Hi Patti, Civil records in New York started on or about 1888, a very few earlier. As the years go by, the records become more conclusive. Now it depends on what records you want, for death records, you need name and date of death, all other info is supplied. If you are looking for a place in Ireland, you may be disappointed. Most time only "Ireland" is noted as place of birth. If you know the place of birth, marriage or death, you should inquire in the city clerk's office. It is much quicker than state archives that can take up to a year. Have you considered census records. Back to 1850 will give family makeup. 1870 will tell you what country they were born in. 1900 will tell you their birth month, year and they year they emigrated to the US. We have much of the 1880 census on line for Troy at the URL under my name. Click on New York State, Troy, 1880 census. Naturalization records for County Rensselaer are on microfilm and can be viewed at you local LDS Family History Library. You can find the film numbers at: http://www.familysearch.org Go to Library, and then go to library catalog Good luck. -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

Don't forget about the state census. They are available for 1855, 1865, & 1875 and give more info than the federal census. They also are available on microfilm from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. >You can find the film numbers at: http://www.familysearch.org >Go to Library, and then go to library catalog You can order the films and view them at your local Family History Center. familysearch.org has a page telling where to find the local Centers. Ann A. amadori@netzero.net Pat Connors wrote: > Have you considered census records. Back to 1850 will give family > makeup. 1870 will tell you what country they were born in. 1900 will > tell you their birth month, year and they year they emigrated to the > US. We have much of the 1880 census on line for Troy at the URL under > my name. Click on New York State, Troy, 1880 census. > > ---------------------------------------------------- NetZero Platinum Sign Up Today - Only $9.95 per month! http://my.netzero.net/s/signup?r=platinum&refcd=PT97