smith, Julia Whitlock | 03/12/1893 | 34 | 4 | – | f | M | Housewife | Pittsford, NY | Scarlet Fever Iraeni |
| 97 | Smith, Margaret Stacle | 09/21/1892 | 71 | 7 | 7 | f | M | Housewife | ——— | Dysentery |
| 98 | Smith, Samuel Allen | 07/22/1897 | 50 | 2 | 6 | m | M | Farmer | ——— | Penicione Anemia |
The sun had receded below the horizon and the city lights were twinkling in the evening haze. From his second floor home office Joshua could see the steady streams of aircars moving about the city, just above the buildings; the east-west and north-south vehicles spaced at 4 different altitudes to avoid collisions. With vehicles spaced in this manner in 3-D space, and utilizing triple-back-up power plants, in conjunction with continuous computer monitoring of all systems, collisions and accidents had become a rarity. A big change from the 20th Century when cars ran in essentially 2 dimensions, and crashes were inevitable.
Joshua reclined in his chair and looked at his desk; stacks of papers, magazines, and loose literature piled everywhere, surrounding his computer. He had been pursuing his hobby of genealogy for just over 20 years, and had reached a plateau. His work collecting information on ancestors prior to 1950 had been relatively easy. Information was readily available at the nearby Family History Center in the form of census records, land records, and leads to a few newspaper articles. Vital statistics were also easily obtained, and he had all data concerning birth, marriage, death, and cemetery records. He was fortunate in that his grandmother had been deeply interested in genealogy, and in fact, sparked his interest when he was in college, and had sent him a brief family tree in a letter.
His current efforts however were not going well. Joshua's father had died young, at age 42, from a hereditary affliction affecting the male members of the family. Recently, great strides had been made in genetic repair, and lawmakers had passed a law last year requiring government recording of all illnesses and diseases that could be related to defective genes. This would be of great help to future generations, but today was here; and time was marching on. In addition, Western medicine was merging with Eastern medicine, and doctors were adapting. Where at one time they saw only what could be felt, cut, or irradiated, they now considered the psyche and the spirit to effect healing. Times were changing. Joshua suspected that he might be at risk; and even worse he had two sons, age 16 and 13. He debated in his mind whether or not to tell them of his fears, but could not decide what to do. In the meantime, it was important to collect all the information he could, and to build a history for experts to use in analysis. He considered himself fortunate that he had a head start on collecting family history since he had been gathering information for 20 years; and unfortunate since he had found little medical information.
From a study of the longevity of each of his ancestors, and recollections of stories of several relatives, Joshua decided that his grandmother was a key person in determining information. Unfortunately he had not seen her often, and while she influenced him greatly, he could not recall her well. He reflected: What color were her eyes? Was she a happy person? Did she like to dance? Was she a singer? Was she always a well person? What afflictions am illnesses did she have? All answers came back unknown.
He knew that his grandmother was a University graduate, that she worked at a good job, and had a creative talent in painting. When visiting as a child, he remembered that she baked great sugar cookies. Other than that he had little information. It was as if she existed, but didn't exist. Except for vital statistics.
Joshua had obtained a death certificate which stated that she died from pneumonia. Little help there. He learned from other researchers that private doctors medical records were usually discarded after a patient passed on, or had no contact after 15 or 20 years. Hospital records were also destroyed after 25 years, or sometimes computer tapes were reused. Talks with older family members revealed that his grandmother seldom talked about her hardships.
Joshua had recently contacted the Rochester Genealogical Society of which his grandmother always talked about at family gatherings. He was disconcerted to learn that no information could be located; there were no biographies of her life, no family trees filed, and no rosters or membership lists found listing her name or activities. None of the current members remembered her name. He had found some information, some sketchy family trees, and a notebook in his father's attic. He had been informed that when his grandmother died, the executor had conducted an estate sale and sold all of the household goods; all else had been discarded when the house was sold.
