Where to start?

[sharonf73]

Hi

I've just found out a great uncle may have moved to America. 
I always wondered how I could never find his marriage (or death cert) and this may explain why.

As I have never researched outside Scotland and have done a little in England I don't know where to start for America.  Bearing in mind he could still be alive can anyone make a suggestion which could get me going?  I know this may be an impossible task especially as I just get told "he moved to America" (I think there was a fall-out).

Sharon ErrorSPAM REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.][/color] ErrorSPAM REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.][/color]

[Josephine]

Sharon:

Have you checked these sites?

In case he is still alive:

Yahoo People Search:
http://people.yahoo.com/


In case he is deceased:

Social Security Death Index:
http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/


Regards,
Josephine

[AMBLY]

Hi Sharon

You could also try Ellis Island passenger database 1892 - 1924:
http://www.ellisisland.org/

Cheers
AMBLY

[yn9man]

Sharon

Do you know the approximate date of when he may have moved to America? Do you know whereabouts in America?

The National Archives is a great place to start... www.nara.gov will provide you with additional information.

Best wishes in your researching.   

yn9man

[sharonf73]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. 

Josephine, thank you for the SSDI link.  Using this I managed to find his death.

Ambly has already had loads of thank yous from me with the great help she's given and managed to track my great uncle back to England.

Sadly he died only six years ago.  Sorry yn9man, I've still not found out when he left Scotland for America (or when he returned to England) but at least I'm a wee bit further on!

Sharon

[Josephine]

You're welcome, Sharon.  I'm sorry to hear that he has passed away.

The SSDI listing should give you the information you need to order a copy of his death record, which should give you more information, including where he was living, where he was buried and his next of kin. 

From there, you can write to the cemetery, request a look-up of his obit, check online telephone directories for other family members, etc.

Regards,
Josephine

[yn9man]

You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Josephine is right on about the SSDI listing and the information you will obtain.

Wish you continued luck in your research.

yn9man

[sharonf73]

Hello again

My mum has managed to get a bit more information from her parents - don't know why they can't tell you everything when you first ask!

Seemingly he joined the RAF (not as a pilot) before WW2.  He left (still don't know the date) working on a cruise ship.

I have his daughter's name but not his wife so the search carries on!  I have ordered his death certificate so hopefully that will help.

Seemingly the fall out between the two brothers were that he was wanting my grandad to work in a shop with him. Then one day he didn't acknowledge my grandad and ever since they hadn't spoken.  Doesn't surprise me, my grandad has done the same to my dad!  Families!!

I really appreciate the help you have all given.
Sharon

[Josephine]

Sharon,

We've had similar situations in our family. 

Good luck!
Josephine