Vol 18, No 3
Fall 1997
Table of Contents
Inaugural Address
It's my great pleasure to greet the members of the Rochester Genealogical Society in the pages of HEAR YE for the first time, as the new President of your Society.
It was only a few short years ago that I attended my first meeting of RGS, after attending Scott Chase's class on Beginning Genealogy. Jim Hall was the President, and Ed Gaulin, then Treasurer, mentioned that he was a volunteer at the LDS Family History Center on Westfall Road, and he would be there the following morning. I went there armed with information that I had received from my grandparents 41 years previously, and found confirmation of a marriage of my great, great grandparents in England in 1845.
With this confirmation, I was hooked. I got involved with genealogy, involved with the Rochester Genealogical Society, involved with attending conferences on genealogy, involved as the Local Publications Assistant at the RGS/FGS Conference last year, involved as the RGS treasurer, involved with lecturing and teaching genealogy, and involved as a volunteer at the Family History Center.
Involvement is the lifeblood of any organization. Without the involvement of new members, an organization will stagnate and eventually die. All organizations are constantly looking toward their newer members for involvement, and RGS is no exception. We, as an organization, are looking at the second phase of the Mount Hope Project, and will be looking for volunteers. We have members who have held the same position for many, many years and feel they would like a change, and move on to some other position within the Society.
From my predecessors, I have inherited a growing, healthy organization. Let us keep it that way. Everyone has something to offer their Society. If you feel that I am writing about you, you are right, I am. If you feel that RGS can use your talents, you are right, we can. If you feel that it is time that you got involved, you are right, it is. If you know what you might like to do, let me know. If you don't know, let me know. Drop me a note, call me, email me. Let's talk.
We have a great group of people working for you. Ed Gaulin, Jim Hall. Larry Blackman, Tom Pautz, Dick Halsey, Jim Paprocki, David Serianni, Jennifer Cranch, Ann Buckley, Julie Steitz, Bob Gustafson and on and on and on. Join the team. We would love to have you.
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, 18 September 1997 | |
| Mini-Workshop: | “Using an LDS Family History Center - How and Why,” by Sharleen Peck |
| Main Program: | “Grave Consequences: Material-cultural Perspectives on Colonial and 19th Century Society,” by Darrell A. Norris, Professor of Geography, State University of New York at Geneseo. |
| Thursday, 16 October 1997 | |
| Mini-Workshop: | “What's in a Name?” (a short program on local archival resources), by Lea Kemp of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Mary Jo Barone of the Ontario County Archives, and Caroline Vacca of the Monroe County Historian's Office |
| Main Program: | “Tracing Your British Ancestors,” by Colin R. Chapman, Ph.D., Fellow of the Society of Genealogists, a resident of Dursley, Gloucestershire, England |
| Thursday, 20 November 1997 | |
| Mini-Workshop: | “Preponderance of the Evidence Arguments,” by Larry Lee Blackman |
| Main Program: | “The Importance of the Female Side of the Family Tree,” by Kaye Gill, a member of RGS and of the Genealogical Educators Group |
September is the start of a new membership year for RGS. Check the date on your mailing label to see if you are listed as paid up or not. You can save RGS a lot of money on postage if you pay at either the September or October meetings. If you can't attend those meetings then please send your membership check to RGS at: P.O. Box 10501, Rochester, NY 14610. As always, upon payment of dues you will receive a list of members, the surnames that they are researching and a list of audio tapes available.
Abbreviations used are standard two letter state abbreviations, plus: Roch = Rochester; MON = Monroe Co., NY; GT = Germany; IR = Ireland; ON = Ontario, Canada; EN = England; NT = Netherlands; AS = Alsace (France).
These are additions to the surname list by new or sustaining members since the Spring 1997 issue of “Hear Ye.”
Plus these new members who haven't submitted their surnames as of Sep 1, 1997.
