Photo above taken in the late 1800s includes Mike’s 2nd great-grandfather William Kennedy in the back row. Jenny Kennedy, Mike’s great-grandmother is second from the left in the back row.
Mike shares the same Kennedy ancestors from Co. Wexford, Ireland as President John F. Kennedy.

New York State Ancestry

Kate was born and raised in North Albany, NY and Mike was born and raised in Harrisville, Lewis County, NY. We have both been immersed in family history and genealogy research for decades! We have spent literally thousands of hours searching New York State genealogy records. Our knowledge of the myriad of websites that house New York State and New York City records allows us to know where to look for specific types of genealogy records and the best routes to take when ordering civil records.

We are members of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society and are always delighted to take on searches for any and all potential clients with roots anywhere in New York State. Visiting cemeteries whenever traveling through New York, or any other state for that matter, is one of our favorite past times (ha, ha). There is so much to be discovered by seeking the gravestones of one’s ancestors. When it comes to walking through a cemetery, the saying “Leave no stone unturned” refers to making sure one checks gravestones throughout the cemetery. You might just uncover the names of other ancestors who are buried in the same cemetery.

Kate and her sisters Marilee (left) and Peggy (right) at their parents' gravestone in St. Agnes Cemetery celebrating
the Irish tradition of women smoking clay tobacco pipes at funerals.

This search began in Syracuse, NY

Mike and Kate Lancor worked tirelessly to help me trace the lineage of my mother’s paternal and maternal families back to the 17th century. The field of genealogy is undergoing exponential growth as more and more data sources come online. Using the services of Old Friends Genealogy made the process of tracking down leads much easier and more fruitful. I was amazed at the final binder OFG put together for us and fully expect to use their services to explore more branches of my family tree. Mike and Kate, thank you for your caring and diligence throughout this process!
Pete H., Rye, NH