This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: michaelcbarris Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.chautauqua/21146.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The New York State Archives requires Cities, Towns, Villages, and Counties to destroy most documents, other than legislative body proceedings and tax rolls, according to a schedule. In general, most documents are destroyed after six years of inactivity. It is unlikely that the documents you seek exist any longer. The Chautauqua County Poor House documents have survived more by indirection than by design. 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.