Gary Boyd Roberts, Senior Research Scholar at Boston's New England Historic Genealogical Society, was the guest of the Rochester Genealogical Society April 17 and 18, 1997. The general consensus was that he lived up to his reputation for being entertaining, witty, knowledgeable, and outspoken.
Undoubtedly, Mr. Roberts' own reputation was primarily responsible for the record-setting turn-out of 177 persons at the meeting Thursday, the 17th, which was officially sponsored by the Rochester Genealogical Society, the Kodak Genealogical Society, and several other local aOO regional organizations. Nonetheless, kudos are also due to RGS publicity chair Robert Gustafson for his fine job in making the local community aware of the event.
Gary Boyd Roberts lived up to his reputation for being entertaining, witty, knowledgeable, and outspoken.
Mr. Roberts began his presentation by calling attention to the probable kinship of many of those in attendance with famous Rochesterians George Eastman, Susan B. Anthony, and the wife of Frederick Douglass. However, most of his talk, entitled “The Current Scene in New England Genealogy,” was essentially a commentary on a bibliographical essay he had published in the October, 1996, issue of The New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Subsequently, Mr. Roberts and Mrs. Jane Fletcher Fiske, who is the editor of the Register, gave their permission for RGS to distribute photocopies of the article at its May meeting. Mr. Roberts strongly recommended Clarence Almon Torrey's New England Marriages Prior to 1700 and Robert Charles Anderson's recently- published compendium, The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England 1620-1633, and he also gave an account of English origin studies, royal descents, Mayflower works, multi-ancestor studies, town genealogies, and other topics. It would be hard to imagine a more thorough survey of current New England genealogical resources than the one given by Mr. Roberts in his ninety-minute discussion.
He actually filled in portions of pedigree-charts from memory on the spot.
As a special bonus, Mr. Roberts brought along books for sale from the New England Historic Genealogical Society, which were available both immediately preceding and after the meeting. He appreciated the patronage and also the volunteer help of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thirtle, Marlene White, and Jennifer Cranch.
Mr. Roberts had asked to be shown a bit of Rochester, so on Thursday afternoon he was given a tour of the University of Rochester, and after the evening meeting he spent some time relaxing with Larry Blackman and Ed aOO Lynn Gaulin in the Park Avenue Pub, which seemed much to his liking. He had already seen the George Eastman House on a previous trip to Rochester. He also requested a visit to the Susan B. Anthony House, but there was insufficient time for this.
On Friday Mr. Roberts gave ample evidence of his storehouse of knowledge of New England genealogy and of his boundless energy while conducting non-stop pedigree-chart analyses from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1be setting was the living room of the home of Larry and Fran Blackman in Pittsford. Among those who took advantage of the opportunity for thirty-minute consultations each were: Carol Ginder, David Sisson, Susan Sayre, Frederick Kolb, Henry Martin, Robert Barrows, Nancy Whitcombe, Harry Long, Ruth Metzler, Ken Veneron, Jennifer Cranch, Barbara Case, Karen Dehond, Richard Castner, William Mackey, Gordon Skinner, and Calvin Graziano. Those who availed themselves of Mr. Roberts' services were generally well-pleased by his suggestions, comments, and constructive criticisms. In some instances he actually filled in portions of charts from memory on the spot, while in other cases he recommended published works to be consulted later.
During the Friday consultations, Mr. Roberts did not hesitate to reject false pedigrees.
Throughout his thirty-hour stay, Mr. Roberts displayed his well-known intellectual curiosity, wit, repartee, and candor. He seemed thoroughly to enjoy discussing politics and United States naval history with our President, Edward Gaulin. On more than one occasion he described himself as an “extreme Democrat.” He was keenly interested in the architecture of some of the buildings at the University of Rochester. During the Friday consultations, Mr. Roberts did not hesitate to reject false pedigrees (which sometimes meant that pages and pages of one's chart needed to be committed to the flames) and to brand others “questionable.” Upon his arrival at the airport, he noted that the temperature (which was about 30 degrees) was colder than it had been in Boston, so he turned to his host and in all seriousness requested to be taken to a K-Mart, where he could purchase some long underwear. Larry Blackman, who is usually very deferential to guests, uncharacteristically ignored that request but will be spearheading a fund drive in next September's RGS meeting to buy some long underwear for Mr. Roberts for his next visit with us here in Rochester.
