Mary, "The Cohens" gave you a good suggestion. When I first started my research I sent a blank "Family Group Sheet" to the oldest member in each of my lines via mail (pre-computers). I included a little information so the person would understand how to fill out that form. I included a letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Everyone returned the forms full of information. From that point on it was easier to get information from them though only one cousin still updates me. She had 11 kids so she always has lots of info. I found addresses for these people in my mother's and grandmother's personal address books. Computers are easier and faster but letters are more personal. Debbie the cohens wrote: >> OUR COUSINS MIGHT HAVE ANSWERS. BUT NOT ONE OF THEIR FAMILY WILL > EVEN REPLY TO OUR EMAILS. > > People's email addresses do change, and they also get too busy to even > look at email even if that email address has not changed. > > If you know where your cousins live, and it is in the USA or Canada, > you might consider phoning them instead because a phone call is harder > to ignore than an email or letter. But be prepared with the one or > two most important things you want to ask, in case you have trouble > getting ahold of them again. > > If you reach a machine, I personally think it is better to call again > instead of leaving a message, some other day when you might reach > someone live. > > If you do not have phone numbers and they live in the USA, you can try > http://411.com or http://whitepages.com > > If you are not sure where they live in the USA, there are public > records sites on my finding aids page, the public records sites have > lots of free information if you don't click on their "View Details" > buttons. And can help you figure out where someone lives. > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~thecohens/findingaids.html > > But I really think it is better to first get as much information as > you can from the records available, using some of the resources > Bronwyn listed to help you do that. > > If you do call, or do write family again, it is best to keep it > simple, and not ask everything at once, people do get overwhelmed. It > helps if you have done research and can share information they might > find interesting. >