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Research Trip Rambles: A Postcard from Buffalo, New York

Henry Sheridan, cordwainer, is listed fifth line from the bottom.  (Reproduction by permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, New York.)   This post marks the first in a series about discoveries made during my trip to western New York and Ontario, where I've been researching my Becker/Baker, Cassidy, Sheridan, Cailteux, and Schiltz families. I'm on my second last day of the trip and it's been jam-packed.    July 11, 2025 Dear Family, I've made the most incredible find at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library ! Remember my stories about my ancestor Mary Jane Sheridan who began her life in the 1840s in Buffalo? You might remember that her father Henry Sheridan—my fourth great-grandfather—worked as both a teamster and later as a shoemaker.  During my time at the library I discovered a whole section of Buffalo city directories from as far back as 1832 (can you believe that they had directories back that far?). I'd previously found ...

So Many Stories to Tell

Young Thomas J. "Tommy" Kozlina and my mom Anna Margaret Kozlina.
Friends,

This past year, I have dedicated much time to my favorite hobby: family history. I have read books, listened to podcasts, attended workshops, and begun again, to research our family lines.

I do so for a variety of reasons, but mainly I am intrigued and excited by the people the research reveals. At first, it was all about the names and dates, and "how far can I get back?" And, while that is still somewhat of a focus (Apparently, we cannot go back to Ireland until I find out where the Casey line is from!), I find more and more that I am just drawn into the stories that emerge, as I find more details of our ancestors' lives.

There's the funny stuff : "Polish Wedding Causes Trouble," is the headline of a newspaper article featuring my great grandmother Margaret McAndrew Gilbride. We'll save that one for another post.

There's everyday life: "So-and-So is visiting their mother this week." The not-so-everyday: "Sleeping Sickness Fatal to Girl."

There are stories which break your heart, and ones that make you nod your head and say, "Oh, so THAT's why..."

There are discoveries of familial likenesses, shared hobbies, tales of travel from abroad, and tales of deeply held American roots. There are railroad men, a hockey player, a prominent blacksmith, several coal miners, a nun and a priest...

Newspaper snippets - the Facebook of the time - recording who visited whom, or who wore what to whose wedding. There are both slices of everyday life and memorable moments in photo. There are bunches of interesting folk, who lived sometimes ordinary, sometimes extraordinary lives.

So many stories to tell. And here in this little space, I hope to share them with you.

Come on along.

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