----- Original Message ----- From: <ssalmons@cinci.rr.com> > > Hi, I am searching for Bertha Hensley-Bradshaw. I > have that she died around 1974. How would I find her > actual date of death? She was born in Laurel County > Ky to Stephen and Martha Hensley. I don't even have > her date of birth. First, you do have more information on her that would be helpful. She died as Bradshaw, do you know her husbands name? That would help. You do have an Estimated date of birth. For example, as a great aunt, she would have been a sister to your grandfather/mother. (identify him/her). When was he/she born? In 1900, 1920, 1940? That would help. Giving her parents was great. Info on them would have helped also. Also, since you are looking for her in Washington State, is that where you believe she died? Any suspected area's? Someone could do research in City Directories. Next, you need to look for people in the Social Security Death Index. Using free websites of: 1. http://www.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 2. http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/fto_ssdisearch.html?Welcome=1041564390 3. http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/ssdi The Social Security Administration has the database but only sells them to those that make them available. So depending on which recent sale, you may or may not find someone. The LDS Church also has a great search engine which includes the SSDI, but also much more on individuals "http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp" There is also Ancestry.com. You CAN do free searches after registering. Most of the more dedicated genealogists, amateur or professional subscribe. www.ancestry.com Now then, I find for Bertha Bradshaw 1. SSN 137-22-3384, born 31 Dec 1928, death Mar 1974 in New Jersey. The SSN is also a NJ number. 2. SSN 187-03-7034, born 4 Dec 1903, death Jan 1974. The SSN is from PA, but she died in Washington DC. Did you intend to search DC instead of WA? 3. SSN 518-14-6792, born 10 Apr 1912, died Sep 1986 in Clarkston, Asotin, WA, SSN was from Idaho. The year of death isn't what you had, but this one died in WA. 4. SSN 532-30-8341, born 9 Jun 1900, died June 1982 in Mossyrock, Washington. 5. SSN 579-01-7665, born 25 Dec 1902, died Apr 1979 6. SSN 214-32-2056, died in Maryland 1973. The 1920/1930 census did not identify any information connecting a Bertha Hensley to parents. However, in the 1930 census I found a Martha-born 1886 married to a Samuel and they had a daughter Birtha (with an "i" at least as spelled by the census taker). This Birtha was 9, so born in 1920/1921. Census was taken April 18, 1930. They were living in 8th District, Harlan County, KY. Ancestry.com-Ancestry World Tree entries did identify a Bertha Hensley married to an Earl Bradshaw. They had one daughter married to a Reinkens, with three children. Contact Douglas Deal at deal2reno@aol.com There was an Earl Bradshaw, DOD 22 Mar 1968 in Pierce, Hoquiam County, WA. Use this for help, then provide more info if you can. Ron Bestrom