Joshua leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, thinking about possible courses of action. He found himself searching through manila file folders in a room full of steel file cabinets. There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of files, but there did not appear to be any order. They were not alphabetical, nor were they arranged by date. The files were different colors, and had code numbers listed on the file tabs, but there was no information telling what the codes meant. He asked several of the clerks nearby, but none knew what the colors or codes meant. He talked to the supervisor at a desk, who called another supervisor, but no one knew how the files were organized. He was about to go to the main office when he opened his eyes and found himself looking at the papers on his desk. He had seamlessly fallen asleep and dreamed of the files. It had seemed real. This sleeping and dreaming had been happening often lately, and he now worried that this might be a symptom of some unknown medical problem.
He now resolved that some definite action must be taken. His hobby of genealogy has suddenly become serious business. No longer just a hobby, the medical history part had become very important. Tomorrow he would visit all of the local hospitals, clinics, and health care organizations to gather all possible information. Time was marching on ...
Most members of my Mother's side of the family originated in Connecticut and Massachusetts. A few others were early residents of Long Island, which was just across the Sound from Connecticut. Like many families, whether for adventure or profit, they migrated westward to become settlers in places like Norwich, Cortland, Manlius, Auburn, Sodus, Rochester, Wheatland, Leroy and Batavia, New York. Many went even further west. Perhaps one of these migrants touched a member of your family as they passed. From time to time I will extract from my growing database, currently about 50,000 individuals, a few of those who spent some time in and around our area. Some extracts may come directly from reference material I am presently using. I would be pleased to exchange data on any of these families.
Ensign PHILIP5 BEACH (Maj. Gershom 4, Gershom 3, Thomas 2, John 1) was b. 1772 at Rutland, VT and d. 1 Aug. 1840, age 68, at Cambria, NY. He is bur. at the Molyneaux Corners Cemetery, located “near the forks of North and South Ridge in Niagara County” [II/789, Hist of Nia Co]. No monument marks his grave.
He was a commissioned officer on the frontier serving under the command of Governor George W. Clinton and participated in the War of 1812 [Mil Min of NY]. In the early 1790's Philip Beach carried the mail from Canandaigua to Fort Niagara. Later his route was changed to Batavia to Fort Niagara.
Philip was m. abt. 1795 at Rutland to LOIS6 CUSHMAN. She was the dau. of Lt. Isaac6 CUSHMAN (Charles 5, John 4, Eleazer 3, Eld. Thomas 2, Robert 1) and Lois ______. Her sister Mary Cushman was m. to Philip's half-brother John BEACH. Their immigrant ancestor, Robert1 Cushman (1577-1626), was the financial agent for the Mayflower Pilgrims in Leyden, Holland.
Roxania and Philip were prob. born at Northampton, Monroe Co., NY, the others prob. at Cambria, NY.
Children of Ens. Philip BEACH and Lois CUSHMAN: [II/117, Beach Fam Mag]
MARY5 HOLT (Justus 4, Joseph 3-2, William 1) was b. 8 Jun. 1766 at Wallingford, CT and d. 1828.
She accompanied her parents to Whitestown.
Mary was m. at Whitestown to the Hon. NATHAN SMITH, who d. 1808.
Their children were born at Whitestown.
Children of Judge Nathan SMITH and Mary HOLT: [Pg 262, Holt Gen]
JASON5 RANDALL (Nicholas 4, Nathan 3, John 2-1) was b. 24 Mar. 1787 at Voluntown, CT and d. 1 Feb. 1852 at Chardon, Geauga Co., OH.
He took his family to Sweden, NY abt. 1815, then to OH in 1818. He initially settled in Kirkland, but removed to Chardon where he died.
Jason was m. 29 Jan. 1807 at Bridgewater to MARTHA THOMPSON, who was b. 25 Dec. 1787 and d. 29 Nov. 1856 at Chardon.
Their children were born at Kirkland, except the first four.
