This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RobertDeMartino Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.kings/15537/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Does anyone know anything about the BROOKLYN NAVY YARD CEMETERY After repeated submissions to the NARA in Washington was unable to find any records ("We are unable to locate the file you requested") for my ancestor V. R. (Van Rensalaer) Hall. Considering VR's first name, one would think that genealogical research would be simple, yet this has been a true exercise in futility. Although buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery (V.R. Hall BTSN US Navy Buried at: Section 6 Site 12210 Cypress Hills National Cemetery 625 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208 US Navy Boatswain, 1836) the cemetery records include only the above in addition to an interment date of April 11, 1926. Cypress Hills suggested I contact the Brooklyn Navy yard because they said that they received "reburials" from the Brooklyn Navy Yard Cemetery and this may be the case OR his remains may have arrived from overseas in 1926. There is a government issued gravestone. The archivist at the Brooklyn Navy Yard was unable to find "any" burial records in the Brooklyn Navy Yard archives and had me call the NARA Northeastern District office in Manhattan who also could not find the burial records. I am hoping that someone may have some insight since V.R. was obviously in the Navy yet there are no service records to be found and although I do have 1840 and 1850 census records and the burial information, neither NYC nor Brooklyn have a death certificate registered (that may indicate death at sea), there seems to be no official records. I do have the following documentation: · V.R. Hall was the Boatswain for vessel RELEASE (sent with the Arctic) ordered by the US Navy and US Congress who appropriated $150,000 for this country`s third expedition to the Arctic, a rescue operation to find famed Arctic navigator and explorer Dr. Elisha Kent Kane. The vessels left the Brooklyn Navy yard on April 30, 1855 at 3PM to much fanfare and excitement. The vessels eventually found Dr. Kane and in the process was the expedition to go farther north then any vessels in history (78 degrees north latitude) except that of Dr. Kane expedition which went 82 degree 30 minute north. The Arctic and Release brought the good doctor and his surviving party home to a heroes welcome October 10, 1855. Detailed article dated October 12, 1855 NY Times. · From the Brooklyn Eagle, April 17, 1845..."NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.-We understand that the United States ship Columbus and sloop of war Vincennes are to be fitted out immediately for sea, destined for the East Indies. The followin! g is a list of officers, so far ordered: Boatswain-VR HAll." I would appreciate any information anyone could provide. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.