WESTFIELD – The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society recently held the summer picnic at the Ottaway Park in Westfield with guest speaker Larry Barmore of Gerry. Barmore spoke of his 29 year research of family history, where he said he was able to date back to 1780.

The Barmore family, he said, originated in Scotland and settled in this area of Chautauqua County. Some of the first Barmore settlers lived in Villenova, and he said that using some of his grandmother’s notes helped him to put the puzzle of family together.

Former Gerry Historian Jean Bedient was a help in his research. Barmore said that Gerry has the two largest concentration of Barmores in the United States. A very informative speech was enjoyed by all those present.

The park in Westfield was arranged by Jack Ericson, a member of the research group. Secretary of the group, Gail Pugh Dash, prepared the picnic area with table coverings and other needed items. A fine meal with a large variety of food was available for all to enjoy. Dash said you couldn’t plan a better menu with such a variety.

President of the group, Ruth Davis Nichols, welcomed all to the gathering and held a brief business meeting prior to the meal. Barmore gave the blessing. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Dash, and the financial report was given by Treasurer Debbie Kotar. Newsletter editor and membership chairman Wayne Leamer of Busti gave a report on membership and the newsletter.

During the meeting, others had the opportunity to give reports on some of their own family research. Genealogical research constantly opens new doors, as more and more relatives from the past are located.

The next meeting of the genealogical group will be on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fredonia Barker Library on Day Street.

Visitors are welcome, and new members are always welcome.