The total book sales came to about $1,500, which was a huge success. Mr. Roberts was pleased. And if I may speak personally, I was more than pleased with his entire visit, which I believe was both successful and memorable.
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, Manilus, 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.
(Continued from Vol. 18, No.2 - Spring 1997)
Lieutenant PELEG4 RANDALL (Nathan 3, John 2-1) was b. 19 Oct. 1748 at Stonington, CT and d. 1 Jan. 1831 at Lenox, NY.
He was a lieutenant in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and commanded a company aft. his captain was killed at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne.
United with the Baptist Church of Voluntown in 1784 and on 18 Jan. 1789 he was licensed to preach. On 25 Oct. 1792 was ordained and admitted elder of the First Baptist Church of Stonington [III/259, Bachus' Hist of Bapt].
Peleg was m. 12 Mar. 1772 at Voluntown to HANNAH6 PALMER. She was the dau. of Joseph5 PALMER (Joseph 4-3, Nehemiah 2, Walter 1) and Catherine COATS and a sister of his brother Amos' wife.
Their children were born at Voluntown.
Children of Lt. Peleg RANDALL and Hannab PALMER: [Pg 95, Ran Gen]
Colonel DENISON6 RANDALL (John 5-4, Capt John 3, John 2-1) was b. 20 Dec. 1777 at Stonington, NY [III/271, Ston VR] and d. __ Oct. 1824 at Pharsalia, NY.
After his father removed to Norwich in 1800, Denison occupied the old homestead in Pharsalia. The following year he brought his new wife to this house, where all their children were born and he died.
Col. Randall was m. 1801 at Stonington to BETSEY4 STEWART (Nathan 3, William 2, Lt. William 1), who was b. 14 Sep. 1780 at Stonington [Pg 606, Hist of Ston] and d. 21 May 1861 at Clarkson, Monroe Co., NY.
Their children were born at Pharsalia, NY.
Children of Col. Denison RANDALL and Betsey STEWART: [Pg 88. Ran Gen].
DANIEL6 MASON, Esq. (David 5, Jeremiah 4, Daniel 3-2, Maj. John 1) was b. 10 Sep. 1767 at Franklin, CT and d 2 May 1812, age 45, at Hartford, NY. Both he and his wife are bur. there.
In Apr. 1794, he was chosen as the Moderator of the first meeting of electors and was elected the first supervisor of the Town of Hartford, NY.
Daniel was m. 1791 to DEBORAH LATHROP (11072), who was b. 1770 and d. 1817. She was the dau. of Simon LATHROP, Esq. (, , , Rev. John 1) and Hannah DAVIS of Ontario Co., NY.
Children of Daniel MASON and Deborah LATHROP:
JEREMIAH5 NEEDHAM (Jeremiah 4, Anthony 3-1) was b. 26 Feb. 1766 at Brimfield, MA and d. 1 Nov. 1846 at Vergennes, VT.
He also resided in Ferrisburg, Addison Co., VT and Elba, Genesee Co., NY.
Jeremiah was m. 31 May 1792 at Pittsford, VT to RUTH6 COOLEY (Benjamin 5-3, Daniel 2, Ens. Benjamin 1), who was b. 31 Dec. 1777. She was only 14 years of age when she married.
Their first six children were born in Pittsford, VT and the others in New York, perhaps at Elba.
Children of Jeremiah NEEDHAM and Ruth COOLEY: [II/641, Gen of Conn Fam]
ELIZABETH5 NEEDHAM (Jeremiah 4, Anthony 3-1) was b. 22 Mar. 1768, perhaps at Greenwich, Fairfield Co., CT and prob. d. at LeRoy, Genesee Co., NY.
