Need ideas/suggestions for finding out what happened to a past relative/ancestor. He was on the USS Colorado from 1922-1925 & finished up on the USS Vega. (we have his service records) I've searched the internet, ancestor.com, the USS Colorado & Vega sites and have not had any luck yet. He seems to have disappeared after he was discharged. Just wondering if anyone ever had experience finding ancestors/relatives with certain sites or had suggestions on what avenue to pursue. This is all new to me so any help would be appreciated.

 

Have you tried looking on this site:


http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/ind...DeathRecSocial

I tested it out on a few of my dead relatives and the data in it is accurate. If you have even a slight bit of infomation about your relative, you may be able to track down where he died - that could be a great place to start looking.

Good luck.

 

Yes I did, thanks. I have not had any luck with database searches based on SS#s. He may have died before being issued one, all I have is his service #.

 

That;s quite possible too based on his years of service. Have you tried through the Veteran's Administration? They may have records of deceased vets, especially if he received any military benefit or is buried in a veterans cemetary. It's a longshot but worth a try.

It's frustrating when you don't know where to start but hopefully you will catch a break sooner or later. A couple of my Aunts found some long lost cousins (50+ years) a few years ago - it is strange thinking that you have family out there that you don't know.

Again, good luck with the search.

 

I really don't know to get started with it, but I know the mormon church has a tremendous geneological database (and you don't need to become a mormon to access it).

My mom has geneology as one of her major hobbies and has joined several websites and forums as well as gotten some info from the mormon church. I would suggest Googling up some of the geneology forums on the 'net and joining to ask your questions, people there shouid be able to tell you exactly where to look.

 

We do have a letter from the military on his service but that is it. I did find a site from another post directing me to the Church of later day saints...they have a pretty extensive site. I will take a look at the Mormon site also.
Thanks

 

Good luck with your search. My cousin traced my family roots back to 1820. I don't know what sites he used. He couldn't find any info past the 1820 date. He got good info on the time after the 1800s.

 

One of our relatives decided to research the family tree and went as far as 1700.

I don't know how he did it.

I can't ask him, because I think he died.

JFH, good luck on your search.

 

Actually, the mormon church is the church of latter day saints...

Try this link, it's a listing of geneology sites:

www.cyndislist.com/

 

Try this site as well. It's to the National Personel Records Center. They maintain both military and civil service records there. I tried to dig up some stuff on my Grandfather (WWI vet) and was able to get a little more than what I originally had. Since you allready have his service records, they may not be able to get you any more, but worth a shot!

Rich

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/

 

I have been trying to find info on my dads side of the family with no luck my dad died when I was 6 and lost my mom 4yrs ago I didn't know my grandfather or at least I was to young to remember him I don't even know what his name was.I have no records for anybody,I got nothing from my stepdad when mom passed ahole!With the last name of Crockett there is a ton of stuff on the net but mostly on Davey witch I could be related but who knows.

 

Hey Glenn,

See if you can dig up an obituary from when your Dad passed away. If it was listed in the paper they may have a copy in their archives somewhere. That may give his parents name and you can go back from there. Get a copy of your Moms obituary too if one was posted in the paper. You can back track from there and see where it leads you. Once you get going, it's a lot of fun. I was in to it for a while, but haven't done much lately. I need to pick it back up again before too long.

For JFH looking for the long lost Navy relative. You're lucky you have his service records. You know where he enlisted and where he was discharged. I would recommend you check those areas to see if he went back there. Check to see if there is any records of his death, marriage, etc. Should be able to go to a town hall or city hall. Maybe even try the VFW or DAV or any of those orgs to see if he was ever a member. I think they usually keep pretty good track of members. I know when my membership is due, they know how to find me! Might want to see if the Navy has a mega Personnel Center. I'm an Air Force type, and we have one in San Antonio. I'm sure they know I am typing this right now, so I would guess the Navy would have the same. They may also be able to back track their archives and see what they can dig up.

Apologies for being a little long, but hopefully gave you a few ideas to get started.

Rich

 

I think I have a copy of his obituary somewhere but don't remember my grandads name being in it just mine and my moms.I have so many ? but nobody left alive to ask thats what makes it hard.Before my mom died she told me she tried to find out where my grandad was but had no luck.She had all the info I would need to do a better search but I don't think I will ever see it.

 

Glenn,

Do you have any other relatives near you? Aunt's, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters? Betwixt the all of you, you may be able to put something together. Mayhaps the step dad will finally give you guys some stuff too. Worth a shot. My cousin is a TV news reporter from back home. Some years back she did a video interview with our Grandfather abotu when he came over from Norway and when he met Grandma and some of his history. It's really neat to watch and see what he said. My wife always told me I should sit with him and record what he says. I never did and now that he is gone, I can't and that part of our family history is fading away. Guess I best get off my butt and document what is known before I fade away!

Still, don't give up. You have your name and your Moms at the very least. I just had a thought. Check with the Social security administration. If your parents applied for your social security number, both their names would be on the application. It may list your Moms maiden name on it. Not sure, but maybe. I have copies of my Dads parents applications for theirs. Cool info on them. Their parents names, birth places, etc.

Rich

 

Rich I don't have anybody left but one uncle(moms brother) and I have picked his brain for info but he did not know my father well,as far as moms side he has the full family tree and has been to Ireland and meet with family members.I only have a handfull of photos of my dad and only one of my grandfather but you can't really make him out.I will try to find the little paper work I have and see if I missed something,I wish I started this alot sooner then this as I would like to know if I have any other family out there with the Crockett blood line left,thanks for the help I won't give up.