Knowing from personal experience and that of others the length of time it usually takes to get a reply, I almost wonder if this time, they just cashed my check after a sketchy search. My check was mailed from CA on Nov 12; 2-3 days to get there?? The postmark on their reply (that year 1883 was searched in Manhattan/Brooklyn and my uncle was not found) was Nov 26, less than 2 weeks. Has anyone else had such a rapid turnaround? I know Stuart's correct birth date, and gathered that he was born in NYC from my grandmother's obituary 14 years later. The Oneonta Star said "with the exception of 5 years spent in New York, they have always lived in Oneonta since their marriage." Perhaps I misinterpret, and they lived in Oneonta at first, later spending 5 years in NY. Sigh. My elusive Uncle Stuart remains elusive. I'll try both Oneonta and Cooperstown next. Jean