After a years search I have finally received a copy of my ggf 's death certificate. For everyone's info, it wasn't in either the state archives of Massachusetts or the Boston City Records, (originally) but a second request to the Boston City records at the city hall produced results. I was able to narrow the window (time of death) down to "5 to 10 years" instead of "10 to 17". I feel like I found a valuable gem when I look at the certificate. BTW, I got my ggm's maiden name from the certificate. Now the search begins again. This is my first post to the Donovan page. My Donovan's are by way of St. John's Newfoundland to Boston Loring in Texas (in the country north of dallas) (85 days and no rain)