Questions tagged [new-york-state]

For questions about ancestors and records in the US state of New York, including questions pertaining to the period before the state's admission to the US (1788) when it was a Dutch and later British colony. For questions about the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), use the new-york-city tag instead.

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How and where did Walter Priestly (Priestley) come to America?

My 2nd Great Grandfather came to America through the port of New York around November 1857 according to his naturalization record. He was born in England on June 18, 1836 or 1837. Any idea on how I ...
Kimberly Robert's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
189 views

Who is (was) Gertrude Aubrey Barber, compiler of thousands of Grave inscriptions?

Gertrude A. Barber compiled a great many lists of genealogical interest, does anyone know who she was and her story? Some background: My ancestor is alleged to be buried in a 1795 Cemetery in NY. ...
BobE's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
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Identifying freemason regalia from New York

I just found out that my late grandfather was a Freemason. I know he was with the grand lodge of New York. I even have his membership number. I am mostly curious about his regalia. He has some ...
Fachabrut's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
42 views

How can I verify a record of burial on Hart Island, New York?

I have found a FindAGrave memorial that lists a Nathain Affelder, died December 3, 1944. The memorial notes that Nathain Affelder was buried on Hart Island. The person who posted the memorial is no ...
Francine1040's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
54 views

Birth Record Missing: Joseph C. (POLEO) O'BRIEN 1921 - 1981

My project invlolves finding the proof of birth for: Joseph C. (POLEO) O'BRIEN (born, orphaned, adopted?) Apparent info (not certain) is: BIRTH 05 JUN 1921 • Brooklyn, Kings, New York, USA DEATH 11 ...
Stephen J. Caraccia's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
79 views

Arrival ports for Irish Immigrants to the US?

I'm trying to find my Irish ancestors point of entry. My Great Great Grandparents were married in 1869 in Ireland. Their first child my Great Grandmother was born in the U.S. either New York or New ...
aallord's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
123 views

How to search for a New York area 20th century building by its appearance?

I have these photos I inherited from my father of a building near a water feature that was taken around June 1958 in the New York City area, in a roll of film that is right before some photos of West ...
WilliamKF's user avatar
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-2 votes
3 answers
79 views

What kinds of landmarks in a photo will help you identify an intersection in an historical New York City photo?

I have this photo from around June 1958 that I'm pretty sure is in New York City and I'm trying to identify the intersection. The reflection of what is off camera across the street to the right may ...
WilliamKF's user avatar
  • 5,307
-1 votes
1 answer
79 views

What is this military related building in New York City area?

I have three photos of what appear to be the same building, taken in consecutive succession on the same roll of film around June 1958. I see military folks in the photos. The photos are taken near ...
WilliamKF's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
66 views

What are these New York area buildings?

I've got two photos of buildings taken around June 1958. They are labeled as being Tarrytown, New York, but I wasn't able to find the building they go to. If not Tarrytown, I would expect them to be ...
WilliamKF's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
447 views

Finding 1920s Adoption Information in New York State?

I am looking to find information on my deceased grandmother's adoption. The story is that she was adopted from a New York orphanage in the 20's or so I am guessing since she was born in 1925. She ...
Cherrie's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
93 views

Locating ancestor's birth town in New York State?

I am in the process of applying for my Italian citizenship and need many documents. The last document I need is my grandmother's birth certificate. She was born in 1916. On her marriage certificate ...
roundtheworld's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
40 views

Proving the father of Elijah Butterfield born 1792 in Washington County, New York

Need help getting my DAR application approved. The only ancestor I haven't proved yet is the link between Elijah Butterfield born November 24, 1792 in Kingsbury, Washington County, New York, and his ...
Linda's user avatar
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0 answers
52 views

What lodge did my grandfather belong to?

What lodge did my grandfather Jac C Holman belong to in New York State in the twentieth century? Does that lodge currently accept women in the twenty-first century?
Nanine Valen's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
97 views

Finding information about employment at Remington c. 1917

My great-great grandfather Richard M. Dugdale was a machinist and engineer. During World War One, he was employed by the Remington Arms Company in Ilion, NY. I believe he started working there in late ...
Jack's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
200 views

Adoption in New York 1927

I have my mothers adoption papers from New York in 1927. The name given as the person giving her up for adoption is suspect in my opinion. Was it possible in that day to use another name to hide their ...
Mark's user avatar
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4 votes
0 answers
79 views

Early NY and PA research

I've hit a difficult spot in my research, and I'm hoping for some research suggestions. My ancestor, Christian Rice was born in Orange County NY in 1762 ("near Goshen"). In his pension application, he ...
Hammy's user avatar
  • 727
2 votes
1 answer
82 views

Why is Maria listed twice in this 18th century church record?

