23 Mar 2002, Saturday, 10:45am Hello All, I just made contact with a relative that told me that both of my great grandparents died in a Flu epidemic in Cumberland or Baltimore Maryland in about 1904 or 1905. This cousin is the grandaughter of my great grand parents. The info she has came from her father. ( One of the 11 children of my great grand parents ). My info shows the family living in Cumberland, Maryland at the time the family split apart. This would explain why I have been unable to find any info on either one of them after 1904. This "Flu Epidemic" story is completely different from what I have been told. The story I have is the father deserted the mother and family of 11 children. The mother was unable to make it alone and she deserted the children shortly after the father left. The 3 oldest girls were placed in a boarding house as cooks, maids and housekeepers. The 5 youngest were placed in an orphanage. And the 3 middle boys were basically left to fend for themselves. I have records from the orphanage, but they do not have any info as to why the children were placed in the orphange. Would there be any court records of something like this? . If so, what court would could this go thru? I think the orphanage is/was called St. Vincents. The orphange was Catholic. I know that the "Flu Epidemic" story may just be made up to hide the embarrassment of the both parents deserting the chidren. Was there a Flu Epidemic in Cumberland or Baltimore in 1904 - 1905? Any thoughts, suggestions, questions or hints would be greatly appreciated. I will even consider hiring a genealogist in the area if anyone know one. Feel free to respond via email. Thanks in advance. Stephen C. Stierstorfer acje@flash.net