Even if you do not have a paid subscription to Ancestry.com you can still search New York records for free.
Instructions on how to access this collection is available on the New York State Archives web site at:
http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/research/res_ancestry.shtml
Information for this collection has been provided by the New York State Archives, the New York State Library, the Albany Rural Cemetery and the New York State Military Museum among others.
Some of the databases you can access include:
New York Military Service Cards – 1816-1979
Dutchess County Naturalization Records – 1932 – 1989
New York U.S. National Guard Enlistment Cards, 1923 – 1947
Albany, New York State Census, 1915
Be sure to check out this collection. All you need to do is set up a free account with Ancestry.com.