She was m. abt. 1785 to RUEBEN5 COOLEY (Benjamin 4-3, Daniel 2, Ens. Benjamin 1) as his 2d wife. He was b. 25 Apr. 1752 at Greenwich and prob. d. 1823 at LeRoy. He lived in Pittsford, VT and in 1811 moved to Genesee Co., NY. Little is known of his 1st wife other than her given name was Sarah and they had 3 children, Sarah (b. 29 Jun. 1778); Rueben (b. 24 Mar. 1780); and Lydia (b. 22 Feb. 1783) [Pg 497, Cooley Gen].
Their children were born in Greenwich.
Children of Rueben COOLEY and Elizabeth NEEDHAM: [Pg 497, Cooley Gen]
| 1. | CLARK BRANKSTONE |
Seeking info/descendants of Wm E. Clark and Catharine Isabelle (Katie Bell) Brankstone. In Rochester NY by 1887 - at least 1905 on Tremont Street. He engineer for NY & PA railroad. She born ca 1853, they married after 1870, probably in Erie Co, PA. Info needed for family history in progress for Brankstone family. Jane B. Thomas, Rt 1 Box 165-C, Como MS 38619. |
| 2. | ANDERSON | Looking for research help on William Henry Anderson, born in Edinburgh Scotland 25 Oct 1883 or 84. Spouse Millie? Migrated to Rochester in the 1920's and believed to have worked for International Laboratories. Looking for obit or date of death. Allen Ohrt, 2812 27 Street S.W. Fargo ND 58103-5033. |
| 3. | TERRY | Seeking copies of Rochester obituaries on Terry family members as follows: Harriet E. Terry - 24 Jan 1899; Eli H. Terry - 7 Jul 1936; Myra E. Terry - 1941; Elwyn Leslie Terry-1975; Robert Elwin Terry - 1987. Mrs. Rose Fields, R3 Box 79, Concordia MO 64020. |
| 4. | PEW JONES |
Searching for Benjamin Pew, wife Mary Jones both of England. Believed to have lived in Rochester NY from about 1839. Daughter Sarah Jane born at sea, imm. to NYC 1832, then to Rochester in 1839 then to Grand Rapids, MI in 1854. She died 1915 in Sparta MI. Linda M. Dillion, 515 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. |
| 5. | WHITE MUNSON |
My GGG grandparents, James White (born Western, NY 1802) married Caroline Munson (born 24 Oct 1805 in Brighton NY). Can you help me obtain more information on these two people? Daniel and Cheryl Perkins, 116 East Hillcrest, Seward NE 68434. |
| 6. | JOSS | Looking for possible naturalization records on Jacob Joss, b. in Switzerland 24 April 1826. Wife Barbara born Germany 10 August 1834. First child Matilda born in Rochester NY 29 April 1860. William M. Cooley, 719B S. Granite Street, Prescott AZ 86303. |
| 7. | HIBBARD | Seeking information on James R. Hibbard, born abt 1840 Brockport NY? Died on 14 April, 1863 Centreville VA. while in Union Army. Patricia A. Gallagher, 2308 Ballycairne Court, Reston VA 20191 |
| 8. | BARNES PHILLIPS |
Searching for information on parents of Zadock Barnes, born 18 March 1844 Clarkson, NY and wife Delia Phillips, born 1848 Perry, NY. Georgia, M. Dudley, 11159 56th Avenue No., Seminole FL 33772. |
| 9. | TEARE | My maternal ancestors' name was Teare. Through census information I have traced them from Brooklyn NY to Newark NJ to the town of Brighton, Monroe Co. In the 1860's, they settled as farmers in Brighton on Clover St. and a Teare lived there until the 1940's. I would like to obtain additional information from their arrival to early 1900's through records of probate, death, cemetery, and local town newspapers or other sources. James W. Beall, 121 Wynnwood Dr., Wilmington DE 19810-4427. |
| 10. | BEGGS | Need copy of obit for Maude B. Beggs, wife of John Beggs, died 15 August 1973 in Rochester NY. Madolyn Rossler, 1420 Arbor Road, Paso Robles CA 93446. |
