This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: djstelmach_1 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.cattaraugus/10809.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: NY State didn't require vital records until after 1880 and even then, most counties didn't comply until after 1910. The area was a wilderness around that timeframe. County and township boundaries changed a lot from 1800-1850. Secondary sources would be to look for bible records, military or pension records. I found my g-g grandfather's 1854 marriage certificate in the civil war pension files after his widow filed a claim after his death. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.