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Genealogical Society hosts speaker on DNA findings

Normal Carlson is pictured speaking to the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society recently.

CASSADAGA — Norman Carlson of Busti, who is the collections manager at the Fenton History Center in Jamestown, was the recent guest speaker at the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society gathering at the Cassadaga American Legion Hall on Maple Avenue.

Carlson said his talk was entitled “Wide Ranging.” Carlson said that people spend years looking for family history dating back hundreds of years. Then, when they get the DNA kit results, they are surprised as to who are their relatives. Carlson said that his ancestors were from Sweden and England, and married the girl next door, thereby keeping families close together. Not all families were that way, as they moved to different areas. How are you related to your relatives, he asked. He discussed DNA in detail relating it to genealogy. In a way, he said, we are all descendants of two people. Carlson had a very detailed message.

Gail Dash is the president of the society, and Ruth Nichols is the vice president. Wayne Leamer is the newsletter editor and the membership chairman. Leamer said the next newsletter is being composed. Member Andrew Kolstee said that he is putting events on Facebook. Member Walt Sedlmayer talked about the genealogy research room in the Barker Library in Fredonia, which houses many family histories.

Mrs. Nichols said the new edition of the Observer Vital Statistics from January 2016 though 2020 has been published. Treasurer Debbie Kotar presented the financial report of the society. Westfield historian Marybelle Beigh was elected to serve as the secretary, and will be recording the minutes of each meeting.

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

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