| 11. | O'SHAUGHNESSY/ O'SHANNISY CONLIN |
Looking for a marriage record for my GG grandparents: Matthew O'Shaughnessy married Anna Conlin between 1860 and July 1863. The 1860 census for Rochester NY has his name spelled O'Shannisy. Nancy C. Adkins, 1035 Noel Dr.; Portsmouth OH 45662-2235. |
| 12. | LIEK (LEEK LIECK LEIK LEAK LECK) |
Researching this family who lived in the Clyde, Wayne County, NY area in the mid 1800's to early 1900's. James F. Cornell, 2817 Chimney Rock Lane, San Angelo TX 76904. |
| 13. | ELMORE REQUA |
Can anyone look up the following people in the Genesee Country Family file? Warren Elmore b. 22 Nov 1821 (NY), married 26 Aug 1841 (Clarkson NY) ; Harriet Requa, born 22 Feb 1824 (NY). Harriet and Warren married, moved to Kendall and had: Thomas B. Elmore, b. 31 Jan 1843. They later moved to WI. If they are in the family file, I would gladly pay copy fees. Ms. Bohrman, N79W39623 McMahon Rd., Oconomowoc WI 53006. |
| 14. | WHITMORE WETMORE WITMORE |
Seeking information on the Peleg/Pelick Whitmore family that resided and died in Monroe Co., NY. Peleg Whitmore is in the 1810 US Census in Ontario Co. In 1820 it is specifically in the town of Freeport (became Conesus in 1825). His daughter, Sarah, was b. 8 Aug 1812 in Livonia, Livingston Co. The family moved to Monroe Co. between 1820 and 1830. About 16 Dec 1827, Sarah's mother, Rebecca Rice-Whitmore, died. Sarah was about 14. The youngest was 4 day old baby named Orestus Wetmore. Sarah and the baby were sent to live in OH with relatives. There were other children ... possibly 8 of them. Peleg shows up on the 1830 census in Penfield, NY (p. 329). Can someone check the 1835 NY census for ANY Whitmore/Wetmore (etc. ) families in Monroe County? I'll pay for any copies. Also, if someone can check for a will for Peleg Whitmore. If they moved to Monroe Co. before the death of Rebecca, there might be guardianship papers. Kathryn Hawley Atkinson, 65 Timber Park Dr., Black Mountain NC 28711-9460. |
The Computer Interest Group extends an invitation to all RGS members to join the CIG for the coming season. This is a great opportunity for all who wish to improve their computer skills, particularly as related to genealogical software. At our monthly meetings we discuss and learn about computer hardware, software, area shows and events, and other relevant topics.
As a civic project we are currently involved in computerizing burial records from Mt. Hope Cemetery, and will soon be working an_ Phase II of this effort which we plan to complete during the 1997 -78 season. You will hear more about this later in announcements at RGS meetings, and all RGS members may participate in this local civic project.
At our monthly meetings during the past year we have had the following presentations:
We plan to provide similar interesting and informative programs during the coming season, starting in September.
The level of skill of our members ranges from beginner to advanced; we find there is always something new to learn. I believe that this is a truly unique opportunity for RGS members to learn about the uses of computers in this interesting avocation, and we welcome you to join us in this endeavor. We are, I believe, the only group of this type in Upstate New York, and perhaps in all of New York.
To join the CIG and improve your computer skills, simple make out your check for $20 instead of $15, arxl indicate RGS + CIG on your check. It's the best bargain of the year. $5 for 10 months; that's only 50 cents per meeting and Welcome Aboard.
