A Library Docent And My Search

For some time now I have wanted to meet with a genealogy library docent. Being a working woman had made it difficult for me to do this at the times offered. Now though since I am not working, it finally happened!

Last week I met with a docent and found it very interesting. The library had moved it's genealogy section as it re-vamped the area. I had questions from the class I had taken, on how to research in the library.

The docent was very helpful. I pointed out the class questions I had and he forged forward into my own research without me even realizing what had happened. Why waste time on someone else's family? I could learn to use the library with my own questions about my personal genealogy.

We reviewed the genealogy area and I was curious about the map section and where it was in the library. As it turned out, we ended up using the maps for my research. The docent guided me in a couple areas of my research by sharing some computer links with me that I was unaware of and a few I was aware of, but maybe hadn't used to it's full potential.

One area of my research involved not being able to get a birth certificate for a relative. I had applied for it but the return reply stated one couldn't be located. I have a copy of the Social Security application which stated where my relative was born and her mother's name. This is the only proof I have of this birth. I want more proof. I have been looking closely at siblings, the people I believe are the parents and locations but haven't found any new proof or guidelines towards this birth.

The docent made a suggestion that I write to one of the genealogy societies in that area and see if they can be of any assistance. That is why we used the maps! We found an area close to the area I am involved with and consequently came up with a society to write to.

I have seen the docent since our original meeting and he asked if I had written to the society yet. At that point I hadn't. But, just so he knows, I have now done so! So I will see if I get any ideas or thoughts on how to continue.

It was suggested to me a few years ago that I may try for an amended birth certificate. During the time of the birth, it was on and off for a few years as to whether birth certificates were required. When they were actually required, it wasn't always governed and followed.

I wonder if this relative was born as they were passing through her area of birth. Maybe they weren't there long enough to file a birth certificate? But then there is a Social Security application, so I would assume there had to be proof of the birth certificate? Maybe the names I have aren't quite correct?

I will apply and see if there is an amended birth certificate and wait to see what I hear from the society I wrote to. I thank the docent for his assistance and look forward to seeing him again! It is always great to spend time with people from the library, genealogy societies, conferences and such, they may just have thoughts and or ideas for you too!

I welcome any suggestions that may assist me in this research, it is for my grandmother's birth certificate!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogy treasure hunts!

Msteri





Comments

  1. Definitely check for a birth certificate created at a later date. My great-grandfather was born in 1896, but his birth certificate wasn't created until 1940. Due to the lateness, he had to have a witness who swore he was at the birth (he wasn't, but that's another story) and it gives the church he was baptized at, which provided me with a lot of information on the family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with Amanda. I was told there was no birth certificate for both of my grandfathers and eventually, with a few letters under my belt, I received a "Delayed Birth Record" for my Grandfather Stephen Wozniak. His two sisters were witnesses that he was indeed born on Christmas Eve, 1902. My other grandfather Bert Guinee was adopted and although I know his birth name there was no birth certificate available, I did eventually receive a copy of his "corrected" birth certificate, dated 1939, almost 29 years after his birth and close to 20 years after his adoption. Keep plugging away! I'll keep my fingers crossed for your success.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Amanda and Taylorstales!

    Thank you for your comments! You have given me encouragement! I will pull together the paperwork and apply for a delayed birth certificate!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Organizing ~ Cousins Found

#31 WBGB ~ Week 11 ~ Come Up with 10 Post Ideas

Sentimental Sunday ~ Western Union Telegram