Dear Robin: As the GenConnect Coordinator for the O'Connell surname, at Rootsweb, I am familiar with their stance on seeking the living --- such as adoption searches, finding army buddies, etc. They generally frown on it as they do feel that there are other areas on the Internet for those type of searches whereas the resources at Rootsweb are for genealogy --- which usually involves searching for dead folks.... thus the bumper stickers, etc. that say things like "Genealogist -- I collect Dead Relatives". That having been said ---- I will be happy to assist you in writing a genealogically focused query to post to the GenConnect Board and anywhere else you may care to send it. My first husband was adopted, my sister adopted out a child, my grandmother on my father's side has no father of record. I understand having that hole in your life and in your genealogy. :Let's help you get yours filled! I have a friend from my Genealogical Society that is an heir finder. He began by working on his genealogy and fell into the profession of seeking lost heirs. He has lectured on the topic and I have attended his lectures. He has offered some good pointers for finding living folks. The most important question he continually asks is: "who would know this information?" "Who would know?" He even calls grain elevator operators in rural towns as they know EVERYONE in town. Someone knows what you do not. "Who would know?" "Who?" You said your father did not serve in the Service, but had a brother that did. And that it was a dead end..... Well, even if the brother died in the service, his record will list his parents and where he enlisted, should also say where he was born and when. This will lead you to information shared with your father --- parentage and possible residency. If your uncle were married at the time he served, his records may also supply you information on a wife and children. Finding living cousins today, may find your father or other relatives. Your own birth certificate will supply you with information--- father's name-- which you already have, age, occupation and place of birth. If you have a MEDICAL reason to access records, most doors will unlock for you. Courts are willing to put aside privacy laws when this is the case -- even opening adoption records. As you are not adopted, but a natural child you should have greater access and less to block your path. I have not seen much action on the O'Connell list since I joined it months ago. It is nice to see folks come out of the woodwork to help a possible cousin! Robin --- write me privately and I will be happy to assist as I can. Please be patient --- I am working 50-60 hour weeks and need to find a block of time to devote to a proper response to your messages. Good to hear from all these O'Connells! Let's hear more from you, more often! Have you posted your query to the O'Connell query board? Have you read mine to see if we are related? Here's where to go: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/surnames/o/c/OCONNELL/queries Yours Aye, my Irish Cousins, Lauren daughter of Geraldine O'Connell granddaughter of George Kevin O'Connell greatgranddaugher of Charles J. O"Connell ----artist! researching in San Francisico from 1875