I see a Maria Lent listed twice in a church record shown at Ancestry.com: Also the year is unclear and entered twice there: Name: Maria Lent Gender: Female Event Type: Baptism Birth Date: 10 Feb ...
WilliamKF's user avatar
  • 5,307
3 votes
2 answers
960 views

Did General Winfield Scott have any grandchildren?

I am trying to either disprove, or find evidence for, an old family story. According to my deceased grandfather, Winfield S Burns (1911-1982), the first male son has been named Winfield Scott in honor ...
Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_'s user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
230 views

Meaning of "Map" as birthplace on NY 1855 Census?

On the 1855 NY Census, one of my relatives (Mary Whitney) has a birthplace noted as "Map". According to the instructions on the census form, that field contains one of the following: the NY county ...
John Ritz's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
67 views

Who are the parents of Diedrich Peron, born about 1803 in France

Diedrich was born in France in about 1803 and his wife Regina was born in Württemberg, Germany in about 1812. Dedrick and Regina met and fell in love but strong opposition to their courtship was ...
AJ Perron's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
57 views

Would variety store in Albany, New York, USA (1862-1872) leave records and what would it sell?

As mentioned in Finding Naturalization Record for Hugh Sellars from Scotland who lived in Albany (New York State) 1855-1872? my 4th great grandfather Hugh Sellars and his second wife Mary had a ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
77 views

What is the significance of the name at the end of this 1843 advertisement?

The following advertisement appeared in The New York State Register (1843). What is the meaning of the name at the bottom of the page, "Col. Lyman J. Strong, New-Orleans", in this context?
Ellen Spertus's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
222 views

Meaning of "In Whose Lot Interred: Hugh Sellars" at Menands (Albany Rural Cemetery) in 1872?

I have previously asked several questions about my 4th great grandfather Hugh Sellars/Sillars that included Finding Naturalization Record for Hugh Sellars from Scotland who lived in Albany (New York ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
  • 11.2k
6 votes
1 answer
71 views

Traded a dollar for a Penney?

My (very...) great grand-father Silas Carpenter married a woman by the name of Phebe Penn(e)y on 27 Mar 1804, likely in Pittstown, New York. There's a family legend that states that Silas used to ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
140 views

Are probate records typically only for males?

I'm looking at the probate record of Samuel Bangs, who died in 1786 (Or thereabouts) in Dutchess County, New York. I'm noticing that his wife, Thankful, was still alive, and there are mention of ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
209 views

Finding information about 1920s adoption in New York State?

I am trying to find out information on my great great uncle. I need some advice on how to go about finding the information. All I know about him other than his name at birth which I am unable to post (...
Emma B.'s user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
89 views

Minimum age to be mentioned in a will?

Edward Penny died in 1824 in New York. A brief abstract of his will is as follows: EDWARD PENNY, Pittstown Wife: Phebe. Oldest son: Benjamin. Son: Ammiel. Oldest dau.: Esther Marvel. Daus.: Thankful ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
177 views

Seeking additional genealogy resources for New York between 1775 and 1850?

Through Ancestry.com (US membership only - currently) I'm trying to determine if the Thompson side of my family tree tracks back to the McTavish clan of the Scottish Highlands since the name Thompson ...
Kristina Lopez's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
421 views

Where can I find New York state probate records after the 1920s?

FamilySearch has New York probate records for county courts but "most records end in the 1920s." I'm particularly interested in Montgomery county where FamilySearch only has records through 1922. ...
user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
186 views

What happens when a last will and testament enters probate?

In a newspaper, I found mention of an ancestor's last will and testament: Last will and testament of Ida O. Vannoske, late of Amsterdam, will admitted to probate. Letters testamentary Issued to ...
user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
112 views

Finding record of Peter J Starrs in USA prior to 1870 Census?

I have hit a roadblock tracing the Starrs family in Ireland. Peter J Starrs, born about 1836 in Ireland, immigrated to New York between then and 1860 (most likely in the 1850s). I cannot find who ...
Erin Starrs's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
334 views

Finding 1870 Federal Census image that corresponds to street address in Albany City, New York, USA?

From Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011 I know that in 1870 my 4th great grandfather Hugh Sellars was living or at ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
  • 11.2k
2 votes
1 answer
156 views

What was occupation of Skipper in 1855 New York State Census?

In the 1855 New York State Census the household (Residence: Albany City, Ward 6, Albany, New York, USA, Line Number: 12, Sheet Number: 1) of my 4th great grandfather Hugh Sellars, a Ship Carpenter, ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
233 views

Interpreting relationships to head of household in 1855 New York State Census?

