This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JiB.2ACE/688.2 Message Board Post: I don't think you're going to find a death certificate. An early record would likely be around 1910, as stated in other answers. You might try looking for a probate record. If he had any land or material goods there might be something there for you to find (though not likely parent info). I did, however, find one ancestor's parent's when the ancestor's name came up in a probate list. It turned out to be from her father in an adjacent county. I happened to be researching in that county (near where she lived) and always look up all the names in whatever records are there. Those things don't always happen, but sometimes you find the four-leaf-clover. Also, if you know the siblings of your ancestor--one of them might have died at a late enough date to provide you with a certificate. Another idea, put in a post with his name and a relevant date in the subject line--sometimes you get lucky and someone answers you with all the information you're looking for. Mrs. Cheney is an excellent genealogist and wonderful contact. If she has anything she'll certainly provide you with it. Good hunting.