Children of Jason RANDALL and Martha THOMPSON: [Pg 110, Ran Gen]
RUFUS5 HUNTLEY (Ezekiel 4, David 3, Aaron 2, John 1) was bp. 2 Sep. 1778 at Lyme, CT and d. 4 Apr. 1860 at Medina,OH.
He was m. 22 Dec. 1799 at Lyme to POLLY LAY . [Bailey's Early Conn Mrgs]. They res. at Lyme until abt. 1811 when they removed to MA, then to Canandaigua, NY, and finally, Medina, OH.
Children of Rufus HUNTLEY and Polly LAY:
EZEKIEL HUNTLEY (Ezekiel 4, David 3, Aaron 2, John 1) was bp. 21 May 1780 at Lyme CT and d. 6 Mar. 1853 at Granger OH.
He was m. 8 Sep. 1803 at Lyme to RUTH MINER [II/73, Lyme VR], who d. 25 Dec. 1851 at Granger. She was the dau. of Elisha MINER of Lyme. Ezekiel took his family to Canandaigua NY when he was abt. 39 years old and stayed there until age 51, when he removed to Granger.
Their children were born at Bozrah, CT.
Children of Ezekiel HUNTLEY and Ruth MINER:
| 1. | SHERBERT MEAD |
Seeking information on Andrew and Katie Sherbert, who lived in Monroe County near Brighton around 1846 to 1865. He died around 1865 and she remarried to Richard Mead on 26 September 1868 in or near Rochester. Any information on her maiden name or his date of death will be appreciated. Sylvia J. Taylor, 6110 Pleasent Ridge Road #3200, Arlington TX 76016. |
| 2. | BECKWITH | Looking for research help on Beckwith family in Monroe County in mid 1800's. Thomas Beckwith is listed in 1850 census for Perinton with son Erastus, born about 1838. Did family move to Michigan around 1850-55? Also looking Thomas' wife's name. Jeff Miller, 7488 17th Lane NE, St. Petersburg FL 33702-4756. |
| 3. | BROWN ESRAY SPAETH |
Looking for info on following: Jennie Ware Brown, daughter of William G. and Eliza Esray Brown moved to Rochester in spring of 1880. Married Charles Spaeth 12 Feb 1896. He immigrated from Germany to Rochester in Feb 1889. They lived at 11 Audubon St. until Charles died on 19 Jun 1920. Marcia Spaeth McDermott, 13 Tludatsi Ct., Brevard NC 28712. |
| 4. | MASKE | Looking for passenger ship information on Paul Gotieve Maske, b. 17 March 1842 and Caroline W. Maske, b. 29 Sept. 1839 and children Wm. Hermann and Paul L. Paul's naturalization intent lists family landed at Port of Rochester on or about May 1868. Joan J. Maske, 1341 Hollywood Blvd., Iowa City, Iowa 52240. |
| 5. | ELDRED/ ELDRIDGE STRANAHAN |
Searching for information re: Joseph Eldred/Eldridge, died 1820 Sweden NY. Believe his grand-daughter married John Stranahan. Marsha LaHue, 783 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach FL 32174-4001. |
| 6. | BRIGGS | Seeking someone to search newspaper indexes of marriage and obituary listings in Rundel Library for surname Briggs and variants, if any. Ervan L. Amidon, 3782 Incochee Trail, Traverse City MI 49684-1410. |
| 7. | WORDEN | Searching for information on Henry E. and Edith S. Worden. Lived at 31 Woodline Dr. Penfield NY as late as 1970. Worked for Horacek and Hayden at 250 Mount Hope Ave. Mrs. Clara Worden McCann, 93 Fleetwood Ave., Albany NY 12209. |
| 8. | WEBER BOSCHE STEFFEY |
Seeking information on William Weber and wife Lillian Bosche, married in Rochester, NY in 1870's. Had at least one daughter Hattie Mae, born 30 May 1880. Lillian married secondly Preston Steffey on 2 August 1887. There is a Bosche family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery with an adult and infant grave but no indication of who is buried there. Janice Nelson, 1318 Princeton Court, Denton TX 76201. |
