David Summerton talks about his research on the Medal of Honor presented to his seventh great-grandfather from the Revolutionary War. Submitted photo

CASSADAGA — David Summerton was the speaker at the recent Chautauqua County Genealogical Society summer picnic held at the Cassadaga Red House.

Summerton, who served with the U.S. Army as a captain for 12 years, began his speech with “genealogy belongs to the family.” Summerton’s seventh great-grandfather, David Williams, served in the Revolutionary War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action in capturing a British officer and espionage chief who was a spy during the war. Williams was one of three American Militiamen who captured the officer. The Medal of Honor award was a wooden plate, which he showed a photograph of his grandmother holding, an original letter and copies of letters from West Point. The letter to his grandmother was written in 1977. The wooden plate has been donated to the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington.

The summer picnic was planned and organized by Gail Dash, society vice president, who prepared the room with tables and serving ware for all. Those attending brought a dish of food to pass.

Walter Sedlmayer, president, called the business meeting together with a welcome. Member John Sipos read the minutes of the previous meeting. The financial report was given by treasurer Debbie Kotar. Thanks was extended to newsletterer, Wayne Leamer.

Member Ruth Nichols said an inventory of a filing cabinet in the records room has been completed and will be put on a computer. Member Norm Carlson said the Holland Land Company images are now online. Sipos, who is also Cassadaga historian, brought some old photographs of the area on a display panel and talked about them to the group.

The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Barker Library. New members are welcome.