Jean, The city of Albany is an unique place concerning vital records. Statewide, vital records weren't required to be collected until 1880-81. Albany began in 1870. If he died in Albany, his death certificate should be available, but only from the city office. There is no public index that can be searched. The fee for the certificate and search is $22 for a three year search whether they find anything or not. Note: Albany didn't start sending their birth and death records to the state until 1914. Marriage records were sent beginning in 1908. You can also try Albany Rural Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the Albany area. You can find information on how to contact these offices in my online "Guide to Albany Area Genealogical Resources." http://www.genealogy.clifflamere.com/Aid/ResSites/Guide.htm Good luck. Cliff Lamere ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GonyaJL@aol.com wrote: >Hello! > >Forgive me for deviating from Westchester County, but I am desperate and am >hoping someone can come to my rescue! > >I am looking for the grave, or any death record, of a Francis Gonya (or >Gonyea), who I am sure died in Albany, N.Y. He was born somewhere in Quebec in >1802. He and his wife Josette emigrated to the United States about 1832 and >settled in Essex and Clinton Counties. They then moved to Troy, N.Y. and >finally settled in Albany, N.Y. Francis and his sons were shoemakers and are >listed in the Albany City Directories starting in 1862. The last record of >Francis is in 1875, so I would assume he died shortly after. >I cannot find any record of a grave, or burial. Where do I go from here? >Any suggestions would be most appreciated. > >Jean > >