Genealogy Chat

Hi All My husband's family come from York in the 1880's. I've looked at the current day telephone numbers, and there are 6 individuals still residing in the city. I don't know if they are rellies or not, but would like to write to them. What do I say? How can I start the letter as I don't know if these people are male or female, married or single. Any tips appreciated. Also like to hear from anybody else who has tried this type of thing. Pauline

I've written letters to 'The Current Homeowner' in the hunt for ancestors and had great replies, then I have written to people I know for a fact are blood related and don't even get so much as a 'get lost. I tried to find some US soldiers stationed with my Grandfather in WWII and wrote to dozens of people, all we had was a surname and a state, never found either of them but had some lovely replies. I suppose just be open and honest if they're the type who will reply, they will reply, however you address them! Alan

Hi Pauline I did this to possible rellies in Australia but didn't get any replies. Just started off 'Hi' and then carried on to say I was researching my family tree and wondered if there was any connection. Gave a few names ie grandparents and great grandparents and addresses I knew (I suppose it depends on how old you are yourself). I think I apologised for wasting their time if there was no connection or they were just not interested. Of course, this may be totally the wrong way to go about it as I was unsuccessful. You could always send a stamped addressed envelope which might encourage them to answer either way. Good luck with it. How is dear old Cornwall, my ancestors are Devonian and Cornish which is why I was drawn to your question. Gill

Hi, I did this a few months ago. Sent out a letter saying Dear Mr/Ms ........................ I hope you dont mind me contacting you but I have been researching my family tree of ............................ in this area and wondered if you would be interested in receiving the information I have found so far. Naturally I would also be very interested in learning anything you know about the family history. That sort of thing, then I said if they wanted to contact me my phone no. was ........................ I sent out about 8 letters only one person phoned and she was a married in so didnt have any info to give, but I was happy to give her what I had for her to pass to her grandchildren who were apparently very interested in doing the same thing.

Thanks for your tips. Think I will give it a go - nothing to lose except the price of a few stamps, and who knows what might come from it. Cornwall is fine at the moment Gillian. Cornish born and bred. Love the county, and really wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Pauline