As I delve deeper into the records of my Sillars/Sellars/Sellers ancestors in Albany, New York, USA, I am developing a much better picture of their lives there but numerous questions remain. Here I ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
199 views

What records document how African Americans received their Surname in early New York state?

My understanding is that pre-American revolution New York state had free blacks and slaves, then during the war both sides offered freedom to those that fought. Eventually, in 1799 slavery was ...
CRSouser's user avatar
  • 5,581
3 votes
1 answer
219 views

How to identify individual family members / household size on early US Censuses Pre-1830 NY & PA?

In some of 1780 through the 1820 censuses they only seem to list the head of household and some statistics on household size. The NY & PA state censuses provide some more detail for tax purposes ...
CRSouser's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does New York state have a central depository for divorce records?

One of my mother's cousins, once removed, is either a divorcee or a bigamist; hard to tell since his first wife referred to herself as "widowed" in a census survey, and yet, afterwards, her "late" ...
Bruce James's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
160 views

What churches in/near Ward 6, Albany, New York State might have baptized Scottish baby in 1854?

I have asked an earlier question about the brief time my 2nd great grandfather Robert John Steven Sellers and his parents Robert Sellers and Margaret Clacher spent at Albany in New York State as ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
418 views

Genealogical records from Rensselaer county?

I'm looking for genealogical records, specifically marriages and births, from the late 1700's and early 1800's from Rensselaer county. I'm struggling to find a good source of them online. Is there ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
6k views

Is there a place I can search specifically by birth date for a list of people born on that date?

I am looking for a different style of database that would allow me to execute an iterative search that instead of searching by name, it allows me to search primarily by birth date by area to get a ...
CRSouser's user avatar
  • 5,581
6 votes
1 answer
73 views

Finding death record for Sarah Jane Tompkins Furman in Washington, New York or another state after about 1910?

I can't find the death record for my great grandmother Sarah Jane Tompkins Furman. I have her birth and marriage records. She was born 19 July 1847 in Tarrytown, Westchester NY. She married Joseph ...
Marita's user avatar
  • 61
2 votes
2 answers
130 views

Finding Naturalization Record for Hugh Sellars from Scotland who lived in Albany (New York State) 1855-1872?

I have asked an earlier question relating to my fourth great grandfather Hugh Sillars/Sellars: Finding evidence for divorce of Hugh Sillars and Agnes Macculloch in mid-19th Century Scotland? who ...
PolyGeo's user avatar
  • 11.2k
4 votes
2 answers
693 views

How to find address of building in New York State censuses (1870, St Lawrence, USA)?

Is there a way to know what address is dwelling #1847 in the St-Lawrence 1870 census ? ref question : How to find death record from late 19th century New York (State)?
Bill's user avatar
  • 101
6 votes
2 answers
754 views

How to find death record from late 19th century New York (State)?

I have been looking for the death record of my great grandmother who died in Rochester around 1899. She was around 27 years of age at the time. Her maiden name was Mary Gagnon, wife of Joseph Bean (...
Bill's user avatar
  • 101
12 votes
5 answers
231 views

Dixie Kiefer died on a mountain. Should I include the mountain's name in the place of death?

I discovered this weekend that Dixie Kiefer is my first cousin three times removed. Dixie was a well known, respected, and battered Navy commander. After surviving the sinking of the Yorktown and at ...
user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
4k views

Seeking birth or adoption record for adopted ancestor in 1860s USA?

My great-great-grandmother Leona was born in the early 1860s. She was adopted as a young child (we think less than five years old) when her mother died; her father was apparently unfit in some fashion,...
Erica's user avatar
  • 396
8 votes
1 answer
179 views

How to find Indentured Servants in Buffalo, NY or Canada?

I've tried the City Hall on my last trip to Buffalo with no luck. All I know is my great grandmother was given to a family as a young girl. She came to the USA sometime around 1880 to 1884, and I ...
Jay Gerald Stone's user avatar
12 votes
6 answers
332 views

How old *are* these people?

I have found records of the Axel family I am researching in several censuses. In addition, I have death records for both Peter and Sarah, the mother and father of the family. Below I present, in ...
Gene Golovchinsky's user avatar
10 votes
5 answers
448 views

Where can I search for elusive vital records (birth, names of parents, death) for my great grandmother, Celina Drollet?

Celina/Salina Drollet (or Drowlette,Drolet,Draulette,Drollette,etc) (b. abt 1866) and James Comstock (b. 1874) were the parents of my grandmother Mary Amelia Comstock (Mary was b. Mar 1897 Saranac, NY ...
susan williams's user avatar