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WPGS Membership: The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society is a great group of passionate, dedicated genealogists with a lot to offer both Pennsylvania residents, and those who now live far from their Pennsylvania roots. Why not join us?

This Month's Tip:

In 1754, the colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania entered into a dispute over the ownership of what is today the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, including the present-day counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and portions of Allegheny and Beaver. The dispute continued throughout the course of the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, and during this time many Southwestern Pennsylvania settlers purchased their land from the colony of Virginia.

In 1780, commissioners for the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania were appointed to draw proper boundaries, and in 1784 and 1785, new meridian lines were run confirming the present-day boundaries of Pennsylvania. As part of the deal, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania honored the claims of those holding land under Virginia certificates. These lands were resurveyed and Pennsylvania patents were issued to the owners (in many cases this might be a different owner due to the length of time between the original Virginia Certificate and the new Pennsylvania patent). For this reason, information regarding land claims in the disputed area prior to 1780 is generally found among the records of both states.

Become a WPGS Member:

Membership in the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society opens doors to a wealth of records and friends for those with an interest in the families of Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about membership in WPGS.

Upcoming Events

September 13, 2008

Our Honored Dead: Allegheny County., Pa., in the American Civil War

Professor Arthur B. Fox
Professor Arthur B. Fox discusses his newest book on Allegheny County regiments in the Civil War. Copies of the book will also be available for sale.

Arthur Fox is professor of United States and Canadian Geography in addition to World Geography at CCAC. He also teaches a course on Civil War and Popular Culture at the University of Pittsburgh, and is best known for his 2002/2004 book, Pittsburgh During the American Civil War: 1860-1865.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Oakland
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon
FREE and open to the public
$5 parking

October 11, 2008

Michael Dabrishus
We are pleased to welcome Michael Dabrishus, Assistant University Librarian for Archives, Special Collections, and Preservation from the Archives Service Center of the University of Pittsburgh, to give an orientation to collections held at the Archives.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Oakland
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon
FREE and open to the public
$5 parking

More Upcoming Meeting Dates
Mark your calendars!

November 8, 2008
January 10, 2009
February 14, 2009
March 14, 2009
April - Spring Seminar (TBA)
May 9, 2009
June 13, 2009