| 9. | NICHOLSON BUCHANAN |
Seeking information on Nicholson and Buchanan families in Rochester area. George Nicholson died in early 1950's. Arthur J. VanVleet, 60 Wightman Road, New Britain CT 06052. |
| 10. | LEONARD THOMAS MOREY |
Looking for descendents of Laura Leonard, b. 12 Apr 1889, Penfield NY to Mary (Thomas) and George Leonard. Married ______ Morey. Living in Drexel Hill PA in 1969. Barbara K. Tuck, 28 Ruhlig Court, Saginaw MI 48602-5027. |
| 11. | GATES VAN VELSOR |
Looking for information on Dr. Joseph and Polly (Van Velsor) Gates. Also his father Joshua Gates. Also looking for copies of a newspaper Joseph printed in Monroe County called “The Medical Truth Teller”. Arlys R. LaFehr, 9566 Briar Forest Dr., Houston TX 77063-1005. |
| 12. | KENNEALLY JUDD |
Searching for information on Lillian Esther Kenneally and husband James Judd who are supposed to have lived in or around Rochester in 1944. William Kennaley, 20 Ralgreen Crescent, Kitchner, Ontario, N2M 1T9. |
| 13. | JURY HAYNES |
Seeking information on James Jury and wife Rose Haynes. They lived in Rochester around 1907 - 1909, then moved to St. Johns MI. He was a street car conductor and writer has a postcard showing James on car # 384, Park Ave. She was a nursemaid for several Rochester families. Also any information on Rochester's electric streetcars. Annette Viges, 5313 143rd Avenue, Holland MI 49423. |
| 14. | DARCH | Anyone searching the surname Darch, (or with the same surname) from the Byron Center, Genesee County area. Any information on this line would be greatly appreciated. Dick Glover, Wyke, Mill Hill, Weston Colville, Cambridge, CB1 5NY, England. |
| 15. | FOX FISH |
Searching for information on children of Ann Leah Fox and Bowman Fish of Rochester. She along with sisters founded religion of Spiritualism. Anna E. Perkoski, 689 Harbour Street, Conneaut OH 44030. |
| 16. | BRAUN ROSER SCHILLING |
Searching for information on the parents of Wilhelmina Braun, born 27 Dec 1828 in West Phalien, Germany. Came to US with parents in 1843 and stopped in Rochester, where she married Fred Roser who died in 1850. She married again in 1854 Louis Schilling of Chicago and moved to Freeport IL. Robert Byrnes Jones, 509 77th Street, Holmes Beach FL 34217. |
RGS Officers
1996 - 1997
| Directors: | Robert J. Gustafson(1997) & Julie Steitz (1998) |
| President: | Edward H. Gaulin |
| Vice Pres & Program Chair: | Larry Lee Blackman |
| Recording Secy: | Martha R. Reagan |
| Corresponding Secy: | David Serianni |
| Treasurer: | Roy Thurston |
| Membership Chair: | Richard Halsey |
RGS Activity Chairpersons
1996 - 1997
| Computer Interest Group (CIG): | Tom Pautz |
| Publications: | Scott Chase |
| Other Society Liaison: | Deborah Barnes |
| DAR Liaison: | Dorothy Bailey |
| SAR Liaison: | Larry Lee Blackman |
| FHC Liaison: | Sharleen Peck |
| Welcoming: | Julie Steitz & Barbara Grzymkowski |
| Publicity: | Robert J. Gustafson |
| Refreshments: | Nicole Wieme, Pat Mims, & Romayne Kline |
| Tape Library: | R. Carter Livermore |
| Book Raffle: | Warren Fishbaugh |
| Hear Ye Hear Ye Editor: | Jim Paprocki |
