This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: KOUBA, MCKENNA Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/xU.2ADE/432.2 Message Board Post: Hi Susan - I checked the California Death Index for 1940 through 2000 and there is no KOUBA surname that died in California. I searched several different ways and found nothing. Therefore, I would suspect your brother died elsewhere. According to the SSDI on-line records your brothers date of death was confirmed to SSI with the presentation of a death certificate by some party. Perhaps SSI kept a copy of the death certificate. They also show his last known residence was a code "(72)", whatever that means. I would suggest you invest $27 and write SSI for a copy of his SS file and contents. It's a little pricey, but the file may include all the information you need to pursue your research more quickly. You can generate a letter (form SS-5) at most of the genalogical sites when you are at the SSDI (Social Security Death Index). Good luck. Glen F. Pritchett, USGENWEB volunteer