In a message dated 12/15/98 8:08:41 AM Pacific Standard Time, Louise1120@aol.com writes: << Subj: Re: When you've reached a "Dead-End" Date: 12/15/98 8:08:41 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Louise1120@aol.com To: GenSwap-L@rootsweb.com Does anyone know what one can do when the oldest living relative is in their 70's and does not recall much of their relatives. You only have basic names of living relatives and no one else knows anything about Grandparents or Greatgradparents. What resources do you use to obtain their names,dates,etc. I have contacted churches. Wrote letters to the editor in the city newspaper, but haven't gotten any response. Please help !!!!!!!!!! Louise >> Louise, Find out when and where your living relative was born and married. Write to the appropriate office to get a copy of the birth and marriage certificates. These will get you started on the family and you can work your way back from there. Depending on the state, county and time period, you may be able to get the information at your local FHC on microfilm. There are lots of resources out there, but for the more recent years it is usually easier to get the documents from the agencies responsible, such as an office of vital statistics, city or county governments, etc. Good luck! Cheryl Hawley