FREDONIA — Town of Arkwright historian Ruth Nichols was the speaker at the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society meeting held at the Barker Library.

The genealogical society was formed to help those doing genealogy work, and to give them some leads in their research. Nichols outlined her research journey for the Davis family beginning in Ireland and with the family settling in Ellington, she was able to complete her research journey. The family dates back to the early 1800s. There were no ship records at that time, and she depended on census records which led her to Conewango Valley and the Clear Creek area. The research journey and results were very interesting to those present.

Gail Dash, president, welcomed all to the meeting. Members are from all areas of this nation. The secretary’s report was given by Margaret Ann Curtis, PhD. Debbie Kotar serves as the treasurer. Wayne Leamer of Ashville is the newsletter editor, and said the latest issue will be out soon. Member Norma Carlson of Busti announced that the annual Busti Apple Festival will be on the last Sunday in September.

The next gathering of the group will be a joint meeting with the Harmony Historical Society members at their museum grounds on Open Meadows Road in Blockville. The meeting will be on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m.

Anyone attending is asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table service. President Dash has planned a program for that evening, including an informational discussion of the genealogical society’s research room of records. New members are always welcome.