I have a similar problem in looking for my great grandfathers death certificate in DC. I have an approximate time frame but not an exact date for his death. I am trying to narrow the time frame by first looking at all the family records and now looking through the city directories . My problem is confounded by his very common name, George W Taylor. I have the Church his daughter was married in ( Grace M E Church) and the fact he worked for the Post Office( J or K Avenue) . All these should provide clues. Perhaps if you make a list of everything you know about your subject, You will also find a way to narrow down the death date of you relative so you will not need to order so many films. Incidently:), my great grandfather Taylor died about 1919. (hehe) so if you happen to run across him my e-mail is agony-acres@msn.com Gee you never know Linda