The Computer Interest Group meets every second Thursday of the Month, usually at Brighton High School. Check with RGS/CIG Voice Mail at 716-234-2584 a few days before scheduled meeting to verify date, place and room number, particularly for September.
Susan Watkins a past vice chair of NYSCOGO is its representative on the New York State Archives Records Administration (SARA) Advisory Committee and has been named to the working subcommittee that will work on questions about records and better access to them. Two other genealogists are on the subcommittee with seven others representing the State Archives, State Library, State Museum and the State Department of Health. The genealogists will help make sure the subcommittee keeps the record access needs of family researchers in mind while discussing access policies. We should be grateful for the opportunities these committees allow for interaction with interagency representatives on matters of interest to us all.
Continuous contact with the NY State Dept of Health has resulted in better cooperation from the DOH in accessing their birth, marriage and death indexes and records. They eventually allowed a copy of the indexes to be placed at the State Archives for easier access to researchers. The subcommittee genealogists are seeking more copies for secure archival places in other areas of NY State to make them even more accessible.
For many years, people have regarded me as an intelligent person. I graduated from college cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. I received a fellowship for a year of study in Germany and eventually earned a Ph.D. and became a college professor. Now, however (because I have no alternative), I have a confession to make: I was bluffing the entire time. I, Larry Lee Blackman, am the greatest idiot in history. I have been teaching at Geneseo for twenty-four years and still did not know the location of the Hartford House. I sent you to the wrong address! I am also revealed as a really bad genealogist, because I mixed up two different branches of the Wadsworth family tree. I hereby repent in sackcloth and ashes.
My sincere apologies for the inconvenience that I caused. It seems to me that, in spite of my Faux Pax, people had a great time. I have conveyed the appreciation of the Rochester Genealogical Society to Mrs. Alice (Wadsworth) Strong for a memorable occasion.
Romayne Kline has agreed to head up the refreshment committee for the 1997-1998 year, but she needs help.
If you can assist her at each meeting or even volunteer to help her for one meeting please call her.
Coffee and cookies are a nice edition to our meetings but one person cannot manage this alone.
Also please consider donating cookies for a meeting. Thank You.
RGS is ready to start Volume II (1861-1881) of the Mt. Hope Cemetery Project. Packets for Volume II are now at the Family History Center, 1400 Westfall Rd. You may pick them up there if you're in a hurry to start. Packets will also be available at the RGS and CIG meetings. Should anyone need 5-1/4" diskettes they can call and make arrangements with Ken Veneron.
The process is a simple one and involves the entry of the data into the computer. The data is on pages copied from microfilm. With the pages in the packet is an instruction sheet and a 3-1/2" diskette with computer software (MS-DOS) developed by Dennis Gorman that allows data to be stored in a database format. The software has been tested and found to be compatible with Windows 95 on a Pentium. Sorry Mac's you're off the hook again.
We located 16mm film at the Riverside Cemetery office. David Ellingham borrowed the film from Mrs. Ferguson so he could make useable copies of the pages. We tried to copy the LDS filming, but the contrast was poor making records at the top and bottom very dark and hard to read. The filming has been made into 55 packets of about 12 - 15 pages each.
If you don't have a computer but you'd still like to help, there is a need for proof-reading the data. Ken Veneron is handling the data packets and Gale Smith is compiling all the data packets.
RGS Officers
1997 - 1998
| Directors: | Julie Steitz (1998) & Robert J. Gustafson(1999) |
| President: | Roy Thurston |
| Vice Pres & Program Chair: | Larry Lee Blackman |
| Recording Secy: | Jennifer Cranch |
| Corresponding Secy: | Ann Buckley |
| Treasurer: | David Serianni |
| Membership Chair: | Richard Halsey |
RGS Activity Chairpersons
| 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: | Romayne Kline |
| Tape Library: | R. Carter Livermore |
| Book Raffle: | Warren Fishbaugh |
| Hear Ye Hear Ye Editor: | Jim Paprocki |
