Janet Wahlberg and Jack Ericson are pictured some of the research book they used to document the genealogy of Swedish families locally.

CASSADAGA — Janet Wahlberg and Jack Ericson were the guest speakers at the recent Chautauqua County Genealogical meeting held at the Cassadaga American Legion Hall on Maple Avenue.

Both speakers told about the number of Swedish immigrants traveling to America during the years 1866-1868 because of the potato famine, the vaccination for smallpox and the growing population in Sweden. At one time, Jamestown had the largest Swedish population in the eastern United States.

They have many resources to help family with their research. The important part said Ericson is to have the name of the person and the birthday date. Obituaries, Ericson said, are like “goldmines” since they have so much family history. Ms. Wahlberg said they are located at the Hall House, 73 Forest Ave., Jamestown.

Much of the information was found in the 25 counties and 91 parishes of Sweden. Complete records were kept by the parishes. Ms. Wahlberg said people doing research should contact them how to use the records.

Gail Dash is the president of the society, with Ruth Nichols as the vice president. Wayne Leamer is the newsletter editor and appreciation was extended to Leamer for a fine job with the recent edition. Debbie Kotar is the treasurer. The society has a research room in the Fredonia Barker Library which is storing many histories of families.

For more information on the genealogical society, write to P.O.Box 404, Fredonia, NY 14063. New members are welcome.