This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: aurina Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.cattaraugus/10485.2.1.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: no point fighting family legend- all of my french canadian ancestors married daughters of indian chiefs too, don't you know. and maybe he went home to see his mother and came back, alone, at age 15. just continue researching, www.jewishgen.org is great, even tho your family appear to be polish catholics from rudki, austria, the process is the same. get those church records-doesnt matter what language they are in-the form is the same-john doe born on/bapt on/ married on/died on, son of/ spouse of/ godparents/witnesses/name of officiating priest. History The parish of the Transfiguration, located in Olean, N.Y. in Cattaraugus County, was founded in June of 1902 through the hard work of the Polish settlers in that region. Poles were drawn to the town because of the diverse industries located there before the turn of the century. The largest employment was in rail car repair, tanneries, glass works, and oil refineries. Due to the number of Poles located in Olean, the Bishop had assigned a Polish speaking priest to St. John's Parish in Olean. By 1902, the community was large enough to support its own parish and a priest; Bishop Quigley sent Fr. Wladyslaw Hordych as organizer and first pastor. During his two year pastorate, Fr. Hordych built the wooden framed church. The parish school was staffed by the Felician Sisters beginning in 1907 and the sisters remained until the school was closed in 1980 and combined with other southern tier parish schools. To the present day 14 pastors have served this small parish community. The present pastor is a young priest, Fr. Jerome Stelmach. www.pgsnys.org one of which is www.feefhs.org which has much much incld maps. good luck and have fun! 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.