Hey folks. Just a note from a newbie trying to get a handle on all this geneo wizardry -- in particular the James H. McKenna family and the Richard and Margaret Dowers. Mostly, I'm stuck because there were two Ireland-born James McKennas in Providence in the 1860s, either one of whom had a son named James Henry McKenna (my g-gfather). One James married a Rosanna Heary; the other married a Julia Kiely; census records and official Providence birth records are ambiguous. They also sometimes say "John McKenna" not James (aargh!). James the younger went on to marry Mary Dower, and have four sons: Frederick H., Walter D., Charles R., and William F. between 1899 and 1908. Do these names ring any bells for anyone? I also have some recently discovered beachside photos taken in Providence in the 1920s-1930s w/James Henry McKenna, his son Fred, and two guys I'm pretty sure are Walter and William "Bill" McKenna. And a whole bunch of other fine-looking males and females I can't identify. My question: what's the best way to dig up a 1920s obit? Cuz maybe James H. McKenna's obituary would mention his parents' names? Just a shot in the dark. If anything hits home, please let me know. Otherwise, thanks for listening ... Kate

I have found the easy way is to check Street directories. Which often have date of death , Or at least month . Then you can look it up in one of the local Libraries . The RI Historical Library on Hope street has most old newspapers . http://www.rihs.org/libraryhome.htm Also you can E-mail Nara for A Naturalization record check . May not give Parents but may if lucky give County Origin . http://www.archives.gov/ Also you could right to Parish and see if they have Baptismal or Marriage records . http://www.dioceseofprovidence.org/ You can request A look up here . If you can't do it yourself http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~obitl/ Bill Keough

I found these McKenna's on the RI Vital records Cd Thay May or May not be your McKenna's As I guessed James McKenna is a Very popular name. As you Can see James and Julia / James and Rose Both had a son Name James . I hope this helps you out in some way . Bill Keough Deaths _ 1920's Name: James B McKenna Relation: Kin 1: James McKenna Kin 2: Mary McKenna Death Date: 26 Oct 1920 Age: 54 yrs OSPage: 27:87 Comment: <<1920-54 = 1866>> Name: James McKenna Relation: Kin 1: James McKenna Kin 2: Anne McKenna Death Date: 10 Mar 1921 Age: 59 yrs OSPage: 27:139 Comment: <<1921-59 = 1862>> Name: James H McKenna Relation: Kin 1: Patrick McKenna Kin 2: Elizabeth J McKenna Death Date: 31 May 1921 Age: 44 yrs OSPage: 27:160 Comment <<1921-44 = 1877 >> Marriage Spouse 1: James McKenna Spouse 2: Julia Keily Marriage Date: 30 Oct 1857 OSPage: 7:45 Comment: Births Name: Mary E. McKenna Relation: d. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Julia McKenna Birth Date: 02 Feb 1861 OSPage: 7:202 Comment: Name: George W. McKenna Relation: s. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Julia McKenna Birth Date: 04 Oct 1862 OSPage: 8:40 Comment: Name: James H. McKenna Relation: s. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Julia McKenna Birth Date: 28 Sep 1864 OSPage: 8:112 Comment: Name: Sarah J. McKenna Relation: d. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Julia McKenna Birth Date: 17 May 1867 OSPage: 8:213 Comment: Marriage Spouse 1: James McKenna Spouse 2: Rosanna Heary Marriage Date: 28 Sep 1858 OSPage: 7:74 Comment: Births Name: Ann F. McKenna Relation: d. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Rosanna McKenna Birth Date: 11 Nov 1866 OSPage: 8:193 Comment: Name: James McKenna Relation: s. Parent 1: James McKenna Parent 2: Rosanna McKenna Birth Date: 23 Mar 1869 OSPage: 9:75 Comment: