This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/TJB.2ACI/1685.1.1.1 Message Board Post: From what you indicated, Olaf's last known residence was Stearns County (he may or may not have been living with his son John in 1905, right?). I would call Stearns County vital records and ask if they can search 1900-1905; if so, what are the fees and what do you need to send to them. (Sometimes these county records offices have computerized indices and can tell you right over the phone whether they have a record -- but more often not.) If they don't have a death record for them, remember they might still have a burial record. I would also contact Stearns History Museum and see if they have a file or any other resources that include the surname(s) you're researching in Stearns County. By all means write to the other County and inquire about death and burial records. Do you know where John and his family are buried? Do you know where Olaf's wife is buried? Have you checked with the respective cemetery sextons to inquire whether Olaf is buried in the same cemetery? Do you know the family's religious affiliation? A church in Stearns or Wright County might have a burial or funeral record.