This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: chatterchit Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.researchresources.brick-20-walls/138.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: If you can't find someone via Google or Zabasearch.com, then try some of these: NEWSPAPERS - either individual ones or find an aggregate site (you must pay for articles, though, unless your library has a subscription.) Human interest stories, births, marriages, accidents, marathon races, property transactions, etc. etc. can have a person's name and town. OBITUARIES -- not the person's, necessarily, although he/she may have passed away, but parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. You don't even need to know their names. Put the person's name (that you're seeking) in as a keyword, not as the deceased. Often the living relatives are mentioned, along with their spouse and residence. Your local library may have subscriptions to the big obituary aggregate sites. BLOGS -- If someone is writing about this person or if they have their own blog, you may find them. Try http://blogsearch.google.com. Sometimes you can use just a surname and a town or workplace or interest, etc. PROPERTY RECORDS at the county where they are most likely to be. Some counties allow searching by surname. STATE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION DEPARTMENTS, if his/her profession (or hobby, like flying) is one that needs to be licensed (You would be surprised at how many do!) STATE CORPORATION DATABASES, if he/she is likely to have his own business -- likewise, the Better Business Bureau. US SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMISSION - All companies, foreign and domestic, are required to file registration statements, periodic reports, and other forms electronically through EDGAR. If the person is an executive, you might find them. See www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml COURTS in the county/state where he or she is most likely to be. I found someone because they had a traffic ticket listed! You would be surprised at how much is online. Don't skip any "probate" courts even if you know they're alive - probate courts can have birth and marriage records, too. VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS -- SOME counties allow you to search by name! Some you need more info such as SSN or birthdate. STATE INCARCERATION RECORDS - Unfortunately, some folks do wind up in jail! Look up the state's Department of Corrections. Most allow online searches now. ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS -- Sometimes they will post member's names or newsletters online. Also try "class mates" type sites. LOST FAMILY AND FRIENDS MESSAGE BOARDS - Try these: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.lost-f. http://www.yourfamily.com/lost_family.ht. I've concentrated on online searching, but there are other methods as well. There are also excellent books re: Locating Lost Family Members and Friends. I hope one of these works for you! Good luck! 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.